A Dream I had...

In my dream I was at a conference of some sort and there was a man of high status who was speaking at this conference.  This was a man who many knew and admired.  He had was gifted in his specialty and everyone who was at this conference was learning about this gift he had.  I was not necessarily at the meeting but knew he was there.  As I was standing outside one of the conference rooms he was speaking at, I saw this man come out of the room and walk up to me.  He had a book in his hand.  He looked at me and said...."I am giving you this book.  This is my only hard copy I have of this book and will give it to you.  I have chose you to give this book to."  When I was handed this book, I felt so honored....so overwhelmed by the thought that he would choose me out of all the people who admire him to entrust me with a hard copy of his book.  I felt like I had won a million dollars!  It felt absolutely amazing!  As I looked down and saw the front cover of the book.  I read the title of his book and it was Dagger.  I didn't understand the meaning.  As I flipped through the book I saw pictures of my friend in a hospital bed. I didn't understand why this friend would be in the book.  The pictures of this critical time my friend was having.  As I held this book in my hand....I heard in my heart.  "You know that there is truth in this book.  Everything in this book is valuable information.    You know most of it already.  You know the truth."  Shortly after that I awoke from this dream.

In real life, my friend and spouse were battling something very serious in their life.  The Lord had laid it upon my heart to be a prayer partner to them and stand in agreement for healing in this area of their lives.  The battle did end but not with the results we we wanted.  I questioned the Lord as to how and why this sort of thing happened.  A few months later my spouse and I went through our own but different battle.  Again....I questioned God as to why this sort of stuff was happening.  I was standing in agreement and believing for good results.  The results we wanted never surfaced.  We were confused.  We didn't understand God's plan.  Still  I don't understand.

Today I was reminded again of the dream I had.  But this time...the dream became clearer.  When I was faced with the the crisis my friend had it was like a dagger to my faith.  This event my friend faced became like my own battle.  I lost faith and trust in God's word.  The man was a representation of the Lord telling me that I will go through battles and my friends battle will be like a dagger to my faith.  I will not understand but I need to believe his word.  His word is truth.  I need to know that His word is truth.  And what I see or saw what was happening was not his Word.  His WORD IS TRUTH.  He is good!  His words are Good!  His will is GOOD!  I lost hope in what I had been taught.  I had lost hope in the good news of God in the true Gospel of JESUS CHRIST!

Just like I was warned in this dream...that the event was going to be like a dagger but not to stop believing in the TRUTH!

HIS NEWS IS GOOD NEWS!!

As I type this...we are slowly coming out of our own battle.  I faced the Wilderness in the face and didn't like what came out of me.  I grumbled, complained, and questioned God and His word.

Please Forgive me Lord for this.  I repent!  I know your word is TRUTH AND GOOD!  I love you Lord and trust in all you do!

FREE IN CHRIST

An Excerpt from Casey Anthony's letter to her inmate friend

To be able to smile every day and to be able to laugh, even after everything that has happened...how can we not be grateful to the endless love that He has given us?  Every single day I pray for the end of this journey, for our miracles, but I've realized something, we're on two journeys at the same time - our growth with Christ, and the true end of our old lives.  We have been born again, my sister, and man! does that feel good :) 

So again....my prayer is that her relationship with God is truly genuine.  From reading this...it sure sounds that she has gained some foundation being in Jail. Yes...she was aquitted and yes....God is in Control and He judges the actions and hearts.  

Casey Anthony found NOT GUILTY

God's will be done!!!

I am mixed with the verdict.  I remember reading her inmate letters and writing a whole post on how I felt about her relationship with God.  In her letters, she talked about how she was trusting in God and looking at light at the end of the tunnel.  So I guess God has delivered her out of this tunnel.

My greatest prayer is that we will get answers as to how the baby died.  Did she really drown?  Did George Anthony dump the body?  How could this baby be found in the swamp?  I am saddened by no answers.  Is there any chance of a confession.  She might have confessed to the Lord but does she still have to confess others....I believe that as a believer you should also make it right with others....maybe her parents.  End of story.  So is this the end of this Crazy Case....Casey Anthony.

I just hope this doesn't turn into a Hollywood movie story....I just hope this family has some sense to them if they are leaning on God.

My prayer is that this young woman will completely make a turn around and grow with her relationship with God.

FREE IN CHRIST

Jury deliberations in Casey Anthony trial

And now the waiting begins...

I wonder how long it will take.  I have such mixed feelings as to this whole case.  Unfortunately, I highly believe they will find this young woman, Casey Anthony, as guilty of murder.  What I find to be heart wrenching is that she still stands as not-guilty.  No...she didn't say that maybe the baby died via accident because she was being a reckless mother but she is still saying she is non-guilty whatsoever.  SAD!!

I hope the conviction of God grips her heart and she finally does confess.  I hope she stops the lies and as a child of God confess.

Is Casey Anthony lying of her Relationship with God?

Casey Anthony is a known liar.  Seen as a manipulating young woman who has lied most of her life.  These are harsh claims and apparently somewhat true.  


In my previous post I clearly stood up and said "She's a Christian!"   But then again....how do I truly know this?  Could she possibly be lying in those letters to the inmate...Maybe?   Could she be lying about her relationship with God.....well.....God only knows.  


My prayer for this whole trial and young woman is that the truth will be made known. That if she truly killed her daughter.... I pray the conviction of Holy Spirit would be so strong there will be no way she would or could lie.    

This is my prayer for Casey Anthony.   

Casey Anthony is a Christian

I have recently become aquainted with the Casey Anthony trial going on in Orlando, Florida.  It is definitely hard not to judge this young woman as guilty.  Most likely she probably is.  Many want her to receive the death penalty.   Stones are thrown at her and words of venom.  Part of me though has not wanted to say such things but only pray for her salvation.

Well...to my surprise she is a CHRISTIAN.  A lover of God and knows the word.  How do I know this....read her letters on this website...http://www.wftv.com/pdf/23069597/detail.html

I immediately did a google search to find out if anyone else in cyber space has mentioned that most of her letters talk of God and her relationship with him.  These particular letters were written between Casey and another inmate.  She speaks of bible studies, calling God as Daddy, quoting scripture and encouraging her fellow inmate friend to stay strong in the Lord and never give up hope.

Always remember that God is your strength, your Father, and your Redeemer.  He is always  with you, and will continue to make you stronger, especially in your moments of weakness.  He loves you, and will never forsake you. 

She also writes about Caylee and knowing she is in a better place.  She also writes of making sure that her brother and father are both saved.  She feels confident her mom is on the right path and she gives God the Glory for this.  

She also writes: 

I never imagined myself a warrior before, although I know I'lve always been a fighter.  What a feeling and a responsibility, to know that we're part of God's army and that in the end we are victorious!  What a feeling of satisfaction.  

She writes of her favorite scripture Matthew 6:22 and how people have commented on a glow she has.  

The reason for this post is to share and encourage with all out there who know God to be praying for this young woman and not throwing stones.  Yes... Maybe she did murder her child (no excuse!)  Maybe it was truly an accident and fear kept her from telling the truth.  Maybe the baby did drown in the pool.  Maybe Casey has serious mental problems.  But this I do know ( maybe she might also be lying) that reading between the lines and reading these letters you will most certainly know she loves God.  

She is still a baby in God's kingdom.  Most certainly received her Savior in jail thanks to other inmates and her Chaplain.   Also, what brings a somewhat joy and sense of peace in my heart about this young woman is knowing that Caylee will be waiting for her with her arms wide open with the Lord right there if Casey does receive the death penalty.

My thoughts and opinions for her have changed and I see her in a totally different light.  Yes, she needs to pay for the crime if she is guilty but as a Christ follower I forgive her stupid actions.  She is no longer the "old" but is a NEW CREATION in Christ.  The world cannot comprehend this reality of God's Kingdome but those who are God's Children know that if she is truly saved she will meet her Savior with open arms.

My prayer is that she will get to know the Lord the more and that the truth will prevail!!

FREE IN CHRIST  

I have left...

I have left!!  

I have gone!!  

I am soaring and it feels so free.

I feel like now....now....NOW.... I can find the person that God is wanting to build in me.  

The person I am suppose to be.

I do feel free.  

There is a smile on my face and a joy in my heart.

I haven't been this excited about my situation in a very long time.  

So here I am walking this peaceful path. 

Some might see it as something to be pitied.  

But I don't see it at all like this. 

It is actually a marvelous thing!  

I really didn't think this would happen but I knew that the road I was on was difficult.  

I know you are all wondering what this may be. 

All I can say is that it revolves around my financial status.

Financially speaking life has been a bit difficult.  But who's hasn't right?  

Today I received a phone call of something that might help my situation out a bit.  

How did I respond?  I was ANGRY!  

Why? 

I really don't know. 

I've been in discussion with the Lord and asking Him "Why am I so upset about this so called "blessing" appearing out of the blue. 

I really thought that I was free to fly and to soar without anything or anybody interfering.  

I feel like now I am back to a place I don't want to be. 

The place I was wanting to disconnect from because truly I felt no connection. 

But now...today....here it is making a way back. 

Do I want to go back?  

No....NO!! 

I really don't.  

I have discussed this with the Lord and I am still yet to hear what His plan for this retreat means. 

I was ready to go...go...go! 

But now....  now this!  

I can't explain exactly how and what I feel.

  

It's just....I don't want to go back. 

I want to go forward....explore....find my next thing....my next path!

  Can you sense the frustration in my spirit. 

What is it Lord?

  What?

  All I can do is lay it at His feet and live day by day.

That is all I can do.  

I will continue to have my discussion with my Lord and I know He will answer in His own timing.  

But to feel comforted right now, all I have to do is not worry and live it out day by day. 

But....but....but.....my heart is longing for a new life for the next thing.  

Could this be a hindrance or a distraction from the greater purpose? 

Or is it truly God bringing me back.  

We will see....

Going Where God is Leading....

 

I am sitting at my computer not sure what to write. 

I feel something in my spirit....something stirring...almost bringing tears into my eyes...

I "feel" something in a distant land...

A land where there is no modern technology like we have in America

A land where the poor in America are "rich".

A land where children run barefeet. 

A land where it isn't rare to find a five year old walk up to you and ask for a coin.

A land where life is hard. 

Then....I look at my life. 

When I think it's hard.......I AM BLESSED!

What is wrong with my life....??

I don't need to complain about anything, but only be thankful for the abundance of my life. 

I don't have much compared to many I know....

At times I've had to wait for the Lord to bring food....

And He never fails to drop some of the abundance off at my door step.  

I pick it up and say....THANK YOU!

Then I have lived abundantly....where there was no need....

I found that during those times...I was thankful but yet I was still complaining..

I didn't consider the little blessings that the Lord was bringing or even the bigger blessings...

I was quick to look for what I didn't have. 

Boy....what selfishness I lived...how disgusting...

I'm so thankful for what I have gone through to see that life doesn't really matter unless the Grace of God is alive!

The Grace of God that is by what I live and breathe.  The Grace of God is so precious and so real. 

Then I feel the desire to walk a land that I have never known....to live in a land that delights in the little things...

To live in a place in my heart where I delight in the little....to have compassion on the poor....the downcast. 

Deep in my heart there is a cry....a stirring...

 I can't comprehend this feeling but there's something there....

I am still waiting to hear the next word to go...walk where God is leading.

I may have to leave my friends....I may have to leave what I have known....I may have to spread my wings

I might just have to........go!

God Was There...

I was walking through something.

Not really understanding what was going on in the inner most part of my being. 

It WAS quiet.  I was still.


I was trying to find my hope and strength in the God that had spoken to me in times past. 

But this time....this time was different.  

Why?  Why was it so different?  

I would ask: Lord are you out there?  Do you even know what I am going through?  

I feel like I need an arm around me? 

Could you just deliver me from the midst of despair?  Or is this even despair?  

Then I would think of those all over the world going through far, far worse than what I was feeling. 

I came to a place in my own life where I was questioning even my own understanding and faith.

Questioning the one who had saved me from hell all those years ago.  

I would ask: Who are you?  

But even in my time of confusion and solitude....I knew He was there.  

Sitting right next to me.  Speaking things that I yet couldn't understand.   

The only picture that I could see was of me outside of a small church on top of a high mountain.

This mountain and this little church is the place I enter (in my thoughts) to speak to the Lord. 

But this time I was not allowed to come in 

Or maybe I was??  ...but the confusion was great. I then find that it was "me" who didn't want to hear. 

But as I sat outside this small church my spirit was still communing with the Father. 

My soul was sitting outside on the small stoop.  

Waiting....waiting....and waiting some more.  

I knew deep, deep inside that there was something the Father was speaking to my spirit.

Something that was not ready to be revealed at that moment.

Yes my soul was hurting from being separated.  

It wasn't that God didn't want me to hear the whispers in my spirit....

It was that He was wanting to do a work in my soul. 

To make me see, feel, understand what it feels to be someone who is suffering. 

What it feels to be a person who is not pursuing God at the moment.  

I saw myself at a waiting place.  Waiting to be picked up and be taught once again.  

The only words I could hear was "trust me"and know that it will be revealed soon enough.  

And soon enough it was.  

God in His marvelous, glorious, amazing way revealed Himself in my life in little ways.  

Daily something or someone would come to give me a treasure from Him. 

They were little gestures of Love in tangible ways. 

I knew it was from Him. 

The callousness I felt in my heart was taken off.  I could see clearly.  I could hear Him....

but now it was very, very different from what I used to know. 

It was now something more fresh, new, and lovely.  

The time that was bitter.....became sweet once again.  It was at this time I knew, He never left me. 

He was allowing this to take place in my heart.  

It wasn't Him who caused this pain.   But He used it to help me...to teach me about His amazing Love and Grace. 

It wasn't anything I did.  

It was all about His timing and my readiness.  

He was there.

My Faith tested....

Jesus Messiah

Name above names

Blessed redeemer

Emmanuel....

The Rescue for sinners

THe Ransom from heaven

Jesus Messiah

Lord of All!!

I wanted to share some lessons I have learned through a few trials I have walked through.  I am not going to reveal the details, but will share in a general sense. 

It is quite amazing when you think you have all the answers, you come to find that you know nothing....  You might think that all you have to do is pray enough....Tithe enough....Give offerings....do all the right things and you'll be ok.  Or what if when you look at a friend or loved one going through a trial you are quick to give them all the answers and judge in your heart to say:

 "I know what I would do if that happened to me." 

I noticed I had become a puffed up Christian in my walk and revelations of God.  But thank God.....He...the Lord of All....showed me my disgusting heart through a lesson from faith. 

I had been given the privilege to walk through something with some close friends of mine.  This trial or challenging time they faced was centered around a terminally ill child.  I, whose understanding in healing and faith was freshly revealed and new, was very passionate to lay hands on the sick and see them recover.  I felt my faith was there and with a strong leading I heard the Lord say:

"Walk this with them....take them by the hand....and pray with them." 

So as I walked and prayed with them almost daily, I came to know their hearts in a more intimate way.  My heart began to ache to see them suffering so much and I wasn't seeing any immediate results in healing.  I began to think "Hey....I know I have enough faith for this so why can't I just lay hands and them recover?" , "I know God wants this little one healed."  so then assumed "Maybe the parents just don't have enough faith, that must be it?" 

As time went on the sick child was taken off of life support and passed into eternity to be with her Lord and Father.  My heart was immediately filled with sorrow/grief and also became angry withinn my heart thinking: "This child's parents had given up!!"

I said, "I don't understand!!"  "What happened!?" 

Again, I thought..."They had given up...they had thrown in the white flag because they didn't have enough faith!!  They knew they had grown tired and didn't want to fight anymore....BUT  they should have continued to fight and not given up!!"

In my heart I thought all of this and just moved on....

A few months later, in my own personal life, I was put through a test.  It wasn't the same sort of challenge of losing a child, but a challenge of it's own.  A challenge of loss as well. 

This trial challenged my faith in ways I didn't even realize.  It challenged what I believed, the very core of my foundation....FAITH.  During this time I struggled...I cried out to the Lord....I asked "WHY".....I felt alone.....I felt I could no longer fight.  I noticed I was weak....weak....weak....

This was hard....all in me wanted to give up....I wanted to take this situation off it's own "child support"...and I didn't think this situation could be saved.  Lord I surrender....I don't have the faith to walk this out....Others were telling me to do this or that but I knew I had to do this.  I felt judged....I felt like no one understood what I was going through....I felt like I was abandoned and forsaken....I felt like even those who I loved dearly were against me and my choices.  Job came to mind....

I then heard the Lord speak to me about my friends....my friends who had a child fighting for it's life....my friends who did everything and anything possible to save their small child....my friends who I knew were tired, weak, their very own foundation was shaken...my friends who made a decision to let their child go....

He continued to say to me..."You have the grace.  You might not feel like you have enough faith but you have the grace.....I have given you the grace and I have given you a measure of faith.  This measure isn't revealed until you are in the actual battle.  No one knows how they will react or how they will respond.  Yes, it is a battle of faith, and trust.  BUT....Never think you are higher or better or know more than a brother or sister in Me.  You thought you had ALL the faith to fight THEIR battle.  But it wasn't your battle to fight.  It was their trial....their test....their experience."

Then He showed me how I had become puffed up in my revelation of faith and healing.  How I had become in a sense self righteous and judgemental. Ouch!!!

He continued to say...."You have no right to look upon a brother or sister in the faith and make a judgemental call of how they should have responded.  This was their trial...their challenge...their stuggle.  You have no idea what internal struggles they were faced with.  You have no idea how they came to Me....cried to Me....how they suffered during this dark hour.  This was their battle and no one knows what the battle is like because it is very PERSONAL.  Many think they know how they will respond during a fight....what they would do in a certain situation, but little do they know that most have no idea.  Thus Grace is the answer....and only by My grace can anyone do anything at all.  It is by My grace how they will respond.  It is by my grace how strong their faith is during a battle, trial, or struggle.

In your heart you thought you had faith....enough faith for whatever situation arises.  You think you will respond in such and such a way....But faith is a measure....and yes faith is given by grace.....Grace is where faith is birthed....Faith is PERSONAL....it is known only through revelation.....it becomes stronger by Grace alone....The grace I give.  This faith or even grace is not known UNTIL you have come to a place that it is needed.  Then come to realize that ONLY by Grace do you even have enough faith to walk out this trial.  This is why many have different results in life.

You can't judge or say that a brother or sister doesn't have a relationship with Me.  You can't say that any brother or sister is weaker.  You can't say any of it because each relationship is PERSONAL  and each one walks at a different pace and is at a different place on this road.  There is none better or worse.....I AM NOT A RESPECTOR of people, but I am a Good God...I am a lover of  souls....My heart does ache when I see my children struggle....My heart does ache to see those lose loved ones.  There is so much my children don't know or even twist a bit in ignorance.  Some things you will never know.  Continue to seek, pursue love, and love everyone.  Remembering that you are nothing without me.  Yet, you are something with me.  But with this "SOMETHING" always remembering you are no greater than anyone else.  I love everyone!  And for this WORLD....I died!!"

These are some of the words the Lord spoke to my heart to teach me about faith and a relationship with Him.  I have been brought to my knees and my eyes have been open to being more compassionate and understanding when those walk through trials.  Judgement in my heart has fled.  I was brought to my knees in humility when I realized that I am nothing! When I thought that I had all the answers....I was brought to nought to say truly "You are God and I am no one".   And if I am even able to overcome...It is ONLY by YOUR Grace....YOUR love and YOUR Mercy!

FREE IN CHRIST

Only By the Grace of God Am I something

Do you ever find yourself wondering why some things come easier to some and not to others?

Do you ever find yourself looking at someone in church and wondering:

"Why are they falling asleep while the pastor is preaching"

"Why are they not as excited about this revelation than I am"

"These people are not praying enough"

Or

"They are slipping down"

Did you think maybe they are in a different season of life?

or

At a different point on this road of Salvation?

I have asked these same questions before...

As I walk with the Lord and He leads me

I find that I am nothing

without His amazing Grace

I am nothing without His peace

and

I am nothing without His love

I am brought to my knees when I realize that I am nothing....

But then EVERYTHING with Him...

Those brothers and sisters in Christ

who might be walking at a different pace

or

facing different challenges,

are all on the very same road....

The road of Grace

Some days I feel like every revelation in God's word is illuminated

and then

There are many days when I don't even get what I just read

Why is this....?

Only by His grace.

There is nothing on earth that we gain or can do on our own

Because just as Jesus said...

John 15:15


“I am the vine, you are the branches.

He who abides in Me,

and I in him,

bears much fruit;

for without Me you can do nothing.

On a search...

There are times walking with God can be predictable

when things in life are going well

there are no serious cares

or serious decisions to make

Work is good

Home life is great

church activity can't be better

But....

What happens when it all seems to be unpredictable

You've done everything you know how to do

the natural and supernatural

but still.....a dead end

There are days when you don't even feel like moving

you feel numb inside

Like a grace has lifted....

Could God be doing something deep in your heart

to show you His next move?

You also feel a drawing away from your normal life routine

Even at church....

things just don't seem the same

You do feel like something deep is taking place

If you share with others

some might say

"get in the Word"

"pray more"

"is there sin in your life?"

"Don't be deceived"

"nope...it doesn't sound like it's God"

You know you've been seeking Him and asking Him to reveal

so what is going on?

There isn't any "great" sin you've found

(everyone sins daily)

This pulling away is so heavy

so great

But you know your are not being pulled from the Father

because He is here...

He is there....

He is in you....

So what is it?

Moses ran away from the "world" he know

Yes he did run in sin

but in the midst of this running...

He encountered the LIVING GOD!

So wherever you go...

even if you don't completely understand what you are feeling deep inside

God knows...

He knows exactly what you are going through

He knows exactly what you are feeling

He knows exactly where you are going

Or where He is taking you

Lean not on your own understanding

But on His alone.

Continue to seek to know where He is leading

and rest in this...

Shalom!

Stripped of Religion

Matthew 23:25-28

“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites!
For you cleanse the outside of the cup and dish,
but inside they are full of extortion and self-indulgence.
Blind Pharisee, first cleanse the inside of the cup and dish, that the outside of them may be clean also.
Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites!
For you are like whitewashed tombs which indeed appear beautiful outwardly, but inside are full of dead men’s bones and all uncleanness.
Even so you also outwardly appear righteous to men, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.

I recently had a debate with a very religious, "holier than thou" individual. This individual was very irate by the fact I would enjoy a glass of wine with a few friends, saying it was ungodly and very sinful to live such a lifestyle. This person proceeded to inform me that the bible was very "clear" about wine and drinking.

There are many doctrines regarding drinking wine, if it's lawful or unlawful or if Jesus even drank wine. As our "debate" continued, I reminded this "theologian" that Jesus turned water into wine and the guest at the party were so amazed by how wonderful this wine tasted saying He had saved the best for the latter part of the celebration. The individual I was debating rose with a bitter heart and clearly said "It so obvious YOU don't even understand the bible and it wasn't wine but grape juice!!"

Now come on...how ridiculous can you be to believe this nonsense. The middle eastern culture is quite aware of what "good wine" is. They have been drinking it for many many years...

The problem I had with this individual was how proud they came with their words, and their rules, laws, doctrines saying I had "no clue" about the bible and what sort of Christian was I. This is an example of being filled with "religious" doctrine. A doctrine which makes them miserable.

I clearly saw something I never want to become...a hateful religious person. I never want to constantly be looking at the outward appearance to prove to myself I am "living righteous".

These religious spirits are out there doing damage to the Kingdom of God. They aren't bringing people to freedom in a relationship with the Lord but to a bondage they never intended to sign up for or will never desire to sign up for.

So how can we in this world become people of truth and not judgment. Lets leave the judgments to the Father Himself.

On a side note:... I don't condone a drunkard lifestyle. I believe drinking a glass of wine on occasion or with communion is perfectly fine. Or maybe you like a glass of wine daily with dinner.....that's between you and the Lord. I am a believer that the Lord is big enough to speak to our own hearts regarding sin. We don't need those religious folk breathing down our wine glasses telling us that it is sin. Let the Lord alone convict! The more we seek, knock, find, and desire the Word then we will know right from wrong.

Love sets free...the Law kills

Before becoming a Christian I was BAD. I partied, cussed, slept around, did my share of drugs, what didn't I do? I didn't know right from wrong. I thought my wrong was ok and I didn't need anyone to tell me what to do! Especially the BIBLE.

But once the Lord got a hold of my spirit and changed me forever, I made a huge transformation. I was now a born again religious person. A person who did good in front of others and tried my best to follow the laws of the Lord. If I saw people around me not living right, my heart would become haughty and puffed up with "self righteousness" and say to myself "Boy, oh boy, they need the Lord". I would think my hardest on how to approach them and "bring the gospel" and when I failed or they didn't drop to their knees in repentance, I quickly thought "poor sinners, they just don't know what they are missing".

I would do the same with brothers and sisters in Christ: I would look "down" on them thinking they must have a very shallow relationship with the Lord because they were still saying a few cuss words or drinking wine, beer, or what have you. Didn't they understand that this is sin? Don't they read the bible?

Lately, the Lord Himself has been showing my disgusting heart of judgement. I am proud. I am not humble and I am just the same as those "sinners". I have no right to look down on anyone. I am not in their hearts or minds and I am not the Lord. But...but...but....

Yes, many buts. I need to keep my mouth closed about others around me. We, as Christians first need to walk in love and forgiveness and when we walk in this, the Lord will convict those around beginning in our own hearts. Our own judgmental words can push someone away from the Lord rather than bring them closer....this isn't what God desires.

Love sets free, but the Law kills.

Stress and Anger....stop and reflect

Why be so stressed?

Why be so angry?

Live your life like you have never lived before

The Lord has given you

dreams

visions

desires...

Take the time

to enjoy this

life you

have

delight

in the little

things

that pass

you by...

Look in the mirror

and observe

the face

that reflects

a beauty

so amazing

you can't contain

you say

'WHAT BEAUTY'

but stop

and really

look

at this face

staring

back at you

what is there

to be excited about

this face

is the face the Father

loves so....

A face that

HE

created....

Look at your hands

your dog

your flowers

your child

your spouse

look at them.....

What do you see?

Do you see something

amazing

incredible

beauty

LIFE...

enjoy every

moment

and be thankful

for this life you have been given

TODAY!!

For the Oppressed, Depressed, Hopeless

"Because of the oppression of the weak and the groaning of the needy, I will now arise," says the LORD.

"I will protect them from those who malign them."

Psalm 12:5

In the secret place

He waits

for those who hunger and thirst

He waits

for those

who are needy

downcast...

Who are oppressed

Come to Him you who are

weary

poor

depressed

lost

empty

hopeless

Come and be filled by the

Most High

Come sit at His

banqueting table

and delight in His

presence

He will wash you white as snow

When He sees you

His face shines

Because

HE sees

HIS beloved SON

in you

He loves

comforts

mends

gives

embraces

kisses

delights in you who comes

to Him
even with your flaws

Even if you have been

a "christian"

all your days

He will repair you

WE are perfected in His image

in

His image alone

Don't run away

from the one

who mends

and quiets your soul

Who will

never

REJECT

you his child

He says:

Why are you so d0wncast oh my soul...

my child?

Let me repair and heal

your wounds

Can

money

husband

wife

children

riches

fame

family

homes

friends

things

or even church

MEND

HEAL

REPAIR?

I will never push you away

reject you

hurt you

destroy you

I am your

ALPHA

and

OMEGA

your beginning
and
your end

Delight in ME!

Love of Money

Let me begin by sharing that I am not one to
bash,
JUDGE,
or
Condemn
any prosperity teacher who is out there spreading the Gospel.

Those who desire to judge a man/woman who is preaching the Gospel and say he/she is
a false teacher or someone to mislead people,
best be careful that you are not judged
by the Judge Himself!

Many are CALLED
to minister the Gospel in different ways,
especially in this generation of advanced technology
and the growing need for the
GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST
to be spread over the EARTH.

So YES AND AMEN
To those ministers who are able to
spend money on airplanes or
use others tools to spread the
AMAZING GOSPEL
of
TRUTH!!

I am with them!

In saying all of this
I warn my brothers and sisters
of
COVETOUSNESS
and
the LOVE of MONEY


1 Timothy 6:10
For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.


In searching out scriptures and meditating on prosperity,
I find more and more Christians
being
LED BY MONEY
or
HIGH PAYING JOBS.
Some of these Christians
are the same ones who like to judge prosperity teachers.
Quite sad but true.

I ask the question...
Is this coveting?
Is this the LOVE of money?
Are they following this job or profession because of the LOVE of money?
Am I desiring money more than the will of God in my own life?

Thus I find more and more good Christians
walking by sight and not by faith.
They say they are wanting to do the will of the Father,
but then I notice them seeking after
the job or the "nice living"

They might think they are doing the Father's will
but many are being led astray by the
love of money.

The will of God is to PROSPER His people.
He wants to prosper those who will walk by faith and not by sight.
His main purpose is for His Gospel to be spread to all nations of the world
Thus He delights to give good gifts to His children....

But what if those children are led by the desire for high paying jobs and the money rather than take a step of faith and watch the faithfulness of God truly bless their socks off?

Many might miss the awesome glory and prosperity the Lord will bring them.
No......
I am not talking about those who have the Word of the Lord to become
a doctor, lawyer, Athlete, Singer/actor, Business Owner, etc ....

Let me give an example
What if God called a high paid Christian Lawyer to move to a town which was known for
lower income?
What would his response be.....
"No way, this can't be God! God is ONLY about increase"
or.....
Would he say "Yes, Lord lead me!!"

If he chose the latter and allowed the Lord to lead him in all paths, he would be walking by Faith and not doubting.
He would be willing and obedient and trust God in every area of this move.
He would believe and be excited that God has an awesome plan for the small town, knowing the LORD must have amazing things in store for him. But why else would God want him to move there? God is always about the best, when it involves increasing His kingdom. It is always good to expect the best, even when it "looks" dead and bleak.

Isaiah 1:19
If you are willing and obedient, You shall eat the good of the land;

Yes, it would be a trust like never before,
But this lawyer knows
his source is
the LORD God
not his degree or knowledge.

What if this same Lawyer decided not to believe and trust God?
Listing his excuses as:
Lower pay
He'll have to sell his prosperous law firm, and leave behind the town and church he loves
With the thought in mind of....
"How could God have me do this?"

Sounds like the Rich, young ruler, right?
The rich, young ruler LOVED his things and money more than following the
WILL of GOD.

You see if this lawyer follows the money rather than the Lord, he would have never known how much more prosperous God would have made him.
He would have never known the ministry opportunities
or the doors the Lord was going to open
just for this lawyer.

God is Faithful to ALL His Children
and especially to His word
and if God says....
"YOU WILL EAT THE GOOD OF THE LAND..."
then
LET IT BE SO!!

Always to be LED by the Lord and His Spirit
not by the love of money!

Because just as 1 Timothy says:
"some have erred from the FAITH and pierced themselves with many sorrows"

The will of God and His leading WILL always lead to the
PROMISED LAND
even if during that travel time the land looks
BARREN!!

Only trust
and
WALK BY FAITH
NOT
BY SIGHT

Don't Worship and Follow an Image

Do you Worship the Almighty God
or do we worship a lifestyle?

Sometimes we can get stuck in the rut of life
living out our daily routines
but for what??

We are
waking up
driving to work
working long hours
coming home
clicking on the television
prepare for the next day
and then waiting for Friday to come around
then maybe cleaning up and doing some chores on Saturdays
Sunday comes around pay our dues to our congregation
listen to a heart warming message of God's love
Sunday brunch
do some more relaxing
and prepare for the next work week
to do it
ALL OVER AGAIN!!!!

This my friends is the
IMAGE
of the
AMERICAN LIFESTYLE
and has leaked into the
AMERICAN CHURCH

So my question lies....
are we as the people of God living a life
to worship this image of routine and the American Culture or
to serve the LORD?

Yeah, I know we have to live and work
but where is our heart?

I am not against having the
nice house
nice cars
nice clothes
or nice education for our children
I believe the Father likes to give
good gifts.
These gifts are not for us to seek
or pursue
or to serve day in and day out


I personally am growing nauseated with the culture and image
this society and American Church is offering.

And for all you
prosperity teacher haters.....
I am not talking about the prosperity message
Those in little baptist churches with meager tithes
also can fall into the same rut of living a life for NOTHING

Small church and big church alike
are falling into the same old rut of following and seeking
the image

Actually those who are the prosperity teachers are helping those caught in a rat hole
to dream bigger and see beyond their hopeless lives
this is a good thing
....it's just that some of the "poor" they are speaking to
are desiring the prosperity of God more than
the LORD Himself.

Where is the Body of Christ
Is life more than just a routine....

This my friends YOU WILL find if you surrender your image, your desires, and even your culture.
lay it down and take a risk and do what God is leading you to do!!!

Is it selling everything you have and moving overseas?
Is it quitting your corporate job you've had for years and doing the things the Father has placed deep in your hearts.

DON'T WAIT
for when things look right
DON'T WAIT
when your kids are grown
DON'T WAIT
when you retire
DON'T WAIT
when you have more money

When God is calling He WILL make a way!

Just as the LORD told Elijah to go to the Brook Cherith
and commanded the ravens to feed Elijah in that place
Elijah had to pick up and go to that very place
to receive the providence of the LORD

1 Kings 17:3-5 ³ “Get away from here and turn eastward, and hide by the Brook Cherith, which flows into the Jordan. ⁴ And it will be that you shall drink from the brook, and I have commanded the ravens to feed you there.” ⁵ So he went and did according to the word of the LORD, for he went and stayed by the Brook Cherith, which flows into the Jordan.

So in the NAME OF JESUS

I Pray the Lord will fill you with His passion and His ways
follow His leading
follow His call
and to take your wings and fly.
The Lord is your hope and salvation and will show you and take you to
the sweet waters and feed you with the bread of heaven
but also He will be there to provide you with everything you need
because you LOVE HIM
and desire to serve HIM
and not the image of this world.

Bless you all!!

Walk By Faith!!

For we walk by faith, not by sight.


Sometimes a Faith walk can be so very trying.
Standing in Faith is even harder.

Paul the Apostle said in
1 Corinthians 6:13
Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong.

When the storms come
and they will come to all men...
whether rich, poor, good or evil
the storms of life come.

Depending on the storm
where is your faith?

Is it a light sun shower?
Is it a nice thunderstorm that lasts about 20 minutes?
Is it a flash flood, blizzard,
hurricane or Severe storm with tornadoes.

The storm comes
BUT will you be able to stand?

Unless you have truly experienced a severe storm in your life
you don't truly know what it feels like.

Every ounce of you is wondering
WHERE IS MY SAVIOR?
or
LORD, I DON'T UNDERSTAND IT?

but I know you are
FAITHFUL!!

When I see some Christians living a life without serious stresses
I often wonder....are they walking by faith.

What is walking by faith?

I find some Christians can say they are
"walking by faith"
but are they?

Is it that maybe some save themselves before the Lord saves them personally?
Or does it depend on when and how the storm hits?

I have found myself in this dilemma:
Boy, do I want to save my self
Boy, do I want to call it quits
Boy do I want a detour
Boy, this road is quite bumpy and filled with pot holes

Sometimes I wonder:
Will I EVER get to the highway where the road is paved smoother and I can drive at a quicker speed.

The children of Israel complained and their hearts were filled with unbelief
The Lord had promised them the good of the Land....
But because of unbelief they went astray and quit

We can read, think and say....

hmmmm... those Israelites....why didn't they JUST believe God and stay on course.
What is wrong with them (rolling eyes in judgment)....

Be careful what comes forth from your mouth
because until we are in the midst of the
TRIAL or TEST...
we won't know how we would respond to the test

It might be an easy quiz
or
a more in depth and lengthy test like an
SAT
either way....God lets us use the book
are we prepared?

SO then PRAY:
That you will be able to stand and believe God for His Word
PRAY
that if a storm you never experienced comes to hit your town(life), you will know how to deal with it and trust God for His word
PRAY
that you don't look at another brother or sister in judgment thinking you are stronger than they
PRAY
that you will be able to stand the wiles of the enemy
Ephesians 6:11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

SO
If we drop out of the race
throw in the towel
call it quits
surrender to the enemy's wiles
or even save our selves by worldly solutions

Understand this:
God never failed you
It wasn't HIS will for you to quit fighting and praying
It wasn't His plan for your failure
It was your own CHOICE,
to throw in the towel or raise the white flag

Yes, He loves you and forgives you and always gives you another chance
But all in all
He is
ALWAYS
FAITHFUL
and wants you to wait
for His promises!!

And He WILL deliver...

HE ALWAYS DOES!!!!!!!


the
LORD
is ALWAYS
FAITHFUL!!