Following Things

Following things is not a good thing to do! We are to follow the voice of God :

Psalm 29:3-11

3 The voice of the LORD is over the waters;

the God of glory thunders, the LORD thunders over the mighty waters.

4 The voice of the LORD is powerful; the voice of the LORD is majestic.

5 The voice of the LORD breaks the cedars; the LORD breaks in pieces the cedars of Lebanon.

6 He makes Lebanon skip like a calf, Sirion like a young wild ox.

7 The voice of the LORD strikes with flashes of lightning.

8 The voice of the LORD shakes the desert;the LORD shakes the Desert of Kadesh.

9 The voice of the LORD twists the oaks and strips the forests bare. And in his temple all cry, "Glory!"

10 The LORD sits enthroned over the flood; the LORD is enthroned as King forever. 11 The LORD gives strength to his people; the LORD blesses his people with peace.  NIV

 The voice of the Lord, as spoken of in Psalm 29 is stated as being over the waters, a thunder to be heard, is majestic and the voice of the Lord causes deer to give birth and cedars to break into pieces.

Understanding the strength of the Lord just in His voice, would we not pay attention when He speaks?

Seeing the impact a tornado can have on any given structure, tree, person or animal, one thing is certain, God did not cause the storm, but His word produced the nature of the storm. He created the winds but He did not create them to destroy.  We live in a fallen world. Sin has wrecked havoc on man!

Knowing this, you and I are to give HIM glory and honor, all praise in any circumstance of our daily lives. Not because of destruction or even of disease, but because created this world for us before sin came into it!  We are to take notice and give thanks at His glory and strength. The noise of the thunder is the noise of His voice. Lightning is the companion that brings an instant flash of light to remind us of the proving factor, a truth, that He who created the world and causes the world to obey His every command.

In the kingdom of nature, we daily can see the wonderful effects of natural causes, and the operations of the powers of nature, we ought to take notice of God's glory and strength! We can also see the magnitude of damage and death due to destructive winds, storms, catastrophic earthquakes and know there is more going on than meets the natural eye.

We had a thunderstorm move through here one evening last week (August 8) and the light show was majestic to say the least. One strike was close oh so close to the Beacon Rock area that one would see as if God turned on a light just for a moment to check everything out. Then we would hear the big "Boom" of thunder and the house would give a shake. Yes, it was something I thought we left in the south but no, thunderstorms are making a show in other parts of the this country as well!

We are to make the most of our time here on earth. We are to make choices that direct us into walking through the right doors at the right moment. And walking through them requires some prayer time and God's wisdom.

God will always speak to us through scripture. I do not care what it is about, God always speaks to us what He has given us through the Holy Bible. And might I add here that we are not, are not, to do anything in the flesh!

Proverbs 11:14 tells us that victory is won through the advice of many counselors. Knowing that God is leading, we should look for His wisdom in going forward, hear the scripture given us and pray fervently expecting to hear Him give us the 'go ahead' in any decision making opportunity. God will lead by His word!

Remember too, that you may receive some guidance while you rest at night. The Lord does give dreams as He did have Adam sleep while giving him Eve. Job 33:14-15 For God does speak---now one way, now another---though no one perceives it. In a dream, in a vision of the night, when deep sleep falls on people, as they slumber in their beds God will speak to us.

My sister had shared with me recently of Scripture from John 14:6 that He would give her in her time of sleep. And she would remember the passage after the many times He spoke it to her. That kind of sharing is of a God who loves us indeed! And do we share Him with anyone?

Was thinking of that people following after things! And we can see a baby born who is newborn is quick to find the nourishment he requires for life. You can see several children ages 2-5 years of age brought together for a play time and you find which things they follow and choose as their own and will fight others to keep them from those things. 

As we grow up and are to become what God purposed we find many of us look to the world and see the interesting. And yet if we remind ourselves from scripture that which is mentioned in the book of 1 John 2:16: the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the pride of life we should not be lusting after things.  
You can turn a television on and watch a broadcast of America has some kind of talent, you can view someone has a talent to sing, or another broadcasts that some can dance. Seriously if I required medical aid, I am not looking for a singer, a dancer or even a reality T.V. show character if I need some medical help in an emergency.  Seriously, unless you can sing and do heart surgery all in the same moment, I would not think a person needing a heart transplant would look for you.
But as I write this I am remembering those looking for Jesus. He stood out from the crowd. He had authority and He knew the God of heaven was His father. He operated by the Holy Spirit and declared the goodness of God to man on earth and those God came for, the Jew, did not desire to take note of Him. What few chose Him, did find life everlasting and those others found only death and destruction of Jerusalem in 70 A.D.

As the man of prayer, Jesus was always connecting with the Father in heaven. He was always seeking the Father's plan on earth. And will we regard His plan for us here and now?

A lot of great ideas have come and gone, but it is the God-given opportunities that will ripple through positively not just for us only but for others as well! Is what we seek good for others as it is for us? Will we seek God and hear Him when He does speak to us?
Philippians 4:6-7 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. 

Proverbs 11:25 The one who blesses others is abundantly blessed; those who help others are helped. Of all the things we should remember about God is that He is truth, justice, His way of doing and being right, His righteousness is an example to us.  And that having righteousness in everything we do and say is to be a deliberate act on our part. We are to humble, to kneel and obey. We are to humble ourselves and say, I know not the best way to go, I know not what to speak, and I need You Lord to guide me, not only today but every day Lord I need to hear Your voice and I need to obey that that direction for my life!  I will praise You and give thanks that You are God my Shepherd!

Thank You Lord for showing us the way in which to walk in righteousness that has come to us through salvation. Lord show us truth in that we ask of You today, that will not only bring positive to our lives but those we come in contact with as well.

Father, we pray to not be about following stuff: like things, the next big trip abroad, the next big tune, the next big person to hit the cinematic screen, but help us to see You our Creator.....One Who sticks closer to us than a brother. May our hearts not betray us, seeing the grace bestowed on us for every situation, that may arise should delight our hearts in knowing that You have prepared us with the ability to always move forward for Your glory.
May we see the answer we have asked of You this day, that as we willingly prayed, we are willing to seek the best for our neighbor and see Your kingdom come to us and them on earth this day. And we give thanks for the answer, that we will not be frightened by it nor will we allow egos to get in the way. We choose to humble ourselves to see Your way in this place. We move out of the way for truth to rule and when we do we live out that which You to give us.

No following things for us Lord! We will not act like children looking for next big thing of the world. But we do look for that which is life giving that will give hope to our neighbor, will bring YOUR love into that which we speak by Your Scriptures for us and for them.

We seek that open door into the newness and refreshing by the Holy Spirit. We seek the truth that reveals the beauty of the Lord and of His perfection.

It will be a place of being surrounded by those of moral beauty and the presence of God will be enjoyed by all people there indeed. His word will be written on it and sealed with the blood of Jesus. 

Today I pray that as others read this they will see God in the power He possesses and that He is within them. I pray that they will become "the praiser" who constantly gives God praise for all that He has done for them.


Father God, I pray that they actually know Your favor on them and that You hear their fervent prayers on this specific matter that is prayed today!
As the world appears darker may they  grow brighter to the full light of day and may they give honor to Him who gave them life to live in this generation.

And I pray they would hear doors open into that which has God ordained for them, which will bring life to others, will swing open wide and will stay open for them. Isaiah 22:22 The key of the house of David I will lay on his shoulder; so he shall open, and no one shall shut: and he shall shut, and no one shall open. 23 I will fasten him as a peg in a secure place, and he will become a glorious throne,to his father's house.
Revelation 3:7 b :These things says He who is holy, He who is true, He who has the key of David, He who opens and no one shuts, and shuts and no one opens."
Father, we are secure in You through Your Son Jesus Christ. We are knitted in hearts to Jesus. We hold onto His ways, His truth and life. We give thanks for Him and obey. You sent us Your best and we see Him in all His glorious beauty and strength. And what You did for us....is the greatest sacrifice ...that of YOUR Son!

 We give thanks for Your love to us, we give praise loudly for all that which You planned for us, and we give You our love this day. For Father, You are God who is not hard of hearing nor are YOU forgetful, but You are always on time  for that of which we have asked this day in Jesus' name. Amen.

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Godly Sorrow

I enjoy the Old Testament and find wonderful testimonies of those who followed God and those who chose not to follow Him. In one is this of King Saul.

1 Samuel 15: 10-35 NKJV 10 Now the word of the LORD came to Samuel, saying, 11 “ I greatly regret that I have set up Saul as king, for he has turned back from following Me, and has not performed My commandments.” And it grieved Samuel, and he cried out to the LORD all night.

12 So when Samuel rose early in the morning to meet Saul, it was told Samuel, saying, “Saul went t Carmel and indeed, he set up a monument for himself; and he has gone on around, passed by and gone down to Gilgal.” 13 Then Samuel went to Saul, & Saul said to him, “Blessed are you of the LORD! I have performed the commandment of the LORD.” 14 But Samuel said, “What then is this bleating of the sheep in my ears, & the lowing of the oxen which I hear?” 15 And Saul said, “They have brought them from the Amalekites; for the people spared the best of the sheep and the oxen, to sacrifice to the LORD your God; and th rest we have utterly destroyed.”

16 Then Samuel said to Saul, “Be quiet!” And I will tell you what the LORD said to me last night.” And he said to him, “Speak on.” 17 so Samuel said, “When you were little in your own eyes, were you not head of the tribes of Israel? And did not the LORD anoint you king over Israel? 18”Now the LORD sent you on a mission, and said, ‘Go and utterly destroy the sinners, the Amalekites & fight against them until they are consumed.’ 19 ‘Why then did you not obey the voice of the LORD? Why did yo swoop down on the spoil, and do evil in the sight of the LORD?” 20 And Saul said to Samuel, “But I have obeyed the voice of the LORD, and gone on the mission on which the LORD sent me & brought back Agag king of Amalek; I have utterly destroyed the Amalekites.”  21 “But the people took of the plunder, sheep & oxen , the best of the things which should have been utterly destroyed to sacrifice to the LORD your God in Gilgal.”

Yes, Saul has his answers ready. He accuses the people he was to serve as the ones who chose to take the plunder when Saul was told differently!

22 So Samuel said: ‘Has the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, & to heed better than the fat of rams. 23 For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, He also has rejected you from being king.”

Yes, rebellion is not a good thing. Now Saul is in witchcraft. He was choosing his own way.

24 Then Saul said to Samuel, “I have sinned, for I have transgressed the commandment of the LORD & your words, because I feared the people and obeyed their voice. 25 Now therefore, please pardon my sin, & return with me, that I may worship the LORD.“  26 But Samuel said to Saul, “I will not return with you, for you have rejected the word of the LORD, and the LORD has rejected  you from being king over Israel.”

From verse 24, Saul is revealing he had sinned and on top of that he did it because he feared the people! Many leaders end up in that destructive place when they rather follow man than God. In verse 25 he asking Samuel to pardon his sin and return with him so that he Saul may worship the LORD. Would that be collusion? Terrible!

Then Samuel spoke that he would not return with Saul for he Saul had rejected the word of the LORD and the LORD had rejected Saul from being king over Israel. 

Yeah, not a good place to be when it was God who placed Saul in the position!

27 And as Samuel turned around to go away, Saul seized the edge of his robe, & it tore. 28 So Samuel said to him, “The LORD has torn the kingdom of Israel from you today & has given it to a neighbor of yours, who is better than you. 29 “and also the Strength of Israel will not lie nor relent. For He is not a man, that He should relent. 

The kingdom in an instant was torn from Saul!

30 Then he said, “I have sinned; yet honor me now, please before the elders of my people and before Israel, & return with me, that I may worship the LORD your God.” 31 So Samuel turned back after Saul, & Saul worshiped the LORD. 32 Then Samuel said, “ Bring Agag king of the Amalekites here to me.” So Agag came to him cautiously. And Agag said, “Surely the bitterness of death is past.” 33 But Samuel said, “As our sword has made women childless, so shall your mother be childless among women.” And Samuel hacked Agag in pieces before the LORD in Gilgal. 34 Then Samuel went up to Ramah & Saul went up to his house at Gibeah of Saul. 35 And Samuel went no more to see Saul until the day of his death. Nevertheless Samuel mourned for Saul & for the LORD regretted that He had made Saul king over Israel.

Still within his whining Saul is desiring to keep this good standard with the people not fearing God. Saul wanted to look good among his peers. Samuel goes with Saul only to do the thing that Saul was to do. He was to kill Agag so that he would not bring disasters on the Jewish people.

Samuel did not see Saul again till Saul had died.

This gives details of the mournful heart Samuel held for Saul. Every true believer in God will carry his heart for the lost. Those failing to see or hear God's heed for safety through salvation brings them at the end of their days in utter ruin and death.

If Saul had had a godly sorrow and not wanting to move from following God, his life might have been different. Still God desires a man after His own heart. And that is one who will worship Him in the darkest hour, will pray when no words come, and continue to seek when He seems not to be present. Still God is with us. He will never leave us nor abandon us. Ours is to seek with a whole heart to fervently see with the light of His word truths that set us free and keep us free never to be entangled in the snares of wrong words.

For Saul was snared by his words and it was those to please man and he thought he could use them on Samuel. No, that did not work for him and it will not work for us!

May we truly hold a godly sorrow that we will not want to hurt our Father's heart by continuing to seek our plans instead of obeying His plans.

2 Corinthians 7:10 For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted, but the sorrow of the world produces death.

For that wall that was built to keep God out is to come down when we truly have a godly sorrow of repentance. It is turning away from bad behavior that keeps the wall up between us. God desires us to come to Him and tell the sorrows of our heart and repent for the mistakes we have made that has separated us from Him.

Receiving Jesus as Lord turns us away from our past not to do the past again. OUR lives are new in God with the heart conversion. Those who desire to dwell in their past,  desire to live in those past  sins , and to revisit those "old haunts" will find the wrong road to travel. If you or I sorrow for lost goods, lost friends, the death of relatives, then our heart is in that place. Choosing to have friends over God is sad. I would rather have God for He is my life. But I am certain He has godly friends for me just like He has them for you.

Reveling in that past thing can cause disease and increases the risk of more complaints in that thing. We are to put away evil thinking and evil speaking! Saul blamed the people but truly Saul's heart was to please the people of his kingdom and not God!

A true godly sorrow will produce reform in our thinking and our action. 

Pleasing God is looking toward tomorrow and relishing the pain of yesterday. We have all lost someone but I would hope that the best that Jesus gave is not forgotten or hidden of all the past hurts, the past losses, or the past homes we might have had. Our best day is to live in today, be thankful and expect tomorrow to be better by the hand of a great God who is for us and not against us!

New teaching at: Voice of Prayer  

Done In God

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New teaching at: Life Giving Wells

The Full Counsel of God

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Is that SMOKE?

Voice of Prayer: September 6, 2017

I really have no liking for the smell of smoke. And I care less for that which causes smoke. In the last 14+ days we have seen smoke in this region of the northwest. Much had been from fires in the region of Oregon, both in the mid-section of that state and also further south on their state line border with California. The air quality at times is questionable, that it has been ranging to good air quality to really bad quality. I understand that if it is of the 400 it is essentially going to kill! Now that of course is warning to those who keep their oxygen at close hand, who have a physician on call and has the needed meds to get through such a horrendous time or ordeal. Yet, we have continued to see people work outside in such conditions. We saw a man working on building his home in the White Salmon area that first week of September.

When it is still considered summer and the days really warm, it is hard to stay inside. There is the thought of wanting to go sit outside, maybe walk a mile or two or just take a tour around the yard at the back of the house just to enjoy the day!
Of recent days, we had to leave our home due to mischief of those desiring to use fireworks in the area of a dry forest. While being let go with fire, these fireworks started with a loud sound like waters roaring..a sound of rushing rampantly.....and the consuming started. Although this occurred on the Oregon side, still the Washington side got a front row in the viewing.

We must be so totally consumed with God that no other consuming force should take His place; not to our homes, and not to our community and to that which God is doing in our lives. We must be willing to pray for our neighbors, both near and far! And yes, we should pray for them to seek the wisdom of God to make decisions.

While staying with our daughter and family while the evacuation had occurred, we continued to pray and lift up those fighting the forest fires, those maintaining those lines and for those who rescued the animals of those being evacuated from several areas of this region.
We saw horses, yes, and goats, too plus a few pigs being sent out of harms way.

All we do within our own sphere will ultimately affect another in our daily walk. Whether here within the house, within the grocery market, out on the highway or even playing in the river, someone else can be affected by what mischief or other thing devised against another.

Prayer is so important to open the door to God our Father and allow Him to show each of us how He truly cares for us. Prayer involves our humbling ourselves that we cannot do with out Him. It is always a good thing to be thankful for the good we see in our lives

From labor day of September 4 and left our home in the hands of the Mighty God, we returned about 12:30 pm Thursday the 7th to find it all snug and safe just like He had shown me early Monday morning when I had risen from a long nights rest! Yes, the fire had begun on that Saturday around 4 pm and we happen to be on I-84 when we saw the vehicle pulled over by the police. We had been about 35 miles west of that sight and saw this spiraling smoke going towards the sky.
Yes, something was going on!

Later we saw on the news and started to hear who started it! At this point it had affected many people, caused damage across the National Forest and proved to be a bad thing for this teen and his family. Yes, someone will pay for it.

I am thankful we have a Savior who died for our sins. I am so thankful to be a child of God and to have His continual protection over my family, our home and over our neighbors as well. For my husband and I desire others not to suffer. We desire for all to come to know the goodness of God and His abiding protection when we reside in His presence always.

Yes, someone will create some mischief and cause problems for maybe you or someone you know but we are to continue to give thanks to God, not for the mischief but because we have a loving God who looks over us and to keep us safe.  Our eyes must be open to see the ploys of the enemy and be alert to apply God's word over our lives, our neighbors and of those who live in other states and other countries.

We are all connected in some way or fashion. We all affect others, but ours, those who know their God will pray for the safety of mankind, pray for their souls to be saved and that people will know His love always.
It is easy to judge another, but that is not what the Lord desires for us. Ours is to forgive and move forward. Ours is to be about the Father's business, just like Jesus spoke of.
Will you be about your Father's business? Will you move forward when smoke appears, fire lights up the hillside? Will you continue to move and make a difference for His kingdom?

We pray for all who read these blogs. My husband and I pray all who read them will be motivated in their walk with the Lord, to see their family come to Jesus and know the good of God for their lives. Today we pray for the Holy Spirit to reveal Himself to you in the comfort of God's love. May you know your life is not over and know the best is on its way when we make the Lord our priority. Please know that God can and will work through your life to others and that He is true, He lives and He is for them!

Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and Jesus our Lord, as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, by which (you and I) have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. (2 Peter 1:2-4)
Amen!

(also available is a Youtube teaching found at this address of the fire at Eagle Creek, Oregon) Abiding in His Presence


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Be Righteous Still

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Abiding IN HIS Presence

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EMPTY WORDS OR USEFUL WORDS

I STAND IN AWE READING ABOUT THOSE EMPTY WORDS!
Ephesians 5:1-14


5:1 Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. 2 And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma. 3 But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints; 4 neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks. 5 For this you know, that no fornicator, unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. 6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. 7 Therefore do not be partakers with them. 

8 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light 9(for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth), 10 finding out what is acceptable to the Lord. 11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them. 12 For it is shameful even to speak of those things which are done by them in secret. 13 But all things that are exposed are made manifest by the light, for whatever makes manifest is light. 14 Therefore He says:

"Awake, you who sleep,
Arise from the dead,
And Christ will give you light."
NKJV

We are not to  be deceived. Empty WORDS are bad!

The main thought though is for us to WAKE UP! Awake you who sleep, arise from the dead and Christ will give you light.

Imitating God is good, right? In that I walk in love that Christ has loved me and you with. When they mention that disobedience in verse 6....that is "unbelief".

So they are talking about those in "unbelief". They do not have any belief in God.

In the latter days as in reference to the Tribulation time, we are reminded that many will turn from the belief or trust in God. There is a day coming when many will turn from the "faith" in God. We are to "know" His Word. We are to hear "his heart speak" to our hearts. We should be infused with the Holy Spirit knowing that in Him, we move in power of God. Standing in right standing with Him, we are those who have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness. We are to expose them for what they are: the work of the enemy.

Filling our hearts with His Word declares we are the victor in the day to come. We stand as those who have an inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. Jesus Christ will light you with His glory, and darkness dispelled means you have peace and joy in the Holy Ghost. That LIGHT is making visible everything you must see clearly. No more stumbling in the dark. We choose wise words that the Lord has directed us to. Our path is clear and is seen. It is where the hilly becomes level. The weary become the rested. Finding Jesus is the best thing possible. The yoke is easy and the burden is light. Amen. Matthew 11:28-30)

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AUTHORITY: HIS WISDOM

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What Will We Do with Jesus?

Matthew 27:15-26
15 Now at the feast the governor was accustomed to releasing to the multitude one prisoner whom they wished. 16 And at that time they had a notorious prisoner called Barabbas. 17 Therefore, when they had gathered together, Pilate said to them, "Whom do you want me to release to you? Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?" 18 For he knew that they had handed Him over because of envy. 19 While he was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent to him, saying, "Have nothing to do with that just Man, for I have suffered many things today in a dream because of Him." 20 But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitudes that they should ask for Barabbas and destroy Jesus. 21 The governor answered and said to them, "Which of the two do you want me to release to you?" They said, "Barabbas!" 22 Pilate said to them, "What then shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?" They all said to him, "Let Him be crucified!" 23 Then the governor said, "Why, what evil has He done?" But they cried out all the more, saying, "Let Him be crucified!" 24 When Pilate saw that he could not prevail at all, but rather that a tumult was rising, he took water and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, "I am innocent of the blood of this just Person. You see to it." 25 And all the people answered and said, "His blood be on us and on our children." 26 Then he released Barabbas to them; and when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered Him to be crucified.  NKJV

The feast had begun. The governor was to release "one prisoner" at that time. On deck was the notorious prisoner called Barabbas. (famous for being bad)
And Pilate asked the people who had gathered around, "Whom do you want me to release to you?" "Barabbas or Jesus, who is called Christ?"
And while the preparation of the Feast was underway, the governor's wife told him she had a dream about Jesus. It was a dream that caused her much anxiety

It is noted here in verse 18 that he the governor Pilate knew they the people who gathered envied Jesus. Envy is a poisonous thing. We are told this in Proverbs 14.

Proverbs 14:30

30 A sound heart is life to the body,

But envy is rottenness to the bones. NKJV

Yeah, have you smelled something rotting? Have you been around someone so sick, their body seemed to be rotting away under the affect of that which diseased the body part?

These people envied Jesus, and it was rottenness that was found in them to their very bones. 

James 3:13-18

13 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom. 14 But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. 15 This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. 16 For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. 17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. 18 Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.  NKJV

These people hated Jesus. They despised the truth He brought to them.

The governor asked, "why, what evil has He done?" But they cried out and it must have been a real riotous time. The people wanted Jesus crucified!

Pilate said he washed his hands of the matter and would release the "one known for his famous bad deeds"!

Justice? Not likely.

But everyday, people should to love Jesus. They find that strength in Him that is true joy to rise and do for His glory.

Likely, you too, will be in a crowd and probably will look like some believer's and some who just want their way. Those self-seeking will look to have their way. They will do little to help you, or they will ignore you entirely. They will either be for truth or they will love the way things are a comfort to them even though they are the naked, the blind and far from God. Some just delight in having their way that is the way of destruction.

And these people were the adamant about it. They said this: " His blood be on us and on our children." (see below)

Yikes!

Matthew 27:24-26

24 When Pilate saw that he could not prevail at all, but rather that a tumult was rising, he took water and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, "I am innocent of the blood of this just Person. You see to it." 25 And all the people answered and said, "His blood be on us and on our children." 26 Then he released Barabbas to them; and when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered Him to be crucified.  NKJV

In choosing Barabbas, they sought their way, and they gained "the bad of Barabbas". They even spoke it to be done to their children as well.

In choosing to reject Jesus and truth, people invite the evil, that which acquainted with envy for another, in what they believe, what they look like, envy what they have, envy their social position in life, envy their confidence in God and in doing that lose their very soul.

Saw somewhat a controversial topic on CNN and it was on the 80's and the music that was on the scene at that time. They had notables talking to the stage of the country leaders to voice their objection to the violent music, the kind they believed that would permeate into violence and they spoke on the objectionable music videos. And to me, in some respects they were right. But where were they, the notables, when one atheistic woman wanted prayer done away with in the schools in 1964? That is my question. Where were those who had ministry and ministered at the time? What happened that day has brought a great darkness over this country. And one can see what can happen when one wants their way just by watching the evening news most every night.

Yes, there are those who live to give encouragement to others, but they seem few.

Where was the rallying at that time of the early 60's? One woman took center stage and demanded. What did they do with Jesus at that time? What will we do with Him today? 

I heard there was tent revivals going on from the 40's and 50's..............what happened?

We have opportunity after opportunity to minister the life that comes through Jesus alone. We must pray, we must know Him and trust completely that He has not abandoned us.

He surely watched as the High Priest when young Stephen was being stoned. He, Jesus, surely took His place to watch over him...........why........because Stephen prayed while he was being stoned.

And today people cower instead of standing face to face in the devil's face and tell him that his time is up. They cower in fear. They have become "the paralyzed".

Stephen prayed and asked in those last moments of life and Jesus stood as the High Priest........the Great Intercessor and quickly Stephen was received up into heaven.

Who are you rallying with? Do we even have a faith cry? Do we speak Jesus or find another like Barabbas? Are we like those who desire to put away Jesus from our lives? Are we seeking our "own thing"?

Like Jesus, we should speak as well: ”THAT He who is of GOD hears GOD’S WORDS………”   “That of myself I can do nothing; BUT AS MY FATHER TAUGHT ME, I SPEAK THESE THINGS.” “He who has sent me gave me a command, what I should say, and what I should speak. Therefore, whatever  I speak, just as the Father has told Me, so I speak.  (scripture references below:)Jesus said:  John 8:47……47 He who is of God hears God's words; therefore you do not hear, because you are not of God." …NKJV    John 8:28….28 Then Jesus said to them, "When you lift up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am He, and that I do nothing of Myself;  but as My Father taught Me, I speak these things. NKJV   John 12:49-13:1………49 For I have not spoken on My own authority; but the Father who sent Me gave Me a command, what I should say and what I should speak. 50 And I know that His command is everlasting life. Therefore, whatever I speak, just as the Father has told Me, so I speak."   NKJV

For what is written today, He commanded. I do not speak of myself, but what He has given me. It is "He who is of God who hears God's words; therefore you do not hear, because you are not of God."

May we speak and not be silently, but ever mindful of why Jesus was crucified for us. Let us not take for granted one moment that we should our lives like the devil and hope to be in heaven one day. It does not work that way and never will.

What will you do with Jesus?

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LET NOT MAN SEPARATE

Mark 10:1-12
10:1 Then He arose from there and came to the region of Judea by the other side of the Jordan. And multitudes gathered to Him again, and as He was accustomed, He taught them again. 2 The Pharisees came and asked Him, "Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?" testing Him. 3 And He answered and said to them, "What did Moses command you?" 4 They said, "Moses permitted a man to write a certificate of divorce, and to dismiss her." 5 And Jesus answered and said to them, "Because of the hardness of your heart he wrote you this precept. 6 But from the beginning of the creation, God 'made them male and female.'  7'For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife,  8'and the two shall become one flesh'; so then they are no longer two, but one flesh. 9 Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate." 10 In the house His disciples also asked Him again about the same matter. 11 So He said to them, "Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery against her. 12 And if a woman divorces her husband and marries another, she commits adultery."   NKJV

The hardness of heart against someone can surely produce bad results!

Jesus tells the Pharisees that Moses wrote them this precept because of the heart issue.

Man is to leave his father and mother. Simple!

Man is to take a wife(female) and be joined to her. And what God has joined together.......let not man separate.

Have you been around a family member, and they appear to speak kinder words to the "said" parents or siblings than they do to their wife and/or husband? Have you even seen a group of family members join with another family group, and one member spends more time with their own family from birth than with the entire group?

Certainly, as one gets older, and prayer is a part of their lifestyle, you can see more vividly those images from gatherings past and see a pattern or image forming. In rehearsing the Word of God and setting up that "tent" over that scripture or passage, we can see from God's revelation of what it is saying: plain and simple! 

I was wondering today how many couples really talk with one another............or if they just talk at one another! You can certainly see it at the grocery store, the specialty shop or even at special restaurant.

Little over a year ago, we were having an anniversary. We had picked the perfect spot in the mountains, with fireplace and special foods we like. My husband had made the reservations and we were prompt in arriving some 15 minutes ahead. The lighting was beautiful. The fireplace had a beautiful warmth that was inviting on that windy, cold night. We were seated, and had drinks festive for a cold winter night. Yes, something warm was good.

I had noticed a couple seated on the opposite side from us but still in full view of the fireplace. They had a table like ours with the beautiful white linen cloth, napkins and table setting. Yet, this couple sat across from each other. Each had their phone in hand, but the husband had shut his off, but the wife kept looking or should I say focused on her phone. They were nicely dressed for the evening. He tried conversation, but alas he got her hand raised up to him as to say,'wait a minute'. SHE WAS FOCUSED on the entire phone texting for the length of the meal.

Meanwhile, we are being served our food. Delicious indeed! I always enjoy the appetizers there! Then our steaks were served. And the third couple came in. Aah too, it was a special evening for this young couple. She was looking longingly into his eyes as they were seated.............and her chair could not get any closer than it was without sitting in his lap. She would smile at him and he at her as well. The waiter comes, the young man tells him that he had proposed marriage to his young lady...earlier in the afternoon........and of course, the waiter must take a look at the beautiful ring, as well as Shelley did too, I might add! Yes, it was beautiful. They ordered some wine to toast and then ordered their food.

Yes, three couples that night and each was celebrating. Ours of course was of many years married, and the other couple well,the lady was happy with her phone indeed! And of the third, well love was all-around and I am certain they could hear birds singing and bells ringing.

The couple at the first table, lady with cell phone left. We were probably there an hour and half, and we too departed to bliss of our home and little dog awaiting our arrival. As for the third couple, I figured they closed the place.

I had remarked to my husband, how we had laughed and tried the food and enjoyed the great flavors. We enjoyed each other's company and did not think about the other's family members as mother, father, sisters or brothers, or neighbor next door, or church friend, but really enjoyed being with one another.

Yes, that was some months ago, and I revisit that night and wonder if that one couple is together anymore. For he certainly wanted to visit with her and talk but she was just too darn busy texting SOMEONE ELSE!

I remember when I was working, and one lady or two would talk about their evening at length. They would mention that they called their parents and spent a length of time with them on the phone, but the other spouse knows nothing of it or the conversation. I always wondered what the secrecy was all about!
I always tell my husband when I am calling family, as he tells me the same. We always try to have it when we are together, but sometimes it does not work so well to do that. But in regard to our spouse, do we keep them in the loop when communicating with others?
I remember hearing this occur: man of 40+ years goes over to visit his mother ( and she is not sick) all afternoon instead of working and wife does not know about the visit till the mother-in-law mentions it some days later. Yes, I have seen that as well. Why did it need to be a secret? But after these many years of reading and looking into that perfect law of liberty, I reflect on instances when one spouse telling the other of a phone call seemed to cause said person much grief to the point of being sick about it.

And I am always drawn to this scripture........that man is to leave his mother and father and cleave to his wife.

Genesis 2:24

24 Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.    KJV

It does not say to be his "housekeeper", but his wife that is one flesh to him!

When a man takes a wife..........that bond is to be stronger than those set up in nature as the mother of the child. And that is a strong bond indeed, as the mother KNOWS when the child needs her attention immediately!  When that child is grown, that umbilical cord should be cut. Surely our children are to have consent of both sets of parents to marry, but the relationship then is the man with his wife. Leaving mommy and daddy behind and to have a life that raises children to do the same. Go and take dominion over the earth. And not be dominated by the technology of cell phones, or any other device.

The husband should be one who will revere his wife as the one and only woman in his life.
I have also heard excuses why they call "mommy and daddy" so much. They are much too long to list here, but certainly the heart is involved in the communication.
Again, how much do we communicate with "mommy and daddy" and is it more than with husband or  with wife?

We can look at the Creation and see Adam and Eve. And there is no mention of mommy dearest or dad.............BUT it mentions God very clearly. So in scheme of things, and marriage takes place by consent of both set of parents of the couple, then clearly, the Head is to be God, And Jesus as Lord, and husband and the wife. That too me, would be the communication line. And if it is not, then there is a problem. It is a BIG PROBLEM!

Ultimately, the husband is to find a love with the wife the Lord has given him. His helpmate is walking beside him, so she should know what his every move would be, not find out some days or months later.............like "oh yeah, did I mention mom and dad are wanting us to come for a visit on...............(this date)?" Being a teenager, I paid attention to a lot of things, and I always wondered what was wrong with people just talking to each other. To me, communication was a big thing in attending school and in class participation. Those who surely did not want to do that oral book report, well, you would know them well, and they were generally those who were the very last ones who would make their way to the front with a hand grip on paper that would bend it into two halves and they would never look at the audience all the while speaking. I always wondered what they found on the floor that was so interesting.

Walking beside him, the wife should know what is on his mind, and what his thought process is. Her being the more gentler of the two, still is the mate who should soothe the brow of husband. She should have the sympathy or any affection ready...........and they should have the common interests, but if husband (or wife) finds more interest in said family they left when getting married, then again one should look at why that is happening.

I should not give more attention to another than my husband. He foremost is my husband, and head of our home. But he also has to know God, and have a relationship with Him. He is to consult the Holy Spirit at the beginning of the day, and have conversations with me about the decisions which must be made . Now counsel is good............and godly counsel is highly recommended but not above, or over the wife or husband. If there is an umbilical cord found in all this..........then it is certainly time to cut it off NOW!

Where we seek to find solace, yes any comfort in a time of distress or sadness, should be in bosom of the wife and not in a board room with many people listening in or on the phone with parents or others we might want solace with. What goes on with the husband/wife should remain in their own house/household and not sent out like an email blast on Facebook!

In the blog I wrote: Love By Subduing What? I wrote about the helpmate. Here read a portion:

In scripture, we find God assigning men to have a "helpmate". Her worth was to be his help, assist him in accomplishing goals in subduing the earth.....to encourage him, and partner with him in producing children to populate the earth they would subdue. Said husband cannot do that with mommy and daddy!

God did not want Adam to be alone. 

Is the man subduing, as to working in the field, the place he is called? If he is taking his role seriously about being the man God created him to be, then are you and I , as women, taking our role seriously and filling it? In working alongside our husbands, we find relationship and not only that, but we find a man who leaves his mother and father......joins with his new wife, his partner for life in the grace of God and fulfill the assignment given to them. They join forces! They join together what God had always planned to do. He does not bring along all the ideas or thoughts his folks had........no, he joins forces to find what God planned for him and his "helpmate".....they join together. He knows his wife and her family. THE HUSBAND LEADS LIKE JESUS LEADS!

to cleave: to stick together like glue

Interesting that cleaving is sticking that close as compared to glue.
This use of dabaq is given in Strong's as to cling or stick to. This is what we find in Genesis 2:24.
Their being "one flesh" was intimacy in love. This was a love that was 24/7 in our days of 365 in a year. Yes, year in, and year out, they were joined together. They are one! We are to be the committed who will not quit when things are not right and the going gets rough! Committed always means being patient with your "mate".  So reality is having one heart with that person. It consists of BEING willing to admit any wrongs...........and always ready to forgive the other for anything!

Bringing others into the cleaving means (you are ) allowing others to dictate your life. That is bringing "others" in that intimacy that God planned only for husband and wife. So that being intimate is changed to include others.........and allowing them a say when the spouse knows absolutely nothing about what is agreed on with others apart and away from "the cleaving" God desires for His children.

Only God and His counsel should be considered. Certainly each should have friendships, but not to the point of shoving "mate" into corner or raising the hand while texting...........just so you can text your favorite"peep". If that "intimacy" is not established early on, then when tribulations come, and it will come, and it will be harder to maintain that intimacy or even find it. In that relationship, if the security and commitment are not there, then certainly when all falls apart, one of the said couple will feel abandoned. It takes a commitment to discover that wonder that is marriage and know that God has a better plan for you, than say, "your best "bro" or even maybe " the folk's " do!


Father, today, we are holding Your Word up and speaking clearly with expectation!
Father,  as a couple today, we pray for Your divine intervention on this unity and harmony within our marriage.  We are contacting YOU the Author and the Finisher of our faith and put this Word into motion. This Word will not return void, but will accomplish where it is sent. We are totally leaning on YOU and learning of YOUR wisdom, drawing on Your strength and filled with Your quietness……that is bringing the Results we believe for our marriage that would be one of unity and harmony.
We pray for our eyes to see where we might have missed the mark in heeding a godly marriage. Help us to be available to our spouse. May we bring glory to YOU Who created marriage for the man and woman. Help us to cleave......like glue and not like velcro for velcro will wear out and pull apart and away from its duty. Our desire is not to quit, give up and just leave, no we value our marriage and pray for it to be established in the love You God meant it to be. May we bring glory to You in and through our marriage. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen!



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