Psalm 16:11 "You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand."
My sister-in-law (but I love her as if she were my real sister) told me today that it doesn't take much to make me happy. She had laughed as I told her the antics of two small birds I saw outside my office window, laughing a second time when I had such joy that it was raining. She told me that it did not take much for me to be happy; I just felt such joy at that statement.
Ever feel like you have arrived at the end of a journey? This feels like one of those long journeys that I have completed in my Lord. I have gotten to the foundation of the life He has wanted for me. I have found such contentment in my Lord, as His presence and love has overshadowed every concern and earthly care, and I have complete peace and trust in Him.
This peace and trust has produced the ability - the uncomplicated life of enjoying such simple pleasures, the gifts He gives us everyday that we somehow failed to see before we arrive at this point. When I found myself completely immersed in the flow of my God's river of life, that refreshing river that healed me to the very core of my being; all hurts, disappointments, heartaches, unfulfilled desires; every fiber of my body became whole. My spirit and my mind was renewed by the very - so alive - Word of God; then my eyes opened and I began to see joy in everything, the simpliest of things, the beauty of what the Lord has made, what He has placed on this earth for my enjoyment, for your enjoyment, our pleasure.
True enjoyment of our lives has never been about what money could buy. That is a clever tool of the enemy to keep you blinded from the real gifts of the Lord. As long as he can make you think that there is no pleasure in life without money, well, you will get nothing from this life, nothing real and lasting. But when you find that contentment, as I did, in the Father, in what He has made you to be, the deep knowledge that His love is all to you; and all the earthly belongings are just stuff, unimportant stuff; then you have arrived at that special place, as I have, where you can have joy in the simple pleasures. Where little birds at play, where a refreshing, cooling rain shower, flowers blooming in a neighbors yard, the uninhibited laughter of children, where these simple things bring joy and smiles to your face.
So my sister-in-law has me pegged correctly, I am so easy to please, it takes just the simple pleasures in this life to bring me joy. I have found the base structure of my life, the Cornerstone, the Foundation, the Rock. My Lord has made me steady, sure, and rooted in Him. He supplies all I need, He never fails me, my trust in Him is sure and complete. This 7th day of June, 2011, I have discovered the secret to enjoying life's simple pleasures.
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Monday, June 6, 2011
A CHILD AND HER DADDY
Matthew 18:3-4 (Message) "I'm telling you, once and for all, that unless you return to square one and start over like children, you're not even going to get a look at the kingdom, let alone get in. Whoever becomes simple and elemental again, like this child, will rank high in God's kingdom."
As I thought about the scripture that tells us "unless we become like little children", the Lord began to show me the depth of this scripture. A little child...become a little child; not that we should literally become children again, but mindful as a child. Of the simplicity of a child's thoughts.
When I was a child, I never worried about what I was going to eat, there was always food. As I became an adult and saw all the hunger in our country, in the world, I realized how extremely blessed I had been. I never went to bed hungry. I never was concerned about what I was going to wear. We were what you would consider middle class, mama made a good many of our clothes when I was small. I can remember as I grew older though, I would have liked more store bought clothes; funny, now I wish I could sew well and make my own. But I always had clothes; in this also, I see how very blessed I was.
I never spent a moment worrying about the vital things of living, I was just a child. I had food, I had clothes, I was loved, I was just a secure child, never fearful or worried. My parents loved me dearly. I can remember getting hurt and my daddy holding me while I cried and would tell me it would get better and it did; I never doubted what my daddy told me. I would wake up in the morning and know that mama would have breakfast ready and I would have clean clothes to wear. I knew at night I would be kissed goodnight and tucked into bed; resting well knowing that they were there, I would not be left alone. This is childhood. This is the trust of a child in her mama, in her daddy.
This is what my heavenly Father is talking about. The pure trust of a child for her daddy. My pure trust in Him, my Daddy. It took me a good while to develop this relationship with my Heavenly Daddy. In fact it was hard for me to think of Him as Daddy. It seemed a little, well, please don't misunderstand me, but it felt almost disrespectful to refer to Him as Daddy. Just seemed like Father, Lord, God was more fitting His Holiness. I did not want to take His Name lightly. But as I have gotten closer, as I have been drawn into such an intimate relationship with Him, as He has taken me to places I had never been, shown me such wonders in His Kingdom, I have become so close, where now Father almost seems so formal. It is still a newness for me to call Him Daddy and as I am writing this I can feel His pleasure at my finally becoming free to use that sweet name to call upon Him. Daddy, my Daddy. I can feel His arms around me drawing me to Him, just pleased with me, that I finally get it. He wants to be my Daddy. I trust Him completely, but He wanted that childlike trust that I had not been able to understand, been able to just abandon all my grown up ways and just throw myself into His arms, put my arms around His neck and say "I love you, Daddy".
I am a little off track it seems. Just got lost in the midst of loving my Daddy. But the Lord wants us to completely give Him that childlike trust, love Him with all our hearts and depend on Him for everything, as if we were children again depending on our parents for our needs, He wants us to depend upon Him for all those things. Daddy does not want us to worry about anything; He has everything all planned for our good, He has everything set aside for us; He will protect us in all, and He has promised us that one day, one day soon, we would be with Him.
When we worry about things here on this earth, I feel my Daddy gets frustrated with us. It makes Him feel that He has done so much to show His love, show His faithfulness, His trustworthyness, but still so many are hesitant to give up control of their lives to the Lord. I have given all of me to my Daddy, and He has not one time disappointed me. He has showered me with His love, His grace and wonderful peace. He wants to do the same for you. He wants you to come to Him, let Him take care of you.
Daddy, I love You. You are my Rock, my Strength, my Peace, my Joy. Without You, I cannot think of one thing on the earth I live for. You are who I live for, my precious Lord. This 6th day of June, 2011, I am like a child; I am like a child holding the hand of her Daddy, looking into His eyes with complete childlike faith and trust.
As I thought about the scripture that tells us "unless we become like little children", the Lord began to show me the depth of this scripture. A little child...become a little child; not that we should literally become children again, but mindful as a child. Of the simplicity of a child's thoughts.
When I was a child, I never worried about what I was going to eat, there was always food. As I became an adult and saw all the hunger in our country, in the world, I realized how extremely blessed I had been. I never went to bed hungry. I never was concerned about what I was going to wear. We were what you would consider middle class, mama made a good many of our clothes when I was small. I can remember as I grew older though, I would have liked more store bought clothes; funny, now I wish I could sew well and make my own. But I always had clothes; in this also, I see how very blessed I was.
I never spent a moment worrying about the vital things of living, I was just a child. I had food, I had clothes, I was loved, I was just a secure child, never fearful or worried. My parents loved me dearly. I can remember getting hurt and my daddy holding me while I cried and would tell me it would get better and it did; I never doubted what my daddy told me. I would wake up in the morning and know that mama would have breakfast ready and I would have clean clothes to wear. I knew at night I would be kissed goodnight and tucked into bed; resting well knowing that they were there, I would not be left alone. This is childhood. This is the trust of a child in her mama, in her daddy.
This is what my heavenly Father is talking about. The pure trust of a child for her daddy. My pure trust in Him, my Daddy. It took me a good while to develop this relationship with my Heavenly Daddy. In fact it was hard for me to think of Him as Daddy. It seemed a little, well, please don't misunderstand me, but it felt almost disrespectful to refer to Him as Daddy. Just seemed like Father, Lord, God was more fitting His Holiness. I did not want to take His Name lightly. But as I have gotten closer, as I have been drawn into such an intimate relationship with Him, as He has taken me to places I had never been, shown me such wonders in His Kingdom, I have become so close, where now Father almost seems so formal. It is still a newness for me to call Him Daddy and as I am writing this I can feel His pleasure at my finally becoming free to use that sweet name to call upon Him. Daddy, my Daddy. I can feel His arms around me drawing me to Him, just pleased with me, that I finally get it. He wants to be my Daddy. I trust Him completely, but He wanted that childlike trust that I had not been able to understand, been able to just abandon all my grown up ways and just throw myself into His arms, put my arms around His neck and say "I love you, Daddy".
I am a little off track it seems. Just got lost in the midst of loving my Daddy. But the Lord wants us to completely give Him that childlike trust, love Him with all our hearts and depend on Him for everything, as if we were children again depending on our parents for our needs, He wants us to depend upon Him for all those things. Daddy does not want us to worry about anything; He has everything all planned for our good, He has everything set aside for us; He will protect us in all, and He has promised us that one day, one day soon, we would be with Him.
When we worry about things here on this earth, I feel my Daddy gets frustrated with us. It makes Him feel that He has done so much to show His love, show His faithfulness, His trustworthyness, but still so many are hesitant to give up control of their lives to the Lord. I have given all of me to my Daddy, and He has not one time disappointed me. He has showered me with His love, His grace and wonderful peace. He wants to do the same for you. He wants you to come to Him, let Him take care of you.
Daddy, I love You. You are my Rock, my Strength, my Peace, my Joy. Without You, I cannot think of one thing on the earth I live for. You are who I live for, my precious Lord. This 6th day of June, 2011, I am like a child; I am like a child holding the hand of her Daddy, looking into His eyes with complete childlike faith and trust.
Sunday, June 5, 2011
BEING TRUE TO ONE'S SELF
Psalm 40:4 "Blessed is the man who makes the Lord his trust, who does not look to the proud, to those who turn aside to false gods."
One of the questions I usually ask an applicant that I am interviewing is "would you go against your ethics or values in order to fit in better?". The only answer to that question I am looking for is "Never, no, would not do it, etc." You would be amazed at how many stop to think it over and some have even answered and given me case senerios where this had happened. I always ask them "why would you do that" and tell them that under no circumstances should that ever be an option.
This should never be an option whether it is for work or play. I could not do this, it would no longer enter my mind to be someone I am not to gain favor or enter into someone's circle. If they do not respect the same values I have, it is not a place I want to be.
The Lord has shown me that I am who He designed me to be. This is the life He has made for me. I believe I took some turns here and there, well I know I did, that were not on the original path, but the Lord is still in control of this earth, of our lives, and He took me back, through His forgiveness and love, to the path I was made to walk on. I often wonder where I would be now if I had never strayed off the path to begin with. Would I be further along in His work for me to do, would I be different that I am. I do know one thing, I know that because of almost losing what He had for me, I am deeper in in love with Him than before. The loss of this precious relationship with my Lord, of the peace and joy I have in Him. A deeper revelation of my Lord has been born in me, one that cannot be shaken. Although trust me, the enemy has tried time and time again to rob what I have, but I will not let go of my God. There is nothing that can beset me, whether it is illness, loss of worldly possessions, nothing can turn me from my precious Lord. He is so worthy of all my love, just for Who He is. He has to do nothing for my love. He has loved me so much all these years, whether I was being true to who I was in Him or not, the love never changed, never stopped.
I have found that trying to be someone's idea of one thing or another is a worthless act. You will never be exactly what or who someone wants you to be. Their idea of a perfected you is not possible. Only God's perfection reflected in you is possible. If you try to please man, you will disappoint them and yourself. Them as you can never be exactly what they want, for if they are trying to redo you, they do not understand what it is they are looking for. It is usually something inside of them that is lacking, not in you. As they do not understand this, they will try to make over someone else instead of surrendering to the Lord and asking Him to heal their brokenness. I have through the years at several times tried to please man. I found that I could not do so, and ended up very unhappy and heartbroken.
The day I began to look and desire to please my Lord was the turning point in my life. The day I began to worship Him, worship His Holiness, from my heart and soul, was the day I found true worth in myself. I began to feel like I was worthy of being loved, I was a person that was liked and loved for who I was, not for what someone wanted to make me. I am a beloved child of the King. I am blessed, not cursed. I am standing on the solid rock, not on loose sand. The Lord does lift me up, He does not put me down. I am loved and cherished, I am no longer ashamed of who I am, what I am. I am who my Lord has made, who He has loved since before I was thought of by my parents, I am being led by Him into His ministry, to encourage others, to speak His love to, show His love to, and to minister in every way He leads.
Pure joy, true peace reigns in me, never ending, never fading, always bright and shining with the Light of the Lord. I love You so much my Lord, You have given me favor, You have blessed me beyond any thing I could have thought; You have given me new life, in myself, who I am, just who I am in You. This 5th day of June, I am being true to myself, the person I am in Jesus, my Lord.
One of the questions I usually ask an applicant that I am interviewing is "would you go against your ethics or values in order to fit in better?". The only answer to that question I am looking for is "Never, no, would not do it, etc." You would be amazed at how many stop to think it over and some have even answered and given me case senerios where this had happened. I always ask them "why would you do that" and tell them that under no circumstances should that ever be an option.
This should never be an option whether it is for work or play. I could not do this, it would no longer enter my mind to be someone I am not to gain favor or enter into someone's circle. If they do not respect the same values I have, it is not a place I want to be.
The Lord has shown me that I am who He designed me to be. This is the life He has made for me. I believe I took some turns here and there, well I know I did, that were not on the original path, but the Lord is still in control of this earth, of our lives, and He took me back, through His forgiveness and love, to the path I was made to walk on. I often wonder where I would be now if I had never strayed off the path to begin with. Would I be further along in His work for me to do, would I be different that I am. I do know one thing, I know that because of almost losing what He had for me, I am deeper in in love with Him than before. The loss of this precious relationship with my Lord, of the peace and joy I have in Him. A deeper revelation of my Lord has been born in me, one that cannot be shaken. Although trust me, the enemy has tried time and time again to rob what I have, but I will not let go of my God. There is nothing that can beset me, whether it is illness, loss of worldly possessions, nothing can turn me from my precious Lord. He is so worthy of all my love, just for Who He is. He has to do nothing for my love. He has loved me so much all these years, whether I was being true to who I was in Him or not, the love never changed, never stopped.
I have found that trying to be someone's idea of one thing or another is a worthless act. You will never be exactly what or who someone wants you to be. Their idea of a perfected you is not possible. Only God's perfection reflected in you is possible. If you try to please man, you will disappoint them and yourself. Them as you can never be exactly what they want, for if they are trying to redo you, they do not understand what it is they are looking for. It is usually something inside of them that is lacking, not in you. As they do not understand this, they will try to make over someone else instead of surrendering to the Lord and asking Him to heal their brokenness. I have through the years at several times tried to please man. I found that I could not do so, and ended up very unhappy and heartbroken.
The day I began to look and desire to please my Lord was the turning point in my life. The day I began to worship Him, worship His Holiness, from my heart and soul, was the day I found true worth in myself. I began to feel like I was worthy of being loved, I was a person that was liked and loved for who I was, not for what someone wanted to make me. I am a beloved child of the King. I am blessed, not cursed. I am standing on the solid rock, not on loose sand. The Lord does lift me up, He does not put me down. I am loved and cherished, I am no longer ashamed of who I am, what I am. I am who my Lord has made, who He has loved since before I was thought of by my parents, I am being led by Him into His ministry, to encourage others, to speak His love to, show His love to, and to minister in every way He leads.
Pure joy, true peace reigns in me, never ending, never fading, always bright and shining with the Light of the Lord. I love You so much my Lord, You have given me favor, You have blessed me beyond any thing I could have thought; You have given me new life, in myself, who I am, just who I am in You. This 5th day of June, I am being true to myself, the person I am in Jesus, my Lord.
Saturday, June 4, 2011
SO LOVED
Isaiah 43:4 "Since you are precious and honored in my sight, and because I love you, I will give men in exchange for you, and people in exchange for your life."
There is no doubt in my heart, my mind that my Lord loves me dearly. He has shown His love in every way possible. Just His giving His life for me, subjecting Himself to horrific pain and suffering, His crucifixation was more than enough, but each day, He adds more love, He proves Himself to me each day, each evening. I never feel lonely as I know He is near me. Always with me.
Well, that just jumped out of me to begin. I just don't want to leave any doubts out there some may have about the love of my Lord. My Jesus. When He loves, He loves all the way; it is not a be this way, or do these things for Him to love me. I don't have to do anything; He requires absolutely nothing to love me. But how could I possible have this love, this overwhelming love come to me, fill me so completely, knowing it will never cease and not follow that love light back to the Source. The love of Jesus draws you back to Him. It is a fine thread, He will not demand love returned, He will not force it returned, but He beckons softly, wooing with that pure love He gives, wrapping a fine, fragile thread of love around your heart, so fine that you really have to open your heart to Him to feel it. Then a gentle pull from Him, that sweet fragrance of His love pouring out to you, drawing you close....don't pull away.....let go of everything....let His love envelop you to Him. Yes, there, now you are wrapped in His arms, breath in that sweet, sweet aroma of His love. Open your heart, let the healing of His love come in and soothe all the hurts, all the pain that you have held there. Let Him show you how warm His love is, how healing, how beautiful. As you feel the disappointments and heartache of the past flow out of you, give yourself into His Light, spreading throughout you, seeking anything that should not be there....let it look, let the Light search out every place you may have hidden something you have been ashamed of, He knows it is there, let Him cleanse you of every dark blot of sin hidden there, give it all up......you don't need that anymore....you have an unconditional love flowing throughout your body, reaching to the depths of your soul. Now you are on your knees before Him, before the King of Kings, the Mightly Lord of Lords, the Word of God, the One who was in the beginning and will come for us at the end, the long awaited, much love and adored Bridegroom; you recognize Him now, yes, He is the lover of your soul. He will become everything you ever dreamed love would be, He will never leave you, He will never disappoint you, He will always love you.
I am so loved by my Lord. I want for you to know this love, truly feel this love, and to know the Lover of your soul. He has already loved you, and wants to have you recognize what love is. There is a song from years ago, "I want to know what love is". Jesus wants to show you what love really is, what it was intended to be. The love of my Lord will shatter any idea of what you thought love was, for only He is true love, pure, undefiled love.
Everyone that knows me, knows I have an unending love affair with my Lord, with my Bridegroom. His love fills my every being, down to the depths of my soul, my spirit so entwined with His, never ending love and intimacy, as He spends time with me, teaching me, sharing with me, loving me. This 4th day of June, 2011, as I am resting in His presence, I know what love is! Love is Jesus, love is my Lord.
There is no doubt in my heart, my mind that my Lord loves me dearly. He has shown His love in every way possible. Just His giving His life for me, subjecting Himself to horrific pain and suffering, His crucifixation was more than enough, but each day, He adds more love, He proves Himself to me each day, each evening. I never feel lonely as I know He is near me. Always with me.
Well, that just jumped out of me to begin. I just don't want to leave any doubts out there some may have about the love of my Lord. My Jesus. When He loves, He loves all the way; it is not a be this way, or do these things for Him to love me. I don't have to do anything; He requires absolutely nothing to love me. But how could I possible have this love, this overwhelming love come to me, fill me so completely, knowing it will never cease and not follow that love light back to the Source. The love of Jesus draws you back to Him. It is a fine thread, He will not demand love returned, He will not force it returned, but He beckons softly, wooing with that pure love He gives, wrapping a fine, fragile thread of love around your heart, so fine that you really have to open your heart to Him to feel it. Then a gentle pull from Him, that sweet fragrance of His love pouring out to you, drawing you close....don't pull away.....let go of everything....let His love envelop you to Him. Yes, there, now you are wrapped in His arms, breath in that sweet, sweet aroma of His love. Open your heart, let the healing of His love come in and soothe all the hurts, all the pain that you have held there. Let Him show you how warm His love is, how healing, how beautiful. As you feel the disappointments and heartache of the past flow out of you, give yourself into His Light, spreading throughout you, seeking anything that should not be there....let it look, let the Light search out every place you may have hidden something you have been ashamed of, He knows it is there, let Him cleanse you of every dark blot of sin hidden there, give it all up......you don't need that anymore....you have an unconditional love flowing throughout your body, reaching to the depths of your soul. Now you are on your knees before Him, before the King of Kings, the Mightly Lord of Lords, the Word of God, the One who was in the beginning and will come for us at the end, the long awaited, much love and adored Bridegroom; you recognize Him now, yes, He is the lover of your soul. He will become everything you ever dreamed love would be, He will never leave you, He will never disappoint you, He will always love you.
I am so loved by my Lord. I want for you to know this love, truly feel this love, and to know the Lover of your soul. He has already loved you, and wants to have you recognize what love is. There is a song from years ago, "I want to know what love is". Jesus wants to show you what love really is, what it was intended to be. The love of my Lord will shatter any idea of what you thought love was, for only He is true love, pure, undefiled love.
Everyone that knows me, knows I have an unending love affair with my Lord, with my Bridegroom. His love fills my every being, down to the depths of my soul, my spirit so entwined with His, never ending love and intimacy, as He spends time with me, teaching me, sharing with me, loving me. This 4th day of June, 2011, as I am resting in His presence, I know what love is! Love is Jesus, love is my Lord.
Friday, June 3, 2011
THE SHIELD
Psalm 3:3 (Message) "But you, God, shield me on all sides; You ground my feet, you lift my head high"
This has been some day. I am happy, Father, to say that Your peace sustained me all the day. Even talking to the lady about my internet problems I was able to stay at peace. They actually have someone coming on Sunday afternoon to fix it, thus saving me from trying to get someone to come stay here while they come during the week. You take care of all my needs, Lord, every detail, you leave nothing lacking. But this is not what You have for me, here. You told me a few minutes ago, showed me something that was happening and took it to heights above me.
My little office is in a spare bedroom. I have a bookshelf with many Bibles on it, different translations; my computer is on the desk, equipment needed nearby. There is a 3 light lamp by the desk near a window. The blinds are closed but enough light passes through that the bugs are attracted to the light. A little while ago, there was quite an uproar out there as so many bugs were hitting the window, they were making a good bit of noise. Just hitting the glass, not giving up, but not getting in.
The Lord spoke to me while these bugs were making so much noise. He told me that the enemy was the same way. The Lord said that the enemy was constantly coming against me trying to get to the Light, to do battle with the Light. But the Lord said the enemy could not penetrate that shield that He, my Lord, has all around me, from top of my head to the bottom of my feet. Like the bugs, satan will not give up but continue to hit and hit and hit. But like the bugs, he is not getting in me just like the bugs will not get into the house. My Lord told me that just as the glass kept the bugs out, His shield keeps the enemy out. Like the glass windows, the Lord said that His shield is as glass. The enemy can see me but he can not get me. I can see where that would really stress him out a lot. Just bouncing off the Lord's shield, while he could see me and not get to me. The Lord also told me, as the enemy sees me, I can see him. As I draw closer into the Lord's side, He said I would be able to see the enemy more clearly; I would be able to see the techniques he was employing to attempt to get to me. I would also be able to discern his attempts to trick me using the things I love to do most, worship my Lord, sing to Him; the enemy tries to use what is dearest to us to trip us up. But my Lord told me, as I slip deeper and deeper into Him, I will begin to see all attempts; I will see how my Shield wards them off, defeating the enemy time and again. My Lord said, there is no way the enemy can get to you as long as you are tucked into my side. No way. The enemy is so attracted to the Light. He cannot stand the Light within me and wants so to destroy the vessel that the Light dwells in. But he cannot penetrate the shield that surrounds me.
Right now, the bugs are quiet ourside the window, but I know there will be a renewed attack towards the light soon. And like the bugs, the enemy does not stay calm for long, just long enough to regain determination to succeed. But again the bugs and the enemy will be defeated. I do not plan to leave my Lord's side, I am seeking His will, His ways, drawing myself closer and closer to Him through His Word. I seek Him during the night as I wake, looking for my Beloved, longing to know He is near. I am never disappointed. He is my shield day and night.
This 3rd day of June, 2011, I am resting inside the shield of my Lord. I am nestled in His side, cushioned against any attack of the enemy. I am protected, loved, and cherished by my Lord, my Beloved.
This has been some day. I am happy, Father, to say that Your peace sustained me all the day. Even talking to the lady about my internet problems I was able to stay at peace. They actually have someone coming on Sunday afternoon to fix it, thus saving me from trying to get someone to come stay here while they come during the week. You take care of all my needs, Lord, every detail, you leave nothing lacking. But this is not what You have for me, here. You told me a few minutes ago, showed me something that was happening and took it to heights above me.
My little office is in a spare bedroom. I have a bookshelf with many Bibles on it, different translations; my computer is on the desk, equipment needed nearby. There is a 3 light lamp by the desk near a window. The blinds are closed but enough light passes through that the bugs are attracted to the light. A little while ago, there was quite an uproar out there as so many bugs were hitting the window, they were making a good bit of noise. Just hitting the glass, not giving up, but not getting in.
The Lord spoke to me while these bugs were making so much noise. He told me that the enemy was the same way. The Lord said that the enemy was constantly coming against me trying to get to the Light, to do battle with the Light. But the Lord said the enemy could not penetrate that shield that He, my Lord, has all around me, from top of my head to the bottom of my feet. Like the bugs, satan will not give up but continue to hit and hit and hit. But like the bugs, he is not getting in me just like the bugs will not get into the house. My Lord told me that just as the glass kept the bugs out, His shield keeps the enemy out. Like the glass windows, the Lord said that His shield is as glass. The enemy can see me but he can not get me. I can see where that would really stress him out a lot. Just bouncing off the Lord's shield, while he could see me and not get to me. The Lord also told me, as the enemy sees me, I can see him. As I draw closer into the Lord's side, He said I would be able to see the enemy more clearly; I would be able to see the techniques he was employing to attempt to get to me. I would also be able to discern his attempts to trick me using the things I love to do most, worship my Lord, sing to Him; the enemy tries to use what is dearest to us to trip us up. But my Lord told me, as I slip deeper and deeper into Him, I will begin to see all attempts; I will see how my Shield wards them off, defeating the enemy time and again. My Lord said, there is no way the enemy can get to you as long as you are tucked into my side. No way. The enemy is so attracted to the Light. He cannot stand the Light within me and wants so to destroy the vessel that the Light dwells in. But he cannot penetrate the shield that surrounds me.
Right now, the bugs are quiet ourside the window, but I know there will be a renewed attack towards the light soon. And like the bugs, the enemy does not stay calm for long, just long enough to regain determination to succeed. But again the bugs and the enemy will be defeated. I do not plan to leave my Lord's side, I am seeking His will, His ways, drawing myself closer and closer to Him through His Word. I seek Him during the night as I wake, looking for my Beloved, longing to know He is near. I am never disappointed. He is my shield day and night.
This 3rd day of June, 2011, I am resting inside the shield of my Lord. I am nestled in His side, cushioned against any attack of the enemy. I am protected, loved, and cherished by my Lord, my Beloved.
Thursday, June 2, 2011
THE SECRET GARDEN
Song of Songs 4:15 (Message) "Dear lover and friend, you're a secret garden, a private and pure fountain."
A gentle hand reached out from the veil that was rent in two and took my hand in His. He drew me through the opening into a lush garden, the beauty of it so hard to describe. I have never seen such a magnificent garden. There were flowers of every kind, colors so brilliant, some colors I had never seen before. Beautiful flowers overflowing everywhere. Lush grasses beneath my feet. The sky, I don't know, I don't recall seeing the sky. The Light is so bright it is hurting my eyes but I looked at the Hand holding mine and followed upwards to see who was holding my hand so softly yet firmly. I looked into the softest eyes I have ever beheld and as I gazed at Him, the Light softened into a gentle glow all about Him, about my Lord. My Lord led me over to a small bench nestled among the flowers; He sat down and summoned me to sit beside Him, but I cannot.....it doesn't seem right, I cannot....He is so Holy....I fall beside His feet instead. As He placed His hand upon my shoulder, He began to speak to me in such a voice, such a melodious voice.
"My beloved, you have been given favor by the Father. Because of your love for Me, your worship and praise, My Father has placed you above where you place yourself. I place you above where you place yourself. It is time for you to forget who you were, who and what you use to be and accept who you are in Me, in the Father; who you have been made through My love and My grace. Your mind, let it know and accept what is in your heart, the desire and longing for Me in your heart. No longer the heart and soul of the past, so let your mind move past all that stuff of the past, it is long forgotten by Me and My Father. We only see the beloved one that longs to be in My presence, that lives to worship Me. Don't let the enemy affect you any more with all the past things. For he can no longer harm you. You are safe in Me, with Me."
Then He was silent. We just sat there listening to the beautiful songs of the birds that seemed to appear. I had not noticed them before. I began to notice some animals, some big, some small. But I was not afraid, they were big, but not scary, they were gentle. A lion, a lion; there was a lion; he came up and nuzzled my Lord and moved on. There was nothing but perfect peace, I felt nothing but peace.
I began to hear a beautiful song being sung and realized it was my Lord singing to me. I did not know what to say; I just listened and let the song lift me in its melody. Then the Lord touched my mouth and I began to sing with Him. I don't know the words He was singing as I could only hear what was coming from my heart; Holy, Holy, Holy, my Lord, You are Holy, You are Worthy, so Worthy, I give You all my worship, Lord, You are a Holy God, so Holy, so Holy, I love You, I love You, I love You.
When we finished the song, the music still played, softly. I began to inhale the most exotic fragrance and knew it was not the flowers but the pure love essence from my Lord. If there is a smell for love, I know it is this, this glorious fragrance that was my Lord, His love. I heard my Lord speak, "Come up here, come up here", and He drew me from my place at His feet and sat me beside Him on that little bench. He placed His arm around me and drew my head to rest on His shoulder. I could only weep, from the Glory of my Lord, the Glory of my Beloved, from a place of honor beside the Honored One, beside my Bridegroom, My love.
I was at work when this took place, it was this morning, the 2nd day of June, 2011. I discovered I was sitting at my desk weeping. I don't know how long I was in the "secret garden" but it was beautiful. Again this afternoon, after a stressful day, I was driving home and the Lord took me for an instant back to the "garden", showing me that when I needed His peace, all I had to do was step inside the "secret garden" and I would always find Him waiting for me there, waiting to flood my being again with His presence and His peace and the beautiful fragrance of His love. My Lord will always be found by me, as I will always be seeking Him.
A gentle hand reached out from the veil that was rent in two and took my hand in His. He drew me through the opening into a lush garden, the beauty of it so hard to describe. I have never seen such a magnificent garden. There were flowers of every kind, colors so brilliant, some colors I had never seen before. Beautiful flowers overflowing everywhere. Lush grasses beneath my feet. The sky, I don't know, I don't recall seeing the sky. The Light is so bright it is hurting my eyes but I looked at the Hand holding mine and followed upwards to see who was holding my hand so softly yet firmly. I looked into the softest eyes I have ever beheld and as I gazed at Him, the Light softened into a gentle glow all about Him, about my Lord. My Lord led me over to a small bench nestled among the flowers; He sat down and summoned me to sit beside Him, but I cannot.....it doesn't seem right, I cannot....He is so Holy....I fall beside His feet instead. As He placed His hand upon my shoulder, He began to speak to me in such a voice, such a melodious voice.
"My beloved, you have been given favor by the Father. Because of your love for Me, your worship and praise, My Father has placed you above where you place yourself. I place you above where you place yourself. It is time for you to forget who you were, who and what you use to be and accept who you are in Me, in the Father; who you have been made through My love and My grace. Your mind, let it know and accept what is in your heart, the desire and longing for Me in your heart. No longer the heart and soul of the past, so let your mind move past all that stuff of the past, it is long forgotten by Me and My Father. We only see the beloved one that longs to be in My presence, that lives to worship Me. Don't let the enemy affect you any more with all the past things. For he can no longer harm you. You are safe in Me, with Me."
Then He was silent. We just sat there listening to the beautiful songs of the birds that seemed to appear. I had not noticed them before. I began to notice some animals, some big, some small. But I was not afraid, they were big, but not scary, they were gentle. A lion, a lion; there was a lion; he came up and nuzzled my Lord and moved on. There was nothing but perfect peace, I felt nothing but peace.
I began to hear a beautiful song being sung and realized it was my Lord singing to me. I did not know what to say; I just listened and let the song lift me in its melody. Then the Lord touched my mouth and I began to sing with Him. I don't know the words He was singing as I could only hear what was coming from my heart; Holy, Holy, Holy, my Lord, You are Holy, You are Worthy, so Worthy, I give You all my worship, Lord, You are a Holy God, so Holy, so Holy, I love You, I love You, I love You.
When we finished the song, the music still played, softly. I began to inhale the most exotic fragrance and knew it was not the flowers but the pure love essence from my Lord. If there is a smell for love, I know it is this, this glorious fragrance that was my Lord, His love. I heard my Lord speak, "Come up here, come up here", and He drew me from my place at His feet and sat me beside Him on that little bench. He placed His arm around me and drew my head to rest on His shoulder. I could only weep, from the Glory of my Lord, the Glory of my Beloved, from a place of honor beside the Honored One, beside my Bridegroom, My love.
I was at work when this took place, it was this morning, the 2nd day of June, 2011. I discovered I was sitting at my desk weeping. I don't know how long I was in the "secret garden" but it was beautiful. Again this afternoon, after a stressful day, I was driving home and the Lord took me for an instant back to the "garden", showing me that when I needed His peace, all I had to do was step inside the "secret garden" and I would always find Him waiting for me there, waiting to flood my being again with His presence and His peace and the beautiful fragrance of His love. My Lord will always be found by me, as I will always be seeking Him.
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
NON-TRANSFERABLE GOOD
1 Peter 3:13 "Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good?"
The old dictionary I have describes good as having the right qualities; admirable; real; genuine; reliable. And it goes on. There are probably more in the newer dictionaries, but here again, I keep the old as the newer ones have words in them that I don't believe should be in the dictionary, as they are not "good" words.
I was speaking with a friend earlier and we were talking about being good. You know you can only be good for yourself. I cannot be good for you and you cannot be good for me, it is non-transferable. It just stays with the one person; it is an individual trait. It has no use to another. My good is just my good. My good will do nothing for you. It may make you like me more, make you smile in reflection of me, but it will not make you good. It will not fill any void in your life, it won't complete anything in you. It will not assist you in doing what is good yourself.
Did you ever think that if you were so good that people would love you more, do things for you or think better of you? I don't think that works well. The enemy will convince you that you will never be good enough, that no matter what you try, you won't be good enough. And to a point, this time he has it right. You can never be good enough for some people. Honestly, I don't think many people even think twice about how good you are. That is not what most people look for. I know for a fact it is not what my Beloved Lord looks for. He does not love me because I am good, because in this case, I know I could never be good enough, in my own mind, for what He has done for me. I am so thankful that my being good does not make Him love me or not. His love came to me when I was bad, low down, at the bottom of the pit, good never entering into it at all, for I was not good there. But His love came because that is what He is, He is love. My Lord was good. The only real good there ever was, was Jesus. And His good could not be transferred to me. I have never read in the Bible or heard it taught, that Jesus gave me good. You can not give someone good. It only comes from themselves. It only will come from me. And I know that good comes out of a longing inside of me to please my Lord, to give myself to Him, in the best form I know. I choose good as it is the opposite of bad.
You are either good or you are bad. I know that even if I were bad, as I once was, that God would love me anyway. His love is not conditional on whether I am good or bad. But I choose to be good, to give the best of me to Him, to be a witness of what His love can do for someone that has sinned, someone that has gone far from the teaching of childhood, has failed herself. You see, I only failed myself, as you cannot fail the Lord. He already knows ahead what you will do and He is not surprised by it. You cannot fail anyone but yourself. I have heard parents talk about how their children failed them, when in reality, the children only failed themselves, not the parents. If there was failure other than the childrens, it was the parents on themselves for expecting the children to produce for the parent and not for themselves. Good is only on the first person.
Good does not transfer from one to another, but love does. Love is something you can give that has a profound effect on the receiver. Good has no effect on another, but love has the ability to fill that person with responding love, fill them with desire to give; it can make a person trust, it can give a person a will to live. Our Lord, giving us unconditional love has this effect on everyone that receives His love. Everyone that accepts the love of our Lord, has the ability to pass that love on to others, showing the love of the Lord, serving as a witness to our Lord's goodness.
I like to think I am a good person now. I know I am not bad, I believe all those detestable qualities are out of me. But the enemy will come on you in an instant if given one small opening, to pierce that resolve with thoughts, anger, impatience, and then use it against you if you fall into one of those traps. I got almost physically ill today trying to fight falling into one of those; it was quite a battle and I don't think I was a complete winner here. I did not do bad, but I surely could have done better. I did before the end of the conversation, apologize for my impatience, and if I had seemed rude or frustrated. And I know the Lord has already washed me clean of it, but it can be a battle. The only way I think we can win this war is to keep seeking the Lord and staying in His Light, walking with His hand in ours, staying in the Word, our sword.
My precious Lord, I love You so much. I worship You, I give You all my praise. I glorify Your Holy Name, my God, You are so worthy of all my love. This 1st night of June, 2011, I am good, in my own self, I am good, it is only my good and I will strive to keep myself good unto my Lord.
The old dictionary I have describes good as having the right qualities; admirable; real; genuine; reliable. And it goes on. There are probably more in the newer dictionaries, but here again, I keep the old as the newer ones have words in them that I don't believe should be in the dictionary, as they are not "good" words.
I was speaking with a friend earlier and we were talking about being good. You know you can only be good for yourself. I cannot be good for you and you cannot be good for me, it is non-transferable. It just stays with the one person; it is an individual trait. It has no use to another. My good is just my good. My good will do nothing for you. It may make you like me more, make you smile in reflection of me, but it will not make you good. It will not fill any void in your life, it won't complete anything in you. It will not assist you in doing what is good yourself.
Did you ever think that if you were so good that people would love you more, do things for you or think better of you? I don't think that works well. The enemy will convince you that you will never be good enough, that no matter what you try, you won't be good enough. And to a point, this time he has it right. You can never be good enough for some people. Honestly, I don't think many people even think twice about how good you are. That is not what most people look for. I know for a fact it is not what my Beloved Lord looks for. He does not love me because I am good, because in this case, I know I could never be good enough, in my own mind, for what He has done for me. I am so thankful that my being good does not make Him love me or not. His love came to me when I was bad, low down, at the bottom of the pit, good never entering into it at all, for I was not good there. But His love came because that is what He is, He is love. My Lord was good. The only real good there ever was, was Jesus. And His good could not be transferred to me. I have never read in the Bible or heard it taught, that Jesus gave me good. You can not give someone good. It only comes from themselves. It only will come from me. And I know that good comes out of a longing inside of me to please my Lord, to give myself to Him, in the best form I know. I choose good as it is the opposite of bad.
You are either good or you are bad. I know that even if I were bad, as I once was, that God would love me anyway. His love is not conditional on whether I am good or bad. But I choose to be good, to give the best of me to Him, to be a witness of what His love can do for someone that has sinned, someone that has gone far from the teaching of childhood, has failed herself. You see, I only failed myself, as you cannot fail the Lord. He already knows ahead what you will do and He is not surprised by it. You cannot fail anyone but yourself. I have heard parents talk about how their children failed them, when in reality, the children only failed themselves, not the parents. If there was failure other than the childrens, it was the parents on themselves for expecting the children to produce for the parent and not for themselves. Good is only on the first person.
Good does not transfer from one to another, but love does. Love is something you can give that has a profound effect on the receiver. Good has no effect on another, but love has the ability to fill that person with responding love, fill them with desire to give; it can make a person trust, it can give a person a will to live. Our Lord, giving us unconditional love has this effect on everyone that receives His love. Everyone that accepts the love of our Lord, has the ability to pass that love on to others, showing the love of the Lord, serving as a witness to our Lord's goodness.
I like to think I am a good person now. I know I am not bad, I believe all those detestable qualities are out of me. But the enemy will come on you in an instant if given one small opening, to pierce that resolve with thoughts, anger, impatience, and then use it against you if you fall into one of those traps. I got almost physically ill today trying to fight falling into one of those; it was quite a battle and I don't think I was a complete winner here. I did not do bad, but I surely could have done better. I did before the end of the conversation, apologize for my impatience, and if I had seemed rude or frustrated. And I know the Lord has already washed me clean of it, but it can be a battle. The only way I think we can win this war is to keep seeking the Lord and staying in His Light, walking with His hand in ours, staying in the Word, our sword.
My precious Lord, I love You so much. I worship You, I give You all my praise. I glorify Your Holy Name, my God, You are so worthy of all my love. This 1st night of June, 2011, I am good, in my own self, I am good, it is only my good and I will strive to keep myself good unto my Lord.
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