Private Thoughts?

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Private thoughts? There is nothing private or hidden in the sight of God.

"And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually." Genesis 6:5

"For I know their works and their thoughts..." Isaiah 66:18

"And the Spirit of the LORD fell upon me, and said unto me, Speak; Thus saith the LORD; Thus have ye said, O house of Israel: for I know the things that come into your mind, every one of them." Ezekiel 11:5

Remember, there is nothing hidden from Him. Nothing! There's no such thing as keeping any kind of secret for any length of time from the Almighty God.

Even that which we think will be kept from others, is eventually made known.

Jesus said, "For nothing is secret, that shall not be made manifest; neither any thing hid, that shall not be known and come abroad." Luke 8:17

Again He says, "For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; neither hid, that shall not be known." Luke 12:2

May we keep these truths in the forefront of our minds. What we think about, often produces action, whether to the good or to the bad. Are you guarding your heart and your mind?

The world is changing

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The world is changing!

Jesus said, "All these are the beginning of sorrows." Matthew 24:8 in the last days...

"For these be the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled." Luke 21:22

He gave us many clues.

"And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another.

And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold."

Matthew 24:10,12

Did you know 'iniquity' means immoral or grossly unfair behavior? Have you noticed an increase in these things? 

Seems countless people are offended these days too over a variety of reasons, whether by rampant iniquity and the injustice that seems to parallel or because self is placed higher than others resulting in selfishness & hatred over genuine love and humility. 

No doubt the world is changing just as Jesus said it would. There are many other things happening that Jesus said would in Matthew 24 & Luke 21, I encourage you to prayerfully read each. 

Are we paying attention? Are we grounded in Christ Jesus so that His love supercedes and in seen in a generation that so desperately needs Him? Are we being His hands and feet as this world continues crumbling?

Trash talk and the Believer

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Being in trucking, it's commonplace to hear trash talk. Sad but true. Not all truckers are like this though. I'm sure this isn't the only industry, but one I'm partial to. I believe true believers are genuinely set apart and their conversations reiterate this.

With that said, consider Jesus words here...
Matthew 12:33-37
33 Either make the tree good, and his fruit good; or else make the tree corrupt, and his fruit corrupt: for the tree is known by his fruit.
34 O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.
35 A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things.
36 But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.
37 For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.

As a tree is known by its fruit, so our conversations reveal much about who we are, the condition of our hearts and prove who we are living for.

Think on these things  that James chapter 3 tells us. (I hope you make time to read it in its entirety.)
5 Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!
6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.
7 For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind:
8 But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.
9 Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God.
10 Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.

I love how James puts it in a nutshell.
"Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter?" (Vs. 11)

Ok, so our hearts contents and inner ambitions are made known to those around us by the words we speak. If we claim to follow Christ and are truly His, does our conversations back up this claim? Can He be seen in the everyday things?

Let us be mindful of Job. Many of us are familiar with his story. If not, I encourage you to embark on that journey.

Willing to ask yourself regularly these things.
"Is there iniquity in my tongue? cannot my taste discern perverse things?" Job 6:30

What goes in does come out. Are we being renewed daily in the Word of God, flushing out trash and consuming those living waters and bread of life. (Romans 12:2

Can we make this same declaration, honestly?
"My lips shall not speak wickedness, nor my tongue utter deceit." Job 27:4

Since James made it clear that we cannot tame our own tongues completely, are we willing to ask the Holy Spirit for His help?
"Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile." Psalm 34:14
"Set a watch, O LORD, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips." Psalm 141:3

If we ask Him, He will do it!

A few things here to consider as we go about each day. Are we doing what is necessary to present Christ and His kingdom or is our own best interest at heart in our discussions with others around us?

Truth is, the Word of God speaks much on the topic. This could go on and on, but I hope this helps us all to be mindful and to strive word by word to represent the One we claim, Christ Jesus.

Preparing Esther

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Many of us are familiar with the story of Esther. While reading, a few parallels jumped out at me. 

Esther 2:9 says, "And the maiden pleased him, and she obtained kindness of him; and he speedily gave her her things for purification..." 

1- she was chosen and immediately had the king's favor 

2- she obtained his kindness 

3- he gave her things for purification 

When we look at Christ, notice any similarities here? He chooses us, is kind & gentle, then He cleanses and purifies us! 

Here Esther is being prepared to be queen. So it is with us who belong to Jesus!

"And the king loved Esther above all the women, and she obtained grace and favour in his sight more than all the virgins; so that he set the royal crown upon her head, and made her queen..." (vs 17) 

Esther had won the King's heart! Not only his but verse 15 says, "...she obtained favor in the sight of all them that looked at her..." If we are truly Christ's beloved, shouldn't He be seen through us by all who we cross paths with?

Virtuous or Viscous

Many are familiar with a virtuous woman described in Proverbs 31:10-31, but did you know that the Scriptures give warning on the opposite type? 

Antonyms for virtuous

"bad, dishonest, dishonorable, evil, evil-minded, immoral, indecent, sinful, unethical, unrighteous, wicked, wrong"

(according to Merriam Webster)

Words of wisdom from the Word...

"A foolish woman is clamorous: she is simple, and knoweth nothing."

Proverbs 9:13

"As a jewel of gold in a swine's snout, so is a fair woman which is without discretion." Proverbs 11:22

In case it has been a while since you've read or studied a virtuous woman, I encourage you to take a prayerful visit to that important passage.

Remember, beauty is only skin deep apart from Christ! A lady of nobility will outshine the naughty. 

"Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised." Proverbs 31:30

So, whether it be friendship or a relationship, be cautious in those you surround yourself with. Do you have the discernment required to spot the differences in these two character or personality types?

May we be mindful...

"They that are of a froward heart are abomination to the LORD: but such as are upright in their way are his delight."

Proverbs 11:20

The Marred Marks of Pride

The Marred Marks of Pride
Michelle James

"Take the girdle that thou hast got, which is upon thy loins, and arise, go to Euphrates (which means fruitfulness), and hide it there in a hole of the rock.

And it came to pass after many days, that the LORD said unto me, Arise, go to Euphrates, and take the girdle from thence, which I commanded thee to hide there.
Then I went to Euphrates, and digged, and took the girdle from the place where I had hid it: and, behold, the girdle was marred, it was profitable for nothing."
Jeremiah 13:4,6-7

I love how the Lord uses this direction to show the damaging effects of pride. We know it is destructive, but here we can take a few points and expound a bit.

1st, a girdle is a belt. Originally intended to go around the waist, yet Jeremiah is instructed to place it upon his thigh. Not only that but he was told not to put it in water (vs. 1). Hummm, what would water do? Make it pliable for the one who uses it!

2nd, Jeremiah was instructed to HIDE it in a hole. Only the Lord would know that the sandy soils would break down the materials it was made of. As I pondered this specific, it hit me that this also represents being submerged in the world! Let that sink in...

He sums it up here...

"Thus saith the LORD, After this manner will I mar the pride of Judah, and the great pride of Jerusalem.
This evil people, which refuse to hear my words, which walk in the imagination of their heart, and walk after other gods, to serve them, and to worship them, shall even be as this girdle, which is good for nothing."(vs 9-10)

Lastly, we can safely agree from the text, pride is a costly ornament to wear. It costs us the God given structure He's designed. Plus we forsake the fruitfulness and usefulness He has indeed intended for us. Though we 'think' we know what we want or what is best, pride most definitely leads us astray from the will of God for our lives.

For the full encounter of the marred girdle, I encourage you to fully read (and prayerfully reread) Jeremiah 13:1-11

Disobedience isn't ever as rewarding as the enemy would slyly love for us to believe. Humility will take us farther, every time! 

Putting away childish things

"When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood [felt] as a child, I thought [reasoned] as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things."

1 Corinthians 13:11

Just as we grow physically, so should we be growing spiritually! Think of a toddler who is easily upset over candy being taken away compared to a young adult or even the matured elderly. The responses are quite different! So should we notice changes within us and the best part is others can see it too! 

Is there evidence of growth in your life and walk with the King of kings? Are we putting away childish things?

The trial of your faith

"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 is 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?

Reproof and Restoration or Rebellion?

Reproof is designed to bring repentance and repentance brings restoration.

"He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul: but he that heareth reproof getteth understanding." Proverbs 15:32

According to the Strong's Concordance, Reproof by definition means - properly, to convince with solid, compelling evidence, especially to expose (prove wrong, connect).

The Word of God, through the Scriptures brings such corrections to our natural rebellion against the Almighty.

"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:"
2 Timothy 3:16

"My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD; neither be weary of his correction: For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth." Proverbs 3:11-12

Those who embrace and heed are wise, and reap restoration to the Father, yet those who reject and remain in their rebellion refuse union or reunion with the Creator. Are you spending time in the Word of God? Are you allowing Him to deal with you? Do you embrace His chiding or do you think you know better than He?

I Will Be With Thee

"When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. For I am the LORD thy God, the Holy One..." Isaiah 43:2-3

As I read this chapter and reread this passage a few times today. I told the Lord, I don't want to be able to just quote these words but rather my life declare PROOF it's true. He gently whispered "It does because I am with you always."

Many times the enemy tries to plant seeds of doubt within us in attempts to detour our focus onto self or the waters, storms and fires. Whatever the doubt seeds may be, whether our love for the Lord, our walk with the King or our service unto Him. The Father by His Holy Spirit supernaturally redirects us by adding to our faith and redirecting us to His Word. 

When He says, "I am with you." Do you trust and believe Him?

Dishonored by drama and disobedience

"But the queen Vashti refused to come at the king's commandment by his chamberlains: therefore was the king very wroth, and his anger burned in him." Esther 1:12

This was a very costly decision by the queen. In her pride she refused her husband's call. It not only cost her his respect, but that of all in the kingdom and the kingdom itself!

This simple portrait can be related to the call of Christ. Many today, in their pride refuse Him too, being comfortable where they are. They see no need nor the long term consequences.

If He's speaking to you, will you heed His call or will you reject in great disrespect? For some this may pertain to your salvation for others, He desires your presence in willful obedience. Question is, what is your response to the King of kings?

Strength of man or Christ covering?

"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: That walk to go down into Egypt, and have not asked at my mouth; to strengthen themselves in the strength of Pharaoh, and to trust in the shadow of Egypt! Therefore shall the strength of Pharaoh be your shame, and the trust in the shadow of Egypt your confusion." Isaiah 30:1-3

Is not the strength of man (humanness) limited? What protection can a shadow give? Does it not move with the sun and fade as the sun passes? Oh, but to "add sin to sin"! The endless opportunities, yet unbenounced leads to confusion, chaos, shame, regret and not to mention, a wide open target because outside the Lord's Will is to be outside of His protection! 

"Thus saith the LORD; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the LORD." Jeremiah 17:5

Yet in His mercy and grace---> "...For all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand is stretched out still." Isaiah 10:4 He still bids us "come"!

Honestly give yourself a prayerful examination. Where is your hope, peace and trust placed?

Saving Strength

"The LORD is their strength, and he is the saving strength of his anointed." Psalm 28:8

To be "His anointed" is to be His chosen vessel and one that is set apart. There is favor here that the common carnal man/woman knows nothing of. More than being touched with oil, this one is filled with the Holy Spirit. 

As though being His anointed weren't a blessing big enough in itself; He is THE "saving strength"! Saving here is victory, deliverance, help or aid, and salvation! 

If His Holy Spirit is living within us and He alone is our saving strength, are we truly abiding in Him and learning that needed reliance and dependence upon Him in every area of our lives? Is His mark upon us that visibly shouts "GLOOOOORY" from the rooftops; reflecting He is ALL we need in all things?

My heart is fixed

"My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed: I will sing and give praise." Psalm 57:7

Only a heart "fixed", which is established, fastened, firm and/or ready can continually sing and give praise. Why? Because this heart sees Christ above all circumstances, trials, tribulations and temptations. 

Do you know why this is so important? It testifies to those around us Who Christ is: he is our Rock, our Strength, our Fortress, our Deliverer, our Strong Tower, He is alive, working and ever present! Is the joy of the Lord evident in your life today?

The struggle is real

"The struggle is real", a common phrase these days. Honestly, we all see it, we all experience it.

One day my son came up to me with a wrinkled sheet of paper. I asked what he was making. He says, "Oh, I'm trying to make a paper airplane." I asked him if he still had his instruction book. He thought a moment and said I think I do. I replied wouldn't it be easier to get it and know how to do it the right way? He said, ummm, no. I want to do it my way. 

Real life application: The longer we ignore instruction, the harder we will struggle. 

God in His infinite love has given us an instruction manual too... His Word!

He says in Psalm 38:8 "I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye."

 Key question is: Will we struggle in our own way or trust Him, believe Him, and obey His instructions?

Clear Cut & Concise ... Truth

Jesus Christ said,

"Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword." Matthew 10:34

Think of this sword a moment, once it separates, its final. Let's consider a few basic but important things.

Right vs. Wrong, Our ways vs. God's ways, God's purpose and plans vs. the flesh, truth from error, righteousness vs. wickedness... honestly the list can be quite lengthy. 

In no way ever did He desire us to be confused. "For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace..." 1 Cor. 14:33 As a matter of fact, a few verses later we are told, "Let all things be done decently and in order." (vs 40)

So, let's consider our ways as we journey through these last days. The enemy has created a cesspool of confusions. May we seek the face of the Prince of Peace who will lead, guide, direct, protect and strengthen us in every situation we face.

He is the God of order, let's trust Him with His clear cut truths regardless how man may misconstrue His words and teachings. Do you have His discernment?

Falling for flatteries or strength to stand?

Falling for flatteries or strength to stand?

"And in his estate shall stand up a vile person, to whom they shall not give the honour of the kingdom: but he shall come in peaceably, and obtain the kingdom by flatteries." Daniel 11:21
"And such as do wickedly against the covenant shall he corrupt by flatteries: but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits." Verse 32

According to the Strong's Concordance, "flatteries" is used as 'flattery, smoothness, fine promises' (strongs/H2514)

Now we know this passage reveals how the antichrist will get his way, but there is spiritual application for us today as well!

Many of us know a smooth talker. May we be close enough to the Lord God and full of His Holy Spirit, so we can recognize such talk in our day to day lives. After all, whether it be one attempting to get what they want from us, or the ultimate deceiver's soon coming antichrist the Word of God reminds us "but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits.(v 32)".

Keys to victory, know the God who lives!

"Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil." Ephesians 6:10-11

No doubt smooth talkers, filled with fine promises and "feel good" words can be quite convincing! May we draw nearer to Christ than ever before, clothed in Him, filled with His Holy Spirit and Word so that we trust Him, His covering and His promises in such deceptive times as we are in.

Can you recognize these people who deceive with such pleasantries? Is it any wonder  that we are warned of such vile and evil ones? Truth is, we weren't made to battle alone! Are you abiding in the vine? Living in Christ? Will you recognize that false feel good and have His strength to stand?