First Love

Jesus said that I didn't come to bring peace but a sword
 Those in me who have my peace are in one accord
 They have my mind they are not the world's kind
 They stand strong and my grace they embrace
 My Spirit bears witness with theirs
 We are one you see and they are free
 Seeking and searching hungering and thirsting
 They will find me and will be filled
 It's my plan to keep them in my hand
 No one or nothing can take them from me
 Even the enemy must flee
 This world does not move them
 It has no power over them
 Face to face is the place they love
 It's the higher calling
 Which keeps them from falling
 They can never be held captive
 Prison is not their home
 They will always rise to soaring
 While the world is warring
 They walk in my strength clothed in my joy and humility
 Not futility or subtlety, that's not their way
 The wisdom they seek is from above and not below
 It's the narrow way which they choose to go
 Nothing can stop them, nothing can break them
 Nothing can hold them and nothing can shake them
 They keep their eyes lifted looking to the sky
 Jesus (their Lord and Savior) they will behold
 Just as the Bible foretold!

Written by Tammy GreenwellSeptember 25, 2015
Consuminglight.blogspot.com

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.

 

"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?

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.

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)

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.

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!

Put on JESUS!

The Word of God says that our battle is not carnal but spiritual in the pulling down of strongholds. The Word of God says for us to be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might and put on the whole armour of God for we wrestle not against flesh and blood but against powers and principalities and the rulers of the darkness of this world and against spiritual wickedness in high places. Put on the whole armour of God so that you can stand against the tricks (remember, all he has is tricks) of the evil one and in that day after you have done all stand.

Put on the helmet of salvation, the breastplate of righteousness, the belt of Truth, the shoes for the preparation of the Gospel of peace, above all else take up the shield of faith so that you can quench all the fiery darts of the wicked and take up the Sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God.

The way I understand these scriptures, is that they are not saying we don't battle in a physical sense. But that the underlying cause for the battle is always a spiritual one. This is where the real battle lies. For example, the war in Iraq. There is a physical battle going on, but the underlying cause for the battle in Iraq is a spiritual one. This is why it is so very important for us as Christians to make sure that we fight in this battle spiritually and pray for our troops that are over there.

Only prayer and the speaking of God's Word in faith and in the power of the Holy Spirit is what brings forth the ultimate victory every time. Eventually the enemy will be totally defeated in this world. Just read the book of Revelation. Jesus wins!

Right now we are experiencing spiritual warfare as well as physical warfare. We are not defeated if Jesus is Lord of our lives, placing our trust in Him and lining our lives up with what the Word of God says about us. When we are spiritually clothed with the armour of God we are actually clothed with Christ Jesus. He is our Armour. For example when we have on the helmet of salvation, we are covered with the salvation of Jesus Christ. It is by and through Jesus that we are saved. When we have on the breastplate of Righteousness we are clothed in the righteousness of Christ Jesus. In and of ourselves our righteousness is as filthy rags, but the Word of God says that through salvation we have become the righteousness of Christ Jesus. When we gird ourselves with the belt of Truth, spiritually speaking we gird ourselves with Jesus, for He is the Truth. Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life and no man comes unto the Father except through Jesus. And when we know the Truth (Jesus), the Truth will set us free. Whom the Son sets free is free indeed. When we have on the shoes for the preparation of the Gospel of Peace, we are wearing the Good News upon our feet, and every where we go we bring the Gospel which is the Good News. By the way the Good News is salvation through Christ Jesus. So He is the Good News! And when we cover our feet with Him we can have perfect peace which passes understanding no matter where we are at. He will keep you in perfect peace who's mind is stayed on Him. Above all else take up the shield of Faith. Jesus is our Faith. We believe by Faith in the Son of God. When our Faith is in Him the fiery darts of the enemy will be quenched and will never penetrate our hearts. Our wounds would be less if we would only lift up our shield of Faith (Hold up Jesus)! It is in the Name of Jesus that every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. The enemy is defeated. Take up the Sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God. Jesus is the Word. In the beginning was the Word the Word was with God and the Word was God and the Word became flesh and dwelt among us! Yes! that would be Christ Jesus Himself.

When we clothe ourselves in Jesus (who is the Armour of God) the enemy doesn't have a chance. Ha Ha! And the Word of God says that God laughs at the enemy! The enemy is small in comparison to our God. One day we are going to find out just how scrawny he really is. It will be unbelievable, for the Word of God says, that the people will ask, "Is this he who tormented the nations?"

May we get a spiritual vision of the enemy so that we can laugh at his attacks even now as we stand clothed in Jesus!
For He (Jesus) that is in you is greater than he (enemy) that is in the world!
And God has made us more than conquerors and an overcomer in Christ Jesus!