MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Greetings All,

Christmas is almost upon us with just 2 days left as I write. I want to take this time to wish each of you a very Merry Christmas. This is absolutely my most favorite time of the year. It's a special season as we focus more intensely on Christ' birth. Thank God for His son, Jesus. What an awesome gift! For many, Christmas is just another burden, creating more of a hardship, trying to buy gifts that you cannot afford. It seems so easy to forget the true meaning of Christmas. With our plunging economy, many are forced to celebrate Christmas with very little. Our country is in for more trial, greater difficulties, but when we are faced with such distress, it does one of two things. It will either drive us further away from God, or it will literally drive us to our knees. Christmas can be a time of grave depression for those with little finances, but Christ remains our constant resource. There is perfect peace that casts out all fear. We must embrace Christ more than ever. As we move forward we must learn to put all of our faith and trust in the one that can make a way for us. I pray that this will be the best Christmas you have ever experienced, not because of what you any receive or give, but rather allowing Christ to be your Christmas! From our home to yours, have a Merry and Blessed Christmas!

Dr. Shelia & Garry Isom

REVIVAL IN PRISON

Recently I had the privilege of ministering at Green Rock Correctional Center. With over 1,000 inmates it was an awesome opportunity to share the gospel in 2 nights of revival! We were blessed as each night the men filled the gym to share in the celebration of God's presence. Micheal Day, Steve Smith and Rodney Harper filled the atmosphere with sounds of praise and worship unto the Lord. Chaplain Lee Harris was a perfect host along with a very professional and secure staff of guards. I must say I enjoyed the "extreme" liberty to preach to guys who want a "up in your face" kind of message. The message that God filled my heart with was one of forgiveness, hope and restoration. Even in prison there are men who carry a call from God and are ministering to other inmates with the "Power of Persuasion," and that is, "to follow me as I follow Christ. I won't just tell you, but I'll show you the way!" After those 2 profound nights we saw 30 men walk across that gym to receive Christ as their personal Savior! Wow! Praise God! As I passed each one to pray over them, the pain and exhaustion in their eyes was overwhelming to see. But, God!!!!!! He has the power to transform lives no matter what kind of past one has. Each one of these men are incarcerated for crimes that we would rather not know about, BUT GOD loves them anyhow! And the blood of Christ is the only way to a brand new chance to get it right. To the many friends that I have made at Green Rock. "Stay strong, stay focused. I know it is a difficult and lonely road you now travel, but even in the solitude God speaks. He is your strength, He is your high tower, He is the Rock that you hold on to. He will never leave you, even in prison, even in your darkest hour. Hold on....... your best days are ahead of you with Jesus as the Lord of your heart. God has the power to turn any situation around, just believe Him. You are all in my daily prayers, and I love you with the Love of the Lord! It was truly an honor to meet each of you. To the rest of us let us remember how blessed we are. We are free. But, with that freedom comes responsibility to live our lives in such a way, that others are drawn to the hope that we know in Jesus. There are far too many that are living in their own prisons of despression, despair, hoplessness and sin. Will you join me as we daily pray for the many men and women incarcerated. Unlike many of those in churches today, they are FREE and they are having REVIVAL IN PRISON!

EXPERIENCING REVIVAL CRUSADE, "Consuming Fire"

WOW! We just came out of our 5Th annual Experiencing Revival Crusade. I'm not sure I can put into words just how awesome God's presence was. He saturated us with His power, presence, love and warmth. It was exciting to see so many touched as only God can do. On Thursday evening we started off with powerful and highly anointed praise and worship by our crusade music leader, Pastor Mark Machan and music team. Mark knows how to usher us into God's Holy presence. God allowed me to share the message, "Refiners Fire." Following the message the alter filled with folks desiring to be consumed with God's fire. Even though it meant dealing with our inner most self, I think we were all ready to be purified and ready for that next level. Friday evening, our worship never ended. When the music fades and the worship continues then you know it is "Pure Worship!" The Holy Ghost did the preaching and we found ourselves in the middle of many miracles. We just continued to worship until up in the evening with no end. Many commented on that they had never been in just a worship service with no preaching. We just believe in following the leading of the spirit. Sometimes God changes the order of our services so that the enemy cannot always know what God is doing. Saturday we had ministry classes available a couple of hours prior to the evening service. By the time the service began, everyone was pumped, and ready to worship. Again, God graced us with His awesome presence. The message title was, "212 Degrees." God is prompting us to push just one more degree to get to the boiling point. When we are intense for Him it shows, and the heat from the fire can be felt on us wherever we go. The greatest blessing for me, was having folks come and say, "God changed my life," "I'll never be the same again." "212 degrees is ringing over in my heart and spirit." "I can't chance being cold and indifferent anymore, I know now that I must stay close to the fire." This was one of the greatest crusades God has ever allowed me to host. Along with Bishop Ron Webb and the MT Calvary Powerhouse Church we were able to present God with Excellence! Folks went away saying, "This was really a display of Consuming Fire!" Plans are now underway for a Spring Crusade. Check the website for coming details. Fall 09 Crusade to be held in Danville, Virginia.

EXPERIENCING REVIVAL CRUSADE

IT'S STILL TIME FOR YOU TO PLAN TO ATTEND THE EXPERIENCING REVIVAL CRUSADE. THE COUNTDOWN IS ON.....12 DAYS UNTIL WE BEGIN OUR JOUNEY INTO, "CONSUMING FIRE!" I KNOW THAT GOD IS GOING TO DO SOME EXTRAORDINARY THINGS. YOU DON'T WANT TO MISS THIS SPECIAL TIME IN THE PRESENCE OF THE LORD. MY CRY IS, "LORD I'M HUNGRY FOR YOUR TOUCH!" HIS TOUCH IS THE ONLY TOUCH THAT CAN TRULY SATISFY OUR SOUL. SO COME ON, DON'T MISS THIS EVENT. I BELIEVE IT WILL FOREVER CHANGE YOUR LIFE!

Women's Conference Testimony

Recently I had the privilege of being at a wonderful Women's Conference. In the afternoon service I ministered one of my favorite messages, "11:59." It is the story of Cinderella taken from a spiritual perspective. After traveling home and pondering over the day's events, I like many ministers began to wonder if I obeyed every prompting from the Holy Spirit. I only do what I do because I desire to see lives transformed. Sometimes after pouring out and feeling so drained, the enemy will show up and tell you everything you do wrong! "Those women thought you were crazy!" "You certainly didn't help anyone!" "You are a failure!" After years of these kind of attacks, I have finally learned to dismiss the devil and prepare for the next assignment. The next day I received this wonderful email from one of the women that attended this conference. I just had to share this with you all (of course with her permission). So enjoy and be blessed!

Dear Dr. Isom,
I am writing to you after attending your conference at my church Beaver Creek Church of the Brethren today. I had made plans to attend the conference early and I was pregnant at the time we signed up for it. During the time from signing up for the conference and the time of the conference we found out when I was 5 months pregnant that there was a problem with our baby. A routine blood test during pregnancy revealed the possibility that our baby could have Downs Syndrome. They had set up appointments with the Prenatal Diagnostic Center and for us to go for a diagnostic ultrasound. On July 31, 2008, after the ultrasound, they told us that our baby had died. We had to decide that day, within a few hours of finding out that we had lost our baby when I would have to be induced. It was all so overwhelming! I wasn't angry with God that our son Lucus died. I even told the doctors that God has His reasons and that He had other plans for Lucas. My husband was and is very supportive during this time, but he couldn't really understand or feel the pain that I, as the mother, was feeling for losing our son. I felt like a failure, because my other 2 pregnancies were high risk. Our oldest son, John, was born 2 1/2 months premature and spent 2 months in NICU. We were so fortunate that John didn't suffer any problems as a result of being a "preemie." I went into premature labor again with our daughter , Gracie 2 years later. I had to be on bed rest 4 months and had to receive weekly shots to try and prevent labor. Thankfully, I made it to full-term. Gracie was born with a protein deficiency that we didn't know about until she had a reaction to her DTP shot at 6 months. She spent 2 weeks in the hospital and almost died. So, I am very blessed to have 2 wonderful, healthy children that are now 5 and 3 years old.

I have been having some complications since the loss of Lucus, and when I got up this morning I had decided that I really didn't feel up to coming to the conference. As the morning began, I kept having this feeling that I needed to be at church. I got in the shower and was crying because I didn't feel like I was a woman of worth. I didn't feel like I was worth anything. I got to the church for the second part of the conference and spoke with you. You prayed for me and told me that I would get through this. I still wasn't feeling too sure about coming, but after you prayed with me, I started feeling a little less worthless (for lack of a better word). I couldn't believe it when you asked me to come forward during the service. I thought, what does she want me for. I'm not the center of attention type of person, but rather one that would be on the side lines. Then, you ask me to take off my socks and shoes, then I really thought, God, what do you have in store for me now? But as you were talking about Cinderella and the glass slipper and then you ask me to put the "slipper" on I wondered, where is this going. But, the slipper fit perfectly! The Lord spoke through you to me and I couldn't believe that I was "Cinderella." Yes, I do have a "Prince Charming" for a husband, but I had to kiss a couple of frogs before he came along. My two previous marriages were both abusive physically and mentally, so for the third time really was the charm.

I know that the Lord, "pushed me out of my side line comfort zone" to get me to church today. There was no way that you could have planned your service around me prior to today, because I almost didn't come. Divine intervention is what I call it. I know that my mom had spoken to you briefly and told you what I had been going through and she asked you to pray for me and my husband, Eric. I can't put into words how different I felt when I left the conference. I still had the hurt and the pain, both physically and emotionally, but I felt "lighter." I didn't feel like I had the weight of the world on me anymore. I realized that yes, it's painful but I will get through this with time and the Grace of God. You helped me to realize that I was never alone during all of this. I knew that, but at the same time I wasn't "getting it." I can't thank you enough for what you have helped me with today. I know that this is a long email, but I can't really put it into words how I feel. The Lord blessed me in more ways than I can count today and made me realize I have a lot of people praying for my family. I was trying to explain it all to my husband tonight and of course it wasn't coming out quite right or to make real sense to him what happened to me, but I think he realized God planned for me to be there today and somehow I fit into part of your service.

I want to thank you for letting me be, "Cinderella" and realize what 11:59 is really all about. Please continue your awesome ministry, because you touched so many people today that I know personally, and made a difference in how we see things. May the Lord continue to bless you and your ministry. I will be praying for all your works and I know you will be praying for me.

Sincerely in Christ,
Sonya C. Reece
Floyd, Virginia

GOD IS ON TIME!

Have you ever felt like God was a million miles away? Have you ever felt like "you just didn't know what to do?" Recently while reading the Word, I came across the story of King Jehosaphat in 2 Chronicles 20. Even a King admitted that he didn't know what to do. After reading this wonderful story again, it refreshed my understanding that yes, every battle is the Lords, but we have a part to play in each battle. It is refreshing to be able to say sometimes, "Lord I don't know what to do." I believe that God is saying, "yes but I do if you'll just trust me." The key is that we must trust Him. Our faith is what pleases God more than anything else. Let me be honest though, trust is easier said than done. Why is it so difficult for us human beings to trust God in every situation. Trust comes as we build our relationship with God. He loves us so much and that really is a comforting feeling. Always remember that God will never leave nor forsake you. He cares about where we've been, where we are right now, and most of all where we are going. So the first step is admitting, "I don't know what to do." The second step is placing the problem in God's hands. Yes trust Him, to get you through the battle. The Battle is the Lord's and He is always on time!

"LORD, KEEP SENDING REVIVAL!"

Garry and I just returned from a week in Florida visiting his sister and her family. While there we had the opportunity to attend a couple of services at the Lakeland Revival. Sunday night we entered the closed in tent type building and was instantly over-whelmed with the thousands of people waiting for the service to begin. It was indeed different, not a lot of visiting, and talking going on like prior to our services. The people came from all over the world. We talked with a couple of ladies from Ireland, and another pastor from Russia. The atmosphere was very intense and you could feel the anticipation from the crowd as they eagerly waited for the service to begin. Finding a seat close was near impossible for many had come early to claim the front areas. I too begin to feel such an excitement as the momentum begin to build. I came with one desire; to be imparted with "fresh fire!" The music starts and instantly people are running to the front to praise and worship our God without restriction. Some were waving their flags to reveal the country they were representing. I wanted to worship but for a moment I was lured away by the awesome transformations taking place right before me. Some of the people's faces shone with the glory of God. This was a taste of heaven with thousands of people, young and old worshiping God in unity. There were no other agendas or motives for being here. It took my breath away! I begin to cry out, "Oh God thank you, thank you for you're sovereign visitation." I have prayed for revival to come to our since I began my ministry in 2000. So similar to the Brownsville Revival were manifestations of God's presence upon the people. I recall one older gentleman in his 70's lying prostrate on the floor shaking under the power of God. Another teenage boy was lying beside him, also shaking under the power. I saw older women dancing as though no one else was in the building. Even children were weeping and reverent in the presence of the Lord. The praise and worship seem to last for about 2 - 3 hours, with only a few sitting down, but still praising. Todd Bentley is the vessel that God has chosen for this out-pouring. He is, according to those slightly more religious, "different." Covered in tattoo's and piercings, radically and boldly proclaims that this is not about a person, rather this is about Jesus! Amen! A few have asked me, "Shelia do you think this is really of God?" And I reply, "My friend, churches are no longer having Sunday night services because they can't get the people to come out. Here is a revival that has been relocated out of the "church building" and thousands of people are crowding in. Not just Floridians, but people from all over the world. And....God is healing people from everything! People are getting saved and delivered from demonic possession. Even the dead are being raised! So you tell me...is this of God?
Before you give you're opinion, my adivce would be...go check it out for yourself! My cry is....."LORD, KEEP SENDING REVIVAL!"

LORD, SEND US REVIVAL!

I just returned home after being out about 2 weeks. I was in the Branson, Missouri and surrounding areas. God ordained our time in Missouri with some powerful services. I started out with a Women's conference at New Life Temple in Hollister, MO. Wow, these women were ready and waiting for God's power and presence. We saw many touched and healed. Only God can make things like that happen. We then headed on to Lamar, MO. Oakton United Methodist , is quite a church. God showed up there and literally knocked our socks off. Pastor Garfield is doing a tremendous work there at Oakton. He desires people to come and be free in God's presence. On Sunday evening, God's wind blew into that place and there were few left standing. I like to define this church like this: "The Church that offers a unique experience." When people are hungry, it's difficult to leave. On Wednesday, I had the opportunity to speak to a group of wild, radical young people. Wouldn't you know it, God showed up here too. It seemed everywhere we went, He went. (Smile). Young people lined the floor, weeping and being touched by the power of God. Thursday, I had the honor of being with Rev. Jim and Laurie Bakker. It's really easy to talk about my passion, REVIVAL! When I hear that word, every fiber of my being is thrilled! Morningside, Wow, God has done and is doing great things in their ministry. Jim Bakker is a perfect example that the gifts and callings of God are without repentance. We may fail, but God never changes His mind on what He has called us to do. GO JIM & LAURIE!!!! The presence of REVIVAL is being felt everywhere. Pastor Craig Baslee in Neosho is a man hard after God. We headed there for revival services and almost couldn't stand for the intense presence of the Lord. When we call Him near, He comes! Sunday brought us to a beautiful church called Brookside. Now you talk about, COME LORD JESUS....HE CAME! These people are easy to have church with, they were basking in the presence of God. It was awesome. We witnessed miracles and healing's throughout the evening. We started at 6:30 and left around 11:00 PM. God doesn't care about time when He has things to do!!! What am I saying....everywhere we went God was there. Not just there, but POWERFULLY!!! There is nothing within us. It takes God to accomplish those kinds of things, but when we are hungry it delights our Father and He comes where we are. Are you hungry for revival? It is my cry...LORD SEND REVIVAL...IT WILL COST US SOMETHING, BUT LORD SEND REVIVAL!!!!

WEATHER FARE CHRISTIANS

After some warm winds and sunny weather, I am sitting in my den with the fireplace blazing trying to get warm. I can't believe how quickly the weather changes. March winds and teasing temperatures give way to ice, snow and a chill that goes deep into your bones. As I was thinking about the changing weather, my mind drifted to the reality of how quickly some people can change. Christians sometimes just can't make up their mind whether they want to follow the Lord completely or give way to a complacent lifestyle. That's part of my job, preaching messages that will awaken the spirit and stir the realization that Jesus is soon to return. We must be "waiting, and watching" for we know not when He will come. The Word of God calls for us to be stable, steadfast and always abounding in the love of God. The world is filled with temptations to lure us into a state of mediocrity. We must stir the gifts that are within us to go after God on a continual basis. I want those revival fires to burn within me. I want my passion to push me farther than I have ever been. Though everything around me changes, (and it will) I just want to be consistent in my love and desire for Christ. People are easily turned off with Christians, when we change with the wind. Christian means "Christ like." That means daily! So no matter what the weather does on the outside, make sure your spiritual temperature stays. the same

"DO YOU HAVE A REASON TO CELEBRATE?"

"He stayed on the cross.....for His life was a gift to all humankind." I honestly have a hard time comprehending the love of God at times. Why would God give His Son to die for humanity, even when He knew many would not receive Him? That my friend is why God is God and we are not. His grace and mercy is much more than any of us deserve. Just when the devil thought it was over...Jesus rises up out of that tomb. His life is our eternal life. There has never been, not even now, nor will it ever be another Jesus. He is the ONLY WAY to the Father. Jesus' life was a gift to all those that will receive Him. But, that is the key, we must receive this precious gift. It's more than knowing that Jesus did indeed die for you, but you much embrace Him and accept this awesome redemption from sin.

Mark 15:37,38.

"And Jesus cried with a loud voice, and gave up the ghost.

And the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom."

That veil was present in the Holy place to keep us out. Only the high priest could enter once his preparations were complete. But, when Jesus took His last breath, the very moment of His death, torn that veil into allowing you and I to come into the very presence of God. WOW, what more do we need. Listen I'm not belittling your struggles today, but hey friend, there was a price paid for you to walk in victory!! That's shouting ground!!! The approaching season is for us the Christian to commemorate the death, burial and resurrection for our Lord. But for us the Christian we CELEBRATE every day!! You better take hold of what is at your disposal. Don't delay in getting to know this Sovereign Lord. He loves you and wants to have relationship with you RIGHT NOW!! I wish you a powerful, refreshing celebration this Easter. Without HIM THERE IS NO CELEBRATION!!!!!! May I ask you, DO YOU HAVE A REASON TO CELEBRATE??? THINK ABOUT IT.

God Bless.

Dr.Shelia

"Love Is In The Air"

Don't forget February 14th. I'm not sure where this day originated from but I really like it. Love, is a very special gift from our Heavenly Father. It is a deep emotion that is almost unexplainable. I always enjoy leaving my husband a card and some candy in the kitchen for him to find when he comes in from work. He always does something special for me as well. I don't think people that are truly in love need a special day to show that loved one how much you care. This should be a daily expression! My husband and me share "I love you's" all day long. Life is too short not to show others the way you feel. Never put off tomarrow what you can say today because, for many the next day never came. The Word of God says, "Life is but a vapor and appears for a season, then it vanishes away." I guess Valentine's Day is another reminder to me, how extraodinary each day is. It is truly a gift. So think about how precious life is to you. Never take anyone or even yourself for granted. Get your, "I love you's" ready, then practice saying them everyday! You'll be amazed just how far a little, "I love you will take you!" Happy Valentine's Day to you all!

"A Special Touch"

In Spirit-filled circles we hear the word, "anointing" almost non-stop. And, for the spirit-filled believer we know that the anointing is necessary for anything to be accomplished for the cause of Christ. As I travel, I have the wonderful opportunity of ministering in many different denominations. And, often after hearing me preach will ask, "what is that anointing that you talk about?" The anointing defined is simply, "God's special touch on one's life." Who qualifies for this anointing? Any born-again believer that is desiring to be used. God is never looking for ability, but rather, He is looking for a-v-a-i-l-i-b-i-l-i-t-y!! If you are available to God in prayer and study of the Word, seeking to know Him more, then you are making yourself available for Him. God sees our motives and He sees the desires of our heart. He knows above all if we truly want Him to use us for His Glory. That special touch, (anointing) comes down in and out of us to get a job done. The anointing is only given to "destroy yolks off peoples lives." With a true anointing, it's like a black and white photo being filled with color, and it comes alive. To me the anointing is like the first day of spring, when everything is waking up. It's like nothing else. If you are not sure about this anointing, this touch on your life, ask God to fill you with His anointing. For those of us in ministry, we are called to be a servant. In order to get that job done well, we need that supernatual touch upon our lives. The anointing demands attention, because the duel action of power that flows with it cannot be denied. For this new year we really need that anointing. For with the anointing we will see mighty things done for the cause of Christ. God Bless!

"HOW DOES IT FEEL?"

How does it feel to finally make it to another year? Some might say, "well, I don't know.....guess it feels the same." No, I really do feel something different in my spirit for 2008. I for one am glad to say goodbye to 2007. It was a difficult year for many. The number 7 is symbolic for "completion and perfection." The number 8 is "New Beginnings." Actually my attitude has changed toward each day. I have committed to living each new day with excitement, motivation and with a greater desire to Please the Lord. I want my life to really mean something. I want to grasp the idea that "I woke up this morning, wow...what a gift." God has blessed me with a body that moves and a sound mind. Each day is special...even with all the struggles, this day is special. I want to share with you thoughts that a dear friend shared with me. "Today I wish for you a day of ordinary miracles." A fresh pot of coffee you didn't have to make yourself. An unexpected phone call from an old friend. Green stoplights on your way to work. I wish you a day of little things to rejoice in.....the fastest line at the grocery store. Your car keys right where you can find them. A good sing along song on K-Love. I wish you a day of perfection and happiness......Little bite-size pieces of perfection that give you the funny feeling that SOMEONE is smiling on you, and holding you so gently because you are special and rare. I wish YOU a day of Peace, Happiness and Joy. They say it takes a minute to find a special person, an hour to appreciate them, a day to love them, but then an entire life to forget them. Take the time! How does it feel now?? Wishing you a blessed New Year!