Food and the flu

Food and the flu

Making up my own recipe today, sausage & rice soup. Key ingredients: sausage, carrots, onion, tuscan garlic, seasoned salt, pepper, thyme, chicken stock, rice & LOVE with a side of crackers.

It's so cool how the Lord uses natural ingredients to cure man's illnesses. Praying these basic ingredients help cure my family of the flu bug! As I sought the Lord for answers in helping my family heal, He not only showed me the above ingredients but also this from His Word:

"Better is a dinner of herbs where love is..." Proverbs 15:17

Please join me in praying for my family! I hope they're able to keep all of God's vitamins and nutrients down.

Costly and Contaminated

A couple cool comparisons ... thinking about this verse ...

"Woe to the rebellious children, saith the LORD, that take counsel, but not of me; and that cover with a covering, but not of my spirit, that they may add sin to sin:" Isaiah 30:1

Ladies, (who wear or have worn make-up)... have you ever added mascara to mascara? The first time it's applied; it can look quite nice. The 2nd time, it begins to get clumpy. The 3rd time or more it barely looks like accented human eyelashes. Rather, it's more like a sloppy superglue and it looses it's definition, right?

Adding any covering besides Christ's shed blood in attempt to wash away or hide our sin is NO different!  Doing things our own way, resisting God's direction and rejecting the ONLY solution that really works is insane, literally. Why? Because it doesn't work!

It's kinda like telling a lie, then conjuring up another to cover the first one. Then again and again, only each time it becomes a greater tangled web of falsehood.

Fellas, have you ever changed the oil in a vehicle? Adding fresh oil grants greater performance, right? Same situation applies, would it do the vehicle good to run used dirty oil through once more? Absolutely not! Matter of fact, if there's dirt or any kind of metal shavings in that old oil you know it can and will eventually ruin the motor and transmission completely! 

Such simple comparisons, yet bold and profound truths. If we take any advise not written in the Word of God, we choose to seek false "feel goods", that 2 or 3 day old mascara might save some cash immediately but in the long run it will damage the beauty God has placed upon your face. Just the same, taking someone's word that used dirty oil will make your motor run cleaner may end up costing a whole new vehicle!

Truth is, "sin is pleasurable for a time", yes a time. However, that price tag is quite costly in the end. How we choose to live this life here and now determines our eternal destination. Will will live for self in the moment, buying cheap lies that will cost our spiritual lives, ultimately paying the price indulging our temporary pleasures that provoke the Living God to anger, jealously and wrath OR deny the flesh it's temporary dainties in order that we may spend eternity with the King of glory?

Adding "sin to sin" leaves the heart, mind and soul calloused and clumped, corrupt and contaminated... what will the ultimate cost contain for you?

Pass the poop

What would you do if God told you to EAT POOP? Yes, human waste! This is just what He did to the prophet Ezekiel.

"And thou shalt eat it as barley cakes, and thou shalt bake it with dung that cometh out of man, in their sight. And the LORD said, Even thus shall the children of Israel eat their defiled bread among the Gentiles, whither I will drive them. Then said I, Ah Lord GOD! behold, my soul hath not been polluted... Then he said unto me, Lo, I have given thee cow's dung for man's dung, and thou shalt prepare thy bread therewith." Ezekiel 4:12-15

Haha, gross, right!?! Thankfully the Lord changed it for His prophet to cow's dung instead. However, what was His point, His comparison in this? My thought was that is offensive! Then the Lord showed me, this isn't nearly as offensive as our sin, transgression & iniquities are before Him!

Wow! Eye opener there! Another thing He pointed out to me was what He allowed His prophet to experience, to endure and feel due to the rebellion of the people. Do we really think because we belong to Him we should escape "offensive" things?

Correct direction or the donkey?

Good morning! Ever feel like you have 100 roadblocks in the way? One detour after another, right. It's commonplace these days to blame the devil but have we considered it may be due to the Lord’s hand? That He may be displeased and stop you from your own ways...

I've been reading Numbers 22-24. In chapter 22, this is precisely what happened to the prophet Balaam. He was bid by Israel's enemy to curse God's people. Even tempted by this king with earthly stature & wealth (vs 17) he still stayed true to God.

However after asking the Lord a 2nd time to go with this man seeking to curse, the Lord said "...Go with them but the word which I say unto thee, that shalt thou do." (vs 20) Instead of WAITING as the Lord directed, he arose the next day to go.

Needless to say, God's anger was kindled against him! (vs 22) What did God do? He sent the angel of the LORD to block his path! Balaam couldn't see it but his donkey could. Haha, he even got beat up in a sense because the donkey wouldn't push through! After he hit the donkey 3 times the donkey spoke! Yes, the Lord opened its mouth to speak & correct. (vs 28-30).

"Then the LORD opened the eyes of Balaam, and he saw the angel of the LORD standing in the way, and his sword drawn in his hand: and he bowed down his head, and fell flat on his face. And the angel of the LORD said unto him, Wherefore hast thou smitten thine ass these three times? behold, I went out to withstand thee, because thy way is perverse before me:" (vs 31-32

See, he needed to know what he was doing was of his own accord. The Lord went to extreme measures to get his attention. After he realized & confessed his sin, then he sought the Lord’s direction & will.

The Lord still works in mysterious ways. I've experienced His roadblocks before. Thankfully minus a talking donkey, lol! The question is how far will He need to go to captivate your attention?

What if... Would you be concerned? Accountability & the Christian

What IF... Would you be concerned?

What if I began sharing more about my physical attributes than the attributes of God, would you be concerned?

What if I began promoting more sports than Scriptures,  would you be concerned?

What if I became more consumed with fashion than the finished work of Christ, would you be concerned?

What if I began to become more involved with politics and set aside the Prince of Peace, would you be concerned?

What if I began promoting Hollywood and celebrity gossip instead of Christ conquering hell and the grave, would you be concerned?

What if I began sharing horoscopes instead of my trust in the Father above who not only holds me in His thoughts and hands but knows what t he future truly holds, would you be concerned?

What if I began spouting out profanities every time someone stomped on me instead of asking you to pray for them with me, would you be concerned?

What if I began falling for worldly riches and get rich quick schemes over trusting the Lord to provide for me, would you be concerned?

What if I began embracing those who spread hate and deceit over those who live love and speak truth, would you be concerned?

What if I began clubbing & partying while letting my children raise themselves and fall prey to the one who seeks to destroy, would you be concerned?

What if I began a life of constant hypocrisy, living a lie while promoting Christ, would you be concerned?

WOULD YOU LOVE ME ENOUGH TO TELL ME THE TRUTH? This, my dear one is accountability!

What if I began to tell you, much of what I've said here, I see in many of you? ARE YOU CONCERNED?

Jesus said, "I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see. As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent." Revelation 3:15-19

REPENT & RETURN TO YOUR FIRST LOVE, CHRIST!

Victory and the vice

Yesterday I was talking with my Mom about different vices people use & cling to. She asked me to define "vice". I thought a moment and couldn't do it. Lol, I could only give examples. I told her I would look it up and share. This morning, it was one of the 1st things the Lord placed on my heart. 

A vice is, "a moral weakness" or "a specific form of evildoing." How many of us ever thought of a vice in this way?

Immediately, the Lord reminded me of the Apostle Paul. He said, "And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure." 2 Corinthians 12:7

There are many who believe his "thorn in the flesh" was a physical impairment. I believe it was some kind of vice. Looking at the definition of vice, it could be he had a human fleshly weakness. 

Are we to justify ourselves if the Lord is dealing with us in a specific area of our sin nature? Certainly not! This should provoke us to prayerfully ponder if we are allowing our fleshly wants/desires more than pleasing the Father above. After all, there are rewards or consequences. 

"For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live." Romans 8:13

In following Jesus, we are to deny ourselves, carry our cross daily and follow Jesus. Despite the "vice", we must live for Christ! 

 "Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier." 2 Timothy 2:3-4

Are we willing to examine ourselves, and honestly seek the Lord regarding whatever vice we may have. If it's truly evil doing, it is sin! Are we feeding the flesh with our own vice, is it truly a "thorn in the flesh" or an excuse to have as we please?

Sweet surrender or changed correction?

Recently I was wronged by another person. In my fleshly reaction I looked to others around to stand up for me. (Wrong choice. If we truly belong to Christ, He is our defender and avenger. Looking to any other than Him is sin.) 

Such as life, right? Well, when I saw the Lord's correction coming upon the individual, I shouted, "I'm happy and I'll be glad when..." The moment those words fell out of my mouth, I knew I messed up! 

Here's why: "Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth, and let not thine heart be glad when he stumbleth: Lest the LORD see it, and it displease him, and he turn away his wrath from him." Proverbs 24:17-18

The Lord immediately laid this passage upon my heart. I was so focus on the wrong done (misplaced focus, no longer on Christ, rather focused on "poor me"- This is sin) and the doer of it, I set this to the side. After I quieted this needed check in my spirit (I ignored the voice of the Lord! Dangerous, even for those who are His. Another sin!), I became even more distracted. (Those of you who know me already know how easily this happens, lol!) boy was I wrong! Like a snowball affect, the moment I chose to put my focus on "self", it was one slip, trip and fall after another. 

Here we are a couple days later... The Lord did withdrawal His wrath and correction. When He did my heart sank even more. Last night I spoke with this individual. Though there was much humility in that conversation, there was more I had to be taught. I wrongly held onto things I should've immediately given to God, my Father. I allowed my pride to swell as I focused on the pride in the other person. I failed to see my own shortcomings and faults. 

See, He brought me to this passage last week. He was trying to prepare me for what was ahead. Though I had read it, I tucked it away as already known. I had seen Him work in this way before. (That was an extremely prideful act!) To be teachable, we MUST be humble and a "know it all attitude" just won't cut it! 

As He brought this passage to me again, He granted me eyes to see the errors of my own ways and the reasons for the repercussions. In rereading it again the phrase, "...it displease Him..." leaped off the pages. I did it, I broke His heart. Yes, I'm still His. Yes, He still loves me. Yet the impact of accepting my childish and immature behavior brought me to my knees and my heart to tears. This is genuine repentance! More than godly sorrow but sin saturated in full surrender to the One I caused much pain. 

He once again took me to this passage and took me farther. He said, "Fret not thyself because of evil men, neither be thou envious at the wicked; For there shall be no reward to the evil man; the candle of the wicked shall be put out." (vs 19-20)

Long story short, it's up to us to begrudgingly hold onto pain or to forgive and surrender it to the ONLY One able to heal, restore, defend and avenge us.

Covering Clean or Corrupt?

"Woe to the rebellious children, saith the LORD, that take counsel, but not of me; and that cover with a covering, but not of my spirit, that they may add sin to sin:" Isaiah 30:1

Think about that! Not many today think about a "covering". It isn't necessarily a part of our modern culture. In reality, even in clothing today there's little if any modesty, much skin is revealed. I can see a spiritual portrait here of our sin sick and morally depraved society. Can you see this condition? 

There are many examples in the Word of God that shows the blessings of being covered in Christ as well as the Father's displeasure of those who seek anything and everything but Him. 

In Exodus 12 they were instructed to put lamb's blood upon the 2 posts of every house in order that the spirit of death or "the destroyer" may pass by, leaving all inside this protective covering safe. Pretty remarkable! This was a portrait of what Christ does for us who are His! 

Was not death and destruction not the reward for those left unprotected? Yes! When one has chosen the things of this world over Christ, the covering (whether acknowledged or not, whether known or not) is considered "strange apparel" in the sight of the Living God. 

"Hold thy peace at the presence of the Lord GOD: for the day of the LORD is at hand: for the LORD hath prepared a sacrifice, he hath bid his guests. And it shall come to pass in the day of the LORD'S sacrifice, that I will punish... all such as are clothed with strange apparel." Zephaniah 3:7-8

Still today, the Lord has bid His guests. There's no safety nor surety outside of Christ. If the covering be corrupt, so must the inside be as well. Are we covered in His cleansing Blood or have we opted for the world's corrupt covering? 

Complaining and the corrupt heart

When I find myself complaining and easily irritated (which seems pretty frequent lately), the Lord pricks my heart. Why? Because it reveals my heart isn't right with Him. 

How can we know this? 

"A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh." Luke 6:45 "Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter?" James 3:11

These things reveal much about where we seek contentment. If our eyes and hearts are fixed upon Christ, we won't be so easily disappointed and spring off of our emotions. After all, our only stability is found in Christ, our unmoveable Rock! 

"Do all things without murmurings and disputings: That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;" Philippians 2:14-15

My sweet lil friend reminded me yesterday, "Always remember Michelle, life's not fair". It's true! May we praise the Lord more and complain less! There should be a notable difference in us who have Christ, not mirror those of this world. 

Father, please fix our hearts upon Christ by Your Spirit which is stronger that any super glue, for Your glory. In Jesus name. Amen!!!

Team building and trust!

Let's talk team building! 

During my quiet time, I surrendered this day and all it holds unto the Lord. I asked Him to feed me, according to that which is needed for the toils, trials and tasks ahead, from His Bread of Life; His Word. 

So, He took me to 1 Chronicles chapters 11-12. King Saul had been killed and David was anointed king "according to the word of the LORD"(11:3) As I continued to read the Lord is very explicit in detailing those He surrounded David with; Brilliant, mighty, experienced and skilled men of war. 

As I read through the names, tribes, talents and huge numbers, I asked the Lord. "How does this pertain to us today? What do you want me to take from this incredible portrait and apply to my life?"

He always astounds me! He said, "I always provide what is needed. Look again at the talent and skill each group of men hold." So I did.

First, He showed me how He cherry picked the 3 closest to David. Each were loyal, with unimaginable strength and honorable. The Lord directed David as to their order in stature and reputation. Then on into chapter 12 He showed me the astounding vast numbers of David's supporters. "...They were all mighty men of valour... Came to David to help him, until it was a great host, like the host of God." (vs 21-22) 

Each group baring unique skills; contributing their qualities to a greater army. 

A few are:

*"...mighty men of valour..."(v25,28,30)

*"...men that had understanding of the times"(v32)

*"...expert in war, with all instruments of war... they were not of double heart."(v33-34)

Here's the cool part... hundreds of thousands of men, all from different backgrounds, sizes and skill yet, "All these men of war, that could keep rank, came with a perfect heart..." (v38)

Bottom line, there's no way King David could handle the tasks ahead alone. The Living God knew and provided every area of expertise needed to conquer the task at hand!!! He still does the same for us today BUT it's up to us to utilize what He's given. Will we struggle alone or trust His provisions? 

Agree with thy adversary and go!

When the enemy sees us fit to nit pick at, revealing our flaws, faults & failures. We don't have to wallow in the muck & mire the enemy desires to keep us in. 

"Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison." Matthew 5:25 

If we agree with the adversary in the wrongs we've done, that's good so long as we don't stop there! See, when we stop there, we've created our own prison; one of mental & spiritual anguish. We must immediately take it to the Judge. When we do this we trade that guilt and condemnation for His sweet peace! 

"There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit." Romans 8:1

Earnestly contending or stagnantly sitting?

Will we sit in silence amongst an evil and vile generation or shall we stand up and defend all that is of God the Father? Even our silence speaks! May it not bring shame to His Holy name! 

"Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints." Jude 1:3

It is our duty in Christ that we "earnestly contend for the faith". Earnestly means in a serious manner. The Word and all that is written within isn't a light issue. Contend means to fervently fight, struggle, strive, labor and defend. 

As I was reading during my quiet time the Lord took me to Nehemiah. In the 13th chapter, he points out 3 things that grieved the Lord's heart. When our spirits are in tune with His Spirit and His Word, we will experience His joys and His pains. 

3 things Nehemiah called the people out on and stood for righteous Truth:

* Forsaking the house of God (vs 11)

* Profaned the Sabbath Day (vs 17)

* Taken women from godless cultures to themselves (vs 24-24) They were unequally yoked! 

There wasn't a moment that Nehemiah sat silent. He carried the burden of the Lord and called these things out among the people who grieved His Father's heart. There were consequences for such things and they had to be stopped! 

The Lord lead him and he took the initiative! We live in a time where the Word of God has been tossed to the side. Humanity has attempted to blur God's lines in effort to appease their desires. Though times, seasons, cultures and people change, the Lord God does not. He is from everlasting to everlasting. 

"Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure:" Isaiah 46:10

May He grant us the boldness to courageous stand in these last days. If we must be silent, may we be awaiting the Lord's direction. Will we obey & contend or will we cowardly run like Jonah?

Bad days and living right

"You must not be living right.", is a common misconception when we have bad days. 

Truth is, sometimes things don't go "right" due to our choices but often when walking with the Lord He will allow trials and testing; in order that we see who we really are and our need for Him that much more!

"That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:" 1 Peter 1:7

Burning out imperfections and drawing us closer to Him is a result of keeping our eyes upon Christ rather than the circumstances. 

"That all the people of the earth might know the hand of the LORD, that it is mighty: that ye might fear the LORD your God for ever." Joshua 4:24

Such as life, things will go wrong. It's a heart test to see where our focus is: poor poor pitiful me or upon the hand and face of God, reverencing Him, His divine plan and will for our lives- receiving and accepting His love and desire towards us. 

Remember, the Lord rewards those who do "live right" in His sight, but these rewards may result in growth and that, at times, can be painful! After all, can we truly appreciate the good days fully without experiencing trials, tribulations and testing? 

Seek good and not evil

"Seek good, and not evil, that ye may live: and so the LORD, the God of hosts, shall be with you, as ye have spoken. Hate the evil, and love the good, and establish judgment in the gate: it may be that the LORD God of hosts will be gracious..." Amos 5:14-15

For the believer "good and evil" are quite defined without question, yet for the lost and lukewarm; they are without direction and discretion because they lack the Lord, His Holy Spirit and His Word. They live comfortably miserable in the greyscale of blurred lines. 

Since we in Christ are lead by Him, we are able to "establish judgement". Judgement here is a favorable or unfavorable verdict. It is based on all things considered but the bottom line is: Does it please the Living God or the flesh?

 May we use discretion and our God given understanding for we are without excuse. We've been given discernment and may we first judge our own thoughts, intentions, words and actions according to the preset standards the Lord has defined as "good and evil".

Riots & racial divisions

Racial divisions & riots... Who knew this is just one more prophecy being fulfilled!?! 

Jesus said, "For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places." Matthew 24:7

Did you know in the original Greek language the word for "nation" is ἔθνος and is Pronunciation

eth'-nos!?! It means a race (as of the same habitat or origin)! Safe to say, this racial & cultural divide is NOT from Christ but rather stems from the world but more defined this division is cultivated by the enemy; Satan himself. 

"For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world." 1 John 2:16

With that said, these things cannot be joyful nor pleasing to the Father in Heaven but rather grievous! 

Galatians 6:8 tells us, "For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting."

Safe to say Jesus is once again 100% accurate! Not only is His return closer than most care to admit BUT we are left with a choice here and now... Add to this worldly and unproductive activity or sow peace that only Christ can bring? We all bleed blood red... 

Hate and discord as well as envy and strife are all rotten fruits of Satan and his destructive antics to steal our focus from Christ. 

May we be mindful of whose fruit we are producing and who will receive glory from it; and remember, "For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work." James 3:16

Heaviness in the Heart

"Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad." Proverbs 12:25

To my surprise, I thought stoop meant to be brought low. In actuality it means so much more! It is to depress, that is, prostrate especially reflexively in homage to royalty or God:-- to bow self down, crouch, fall down flat, humbly beseech, do reverence, worship. (Strong's Concordance) Wow! 

So what is this "heaviness" that has such a profound impact? It is anxiety; fear, sorrow and carefulness. This could be any number of things we face in life, often a collection of situations or circumstances. 

We could all use a "good word" from time to time. What better encouragement can we share with another than Christ? There's none so uplifting which causes us to be full of joy, hope and peace than Him. 

Why? He knows exactly how we feel, every emotion in what we face, as well as the heaviness this life gives. Can we see that these things are to bring us to a heart of worship? A happy heart in adoration? They aren't to cause us long lasting toil and strain, but rather that we bring it to the Father's feet, praise Him and indulge in His presence where we find Him, His peace, rest, renewal and all we need to continue on. 

Such a simple phrase, yet it's meaning is so deep and rich! We need not be anxious or fearful, but rather: "Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7

If you've recognized this heaviness in your heart, have you bowed yourself with a heart of praise before the King of kings and laid all those toils at His sweet feet?

In the world but not of it- oil & water Jr. Church lesson

Teaching Jr.  Church is so much fun! I love hands on lessons, it really helps open understanding (of course along with prayer 1st!) and shows the reality of it! 

Oil and water don't mix!

We used: a small container of oil, a mason jar of water and red dye. 

We had 3 passages today: 

1 John 2:15 - Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

Romans 12:2 - 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.

Matthew 5:14 - Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.

The water represents the world and the oil was representative of us, saved, redeemed & in Christ. The red dye was added to the water and represented the things in the world. 

It showed so many things! 

1- We know oil & water don't mix. Given we have Jesus, we are IN the world but not of it. We need to talk with our Heavenly Father daily and throughout the day as well as LISTEN to Him by reading His Word. This is how we are transformed into His likeness and are able to learn from the Holy Spirit!

2- When we do the things others without Jesus do, such as watch or listen to things (on TV, music, video games, etc.) that God doesn't approve of, do what we want instead of what we are told: being rebellious, throw fits (yes, even "grown ups" do this too), if we are unkind or selfish, we LOOK NO DIFFERENT from those without Jesus. 

3- when the oil and water are mixed, we held it up to the sunshine through the window (I was missing a flashlight). The sunlight didn't shine through as bright, barely visible at all! When we act this way and blend in with the world, others around us cannot see our Jesus in or through us. 

After several seconds went by, it began to separate again. After we fall and sin against God, as well as those we've wronged, IF we turn to Him with a repentant heart and ask for His forgiveness, He will wash away our sin and His Light shines through us again. 

After all, Jesus said "Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid." Matthew 5:14

If we look and act no different from the world, others will reject our Jesus. Oh but when He is seen, heard and felt through us, others are drawn to Him! It's His love through us that He uses to draw hearts, minds and lives unto Himself! Shine Jesus shine! 

The kids did a great job participating, asking & answering questions. If we are truly being honest, this is a lesson for all ages. I know I can see myself falling, failing and hiding the light of Christ at times. Though this is a hands on thing we did to actually see how spiritual things are or can be, it definitely applies to every believer. 

The rod and reproof

"The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame. Correct thy son, and he shall give thee rest; yea, he shall give delight unto thy soul." Proverbs 29:15,17

A common misunderstanding when the term "rod" is used is that it's a beating stick. Though it is figuratively a stick, it is not necessary or recommend to be used to whoop on or beat anyone. 

When shepherds used their rod or walking stick; its primary use was in guiding the sheep. Correcting them, as in keeping them together, guiding them with the fold. 

Just think if Father God beat us with His rod, there would be no evidence of His love. So, just as He corrects, guides and deals with us, His children; we are to guide and correct our children in a similar way. In action, with words, by example with persistence, diligence and always with love, care and concern consistently. 

We are not born knowing the right way to go or live in a manner that's pleasing to the Father. These things are learned by trial and error as well as heeding and gaining wisdom from our elders. 

Do we realize how much love it takes to raise a child, especially in teaching them the honoring ways of the Lord? Do we see the importance of our own example they see on a regular basis?

Fallow or fruitful?

"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

Fallow ground is hardened, unplowed and unseeded ground; it is undeveloped yet potentially useful. Can hardened ground accept seed or absorb water; much-less produce any fruit? 

Consider this in relation to our hearts. It is the Lord who must prepare us, tilling up what is hard and not useful. Are we willing to allow His blade to dig deep down, breaking up the unused parts that we may absorb His goodness, His Word and become saturated with His Living waters? 

In Jeremiah, the Lord is careful to instruct, "For thus saith the LORD... Break up your fallow ground, and sow not among thorns." Jeremiah 4:3 

What's the difference, if the ground be tilled anyway? In the parable of the seed and the sower Jesus details the "thorns choke out the seed". It is their deep roots that spoil! 

It is time to seek the Lord, the days are dark and His return is upon us. Will we allow the breaking so that we may absorb, be nurtured, grow and reap in righteousness and mercy? 

The bullock and the believer

"...Thou hast chastised me, and I was chastised, as a bullock unaccustomed to the yoke: turn thou me, and I shall be turned; for thou art the LORD my God. Surely after that I was turned, I repented; and after that I was instructed..." Jeremiah 31:18-19

Wow, think of that first yoked bullock! The resistance it must've 1st given now being confined. Relate this aspect to ourselves. Many have been drawn unto the Living God by His lovingkindness, yet our humanness still desires to thrive in our own will, in our own ways and in our own strength and He gently puts His yoke upon us to teach us reliance upon Him, to share the weight of our burdens, trials and cares, as well as to give us good direction in the way we must go. 

Think again of the bullock, once free, self reliant, self determined now tied to another. Now, it can be lead, ordered & directed for its protection and can be taught and tamed. 

Is this not a portrait of us, in Christ? Jesus said, "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." Matthew 11:28-30

PRAISE HIM for His patience with us! How often we resist & rebel, yet His "yoke is easy and His burden is light". Have we learned... Are we learning still; teamwork with Christ? Trusting Him, His Word, His ways and His Will far exceed anything we could possibly do in our own strength apart from Him? 

Connecting the dots... A fraction of a prophetic snapshot

Woah! Check this out! 

Jesus said, "For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be earthquakes in divers places, and there shall be famines and troubles: these are the beginnings of sorrows." Mark 13:8

Let's break down a few of these words to the original meanings... 

Kingdom - from 935; properly, royalty, i.e. (abstractly) rule, or (concretely) a realm (literally or figuratively):--kingdom, + reign. 

Nation  -  a race (as of the same habit), i.e. a tribe; specially, a foreign (non-Jewish) one (usually, by implication, pagan):--Gentile, heathen, nation, people

Troubles- disturbance, i.e. (of water) roiling, or (of a mob) sedition:--trouble(-ing).

Sedition - an illegal action inciting resistance to lawful authority and tending to cause the disruption or overthrow of the government

Matthew 24:7 days, "For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places."

Let's Breakdown a lil more verbiage ... 

Pestilences - notice this is PLURAL! Meaning of uncertain affinity; a plague (literally, the disease, or figuratively, a pest):--pestilence(-t).

I always understood this as the pestilence used in Exodus where the Lord used Moses to free the Israelites from Pharaoh's slavery, bondage & oppression. 

There were 10 plagues the Living God used to free them... Water to blood, frogs, lice/gnats, flies, livestock disease, boils, thunder/hail, locusts. darkness, death to the firstborn. 

Not that all these plagues are evident but to show a vast array of them are active currently! Easy to see from that list, pestilence is also included in this! 

Okay, we know I'm no rocket scientist but the Holy Spirit is making it clear, these are all evident TODAY! 

The Word of God is alive! Deep calleth into deep... He's speaking, are we listening???

Can anyone else see an intentional dividing of America? 

•There's racial tensions thicker than pre 1965. 

•There's pinpointed religious differences, backed by false evidences. 

•There's a rising hatred for law enforcement. 

•As well as increased dependence upon a broken government system. 

•There's minimal respect for adults and elderly. 

•There's countless proofs of moral and spiritual decay. 

• Abortion is applauded & pushed. 

• Gay agenda embraced and forced upon those who disagree. 

•There's an imminent threat to those who lawfully abide by their right to bare arms. 

That's a "small" list. Y'all think these things aren't pre-planned? What's worse is many, countless many, are feeding right into it! 

Remember what Jesus said, "And if a house be divided against itself, that house cannot stand." Mark 3:25

How long do y'all think this nation will last? You take away the solid foundations in Christ and His Word and you've taken away the moral compass that made this country so great! Implosion is inevitable... Are you ready?

Let's take a snapshot of current events globally. All lining up with Ezekiel 38, Psalm 83 and Matthew 24. 

• The acceleration of natural disasters around the world, warning the world of the Wrath of Yahuah that is about to be poured out on earth 
• The degeneration of the Christian Church into a worldly-minded, pleasure/prosperity-seeking, apostate church.
• The rise of a "beast" nation - modern, prophetic, Babylon the Great - who will "devour" the other nations of the world in its attempt to establish a global empire 
• The collapse of the world's economies, resulting in revolutions, wars, rule of the wealthy elite through martial law, and the impoverishment and servitude of the masses 
• The amalgamation of nations of the Middle East and North Africa against Israel
• First, the takeover by Islamists then annihilation by "fire" (a commetary explosion?) of the last great superpower nation - modern, prophetic Babylon - opening the door to the invasion of Israel by nations of the Middle East and North Africa. (Source indexed is: revelation understood commentary.com) 

Cinderella mentality Cast away with PRAISE!

Cinderella Cinderella, night and day it's Cinderella... Do the laundry, do the dishes, night and day it's Cinderella... It's a beautiful gift to be a wife and Mommy, yet it's also quite demanding at times. 

I had the pleasure of going grocery shopping alone today. Super excited about studying prices, looking out for my family and not being rushed. Yet over and over the cashier and lady behind me at the checkout repeatedly said, "You have a long ways to go (speaking of bagging), "You have to load & unload it still then put it all away, by YOURSELF." 

On and on their negativity went. All the while, I just smiled and said, "It's ok, I know." I'm just grateful for the Lord's provisions! 

When I got home, I walked in my empty house and our dogs joyfully greeted me. Unbenounced to me, our pup shredded anything & everything she could get her chops on. LOL! As I started cleaning up the mess, switched laundry and began reordering our home from the remnants of 2 (no school) snow days and a computer work day in between, these ladies negativity started coming back to mind. 

I said, "Lord, I'm thankful for my children to take care of. I'm thankful for the groceries you've provided. I'm grateful for the business you've given my husband and I." 

On and on I went just praising God and giving Him thanks! Though I still have tons of work to do, I know by HIS STRENGTH and HIS LEADING, "I can do all things in Christ Jesus who strengthens me"!

So, I'm casting aside the "Cinderella" mentality and pushing through the mental "to do" list! Life is so much better when you've got your PRAISE on!

Battle of the brush

We've had this battle with our daughter about brushing her hair daily. So in efforts to help her, I bought a fancy brush that eases the process and nearly pain free. 

This morning I noticed she pulled her hair back in a ponytail. A little ratted yet contained. So I asked her, "Did you use your fancy brush?" She relied "Yeap, sure did." I said, "Hummm... If you used it, shouldn't there be evidence that it's been applied?" *BLANK STARE* was her response! LOL! 

No more did I say this to her and my own words HIT me too! For those of us who FOLLOW Christ, should we too not bare evidence that His Word is being applied?! YES! 

Just as my daughter's hair showed need of more consistent use of the brush, how many of us need to intentionally pursue and apply the Living Word to our hearts, minds and lives? Are we willing to endure a bit of pain that we may produce proof? 

May we be mindful... "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

Is there evidence of our transforming in Christ? 

Hearts stir and vortex effects

Photo curtesy of: Geology4today.com

While taking a bath one morning, I began stirring the water towards the bottom of the tub with my razor. After a short time affects could be seen on the surface. The  vortex underneath began to take shape and drew the puffs towards the center, each becoming closer to each other as well as drawn to the center. 

Seems like a basic but fun science experiment, right? I asked the Lord to speak to my heart through this simplicity. He asked, "Dare ask that your heart be stirred?" He continued, "See how deep you must go? So must I. Shall we see what begins deep within your heart first?"

Like a child, I gazed at the surrounding top waters. Seemingly unnoticed at first, the ever so slight top bubble movements. As I went near the bottom of the tub, continuing to spin the razor, the more the changes were seen on the surface. Some waters scattered away from the underneath current, while others seemed to be sucked in and repeatedly participated. 

So shall our present stirring affect those around us. Just as the apostle Paul spoke to Timothy, so the Lord speaks to us, "Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands." 2 Timothy 1:6

Life presents many kinds of waters, from the soft subtle gentle stream to the stormy waters that make waves rise fierce and high. Truth is, no matter where we are at this present moment, the storms, afflictions, trials and/or victories we experience are our own, until the Lord STIRS our hearts, THEN our effect on others around us will be greater than minimal at best. 

So, as the Lord asked me, I also ask you; "Dare ask that your heart be stirred?" If we truly desire to be used as only He has made us to be, we must let His hand stir our hearts floor, kick up the dust and allow His Love to draw us and others to Himself. 

"Deep calleth unto deep at the noise of thy waterspouts: all thy waves and thy billows are gone over me.

Yet the LORD will command his lovingkindness in the daytime, and in the night his song shall be with me, and my prayer unto the God of my life." Psalm 42:7-8 Will you allow your heart to be stirred?

Discernment goggles

"And that ye may put difference between holy and unholy, and between unclean and clean;" Leviticus 10:10

Even in our humanness we understand the stark difference between good and bad. Shall we not also make the same distinction as to what is from The Lord God and what is of this world?

"Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it." Psalm 34:14

However, apart from Christ and His Holy Spirit, the lines are often blurred and the desires of the flesh are esteemed over His desires. 

Holy or unholy, clean or unclean, good or bad, right or wrong, life or death, Christ or self... Pertains to all things. Do you have your discernment goggles on? 

Puzzle pieces & faith

While putting a puzzle together with my kiddos, I was reminded of an excellent point. It was the perfect teachable moment! Just because I wanted pieces to fit, didn't mean it worked out. Kinda like our faith. We trust God to see the bigger picture, right? Not just the pieces we have before us. 

"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." Hebrews 11:1

So I took this moment to talk with my kids. 

I shared, many people view faith almost the same as a genie in a bottle. Faith is trusting Jehovah to meet our needs; which doesn't necessarily line up with our wants. 

If our hope is in Him, we will desire His Will above our own, His plan above ours and trust our needs will be met according to His purpose. 

Then, we each tried to piece together pieces that didn't belong together. It simply didn't work! Even when colors were similar, it just wasn't meant to be! Then we all found pieces that fit, not only did the picture jive right, but there was NO force to make something happen that shouldn't happen to begin with. It was a fun, hands on lesson for them and a definite needed reminder for me! 

I trust The Lord in His leading & guiding that He will have His perfect way in this imperfect life. Are you living on genuine faith or that which is often falsely promoted in a genie type sense? 

"(For we walk by faith, not by sight:)" 2 Corinthians 5:7 Are we living this out loud in our most needful and trying times?

New Year, new journey

A few things I hope & pray for you in  this New Year... Happiness, strength, joy, gladness, prosperity, grace, mercy, victory, courage, strength, hope, forgiveness, blessings, peace, salvation, Agape Love and abundant LIFE! 

Happiness:

"Happy is that people, that is in such a case: yea, happy is that people, whose God is the LORD." Psalm 144:15

Strength:

"The LORD will give strength unto his people; the LORD will bless his people with peace." Psalm 29:11

Joy, gladness & prosperity:

"Let them shout for joy, and be glad, that favour my righteous cause: yea, let them say continually, Let the LORD be magnified, which hath pleasure in the prosperity of his servant." Psalm 35:27

Grace & mercy:

"The LORD is gracious, and full of compassion; slow to anger, and of great mercy." Psalms 145:8

Victories:

"Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us." Romans 8:37

Courage, strength & hope:

"Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD." Psalms 31:24 

Forgiveness: 

"As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us." Psalm 103:12

Blessings & peace:

"Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee." Isaiah 26:3

Salvation 

"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:" Ephesians 2:8

Agape Love

"For the Father himself loveth you, because ye have loved me, and have believed that I came out from God." John 16:27

All we need is found in Christ! Jesus said, "The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." John 10:10

With this new beginning, will you journey with Him?