A child's prayer

Have you ever listened to a child pray? A couple weeks ago a 5 year old boy in my Jr. Church class volunteered to pray. As he started to talk with God about things in his life a couple others kids started to chuckle & laugh (they thought he was praying wrong). I quickly quieted them and told the kids there isn't a right or wrong way to pray. We are to talk with our Heavenly Father about things on our heart. This is exactly what this little one did! He talked to God like we talk to each other. There was no repetition, nothing pre-learned; a simple and pure conversation with God. 

I encourage my kids this same way. My son is 3 and so many times he would ask me, "Mama, who should I pray for?" Or "What should I pray next?" I would tell him to talk to God like he talks to me, what's on his heart, for people that are sick, those who don't have food or a home, hurting, sad, who needs Jesus... Things like that. Last night he really started to open up to our Heavenly Father. To hear this little 3 year old pray nearly blew me away at his conversation. It was simple and sweet yet it was powerful and deep! He didn't stop to ask questions, he simply prayed. Beautiful! It is no wonder Jesus welcomes children, their innocence and faith in Him speaks volumes. 

"But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God." Mark 10:14

So many people are afraid to pray for fear of doing it wrong. Many think they need to pray prayers others wrote or repeat the Lord's Prayer rather than sharing their heart with the One who made us. It is the Lord's desire to hear from us... Every age & every stage. If something touches our life in good or bad, He wants to hear from us! 

Hebrews 4:16 says, 

"Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need." Through Christ, it is possible to come straight to God's Throne, it is the Father's delight to hear the voices of those who will call upon Him. 

Whether a song of praise or a deep need for others or yourself, will you bring all things into God's presence? After all, He's invited us to His great Throne! 

Invisible Ink

"That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory." Ephesians 1:12-14

Have you ever held onto a receipt for any length of time only to see the ink fade? Does this invalidate the purchase made? No! The purchase is still legitimate long after the ink wears off! Now think of us in Christ, we too were bought with a price and sealed with His Holy Spirit of promise... Over time, we may loose that outward excitement we once had at our new spiritual birth. Allowing this to happen can cause us to fall into a spiritual depression; which is a land-mine of enemy attacks! Good news is, since we have this invisible ink, His Holy Spirit, we STILL belong to Christ! No purchase made by Christ blood is void! Wherever you may be in your journey with Him, stop and praise Him! If that passion for Christ, His Truth and the lost has begun to fade, will you ask Him to revive your heart, hope & trust once again?

Cast away the cloth

"Ye shall defile also the covering of thy graven images of silver, and the ornament of thy molten images of gold: thou shalt cast them away as a menstruous cloth; thou shalt say unto it, Get thee hence." Isaiah 30:22 

A woman's time of the month isn't exactly a pleasant thought. Yet The Lord God compared idolatry to a menstruous cloth! Gross!!! A woman will grasp this thought a little better than a man, as it's a part of life we regularly deal with. 

God created this time for women as a natural way of cleansing. It's His way of removing toxins from our female bodies. Let's look at this spiritually... If we've allowed any image of anything or anyone to replace God on our heart's throne we've defiled our hearts, minds and walk with Christ! It's no longer just an outward thing, it's become an issue of the heart! 

This monthly cycle is often painful too, so is letting go of what we shouldn't have gripped hold of to begin with! Also this aspect of bodily discharge can be odorous. Truth is SIN stinks! 

A woman knows the ugliness of theses cloths... Sin is ugly, it hurts, it stinks and it must be tossed! One of the most dangerous effects of keeping this contamination within us is it damages us internally! Spiritually speaking it hinders our walk with Christ and we lose our discernment! How TRAGIC! 

In essence, if you've allowed anything to reside in your heart & mind that should not be, it's imperative that it be acknowledged for what it is- let go if, cast off, tossed away, and put in its proper place... The trash! Sin so deep cannot be battled on our own or in our own strength; it requires total dependence upon The Lord God Almighty! Let go & let God!

Carry my small voice

This morning, in the still quiet of our home, I could hear my husband's strong voice carry throughout the house. He wasn't angry or upset, yet his voice carried. As I could hear his conversation, I asked The Lord, "Please let my small voice carry to far places for Your glory." 

The apostle Paul said, "For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak." Ephesians 6:20 

Those of us in Christ are His ambassadors; we are in a foreign land that is not our home. Yet without the Holy Spirit we cannot speak boldly with Love. When we are obedient to Him & His call, He carries our voice to where He sends it and it PROSPERS! For when we speak, it's not that of ourselves but His Word! From the frailest of voices to the most strong and powerful, if it's His leading, it flourishes! Will you allow Him to use your voice?

Armed for the unseen?

Armed for the unseen?

The *UNSEEN* battle begins in the mind! God has given us His armor for our defense... He's given us Christ!

"And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:" Ephesians 6:17 

Think how vital our mind is! It's not only our central command center for our body, but spiritually also! Our actions mimic our thoughts either for good or bad. Which in turn, will either bring the Father in Heaven glory or our flesh. How life-sustaining is this head/mind protection? DETRIMENTAL!!! 

Not only do we have the helmet of salvation, but He's also given us the Sword of the Spirit, HIS WORD! This is our defense.It is necessary that we daily feast at His table so we have His indispensable truth to combat enemy lies. 

"And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." Romans 12:2 How can our mindset be changed from its worldly ways & humanistic nature if we don't intake His Holy substance? We can't! How can we know our Commander in Chief without first spending time with Him? Can we know His direction without seeking His Will? No, it's impossible! 

When our minds begin to wander in mischievous directions, get in prayer and seek The Lord in His Word! When we become confused and/or misguided in our thinking we must get under His covering and pick up that Bible. Every answer we need is found in His Word! 

We are told in 2 Corinthians 10:4-6 "(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled." Our imagination can be good, but left ill-conceived, consequences can be astronomical! Casting our thoughts down allows Christ to have control, not our humanness. 

Let me leave you with this final thought... What would the outcome be for a soldier on the battlefront unarmed? Ruinous to say the least, in essence, death! Physical & spiritually it's interchangeable! Do you have your armor on? Child of God, you ARE in the middle of a raging war! Dare get out of bed without Christ? 

Unknown Destinations

We never really know how far the Lord's reach is when we are obedient! 

I've been blogging for a couple years and they're usually shared on fb & twitter. Some people share and it's cool to see The Lord carry on the messages of how He speaks to me to so many others. On blogspot, where I post my blogs, I'm able to see 7 subscribers. Pretty cool. However the "number" there has been the same for quite some time. If we only focus on numbers it can become quite discouraging! 

Yesterday The Lord granted me a glimpse of His carrying on these messages! I received an email from a website that clusters websites for a one place stop. The creator of this site wanted to let me know my blog had 44 new followers. I was confused, because I never signed up to share or post there! He was kind enough to explain his sight & the process. 

Overall, the little things that mean so much to me are being shared by many more than I ever dreamed possible! How incredible is The Lord God Almighty!?! His Word prospers where He sends it, unbeknown to us the destinations, He is glorified! 

"So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it." Isaiah 55:11 

Spiritual Starvation

Did you know there are 4 steps the body goes through in starvation? These physical things also are also applicable to us spiritually! 

To 'starve' means to suffer or die from extreme or prolonged lack of food; in essence it is be hungry.

Here's the process & results: 

1- Irritation & weakness -

     If we are griping & complaining it shifts our focus; causing us to hunger after wrong things. This makes us more susceptible to temptations! 

2- Exhaustion & indifferent-

     The body & spirit can become rundown which causes us to have an attitude of "who cares" or "so what" because there's little if any strength!

3-Depression-

     No longer taking interest in once cherished things, people much less the Word of God and our walk with Christ. A complacent numbness takes grip; very scary!

4-Death-

     Lifelessness! 

We are created with an inner longing to be fed, to be filled & to be full! Jesus said, "Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst for righteousness: for they shall be filled." Matthew 5:6 

Righteousness is not a spiritual supplement, it's an absolute necessity! If you lack desire to be filled with & by God & His Holy Spirit, your walk with Christ is dying; your spiritual man inside is dying! 

Attempting to feed ourselves with anything but "the bread of Life" is the same as what The Lord told Jeremiah His people were doing and still continues today! "For my people have committed two evils; they have forsaken me the fountain of living waters, and hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water." Jeremiah 2:12 

Spiritual junk food doesn't have the necessary nutrients we need to grow! If you lack this hunger & thirst for Christ & His righteousness, if you've begun this spiritual starvation process, there IS STILL HOPE... If you forsake your ways & return to Christ! 

Fizzy Faith!

Fizzy Faith... Does your faith have that Jesus fizz?

Today in Jr church I gave the kids a hands on visual comparison of our lives before Christ & the changes He makes when we allow Him in. 

Using our 5 senses we compared a small bottle of water (represents without Christ) and a small bottle of Sprite (life with Christ)... The kids were great and could see the differences right away! One of the first things they noticed was the bubbles in the sprite! When the sunlight hit it, it sparkled! Something the water lacked!

Then I shook both bottles & asked the kids what would happen next... They all shouted the pop will EXPLODE! Haha! I explained to them see, when we are filled with God's Holy Spirit, He makes the biggest difference in our lives from the INSIDE and He allows these changes to be seen & felt by those around us! Just like the effects of shaking pop, His goodness & love overflows from our hearts to others too! 

 

Then, I took the cap off and asked them if they knew what it represented? They looked puzzled! Haha! I asked them, what happens if pop is left open overnight? They described how nasty & flat it is... RIGHT, I tell them, it looses it's fizz & taste!!! See, the cap represents us staying under God's covering! That is His protection. If we choose to go outside Him, we loose our joy, peace & love that comes from Him living inside our hearts!

"Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." 2 Corinthians 5:17

Moral of the story:

By accepting Jesus in our hearts & allowing His Holy Spirit to live within us, He makes the difference in our lives and the lives of those around us! 

Battles so Fierce

Have you ever fought a battle so fierce;

That it felt like every fiber was pierced?

All you wanna do is just run and hide;

But instead you turn to God and confide!

It's there you find peace;

Humbled, remorseful, laid down on your knees. 

You don't have to fight the demons alone;

Christ declared victory & now sits on the Throne!

These battles will come and these battles will go;

Just know whatever you face, in Him, you're not alone. 

He restores strength and grants healing too.

Every fiber deep pained, every thought that rushes through 

Lay 'em down and let His hand comfort you. 

May you find peace at His feet and see His beauty so sweet! 

Remember all the things Jesus went through and know;

He did it for you!

He knows, He sees and He fought these same battles too. 

Trust Him to see you through. 

Deodorize the Day

This morning while getting dressed & ready for the day I applied deodorant! Whoooo hoooo, right! I always converse with my Heavenly Father, even in the little routine things. I asked Him, "Lord, there must be more to this as simple as it is. Without deodorant our bodies put off a stench most would rather not smell, but this covering grants a sweet aroma." 

Here's His reply to me... It's so cool! He said, "Most people think of my Word as food or spiritual substance, but many lack understanding to My protection through it; it is also My covering." Then as I get in His Word, He spoke this: "And I have put my words in thy mouth, and I have covered thee in the shadow of mine hand, that I may plant the heavens, and lay the foundations of the earth, and say...Thou art my people." Isaiah 51:16

Those of us IN Him are covered by His Word! Remember John 1:1 says, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." We are under His covering! The blood of Jesus covers our sins, no longer harboring the world's stench. We have His sweet smelling aroma of LIFE! It's His LOVE! 

With that said, have you put on your deodorant, that beautiful sweet spiritual covering of Christ? Have you applied His Word to your day? 

Just think, there are many who go days, weeks or months without praying or reading their Bibles... They're choosing not to stay under His covering! Now, imagine going these lengths of time without bathing & without deodorant! Sin has its stench all it's own. Over time, we may become immune to its foul smell but those who dare venture near us... Well, it's hands down detectable! Eeeewwww! 

So I ask again, have you applied God's Word to your day? Raise your hands if you're sure! \o/ 

Not Finished Yet

Have you ever started a project with much enthusiasm & excitement only to get midway and get distracted with something else? I sure have! Sometimes these projects are put in the back burner and never completed. Such as life, right? Sometimes we wonder if God is making any progress with us. Remember He's the Potter, we are the clay... Well, one thing we can count on is this: "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained..." Ephesians 2:10 That which He's started, will be completed! "For he will finish the work..." Romans 9:28 

Next time you feel as though there's little if any change happening within; just remember who it is you belong to... He is faithful! 

"Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them. How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them!" Psalm 139:16-17

So, where we are imperfect, He sees perfection through His Son Jesus and where we fail to finish certain things, He never will give up on us! 

Gone Astray?

This evening my kids and I stop at the grocery store to grab a couple things. Feeling quite adventurous, I allow my 3 year old son to walk rather than sit in the cart. Knowing what the outcome would be, I kept a close eye on him. Rowdy & excited he decides to run around. As most 3 year olds with freedom do. I call for him, but he continues his own direction. So do I. He doesn't know I can see him, but he can't see me and becomes hysterical! I call his name and he quiets a little. Yet he still didn't see me so continued. There were a few shoppers who looked at me like I was mean and if I would get him. Little did they care there was a deeper lesson for both of us. The more Jayden heard my voice the more he calmed down and could hear the direction to go. Once he saw me he ran as fast as he could with tears of relief. He didn't leave my side after that. 

Lets apply this spiritually... How often do we go our own ways, deliberately disobeying our Heavenly Father? Have you ever panicked thinking He wasn't near or had abandoned you? I have, even knowing He's always present! 

Jesus gave us this parable in Matthew 18:12-13 "How think ye? if a man have an hundred sheep, and one of them be gone astray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine, and goeth into the mountains, and seeketh that which is gone astray? And if so be that he find it, verily I say unto you, he rejoiceth more of that sheep, than of the ninety and nine which went not astray." 

The shepherd is excited to see the lost sheep welcomed back into the fold, just as the father of the prodigal son. He rejoiced!!! 

Unfortunately, majority have to learn some things the hard way. Which makes me that much more grateful for my Abba Father's grace, love, mercy & forgiveness. At times we have to face chastening, but like any good parent, it's dealt in a measure of love! 

I didn't put my son back in the cart, but I tell you though he strayed a little, it wasn't nearly as far. Love truly does cover a multitude of sin!  

My friend Grace

Many years ago while doing nurse aide work I met a lady at the end of her days named Grace. She was quiet, sweet and different from the other residents. Day in and day out I would stop in her room to find her reading her tattered but cherished Bible. Everyday I would think to myself, how can anyone read the same thing over and over? After a few months of working with her and many others I took a 2nd shift instead of 1st, only to walk in her room and find she had passed. The nurse approached me and told me it was mine and a friend's job to prepare her body for the morgue that was coming. I was heartbroken. Plus I never had to deal with the "after death" aspect of my job. I've never seen such sweet peace on a face gone on as hers. We cared for her gingerly as her body was frail, even though she was no longer there. I think about this precious lady often in my own walk with Christ. She may never know the impact of her diligence, patience or peaceful presence. Now I know why she read as often as she did. Old, tired and worn she wanted to *know* the One she would spend eternity with. Let us not wait until the end of our days to know the Master. Today is a gift, tomorrow is not promised and I firmly believe there are no strangers in Heaven! People take note of how we live our lives, just as I did with my friend Grace. The trails we will leave on their hearts is often unknown but may the impressions build long standing inquiries as to "why" we do what we do with the peace & presence of Christ. Both Grace and the *grace* of God have forever changed my life!  

Search the Scriptures

SEARCH THE SCRIPTURES

By Michelle James 

Do you know what you believe? Is it fully in tune with the Bible? If it does NOT line up with the Word of God... RUN RUN RUN RUN!!! How do you know it's 100% biblically sound? Is it because somebody told you so OR because you've searched the Scriptures?

The Gospel of Christ is simple, even understandable to children. "For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace..." 1 Corinthians 14:33

There is a flood of teachings based upon man, to satisfy man & made by man for man's glory and man's gain.. There is something out there to believe to fit whatever one desires, but IF it be not based on Christ & His infallible Word, it's a heap of "feel good" fables; which in the end leads to eternal destruction! "For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables." 2 Timothy 4:3-4

A perverted gospel is NO Gospel of Christ. "I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, if any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed." Galatians 1:6-9 Are we living to please men and self OR God!?

“Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.” 2 John 1:9

If you so choose to accept & follow these things you are without God, which in essence means, without hope unless you come to accept the full Biblical Gospel of Christ Jesus!

"Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world." 1 John 4:1 How do we "try" or test the spirits? "Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me." John 5:39 Be like the Berean! Paul said, "These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so." Acts 17:11 They didn't take man's word for it until they SEARCHED the Scriptures daily! Prayerful study is the ONLY way to know truth from error. My friends, this IS the difference between everlasting Life in Christ & eternal death; forever separated from the Love of God! 

Hosea 9:17 says, "My God will cast them away, because they did not hearken unto him..." How can we claim a God we do not seek, heed nor listen to? His Word IS Life... Whatever is it you believe, whoever it is you listen to, however they may try to lead, may you diligently & prayerfully search the Scriptures! 

Sin Stinks

Sin stinks! 

It carries a stench of rot and decay... Yet, in God's infinite Love still reaches for the lost! 

He said, "I have spread out my hands all the day unto a rebellious people, which walketh in a way that was not good, after their own thoughts; A people that provoketh me to anger continually to my face... Which say, Stand by thyself, come not near to me; for I am holier than thou. These are a smoke in my nose, a fire that burneth all the day." Isaiah 65:2-3,5 Has your nose ever been burnt by smoke? It stings! Just think what we, in our humanness, must put our Heavenly Father through. Look what He has to say about rebellion & stubbornness: "For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry..." 1 Samuel 15:23 

Next time we dare think to choose our own way over the Lord's Will, remember this: "There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death." Proverbs 14:12

Though we are ALL born bearing a sin stench, The Lord's grace is the fragrance of life; a sweet savor in His nostrils! "Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound: That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord." Romans 5:20-21 "For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish: To the one we are the savour of death unto death; and to the other the savour of life unto life. And who is sufficient for these things? 2 Corinthians 5:20-21

To what is the fragrance you carry? That of Life, Love, Mercy, Grace & Forgiveness in Christ OR the stench of self loath, rebellious & stubborn against the Living God?

My Sistas & Worldly Mistas

Y'all don't need them worldly mistas... No one deserves someone that'll dis ya. 

Forget that mess & leave that alone. Seek out a man that adores that Heavenly Throne. 

If you don't heed this advice, your world will be filled with heartache, chaos & strife. 

These fellas may seem to have it all, stability, self will & promises things that thrill, but in the end your heart will be left seeking & loveless still. 

Empty promises, deep pain & a longing for one who walks with the King will be your reward for choosing one who is spiritually bored. 

These mistas, my sistas, will leave your heart in blistas! Abound in the Life Christ has called you into, keep on the narrow road & remember all He's brought you through. 

Please heed this advice, think about it and think twice. 

There no perfect people, no not in this life, instead of seeking man's love, keep your eyes focused on Christ! 

His love is undending, perfect & true. After all, He gave His life for you! Accept these words of wisdom and be patient too. 

In the meantime, don't settle for less, it's Christ whose Love is the best! 

Thoughts to ponder & time of reflection...

Thoughts to ponder & time of reflection...

If we don't take time to commune with our Father in Heaven by prayer & reading His written Word, can we say we know Him?

If we do not take time to do what's pleasing to Him by faith in sharing His goodness & the Love of Jesus with those around us, can we truly say we love Him?

If we do not heed His warnings and gentle directions by His Spirit, can we say we truly listen to Him?

If we carry not our cross and die upon it daily to the wills and desires of our flesh, can we truly say we follow Him?

If we examine not our walk & not apply His sweet teachings to this temporary life, can we truly say we are His students and He the teacher?

If we do none of these things, yet say we "believe", can we truly expect to spend eternity with Him?

The Sunday School teacher —a steward

The Sunday School teacher —a steward
By C. H. Spurgeon

“Give an account of thy stewardship.” Luke 16:2

I see nothing in the Bible that should lead me to believe that the office of the preacher is more honourable than that of the teacher. It seems to me, that every Sunday School teacher has a right to put “Reverend” before his name as much as I have, or if not, if he discharges his trust he certainly is a “Right Honourable”. He teaches his congregation and preaches to his class. I may preach to more, and he to less, but still he is doing the same work, though in a small sphere. I am sure I can sympathise with Mr Carey, when he said of his son Felix, who left the missionary work to become an ambassador, “Felix has drivelled into an ambassador;” meaning to say, that he was once a great person as a missionary, but that he had afterwards accepted a comparatively insignificant office. So I think we may say of the Sabbath-school teacher, if he gives up his work because he cannot attend to it, on account of his enlarged business, he drivels into a rich merchant. If he forsakes his teaching because he finds there is much else to do, he drivels into something less than he was before; with one exception, if he is obliged to give up to attend to his own family, and makes that family his Sabbath school class, there is no drivelling there; he stands in the same position as he did before. I say they who teach, they who seek to pluck souls as brands from the burning, are to be considered as honoured persons, second far to him from whom they received their commission; but still in some sweet sense lifted up to become fellows with him, for he calls them his brethren and his friends.

"Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful." 1 Corinthians 4:1-2

More open doors & more of You Lord

More open doors Lord, this world desperately needs Your precious Son.
More open doors Lord, with courage & strength to endure all pain, heartache, rejection & more.
More open doors Lord, Jesus declared He is the ONLY way.
More open doors Lord Your people need You now.
More open doors Lord with perseverance to the end.
More open doors Lord without compromising for false friends.
More open doors Lord, redeem the time that's lost.
More open doors Lord, have mercy there are countless souls to win.
More open doors Lord, pour out Your Spirit upon all flesh.
More open doors Lord, You are faithful and true.
More open doors Lord, we are desperate for YOU!
More open doors Lord and courage  to go through.
With boldness and Love Lord, draw these failing hearts to You.
More of You Lord, and less of this flesh.
More of You Lord, and all that is needed to finish this test.

Destined for Change

There have been mountains and valleys, desserts and tears.
How the Lord moves in me through out the years.
Gently removing the pain & the fears.
Now I am covered in His lovely humility,
By His blood so gracefully shed just for me.

Lost in my ways, I'm destined for change.
Lord move in me;
I'm not who I used to be!

He quickly came in, when I confessed all my sin,
That's when His Spirit slowly begin
Molding me into His perfect image.
Letting go of bondage, baggage with courage.

Lost in His ways, I'm destined for change.
Lord move in me;
I'm not who I used to be!

He's more than patient, to this mirey clay.
Once I was marred, but now I am changed.
Healing the brokenness, burried so deep.
Opening my eyes, its His love that I see.

Lost in His ways, I'm destined for change.
Lord move in me;
I'm not who I used to be!

Now with His strong arms, holding me dear,
He's shown me my weakness and His strength endures.
No longer walking through this world all alone.
I am His masterpiece, beauty defined.
Lord, move in me!

Tug of War

"And he shewed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the LORD, and Satan standing at his right hand to resist him. And the LORD said unto Satan, The LORD rebuke thee, O Satan; even the LORD that hath chosen Jerusalem rebuke thee: is not this a brand plucked out of the fire? Now Joshua was clothed with filthy garments, and stood before the angel."Zechariah 3:1-3

Here is a picture of Joshua, the high priest, in filthy rags! A chosen vessel of the Lord standing in the midst of the angel of the LORD and satan himself, but note the LORD rebuked satan! Not once but twice. And notice, he said, "is not this a brand plucked out of the fire?" In essence He was saying, "Joshua is mine. You cannot have him! He's been pulled out of your clutches! Go away!"

He doesn't stop there, "And he answered and spake unto those that stood before him, saying, Take away the filthy garments from him. And unto him he said, Behold, I have caused thine iniquity to pass from thee, and I will clothe thee with change of raiment." (v4)

Isn't that incredible!? He took away Joshua's filthy rags and he clothed him with raiment! This is exactly what Jesus does for us!

"But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away." Isaiah 64:6

"Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." 2 Corinthians 5:17 In Christ, we trade our filthy sin for His righteousness by His blood covering!

Jesus warned Simon saying, " And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren." Luke 22:31-32 Satan also desires to sift us; to try us, beat us down and cause us to stumble & fall, but Christ in His great Love and mercy says, "I have prayed for you."

Joshua had the angel of the LORD by his side and was defended! We have Christ covering and His intercession!

We are in a daily spiritual battle. Good verses evil. The Living God verses satan. Our flesh against temptation. We, in ourselves, are incapable of Victory over anything. However, in Christ we are changed from filth to beauty. Dressed in royal attire and protected in His Love where nothing can harm nor tempt us beyond escape.
Do you belong to Christ? Have you made the trade from filthy rags to the sweet covering & transforming beauty in His righteousness? Are you protected against the wiles of the devil? You don't have to fight this tug of war alone. You weren't made to!

True Friend

I've seen it time and time again
People want to call Him friend
But when He invites them in
They turn and walk away from Him.

So many just don't understand
That when He bids us come with Him
He wants to love much deeper than
Our minds can even comprehend.

I've seen it time and time again
His love reaches out to them
He wipes away every sin
And every tear, He bottles them.

His tenderness touches hearts
And promises to never part.
Denying self is just the start
But to the world this isn't smart.

I've seen it time and time again
Only Christ can give without end.
A real commitment to His friend
All begins with a journey with Him.

Enlisted in Christ' Army

I am in my Lord's army
He is faithful to the end.
There is no greater Commander
Than One who'd die for His friend.

What a steep price to pay
For Him to take my hand in His
And bid me "Come" on a journey with Him.

A life of total darkness was my foggy way before 
A soldier in His Army
in a battle that is unseen.
See there are demons all around me fighting against this royal King
They want to take as many souls as they can blindly lead.

My Jesus gently whispers, worry here no more.
The battle is already won and soon ALL WILL CALL ME LORD.

He's given every weapon
and faithful defense too.

He's given His clothes of righteousness
 by His willing sacrifice.

The day He died upon the cross satan thought he had victory.
But to his surprise
 my King from death did arise!

After three days of total darkness 
this Commander, He did win
Permanently erasing all of sins stain
See, HE conquered death & the grave.

The enemy was ticked 
and this battle did grow worse
This was just the beginning 
Of many of our storms

So many just don't get it;
They just don't understand...
This battle is raging
and mere humans can't comprehend.

We soldiers do get wounded
you can see this from our scars.
See, this wicked one we fight
and his evil demons too;
They use those close to us 
and say God's Word isn't true.

I've seen both sides in action
and though this soldier falls.
I know in the end is victory
 as I believe my Lord.

Anyone can enlist if you like the winning team.
We drink from water spouts that bring life with them.

You don't have to fear no more.
Christ is looking for good soldiers,
the ones despised in shame.
He will take you through His training
And He will take away your pain.

Come let us reason,
why take a mental beatin'?
This is life's true meaning

The days are growing dark & dim
And soon evil will befall 
in the most wicked way of all.

But all in the King's army will delightfully feast with Him.
Will you trade your garments 
and fight with Him? 

He will not leave you weary 
But precious life restore
All in His Army will taste death no more! 

True vs False "Service & Missions"

Thinking about today's emphasis on "missions & service"... how many go to another country to be changed!

I heard a "testimony" of an undevoted man who went with his church. He said, "ya know, I don't pray everyday, but I tell ya, if you go on a missions trip, it will change you."

OK, aren't we to take the Gospel (unedited true Gospel) making true disciples as Jesus commanded? Can we truly be dedicated to Christ and His call yet not commune with Him regularly? Doesn't the Gospel itself by the Holy Spirit's power change and transform us? My heart is still grieved over this testimony and the countless others that are just like it. We follow Christ at a high cost, the cost of denying ourselves and carrying our cross daily. Where is the "self gain" Jesus promised? THERE IS NONE! We can't honestly serve Christ and fulfill His great commission without His leading, guiding and Holy Spirit.  If we aren't His disciple, can we make true disciples apart from Him?

Jesus said, "I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing." John 15:5

How dare we "serve" Him with self interest at heart! Is not this life and its purpose all for His glory and gain? True missions is a beautiful and glorious thing. Though I haven't been to a 3rd world country, I have been placed here and now, "for such a time as this" in a mission field of my family, friends, neighbors, my community.

Let us 1st be transformed and understand the cost of that high calling in Christ Jesus that we too may be used for His Kingdom and glory according to His Will and purpose!

More than a symbol

More than a symbol, a necklace to place there.
So much more than a picture in a pretty frame for one to admire and stare.
A real face that took my place
And all the sin and weight of my shame
So much more than a scratch or a simple skin tare.
A beating badly taken in the most courageous way.
Yet so many carelessly walk by
And give little thought to His pierced side.
A crown of thorns, not from a prim rose but twisted and turned that He be mocked more.
Each cut, disgusting spit, a 7-ended whipping digs, all this to be my friend.
There is no other love.
No love so real and true;
As the day my Jesus gave His life for both me and you.
So much more than just a rugged tree.
More than just His pain galore.
A portrait of Heaven's open door.
His blood did flow
Under ground it did go.
It fell upon the mercy seat
And made a way for us to see,
His love upon a rugged tree.
Dare we wear a necklace without care for the sacrifice & joy that was not fair.
To see a pretty face with a blood drip or two
To think He endured more than we can comprehend
See, He was beaten unrecognizable my friend.
There is no portrait, no movie to see that can capture His grace that hearts can barely see.
If you have captured a mere glimpse now just think,
He was made to carry that tree on His back
So how arrogant are we to think life is simple and free?
After all, He said for us to do the same.
"Deny yourself, carry your cross and follow Me."
See, His life is real, much more than a symbol!
Beatings, bruises and pains that cut deep
Are you willing for a journey that the cost is quite steep?
Look at that portrait, that cross necklace too and quietly think
He did this for me!

The beauty of Feet

 Greetings to all in Christ! I want to share a life lesson with you all that I've experienced. I pray you are blessed and encouraged and take a look at feet in a whole new light! In Jesus name!

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Here is a link to the song "At Your Feet" by Casting Crowns. I encourage you to listen ...

Casting Crowns "At Your Feet"

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"And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!" Romans 10:15

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 QUESTION: How can we preach if we are not willing to submit to the call?

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Learning about service, humility and Love...

A while ago, my husband was joking about washing his feet as he was taking his work boots off one night. At first I was reluctant and kidding him about how stinky his feet were, but I knew there would be something to it, so I prayerfully did it. I ran a little bath water and had him sit on the edge of the tub and began washing his feet. He had been talking with a preacher friend, so since they both know I believe the Word of God, Jimmy wanted to test me and see if I would do as I say. During this time, I felt close to him. I had his undivided attention and he had mine. Even though he towered over me sitting on the edge; this was a true picture of humility, love & service. This was one on one time! I looked him in the eyes as I was finished and I said, "see how much I love you, this is a humbling experience, I'm on my knees washing your stinky feet!" He smiled and we laughed. I was praying through it that God would open his eyes and show him true humbleness and His Love. While drying Jimmy's feet he said, "too bad that didn't count." I said, how do you figure, that is being submissive, you are my husband and you asked me to do this... well, his preacher friend told him that women do this to women and men do this to men in their church... I told him, it did count because he was my husband and I love him enough to do it. I'm not sure what point his friend was trying to make, but this opened the door for me to share the story of Mary and Martha, and Jimmy was quite attentive!

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"There they made him a supper; and Martha served: but Lazarus was one of them that sat at the table with him.

 Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odour of the ointment."  John 12:2-3 I explained to him that Mary was at Jesus feet, giving Him her all, completely undivided attention, she was showing her love for Him, while Martha was busy in the kitchen preparing the meal... she missed out on the face time!!!

~

While trying to figure out what his friend was trying to tell him, I began prayerfully  searching the Word, and I was reminded of this...
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"Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God; He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself. After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded. Then cometh he to Simon Peter: and Peter saith unto him, Lord, dost thou wash my feet? Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter. Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me. Simon Peter saith unto him, Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head. Jesus saith to him, He that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit: and ye are clean, but not all. For he knew who should betray him; therefore said he, Ye are not all clean. So after he had washed their feet, and had taken his garments, and was set down again, he said unto them, Know ye what I have done to you? Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him. If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them." John 13:3-17

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There is a lot to learn from this ... Jesus is our example of LOVE, Humility & Service... These cannot be done with a pure heart apart from HIM. Jesus said, "Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing."John 15:4-5 If we are in Christ, His attributes will be clearly seen. (This is His fruit) We will WANT to please Him, reach out to others and serve Him with all our being. If you don't have this desire, it's time for self examination...

What does your attitude reveal about you?

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"Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud. He that handleth a matter wisely shall find good: and whoso trusteth in the LORD, happy is he." Proverbs 16:19-20

Letting Go

What's one to do when the weight of this life makes one weary and weak? Oh Lord, I need Your comfort and peace! Please give me words to speak!

Lord, help me let go- help me let go! I lay them down at the foot of Your Throne.

When I'm weary and worn from the strength of this storm. Your arms embrace me so gentle and sweet. You say, "Come unto Me, rest my child, for here is the reprieve you need."

Lord let it be Your Love that refreshes me. There's no other place I'd rather be than safely tucked beneath Your wing. Oh Lord embrace me- embrace me.

All these burdens and strife that bring tears; they expose my weakness and add to my fears. Father God You're the only One who hears.

Lord, help me let go- help me let go! I lay them down at the foot of Your Throne.

Your love is all that I need to let go, grant strength and Your peace to fulfill every need. No more burdens to bear, nor am I alone, I've laid these troubles down in the midst of this storm.

Lord, help me let go- help me let go! I lay them down at the foot of Your Throne.

You've calmed the wind and the rain that nearly wiped this child away. No more weight nor dreadful fears, You've touch my face and wipes my tears. Nothing compares to the peace found in You, I've let go of all pain at the foot of Your Throne.

King of the saints

I once was surrounded by death and despair, but Your love came down and rescued me there. Oh bright Light and sweet taste of Heaven's delight. The moment You opened my eyes to see, that precious day I did fall upon my knees.

To think I will sing with saints gone before, to worship & praise the magnificent Lord!

"Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints. Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for thou only art holy: for all nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy judgments are made manifest." Rev 15:3-4

I will bow down and worship with the saints, oh how the thought makes my heart faint. To behold Your power and glory divine. A trade once made with Your hand in mine. Far to majestic for my mind to comprehend, to think You now call me friend.

Now no more gloom nor pain I tried to hide, the darkness is gone and Christ at my side. No worries nor fear, but true joy that brings tears. A lover, a friend that none can compare. How worthy He is when this great day appears that I sing with the saints who dared to believe, it was His Love that rescued me!

Will you join this heavenly host? Will you declare His glorious works? "Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints. Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for thou only art holy: for all nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy judgments are made manifest." Rev 15:3-4

This life is but a mere test to see if you will join the rest. No more darkness nor death, but eternal life and rest. The battle is tough and the road is long but what a prize for my eyes to behold, the King of glory upon Heaven's throne!

Are you Trusting The "Foolishness" of God?

"And Joseph dreamed a dream, and he told it his brethren: and they hated him yet the more. And he said unto them, Hear, I pray you, this dream which I have dreamed: For, behold, we were binding sheaves in the field, and, lo, my sheaf arose, and also stood upright; and, behold, your sheaves stood round about, and made obeisance to my sheaf. And his brethren said to him, Shalt thou indeed reign over us? or shalt thou indeed have dominion over us? And they hated him yet the more for his dreams, and for his words." Genesis 35:5-8

The Lord God gave Joseph a forewarning of what was to come here. This dream would eventually be a blessing, but the trials & rebuke he would endure & receive would require much trust & patience in the Almighty Living God. Though Joseph's brothers didn't understand the dream completely, it drove them more into hatred and inevitably played right into God's plan for His beloved!

Noah was also warned of what was to come and though he too shared of impending doom, the people listened not and death became of them.
"By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith." Hebrews 11:7

What the Lord gives us, in whatever form it may be, must not be taken lightly! Though not often understood by those around us, and sometimes even ourselves, we must be diligent in obedience regardless of the opposition that arises toward us!

"For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe." 1 Corinthians 1:18-21

The Lord loves us enough to speak...  are we listening, heeding and sharing???

Postcard Christianity

Snap shot taken from my mother
in-law's garden. Would make for a beautiful
"Wish you were here!"

I don't know about you, but I know I've experienced postcard Christianity. "What's that?", you might ask. Let me fill you in...

Postcard Christianity is where we hold up snapshots of other believer's lives and share their stories. They're motivational, yes! Moving, yes! Inspiring yes! We can learn much from their wisdom gained and their testimonies told. The problem is becoming reliant upon them rather than taking Christ by the hand ourselves!

So many of us have been sitting on our "spiritual couches"! We've nestled away tucked in a safe zone attempting to live out our Christian lives through some one else's adventures. There is a problem here and it leads to complacency; the hardening of our hearts and in turn grant us hard fallow ground! Something must be done!

"Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the LORD, till he come and rain righteousness upon you." Hosea 10:12

Action must be prayerfully taken! It's time to seek the Lord, cut loose of that comfy safe zone and take the hand of Christ. Ask & allow Him to break up that fallow ground. You see, fallow ground was once fruitful & productive, but over time dependency upon anything or anyone but the Lord will allow our own hearts to become hardened and fruitless. As our heart's ground becomes broken, it becomes useful for receiving seeds! Seeds of life! As we seek His righteousness, we will be used, we will be tried, but we must decide!
Abandoning the complacent life allows a real genuine opportunity to take the hand of Christ and dare adventure with Him on a life long journey! So, will you continue to show these postcards or allow the Lord to create your own hand in hand with His?