I Can Only Imagine
Isaiah 6:1-3 In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord seated on a throne, high and exalted, and the train of his robe filled the temple. Above him were seraphs, each with six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying. And they were calling to one another: "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory."
What an awesome vision of this place above. That His train of His robe fills the temple and the angels cry Holy, holy, holy is the Lord. A place of wonder, glory and majesty. And to think about our prayer, 'on earth as it is in heaven'. That we have access to the His throne.
What is this time that we are seeing His Holy Spirit like a sweet wind, and His cloud of presence entering in our worship and into our lives? In our waiting He is here. He has always been here. Individually or collectively we are now ready to see the truth. Individually or collectively those desiring the truth and seek the truth are set free. 'On earth as it is in heaven'. We have always heard, we always knew, the time is now to experience.
Just the thought makes me quake in His awesome presence. Just the thought and even though I have access to the throne, my flesh cannot enter. The quaking is my spirit within me, not my flesh. What beautiful fear, what glorious communion with Him. I am unworthy, really unworthy but He sees me as He created me and loves me, God, Awesome God, loves me.
I Can Only Imagine
http://youtube.com/watch?v=IV9jiqS-74g&feature=related
Wednesday
January 30,2008, I Called You Answered
I Called You Answered
What a sacred, holy place. He is Holy, the angels cry "Holy is the Lord".
My heart's cry is Holy, for You are Holy. And my desire is to know You more.
As I search His ways, He reveals Himself, 'His Love' for the healing of the nations. It is a time in the 'mining' of my heart, it is only in this time that I have experienced Him with such ecstasy. And knowing it was needed and was coming 'the mining' I resisted, maybe out of ego or fear or both. Once I totally submitted to Him, I began to experience Him. And by the way the total submission that I thought I gave many years ago in receiving Him as my Lord and Savior must not have been "complete". At this time in my life, 'total submission" still may not be complete if this is true, I am experiencing His perfecting as never before. I will sing His praises in everything I do. I will pray that I give Him the glory and honor. He has blessed me and the works of my hands.
Going back and reiterating past blog entries now that January is one day away from closing, I remember 30 days of my journey beginning this year with a commitment to serve Him more, to give Him first fruits of my day and my labor. Remembering that the Proverbs 31 woman was revealed to me in a way I had not seen. It wasn't in her 'doing' and being everything, but in her praises to her king and her Lord as she was doing, she was blessed. And the calling of Matthew 4:20 for me to leave my net and follow Him and how my steps are being ordered still 'day by day' in that call, and openly submitting to Him to show me everything in this call. Going back to my experience of 'that love' reserved for our death in the flesh, and only in a second of time, because my flesh would not have lived if I had experienced more. I pray that where I am planted and where He uses me and everyone I encounter, whether casual, business or family, that in this corrupt flesh I would somehow be able to shine 'that love'. I pray that He would reveal 'that love' to each and every one of them. Because I know it is transforming to our very being. The transformation, I truly died again and was born again into a newness in my spirit. My whole being resonates with His awesome presence. There is no other. My Lord and My God, My King.
Video & Song
Came to My Rescue
http://youtube.com/watch?v=yAMbEPZfWCY
What a sacred, holy place. He is Holy, the angels cry "Holy is the Lord".
My heart's cry is Holy, for You are Holy. And my desire is to know You more.
As I search His ways, He reveals Himself, 'His Love' for the healing of the nations. It is a time in the 'mining' of my heart, it is only in this time that I have experienced Him with such ecstasy. And knowing it was needed and was coming 'the mining' I resisted, maybe out of ego or fear or both. Once I totally submitted to Him, I began to experience Him. And by the way the total submission that I thought I gave many years ago in receiving Him as my Lord and Savior must not have been "complete". At this time in my life, 'total submission" still may not be complete if this is true, I am experiencing His perfecting as never before. I will sing His praises in everything I do. I will pray that I give Him the glory and honor. He has blessed me and the works of my hands.
Going back and reiterating past blog entries now that January is one day away from closing, I remember 30 days of my journey beginning this year with a commitment to serve Him more, to give Him first fruits of my day and my labor. Remembering that the Proverbs 31 woman was revealed to me in a way I had not seen. It wasn't in her 'doing' and being everything, but in her praises to her king and her Lord as she was doing, she was blessed. And the calling of Matthew 4:20 for me to leave my net and follow Him and how my steps are being ordered still 'day by day' in that call, and openly submitting to Him to show me everything in this call. Going back to my experience of 'that love' reserved for our death in the flesh, and only in a second of time, because my flesh would not have lived if I had experienced more. I pray that where I am planted and where He uses me and everyone I encounter, whether casual, business or family, that in this corrupt flesh I would somehow be able to shine 'that love'. I pray that He would reveal 'that love' to each and every one of them. Because I know it is transforming to our very being. The transformation, I truly died again and was born again into a newness in my spirit. My whole being resonates with His awesome presence. There is no other. My Lord and My God, My King.
Video & Song
Came to My Rescue
http://youtube.com/watch?v=yAMbEPZfWCY
Tuesday
January 29, 2008, 'Here I am"
"Here I Am"
You are my Hope, My Glory. As I look ahead to each step you give me day by day. I hear Your call and I answer "Here I am, use me".
Abraham: Genesis 22:1 Some time later God tested Abraham. He said to him, "Abraham!" "Here I am," he replied.
Jacob: Genesis 31:11 The angel of God said to me in the dream, 'Jacob.' I answered, 'Here I am.'
Exodus 3:4 Moses: When the Lord saw that he had gone over to look, God called to him from within the bush, "Moses! Moses!" And Moses said, "Here I am."
Samuel: 1Samuel 3:4 Then the Lord called Samuel. Samuel answered, "Here I am."
Just three words, three life changing words. 'Here I am". With a reverence and trembling, this profound answer to His voice comes deep from within. My very being, created in His image, resonating with my Creator.
The time when the windows of heaven open up and pour out a blessing which I am not able to contain. It is the beginning of an understanding within myself that I am willing to die for His cause. Whatever it takes, to take His message of His unconditional love and saving grace to those in pain.
The world is a large place, He will show me.
All Glory and Honor and Power are Yours, Lord God Almighty
Video
Mercy Me, Bring the Rain
http://youtube.com/watch?v=e8HgAVenbUU
You are my Hope, My Glory. As I look ahead to each step you give me day by day. I hear Your call and I answer "Here I am, use me".
Abraham: Genesis 22:1 Some time later God tested Abraham. He said to him, "Abraham!" "Here I am," he replied.
Jacob: Genesis 31:11 The angel of God said to me in the dream, 'Jacob.' I answered, 'Here I am.'
Exodus 3:4 Moses: When the Lord saw that he had gone over to look, God called to him from within the bush, "Moses! Moses!" And Moses said, "Here I am."
Samuel: 1Samuel 3:4 Then the Lord called Samuel. Samuel answered, "Here I am."
Just three words, three life changing words. 'Here I am". With a reverence and trembling, this profound answer to His voice comes deep from within. My very being, created in His image, resonating with my Creator.
The time when the windows of heaven open up and pour out a blessing which I am not able to contain. It is the beginning of an understanding within myself that I am willing to die for His cause. Whatever it takes, to take His message of His unconditional love and saving grace to those in pain.
The world is a large place, He will show me.
All Glory and Honor and Power are Yours, Lord God Almighty
Video
Mercy Me, Bring the Rain
http://youtube.com/watch?v=e8HgAVenbUU
Monday
January 28, 2008, Clay Vessel
Clay Vessel
I thank you Lord if you can use me, use me for Your glory. If it takes pain, use me, You are the potter, I am the clay.
Isaiah 64:8 Yet, O Lord, you are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand.
The world is a enormous place and when you are called and you know you are called there is great anticipation and waiting to the calling. "Where Lord? I left my net, my heart heard You and I am here, Lord. Use me, I am willing". It is more than 'doing' to please Him, more than doing to serve Him; it is no longer the understanding of the call, it is experiencing the call. It is in the knowing 'that love' will sustain you, will be with you, will guide you, order your steps, give you peace, grace and ultimately 'that love' will see you through just as the disciples as they endured pain for His call, even when facing death with peace and joy unspeakable joy. It moves me deeply as only in a month's time within the facing of my pain, if that is what it takes Lord for me to experience You more, let it be, for Your glory. I am yours.
Amazing Love
http://youtube.com/watch?v=-NeKnC4WXCs&feature=related
I thank you Lord if you can use me, use me for Your glory. If it takes pain, use me, You are the potter, I am the clay.
Isaiah 64:8 Yet, O Lord, you are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand.
The world is a enormous place and when you are called and you know you are called there is great anticipation and waiting to the calling. "Where Lord? I left my net, my heart heard You and I am here, Lord. Use me, I am willing". It is more than 'doing' to please Him, more than doing to serve Him; it is no longer the understanding of the call, it is experiencing the call. It is in the knowing 'that love' will sustain you, will be with you, will guide you, order your steps, give you peace, grace and ultimately 'that love' will see you through just as the disciples as they endured pain for His call, even when facing death with peace and joy unspeakable joy. It moves me deeply as only in a month's time within the facing of my pain, if that is what it takes Lord for me to experience You more, let it be, for Your glory. I am yours.
Amazing Love
http://youtube.com/watch?v=-NeKnC4WXCs&feature=related
Sunday
January 27, 2008, Mercy
My gift to you, to be real and truthful with myself and that Your love may permeate my every cell that You created in me.
2 John 1:1-4
The elder to the chosen lady and her children, whom I love in truth; and not only I, but also all who know the truth, for the sake of the truth which abides in us and will be with us forever: Grace, mercy and peace will be with us, from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love I was very glad to find some of your children walking in truth, just as we have received commandment to do from the Father. Now I ask you, lady, not as though I were writing to you a new commandment, but the one which we have had from the beginning, that we love one another. And this is love, that we walk according to His commandments. This is the commandment, just as you have heard from the beginning, that you should walk in it.
Grace and mercy and peace be with you.
Mercy Came Running
http://youtube.com/watch?v=VpodVp6LH8s
2 John 1:1-4
The elder to the chosen lady and her children, whom I love in truth; and not only I, but also all who know the truth, for the sake of the truth which abides in us and will be with us forever: Grace, mercy and peace will be with us, from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love I was very glad to find some of your children walking in truth, just as we have received commandment to do from the Father. Now I ask you, lady, not as though I were writing to you a new commandment, but the one which we have had from the beginning, that we love one another. And this is love, that we walk according to His commandments. This is the commandment, just as you have heard from the beginning, that you should walk in it.
Grace and mercy and peace be with you.
Mercy Came Running
http://youtube.com/watch?v=VpodVp6LH8s
Saturday
January 26, 2008, Revive
Revive
Ch ayah; Hebrew; to live, have life, remain alive, sustain life, live prosperously, live for ever, be quickened, be alive, be restored to life or health
Revive me O Lord, strengthen me, help me make decisions moment by moment that You know are crucial for my life. Put a new song in my heart.
Psalm 25:-32 119 My soul clings to the dust; Revive me according to Your word. I have declared my ways, and You answered me; Teach me Your statutes. Make me understand the way of Your precepts; So shall I meditate on Your wondrous works.
My soul melts from heaviness; Strengthen me according to Your word. Remove from me the way of lying, And grant me Your law graciously. I have chosen the way of truth; Your judgments I have laid before me. I cling to Your testimonies; O Lord, do not put me to shame! I will run the course of Your commandments, For You shall enlarge my heart.
Teach me Your ways, You answer me as I call on Your Name.
Give me ears that I may hear. It starts with me. Purge me, cleanse me, this broken vessel is willing. You are able to revive and restore me.
Video
Open The Eyes of My Heart
Phillips, Craig & Dean
http://youtube.com/watch?v=hwToU_wfj8s&feature=related
Ch ayah; Hebrew; to live, have life, remain alive, sustain life, live prosperously, live for ever, be quickened, be alive, be restored to life or health
Revive me O Lord, strengthen me, help me make decisions moment by moment that You know are crucial for my life. Put a new song in my heart.
Psalm 25:-32 119 My soul clings to the dust; Revive me according to Your word. I have declared my ways, and You answered me; Teach me Your statutes. Make me understand the way of Your precepts; So shall I meditate on Your wondrous works.
My soul melts from heaviness; Strengthen me according to Your word. Remove from me the way of lying, And grant me Your law graciously. I have chosen the way of truth; Your judgments I have laid before me. I cling to Your testimonies; O Lord, do not put me to shame! I will run the course of Your commandments, For You shall enlarge my heart.
Teach me Your ways, You answer me as I call on Your Name.
Give me ears that I may hear. It starts with me. Purge me, cleanse me, this broken vessel is willing. You are able to revive and restore me.
Video
Open The Eyes of My Heart
Phillips, Craig & Dean
http://youtube.com/watch?v=hwToU_wfj8s&feature=related
Friday
January 25, 2008, Water
Water
For drinking, washing, cleansing, refreshing, baptizing, healing, to divide....to walk on.
Rev 22:17 And the Spirit and the bride say, "Come!" And let him who hears say, "Come!" And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely.
John 6:35 Then Jesus declared, "I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty.
What a drop of water will do when you are parched. When you are going into the fire. As I am being purged and in the fire I thirst. And a single drop of the washing of the Holy Spirit refreshes me. Even a single drop of living water revives me.
It so wonderful to not be afraid of the pain and hell because in the hell we overcome by the power of the Holy Spirit and by the washing of His water.
Revive me Lord, by the power of Your Holy Spirit that I may overcome.
I believe in You. You are the reason that I live.
Video & Song
With All I Am, Hillsong
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I4JCIFKBYnY
For drinking, washing, cleansing, refreshing, baptizing, healing, to divide....to walk on.
Rev 22:17 And the Spirit and the bride say, "Come!" And let him who hears say, "Come!" And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely.
John 6:35 Then Jesus declared, "I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty.
What a drop of water will do when you are parched. When you are going into the fire. As I am being purged and in the fire I thirst. And a single drop of the washing of the Holy Spirit refreshes me. Even a single drop of living water revives me.
It so wonderful to not be afraid of the pain and hell because in the hell we overcome by the power of the Holy Spirit and by the washing of His water.
Revive me Lord, by the power of Your Holy Spirit that I may overcome.
I believe in You. You are the reason that I live.
Video & Song
With All I Am, Hillsong
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I4JCIFKBYnY
Thursday
January 24, 2008, I Will Not Be Afraid
I Will Not Be Afraid
Hebrews 13:6 So we say with confidence, "The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?"
Lord hold me close and walk with me through the decisions of my life, so that I am not afraid. You are truth, My Lord and My God, in You I will trust.
What a journey in life... Infinite decisions, choices, some good, some bad, some right, some wrong, some successful, some fail but in them all we grow and learn and live.
In them all, I put my trust in You My Lord, My King, I will not be afraid.
Video & Song
Voice of Truth, Casting Crowns
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KwsvqVmFV6Y&feature=related
Hebrews 13:6 So we say with confidence, "The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?"
Lord hold me close and walk with me through the decisions of my life, so that I am not afraid. You are truth, My Lord and My God, in You I will trust.
What a journey in life... Infinite decisions, choices, some good, some bad, some right, some wrong, some successful, some fail but in them all we grow and learn and live.
In them all, I put my trust in You My Lord, My King, I will not be afraid.
Video & Song
Voice of Truth, Casting Crowns
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KwsvqVmFV6Y&feature=related
Wednesday
January 23, 2008, Honor
Honor
Timao Greek .; a valuing by which the price is fixed; of the price itself; to revere; venerate; glory or recognition; distinction.
Lord, God, You are my all and all, my everything, my Savior, Everlasting Father,
The Splendor of My King. I will worship You and praise Your name forever. In You only will I trust. In Honor, Glory and Power, Honor, Glory and Praise we come before Your throne.
Give me ears in which to hear.
Ephesians 6: 2-3 "Honor your father and mother"--which is the first commandment with a promise-- "that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth."
Psalm 91:15 He will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him.
Honor and greatness. What an spectacular word to speak or give or receive. It is a continuous union as we honor our God and honor each other. It is priceless, of great value. To see in every face, Christ and honor Him, to honor them.
Honor, your father and mother, and enjoy, enjoy a long life on the earth, here and now.
We have been planted where we are at this time in every family, in every church, in every city, in every year of every day. We have been called to give honor as He lays upon our heads honor, when we walk in His ways and not the ways of the world. An honor or distinction to be 'set apart' , we belong to Him, we are His. We are children of the King! How great is our God!
How Great Is Our God by Chris Tomlin, video and song
http://youtube.com/watch?v=NojwQKHuF54
Timao Greek .; a valuing by which the price is fixed; of the price itself; to revere; venerate; glory or recognition; distinction.
Lord, God, You are my all and all, my everything, my Savior, Everlasting Father,
The Splendor of My King. I will worship You and praise Your name forever. In You only will I trust. In Honor, Glory and Power, Honor, Glory and Praise we come before Your throne.
Give me ears in which to hear.
Ephesians 6: 2-3 "Honor your father and mother"--which is the first commandment with a promise-- "that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth."
Psalm 91:15 He will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him.
Honor and greatness. What an spectacular word to speak or give or receive. It is a continuous union as we honor our God and honor each other. It is priceless, of great value. To see in every face, Christ and honor Him, to honor them.
Honor, your father and mother, and enjoy, enjoy a long life on the earth, here and now.
We have been planted where we are at this time in every family, in every church, in every city, in every year of every day. We have been called to give honor as He lays upon our heads honor, when we walk in His ways and not the ways of the world. An honor or distinction to be 'set apart' , we belong to Him, we are His. We are children of the King! How great is our God!
How Great Is Our God by Chris Tomlin, video and song
http://youtube.com/watch?v=NojwQKHuF54
Tuesday
January 22, 2008, Eyes in Which to See
Eyes in Which to See
Matthew 13:13-17
This is why I speak to them in parables: "Though seeing, they do not see; though hearing, they do not hear or understand. In them is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah: "'You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving. For this people's heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts and turn, and I would heal them.' But blessed are your eyes because they see, and your ears because they hear. For I tell you the truth, many prophets and righteous men longed to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it.
Lord I pray that you give me eyes in which to see and ears in which to hear Your truth.
The details of life are missed in the busyness which is all around us, day after day. If we aren't careful the busyness will consume us. It is time to turn on "slow motion" as to not miss a single detail that is within us and around us. As an artist I know first hand the stepping back to examine contrast. Amazingly I have just begun to learn to apply this to my life. There is depth in contrast, and the total moment captured is revealed. And in every canvas or drawing to understand this and apply it gives incredible depth. I have observed over many years in teaching, art students are afraid of deep contrast and hold up when illustrating or painting. It is not possible to see light without dark and the light is brighter when juxaposed to darker darks.
In viewing, it is not possible to see contrast when you are near or in front of the piece in which you are creating whether 2-dimensional or 3. With 3-dimension you must view it completely from all angles. An artist must step back. To see contrast, one cannot look closely at the detail, but farther away or by 'stepping back'. Then the total picture or sculpture emerges with all its contrast and beauty.
In my life and in my desperation, it is easy to want to keep my face to the canvas, but to be totally pleased and to appreciate what is being created, I must walk away and look at the contrast and not the detail of what is being created. Then the final piece will emerge that reflects me. And as the Lord molds me, fills me, uses me, the 'new me' emerges in the canvas of this world.
In every artist's creation there is a portion of their heart and soul.
Matthew 13:13-17
This is why I speak to them in parables: "Though seeing, they do not see; though hearing, they do not hear or understand. In them is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah: "'You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving. For this people's heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts and turn, and I would heal them.' But blessed are your eyes because they see, and your ears because they hear. For I tell you the truth, many prophets and righteous men longed to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it.
Lord I pray that you give me eyes in which to see and ears in which to hear Your truth.
The details of life are missed in the busyness which is all around us, day after day. If we aren't careful the busyness will consume us. It is time to turn on "slow motion" as to not miss a single detail that is within us and around us. As an artist I know first hand the stepping back to examine contrast. Amazingly I have just begun to learn to apply this to my life. There is depth in contrast, and the total moment captured is revealed. And in every canvas or drawing to understand this and apply it gives incredible depth. I have observed over many years in teaching, art students are afraid of deep contrast and hold up when illustrating or painting. It is not possible to see light without dark and the light is brighter when juxaposed to darker darks.
In viewing, it is not possible to see contrast when you are near or in front of the piece in which you are creating whether 2-dimensional or 3. With 3-dimension you must view it completely from all angles. An artist must step back. To see contrast, one cannot look closely at the detail, but farther away or by 'stepping back'. Then the total picture or sculpture emerges with all its contrast and beauty.
In my life and in my desperation, it is easy to want to keep my face to the canvas, but to be totally pleased and to appreciate what is being created, I must walk away and look at the contrast and not the detail of what is being created. Then the final piece will emerge that reflects me. And as the Lord molds me, fills me, uses me, the 'new me' emerges in the canvas of this world.
In every artist's creation there is a portion of their heart and soul.
Monday
January 21, 2008, Giving Thanks
Give Thanks
Eucharistia;
Thanksgiving or Gratefulness
1 Timothy 2:1-8
I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone-- for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all men--the testimony given in its proper time.
Psalm 107:1 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.
Yahah; casting down, shooting arrows.
Lord I sing my praises to You with thanksgiving in my heart. A new awareness every day as You set my feet upon the Rock. I will not be moved. Your hand is upon me as I seek Your beautiful face to know You more. Thank You Lord for Your loving kindness.
He who has eyes to see let him see; he who has ears let him hear. Your glory is everlasting, in your presence we fall down on our knees in Your magnificence.
Glory to glory, as far as the east is from the west, Your name is to be praised.
What glory! I give You thanks always for Your mercy IS EVERLASTING.
Eucharistia;
Thanksgiving or Gratefulness
1 Timothy 2:1-8
I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone-- for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all men--the testimony given in its proper time.
Psalm 107:1 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.
Yahah; casting down, shooting arrows.
Lord I sing my praises to You with thanksgiving in my heart. A new awareness every day as You set my feet upon the Rock. I will not be moved. Your hand is upon me as I seek Your beautiful face to know You more. Thank You Lord for Your loving kindness.
He who has eyes to see let him see; he who has ears let him hear. Your glory is everlasting, in your presence we fall down on our knees in Your magnificence.
Glory to glory, as far as the east is from the west, Your name is to be praised.
What glory! I give You thanks always for Your mercy IS EVERLASTING.
Sunday
January 20, 2008, Hope
Hope
Qavah: to wait, look for, hope, expect
Psalm 25:4-5 Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.
Lord help me keep my eyes on You. You are my hope...all day long, day after day, guide me, use me for Your glory for those brokenhearted, afflicted..use me. Somehow in the awareness of my pain, I can touch the pain in others to help set them free.
It is a wonderful, extraordinay thing to walk with the Lord in His mercy and grace, to have hope in Him. What a wonderful, safe place, He is my God.
It is a wonderful, extraordinary thing to have a friend to lovingly guide you when you begin to waiver to focus on your walk with the Lord in His mercy and grace, to have hope in Him. What a wonderful, safe place to be turned in the direction of my God.
Thank you
Qavah: to wait, look for, hope, expect
Psalm 25:4-5 Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.
Lord help me keep my eyes on You. You are my hope...all day long, day after day, guide me, use me for Your glory for those brokenhearted, afflicted..use me. Somehow in the awareness of my pain, I can touch the pain in others to help set them free.
It is a wonderful, extraordinay thing to walk with the Lord in His mercy and grace, to have hope in Him. What a wonderful, safe place, He is my God.
It is a wonderful, extraordinary thing to have a friend to lovingly guide you when you begin to waiver to focus on your walk with the Lord in His mercy and grace, to have hope in Him. What a wonderful, safe place to be turned in the direction of my God.
Thank you
Saturday
January 18, 2008, Do Not Lose Heart
Do Not Lose Heart
2 Corinthians 4:13-18 And since we have the same spirit of faith, according to what is written, "I believed and therefore I spoke, we also believe and therefore speak, knowing that He who raised up the Lord Jesus will also raise us up with Jesus, and will present us with you. For all things are for your sakes, that grace, having spread through the many, may cause thanksgiving to abound to the glory of God.Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.
Oh how I give thanks for my outward "woman" which is perishing and inward is being renewed day by day. Day by day, moment by moment. I do not look at the things seen Lord, teach me to look to You, the things which are eternal.
We can spread this good news. It is for everyone, everyone. We live in pain, but this says, 'light affliction' and it is just for a moment. 'Light', isn't that interesting because my perception was never 'light' in my human understanding. This was because of my resisting Him and all that He wants to give to me. I have learned to allow Him to take my facade down and let him break down my barriers so I can receive.
A dear sister of mine emailed me the other day and said, What a painful path has led you to this ministry, but it feels like it is worth it all". And she is absolutely right, it is worth it all. I wouldn't change a thing in my life because of this life changing (no transforming) experience that I am having. And truly believe this time it will not dimish.
It was worth it all.
2 Corinthians 4:13-18 And since we have the same spirit of faith, according to what is written, "I believed and therefore I spoke, we also believe and therefore speak, knowing that He who raised up the Lord Jesus will also raise us up with Jesus, and will present us with you. For all things are for your sakes, that grace, having spread through the many, may cause thanksgiving to abound to the glory of God.Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.
Oh how I give thanks for my outward "woman" which is perishing and inward is being renewed day by day. Day by day, moment by moment. I do not look at the things seen Lord, teach me to look to You, the things which are eternal.
We can spread this good news. It is for everyone, everyone. We live in pain, but this says, 'light affliction' and it is just for a moment. 'Light', isn't that interesting because my perception was never 'light' in my human understanding. This was because of my resisting Him and all that He wants to give to me. I have learned to allow Him to take my facade down and let him break down my barriers so I can receive.
A dear sister of mine emailed me the other day and said, What a painful path has led you to this ministry, but it feels like it is worth it all". And she is absolutely right, it is worth it all. I wouldn't change a thing in my life because of this life changing (no transforming) experience that I am having. And truly believe this time it will not dimish.
It was worth it all.
Friday
January 18, 2008, Gifts
Gifts
Charisma; Gk. from kharizesthai "to show favor to," from charis "grace, beauty, kindness
a favour with which one receives without any merit of his own
1.A rare personal quality...2.a divinely conferred gift or power
Lord, you give me your gifts and I return them to you with praises, in song with thanksgiving, I sing praises to Your name forever.
There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. 1 Corinthians 12:4
When Paul received from Epaphrodites gifts to aid him, He wrote; They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. Philippians 4:18
I understand these gifts that have been given to me and understand when Paul writes them being a fragrant offering, and acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. These gifts that He has given me are His, they belong to Him.
The Lord showed me many years ago in an extraordinary, beautiful way that He would bless all that I put my hands to, as written in Deuteronomy. I always have known and have never taken this lightly. In remembering often, maybe every moment of every day as I use my hands to minister or to create what he has put in me, I see His hands.
These gifts I cannot neglect for He has blessed me exceedingly, abundantly, beyond all that I could ask or think (Ephesians 3:20).
Each one of us He has been given different gifts. Each one of us has a different calling, what a powerful ministry! It's like harmonious singing; when we (together) open our hearts to receive all the gifts that He desires to give us.
Oh, that love that He would use me.
http://www.hisheartmyheart.blogspot.com/
Charisma; Gk. from kharizesthai "to show favor to," from charis "grace, beauty, kindness
a favour with which one receives without any merit of his own
1.A rare personal quality...2.a divinely conferred gift or power
Lord, you give me your gifts and I return them to you with praises, in song with thanksgiving, I sing praises to Your name forever.
There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. 1 Corinthians 12:4
When Paul received from Epaphrodites gifts to aid him, He wrote; They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. Philippians 4:18
I understand these gifts that have been given to me and understand when Paul writes them being a fragrant offering, and acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. These gifts that He has given me are His, they belong to Him.
The Lord showed me many years ago in an extraordinary, beautiful way that He would bless all that I put my hands to, as written in Deuteronomy. I always have known and have never taken this lightly. In remembering often, maybe every moment of every day as I use my hands to minister or to create what he has put in me, I see His hands.
These gifts I cannot neglect for He has blessed me exceedingly, abundantly, beyond all that I could ask or think (Ephesians 3:20).
Each one of us He has been given different gifts. Each one of us has a different calling, what a powerful ministry! It's like harmonious singing; when we (together) open our hearts to receive all the gifts that He desires to give us.
Oh, that love that He would use me.
http://www.hisheartmyheart.blogspot.com/
Thursday
January 17, 2008, Confess
Exomologeo Gr.
Confess
James 5:16
Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.
With the painful realization that the 'trash' has poisoned me, my marriage, my family, I can allow the grieving and healing for the time lost. I am so thankful for the time that is now. The paradox, there is joy in the pain. Everything in my life at this moment takes on a fresh and new life. Scriptures that I've known, I have discovered a new facet in this precious jewel as the Lord speaks deeply to me. Amazingly, I think I can really hear His voice as never before. My eyes have been cleared to see.
Why would we ever want to hold onto our 'trash' and pollute our bodies, our spirits and our minds?!!! We are masochists in disguise! We give ourselves inflicted pain for our shame and unworthiness. Self-hate dictates our every action, every reaction, every chosen encounter to reinforce the same.
But the good news, when we work through this purging and confess the 'trash' as it is revealed -we are healed.
Confess: exomologeo greek; it is an examination, a test.
Can we pass the test? Absolutely!
Confess
James 5:16
Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.
With the painful realization that the 'trash' has poisoned me, my marriage, my family, I can allow the grieving and healing for the time lost. I am so thankful for the time that is now. The paradox, there is joy in the pain. Everything in my life at this moment takes on a fresh and new life. Scriptures that I've known, I have discovered a new facet in this precious jewel as the Lord speaks deeply to me. Amazingly, I think I can really hear His voice as never before. My eyes have been cleared to see.
Why would we ever want to hold onto our 'trash' and pollute our bodies, our spirits and our minds?!!! We are masochists in disguise! We give ourselves inflicted pain for our shame and unworthiness. Self-hate dictates our every action, every reaction, every chosen encounter to reinforce the same.
But the good news, when we work through this purging and confess the 'trash' as it is revealed -we are healed.
Confess: exomologeo greek; it is an examination, a test.
Can we pass the test? Absolutely!
Wednesday
January 16, 2008, Put On Your Shoes
Put On Your Shoes
Acts 3: 6-7 Peter said, "Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk."Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man's feet and ankles became strong. 8 He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God.
For many many years I have questioned why we don't see the wondrous miracles spoken of through the scriptures. They are real, not analogies, not fictitious stories, not just history, real life stories. (Amended- where you see this love, around the world, there are these miracles, including raising of the dead, but in my realm, maybe we are too endulged and stiffle His Spirit.)
In this recent purging and walking to find myself the return has been fenomenal. Today I woke up thinking about 'walking' and all the ways we walk. And a stream of prepositions came to me. We walk: in, on, around through, in front of, behind, along, besides, next to...to increase my understanding: in the law, in the truth, in the fire, on the water, in His presence, wow and ultimately walking with You.
In this scripture Peter says to the lame man, "silver and gold have I none, but what I have I give to you". In my recent experiences in a support group correctly named "Love Machine" it is as close to that love, that unconditional love of the Lord I have ever seen or experienced (wow, this just came to me. Where 2 or more are gathered in MY NAME (LOVE)...wow. What is His name? Love, because GOD IS LOVE). I have been searching for this love since I surrendered my life to the Lord almost 30 years ago. And it is real!! If we are able to let the facades and walls crumble and allow ourselves to experience this overwhelming, intensity of that love in which no human is able to give, this is where miracles happen. Things change, no, better yet transcends, transforms, translates us to another dimension - heaven on earth.
Now, I have to admit since this experience is completely new to me, there is an awesome waiting and knowing by His Spirit, this is truth (as I test this in my spirit, it absolutely, accurately lines up with His Word, professing Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior). This is where the lame walk, the blind see, the deaf hear, the broken hearted and the captives are set free. My sense of myself and excitement about this new walk, this new birthing (again) I cannot contain. It isn't just for me or you who understand. It is to share, to set free, to heal and to allow the Lord to transform lives through us.
Now it's time to take off your shoes...You are standing on holy ground.
Acts 3: 6-7 Peter said, "Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk."Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man's feet and ankles became strong. 8 He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God.
For many many years I have questioned why we don't see the wondrous miracles spoken of through the scriptures. They are real, not analogies, not fictitious stories, not just history, real life stories. (Amended- where you see this love, around the world, there are these miracles, including raising of the dead, but in my realm, maybe we are too endulged and stiffle His Spirit.)
In this recent purging and walking to find myself the return has been fenomenal. Today I woke up thinking about 'walking' and all the ways we walk. And a stream of prepositions came to me. We walk: in, on, around through, in front of, behind, along, besides, next to...to increase my understanding: in the law, in the truth, in the fire, on the water, in His presence, wow and ultimately walking with You.
In this scripture Peter says to the lame man, "silver and gold have I none, but what I have I give to you". In my recent experiences in a support group correctly named "Love Machine" it is as close to that love, that unconditional love of the Lord I have ever seen or experienced (wow, this just came to me. Where 2 or more are gathered in MY NAME (LOVE)...wow. What is His name? Love, because GOD IS LOVE). I have been searching for this love since I surrendered my life to the Lord almost 30 years ago. And it is real!! If we are able to let the facades and walls crumble and allow ourselves to experience this overwhelming, intensity of that love in which no human is able to give, this is where miracles happen. Things change, no, better yet transcends, transforms, translates us to another dimension - heaven on earth.
Now, I have to admit since this experience is completely new to me, there is an awesome waiting and knowing by His Spirit, this is truth (as I test this in my spirit, it absolutely, accurately lines up with His Word, professing Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior). This is where the lame walk, the blind see, the deaf hear, the broken hearted and the captives are set free. My sense of myself and excitement about this new walk, this new birthing (again) I cannot contain. It isn't just for me or you who understand. It is to share, to set free, to heal and to allow the Lord to transform lives through us.
Now it's time to take off your shoes...You are standing on holy ground.
Tuesday
January 15, 2008, Wonderful Counselor
Wonderful Counselor
He changes times and seasons; he sets up kings and deposes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning. He reveals deep and hidden things; he knows what lies in darkness and light dwells with him. Daniel 2:21-22
O Lord My God, You lead me in paths of wonder and awe. You give me eyes in which to see and ears in which to hear. You have blessed me and set my feet on a rock. I will not waiver in Your awesome presence. You are my Lord and my God. This is my praise to You.
_____________________________________________
I very seldom have time to watch movies. 'Peaceful Warrior' is one that I am so thankful that I took the time to watch, it speaks so deeply to me. I am Dan (Dannette) in my walk with the Lord as He completes me and makes me whole day by day. One poignant scene in the movie 'Peaceful Warrior', Dan reveals to Socrates his emerging awareness. In its simplicity, the scene is the climax. It says everything in two sentences. The point at which everything is birthed, a newness, a point of breaking forth in a new life. Isn't it the same awesome nature of God that as we surrender to be transformed by Him, we begin to see with eyes and hear with ears as we have never before.
Our eyes are opened and our senses aroused to the awesome beauty in creation. We now can continue on this awesome, incredible journey of healing and wholeness to become all He wants us to be.
Peaceful Warrior
"There's never nothing going on. There are no ordinary moments."
http://youtube.com/watch?v=jkwfAI0eS34
He changes times and seasons; he sets up kings and deposes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning. He reveals deep and hidden things; he knows what lies in darkness and light dwells with him. Daniel 2:21-22
O Lord My God, You lead me in paths of wonder and awe. You give me eyes in which to see and ears in which to hear. You have blessed me and set my feet on a rock. I will not waiver in Your awesome presence. You are my Lord and my God. This is my praise to You.
_____________________________________________
I very seldom have time to watch movies. 'Peaceful Warrior' is one that I am so thankful that I took the time to watch, it speaks so deeply to me. I am Dan (Dannette) in my walk with the Lord as He completes me and makes me whole day by day. One poignant scene in the movie 'Peaceful Warrior', Dan reveals to Socrates his emerging awareness. In its simplicity, the scene is the climax. It says everything in two sentences. The point at which everything is birthed, a newness, a point of breaking forth in a new life. Isn't it the same awesome nature of God that as we surrender to be transformed by Him, we begin to see with eyes and hear with ears as we have never before.
Our eyes are opened and our senses aroused to the awesome beauty in creation. We now can continue on this awesome, incredible journey of healing and wholeness to become all He wants us to be.
Peaceful Warrior
"There's never nothing going on. There are no ordinary moments."
http://youtube.com/watch?v=jkwfAI0eS34
Monday
January 14, 2008, To Be Or Not To Be
Amended
To Be Or Not To Be
In every group, family, existing circle of people someone inevitably becomes a scapegoat. In our desperation and unconscious need to 'not' look at ourselves, to 'not' search out and confess our shortcomings, we find a diversion, the scapegoat. The scapegoat takes every imagined and real pain that we need to own for ourselves. The process for our healing then becomes diverted and prolonged.
I think about the difference of the scapegoat vs. the sacrifice. Aaron was to take two goats, one for atonement to set free into the desert and the other was the Lord's to be sacrificed. In the same way, Jesus became the ultimate sacrifice so that we would be set free.
The gentle, infinite love of the Lord in His giving of Himself as the ultimate sacrifice gives us what we need to have life more abundantly. To find that infinite 'safe place' to confess our shortcomings so we don't divert them to any other person. To help us keep our eyes turned within, to own, to search, to be truthful with ourselves. He gently and lovingly in that 'safe place' allows us to own our shortcomings, our deepest pain, our deepest damaging secrets, our abusiveness, our desperation and acting out that desperation.
When we look at Jesus our Messiah, the ultimate sacrifice, we are guided to look within ourselves and be purged and naked before Him. We now can look in the eyes of every human being and see His love in contrast to our own desperation and pain and realize no one is deserving of that transferring of what is ours to own. That love was freely given for us to be set free (within ourselves), to have that life more abundantly.
To Be Or Not To Be
In every group, family, existing circle of people someone inevitably becomes a scapegoat. In our desperation and unconscious need to 'not' look at ourselves, to 'not' search out and confess our shortcomings, we find a diversion, the scapegoat. The scapegoat takes every imagined and real pain that we need to own for ourselves. The process for our healing then becomes diverted and prolonged.
I think about the difference of the scapegoat vs. the sacrifice. Aaron was to take two goats, one for atonement to set free into the desert and the other was the Lord's to be sacrificed. In the same way, Jesus became the ultimate sacrifice so that we would be set free.
The gentle, infinite love of the Lord in His giving of Himself as the ultimate sacrifice gives us what we need to have life more abundantly. To find that infinite 'safe place' to confess our shortcomings so we don't divert them to any other person. To help us keep our eyes turned within, to own, to search, to be truthful with ourselves. He gently and lovingly in that 'safe place' allows us to own our shortcomings, our deepest pain, our deepest damaging secrets, our abusiveness, our desperation and acting out that desperation.
When we look at Jesus our Messiah, the ultimate sacrifice, we are guided to look within ourselves and be purged and naked before Him. We now can look in the eyes of every human being and see His love in contrast to our own desperation and pain and realize no one is deserving of that transferring of what is ours to own. That love was freely given for us to be set free (within ourselves), to have that life more abundantly.
Sunday
January 13, 2008, One Wing
One Wing
Everything we go through is absolutely necessary.
Not controlled, not planned, but guided. For the purpose of birthing, growing and dying and birthing, growing and dying and birthing, growing and dying and birthing, growing and dying...
What unspeakable joy, to yield and be transformed in the birthing, growing and dying process.
Everything we go through is absolutely necessary.
Not controlled, not planned, but guided. For the purpose of birthing, growing and dying and birthing, growing and dying and birthing, growing and dying and birthing, growing and dying...
What unspeakable joy, to yield and be transformed in the birthing, growing and dying process.
January 13, 2008, Unspeakable Joy
Break Forth With Unspeakable Joy
Shout joyfully to the Lord, all the earth; Break forth in song, rejoice, and sing praises. Isaiah 98:4
Jesus answers His disciples as they question His saying, "In a little while you will not see Me and again in a little while you will see Me because I go to the Father".
A woman, when she is in labor, has sorrow because her hour has come; but as soon as she has given birth to the child, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a human being has been born into the world. Therefore you now have sorrow; but I will see you again and your heart will rejoice, and your joy no one will take from you. John 16:21-22
In the death and dying process the anguish in labor is remembered no more in birth. Women in labor as they give birth are closest to death just before birth. Oh how we rejoice, we rejoice, joyfully rejoice, both the mother and the father in the birth of this precious gift.
The Lord in the same way uses this example, the anguish of death is removed in His presence. Did you see, hear, get that? The anguish of death does not exist in His presence!! Joy is found in His awesome presence, it is like the birth of a baby. What unspeakable joy! I hear fathers talk about how they felt when they saw the birth of their child. What unspeakable joy! When a mother holds her baby for the first time and looks at the wondrous beauty of God's blessing. What unspeakable joy!
We die all day long, joy comes in the morning as a new birth. Joy is the culmination as our hearts reach out to His heart and then we are washed with joy in His presence.
When we break forth in praise to Him, What Unspeakable Joy!
It is a new birth and with this birth is joy. So break forth in birth and remember your anguish no more and live in His joy. No one will ever take it away from you, that is His promise.
Shout joyfully to the Lord, all the earth; Break forth in song, rejoice, and sing praises. Isaiah 98:4
Jesus answers His disciples as they question His saying, "In a little while you will not see Me and again in a little while you will see Me because I go to the Father".
A woman, when she is in labor, has sorrow because her hour has come; but as soon as she has given birth to the child, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a human being has been born into the world. Therefore you now have sorrow; but I will see you again and your heart will rejoice, and your joy no one will take from you. John 16:21-22
In the death and dying process the anguish in labor is remembered no more in birth. Women in labor as they give birth are closest to death just before birth. Oh how we rejoice, we rejoice, joyfully rejoice, both the mother and the father in the birth of this precious gift.
The Lord in the same way uses this example, the anguish of death is removed in His presence. Did you see, hear, get that? The anguish of death does not exist in His presence!! Joy is found in His awesome presence, it is like the birth of a baby. What unspeakable joy! I hear fathers talk about how they felt when they saw the birth of their child. What unspeakable joy! When a mother holds her baby for the first time and looks at the wondrous beauty of God's blessing. What unspeakable joy!
We die all day long, joy comes in the morning as a new birth. Joy is the culmination as our hearts reach out to His heart and then we are washed with joy in His presence.
When we break forth in praise to Him, What Unspeakable Joy!
It is a new birth and with this birth is joy. So break forth in birth and remember your anguish no more and live in His joy. No one will ever take it away from you, that is His promise.
Saturday
January 12, 2008, He Who Is Without Sin
He Who Is Without Sin
In my new walk in searching and discovering who I am as I seek Him deeply.
When I think about the woman accused of adultery and how the Lord protected her from the death blows of the legalists, the Pharisees. They accused her and sentenced her to death. He drew in the sand and in His perfect gentleness, protected her and showed her love for everyone to see. But the legalists still didn't get it. Why? Because they all walked away! They didn't get that love or they would have stayed and sought it more. Jesus told her to go and sin no more.
The woman at the well. Jesus spoke with her about His living water and she got it! But in the same spirit of the legalists, the disciples came and actually had the nerve to question why Jesus was talking with her. Regardless of whether she was promiscuous or an adulterer He showed her His unconditional love and said go and sin no more.
So now here's my revelation. Does this mean that we don't teach about sin? When we do teach it, it should never be a judgement weapon to execute or destroy. Don't get my feathers in a ruffle. It does mean that we don't punish or judge people because of their sin. Instead we preach the good news and of His unconditional love and death and give them His Perfect Word, Not our diluted, altered version of who He is or what His Word says. To give them hope and a way out of their pain. Because the truth is, sin is pain. This unconditional love is not something that can be found in any institution, because if there is an example of love, it is always coupled with the pending damage in the Name of the Lord. It is spiritual abuse. And then we want to know why the time is not yet full. It is a time of labor, and we are beginning to give birth to the truth that God Is Love and He doesn't ever want anyone to perish. We are to minister His unconditional love to help the world find their way out of their pain, sin.
In my new walk in searching and discovering who I am as I seek Him deeply.
When I think about the woman accused of adultery and how the Lord protected her from the death blows of the legalists, the Pharisees. They accused her and sentenced her to death. He drew in the sand and in His perfect gentleness, protected her and showed her love for everyone to see. But the legalists still didn't get it. Why? Because they all walked away! They didn't get that love or they would have stayed and sought it more. Jesus told her to go and sin no more.
The woman at the well. Jesus spoke with her about His living water and she got it! But in the same spirit of the legalists, the disciples came and actually had the nerve to question why Jesus was talking with her. Regardless of whether she was promiscuous or an adulterer He showed her His unconditional love and said go and sin no more.
So now here's my revelation. Does this mean that we don't teach about sin? When we do teach it, it should never be a judgement weapon to execute or destroy. Don't get my feathers in a ruffle. It does mean that we don't punish or judge people because of their sin. Instead we preach the good news and of His unconditional love and death and give them His Perfect Word, Not our diluted, altered version of who He is or what His Word says. To give them hope and a way out of their pain. Because the truth is, sin is pain. This unconditional love is not something that can be found in any institution, because if there is an example of love, it is always coupled with the pending damage in the Name of the Lord. It is spiritual abuse. And then we want to know why the time is not yet full. It is a time of labor, and we are beginning to give birth to the truth that God Is Love and He doesn't ever want anyone to perish. We are to minister His unconditional love to help the world find their way out of their pain, sin.
January 12, 2008, Consider It All Joy
Consider It All Joy
"For there is hope for a tree, If it is cut down, that it will sprout again, And that its tender shoots will not cease. Though its root may grow old in the earth, And its stump may die in the ground, Yet at the scent of water it will bud And bring forth branches like a plant.
Job 14: 7-9
It is a painful thing to be pruned and be reduced to a stump with no branches. To realize that I am nothing and only have life as the Lord gives life. His river runs deep and if I endure the testing of my faith I will be made whole.
James 1:2-4 Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
I've known endurance in the flesh, now my testing is not in the flesh, I consider it all joy!
"For there is hope for a tree, If it is cut down, that it will sprout again, And that its tender shoots will not cease. Though its root may grow old in the earth, And its stump may die in the ground, Yet at the scent of water it will bud And bring forth branches like a plant.
Job 14: 7-9
It is a painful thing to be pruned and be reduced to a stump with no branches. To realize that I am nothing and only have life as the Lord gives life. His river runs deep and if I endure the testing of my faith I will be made whole.
James 1:2-4 Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
I've known endurance in the flesh, now my testing is not in the flesh, I consider it all joy!
Friday
January 11, 2008, Beautiful Feet
Blessed To Your Toes. Do You Have Beautiful Feet?
I hear You clearly. Lead me to do Your will.
Blessed is he who has regard for the weak; the Lord delivers him in times of trouble. The Lord will protect him and preserve his life; he will bless him in the land and not surrender him to the desire of his foes. The Lord will sustain him on his sickbed and restore him from his bed of illness. Psalm 41:1-3
Look all around. The weak are everywhere in every form. The hungry, the thirsty, the foreigner (as named in His word), homeless, those in prison, in hospitals, in hospice, elderly, children. Did I leave out the oppressed, the depressed, the ones that have lost hope, those hurting, those crying out for someone to love them? Did I leave you and me out? What will we say to them? What can we do for them? It is taking the message of His love.
Now I am seeing the reason for being purged. The reason for my time of troubles. The fruit of those willing to sacrificially give of themselves to plant. And since I am being pruned, and new growth is on its way, my fruit is coming. And this is no fruit that we can translate in our language, it is not fruit that is of this earth. The process is extremely painful but for the first time, I 'truly' understand with a deepness that is deeper that deep in my soul, what the disciples and Paul wanted us to grasp.
The calling is ministry in a time of trouble. In these dark days to give hope to the oppressed to share His light, His love (can you see and feel?). To reach out and touch someone, to touch their hearts to make yourself available, to take to them the news of hope that Christ shed blood was all we ever need for life and to have life more abundantly. He did it all. He said it is finished, no more. He paid the price. There is no message that heals, supplies, reveals, sets captives free and restores the weak, with a guarantee of eternal, infinite, a forever glorious life, standing in awe in His presence. I can only image!
The message is that Jesus Christ 'willingly and knowingly' allowed Himself to be led to the slaughter, the perfect lamb, the Lamb of God, His son.
Whoa!!
How then shall they call upon Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach unless they are sent? Just as it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring glad tidings of good things". Romans 10: 14-15
There is plenty, more than enough, an infinite amount of Him to go around?
Who is willing to send? Who is willing to be sent?
There is a hurting world out there. He is asking us "Who will go?"
And trembling I answer, "I will Lord".
I hear You clearly. Lead me to do Your will.
Blessed is he who has regard for the weak; the Lord delivers him in times of trouble. The Lord will protect him and preserve his life; he will bless him in the land and not surrender him to the desire of his foes. The Lord will sustain him on his sickbed and restore him from his bed of illness. Psalm 41:1-3
Look all around. The weak are everywhere in every form. The hungry, the thirsty, the foreigner (as named in His word), homeless, those in prison, in hospitals, in hospice, elderly, children. Did I leave out the oppressed, the depressed, the ones that have lost hope, those hurting, those crying out for someone to love them? Did I leave you and me out? What will we say to them? What can we do for them? It is taking the message of His love.
Now I am seeing the reason for being purged. The reason for my time of troubles. The fruit of those willing to sacrificially give of themselves to plant. And since I am being pruned, and new growth is on its way, my fruit is coming. And this is no fruit that we can translate in our language, it is not fruit that is of this earth. The process is extremely painful but for the first time, I 'truly' understand with a deepness that is deeper that deep in my soul, what the disciples and Paul wanted us to grasp.
The calling is ministry in a time of trouble. In these dark days to give hope to the oppressed to share His light, His love (can you see and feel?). To reach out and touch someone, to touch their hearts to make yourself available, to take to them the news of hope that Christ shed blood was all we ever need for life and to have life more abundantly. He did it all. He said it is finished, no more. He paid the price. There is no message that heals, supplies, reveals, sets captives free and restores the weak, with a guarantee of eternal, infinite, a forever glorious life, standing in awe in His presence. I can only image!
The message is that Jesus Christ 'willingly and knowingly' allowed Himself to be led to the slaughter, the perfect lamb, the Lamb of God, His son.
Whoa!!
How then shall they call upon Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach unless they are sent? Just as it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring glad tidings of good things". Romans 10: 14-15
There is plenty, more than enough, an infinite amount of Him to go around?
Who is willing to send? Who is willing to be sent?
There is a hurting world out there. He is asking us "Who will go?"
And trembling I answer, "I will Lord".
Thursday
January 10,2008, Because of His Name
Because of His Name
Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. Matthew 5:11
You are blessed, rejoice and be glad, your reward is not the immediate, not this life, it's reserved. Persecution is the ultimate abuse, the contrast again (I can't get that love, that light out of my mind) to His love, His light and the persecution that the world imposes or tries to impose is stark. This persecution, we must come to the truth is within our own realm of Christianity. We kill our own with words and actions that do not line up with that pure love.
Yes, we must be accountable, but the Word says that each must work our his own salvation...with fear and trembling. It is not for anyone else to work out our walk with the Lord, to control the walk, or punish because of the way we walk. And indignant law or Pharisaical law kills the 'baby' and the 'weak in spirit'.
Let us all look at what is going on around us all the time. Be aware and turn on our intuit switch. The pain that comes from cutting someone's heart with a "sword" is deadly and only the divine intervention of the Lord and His Holy Spirit can repair the damage. So the request is, stop damaging our brothers and sisters in the name of the Lord. The persecution should not be among brothers and sisters who proclaim the name of the Most High God and Saviour Jesus Christ, whose name IS ABOVE ALL NAMES.
Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. Matthew 5:11
You are blessed, rejoice and be glad, your reward is not the immediate, not this life, it's reserved. Persecution is the ultimate abuse, the contrast again (I can't get that love, that light out of my mind) to His love, His light and the persecution that the world imposes or tries to impose is stark. This persecution, we must come to the truth is within our own realm of Christianity. We kill our own with words and actions that do not line up with that pure love.
Yes, we must be accountable, but the Word says that each must work our his own salvation...with fear and trembling. It is not for anyone else to work out our walk with the Lord, to control the walk, or punish because of the way we walk. And indignant law or Pharisaical law kills the 'baby' and the 'weak in spirit'.
Let us all look at what is going on around us all the time. Be aware and turn on our intuit switch. The pain that comes from cutting someone's heart with a "sword" is deadly and only the divine intervention of the Lord and His Holy Spirit can repair the damage. So the request is, stop damaging our brothers and sisters in the name of the Lord. The persecution should not be among brothers and sisters who proclaim the name of the Most High God and Saviour Jesus Christ, whose name IS ABOVE ALL NAMES.
Wednesday
January 9, 2008, Broken Vessels
Broken Vessels
God is not codependent to our dysfunctional addictions. And if we believe that everything works out for good for those who love the Lord and are called according to His purpose we must believe that our steps are ordered but not controlled. We won't even go there with various doctrine. Because the reality, they do nothing but divert our focus from our primary calling, to love one another. Instead they cause hurt and separateness.
In the searching and working and dying to oneself, hard decisions are made while searching for a deeper relationship with the Lord and trusting Him only; because He really is the only way and the ultimate truth, then we can move forward with confidence in every decision whether minute or life changing.
His ways are not our ways. His love is not our love. As a matter of a fact we can hardly love or not love at all in comparison to His perfect love. We're not only broken vessels that can hold no water but shattered vessels with pieces scattered so far about that only the Master Potter can put us back together. Does this grieve Him who is pure love? That in our brokeness and in our pain we inflict pain whether cognitively or not. Whether decisive or indecisive. This profound call of the Lord is to love one another as I have loved you.
God is not codependent to our dysfunctional addictions. And if we believe that everything works out for good for those who love the Lord and are called according to His purpose we must believe that our steps are ordered but not controlled. We won't even go there with various doctrine. Because the reality, they do nothing but divert our focus from our primary calling, to love one another. Instead they cause hurt and separateness.
In the searching and working and dying to oneself, hard decisions are made while searching for a deeper relationship with the Lord and trusting Him only; because He really is the only way and the ultimate truth, then we can move forward with confidence in every decision whether minute or life changing.
His ways are not our ways. His love is not our love. As a matter of a fact we can hardly love or not love at all in comparison to His perfect love. We're not only broken vessels that can hold no water but shattered vessels with pieces scattered so far about that only the Master Potter can put us back together. Does this grieve Him who is pure love? That in our brokeness and in our pain we inflict pain whether cognitively or not. Whether decisive or indecisive. This profound call of the Lord is to love one another as I have loved you.
January 9, 2008, Search Me O Lord
Search Me O Lord
Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me. Psalm 51:10
Would not God search this out? For He knows the secrets of the heart. Yet for Your sake we are killed all day long; We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Psalm 44:21-22
It is an extremely painful process as we surrender to our Lord. There is no more crying out, no more searching ourselves, nothing is left but Him. Totally broken and totally accessible and totally naked before Him.
He gives us strength in our willingness as we are purged.
Yesterday an event in my life revealed to me two extreme contrasts, total darkness and total light. And as I think about this I have to admit I am scared but willing for the Lord to search me and for His sake die all day long.
Overcome by two intense feelings and the extreme contrast allowed me to see His love, His light. That light, that love, only a glimpse, but so overwhelming. And without one I would not have noticed the other. As His love swept over my soul and (I will say it) the hate that was in me was washed in the sweeping of that love in such a way there are no words to describe it.
I will never be the same. Because I experienced that love reserved for our ultimate death when we pass from this life to the next. And as I live, I welcome dying all day long if I am able to experience that love and His presence in each death.
Whatever it takes Lord, I'm yours.
Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me. Psalm 51:10
Would not God search this out? For He knows the secrets of the heart. Yet for Your sake we are killed all day long; We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Psalm 44:21-22
It is an extremely painful process as we surrender to our Lord. There is no more crying out, no more searching ourselves, nothing is left but Him. Totally broken and totally accessible and totally naked before Him.
He gives us strength in our willingness as we are purged.
Yesterday an event in my life revealed to me two extreme contrasts, total darkness and total light. And as I think about this I have to admit I am scared but willing for the Lord to search me and for His sake die all day long.
Overcome by two intense feelings and the extreme contrast allowed me to see His love, His light. That light, that love, only a glimpse, but so overwhelming. And without one I would not have noticed the other. As His love swept over my soul and (I will say it) the hate that was in me was washed in the sweeping of that love in such a way there are no words to describe it.
I will never be the same. Because I experienced that love reserved for our ultimate death when we pass from this life to the next. And as I live, I welcome dying all day long if I am able to experience that love and His presence in each death.
Whatever it takes Lord, I'm yours.
Tuesday
January 8, 2008, A New Song In My Heart
A New Song In My Heart
When He puts a song in our hearts...the ordinary becomes the profound.
Psalm 40 :3
He put a new song in my mouth a hymn of praise to our God.
Many will see and fear (reverence) and put their trust in the Lord.
He writes the song in our hearts, He makes the whole world sing, not 'Bruce' or 'Barry'.
I want to know what love is, I want You to show me...
Not 'Foreign' but our hearts singing to Him.
You who fear the Lord trust in the Lord; He is their help and their shield. Psalm115:11
He put a new song in your Heart.
'Kick off your shoes and stay awhile'
You are standing on holy ground.
When He puts a song in our hearts...the ordinary becomes the profound.
Psalm 40 :3
He put a new song in my mouth a hymn of praise to our God.
Many will see and fear (reverence) and put their trust in the Lord.
He writes the song in our hearts, He makes the whole world sing, not 'Bruce' or 'Barry'.
I want to know what love is, I want You to show me...
Not 'Foreign' but our hearts singing to Him.
You who fear the Lord trust in the Lord; He is their help and their shield. Psalm115:11
He put a new song in your Heart.
'Kick off your shoes and stay awhile'
You are standing on holy ground.
Monday
January 7, 2008, Investment and Return
Investment and Return
There is not doubt, the most valuable investment in another's life is the investment of love. To be able to love with the love of Christ. Investment of being a close friend in and out of difficult times. A friend that excepts you as you are, loves you for who you are and not what you do.
Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends. John 15:13
This perplexes me; transcending love prospers within a vicious, self centered, me generation world.
I spoke to my little ones about the light of Christ in them and being the salt of the earth. (Matthew 5). They really liked licking the salt in their hands! And they understood the light in them! We also like salt; even more so...we love salt. If we can sprinkle a little here and a little there into someones life....that's communion....sharing Christ's unconditional love together.
Find a friend with this transcending love; if you look hard enough you'll find Christ.
A valuable investment
The return...priceless.
Priceless...watching a young child not long out of diapers excitedly run to join a circle to pray with his eyes tightly closed and leads the prayer, without being asked, with an understanding (not programmed) and an innocence that we as adults have lost. May we never punish a child for moving in the strength of these wonderful gifts the Lord has put into them. May we be like these little ones so we can understand His love.
There is not doubt, the most valuable investment in another's life is the investment of love. To be able to love with the love of Christ. Investment of being a close friend in and out of difficult times. A friend that excepts you as you are, loves you for who you are and not what you do.
Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends. John 15:13
This perplexes me; transcending love prospers within a vicious, self centered, me generation world.
I spoke to my little ones about the light of Christ in them and being the salt of the earth. (Matthew 5). They really liked licking the salt in their hands! And they understood the light in them! We also like salt; even more so...we love salt. If we can sprinkle a little here and a little there into someones life....that's communion....sharing Christ's unconditional love together.
Find a friend with this transcending love; if you look hard enough you'll find Christ.
A valuable investment
The return...priceless.
Priceless...watching a young child not long out of diapers excitedly run to join a circle to pray with his eyes tightly closed and leads the prayer, without being asked, with an understanding (not programmed) and an innocence that we as adults have lost. May we never punish a child for moving in the strength of these wonderful gifts the Lord has put into them. May we be like these little ones so we can understand His love.
Sunday
January 6, 2008, You A Blessed
You Are Blessed
Matthew 5
"You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled under foot by men. "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. "Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.
Matthew 5
"You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled under foot by men. "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. "Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.
Saturday
January 5, 2008, To Be or 'Knot' to Be
To Be or "Knot" to Be
To "Coach" for prompting inspiration on this one.
Like a string of pearls on a silk cord. We are bound together with secure knots. Each pearl beautiful and perfect and with one common purpose. Like a continuous line, we are bound together in love and service to each other. Each unique, with individual gifts, with one purpose, one heart, one mind tied securely to His purpose, His heart with His mind. Our goal is eternal adoration for Him who loves us.
As we draw closer to His Heart.
Matthew 13:44-52
"Again, the kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and hid; and for joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. "Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking beautiful pearls, who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had and bought it.
To "Coach" for prompting inspiration on this one.
Like a string of pearls on a silk cord. We are bound together with secure knots. Each pearl beautiful and perfect and with one common purpose. Like a continuous line, we are bound together in love and service to each other. Each unique, with individual gifts, with one purpose, one heart, one mind tied securely to His purpose, His heart with His mind. Our goal is eternal adoration for Him who loves us.
As we draw closer to His Heart.
Matthew 13:44-52
"Again, the kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and hid; and for joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. "Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking beautiful pearls, who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had and bought it.
January 5, 2008, I'm Thirsty
I'm Thirsty
..."If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, 'Give Me a drink,' you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water." John 4:10
She left her water pot! 4:28
I can only imagine! The Samaritan woman sat and talked face to face with the Lord.
She was so excited, she left her water pot!! It isn't like our convenient water faucet with no thought, day after day we turn the knob and voila, water. What convenience!
This woman had a jar and went to the well to fill her jar to take back to her city where she lived.
She was so excited she left her water pot!!! And she went back to evangelize and brought them back to see the one that told her of His "living water".
I'm Hungry
"I have food to eat of which you do not know." John 4:32
What a feast! Leave your water pot!! Come to the banquet table, have your fill.
..."If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, 'Give Me a drink,' you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water." John 4:10
She left her water pot! 4:28
I can only imagine! The Samaritan woman sat and talked face to face with the Lord.
She was so excited, she left her water pot!! It isn't like our convenient water faucet with no thought, day after day we turn the knob and voila, water. What convenience!
This woman had a jar and went to the well to fill her jar to take back to her city where she lived.
She was so excited she left her water pot!!! And she went back to evangelize and brought them back to see the one that told her of His "living water".
I'm Hungry
"I have food to eat of which you do not know." John 4:32
What a feast! Leave your water pot!! Come to the banquet table, have your fill.
Friday
January 4, 2008, Who, me, FAST?
Who, me, FAST?
Did I hear that right Lord? You want me to....."fast"? You know I've tried it before, never seem to get through it, You know, my flesh is weak. Did I say food? Not that kind of fast? What kind of fast?
(Now stay with me, it's not what you think)
With the New Year, once again we are inundated with ads for loosing weight. Don't you just get sick of it?! But try this on for size (hee hee). There is another kind of fast that doesn't required food deprivation. Joy, joy, joy....
Oh but wait, it requires something of us also. It's called serving others.
Isn't it like my Lord to always turn His heart to the oppressed, protecting them constantly. Getting in the faces of legalists that can neither hear or care to hear His voice.
This time the fast is serving others. He calls it "repairer of the breach or broken wall", depending on your version.
He calls us to serve the unlovely, the unwanted, the needy; to feed the hungry, provide shelter to the "poor wanderer", clothe the naked. The legalists couldn't hear it, but He said it.
Want you health to break forth? He says this is how to do it.
He says "Is not this the kind of fasting that I have chosen, to loose the chains of injustice"
"Then your light will break forth like the dawn and your healing will quickly appear"
How's that for fasting? No deprivation, just serving others. The same results.
"Now you can have your cake and eat it too", or the 16th century version, "wolde you bothe eate your cake, and have your cake?" John Heywood
New Year's resolution - attached to yesterday's heart call. "immediately they left their nets and followed Him".
Need healing in your body, need prayer answered, serve someone whom His heart loves.
That is the person next to you, wherever you go.
Isaiah 58
Did I hear that right Lord? You want me to....."fast"? You know I've tried it before, never seem to get through it, You know, my flesh is weak. Did I say food? Not that kind of fast? What kind of fast?
(Now stay with me, it's not what you think)
With the New Year, once again we are inundated with ads for loosing weight. Don't you just get sick of it?! But try this on for size (hee hee). There is another kind of fast that doesn't required food deprivation. Joy, joy, joy....
Oh but wait, it requires something of us also. It's called serving others.
Isn't it like my Lord to always turn His heart to the oppressed, protecting them constantly. Getting in the faces of legalists that can neither hear or care to hear His voice.
This time the fast is serving others. He calls it "repairer of the breach or broken wall", depending on your version.
He calls us to serve the unlovely, the unwanted, the needy; to feed the hungry, provide shelter to the "poor wanderer", clothe the naked. The legalists couldn't hear it, but He said it.
Want you health to break forth? He says this is how to do it.
He says "Is not this the kind of fasting that I have chosen, to loose the chains of injustice"
"Then your light will break forth like the dawn and your healing will quickly appear"
How's that for fasting? No deprivation, just serving others. The same results.
"Now you can have your cake and eat it too", or the 16th century version, "wolde you bothe eate your cake, and have your cake?" John Heywood
New Year's resolution - attached to yesterday's heart call. "immediately they left their nets and followed Him".
Need healing in your body, need prayer answered, serve someone whom His heart loves.
That is the person next to you, wherever you go.
Isaiah 58
Thursday
January 3, 2008, "4:20"
“4:20”
New Year’s morning this was in my heart. Maybe it was prompted from Sunday’s evening message on discipleship. But the Lord clearly took me back to Matthew 4:20 and after hearing and reading this thousands of times I “see” it again, for the first time, and “know” it’s in my heart forever.
At 5am this New Year’s morning it took on a personal meaning. The Lord said to them, “Come follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men”. The verse grabbed me so deeply I knew it is a direct calling for me to “follow Him”, in response to this profound request and actions that follow; 9 simple but forever life changing words, “At once they left their nets and followed Him.”
I have thought my entire Christian walk was this. Now after hitting me in the face with a new light, I have known nothing or experienced nothing regarding this deeper call. It makes my heart pound.
This call gives no time for “thinking about it”. “At once”, immediately, now, without hesitation, without confirmation (which by the way was my first thought to wait for confirmation/s pl.). Why would I need confirmation to “follow Him” to this deeper place? And they have already come pl., maybe because I needed them. Have I thought about this deeper calling, ever? Obviously not; in this manner. Maybe because it is a calling; maybe it is because I never took time to listen.
Either way, in the call to “leave our nets” we make ready to press forward in order to bring souls for Christ into His Kingdom. Years ago the scripture “their blood will be on our hands” cut into my spirit as it became clear that everyone is fully loved by God and He wants us to yield as ‘pathways’ to bring them this good news.
The new word already ringing in this New Year - “pathway”. It has taken on a new perspective in the way I look at my husband, the way I look at my brothers and sisters and acquaintances. They are a pathway for Christ in them and I am a pathway for Christ in me.
What tremendous, glorious and “wonderful” fear when you hear His voice say, “Follow Me”.
My heart says, “I am here Lord, show me the way.”
New Year’s morning this was in my heart. Maybe it was prompted from Sunday’s evening message on discipleship. But the Lord clearly took me back to Matthew 4:20 and after hearing and reading this thousands of times I “see” it again, for the first time, and “know” it’s in my heart forever.
At 5am this New Year’s morning it took on a personal meaning. The Lord said to them, “Come follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men”. The verse grabbed me so deeply I knew it is a direct calling for me to “follow Him”, in response to this profound request and actions that follow; 9 simple but forever life changing words, “At once they left their nets and followed Him.”
I have thought my entire Christian walk was this. Now after hitting me in the face with a new light, I have known nothing or experienced nothing regarding this deeper call. It makes my heart pound.
This call gives no time for “thinking about it”. “At once”, immediately, now, without hesitation, without confirmation (which by the way was my first thought to wait for confirmation/s pl.). Why would I need confirmation to “follow Him” to this deeper place? And they have already come pl., maybe because I needed them. Have I thought about this deeper calling, ever? Obviously not; in this manner. Maybe because it is a calling; maybe it is because I never took time to listen.
Either way, in the call to “leave our nets” we make ready to press forward in order to bring souls for Christ into His Kingdom. Years ago the scripture “their blood will be on our hands” cut into my spirit as it became clear that everyone is fully loved by God and He wants us to yield as ‘pathways’ to bring them this good news.
The new word already ringing in this New Year - “pathway”. It has taken on a new perspective in the way I look at my husband, the way I look at my brothers and sisters and acquaintances. They are a pathway for Christ in them and I am a pathway for Christ in me.
What tremendous, glorious and “wonderful” fear when you hear His voice say, “Follow Me”.
My heart says, “I am here Lord, show me the way.”
Wednesday
January 2, 2008, Past, Present and Future
Past, Present and Future
Past
I woke up and heard this question this morning, "What would you change in your life?" I answered, "ABSOLUTELY NOTHING".
Present
Only the Lord controls them. Like the wind and the flow of a river He controls them. We cannot catch the wind or stop the river. Our lives, even though we may only notice 'the now', there is no end. We don't know the hour or the day or the year, be ready always. Make every moment count.
From day to day my soul sings continuously to the Lord, even in my sleep, a song the Lord stored in my heart to remember from worship. Worship in the Spirit of the Lord like the powerful unison of the Levites and the lead singer Chenaniah and the sons of Asaph. It must have been awesome to be there in all it's celebration as they went before the ark of the covenant, they sang continuously. In unison when the trumpeters and the singers were to make themselves heard with one voice to praise and to glorify the LORD. 2 Chronicles 5:13. This week it was: "Bless the Lord, Bless the Lord....Where Kingdoms Fall, and Rulers Crawl, before Your Throne". It is not possible to stand while in His presence and to allow this to happen is a wondrous, healing place.
Future
Are we all teachers? Possibly, some know and some haven't found their gift of teaching, yet. I love how Ecclesiastes starts "The words of the Teacher". If you know this is your calling you understand this, it is in your heart to touch others. This scripture to me can mean many things, but today I read it and I think of the children I teach; teaching them of the love of their Lord and about His life that they may have something to hold onto in this treacherous life. That somehow when adversities, temptations, turmoil come their way, they will have the strength that is found in the Word of God to sustain them. That even at this very young age, somehow they would remember even a single word. Every once in a while the bread comes back and parents share their children's understanding of Christ's shed blood from a the red color of a Christmas light, or this week one said to me with such a passion in his beautiful eyes, "the river of life flows out from my heart," as he placed his hands tightly over his heart, at that moment he showed me he understands. Whether it was bread I cast, their parents, grandparents or another, I was blessed to be the one to see that bread return.
Cast your bread upon the waters, for after many days you will find it again. Ecclesiastes 11:1
Past
I woke up and heard this question this morning, "What would you change in your life?" I answered, "ABSOLUTELY NOTHING".
Present
Only the Lord controls them. Like the wind and the flow of a river He controls them. We cannot catch the wind or stop the river. Our lives, even though we may only notice 'the now', there is no end. We don't know the hour or the day or the year, be ready always. Make every moment count.
From day to day my soul sings continuously to the Lord, even in my sleep, a song the Lord stored in my heart to remember from worship. Worship in the Spirit of the Lord like the powerful unison of the Levites and the lead singer Chenaniah and the sons of Asaph. It must have been awesome to be there in all it's celebration as they went before the ark of the covenant, they sang continuously. In unison when the trumpeters and the singers were to make themselves heard with one voice to praise and to glorify the LORD. 2 Chronicles 5:13. This week it was: "Bless the Lord, Bless the Lord....Where Kingdoms Fall, and Rulers Crawl, before Your Throne". It is not possible to stand while in His presence and to allow this to happen is a wondrous, healing place.
Future
Are we all teachers? Possibly, some know and some haven't found their gift of teaching, yet. I love how Ecclesiastes starts "The words of the Teacher". If you know this is your calling you understand this, it is in your heart to touch others. This scripture to me can mean many things, but today I read it and I think of the children I teach; teaching them of the love of their Lord and about His life that they may have something to hold onto in this treacherous life. That somehow when adversities, temptations, turmoil come their way, they will have the strength that is found in the Word of God to sustain them. That even at this very young age, somehow they would remember even a single word. Every once in a while the bread comes back and parents share their children's understanding of Christ's shed blood from a the red color of a Christmas light, or this week one said to me with such a passion in his beautiful eyes, "the river of life flows out from my heart," as he placed his hands tightly over his heart, at that moment he showed me he understands. Whether it was bread I cast, their parents, grandparents or another, I was blessed to be the one to see that bread return.
Cast your bread upon the waters, for after many days you will find it again. Ecclesiastes 11:1
Tuesday
January 1, 2008; A New Year
Hope springs eternal in the human breast; Man never Is, but always To be blest: The soul, uneasy and confin'd from home, Rests and expatiates in a life to come.
Alexander Pope, An Essay on Man, Epistle I, 1733
For a new year, with a new vision, after being catapulted to a new plateau, hope springs eternal. 27 years - half my life and I am just now understanding my need to continuously forgive others as well as continuously forgive myself. Love, this is the greatest commandment.
Love your neighbor as yourself, there is no other commandment greater than these.
Mark 12:31
As a wife I can truly say I never had a complete understanding of what that means. In the turmoil and fast paced life of "trying" I failed. If fully redeemed, if fully reconciled, there is no looking back, unless I turn into a pillar of salt. All the hurts and disappointments in the past I left them there and my eyes are on what is today and do I dare say "tomorrow"? Because my life has been reduced to "moment by moment" and a deep need to take time to look into my inner self and find the woman God created me to be, not the woman others want me to be. In my 'doing' and 'expecting' I forgot that my husband is not my Lord, but my husband on earth, a pathway from the Lord to me. Sarah called her husband 'lord', Abraham was God's pathway to Sarah and she understood her Lord. Abraham's faith is spoken of throughout the entire scriptures. Sarah's faith is within her heart. And like Hannah as she contemplated silently, no words, she held faith and hope in her heart. And isn't it interesting, they both hoped for a child, a birth. It is a 'new year'!
Hannah was praying in her heart, and her lips were moving but her voice was not heard. Samuel 1:13
Moment by moment, day by day, then the extraordinary butterfly emerges. Without the rays of the sun it would never fly. Marriage will not fly without the Son in it. We are redeemed and made new and fresh as we hunger and are nourished by His Word; healing to my soul, my mind, my heart and in turn my body. Husbands can see us with a fresh, daily dose of new light within us that comes from our Lord through them. What a beautiful communion! As they love us with the same love that Christ loves His church we can grow together and yearn for each other as in Song of Songs. Can it get any better in this life?
And the honest truth, for everyone to see out there in cyberspace, it took 27 years! I am just now understanding honor my husband as I honor the Lord. Somehow in my walk in searching for a deeper relationship with the Lord I couldn't see these two together. I have deeply wounded my husband over and over again and in turn we wound each other. As I looked at his humanness, I missed the Lord within him. Tragedy opens our eyes. Our Lord in His everlasting love and forgiveness helps us find a new future, a new hope as we build on that hope. Our new hope, is finding the connection to the pathway of the Lord through our husbands. May we all seek and yearn for and long for Christ in them and give them honor.
Agape; 1. the love of Christians for other persons, corresponding to the love of God for humankind; 2. with the mouth wide open, as in wonder, surprise, or eagerness.
Alexander Pope, An Essay on Man, Epistle I, 1733
For a new year, with a new vision, after being catapulted to a new plateau, hope springs eternal. 27 years - half my life and I am just now understanding my need to continuously forgive others as well as continuously forgive myself. Love, this is the greatest commandment.
Love your neighbor as yourself, there is no other commandment greater than these.
Mark 12:31
As a wife I can truly say I never had a complete understanding of what that means. In the turmoil and fast paced life of "trying" I failed. If fully redeemed, if fully reconciled, there is no looking back, unless I turn into a pillar of salt. All the hurts and disappointments in the past I left them there and my eyes are on what is today and do I dare say "tomorrow"? Because my life has been reduced to "moment by moment" and a deep need to take time to look into my inner self and find the woman God created me to be, not the woman others want me to be. In my 'doing' and 'expecting' I forgot that my husband is not my Lord, but my husband on earth, a pathway from the Lord to me. Sarah called her husband 'lord', Abraham was God's pathway to Sarah and she understood her Lord. Abraham's faith is spoken of throughout the entire scriptures. Sarah's faith is within her heart. And like Hannah as she contemplated silently, no words, she held faith and hope in her heart. And isn't it interesting, they both hoped for a child, a birth. It is a 'new year'!
Hannah was praying in her heart, and her lips were moving but her voice was not heard. Samuel 1:13
Moment by moment, day by day, then the extraordinary butterfly emerges. Without the rays of the sun it would never fly. Marriage will not fly without the Son in it. We are redeemed and made new and fresh as we hunger and are nourished by His Word; healing to my soul, my mind, my heart and in turn my body. Husbands can see us with a fresh, daily dose of new light within us that comes from our Lord through them. What a beautiful communion! As they love us with the same love that Christ loves His church we can grow together and yearn for each other as in Song of Songs. Can it get any better in this life?
And the honest truth, for everyone to see out there in cyberspace, it took 27 years! I am just now understanding honor my husband as I honor the Lord. Somehow in my walk in searching for a deeper relationship with the Lord I couldn't see these two together. I have deeply wounded my husband over and over again and in turn we wound each other. As I looked at his humanness, I missed the Lord within him. Tragedy opens our eyes. Our Lord in His everlasting love and forgiveness helps us find a new future, a new hope as we build on that hope. Our new hope, is finding the connection to the pathway of the Lord through our husbands. May we all seek and yearn for and long for Christ in them and give them honor.
Agape; 1. the love of Christians for other persons, corresponding to the love of God for humankind; 2. with the mouth wide open, as in wonder, surprise, or eagerness.
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