Amazing Grace Tells Us to "Only Believe"

"But Jesus on hearing this answered him, “Do not fear; only believe, and she will be well.”

-Luke 8:50 (ESV)-

Have you ever noticed in Luke chapter 8, Jesus' main message is about how belief is connected to true healing? Listen to the gorgeous-sounding version of "Amazing Grace" by Soweto Gospel Choir.

Do you have a story like this to share?

T'was grace that taught my heart to fear

And grace my fear relieved

How precious did that grace appear?

The hour I first believed.

All of the people he healed in Luke 8 were healed by Jesus in one way or another. The first example is when the man fell at Jesus' feet. Jesus cast out 'Legion' and the evil spirits who lived in this poor man went into pigs, then went off the cliff. The man was at Jesus' feet, completely healed and in his "right" mind. Can you imagine how "precious" that moment of grace from Jesus must have been to that man?

Next, the woman who believed she only had to touch Jesus' robe was healed by her faith. After being shunned and scorned for 12 years, I'm sure she felt like a "wretch" and must have regarded Jesus as amazing grace.

The final example is when the man comes out of his house and tells someone to tell Jesus that he no longer needs to come to the house because his daughter died. When Jesus went anyway, the people in the house laughed at him. Think about the sound of this man's daughter's voice. How sweet the sound of Jesus' amazing grace that he extended to this family.

This passage is so important for two reasons:

1) Jesus is unhurried. He didn't rush through the crowd and he didn't tell the woman who had been sick for 12 years he was too busy to minister to her. He tells her how and why she was made well.

2) We are commanded to not fear, only believe.

No fear.

Only believe.

A sermon once said that the Bible uses some version of 'do not fear' some 365 times throughout. Each day, we should remind ourselves that God is telling us to have no fear, but that we should only do what? Believe.

What should we believe in? Jesus' ability, power and authority to heal us from whatever infirmity or suffering we're going through. This is an astounding thought.

We once were lost and blind. But friends, we aren't anymore. Why do we keep believing a lie? Just because your healing or those who you are interceeding for doesn't happen in your time, doesn't mean Jesus isn't on His Way.

God is unhurried. He cares about each and every single one of his children. He ministers to each and every one of you. Keep praying. Keep believing.

This isn't only a humbling message, this message should bring you great joy. Etta James' "Oh Happy Day"  should bring a smile to your face. Clap along. Tap your feet. Close your eyes. Let yourself be a kid again and dance around. It is a happy day certainly when we truly believe.

"Heavenly Father, thank you for this day. Thank you for this revelation and truth in your Word. Thank you that you are unhurried and take care of each one of us. We praise you as an audience of One that you love us so deeply. It is Jesus' amazing grace that was able to set those people free in Luke 8, and it is his amazing grace that still sets people free today in his name. Thank you Jesus for setting us free, so that we might worship, giving thanks to the Father. Thank you especially for teaching us to not fear, but to only believe. When we struggle with that, Holy Spirit, please shake us awake and remind us in our minds, emotions and characters that we are believing a lie; that God is healing us in an amazing way, even when we don't see it immediately. Keep us steadfast in prayer, especially for each other and for those we don't even know around the world. We love you so much. In Jesus' name we pray together, Amen."

Praying at 5:00 p.m. today: Wherever you are!

"There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men."

-1 Corinthians 12:4-5 (NLT)-

Good morning, afternoon or evening - wherever you are! 

        This post is about a movement we must make. If you pray, if you don't pray, if you've never prayed, if you pray every day...this post is for you. 

God told us to "Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the LORD of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need" (Malachi 3:10, ESV).

      God's Holy Spirit is not contained to just one area. He does not just live in Montana or New York or Paris or Israel. No, God's Spirit is wholly and fully alive in each one of us who has accepted and received Jesus Christ as our Savior.  That means, if you're reading this, and you have that - you have a duty to pray for your brothers and sisters in every nation on this earth. If you don't, pray anyway and pray that you would come to know Jesus so that you might also share in our inheritance as his people. 

Today, we are going to pray together at 5 p.m. Wherever you are, in whatever country, at 5:00 p.m., pray for delivery from Jehovah in Jesus' name for each Spirit-filled Christian in every nation on earth. Remember, God had not revealed his holy name, Jehovah, until he showed Moses how to lead the Israelites out of captivity and into liberty and freedom. 

Earlier this week, the news showed a clip from the refugee camps in Turkey; specifically the hundreds of children who had lost their parents and are now orphans with brutal injuries. I cried. Imagine yourself at 2 or 3 years old on up, and imagine everything being taken from you, including your parents. Imagine living in a strange place with nothing but fright and fear for coverings. It is an injustice too heavy and too grieving to bear. These children need our prayers. These people need our prayers. They need God to act in a mighty and powerful way on their behalf. 

Guess who can pray as intercessory for them? Us. Because we know Jesus and He is our Advocate. 

We are each given different gifts: message of wisdom, message of knowledge, faith, gifts of healing, miraculous powers, prophecy, distinguishing between spirits, speaking in different languages, interpretation of languages (1 Corinthians 12:7-11, NIV). 

Think of what would happen if we actually tapped into those gifts we are given and asked God how he wants to use us this week to help the refugees in those camps. 

Healers: you have a special gift because it comes in many forms. Do not be afraid. When God moves in you, it can be through burning heat within, tears, a cool fresh breeze, an aching for whoever is hurting, praying fervently specifically for your gift to be shared with for whom you are praying. The list goes on. Embrace it, and ask God how you can be used for these people. 

Leadership: Many examples in the Bible will help you understand how you are to lead. Jesus is the greatest leader of all. Wash their feet, humble yourselves, speak wisely, listen intently, pray before you act, treat others as you would want to be treated. Just because you are in a position of power and authority does not mean you use it to selfishly gain status or recognition. Remember whom you come from. 

Medical: Your wisdom and knowledge of the human body: mind, emotions, will, physical, is needed in countries whom don't have such education. Esteem to do what's right. Have courage to make tough calls. Volunteer your time. Educate those around you, even in simple terms so they might help too. Listen. 

Teachers: You have the phenomenal ability to transfer learned information from yourself to others. Teach goodness, and righteousness. Teach humility and compassion; love for others, love of yourself. Teach transparent relationships. Teach faith over fear. Teach gentleness and expectations of worthy living. We all were made for something more than we can ever imagine. You have the responsibility to pass that on; to encourage and believe in those whom come under your teaching. Use your voice. Use your actions. Use your faith to guide and lead others into understanding and knowledge.

Faithful Followers: faith is essential in this movement. We cannot move without our faith. It is what enables us to stretch, dare and move. God cannot use us if he calls us or directs or guides or leads us in some way to help and we do not have faith, "the confident assurance that what we hope for is going to happen. It is the evidence of things we cannot yet see" (Hebrews 11:1, NLT). 

Do you remember how they all were qualified by God? Obedience. And how did they get to increase in their faith and therefore obey when he directed them? Prayer. It all starts with prayer. We must pray without ceasing, diligently, watchfully and earnestly. 

Remember, Psalm 51:16-17 (NIV):

"You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it;
you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings. 
My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit;
a broken and contrite heart
you, God, will not despise."

        When we are truly broken, we pray with an honesty and an earnestness about us that even surprises ourselves. We are able to lay everything at his feet. Prayer warriors, this one especially goes out to you this week. Please pray for these refugees. Please pray for those across the world who are in camps we've not even heard about on the news or in the newspapers. Our faith must carry us in prayer for these people; for our brothers and sisters whom we don't even know. 

Throughout Hebrews 11, Paul reminds us and teaches us about those "greats" throughout history regarding their faith. Keep this close today:

"...They agreed that they were no more than foreigners and nomads here on earth. And obviously people who talk like that are looking forward to a country they can call their own. If they had meant the country they came from, they would have found a way to go back. But they were looking for a better place, a heavenly homeland. That is why God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a heavenly city for them" (Hebrews 11:13-16, NLT)

and

When you're thinking and praying to our God, our Jehovah, remember why Moses was so precious to God:

"It was by faith that Moses left the land of Egypt. He was not afraid of the king. Moses kept right on going because he kept his eyes on the one who is invisible" (Hebrews 11:27, NLT). 

When you're thinking of how to best pray for those who are hurting right now across the world, keep this close:

"Continue to love each other with true Christian love. 

Don't forget about those in prison. Suffer with them as though you were there yourself. 

Share the sorrow of those being mistreated, as though you feel their pain in your own bodies...

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. 

With Jesus' help, let us continually offer our sacrifice of praise to God by proclaiming the glory of his name. 

Don't forget to do good and to share what you have with those in need, for such sacrifices are very pleasing to God."
(Hebrews 13:1-3, 8, 15-16, NLT). 

"And now, may the God of peace, who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, equip you with all you need for doing his will. May he produce in you, through the power of Jesus Christ, all that is pleasing to him." (Hebrews 13:20, NLT). 

Everyone: we can do this. We can give five, ten, fifteen, thirty minutes of our time to pray today at 5:00 p.m. for refugees across the world. As Mother Theresa of Calcutta said, "Love has a hem to her garment that reaches the very dust. It sweeps the streets and lanes, and because it can, it must." 

We have Love living within us. Because we can, we must. 

Pray this today at 5:00 p.m. (wherever you are!). Those of you in larger countries: China, Brazil, Russia, United Kingdom, India - please pass this prayer onto other blogs, to your families, to your friends, to organizations who move in the name of Jesus. Those of you in smaller countries, please rejoice with your villages, townships, and families and friends. Those of you who are alone in your efforts, praise God. You are known by your faith. Thank Him that you know Him. Pray this in humility, and with an earnest and fervent heart. Fast for six days: whether it be a food, an attitude, an opinion, a bad word, a bad habit. Fast something that will take great diligence for you to withstand not doing, saying, thinking or eating. Pray for the next six days on your own accord or with this prayer again: unceasingly! 

Pray with us: 

"Heavenly Father, you are our Abba, our Mighty to Save, our God Almighty, our Alpha and Omega. We come to you in your name of Jehovah, eternal and everlasting. We praise you that you gave us your different names throughout the Bible so that we might know you deeper and more intimately as we study your Word. Thank you that you are a God who saves. Thank you that we can confidently say, "The Lord is my refuge and my rock. He is my salvation. Of whom shall I be afraid?" 

Abba, we know that praying with praise rebukes all negativity, traps and footholds. We thank you that anything that is not in line with your Truth, we can say, "The Lord rebuke you!" just as Archangel Michael did. Thank you for giving us your Holy Spirit, from whom we can hear and be lead of how to pray, what to say in prayer, and for whom to pray. 

Thank you, Jehovah, that you are mighty to save. Thank you that you gave us the example of freedom and liberation all those years ago with Moses and the Israelites. Thank you that we can depend on examples like that of old and still use your Truth today. 

Father, we are a hurting people today. Just as your Word says, we hurt and are in sorrow because our brothers and sisters are also hurting and share much sorrow today. We come to you with broken spirits, with thanksgiving, and with praise, asking that you do a mighty work for these people, these refugees, in their land. They have been displaced God, and though we are to be like nomads and treat our time on earth as foreigners, these people did not go to these camps through your leadership. Instead, they are suffering Lord. 

We come boldly to your throne, with Jesus knowing our heart's intentions and as our Advocate, asking you Father to have mercy upon them. We are asking you to lead them into your Kingdom, to place godly people around them who know you, who will pray with them and teach them about You. 

We ask that you deliver them from their personal darkness and fears. For Your perfect love casts out all fear. Father, they desperately need your Presence. Please fill them with You. 

Jesus, these children are alone and afraid; many without hope. You taught us to not hinder the little children, but to let them come to you. Please Jesus, make a way for the children to come to you, to know you, to put their confidence and hope in you, as many of us did when we were children. They are too precious to be left out. We pray for your hand of favor upon them.

God, to those of us who have gifts who can serve you in some way in this time of need, please move us. We are coming to you with reckless abandon and with complete expectation that you will move in us and through us; that our faith will please you; that our obedience will qualify us to help accomplish a great mission for you. 

Lord, many of us have left behind lives we know were not filled with You. Many of us can share our stories for why we live the way we do; from what you have saved us; about what we believe. Use us. 

We lay our burdens down at the foot of the cross, realizing and recognizing that we are not at war with human flesh and blood, but of that in the unseen worlds in the darkness. We rejoice because Jesus has overcome the darkness, and being in Him, in your adopted family, we have overcome the darkness too. So, we are not afraid. We do not despair. We proclaim your righteousness, and your love. 

Thank you for a wake up call that tells us we are not our own; we were bought for a high price and we offer our lives as a willing sacrifice. Lord, our brothers and sisters need you. Please work through us, move through us to help them. Even if you call us just to pray each day, please Holy Spirit, give us the words to say. Father, open up the storehouse. Pour blessings upon these refugee camps just as you promised. Let us give the world an opportunity to see your grace and love. The victory belongs to you. 

In Jesus' name we pray and ask all these things with complete thanksgiving. Amen." 

Creative Clouds at Work

 

"But, as it is written, “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him."

-1 Corinthians 2:9 (ESV)-

 

 

Listen to this song: Charlie Hall's "Better is One Day"

 

"My heart and flesh cry out

for you the living God.

Your Spirit is water to my soul

I've tasted and I've seen

Come once again to me

I will draw near to you.

I will draw near to you."

 

     Today is one of those days where I wish God would stretch his hand out from Heaven and I could crawl into it. Have you ever had a day like that? This song's lyrics described this day perfectly. As I was thinking about how to get closer to God, I felt drawn to pull over. My heart and flesh were crying out today. I desired to draw near to him. I didn't want just this small taste. I wanted a giant dose! As I closed my eyes to get still and quiet before the Lord, a song floated through my mind that I haven't heard for years. The chorus says, "Open your eyes," over and over. When I did open my eyes, there was this fabulous and wonderful picture of clouds in front of me. In total awe, I took a picture. I see so many things in this shot. What about you?

 

     Do you see the arch in the middle? It looks like a bridge on top with three arches underneath. On the right side, I see the profile of a person. I see a cat's face on the bottom in between the middle bridge. I see butterfly wings on the top left. The list could go on and on!

 

     And then, something struck me: if this is just a cloud formation...what must God have prepared for us, those of us who love him?

 

     Friends, I'm writing today to encourage you that as we keep our minds, hearts and eyes fixed on Jesus, God is preparing something for us; something so magnificient we will be awestruck and amazed. Keep that close when you have a day you wish you could just crawl into a corner. And remember, his Holy Spirit is given to us. Remember not to stifle him, but to submit yourselves more and more so that he is able to accomplish his purposes through you.

 

     An incredible book that has helped me tremendously is Stormie Omartian's "Lead Me, Holy Spirit" book of prayers.  I highly reccommend it to anyone who is not only desiring a closer relationship to God, but also to anyone who is willing to be transformed.

 

     Heavenly Father, Thank you for showing us your magnificient beauty and creative energy through something as simple as clouds! Thank you that you are with us always. Thank you that we only have to turn to your Son and pray in his name. Help our minds to be more in line with your will so that when we pray, we are praying in the Spirit and in Truth. Abba, thank you for Mrs. Omartian's passion to teach us about prayer with and through You. We praise you for your marvelous works, and for preparing something so great we have not seen, heard or been able to imagine it. In Jesus' name, Amen.

 

New Page!

I have a huge heart for animals. I have added a new page that will be dedicated to advocacy, great organizations, and even recipes you can make at home. Please feel free to check it out and add a comment about anything else that would be helpful to you. 

Be sure to check back for additions to the Hospitality page as well. Each new recipe or encouragement will be below the previously posted ideas. Make sure to scroll to bottom of page for new additions! 

A Freely Given Gift: Peace

 

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."

-John 14:27 (NIV)-

Peace: quiet, tranquility, stillness, free from disturbance, Selah

What are your words for peace? Sometimes, it is almost indescribable. I remember being upset one afternoon and just feeling an absolute sense of dread coming on. I asked, "Lord?" And immediately, he answered me with "My peace I give to you." My heart was refreshed, and the sense of dread was immediately replaced with His peace. I felt comforted, calm, and ready for anything. I realized that I had no idea what the future held, but for that moment and what turned out for the rest of the afternoon, I felt nothing but peace. I was not troubled. I was not afraid. And nothing in this world could compare to what Jesus gave me that afternoon, and continues to build within me: trust and hope in Him.

Sometimes, pictures and music can capture our hearts more accurately than a message. Just taking a few moments to be in absolute awe of what God has created on this earth for us is phenomenal. If that's you, I hope this post brings you some comfort, some Selah.

Check out Jeremy Camp's "Give me Jesus" song. Sit with your eyes closed and soak in this song. It's gorgeous.

"You can have this whole world, just give me Jesus."

Heavenly Father, sometimes words are inexpressible because your beauty is unfathomable. Thank you for creating life on Earth to help us appreciate your creativity and artwork! Jesus, thank you for giving us your peace both in times that we don't ask for it and in times we do. Thank you for filling our hearts with hope and encouragement; courage and wisdom; love and joyful praise. Thank you for teaching us how to rest in You, and how to submit daily to You. We pray for your peace this day. We ask to receive it in ourselves, our families, our neighbors and friends. We ask that our land receive it. We ask that our brothers and sisters around the world receive it. We ask that we are bestowed with your amazing love, in remembrance for what you've done for us and continue to do for us. In Your name we pray, Amen.

 

 

 

Building Today's Ark: Character

Let's Worship Before We Learn. Take a few minutes to listen and ask God to speak deeply to you,.

But Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord.
Genesis 6:8

Do you have a seemingly impossible task ahead of you? Are you wondering how you're going to pay your next bill, or feed your family, or provide for even yourself? Are you wondering if your season of toil and troubles are ever going to end? What about if you're in the opposite camp? Are you joyful, cheerful, giving thanks to God for helping you and providing for you each day? If so, rejoice!

Either way, wherever you are in your life, it is important to learn from those of old. Now, admittedly, I have never been much of a fan toward learning about History. However, the more I learn about history, people and Truth from the Bible, the more interested I become about the rest of the world's history and even the history in my own backyard! It is so neat the way that God transforms our thinking when we spend time in His Word. 

Learning about others in the Bible helps us to learn about ourselves. For example, when we take Noah's faithfulness, we learn where we need to be faithful in our own lives. Scripture tells us that Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord (Genesis 6:8). How did he do this? And how can we do this today? 

Well, when we read on, we discover that Noah is described in three ways: "Noah was a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time, and he walked faithfully with God" (Genesis 6:9, NIV).

Faith produces righteousness. 

"Faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see" (Hebrews 11:1, NIV)

"And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him" (Hebrews 11:6, NIV).

Do you believe that God exists? Are you earnestly seeking Him? Let's take a moment before we go any further. Pray, "Father God, I confess to you that I have not been very faithful to you in seeking you or pursuing you. I know now that without faith, it is impossible to please you. I do not want to be like that. I desire to please you. Please increase my faith through your Holy Spirit. I believe Father, help me to overcome my unbelief. In Jesus' name, Amen."

Now, later in Hebrews, Noah is used as an example of faith in action. Remember when Noah was described as walking faithfully with God? This is another reason that Noah found favor with the Lord. "So you see, faith by itself isn't enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless" (James 2:17, NLT). We are not to just have faith, we are to act on it. When Noah was told to build the ark, he didn't scoff and he didn't just sit there. He didn't say, "Thank you Lord for telling me that an ark will be necessary in the years to come," and then go on living. He got right to work. This is an example of faith in action, or walking faithfully. Acting in faith is not always easy. Sometimes, it will be the hardest thing you will ever do, but if you learn with small steps, that giant leap will not seem so intimdating when it presents itself.

Hebrews 11:7 (NIV), states: "By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his family. By his faith he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that is in keeping with faith."

"In holy fear" - let's look at that for a moment. When God tells you, warns you, nudges you, shows you, speaks to you, gives you vision, wisdom or enlightenment toward something and you do not revere him or do as He has said to you, then you do not fear Him. This isn't a fear that is meant to paralyze you. This is the type of fear out of respect and reverence for God. Remember, God even tell us that His thoughts and ways are higher than our thoughts and ways (Isaiah 55:9, NIV). So, if He is giving us a blessing by acknowledging, loving and helping us, we better listen! Too often, people often see God as a level playing field or not even worthy to esteem into their existence. I personally shudder to think of those who do this. However, there is a way to turn this around. 

If you're in this spot, pray. If you're not, pray in intercession of those who are: "God, I admit that I do not know how great you are, nor do I comprehend in my thoughts and ways of how mightily awesome you are. I admit that I have not feared you as I ought, and I ask your forgiveness for this. Please help me to know you more fully, so that I might understand better how I should fear you because of holiness and divinity. You created me and you know how I think, feel, and act. You knew me even before you gave me to my mother's womb. Thank you for your mercy, that I might come to you and reveal my faithlessness against you. Remove any obstacles in my life prohibiting me from knowing you more fully in this way. Bind up all evil around, within and about me. In Jesus' name, Amen."

Now, the third way we must learn from Noah is that he was called "blameless." Noah was blameless or, without finding fault, because he and his family kept themselves from the moral chaos going on around them. Noah knew what was right, and how to live in separation from the evil around him in his day. He chose to lead by example, and brought blessings to his family because of his righteous attitude and walk. His obedience to God also made him blameless. Remember, believers walk by faith and not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7, NLT).


Still a bit hesistant to accept this message? Check out this quote by Charles Spurgeon:
"If we doubt God's Word about one thing, we shall have small confidence in it upon another thing. Since faith in God must treat all God's Word alike; for the faith which accepts one word of God, and rejects another, is evidently not faith in God, but faith in our own judgment, faith in our own taste."

Remember, we are working hard to submit ourselves to God and get out of our own judgment, our own tastes, our own thoughts and ways. God loves you and desires for you to become heir to his Kingdom. Keep learning, praying and acting in faith.

"Heavenly Father, thank you for teaching us about Noah. Help us also to increase in our faith, to not only increase but also then obey and act in our faith. Help us to become blameless in our own societies. Recognition is important, and we can only have that through Your Holy Spirit. Help us to recognize when we are stifling Your Holy Spirit of Truth, so that He may act on our behalf more and more; that we can become more aware of when are not obeying you, walking faithfully with you or loving you as we ought. Jesus, we receive you as our Savior, and are so thankful that you desired the Father's will and not your own. Thank you for doing that for us. We pray and proclaim as One Body: 'Our Father, who Art in Heaven, hallow be thy name. Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the Kingdom, the power and the glory forever. Amen."

Redeemed and Released: Jehovah, a new Name

"And I appeared unto Abraham, unto Isaac, and unto Jacob, by the name of God Almighty, but by my name Jehovah was I not known to them."

-Exodus 6:3 (KJV)-

 

 

Before this post begins, if you are able to both play a song while reading this post, do so. If not, read the post, then listen to this song by Judy Jacobs.  No matter how horrible of a mood you might be in, how defeated you might feel, or just simply needing a smile - this song will do it! It's just not possible to not feel a stirring in your spirit and a renewal of your perspective. This woman certainly sings from her soul. Guaranteed you will find your hand(s) lifted in praise, even if you aren't a typical hand-raiser in worship!

 

When we think of "God Almighty," what comes to mind? Almighty means 'having complete power', 'omnipotent,' and 'all-powerful.' This sounds like our God, right? But notice something - when He comes to free the Israelites from Egypt's oppression, He introduces himself with a new name: Jehovah.

 

And what does He do?

 

Oh, just a few promises that we should read over, pay attention to, and expect in our own lives:

 

Exodus 6:5-7 are especially important:

 

⁵ And I have also heard the groaning of the children of Israel, whom the Egyptians keep in bondage; and I have remembered my covenant.

 

Do you find yourself groaning in hurt, tears, "why's?," even in hope? Have no fear. The same God who heard the Israelites hears you today. If you are in bondage in any way, do not doubt. The same God who remembered his covenant with Abraham, Issac and Jacob remembers you today. You are not forgotten and you are heard. He will come for you, no matter what obstacle you find yourself up against.

⁶ Wherefore say unto the children of Israel, I am the Lord, and I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, and I will rid you out of their bondage, and I will redeem you with a stretched out arm, and with great judgments:

Are you under some type of burden, or many? Are you heavy or crushed in spirit? Are you in bondage to something, whether seen or unseen? Is your patience wearing thin? Are you wondering if your faith really matters? It does. Remember, the same God who redeemed the Israelites with an outstretched arm and brought great judgments against Pharoh for what he knowingly did to God's people is at this very moment seeking you, and will redeem you in his perfect timing. Let's take a moment to PRAISE HIM!  Seek Him with all of your heart. Right now. Say out loud or in a whisper, "Father God, I am seeking you. Please cut through my burdens and bondage. Come get me, I'm yours. In Jesus' name. Amen."

⁷ And I will take you to me for a people, and I will be to you a God: and ye shall know that I am the Lord your God, which bringeth you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians.

And guess what? After He has heard you, remembered you, redeemed you and brought you out from under, you will have zero doubt that you are, in fact, His child, precious; wonderfully and fearfully made in His image. Are you wondering how you will know?

You will know because He is the only one capable of doing all of these things. This is an absolute truth: no person on this planet will be able to act on your behalf in this way except for God Himself through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.

Struggling with this? Make Jesus Lord of your life right this moment. "Father, I plead the blood of Jesus over my life, my emotions, my mind, my body (the temple of the Holy Spirit), my will and over all that which concerns me. In Jesus' name, Amen."

Revival in the Spirit is more powerful than any wound the enemy can hurl your way or try to have you accept and allow into your life. 1 Thessalonians 5:19 reminds us, "Do not stifle the Holy Spirit," and remember, "Submit yourselves to God, then, and resist the devil and he will flee from you" (James 4:7). The enemy is not interested in messing with someone who runs and turns to God for everything. Are you feeling stumped? Crushed? Annoyed, and not sure why? Anxious?

Friends, if you are anything but fruits of the Spirit: joy, peace, love, patience, kindness, faithfulness, goodness, gentleness and self-control...

Consider it a wound you need to reject.

Take a few minutes to listen to this worship and tell God about recognizing these as attempted wounds. Reject them in the name of Jesus and ask the Holy Spirit to intervene for you. He will, and God will be pleased with you for turning to HIM rather than those purpose-less attacks.

"How sweet it is to lean on the everlasting arms and oh, how light the path it is to walk while leaning on the everlasting arms. Safe and secure from all alarms, leaning on the everlasting arms. What have I to fear, what have I to dread by leaning on the everlasting arms."

And what is a name for Jehovah? Everlasting.

That's right. Our God is everlasting, all-powerful, leading us out of opression and out from under burdens. He hears us. He remembers us. And He will part our "red seas," and keep us safe in the wilderness. Why? Because that's who He is and that's how much we mean to Him.

Heavenly Father, we come to you with boldness like Beniah, faith like Abraham and courage like Joshua. We come to you submitting ourselves with complete humility and we love you. We praise you for loving us enough to help our early brothers and sisters out of Egypt and out of bondage. We are in absolute awe and thankfulness that we can come to you even today about our sufferings and our wounds and you will redeem us and bring us out from under. Thank you for helping us to remember who You are. Help us to remember who we are in You. All thanks and praises go to you Father through your Son that we are able to worship you in Spirit and in Truth, that we can be on several different contients around the world and be connected together by your Holy Spirit of Truth. What a beautiful and wonderful gift you have given to us. Help us to pray for our brothers and sisters around the world, that you may be glorified. In Jesus' name, Amen. 

Best Clothing & Preparation Choices

"Be dressed for service and well prepared."

-Luke 12:35 (NLT)-

     After some time off to concentrate on health, I have had some serious one-on-one time with God and investing in studying His Word. When Scripture tells us that the Word is fully alive and life-giving, it's true! I recovered faster than I thought possible and mindful of peace, I was determined to not be deterred by conditions; God blessed me with an abundance of newfound confidence in not only who He is, but who I am, in Him. During this resting period, I came across some verses that were profound in their nature. Today's post is about one such verse: being dressed for service and being well prepared.

     Interestingly, Colossians answers both of these questions: "How are we to dress for service?" and "How are we to be well prepared?" Further in Luke, Jesus warns us that, "He may come in the middle of the night or just before dawn. But whenever he comes, there will be special favor for his servants who are ready!" (12:38, NLT).  This further illustrates the importance of the previously mentioned two questions.

    Colossians 3:1-10 tells us how to be well prepared:

"...set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. ²
      Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things...
    Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry....
      But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips...
     Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices
¹⁰ and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator...
      Christ is all, and is in all.

    Colossians 3:12-17 tells us how to dress for service:

"...Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with
     compassion: sympathetic concern for the sufferings of others, mercy 
     kindness: the quality of being friendly, generous and considerate, a kind act
     humility: thinking of others better than yourself, a modest view of oneself, meekness
     gentleness: kind, tender, mild in temperment or behavior, meek
     and patience: the capacity to accept or tolerate delay, trouble or suffering without getting angry or upset, forebearance, endurance

I really encourage you to think about these qualities: none of them are offensive or off-putting in the slightest way. Imagine if we asked the Holy Spirit to help transform us into these "clothes" rather than the ones we wear easily, and most likely, absent-mindedly: judging, negativity, anxiety, hopelessness, despair, settling, jealousy, hypocrisy, etc. What better witnesses we would be and how much more joyful we would become!

¹³ Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

¹⁴ And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

¹⁵ Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.

¹⁶ Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.

Check out the very first word in both of these verses: let. This is both the beauty and double-edged sword of free will. We are allowed to let or shove out or reject the peace of Christ and the message of Christ. We can be scared or not think ourselves worthy. We could be like Moses and come up with many reasons why we just can't do what God is asking us to do.

Or, we could abandon that. We could truly nail our excuses to the cross and say, "Okay. Even though I don't think I'm worthy or able, You do. In Jesus' name, I accept and allow the peace of Christ to rule in my heart. I accept and allow the message of Christ to dwell among the people I am around today. Use me as a vehicle to spread your message."

Think of the impact we would make. One small wave after another, conquering. We are more than conquerors through Christ.

¹⁷ And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Now, let's be clear. This doesn't mean we're to use Jesus' name for getting away with excuses, bad behavior or justifying our actions. This means we are to prepare our hearts, minds and spirits in Christ, then put on the right clothing to better serve him. And when we serve, whether in word or deed, we do the right and good things in Jesus' name to be representatives of His character and to spread the Gospel.

We have one last teaching from Jesus in this section of Luke that is particularly intriguing both in example and instruction:

"Know this: a homeowner who knew exactly when a burglar was coming would not permit the house to be broken into. You must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected."  -Luke 12:39-40 (NLT)

Think about it this way: our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit. God's Spirit of Truth dwells in us. But before He can make himself more at home in us, He's got to do some spring-cleaning. I encourage you to not resist Him when he's prompting you to give up your old attitudes and behaviors; he's transforming you more into his likeness.

Further, if you are actively working on your own "home," you are actively being led by the Holy Spirit. Perhaps you prepare at least one meal a day. Do you not take time to make sure the food is washed, and free of chemicals/pesticides? Do you not take time to prepare it with spices or oils or baking/cooking time so it is tasty? Do you not take time to make sure it is fitting to both your tastebuds and your guests or family's? This is like the preparation part that must take place in us.

Then, do you not "dress" the table? Do you not make sure it looks nice or at least has a plate or napkin on which to serve the food? Think of this example when you read this Scripture if it helps you to put it into a 3-D scenario. The next time you are cooking, ask yourself and then ask the Holy Spirit to teach you how to better prepare yourself, how to better clothe yourself. The next time you are putting food on a plate or a napkin, ask the Holy Spirit to transform you in some way with your "clothing." Do you need to work on patience? gentleness? compassion? We all have areas of work! Don't be ashamed. If anything, you are just getting more and more prepared so that when the Son of Man does arrive, you can feast with him.

Heavenly Father, we thank you for your Word which is alive and life-giving. Thank you Jesus for telling the disciples about this example, and that we are able to also learn from you today. Please help us to be honest with ourselves where we need to better prepare. Please help us to surrender to the transformative power of your Holy Spirit. God, we cannot do this without you and wholly depend on You for this to happen within and through us. Jesus, when we dress ourselves to serve, equip us. Yes, we have been given gifts that come naturally to some of us, but we are One Body and an Audience of One for a purpose that is to glorify You. Help us to not be in competition with one another, but to exhibit an attitude of grace and thanksgiving that as One Body, we are called to peace. Thank you for loving us and being our friend, Jesus. In Your name, we ask these things. Amen.