Isaiah 52:11 "Depart, depart, go out from there! Touch no unclean thing! Come out from it and be pure, you who carry the vessels of the Lord."
The year 2011 is gone. The Lord has given me so much mercy and grace this past year. And favor. Look back for a moment, only to see and draw up in your memory the favor, the grace, the mercy the Lord has bestowed on us. Wow! When you put it all together in one place, in one big memory, it is amazing what He has done. I know I have grown in knowledge of my God. He has given me more wisdom, I know it is from Him because ....well, I just know. This earth cannot teach, cannot impart that perfect, beautiful wisdom, the thoughts that bring words to my mind to pour out in my writings. It is not humanly possible for me to do any of the things I have been able to do this past year without His favor and grace. But there is more....
Other than remembering the wonderful gifts and teachings of the Lord, He does not want us to dwell in the past. There are too many things that the enemy is waiting to pounce on and refresh our memories with for us to dwell there. The only things the Lord wants us to bring into tomorrow with us is the good memories, the blessings we have had. All of us have had days we would just as soon had never happened, but they did. We have come before our loving Father who has seen us only through the blood of our Savior Jesus and received forgiveness for all that happened in the past. The Lord does not want us carrying it forward into the new year.
In fact, I don't believe He wants us dwelling so much on the fact that in the new year things will be different than today. You see, His mercies are new each day. It does not take a change of year on the calendar to make a difference where He is concerned. New are His mercies each day. He does not change because the calendar does. Where the influx of excitement over the new year comes is that we have been taught that the new year holds better things, a change to be different, a chance to make a difference. So many say that with the new year is newness, a new start, a different perspective, things will be better, different. But I say to you, not to expect these things.....not unless you are ready to make a change in your heart. Your life will stay the very same, a different year perhaps, but unless there is a change in your heart, nothing will change.
Have you given your heart over totally to the Lord. Have you asked Him to clean out every little nook and cranny in your heart....to take all the bitterness, all the anger, all the hurt, all the disappointments, all the heartache....to take it all away? To replace these things with His comfort, His love, His peace and His joy? If you are holding on to griefs, to disapointments and hurts of yesterday, of the past year, past years, nothing will change in your life. You will continue day to day in the same manner as you have been. Why would you not want to give up those things that continually keep you in darkness of depression, of anger and hurt when with just a word to our Lord, it can be released from you. Those chains can fall off you and you can freely lift those hands to the Lord and worship Him for the peace and joy you feel. Trust me, it can happen. I was there in that day to day gloom, putting on the happy face so everyone would think I was doing good, feeling great when all that was inside me was rotting away, I was dying in spirit . But with a song in my heart I raised my hands to the Lord and He poured Himself into me and never left. How great is our God! He is above all, I tell you, He is wonderful, He is so great, He deserves all the praise of this earth.
You have nothing to lose. Before this night is over, declare OUT LOUD, "Father, I do not want to enter the new year with the hurts, disappointments, griefs of the past. Lord, take my heart and clean all these things from it and replace it with Your love, peace and joy. Father, let me not take the old into the new year, let me be pure in heart and soul, cleanse this vessel You have made of me and make it a place for You to dwell within. In Jesus Name, I pray, Amen." Now that you have made this declaratIon out loud, begin to sing unto the Lord and worship Him with thanksgiving for giving you new life in Him, new hope, new resurrected hope in Jesus. Now you can enter into the new, as the old has been broken off you.
Father, thank You for my life that You have restored in You. I enter into the new year thankful for You, that You do not change no matter what the calendar year is. That You will be the same tomorrow, loving me, giving me mercy and grace, that You have always been. I love You so. I can say Happy New Year knowing that in it, in me, is YOU.
12-31-11
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Friday, December 30, 2011
DWELLING PLACES
Isaiah 32:18 "My people will dwell in a peaceful habitation, in secure dwellings, and in quiet resting places...."
When I think about secure dwellings, I normally would think of a house that is build well, probably one built 20 years or so ago. They were built so well back then. The home we had in Louisiana had attic rafters made out of 2x6's. So sturdy, built to last. But I have since learned what secure dwellings truly are..
So many things can change, from one day to the next. You may have what you call security one day and circumstances can change it totally the next. One day you are married, the next day you are a widow. That place of security, where you felt safe, is gone. And you begin to see that it was all like sand, so easily moved by one wind or another.
I have learned, thank You, Lord; I have learned. Real security lies in my Lord God. I have found that in Him is the place I can dwell in perfect peace. I can have what always seemed to elude me before, that security that will never change, that I never have to fear will disappear from me. My true dwelling is in the Lord. It is not a place made of earthly materials, it is a place of spirit, in the heart and the soul. When you can abide in a spiritual dwelling, it is made of a foundation that cannot be moved. Dwelling in my Lord has shown me that no matter what happens, my habitation does not change in Him. I am secure, I am at peace in that quiet resting place in Him.
Days sometimes bring such challenges, such trials; work is just that, it is work. I am subject to the daily routines that are not always of my choosing, but I get to come home to that sweet dwelling place that I know will be the same as it was in the morning when I left to go to work. In fact, any time I need I can return to the dwelling place of the Lord by just letting myself shut out the world and know that I am in that quiet place with my God. You might say that I have no idea of what you are going through, that I could not possibly know why you are so stressed. But I tell you, I do know. I was once in that house of horrors as you are now. Horrors because the enemy would not stop the layers of fear and anxiety he placed on me. But just as the Lord brought me out of that place, He can also bring you out but you have to ask Him, and then you have to let Him take control so He can give you the dwelling place of peace, of quiet rest, of His habitation. Surrendering to the Lord can begin your journey to the security of His rest, of His dwelling place.
I thank You, Lord, that I have You to come to whenever I desire. I thank You that You are always waiting for me when I walk in the door at night. I never come home to what most folks would consider an empty house as You are always here, waiting for me, to come home to the dwelling place, the place of peace and quiet rest that You have made for me, in You.
12-30-11
When I think about secure dwellings, I normally would think of a house that is build well, probably one built 20 years or so ago. They were built so well back then. The home we had in Louisiana had attic rafters made out of 2x6's. So sturdy, built to last. But I have since learned what secure dwellings truly are..
So many things can change, from one day to the next. You may have what you call security one day and circumstances can change it totally the next. One day you are married, the next day you are a widow. That place of security, where you felt safe, is gone. And you begin to see that it was all like sand, so easily moved by one wind or another.
I have learned, thank You, Lord; I have learned. Real security lies in my Lord God. I have found that in Him is the place I can dwell in perfect peace. I can have what always seemed to elude me before, that security that will never change, that I never have to fear will disappear from me. My true dwelling is in the Lord. It is not a place made of earthly materials, it is a place of spirit, in the heart and the soul. When you can abide in a spiritual dwelling, it is made of a foundation that cannot be moved. Dwelling in my Lord has shown me that no matter what happens, my habitation does not change in Him. I am secure, I am at peace in that quiet resting place in Him.
Days sometimes bring such challenges, such trials; work is just that, it is work. I am subject to the daily routines that are not always of my choosing, but I get to come home to that sweet dwelling place that I know will be the same as it was in the morning when I left to go to work. In fact, any time I need I can return to the dwelling place of the Lord by just letting myself shut out the world and know that I am in that quiet place with my God. You might say that I have no idea of what you are going through, that I could not possibly know why you are so stressed. But I tell you, I do know. I was once in that house of horrors as you are now. Horrors because the enemy would not stop the layers of fear and anxiety he placed on me. But just as the Lord brought me out of that place, He can also bring you out but you have to ask Him, and then you have to let Him take control so He can give you the dwelling place of peace, of quiet rest, of His habitation. Surrendering to the Lord can begin your journey to the security of His rest, of His dwelling place.
I thank You, Lord, that I have You to come to whenever I desire. I thank You that You are always waiting for me when I walk in the door at night. I never come home to what most folks would consider an empty house as You are always here, waiting for me, to come home to the dwelling place, the place of peace and quiet rest that You have made for me, in You.
12-30-11
Thursday, December 29, 2011
REASONING WITH MY GOD
Isaiah 1:18 "Come now, and let us reason together," says the Lord; though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool."
This is probably another one of those places that I am wishing my Lord was not taking me, but I have learned to do as He asks, or there will be no rest for me until it is done. Today was a good day as far as my life went, work went well, I feel good, so....you are wondering what is my difficulty about today. Well today there were several posts on my facebook page that dealt with judgment and forgiveness, mostly for others by the brethern. I have learned, after many years, not to judge. Who am I to judge others, knowing what the Lord forgave me for, the depth of my own sin. I can see where some need to be discerning concerning certain spirits and leadership, but it is still not a place to judge and to put out there for others criticism. I believe that is the Lord's right alone. And then there is the place of unforgiveness, no mercy for those that have fallen, been restored by the Lord, but still held as unrighteous by the brethern. Forgive us, Lord.
I, being so human, more so than I like to think....silly me; have had to reason more than once with my Lord God. Father, deal with me as Your favorite child, please Lord, when I have to talk to You concerning my sin, I know that it grieves You, and that makes me so sad. I remember when I was young and my earthly daddy had to punish me, it just tore at his heart. I can remember a time when there was a big formal dance I had a date for and the day before I got my report card and I had been told if I had bad grades I would be punished; well, I so did not like Algebra and I had a D. I was punished and had to cancel my date. I was so upset. The night of the dance, I sat in my room not talking to my daddy and he sat in the den until after the time I would have been home. He came to my room with tears in his eyes and told me he was sorry I was not allowed to go, but I had been warned. It literally broke my heart to see how badly my daddy felt at punishing me. This is how I see my Lord when I fail Him, when I do, say or think something that is not of the child He made me to be. And it happens to all of us, because we are human, we do fail. But can you see the tears in our Father's eyes as He has to chasten us, to correct us. Then as He gently cleanses us of the sin, with the precious blood of Jesus, He tells us how He did not like to chasten us, but He did it because He loves us so much. We all have been in this place with our Father.
So why is it, that knowing how our sin hurts the Father, how it grieves Him so to chasten us, that we assume we are to judge and critique our brothers and sisters in the Lord. Those who the Lord has given so much authority to, to lead, to instruct His children are attack by the enemy in more ways than many of us will ever be exposed to. If the enemy can bring one of those down, look at the fallout it brings. Another reason, for all of us, to keep our eyes on our Lord, for only He will never disappoint, or fail us. But all of us here are humans and subject to the munipulations of the enemy. Those in leadership have such a responsibility to the Lord, and to all they are put over. It is sad when things happen in their lives as there is no privacy and it is known far and wide. Like when we fail, the Lord takes them also, chastens them, and then when repentant, He takes them, draws them to Himself, cleanses them with the blood of Jesus, and begins to restore them. Just because a vessel springs a leak does not mean it cannot be mended and used for the purpose to which it was made. The Lord can and does restore those over us, just like He restores us. Who are we to say who can be restored and who cannot? Like the Lord said in His Word, "Let he who is without sin cast the first stone". I will not be picking up a stone.
As I reasoned tonight with the Lord about this subject, I knew it had to be put out here, as I know He does not speak to my heart and just intend it to lie there. Not all will understand, but those who have been to the "woodshed" with the Father as I have, will know the heart behind it. I will not judge. I thank the Holy Spirit that He has given me a discerning nature, but even here, it is for my edification and not for judging. I do what He tells me to do, I follow His leading, and I have learned to give the same grace and mercy to others that I have been so blessed with from my Lord.
Father, for the eyes of those to whom You intend this, let their hearts receive Your word, let me be just Your child, Your worshiper who follows Your call.
12-29-11
This is probably another one of those places that I am wishing my Lord was not taking me, but I have learned to do as He asks, or there will be no rest for me until it is done. Today was a good day as far as my life went, work went well, I feel good, so....you are wondering what is my difficulty about today. Well today there were several posts on my facebook page that dealt with judgment and forgiveness, mostly for others by the brethern. I have learned, after many years, not to judge. Who am I to judge others, knowing what the Lord forgave me for, the depth of my own sin. I can see where some need to be discerning concerning certain spirits and leadership, but it is still not a place to judge and to put out there for others criticism. I believe that is the Lord's right alone. And then there is the place of unforgiveness, no mercy for those that have fallen, been restored by the Lord, but still held as unrighteous by the brethern. Forgive us, Lord.
I, being so human, more so than I like to think....silly me; have had to reason more than once with my Lord God. Father, deal with me as Your favorite child, please Lord, when I have to talk to You concerning my sin, I know that it grieves You, and that makes me so sad. I remember when I was young and my earthly daddy had to punish me, it just tore at his heart. I can remember a time when there was a big formal dance I had a date for and the day before I got my report card and I had been told if I had bad grades I would be punished; well, I so did not like Algebra and I had a D. I was punished and had to cancel my date. I was so upset. The night of the dance, I sat in my room not talking to my daddy and he sat in the den until after the time I would have been home. He came to my room with tears in his eyes and told me he was sorry I was not allowed to go, but I had been warned. It literally broke my heart to see how badly my daddy felt at punishing me. This is how I see my Lord when I fail Him, when I do, say or think something that is not of the child He made me to be. And it happens to all of us, because we are human, we do fail. But can you see the tears in our Father's eyes as He has to chasten us, to correct us. Then as He gently cleanses us of the sin, with the precious blood of Jesus, He tells us how He did not like to chasten us, but He did it because He loves us so much. We all have been in this place with our Father.
So why is it, that knowing how our sin hurts the Father, how it grieves Him so to chasten us, that we assume we are to judge and critique our brothers and sisters in the Lord. Those who the Lord has given so much authority to, to lead, to instruct His children are attack by the enemy in more ways than many of us will ever be exposed to. If the enemy can bring one of those down, look at the fallout it brings. Another reason, for all of us, to keep our eyes on our Lord, for only He will never disappoint, or fail us. But all of us here are humans and subject to the munipulations of the enemy. Those in leadership have such a responsibility to the Lord, and to all they are put over. It is sad when things happen in their lives as there is no privacy and it is known far and wide. Like when we fail, the Lord takes them also, chastens them, and then when repentant, He takes them, draws them to Himself, cleanses them with the blood of Jesus, and begins to restore them. Just because a vessel springs a leak does not mean it cannot be mended and used for the purpose to which it was made. The Lord can and does restore those over us, just like He restores us. Who are we to say who can be restored and who cannot? Like the Lord said in His Word, "Let he who is without sin cast the first stone". I will not be picking up a stone.
As I reasoned tonight with the Lord about this subject, I knew it had to be put out here, as I know He does not speak to my heart and just intend it to lie there. Not all will understand, but those who have been to the "woodshed" with the Father as I have, will know the heart behind it. I will not judge. I thank the Holy Spirit that He has given me a discerning nature, but even here, it is for my edification and not for judging. I do what He tells me to do, I follow His leading, and I have learned to give the same grace and mercy to others that I have been so blessed with from my Lord.
Father, for the eyes of those to whom You intend this, let their hearts receive Your word, let me be just Your child, Your worshiper who follows Your call.
12-29-11
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
REMNANT REMAKES
Romans 11:5 "Even so then, at this present time there is a remnant according to the election of grace."
Some years ago I had a little business, I crocheted rag rugs out of fabric. The fabric came from remnants that were discarded by bedding, home decorating, and companies that made pillows, etc. I called my little business Remnant Remakes. When I saw the beautiful rugs that could be made from mill ends, these rags, that were of no use, no need to these companies, but could be remade into useful, lasting rugs. The Lord brought this to my mind today; I have learned that when He does things like this, there is a Word coming from Him. This is what He shared with me about these rags.
We are all filthy rags in ourselves. Some of us, as myself, became such a rag, due to sin and the never ending tongue of the enemy. Listening to such lies, being in sin, I came under such bondage that I felt I could never be of use to my Lord again. Have you had a time in your life like this? Where you felt you had lost your usefulness to the Lord, that your sin had overshadowed any good that could come from you. I believe we all have fallen into those lies, into that pit of self pity, self destruction, so far we felt from our God. But for grace.
The Lord told me, "Look what I have done with what you thought you were. Nothing is useless to Me when I am given control, when you completely surrender to me. I made you, I can remake you into what I made you to be." Just as those rags were made into beautiful, useful rugs, the Lord told me He can take what has been discarded as waste (and so I felt so much of my life had been a waste), and turn that person around, pour His Light into this person, cleanse them with His blood, give them new life in Him and turn this discarded one, by society, by family, by themself, into beauty, fit for the Bride of Christ. A perfect fit for the Remnant of the Lord.
Nothing is wasted in the hands of our Lord. He can remold the most crushed vessel, the most devastated heart can be gently remolded into a vessel of joy, a vessel of praise and worship to Him. He has taken what I thought was useless and made me into His worshiper, a child fit for His Kingdom. Yes, I know it sounds like a boast and I do not mean to ever seem that way; but I have confidence in what my Lord has done with me, in me, and is doing through me, that He does not find me a throw away, but a keeper. He took the remaining remnant of my human form and remade it into what He wanted me to be, His worshiper. You wonder why I seem to be of a one track mind, a record that is played over and over, it is because I know what I was, a filthy rag that should have been discorded but my Lord God would not let me be thrown away. He took me, forgave my sins, gave me new life in Him, gave me a promise that I would be His Bride and that I would never know dispair, complete loss again. I have the promise of a future in Him, a promise of life eternal with Him.
There is no one in this world that cannot be used by our Lord. He desires that all come to Him, to be a part of the Remnant that will become His Bride. He can remake, remold any life that has been shattered, broken and forgotten by this world. He has never forgotten one of us, He knows just where we are at all times, now and when we are in sin, when we are lost, He knows just where we are; He knows just what is in our hearts, He hears our cry; He is waiting to hear His Name called, He will be instantly there for He is not far. He never leaves us and He will never forsake us.
So just as the rugs I made are beautiful, useful and not put aside, I, and you, my friend, are important parts of the Lord's plan for His Kingdom. His Remnant Remakes will be there praising Him, worshiping Him and leading the way for those, like we were, to His throne, to His beautiful hands to be remade into what He has intended us to be, beloved children created in His Likeness to glorify Him.
12-28-11
Some years ago I had a little business, I crocheted rag rugs out of fabric. The fabric came from remnants that were discarded by bedding, home decorating, and companies that made pillows, etc. I called my little business Remnant Remakes. When I saw the beautiful rugs that could be made from mill ends, these rags, that were of no use, no need to these companies, but could be remade into useful, lasting rugs. The Lord brought this to my mind today; I have learned that when He does things like this, there is a Word coming from Him. This is what He shared with me about these rags.
We are all filthy rags in ourselves. Some of us, as myself, became such a rag, due to sin and the never ending tongue of the enemy. Listening to such lies, being in sin, I came under such bondage that I felt I could never be of use to my Lord again. Have you had a time in your life like this? Where you felt you had lost your usefulness to the Lord, that your sin had overshadowed any good that could come from you. I believe we all have fallen into those lies, into that pit of self pity, self destruction, so far we felt from our God. But for grace.
The Lord told me, "Look what I have done with what you thought you were. Nothing is useless to Me when I am given control, when you completely surrender to me. I made you, I can remake you into what I made you to be." Just as those rags were made into beautiful, useful rugs, the Lord told me He can take what has been discarded as waste (and so I felt so much of my life had been a waste), and turn that person around, pour His Light into this person, cleanse them with His blood, give them new life in Him and turn this discarded one, by society, by family, by themself, into beauty, fit for the Bride of Christ. A perfect fit for the Remnant of the Lord.
Nothing is wasted in the hands of our Lord. He can remold the most crushed vessel, the most devastated heart can be gently remolded into a vessel of joy, a vessel of praise and worship to Him. He has taken what I thought was useless and made me into His worshiper, a child fit for His Kingdom. Yes, I know it sounds like a boast and I do not mean to ever seem that way; but I have confidence in what my Lord has done with me, in me, and is doing through me, that He does not find me a throw away, but a keeper. He took the remaining remnant of my human form and remade it into what He wanted me to be, His worshiper. You wonder why I seem to be of a one track mind, a record that is played over and over, it is because I know what I was, a filthy rag that should have been discorded but my Lord God would not let me be thrown away. He took me, forgave my sins, gave me new life in Him, gave me a promise that I would be His Bride and that I would never know dispair, complete loss again. I have the promise of a future in Him, a promise of life eternal with Him.
There is no one in this world that cannot be used by our Lord. He desires that all come to Him, to be a part of the Remnant that will become His Bride. He can remake, remold any life that has been shattered, broken and forgotten by this world. He has never forgotten one of us, He knows just where we are at all times, now and when we are in sin, when we are lost, He knows just where we are; He knows just what is in our hearts, He hears our cry; He is waiting to hear His Name called, He will be instantly there for He is not far. He never leaves us and He will never forsake us.
So just as the rugs I made are beautiful, useful and not put aside, I, and you, my friend, are important parts of the Lord's plan for His Kingdom. His Remnant Remakes will be there praising Him, worshiping Him and leading the way for those, like we were, to His throne, to His beautiful hands to be remade into what He has intended us to be, beloved children created in His Likeness to glorify Him.
12-28-11
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
WHEN YOUR PATH TAKES A SHARP TURN
Psalm 33:11 "But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations."
Several times this week I have been made aware of friends whose lifes have taken different turns that what they had thought their lifes would be. It is devastating when this happens as none of us are prepared for such changes. Especially when our minds, our hearts have our life all mapped out, to what we think our lifes will be like. It truly made me stop and look back at my life and actually had to smile as I know now that my plans had no real basis as my life was then and always has been in the hands of the Lord, and His plans have always been the basis for who He made me to be. The Word says in Psalm 33:10-11 "The Lord foils the plans of the nations; he thwarts the purposes of the peoples..but the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations." I do not believe that the Lord caused the events to happen, but I believe He used them for His glory, and in these events used them to cause me to grow, to experience what His love is, and His mercy, His grace, how real He is when we give ourselves to Him.
As I look back and realize that the mistakes I made were the opportunity that the Lord took to show me His love and His mercy on my life, His protection of my life. The tragedies, the Lord drew me to Himself and gave me comfort, so much love, and used those tragedies to strengthen me, to secure me in His love. I have learned that nothing that happens goes to waste. In all things I have found the Lord can turn to good for those that love Him. The good in them comes when He can use those things to give us the strength we need to get through things, He uses them to give us real foundation; to show us that even though the earth may shake some, as long as we are in Him, we will not topple over. We will stand firm in Him. His plans for us are so perfect. But we do not get to see those plans until we surrender to Him completely; until He knows that we are His alone and we are not going away from Him. That through everything that happens to us, we do not blame Him for it, but turn to Him for His counsel, His strength, His peace. Then the real walk begins. When we know for sure that He is leading us, that the decisions we make are made in Him and that when we fillow His plan, nothing will happen to us. We are safe in Him.
Sharp turns happen. Things happen daily to people that had no idea what the day held when they got up in the morning. This world can deal us some disastrous blows, but we have a hope in our Lord. He gives us hope in Him; He gives us glorious hope of tomorrow. We will not always understand why things happen. I have learned not to question, even when I don't like what is happening, and my Lord knows I don't like it. But I do not question Him. I know that His plans for me are to better me, to give me a future, to give me blessing after blessing. As long as we live in the physical we will have pain, disappointment and heartache. But our spiritual man, our souls, as long as they are focused on our Lord, on God Almighty, we will grow through the pain, we will gain strength from the disappointments and we will regain peace and joy despite the heartache. And the Lord will use all these things for us to help someone we meet going through the things we have been through. Our Lord will be glorified through us, through our experiences as we help others in His Name.
"In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." The Lord's Word shows us that He knows what we will face, and He wants us to know from the first that He has overcome everything. Jesus went to the cross, He faced everything we will ever face; rejection, pain, heartache, physical and mental abuse, but He overcame the world so we could be free from all these things. It does not mean we won't have them, but we don't have to stay in them. We are free to live in Him. We are free to go on to the next day and leave the pain behind us. We are free from condemnation from others that the enemy uses to beat us down. We are free to leave heartache behind and rest in His love and peace. We are free to walk His way, the way He has planned for us.
When the path takes a sharp turn, look to our Lord Jesus. Let Him take you by the hand and lead you on His path, it is straight, although narrow, but the Light that glows on the path clears the way and with His hand holding yours, you will not fall. His way. His path. His Light. You, His beloved, in His hands.
12-27-11
Several times this week I have been made aware of friends whose lifes have taken different turns that what they had thought their lifes would be. It is devastating when this happens as none of us are prepared for such changes. Especially when our minds, our hearts have our life all mapped out, to what we think our lifes will be like. It truly made me stop and look back at my life and actually had to smile as I know now that my plans had no real basis as my life was then and always has been in the hands of the Lord, and His plans have always been the basis for who He made me to be. The Word says in Psalm 33:10-11 "The Lord foils the plans of the nations; he thwarts the purposes of the peoples..but the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations." I do not believe that the Lord caused the events to happen, but I believe He used them for His glory, and in these events used them to cause me to grow, to experience what His love is, and His mercy, His grace, how real He is when we give ourselves to Him.
As I look back and realize that the mistakes I made were the opportunity that the Lord took to show me His love and His mercy on my life, His protection of my life. The tragedies, the Lord drew me to Himself and gave me comfort, so much love, and used those tragedies to strengthen me, to secure me in His love. I have learned that nothing that happens goes to waste. In all things I have found the Lord can turn to good for those that love Him. The good in them comes when He can use those things to give us the strength we need to get through things, He uses them to give us real foundation; to show us that even though the earth may shake some, as long as we are in Him, we will not topple over. We will stand firm in Him. His plans for us are so perfect. But we do not get to see those plans until we surrender to Him completely; until He knows that we are His alone and we are not going away from Him. That through everything that happens to us, we do not blame Him for it, but turn to Him for His counsel, His strength, His peace. Then the real walk begins. When we know for sure that He is leading us, that the decisions we make are made in Him and that when we fillow His plan, nothing will happen to us. We are safe in Him.
Sharp turns happen. Things happen daily to people that had no idea what the day held when they got up in the morning. This world can deal us some disastrous blows, but we have a hope in our Lord. He gives us hope in Him; He gives us glorious hope of tomorrow. We will not always understand why things happen. I have learned not to question, even when I don't like what is happening, and my Lord knows I don't like it. But I do not question Him. I know that His plans for me are to better me, to give me a future, to give me blessing after blessing. As long as we live in the physical we will have pain, disappointment and heartache. But our spiritual man, our souls, as long as they are focused on our Lord, on God Almighty, we will grow through the pain, we will gain strength from the disappointments and we will regain peace and joy despite the heartache. And the Lord will use all these things for us to help someone we meet going through the things we have been through. Our Lord will be glorified through us, through our experiences as we help others in His Name.
"In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." The Lord's Word shows us that He knows what we will face, and He wants us to know from the first that He has overcome everything. Jesus went to the cross, He faced everything we will ever face; rejection, pain, heartache, physical and mental abuse, but He overcame the world so we could be free from all these things. It does not mean we won't have them, but we don't have to stay in them. We are free to live in Him. We are free to go on to the next day and leave the pain behind us. We are free from condemnation from others that the enemy uses to beat us down. We are free to leave heartache behind and rest in His love and peace. We are free to walk His way, the way He has planned for us.
When the path takes a sharp turn, look to our Lord Jesus. Let Him take you by the hand and lead you on His path, it is straight, although narrow, but the Light that glows on the path clears the way and with His hand holding yours, you will not fall. His way. His path. His Light. You, His beloved, in His hands.
12-27-11
Monday, December 26, 2011
LOST IN SPACE
John 14:3 "And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also."
I found myself taking a break today from the calls, the paper work; needing to rest my spirit for a moment. Looking out of my window, the lower half....cars and people rushing to get somewhere quickly; the upper half the sky filled with clouds, dark clouds, light clouds.....just letting my eyes watch them moving quickly past.
Doing this, I realize I am kind of caught up in the middle, in space, if you will, not quite on earth, not in Heaven. It is not a void space as I am not alone. The Knowing Presence of my Lord is with me. He knows my heart, what I am feeling at the moment. He always knows my heart, my thoughts before I know them to be thoughts. He knows the journey from my heart to my mind to formulate thoughts; He already knows what it will be. No, I am not alone in this space. I have a tendency to want to fill this space with my thoughts, words, but I can tell the Lord does not want me to think right now. He has given me this space to rest, while on earth, clouds in the sky, everything is moving at a fast pace; the Lord just wants me to lose myself in Him, in this quiet space; to stop my thoughts, to stop all activity and just take a few minutes to lean against His shoulder and rest in Him.
We all need moments that we can just step out of time, slip away from it all, just lose ourselves in that space between earth and Heaven and meet with the Lord. Let Him refresh us so we can complete the day. You know about this time of the afternoon, it's around 4:00 PM, you get a little frayed, a little tired, in need of a break. Some would drink a cup of coffee, some a cup of tea...but I just want to place myself as an empty cup in the hands of my Lord and let Him pour in those things He knows I have need of; His rest, His refreshing of my spirit, His peace and His joy. It doesn't take a lot of time. He can accomplish a lot in a few minutes if we will just completely surrender to His touch, His sweet touch.
Thank You, Jesus for refilling me, giving me that touch so badly needed each day. As the world wears on me, I know just where to come. I just let myself step into Your presence...somewhere between earth and Heaven and let you take me by the hand, as you just stand there with me, in the quiet, sweet moments of space and time.......everything but your loving attention to me, you precious ministering to my needs....is the only thing I am aware of. I lose myself, totally, in You. You restored me. I finished the day as You had planned. And now, I sit, writing of yet one more beautiful day where I was able to lose myself, in space and time, to be alone with You, my Beloved.
12-26-11
I found myself taking a break today from the calls, the paper work; needing to rest my spirit for a moment. Looking out of my window, the lower half....cars and people rushing to get somewhere quickly; the upper half the sky filled with clouds, dark clouds, light clouds.....just letting my eyes watch them moving quickly past.
Doing this, I realize I am kind of caught up in the middle, in space, if you will, not quite on earth, not in Heaven. It is not a void space as I am not alone. The Knowing Presence of my Lord is with me. He knows my heart, what I am feeling at the moment. He always knows my heart, my thoughts before I know them to be thoughts. He knows the journey from my heart to my mind to formulate thoughts; He already knows what it will be. No, I am not alone in this space. I have a tendency to want to fill this space with my thoughts, words, but I can tell the Lord does not want me to think right now. He has given me this space to rest, while on earth, clouds in the sky, everything is moving at a fast pace; the Lord just wants me to lose myself in Him, in this quiet space; to stop my thoughts, to stop all activity and just take a few minutes to lean against His shoulder and rest in Him.
We all need moments that we can just step out of time, slip away from it all, just lose ourselves in that space between earth and Heaven and meet with the Lord. Let Him refresh us so we can complete the day. You know about this time of the afternoon, it's around 4:00 PM, you get a little frayed, a little tired, in need of a break. Some would drink a cup of coffee, some a cup of tea...but I just want to place myself as an empty cup in the hands of my Lord and let Him pour in those things He knows I have need of; His rest, His refreshing of my spirit, His peace and His joy. It doesn't take a lot of time. He can accomplish a lot in a few minutes if we will just completely surrender to His touch, His sweet touch.
Thank You, Jesus for refilling me, giving me that touch so badly needed each day. As the world wears on me, I know just where to come. I just let myself step into Your presence...somewhere between earth and Heaven and let you take me by the hand, as you just stand there with me, in the quiet, sweet moments of space and time.......everything but your loving attention to me, you precious ministering to my needs....is the only thing I am aware of. I lose myself, totally, in You. You restored me. I finished the day as You had planned. And now, I sit, writing of yet one more beautiful day where I was able to lose myself, in space and time, to be alone with You, my Beloved.
12-26-11
Sunday, December 25, 2011
OVERCOMING THE FLESH
Malachi 4:2 "But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings. And you will go out and leap like calves released from the stall."
How blessed I am, Lord, so blessed I am on this Your birthday. You know me so well, Lord, you know my heart, my spirit and you know my flesh. What a struggle this morning as I lay in bed willing myself to get up, to go to church. My spirit, my heart so wanted to worship You corporately this morning; to joyously praise Your Name, to sing with those with like hearts, to sing praises unto You. But how tired I was, how bad I felt. Just not able to kick this head congestion, but not wanting to give in to it either. I prayed, asking what I was to do. I rose up, made coffee, wrote of my love to You in my journal, visited with You as I read my daily readings, talked to You as I listened to worship music, and waited. I waited for an answer from You as to what I should do. Should I go out in this weather, or should I stay home. You really made this my own decision, did You not? You knew all along what I would do. My flesh wanted to crawl back into the bed, but my spirit, my heart, my soul would not allow it. The flesh is a head thing where I am concerned. If I don't mind it, it does not take front place in my life. So I did not mind the flesh, I listened to my heart, I felt from my soul and I let my spirit lead me as it listened to Your Spirit, guiding me to the right decision.
How jubilent services were. I knew that Christmas carols could be worshipful when sang from the heart and spirit. I know You felt the pure love floating upwards from those carols, those songs of love for You alone. "Oh, come let us adore Him, oh, come let us adore Him." And I do so adore You, my Lord. From the moment I sat down, I could feel Your presence. I could feel my heart singing that new song, dedicated to You. Healing comes when you overcome the flesh, and believe in your heart and spirit and soul that what is more important to the spirit should overrule the flesh. My worshiping You, my Savior, corporately lifting my voice with others to glorify You, was what was important to me this day. And the flesh had to come into line with Your Word. Glory, Glory, Glory. Thank You, Lord.
Communion was so special, Lord Jesus. It always is special, but today, on Your Birthday, it was beautiful. The annointing You place on the Elements, those representing Your Body and Blood, taken into the heart, into the spirit as You, giving of Yourself, so that I may have healing, salvation, peace and eternal life, I will never forget, Lord, that special communion. Cleansing taking place as the elements went into my body, healing, such peace, such peace. Joy. Indescribable joy.
Thank You, Holy Spirit, for Your leading my heart, my soul, my spirit this morning. Thank You for never letting me go when the flesh struggles with my heart. I love You so much. I have been given strength to overcome all of the enemy's plans, even when he uses my flesh against me, through You, my Lord God, I can overcome all things.
Happy Birthday, Jesus, Happy Birthday.
12-25-11
How blessed I am, Lord, so blessed I am on this Your birthday. You know me so well, Lord, you know my heart, my spirit and you know my flesh. What a struggle this morning as I lay in bed willing myself to get up, to go to church. My spirit, my heart so wanted to worship You corporately this morning; to joyously praise Your Name, to sing with those with like hearts, to sing praises unto You. But how tired I was, how bad I felt. Just not able to kick this head congestion, but not wanting to give in to it either. I prayed, asking what I was to do. I rose up, made coffee, wrote of my love to You in my journal, visited with You as I read my daily readings, talked to You as I listened to worship music, and waited. I waited for an answer from You as to what I should do. Should I go out in this weather, or should I stay home. You really made this my own decision, did You not? You knew all along what I would do. My flesh wanted to crawl back into the bed, but my spirit, my heart, my soul would not allow it. The flesh is a head thing where I am concerned. If I don't mind it, it does not take front place in my life. So I did not mind the flesh, I listened to my heart, I felt from my soul and I let my spirit lead me as it listened to Your Spirit, guiding me to the right decision.
How jubilent services were. I knew that Christmas carols could be worshipful when sang from the heart and spirit. I know You felt the pure love floating upwards from those carols, those songs of love for You alone. "Oh, come let us adore Him, oh, come let us adore Him." And I do so adore You, my Lord. From the moment I sat down, I could feel Your presence. I could feel my heart singing that new song, dedicated to You. Healing comes when you overcome the flesh, and believe in your heart and spirit and soul that what is more important to the spirit should overrule the flesh. My worshiping You, my Savior, corporately lifting my voice with others to glorify You, was what was important to me this day. And the flesh had to come into line with Your Word. Glory, Glory, Glory. Thank You, Lord.
Communion was so special, Lord Jesus. It always is special, but today, on Your Birthday, it was beautiful. The annointing You place on the Elements, those representing Your Body and Blood, taken into the heart, into the spirit as You, giving of Yourself, so that I may have healing, salvation, peace and eternal life, I will never forget, Lord, that special communion. Cleansing taking place as the elements went into my body, healing, such peace, such peace. Joy. Indescribable joy.
Thank You, Holy Spirit, for Your leading my heart, my soul, my spirit this morning. Thank You for never letting me go when the flesh struggles with my heart. I love You so much. I have been given strength to overcome all of the enemy's plans, even when he uses my flesh against me, through You, my Lord God, I can overcome all things.
Happy Birthday, Jesus, Happy Birthday.
12-25-11
Saturday, December 24, 2011
HAPPY BIRTHDAY JESUS
Luke 2:11 "For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord."
In the new Websters Dictionary, "Savior" is defined as 1) one who saves from danger or destruction; 2) one who brings salvation. In the 1951 Thorndike-Barnhart Dictionary, it is defined as 1) one who saves or rescues; 2) the Savior, Jesus Christ. I believe I see why there are so many that have confusion as to Who our Savior is, as the world as we all know has chosen to blot out His Name in as many ways as they can. But there is no way they can change the hearts of all those who know and love our Lord, Jesus, as millions around the world celebrate His Birthday, Christmas Day.
My assistant is from Mexico and she said until she came to our country she never knew the practice of giving of gifts and Santa Claus. Christmas was all about Jesus's birthday alone. There was dinner with family and a birthday cake for Jesus. It was a religious holiday celebrating Jesus only. She seem to feel a sadness about her that the focus here is not on Jesus but on the commercial aspects of this time of year. I agree. This year instead of doing a lot of gift giving, the Lord directed me to give that money to needs that He showed me would please Him. The Lord has been so good to me, He supplies all my needs and to be honest, He has shown me that I only had need of one thing.....Him. He has been trying to show me this for so long....forgive me, my Lord. But my need, my desire is to be with my Savior on His birthday, to worship Him, to thank Him for coming to earth to save me, to be the Savior that would change the world, that would give the world hope, a future, eternal life.
My Savior, Jesus Christ. Happy Birthday Jesus. I am so glad You came to earth to save me. I am so glad You reached out to me and lifted me to Yourself and held on to me as I searched for the One who would be my Salvation, my Joy and my one true Love. Happy Birthday Jesus. As gifts are opened all around the world and people exclaim "wows and cries of pleasure, let my cry of love and delight of Your precious gift of love and life to me reach Your ears as sweet incense to You. Let my worship, from the deepest part of my heart, my soul, invade the air of heaven as I sing of my love for You, my adoration of You, my completeness in You. Happy Birthday Jesus. I am so glad You came.
Come, Lord Jesus, come fill Your houses of worship tomorrow morning as so many of Your beloved family rejoice and sing praises to Your Name; as they sing greetings of thanks and love to You alone. As voices are raised in anthems of joy, singing to You, Happy Birthday Jesus, Happy Birthday to You. My Savior, the one who saved me, rescued me and gave me life. Happy Birthday Jesus, the Savior.
12-24-11
In the new Websters Dictionary, "Savior" is defined as 1) one who saves from danger or destruction; 2) one who brings salvation. In the 1951 Thorndike-Barnhart Dictionary, it is defined as 1) one who saves or rescues; 2) the Savior, Jesus Christ. I believe I see why there are so many that have confusion as to Who our Savior is, as the world as we all know has chosen to blot out His Name in as many ways as they can. But there is no way they can change the hearts of all those who know and love our Lord, Jesus, as millions around the world celebrate His Birthday, Christmas Day.
My assistant is from Mexico and she said until she came to our country she never knew the practice of giving of gifts and Santa Claus. Christmas was all about Jesus's birthday alone. There was dinner with family and a birthday cake for Jesus. It was a religious holiday celebrating Jesus only. She seem to feel a sadness about her that the focus here is not on Jesus but on the commercial aspects of this time of year. I agree. This year instead of doing a lot of gift giving, the Lord directed me to give that money to needs that He showed me would please Him. The Lord has been so good to me, He supplies all my needs and to be honest, He has shown me that I only had need of one thing.....Him. He has been trying to show me this for so long....forgive me, my Lord. But my need, my desire is to be with my Savior on His birthday, to worship Him, to thank Him for coming to earth to save me, to be the Savior that would change the world, that would give the world hope, a future, eternal life.
My Savior, Jesus Christ. Happy Birthday Jesus. I am so glad You came to earth to save me. I am so glad You reached out to me and lifted me to Yourself and held on to me as I searched for the One who would be my Salvation, my Joy and my one true Love. Happy Birthday Jesus. As gifts are opened all around the world and people exclaim "wows and cries of pleasure, let my cry of love and delight of Your precious gift of love and life to me reach Your ears as sweet incense to You. Let my worship, from the deepest part of my heart, my soul, invade the air of heaven as I sing of my love for You, my adoration of You, my completeness in You. Happy Birthday Jesus. I am so glad You came.
Come, Lord Jesus, come fill Your houses of worship tomorrow morning as so many of Your beloved family rejoice and sing praises to Your Name; as they sing greetings of thanks and love to You alone. As voices are raised in anthems of joy, singing to You, Happy Birthday Jesus, Happy Birthday to You. My Savior, the one who saved me, rescued me and gave me life. Happy Birthday Jesus, the Savior.
12-24-11
Friday, December 23, 2011
DO YOU KNOW MY LORD?
1 John 2:3 "Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments."
For so many years I thought I knew the Lord, but I now know I only knew of Him. I had no real personal knowledge of Him. I thought I did; how often do we believe we know someone and then realize that we only had head knowledge of them, not heart knowledge. When I was finally stripped down to just me....no one to hide behind, no someone's daughter, someone's wife, someone's friend; just me, Pat, then the Lord came to me. There was no pretending I was someone I was not, He saw right through every shield I put up. There was no thinking I could "fake" it till I made it, all pretense was gone, it was just me and Jesus.
I recognized Him right away. There was not a doubt of who He was; only of who I really was. After so many years of pretending I was one thing or another, of making myself into what was expected of me, whether I was happy in that shell or not, it was what I was expected and wanted by others to be. Imagine my shock when I saw what my Lord saw. But I knew Him. His touch, right away I knew I had felt that touch so many times before.....when I was hurt, that touch comforted me; when I was frightened, that touch shielded me from harm; when I cried, that touch drew me to Himself and held me. Yes I knew that touch. Those eyes, I had felt those eyes looking into me so many times as I was in the shell of anothers making; I had known those eyes searching my face for recognition to the many faces I wore; and I had seen those eyes filled with love, waiting for me to recognize Him. His voice, yes, I know that voice. How could I not have known whose voice was calling to me, to come out of the charade of characters I had become and just be who I was made to be; that sweet voice telling me over and over how much He loved me, and it was so hard for me to hear Him with all the other voices I was listening to. But yes, I had no trouble recognizing my Lord.
When He finally stripped me down to the bare necessites of what mattered most in life.....my heart, my soul, my spirit.....and there was no hiding from Him any longer, I looked, I listened, I felt. I looked at His eyes, I listened to His voice and I felt His touch on me and could no longer deny how much I needed Him, how much I longed for Him to fill me with His peace, His joy. My spirit had such a need for healing, my heart needed restoring and my soul a deep cleansing. My Lord did all He came to do, all He died to do, and all He rose again to do. He cleansed me of all my sin, He restored my soul and He refreshed my spirit. His mercy swept over me and His grace lifted me up to Himself as He touched my very being with His presence, His love, and He overflowed my entirety with joy.
And He made sure I knew Him. He made sure I knew His love would never fail me, He would never leave me, and He would come again to take me to live in eternity with Him.
Do you know my Lord? Has He been given the leave-way to strip you down and cleanse you from all unrighteousness? Have you unmasked yourself before the Lord and let Him see you bare and open before Him with no false pretenses about you, just you and Him. Have you welcomed Him into your heart, completely without reservation, letting Him do a work in you that will restore all to you that has been stolen by the enemy's lies and munipulations? What are you waiting for? Aren't you tired as I was, of running and hiding, of being who you weren't meant to be. Come now, He is waiting, He is waiting to give you His love, His mercy, His grace and His joy.
My Lord, I know Who You are. You are the Bright and Morning Star that shines through the darkest night, You are the First and the Last, You are my Beginning and my Ending and You will be my Everlasting, my Eternity. I know You are my Lord and I am so thankful You always knew who the real me was meant to be.
12-23-11
For so many years I thought I knew the Lord, but I now know I only knew of Him. I had no real personal knowledge of Him. I thought I did; how often do we believe we know someone and then realize that we only had head knowledge of them, not heart knowledge. When I was finally stripped down to just me....no one to hide behind, no someone's daughter, someone's wife, someone's friend; just me, Pat, then the Lord came to me. There was no pretending I was someone I was not, He saw right through every shield I put up. There was no thinking I could "fake" it till I made it, all pretense was gone, it was just me and Jesus.
I recognized Him right away. There was not a doubt of who He was; only of who I really was. After so many years of pretending I was one thing or another, of making myself into what was expected of me, whether I was happy in that shell or not, it was what I was expected and wanted by others to be. Imagine my shock when I saw what my Lord saw. But I knew Him. His touch, right away I knew I had felt that touch so many times before.....when I was hurt, that touch comforted me; when I was frightened, that touch shielded me from harm; when I cried, that touch drew me to Himself and held me. Yes I knew that touch. Those eyes, I had felt those eyes looking into me so many times as I was in the shell of anothers making; I had known those eyes searching my face for recognition to the many faces I wore; and I had seen those eyes filled with love, waiting for me to recognize Him. His voice, yes, I know that voice. How could I not have known whose voice was calling to me, to come out of the charade of characters I had become and just be who I was made to be; that sweet voice telling me over and over how much He loved me, and it was so hard for me to hear Him with all the other voices I was listening to. But yes, I had no trouble recognizing my Lord.
When He finally stripped me down to the bare necessites of what mattered most in life.....my heart, my soul, my spirit.....and there was no hiding from Him any longer, I looked, I listened, I felt. I looked at His eyes, I listened to His voice and I felt His touch on me and could no longer deny how much I needed Him, how much I longed for Him to fill me with His peace, His joy. My spirit had such a need for healing, my heart needed restoring and my soul a deep cleansing. My Lord did all He came to do, all He died to do, and all He rose again to do. He cleansed me of all my sin, He restored my soul and He refreshed my spirit. His mercy swept over me and His grace lifted me up to Himself as He touched my very being with His presence, His love, and He overflowed my entirety with joy.
And He made sure I knew Him. He made sure I knew His love would never fail me, He would never leave me, and He would come again to take me to live in eternity with Him.
Do you know my Lord? Has He been given the leave-way to strip you down and cleanse you from all unrighteousness? Have you unmasked yourself before the Lord and let Him see you bare and open before Him with no false pretenses about you, just you and Him. Have you welcomed Him into your heart, completely without reservation, letting Him do a work in you that will restore all to you that has been stolen by the enemy's lies and munipulations? What are you waiting for? Aren't you tired as I was, of running and hiding, of being who you weren't meant to be. Come now, He is waiting, He is waiting to give you His love, His mercy, His grace and His joy.
My Lord, I know Who You are. You are the Bright and Morning Star that shines through the darkest night, You are the First and the Last, You are my Beginning and my Ending and You will be my Everlasting, my Eternity. I know You are my Lord and I am so thankful You always knew who the real me was meant to be.
12-23-11
Thursday, December 22, 2011
THE EXODUS
Exodus 12:42 "It is a night of solemn observance to the Lord for bringing them out of the land of Egypt. This is that night of the Lord, a solemn observance for all the children of Israel throughout their generations."
The exodus of the children of Israel so many years ago, coming out of bondage for over four hundred years from Egypt is an observance that has been celebrated for generations by their children and their children's children. Still celebrated today as the day of freedom for the children of Israel.
But I celebrate my exodus at Christmas. And it is a celebration that we all, the children of God can share at this time of year more so that at other times, although a time that should be remembered with thanksgiving to our God each day. My exodus, your exodus, began in a small barn filled with angelic hosts singing "Holy, Holy, Holy" to the little Baby laying in a manger. This was the beginning of the end of bondage that had held God's children hostage for years. The bondage of unforgivable sin and shame. When Jesus was born, it was the final step in God's plan for the redemption of man. That who so ever believed that Jesus was His Son, the Holy Son of God, that would believe on Him with all their hearts, love Him, adore Him, they could and would be freed from their prison of sin. This Baby that was born would grow into a Man that was destined to change the world with His passion for those that would call Him Lord, and His love and mercy would bring those destined to death and destruction to live eternal.
You might think, perhaps, that your life only changed when you accepted the Lord as your Savior, and that is true, but without the Baby coming from the Throne room of God, you would not have known the difference, there would have been no one to lead the way to the Father. Sin would have kept you from ever knowing the closeness, the gentleness of the Father, knowing His love. But Jesus came, as a Baby, He came to show us the way to live in love, in grace, in Him.
How can I describe my heart's desire to praise and worship my King, my Jesus. I owe all to Him, my sin a shame no more, as I am freed from the bondage that held me captive for so long. When I think of the years I have wasted, floundering back and forth, and He never let me out of His sight, not once. I cannot never go from my Lord. There is no other life I want other than to be His worshiper. I must worship my Lord. Freedom. Do you realize how precious that is, how your slate has been wiped clean of all those things of the past; being made righteous by the precious blood that was shed by this Baby that grew into Man. That precious blood cleansed me from the inside out and still pours afresh onto me daily to keep me righteous unto the Father.
My exodus may never been made into a movie, no special earthly notice may every be made of my freedom from sin, but there is a song sang in Heaven by the angels that meets the song arising from my heart each day to Him, Jesus, You're Everything to me. I am free.....I am free....thank You, Jesus, I am free in You.
12-22-11
The exodus of the children of Israel so many years ago, coming out of bondage for over four hundred years from Egypt is an observance that has been celebrated for generations by their children and their children's children. Still celebrated today as the day of freedom for the children of Israel.
But I celebrate my exodus at Christmas. And it is a celebration that we all, the children of God can share at this time of year more so that at other times, although a time that should be remembered with thanksgiving to our God each day. My exodus, your exodus, began in a small barn filled with angelic hosts singing "Holy, Holy, Holy" to the little Baby laying in a manger. This was the beginning of the end of bondage that had held God's children hostage for years. The bondage of unforgivable sin and shame. When Jesus was born, it was the final step in God's plan for the redemption of man. That who so ever believed that Jesus was His Son, the Holy Son of God, that would believe on Him with all their hearts, love Him, adore Him, they could and would be freed from their prison of sin. This Baby that was born would grow into a Man that was destined to change the world with His passion for those that would call Him Lord, and His love and mercy would bring those destined to death and destruction to live eternal.
You might think, perhaps, that your life only changed when you accepted the Lord as your Savior, and that is true, but without the Baby coming from the Throne room of God, you would not have known the difference, there would have been no one to lead the way to the Father. Sin would have kept you from ever knowing the closeness, the gentleness of the Father, knowing His love. But Jesus came, as a Baby, He came to show us the way to live in love, in grace, in Him.
How can I describe my heart's desire to praise and worship my King, my Jesus. I owe all to Him, my sin a shame no more, as I am freed from the bondage that held me captive for so long. When I think of the years I have wasted, floundering back and forth, and He never let me out of His sight, not once. I cannot never go from my Lord. There is no other life I want other than to be His worshiper. I must worship my Lord. Freedom. Do you realize how precious that is, how your slate has been wiped clean of all those things of the past; being made righteous by the precious blood that was shed by this Baby that grew into Man. That precious blood cleansed me from the inside out and still pours afresh onto me daily to keep me righteous unto the Father.
My exodus may never been made into a movie, no special earthly notice may every be made of my freedom from sin, but there is a song sang in Heaven by the angels that meets the song arising from my heart each day to Him, Jesus, You're Everything to me. I am free.....I am free....thank You, Jesus, I am free in You.
12-22-11
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
IMMANUEL, THE ANNOINTED BABY
1 John 2:20 "But you have an annointing from the Holy One, and all of you know the truth."
I have a way of letting my spirit drift up into the Heavenlies and just let myself feel what it was like in the days of Jesus; just let myself imagine what it would have been like to be on the earth when He was. Do you ever do that? The Lord has shown me some beautiful realities as I just let myself give over to what ever He would show me as I read the Word and let myself drift into those scenes that become so real to me as I read.
Can you just imagine the pure sweetness of that beautiful, precious Baby; the One that was to be called Immanuel, God with us. His birth had been spoken of so long ago and now this was the day, He had come. No more waiting, no more wondering if what was said for so long, passed down from generation to generation was going to happen....it happened. The Baby was here. I can picture Jesus laying in the manager, looking at all around Him. His mother, Mary, His father, Joseph and the animals, so much to see and they were all looking at Him. Can you just feel the glow of Light coming from Him as He lay there. How could one even stand in His presence? The annointing that must have flowed from His gaze as He looked around Him would have put kings to their knees. Holy Child of God, born of this virgin after all the years of waiting, all the anticipation, and now the Glory of Heaven was on earth. It is no wonder that the angels were rejoicing and singing. The sounds of their singing on earth filled the skies as they approached the shepherds was beautiful; can you just imagine what the sounds of heaven were like on that day? The glorious choirs of angels and saints singing Hallelujahs and Glory, Glory, Glory must have made thunder seem silent. Here on earth. God with us. On earth.
This Baby, this precious Child of God that would become a sacrificial Lamb for sin, for sickness, for death, just laying in a manager, sending out rays of Light even then. A glow of love flowing out from this tiny Baby filled with the annointing of God, the Father. I can see myself there looking on, just trying to lower myself in honor to Him, His Glory, His sweet presence. And now, as I think of how it would have been to be there, I realize that on this day, on any day in my life I have the same opportunity, the same obligation, if you will, as a child of God, to bow before Him, my Jesus, and honor Him, to glorify His Name, to bring praises and worship to Him alone. In honoring Him as a Baby, in honoring how He, Immanuel, God with us, came to earth; how He led His life in honor, walking in the way I would years later, and showing me that it could be done without sin, and then knowing I would fail, gave His life as a sacrifice for my sins; that many years later in my sin, I could be washed in His precious blood and redeemed, made righteous so I could have the relationship with the Father that He has.
Yes, I honor this precious Baby, the annointed Baby that was born so many years ago. I would have been His servant had I been on earth then, I know in my heart I would have; and if I would have then, you can believe I am His servant today. I will do as my Lord wills, I will go as He leads and I will love as He loves. Only by giving ourselves wholly in remembrance of this Annointed Baby that grew into the Man who died for all mankind can we give Christmas the honor and glory that the day deserves. Christmas is Christ Jesus. Without the Baby, without the Man who died, without the Risen Savior there is no Christmas. Mas is defined by some as a celebration, a festival. I choose to believe it is a celebration of Christ, His birth, His life, His death. All know the truth of Christmas even though so many try to deny it, to deny our Lord Jesus. But they cannot blot out His name, His birth, His death, His resurrection; His reign over us all. The only reason for the season is Jesus. Christmas is Immaneul, God with us, to be with us each day as we celebrate Jesus.
12-21-11
I have a way of letting my spirit drift up into the Heavenlies and just let myself feel what it was like in the days of Jesus; just let myself imagine what it would have been like to be on the earth when He was. Do you ever do that? The Lord has shown me some beautiful realities as I just let myself give over to what ever He would show me as I read the Word and let myself drift into those scenes that become so real to me as I read.
Can you just imagine the pure sweetness of that beautiful, precious Baby; the One that was to be called Immanuel, God with us. His birth had been spoken of so long ago and now this was the day, He had come. No more waiting, no more wondering if what was said for so long, passed down from generation to generation was going to happen....it happened. The Baby was here. I can picture Jesus laying in the manager, looking at all around Him. His mother, Mary, His father, Joseph and the animals, so much to see and they were all looking at Him. Can you just feel the glow of Light coming from Him as He lay there. How could one even stand in His presence? The annointing that must have flowed from His gaze as He looked around Him would have put kings to their knees. Holy Child of God, born of this virgin after all the years of waiting, all the anticipation, and now the Glory of Heaven was on earth. It is no wonder that the angels were rejoicing and singing. The sounds of their singing on earth filled the skies as they approached the shepherds was beautiful; can you just imagine what the sounds of heaven were like on that day? The glorious choirs of angels and saints singing Hallelujahs and Glory, Glory, Glory must have made thunder seem silent. Here on earth. God with us. On earth.
This Baby, this precious Child of God that would become a sacrificial Lamb for sin, for sickness, for death, just laying in a manager, sending out rays of Light even then. A glow of love flowing out from this tiny Baby filled with the annointing of God, the Father. I can see myself there looking on, just trying to lower myself in honor to Him, His Glory, His sweet presence. And now, as I think of how it would have been to be there, I realize that on this day, on any day in my life I have the same opportunity, the same obligation, if you will, as a child of God, to bow before Him, my Jesus, and honor Him, to glorify His Name, to bring praises and worship to Him alone. In honoring Him as a Baby, in honoring how He, Immanuel, God with us, came to earth; how He led His life in honor, walking in the way I would years later, and showing me that it could be done without sin, and then knowing I would fail, gave His life as a sacrifice for my sins; that many years later in my sin, I could be washed in His precious blood and redeemed, made righteous so I could have the relationship with the Father that He has.
Yes, I honor this precious Baby, the annointed Baby that was born so many years ago. I would have been His servant had I been on earth then, I know in my heart I would have; and if I would have then, you can believe I am His servant today. I will do as my Lord wills, I will go as He leads and I will love as He loves. Only by giving ourselves wholly in remembrance of this Annointed Baby that grew into the Man who died for all mankind can we give Christmas the honor and glory that the day deserves. Christmas is Christ Jesus. Without the Baby, without the Man who died, without the Risen Savior there is no Christmas. Mas is defined by some as a celebration, a festival. I choose to believe it is a celebration of Christ, His birth, His life, His death. All know the truth of Christmas even though so many try to deny it, to deny our Lord Jesus. But they cannot blot out His name, His birth, His death, His resurrection; His reign over us all. The only reason for the season is Jesus. Christmas is Immaneul, God with us, to be with us each day as we celebrate Jesus.
12-21-11
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
ARTIFICIAL LIGHT
John 8:12 "When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."
People turn to all kinds of things to escape from their lives. There is a darkness overshadowing so many people on this earth, such a state of mind that they cannot bear what they see. Most of them cannot see where they have put themselves trying to escape the darkness, they cannot see that they have really gone further into the murky deep trying to escape that very thing. They turn to drugs, alcohol, perversions of all sorts, thinking that they can cover up, erase the darkness in their lives, but it is not to be. Any kind of fun for the moment, live while you can, just hide and seek games, but it all is momentary, not lasting; so then they have to find something else, and something else, it goes on and on. I have seen people shop and shop and spend and spend trying to make themselves happy, only to find that they could not afford what they bought and are more miserable than before. But for a little while, they brought artificial light to their world to hide the darkness of despair.
There is only One whose Light is everlasting. Jesus is the only Light that the darkness cannot overcome. Darkness is erased when Jesus comes on the scene. His Light pushes the darkness out and as long as His Light is there, darkness cannot return. The one true Light of this world is Jesus and He calls out to all to come to the Light, to live in the Light, to walk in the Light. How will they see the Light unless it is shown to them. Now, I know a lot of folks know that Jesus is the Light and they run from that Light as they do not want all of their sins to be seen.....sounds a little foolish, doesn't it. To run from the Light of the One that knows everything about you, to run from the only Light that can bring you out of darkness; but they run, none the less. Funny thing about sin....it exists as long as you run. When you stop running and surrender to the Lord, the sin is gone from your life. As soon as you repent of the sin, it is gone; and if you follow in the Light, it will not return.
To some people, we may be the only source to show the Light that they know. It is so important that we not hide that Light in our lives but let it shine so brightly that all the world can see that Jesus is the Light of our lives. Show all that Jesus is our Morning Star, our Guiding Light, our Prince of Peace. Let all see Jesus living in us and through us.
It is time that the Light of the world be allowed room in all lives, in all hearts. In the hearts of those who so desperately need the salvation of Jesus, the love of our Savior, and the Light of Heaven, in their hearts are degrees of sin sickness. They hate what they are doing, but they do not know how not to do those things, they seem to have lost self control over what they do, so it keeps on. It is a sickness that has only one cure.....Jesus, the Healer of the world. We need to be so open to others, especially now when this season seems to cause so many to fall into depression and grief. Open your hearts to those who need a kind word, a sweet embrace and a word of Light to come into their day. Let yourselves be used to show just what a difference that Jesus, our Light, can mean to a life. Show everyone the real Light, the true Light, the only Light that can overcome the darkness in this world, and flood out all the artificial light in these lost children of God.
12-20-11
People turn to all kinds of things to escape from their lives. There is a darkness overshadowing so many people on this earth, such a state of mind that they cannot bear what they see. Most of them cannot see where they have put themselves trying to escape the darkness, they cannot see that they have really gone further into the murky deep trying to escape that very thing. They turn to drugs, alcohol, perversions of all sorts, thinking that they can cover up, erase the darkness in their lives, but it is not to be. Any kind of fun for the moment, live while you can, just hide and seek games, but it all is momentary, not lasting; so then they have to find something else, and something else, it goes on and on. I have seen people shop and shop and spend and spend trying to make themselves happy, only to find that they could not afford what they bought and are more miserable than before. But for a little while, they brought artificial light to their world to hide the darkness of despair.
There is only One whose Light is everlasting. Jesus is the only Light that the darkness cannot overcome. Darkness is erased when Jesus comes on the scene. His Light pushes the darkness out and as long as His Light is there, darkness cannot return. The one true Light of this world is Jesus and He calls out to all to come to the Light, to live in the Light, to walk in the Light. How will they see the Light unless it is shown to them. Now, I know a lot of folks know that Jesus is the Light and they run from that Light as they do not want all of their sins to be seen.....sounds a little foolish, doesn't it. To run from the Light of the One that knows everything about you, to run from the only Light that can bring you out of darkness; but they run, none the less. Funny thing about sin....it exists as long as you run. When you stop running and surrender to the Lord, the sin is gone from your life. As soon as you repent of the sin, it is gone; and if you follow in the Light, it will not return.
To some people, we may be the only source to show the Light that they know. It is so important that we not hide that Light in our lives but let it shine so brightly that all the world can see that Jesus is the Light of our lives. Show all that Jesus is our Morning Star, our Guiding Light, our Prince of Peace. Let all see Jesus living in us and through us.
It is time that the Light of the world be allowed room in all lives, in all hearts. In the hearts of those who so desperately need the salvation of Jesus, the love of our Savior, and the Light of Heaven, in their hearts are degrees of sin sickness. They hate what they are doing, but they do not know how not to do those things, they seem to have lost self control over what they do, so it keeps on. It is a sickness that has only one cure.....Jesus, the Healer of the world. We need to be so open to others, especially now when this season seems to cause so many to fall into depression and grief. Open your hearts to those who need a kind word, a sweet embrace and a word of Light to come into their day. Let yourselves be used to show just what a difference that Jesus, our Light, can mean to a life. Show everyone the real Light, the true Light, the only Light that can overcome the darkness in this world, and flood out all the artificial light in these lost children of God.
12-20-11
Monday, December 19, 2011
ONE THING SPOKEN, TWO THINGS HEARD
Psalm 62:11,12 "One thing God has spoken, two things I have heard: that you, O God, are strong, and that you, O Lord, are loving. Surely you will reward each person according to what he has done."
My Lord God, You have so shown me what You can do with so little. That when things are done in Your Name, done for Your glory, amazing things happen. To sing last night, to be able to get the notes right, to do so to bless You, to bring glory to You, I was so blessed. You kept telling me I would sing, and I kept wondering when You would make my congestion go away, when You would give my voice some strength, some volume, waiting for You. But You said sing and so as I made my way to the front last night, I was wondering what would happen when I sang. Were You smiling at me? All I knew is that I was to get up there, talk about the blessed gift of contentment that You had given me and sing, "It is Well with My Soul". Before I began to sing, while the music was playing the introduction, I could see a peacefulness come over so many of the people there. The anointing on the music just bringing peace into the room. And as I began to sing, it did not sound great to me, but I continued to sing and worship You with my heart, with my spirit. I could see Your Spirit move through the room Lord, as people let the words of the song move over them, into their spirits and lift their hearts up to You with love, with their minds flowing with expectation of Your return, when You descend and return for us. What I heard through my ears was not what they heard. What I heard was raspy, broken words with nasalness; what they heard was Your annointed words coming from Your worshiper, from one who loves You so much. You transcended, what the enemy meant to distress me, to disappoint me that I could not do my best for You, You transcended it into a message of Your Power and Peace that would settle in hearts of those hungry for You.
You are strong when I am weak; You are loving to me and never fail me. Where I would have had the enemy taunting me over a messed up song, You made it into such a blessing for Your children there. When I walked up there, I just told You, it was for Your glory, no matter how it sounded, I would sing for You; You never let me down. I praise You my Lord, I worship Your Holy Name.
Thank You my King, for Your loving heart, for Your comforting arms that hold me each day, for You joy that You place in my heart and for Your peace that permeates my soul, my spirit. You spoke to me to sing, and what was heard was Your peace and Your love to all there.
12-19-11
My Lord God, You have so shown me what You can do with so little. That when things are done in Your Name, done for Your glory, amazing things happen. To sing last night, to be able to get the notes right, to do so to bless You, to bring glory to You, I was so blessed. You kept telling me I would sing, and I kept wondering when You would make my congestion go away, when You would give my voice some strength, some volume, waiting for You. But You said sing and so as I made my way to the front last night, I was wondering what would happen when I sang. Were You smiling at me? All I knew is that I was to get up there, talk about the blessed gift of contentment that You had given me and sing, "It is Well with My Soul". Before I began to sing, while the music was playing the introduction, I could see a peacefulness come over so many of the people there. The anointing on the music just bringing peace into the room. And as I began to sing, it did not sound great to me, but I continued to sing and worship You with my heart, with my spirit. I could see Your Spirit move through the room Lord, as people let the words of the song move over them, into their spirits and lift their hearts up to You with love, with their minds flowing with expectation of Your return, when You descend and return for us. What I heard through my ears was not what they heard. What I heard was raspy, broken words with nasalness; what they heard was Your annointed words coming from Your worshiper, from one who loves You so much. You transcended, what the enemy meant to distress me, to disappoint me that I could not do my best for You, You transcended it into a message of Your Power and Peace that would settle in hearts of those hungry for You.
You are strong when I am weak; You are loving to me and never fail me. Where I would have had the enemy taunting me over a messed up song, You made it into such a blessing for Your children there. When I walked up there, I just told You, it was for Your glory, no matter how it sounded, I would sing for You; You never let me down. I praise You my Lord, I worship Your Holy Name.
Thank You my King, for Your loving heart, for Your comforting arms that hold me each day, for You joy that You place in my heart and for Your peace that permeates my soul, my spirit. You spoke to me to sing, and what was heard was Your peace and Your love to all there.
12-19-11
Sunday, December 18, 2011
UNDER HIS CARE
Psalm 95:7 "For He is our God and we are the people of his pasture, the flock under his care."
As I was reading this scripture, the Lord showed me something so true of His children. If we go to a doctor, we are considered under the doctor's care. And a lot of doctors if you don't follow their instructions, do what they tell you to do, then they will just not mess with you, you can go to another doctor. So like it is expected we follow what the doctor tells us to do.
But the Word specifically tells us that we are the people of God's pasture and we are under His care. What does that imply to you? It definitely tells me that we should be following His instructions, that we should be doing what He gives us in the Word to live by, instructions for healthy, prosperous living. Living the life that our Father designed for us to live. But how often do we follow these instructions. How often do we just follow a while and decide well, I don't think this is working, or we get impatient for God's plan and just decide to do our own thing again. The results are sicker bodies, sicker minds, sicker spirits, misery upon misery. Wondering why we are having such a hard time, we tend to complain to the Lord and never think that if we would have just followed His instructions, this would have not happened.
What, also, if the Lord, after seeing you just ignore His instructions, what if He just told you to go somewhere else, that if you did not want to do what He said, He was done with you. We would be in a real mess. But You O Lord, are our God and Father and You continue to call to us, time after time, to come to You. You never give up on us, You keep calling us to come to You when we need healing, when we need comfort, when we need rest. Your love never fails us, You never leave us.
Father, take my hand, let me follow after You and keep to Your commands for me. Let me not waver and complain. Let me know that if I don't see the results when I think they should be there, that I must keep my faith and my trust in You alone, let me know You are always working in me and on my behalf to bring about the desired results that will glorify You alone.
I thank You Lord, that You are my Great Physician, and that I am always under Your care, that You care so deeply for me.
12-18-11
As I was reading this scripture, the Lord showed me something so true of His children. If we go to a doctor, we are considered under the doctor's care. And a lot of doctors if you don't follow their instructions, do what they tell you to do, then they will just not mess with you, you can go to another doctor. So like it is expected we follow what the doctor tells us to do.
But the Word specifically tells us that we are the people of God's pasture and we are under His care. What does that imply to you? It definitely tells me that we should be following His instructions, that we should be doing what He gives us in the Word to live by, instructions for healthy, prosperous living. Living the life that our Father designed for us to live. But how often do we follow these instructions. How often do we just follow a while and decide well, I don't think this is working, or we get impatient for God's plan and just decide to do our own thing again. The results are sicker bodies, sicker minds, sicker spirits, misery upon misery. Wondering why we are having such a hard time, we tend to complain to the Lord and never think that if we would have just followed His instructions, this would have not happened.
What, also, if the Lord, after seeing you just ignore His instructions, what if He just told you to go somewhere else, that if you did not want to do what He said, He was done with you. We would be in a real mess. But You O Lord, are our God and Father and You continue to call to us, time after time, to come to You. You never give up on us, You keep calling us to come to You when we need healing, when we need comfort, when we need rest. Your love never fails us, You never leave us.
Father, take my hand, let me follow after You and keep to Your commands for me. Let me not waver and complain. Let me know that if I don't see the results when I think they should be there, that I must keep my faith and my trust in You alone, let me know You are always working in me and on my behalf to bring about the desired results that will glorify You alone.
I thank You Lord, that You are my Great Physician, and that I am always under Your care, that You care so deeply for me.
12-18-11
Saturday, December 17, 2011
THE GIFT
Ephesians 2:8 "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith....and this not from yourselves, it is a gift of God."
Have you ever seen a package wrapped so pretty you did not want to open it and destroy the package? Like seeing a cake decorated so beautiful you did not want to cut it to taste it and destroy the decoration. Of course in both cases you will lose as if you don't open the package, you will never know what it contains, and if you don't cut the cake you will never know the sweet taste of it. When you look at it like this it sounds a little foolish, but I can see how so many people treat the Holy Spirit the same way.
The Holy Spirit comes, bringing the wonderful gifts of the Lord and so many are afraid to let the Holy Spirit operate in their lives, to bring about those wonderful gifts that the Lord wants us to have. We cannot operate in the gifts of the Lord, the gifts of the Spirit unless we allow the Holy Spirit to work in our lives. By stiffling the Holy Spirit, we are looking at the outward beauty of the gift without allowing ourselves to experience the gift itself. We can say we have the gift of prophesy as we hear things from the Lord, but unless we allow the Holy Spirit to bring those words of the Lord into our spirit through Him, we will never have them leave our mouths. They will remain locked inside. Inside the unopened gift.
Whatever our ministry is, it is the ministry of the Lord, not of ourselves and if we are trying to do it on our terms, it will amoiunt to an unopened gift. We are who we are through God's gift to us. All the ministry, if the ministry is of the Lord, all of it comes from Him through the Holy Spirit operating in us. Leading and directing us with His gentle ways, His soft voice, His direct conviction when we are in error. The beautiful grace of God, such a sweet gift to us, giving us all we need to do the work He has brought us to do. We need to surrender to our Lord, yield to the Holy Spirit and let the gifts that the Lord has given us be fully developed and opened up within us; letting the Lord flow through us, using our vessels as His work room and His channel to all.
No matter how pretty the package is, it is what is inside the package that is the gift. Let the Holy Spirit have His way, let Him work through you and have that gift opened up so that it will glorify our Lord. It is not the package, but the gift that is from the Lord. He made you, you are His vessel, it is His gifts that He wants to bring out of you. Let the Holy Spirit work in you, work through you, and let the gifts of the Lord be fully functionable to glorify Him alone.
12-17-11
Have you ever seen a package wrapped so pretty you did not want to open it and destroy the package? Like seeing a cake decorated so beautiful you did not want to cut it to taste it and destroy the decoration. Of course in both cases you will lose as if you don't open the package, you will never know what it contains, and if you don't cut the cake you will never know the sweet taste of it. When you look at it like this it sounds a little foolish, but I can see how so many people treat the Holy Spirit the same way.
The Holy Spirit comes, bringing the wonderful gifts of the Lord and so many are afraid to let the Holy Spirit operate in their lives, to bring about those wonderful gifts that the Lord wants us to have. We cannot operate in the gifts of the Lord, the gifts of the Spirit unless we allow the Holy Spirit to work in our lives. By stiffling the Holy Spirit, we are looking at the outward beauty of the gift without allowing ourselves to experience the gift itself. We can say we have the gift of prophesy as we hear things from the Lord, but unless we allow the Holy Spirit to bring those words of the Lord into our spirit through Him, we will never have them leave our mouths. They will remain locked inside. Inside the unopened gift.
Whatever our ministry is, it is the ministry of the Lord, not of ourselves and if we are trying to do it on our terms, it will amoiunt to an unopened gift. We are who we are through God's gift to us. All the ministry, if the ministry is of the Lord, all of it comes from Him through the Holy Spirit operating in us. Leading and directing us with His gentle ways, His soft voice, His direct conviction when we are in error. The beautiful grace of God, such a sweet gift to us, giving us all we need to do the work He has brought us to do. We need to surrender to our Lord, yield to the Holy Spirit and let the gifts that the Lord has given us be fully developed and opened up within us; letting the Lord flow through us, using our vessels as His work room and His channel to all.
No matter how pretty the package is, it is what is inside the package that is the gift. Let the Holy Spirit have His way, let Him work through you and have that gift opened up so that it will glorify our Lord. It is not the package, but the gift that is from the Lord. He made you, you are His vessel, it is His gifts that He wants to bring out of you. Let the Holy Spirit work in you, work through you, and let the gifts of the Lord be fully functionable to glorify Him alone.
12-17-11
Friday, December 16, 2011
CHILD OF THE KING
Matthew 2:11 "And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh."
How wonderful to have been in the presence, in the beautiful presence of the young Child with these kings. They knew instantly that this was Royalty at its highest. They knew there was no one above Him, and they fell to their knees and worshiped Him. They opened their treasures. They presented gifts to Him.
Well, I am not a king, but I am a child of the King. And as I was reading these scriptures, the Holy Spirit opened them up for me. Like the kings that opened their treasures, the Holy Spirit told me my treasure was my heart. And as I open up my heart for my King Jesus, it opened up the way for me to present Him with my gifts. I have no gold and I am sure the costs of frankincense and myrrh is quite spendy. But the Lord has assured me that my gifts to Him are as dear as these were so many years ago. My open heart is a gift in itself. The Lord said that when I opened my heart and invited Him inside to search through out and see if there was anything there that I loved more that He, to see if there was anything unclean or unpure that would hinder my relationship with Him, it was a sweet, precious gift to Him. It is an open heart, for Him to see all. Then I offer Him all my love. One of the greatest gifts you can give to our Lord is all your love. Putting the Lord above all else and loving Him so dearly is a beautiful gift to Him. I also bring Him praise. I can sing praises to Him with all my heart, thanking Him for His goodness, just for who He is, my King. And I will worship Him from the bottom of my being, my soul filled with phrases of sweet songs from my spirit flowing up to His throne. My gifts to Him, not costly in worldly value, but all of me that there is, and that is precious to my Lord.
As a child of the King, I get to visit with Him. He comes sweeping down as I worship Him, and flows through me and all around me, just delighting in my love for Him, and giving me my hearts desire. It doesn't get more special than this, it is the best of all gifts there is, our sweet intimate relationship. How sweet this gift is to my King and it is a gift to me also.
No, I wasn't there over two thousand years ago when these kings presented their gifts to the King, but I get to be here now and with Him forever in eternity. My gifts will go on daily to Him and His gifts to me will never end. I am sure I am getting the best of this relationship, but my Lord and King tells me He is loving every moment of it, and He, as myself, never want it to end. I just want to spend each day, walking through my life, holding the hand of my King. Can you see us walking now, just His worshiper....... the child and the King.
How wonderful to have been in the presence, in the beautiful presence of the young Child with these kings. They knew instantly that this was Royalty at its highest. They knew there was no one above Him, and they fell to their knees and worshiped Him. They opened their treasures. They presented gifts to Him.
Well, I am not a king, but I am a child of the King. And as I was reading these scriptures, the Holy Spirit opened them up for me. Like the kings that opened their treasures, the Holy Spirit told me my treasure was my heart. And as I open up my heart for my King Jesus, it opened up the way for me to present Him with my gifts. I have no gold and I am sure the costs of frankincense and myrrh is quite spendy. But the Lord has assured me that my gifts to Him are as dear as these were so many years ago. My open heart is a gift in itself. The Lord said that when I opened my heart and invited Him inside to search through out and see if there was anything there that I loved more that He, to see if there was anything unclean or unpure that would hinder my relationship with Him, it was a sweet, precious gift to Him. It is an open heart, for Him to see all. Then I offer Him all my love. One of the greatest gifts you can give to our Lord is all your love. Putting the Lord above all else and loving Him so dearly is a beautiful gift to Him. I also bring Him praise. I can sing praises to Him with all my heart, thanking Him for His goodness, just for who He is, my King. And I will worship Him from the bottom of my being, my soul filled with phrases of sweet songs from my spirit flowing up to His throne. My gifts to Him, not costly in worldly value, but all of me that there is, and that is precious to my Lord.
As a child of the King, I get to visit with Him. He comes sweeping down as I worship Him, and flows through me and all around me, just delighting in my love for Him, and giving me my hearts desire. It doesn't get more special than this, it is the best of all gifts there is, our sweet intimate relationship. How sweet this gift is to my King and it is a gift to me also.
No, I wasn't there over two thousand years ago when these kings presented their gifts to the King, but I get to be here now and with Him forever in eternity. My gifts will go on daily to Him and His gifts to me will never end. I am sure I am getting the best of this relationship, but my Lord and King tells me He is loving every moment of it, and He, as myself, never want it to end. I just want to spend each day, walking through my life, holding the hand of my King. Can you see us walking now, just His worshiper....... the child and the King.
Thursday, December 15, 2011
PLACE FOR THE WEARY
Matthew 11:28 "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."
As I watched in the store today, I could see the wrinkled foreheads, the turned down mouths, the eyes that did not see anyone around them. Like sheep loose without a shepherd, wandering aisle to aisle, focused on getting done, finish everything up for Christmas. Hurry, hurry, hurry.
What does this gain us? Are we so focused on making sure everyone has a gift, that everyone is taken care of that we miss the joy and excitement this time of year brings. I can remember as a child, it was such a joyous ocassion, Christmas. Of course I was like all youngsters, waiting for Santa to come. It was an illusion given to most children. When I got older, I realized it was not so much that it was about Santa, but that the very statement, Santa is watching you to see if you are naughty or nice. And we heard the tales about a stocking full or sticks and coal. Stockings were hanging heavily on Christmas morning. But stockings usually were filled with fruit and nuts, perhaps a small toy. Today stockings can contain a couple of hundred dollars of stuff.....just stuff. But we looked forward to it with anticipation. We always had the Christmas story told us before we went to bed, and talked about Jesus' birthday. But raised in a denominational church, Santa was a big thing.
Now I believe that santa should take a backseat to our Lord. He should have always, but slowly, slowly we learn. As the Lord comes into our hearts and the Holy Spirit begins to draw us to worship, draw us to love the Lord with all our hearts, we want to celebrate the real Christmas, the real reason for it...Jesus. The place of rest for all those who overdo at this time of year. Worrying about how they will manage to buy all they should, go all the places there are invited to go and just go and go and go.
By the time Christmas day gets here, they are so weary, they don't even think about the reason for the day. Their only thought is "let's get this day over with as soon as we can". They are so tired that they have forgotten about Jesus.
But Jesus has not forgotten them, He thinks of us all the time. Jesus is waiting, waiting for us to come to Him, to let Him enfold us in His arms and give us rest. He is waiting to show us the real importance of the season. He came, He died, He rose again....all for us. So we could be with Him always, so we could know the Father, so we could have the Comforter with us each day. There is a chorus, "Come to Jesus, come to Jesus". That is all that is needed for true rest; true peace. That is all that is necessary to regain the true meaning of the season. It is not gifts, it is not food, it is the enjoyment of family, the acknowledgement of our Savior, Jesus, and thanksgiving to Him for giving us life in Him, for healing our bodies, for giving us rest.
There is a reason for the season....Jesus, for the birth of Jesus. The only reason. Come to Jesus and regain the truth of this time of year.....relax in Him and let your family see the real meaning of Christmas in you. Rest in the Lord, let His beautiful peace give you the gift you are looking for. It is perfect for everyone.
As I watched in the store today, I could see the wrinkled foreheads, the turned down mouths, the eyes that did not see anyone around them. Like sheep loose without a shepherd, wandering aisle to aisle, focused on getting done, finish everything up for Christmas. Hurry, hurry, hurry.
What does this gain us? Are we so focused on making sure everyone has a gift, that everyone is taken care of that we miss the joy and excitement this time of year brings. I can remember as a child, it was such a joyous ocassion, Christmas. Of course I was like all youngsters, waiting for Santa to come. It was an illusion given to most children. When I got older, I realized it was not so much that it was about Santa, but that the very statement, Santa is watching you to see if you are naughty or nice. And we heard the tales about a stocking full or sticks and coal. Stockings were hanging heavily on Christmas morning. But stockings usually were filled with fruit and nuts, perhaps a small toy. Today stockings can contain a couple of hundred dollars of stuff.....just stuff. But we looked forward to it with anticipation. We always had the Christmas story told us before we went to bed, and talked about Jesus' birthday. But raised in a denominational church, Santa was a big thing.
Now I believe that santa should take a backseat to our Lord. He should have always, but slowly, slowly we learn. As the Lord comes into our hearts and the Holy Spirit begins to draw us to worship, draw us to love the Lord with all our hearts, we want to celebrate the real Christmas, the real reason for it...Jesus. The place of rest for all those who overdo at this time of year. Worrying about how they will manage to buy all they should, go all the places there are invited to go and just go and go and go.
By the time Christmas day gets here, they are so weary, they don't even think about the reason for the day. Their only thought is "let's get this day over with as soon as we can". They are so tired that they have forgotten about Jesus.
But Jesus has not forgotten them, He thinks of us all the time. Jesus is waiting, waiting for us to come to Him, to let Him enfold us in His arms and give us rest. He is waiting to show us the real importance of the season. He came, He died, He rose again....all for us. So we could be with Him always, so we could know the Father, so we could have the Comforter with us each day. There is a chorus, "Come to Jesus, come to Jesus". That is all that is needed for true rest; true peace. That is all that is necessary to regain the true meaning of the season. It is not gifts, it is not food, it is the enjoyment of family, the acknowledgement of our Savior, Jesus, and thanksgiving to Him for giving us life in Him, for healing our bodies, for giving us rest.
There is a reason for the season....Jesus, for the birth of Jesus. The only reason. Come to Jesus and regain the truth of this time of year.....relax in Him and let your family see the real meaning of Christmas in you. Rest in the Lord, let His beautiful peace give you the gift you are looking for. It is perfect for everyone.
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
WHEN YOU MEET THE REAL YOU
Deuteronomy 4:29 "But from there you will seek the Lord your God, and you will find Him if you seek Him with all your heart and with all your soul."
I was watchinig a movie about a man who had quite a mean exterior and had to search really hard to find himself. It's strange when all leave you and it is just you and God. There is no place to hide, no place to pretend any longer that you are someone you are not, it is just plain ol' you....and God. People have different reasons for the shell that coats their inner self. Some have been badly hurt, disappointed in life, lost someone very precious to them; to cover up what is inside, instead of giving it all to the Lord, they just become someone they are not.
Some people come across very nice and sweet, so many are dear Christian people, and the outer person you see is so wonderful, but the inner person you cannot see is living in misery, in complete misery, they are dying inside. The joy you see is not in them, it is just an acquired cloak in which they veil themselves. Do you know people like this? Or do you think someone you know might be completely living a lie to themselves. Are you like this?
You will meet the real you. You do this when you are alone, no one around but you...and God. You may not know He is there, but He is. He will stay quiet and wait on you to call to Him, but He won't leave you. You may be lonely but you are not alone. The reason you are lonely is because you are afraid someone will see beyond that frame you have the picture of who you want to be in. You have really taken a beating from the ol' enemy have you not? Lies upon lies have been poured into your mind and the shame of it, you believed them. Have you not thought of calling on the Lord? Have you given up after hearing so many lies from satan? "He doesn't care, look at yourself, who could love you, why would He love you, you don't love yourself, you don't deserve anything good", the thoughts go on and on, don't they? You read the Word of God only to have it fall on deaf ears as it is just a routine with you, your mind dwelling on the lies.
Today it is time to meet the real you. To put aside all the thoughts that have hindered you, look inside you. Find that place where you stopped trusting the Lord, where you began believing He did not care for you, did not love you. Look, it is there....and it is time to get into that place where God was so real to you. He is still real to you, He is still loving you, He is still there waiting for your call. Just reach out to Jesus, call His sweet Name...Jesus.....Jesus. He is holding His arms open for you to walk into. He loves you; you are beautiful to Him; you mean the world to Him, so much so that He came to earth as a baby to give you the very life that you are denying yourself. He died to give you a beautiful relationship with the Father. This is the real you. The person that was so important that Jesus died for you. The one that was loved so dearly that Jesus went to hell to break those chains of bondage that have held you captive for so long. Speak life over yourself in Jesus Name. Speak love over yourself in Jesus Name. In Jesus Name cast out all those demonic lies that have held you captive. In Jesus Name draw in His breathe of life, let Him restore your spirit. Let the Holy Spirit come and comfort you, minister to you, and refresh you. In Jesus Name.....be healed, body, soul and spirit.
Now take another look inside of you. Quite the difference isn't there? It is the Name of Jesus where the difference lies. When the enemy comes again, and he will; in Jesus Name rebuke those thoughts and put your hand in the hand of the One who loves you and will never forsake you. Jesus....Jesus. Don't let go of the peace He offers. Now the inside of you matches the outside of you. The person people see is now the person you are. Don't let go ever....Jesus will never let go of you. Seek Him always, He has redeemed you. Now thank the Lord for His goodness, for His love, for your life...your life in Him....Jesus.
12-14-11
I was watchinig a movie about a man who had quite a mean exterior and had to search really hard to find himself. It's strange when all leave you and it is just you and God. There is no place to hide, no place to pretend any longer that you are someone you are not, it is just plain ol' you....and God. People have different reasons for the shell that coats their inner self. Some have been badly hurt, disappointed in life, lost someone very precious to them; to cover up what is inside, instead of giving it all to the Lord, they just become someone they are not.
Some people come across very nice and sweet, so many are dear Christian people, and the outer person you see is so wonderful, but the inner person you cannot see is living in misery, in complete misery, they are dying inside. The joy you see is not in them, it is just an acquired cloak in which they veil themselves. Do you know people like this? Or do you think someone you know might be completely living a lie to themselves. Are you like this?
You will meet the real you. You do this when you are alone, no one around but you...and God. You may not know He is there, but He is. He will stay quiet and wait on you to call to Him, but He won't leave you. You may be lonely but you are not alone. The reason you are lonely is because you are afraid someone will see beyond that frame you have the picture of who you want to be in. You have really taken a beating from the ol' enemy have you not? Lies upon lies have been poured into your mind and the shame of it, you believed them. Have you not thought of calling on the Lord? Have you given up after hearing so many lies from satan? "He doesn't care, look at yourself, who could love you, why would He love you, you don't love yourself, you don't deserve anything good", the thoughts go on and on, don't they? You read the Word of God only to have it fall on deaf ears as it is just a routine with you, your mind dwelling on the lies.
Today it is time to meet the real you. To put aside all the thoughts that have hindered you, look inside you. Find that place where you stopped trusting the Lord, where you began believing He did not care for you, did not love you. Look, it is there....and it is time to get into that place where God was so real to you. He is still real to you, He is still loving you, He is still there waiting for your call. Just reach out to Jesus, call His sweet Name...Jesus.....Jesus. He is holding His arms open for you to walk into. He loves you; you are beautiful to Him; you mean the world to Him, so much so that He came to earth as a baby to give you the very life that you are denying yourself. He died to give you a beautiful relationship with the Father. This is the real you. The person that was so important that Jesus died for you. The one that was loved so dearly that Jesus went to hell to break those chains of bondage that have held you captive for so long. Speak life over yourself in Jesus Name. Speak love over yourself in Jesus Name. In Jesus Name cast out all those demonic lies that have held you captive. In Jesus Name draw in His breathe of life, let Him restore your spirit. Let the Holy Spirit come and comfort you, minister to you, and refresh you. In Jesus Name.....be healed, body, soul and spirit.
Now take another look inside of you. Quite the difference isn't there? It is the Name of Jesus where the difference lies. When the enemy comes again, and he will; in Jesus Name rebuke those thoughts and put your hand in the hand of the One who loves you and will never forsake you. Jesus....Jesus. Don't let go of the peace He offers. Now the inside of you matches the outside of you. The person people see is now the person you are. Don't let go ever....Jesus will never let go of you. Seek Him always, He has redeemed you. Now thank the Lord for His goodness, for His love, for your life...your life in Him....Jesus.
12-14-11
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
A SONG OF REJOICING
Luke 1:46--47 "And Mary said: My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior."
What an awesome assignment Mary received from God. An angel came to tell her that she would conceive of the Holy Spirit of God and become the mother of the Savior of the world. Wonderful and bewildering at the same time. But she trusted God, and from her heart she worshiped Him, sang a new song to Him alone in thanksgiving for God's recognition of her, just a handmaiden. She was no one of special worth to the world, but to God she was perfect. He saw her heart, and knew of her devotion to Him. He knew no matter what came, Mary would trust Him completely and obey everything He told her to do. She would follow Him and her love and trust would never waver.
Such an example Mary is for us, God's daughters. Sons, as well, for the factor here is not that of Mary's gender, but her heart, her trust, her faith, her obedience. Mary did not understand everything that was going to happen, she was not a great scholar, or of royal birth. What made her special to the Lord was her complete abandonment of worldly treasures for what she had in God. For her love of the Lord was greater than her love of the world. Not even the thought of what shame might come to her, being an unwed mother, dampened the joy of knowing that she would give birth to the Son of God. She trusted the Lord to take care of all the details of her life. Once she gave her life to Him, she put her complete trust in His ability to care for her and to protect her. Complete trust in each day with God, no matter what it looked like to the eye, it was what it looked like in the spirit that mattered.
Each day can bring new trials, different circumstances, temptations thrown at us by the enemy....but as we walk with the Lord, as we trust in Him completely, in His fellowship with us, His love for us, each day should bring a song of rejoicing. A new song, rising from your soul, from deep within your spirit, a new song to the Lord of your love for Him, thanksgiving for His love for you, singing to the Lover of your soul all the day long. Even in a crowd your spirit can sing a rejoicing song. The only evidence others may see of this song is the beautiful smile and complete peace on your face. Trusting Jesus, knowing that He is there with you through it all, to guide and protect you, to give you grace and more grace as needed, and to love you unconditionally forever.
My Lord, how I love You. I know your chosing me, calling me to follow You was an exciting day for me; I had no idea of where it would lead. I can look back and see the mountain I went around a few times before I completely gave myself to Your keeping. But once I saw I could trust You with everything, once You showed me how faithful You were to me, there was no more holding back from You. And look at where I am now. I believe there is going to be more and more of what You will do in my life. I know You have only begun to do a work in me and that You have something very special in mind for me to do for You. I am Yours, O Lord, always Yours. I am so excited to be Your vessel, for You to dwell in and to use for Your Glory. Thank You, my Lord. May my song of rejoicing bring delight and pleasure to You, my God. I am Your contented worshiper; just Your worshiper who loves You with all my heart.
The Lord has a plan for each of those that have responded to His call, and are called by His Name. He loves the way we have come to Him, loving Him, rejoicing in His love. No holding back, no turning away, just following Him, loving Him, trusting Him. As we grow in the Lord, as He brings so many of us together, let us become as one in Him, let our song rise up from the hearts of us all and sing our praises to Him, sing of our love for Him, thanking Him with the sweetness of the words we sing, let us join together in a song of rejoicing.
12-13-11
What an awesome assignment Mary received from God. An angel came to tell her that she would conceive of the Holy Spirit of God and become the mother of the Savior of the world. Wonderful and bewildering at the same time. But she trusted God, and from her heart she worshiped Him, sang a new song to Him alone in thanksgiving for God's recognition of her, just a handmaiden. She was no one of special worth to the world, but to God she was perfect. He saw her heart, and knew of her devotion to Him. He knew no matter what came, Mary would trust Him completely and obey everything He told her to do. She would follow Him and her love and trust would never waver.
Such an example Mary is for us, God's daughters. Sons, as well, for the factor here is not that of Mary's gender, but her heart, her trust, her faith, her obedience. Mary did not understand everything that was going to happen, she was not a great scholar, or of royal birth. What made her special to the Lord was her complete abandonment of worldly treasures for what she had in God. For her love of the Lord was greater than her love of the world. Not even the thought of what shame might come to her, being an unwed mother, dampened the joy of knowing that she would give birth to the Son of God. She trusted the Lord to take care of all the details of her life. Once she gave her life to Him, she put her complete trust in His ability to care for her and to protect her. Complete trust in each day with God, no matter what it looked like to the eye, it was what it looked like in the spirit that mattered.
Each day can bring new trials, different circumstances, temptations thrown at us by the enemy....but as we walk with the Lord, as we trust in Him completely, in His fellowship with us, His love for us, each day should bring a song of rejoicing. A new song, rising from your soul, from deep within your spirit, a new song to the Lord of your love for Him, thanksgiving for His love for you, singing to the Lover of your soul all the day long. Even in a crowd your spirit can sing a rejoicing song. The only evidence others may see of this song is the beautiful smile and complete peace on your face. Trusting Jesus, knowing that He is there with you through it all, to guide and protect you, to give you grace and more grace as needed, and to love you unconditionally forever.
My Lord, how I love You. I know your chosing me, calling me to follow You was an exciting day for me; I had no idea of where it would lead. I can look back and see the mountain I went around a few times before I completely gave myself to Your keeping. But once I saw I could trust You with everything, once You showed me how faithful You were to me, there was no more holding back from You. And look at where I am now. I believe there is going to be more and more of what You will do in my life. I know You have only begun to do a work in me and that You have something very special in mind for me to do for You. I am Yours, O Lord, always Yours. I am so excited to be Your vessel, for You to dwell in and to use for Your Glory. Thank You, my Lord. May my song of rejoicing bring delight and pleasure to You, my God. I am Your contented worshiper; just Your worshiper who loves You with all my heart.
The Lord has a plan for each of those that have responded to His call, and are called by His Name. He loves the way we have come to Him, loving Him, rejoicing in His love. No holding back, no turning away, just following Him, loving Him, trusting Him. As we grow in the Lord, as He brings so many of us together, let us become as one in Him, let our song rise up from the hearts of us all and sing our praises to Him, sing of our love for Him, thanking Him with the sweetness of the words we sing, let us join together in a song of rejoicing.
12-13-11
Monday, December 12, 2011
THE PREPARED HEART
Luke 2:19 "But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart."
Several times in Luke, the scriptures tell us that Mary treasured up things and pondered them in her heart. When the shepherds came, when Jesus stayed at the temple as a boy, Mary listened to what was said and kept them inside her, thinking about them, giving them much thought. I believe she kept so many things in her heart; going back and thinking over the things that happened, what was said, how it would affect her son, how it would affect her.
When the wise men came bringing gifts, they came to the house where Jesus lived with Mary and Joseph. When the wise men saw the child they bowed down and worshiped Him. Then they gave Jesus their gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. I wondered what Mary thought when she saw the myrrh knowing it was used for balming of a body after death. I believe she keep this in her heart and spent a lot of time thinking of it. I can imagine her asking God what it meant. What was it for? And I am sure she prayed for the safety of her son.
What a joy it must have been for Mary, giving birth to this baby. What was so fearful for her in the beginning, an unwed mother engaged. How would she explain things to Joseph. What would he do. But she truly had no worries, for as God had prepared her heart to receive the gift of being the mother of His Son, He also prepared the heart of Joseph, letting him know that Mary was a virgin still, and that she was specially chosen. Mary, chosen because of her love for her God, her obedience to Him.
The Lord never acts upon His children without preparing their hearts. He always readies the spirit of man, of woman, to receive His Word, His message, His love. When you see someone that is taking a long time to come to the Lord, when you know that the Lord is dealing with them, then you know that they have a hardened heart. It takes some time to soften some hearts. But our Lord is patient, He will not give up on a heart that He desires to become His alone. He will keep going back again and again, planting seed, watering the seed, nuturing the seed. And then just at the right time, when the heart is truly prepared, the Holy Spirit draws out of that child those words of desperation, "Father, help me"! And the Lord comes right away, and lifts that one out of the depths of despair and saves them. Their heart has been prepared, and now that heart is filled with love for the Lord.
Think back on when you finally gave your all to the Lord. Remember how patient He was with you, how He wooed you slowly but surely into His arms. Thank You, Lord, thank You.
Hearts will be prepared. We can help as the Lord leads. We can openly worship the Lord, live our lives as an open book of His goodness and mercy. Let our hearts be constantly renewed in our Lord. Let not bitterness come into your heart, let not envy, strife, jealously, hate come in. At the first sign of something like this, ask the Lord immediately to help you, to rid you of it. Give it to Him right away. It is a slow tear down of the relationship between you and the Lord. Our hearts must always be kept unto our God, only unto Him. Pure, holy, righteous He makes us, we must let Him keep us that way.
Father, thank You for preparing our hearts to worship You, to thank You, to please You. Search our hearts daily Lord, and if anything be found that is not of You, please Lord, cut it out. Let it not stay there to fester and grow. I love You so much, my Lord. You are everything to me. I always want to stay before You, always with a prepared heart.
12-12-11
Several times in Luke, the scriptures tell us that Mary treasured up things and pondered them in her heart. When the shepherds came, when Jesus stayed at the temple as a boy, Mary listened to what was said and kept them inside her, thinking about them, giving them much thought. I believe she kept so many things in her heart; going back and thinking over the things that happened, what was said, how it would affect her son, how it would affect her.
When the wise men came bringing gifts, they came to the house where Jesus lived with Mary and Joseph. When the wise men saw the child they bowed down and worshiped Him. Then they gave Jesus their gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. I wondered what Mary thought when she saw the myrrh knowing it was used for balming of a body after death. I believe she keep this in her heart and spent a lot of time thinking of it. I can imagine her asking God what it meant. What was it for? And I am sure she prayed for the safety of her son.
What a joy it must have been for Mary, giving birth to this baby. What was so fearful for her in the beginning, an unwed mother engaged. How would she explain things to Joseph. What would he do. But she truly had no worries, for as God had prepared her heart to receive the gift of being the mother of His Son, He also prepared the heart of Joseph, letting him know that Mary was a virgin still, and that she was specially chosen. Mary, chosen because of her love for her God, her obedience to Him.
The Lord never acts upon His children without preparing their hearts. He always readies the spirit of man, of woman, to receive His Word, His message, His love. When you see someone that is taking a long time to come to the Lord, when you know that the Lord is dealing with them, then you know that they have a hardened heart. It takes some time to soften some hearts. But our Lord is patient, He will not give up on a heart that He desires to become His alone. He will keep going back again and again, planting seed, watering the seed, nuturing the seed. And then just at the right time, when the heart is truly prepared, the Holy Spirit draws out of that child those words of desperation, "Father, help me"! And the Lord comes right away, and lifts that one out of the depths of despair and saves them. Their heart has been prepared, and now that heart is filled with love for the Lord.
Think back on when you finally gave your all to the Lord. Remember how patient He was with you, how He wooed you slowly but surely into His arms. Thank You, Lord, thank You.
Hearts will be prepared. We can help as the Lord leads. We can openly worship the Lord, live our lives as an open book of His goodness and mercy. Let our hearts be constantly renewed in our Lord. Let not bitterness come into your heart, let not envy, strife, jealously, hate come in. At the first sign of something like this, ask the Lord immediately to help you, to rid you of it. Give it to Him right away. It is a slow tear down of the relationship between you and the Lord. Our hearts must always be kept unto our God, only unto Him. Pure, holy, righteous He makes us, we must let Him keep us that way.
Father, thank You for preparing our hearts to worship You, to thank You, to please You. Search our hearts daily Lord, and if anything be found that is not of You, please Lord, cut it out. Let it not stay there to fester and grow. I love You so much, my Lord. You are everything to me. I always want to stay before You, always with a prepared heart.
12-12-11
Sunday, December 11, 2011
ANGELS KEEPING WATCH
Matthew 18:10 "Take heed that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that in heaven their angels always see the face of My Father, who is in heaven."
In my quiet time with my Lord yesterday, and some the day before, the Lord began giving me thoughts about His angels. I feel that each of us have an angel assigned to us from birth, watching over us, ready to intervene, lend a hand, steady us, protect us as the Father leads them to. I do not believe they do anything without the voice of our God instructing them to do so. Everything the angels do is at the bidding and command of the Lord God Almighty. But they are there, keeping watch over us, never far, just there. Have you ever caught a glimpse of movement near you and no one was there, but you felt incredibe ease, it was not fearful. I believe sometimes we actually get a glimpse of the movement of those sweet, heavenly spirits that never leave us. But this is not where my heart went, where my spirit took me concerning the angels.
The angels were present at the birth of our Savior. I do not believe they ever left His side from the time He was born until He returned to His position next to our Father. They never left Him. From the time He was born, learning to walk, playing, doing all the normal things of a child, and then those unusual things that He would do; speaking in the temple to the priests. Mary and Joseph truly had no fear for the angels were keeping watch over Jesus and no harm would come to Him....then.
My heart has just grieved as I thought of these angels. I believe just as the Holy Spirit is present with us, loving us, grieving over us, that angels have these emotions also. Not in the same manner, but I believe all of God's creations have emotions. It is the way of our God who has such emotion, such beautiful emotion, and so, He gave it to all creations. The angels, how they loved our Lord Jesus. They came from heaven where they had been worshiping Him for so long, followed Him to earth as He became a baby. I am sure they enjoyed the good times, rejoicing over Him as a child, full of emotion as Mary and Joseph loved Him, cherished Him. When the Kings came to give honor to Him, and pay tribute to Him, the angels sang loud and clear as they did when the shepherds came. Glory to God in the Highest, Hallelujah; what beauty filled the skies with their song.
Then came the temptation from satan. I think satan was boasting in front of them, acting like he could tempt their charge, our Savior, into sin. When he failed, I feel these angels rejoiced and sang again, filling the skies with glorious melodies. And then, in the garden, as they stood watch, they saw the soldiers come and take Him. As they watched, they saw their Beloved beaten, stuck over and over, and could do nothing. Can you imagine their desire to step in and simply dismantle those soldiers, strike dead the Jewish leaders for wanting the Son of God destroyed because they were jealous, because they were afraid of losing their followers to Jesus? But the angels could do nothing, because it was not the will of the Father. So all they could do was watch, and weep.....
They were on the road as He came up that hill. Wanting to take the cross from Him, wanting to lift Him up on their wings and take Him away from this torture....but could not. It was not the Father's will. On the cross, as their Lord cried of His thirst, they could do nothing. But they never left His side, they were always there, watching and waiting for word from God to step in and take care of Jesus, their charge. I believe they were inside the tomb with Jesus when His spirit descended into hell, and when He arose, again their voices filled the skies with Hallelujahs, and Glory in the Highest. For now their Jesus, the Beloved of Heaven, was again alive, restored, and they could cease their tears and sing of heaven's joy.
We, I know I have, have made my angel cry. I believe my angel has had to watch sometimes while I went through things, not able to help, but waiting as the Lord has brought me low so I could recognize His mercy, His love and grace. So I could be brought back to the cross to realize the reason my Savior died, the reason the angels cried, the reason I now live in freedom from sin. And when I came back to my God, knowing that I loved Him with all my heart and would never leave His side again, I know the angels sang, filling the heavenlies with Joy, Joy, Blessed Joy; Hallelujahs.
All of us have angels, each watching and waiting for the Father's word to come to us, to lift us up, to steady us on our way, to keep us from harm. But all they can do is watch until told to act. We, also, should watch, and wait until told to act on behalf of others. So often we want to jump in and fix things, protect, lift up. So often it happens with children. We don't want them to be harmed, we don't them going through hard times, trials, punishment. But it is not always the will of the Father for us to intervene. Sometimes we keep the Lord from being able to draw them close to Himself when we step in. When we do so, sometimes it keeps them from coming to God, and they continue to go through battles, until finally we hear, and pay attention to what the Lord is saying, and know we should keep watch and wait.
Father, help us all to keep watch and wait on You, on Your command to move and help. Let us learn to trust You in all things, ourselves, and our loved ones. Let us know when to act and when to step back and just watch. And just wait on You.
12-11-11
In my quiet time with my Lord yesterday, and some the day before, the Lord began giving me thoughts about His angels. I feel that each of us have an angel assigned to us from birth, watching over us, ready to intervene, lend a hand, steady us, protect us as the Father leads them to. I do not believe they do anything without the voice of our God instructing them to do so. Everything the angels do is at the bidding and command of the Lord God Almighty. But they are there, keeping watch over us, never far, just there. Have you ever caught a glimpse of movement near you and no one was there, but you felt incredibe ease, it was not fearful. I believe sometimes we actually get a glimpse of the movement of those sweet, heavenly spirits that never leave us. But this is not where my heart went, where my spirit took me concerning the angels.
The angels were present at the birth of our Savior. I do not believe they ever left His side from the time He was born until He returned to His position next to our Father. They never left Him. From the time He was born, learning to walk, playing, doing all the normal things of a child, and then those unusual things that He would do; speaking in the temple to the priests. Mary and Joseph truly had no fear for the angels were keeping watch over Jesus and no harm would come to Him....then.
My heart has just grieved as I thought of these angels. I believe just as the Holy Spirit is present with us, loving us, grieving over us, that angels have these emotions also. Not in the same manner, but I believe all of God's creations have emotions. It is the way of our God who has such emotion, such beautiful emotion, and so, He gave it to all creations. The angels, how they loved our Lord Jesus. They came from heaven where they had been worshiping Him for so long, followed Him to earth as He became a baby. I am sure they enjoyed the good times, rejoicing over Him as a child, full of emotion as Mary and Joseph loved Him, cherished Him. When the Kings came to give honor to Him, and pay tribute to Him, the angels sang loud and clear as they did when the shepherds came. Glory to God in the Highest, Hallelujah; what beauty filled the skies with their song.
Then came the temptation from satan. I think satan was boasting in front of them, acting like he could tempt their charge, our Savior, into sin. When he failed, I feel these angels rejoiced and sang again, filling the skies with glorious melodies. And then, in the garden, as they stood watch, they saw the soldiers come and take Him. As they watched, they saw their Beloved beaten, stuck over and over, and could do nothing. Can you imagine their desire to step in and simply dismantle those soldiers, strike dead the Jewish leaders for wanting the Son of God destroyed because they were jealous, because they were afraid of losing their followers to Jesus? But the angels could do nothing, because it was not the will of the Father. So all they could do was watch, and weep.....
They were on the road as He came up that hill. Wanting to take the cross from Him, wanting to lift Him up on their wings and take Him away from this torture....but could not. It was not the Father's will. On the cross, as their Lord cried of His thirst, they could do nothing. But they never left His side, they were always there, watching and waiting for word from God to step in and take care of Jesus, their charge. I believe they were inside the tomb with Jesus when His spirit descended into hell, and when He arose, again their voices filled the skies with Hallelujahs, and Glory in the Highest. For now their Jesus, the Beloved of Heaven, was again alive, restored, and they could cease their tears and sing of heaven's joy.
We, I know I have, have made my angel cry. I believe my angel has had to watch sometimes while I went through things, not able to help, but waiting as the Lord has brought me low so I could recognize His mercy, His love and grace. So I could be brought back to the cross to realize the reason my Savior died, the reason the angels cried, the reason I now live in freedom from sin. And when I came back to my God, knowing that I loved Him with all my heart and would never leave His side again, I know the angels sang, filling the heavenlies with Joy, Joy, Blessed Joy; Hallelujahs.
All of us have angels, each watching and waiting for the Father's word to come to us, to lift us up, to steady us on our way, to keep us from harm. But all they can do is watch until told to act. We, also, should watch, and wait until told to act on behalf of others. So often we want to jump in and fix things, protect, lift up. So often it happens with children. We don't want them to be harmed, we don't them going through hard times, trials, punishment. But it is not always the will of the Father for us to intervene. Sometimes we keep the Lord from being able to draw them close to Himself when we step in. When we do so, sometimes it keeps them from coming to God, and they continue to go through battles, until finally we hear, and pay attention to what the Lord is saying, and know we should keep watch and wait.
Father, help us all to keep watch and wait on You, on Your command to move and help. Let us learn to trust You in all things, ourselves, and our loved ones. Let us know when to act and when to step back and just watch. And just wait on You.
12-11-11
Saturday, December 10, 2011
I AM WEAK BUT HE IS STRONG
2 Corinthians 12:10 "Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake, for when I am weak, then I am strong."
When I stand strong in weaknesses, when I can face the difficult, and not waver, when I am at my weakest and then totally rely on the strength of my God, my Lord, then in His strength I am strong. It is so hard at times, just when you think you have it all figured out, when things seem like they will be just as you want them to be, oops....the roof begins to leak, someone says something hurtful to you, your finances get real tight, and you can feel the darkness of the enemy begin to close in on you. Is it just me, or does that happen to you also?
I have learned that I am not to ever think I have the Lord figured out, I cannot possibly do that. Just when I believe I understand He shows me a total new aspect of His Being that I never knew existed. To begin with, I am understanding that I am never going to have things all figured out, for when I think I do, pride bgins to slip in unnoticed. And then it is there, beginning to override what is of my Lord, with more of me. I do not want this to happen, ever. Less of me, more of my Lord is my desire. But our minds can take us to places we thought were far from us. Just let me think....no, rather, let me not think. It is not my plan, it is the Lord's plan for me that I want to follow. And I can not ever begin to know just where He is taking me, all I know is that I trust Him and I will go where He leads.
My strength is in the Lord. He gives me strength when I am weak. From Him I develop courage to, as it is written, "fight the good fight". Anytime I think I can do it on my own, I fail, miserably. From every direction sometimes, the enemy comes. I cannot ever pretend to be able to battle with the forces of evil of the world, spiritual battles cannot be won by us. I can only give myself into the Lord's hands, commit myself to His will, and stand strong, believing Him, trusting Him, and He will take care of the battle. The battle was won long ago, but the enemy lies so convincingly that so often we forget that the battle has been won. If we would remember this and speak it out at the first sign of trouble, we would not have to endure the fight so long. Our Lord won this battle when He died on the cross and descended into hell and rose again. All battles, all sicknesses, all of the trials we go through were won, it was done, it was finished. We need to learn to walk in victory, as victory was paid for with a great price. We negate the victory of the Lord when we go around with our head's held down, crying out to the Lord for victory....we have the victory. We are weak but He is strong. Our strength is in Him. No matter how bad a situation looks, the victory has already been won for the children of God. Stand tall, stand tall with me, as we look up to our Father and sing His praises, thanking Him for the strength He has given us, our weakness made strong in Him, and for the victory that He has won, once and for all.
12-10-11
When I stand strong in weaknesses, when I can face the difficult, and not waver, when I am at my weakest and then totally rely on the strength of my God, my Lord, then in His strength I am strong. It is so hard at times, just when you think you have it all figured out, when things seem like they will be just as you want them to be, oops....the roof begins to leak, someone says something hurtful to you, your finances get real tight, and you can feel the darkness of the enemy begin to close in on you. Is it just me, or does that happen to you also?
I have learned that I am not to ever think I have the Lord figured out, I cannot possibly do that. Just when I believe I understand He shows me a total new aspect of His Being that I never knew existed. To begin with, I am understanding that I am never going to have things all figured out, for when I think I do, pride bgins to slip in unnoticed. And then it is there, beginning to override what is of my Lord, with more of me. I do not want this to happen, ever. Less of me, more of my Lord is my desire. But our minds can take us to places we thought were far from us. Just let me think....no, rather, let me not think. It is not my plan, it is the Lord's plan for me that I want to follow. And I can not ever begin to know just where He is taking me, all I know is that I trust Him and I will go where He leads.
My strength is in the Lord. He gives me strength when I am weak. From Him I develop courage to, as it is written, "fight the good fight". Anytime I think I can do it on my own, I fail, miserably. From every direction sometimes, the enemy comes. I cannot ever pretend to be able to battle with the forces of evil of the world, spiritual battles cannot be won by us. I can only give myself into the Lord's hands, commit myself to His will, and stand strong, believing Him, trusting Him, and He will take care of the battle. The battle was won long ago, but the enemy lies so convincingly that so often we forget that the battle has been won. If we would remember this and speak it out at the first sign of trouble, we would not have to endure the fight so long. Our Lord won this battle when He died on the cross and descended into hell and rose again. All battles, all sicknesses, all of the trials we go through were won, it was done, it was finished. We need to learn to walk in victory, as victory was paid for with a great price. We negate the victory of the Lord when we go around with our head's held down, crying out to the Lord for victory....we have the victory. We are weak but He is strong. Our strength is in Him. No matter how bad a situation looks, the victory has already been won for the children of God. Stand tall, stand tall with me, as we look up to our Father and sing His praises, thanking Him for the strength He has given us, our weakness made strong in Him, and for the victory that He has won, once and for all.
12-10-11
Friday, December 9, 2011
COMMUNION SHARED
Mark 14:23 "Then he took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, and they all drank from it."
Tonight I went to a special Christmas service, wonderful carols, beautiful worship to the Lord. At the end of the service a time of ministry was shared, followed by communion. A time of reflection, thinking on the birth of Christ, our Lord, who was born to die, and on the last supper He shared with His disciples, and the communion shared.
No one was denied the taking of communtion, even Judas was not omitted. The Lord took the cup, gave thanks.....He gave thanks to His Father, knowing that this was His last supper, that He would soon be the sacrifice for the sin of all mankind. But He gave thanks anyway. I find this the example for us all, to be thankful no matter what the day, what the morrow may bring. Perfect trust, just thanking the Father for the cup, the plan for Him; just as we should thank Him for the plan for ourselves. The cup, symbolizing the plan of the Father. Then our Lord offered it to all that were there, and the guilty of heart and the innocent drank from it together. I believe when we take communion it is a time of renewing; our Lord's covenant with us, and our commitment to Him. Our rededication of our lives to the will of the Father, giving of our hearts totally to HIm. The guilty heart is once again offered cleansing, another chance. Our Lord is the God of second chances. He turns no one away. When you think of what Judas did, let us not get pious, for how many times have we chosen the world over our Lord, chosen to deny His holiness and authority.....and yet, when we repented, our gracious Lord received us to Himself again.
No one denied access to the Father. No one ever denied when their repentitive heart comes back to the Lord. They are received with open arms, with love and mercy. Thank You Lord, for that which you gave to me, when I returned, my brokenness before You. I was shown so much mercy, so much love and grace. My God, I will never forget how You held me and told me I was Yours and You were mine. You offered the cup to me, once again, sharing all that was given to You, You shared with me.
I thank You my Lord for Your communion shared with me, with all who will come before You, hearts open, asking You in, denying of self and glorifying Your Holy Name. Thank You for never denying me. I love You with all my heart. Thank You for the example You showed to give ourselves totally to the cup offered by our Father. The cup that is held in His hand and extended to all who chose to be only His.
12-09-11
Tonight I went to a special Christmas service, wonderful carols, beautiful worship to the Lord. At the end of the service a time of ministry was shared, followed by communion. A time of reflection, thinking on the birth of Christ, our Lord, who was born to die, and on the last supper He shared with His disciples, and the communion shared.
No one was denied the taking of communtion, even Judas was not omitted. The Lord took the cup, gave thanks.....He gave thanks to His Father, knowing that this was His last supper, that He would soon be the sacrifice for the sin of all mankind. But He gave thanks anyway. I find this the example for us all, to be thankful no matter what the day, what the morrow may bring. Perfect trust, just thanking the Father for the cup, the plan for Him; just as we should thank Him for the plan for ourselves. The cup, symbolizing the plan of the Father. Then our Lord offered it to all that were there, and the guilty of heart and the innocent drank from it together. I believe when we take communion it is a time of renewing; our Lord's covenant with us, and our commitment to Him. Our rededication of our lives to the will of the Father, giving of our hearts totally to HIm. The guilty heart is once again offered cleansing, another chance. Our Lord is the God of second chances. He turns no one away. When you think of what Judas did, let us not get pious, for how many times have we chosen the world over our Lord, chosen to deny His holiness and authority.....and yet, when we repented, our gracious Lord received us to Himself again.
No one denied access to the Father. No one ever denied when their repentitive heart comes back to the Lord. They are received with open arms, with love and mercy. Thank You Lord, for that which you gave to me, when I returned, my brokenness before You. I was shown so much mercy, so much love and grace. My God, I will never forget how You held me and told me I was Yours and You were mine. You offered the cup to me, once again, sharing all that was given to You, You shared with me.
I thank You my Lord for Your communion shared with me, with all who will come before You, hearts open, asking You in, denying of self and glorifying Your Holy Name. Thank You for never denying me. I love You with all my heart. Thank You for the example You showed to give ourselves totally to the cup offered by our Father. The cup that is held in His hand and extended to all who chose to be only His.
12-09-11
Thursday, December 8, 2011
THE HOSTS OF ENEMIES
2 Chronicles 20:15 "Do not be afraid nor dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours, but God's."
My heart is heavy with intercession for friends, some ill, some family members ill; some needing provision; some needing guidance; many needing peace. My Lord, it seems as though sometimes the hills are filled with hosts of enemies, so many coming against Your children at one time. I pray, only to have my heart inject just one more for healing, one more for provision. There never seems to be an end of the dear friends that need prayer. Even I, need your hand, your touch. Decisions that need to be made, if only it were so easy. For as those listen to Your voice, and as You are speaking clearly to them, the enemy and his lies are already coming against them. Ready to snatch Your Word from them as soon as it falls on them. Speak to me, Lord, let me hear from You.
Yes, Lord, prayer is a priority. Pray without ceasing. It is precious to me, Lord, that You have given me a heart for others, to pray for them, in intercession. I know that You hear the prayers of Your children as they give voice, utterance for others. Father, I ask that clear and concise direction always come to those that pray for others. I ask that time be given each day for these prayers. I ask that as we pray, we know Your heart where they are concerned. Holy Spirit, bring those to mind that You would have us pray for, and when we have no words, sweet Spirit, take over for us and from deep within us pour out our prayers in our heavenly language. Our heavenly language that the hosts of enemies have no knowledge of, just the words of the Spirit to our God.
The battle is not ours. It is the Lord's. Father, I ask that You show us daily that we are fighting a fight that we cannot win. Spiritual battles cannot be won by us, only by You. I believe You want us to release ourselves into Your hands completely so You can fight these battles for us. As long as we contend to do it ourselves, we will daily get beat up by the enemy. When we pray for others under our own thoughts, our own strength, we will be overrun by the hosts of enemies that are waiting to snatch any communication from us that will come back from You. We need to pray first and ask that You, Lord, take this load from us, that we submit to You, all those we lift in prayer, knowing that in Your strength, our prayers will go across from our earth to Your Heavens quickly and soundly. And then, Father, in Your time, in Your Power, answers will flow down, healings will take place, provision will be made, peace will be come to all. I know You are waiting for each of us, the intercessors and the people we are praying for, You are waiting for us to give all unto You, just to release everything into Your hands, just give it all to You. Then You are free to work on our behalf, not us, just You. Our part is to completely trust in You, never wavering, but perfect trust.
Thank You, Lord, for answered prayer. Thank You, Lord, for prayer that is answered according to Your will, and I thank You Lord, for the grace for all, for all to accept Your will, Your answers to prayer as You know is best for all.
12-08-2011
My heart is heavy with intercession for friends, some ill, some family members ill; some needing provision; some needing guidance; many needing peace. My Lord, it seems as though sometimes the hills are filled with hosts of enemies, so many coming against Your children at one time. I pray, only to have my heart inject just one more for healing, one more for provision. There never seems to be an end of the dear friends that need prayer. Even I, need your hand, your touch. Decisions that need to be made, if only it were so easy. For as those listen to Your voice, and as You are speaking clearly to them, the enemy and his lies are already coming against them. Ready to snatch Your Word from them as soon as it falls on them. Speak to me, Lord, let me hear from You.
Yes, Lord, prayer is a priority. Pray without ceasing. It is precious to me, Lord, that You have given me a heart for others, to pray for them, in intercession. I know that You hear the prayers of Your children as they give voice, utterance for others. Father, I ask that clear and concise direction always come to those that pray for others. I ask that time be given each day for these prayers. I ask that as we pray, we know Your heart where they are concerned. Holy Spirit, bring those to mind that You would have us pray for, and when we have no words, sweet Spirit, take over for us and from deep within us pour out our prayers in our heavenly language. Our heavenly language that the hosts of enemies have no knowledge of, just the words of the Spirit to our God.
The battle is not ours. It is the Lord's. Father, I ask that You show us daily that we are fighting a fight that we cannot win. Spiritual battles cannot be won by us, only by You. I believe You want us to release ourselves into Your hands completely so You can fight these battles for us. As long as we contend to do it ourselves, we will daily get beat up by the enemy. When we pray for others under our own thoughts, our own strength, we will be overrun by the hosts of enemies that are waiting to snatch any communication from us that will come back from You. We need to pray first and ask that You, Lord, take this load from us, that we submit to You, all those we lift in prayer, knowing that in Your strength, our prayers will go across from our earth to Your Heavens quickly and soundly. And then, Father, in Your time, in Your Power, answers will flow down, healings will take place, provision will be made, peace will be come to all. I know You are waiting for each of us, the intercessors and the people we are praying for, You are waiting for us to give all unto You, just to release everything into Your hands, just give it all to You. Then You are free to work on our behalf, not us, just You. Our part is to completely trust in You, never wavering, but perfect trust.
Thank You, Lord, for answered prayer. Thank You, Lord, for prayer that is answered according to Your will, and I thank You Lord, for the grace for all, for all to accept Your will, Your answers to prayer as You know is best for all.
12-08-2011
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
THE MEASURING SPOON
John 3:34 "For he whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God does not give the Spirit by measure."
While baking today, I can really use a lot of kitchen tools and things, it always requires quite a lot of cleaning up afterwards, but that is the way I am. So many measuring cups, measuring spoons. I need one for each ingredient, each spice.
I almost said the Lord has a lot of measuring utensils, but stopped. It seems as though the Lord will not have me go where I thought this would go. Instead, well, Holy Spirit, have Your way.
The measure of truth in which you reveal the things of the Lord is the true measure of how you feel about our God. If you hold back on what is the truth of the Word, the complete truth, then you are limiting what you allow the Lord to do in your life. You have got to be feeling the emptiness of what you once had; are you wondering why? When the Lord chooses one to be His messenger, to speak His Word to His people, He pours out a complete measure of all that is needed to do the work. I believe a lot of us begin our work for the Lord with full intention to honoring that which the Lord has given us, His annointing flowing freely as we deliver His messages. But somewhere along the way, I feel that changes for some people. I can see where they might get sidestepped, where their focus may become changed from the plan of the Lord. But that does not make it good, or right. Fear, there is that word again, fear sometimes takes over, removing, first and foremost.....God's annointing. I believe you can tell when the annointing is not there as you listen to someone speak, it sounds like, well, clanging tin. Words come forth that are not the complete truth of the Word of God. When one tends to worry about who they might offend if they speak the truth of the Word, then the annointing leaves. Under whose authority did you fall when you began to want to make people comfortable in your midst; when you began to decide that if you were not quite as truthful, as determined to tell the real story of the Lord, they might like you better, you would have more friends.
My dear friends, our God does not care if we make friends. He will give us favor with man, but our goal is not to make friends. Our work for Him is to tell of His love for them, tell them what was accomplished at the cross and how they can receive eternal life by being born again. Don't make people think that their lives are okay without the Lord, they if they live a good life and are kind to others that they are okay. These are important things, but the Lord wants their hearts devoted to Him, He wants to cleanse them of all unrighteousness and give them eternal life in Him. Tell them the gospel, the whole gospel. Don't measure it out to them according to their pleasure, or yours. Give them the full measure of God, of His Word; He will work it out in them; you just tell them the truth. Tell them they are sinners in need of a Savior, in need of Jesus. Tell them we are all sinners in need of Jesus.
Our God measures out His fullness to us. He does not hold back from us one bit. A full measure of mercy, grace and love are poured out daily. As we receive, so should we give. Full measure of the Lord is received, give a full measure of Him to others. We did not come to a saving grace of our Lord by a white washed truth of the gospel. We were given the truth, only the truth convicts and saves. Measure out the truth to all as we received it. Give a full measure of our Lord. Our God wills that all be saved.
My Lord, I thank You for the truth of Your gospel, Your Word. I was so blessed to be given the fullness of the Word and as I continue in Your Word, You are faithful to reveal more and more to me. You bless me so much, dear Lord. So much.
12-07-11
While baking today, I can really use a lot of kitchen tools and things, it always requires quite a lot of cleaning up afterwards, but that is the way I am. So many measuring cups, measuring spoons. I need one for each ingredient, each spice.
I almost said the Lord has a lot of measuring utensils, but stopped. It seems as though the Lord will not have me go where I thought this would go. Instead, well, Holy Spirit, have Your way.
The measure of truth in which you reveal the things of the Lord is the true measure of how you feel about our God. If you hold back on what is the truth of the Word, the complete truth, then you are limiting what you allow the Lord to do in your life. You have got to be feeling the emptiness of what you once had; are you wondering why? When the Lord chooses one to be His messenger, to speak His Word to His people, He pours out a complete measure of all that is needed to do the work. I believe a lot of us begin our work for the Lord with full intention to honoring that which the Lord has given us, His annointing flowing freely as we deliver His messages. But somewhere along the way, I feel that changes for some people. I can see where they might get sidestepped, where their focus may become changed from the plan of the Lord. But that does not make it good, or right. Fear, there is that word again, fear sometimes takes over, removing, first and foremost.....God's annointing. I believe you can tell when the annointing is not there as you listen to someone speak, it sounds like, well, clanging tin. Words come forth that are not the complete truth of the Word of God. When one tends to worry about who they might offend if they speak the truth of the Word, then the annointing leaves. Under whose authority did you fall when you began to want to make people comfortable in your midst; when you began to decide that if you were not quite as truthful, as determined to tell the real story of the Lord, they might like you better, you would have more friends.
My dear friends, our God does not care if we make friends. He will give us favor with man, but our goal is not to make friends. Our work for Him is to tell of His love for them, tell them what was accomplished at the cross and how they can receive eternal life by being born again. Don't make people think that their lives are okay without the Lord, they if they live a good life and are kind to others that they are okay. These are important things, but the Lord wants their hearts devoted to Him, He wants to cleanse them of all unrighteousness and give them eternal life in Him. Tell them the gospel, the whole gospel. Don't measure it out to them according to their pleasure, or yours. Give them the full measure of God, of His Word; He will work it out in them; you just tell them the truth. Tell them they are sinners in need of a Savior, in need of Jesus. Tell them we are all sinners in need of Jesus.
Our God measures out His fullness to us. He does not hold back from us one bit. A full measure of mercy, grace and love are poured out daily. As we receive, so should we give. Full measure of the Lord is received, give a full measure of Him to others. We did not come to a saving grace of our Lord by a white washed truth of the gospel. We were given the truth, only the truth convicts and saves. Measure out the truth to all as we received it. Give a full measure of our Lord. Our God wills that all be saved.
My Lord, I thank You for the truth of Your gospel, Your Word. I was so blessed to be given the fullness of the Word and as I continue in Your Word, You are faithful to reveal more and more to me. You bless me so much, dear Lord. So much.
12-07-11
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
PSALM 139
Psalm 139:7 "Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence?"
Friends are giving out backpacks to those less fortunate this Sunday. It was scheduled for last weekend but the weather was very bad. So this Sunday afternoon we will take approximately 175 backpacks filled with tolietries, socks, mufflers, stocking caps, rain jackets, gloves and a sack lunch and give them out. The Lord impressed upon me to put in a scripture verse in the sack lunches. As I was seeking Him for just the one He wanted put there, the Holy Spirit spoke into my spirit "for I am fearfully and wonderfully made". I got so excited as I thought what a wonderful encouraging scripture for those who may have doubts of the Lord.
As I turned to Psalm 139 to get the scripture, I began to read from verse 1. "O Lord, You have searched me and known me, You know my sitting down and my rising up". I continued reading. I have read this chapter many times as it is one of my favorites but this time it was different. My Lord was imprinting these verses into my soul. He was showing me that there is nothing I can do, nowhere I can go that He will not know where I am and be with me. I can walk through hell itself, and He will be there with me. I can be on the mountaintop, and He is there. Nothing the enemy can come up with can take away the fact that my Lord is going to be with me every place I am. The Lord knew me before I was born, before I was even thought of, He knew me. Every day I will spend on this earth has already been written down in His book. He has planned for my entire life, just for me.
Before I open my mouth, my Lord knows what words will come out. Now that is enough to make all of us watch what we say. I only want to say words that will please my Lord, words that will give Him pleasure in me, delight Himself in me.
God thinks of me. His thoughts, the Word says, are precious of me. The Lord is thinking only good things of me. He does not have bad thoughts of me. He sees me as His righteous child, He sees me through the blood of my Savior, Jesus. His thoughts of me are wonderful, plans He has to bless me and honor me. The same for you. We are the ones who hear the wicked words of the enemy and let them shame us. There is no shame coming from our Father in Heaven. Don't let those words come to you, let the Holy Spirit instruct you on the thoughts of the Lord. They are beautiful, precious. The Lord sent me a word earlier this year that He called me His "dear one". I want you to know that thrilled my soul. It still does, when I think of my God considering me His "dear one". My Lord, how I love You so.
The Lord, our God, will keep all wickedness from us. If we hate those that hate Him, and do not yield to the wickedness of the world, our Lord will protect us from it all. He will keep from us those things that are not of Him, if we will refrain from those things. We are safe in Him. I am safe in His arms, always safe, no matter where I am, for He is always there.
He is where I am. My Lord God, thank You for Your Word. Thank You for Your faithfulness. Your unconditional love brings me unsurmountable joy. I can rest in Your love, I can attain Your beautiful peace. I will not fear of tomorrow for I know that You are already there. "When I awake, I am still with You."
Well, the scripture for the lunch bags. I could not leave out one precious word. So I printed it, Verse 1 through 18. I wanted those dear people, the ones that choose to live on the street, and those whose circumstances overcame them, to know that our Lord is there with them. That there is no place they can go that He will not come for them, that He will not put His hand out to them. Hell cannot keep our God from those children He cares for. And He cares for them all, each one, every day, all the time. My Lord, who is like You, who is like You? There is no one. Not one that can compare to my God, the Almighty, the Creator of all mankind, the Lover of souls. The Great I Am will always be with them, with us, with me.
Friends are giving out backpacks to those less fortunate this Sunday. It was scheduled for last weekend but the weather was very bad. So this Sunday afternoon we will take approximately 175 backpacks filled with tolietries, socks, mufflers, stocking caps, rain jackets, gloves and a sack lunch and give them out. The Lord impressed upon me to put in a scripture verse in the sack lunches. As I was seeking Him for just the one He wanted put there, the Holy Spirit spoke into my spirit "for I am fearfully and wonderfully made". I got so excited as I thought what a wonderful encouraging scripture for those who may have doubts of the Lord.
As I turned to Psalm 139 to get the scripture, I began to read from verse 1. "O Lord, You have searched me and known me, You know my sitting down and my rising up". I continued reading. I have read this chapter many times as it is one of my favorites but this time it was different. My Lord was imprinting these verses into my soul. He was showing me that there is nothing I can do, nowhere I can go that He will not know where I am and be with me. I can walk through hell itself, and He will be there with me. I can be on the mountaintop, and He is there. Nothing the enemy can come up with can take away the fact that my Lord is going to be with me every place I am. The Lord knew me before I was born, before I was even thought of, He knew me. Every day I will spend on this earth has already been written down in His book. He has planned for my entire life, just for me.
Before I open my mouth, my Lord knows what words will come out. Now that is enough to make all of us watch what we say. I only want to say words that will please my Lord, words that will give Him pleasure in me, delight Himself in me.
God thinks of me. His thoughts, the Word says, are precious of me. The Lord is thinking only good things of me. He does not have bad thoughts of me. He sees me as His righteous child, He sees me through the blood of my Savior, Jesus. His thoughts of me are wonderful, plans He has to bless me and honor me. The same for you. We are the ones who hear the wicked words of the enemy and let them shame us. There is no shame coming from our Father in Heaven. Don't let those words come to you, let the Holy Spirit instruct you on the thoughts of the Lord. They are beautiful, precious. The Lord sent me a word earlier this year that He called me His "dear one". I want you to know that thrilled my soul. It still does, when I think of my God considering me His "dear one". My Lord, how I love You so.
The Lord, our God, will keep all wickedness from us. If we hate those that hate Him, and do not yield to the wickedness of the world, our Lord will protect us from it all. He will keep from us those things that are not of Him, if we will refrain from those things. We are safe in Him. I am safe in His arms, always safe, no matter where I am, for He is always there.
He is where I am. My Lord God, thank You for Your Word. Thank You for Your faithfulness. Your unconditional love brings me unsurmountable joy. I can rest in Your love, I can attain Your beautiful peace. I will not fear of tomorrow for I know that You are already there. "When I awake, I am still with You."
Well, the scripture for the lunch bags. I could not leave out one precious word. So I printed it, Verse 1 through 18. I wanted those dear people, the ones that choose to live on the street, and those whose circumstances overcame them, to know that our Lord is there with them. That there is no place they can go that He will not come for them, that He will not put His hand out to them. Hell cannot keep our God from those children He cares for. And He cares for them all, each one, every day, all the time. My Lord, who is like You, who is like You? There is no one. Not one that can compare to my God, the Almighty, the Creator of all mankind, the Lover of souls. The Great I Am will always be with them, with us, with me.
Monday, December 5, 2011
THE GATE
John 10:9 "I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. He will come in and go out and find pasture."
Our Lord Jesus, our Savior, is the gate through whom all must pass to be saved. The only Way, the only Truth, the only Light. As I was reading and studying these scriptures, waves of reflection came from the Holy Spirit, our Teacher, as the Lord began to open these scriptures to me. I saw the Gate, the precious Gate, our Lord swinging wide for those of us who trust Him explicitly walked through. Then I saw us come back out again. A scary thought at first as I wondered why we were coming out of the Gate. The Holy Spirit told me it was a good thing. He said we would come in the Gate and go out again as the Lord directed. "Enter into His Gates with thanksgiving", as we come through the Gate, singing our praise to the Most High God, we enter into the inner courts of the Holy Place. The only way into this inner court is through Jesus. Where at one time only the one appointed by God could enter in, Jesus now makes it possible for all those in Him to be one with He and the Father and enter into the Presence of God.
We enter into the Gate. Jesus is the Gate of refilling. We come into the Gate for refilling; refilling of grace that is so needed daily, refilling of mercy, that is new each morning, refilling of His sweet rest at evening. We enter into His Gate for knowledge and wisdom, for answers to the questions of His direction for each day. In and out of the Gate we flow, entering into the Gate as we need to fill that touch of the Lord, His Glory pouring over us, washing us clean from the grime of the world, having our minds cleared of all the earths decay, all those thoughts and temptations that the enemy daily throws at us, those things we are burdened down by. Giving them all to the Shepherd inside, our Gate to the Holy Place, as He cleanses us again and again by His sweet redemption blood, making us so pure and worthy of entering through the Perfect Gate to the Holy Place, the Presence of our God. Jesus is the Gate through which we obtain all that is desired of the Father. If we do not enter through Jesus, the Gate, we will not see the Father.
And then out again, out of the Gate to do the will of the Father. To follow His direction, to show His love and grace to those not knowing the way to the Gate, to our Lord. We flow in and out as directed by our Lord.
There are those that think then can go direct to the Father without acknowledging our Lord Jesus. I wonder just where they go....I know it is not unto the Lord. Do you think they fool themselves to believe they are in God's presence when they do not acknowledge Jesus. God's Word tells us that Jesus is the only Way to Him. No other way....and yet, some think they have found another way. My heart grieves for the sheep under them. Only one way, and that is the Gate, our Jesus, our Lord.
I had a vision of the Gate, swinging to and fro, as a welcome; as He desires us to take advantage of the openness of the Gate. It is never shut to those who love Him so much, who seek Him alone. The Gate is always open, the Light surounding the Gate, always bright, showing the way. O, my Lord, how merciful and good You are. Not only are You the Gate through which all must pass, but You so desire to bring us to the Father, that You light up the Gate so beautifully, so sweetly with such passion and love to all that will come, to all that want and desire to enter the Gate for the blessings of the Holy Place; for the journey is sweet through the Gate into the Presence of the Father, who is waiting for all those who wish to enter in.
12-05-11
Our Lord Jesus, our Savior, is the gate through whom all must pass to be saved. The only Way, the only Truth, the only Light. As I was reading and studying these scriptures, waves of reflection came from the Holy Spirit, our Teacher, as the Lord began to open these scriptures to me. I saw the Gate, the precious Gate, our Lord swinging wide for those of us who trust Him explicitly walked through. Then I saw us come back out again. A scary thought at first as I wondered why we were coming out of the Gate. The Holy Spirit told me it was a good thing. He said we would come in the Gate and go out again as the Lord directed. "Enter into His Gates with thanksgiving", as we come through the Gate, singing our praise to the Most High God, we enter into the inner courts of the Holy Place. The only way into this inner court is through Jesus. Where at one time only the one appointed by God could enter in, Jesus now makes it possible for all those in Him to be one with He and the Father and enter into the Presence of God.
We enter into the Gate. Jesus is the Gate of refilling. We come into the Gate for refilling; refilling of grace that is so needed daily, refilling of mercy, that is new each morning, refilling of His sweet rest at evening. We enter into His Gate for knowledge and wisdom, for answers to the questions of His direction for each day. In and out of the Gate we flow, entering into the Gate as we need to fill that touch of the Lord, His Glory pouring over us, washing us clean from the grime of the world, having our minds cleared of all the earths decay, all those thoughts and temptations that the enemy daily throws at us, those things we are burdened down by. Giving them all to the Shepherd inside, our Gate to the Holy Place, as He cleanses us again and again by His sweet redemption blood, making us so pure and worthy of entering through the Perfect Gate to the Holy Place, the Presence of our God. Jesus is the Gate through which we obtain all that is desired of the Father. If we do not enter through Jesus, the Gate, we will not see the Father.
And then out again, out of the Gate to do the will of the Father. To follow His direction, to show His love and grace to those not knowing the way to the Gate, to our Lord. We flow in and out as directed by our Lord.
There are those that think then can go direct to the Father without acknowledging our Lord Jesus. I wonder just where they go....I know it is not unto the Lord. Do you think they fool themselves to believe they are in God's presence when they do not acknowledge Jesus. God's Word tells us that Jesus is the only Way to Him. No other way....and yet, some think they have found another way. My heart grieves for the sheep under them. Only one way, and that is the Gate, our Jesus, our Lord.
I had a vision of the Gate, swinging to and fro, as a welcome; as He desires us to take advantage of the openness of the Gate. It is never shut to those who love Him so much, who seek Him alone. The Gate is always open, the Light surounding the Gate, always bright, showing the way. O, my Lord, how merciful and good You are. Not only are You the Gate through which all must pass, but You so desire to bring us to the Father, that You light up the Gate so beautifully, so sweetly with such passion and love to all that will come, to all that want and desire to enter the Gate for the blessings of the Holy Place; for the journey is sweet through the Gate into the Presence of the Father, who is waiting for all those who wish to enter in.
12-05-11
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