The Good Shepherd

His Sheep know His voice and He calls them by name. I have heard people say that if your not hearing the voice of the Lord calling your name then that must mean you are not His. I want you to be encouraged that the reason you might not be hearing Him right now might be because you have wandered a little too far and you are out of voice range. Be encouraged that God is with each of us every single day and every moment of the day. He lovingly leads and guides and shows us the paths we should take. We may veer off the path sometimes and find ourselves wandering in the darkness and feeling alone and afraid but do not be afraid my dear friend, for your good Shepherd is so very loving and merciful that when you call He will come and rescue you. And when He finds you, He will rejoice and lift you upon His shoulders and bring you back home.

I encourage you to stay close to Jesus my friend. Keep Him in your sight, don't get ahead of Him, but walk close by His side. He will always lead you beside the still waters and into the green pastures. When you stay close to Him you are free to frolic and play without fear. When you remain close to Jesus your heart will not be troubled for you will know His perfect peace that passes all understanding.

 

The Christmas Child

My Husband and I was doing a study yesterday on delighting yourself in the Lord (Ps. 37:4). In our search we found that the meaning of this can be summed up in four words: "Becoming as a child." The attitude of a child is delightsome and full of joy. He is prideless. He is delicate and fragile. He revels in joyful frolic and play. He's not ashamed to sport himself in pure joy.

Becoming as a child in our attitude toward God made me think of a child's pure delight on Christmas morning. He finds it hard to sleep Christmas Eve because he's to excited. He knows that in the morning he will behold the most beautiful sight in all the world. "Presents under the Christmas tree."

I remember when I was a child I would wake up real early on Christmas morning. It would still be dark outside. I would peek around my bedroom door and gaze upon the shaded images of presents around the Christmas tree. I would scan the living room the best I could with the help of the street lights and the glistening white snow shining through the living room window. I wouldn't dare leave that doorway and go into that beautiful room, at least not yet it wasn't time. A part of me didn't mind relishing in the excitement and anticipation a little while longer. As I gazed upon that beautiful Christmas tree, all the gifts and the snow outside I can remember my heart being filled with so much joy. It was like little happy bubbles rising up inside of me and filling me to overflowing. It took every ounce of strength I could muster to keep from yelling at the top of my lungs in pure joyful bliss! But alas, I would slip back into my bed and snuggle in my warm covers. Closing my eyes I would say to myself, that in just a short while I'm going to get to open some of the best gifts that have ever been given to me. Then I would drift off into sweet joyous slumber. Life was soo beautiful and perfect at that moment in time.

Yesterday, I found myself asking this question: "What happened to that child?" Haven't I been given the best gift of all by my Father in heaven? God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life (Jn.3:16). Did my Father not say that He will continue to supply our every need and give us good gifts? Is it not our Heavenly Father's desire for us to receive from Him all that He has to give? He is a God that gives and gives and gives some more. Through the bad times and the good times God is faithful to give us His strength, His Joy, His Peace. He is faithful to supply every need according to His riches in Heaven. His plans for each of His children is good. Not to harm them but to give them a hope and a future. When we hear of God's great love toward us and the great gifts that He has given and still desires to give, do we rejoice as the little child and delight ourselves in Him? Do we take great joy in His presence as we worship and praise Him? Do we expectantly await and anticipate His return? Do we rejoice in the day that He has given us? Do we frolic in His love and care like a child would on Christmas morning? Do we happily receive the gifts He desires to bestow upon us? Or do we say to ourselves, I'm not worthy to receive? Do we truly sport ourselves in a pure child like joy in the Lord? Do we realize that as a child of God, His joy is our joy and our joy His?

This Christmas season and the days to come I'm going to truly delight myself in the Lord, and keep alive the child of Christmas morning. How about you?

"Self Saboteurs"

When I began this blog I wanted it to be a place where people could come and be encouraged and find hope and peace that is so desperately needed in this day and time. My desire, is that readers would leave this place inspired as well as equipped to reach out and take the hand of Jesus. To be lifted up out of the miry pit, to keep moving forward despite the storms of life. This is still my intention. I will continue this by the power of the Holy Spirit always striving to be uplifting in the words that I write in hopes that "if possible" lives can be changed. It has been a couple of years now since I began blogging and while on my journey, I am discovering that the Lord would have me to ask more questions. The explaining and expounding with encouraging words has it's place, but for a person to really learn there should be questions asked so as they can think on their own? So, coupled with uplifting words I am going to begin to ask more questions. I feel this is the direction that the Lord is leading me, so I'm going with it. Not only will this benefit you the reader to get you thinking, but it will also benefit and grow me. I never want to get to the place where I feel as though all wisdom will die with me and that I have all the answers. My desire is to remain teachable and to learn from what others have to say. Will I always agree? No, probably not, but that's okay because this is how we learn and grow as well as fine tune our beliefs when it comes to the Word of God.

So, before I present a question I have some thoughts that I would like to lay on the table.

It seems to me that in today's society I am seeing more "saboteurs of self." Those who seem to continually place themselves in harm's way. They make decisions and hold onto attitudes that are self-destructive which is not for their good. What's so frustrating about this, is that all the while they are clinging to their self-destructive ways, they know better. Yet they continue on this insane cycle of destruction. Which will undoubtedly lead them to more heartache and pain in their lives. These same people will come to you for help, counsel/advice or whatever but when you give them a ladder so as to climb up out of their miry pit they refuse to take the first step in climbing to their freedom. To be honest I have found myself somewhat frustrated with people who do this. I continue with every ounce of myself to remain encouraging. But eventually, in the end all I can do is just pray for them in hopes that they will begin to climb the ladders that have been placed all around them. Beginning their own journey to freedom, and arising to be a victor and not a victim. I can love them and cheer them to victory the best way that I know. But before they can arise victorious they have got to "want" freedom for themselves. My passionate desire has always been that people will know who they are in Christ Jesus. Pulling from His strength and power from within to be an overcomer. I hope that I am not sounding insensitive. I understand that people have been through some major storms in their lives. Some a lot worse then I have ever been through or will ever be. One thing I do know is that God is greater than any storm, and more powerful. When one finally realizes the power of God and His strength for their lives I believe that they can overcome and conquer anything. There are many testimonies from people that have gone through some mighty storms in their life but they made it. They are stronger today because of it. My husband is one of them. I am not going to go into the details of his storm but believe me when I say that he has overcome some major storms with the grace, power and strength of God in His life. My husband is a man that has never given up hope, despite the power of the storm, and I thank God and give Him all the glory for this and so does my husband.

It's now time for the question. Please give me your thoughts.

(1) Why do some continue to stay in a miry pit of defeat and or destructive behavior, when they have been given the answer on how to get out?

Obeying God's Word-vs-Obeying man's word

Do we as Christians "truly" listen and obey our Heavenly Father and His Word, knowing that His Word is what is right and true, or do we have a tendency to lean more toward man's word and believe what he has to say?

Some are quick to obey man's word before God's Word. They believe man before they believe God. They seek man before they seek God. They ask man before they ask God. They trust man before they trust God. They will search a self-help book written by man before going to the ultimate self-help book written by the Holy Spirit. And some will continue in the man-mode of obeying and never "truly" look to God for the answers concerning his physical as well as his spiritual life. Why is this?

Freedom's Heart is still beating, can you hear it?

I asked myself, what is the one thing that every human being has a passionate desire for? After contemplating this question and searching my own soul, I found the answer to be freedom. From the day we were created and born into this world our hearts have beaten to the tune of freedom. Can you hear it?

Free~dom Free~dom Free~dom

What is freedom? What does it mean to be free? We live in the United States of America; the land of freedom and opportunity. We have the freedom of speech, the freedom of religion, the freedom to come and the freedom to go. But is our freedom being taken from us, or maybe a better question, “Can our freedom be taken from us?” All that America has to offer in the land of the free has come with a price, a price that cost many their lives. Fighting to be free, isn’t that interesting. We will fight to the death for our freedom. I believe the reason many are willing to sacrifice their life to be free is because our Creator placed this passion and desire for freedom deep within the heart of every living soul. Thomas Jefferson wrote in the Declaration of Independence in 1776: “We hold these truths to be self evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” Our founding fore fathers knew what they were talking about. Our yearning for freedom is a powerful drawing force. Freedom stirs in our souls like a fire that cannot be quenched. We are determined to have freedom no matter the cost. Give me Liberty or give me death was the words of Patrick Henry. Patrick Henry realized that Freedom is worth dying for, he had concluded that if he couldn’t be free alive then he would be free in death.

With a man’s last dying breath freedom’s heartbeat will not be silenced it will beat louder still. In death the heartbeat of freedom is now united with the heart of its Creator. God is the Author and Creator of Freedom’s heartbeat. When our heart is united with God’s they will beat as “ONE”. Come what may nothing and or no one will ever be able to silence the Heartbeat of Freedom, for it is the Heartbeat of God and it never dies! Freedom’s heart is still beating, can you hear it?
Free~dom Free~dom Free~dom

A Prison of Harsh Words

Harsh words may come from another man's tongue

How will you respond what must be done

Do you believe the lie and let it have it's way

Or do you believe the truth and listen to what God has to say

Don't live your life inside a prison of harsh words

Be rescued from the lies that you have heard

Choose the Truth and you will see

That this cage of harsh words was only to deceive

Tamela Greenwell

Servant- Friend- Bride?

I knew there would come a day when I would share what I am fixing to write. I have been studying the Word of God for over 20 years and have set under a lot of good teaching and taken a few Bible courses but I would be the first to admit that I am by no means a theology scholar nor do I claim to have attained all knowledge and understanding. I do believe that there will come a day when I will fully understand and that day will be when I meet my Lord Jesus face to face, then all things will be known. As I said I have set under some good teaching but the best teacher I have ever had has been the Holy Spirit. As I have set in prayer and study of God's Word, I have asked the Holy Spirit to reveal/unveil a deeper understanding of God's Word to me. An understanding which can only be attained spiritually and not intellectually. I believe that the Holy Spirit is our teacher. If we sincerely ask Him for a deeper/spiritual understanding of God's Word He will grant that to us, because Jesus said, "He will lead us in all truth". At times we need not even to ask, for He will unveil deeper revelation to us to help us along life's path. With that said, I realize that there are many of you that have studied, and I'm sure that the Holy Spirit has revealed His truths to you also.

What I'm about to reveal, some of you may disagree with. But that's alright, I believe that many of us are on different levels of the mountain of God, but we are all on the mountain of God. I do know this, that if what I am about to write is not right, my Lord is merciful, full of grace and will not hold this against me, because He knows my only intentions are to stir others to a burning desire to know Him and have a more intimate and personal relationship with Him. This is my passion and my heart's desire for myself. If anything, I believe that the Lord could possibly commend me for my heart's desire in doing this. So with no further ado, here it goes:

In the post before this one I had made mention of the Bride being taken, caught up/raptured and others being left that wasn't the Bride. I had presented the question for each to ask themselves if they believe they are the Bride or not. I also stated that a Bride will be more than just a servant and or a friend, and now I would like to expound on that particular statement a little more. Also I would like to note that I did revise and update my previous post so that what I am trying to convey could be better understood. Now onward with the difference between servants, friends and brides.

Servant

A servant loves his master and enjoys his role of serving but he is not privy to his lord's personal life and his doings. For example, a servant's role is to serve and not become personally acquainted with the one he is serving. He goes when the master says go and comes when the master says come. You see the master will spend time but he tells the servant what to do. The other things the servant does is because he is loyal and does the things he has already been commanded to do. We choose to be servants of the master. For as a man thinketh in his heart so is he and out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. (something to think about).

Luke 12: 36-38 (36) And ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their lord, when he will RETURN from the wedding; that when he cometh and knocketh, they may open unto him immediately. (37) Blessed are those SERVANTS, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them (38) And if he shall come in the second watch, or come in the third watch, and find them so, blessed are those SERVANTS.

Friends

A friend on the other hand will know the servant's master as his friend. Their relationship will be on a higher level. They will spend time together say golfing, dining, traveling or just sitting talking to one another about their hopes and dreams and business deals. The friend asking the other for advise on sensitive issues knowing he can fully trust him. The master would not speak to a servant like this. The friend will come and go and each time the friend comes they will spend time communing and enjoying each other's company. There will be laughter and joy and gladness and maybe a few tears when the friend comes to visit. The friends will have a deeper love for each other. The friend longs for the arrival of the servant's master insomuch as to cry out when he arrives, because he has been watching and waiting for him.

We choose to be the friend of the servant's master. For as a man thinketh in his heart so is he and out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh (something to think about).

Here are some scriptures to take a look at in (Jn. 15:13-15) Jesus says that: Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. (14) You are my friend IF you do whatsoever I command you. (15) Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.

Jesus considers all of us His friends because He laid down His life for us all, but the question is, do we consider Jesus our friend? The disciples did of course, but not everyone considers Jesus their friend. In fact, He is hated by so many for no apparent cause. "But," If you are someone who considers Jesus your friend then you will take great joy spending the time in relationship with Him. Listening to the things that He has made known to you and will gladly do as he tells you to do.

I am only giving a few scriptures that correlate the difference. There are many in the Word, so please pray and study the scriptures asking the Holy Spirit of Truth to give you spiritual understanding. So that you can consume and feast on the delicacies of scripture. Just as your body needs food to survive, you need to be fed the Word by the Holy Spirit so that your spirit man can survive. That way you will appreciate the tasteful joys of the Word more.

Bride

(Hosea 2:16) And it shall be at that day, saith the Lord, that thou shall call me Ishi (husband) and shalt call me no more Baali (master). In a marriage arrangement the bride understands the love her husband has for her. That he will give his life for her. He will provide for her. Protect her from the evils of the world. He will never leave her or forsake her for any reason. He will love her with an unconditional love. She then seeing that her husband gives all these things will reciprocate that love back to her husband. She will enjoy serving him and communing with him as her best friend and she will shower her husband with great love and adoration. In other words the bride will have a heart that pours forth with thanksgiving, great praise, and worship, for the one she loves (the Bride is all three, servant, friend and bride). The song of Solomon reflects how the husband and wife relate to one another. His eyes are for her and her eyes are for him. It is also a prophetic of how the Lord feels about us. If there were a house on fire the husbands would get their bride out first and then go back for others. Joe told me a story about a man who was married and he (the husband) and his wife and son were at home, and In the middle of the night the house caught on fire. The man was sleeping with his wife, and the son in the next room, he saved himself by escaping the burning house but left his wife and child in the fire. See this man loved himself more than his wife and son. Would you say he was a good husband. This is not what we as a bride are looking for in a husband. Which leads us to the point of the taking away or being caught up or rapture.

We choose to be the Bride. For as a man thinketh in his heart so is he and out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. (something to think about)

I believe there is going to be a taking away of the Bride first, and then Christ will return after that to gather His servants to take part in the wedding feast of the lamb. Here is my scripture for that statement (Luke 12: 35-40) (35)Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning; (36) And ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their lord, when he will RETURN from the wedding; that when he cometh and knocketh, they may open unto him immediately. (37) Blessed are those SERVANTS, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them sit down to meat and will come forth to serve them.(38) and if he should come in the second watch, or come in the third watch, and find them so, blessed are those SERVANTS. (39) And this know, that if the goodman of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched, and not have suffered his house to be broken through. (40) Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not. Did you catch the word RETURN in verse 36, there has already been a wedding and now He is returning from the wedding and comes knocking to gather those servants who are ready and watching. But wait, where is the friend in all of this you might ask, okay let us go on to (John 3:28-29) John the Baptist is speaking and says in verse (28) Ye yourselves bear witness, that I said, I am not the Christ, but that I am sent before him (29) He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegrooms voice: this my joy therfore is fulfilled. If you do a study on the Jewish wedding and how it correlates with the Bride (the one church) and the Bridegroom (Jesus Christ) you will understand the job of the friend of the Bridegroom as well as what part the servants play. In the Jewish wedding the friend of the Bridegroom stands outside the door of the Bride and Grooms chamber and listens intently waiting to hear the voice of the Bridegroom saying that "He is coming out" and when the friend hears these words of the Bridegroom He will proclaim with a great shout that the "Bridegroom is coming" and all those servants who hear the call and are ready will be the ones that are not taken unawares because they are waiting for His return, and will be welcomed to the wedding feast of the Lamb. In other words they are the ones that will be at the reception to celebrate in the marriage feast of the Lamb. They are invited to celebrate with the Bridegroom and Bride at the wedding feast.

I know that there are probably some of you still wondering more about who the Bride is huh? Well now let us go to the 7 churches in Revelation chapter 2 and 3 this is a very interesting study because if each individual will do an honest examination of their heart they will see themselves in one of these churches. All true Christians are a part of the body of Christ and thus their bodies are the temple of God which makes us the church right?

My belief is that only one of these churches is the actual Bride of Christ..... and I believe that the other churches are the friends and the servants but I will allow you to do that study and make a conclusion for yourself. I would like to add that there is only two out of the seven churches that Jesus holds nothing against and one of them I believe is the Bride of Christ (could this be the remnant) just something to think about. The other churches He tells to repent of some things because He is going to come back for them, "but" they must repent and be ready. Those that have repented will not be caught unawares and they will be anticipating the shout of the friend of the Bridegroom proclaiming that He is coming. When they hear the shout they will rejoice because they know that they will be able to partake in the wedding feast and forever be with Him. They have been given the invitation! Jesus came knocking and the door was opened and they are ready and clothed in the Kings wedding garments (clothed in a robe of righteousness in Christ Jesus) and ready to celebrate... It's party time for them!

But those that never repented are the names removed from the guest list of the wedding feast of the Lamb for they do not have the King's wedding garment on and thus they will be put out. Here is the Scriptures to back that statement (Mt. 22:11-14) as to understand this better. (11)And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding garment: (12) And he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless. (13) Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. (14) For many are called, but few are chosen.

Did you catch that? the king referred to him as Friend but the guest had chose not to be a friend of the king, and how do I know this you might ask, because the guest chose not to put on the king's wedding garment. The guest was called but because he chose not to repent there was no wedding garment for him. He chose not to honor and obey the King and therefore he had not the kings robe of righteousness to cover himself. All those that are the Kings will stand clothed in His righteousness for we are only made righteous in Christ Jesus for our own righteousness is as filthy rags (arrogance and pride will wear a robe of self righteousness). Another good example of an unrighteous servant is found in (Mt. 25:14-30) the talents and the unprofitable servant: A false fear of his lord caused the unprofitable servant to disobey his lord's instructions. Many will read this particular parable and feel sorry for the servant. But I submit to you to not feel sorry for this servant because he passed judgment and falsely accused his lord of something that he wasn't. The statement about his lord being a hard man and reaping where he sows not was not a truth. Out of his own false fear came false accusations about his lord. His lord's reply in modern day English I believe would sound something like this: "If that is the kind of person that you say I am then so be it I will give unto you as you say" and thus the unprofitable servant was cast into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. We know that this lord was a good and loving man because he had given the talents to his servants as a gift and what they reaped he gave to them to keep. You have heard it said that fear is the opposite of faith and you see faith is what pleases God and perfect love casts out all fear, this servant evidently didn't have a perfect love for his lord.

(to know him is to love him to love him is to know him).

There are also many today and even in the church that will profess to be a Christian (2Thess. 2) but because they loved darkness and hated the Light they never welcomed the Holy Spirit of Truth. They loved the world and it's sinful pleasures more. So because of this God caused them to believe a lie. So at the day of judgement they will have no excuse and BTW these are the ones who are a part of the great falling away/apostasy before the revealing of the anti-christ. Those who do not welcome the Holy Spirit of Truth are plenteous in this world and sadly even in the church and many are falling way to this very day.

I want to clarify that what I believe is that there is the Bride, there is the Friend and there is the Servant, and I believe that you make your own choice on which you will be. Note that all three will be taken but I believe that it will be at different watches. Remember what Jesus said in (Luke 12:38) And if he shall come in the second watch, or come in the third watch, and find them so, blessed are those servants.

Could this be... is it possible that the Lord Jesus could come in different watches for different ones (Bride, Friend, Servant)? I believe that there is, but maybe this is something that some might need to think about and study for themselves.

Will you be taken?

Are you watching, are you waiting, are you ready, are you anticipating Jesus coming for you? Are you the Bride of Christ, are you the friend of Christ, are you the servant of Christ or are you all three? He could come at anytime and take His own out of this world and possibly sooner than you might think, the question to ask yourself is: Will you be taken or will you be left? The answer to that question is according to whether or not you are the Bride, the Friend, the Servant or all three. The following verse is what will happen to those who belong to Christ. It will be a glorious day for them!

1 Thessalonians 4:16-18 (KJV) (16) For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: (17) Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. (18) Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

For those who do not belong to Christ listen to these words:

1 Thessalonians 5:3 (Amp.) When people are saying, All is well and secure, and, There is peace and safety, then in a moment unforeseen destruction (ruin and death) will come upon them as suddenly as labor pains come upon a woman with child; and they shall by no means escape, for there will be no escape.

Now hear again the words that are written to those who belong to Christ:

1 Thessalonians 5:4-11 (Amp.) (4) But you are not in [given up to the power of] darkness, brethern, for that day to overtake you by surprise like a thief. (5) For you are all sons of light and sons of the day; we do not belong either to the night or darkness. (6) Accordingly then, let us not sleep, as the rest do, but let us keep wide awake (alert, watchful, cautious, and on our guard) and let us be sober (calm, collected, and circumspect). (7) For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who are drunk, get drunk at night. (8) But we belong to the day; therefore, let us be sober and put on the breastplate (corslet) of faith and love and for a helmet the hope of salvation. (9) For God has not appointed us to [incur His) wrath [ He did not select us to condemn us], but [that we might] obtain [His] salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah) (10) Who died for us so that whether we are still alive or are dead [at Christ's appearing], we might live together with Him and share His life. (11) Therefore encourage (admonish, exhort) one another and edify (strengthen and build up) one another, just as you are doing.

Are you His? If not do you desire to be His? If so this is what it takes so that you will be taken and not left.

First you must confess that you are a sinner and are in need of a Savior and repent and turn away from your sins.. 1Jn. 1:8-9 (Paraphrased) (8) For if you say that you have no sin [refusing to admit that you are a sinner], you are deluding yourself and leading yourself astray, and the Truth [which the Gospel presents] is not in you and does not dwell in your heart. (9) But if you freely admit that you have sinned and confess your sins, God is faithful and just to forgive your sins and will cleanse you from all unrighteousness. Next: Romans 10:9-13 ( paraphrased) (9) you must acknowledge and confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and in your heart believe and rely on the truth that God raised Him from the dead, then you will be saved. (10) For with your heart you believe, trust and rely on Christ and thus you are justified and made acceptable unto God and with your mouth you confess and speak out freely your faith and this confirms your salvation (11) and no one who trusts in Christ Jesus will ever be put to shame or disappointed (12) for there is no distinction between jew or gentile the same Lord is Lord over all and He generously bestows His riches upon all who call upon Him in faith. (13) For everyone who calls upon the name the Lord Jesus Christ [invoking Him as Lord] will be saved.

True salvation will bring true change and a heart after God and His righteousness, which only comes through the power of the Holy Spirit which now lives within the one who has truly been saved. The Spirit of Jesus which now lives inside of you will draw you to Himself, but the Bride will have a longing desire to know Him more intimately (on a personal level which is greater than just a servant or friend). Just as a Bride and Groom they will long to commune and spend time with one another as they get to know each other more intimately. Until next time I leave you with this:

To love Him is to know Him and to know Him is to love Him! And the Bride's heart longs to be with Christ Jesus and will watch and wait for Him to come for them. The Bride is always prepared and the true friend and servant of the Lord will also anticipate His coming at any moment!

The law of faith -v- The law of works

"But without faith it is impossible to please and be satisfactory to Him. For whoever would come near to God must [necessarily] believe that God exists and that He is the rewarder of those who earnestly and diligently seek Him [out]." (Hebrews 11:6, AMP)

Not only do I believe God exists but "I believe Him" I believe His Word, His promises, I believe that there is nothing impossible for God. I would dare not to ever limit Him. He can make a way when there seems to be no way. He can turn any situation around and do great and mighty things. And when it seems impossible at every turn God can still make a way. He is a great and awesome God! And when He says He is a rewarder I believe Him.

Faith is what pleases Him and earnestly and diligently seeking Him brings rewards from Him. He is indeed a rewarder! But sometimes we can get so caught up into thinking about all the things we must do to get God's blessings/rewards that we forget that His blessings come from our believing in Him and believing Him. Most everyone believes in Him but what I am saying is Believe Him with all your heart, there is a huge difference between the two. Why not rest a little from all your worries, fretting and constant questioning of yourself and circumstances: "Am I doing something wrong, did I do that right? I must do my morning devotional, I must say this prayer this way. Did I walk the straight path today? Is God pleased with me? Did I obey everything in the scripture's today? This is not faith in God but faith in yourself, so stop... and place your faith in God. This is not walking by faith but by works.

As long as we live in this flesh we will never be perfect within and of ourselves. Yes.. I hear you saying but faith without works is dead. Here's a question to think about, "Are you working as to establish your faith, or are you living by faith which will in turn establish good works? Are you loving and doing well because your heart is full of faith and belief in God and believing God? There is a law of works and there is a law of faith. The law of faith will establish the law of works but the law of works will never establish the law of faith (Rom. 3:27,31).

God's grace is unmerited favor so you can't earn it. He just gives it because of His love for you. Take a good hard look at your heart and do some examining of it and ask yourself, do I believe and obey out of obligation in hopes of God's blessings and rewards or do I believe and obey out of a heart that is full of love and belief in Jesus my Lord and Savior? Do you have a heart to do right because it might get you some brownie points or do you do well because you just Love Jesus and you want Him to shine through you? May we examine ourselves and ask "Am I living by faith which will establish good works or am I living by works in hopes of establishing my faith?"

What it basically comes down to is to know that you are truly loved so very much by your Father God, and that there is nothing you can do to earn His love. Even if you don't believe in Jesus (God's only begotten Son), and you don't believe that He sent His Son to die for the sins of the world, He still loves you and desires to be with you, but it is only by Faith in His Son Christ Jesus that that can be possible. Faith is what pleases Him and that is all.. If you truly have faith in Him (believing in Him and believing Him) then all else will follow.

(Eph. 2:8-9) For by grace are you saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works lest any man should boast.

God Loves you and He desires to be with you now and for all eternity, so rest and surrender in faith in Him and He will take care of the rest for you "For we are God's [own] handiwork (His workmanship), recreated in Christ Jesus unto good works which God predestined (planned beforehand) for us [taking paths which He prepared ahead of time], that we should walk in them [ living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us to live]. ( Eph. 2: 10 AMP)

Have you ever been snared?

Have you ever found yourself suddenly snared in life, and your thinking "how did this happen?" You were walking along minding your own business, praising and glorifying God, then bam out of no where you have been snared. How could this happen? Why did this happen? How am I going to get out of this situation? Fight or flight mode kicks in but you flee because you have been caged in, so you choose fight. Thinking... this contraption is a net, I have my pocket knife handy so I will cut my way out of this thing.. SOOo you begin cutting away at the fibers of your cage not even taking into consideration the fact that you are 20 feet in the air and when you cut yourself free the only option is falling to the hard ground below. The only thing your thinking about right now is, "I want to be FREE"! "I am going to be free... Yeah! freedom.... Freedom!!! Yes! I am finally free! Now you are screaming cause the reality of the situation is that you are rapidly falling 20ft. thinking.... UH OH! this is going to hurt! Your free alright, but now your broken and in a lot of pain, and to recover from your injuries it is going to take 1 year of therapy and hopefully no longer.

Therapy is good, this is the time you begin thinking about some things, and what you could of done differently. (Thinking now...) Maybe if I wouldn't of panic and stayed calm I could of escaped that snare without injury? Maybe I should of prayed? Maybe I should of trusted God to send someone to set me free? Maybe I should of asked God how to escape from this thing? Maybe God Himself would of delivered me? Doesn't His Word say that  (talking and answering self now). How come I didn't trust God to rescue me?......How stupid could I be? I was praising and glorifying God while strolling along in life, so how come when I found myself snared I turned off the praise and prayer and took matters into my own hands? Why do I feel as though it's always up to me to fix things? Why do I say to myself if it's going to be it's up to me? Why do I find myself always trying to control things? Why do I trust myself before trusting God? This attitude of mine has always been no good. All it has ever done and all it will continue to do is bring me a lot of pain and heartache. If I would only learn this time and never do this again? Yes! that is it, I believe that I have finally learned this time and next time if there is a next time hopefully there won't be, but.... if there is

"I WILL TRUST YOU GOD!"

Dare to Dream

 I have come to the conclusion that I will never find total comfort and security in this world. I mean I have always known that, but at times I still find myself striving to be comforted and secure while I am here. I have said this before and will say it again because it is straight out of the Word of God. " This world is not my home, I'm just a stranger in this land and I'm just passing through," I don't belong here and I know it. So why do I at times try to make it a comfortable/secure dwelling place for myself?

The Bible says that we are to be content in whatever state we are in. Even though life can be tough and bring a lot of discomfort as well as disappointments, I have concluded that the one who has the tenacity to remain content despite the circumstances is someone who has realized that this world is not their home and they are only a stranger passing through they are moving onward because they see the finish line, every now and again they will get a glimpse of their home which awaits them up ahead. They like others desire comfort and security as well, but they know it is not here but just ahead of them, thus they continue moving forward and homeward. Their eyes are fixed on the prize and they have set their face like a flint. Come what may, it doesn't matter to them for they know they will reach their true home one day and this is their mission and goal in life.

They have realized that this world is not meant for them to settle down in and get all comfy. You won't ever here them say: "aww.. this is the life, I have attained and it doesn't get any better than this. I got my nice house, food galore, all the luxuries of life, all the toys a person would ever want, now I am just going to settle in and relax and enjoy this world and all the stuff it has to offer." Nope.. you will never hear them say that, because they know that what this world has to offer is nothing compared to their eternal home. They will never settle and be limited to the meager livings and riches of this world. They know that what the world has offered is nothing in comparison to what God is offering them. God has called them to the higher things. He has dared them to dream and to dream bigger and for the greater blessing! And that is exactly what they intend to do for they know that "Eye has not seen and ear has not heard neither has it entered into the heart of man what God has prepared for them that love Him." They haven't seen the total picture yet but every now and again they get a glimpse!

This world is lacking greatly it is a deficient existence compared to our heavenly home that awaits us. I will not settle for second best and I hope you don't either. Don't be like the rich man in the Bible who said to himself in Luke 12:19-21: 19 And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry. 20 But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided? 21 So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.

God is daring you to dream beyond this world and begin moving onward and forward, the journey might seem long but don't give up for you will reach your destination and the reward will be worth it!

And when He SAW their faith

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 He also has the power upon earth to heal the body. I can just see the Scribes and Pharisees now, standing there with their mouths agape in total amazement and perplexity.

This account in scripture was a 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 proud of them for showing 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. This is where Faith comes in. 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?

Now is the time to hold on and don't let go!

I have an urgency in my spirit to let the Body of Christ know that now is the time to hold on and don't let go, maybe you have had the same urgency and this is just confirmation but nevertheless I am exhorting all to hang on!

Through out scriptures I read passages that exhort us to endure, be steadfast, hang on, don't give up, stay confident. This can be really hard to do when it seems like all hell is breaking loose in our lives. We grow weary and exhausted. Affliction and suffering can come in like a flood pulling us under it's currents and we struggle trying to get a breath. Sorrow hits our hearts like heavy anvils, making us feel abandoned and lonely. We find ourselves growing weary don't we?

At this point we can give up or take hold of faith. I choose to take hold of faith and hang on! The scripture's read that after we have endured for a while we have need of patience and then the promised reward comes, so pick up the shield of faith and quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. Take up the sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God and stand strong in God's promises, and in confidence proclaim them. The sufferings here is nothing to be compared with the glory and joy that we will behold in the presence of Christ Jesus for all eternity.

God is not slack concerning his promise, but He wants none to perish, so now is not the time to begin back peddling, now is the time to move forward in the strength and power of the Holy Spirit. Now is the time to rise-up and lift up our eyes for our redemption draweth near. Now is the time to lift the banner, speak the Word and be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might! We must not look around but look up! Now is the time to embrace hope, faith and love. Now is the time to walk in the fullness of God. We must look to Him and set our face like a flint for the glory of the Lord has risen upon us!

I have heard it said that when you find yourself at the end of your rope tie a knot in it and hang on. When you have stood and done all that you know to do then keep STANDING and stand strong. God is Faithful, His Word is True. When everything else perishes God's Word will stand sure and that is what we want to be standing on when everything else collapses for that is our Hope and our Faith!

Now is the time to make sure that we have on the full armor of God and hold on and don't let go!

Are you ready?

Mt. 25: 1-13 (1) Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom.

(2) And five of them were wise, and five were foolish.

(3) They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them:

(4) But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.

(5) While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept.

(6) And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.

(7) Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps.

(8) And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out.

(9) But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy, for yourselves.

(10) And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut.

(11) Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us.

(12) But he answered and said , Verily I say unto you, I know you not.

(13) Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.
Are you ready? Are you prepared? Do you have plenty of oil for your lamps? What does this mean some may ask? In the Word of God, lamps/light is symbolic of God's Word. His Word is a Lamp unto my feet and a Light unto my path. Oil is symbolic of the Holy Spirit. If you do a study on oil in the old and new testament you will find that it's purpose was for anointing and consecrating. Oil was used to anoint as to dedicate something or someone to a service or goal. Oil was used to make or declare sacredness. Oil was also used for medicinal purposes as to bring healing. By the Power of the Holy Spirit in us we are anointed, dedicated, sacred and even healed.
If a lamp is shining long and bright that means that it has plenty of oil. This is the same with us spiritually speaking. The Word of God in us can only burn brightly if we are full of the Holy Spirit, sanctified set apart and anointed. Oil (Holy Spirit) brings forth the Light (Word), the Light in turn will shine forth from our lives for all to see.
You are the light of the world a city upon a hill, men will see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. Jesus is the Light within us and it is by His Spirit that we burn brightly. Hide not your light under a bushel. Let it shine forth for all to see.
The foolish virgins did not have enough oil and their lamps went out. They were not prepared. They slumbered, they slept, they became lax in their waiting for the bridegroom. Their connection and their communion with their bridegroom was void and on empty. They had no oil. Now they wanted a quick fix. "Give us some of your oil" they told the wise virgins. They thought they could conveniently ride the coat tails of the wise virgins in requesting the use of some of their oil. But the wise virgins being wise as they were said "NO."
We are all accountable for ourselves to be ready for Christ's return. No one can ride someone else's coat tails into the chamber room of Christ (the bridegroom). To be His Bride ready and prepared takes having an intimate relationship in communion with Him for your own sake by and through the power of His Holy Spirit in your own life.
Always be ready and prepared. Keep filled with the oil of His Holy Spirit. Watch therefore for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the son of man cometh. The wise virgins had plenty of oil in their lamps.
Are you filled with the Holy Spirit? Is the Light of Christ/His Word, His love, His Truth burning brightly in your life? To know God's Word, and to know His Son Christ Jesus His Spirit must live within us. Our communion with God only comes through the Holy Spirit of Christ Jesus in us. Christ Jesus in us the hope of glory. If you are not filled with the Holy Spirit your light is not burning, which means that there is no communion/connection with Christ in your life. Don't be like the foolish virgins that was not prepared and came to late knocking on the Bridegroom's door only to hear Him say, "I know you not." If you have His Spirit you will be known by Him and will know Him and to know Him is to love Him and love Him is to know Him!
The Spirit and the Bridegroom say COME. The Spirit and the Bridegroom is calling to His Bride. Don't close your ears and eyes to His calling. AWAKE! Bride of Christ. May you long to know Him more intimately through the power of His Spirit and be filled, ready, and prepared for His coming!

JESUS is the WORD

I hear this much to often, "I believe in Jesus, I'm a Christian." But when it comes to the Word many will say, "Oh! that's not for today and you can't believe everything you read in there". Wait a minute now, maybe you don't understand, Jesus and the Word are One, and they cannot be separated for you see JESUS IS THE WORD! So how can you say that you believe in Jesus but not the Word? How can you say that you are a Christian (meaning Christ within) and not believe what the Word of God says?

Jn.1:1- In the beginning was the WORD and the WORD was with God, and the WORD was God.
Jn.1:14- And the WORD was "made flesh" and "dwelt among us", (and we beheld His glory, the glory of the ONLY BEGOTTEN of the Father), full of grace and Truth.
Jn.3:16- For God so loved the world that He gave His ONLY BEGOTTEN Son that whosoever believeth in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life.

Do you see the similarities in those verses. If you truly believe in Jesus then you will believe the Word, because they are the same. I am not being judgemental nor am I condemning anyone I am only sharing God's Word and what it says. I am truly concerned for those who call themselves Christian but toss the Word aside. And sadly many throw parts of the Bible out just so they can continue living a life in sin, because it's easier that way and they don't feel convicted. The Bible says that we are to examine ourselves to see if we are truly in Christ or not. How do we do this you may ask? Well, by simply believing in Jesus/The Word, and believing that He/Jesus and He/The Word is indeed Truth and for us to live by. Jesus/Word is the Way the Truth and the Life.

Sometimes I think it is easier to grasp truths in poetry. So I have a poem to share concerning this subject.

JESUS IS THE WORD

We have lifted our voices and your Truth we proclaim

We have even loved others in Jesus mighty name

But hearts are so cold and hardened to thee

That your Word they reject and from their sins they won't flee

Oh! they say they believe and on your Word they do stand

But when put to the test they fulfill their own plan

They walk their own path and justify their sin

As if your Word means nothing and doesn't pertain to them

They honor you with their lips, just words that is all

For their heart is far from you and to the world they do call

What's going to be sad, is on that final day

When they come knocking at your door and you turn them away

"Depart from me" those words will ring true,

"You workers of iniquity for you I never knew"

"For me to know you and you to truly know me

A love for my Word must be your heart's plea"

"I cannot know you if you toss my Word to the side

For you see it's in me (MY WORD) you abide"

"It's my Spirit that binds us (my Word in your heart)

Which brings us together and never apart"

"For I am the Word and Jesus Christ is my name

And we cannot be separated for we are ONE in the same."

Tamela Greenwell

Been thinking about some things

I have been thinking about some things, so I thought I would share with you some of my thoughts. Maybe you might have some insight or revelation that you can share with me.

I've been thinking about Jesus and when He was in the garden praying and He asked the disciples to keep watch with Him but they all fell asleep instead. Each time when Jesus returned from praying He would find the disciples sleeping soundly. He asked them, "could you not watch with me for one hour?" Jesus was going through a very stressful time so much that while He was praying He was sweating great drops of blood. There is medical/scientific name for this condition which can indeed happen when someone is under a great amount of stress. I can't think of the medical term for this right now, I will search it out, but if you know what it is please let me know. Here is the one time that Jesus really needed some support and only for one hour, but they all fell asleep on Him. Evidently the disciples didn't seem to take this as more important than getting their sleep. If you have a servant's heart then you might be able to relate a little to the heart of Jesus and His desire for them to keep watch with Him. Jesus said that whoever is chief among you will be servant of all. True servants are leaders, they will support, lead, guide, protect, comfort, encourage, stand alongside and help carry the burdens of others, they will sacrifice their own comforts for the comfort of another. Others may perceive a true servant as a strong independent leader who doesn't need the support/comfort or encouragement from others, but this is far from the truth! If anyone needs to be comforted at times it is those who have a servant's heart. Why does it seem that when a servant is in time of need and or in distress everyone that he has served has now gone to sleep on him? They might think to themselves, "he will be alright, after all he is strong and will be fine." Even though the servant has specified his need for some comfort and support they will ignore him and continue to do what they desire for themselves. Jesus in all of His love and grace didn't hold this against the disciples but only questioned their lack of concern for Him. This made me sad as I thought about Christ's love for the disciples but their lack of concern for Him. That is one thing that I have been thinking about. What are your thoughts on this?

Here is something else that I have been thinking about. "Being still" in other words having a peace of mind and not fretting about things and placing our trust in God for our lives. After all the praying, asking and wondering why, doesn't there come a time when we just need to be still before the Lord and know without doubt that He has heard our prayers and knows our condition and now the time has come to trust Him with our lives? What are your thoughts?

More thoughts: Have you ever wondered what the future holds for your own personal life here in this world? Have you often wondered if things are going to get better or if things are going to get worse? And if things are only to get worse then why must the misery here be prolonged, what good does it do? Maybe it keeps our hope and desire alive to long for a better home? Even if things were grandiose here I truly believe that I would still be a witness of a better home and a far better place to come. Whether things are bad or whether things are good I still know and realize that there is a far better place that I will one day call home and I will continue to tell others of this place as well. So why am I still here? This brings me to my next question of thought. Is perhaps the only reason we are still here is because we are a benefit to others in being a witness of Christ Jesus? So if I stop making myself available to others as to be a witness or helper of some sort would I then be taken out of this world?  What are your thoughts?

Some more thoughts. I don't understand why many people/Christians will say that it takes suffering for them to draw close to the Lord. What this says to me is that they are only drawing close to the Lord when they are in need of something. Isn't this selfish of them, because when things are going well they say that they do not draw close to the Lord, but as soon as things take a turn for the worse  they begin to draw close to the Lord. How does this make the Lord feel? Shouldn't we be praising, thanking and drawing close to the Lord when things are going well? If my children didn't rejoice in my goodness toward them and thank me for my love and grace in the joys of life, this would make me feel very sad, because after all I enjoy seeing them rejoicing in my love and gifts of blessings. If they only came to me when things were bad this would make me feel used. I would desire them to come to me in the midst of their heartaches of course but not to forget me in the midst of their joys. What are your thoughts?

Well that's about it, there are some of the things that I have been thinking about, give me your thoughts.

Chasing Rabbits

In Arizona are some of the biggest Jack rabbits that I have ever seen. For the life of me I cannot figure out what they eat around here that makes them grow so big. You will see them running around in the open fields where only scrub grows. I am assuming that must be what they eat, and we have plenty of that so maybe this is why they are so big!

We have one of those fields right across the street from our house and everyday we take our dog Frissee over there for her daily run. When we ask her if she's ready to go chase a rabbit, she knows exactly what we are talking about and she gets all excited with anticipation in hopes of seeing the rabbit. Of course she could never catch one, they are super fast and would leave her in the dust every time. That doesn't matter to Frissee though she just enjoys seeing the rabbit and getting the opportunity to chase it a little while. The rabbit is a master escape artist, it will zigzag while it is running and then before you can blink an eye it has made a hard turn and off it goes disappearing into the brush. It is so funny watching Frissee, just as she is going full throttle seeming to be on the rabbits heals, bam it turns hard and Frissee will begin to slow down and then stand there puzzled wondering where in the world did that rabbit go? LOL!

My animals have taught me so many life lessons, especially my dogs, it is amazing how they excitingly anticipate each new day. Even though Frissee has never caught the rabbit that doesn't matter to her, after all it was a great chase and she will sport herself as if she has accomplished the greatest joy of the day. What makes her excitement for the chase even more amazing to me is that most of the time when we take her to the field we never even get to see the rabbit. Weeks even months can go by before she gets to see the rabbit again. But that doesn't matter to Frissee because she anticipates each day as if she will get to chase the rabbit, and sometimes her anticipation pays off. Each day Frissee will enter that field with expectations that today will be the day of the "CHASE"

Watching Frissee made me do some self-examination. Do I look forward to each new day with excitement and anticipation of what the day has in store? What if that prayer still isn't answered? What if today isn't the day of that financial blessing? What if I don't get to chase the rabbit today? Do I still make the best of the day as my dog Frissee does? Did I still rejoice in the day? Did I decide to just give up hope today and never hope again? Afterall it has been weeks, months, maybe even years and there has been no rabbits to chase. No adventure, nothing has changed. It is still the status quo or even worse!

Do you find yourself growing weary and losing heart? I have at times. But I am reminded of scriptures to Hope thou in God, to not grow weary in well doing for you will reap if you faint not, and that His plans for me are good.

Do you know that our hope should go beyond this world? Really now, just think about that for a moment. Our Hope should go beyond this world but a lot of times we can't seem to see past what is in front of us. We limit our hope by keeping it held close to our hearts to only be used for here and now. When we can look beyond this world and hold hope in our heart for the eternal things a supernatural peace and rest will invade our souls, because at this point we will begin to see that the suffering that we go through here is nothing to be compared to the glorious day that awaits us. Understanding that will lift the heavy burden of this world off your shoulders! (Come unto me all ye that are weary and heavy laden and I will give you rest)

When we can get a glimpse of the finish line and the reward that awaits us it makes the chase an enjoyable one. And unlike chasing rabbits this chase will end with apprehending the goal! So in the meantime may we anticipate each new day with great expectations!

1 Cor. 15:19 If we who are [abiding] in Christ have hope only in this life and that is all, then we are of all people most miserable and to be pitied.

The Harder the Times the Closer He Gets!

The Harder the Times the Closer He Gets
James McDonald
Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them. For it was indeed fitting that we should have such a high priest, holy, innocent, unstained, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens. He has no need, like those high priests, to offer sacrifices daily, first for his own sins and then for those of the people, since he did this once for all when he offered up himself. - Hebrews 7:25-27When you're going through hardship, or when you're heavyhearted and burdened, God rolls up His sleeves and moves toward you like at no other time. When you are His child, He is with you in a way that is different from what an unbeliever experiences. The harder the days get, the closer He moves in.
Sometimes it feels like God backs away from you when you hit hard times, but that's not true. It doesn't matter if you see Him working. It doesn't matter if you feel any differently. It's the truth—God is right there with you.
Psalm 34:18 says, "The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit." Is your heart breaking today? God is rushing toward you. He stands with you in the fire.
Scripture assures us that Jesus Himself is praying for you. This minute. Hebrews 7:25 makes this amazing statement: "Consequently, [Jesus] is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them." Jesus lives to intercede for you. Amazing! Before you ever kneel down to pour out your heart to God, Jesus Christ has already called out to His Father on your behalf. Even before you ask, He knows from firsthand contact what you need—because He's with you.
I remember this quote from my college years: "If you could hear the Lord praying for you in the next room, you would not fear a thousand enemies."Right where you are this moment, think of the Lord Jesus as in the next room, on His knees in front of the couch or a chair. His nail-pierced hands are held out and He's lifting you and your need to His Father. He knows your exact situation. He's asking His Father to "Give her strength, Lord." "Give him wisdom, God." "Give them patience. They're going to wreck it on their own, Lord. Give them faith that will overcome their fear!"
It's an incredible assertion throughout Scripture that Jesus Christ is not only with you, He's actually interceding for you. With even more assurance, you can be certain that God listens when His Son is praying!

Doubt-vs-Faith

I received a devotional written by James McDonald via e-mail and thought it worthy to share.

Doubt vs. Faith
James McDonald
Hebrews 11:6 Without faith it is impossible to please [God]. Christians don't generally set out to doubt God. They don't bring their faith into question without reason. For most of us, life's pain simply catches us off guard. The reality of hardship trips us up. We spiral fast when we're left on our own to entertain doubting questions and stir our circular reasoning--or even worse, when we're left alone in the company of other doubters or bitter people.
Someone has said that doubt is cancer of the soul. Like a machete to your garden, and like a match to your house, doubt is the toxin that eats away at the fabric of the most important thing about you--what you believe about God.
However, if in times of doubt we take our questions directly to the Lord, our faith increases. God's Word and God's character can stand under the most microscopic scrutiny. When you say, I don't know exactly what God is doing, but I know He's doing something for my good -- that's the unseen evidence of trusting Him. Don't feel foolish waiting upon God to meet your needs. I certainly don't. God has proven Himself faithful to keep His promises.
Doubt is a lack of confidence or assurance that God will keep His promises. Faith is an active confidence in God. Faith is substance. Faith is evidence. Faith is the power of a vibrant spiritual life. In fact, "without faith it is impossible to please him" (Hebrews 11:6).So is "having faith" the important thing in life? Contrary to the opinion of a lot of sincere people--no. Faith for faith's sake doesn't go anywhere. Faith doesn't have any magic. Faith in itself doesn't save you; it can't help you; it doesn't give you anything you need to overcome trials. But faith is the thing that gets you to God -- and not faith in His promises, but faith in Him.I love the song we sing as a church called, "All Things Are Possible." A while back, a man came to me and said, "You know that 'all things are possible' song? People just get too rowdy when they sing that song. If you don't stop singing that song, I'm going to have to leave the church." And I was sorry to see him go. I don't think any of our problems are that we're too fired up about the promises of God as it relates to our faith. I don't think God looks down on us and says, "Tsk, tsk, tsk, you guys are just a little too excited about Me."
Put your doubts aside. All things are possible in Christ. Oh loved ones, if we would lay hold, even for a moment, of all that He would like to do for us if we would just believe Him.