Hebrews 11:29

Hebrews 11:29 It was by faith that the people of Israel went right through the Red Sea as though they were on dry ground. But when the Egyptians tried to follow, they were all drowned.

I read three chapters this morning before I got to this and It made me pause.  It made me think of what my Red Sea is ….. what is coming.  As I ponder this passage over and over I see my enemies drowning as I walk through my Red Sea….. whatever that may be.   I have a bunch of work coming a lot of work ……. this will be my busiest summer ever.  It will take lots of careful planning.    Maybe this is my Red Sea?  It is uncharted territory.  You don’t know what is under the water until after it has been parted.

So it is about faith …. Do you / me have the faith that you need to walk into the Red Sea when the Lord parts the waters?  When the waters do part are you going to stand there and pray and ask God shall I walk through the parted waters? 

The sea parts …….. the door has been opened for you to walk through and your enemies are coming …. Don’t hesitate …….walk.

Be Blessed

He did evil

He did evil

2 Chronicles 12:14 He did evil because he had not set his heart on seeking the Lord.

I had to pause when I got to this scripture.  All kinds of things ran through my mind.  It is a choice.  I would like to think that I set my heart on seeking the Lord.  There are days when I make bad choices.  The majority of the days are good choices.  Yesterday was a good choice.

Galatians 6:7 do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. 8 Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. 9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

Yesterday afternoon I was in a battle and I had to make a choice.  My choice was to seek the heart of the Lord.  And that heart was in a phone call and a text message for prayer.  Within one minute I had received 6 text messages and one phone call and got instant peace.

I made the right choice.  I did not do evil because I had set my heart on seeking the Lord.

I say “YES” today

Pray without ceasing

God will hold to our account the souls that have gone uncured, unhealed, and untouched by Jesus Christ because we have refused to keep our souls open to him.  He will reprove us for the times we were not ready to present the Lord Jesus Christ to them by the power of the Holy Spirit.  Yet, we deal with some people at great length without seeing any results; and we are tempted to quit trying.                          Let us never despair of any soul under heaven.  If you have a chronic case (by “chronic case,” I mean someone who is always coming to the same place spiritually and never getting anywhere—always coming forward at the alter call but getting nowhere),  thank God for that one.                                                                                  .              I have found out that God uses those chronic seekers to educate me.  If they will keep chronic long enough, the Lord will be able to manifest His patience with me as He never could otherwise.  And, all of a sudden, these souls come into the light.  Praise God!  Oswald.

1^st Thessalonians 5:16 rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 

I came across this yesterday as I was moving some books around.  It just nailed me.  What caught me was what I had written at the top of the page. “OMG this is strong …. Never give up!”  So I read and it made me think of certain people that I have given up on because they are stuck.  They are not moving fast enough in the direction I want them to go.  (Closer to Jesus)  Then I have to remember all those who did not give up on me when I was stuck.  Thank you Lord.  Do you have someone like this in your life?  Maybe it is your spouse or child? 

So today I am also reading in today’s devotion which coincides with what I read yesterday.

Our thinking about prayer, whether right or wrong is based on our own mental conception of it. The correct concept is to think of prayer as the breath in our lungs and the blood from our hearts. Our blood flows and our breathing continues “without ceasing”; we are not even conscious of it, but it never stops. And we are not always conscious of Jesus keeping us in perfect oneness with God, but if we are obeying Him, He always is. Prayer is not an exercise; it is the life of the saint. Beware of anything that stops the offering up of prayer. “Pray without ceasing . . .”— maintain the childlike habit of offering up prayer in your heart to God all the time.

Jesus never mentioned unanswered prayer. He had the unlimited certainty of knowing that prayer is always answered. Do we have through the Spirit of God that inexpressible certainty that Jesus had about prayer, or do we think of the times when it seemed that God did not answer our prayer? Jesus said, “. . . everyone who asks receives . . .” (Matthew 7:8). Yet we say, “But . . . , but . . . .” God answers prayer in the best way— not just sometimes, but every time. However, the evidence of the answer in the area we want it may not always immediately follow. Do we expect God to answer prayer?                                       .              The danger we have is that we want to water down what Jesus said to make it mean something that aligns with our common sense. But if it were only common sense, what He said would not even be worthwhile. The things Jesus taught about prayer are supernatural truths He reveals to us.. Oswald

So for myself I am thinking that I don’t pray enough.  Have an Awesome day today and have peace in your heart!

John 17

. . that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us . . . —John 17:21

If you are going through a time of isolation, seemingly all alone, read John 17 . It will explain exactly why you are where you are— because Jesus has prayed that you “may be one” with the Father as He is. Are you helping God to answer that prayer, or do you have some other goal for your life? Since you became a disciple, you cannot be as independent as you used to be.

God reveals in John 17 that His purpose is not just to answer our prayers, but that through prayer we might come to discern His mind. Yet there is one prayer which God must answer, and that is the prayer of Jesus— “. . . that they may be one just as We are one . . .” (John 17:22). Are we as close to Jesus Christ as that?

God is not concerned about our plans; He doesn’t ask, “Do you want to go through this loss of a loved one, this difficulty, or this defeat?” No, He allows these things for His own purpose. The things we are going through are either making us sweeter, better, and nobler men and women, or they are making us more critical and fault-finding, and more insistent on our own way. The things that happen either make us evil, or they make us more saintly, depending entirely on our relationship with God and its level of intimacy. If we will pray, regarding our own lives, “Your will be done” (Matthew 26:42), then we will be encouraged and comforted by John 17, knowing that our Father is working according to His own wisdom, accomplishing what is best. When we understand God’s purpose, we will not become small-minded and cynical. Jesus prayed nothing less for us than absolute oneness with Himself, just as He was one with the Father. Some of us are far from this oneness; yet God will not leave us alone until we are one with Him— because Jesus prayed, “. . . that they all may be one . . . .”

I keep hearing in my Spirit where Jesus says “I tell you the truth,  anyone who obeys my teaching will never die”.   Pray the way Jesus prayed in John 17.

Oswald poses a question in the beginning of the devo.  He says, “Are you helping God to answer that prayer, or do you have some other goal for your life? 

This question has really caused me to think.

Prayer is not about getting things it is about refining your relationship with Jesus so you can become one with Him.

I found comfort in this Psalm this morning and I just wanted to share.

As I read over again I see choices.

Psalm 91

¹ Those who live in the shelter of the Most High
will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
² This I declare about the Lord:
He alone is my refuge, my place of safety;
he is my God, and I trust him.
³ For he will rescue you from every trap
and protect you from deadly disease.
⁴ He will cover you with his feathers.
He will shelter you with his wings.
His faithful promises are your armor and protection.
⁵ Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night,
nor the arrow that flies in the day.
⁶ Do not dread the disease that stalks in darkness,
nor the disaster that strikes at midday.
⁷ Though a thousand fall at your side,
though ten thousand are dying around you,
these evils will not touch you.
⁸ Just open your eyes,
and see how the wicked are punished.

⁹ If you make the Lord your refuge,
if you make the Most High your shelter,
¹⁰ no evil will conquer you;
no plague will come near your home.
¹¹ For he will order his angels
to protect you wherever you go.
¹² They will hold you up with their hands
so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone.
¹³ You will trample upon lions and cobras;
you will crush fierce lions and serpents under your feet!

¹⁴ The Lord says, “I will rescue those who love me.
I will protect those who trust in my name.
¹⁵ When they call on me, I will answer;
I will be with them in trouble.
I will rescue and honor them.
¹⁶ I will reward them with a long life
and give them my salvation.”

Roots by the stream

Jeremiah 17:8  They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit."

Jesus said there is only one way to develop and grow spiritually, and that is through focusing and concentrating on God. In essence, Jesus was saying, “Do not worry about being of use to others; simply believe on Me.” In other words, pay attention to the Source, and out of you “will flow rivers of living water” OC

 Psalm 1:3  That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither-- whatever they do prospers.

I am reading this and wondering just how deep are my roots?  As I read the devo this morning it made me wonder do I focus more on Jesus or more on the things I feel will help  me get closer to Jesus.  I woke this morning thinking “yes”  I will do what you say.  Let people see Jesus with skin on.  I have noticed lately that I have been having anger issues.  It is hard to be Jesus with skin on and have anger issues at the same time.  I know my roots are deep but I think they need to be deeper.

Be blessed today and walk in your freedom!

Love Today

………………………………………“The Lord . . . is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish . . .” (2 Peter 3:9). I should look within and remember how wonderfully He has dealt with me. The knowledge that God has loved me beyond all limits will compel me to go into the world to love others in the same way. I may get irritated because I have to live with an unusually difficult person. But just think how disagreeable I have been with God! Am I prepared to be identified so closely with the Lord Jesus that His life and His sweetness will be continually poured out through me? Neither natural love nor God’s divine love will remain and grow in me unless it is nurtured. Love is spontaneous, but it has to be maintained through discipline.  Oswald Chambers

John 15:12 This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you.

2 Peter 3:9  The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent.

Romans 2:4 – “Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and long suffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?”

I have been silent for a while, but not because I have been in a bad place.   I have been given stuff just for me.  This morning I woke to hear “YES” Lord!  I was excited to get out of bed.  Sometimes I just have to be reminded.  The other thing was this mornings devotion.  It really struck me.  The last couple of weeks at night I have been prayer walking out in my driveway.  Every night one of the things I do is repent.  Sometimes I repent for sin I have committed that I don’t even remember,  I just want to have a clean slate when I go to bed.  I have been sleeping very well.

The last thing I want to say Is “I want to love people the same way He loves me and I find that difficult many times”  I am working on that.

Peace today for you.

  I  wanted to reflect on yesterday on what I wrote.  I want to clarify something,  I am NOT a sinner saved by grace but I am a righteous man of God who has been called and commissioned, Anointed and appointed, blessed and Highly favored. 

2 Cor. 5:17  Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!

I am a son of the Most High God.

 I feel  like what I was trying to say yesterday was more along the lines of …….  The importance of being in the word.

As I listened to this song this morning. I had an overwhelming presence of His love like I have never felt before. Very Awesome.

Seems like all I can see was the struggle

Haunted by ghosts that lived in my past

Bound up in shackles of all my failures

Wondering how long is this gonna last

Then you look at this prisoner and say to me

son “stop fighting a fight that's already been won"

 

I am redeemed, you set me free

So I'll shake off these heavy chains

Wipe away every stain

Now I'm not who I used to be

I am redeemed... I'm redeemed

 

All my life I have been called unworthy

Named by the voice of my shame and regret

But when I hear you whisper "child lift up your head"

I remember oh God you're not done with me yet

 

I am redeemed, you set me free

So I'll shake off these heavy chains

Wipe away every stain

Now I'm not who I used to be

 

Because I don't have to be the old man inside of me

'cause his day is long dead and gone because

I've got a new name, a new life I'm not the same

and a hope that will carry me home

 

I am redeemed, you set me free

So I'll shake off these heavy chains and

Wipe away every stain

Now I'm not who I used to be

 

I am redeemed you set me free

So I'll shake off these heavy chains and

And wipe away every stain

Now I'm not who I used to be

Oh God I'm not who I used to be

Jesus I'm not who I used to be

 

'Cause I am redeemed

Thank God redeemed

 

 

Psalm 81

Psalm 119:20 my soul is consumed with longing for your laws at all times.

Psalm 81.10 I am the Lord your God, who brought you up out of Egypt.  Open wide your mouth and I will fill it.

I read this passage and it makes me wonder just how open my mouth is?   I think sometimes it is just closed completely and that is not who I am.  I have to remind myself who God is …. Someone who loves me in spite of all the crap that I have.  That I am a sinner and I miss God’s ways constantly.  I have made a lot of mistakes in my life and will make more if I am not in constant communion with Him.  The word of God is here for a reason  …. To help me to be a better son.   To give me an avenue to hear Him.   I must stay in contact with the Lord, Jesus and the Holy Spirit all the time.

What is the best way to do that?  Scripture is very clear …….  Joshua 1.8 This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success.

Lord, I ask for a thirst and hunger that would surpass anything I have felt before.  My mouth is open wide to receive all that you have for me.  I am redeemed and you set me free.  I am not who I used to be.  In Jesus name

 

Be blessed today and walk as Son’s and Daughters of the King

Washing Feet

John 13:14 and since I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash each other’s feet.

Washing someone’s feet is such a simple thing, yet so powerful.  I think many times we hear “wash his feet and we choose not to for some reason or another.”  It is not about washing feet though is it?  It is about serving,  it is about Loving one another.

I was reading this morning and came across a quote that just froze me.  The quote said this, “It’s the simple things, like carrying my child to bed---- his sweaty little mane of hair resting on my shoulder.  His entire life leans on mine.  I am moved by that truth like no other.” 

When was the last time I relied on Jesus in that way?  It is really not that hard we just make it that hard

Bless you today!

1 Cor. 10:13

I thought this morning’s devotion was really good and it made me think so I wanted to share it.

Kevin

Who Said It … Perry Noble

What he Said … A Misguided and Damaging Belief

Having served in ministry for more than two decades, I've seen a common idea that simply isn't true dominate the landscape of the church. And in my opinion, it's one of the most damaging beliefs a Christian can hold.  Here's the false idea: "God will never give you more than you can handle.  "I suspect we've all had this concept pitched to us at some point as one of the key principles of the faith. We've heard it from the lips of other Christians; we've read books about it; we've seen the phrase on bumper stickers. But I'm telling you, it simply doesn't ring true—from the standpoint of human experience or from God's Word. When we buy into this false idea, it only leaves us confused, frustrated, and angry.  The truth is, God often allows us to face more than we can handle. But it's not because he's cruel or heartless. It's so we'll stop trying to live life on our own strength and learn to depend on his.

I have heard this spoken to me and it makes perfect since.  If He doesn’t give us more than we can handle then we won’t rely on Him.  I think this thought comes from the passage 1 Cor. 10:13 the first scripture I ever memorized

13 No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.

So remember when you are going through the trial to count it all joy and rely on Him and not yourself.

So when you are tempted do you rely on Him or yourself?

When you are going through the trial are you relying on Him or yourself? 

Are you in control or have you relinquished control?

Bless you today

The condition of your heart

Luke 6:43 "For a good tree does not bear bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit. 44 For every tree is known by its own fruit. For men do not gather figs from thorns, nor do they gather grapes from a bramble bush. 45 A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.
So if your friends and family had nothing to eat but the fruit that you produced. Would they be full, hungry or starving? What about your enemies?
I hate the thought that comes after I say something, (did I just say that?) You know what I mean …. When you read someone the right act on the phone that can't or will never see you.
The flip side to the above statement is this, I love it when I say something and someone smiles and says thank you.
I have heard that the words from your mouth reflect the condition of your heart. So today be aware of your words. Are they full of life or death?
How is your heart today?

Character

When Paul received his sight, he also received spiritual insight into the Person of Jesus Christ. His entire life and preaching from that point on were totally consumed with nothing but Jesus Christ— "For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified" (1 Corinthians 2:2). Paul never again allowed anything to attract and hold the attention of his mind and soul except the face of Jesus Christ. We must learn to maintain a strong degree of character in our lives, even to the level that has been revealed in our vision of Jesus Christ. ……………………………………………………………………… Oswald.

1 Corinthians 2:2 For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.

What is Vision? Galatians 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.

What is character? There are two kinds of character I feel. There is what you have when you are around people and then there is the character that you have when no one is around. They need to both be the same, are they?

Are you consumed with nothing but Jesus? I can tell you for me and I am not always consumed, I want to be! I want to be passionate about Jesus not just know him.

I have work to do.

Have an AWESOME day today

Know the Sacrifice

 

Behind the tattered robe,

Is the greatest story ever told.

What He did for man,

Some people will never understand.

 

Those that do,

Know the Sacrifice.

Your blood dripped from the Cross.

It will never be lost.

 

It is captured forever.

Through the end of time.

It will wash the sin away.

No longer will we be held at bay.

 

"Lord why have you forsaken me?"

"My Son, it is meant to be.

We must cleanse the Earth of sin."

"My Son, sacrifice your self, it is time to check in."

 

His cries were heard through out the Land.

His death allows us to make a stand.

Glory to the man who saves us.

Glory to our Lord Jesus.

 

Never could I imagine the suffering.

The Pain that You felt

The blood running into your eyes,

It crushes my heart . . . . . . . makes me cry.

 

Looking to the Heavens

You were so helpless.

Knowing you were going to die.

Yet, you did not fight back.

 

You were on the cross

Your spirit not broken.

Your Father has spoken.

"You are not lost."

 

"My Son, come be with me.

That is the prophecy.

That is what is meant to be,

You will be my legacy."

 

By Kevin Gwyn @ prayer vigil 3/26/2002 ÓCopyrighted 03/29/2002

Who Is This Man?

 

Who is this man?

He is called the Messiah.

He came to deliver us.

The Son of Man, He is Jesus.

 

They say You are the King of The Jews.

We know You are the King of all.

That day You felt so small.

But we knew You stood tall.

 

Your time has come, it is okay to cry.

You knew You were going to die.

You knew You were going to be betrayed.

You were in the garden and You prayed.

 

You knew what You had to do.

Which was to die for everyone.

No one wanted to help.

Nothing but scars and whelps.

 

He healed so many at his expense.

He was accused and had no evidence

The truth is all He had for his defense.

Still, He had to suffer the consequence.

 

They hit You.

And called You names.

Your tears fell like the rain.

How could your people be so insane.

 

So much dissension.

The crowd had every intention.

The people needed to repent.

But Jesus, did not resent.

 

They flogged You.

They spit on You.

What could you do?

They knew Your soul was true.

 

The thorns pierced Your skin.

You knew you could not win.

You did this for me.

To the cross, You carried my sin.

 

They drove the spikes through Your wrists

You were in so much pain.

Yet, You did not resist.

This was your destiny.

 

They slashed You with a whip.

Broke open Your back.

All they did to You was attack.

As Your blood did nothing but drip.

 

His blood washes away our sin.

His blood did not go to waste.

His tears dripped from his chin

Jesus searched his soul deep with in.

 

Jesus, they could not keep You down.

God took away Your frown.

You rose in three days.

Jesus, thank You for giving Your life away

 

By kevin gwyn Ó Copyrighted

04-10-2002

Pure in Heart

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God —Matthew 5:8

………………………………………..God makes us pure by an act of His sovereign grace, but we still have something that we must carefully watch. It is through our bodily life coming in contact with other people and other points of view that we tend to become tarnished. Not only must our "inner sanctuary" be kept right with God, but also the "outer courts" must be brought into perfect harmony with the purity God gives us through His grace. Our spiritual vision and understanding is immediately blurred when our "outer court" is stained. If we want to maintain personal intimacy with the Lord Jesus Christ, it will mean refusing to do or even think certain things. And some things that are acceptable for others will become unacceptable for us.

A practical help in keeping your personal purity unblemished in your relations with other people is to begin to see them as God does. Say to yourself, "That man or that woman is perfect in Christ Jesus! That friend or that relative is perfect in Christ Jesus!" O. Chambers

That the last part may be difficult at times for me. To see God as He sees them can often be a daunting task. Lord give me strength and vision to see all people the way your Son saw them when He was on the cross. Amen

33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6.33

Content?

He must increase, but I must decrease —John 3:30 NKJ

I get up this morning feeling I am supposed to write. So I began to read and read. I read some thing's over and over. The first thing I read this morning was Oswald. The first thing I see is John 3:30 can't tell you how many times I have read that. So that wasn't it. So I read all of John 3 then I go to Philippians 4 (that is what I heard) The I go back to the devotion and John 3:30 leaps of the page and then it comes together. I hear Holy Spirit say "that is your problem" to be content I have to increase in your life!

Philippians 4:11 Not that I am implying that I was in any personal want, for I have learned how to be content (satisfied to the point where I am not disturbed or disquieted) in whatever state I am. 12 I know how to be abased and live humbly in straitened circumstances, and I know also how to enjoy plenty and live in abundance. I have learned in any and all circumstances the secret of facing every situation, whether well-fed or going hungry, having a sufficiency and enough to spare or going without and being in want. AMP

Sometimes it is so simple and we make it difficult. I can tell you for me when I am wrestling with the darkness, I am not content and I don't have peace. Today I have peace. Amen!

The last few days I have been chewing on this quote. We are only what we are in the dark; all the rest is reputation. What God looks at is what we are in the dark—the imaginations of our minds; the thoughts of our heart; the habits of our bodies; these are the things that mark us in God's sight. Oswald Chambers

 

The Mountain top

This is part of Oswald Chamber's Devotion this morning. ……………………………….The final stage in the life of faith is the attainment of character, and we encounter many changes in the process. We feel the presence of God around us when we pray, yet we are only momentarily changed. We tend to keep going back to our everyday ways and the glory vanishes. A life of faith is not a life of one glorious mountaintop experience after another, like soaring on eagles' wings, but is a life of day—in and day—out consistency; a life of walking without fainting (see Isaiah 40:31). It is not even a question of the holiness of sanctification, but of something which comes much farther down the road. It is a faith that has been tried and proved and has withstood the test. Abraham is not a type or an example of the holiness of sanctification, but a type of the life of faith—a faith, tested and true, built on the true God. "Abraham believed God. . ."

3 For the Scriptures tell us, "Abraham believed God, and God counted him as righteous because of his faith." 7 "Oh, what joy for those whose disobedience is forgiven, whose sins are put out of sight. 8 Yes, what joy for those whose record the Lord has cleared of sin." . When I read this I can't help but think of all of the men and women that have gone through Quest and Heart Quest. All of the men and women who continue to walk in there healing. Sometimes you just have to go to a place where you can receive and NOT have to give. You have to go to a place where a table has been set and all you have to do is pull up a chair and eat. A place where you can have an encounter with the Living God! These last 70 days have been a whirlwind for me. I have been in 70 days of prep work and serving on back to back Quest. What I got to be a part of is something I will never forget. Thank You Jesus for giving me the privilege of walking with all of these men

Now you understand what I meant when I would say

"Radical obedience ALWAYS precedes the miraculous."    

Thank you for receiving all that the Lord has for you.

Kevin

You a stumbling block?

2 Corinthians 6

³ We live in such a way that no one will stumble because of us, and no one will find fault with our ministry. ⁴ In everything we do, we show that we are true ministers of God. We patiently endure troubles and hardships and calamities of every kind.

6 We prove ourselves by our purity, our understanding, our patience, our kindness, by the Holy Spirit within us, and by our sincere love. 7 We faithfully preach the truth. God's power is working in us. We use the weapons of righteousness in the right hand for attack and the left hand for defense. 8 We serve God whether people honor us or despise us, whether they slander us or praise us. We are honest, but they call us impostors.

You never know who is watching besides the Lord. Just praying over your lunch at a restaurant could be all that someone needs.

Road rage with a Jesus sticker on your vehicle maybe the straw that breaks the camel's back for someone else.

Just some thoughts for the day while you are driving.

 

Remember

Hebrews 10:32 Think back on those early days when you first learned about Christ. Remember how you remained faithful even though it meant terrible suffering. 33 Sometimes you were exposed to public ridicule and were beaten, and sometimes you helped others who were suffering the same things. 34 You suffered along with those who were thrown into jail, and when all you owned was taken from you, you accepted it with joy. You knew there were better things waiting for you that will last forever. 35 So do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord. Remember the great reward it brings you! 36 Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God's will. Then you will receive all that he has promised.

 

I don't know that there is anything I can add to this. I think sometimes we forget and just need to be reminded.

Have a great week and may you find favor in then Lord

The little dog part 4

The Little dog part 4.

I digressed; I went downhill in 2012 with my dog. Without me realizing I resorted back to some old behaviors and before I knew it she was acting all weird again. I was done; I wanted to get rid of her. I could not see that it was me again! (WHEN DOES A DECIEVED PERSON KNOW HE IS DECIEVED?) What I mean is I called one of my customers who rescues pets and told her I give! I am getting rid of her. That was back in late October. She made a suggestion that I call her trainer so I did. The trainer made two suggestions to me. So right then I had a choice to make. How bad do I want this relationship restored? For me I was very skeptical of the suggestions. I thought I knew better (Pride WHAT COULD THIS PERSON TELL ME THAT I DON'T ALREADY KNOW? I HAVE TRAINED DOGS BEFORE!!! ) within three days of doing what the trainer said to do I made major progress with Pin Pin. Now she sits when I tell her to sit. She stays when I tell her to stay. Eats when I tell her to eat. I can put food on her nose and she will not eat it until I say eat! It is really very amazing. My dog loves me! "Pin Pin" that is what I call her now is my dog. She follows me everywhere. She obeys me when I give her commands. I think for me it is all about having a teachable spirit.

The truth is I could have gone to many people about this problem and I have before, but this time I spoke to someone who knew what they were talking about, but I still had reservations. I thought "what is the worst thing that could happen? I almost felt like Holy Spirit was giving me direction and I listened.

So in this story the dog trainer was the Holy Spirit and I listened to her instruction instead of getting advice from every Tom, Dick and Harry or Sally. So many times we as men or women seek what we think as Godly counsel when In fact we are looking for someone to agree with our pain so we can justify it. I you speak to enough people you will get 50/50 answers. What we need to do is seek Holy Spirit and listen and when he tells us something we don't want to hear, something that may actually wound us, then know it is for our own good. The worst thing to do is go around and tell a bunch of people this is what the Lord told me. So some can say ….. "I am not so sure that was the Lord" that creates doubt.

Listen to Holy Spirit. You know His voice and then trust what you are hearing. I am not saying don't check what you are hearing. I am saying don't check with 15 people just check with 1 or 2

This is what the Lord says: Jeremiah 17:5 "Cursed are those who put their trust in mere humans, (OR THEMSELVES I added this part because that is what the Lord showed me one day) who rely on human strength and turn their hearts away from the Lord. 6 They are like stunted shrubs in the desert, with no hope for the future. They will live in the barren wilderness, in an uninhabited salty land.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wild at Heart

So I am reading in Chpt 7 of "Wild at Heart". There is an author by the name of Neil Anderson. He says, "Don't wait to forgive until you feel like forgiving; you will never get there, feelings take time to heal once the choice has been made to forgive."

You have to get to the point of acknowledging the hurt, seeing that what has happened mattered. Then we choose to extend forgiveness to that person. Forgiveness says "it was wrong, it mattered, and I release it to you.

Matthew 18:21-22

Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, "Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?" Jesus answered, "I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.

I know I have been touching on forgiveness a lot and it maybe bothering some of you. If it does then ask Holy Spirit why?

I have to ask myself the same question.

Walk in your healing today!

Boiling water

"Once a dog has been scalded with boiling water he will even fear cold water"

Jesus desires to heal our wounds. So many times we choose not to let Him heal them because it is not the easiest road to take. Humility and self-denial is the path that leads to healing and spiritual maturity. It is the decision to make another person's well-being more important than your own, even when that ex-wife, ex daughter in-law or anyone in your life that has brought you great sorrow.

Pride cannot travel this path, but only those who desire peace at the risk of rejection. It is a trail that leads to humility and abasement. It is the road that leads to life.
(From the Bait of Satan)

There is that word choose or choice. That is what this whole thing is about. Are you going to let Jesus Heal you. Are you going to go to that person that you have an offense with …. Travel down that road or are you going to sit on you pity pot and declare that he or she owes me for what they did to me or for what they did to my sister or brother. You know we also have to decide not picking up an offense for someone we know that was or is being treated badly.

Colossians 3:13

Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

So you have a choice today, are you going to do what your Father in Heaven tells you to do or you going to walk in disobedience?

Your forgiveness may be the very thing that leads that person to the Lord. Who are you to deny that?

Yell a loud NO!

James 4:7"…let God work His will in you. Yell a loud "NO" to the devil and watch Him scamper. Say a quiet "yes" to God and He will be there in no time.

I read this and wonder if we really take this serious? Think about this scenario for a moment………… (And this goes for me as well) You are sitting on your couch and you get a knock on your front door. When you open the door it is a scantily clad woman who wants to come in and do a little dance for you. She was sent by the enemy. So are you going to yell a loud "NO" to the enemy and watch her scamper? Slam that door shut in Jesus name? I would hope so. This is the same scenario that happens with our computers or walking in the mall or going places where we should not be going, bars, casinos. You have to be prepared for battle before you go into battle. One of the first lines of defense is "NO"

Then take the though captive to the obedience of Christ.

2 Corinthians 10:5 Casting down arguments, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

Think also about this. There is power in your words. There is life and death in your words

Life or Death

 

Proverbs 18:20 Words satisfy the mind as much as fruit does the stomach; good talk is as gratifying as a good harvest. 21 Words kill, words give life; they're either poison or fruit—you choose. MSG

Often times I wonder do we fuel our own unforgiveness by the words we speak over that person and by the words we speak over ourselves? Case in point. How can I forgive the man, he is married to my ex-wife? Look at the pain he has caused in my life. I will never recover from this! He has ruined our children. If am I constantly calling him names. He is Worthless, look what that A#@#$#$#@ did to me, He is going to get what is coming to him, I hope he dies, I think you get the point. Our words give life or death. It is your choice on what happens. What does James say (any one read James lately?) Do you curse your boss? (You wonder why you don't get a raise) What about the coworker that is lost? Are you Jesus with skin on? Or are you an ASS! It is all about choice. Do you want them to know Jesus or are your actions denying them?

James 3:5-6 it only takes a spark, remember, to set off a forest fire. A careless or wrongly placed word out of your mouth can do that. By our speech we can ruin the world, turn harmony to chaos, throw mud on a reputation, send the whole world up in smoke and go up in smoke with it, smoke right from the pit of hell.

I leave you with this. Over the last few days as you have spoken to others or spoken about others what did you say? What did they hear from you? You either pierced their hearts with poisoned tip arrows or gave them life giving words.

You want to forgive someone? Then I believe you have to start with the words you speak over or about them.

You have to think about the agreements that you are making. Who are you agreeing with? Jesus or the enemy.

My father of my grandson has had some problems but I refuse to speak badly of him. He knows I know just about everything he has done to my Princes. I love him and I am Jesus with skin on even when I don't see him. He is going to be in my life forever and I have a choice to speak life into him or death. I choose life. I choose wisely.

If I speak death then I am just carrying the match to set the forest on fire.

Today I choose to give life!

 

The Trap

I really feel like I am supposed to post some stuff about the spirit of offense and walking in unforgiveness. So below is actually a post from back in July 2012

 

The Trap,

Ever been trapping? Anyone who has ever been trapping knows that it takes one of two things to be successful. It must be hidden in the hopes that the animal will stumble upon it, and it must be baited to lure the animal into the traps deadly jaws. This is what satan does and he is more deceptive and cunning than any human on this earth. It is his job to trap you that is his only focus in my opinion.

Offense is one of the most insidious, nastiest, most deceptive kinds of bait there is and we have all encountered it at one time or another in our lives. Offended people choose to live this way and they produce much fruit. It is just not the edible kind. Many signs of being offended are, hurt, anger, jealousy resentment, strife, bitterness, hatred (which is murder) and envy. I would say if you have any of these symptoms then most likely you are walking in offense. Most people who are offended do not even realize they are trapped. They are so focused on the wrong that was done to them. They are in denial. The most effective way for the enemy to blind us is to cause us to focus on our selves. What do we called it when we focus on ourselves? Would that be PRIDE? Holy Spirit says in James 3.16 for where there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and evil of every kind.

Jesus said in Luke 17.1 it is impossible that no offenses shall come, but woe to him through who they do come.

Psalm 55:12 If an enemy were insulting me, I could endure it; if a foe were raising himself against me, I could hide from him. 13 But it is you, a man like myself, my companion, my close friend,14 with whom I once enjoyed sweet fellowship as we walked with the throng at the house of God. It is those who you care about you that hurt you that hurt you the most.

2 Timothy 2: 24 And the Lord's servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful.25 Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, 26 and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.

I have questions …. How does your fruit taste? If I went to your spouse and asked if you are hurt and offended or walking in unforgiveness, what would they say?

Are you living with a victim mentality? Do you defend your position on the matter?

Are you prideful? Pride will keep you from admitting your true condition. Out of the mouth the heart speaks.

Parts of what I wrote today came out of chpt one of the Bait of Satan. Choose to be free today!

 

Last question are you walking in unforgiveness and if you are how long are you going to be that way before you forgive?

The right words

Matthew 10:19 When you are arrested, don't worry about how to respond or what to say. God will give you the right words at the right time. 20 For it is not you who will be speaking—it will be the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.

So many times I want to speak before I am supposed to. Instead of pausing for a moment. What does James say? Be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry. There is so much wisdom in that verse. Sometimes I believe what we want to say is more important than waiting on the Lord and I have to say, that sometimes what the Lord wants us to say is nothing.

So today really focus on what you are going to say. If you pause you most likely will not put your foot in your mouth and wound someone with your words. Today let the Lord speak for you.

Bless you today.

The Rock eternal

Isaiah 26:3 You will keep in perfect peace, those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. 4 Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord himself, is the Rock eternal.

I just got back off of Quest where 20 men gave their lives to the Lord! What an awesome time to watch the Lord show up and show off like He always does. I am always amazed at the transformation that I get to see over the five and half days of the event. For myself I got more freedom. Wednesday morning I received the below passages for myself. Since the event is over I know realize that they are for everyone who walks with Jesus in there heart.

14 I write to you, dear children, because you know the Father. I write to you, fathers, because you know him who is from the beginning. I write to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God lives in you, and you have overcome the evil one. 1 John 2-14

27 As for you, the anointing you received from him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about all things and as that anointing is real, not counterfeit—just as it has taught you, remain in him

Remember Hearing God is not something you do. It is who you are!

God speaks to us as we already are. Not where we are right now.

Walk in peace

Here I am!

 

I heard the voice of the Lord, saying: 'Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?' Then I said, 'Here am I! Send me' —Isaiah 6:8

God did not direct His call to Isaiah— Isaiah overheard God saying, ". . . who will go for Us?" The call of God is not just for a select few but for everyone. Whether I hear God's call or not depends on the condition of my ears, and exactly what I hear depends upon my spiritual attitude. O. Chambers "Many are called, but few are chosen" (Matthew 22:14).

Right now my spiritual attitude and the condition of my ears are in a good place. I just amazes me how one tiny hiccup (sin) can quench spiritual attitude and make my ears deaf!

Un-confessed sin, un-forgiveness, bitterness and judgment to name a few.

How is your attitude and ears?

Are you hearing the Lord or do you feel He is quiet?

 

Confronting or Running

Matthew 18: 15 "If another believer sins against you, go privately and point out the offense. If the other person listens and confesses it, you have won that person back. 16 But if you are unsuccessful, take one or two others with you and go back again, so that everything you say may be confirmed by two or three witnesses. 17 If the person still refuses to listen, take your case to the church. Then if he or she won't accept the church's decision, treat that person as a pagan or a corrupt tax collector.

I have never been able to understand why people hurt people, but they do. Where does it happen the most? In Church! You go to church and you are approached by someone who says "did you know that so and so is going around saying these things about you?" Someone is spreading lies about you and you might not even know this person or better yet it is someone that you thought was a friend. What do you do? Scripture is very clear on this and it is a very hard thing to do. I have had to do it and I have had people approach me as well. On an event that I went on back in 2007 we had a motto or creed you might say. It went like this. " If you have a problem with me, then come to me!" So many times it is so much easier to just run away from the problem. What does that solve? It solves nothing, but what it does do is create unforgiveness, bitterness and all that crap that goes along with running away and not facing your problem head on. Thank the Lord I have people in my life who love me enough to tell me if I have said or done something to hurt them. I would hope that you love that person enough to tell them the same.

We are suppose to love our neighbor …. Right?

1 Thessalonians 5:23 (NLT)23 Now may the God of peace make you holy in every way, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless until our Lord Jesus Christ comes again.

So what is Holy Spirit telling you right now? Are you going to confront or you going to run.

We are not responsible for the circumstances we are in, but we are responsible for the way we allow those circumstances to affect us; we can either allow them to get on top of us, or we can allow them to transform us into what God wants us to be. Conformed to His Image, Oswald

Philippians 1:21

My Unstoppable Determination for His Holiness. "Whether it means life or death-it makes no difference!" (Philippians 1:21 For to me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better.) Paul was determined that nothing would stop him from doing exactly what God wanted. But before we choose to follow God's will, a crisis must develop in our lives. This happens because we tend to be unresponsive to God's gentler nudges. He brings us to the place where He asks us to be our utmost for Him and we begin to debate. He then providentially produces a crisis where we have to decide— for or against. That moment becomes a great crossroads in our lives. If a crisis has come to you on any front, surrender your will to Jesus absolutely and irrevocably. Oswald C.

Isn't it just like us to have to have a crisis in our life before we have a come to Jesus meeting? I would like to think that I stay close enough to Him that this does not have to happen. I would be fooling myself to think that. Reality is there are times when I think I know better than the Lord on what is happening in my life. I think to myself, that is not an open door and I will shut that door myself. Then the door will open again, because the Lord is gracious and I am stubborn. Below is what I have written before which I think falls under the same lines as what is being talked about above.

When I choose that path most of the time it is because I think I can handle the situation on my OWN!  Then the question comes up that is always asked of me.  "how is that working for ya?"I hate that question because my answer is always,  "it isn't!"  I say all of that to share with you a little nugget on surrender. Surrender is always a tough one for me as well.  What is the worst thing that could happen if you surrender?

Here is what  François Fenelon the Archbishop of Cambria said in the 17th century.  He was the spiritual advisor to Louie the 14th.  He said this in a letter to the King about surrender.  There is more in the letter but this is the main point.

Let me tell you what real surrender is.  It is simply resting in the love of the Lord, as a little baby rests in his mother arms.  A perfect surrender must even be willing to quit surrendering, if that is what the Lord wants.  We renounce ourselves, and yet, God never lets us know when it is complete.  If we knew, it would no longer BE complete, for there is nothing that bolsters the ego quiet so much as knowing that it is fully surrendered.

Surrender consist, not in doing great, heroic deeds about which self can brag, but simply in accepting whatever God sends, and not seeking to change it.  Surrender is the source of true peace.

I have noticed for myself that when I have completely surrendered.  (at least when I think I have)  I feel at peace.  When I think I have surrendered something but I am restless about it and  I don't have peace,   then I am still holding on to it.  I don't like that. 

The more you look at what you are not;  the less you become who you are!

Kevin Gwyn

Any thoughts??????