Heirs
Matthew 12:6 While Jesus was still talking to the crowd, his mother and brothers stood outside, wanting to speak to him. 47 Someone told him, "Your mother and brothers are standing outside, wanting to speak to you." 48 He replied to him, "Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?" 49 Pointing to his disciples, he said, "Here are my mother and my brothers. 50 For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother."
Romans 8:17 "Now if we are children, then we are heirs--heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. 18 I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. 19 The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed. 20 For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope 21 that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God. 22 We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. 23 Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. 24 For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has? 25 But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently."
Father, He is Your Son, and He is our brother. We are joint heirs with the Son of the living God. We are co-heirs with Christ. And what is His suffering that we share in His glory? That we die with Him, be crucified with Him, believe in Him, hope in Him, walk with Him, talk with Him, listen to Him, desire to be with Him, desire to know Him, that we may live with Him now and forever.
We hope for what we cannot see with our physical eyes or experience with our physical bodies. All of creation waits eagerly to reveal everything to us. We groan in labor as an expecting mother in labor, along with Creation. As a mother giving birth, the hope is within her, 'seeing' creation of new life is not fully revealed until birth. Creation groans as in the same labor ready to give birth that we may see new life. Birth into new life comes with death in Christ and death of the flesh. We are born into this new life as a baby, born into this new life with You, and finally born into eternal new life with You.
Do you see this? It is being revealed. Creation will be liberated from its bondage, no more decay, but glorious freedom of the children of God, we who have been adopted as we wait eagerly, even now.
How Beautiful! And honestly, I feel as I read this, if much more is revealed to me, my flesh would not be able to handle it, it is too awesome, too glorious to really comprehend with my finite mind.
Here's some of His glorious Creation, Galaxies, SuperNovas and Nebula. What a small representation of His total Creation.
Video & Song
'God of Wonders' Third Day
http://youtube.com/watch?v=pc--ZYUyE2M&feature=related
Saturday
Friday
May 30, 2008 His Sheep
His Sheep
John 14:6 Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
Galatians 4:6 Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, "Abba, Father."
Romans 10:8 But what does it say? "The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart," that is, the word of faith we are proclaiming"
John 10:27 "My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me."
John 15:18 18 "If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. 19 If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. 20 Remember the words I spoke to you: 'No servant is greater than his master.' If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also. 21 They will treat you this way because of my name, for they do not know the One who sent me."
The constant burning question, 'Will you follow Me?'. This isn't something that I answer one time and say, 'I will Lord', it is a day to day, moment by moment choice. And I do have a choice. My all loving gracious Lord is never imposing, never pushing, never demanding, never hateful, never angry. He is my love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control. Galatians 5.
I am in Him and He is in me, John 14, I am near Him and He is in my heart, my mouth cries out to Him, Abba Father and He hears me and answers me. If you know Jesus, you do know the Father.
Be still and listen, He is near you, you know His voice.
We are his sheep and we have a choice.
Video & Song
'Abba Father' Hillsong
http://youtube.com/watch?v=ReyopJalSDs&feature=related
John 14:6 Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
Galatians 4:6 Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, "Abba, Father."
Romans 10:8 But what does it say? "The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart," that is, the word of faith we are proclaiming"
John 10:27 "My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me."
John 15:18 18 "If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. 19 If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. 20 Remember the words I spoke to you: 'No servant is greater than his master.' If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also. 21 They will treat you this way because of my name, for they do not know the One who sent me."
The constant burning question, 'Will you follow Me?'. This isn't something that I answer one time and say, 'I will Lord', it is a day to day, moment by moment choice. And I do have a choice. My all loving gracious Lord is never imposing, never pushing, never demanding, never hateful, never angry. He is my love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control. Galatians 5.
I am in Him and He is in me, John 14, I am near Him and He is in my heart, my mouth cries out to Him, Abba Father and He hears me and answers me. If you know Jesus, you do know the Father.
Be still and listen, He is near you, you know His voice.
We are his sheep and we have a choice.
Video & Song
'Abba Father' Hillsong
http://youtube.com/watch?v=ReyopJalSDs&feature=related
Thursday
May 29, 2008 Paint My Life
Paint My Life
Think about our life from the prospective of God's hand. He is the master painter, the master sculptor, master weaver, master landscaper, master architect, master craftsman, master designer, master symphonic conductor.
Being an artist, I certainly can tell you it is not possible to 'create' anything. But I can honestly tell you that as He has given me gifts of expression to 'create', that is art, by His guidance and what I see in my heart. But in that there will never be the beauty of His creative hand.
I think often of the works of many masters in the past and even now, sculptors, painters, writers, musicians and I am in awe. There is no doubt that they deeply touched God's creative guidance. It is not possible to ever to create masterpieces of such magnificent beauty depicting life without that deep understanding of who we are and who He is.
The beauty of His creative artistic hand, His creation - millions of varieties in the magnificent human body, the earth, the galaxies, glorious sunrises on majestic mountains, green vast pastures, cattle on a thousand hills, flora, fauna, insects, amebas, cells, neutrons, electrons, atoms. Even art at a nano level. The beauty of the same creation in sizes before unseen by man is being researched and I am sure this isn't the smallest, as a galaxy isn't the largest.
Here is a video that is so interesting and if for no other reason I am attaching it for you to see the beauty in the 'nano' world.
http://www.kqed.org/quest/television/view/189?gclid=CKmd19fCy5MCFQtvGgodUh2IjQ
Romans 11:33 Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out!
The following was sent to me yesterday once again by my dear friend. I don't have the book 'I Am The Door' but will definitely be reading it soon.
"Your life is a work of art, and you need to be be busy about it even as a bee is busy pollinating flowers. And remember, work that is not exhilarating, joyful, and nourishing to you accomplishes nothing of value in the world." -- Paul Ferrini, in I Am the Door
"... the bee actually fertilizes the flower it robs." -- Charles A. Beard
"Your life's work is your love made visible." -- Kahlil Gibran
"Based on His most ingenious design, what you do to fully express your gift and to take good care of yourself also takes best care of the world. I love the way Paul Ferrini says it here:" -- Jim Spivey
"The gifts you have been given in this life do not belong to you alone. They belong to everyone. Do not be selfish and withhold them, worrying about only your own safety and well-being. Don't ever imprison yourself in a lifestyle that holds your spirit hostage and provides no spontaneity or grace in your life. Risk being fully yourself in every moment. Let go of the expectations others have for you and get in touch with what brings you the greatest joy and fulfillment. Live from the inside out, not from the outside in. To move toward your joy is not selfish at all. It is in fact the most generous action you can take. That is because your joy and appreciation feed the world. The spirit of others cannot be lifted up unless you trust your gift and give it freely to the world. Your fully-expressed life is the gift."
And worth quoting two days in a row, as I see my gifts more clearly now than ever and am humbled in the presence of God who has entrusted these to me. Every good gift comes from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow. James 1:17
Colossians 2:2 My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, 3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
Even knowledge will pass away, and I will always come to this, Love will never fails. 1Corinthians 13
If you are very still you will hear His voice and experience your very purpose and know your calling. We are all painting, dancing and singing in a magnificent orchestrated symphony together with God and His creation.
The beauty of His creation in roses.
Video & Song
'Rose Canon' John Michael Talbot
http://youtube.com/watch?v=iNwQB7gXfMk
Think about our life from the prospective of God's hand. He is the master painter, the master sculptor, master weaver, master landscaper, master architect, master craftsman, master designer, master symphonic conductor.
Being an artist, I certainly can tell you it is not possible to 'create' anything. But I can honestly tell you that as He has given me gifts of expression to 'create', that is art, by His guidance and what I see in my heart. But in that there will never be the beauty of His creative hand.
I think often of the works of many masters in the past and even now, sculptors, painters, writers, musicians and I am in awe. There is no doubt that they deeply touched God's creative guidance. It is not possible to ever to create masterpieces of such magnificent beauty depicting life without that deep understanding of who we are and who He is.
The beauty of His creative artistic hand, His creation - millions of varieties in the magnificent human body, the earth, the galaxies, glorious sunrises on majestic mountains, green vast pastures, cattle on a thousand hills, flora, fauna, insects, amebas, cells, neutrons, electrons, atoms. Even art at a nano level. The beauty of the same creation in sizes before unseen by man is being researched and I am sure this isn't the smallest, as a galaxy isn't the largest.
Here is a video that is so interesting and if for no other reason I am attaching it for you to see the beauty in the 'nano' world.
http://www.kqed.org/quest/television/view/189?gclid=CKmd19fCy5MCFQtvGgodUh2IjQ
Romans 11:33 Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out!
The following was sent to me yesterday once again by my dear friend. I don't have the book 'I Am The Door' but will definitely be reading it soon.
"Your life is a work of art, and you need to be be busy about it even as a bee is busy pollinating flowers. And remember, work that is not exhilarating, joyful, and nourishing to you accomplishes nothing of value in the world." -- Paul Ferrini, in I Am the Door
"... the bee actually fertilizes the flower it robs." -- Charles A. Beard
"Your life's work is your love made visible." -- Kahlil Gibran
"Based on His most ingenious design, what you do to fully express your gift and to take good care of yourself also takes best care of the world. I love the way Paul Ferrini says it here:" -- Jim Spivey
"The gifts you have been given in this life do not belong to you alone. They belong to everyone. Do not be selfish and withhold them, worrying about only your own safety and well-being. Don't ever imprison yourself in a lifestyle that holds your spirit hostage and provides no spontaneity or grace in your life. Risk being fully yourself in every moment. Let go of the expectations others have for you and get in touch with what brings you the greatest joy and fulfillment. Live from the inside out, not from the outside in. To move toward your joy is not selfish at all. It is in fact the most generous action you can take. That is because your joy and appreciation feed the world. The spirit of others cannot be lifted up unless you trust your gift and give it freely to the world. Your fully-expressed life is the gift."
And worth quoting two days in a row, as I see my gifts more clearly now than ever and am humbled in the presence of God who has entrusted these to me. Every good gift comes from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow. James 1:17
Colossians 2:2 My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, 3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
Even knowledge will pass away, and I will always come to this, Love will never fails. 1Corinthians 13
If you are very still you will hear His voice and experience your very purpose and know your calling. We are all painting, dancing and singing in a magnificent orchestrated symphony together with God and His creation.
The beauty of His creation in roses.
Video & Song
'Rose Canon' John Michael Talbot
http://youtube.com/watch?v=iNwQB7gXfMk
Wednesday
May 28, 2008, Abundant Life
Abundant Life
Adam lived 930 years, and then he died; Enoch lived 365 years, walked with God, then he was no more because God took him, he was with God; Methuselah was 969 years old, and then he died; Genesis 5; Altogether, Noah lived 950 years, and then he died. Genesis 9; God made the 'Abraham lived 175 years, then Abraham breathed his last and died at a good old age, an old man and full of years; and he was gathered to his people.' Genesis 25; Aaron was a 123 years old when he died on Mount Hor. Numbers 33; Moses was a 120 years old when he died, yet his eyes were not weak nor his strength gone. Deuteronomy 34; Joshua son of Nun, the servant of the Lord, died at the age of a 110. Joshua 24
Yes, Adam and Eve made a choice to be cast from the presence of the Lord. They became self centered and didn't need God. They began to do it all on their own, neglecting the relationship that they were born to have, a closeness with God when they actually talked with Him face to face and it grieved God, these were His children. Man made his own choices, to be separate from God, not to fellowship or be a friend with Him, the Creator of the Universe, All Knowing, All Powerful, All Loving, 'poof' they forgot.
As time continued further and further from the Garden of Eden, the age of man diminished as he grew evil in his heart, falling into hate for his brother starting with Cain. The age of man diminished as they grew further from a heart relationship with their Creator. They had it all and gave it all up. But from what I remember and see as I look back, yes, they gave it up, but they still where given chances over and over and over again to have it all again, maybe not the Garden but in Canaan a land rich with milk and honey. That is a one on one relationship with God, to talk with Him and walk with Him.
Can we get closer to Him in this life and regain a one on one relationship with our Creator? Absolutely. Can we experience heaven on earth? Absolutely. This experience only comes with surrender. Like peeling an onion, layer after layer burned off in His all consuming fire we must allow everything that separates us from Him be burned away. We have come to this time, thousands of years later, and I might add living in prosperity in the world, in which we have allowed all that is unnecessary and mundane strip us of being able to walk with Him in the stillness and coolness of the day as Adam and Eve did.
Surrender is the premise of understanding and divine wisdom from above where - every good gift comes from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow. James 1:17
I see it as life and life more abundantly, in a glorious, profound communion with Him. We have the opportunity to be a friend of God, to walk with Him and be separate from the 'world'.
Bask and bathe in His light, soak in all His love and His life, we don't have to wait when we are separate from this body. This far surpasses any health plan for long life devised by man!
'Ever has it been that love knows not its own depth until the hour of separation.' Kahlil Gibran
Video & Song
'Still' Hillsong
http://youtube.com/watch?v=B2aM4HUbzlo
Adam lived 930 years, and then he died; Enoch lived 365 years, walked with God, then he was no more because God took him, he was with God; Methuselah was 969 years old, and then he died; Genesis 5; Altogether, Noah lived 950 years, and then he died. Genesis 9; God made the 'Abraham lived 175 years, then Abraham breathed his last and died at a good old age, an old man and full of years; and he was gathered to his people.' Genesis 25; Aaron was a 123 years old when he died on Mount Hor. Numbers 33; Moses was a 120 years old when he died, yet his eyes were not weak nor his strength gone. Deuteronomy 34; Joshua son of Nun, the servant of the Lord, died at the age of a 110. Joshua 24
Yes, Adam and Eve made a choice to be cast from the presence of the Lord. They became self centered and didn't need God. They began to do it all on their own, neglecting the relationship that they were born to have, a closeness with God when they actually talked with Him face to face and it grieved God, these were His children. Man made his own choices, to be separate from God, not to fellowship or be a friend with Him, the Creator of the Universe, All Knowing, All Powerful, All Loving, 'poof' they forgot.
As time continued further and further from the Garden of Eden, the age of man diminished as he grew evil in his heart, falling into hate for his brother starting with Cain. The age of man diminished as they grew further from a heart relationship with their Creator. They had it all and gave it all up. But from what I remember and see as I look back, yes, they gave it up, but they still where given chances over and over and over again to have it all again, maybe not the Garden but in Canaan a land rich with milk and honey. That is a one on one relationship with God, to talk with Him and walk with Him.
Can we get closer to Him in this life and regain a one on one relationship with our Creator? Absolutely. Can we experience heaven on earth? Absolutely. This experience only comes with surrender. Like peeling an onion, layer after layer burned off in His all consuming fire we must allow everything that separates us from Him be burned away. We have come to this time, thousands of years later, and I might add living in prosperity in the world, in which we have allowed all that is unnecessary and mundane strip us of being able to walk with Him in the stillness and coolness of the day as Adam and Eve did.
Surrender is the premise of understanding and divine wisdom from above where - every good gift comes from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow. James 1:17
I see it as life and life more abundantly, in a glorious, profound communion with Him. We have the opportunity to be a friend of God, to walk with Him and be separate from the 'world'.
Bask and bathe in His light, soak in all His love and His life, we don't have to wait when we are separate from this body. This far surpasses any health plan for long life devised by man!
'Ever has it been that love knows not its own depth until the hour of separation.' Kahlil Gibran
Video & Song
'Still' Hillsong
http://youtube.com/watch?v=B2aM4HUbzlo
Tuesday
May 27, 2008 Soul Purpose
Soul Purpose
You were born....
You are a now a spiritual being with a human body on a spiritual journey until the next birth...
Our whole life's purpose has been set on auto-pilot to serve and do God's will and at any given time we have the freedom to turn it off and fly alone. Each one of us has been given a measure of faith, a seed planted to grow us into the next kingdom with God. Each one of us knows within our own hearts if we are ready to be with God eternally. This path on this side of heaven is so short and continues on a path straight into His arms when we call on His name, He is Jesus.
When you have fallen into the torment and despair of darkness, if you can't remember anything else, remember His name because He is all you need. His name will save you from eternal darkness. Remember His name, He is Jesus.
What a glorious, wonderful, fulfilling journey...when we follow Him and leave ourselves on auto-pilot for God to guide us in His will. Perfect, yes, because He knows us better than we know ourselves. What amazing possibilities are available when we don't resist Him.
I love this quote sent to me by a wonderful brother in a recent entry, by whom I am inspired as he is a living example, to stay focused on my purpose, to love unconditionally and to follow Jesus and serve Him 24/7.
"Jesus tapped me on the shoulder and said, 'Bob, why are you resisting me?' I said, 'I'm not resisting you!' He said, 'Does that mean you're gonna drop everything and follow me?' I said, I've never really thought about what that really means before!' He said, 'When you're not letting go of stuff and following me, you're resisting me.'" -- Bob Dylan
Ephesians 1:15 Therefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, 16 do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers: 17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, 18 the eyes of your understanding (heart) being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, 19 and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power 20 which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, 21 far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come. 22 And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, 23 which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.
What an amazing journey through life, to be able to experience His light and His love. To carry it for all to see as a beacon in a world crying and desperate for an answer and a reason to hope and to find abundant life. Be ready to share your faith to give them this light, this hope, this love. To walk with them and carry them through until they find His light. Our greatest calling and sole (or I should say soul's) purpose through eternity is to love; love God, love man and love ourselves and that doesn't stop even with the second birth when. . . You are born 'again'.
Video & Song
'I Will Carry You' Michael W. Smith
http://youtube.com/watch?v=EMZj0520v0g
You were born....
You are a now a spiritual being with a human body on a spiritual journey until the next birth...
Our whole life's purpose has been set on auto-pilot to serve and do God's will and at any given time we have the freedom to turn it off and fly alone. Each one of us has been given a measure of faith, a seed planted to grow us into the next kingdom with God. Each one of us knows within our own hearts if we are ready to be with God eternally. This path on this side of heaven is so short and continues on a path straight into His arms when we call on His name, He is Jesus.
When you have fallen into the torment and despair of darkness, if you can't remember anything else, remember His name because He is all you need. His name will save you from eternal darkness. Remember His name, He is Jesus.
What a glorious, wonderful, fulfilling journey...when we follow Him and leave ourselves on auto-pilot for God to guide us in His will. Perfect, yes, because He knows us better than we know ourselves. What amazing possibilities are available when we don't resist Him.
I love this quote sent to me by a wonderful brother in a recent entry, by whom I am inspired as he is a living example, to stay focused on my purpose, to love unconditionally and to follow Jesus and serve Him 24/7.
"Jesus tapped me on the shoulder and said, 'Bob, why are you resisting me?' I said, 'I'm not resisting you!' He said, 'Does that mean you're gonna drop everything and follow me?' I said, I've never really thought about what that really means before!' He said, 'When you're not letting go of stuff and following me, you're resisting me.'" -- Bob Dylan
Ephesians 1:15 Therefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, 16 do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers: 17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, 18 the eyes of your understanding (heart) being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, 19 and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power 20 which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, 21 far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come. 22 And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, 23 which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.
What an amazing journey through life, to be able to experience His light and His love. To carry it for all to see as a beacon in a world crying and desperate for an answer and a reason to hope and to find abundant life. Be ready to share your faith to give them this light, this hope, this love. To walk with them and carry them through until they find His light. Our greatest calling and sole (or I should say soul's) purpose through eternity is to love; love God, love man and love ourselves and that doesn't stop even with the second birth when. . . You are born 'again'.
Video & Song
'I Will Carry You' Michael W. Smith
http://youtube.com/watch?v=EMZj0520v0g
Monday
May 26, 2008 Ultimate War
Ultimate War
More now than ever in my walk am I realizing what it means to 'follow Him'. As I shed all my need for any worldly possession I am being prepared as a warrior for battle. Everything I need is being supplied by the Commander, boot camp survival (and I do mean that) training, full armor including a precision Sword, Training Manual, battle plans, strategy, the location of the battle, and the enemy. This war is a rescue mission and the battle field is fierce and forceful. And to my surprise, not that I see myself as 'wonder woman' or some type of gladiator strong woman, I signed up. I signed up?!!! No, actually I've been signed up and the calling is greater that the need to retreat or say 'not this time Lord'.
The battle is not with flesh and blood, Ephesians 6:12, am I happy about that with this aging body! The battle is being prepared all over the world for the coming of the Lord. He is gathering together those who are answering the call and will listen to every detail and plan in the last hour. The battle is in the field, where the fruit is being gathered for the final harvest. They stand ready in the field, all looking in one direction. There will never be a battle as this and we have been chosen. What an honor, He called you and me!!!!!
Luke 10:2 'The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out more workers into his harvest field.'
There are no church walls, self contained, comfortable, soft pews, air conditioned buildings, ministering in safety to believers only. The call is a forceful seizing for His purpose and His only. And it means giving of your life. So now will you answer the call knowing the outcome? What do you hear?
Matthew 11:12 'the kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing, and forceful men lay hold of it'.
Yes, the way to heaven is straight and narrow, that road takes you there. You'll get there either way, fighting in the field or in comfortable pews. This forceful calling is for everyone, but only few will understand that piercing in their hearts and answer, 'here I am Lord, take all of me, use me for Your glory'. I must decrease, You must increase...
Video & Song
'Mighty To Save' Hillsong
http://youtube.com/watch?v=_yVAYuK7YE0&feature=related
More now than ever in my walk am I realizing what it means to 'follow Him'. As I shed all my need for any worldly possession I am being prepared as a warrior for battle. Everything I need is being supplied by the Commander, boot camp survival (and I do mean that) training, full armor including a precision Sword, Training Manual, battle plans, strategy, the location of the battle, and the enemy. This war is a rescue mission and the battle field is fierce and forceful. And to my surprise, not that I see myself as 'wonder woman' or some type of gladiator strong woman, I signed up. I signed up?!!! No, actually I've been signed up and the calling is greater that the need to retreat or say 'not this time Lord'.
The battle is not with flesh and blood, Ephesians 6:12, am I happy about that with this aging body! The battle is being prepared all over the world for the coming of the Lord. He is gathering together those who are answering the call and will listen to every detail and plan in the last hour. The battle is in the field, where the fruit is being gathered for the final harvest. They stand ready in the field, all looking in one direction. There will never be a battle as this and we have been chosen. What an honor, He called you and me!!!!!
Luke 10:2 'The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out more workers into his harvest field.'
There are no church walls, self contained, comfortable, soft pews, air conditioned buildings, ministering in safety to believers only. The call is a forceful seizing for His purpose and His only. And it means giving of your life. So now will you answer the call knowing the outcome? What do you hear?
Matthew 11:12 'the kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing, and forceful men lay hold of it'.
Yes, the way to heaven is straight and narrow, that road takes you there. You'll get there either way, fighting in the field or in comfortable pews. This forceful calling is for everyone, but only few will understand that piercing in their hearts and answer, 'here I am Lord, take all of me, use me for Your glory'. I must decrease, You must increase...
Video & Song
'Mighty To Save' Hillsong
http://youtube.com/watch?v=_yVAYuK7YE0&feature=related
Sunday
May 25, 2008 Desert Testing
Desert Testing
If you've every been in a desert you will soon see how dangerous the heat can be. Quickly dehydrating everything in sight. Without water in the desert it is estimated you would only live about 3 days. The air temperature soars to an average of 110-120 degrees Fahrenheit (no symbols on this email). The only life are those that store water or can find it in desert plants. And as far as sound, there is none, you can hear yourself breathe.
In deep desperate times in our lives it is like being in the desert. Dry, dehydrated without water, burning up in the heat, parched, silence. We search for answers and feel alone (notice I said 'feel'). In the silence, if patience doesn't have her perfect work, we can't see past the dry times. There is only one kind of desert testing I know, it is silent and dry and the purpose is to strengthen us and bring us to a place of deep searching. We can fight all we want, try to run away, to find the desert is a vast place.
There is a saying in the desert towns, 'In the desert you will find your soul'. You will, you don't even need to be physically in the desert. When it is time for this test, the desert comes to you. When the silence and dry times come we have one of two choices, to live or to die. Because once we are in the desert there is no running away, you must find a way out or die.
Sounds like a sad ending to this story, but it isn't...ever. If you keep walking straight ahead you will eventually find your way to water, and a refreshing new appreciation for life. And when you look back you will see the desert is a very necessary place for growth and really a beautiful place.
Psalm 107:35 He turned the desert into pools of water and the parched ground into flowing springs.
Can you imagine...40 years?!!! We can survive it!!!
Video & Song
'The Prayer' Charlotte Church & Josh Groban
http://youtube.com/watch?v=aJhxmdyGC5c&feature=related
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