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

Heaven's Crown

There is so much about what to follow. Enjoy this, entertain your consciousness.
I am interested in the creatures that live at the bottom of the ocean where is pitch black, but I do not want to entertain anything of me at that depth of blackness.


In looking up the word "following"......I saw this:
"a happening, a coming next, following someone in the direction they are going. It was also noted that following was giving favor to the one they are following.
So, if Jesus is not number 1 on our list, what is number 1?

In "following" another, the words speak this way:
tracking, shadowing, tailing, stalking, and movement.
Now movement sounds like a powerful word. In a movement to "follow" or "like" something someone posted, are we gearing up for the movement to towards that "alcohol" announcement at the local brewery? How about shopping all weekend?
But that word stalking is dangerous. And the word tracking sounds like tracking wolves or coyotes.

If we are enthusiasts, what are we enthused about? Is it being connected  with something like a new beer ad over a new brewery thing or technique.
Was it someone else's like and sent it to you to like as well..........and in that, was I enthused someone saw my name listed made a few clicks with the cursor.......and boom in the "likes" that makes me want to live another day?
In working on this today, I was made aware of yesterday when our team was going to connect, yes, by phone. Time: noon. Everyone is a "go" and answering cell phone, I hear two broken words, and the sound of metal vibrating somewhere. Oh yeah, it is the sound no one likes.
In every other sentence spoken, I hear only very broken English. In truth, I ask, "can you hear me now?"
I wonder what Jesus would have done with my cell phone yesterday. After the struggle to hear not only on the phone, but switching cell phones with their comrades, still broken English, and loud metal sound culminating in 'CALL LOST'. AND then this same cell phone had the audacity to state we were leaving cell service area. I was in my kitchen, standing by my cabinet watching eggs boil in a pan. How could I possibly be leaving cell service area, I ask you?

If Jesus had had internet, would He use it like we try to use it?
Even with the most notable fast action tools used today.........and with the most noted circulating news team without paper relaying over thousands of miles in just seconds He would say, "I told you this would happen." Remember He is God!
So a tool like internet with a force that will direct people into their future by either being " liked" or "disliked" about a certain new swag, a new way to communicate, whether we voted for the newest baby bottle, or sent  in our own pictures of the meteor shower, seeking to share with others what we have seen, or been taught. Jesus shared His heart. He spoke face to face.

What happened to speaking face to face? I remember my grandparents and father speaking with people at the city gate. They ( my grandparents) had a feed store and they could meet with people, find their need and meet it and still have some communication time with customers.

In those long ago days, I remember people reflecting on their day, their week possibly and finding something to laugh about in the hard life of any farmer or rancher in the south. They either dealt with drought, floods, partial rains but coming too late, and all their pain and sacrifice, they spoke a passion of their heart and spoke with others about it face to face.
 I remember their faces, and I remember the smile when they were greeted by their name and given a well remembered conversation with another on being in the trenches of life, with some suffering and a  zeal to continue. Crops came in or they failed, still communication was a need for those who hungered to have success in what they did with the soil, for what they brought to their family and to the community.

Is an instant "like" enough to carry people into something good or is it placing one in a needy position to always have someone like them, even if they do not know them.

The people who came to the feed store needed help with their plants, possibly a stronger seed to plant and all that was planted was seen to support the family who planted it all. In their zeal to be farmers, they spoke with other farmers, they met together and sometimes for just minutes to fill their order for the week, or a month. Voices were heard communicating about the fields of crops and what might be on the horizon in the weeks and months to come.


In the family unit, and being part of a community, standing next to you, I will listen and pray with you. If you post something that I did, I will ask what teaching encouraged you the most, but walk a mile with me in the a. m. hour and then I would be sensitive to know you really want to know me.

Yes, I still think on those days I got a few minutes down at the "store". It surely smelled like chemical fertilizers to me, but I also remember those who reflected life to others.  They spoke of victory over those sandy fields. They gave voice to their hearts desire, and in those values, they honored others and let them know so by talking with them face to face. They gave from minutes to hours to see and speak face to face.
In Jesus we have the wisdom of God that created the heavens and the earth. In Jesus, we see the genuine, the Proven and that worth keeping.

What people "liked" last week may be the antique today. What they loved may be outdated now or tomorrow. Beliefs and those modes of thinking over a network of connecting might be good in a quick and timely event, but the closeness of the truly caring heart may be missing.

Correspondence is necessary and should never be discarded.
Jesus was sent to us out of love. That next "like" you receive, will it be laced with same kind of love? Or is it just superficial and allows no responsibility on either's part to participate in each other's lives?
We are in the world but not of it.

Communicating with Jesus is also following Him. And the communication with the Spirit was the secret to Christ's ministry.
You might tell me how you swam off the shores of an Hawaiian island and saw some special creatures around a coral reef. You might even have pictures and I would be happy you got to do that. It would and should be enjoyable to him/her who loves the sea and its creatures and gets to snorkel and discover those things under the sea. We can make room for doing those things. Good job and working hard can contribute to a substantial check to pay for those things that bring a smile.


 But we must remember too that the more room we make for Jesus in our lives, the more we have His power in us. Without the constant awareness of God  and of His nature, we inevitably reduce our vision to what is accomplished on the internet and other aspects of it. We too can become shallow and no have no commitment to anything or anyone.
There are things that you like, and I like and it shows in what we talk about, what we wear and what we love to do.
But staying closer to God, keeps us aware of He who invades the impossible when the perspectives of those around us are only focused on the temporary and physical of circumstances.
Following what you love, will take you forward or hold you at the door. Jesus desires leaders. He desires us to know the battle's been won. With whole hearts on fire, not just with a "like" but loving Him with a passion will speak with more fire and more glory to His name.

I wait to hear from you. Let me know what you are following. Will it have life and breath for you?

Jesus makes us brave. In Him, the weak find strength. The enemy has to leave. ALL CONDEMNED FEEL NO SHAME.

IN following, may there light where you walk. It is the place where the lost are saved! And it is finding a way into the glorious life you and I were always meant to live. IT is following the One Who has received heaven's crown. 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:

Prayer Brings an Atmosphere of Awe and Amazement

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vm12vHs1FcE&spfreload=10

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

Iodine or Those $99 Antibiotics

Was reading this article sent to me by my family who lives back east. I got a great laugh about the antibiotics and their use today. A trip with a real need, can look like 99 dollars for antibiotic and more for the visit to the Emergency Room, and possibly hospital time, of course.
When we were children, a scrap to knee or elbow, iodine would stain the skin and clothes, but Mercurochrome worked better to me and the scent was nice. Who cared it turned the skin slightly reddish pink? Of course, there was possibly the need for a shot if a wound appeared really deep. Tetanus shot, anyone?
But I have now heard that Mercurochrome is no longer available. This highly used product was used for years was "deemed" not safe!

Today, I hear a lot on the cost of things. I take note of the going price to get a baby from conception to the arm holding stage. Yes with the ride outside of the womb and into the EXIT, a baby comes into the  waiting "family"is up to several thousand dollars in a lot of cases. And those with the "marked for a C-Section" the price can go even higher. YIKES!
Our visit with Dr. for pregnancy, the room, the Dr.' care + delivery was a total $400. Yeah, those were the days, and life seemed easier and not so pricey.
Yes, times have changed and it sure added a cost to a vast assortment of different categories that affect a young married couple. In looking at owning that home, and a car or two as well, the price shoots up drastically. When adding a baby to boot, then you are talking millions of dollars.

Going to the grocery store too, can take a bite out of the paycheck or savings account. In years past I heard of people getting into lots of trouble using their credit card to purchase groceries. That works when you pay the bill at the end of each month, but to keep stacking more charges against yourself is not wise at all!

Was really taken aback by the article I was sent and laughed at the things pertaining to swimming in the river or lakes with no regard to any kind of yuck getting on you. And I certainly do not remember any people getting sick from going into the cloudy river. I was more concerned for the water moccasin who lived there. (you know snakes)

 The going to the nurse in the school pharmacy was to us an actual nurse with a certain uniform on. Although it was not the typical white outfit, still you knew which one was "the nurse".  I am not sure what they would have today. But in those days, the only reason you went to see her, was to get out of class. (very seldom would one need an actual aspirin or wound tended too!)

I liked the part of the article which mentioned the cell phone. And it could have or would have been  true at that time and period, if one would have mentioned a cell phone, a person in jail would think a phone from within their cell was available for their use. And yes, what was mentioned also was the use of that cutting board. The care on that alone would cause some to tremble. But I think today of those germs they show on keyboards, light switches, elevator buttons, and those really out of the way water fountains! Have you seen those new scanning systems to check for those pesky germs just waiting to get on aboard your hands and go home with you?

Yes, prices have gone up, people's pay stayed the same, and in the mix, something will have to give. It will have to either stand together or fall together.

In counting the cost for anyone's future, we must figure that we are going to finish.
Luke 14:28-30 Message Bible...
"Is there anyone here who, planning to build a new house, doesn't first sit down and figure the cost so you'll know if you can complete it? If you only get the foundation laid and then run out of money, you're going to look pretty foolish. Everyone passing by will poke fun at you:'He started something he couldn't finish.'"
"Or could you imagine a king going into battle against another king without first deciding whether it is possible with his ten thousand troops to face the twenty thousand troops of the other? And if he decides he can't, won't he send an emissary and work out a truce?"
"Simply put, if you're not willing to take what is dearest to you whether plans or people, and kiss them good-bye, you can't be my disciple." "Salt is excellent. But if salt goes flat, it's useless, good for nothing. Are you Listening to this?Really listening?"

Jesus is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow.
Whether in life as an individual or as a couple, one must count the cost. Jesus was showing that which was to be considered when starting anything.
In being a disciple for the Lord, we learn to walk the way He did. He showed us how to consider things and bring them under the council of God.
Anyone viewing the evening news can see some horrific things due to weather related catastrophes. Some people are willing to start over. Many are people in their 60's and 70's who came out of the storm unscathed, their property destroyed, but they continue to live and look forward to another day.

 Things can come, and with them can come some major changes to our lives, but when keeping God first in our lives, we remain in His peace to walk through any trial at the time.
But that kissing some things good-bye could be a good thing. Like one should skip the casino with the boys to spend more time with the mother-to-be before the actual arrival date of the baby!  Kissing some of those old habits like the nightly workout might be scheduled for a more flexible time of the three times a week instead.
Changes have to be made when accommodating the new in our lives.
Ours did not seem to change a lot. We were accustomed to being home and doing things around the house and property. Our child slept through the night on her second night home. She would arise at 6 AM. and so did I. Although she liked her formula and those early foods for a tiny baby.........yet I held onto my bacon. That did not change then or now, but I still remember those days.


In the decision making, and that which comes after a major change, like storms, change in jobs or even the arrival of a baby to the family, one should their focus on God Who gave.

In that process, we can be salt to others. In choosing to continue and not quit, we look to God and that which He says we can have and do in His name. Yes, salt is good and is season to those around us.
We can continue to communicate Jesus Christ to the world when anything changes even to the degree of loss. It is in our walk through, we show others that we are not dominated by the world or things of the world. Our influence must be that which is in peace and that of the over-comer.
Whether in our walk with the community or with Christians alike, our savor must be that which brings life to others. He who has ears to hear, let him hear.

In attending to Christ and His Word, we are reminded that He, God, gave His best for us. In all that happened to the apostles in their ministry, should we not also remember that others paid the price for us to hear? Jesus gave His life for us. Through His obedience and sacrifice, we have full access to the Father.
 For the Gospel went out, and in that, the word came forth to today. It is knowing we have the choice to choose a good life. It is one marked by the Cross of Christ. It has it's hard places. It has it's ups and downs, but our focus whether by tragedy of death of a close family member, a loss of a home to tornado or even hurricane, God still rules from heaven. He sent His son for us. And in that we should be the consumed to mark out our paths with the way of truth that only comes from God.

People are watching us daily. They see how we react to even the most subtle of changes. How will they see us? Will we be salt and light? Even in the storms of life, can God count on us to direct others to Him and His love?

Psalm 62 Message Bible

God, the one and only--
I'll wait as long as he says,
Everything I hope for comes from Him, so why not?
He's solid rock under my feet, breathing room for my soul,
And impregnable castle; I'm set for life.
My help and glory are in God----granite strength and safe-harbor God--
So trust him absolutely, people;
lay your lives on the line for Him.
God is a safe place to be.

Man as such is smoke, woman as such, a mirage.
Put them together, they're nothing; two times nothing is nothing.
And windfall, if it comes---don't make too much of it.
God said this once and for all;
how many times have I heard it repeated?
"Strength comes Straight from God."
Love to you, Lord God!
You  pay a fair wage for a good day's work!

Man can only do in his own strength. And the woman, his helpmate, can assist him, but it is only in God and through Him that we move in His power, wisdom and peace.
God is for us. He desires us to proclaim His Name far and wide.
No smokin' mirrors with Him, you will always get the truth.
He is standing by and as we reflect on Him, and grateful in the reflection, we know our lives remain dear to Him. Oh God, to see You and to bless You daily. We commit to sing. As we communicate our love to YOU, may others hear and be glad.
You are more beautiful to us than all the jewelry in the world. YOU shine bright and show us where to walk safely. Your love never runs out on us. You set us free, and we are here to tell the world.
"Be still and know that he is God."
He is gracious, and has showered us with blessings. Our soul, yes, He rescued from death. We praise YOU our faithful God. Your love never quits! 

Remember:
He will never give up on you!
Keep prayer foremost for your decision making before starting anything, including marriage and the birth of a child. Count the cost! Make it plain.
From previous Blog: Paying it Forward (Wisdom) February 2.8.16
Forsake foolishness and live! Go in the way of Understanding............In respect to writing it down, I like the word prescribe, given as a meaning. We surely know what it is when some Doctor prescribes some medicine and the importance of taking it when you need it. I think that word fits so appropriately for taking this prescribed word of God and taking it like a pill every day will change things if we take it as directed. Right?
Make it plain so that others might know what you are believing. 

In writing it out for your future: seek the Lord's will and that it is a life pleasing to God that is with fruitfulness, endurance, patience and joy. (Colossians 1:9-12)
Thank You Lord for leading us into a cleared and level land.
The clouds may darken and fill the skies. And thunders may boom through the night, but we are not the fearful! We are the prepared to give others a "helping hand" if destruction strikes their land. We are excited to start this day with You. We take the first steps out with a song on our lips.

In closing:
Building your life as an individual, or as a couple will take a lot of time, a lot of prayer and many questions to God about tomorrow. Laboring for something good is seen in that which we choose God and His way and ultimately follow that plan of His. Anything worthwhile will take some time, money, sacrifice and being committed to what waits up ahead for us.

Father, may Your glory fill this place! In Jesus' name, we pray for the glory....Your beauty, Your holiness.......to be seen where we stand and trust in YOU. May others see and know that You are with us. It is to Your praise and to Your eternal honor, we truly lift Your name on high. Amen.

Notice:

The Voice of Prayer  has a new teaching published: 

Faith Without Borders: The Experience of Our Faith

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

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