Vine Growers

Was moving some plants last month, and my husband and I came across a flowering plant that had a "tomato plant" growing up through the middle of it. Not sure why we had not noticed it, yet there it was with some blooms on it. Our thinking was that a bird must have dropped some seed or seeds from last years plants and somehow was ready to "do something this year", but proved rather late in its growing experience. Yeah, no fruit this year for that one plant.

John 15:15-17
15 No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you. 16 You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you. 17 These things I command you, that you love one another. NKJV

Calling us servants, we are to serve as Christ served. If He truly is our master, then we should know what He is doing. He chose us to do something specific. Now for some, they are to raise great children for His kingdom. Others, well, they are to worship and seek His voice. Still others can make it in the business scene and fill seats at the "city gates" where the city never closes.

As laborers we are to bring forth fruit so that the Father is pleased, not what we are pleased with at the time. As a child I remember my sister and I having homework. Most times I carried every book I had home so I could work well into the late hour only to carry the same books back to school. My sister sometimes carried a single book home. I use 'sometimes' loosely though. She could make wonderful report cards with all those A's on them. I always seemed more to be working for the varied A- to B+, to C- and possibly a D if I did not spend extra time with a teacher like for Math!

Also, if there was food involved, say a chocolate snickers bar, my sister was ready to eat it now, where I would wait till night time to feast on the wonderful flavors of chocolate and peanuts.

But I remember in my mother's speaking that it was the one who worked would get ahead in life. So year after year I carried books home and carried them back the next day. No, we did not have backpacks in those days. I know that working hard to be true today, and it is in that working hard that will produce progress. Working on the Word of God in our lives will produce when we continue to profess it and confess it out of our mouths. Waiters or those waiting to work do not get anything done. It would be like needing a job but never filling out an application for any specific job. No results!

John 6:26-29

 27 Do not labor for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to everlasting life, which the Son of Man will give you, because God the Father has set His seal on Him." 28 Then they said to Him, "What shall we do, that we may work the works of God?" 29 Jesus answered and said to them, "This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent."NKJV

Remaining on the vine and connected to the Lifesource is imperative for us. Remaining in Jesus, we seek the food which endures for everlasting life. In that we seek to live a life where we are productive in society, in our family homes and within communities. We are to work and be faithful with what God desires for us to have here and now, but to always keep our eyes on the "eternal".

Colossians 2:6-10

6 As you have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, 7 rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving. 8 Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ. 9 For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; 10 and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power.   NKJV

We are to walk as when we received Christ Jesus as Lord. Walking with Him, we are the rooted, and we grow being well established in faith. As we abound, in that faith, we are the joyful and we are the strengthened. Not listening to empty deceit or through man's philosophies, but truly living in Him in all the fullness of the Godhead bodily.

In Him, we should diffuse His fragrance everywhere we go. Within Him, we influence others, we are the satisfied and furnished with all we need to see His kingdom come in our lives.

NT:4137

pleroo (play-ro'-o); from NT:4134; to make replete, i.e. (literally) to cram (a net), level up (a hollow), or (figuratively) to furnish (or imbue, diffuse, influence), satisfy, execute (an office), finish (a period or task), verify (or coincide with a prediction), etc.:

We are in Him and can execute that office He planned for us to participate in. Being apart of the vine, we grow, become and last eternally. Whatever we do for the Lord let us do it with all our hearts. Let us not make it the pretense for personal gain, but only to bring glory to His Name. 

May we be found faithful, be a pattern to others, lead quiet and peaceable lives, live in integrity, have a pure heart before God, and make proper use of the gifts within us. Guard that which was committed to us by the Gospel. That good thing was committed to us by the Holy Ghost. And be not entangled in the affairs of this life, commit what you know to truthful men, and keep watching for Jesus' return. Faithful is the man or woman who will keep their watch and know the time is so short, indeed!

Notice: 

The Voice of Prayer  has a new teaching published:

Speaking As To A Clear Conscience

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KUEiCK2djgY

You can also visit my Youtube channel The Voice of Prayer for more teaching at http://bit.ly/1tNyBhV

Carving Out That Treasure

Thanksgiving is almost here!

Yes, those plans to make, a list to write out, making sure every desire for great food is listed and not left out. Even that big pan for the "bird" is important. Yes, that carving time will come for the turkey. It most likely will bring a smile to some, but not all at our table will be pleased. Hopefully our youngest member will have a desire for turkey this year, and if not maybe a burger will do!

 Being intent on serving healthy food, meeting most appetites with a choice of good things, and pondering on all the cook times and when to serve can mount quickly. And if you have more than one meat to prepare for the oven, not mention the other items requiring some oven time, one finds "the oven shuffle" a practice year after year will come close to a possible perfection.

But life is more than food and drink. And being disciplined is vital and is to be treasured when keeping a close walk with God.

Technology today has given most things to keep God's Word close at hand. They carry it with them either in the cell phone, the tablet, or some other device that they prefer. But keeping it close to hand does not mean that it is in our heart.

Carving out that time, just like carving that turkey starts with a grocery list. And in that list for life, it takes some discipline, certainly some time and much effort to do.

Meditating God's Word requires us to keep it active in our hearts and our minds. It must be a commitment. Connecting with God is meeting Him face to face. It is seeking Him and He is found.

My husband has been reading some commentaries on the Gnosticism that was considered the earliest enemy of Christianity. Gnosticism was that which held a certain belief that of the physical world, salvation was the release from the physical body. But physical to us is to mean face to face.

"Gnosticism" does not ask how one is saved from sin, but asks the one question of what the possible origin of sin (or evil) might be. Those who considered themselves gnostic would anxiously guard their secret sect. They regarded knowledge more important than faith. They carried within them the denial of the humanity of Jesus Christ.

What they believed and what they spoke was contrary to God the Creator!

Spending time in the Word gives us a clear picture of the Creator. Speaking out His Word, giving voice to His commands, we begin to think like our Father thinks. Mediating truth will bring multiplication to truth in other areas of our lives.

One specific I think of is that of "only surface" relationships. God presented Himself in His entirety. He gave us that which declares Who and What He has done. But when we first meet someone or see them maybe only a few times throughout the year, we will not actually "know " them, or will they just be a fantasy. A true relationship in fellowship- requires us to actually engage another.

To me it would be the same as driving a standard shift vehicle. You must engage that stick shift to move.

Ezekiel 36:26-28

26 I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. 27 And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws. 28 You will live in the land I gave your forefathers; you will be my people, and I will be your God.  NIV

Our salvation came through Jesus and we do have the Spirit of God living on the inside of us. And the more we apply ourselves to seek Him, spend time with Him, we move in greater power of His Spirit.

I do not know your encounters with a stick shift but I had many encounters. The teaching my mother had for me, proved to me to be loud, instructional and many tears. Along came my friend Loretta, and her desire to teach others to drive a standard shift car. That one was fun indeed. All I had to do was put about fifty cents worth of gas in her car, and we were off on a driving lesson.

I had to listen, but I also had to engage.

Encountering God, His deep love and His presence was electric to me. The more I looked for fellowship with other like-minded individuals, I too experience even more electrifying times with Him. He is more real to me than anything or anyone.

Each time we choose to declare Him, His Word and His love, we see manifested Jesus the Christ. And the Comforter, the Holy Spirit fills our tanks to the full line. His Presence in our lives transforms us and will cause us to take note that we too have been with the Spirit . of Prophecy. Jesus!  1 John 4:7-11 Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.  8 He who does not love does not know God, for God is love. 9 In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. 10 In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. NKJV

Yes, we should love God more than we love turkey.

As we come to the end of another year, may I as a spiritual mother speak words of wisdom. As I speak this out and type the words of God's wisdom, may you see revealed to your heart God and what He has planned for you. May you believe for the "new in God". God our Father always desire us as His children to keep believing, trusting and expect what He has planned.

Ps 24:7-10

Lift up your heads, O you gates!

And be lifted up, you everlasting doors!

And the King of glory shall come in. 

8 Who is this King of glory?

The LORD strong and mighty,

The LORD mighty in battle. 

9 Lift up your heads, O you gates!

Lift up, you everlasting doors!

And the King of glory shall come in. 

10 Who is this King of glory?

The LORD of hosts,

He is the King of glory.

NKJV

I speak the opening of heavenly gates and ancient doors that will bring us into deeper relationship with  God. May you know Jesus in greater ways. In that may you always be renewed in strength to soar with God. (Isiah 40:3)  God rewards those who will come to practice justice in all their dealings with others. In the written words of the prophet Amos 5:24, it says this: "let justice run down like water, and righteousness like a mighty stream." Speaking this all injustices must end.

Come to the spiritual refreshing. Come out of the wilderness and drink from the river of His delights.  John 4:10....10 Jesus answered and said to her, "If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, 'Give Me a drink,' you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water." 

NKJV

Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland." (Isaiah 43:18-19)

 In this way you (they) will lay up treasure for  yourselves (themselves) as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that you (they) may take hold of the life that is truly life. (1 Timothy 6:19) (italics mine)

 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. (2 Timothy 1:7) Engage Jesus, engage the life we have through Him, and expect much life to be lived through Him, now and in this hour!

Amen.

I HAVE A NEW WEB SITE AVAILABLE NOW WITH OTHER CURRENT BLOGS AND YOUTUBE TEACHINGS. I INVITE YOU TOO CHECK IT OUT.  THERE IS A PRAYER REQUEST SECTION ON THE SITE.

www.godsgoodnessandlove.com

Notice: 

The Voice of Prayer  has a new teaching published:

Speaking As To A Clear Conscience

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KUEiCK2djgY

You can also visit my Youtube channel The Voice of Prayer for more teaching at http://bit.ly/1tNyBhV

An Hysterical Marker

In the early part of this morning, I was remembering these long walks my husband and I would take when we lived in rural Wyoming. We lived in area much like where we live today, but the main road through the tiny hamlet allowed people to walk on the wide shoulder of a very wide two lane road. We had moved to the area when our daughter was about to turn nine years old. We had lived what was considered "town" with all the major attractions like MacDonald's and a K-Mart.
Living out and away from the "congested" part of town and the crossroads to America, we liked the quiet life in the country community. Our walks took us out to the historical marker outside of the tiny hamlet. It was exactly a six mile walk and in that we could easily claim the 12 mile accomplished in about an hours time.
While my husband worked, I remained home to see our daughter was on the bus for her ride to the next little hamlet for school. When the breakfast dishes had been cleaned up and the beds made, I would suit up for a cold brisk walk with two lady friends to that historical marker. So, regularly I was marking out a path of exercise to keep my body healthy.
On our drive out of the "tiny hamlet" one day, not long after we had moved there, our daughter exclaimed we were passing that "hysterical marker". I corrected her, speaking out loud "historical marker." She asked what the difference was in the two words.
Trying to turn toward her from the front seat, I explained the difference. My husband just laughed quietly, but I continued on with explaining the difference.
The meaning of hysterical is out of control emotions. Can produce crying in this extreme emotion of a person. It was noted as "uncontrollable". Also listed as in a situation in which many people behave or react in an extreme or uncontrolled way because of fear, anger, etc.

The meaning for "historical" is this: belonging to or a typical study of history. Concerned with events of the past, based on factual material distinct from legend or supposition. Relating to some event marked at a location to show some prominence to a specific occurrence, people involved, etc.

From that day on, we would pass by "that marker" and refer to it as an hysterical marker.

Now the MARKER in question was set for the area of the Tongue River. It had served as a trail and stage coach road crossing. It was known as the Bozeman Trail and it was a road, if you please, that took man to the Montana gold fields. It had its beginnings in 1864. This well-planned effort had to cut through Powder River Basin. Oh yes, and it certainly violated the Fort Laramie Treaties which was held originally as tribal land for the Northern Plain Tribes.
It was under the leadership of a James A. Sawyers to build the road to Montana. There was upheaval, and the Araphao tribe brought in a "war party" to stop the Sawyer's encampment. But progress continued. Yes, that Trail came into being as General Patrick Connor took to his orders readily. Military protection had to come and keep some kind of peace.
It was between 1879 through the year of 1895 that a post office appeared. Yeah, wonder who delivered the mail? Probably the Pony Express delivered it!
Then the stage line station served the Rock Creek Stage Line. It was some 400 mile line that ran from the location of Rock Creek on the U.P.Railroad in southern Wyoming to Billings, Montana.
It served the people till 1890 when a variety of much shorter stage routes had come into existence. You know people scout out the quicker, yes the faster way to get from point A to point B. And its days came to an end.
In respect to those who knew the land as home, they came into some emotional and probably hysterical pain of tears and most likely death. What had been given them changed to accommodate the one holding more power.


We find a "marker" set by God when He went with the people. Read here in Exodus 13.


Exodus 13:17-22
17 Then it came to pass, when Pharaoh had let the people go, that God did not lead them by way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near; for God said, "Lest perhaps the people change their minds when they see war, and return to Egypt." 18 So God led the people around by way of the wilderness of the Red Sea. And the children of Israel went up in orderly ranks out of the land of Egypt. 19 And Moses took the bones of Joseph with him, for he had placed the children of Israel under solemn oath, saying, "God will surely visit you, and you shall carry up my bones from here with you." 20 So they took their journey from Succoth and camped in Etham at the edge of the wilderness. 21 And the LORD went before them by day in a pillar of cloud to lead the way, and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so as to go by day and night. 22 He did not take away the pillar of cloud by day or the pillar of fire by night from before the people.   NKJV

That pillar of a cloud marked that God was with His people. He was their guard both in front and from the rear.

Exodus 14:19-20
19 And the Angel of God, who went before the camp of Israel, moved and went behind them; and the pillar of cloud went from before them and stood behind them. 20 So it came between the camp of the Egyptians and the camp of Israel. Thus it was a cloud and darkness to the one, and it gave light by night to the other, so that the one did not come near the other all that night.  NKJV

Oh yes, the opportunity to step into some uncharted territory and obey God with a loud"yes"  brings me past the "hysterical" marker. When responding to God, do we find ourselves still dealing with old patterns of thinking? Is it possible we hold onto those old patterns out of security?
God had taken these people the long way around. Yes, they could have gotten to the place planned for them, but God had to test hearts, and any battle for some is found in their weakness to submit to the old ways. But as believer's with a real trust in God must change, and grow up in Christ. God wants to enlarge our capacity to work with Him. Remember He is God! You cannot put Him in a box!

These people who had seen God do the miraculous and freed them from that slave driven force of Pharaoh, now faced a more hideous schemer, the one located between the two ears of every believer. We should sincerely be God focused.........with a lazer ability to keep and know Him to keep with what He has planned for us.
But returning to "old patterns" of thinking, the focus shifts to "security". And sometimes it is because the man or woman fears. Instead of FAITH, doubt takes over, the man or woman then is limited in an ability to step into what God has called them to.

 The signs and wonders of the past can actually hinder our future if we righteously cling to them! We require no "stage coach" lines today. We can get from point A to point B in just minutes with all that horse-power under the hood. And you can see some get really "angered" and see road rage take over a person just while driving from Point A to Point B.

God our Father is not limited, nor is He weak or tottering for His last breath. He is God Almighty. He is the Everlasting Father and the Amen to our situations. Our security should reside in Him and not in another person or thing. When we hold onto things to keep our position, or security, we will find out one day, that a whole life wasted on just being secure was not worth it. A life devoted God brings us to a new adventure and a fruitfulness that He is pleased with. Our faith is to expand just like Jesus' did. His trust was not in things or keeping His position secure, it was about giving everything over to the Father. Our identity must be in Him!

What God had provided as manna and the pillar of His presence will still be with us. The giants we face is not the other person, but our belief in who they are to us and if they have come to take away our security. It is what we desire to hold on to instead of reaching to touch other lives because of Him. If we are not bringing attention to him, then why not?

Everyone has a significant role to play in this adventure. It is time to put away that which is not beneficial to growth in the Lord. That anti-christ does not care how long you take to get yourself moving for God. In fact, you could probably take all your life to get ready, but we should be acting now and taking action requires no baggage on board.
God is for us. He is not against us. He has done all He was going to do. Now He waits to see what we will do.
Will we make a mark of historical value for the kingdom of God or will be just an "hysterical" marker of one living out of the emotions and falling short in security? Today we decide.

I HAVE A NEW WEB SITE AVAILABLE NOW WITH OTHER CURRENT BLOGS AND YOUTUBE TEACHINGS. I INVITE YOU TOO CHECK IT OUT.  THERE IS A PRAYER REQUEST SECTION ON THE SITE.

www.godsgoodnessandlove.com

Notice: 

The Voice of Prayer  has a new teaching published:

Divine Grace for Healing

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7KIS-AHDA1g

You can also visit my Youtube channel The Voice of Prayer for more teaching at http://bit.ly/1tNyBhV

.

Flood of Adversity

Walking around the yard yesterday, I noticed at the far north of the yard, especially around the very small garden area that I more or less slopped my way through water drenched grass. It was the squishy sound of shoes slapping against some standing water. Was wondering if that is what it is like for those people in Miami experience with water taking over their neighborhoods even when there is no rain? Of course, we have probably had a good 7 inches of rain over the passed few days and rain is good for everything, right?
But was thinking about Noah when I ventured around the very wet, and very messy yard. With that squishy sound and the slap of wet to my shoes, I wondered what that family of Noah's experienced when building the ark!
It had never rained in Noah's time, and yet the word came from God, rain was going to come.

Genesis 6:1-8

6:1 Now it came to pass, when men began to multiply on the face of the earth, and daughters were born to them, 2 that the sons of God saw the daughters of men, that they were beautiful; and they took wives for themselves of all whom they chose. 3 And the LORD said, "My Spirit shall not strive with man forever, for he is indeed flesh; yet his days shall be one hundred and twenty years." 4 There were giants on the earth in those days, and also afterward, when the sons of God came in to the daughters of men and they bore children to them. Those were the mighty men who were of old, men of renown.

5 Then the LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. 6 And the LORD was sorry that He had made man on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart. 7 So the LORD said, "I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth, both man and beast, creeping thing and birds of the air, for I am sorry that I have made them." 8 But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD.
NKJV

Genesis 6:14-22
14 "Make yourself an ark of gopherwood; make rooms in the ark, and cover it inside and outside with pitch. 15 And this is how you shall make it: The length of the ark shall be three hundred cubits, its width fifty cubits, and its height thirty cubits. 16 You shall make a window for the ark, and you shall finish it to a cubit from above; and set the door of the ark in its side. You shall make it with lower, second, and third decks. 17 And behold, I Myself am bringing floodwaters on the earth, to destroy from under heaven all flesh in which is the breath of life; everything that is on the earth shall die. 18 But I will establish My covenant with you; and you shall go into the ark--you, your sons, your wife, and your sons' wives with you. 19 And of every living thing of all flesh you shall bring two of every sort into the ark, to keep them alive with you; they shall be male and female. 20 Of the birds after their kind, of animals after their kind, and of every creeping thing of the earth after its kind, two of every kind will come to you to keep them alive. 21 And you shall take for yourself of all food that is eaten, and you shall gather it to yourself; and it shall be food for you and for them."

22 Thus Noah did; according to all that God commanded him, so he did. NKJV

Genesis 7:1-12

7:1 Then the LORD said to Noah, "Come into the ark, you and all your household, because I have seen that you are righteous before Me in this generation. 2 You shall take with you seven each of every clean animal, a male and his female; two each of animals that are unclean, a male and his female; 3 also seven each of birds of the air, male and female, to keep the species alive on the face of all the earth. 4 For after seven more days I will cause it to rain on the earth forty days and forty nights, and I will destroy from the face of the earth all living things that I have made." 5 And Noah did according to all that the LORD commanded him. 6 Noah was six hundred years old when the floodwaters were on the earth.

7 So Noah, with his sons, his wife, and his sons' wives, went into the ark because of the waters of the flood. 8 Of clean animals, of animals that are unclean, of birds, and of everything that creeps on the earth, 9 two by two they went into the ark to Noah, male and female, as God had commanded Noah. 10 And it came to pass after seven days that the waters of the flood were on the earth. 11 In the six hundredth year of Noah's life, in the second month, the seventeenth day of the month, on that day all the fountains of the great deep were broken up, and the windows of heaven were opened. 12 And the rain was on the earth forty days and forty nights.  NKJV

Yes, that was epic! The land was filled with violence, and it mentions those men had continual evil running through their minds. Noah had to follow every detail God gave him. He had to follow that a flood would come. And the man was six hundred years old when the floodwaters were on the earth.

Following the course with God, will ultimately cause us to make some major decisions and especially when not to follow the crowd! In study, we find that those who made the violence rule the streets were giants and their cause was to rule the earth. But God stopped it!

Yes, Noah and his family were becoming a new breed who followed God. In their pioneering spirits, they were carried into an adventure. It was probably very hard for them, being bullied on every side, and yet this family stayed faithful to God.

7:1 Then the LORD said to Noah, "Come into the ark, you and all your household, because I have seen that you are righteous before Me in this generation. Noah had to embrace God in a new way. His whole family was relying by faith that God would spare them. Whatever their daily life was before the floodwaters came, it certainly changed. In what amount of time to flood and those who remain captive to their disobedience God demonstrated His ability to end what was evil before His sight.

Can you imagine living on a boat that length of time with all those animals? And your family too? This was 24/7 thing daily riding over adverse floodwaters.

When the flood was over, Noah was to leave the ark. And in this celebration of safety and peace in God, Noah built an altar and offered sacrifices to Jehovah God. (Genesis 8:20) A rainbow now spanned the sky overhead. 

With the intense color of blue closest to him and his family, the fellowship with God was to continue. Although life was going to be different. We know not what became of him after he became the tiller of soil and keeper of the vineyards. He lived to be 950 years old.

But Jesus mentions it in the Gospels. "As the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be." (Matthew 24:37) Jesus spoke to those who would hear that in a "suddenness" He would return. And He said that catastrophe would come upon the unbeliever's just like in the very time that Noah lived.

Noah from the beginning had to trust God no matter what people would say and do to him. Noah had to put fear far away from him. He had to have a fresh word everyday from the Lord on high. Bullies stood on every corner. His bullies amounted to being giants at the time.  In truth, bullies can come in all sizes, shapes and genders. Noah was well aware I am certain and he worked to finish the ark and take the animals on board as ordered by God.
Noah was a preacher. He had to have told these people of the impending dangers. He had to remain positive, and keep his focus on God.

These people were probably convinced of Noah's preaching the very hour the rain began. But the ark was locked! No one would enter for safety at that time.

May we be awakened to truth that Jesus is returning soon!
Moving in a godly fear through our days is that reverence toward God knowing that He is the Almighty! Godly fear is shunning evil and that which is sinful before His eyes. He spoke to Noah and Noah understood. Noah equipped himself to move in an orderly fashion and obey God. He was going to build what God designed for him to build. Rain was coming and a "new thing" was on its way!
Think on Noah, and how many friends he might have had at the beginning of his life, but by the time the Flood rolled in, how many had walked away from him?
Today, moving in godly fear is not pleasing man. It never has been and will never be about pleasing man. His love for God propelled him into his future, took him undoubtedly over the floodwaters of adversity and delivered him safe on the other side.
What is the adversity you face? Are there many who speak against you, speaking willful, hateful words against you? Remember God is on your side if you have not left HIM. He is ever to make intercession on your behalf.

Hebrews 7:25-28
25 Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them. 26 For such a High Priest was fitting for us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and has become higher than the heavens; 27 who does not need daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifices, first for His own sins and then for the people's, for this He did once for all when He offered up Himself.  NKJV

Yes, Jesus lives and He makes intercession for us.

 Hebrews 10:23-25

23 Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. 25 Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another-and all the more as you see the Day approaching. NIV

Let's meet together, hold fast the hope we profess, for Jesus is faithful. Let us encourage one another to hold on, keep the focus on Jesus and the love the Father has bestowed upon us. He gave the greatest sacrifice through His only Son. For the day is fast approaching and the ark will be shut tight. And no one will enter in then. Keep up the good fight of faith. (1 Timothy 6:12)

BE counted worthy of the kingdom of God for what you are suffering. God is just and He will pay back trouble to those who trouble you. And He will give relief to you who are troubled. (2 Thessalonians 1:5-7)

We gave thanks at the remembrance of His holy Name, the NAME which is above every name (every adversity). Amen!

I HAVE A NEW WEB SITE AVAILABLE NOW WITH OTHER CURRENT BLOGS AND YOUTUBE TEACHINGS. I INVITE YOU TOO CHECK IT OUT.  THERE IS A PRAYER REQUEST SECTION ON THE SITE.

www.godsgoodnessandlove.com

Notice: 

The Voice of Prayer  has a new teaching published:

Divine Grace for Healing

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7KIS-AHDA1g

You can also visit my Youtube channel The Voice of Prayer for more teaching at http://bit.ly/1tNyBhV

Twilight Zone, Outer Limits and....Star Trek

Was reminded today that when I was a youth, I was regularly following my mother and father's schedule. That was priority and covered everything under the roof that they owned. All those early years the thought was always at the forefront of my mind to make my own schedule. You know like stay up late was number one on MY LIST!
Second, was not drinking all the soda pop I wanted .....no! What I desired was to watch Twilight Zone, Outer Limits, and oh yes.....Star Trek!
Well, today my priority is far from those things. We certainly choose to go to bed earlier when we should. We try to stay with a healthy diet,and particularly eat no fruit after 7 p.m. and we will walk or exercise when we can!
Seriously though, our growing up into the man or woman that God has created for us to do, certainly takes the stage of the most important priority!

Today we have grown to know the word of God and explore all of His generous riches to us. In our life we have seen those things to avoid. In finding God and truth, takes a humble spirit, one willing to be taught and to know that God is greater than all.  Humility does not mean weak! Jesus was  humble and teachable of the things of God. When we have His word, we gain this confidence in God and it will show when we speak out for His glory and His praise. No, it is not in praising us for what we speak about us, but what is giving as glory to God Himself. It is our testimony.

Yes, those sci-fi features certainly turned my head, but God causes me to know that in all the vastness of the universe and of that it might contain, still He is mindful of me. He is mindful of you!
Willing to admit mistakes is a benefit to us. And when we willing admit to the Father, He hears.

Where God has gone, and done is an unknown territory for me and most likely for you. We must leave the familiar behind and seize that which lies before us. As we grow in Him and embrace each new level, our capacity increases for more of His kingdom. It is taken by faith in our spirit man. Oh yes, did I mention it is hidden from those prideful eyes?

No sci-fi features have a hold on me anymore. I look toward Him and no one can stand against Him!
Proverbs 30:5-6
5 Every word of God is pure;riches,
He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him.
6 Do not add to His words,
Lest He rebuke you, and you be found a liar.
NKJV

Psalm 145:17-21
17 The LORD is righteous in all His ways,
Gracious in all His works.
18 The LORD is near to all who call upon Him,
To all who call upon Him in truth.
19 He will fulfill the desire of those who fear Him;
He also will hear their cry and save them.
20 The LORD preserves all who love Him,
But all the wicked He will destroy.
21 My mouth shall speak the praise of the LORD,
And all flesh shall bless His holy name
Forever and ever.
NKJV

God our Father needs no help from us. He does well as the Creator of the Heavens and Earth. He knows our end from the beginning.

Isaiah 46:9-13

9 Remember the former things, those of long ago;

I am God, and there is no other;

I am God, and there is none like me. 

10 I make known the end from the beginning,

from ancient times, what is still to come.

I say: My purpose will stand,

and I will do all that I please. 

11 From the east I summon a bird of prey;

from a far-off land, a man to fulfill my purpose.

What I have said, that will I bring about;

what I have planned, that will I do. 

12 Listen to me, you stubborn-hearted,

you who are far from righteousness. 

13 I am bringing my righteousness near,

it is not far away;

and my salvation will not be delayed.

I will grant salvation to Zion,

my splendor to Israel. NIV

His purpose has stood. He sent His son and we have salvation. He sent His love to bring us closer to Him. His splendor is His glory. His beauty, well, it takes my breath away. 

John 6:29

"This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent."

NKJV

Yes, the Lord reigns. He is clothed with majesty. He is girded with strength.

Psalm 93

The LORD reigns, He is clothed with majesty;

The LORD is clothed,

He has girded Himself with strength.

Surely the world is established, so that it cannot be moved. 

2 Your throne is established from of old;

You are from everlasting. 

NKJV

From everlasting to everlasting is a long time! Have any idea what you might do in that length of time.......that which is in God is a place in Him with no time clocks, Listen now and watch closely, the Lord, the King of Kings is on His return. Clothed in His glory, we will rule with Him. He remembers those who are His! Not one of them is lost!

Now is not the time to sit idle. Now is the time to be done with that warrior attitude. Take His word and mount on His wings. Our hope is in the LORD. We renew our strength daily, and we soar. With Him we will run and not be weary. With Him we will walk and not be faint. (Isaiah 40:31)

The true, the eternal of God is life given us through His son. Quality of life will not be found in anything less. Faith in Him, is knowing Who He is, What He has done for humankind and calls us to take serious notice.

In a self-evaluation, have we truly given our lives to Him Who SAVES? In that which coming to pass shortly, will we be found with Him, Who is life, beauty, strength, and Who is from everlasting?

Let go of those who have hurt you in the past. Be convinced God has a godly purpose for you. Ask Him to help you see from His perspective. You are valued. Allow His image to be reflected in you.

Adventures will come, and time, well, it will not matter, because it is His heart that we are after, right? So let us be found with Him. Amen!

I HAVE A NEW WEB SITE AVAILABLE NOW WITH OTHER CURRENT BLOGS AND YOUTUBE TEACHINGS. I INVITE YOU TOO CHECK IT OUT.  THERE IS A PRAYER REQUEST SECTION ON THE SITE.

www.godsgoodnessandlove.com

Notice: 

The Voice of Prayer  has a new teaching published:

Born of God: The Sacred Appointment

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jcYI9tstJmU

You can also visit my Youtube channel The Voice of Prayer for more teaching at http://bit.ly/1tNyBhV

NO SPECIAL INTERESTS GROUPS, PLEASE

Reading through the short Letter of Paul to Philemon we find Paul  relating to Philemon,that is marked with  "the real" and the kind of friendship that God has ordered for our lives. Philemon was a convert of Paul's. In this letter of a loving friendship, the exhortation from Paul to him is on the "very act of love"! Paul states that he prays for his friend and gives thanks for his fellow laborer in Christ Jesus.
I wonder if we do that????


Philemon
1:1 Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother,

To Philemon our beloved friend and fellow laborer, 2 to the beloved Apphia, Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the church in your house: 3 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

4 I thank my God, making mention of you always in my prayers, 5 hearing of your love and faith which you have toward the Lord Jesus and toward all the saints, 6 that the sharing of your faith may become effective by the acknowledgment of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus. 7 For we have great joy and consolation in your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed by you, brother.

8 Therefore, though I might be very bold in Christ to command you what is fitting, 9 yet for love's sake I rather appeal to you--being such a one as Paul, the aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ-- 10 I appeal to you for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten while in my chains, 11 who once was unprofitable to you, but now is profitable to you and to me. 12 I am sending him back. You therefore receive him, that is, my own heart, 13 whom I wished to keep with me, that on your behalf he might minister to me in my chains for the gospel. 14 But without your consent I wanted to do nothing, that your good deed might not be by compulsion, as it were, but voluntary. 15 For perhaps he departed for a while for this purpose, that you might receive him forever, 16 no longer as a slave but more than a slave--a beloved brother, especially to me but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord.

17 If then you count me as a partner, receive him as you would me. 18 But if he has wronged you or owes anything, put that on my account. 19 I, Paul, am writing with my own hand. I will repay--not to mention to you that you owe me even your own self besides. 20 Yes, brother, let me have joy from you in the Lord; refresh my heart in the Lord. 21 Having confidence in your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I say. 22 But, meanwhile, also prepare a guest room for me, for I trust that through your prayers I shall be granted to you.

23 Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, greets you, 24 as do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, Luke, my fellow laborers. 25 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.  
NKJV

This passage here always stands out foremost to me:

Philemon 4-7

4 I thank my God, making mention of you always in my prayers, 5 hearing of your love and faith which you have toward the Lord Jesus and toward all the saints, 6 that the sharing of your faith may become effective by the acknowledgment of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus. 7 For we have great joy and consolation in your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed by you, brother.  NKJV

Paul was transparent about representing his heart toward Philemon. He was thankful for the opportunity to meet him, speak about Jesus to him, and then help him in his walk with the Lord. Paul was expecting the communication of that faith in Philemon to grow and be imparted to others. That acknowledgement, that acknowledging was the recognizing Paul saw in Philemon.

This man had done such a good job in his works as to represent Jesus to others that was to Paul something that the man had to be praised. Every thing this man did for others was because of the faith he held in the Lord. His Christian character proved he "operated in God's love"!

Oh, the refreshing we could bring to others, if only we would tell them of Jesus and of the salvation available.

Philemon 10-16

10 I appeal to you for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten while in my chains, 11 who once was unprofitable to you, but now is profitable to you and to me. 12 I am sending him back. You therefore receive him, that is, my own heart, 13 whom I wished to keep with me, that on your behalf he might minister to me in my chains for the gospel. 14 But without your consent I wanted to do nothing, that your good deed might not be by compulsion, as it were, but voluntary. 15 For perhaps he departed for a while for this purpose, that you might receive him forever, 16 no longer as a slave but more than a slave--a beloved brother, especially to me but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord.  NKJV

Paul was sending someone to Philemon and the young man was Onesimus. Because of the love for God and to Paul, Onesimus was being sent to Philemon. We are to love those begotten of God, those who follow God closely, living by faith in Jesus and allowing the Holy Spirit to rule there. Bearing the image of Christ is what each of us must do. And in that we are loved by every Christian. Those who will not love know not Jesus or His Father, God.

Prayer is evident in the fruits found in Philemon. His love and faith shine, are communicated without constraint to others. Everything we do for God must be born in Him, flow through us, and be communicated without for the glory and to the glory of God. It is "good men" who will do this!

It is seen in both a life of prayer and praises to God.

As the "servants" of God we are a treasure in a family. As the servant, they make and keep their time and all their trust in Him will promote their good. Management is done well when God is kept 1st. It is not in our visions, our dreams, or our plans, but is established when we remain to carry out what God asked of us to do. If we are His hands, His feet and His mouthpiece, do we speak as God would speak or does it appear more our own promotion time in our own interests?

Paul must have trusted Philiemon to a great degree and now he was sending Onesimus to him. Verse 12 mentions that Paul wanted Philemon to receive Onesimus with the love Paul had for him. There was to be no resentments with anyone, there was to be forgiveness to those who would have injured and offended them.

In considering the letter to Philemon, we must understand that this is "a spiritual brotherhood". Of late that is what the Lord relates to me. We are to speak "spirit to spirit". For if the kingdom of God has come to us truly, then we speak as Jesus spoke, we act as Jesus acted, and we pray like Jesus prayed! Speaking, praying and helping another only strengthens us more.

It is in that discharging of a duty for another saint that came through Jesus, is that grace shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit. His eyes are ever on the "faithful".......and those believing who have placed their trust in Him walk in the perfect way.

 Onesimus was to receive the same regard and Paul sent him to Philemon because he would need someone to exhort him often. The outward good extended in love will not mean as much as that which is of the spiritual, comes from the Father Who is Spirit and brings good that is life, love and power of the Holy Spirit in our lives. For that love, a joy remains, gives long after we have "left the building or the area we give the Lord to others".

If you find one throwing a tantrum, give them to God. If you find one throwing up on you by their own negativity remarks and attitude walk away. For those who love, will always love no matter what, and they will not appear as "control tower".

In God's kingdom there are no special interest groups. It is all the "kingdom" all the time "kingdom" without hesitation.

Our dependence is to be on God Who is the Creator and created much within our hearts to live life fully for Him. In that walk there will be opportunities come to reach others and will be increased as we are faithful with that part. Surely others should see Jesus in us. It is in our trust and hope in Him that we will pursue that kind of love that comes from God to give to others. And trusting God is always about communicating to HIM in prayer. It is that fervent effectual prayer of the righteous which avails much AND GIVING OF MUCH THANKS!

I HAVE A NEW WEB SITE AVAILABLE NOW WITH OTHER CURRENT BLOGS AND YOUTUBE TEACHINGS. I INVITE YOU TOO CHECK IT OUT.  THERE IS A PRAYER REQUEST SECTION ON THE SITE.

www.godsgoodnessandlove.com

Notice: 

The Voice of Prayer  has a new teaching published:

Born of God: The Sacred Appointment

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jcYI9tstJmU

You can also visit my Youtube channel The Voice of Prayer for more teaching at http://bit.ly/1tNyBhV

Image Bearers

Was excited by this reading of Psalm 110. In recent teachings and by unction of the Holy Spirit speaking, I kept hearing the words of "womb of the morning" flow through my lips in teachings the last two weeks. In the busyness of finishing a teaching, I let it slide on that word and today, the Faithful God brought it back In HIS speaking and into my seeing and to my speaking.


Psalm 110
The LORD said to my Lord,
"Sit at My right hand,
Till I make Your enemies Your footstool."
2 The LORD shall send the rod of Your strength out of Zion.
Rule in the midst of Your enemies!

3 Your people shall be volunteers 
In the day of Your power;
In the beauties of holiness, from the womb of the morning,
You have the dew of Your youth. 
4 The LORD has sworn
And will not relent,
"You are a priest forever
According to the order of Melchizedek."

5 The Lord is at Your right hand;
He shall execute kings in the day of His wrath.
6 He shall judge among the nations,
He shall fill the places with dead bodies,
He shall execute the heads of many countries.
7 He shall drink of the brook by the wayside;
Therefore He shall lift up the head. NKJV

In verse 3, people are volunteers who will come....and follow Him even unto their own death for His glory. In this passage, people are being multiplied to Him.

This is a "spiritual battle" and the people, those volunteers are equipped as the WARRIOR Jesus was equipped. He spoke the "kingdom", declared it to many people of different heritages and backgrounds. 

The North American Standard gives the verse 3 in this way.....

Psalm 110:3

3 Your people will volunteer freely in the day of Your power;

In holy array, from the womb of the dawn,

Your youth are to You as the dew.  NASU

Out of the "womb of the morning" is out of Heaven, straight from God to those who will follow Jesus. And in the freshness of dew on every blade of grass, the course is set.

Our Dayspring on high has dispelled the darkness. What is born of God translates into the beauty of the people coming to the Lord and will carry the willing spirit, dressed for the "holy war" and have that face-lift of youth without having that face-lift done. These are people strengthened by God who are surrounded by enemies. Yes, you can see it today, right? But we move forward in His power and His might. We have the Holy Spirit! Amen.

These who will follow Jesus, will be drawn by His beauty and His power. They will be the united in heart to see His kingdom come, Yes, we are the ones in white, that is of fine linen and very clean! They are the devoted. They seek Him, keep knocking to see doors opened to them, and the multitudes come to Jesus.

The promise is victory!

I wanted to add the Message Bible for verses 1-3.

The word of God to my Lord:'Sit alongside me here on my throne until I make your enemies a stool for your feet." You were forged a strong scepter by God of Zion; now rule, though surrounded by enemies! Your people will freely join you, resplendent in holy armor on the great day of your conquest, Join you at the fresh break of day, join you with all the vigor of youth.

Yes, you have on His armor when you abide in Him, knitted to Him for His glory. We are to live by our spirit man, feed on the Word of God that is spirit and life.

John 6:63

63 It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life.   NKJV

Allowing the Holy Spirit full reign in our lives, we have a faithful teacher who will gives us knowledge and understanding. We as the body of Christ are given all we need to face the enemy. When we allow the Rule of God, the Scepter of God, we vanquish the enemy where he stands. We use the Word of God.....take our stand, fully dressed to war the enemy who opposes Christ. 

Today we have people around us who are gravitating toward the worst possible things. They live in a fog of negativity. They spiral downward. They do not have the rule of the Holy Spirit in their lives. And sin will lead one downward to destruction.

We are the righteous. We are God's children: His sons and daughters.  We should hold that word in our thinking. The Holy Spirit brings to our knowing of our right standing with God. 

"As for the saints who are one the earth, "They are the excellent ones, in whom is all my delight."  Psalm 16:3

Our inheritance is God! Our inheritance is the portion of all that He is:LOVE!
Let's bask in the beauty of the Lord, and in the newness of day we are victorious, for He went before us to show us the WAY! In His creativity God passed to us, those on whom are His image bearers the delight to give birth in the new, the life giving force of God that prevails.

I HAVE A NEW WEB SITE AVAILABLE NOW WITH OTHER CURRENT BLOGS AND YOUTUBE TEACHINGS. I INVITE YOU TOO CHECK IT OUT.  THERE IS A PRAYER REQUEST SECTION ON THE SITE.

www.godsgoodnessandlove.com

Notice: 

The Voice of Prayer  has a new teaching published:

To Whom Much Is Given, Much Is Required

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p6-r-AX_yuU

You can also visit my Youtube channel The Voice of Prayer for more teaching at http://bit.ly/1tNyBhV

Don't Be Just a Face in the Crowd

Are we just a face in the crowd? Are we needing a horn of sorts to be heard or are we those with a face that has the force of the Holy Spirit?

Being a force for God is like a flood of His love in places people do not know Him. 
Isaiah 1:18-20
18 "Come now, and let us reason together,"
Says the LORD,
"Though your sins are like scarlet,
They shall be as white as snow;
Though they are red like crimson,
They shall be as wool.
19 If you are willing and obedient,
You shall eat the good of the land;
20 But if you refuse and rebel,
You shall be devoured by the sword";
For the mouth of the LORD has spoken.
NKJV

A force of faith is those willing and obedient.......who will eat the good of the land. A voice of faith will always speak. Speaking words that dominate the law of death is what a reborn man does. It is action and the momentum that must be a continuous action on our part. When we abide in the Word day and night, that meditation is feeding our faith and building our capacity for more faith.

Hurrah! and Praise the Lord!

He adds to us!

Proverbs 3:16-18

16 Length of days is in her right hand,

In her left hand riches and honor. 

17 Her ways are ways of pleasantness,

And all her paths are peace. 

18 She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her,

And happy are all who retain her. NKJV

Length of days is added to us as well as riches and honor. The way is pleasant and the path is peace. It is a tree of life to those who take hold and will not release that hold! Happy are those who retain her, that wisdom of God!

Psalm 95:2-5

2 Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving;

Let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms. 

3 For the LORD is the great God,

And the great King above all gods. 

4 In His hand are the deep places of the earth;

The heights of the hills are His also. 

5 The sea is His, for He made it;

And His hands formed the dry land. NKJV

Coming before His presence through Jesus we give a voice of thankfulness. We shout with joy and speak that He is the great God and the great King above all gods. In His hand are the deep places of the earth...that is your heart and mine. We are of the earth, yep, made with dirt you and I!

He is certainly aware of every high and low place that we have and could exist in. But God is able to give us His peace. God is able to perform His word in our lives. But we must heed His words, and speak as He spoke at the Beginning in Genesis. Surely the Holy Spirit still hovers over that which may appear as chaos, but God wants to bring us to green pastures.

The Great Shepherd of the sheep desires to herd us in those deep green pasture grasses and reside in the goodness of Him all the days of our lives. Every day we have challenges and maybe not the same ones your neighbor might have, but a challenge none the less. Being thankful in the challenge will bring a great look into God's plan and remembering that He is with us.

THE Control tower is to be Jesus who sits on the throne of our hearts. Praise should emanate from our lips. (Isaiah 57:19) And God will perfect our praise. (Matthew 21:16) Daily our God is to be praised. (Psalm 72:15)  And in a moment just by speaking God's words we can stop the enemy. We can still him quickly, yes, stop him in his tracks!

Psalm 8:2

2 Out of the mouth of babes and nursing infants 

You have ordained strength,

Because of Your enemies,

That You may silence the enemy and the avenger.  NKJV

We should be the face in the crowd that speaks as God speaks. We are to be the "disciplined". That discipline is the systematic training or subjection to authority, especially the training of the mental, moral and physical powers by instruction and exercise. The result will be of a subjection in obedience to what the Father our God has given us to speak.

"If you abide in My word [hold fast to My teachings and live in accordance with them], you will truly be My disciples." When we truly abide, hold fast to His word in obedience we become the disciplined to the things of God and His government.

Jesus had authority and He gave it to us!

Luke 10:18-20

18 He replied, "I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. 19 I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. 20 However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven."   NIV

Yes, clear cut indeed, it is authority we have been given. We have power over the enemy and nothing will harm us. But our rejoicing is in truth that our names are written in heaven...in the Lamb's Book of Life!

People not only need to see your face, they must see your heart speak and declare what God has done for you. Otherwise you are another face in the crowd. It is time for people to step up to God and His ways and thoughts. Jesus was the Sacrifice. And we needed one badly! His name is not a fetish so we can use as "a charm". No His name represents all power in heaven and in earth. Matthew 28:20

We have been given Life and more abundant life through Jesus. Now is the time to step up in that power He has given us. Step up with a voice, offer to God the praise He deserves, and enter His presence to know Him more.

May we magnify Him more and not with just mere words, but that is with heart putting Him first no matter the chaos or problem.

If we carry no song, then we do not know Him personally. Make an altar and with your soul sing, for He has pardoned us through the Blood of Jesus. There is much to be thankful for today and every day. Let's look toward His goodness and may our face speak what our hearts represent............the King of Kings and the Lord of Lord's. Amen.

Revelation 19:16.............6 On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written: 

KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS. ...NIV

I HAVE A NEW WEB SITE AVAILABLE NOW WITH OTHER CURRENT BLOGS AND YOUTUBE TEACHINGS. I INVITE YOU TOO CHECK IT OUT.  THERE IS A PRAYER REQUEST SECTION ON THE SITE.

www.godsgoodnessandlove.com

Notice: 

The Voice of Prayer  has a new teaching published:

Hearing The Sound From Heaven

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a9vTv8tAGrE

You can also visit my Youtube channel The Voice of Prayer for more teaching at http://bit.ly/1tNyBhV