Eternity is Calling You

Do you have a true hope? A true hope looks beyond this world and places hope in something greater than what this world has to offer. The things of this world are only temporary. The life we live here is but a vapor, it's here then it's gone! We have a Creator and He has placed within each one of us a desire to hunger for something that is solid, something that can be depended upon, something permanent. Our searching for completeness in this world will never be fulfilled because this world offers only temporary gratification and fleeting fulfillment.

So many people are longing for happiness, peace and contentment and so they run from one temporary high to another to try and fulfill that longing. They might feel good for the moment, but then the emptiness hits them like a ton of bricks and once again they run to try and find fulfillment for themselves, and the viscious cycle continues but to no avail. Stresses of life can breed discontentment, how will we respond to it, or for some how will we react to it?. The Word of God says that this world is not our home and we are as strangers/pilgrims that are just passing through. To have total contentment "in this world" is impossible, and this our soul knows very well. Our soul searches to find our promise land, that place where we can call home and finally have that ultimate rest.

There is a knowing in each one of us that there is something more, something that goes beyond this world. Because of this knowing there births a longing to attain the "more" which our soul knows. This is Eternity calling! In the book of Ecclesiastes 3:11 King Solomen said this, "God has planted eternity in men's hearts and minds [a devinely implanted sense of a purpose working through the ages which nothing under the sun but God alone can satisfy], yet so that men cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end. Those who try to convince themselves that this world is all there is, will only become more frustrated and discontented because they are trying to live a life that suggests finite living and they close their minds to the truth that eternity is calling them. There is an eternal life that awaits each one of us.

Living in denial of the Truth that there is more and that this world is not our final destination will only cause ongoing turmoil in one's life. Whether some want to acknowledge it or not, we have a Creator, and He designed us to know fulfillment, and that fulfillment is in Him and Him alone. All our hopes, joy, peace and contentment lies in our Creator. Jesus is the only Way, the Truth and the Life, and we will not have a full filling life outside of Him, or an everlasting one. We have Everlasting Life in Him and only Him. We will never know true joy or peace outside of Christ Jesus both here and now and for all eternity. Jesus said, "I have come that you may have life and have it more abundantly." Giving us a hope and a future with Him.

If you are reading this, then you have yet to see your Salvation/Jesus. Even though by faith we have made Jesus our Lord and Saviour, we still long to see Him and be with Him. JESUS, is our all sufficiency, our total fulfillment (Jesus the Hope of Glory). In the meantime we can find ourselves trying to hold onto things that this world has to offer because our souls are still longing for completeness. Eternity pulls at our hearts, hold on to the eternal things. Our souls long for the eternal things, but our flesh keeps us hindered and grasping for completeness in  temporary things.

I believe I understand the words of Paul now when he proclaimed:
"O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin" (Rom. 7:24-25).We all groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to know the redemption of our body. For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it (Rom. 8:23b-25).

Eternity is calling you. You are destined for an eternal life. Do you know where you will spend eternity? Embrace eternal life in Christ Jesus today and rest in the hope that you will someday have a place where you can know true fulfillment and call home.

Know who you are

Here's a little story I'd like to share with you.
There was once a farmer, who one day was out hunting in the mountains near his home. He came across a lost eaglet. He tried to find the eaglet's nest but to no avail. So the farmer took the eaglet and put him in his knapsack and headed for home. The farmer had never had anything to do with eagles before, so he figured he would put the bird in the barnyard with the chickens. The eaglet grew into a majestic bird of a golden brown color. All day long the eagle would walk around the barnyard scratching and pecking at the ground, eating what ever he could find. He would strut and act just like a chicken. He even tried to cluck, not very well mind you, but he tried just the same, never knowing that he was supposed to be the mightiest bird on earth. This went on for years. The eagle came to full maturity, with his beautiful plumage and golden beak. Still he in all points was a chicken. One day the eagle heard shrieks. He looked around the barnyard and saw nothing out of order, so he continued his habit of scratch and peck. He heard the shriek again, looking up he saw the most beautiful bird he had ever seen. The bird was an eagle just like him. The eagle soared over head crying out to the eagle in the barnyard. The younger eagle in his excitement began to flap his wings. Just then a wind kicked up and caught him under his wings and lifted him off the ground. He had never soared or even flown for that matter. So up he went 6 feet then 12 feet then 24. Suddenly he was soaring next to the older eagle. The eagle looked down and thought to himself; all those years of not being who I was created to be. With one last look and cry, he soared even higher till the farmer could no longer see the eagle that was once a chicken. You see, if the eagle would not have lifted up his eyes, he would have stayed an eagle living a chicken's life. You see... For too long the enemy (satan) has had so many believing that they are a chicken when God the Father is saying "You are an eagle, so soar heavenward." The enemy will say: "You're not good enough, how can you be an eagle? Your no eagle. Hear what the scriptures say; Isaiah 40:31 "They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength they shall mount up with wings as eagles, they shall run and not grow weary, they shall walk and not faint."It is by His grace, mercy and love that He has made us eagles in His kingdom. Be not afraid of the enemy he has no authority over you. 1 John 4:4 says; "He that is in you is greater than he that is in the world."The Lord is calling today, do you hear Him? He is saying;"Come up and soar, soar, soar with me, for this is who I created you to be." Soaring high as the Eagle gives you a greater view of things, it takes you high above all the chaos, noise and confusion. Lift up your eyes says the Lord and come up hither for I will comfort you and give you peace. Despite all that is going on in the world it's good to know that come what may God gives us His peace. His peace can meet you in the middle of the storm and cause you to soar above the storm clouds of life. Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled neither let it be afraid. Come up and soar with me and see what I see says the Lord. I am with you always I will never leave you or forsake you, I will be with you until the very end!
This was a post that my husband and I wrote together back in Dec. of 2008, and I thought it was a good time to post it again.

God's Little Lamb

God brought forth His Little Lamb

conceived of the Holy Ghost

From Heaven He did come

Being the Lord of Host

Leaving His Heavenly Throne

Departing from His Father's Hand

He came to this earth in the form of a man

Riches He did leave, Glory He did forsake, Becoming as a man that's

what it had to take. God's Little lamb was unblemished and without spot

Perfect in all His ways, Love is what He taught. Though hate and

rejection was given in return, man could not stop the Truth to be learned

God's Little Lamb spoke words so precious and so true, "Father forgive

them for they know not what they do." Forgiveness of sin was the message to

hear, God's Little Lamb must die so that we could draw near.

Giving us His mercy

His Love and His Grace

God's Little Lamb was slain

to take our place

Undeserving and unworthy

of such great Love

Yet uncondemning was our Savior

Sent from above

Thank you God for giving us

Your Son

Your precious Little Lamb

Is how it all begun

We now have a hope

A future secured

Eternal Life in Jesus

Who is the WORD

Tamela Greenwell

The Great Adventure!

One of my favorite songs by Steven Curtis Chapman is "Saddle up your horses" on his album titled: "The Great Adventure." Ever since I was a little girl I have loved horses. Maybe it is because when I was little I can remember going and visiting my Grandmother in Ohio and I would watch my Dad ride on this big beautiful horse that my Grandmother's neighbors owned. He would get on the horse bareback and would run him as fast as the wind. I could sense the power of the horse as I watched my Dad ride her. I also could sense the excitement of my Dad as he anticipated the fast ride as if it was a ride of freedom!

I use to love to go fast but the older I get I find cruising is more my speed. I now have a tendency to be more cautious and have slowed down a bit.

But when I was a little girl my Dad would take me for rides on his motorcycle and that was a thrill of a lifetime for me. Feeling the wind blow through my hair was fullness of joy. Of course he had to go fast because I wasn't content with him just puttering along. I would tell him: "faster Daddy faster!" I am sure it made my mom a nervous wreck. I can remember my Dad saying: "okay honey I will go a little faster but I am not going to go any faster than this." But I would still beg all the more for him to go faster, "faster Daddy faster!" I'm sure there were times that he went faster than my mom would approved of, but nevertheless I am thankful for those memories as a child.

I can remember having no fear on those motorcycle rides with my Dad. As far as I was concerned harm couldn't touch me because after all I was with my Daddy. I felt totally safe and protected in his care.

I am so thankful for all the good memories that I have as a child with my Dad, because it has made it easier for me to relate to my Heavenly Father. Just as I trusted my Dad while on those fast motorcycle rides, I trust my Heavenly Father while in the fast lane of "LIFE."

It's a Great Adventure living this life of Faith. You really never know what is going to happen from one day to the next. Each day we live we will experience life's ups and downs. But I know that as long as I am riding with the Lord (my Heavenly Daddy) I have nothing to fear because He is the one in control.

It is up to each one of us to choose to make our time with the Lord an exciting time of trusting Him or a worrisome time of fearing what each day may hold.

This is the day that the Lord has made I will rejoice and be glad in it!

I am going to make the best of each new day that the Lord gives me so that I can experience the Great adventure of Faith in Him and with Him.

Just like being on that motorcycle with my Dad and feeling the cool breeze blow upon me, I will enjoy feeling the refreshing winds of the Holy Spirit blow upon me as well. Just as the winds blew through my hair as I trusted my Daddy on those fast motorcycle rides I will trust My Heavenly Father with His refreshing winds.

Now the question needs to be asked, are you trusting your Heavenly Daddy while riding in this Great Adventure called Life and holding onto Him?"

Why Jesus?

I was eight years old when I was born again. I was at church camp and the teacher was talking to us about Jesus, and the suffering of the cross that He endured just for us. As a child I can remember intently listening to the message and taking it all in. As she explained the sufferings of Jesus and all that He had to go through my heart was breaking, I almost couldn't bear to hear it, (even to this very day it is very hard for me to think about Jesus and the torture that He had to endure) tears were streaming down my face, but when she got to the part of the joy and victory of His resurrection and how Jesus defeated the devil, my tears were now tears of joy instead of sorrow.

When it was time to come to the altar and pray, I got right up and knelt down at the altar and my prayer as an 8 year old child went something like this:

Jesus, I am so sorry that you had to go through all that suffering and pain because of sin. And you did that just for me and the whole world. Thank you Jesus for doing that for me, because now I can be with you some day. I continued to cry and tell Jesus how sorry I was because of His pain but I also was crying and telling Jesus how thankful I was that He did that for me so that I could be with Him one day. That was pretty much my whole prayer pouring forth from a child's heart.

It was later on in life that I began writing poetry. I would like to share my very first poem that I wrote. It is a poem based upon my salvation experience as a child.

WHY JESUS?

Why Jesus, why did you die for me?

Why Jesus, why did you give me life eternally?

Why did you do this for me?

You hung on that awful cross and you suffered and died

But as you hung on that cross you beckoned me to your side

Why Jesus?

My sin was your agony

My sin was your pain

My sin was your humility

It is my sin

It is me to blame!

Why Jesus?

That kind of love is hard to comprehend

I was hurting you, yet you freed me from my sin

Why Jesus?

Through your blood-stained tears it is me that you see

I was hurting you, yet you were loving me

Why Jesus?

It is love, it is amazing love!

Tamela Greenwell

"ONE DAY"

One day, one glorious day all eyes will see and the world will know. The heavens will open up and all will behold the King of kings and the Lord of lords. Though the world may hate you and blaspheme your name, one day they will know. One glorious day every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.

The mountains will melt like wax in your presence as they bow before you. The arrogance and pride of man will bow before the Lord. One day, one glorious day there will be no hiding from your glorious presence. Rebellion will bow, pride will bow, hatred will bow. All living creatures will bow one day, one glorious day.

There will be no more denying that You are God over all, for the Truth will be made known. All life from it's beginning to its end will one day know that it was your love, your mercy and your grace that kept them and sustained them and was patient with them. One day, one glorious day we will all know for we will ALL SEE YOUR GLORY AND BOW!

The Bride and the Spirit say COME LORD JESUS!

Bold as a Lion

The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion (Pr. 28:1)
In Rev. 21:8 the word of God says that the fearful (which means cowardly in the Greek) will have their place in the lake which burneth with brimstone: which is the second death.I don't know about you but those scriptures speak volumes to me. I take this very seriously in my own life and I believe all who consider themselves men and women of God should take this seriously as well. God says that He did not give us a spirit of timidity but of power, love and a sound mind. He is not the author of cowardliness. We serve a mighty and courageous God who created a human race in His own image and breathed life into them and He expects us to be a people that conduct ourselves likewise just as we were created to do. We will never be as great as our God but we are to model His character. God is not in the business of creating milk toast Christians, the enemy might be, but not our Jehovah God.

I am looking forward to the day when men and women of God from all over the world begin to boldly speak-up once again and make a righteous stand against wickedness. I am not promoting activism per say as some might interpret it. I am simply saying that I would like to see men and women of God stand up for the Word of God and let their voices be heard. If the Word of God isn't being followed in us (the church), how are we going to make an impact in the world.

This message is for all who call themselves men and women of Jehovah God: "May all of us begin to make a stand against the enemy." If this fleshly vessel goes down at least we can go down in great courage and rise up in Christ Jesus who has the victory! And the gates of hell will not prevail against the church. We as the people of God need to make a bold stand and speak the Word and bring loving correction and instruction, and if necessary reproof or rebuke. We are all accountable to the Word of God, and no one is greater than our God.

When we don't make a stand for God's Word this is cowardly and this is a sin, and if we do this it is likely that we could be placing ourselves in the hands of an angry God. The fear of man must cease in Jesus name and God's people repent.

The Word says In Mt. 10:28 And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. May this exhort all to make a stand and be a righteous people that are bold as lions. It is time!!! Here is a perfect example of why God's people need to start speaking up. The Word of God says to Preach the Word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; and they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. (2 Tim. 4: 2-4).

The Love Test!

May we always be sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit and offer that special hug or touch, it may mean the difference between life and death for some as well as a test on our part.
Back in 1992 I believe it was, there was a homeless lady who came to a church we use to attend. It was a ladies conference and I was one of the greeters at the door. We were told specifically that we were to receive the tickets at the door and that they could not come into the church without one, I thought to myself, "how rude!" what if someone comes who doesn't have a ticket for whatever reason?

When the homeless lady approached the door, of course I knew that she wouldn't have a ticket but I asked her any ways just in case someone might of gave her one. She told me that she didn't have a ticket, so being the renegade that I am I lovingly stroked her back and said, "come on in, I will find you a seat."

The conference leader approached me and asked if she had a ticket. I said, "No she doesn't, but she should be allowed to attend anyways." I usually just say what I think, sometimes it gets me in a lot of trouble though. I am still seeking some wisdom from the Lord in that area LOL! He is very patient with me. Thank you Jesus!

Well anyways, I had found out later that it was all a set up and the homeless lady was a plant.

We all had volunteered our positions and I love to greet, so I chose to greet the people coming in the door. The test was whether we were going to reach out in love and welcome others despite their appearance and not having a ticket.

Well! Praise be to God I passed the test! I think the conference leader was a little upset though, I think deep down she was hoping that the test would not be passed,
because she was wanting to bring a message as to hammer the people about not loving and accepting others, so it totally caught her off guard and I messed her message all up.

Maybe it was supposed to be a message for herself?

God is so good!

Don't Panic!

God is right there and He hears your cry. He said that He would never leave you or forsake you, so don't panic! That is easier said than done, isn't it? When we feel afraid/insecure panic can easily set in. In the panic mode we begin struggling in our own desperate attempt to survive. Which can be deadly.

When fear begins creeping into our hearts and minds this is the time that we need to be still and trust God. Do not struggle by trying to do things in your own strength and power. Cry out to God! it's okay, just don't panic. Rest, be still and trust Him. Your Heavenly Daddy hears your cry and He will come to your aid just in time, and sweep you up in His arms.

Contentment And The Simple Faith Of A Child

Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me (Mt. 18:3-5).
I just recently received this in my e-mail and I would like to share it. I know it will bless your heart as it did mine.
GOD LIVES UNDER THE BED. I envy Kevin. My brother Kevin thinks God lives under his bed. At least that's what I heard him say one night. He was praying out loud in his dark bedroom, and I stopped to listen, "Are you there, God?" he said. "Where are you? Oh, I see. Under the bed." I giggled softly and tiptoed off to my own room.
Kevin's unique perspectives are often a source of amusement. But that night something else lingered long after the humor. I realized for the first time the very different world Kevin lives in. He was born 30 years ago, mentally disabled as a result of difficulties during labor. Apart from his size (he's 6-foot-2), there are few ways in which he is an adult. He reasons and communicates with the capabilities of a 7-year-old, and he always will. He will probably always believe that God lives under his bed and that Santa Claus is the one who fills the space under our tree every Christmas and that airplanes stay up in the sky because angels carry them.
I remember wondering if Kevin realizes he is different. Is he ever dissatisfied with his monotonous life? Up before dawn each day, off to work at a workshop for the disabled, home to walk our cocker spaniel, return to eat his favorite macaroni-and-cheese for dinner, and later to bed. The only variation in the entire scheme is laundry, when he hovers excitedly over the washing machine like a mother with her newborn child. He does not seem dissatisfied. He lopes out to the bus every morning at 7:05, eager for a day of simple work. He wrings his hands excitedly while the water boils on the stove before dinner, and he stays up late twice a week to gather our dirty laundry for his next day's laundry chores. And Saturdays - oh, the bliss of Saturdays! That's the day my Dad takes Kevin to the airport to have a soft drink, watch the planes land, and speculate loudly on the destination of each passenger inside. "That one's goin to Chi-car-go!" Kevin shouts as he claps his hands. His anticipation is so great he can hardly sleep on Friday nights. And so goes his world of daily rituals and weekend field trips.
Kevin doesn't know what it means to be discontent. His life is simple. He will never know the entanglements of wealth and power, and he does not care what brand of clothing he wears or what kind of food he eats. His needs have always been met, and he never worries that one day they may not be. His hands are diligent. Kevin is never so happy as when he is working. When he unloads the dishwasher or vacuums the carpet, his heart is completely in it. He does not shrink from a job when it is begun, and he does not leave a job until it is finished. But when his tasks are done, Kevin knows how to relax. He is not obsessed with his work or the work of others.
Kevin's heart is pure. He still believes everyone tells the truth, promises must be kept, and when you are wrong, you apologize instead of argue. Free from pride and unconcerned with appearances. Kevin is not afraid to cry when he is hurt, angry or sorry. He is always transparent, always sincere. And he trusts God.
Not confined by intellectual reasoning, when he comes to Christ, he comes as a child. Kevin seems to know God - to really be friends with Him in a way that is difficult for an 'educated' person to grasp. God seems like his closest companion. In my moments of doubt and frustrations with my Christianity, I envy the security Kevin has in his simple faith. It is then that I am most willing to admit that he has some divine knowledge that rises above my mortal questions. It is then I realize that perhaps he is not the one with the handicap. I am. My obligations, my fear, my pride, my circumstances - they all become disabilities when I do not trust them to God's care. Who knows if Kevin comprehends things I can never learn? After all, he has spent his whole life in that kind of innocence, praying after dark and soaking up the goodness and love of God. And one day, when the mysteries of heaven are opened, and we are all amazed at how close God really is to our hearts, I'll realize that God heard the simple prayers of a boy who believed that God lived under his bed. Kevin won't be surprised at all!
May we all learn from Kevin about contentment and the simple faith of a child.

Baptized In His Love

I have been studying the scriptures lately about God's Love, and I want to thank my friend Jim at Journaling For Growth and also my friend Larry at
Night Writing in the Morning Light because they both have been writing about God's love and loving others and this has been an inspiration for me to write something of God's Love as well. So I want to say thank you Jim and Larry for being an inspiration of the Love of God and how we are to love one another.

To walk out God's plan for us in our life and to be an honorable vessel for His use and Glory we must know who we are in Christ and before we can know who we are in Christ we must know that we are loved passionately and desperately by our Creator. In John 17:26 Jesus is praying for us to the Father and He is asking the Father to bestow upon us the same love that the Father bestowed upon Him and that we might know His love in our hearts and that Jesus Christ Himself may be in us.

Listen to what the Word of God says in (Eph. 3: 16-19) about the Love of Christ,

v. 16 May He grant you out of the rich treasury of His glory to be strengthened and reinforced with mighty power in the inner man by the [Holy] Spirit [Himself indwelling your innermost being and personality].

v. 17 May Christ through your faith [actually] dwell (settle down, abide, make His permanent home) in your hearts! may you be rooted deep in love and founded securely on love,

v. 18 That you may have the power and be strong to apprehend and grasp with all the saints [God's devoted people, the experience of that love] what is the breadth and length and height and depth [of it];

v. 19 [That you may really come] to know [practically, through experience for yourselves] the love of Christ, which far surpasses mere knowledge [without experience]; that you may be filled [through all your being] unto all the fullness of God [may have the richest measure of the divine Presence, and become a body wholly filled and flooded with God Himself]!

As I was studying these scriptures the title of this post came to me, "Baptized In His Love." Have we been immersed, saturated/permeated with the Love of God? Does His love indwell in our innermost being? His Love in us is the richest measure of His divine Presence and with this we become a body wholly FILLED and FLOODED with God Himself. WOW! I had to shout Hallelujah there. We must know that WE are loved as to be filled, flooded/baptized in Christ's Love before we can truly love Him. (1Jn. 4:19 AMP) We love Him because He first loved us. Now, we can pour out of ourselves His love unto others.

God's love is foreign to our natural man because it is a perfect love, there is no fear in this love. If we live in the flesh and not in the spirit we will resist His love. Those who live in the flesh will resist the Gospel and the teachings of Christ Jesus. They will shut their ears to his teachings because they cannot bear to listen to His message. (1 Jn. 4:6b AMP) And he who is not of God does not listen or pay attention to us. By this we know (recognize) the Spirit of Truth and the spirit of error. There is no love in them for the Word of God because they have resisted the love of God to dwell and come to make it's abode in their hearts, therefore they have no love for others. (1 Jn. 4:8 AMP) He who does not love has not become acquainted with God [does not and never did know Him], for God is love.

Those who deny their flesh and the lusts thereof and live in the spirit will receive the love of God and the Words of Christ with Joy. They will welcome the cleansing waves of His Love. They will abandon themselves to the peace of His perfect love. They will have no fear because they welcome His love to come and penetrate the darkness and silence the winds and the storms of life. Stillness comes and they will rest in His perfect love as it washes and fills every crevice of their being. In this welcoming surrender is the moment that we can begin to understand the breadth, length, height and depth of His Love so as to walk in the fullness of God! (1 Jn. 4:16b AMP) God is love, and he who dwells and continues in love dwells and continues in God, and God dwells and continues in him.

Baptize us with Your Love Lord!

Knowing Him Is Eternal

My Daughter bought me a book titled, "Moments of Peace for the Morning" for my birthday. I wanted to share what I read this morning. It ministered to me and I hope it will minister to you as well.

This is eternal life, that they know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. (John 17:3 ESV).
There will be times in your life when your only source of comfort will be God. It will be through worship, prayer, and Bible study that you gain the energy, wisdom, and hope to make it through the day.
This is not a trial, this is the goal-to need no earthly encouragement because God has become everything to you. Your comfort, peace, and joy all come from God. It is during these times that God replaces your earthly nature with a love and longing for the eternal.
Rejoice, God is preparing you for eternal life by changing your perspective and helping you to know him better.
Build yourselves up in your most holy faith; pray in the Holy Spirit; keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life. (Jude 1:20-21 ESV).
I thank you, Father, that learning about you today is about loving you in countless tomorrows, I love you and praise your wonderful name. In Jesus name Amen!

Is it the Truth or is it a lie?

My heart is broken, because the enemy has came in like a thief and taken captive one of our own. But alas sadly it was this person's choice. I just got word yesterday that Ray Boltz has “came out.” When I first read about this I had a lot of mixed emotions. At first I felt my heart sink to the pit of my stomach. Then I got angry with righteous indignation because of the lies of the enemy and those who turn their backs on what they know is God's Truth and begin living a life that is in direct rebellion of God.

These people know the Truth and the good news of Jesus Christ and they have even ministered to others. At one time they gave their lives to the Lord to be used by Him, and they even took part in making a difference in the lives of others by being a blessing of God’s Word in music and song. Now they say they have been living a lie! And what do they do? They walk away from what they know is the Truth and begin living a lie. See, they got it all backwards. They will say they have lived a lie when all the while they were actually living the Truth, because they were denying the lust of the flesh and walking in the power of the Spirit. They will say their sinful lifestyle feels right and because it feels right this must be how God created me. The Word of God says that we are to mortify the sinful deeds of our flesh.

Which will we yield to, the flesh/lies or the Spirit/Truth? Sadly most will yield to the lies because it makes the flesh feel comforted. Thus, people are making their own flesh their god, instead of the Creator their God. Look at what the Word of God says in (Rom. 1:24-28 AMP) Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their [own] hearts to sexual impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves [abandoning them to the degrading power of sin], Because they exchanged the truth of God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, Who is blessed forever! Amen. For this reason God gave them over and abandoned them to vile affections and degrading passions. For their women exchanged their natural function for an unnatural and abnormal one, And the men also turned from natural relations with women and were set ablaze (burning out, consumed) with lust for one another-men committing shameful acts with men and suffering in their own bodies and personalities the inevitable consequences and penalty of their wrong-doing and going astray, which was [their] fitting retribution. And so, since they did not see fit to acknowledge God or approve of Him or consider Him worth the knowing, God gave them over to a base and condemned mind to do things not proper or decent but loathsome.

When I first read this about Ray Boltz I thought to myself, “now that he has decided to rebel against God’s Truth and give in to the lusts of his sinful flesh, how many babes in Christ who hear his statements will be lead astray, because they are still in need of some guidance?” Some may think to themselves, “Well, if Ray Boltz (of all people) has come to the conclusion that he has lived a lie, then maybe it’s okay for me to draw this same conclusion for my own life,” God forbid! I pray that this does not happen. I pray that the people of God will realize that denying the flesh is living the Truth and not the lie.

When we are negligent in our spiritual walk the enemy can creep in with thoughts to drive us further from the Truth. I heard a minister once say, “The higher we go in Christ, the things of this world/flesh will fall away.” The thing’s of the world/flesh does not like Spiritual altitude. The flesh wants us to stay on the world's plane. This is because it cannot understand the things of the Spirit, and when we go skyward they have to fall away. When we neglect our spiritual life, STINKIN THINKIN will quickly become the norm in our life.

There is a song by Rich Mullins. It's a beautiful song titled, “My Deliverer is Standing By”. This song tells us that Jesus is coming and he is standing by. You see it is never too late. The Lord’s arm is still out stretched to all those who stray from the Truth. Yes the Lord is a God of Love but also a God of Truth. Pray earnestly that all may come to the knowledge of the Truth, and be brought back to the narrow way.

If you want to read about Ray Boltz's coming out statement you can go to this Link: http://www.washingtonblade.com/2008/9-12/arts/feature/13258.cfm

Tenacity will take you up and over

Have you ever thought that tenacity, strategy, determination, ingenuity, thinking outside the box could be characteristics that are very appealing to the Lord. In fact could this be so pleasing to the Lord that He could possibly say, "My child since you have shown me your heart of tenacity and ingenuity in thinking outside of the box and beyond the normal/natural scope of things and have shown a sense of determination I am going to grant to you the desires of your heart."

I was thinking about this the other day after reading about Christ Jesus healing the man with palsy in (Luke 5:18-25) And, behold, men brought in a bed a man which was taken with a palsy: and they sought means to bring him in, and to lay him before him. And when they could not find by what way they might bring him in because of the multitude, they went upon the housetop, and let him down through the tiling with his couch into the midst before Jesus. And when he saw their faith, he said unto him, Man, thy sins are forgiven thee.

Did You catch that? When Jesus saw their faith He said, "Man, thy sins are forgiven thee." The men showed their trust and confidence in Jesus by being ingeniously determined to get their friend to Him. The men did what they felt they had to do for their friend and then Jesus took it from there.

Have you heard the old saying, "There's more than one way to skin a cat?" No offense cat lovers, I love cats myself, so don't get your panties in a tuft. These men were determined to come up with a strategic way to get their friend to Jesus so that he could be healed and they were dramatically successful in their conquest. Because of their faith and ingenuity, this man so far, has been spiritually healed (his sins have been forgiven).

We must go a little further because this man's physical healing is about to be granted by Christ Jesus as well. And the Scribes and the Pharisees began to reason, saying, Who is this which speaketh blasphemies? Who can forgive sins, but God alone? But when Jesus perceived their thoughts, he answering said unto them, What reason ye in your hearts? Whether is easier, to say, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Rise up and walk?

But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power upon earth to forgive sins, (he said unto the sick of the palsy,) I say unto thee, Arise, and take up they couch, and go into thine house. And immediately he rose up before them, and took up that wheron he lay, and departed to his house, glorifying God.

Isn't Jesus cool? The Son of man (Jesus Christ) has not only the power upon earth to forgive sins which is spiritual but He also has the power upon earth to heal the body which of course is physical. I can just see the Scribes and Pharisees now, standing there with their mouths agape in total amazement and perplexity.

This story was a subtle reminder to me by the Holy Spirit that we can possibly stop short of seeing the physical miracles in our lives because we limit our vision of hope. We can look at circumstances as hopeless and get tunnel vision which then causes us to lose our faith/determination and thus we can overlook the one possible way that will birth a miracle. The men had hopes that if they couldn't get their friend through the crowd then they would go over the crowd. They were tenacious, determined and strategic. I can just see Jesus smiling as if to say, "That's my boys! and I am so proud of them for showing so much determination in their quest to get to me and having confidence in me."

If it seems as though it is impossible to get to Jesus because circumstances are blocking the way ,then we must look up and go over them. Circumstances should never stop us from our pursuit and appointed destination which is Jesus. Jesus is our Hope and He is our Answer both now and forever!

May we all be honest with ourselves and ask this question, "Am I looking up and going over the circumstances in life and trusting in Jesus or have I stopped short by looking at the overwhelming crowds of circumstances in front of me and think that all is hopeless?

Troubled Heart???

(John 14:27b) Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
Wow, have you seen how the economy has spiraled out of control? How about the banking system, or the housing market? There is a whole plethora of things that are going south. How about the upcoming election. He said, she said, what a mess. And the mess in some of the churches today. Crazy. We can get so spun around it's dizzying. Can someone please tell me which way is north? So I can get the true bearings?

President Roosevelt once in his inaugural speech,"The only thing we have to fear is fear itself." It seems in these days and times there is a whole lot of fear going around. At times we can feel like Peter. We are out of the boat. We are supposed to have our eyes on Jesus, but alas the things of this life rise up to steal our attention. The wind and the waves and the depths begin to call to us. We turn to look at these things that we feel are important. These situations are fleeting at best. Thinking "we" can fix this, only to become frustrated. This can only destroy our joy and peace.

You see the word gives us our bearings for truth. Jesus said I am the way, the truth and the life. We can look unto Jesus, who is the author and finisher of our faith. Yes, I can hear some of you. You do need to get up and begin walking out what you know is the truth. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Jesus has called us to three things. 1. Believe His word. 2. Trust He will do what he says He will do. 3. By faith we walk it out.

Jesus said I will be with you forever even till the end of the world. Believe it, Trust it and by Faith walk it out. We need not look at these temporal things because soon enough they will be gone and it will be only you and Jesus. Rejoice, we have overcome by the blood of the lamb and the word of our testimony.

I looked at my compass and seen the needle point to what I thought was true north, but................................ this is magnectic north not true north.

Jesus is our compass and He will point us to true north.
He shall lead us to our true home. These times are a time to rejoice because we shall see the power, glory and love of God in our lives. Glory to the lamb of God!
                                                                                                                Joe Greenwell

A New Day

Above is a picture of a beautiful sunrise welcoming the beginning of another new day. Today is my birthday. The Lord has given me another year of life which I am very grateful for. I was sitting outside this morning having my quiet time in devotions and prayer. The sun was shining and the sky was so blue. I said to myself, "I have been given a new day and another year." And then I began thanking the Lord for new days, new beginnings and fresh starts.

When we sin and mess up, God doesn't say to us, "now that you have messed things up you must go back to the very beginning and start again." No, He just says, stop right there and repent and continue moving forward from that point. Don't fall for the lie that you have come so far for nothing and that it was all in vain. This is a lie from the enemy.

I am so thankful that God's mercies are new every morning. When we repent, God hears us and comes running to meet us right where we are at. Have you been caught up with the issues of life? Have you fallen down in the dirt and maybe laid there awhile. Just get up my friend. God will meet you there and will never reject you.

Listen to the words of Paul and what he said about himself, "I am the worst of all sinners, but this is why God has had mercy on me, so that Christ Jesus could use me as a prime example of his great patience with even the worst of sinners. Then others will realize that they, too, can believe in Him and receive eternal life. (1Tim. 1:15-16 paraphrased).

Most of us will beat ourselves up and fret about issues that are nothing in comparison with some of Paul's sinful issues. Paul is telling us that God's saving mercy and Jesus patience is greater than any sin in our lives. Paul even acknowledges that he still falls short, which you can read about in (Rom. 7:21-25 and Rom. 8:1-2).

When you believe that you have fallen short my friend don't start moving backwards. Stop, right there. Acknowledge your sin, repent and move forward. It is gone the very moment that you confess. So don't keep thinking about it and churning it over and over in your mind. Whatever your situation might be, you have been given permission to be free and move forward. If Paul who was the worst of all sinners can acknowledge his imperfections and shortcomings, and forget those things that are behind, than so can you. Take comfort in Paul's words. "I don't mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection! But I keep working toward that day when I will finally be all that Christ Jesus saved me for and wants me to be. No, dear brothers and sisters, I am still not all I should be, but I am focusing all my energies on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I strain to reach the end of the race and receive the prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us up to heaven (Phil. 3:12-14 N.L.T.)
It is time to move forward my friend and embrace a new day, a new beginning, a fresh start and stop dwelling on the sins of yesterday, and set yourself free. Because of the cross of Jesus, He doesn't remember your sins any more thus neither should you.

Hope always shines through

Despite everything that might be going on in the world or even your own personal life don't give up hope. You may be looking at your situation and it seems to be as big as a mountain standing before you. But I am hear to say that hope always shines through the most darkest of storms. Don't forget what Jesus promised you, He said, "I will never leave you or forsake you." The Word of God also says, "all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose." This is a promised truth that the Lord has given to you. Hold onto it with all of your might and don't let it go. Cling to Him.

There will be times of trouble in our lives but all in all He has made us more than a conqueror in Christ Jesus and we must know that if God is for us who can be against us? And we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us.
There will be battles if there are going to be victories. So take heart my brothers and sisters and know that there will be seasons when He will cause you to lie down in green pastures and He will lead you beside still waters and restore your soul. God can give you His supernatural comfort and encouragement and His grace in these times of trouble. Through it all lean upon Him and trust Him for it.

At these crucial times in our lives it is so very important that we listen to the voice of Truth and not the voice of lies. Listen to the voice of Truth straight from the Word of God;

"You may be troubled on every side, yet not distressed, you may be perplexed, yet not in despair; you may be persecuted, but not forsaken; you may be cast down, but not destroyed; always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body. For we which live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh." (2 Cor. 4:8-11).

During these troublesome seasons in our life this is our opportunity to come to know Christ more intimately by being still and knowing that He is God and listening to His voice of Truth. Allow His Truth and Love to take precedence in your heart and make it's abode there.

Truth and Love have even a greater name which is above all names and that name is Jesus. He is the Way, the Truth and the Life and no man can come to the Father except through Him.

Our Good Shepherd knows us better than anyone else. He calls you by name, He knows your person/heart, He knows you intimately. When our Good Shepherd speaks may we listen and hear and know that we are His and nothing will separate us from His Love, and we can continue to always place our hopes in Him for our lives.

His peaceful freedom!

Life can be hard and very cruel at times. But we can take heart and know that God does care about our trust and peace remaining in Him in the midst of the storm.

With God's peace in our lives comes ultimate freedom. Peace of mind, a sound mind, and contentment; this is the BIG one people. Without His peace in our lives we would be totally miserable and in constant turmoil. (Is. 26:3 KJV) Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.

The word perfect in this scripture means complete. No matter what has happened or what is happening or what might happen you can have complete peace. Why? Because you have placed your trust in the Lord. Now this is true FREEDOM. The battle that might be raging in your thoughts or in your life right now needs to be told to BE STILL.

Ask yourself; am I trusting God with this or not? Obtaining peace is simply trusting God. Are we going to trust God or lean upon our own understanding of things? This is our decision, we have been given a free will by God to make the choice to trust Him or not. This takes a renewing of our mind which will then bring about a transformation.

Here is what the Word of God says; (Rom. 12:2 Amp.) Do not be conformed to this world (this age), [fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs], but be transformed (changed) by the [entire] renewal of your mind [by its new ideals and its new attitude], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God, even the thing which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His sight for you].

Let go and abandon yourself to God so that you can experience His peaceful freedom in your life. The world around you might look bleak, but you can have peace and be free despite it when you make the decision to trust the Lord in and for your life.

Lessons in worship from a dog

(Jn. 4: 23-24) But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.
God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

The word Worship in these verses is Proskuneo which in the Greek means to kiss, like a dog licking his Master's hand. To fawn or crouch, prostrate oneself in homage (do reverence to, adore).

My dogs have taught me so much when it comes to worship and my relationship with God (my Master).

Our dog Frissee is a true companion to me. Whatever room I am she has to be in there with me. Everyone else can be in other rooms in the house but if I choose to go to the bedroom and lie down Frissee will come in there with me. If I choose to go outside in the blistering heat of Arizona she is right there, In the shade of course, but I am always kept in her sight.

I was thinking about this today and I realized that this is how we should be with our Heavenly Father. We should desire to always stay near to Him, and always keep God in our spiritual sight. We can do this by communing with Him in prayer or even studying and or reading His Word. Sometimes I will turn on some music and just praise and worship the Lord in song. The Word of God says that He will inhabit the praises of His people and knowing that His presence is near to me brings me great comfort. This is how my dog Frissee is, knowing that I am near is comforting to her.

Frissee will walk over to me sometimes for no apparent reason and lay her big ol' snout on my leg and give me a wet kiss on my hand or knee. When I reach out to pet her as to return her affection she will look up at me with those big precious brown eyes of hers as if she just can't contain herself. She will stand there forever if I let her just adoring me as I caress her, and she soaks it all in. Sometimes she will get so filled with excitement as if she is going to burst and will begin spinning in circles and chasing her tail, at this point she is literally rejoicing, which in Biblical terms the word rejoice can mean to spin in circles.

This is what the scriptures is speaking of when it comes to worshiping our Heavenly Father. When I think of praising and worshiping God I am reminded of a puppy that rolls over on its back and makes himself vulnerable to the hand of his master, trusting and knowing that when he does he is going to get a good tummy rubbing and maybe even a little tickle from his master. Aw! to feel the touch of his master's hand, life just doesn't get any better than that. As far as that little puppy is concerned this is life in its fullness. This is an example of what the Bible says: "that God will inhabit the praise of His people." The Lord desires to commune with us. He desires to spend time with you. When we praise and worship God it is our invitation for Him to come and meet with us. Draw nigh to God, and He will draw night to you (Jas. 4:8).

Our praise and worship is like the puppy when he approaches his master and desires the comforting and playful touch of his master's hand. Just as the puppy trusts and adores his master so we trust and adore our God (Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour) and then begins an exchange of love between us and our Lord. Jesus desire is for us to be intimate with Him and His Father just as they are with one another, and to be ONE with them.

May we open ourselves up to praise and worship our Master and kiss Him with the praise of our lips and let His cleansing touch wash over us. Feel the touch of your Master's hand and be a witness of praise and joy for His Son Christ Jesus!

Rejoice in His Grace!

Rejoice in His Grace for it has been freely given to you: We are free to live in God's Grace (His unmerited favor). (Eph. 2:8-9 N.L.T.) God saved us by His special unmerited favor when we believed. And we can't take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. Have you heard the term; that there is nothing we can do to make God love us any more or any less? Knowing this, why do so many constantly try to prove themselves worthy of God's love. A lot of people have been conditioned for so many years to believe that if they are ever going to have anything they are going to have to earn it. After all nothing is free, right? It's hard for most to comprehend Grace because they are trying to understand it in the natural. It will never be naturally understood though. As long as we are trying to put it on an intellectual level we will never grasp it. It is only by faith that we can acquire this beautiful revelation of Grace and what it truly means. Grasping it can be the difference between life and death spiritually and sometimes even physically speaking.

For example let's take a look at the person that sees everything in a legalistic kind of way. They pull out their legal list and check mark all the religious conditions that their doctrine has expected them to follow. Here are some examples, for the woman, she must never cut her hair. For the man, he must always cut his hair but have no facial hair. For some, you must say this prayer for that sin three times a day before your sin will be forgiven. If you don't attend church every time the doors are open then you really don't love Jesus. You must be busy working for the church at all times to be considered a worthy child of God. And the list can go on and on. By the time they get through their legal list day after day they can be so mentally and physically exhausted that they can literally become weakened in their bodies and discouraged in their spirit because they still feel they are just not doing enough to earn their love and acceptance from God. Some truly believe that this is a sign of their holiness and or right living, and to be truly saved you must look like this and abide by all these rules. They will even try to convince and lay this burden upon others. Some will tell you, that if you want to be a true witness of your salvation than you must fulfill all these precepts that we have. You must dress like this, don't wear that. Don't clap in the church, you can't say amen.
Have you received the Spirit by the works of the law, or by hearing of faith? Having begun in the Spirit why are you now trying to become perfect by the flesh? Many are living in this pit of painful obligation and works. They feel as though they are required to do this or not to do that as to be pleasing to God. All the while the bands are being snapped on and they are being held captive in a prison of deception. We must not allow this to be our identity in Christ Jesus, because this only nullifies the cross of Jesus and exalts the religious laws of man. Freely God has given you this gift of salvation by Grace through the cross of His Son Jesus Christ. It is His gift that He is offering you. No strings attached. May we not grieve our Heavenly Father by telling Him thanks but no thanks I'll do it on my own. Or may we not say to our Father, "here let me pay You for your gift to me, because I must pay for such a gift before I can receive it, because after all I am not worthy of it." If we were worthy then we wouldn't need His gift of Grace, right? This is why we must freely receive God's gift of Grace for us, because in doing so we are acknowledging that despite our unworthiness we can humbly receive and be ever so grateful for Jesus and His death on the cross for us. This is humility in all of it's beauty.

Receive God's gift of Grace and know freedom and rejoicing in your life in Christ Jesus!

Water off a duck's back

We had a Pastor who use to say that he had a back like a duck because he had learned not to carry or allow offenses to soak into him, they would just roll right off of his back.

Jesus said in Lk. 4:18-19 That the Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, to preach the acceptable year of the Lord.

The word brokenhearted in the Greek means to have crushed/shattered feelings. I think most of us have experienced this kind of pain. Having your heart crushed is a horrible pain. It's like a heaviness that lingers in the pit of your stomach. You have been pierced through and feel utterly devastated. The worst pain I think I have ever felt is the pain of betrayal. My heart has literally felt crushed by this heartache. But praise be to God that He didn't leave me with holes of betrayal in my heart. And He doesn't want to leave you with a shattered heart either. Jesus has said that He has come to heal the brokenhearted. Jesus came to mend our hearts and bring healing into our lives. He desires to make us brand new. The first step in becoming brand new is to first give our forgiveness to those who have caused us pain. We must forgive others of their offenses before the holes in our heart can be filled with Jesus' healing balm.

God has allowed me to experience some tough emotional pain in the last few years and I believe this is because He has been teaching me the lessons of giving forgiveness and Grace to others so as I can have His forgiveness and experience His healing in my life and be set free. He is teaching me to keep my eyes upon Him. These experiences have been some hard ones for me but I will have to admit that it is getting easier for me to let things just roll off of my back and not allow offenses and unforgiveness soak into me. I have been taught some valuable lessons by the Holy Spirit to not only be forgiving and gracious toward others but also to use Godly wisdom and discernment.

I truly believe that the only holes that will forever be permanent are the ones that Jesus (our Lord and Savior) took so that we wouldn't have to. Jesus came to heal the brokenhearted. May we allow His healing to take place in our heart by first offering our forgiveness to others

so that we can say,

"It's just water off a duck's back!"

Are you a God-seeker?

Do you know that God delights in us seeking Him? The Word says that God is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him (Heb. 11:6b). As we seek God with our whole heart He will be found of us. (Jer. 29:13) says: And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.

I loved playing hide and seek as a child. It was especially fun the closer it got to being dark outside. When I was growing up the whole neighborhood was our back yard so there were a lot of hiding places. We would try to make some reasonable boundaries of course for everyone. Those were different days then. The neighbors didn't mind when children would play in their yards, and all of them looked out for every one's children. Wow! I am giving away my age now, it's really sad to see how far we have come. Well that was just a side bar. Now to get back to playing hide and seek. Like I said it would get more fun the closer it got to being dark. Things would get pretty tough then. At this point the seeker would sometimes pull out a flashlight and he/her would begin shining the flashlight at certain objects just be sure there wasn't someone hiding there. Sometimes the seeker would sneak up on the hider and shine the flashlight just in time to tag them and now they were it. But most of the time the one hiding would sneak out of his/her hiding place just in time and make it to the home base before the seeker could catch him. Those were some good memories.

Now that I am an adult I have found it very exciting to seek God. What's so awesome about seeking God is that He gives us a flashlight as well. I like to refer to God's flashlight as the Holy Spirit. And the Holy Spirit "flashlight" will never fail in leading us directly to God. He will never leave us groping in the dark. The Holy Spirit will reveal the truths of God to us. He is always faithful in letting us in on the secrets of God and seeing things that we didn't notice without the flashlight. He brings things to light. Of course this is God's plan and how He prefers things to be. What's so great about seeking God is that when we finally find Him He doesn't run away. He just smiles real big and says, "see, I knew you could find me if you sought me hard enough."

What happens when we seek God with our whole heart and find Him? As the Word says, He will reward us. What is our reward? I believe it is the Holy Spirit who is given to us to teach us the deeper things of God. Of course it all begins with His son Jesus. Rewards of salvation and eternal life is our final destination in and through Christ Jesus. But as we grow in Christ by the power of His Holy Spirit within us we are rewarded with revelation and truths about God that the natural man cannot understand because it is spiritually discerned by the Spirit of God. Therefore we are rewarded with the mind of Christ by and through the power of His Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 2: 10-16).

And as we are faithful with the truths of God that have already been given to us, then God will give us more revelational truths. The seeking doesn't end it continues. In the beginning we walk to find the truths, then as we find more truths we break into a run because we are excited to find them and want even more. God just smiles so proud and continues to reward us. For unto everyone that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath (Mt. 25:29). We don't want to find ourselves in the latter part of that verse. If you read prior to verse 29 it is the parable of the talents. Our Father God has given us the gift of His Holy Spirit by and through His Son Jesus because of the finished work of the cross. Which is more precious than any talent. We don't want to make light of this and find ourselves in the same shoes as the unprofitable servant that when the Master returns all we have is some lame excuse for our wickedness and laziness. We won't be able to say: I just chose to ignore/bury my convictions and the things pertaining to God. This is not going to hold water my friend. In that day those who try to give lame excuses will find themselves cast into the outer darkness where there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

If you are a God seeker, then you will be like unto the faithful servants who took their talents and made more for their Master. You will take very seriously the things pertaining to God. You will be one who is hungry for the things of God. You will not make light of the Truths of God. When your spirit man is checked and there is a red flag that pops up and says, STOP! Wait a minute! Don't do that! Don't go there! Will you be as the good servants and listen and be faithful with what God has given you via His Holy Spirit in you, or will you do as the unfaithful servant did? It is your decision.

Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.

He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you.

All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I , that he shall take of mine, and shall shew it unto you. (Jn. 16: 13-15).

Have a seat Martha

Have you welcomed Jesus into your house (heart) but have forgotten to set at His feet and learn of Him? Have you found yourself busy about the details of life and all it's worries and forgotten your First Love? Have you placed works and obligations as top priority when it comes to your Christian walk?

I will be honest with you, giving place to the Martha mode is not out of reach in my own life. I can fall into Martha mode very easily if I am not careful. Worries, distractions, busyness, being very disturbed about things, turmoil, they all can come crashing in on me if my priorities get all messed up. During those times I can just hear the Lord saying to me, why are you exerting so much time and energies into things that are only temporal? Why do you trouble yourself the way you do? Come, take a seat and set with me and learn of me. Be still and rest in me for this is what is beneficial and for your advantage. This is what is necessary for the well being of your life (now and for all eternity).
Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house.

And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus feet, and heard his word.

But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me.

And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things:

But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her. (Luke 10: 38-42)

I believe the lesson to be learned here is more than just servants-v-worshippers. Jesus is not saying that Mary's are greater than Martha's because one worships and the other serves. Those who truly love Jesus will delight in worshipping as well as serving. I believe that this is a lesson of the heart. We have to ask ourselves, what is the condition of my heart? Am I distracted and worrying about things or am I at peace and resting in Jesus?
I also believe that this is a lesson that when we find ourselves in the Martha mode to not become bitter toward the Marys but to learn of them and remember that what she is doing is the good part and what is necessary. It is for her good and not her hurt. And we (Martha's) need to do likewise and have a seat and learn of Jesus. May we not forget about the more important things like sitting at the feet of Jesus and making Him our First Love. (Rev. 2:4)

Ask, Seek, Knock

Matthew 7: 8-11 (8) For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.

(9) Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone?

(10) Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent?

(11) If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?

Our Heavenly Father is faithful in providing for His children. Whether we have a financial need, a spiritual need or a physical need God will always provide.
His Word says: But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. (Phil. 4:19).

According to the above scriptures in (Mt. 7:8-11) it seems to me that it is just a matter of asking, seeking and knocking. I like to think of it this way: Believe that when you ask something of your Heavenly Father you will receive, trust that when you seek Him you will find Him, and have faith that when you knock the door shall be opened unto you.

I would like to share with you a testimony of what I would consider a miraculous provision by God in our life. A few years ago we received a shut off notice in the mail from the electric company. All the monies that we had in our account was fifty dollars. Not nearly enough to pay our electric bill. We have made it a habit to daily check our accounts just in case of some mathematical errors by us or even the bank. And with all the fees now-a-days you just never know when they are going to withdraw monies- Ugh! For a week we did this and there was the balance of fifty dollars every time. We had about a week left now before our electric was going to be shut off. I had decided that this time I wasn't going to fret or worry about it. If the electric got shut off then it got shut off because there wasn't a thing we could do about it. God knew and we knew that we hadn't been negligent with our monies. So I continued to believe, trust and have faith that God was in control. After all, He has said that He would take care of our need. So that was final and I stood with my faith in my Heavenly Father!
About five days prior to our electric being shut off we looked at our account once again and would you believe it, our balance said $550. We thought, "Oh my goodness! How in the world did that get in there?" There was no record of a deposit. How can this be? We waited until the day before our electric bill was going to be shut off before we touched the money, because we wanted to make sure that it wasn't a glitch in the system or a bank mistake. Normally if it's a glitch in the system or a mistake by the bank they catch it and get it fixed pretty quick. Four days had gone by now and there set the $550 still in our balance.
What did we do, you may ask? Well, we thanked our Heavenly Father (the Great Mathematician) for His miraculous provision for us and used it to pay our electric bill. And we even had a little extra left over. We were so grateful that we couldn't stop praising God and thanking Him for providing for us. We still praise Him and thank Him even today in believing, trusting and having faith that He will continually provide for us.
I know that there are other miraculous testimonies out there about how Your Heavenly Father has provided for you. I would love to hear them, so please feel free to share them. As God's children share and testify of the blessings of their Heavenly Father in their life it will cause our faith to grow in Him.

The open door of opportunity

Isaiah 55:6-7 (6) Seek ye the Lord while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near:

(7) Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.

I believe that there is a period of time that the Lord will keep an open door of opportunity before us so we can escape from the dark basement of sin in our lives. Come out of the sinful darkness of sexual immorality, cowardliness, unbelief and faithlessness, murderings, lying, sorcery and idolatry and come into the Light (Rev. 21:8). For there is coming a time when the open door of opportunity will be shut and it will be to late and some will sadly find themselves left in the darkness knocking on the door wanting to be free. But sadly, once the door is shut the opportunity for escape is no longer available.

The Holy Spirit will draw and knock on our heart's door calling for us to come out of the darkness and into the Light. And there is a time frame for each individual to answer His call.

It will be to late for some. The Word of God is full of references in the scriptures concerning this. For example the Foolish Virgins in Mt. 25. In Luke 13:25-27; others came knocking on the door for the Lord to let them in but the Master would not open the door unto them. It was to late for Esau; Heb. 12:7. The Spirit of the Lord departed from Saul in 1 Samuel 16:14. In 2 Thess. 2:10-12; this is the great apostasy where men will be deluded and believe a lie and not the Truth. It was to late for all of these people. The open door of opportunity for them had already been shut.

There will come a time when the Holy Spirit will stop drawing and He will shut the door and leave. David would not have prayed such a prayer in Ps. 51:11; Take not your Holy Spirit from me if it wasn't possible for that to happen.

But I have some good news for you my friend! The Word of God says that we are to work out our own salvation with fear and trembling (Phil. 2:12). If you have found yourself entangled in sin's darkness and you are being convicted of this then I can assure you that the Holy Spirit is still drawing you, and there is an open door of opportunity in front of you. It is not to late for you to reach out and walk toward the open door and leave the dark basement of sin in your life. So yield to the Holy Spirit's drawing today and move in a new direction and rise up out of that dark cellar of sin and don't look back. He is drawing you today my friend! It might be to late for you tomorrow.

Today is the day of salvation!
Don't miss your open door of opportunity!

Your Refreshing Rains

Are you dry and thirsty my friend? Our Heavenly Father's Refreshing Rain is at hand and it is only a prayer away. May this be our heart's cry to our Father in Heaven:

Let Your Refreshing Rain pour down upon me my Father God! Rain down your glory upon me and may I walk in Your glory and taste Your refreshing rain upon my dry and parched land. Comfort me with your showers and rain down your wisdom upon me and be my guide. Let your rain of Grace wash over me and your rain of mercy saturate me!

You are so highly exalted God, you make the streams to flow in the mountains and the deserts. I have cried unto You and You have heard me from Your throne. You have bent down and You have kissed me with the showers of Your blessings. When I cried unto You, You came running and met me and gave unto me your waters that brought me comfort and quenched my thirsty soul.

O' how I love You and long for You my Lord, my Savior, my precious Jesus!

Your glory covers the earth. Your refreshing rain brings forth New Life. You are a God that restores and beautifies and brings refreshing to your people. May your cleansing waters wash over us continually. May your cool waters of Life soak us and permeate us and bring healing to our souls! From out of our belly will flow your rivers of Life.

Make us brand new by the rains of your Holy Spirit Father God. May your Loving Spirit wash over us. May your peace and your joy rain down upon us and bring new beginnings. Your rain will renew our strength and will make our hearts moist and filled with pools of life.

As I have drank of your refreshing waters I ask for the pools of my heart to always be full so that I may continually draw joy from your wells of salvation. So let your Refreshing Rain pour down upon me my Father God for my soul thirsts for You! All of creation needs your Refreshing Rain so let it rain in Jesus Name Amen!