Shinning lights

In Matthew 5:16 Jesus tells us to let our light shine before men----. I thought of the song that we sometime sing and teach our children to sing---This little light of mine I'm gonna let it shine. The deletion or even the addition of words to what has been written lessens the value of what we are to be professing.

All time God

Being back to work cheapens me out of my front porch time. I miss my early morning times watching the animals and listening to the birds. I am so thankful that our God is omnipotent, omniscient and omnipresent. I don't have to have the front porch or the early mornings to talk to him and to listen for what he has to say to me. His promise that he would never leave me is most assuring.  He's there at all times.

Heavy Flesh vs Light Spirit

Peter being in the Spirit could walk on the water as Jesus did; when Peter look at the conditions of the water and started thinking in the flesh, he began to sink. The Spirit does not weight you down like the flesh.

Cling Unto Him

Yesterday, Sunset Carolina (one of my cats), was very eager to spend time with me. She is around six years of age and as a small kitten was abandoned on our property. I held her upon my lap for three-to-four days as she regained her strength. As a baby she was taken from her mother prior to being taught any manners. This is why when she snuggles she digs her claws into me, all the whild wildly purring. As I watched her, it occured to me she was clinging to me just like I am to cling to God. She desired affection from me, comfort and love~ isn't this what we all desire, especially from our Heavenly Father? Are we clinging to God, digging in our nails desperately desiring time with Him? Did He not take nail willingly into His feet and wrists willingly? Let us learn from Sunset Carolina the lesson of clinging~Love God with all our might, digging into and unto Him for affection, direction, comfort and love!

He Prepares

My Shepherd prepares for me. He goes ahead of my steps and walk where I will have to walk and prepares the way for me. This dose not mean that everything will be to my liking, but it does mean that everything will be for my good.

Seek & Find

I had begun to wonder why it seemed that God wasn't having a lot to say in the mornings during my quiet time with him. Well this morning even before I sat to begin my prayer and mediation, I heard the word expectation. So quickly I had gotten in a rut. I had others in the house in the mornings so I rushed through my quiet time to start crossing out a list of the to do-s. I was in the quiet time but the time did not have my undivided attention. Then the Spirit led me to Jeremiah 29: 13. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I am reminded of our God being a jealous God, and guess what that's okay with me.

Follows

Mark 16:15-18

• "And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.

• He that believe and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believe not shall be damned.

• And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;

• They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover."

As you see it is not only Goodness and Mercy that follow us, but also signs. Its important that we understand what is being said in this passage. Study it to show yourself approved.

He thwarts the way of the wicked.

It may appear that the wicked are winning, but we all know that its just a momentary appearance. The American Standard translation of Psalm 146:9 uses the word thwarts and the New Century Version uses the word -block. Either way we can know that whatever the wicked throws our way, the effects are not as harsh as they could be, because God thwarts and block their way. Take comfort knowing that your God is always watching and making sure that the weapons formed against you don't prosper. When a situation turns out to be not so bad after all; give him the glory -- he blocked it.

GOD IS WHO HE IS

Our circumstances don't change who God is; our circumstances make who God is more real for us. If you are sick he is your healer, any need you have, he is your provider; look at your circumstances and talk to the God that's over all circumstances. He is the answer to any question.

He can preserve you

I remember the song he never promise me a rose garden; but even in the rose garden you had to contend with the thorns. So what has God promised us: for it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him (Phil 1:29). Peter tells us to rejoice that we participate in the sufferings of Christ,so that we may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. Mr Henry states that the people of God are not free from poverty, sickness, or outward affliction, but the Lord will consider their case, and send due supplies. Regardless of what is happening today the Lord will preserve you.

Simple but True

Paul warned the Corinthians not to be led away from the simplicity of the Gospel. We are so prone to follow the newest & most excitable in our everyday life as well as our spiritual. Maybe the simple truth of the Gospel is too good to be true. It seems impossible that a man would die for the sins of the world, or that a father would allow his son to receive his wrath for my sake, and then to know that what happen to the son pleased the father. So simple that it seems absurd. Yet its true. Let us not be lead away from that simple truth.

He Said

We rush to do whatever man ask of us, but hesitate when we get a direction from God. What has he told you to do and you are waiting for somebody to confirm it or for someone to agree that that's a good idea? Its not easy doing something simply because God says do it; something like love your neighbor, pray for those who persecute you, and give cheerfully—just to name a few. But we have to start somewhere---so lets start with loving our neighbors. Maybe by the time Christ gets back we will have accomplish many more. Lets see how many things we can do simply because God commands.

Praise & Prayer

I was having a hard time staying sleep the other night and a headache was the culprit. If you have ever woke up in the middle of the night with a pain, you know your first thought is rather serious, you imagine all the bad things that could happen, and that was me. After I wrestled with this for a few minutes, I then remembered that I was at my weakest and the adversary was using a scare tactic to keep me up and to get me upset. I began praising God and then praying in tongue. When I awoke again it was morning. Our God is faithful; he does just what he said he would do. Its not that he's slow in doing it, its that we are slow in believing it.

A Constant

In the scientific and mathematical, world a constant is a measurement or value that never changes. In the world of life, the love of God is our constant. God is love and since there is no end to him, there is no end to his love. He is the Alpha and the Omega. The beginning and the end. He is always and forever, he is constant; therefore his love is always and forever. Love was there in the beginning and love is there in the end. His love is constant.

The Spirit works within Us

As the Spirit of the Lord works within us, we become more and more like him and reflect his glory even more. Its seems that a vast number of us seek other things more than we seek his image. How many times throughout the day do we response (in words or actions) with a thought as to what the spirit would have us to do or as to what man wants us to do. The Spirit works in us; working things out and working things in. He works out our desire to satisfy flesh and work in a desire to please God.

Guarding Our Hearts & Minds

A group of words had been on my mind for the pass two days. I had mediated over the words but something didn't seem quit right. When I began studying the words I found that I was remembering them incorrectly. It concerned peace, but my recall had words where they should not have been. So wouldn't you know, in my reading this morning the right words appeared. It is comforting to know that God can dispel incorrect thoughts. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. I like the guarding of my heart and mind. Good sound comforting truth.

The Cross

Saw a minister using his artistic talents to show how Christ died on the cross for us. My mind suddenly recapped all the sins I committed, and I even thought about the failures that may await me. I thought about how Christ received the punishment for all those sins, yours included. No it was not a pretty picture when the minister finished, nor is our sin. All that ugliness was placed upon Jesus. He carried it all the way to forgiveness. Thank you Jesus.

His Word is Settled In Heaven

What a wonderful loving father we have. When he says something we can bet on it. Have you ever asked a favor and even after promising, it was not delivered; have you ever waited for someone and they never showed up; or even waited for rain and got only hotter degrees with no relief, or how about when you were a child and was promised a spanking and waited nervously all day and night and it never happen. These shifting scenes of life help you appreciate that God's word is settled forever. Jesus promised that his word would not pass away. Now if you are waiting for something that God has promised-your waiting is not in vain. It will come to pass.

Love Your Body Parts

Certain medical conditions cause certain parts of our body to receive added attention in order to function as it was created. It seems that the parts that are most necessary are the ones that need the most attention. You can function without a hand or even a foot; however if the heart, lungs or brain is weak it needs attention. Not to say that any part isn't important. But those parts that are not seen are just as important as the ones we see. In the body of Christ we are all important; if our function is one that is not known or seen by man, be confident, God is the one who put the body together and he did it in such a way that each part is beneficial to each other.

Learn from a Rabbit

I watched a smart rabbit run across my front yard, and the same dogs puzzled by a squirrel (a few weeks ago), were insanely barking in an attempt to distract this rabbit. They couldn't get to him, but they sure put up an attempt to scare him. Amazingly the rabbit stopped two times, but never looked the way of the dogs. Now I don't know the peripheral vision of a rabbit, but this rabbit never took its eyes off where he was headed. Learn from that rabbit we are to have tunnel vision in this world; not looking to the left or to the right, but keeping our eyes on where we are going. Keeping our focus upward.

Beautifying the Humble

There is a large market of beautifying products one can purchase to help the body look good. The price range is even larger. Its good to know that there is one that we can all afford. The releasing of sin. When sin vanishes, it takes the ugly with it. Giving it all to Jesus and taken what he offers in its place (salvation) causes us to be beautiful.
So what if in my physical appearance my teeth are crooked, my skin is flawed, my hair is not naturally strait or wavy, or my body in perfect proportion (according to man). I can confess that God has beautified me with salvation. And by the grace of God I am what I am-----beautiful.

GRACE

Selah: stop, reflect and mediate on this.

A Mighty Awesome One

Jeremiah was having a bad moment; he had been struck and put in stocks, he was being mocked and ridiculed, and it seemed that everything he talked about or prophesied was slow in coming. The people around him wanted him to give up so they could overpower him; even his friends were watching for his failure. All the warnings he gave only got him insults and contempt. He wanted to give up, but he couldn't. Besides having the truth burn inside him, he also knew that God was with him as a mighty awesome one, therefore those that insulted and sought to silence him would not prevail, they would stumble and fall, they would be put to shame and they would not succeed. If you are a child of God, there will always be an attempt to silence you. The enemy has so many tactics to use against you, but remember the words of Jeremiah and be confident.

The Health of my Countenance

Ever had one of those days when you just didn’t feel up to much of anything? Well this morning the enemy offer such a day. But of course by the time I got half way through my time in worship and praise the old scoundrel had moved on. The words of Psalm 42:11 were brought to my attention: Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God. The health of my countenance; by praising him I am lifted above circumstances and thought patterns, once the patterns change in my thought process the countenance changed, (and a whole lot of other stuff too). Praising him does a body good.

Take His Yoke

Life would be so simple if we took his yoke and learned of him instead of accepting the yoke of others. We want to look a certain way, drive a certain car, eat certain foods or drink certain drinks, and buy certain cloths, all because we have taken the yoke and learned of others. We may confess that we have never taken the yoke of others; but think about it. We make purchases based on what others say we need (think about your last purchase, was it based on what you saw in a commercial); many even chose where to worship based on an attempt to please others. We live stressful defeated lives, harnessing a yoke we were not created to wear. Aren't you tired? Jesus released us from such bondage and highly recommended we accept another ----take his yoke and learn of him. He even promise we would find rest, and that his yoke is easy.

He pleads my cause

Its such a blessing to know that where you are sent, God goes ahead of you. Whether its to the store or the garbage dump; he has already gone ahead of you and made things right. Situations turn out a lot different from what is expected, plane trips are smoother; assignments are easier;  jobs are accomplish with less difficulty; purchases are less expensive; simply put, life is just better because Jesus went ahead of us, pleaded our cause and redeemed us.

Vengeance Belongs to the Lord

Don't be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good; after all, vengeance belongs to the Lord. But don't be surprise if he dispenses grace at the moment you know he's about to get revenge for you. Ever thought about the theif on the cross. Being a theif he had to have had victims--he stole from someone, he took things that did not belong to him. Things that the victims probably cherished and needed. But right there when his victims were probably saying "he's getting what he desires "--Jesus granted a place in paradise.  What mercy and grace.

God IS with Us

The evidence—the proving of the statement “God is with Us”. Look no further; the proof is there-- where ever you are. It is you he saved from a crash in which all the cars were totally destroyed; it is you that got a promotion for which you were not qualified; it is you who sat quiet and calm when everyone was in an uproar; it is you who suddenly decided to turn left when you should have turned right, and later learned of an accident/road block etc. Why the urging, why the quick change of mind, why the peace? Why for you, and for me---because God IS with us.

He's the Lifter of My Head

These words stuck in my mind this morning as I was thanking God for the many things he do for me. As my mind pondered the statement, I recalled a picture I saw on the back of a paper fan that could be found in a vast number of churches. It was a picture of Jesus sitting with children looking up at him. It was as if his presence had drawn their attention towards him. He lifts our head by lifting our attention away from the world and all the things that cause us to lose focus. His presence causes us to look away from the distractions and to look unto him. Thank God for allowing me time each day to be in his presence.

REST

Sitting out on the porch this morning was rewarding. There weren't any profound message, no inner wittiness when I read the Bible. Only one word resonated in my heart this morning --REST. So I stayed awhile and just rested in the truth that I song as a child---He's got the whole world in his hands.

God chose you

What a comforting thought, God chose you, before the foundation of the world. So it doesn't matter if you were the last one chosen to take your place on a team (or the leader of the group), felt rejected because others did not think you measured up (or if you were one of the others that felt that way about someone), just remember God Chose You. He chose you before you cried your first tear, before your first failure or success, before your first pain or even before your parents were allowed to hear your heart beat for the first time-----God chose you.

            Blessed Assurance

What Peace We Forfeit.

This verse in the old hymn came to mind this morning as I pondered the many issues of the day (mines, yours and even the world). “Oh what peace we often forfeit, oh what needless pains we bare, all because we do not carry everything to God in prayer”. I grew up believing that if we had a problem we could take it to the Lord and receive the assurance that he could and would handle it--- yes that is true. But as I thought on this, I realize this morning that if we carried it to him before we made the decisions (marriage, children, jobs, money, ministry, eating, sleeping: everything); the peace would not have been forfeit. By not consulting our father in everything , we surrender the peace we could experience in everything.

In all thy ways acknowledge him and he shall direct thy paths. Proverbs 3:6

Nothing Can Separate Us

God's love for us is just awesome. It reaches to every area of our lives and regardless of what we do, or regardless of what happens in our lives none of it can separate his love from us. Our father goes to small and great measures to assure us of his love for us; like allowing his son to die in order to remove any and all things that would prevent us from receiving that love.
 We perform a great task and feel that he loves us more because of our accomplishment; its comforting to know that that love is still there when we fall short.

Creation Groans

 

It was rather quiet outside this morning, there were some animals singing, but not the normal chorus. It seems as if creation was waiting silently or could have just felt the coming rain. In the book of Romans we read how creation groans. We also groan; but creation--? Man sinned---creation fell. Creation is frustrated because it became a victim of decay, corruption, frustration and futility. Creation can't achieve its purpose. I listened to a minister preach (several months ago) from that aspect and this morning (light bulb over head) God confirmed in his word. When we are restored to the glorious manifestation that God has for us, creation will be restored. The book of Revelations tells us of a new heaven and a new earth, and Isaiah tells us that the mountains and hills will break forth in singing and the trees shall clap their hands.

As the mountains are round about Jerusalem

Being surrounded has several purposes, two of which are to keep out and keep in. Keep out the things that come from the outside that can harm you and keep in the things that you don't want to lose. What assurance the people of Jerusalem must have felt looking at the mountains that surrounded them, knowing that their God was around them in the same manner. What assurance we have also for the scripture continues—so the Lord is round his people from henceforth even for ever.

My Hiding Place

God has a hiding place for all his creatures; just to name a few: a squirrel just went up a tree growing between two dog houses, the dogs are trying to figure out where he went. The turtle hides in its shell, the chameleon is famous for changing its color to hide in its environment, fish hide in the ocean, wild animals hide in the forest, and the sun hides behind the clouds. God also provided a place for us to hide---in him. Although disappointment, discouragement, rejection and hurt comes, the sting is not so bad because we are hidden in him.

God Cares

In my quiet time this morning, it was not so quiet. I did the reading and the exaltation, and yet my thoughts kept running through a list of to do-s for today and the next two days. It wasn't until I went into my closet to pray, asking the Holy Spirit to speak to my heart, I began to run through the list out loud. I heard myself give all of it to God. Then the whisper—“cast all your cares upon me”. What an assurance. It was just what the Spirit had led me to do. Of course peace and clam began to flood my being and I chuckled and shook my head (at me). How we so easily forget. Thank you God for calming and quieting my soul.

Come boldly

I've come to know that the words “not to or do not be afraid” appears in every book of the Bible. We can come to the throne of grace because of one of the many things Christ did on the cross. He removed the fear of approaching a Holy God. We don't have to fear the possibility of falling dead because we come with unclean hands and hearts. Because of the blood spattered on the cross we can come boldly, obtain the mercy (withholding what we deserve) and find the grace (giving what we do not deserve)to help in the time of need. Thank You Jesus for making us deserving. WOW my God is awesome!

 

Love keeps no record of wrong.

Those words are so comforting to someone whose wrongs out weight the rights---someone like me. You and I might remember every wrong thing that we did or that was done to us. But once we accept Christ as our Saviour, the wrongs are remembered no more. Love keeps no account—the Love of our Father caused my wrongs to be placed on Jesus which caused him to keep no record of the wrongs—mines and yours. Many scriptures come to mind as I pondered those words this morning. Because God keeps no record of my wrongs, now there is no condemnation, there is no price to pay, there is no shame or guilt, no penalty. Get this dear friends—God does not keep a record of it, and since he has the final say so,  be at peace. 

And Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more.

None Seek Me

I’ve read the scripture where the above words come from many times; and each time I come away thinking-- surely that is not true. I know that there are many that seek God. But this morning as I read it again --well to give you a picture--I am looking like a cartoon character with a light bulb suddenly shining above my head. How many times I have gone on my own understanding and my own merit believing I was okay with God, depending upon the good that I had done. None seek me--we seek ways and means to make ourselves more desirable, and then feel that (as someone just said) God will be glad to have me cause I am doing such a good job of keeping myself.
The only way and means to be worthy for God is through Jesus. Its not through keeping the law, which only continues to show how imperfect I am.
Thank you God for giving Jesus, the one and only way--cause me to seek him more.

He fulfills his purpose for me.

There isn't any accomplishment I can boast about, because God accomplish all things for me. So why did I becomes so easily frustrated when it seemed like things were not working out as they should. Could it be I didn't believe that God accomplish all things for me. Could be--since I had to always have a back up plan (plan B).  Don't judge me--you have probably sat in that same arena; and while we participated in that show,  the one who rules in heaven laughs.  Thanks be to God I am walking away from that time in my life where I thought I had to help God. Getting a better understanding of the  comparison of our thought process to that of the lilies of the field and praise God for it. Go ahead dear Lord--accomplish your purpose for me.

God's Anger

Have you ever gotten angry or upset when you saw people who professed to be Christians having behavior traits or actions that were not in keeping with what is Christ like. Do we realize that its not how we feel that matters, its how God feels. Sin angers God, because of what it does to us. Not like we get angry and began talking about the person/s, or wait with our fingers pointed to see them punish. God's anger is out of his love for us. It cuts us off from all those promises he is waiting to give to us.

Sitting on my front porch: watching two small creatures crawling around looking for food (which kind of creature or which kind of food I am not sure), so I leave the porch to get my trusted Spectracide. I return and they are still crawling around. I spray enough to intoxicate them; but they seem to be unaffected by the assurance written on the bottle.They just keep on going. The thought occurred to me how humans could learn from my two visitors who refuse to die.We should keep on moving regardless of what life sprays on us. I am now noticing the creatures slowing down, I guess they marinated in the substance to long, the toxic has entered their bodies. I guess for the creatures and for us---if we stay in it to long we will absorb the toxic (of the world desires), and eventually we are slowed down. Thank God we are covered in his righteousness and live in his Kingdom.

What Its all about?

Jesus told his followers "What I whisper in your ear, shout from the housetops for all to hear". Please join in blogging about your time with the Lord. Come on ---don't keep the treasures to yourself.