Singing in the rain: How Beautiful is His Word

As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, 11 so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.~Isaiah 55:10-11

How beautiful is this word.  Rain and snow coming down from heaven.  Being a southern girl, snow is a rarity for my region.  Snow shut down schools and is often welcomed by both student and teacher alike.  Rain on the other hand is not always as welcomed because it creates bad hair days and limited choices in clothing.  Rain often beckons me to stay in bed, but necessity makes me have to crawl out and go to work.  I know this might all seem a little off topic and strange, but just thinking about this verse makes me think of perspective.  For example, someone experience a drought might welcome the rain and if you live in mountainous regions snow might be seen as a nuisance.  Yet, regardless of where we are God is still in a positive above.  A position to see the beauty of what He is providing.  The position to see above, below, past, present and future.  His position is God, Creator.

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord.“ As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways
and my thoughts than your thoughts.~Isaiah 55:8-9

So reading this word today, “ as the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, 11 so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it (Isaiah 55:10-11).  Reminds me just how good God is.  What He sends forth fulfills it’s purpose.  He nourishes the earth.   He causes the bud to flourish.  So what might be a small beginning flourishes and grows.  He provides seed for the sower so that there can be something to reap and harvest (bread) later.  Every need is met.  

The same way the natural needs are met in this “water cycle” our spiritual needs are met because the word He sends forth will e accomplished.   So whatever He has spoken over is sure.  Everything promise will be fulfilled because His purpose will be fulfilled.  His purpose for our lives.  That’s cause for joy and peace.  It causes me to look beyond what might be perceived by the naked eye to see what He wants with a spiritual eye.  And yes, even the drought serves a purpose because it causes us to pant for the living water that we need to thrive. Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.” ( John 7:38) 



Father, I thank You for your Word and for its intentionality.  Thank for the rains and the snow that nourish my soul.  Thank you for the rain and the snow that allow the buds of faith to flourish and bloom.  I thank You that your Word  has purpose and provides  me with seed to sow blessings for my family and others.   I thank you for the bread that it yields so that I may eat of You and taste of your goodness.  Lord, I thank You for you. In Jesus name I pray.  Amen

What’s your why? Who are you doing it for?

 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.~ Philippians 2:3-4

Why do we do what we do? Is it for His glory?  Are we seeking praise from man or an eternal reward?  Are we boastful about the good that has come from God or are we using that good to be a blessing to others:  is our heart caring about the needs of others and then doing something about it?  All these questions I ask myself and many times I am convicted by my answers.  But God tells us to examine ourselves ( 1 Corinthians 11:28).  We ask God to search our hearts to see if there be anything thing that would cause Him offense ( Psalm 139:23).  We do that not to be condemned because there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, but rather to be convicted so that our souls may repent and look back to God in humility.

This may not be for you, but over and over again God has brought this verse back to me.  I have found myself taking way too much at work.  I'm excited about the opportunities, but I have to ask myself whom is my conversation for? Is it to boast about what God is doing or to try to prove that I belong to a place where He already appointed me?  How am I helping others?  How I am putting others first? My toes and heart hurts over this.

I hear Him saying to me He " It's not about you, but what I am doing through you to point others to me.  Your work is to serve others and not your ego.  Your work is to be still and quiet ( Psalm 46:10). Everybody does not have to know everything.  You have no need to prove yourself.  Your job is to let your light do shine that see your goods works and glorify me. ( Matthew 5:16).  Give them a chance to discover Me for themselves.  This will happen when your why is about me and caring for my sheep, your fellow man, tending to their interest ( John 21:6)."

"Seek eternal treasures ( Colossians 3.1). Learn to walk in true humility; not hiding who you are, but knowing what you are and who you are is because of Who I am.  Pray for others.  Extend grace.  Meet them where they are.  Be an encourager.  Be my hands and feet.   Love.  Love from a sincere place.  Everything else will fall into place.  Don't be like the world, but like me.  So that you can stay in the center of my will( Romans 12:1-2) Pray and praise without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). Hide yourself in me. "


Father, forgive me for my pride and boastful spirit.  I admit that I get caught up in seeing the doors that You have opened, yet You have not received all the  praise for the very blessings that You have e poured on me.  Lord, I'm sorry.  I don't want vain ambition or glory. I just want You and to be a vessel of Your light for others to see You.  Thank for Your Spirit that corrects and loves.  In Jesus name. Amen

Everything means Everything

Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.”Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky~Philippians 2:14-15

Do everything without grumbling or arguing (Philippians 2:14 -emphasis added).  I have to be honest an admit that I forget the word everything.  I will even go as far to say that I have kept this scripture, this command, wrapped up in a nice bow, applying it only to certain situations,  like my job or ministry for instance.  But that attitude or mindset places a limit on what God says that I must do and His Word is without limitations.  He said exactly what He means and He means that everything we do must be done in love ( 1 Corinthians 16:14) and without grumbling or arguing ( Philippians 2:14).  

Therefore, this includes everything from my conversation with others (I have a mouth to speak and two ears to listen), the never ending laundry ( praising God that I have clothes in the first place) or being a means of transportation for my family or a friend ( thanking God for the car and and ability to do so) .  No matter what the task or situation, every action should be done in gratitude and thankfulness rather than grumbling about what needs to be done.  

Why? Why should I not argue about who is not doing what or what is not getting done?   I ( we) should not do so because God wants it to be well with our soul. He wants us to be pure and blameless.  He wants His children to shine bright before the world so that they may see Him and glorify Him ( Philippians 2:15).

When I grumble or argue, I make it about me rather than about Him.  I also have noticed how it affects my body.  The stress of grumbling and arguing hurts me physically and mentally, leaving me open to attacks from the enemy.  Worse yet, I can become the weapon that the enemy uses because I am focused on the wrong things.  In the process I hurt myself and someone I love.  I leave the door cracked for the enemy to come in, but praise be to God that He has brought me back to this Word so that the door can be shut and the weapon rendered powerless.

As I think about those times when I grumble, argue or complain I have noticed a pattern.  I   have noticed that I tend to do it more when I am tired from the “ripping and running” of days.  God has given me solutions to break this pattern and maybe it will help someone else.  He says in Matthew 11:28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” I need more than sleep, I need to rest in Him.  Sit at His feet and be refreshed and restored as He leads me beside the quiet waters ( Psalm 23:2)

Father You called me to You.  You saw state and you know my heart.  You Lord, led me from the place or hurt and pain that comes when I act outside of Your will and begin to grumble and argue.  You Lord, saw.  all of it and yet there You stood with open arms.  You invited me to get rest in You Father.  You invited me to eat of your bread and to be nourished.  You gently corrected me and led be back to the path of righteousness.  Father? I just bless your name for that.  But Lord, You didn’t stop there.  You made my cup overflow. providing me and my family with something we needed.  You surround me with family and friends who love on me not because I deserve it, but because of who You are.  Thank You Lord for seeing past my faults and seeing my needs.  Thank You for your correction and love.  In Jesus name. Amen

Rescue me from my enemies

Rescue me from my enemies, Lord, for I hide myself in you. Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground.~Psalm 143:9-10

“Rescue me from my enemies, Lord.” (Psalm 143:9a).  Psalm 143 is a psalm of  David, a prayer.  I love how David begins by asking God to hear hear his prayer not because he is so righteous, but because He knows that the Father is faithful. David  knows that the Lord is the One who is able to save.  “Lord, hear my prayer, listen to my cry for mercy;in your faithfulness and righteousness come to my relief. Do not bring your servant into judgment,
for no one living is righteous before you.” ~Psalm 143:1-2

David had many trials and enemies over the course of his life, including his own son ( 2 Samuel 15).  However, I think it is important to remember that our enemies are not flesh and blood.  For the word of God in Hebrews 6:12 tells us “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”  So our enemies are not people, situations, or even circumstances.  Our enemy is the devil himself and spiritual forces that seek to distract us from our purpose.  Our enemies want to get us off course.

Our enemy may look like doubt when things don’t look like they are going your way.  That’s the enemy because we know that God says that He works in all things for the good of those who love the Lord and are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28).  The enemy is pride, fear, and anxiety that would have us spinning our wheels seeking to gain control of it all rather than surrendering it all to Jesus; remembering that His love is unfailing  and “entrusting our lives to the Lord” ( Psalm 143:8). 

God rescues us for enemies, all of them.  We just need to hide ourselves in Him and surrender our will to His. We hide ourselves in Him we envelope ourselves in His Word and love.  We hide ourselves in Him when we make His glory the aim. We hide ourselves in Him when are intentional and cry out to the Father, knowing that He hears us and will provide us with what we need( 1 John 5:15). 
We hide ourselves in Him when we entrust ourselves to His Spirit knowing that He will make our walk secure.

Someone might be thinking it is easier said than done, but God tells us to be doers of His Word ( James 1:22).  So we practice what He teaches us.  We are ask Him to teach us to do His will ( Psalm 143:10).  So day by day, moment by moment we need His Spirit and take one step at time do that our feet may be leveled and our spirit calm.  Just this morning, my enemy of anxiety and fear  came to my doorstep.  The devil was seeking to have me question myself as a Mom and create strife within my family.  On the Lord’s day my enemies were seeking to remove my peace and steal my joy.  My way was to go to do some yoga to find my center.  Note I love yoga, but you can’t fight the enemy with a stick. You need a sword, the Word of God  and a shield of faith. In fact you need the full armor of God to be able to stand against the schemes of the enemy.  (Ephesians 6:10-18)

Therefore, His will was/is that I come to Him.  Entering His presence through prayer;  receiving the word, the daily bread,  I need to squash my enemy and place them under my feet. My peace restored and my purpose assured.  I know that I am not alone for He is with me.  God is able.  So be encouraged that you too can fight your enemies and be rescued from them all  by the Savior.  He is ready to save and nothing is impossible for Him ( Luke 1:37).

Father, thank You for bearing witness of Your love for us in Your Word.  Your love rescues us and your word frees us. Lord, You are mighty and Righteous.  I come to You humbly asking for Your help.  Hide us Lord in You. May we not stand in our pride, but humble ourselves and  pray.  May we seek your face. Strengthen us and let us stand firm, ground us in truth. Give us victory Lord over our enemies, in all the ways that they may present themselves.  Teach us your will and your way and help us to actually do it.  Let Your Spirit lead us as we lean not to our own understanding. We thank You Lord and give you all the glory and the praise.  In Jesus name.  Amen

When you feel burried

 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. 6 And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus,~Ephesians 2:4-6

God is not dead.  The grave could not hold Jesus down.   He arose with all power and authority.  There is is hope.  Listen, God spoke to my spirit yesterday and said this.  Death could not hold Him down and so because we are one with Christ, death can not hold us down either.  We are not dead, but risen with Christ and seated with Him in heavenly places.  He’s seated at the right hand of the Father ( Mark 16:19)  above everything. “
far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come.” ~Ephesians 1:21) 

He sees all, knows all and He sees us.  The enemy is doing his best to bury us under the weight of fear, depression and anxiety, but he will not succeed.  Stick your hand up out of the ground.  Stick your hand up from under the dirt of  guilt and the weight of sin  because the same power that is in Christ lives in us( Romans 8:11).  Raise your hand up and take His hand.  Choose His perspective, recognize that you, because of Christ, are above the temporal circumstances and know that death has no sting.  Walk in the victory that He has Alfreda’s given You.  Know that it will all be okay and cast your anxiety upon Him. Rest in Him and live.

Father, we thank You for your great love for us and the hope that You bring through your son Jesus Christ.  Thank You for conquering death and the fencing the stench of its aroma.  Lord, may we offer up a shout of praise as we rise up with You.  In Jesus name.  Amen

The Call to Come

Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker; for he is our God and we are the people of his pasture, the flock under his care. Today, if only you would hear his voice,~Psalm 95:6-7

“Come, let us bow down in worship”.  There is a lot to unpack in just that one phrase of the scripture.  Here we see, I see, a call to first come to Him.  We are told in James 4:8a  to come near to God.” We are also told that when we come near to Him, He will come near to us. Coming to God is acknowledging that we need Him and the added bonus of Him coming to us reveals relationship.  The desire of both parties to be in the presence of each h other for fellowship.  He ask us to bring nothing,  just to come and to know that He will meet us.  He crosses the distance for us, that gap, drawing us closer to Him.

Once we come, we are to bow down in worship.  I want to examine the “bowing” first.  Bowing down is a physical act signifying submission.  We are called to bow down before Him in our actions and our attitudes.  We are recognizing His authority and Lordship.  We follow His lead and obey His voice.

We are also called to worship our Great Shepherd.  The One who keeps us under His care. Worship is adoration, reverence, love, and praise.  It is both done in action and in attitude.  I love God and I demonstrate my love for Him when I love others.  I am more apt and able to do that when I am kneeling at His feet, letting the glory of His presence wash over me and flow through me.  

When I come, bow down and worship I can hear His voice because I am still white Him.  Hearing His voice gives me the bread of life (Matthew 6:11).  The word that I need to sustain me for the day.

Lord, may we follow your call to come and worship You for you are worthy.  May we, I, submit to you in all my ways.  May I set at your feet or be held in your arms.  Keep me close to thee.  May I reverence You by making choices that honor You.  We are under your care and we are safe.  Lord, gives us hearts that seek your voice.  In Jesus name. Amen

The Cup and the Saucer: When your cup overflows

5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil;
 my cup overflows.~Psalm 23:5
6 
Today I participated in a great activity at work that involved a tea cup.  The tea cups were very precious to the Chief of our Division, yet she made the choice to share them with us so that we would know just how precious each of us are to her and the division to which we all belong (Teaching and Learning).  As we thought about our choice of tea cups and what it might signify about our personalities or thinking, God took my mind to an additional direction. The verse from Psalm 23:5b, “my cup runneth over” stayed at the front of my thinking but with a different bent.

As I looked at the beautiful cup filled with tea, I thought of all the stuff that I am facing.  Like a budget that won’t stretch any further, relationships that needed to be deepened and strengthened, parenting responsibilities, and the list can go on.  I saw that my cup was running over, yet the cup was not alone for there is set perfectly in the center of the saucer.  I saw Jesus in the saucer, catching and handling all the things that might spill over.  I saw Him containing it all so that I would not have too.  I saw His mercy and blessings running over so that all the impure things in the cup could be handled by Him.

You see I didn’t have to be concerned about catching everything because He already has.
My job is to stay in the center of His will, sip on the goodnesses of Him, and trust that He will handle the overflow. So yes, I may be seated in the presence of the enemy: disease, depression, self-doubt, financial concerns or whatever kitchen sink the devil tries to throw.  BUT GOD!  He anoints my head with oil.  He co Ets me.   He protects me.  He is my assurance that goodness and mercy follow me and my confidence that I dwell with Him and not my circumstances.  He is my Shepherd.  ( Psalm 23)

Father,  I thank You for what You reveal to my Spirit.  I thank You for allowing my cup to overflow with your blessings and the protection that brings when troubles rise.  Thank You for being my Help. Bless others who may be facing difficult times.  Help us to trust in You.  In Jesus name. I pray.  Amen

The Race is Not Over

However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace. ~Acts 20:24

I don’t know about you, but I just love how God works.  I love how he positions you to be in the right place at the right time.  I love how He is able to bring things back to our remembrance.  He is so true to His Word and faithful to His promises. It is He who equips us  and prepares to walk in what He has called us to do (Hebrews 13:21 and Ephesians 2:10).  He always finishes His work ( Philippians 1:6).

So today, as  I was reading Acts 20:24 a chord was struck in me.  “However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.with me.”  My soul screamed yes!  That’s what I want my only aim to be and then the gentle  whisper of truth came that called me out.  “Jennifer, you have not completed the task I assigned you. I assigned you the task of bearing witness of me through your blog.  I assigned you the task of ministry and encouragement.”  In other words the race is not over.  My spirit agrees with His that it is time to get back to work.  I have been on a treadmill running in place and now it’s time to move. Move in Him and through Him. 

Amazingly enough, my last entry on May  27, 2019 was on this exact scripture.  Confirmation to me that the only way to finish the race is to actually run it until the end.  Yes, I have battled with disease and depression, but my God is greater.  I have a task to do; a charge to keep and glorifying Him is my only aim.  

You know what?!  It feels so good! Good to be obeying my calling. Good to be able to go to Him with open arms, confess my complacency and receive His forgiveness and mercy.  Good to get my second wind from the One who breathes life into me everyday.  God is good and His mercies are new every morning (Lamentations 3:23).  

Father,  I thank You for opportunity to glorify You.  I thank You for the joy that You have breathed into me.  Lord, You have fought and won so many battles for me.  So Father, I just want to do the work and run the race with You as my aim.  I thank You for grace in the midst of all that I have gone through.  You did not discard me or the dreams You placed in me.  Thank You for patience and strength.  May I take all of these blessings and use them for Your glory.  In Jesus name. Amen

The aim of life

However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.~Acts 20:24

“I consider my life worth nothing to me, my only aim is________.”  How would you fill in the blank?  Would it match the fervor of Paul’s love for the Lord; his commitment to the task that God assigned to him?

My response to the blank was found lacking for there are so many times that my aim is to satisfy self.  To seek those comforts that bring me temporary peace.   Things like junk food, me and potato chips saints.  Pray for me.  Or that extra few minutes of sleep.  Seeking ways to do things that are convenient for me.  Sure, I serve if......

Maybe you’ve had similar thoughts or perhaps you have been built up by His word and grace to another level in the Lord ( Acts 20:32). I want that too, that inheritance. That’s where I want to be because my aim is to do His will.  My aim is to answer the call, walking the talk that He places in my spirit.   I want it to be my only aim.  

However, the path to do that is to first deny myself.   “My life is nothing, but life with Christ and for Christ is everything.  I must deny my false thinking that says food will meet emotional gaps.  I must realize that my true comfort is only found in Christ and not the snooze button coupled with my pillow.  I must see that service to others is a gift, a blessing, because I have the opportunity to be used by God.  Yes, that includes car pools, dirty laundry, and creative meals for our families and others.

I want to finish the race and by God’s grace I will because I do not do walk it along.   One step at time, being led by His Spirit I can do all things through Christ whom strengthens me (Philippians 4:13) Isn’t it great that God always shows us the way! When we lean on Him and trust His ways, our paths are directed and made straight (Proverbs 3:5-6). 

Father, I thank You for showing me that my aim was off and point in a disjointed direction.  Father, may the spread of your love and grace be my only aim.  May I deny myself, taking up my cross daily and follow You(Matthew 16:24). Thank You for your Word, Spirit, and grace. In Jesus name. Amen

Choosing Character over Reputation

Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.~Romans 12:9-10

Have you ever been in a situation where you found your foot or perhaps witnessed another put their foot in their proverbial mouth?   Depending upon the context of the situation it can be humorous, but more than likely it can be uncomfortable for all parties involved.

What do you do when that happens?  What do you do when one’s reputation is overshadowing the possible well-intentioned motivation perhaps inappropriate timing?  You remember to lead with love and share grace.  Only God knows the heart and it is not what man says about a person  that counts, it what He, the creator of all humanity , knows about them.

I have been recently challenged by His Word and Spirit to take care of the bride.  The bride being all of my fellow believers; my brothers and sisters who have answered the call of Christ in their hearts.   We believe.  We believe in His death, burial and resurrection done out of love for you and me.

We “Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.” ( Romans 12:16).  Meaning, we don’t think it couldn’t happen to us or that it has never been us.   We seek peace and reconciliation. We seek Christ and His love in them.   

We remove the shadow of the reputation and choose the better thing.  We seek to remove the “shame” and ought by going to them directly.  His word says, “If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over.” ( Matthew 18:15).

Therefore, we don’t judge the foot, but rather help each other, in love, the part we all play.  We pray rather than criticize.   We offer a better path in humility and sincere love; devoted to the growth and the beauty of the bride. 

Father, you know I don’t always do this, but it is my desire because it is your desire.  Lord, let me see in others what You see and honor them in love.  May I extend grace to myself and others, caring about character, Yours, rather than what men think.  In Jesus name.  Amen

Love yourself

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.~Psalm 139:13-14

I generally associate this verse with “girl power”. It’s a motivational boost to look in the mirror and like what I see, rolls, budges, zits and all because I am His child.   I am His creation and His work is flawless.  Transparency, I question my looks all the time. Especially, when a crown in my mouth comes out.   Lol.  But serious, God does marvelous work.   I know this and you need to know this too.

However, today something else in this scripture stood out to me.  “You knit me together in my mother’s womb.”  God didn’t just form my outer man or woman.  He created the me that makes me who I am.  The quirks of my personality.  He created my sensitive heart and compassionate nature.  He also created my fiery spirit and gave me the tools to use them for His glory.

So yes, I praise Him.  I praise Him when I feel beautiful on the outside, but more importantly because He has made me beautiful within by the creative work of His Word made flesh, Jesus.

Hug yourself today.  Give a shout of praise to God and know who you are in Him.

Lord, I thank You for speaking to my heart today and bringing joy to my inner man so that it may shine to the outer.  In Jesus name. Amen

Even in the valleys

Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.~Psalm 23:4

I do not recall being afraid of the dark as a little girl, but I do I fondly remember my lamp with a little girl with praying hands at its base.  When we are young, at least for me, darkness was just a physical occurrence.  It was not overwhelming because you knew it could always be dispelled with a flick of a switch.  

However, as we grow and learn more, the darkness becomes shadows that can linger.  The light is there because, as many wise men and woman have shared, a shadow needs light.  Yet, sometimes understanding that the light is present does not make the journey through those dark valleys any less harrowing.

I am a child of God, the true and living King.  And I am in the shadows.  The shadows of depression, anxiety, and disease.  I actually prefer the physical darkness to try to hide away from the heaviness of the dark clouds, but His Word is true-It doesn’t matter where I go- HE IS WITH ME. ( Psalm 139:8)

Perhaps you are walking through a valley experience right now.  Maybe it’s due to the loss of a loved one, marriage woes, single woes, financial difficulties, or just plain disgust with the evils in this world.  If you are there, turn on your lamp, His Word!Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.~Psalm 119:105

Cry out to the our Great Intercessor, Jesus( Romans 8:34).  He is is there with open arms and and open heart.  Listen to the truth that He brings as He soothes your soul and eases your heartache ( Psalm 34:18). Know that you are walking through the valley.  He didn’t say that we would stay there, but walking through to another side.  A side where our table is prepared by Him.  A table where the enemy’s mouth will gape wide open as He sees the goodness of the Lord and His favor all over us.

It seems so hard to wait.  I know it’s hard.   Sometimes I just want to I’m done, but my Father has the final day and He tells me that His goodness and mercy shall follow me all my days and I will dwell in His house forever.  ( see Psalm 23)

So speak life over yourself:

“God, my God, is with me.  I am not alone.  He is my comfort.  The Lord is my protector.  God is good and He is good to me. And in the mighty name of Jesus I will not fear. No weapon formed against me shall prosper.   I will not worry and fret.  I am His and He loves me. “

Father, You are God in every situation and circumstance.   Help us to trust You in the valleys.  Lead us through the shadows and be mindful of your precious light.   I love you Lord.  In Jesus name. Amen 

https://youtu.be/zgvV_iQW4O0

Dealing with self-righteousness

Have mercy on me, O God,according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions.

Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.~Psalm 51:1-2

Have you ever been filled with righteous indignation only to discover that you were actually full of self-righteousness?  Righteousness is being aligned to God’s will, putting aside one’s need for justification and realizing that He is the only One who is Righteous and it is through Christ alone that I am justified.  Self-righteousness is based on pride.  You get tunnel vision and the only thing you see is your pain. Your thinking gets misconstrued and you think it’s up to you to fix things, you hold up the mirror to everyone else but yourself.  Frustration begins to rule and good intentions will have you thinking that are you are doing the right thing, but you end up in a place of destruction ( Proverbs 14:12).

I wound up in this place recently.  I was so intent on doing His work; committed to fight the good fight and not let the trials I face prevent me from answering the call.  I was frustrated that others could not recognize my effort.  I could not see any one else’s struggles, just my own.  I had leaned to my own understanding and gotten lost.  

Things spiraled into anger and angst because I was listening to the wrong voice, self.  His voice is peace.  His voice is love.  His voice says be still.  His voice does not condemn ( Romans 8:1).  Self-righteousness will have you hearing the voice of the “accuser” and if you listen to it will set you on of course of struggling to prove yourself rather than resting in the grace of God.  It leads to self pity and despair rather than the hope that Christ brings.

Self-righteousness will have you speak too soon rather than really listening to the heart of God.  But all is not lost because of our faithful and loving God; His unfailing love says that I can go to Him and confess my sin.  I can ask Him to blot out my transgressions and wash me from my iniquity and my sin ( Psalm 51:1).  I can come to Him with confidence knowing that if I confess, He will forgive me.If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness ( 1 John 1:9). 

I can also take another step in grace by humbling myself and going to my brothers and sisters who I have transgressed in my self proclaimed indignation and ask for forgiveness because of the truth. The truth being that His truth sets me free to do this without fear.  For in Christ I have liberty. The accuser is silenced.  Bitterness cannot take root.  Frustration can no longer choke love.  God wins as always!

Father, thank You for showing me the error of my ways.  Thank You for grace to ask for forgiveness and allowing me to receive your mercy.  You are so good Lord and I love.  I thank You for Your Son who covers me in His blood and washes me.  Forgive me for my pride and self-righteousness.  Keep me humble Lord and my heart aligned to Your Word and my ears attuned to only Your voice.  Create in me a clean heart and renew a steadfast spirit in me that I might not sin against You or my fellow man. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me to do your will.  It is You who will get the glory Lord.  In Jesus name I do pray. Amen

A Revelation from the Lord

 I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown. ~Revelations 3:11

In full transparency, even though a passage from the book of Revelation is read in my hearing every Sunday, it has not typically been one of the books that I study.  When I was younger in age and in faith, I feared it.  For me, the last book in the Bible symbolized finality, the end of things that I knew and held close.  However, as I have grown older and matured in my walk with the Lord, I have come to understand that Revelation is not just about the end, but the beginning.  

Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,”for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. 2 I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. 4 ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”5 He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”- Revelation 21:1-5

In Revelation, He reveals His majesty and power to us.  He shows us a glimpse of heaven and allows us to visualize what it will be like once the cares of this world have ended and a life of eternity with Him begins and His Kingdom reigning and ruling on earth as it in heaven (Mathew 6:10). 

It is a book of sacred communication of God to us, a message of hope.  He is treating us as friends and making things known us (John 15:15). He is speaking to us, correcting us and encouraging us to hold on.  Yet, in order to hear, we must have hearts that are opened to His Spirit.  There is a crown for us, one that He has given us, but we must hold on (Revelation 3:11) 

He tells us in 2 Timothy 3:16 that “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness”.   It is hard to hear a rebuke, it feels uncomfortable.  But we must remember that the rebuke is not rejection from God, but rather chastisement because He loves us.  He wants us to share in His holiness and so that we can produce and enjoy the fruits of righteousness and peace (Hebrews 12:5-11).  

The Lord has been calling me to the letters to the Churches in Revelation Chapters 2 and 3 and given me a word for the Church that I can’t let go of. It is a message for me and for those whom He has ordained to receive it. 

Lord, let it not be my words, but Yours alone.   Empty me and fill me with your Spirit for I am only a vessel an instrument to be used for your glory.  May it blessing and received in love.  In Jesus name. Amen

For many months I have been wrestling with God.  It’s been a difficult season, but in this period of trials and tribulations He has told me consistently three things.

1.     Remember your first love ( Revelation 2:4)

2.     Strengthen what remains ( Revelation 3:2)

3.     Hold on to what you have ( Relations 3:11) 

Remember your first love.  Think about that moment when the light bulb came on and you realized the love of God.  Think, for a moment, about the joy you had in knowing that you were His and He was yours. In the beginning you soaked Him up.  He was a center of your worship and not the things you did or deeds you performed.  Yes we are co-workers with God (1 Corinthians 3:9) by His grace.  God knows the works that we have done, but He desires our devotion not just busyness.  He wants our worship; to acknowledge that He is worthy of all the honor glory and praise. We must take it back to the beginning where it was Him on a Cross for You and me and empty tomb declaring victory from the sting of death (1 Corinthians 15:55). That’s love! 

Then we must wake up and strengthen what we remains.  We have been working for a long time, so long that it had becomes a routine. If we are not careful what we think is worship has turned into religion.  A check list of things to do. Read my Bible, check! Pray, check!  Go to church, check! Tithe, check!   Give to the needy, check! A lot of doing and a lot of checks, but are we living for God?  Are we really alive in Christ?  Have our hearts been moved?  Is there an urgency to continue to grow in the Lord or have we just become complacent? Are we walking around like this is all there is, as if we do some work once and we’re good?

God says different.  He says “Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have found your deeds unfinished in the sight of my God.”  That means there is more to be done and we cannot do it in our own strength.  We must have His Spirit!   That is where our power comes.  That is where we will effective in whatever ministry He has called us to.

Acts 1:8 -But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Finally, we must hold on to what we have.  This is very personal for me, all of it is.  But it is especially important to agree with and encourage all who are tired and weary with a word from the Lord.  He sees you!

I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name! Revelation 3:8

It feels so good to know that God sees me.  To know that my labor is not in vain.  He sees us, pressing our way through with the strength that we have.  Sometimes you don’t think you have any at all, but His word tells us that He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the week ( Isaiah 40:29).  

You are faithful and He is true so keep holding on to the author and finisher of your faith. Don’t let anyone take the crown that has given to you.  God has opened the door for you and no man can shut it. No disease, nor sickness, circumstance, situation can shut.  No one weapon formed against you shall prosper in the name of Jesus.  You will walk in victory.  You will be dressed in white and your name written by the One who holds the pen.  

Let this revelation sink in.  Remember the love of God.  Keep Jesus at the center and lifted high in your life.  Keep moving in the Lord from glory to glory.  Don’t become complacent, there is a work to be done.  And don’t give up.  You are loved and known.  Hold on to what you have and do not let anyone take your crown.  In Jesus name. Amen