A Family Affair

Genesis 1:1-6
1:1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. 2 The earth was without form, and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. 3 Then God said, "Let there be light"; and there was light. 4 And God saw the light, that it was good; and God divided the light from the darkness. 5 God called the light Day, and the darkness He called Night. So the evening and the morning were the first day.
NKJV

Our Father God created. And it has continued to expand, for you and I continue to hear reports from NASA about another galaxy, and another planet like ours being spotted in the vast universe.

God said and it was so. And He called out LIGHT!

With light shining within our homes, what do we see?

What do we create for our families? What atmosphere do we create when no one is there, when no one is home? Are the beds made? Are the dishes done? How about a meal for that spouse? Or is he limited to the two meals a day and snack for evening, as a purposed plan for his eating habits today? Remember that weight thing has to be considered.

It tells us from the above scripture, that the earth was without form, void and darkness was on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the deep waters.

And then God spoke:"LIGHT!"

So when we have our beginning with God, do we ask for His light into the 1st part of our early morning time and if we do, what do we start with?

Hopefully it is in praying, asking the Holy Spirit to have His way in us and then move into worshiping the Lord and give voice to His Word by speaking it out!

In the days of "old" the people started on their days before the sun arose. There was water to get from a well or stream. There was wood to gather for a fire. Much activity could be heard, inside and outside of a dwelling place. Remember what might have been used to light a room.
Was it winter or was it summer time? The wife would be starting on the first meal of the day and it had to be a hearty one to get the husband off to do his duty of work for the day. Also in those days, the man worked with the wife to prepare for the family, prepare for the aged members who could no longer see to their needs. So everyone knew how to cook a meal on an open fire. Yes it was a family affair!

Today, much has changed, and I am not certain all for the good. Let God be the judge!
So which one would we embrace, which one do we look like, and which one will expand us in the right direction to make a difference for the kingdom of God?

For both will expand just as God's light has expanded. This whole world is based on that foundation He put into motion.

1st Scenario:
On rising on the 1st work day of week:

Husband works, wife works part-time,  two children, part-time family cat.
They rush around, one makes coffee, another makes sandwiches to fill paper bags. One or two yell at each other. Maybe one is kissed, door slams, and the house is empty!
Looks like Hurricane Sandy went through it! Making a quick walk through, one finds that place in upheaval.
No beds are made, dishes in the sink, pans on the stove, and clothes everywhere.Yikes!
The father gets home, dishes in the sink, pots and pans on the stove. Oh my! What's for dinner, who shopped?
Kids come in, not happy again.
Mom comes in to find everyone arguing, gazing around the room she sees the piles of stuff and nothing put away. Stumbling, and numb from her day, she grimaces at the noise escalating from the kitchen area. "Oh yes, I forgot to shop again."
There is more loud talking, one is sulking, then everyone complains they are "the hungry".
Still have to wash a pan or two, Mom is done. She has vacated the kitchen. She probably had to with no room to really stand in a space with both feet as the boots and shoes cluttered the walking area of the living room. Then she spots an empty box on the living room floor and oh yes, the seldom home cat is demanding something to eat as well! He is meowing loudly and rubbing against her pantsuit leg! Then she remembers speaking aloud, 'oh my", the "cat needs food".
She asks her husband did he not get work off early. He said of course, "it is Monday, right." " It was our bowling day."
She responds, "yes, but the market is right next door." He turns with a scowl and shrugs his shoulders to the "kids".
Dinner is something like ramen noodles. The kid's snubbed their noses at it. Both are off to bed with no dinner. The father kicks the boots out of his way, looks around the room and falls into his chair in front of the T.V.
Mother has gone in to shower and plans on going to bed. She makes a mental note: "PBJ for lunches:kids! She turns off the light!
Who put the kids to bed? Who helped?
When night is done, the day starts again.

2nd Scenario:
Rising on the 1st day of work week:
Husband works, wife works part-time and they have two children. And one dog!
Husband comes in after work to help with meal preparation. He stopped at the market for some special fixings to do up one of his famous burgers. Meats on the grill!
Kids come in from school, hang their jackets up, Mom is on her way home.
Dinner table set, mom arrives, dinner is on the table.
Mom had a meeting downtown and saw some adventure movies on sale and got a couple for the family to watch on "Family Night".

 Everyone eats. Dog looks for some kind of meat from the table. But alas, he returns to find his bowl full of dog munchies and his water bowl filled to the brim as well.
Dad and kids wash dishes, Mom prepares lunch boxes with sandwiches for the next day. She pours milk into thermos for the kid's, put in their favorite peanut butter cook with chocolate chips. Laughter is heard throughout the house.
Dad goes in to turn back the bed covers in the kids rooms for the kids. Mom checks how the bath is going for the younger child. "Is that too much bubble bath in the water?" She checks their clothes for school the next day, but knows she has no choice in what they will wear.
Dad helps the eldest kid with homework, it is some new "math".........and when done sends him off to think about their plans for Saturday for the whole family in the park for the big game of baseball.
Mother and Father visit: each child in their room, they pray, and tuck them in. The eldest complains, "ah, I am too old for that "kid stuff" dad!"
Mom and Dad smile and exit quietly........in the living room over a cup of tea, they
 talk about their day at work, check on their bank account, all bills paid, they go over any goals for the end of the year.
She tells him about some things at work and they pray together over the situation. They ask the Lord's direction for the day and week ahead.
She readies for bed, and he then follows. He checks to make sure all is in place. And that every door is locked is his final look at the security of his family. He prays over the family again, pleads the Blood of Jesus. Turns out the light!
When the night is done, the day starts again.

Seems scenario 2 would be the best solution for a thriving and growing family, yet I think the 1st is what a lot of people see and experience.

The important thing to remember is that our Father God created. And when He is in it, there is light, life, and a place to really thrive and grow in Him. It is joyous and maximizing the God- kind of life. It is ease when everything and everyone is in their place and fulfilling their roles.

Also understand this: both of these families know God. They have accepted Jesus as Lord. But only one family is truly living under the leadership of Jesus. The other is floundering!

Now this is really pointed or directed to the men who read this.
Since we are made in the image of God, we are to imitate Him and follow what He has written to us for our good.
Ephesians 5:1-2
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.
NKJV

So husbands, what did you sacrifice for your family today? Did you shop for groceries? How about some special berries or chocolate for your wife?
Could you have done the dishes, put them away and have the counter ready to prepare another meal later?

God created the garden of Eden and he created man. He gave him the garden and gave him the animals to name. What a job, right? How many is there and how long did that take? I know it took about a day to come up with a name for our little poodle. You know that name has to fit!

But seriously, God gave Adam some jobs to do and it was TO take dominion in that garden and do it with a walk with the Father Who created him.

Genesis 2:18-25
18 And the LORD God said, "It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him." 19 Out of the ground the LORD God formed every beast of the field and every bird of the air, and brought them to Adam to see what he would call them. And whatever Adam called each living creature, that was its name. 20 So Adam gave names to all cattle, to the birds of the air, and to every beast of the field. But for Adam there was not found a helper comparable to him. 21 And the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall on Adam, and he slept; and He took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh in its place. 22 Then the rib which the LORD God had taken from man He made into a woman, and He brought her to the man. 23 And Adam said:

"This is now bone of my bones
And flesh of my flesh;
She shall be called Woman,
Because she was taken out of Man."

24 Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh. 25 And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed.   NKJV

That helper is "ezer" (ay-zer) OT 5828...5826 .....aid, help....to succor
I like what the definition states:to provide with what is useful in achieving an end.
I think this one is amazing.........."and is liken to something that one does or gives to help another..........in a situation that is often difficult and can be one of suffering."

Remember that Adam came from the dust of the ground! He was a man of mind, will and emotions.
And then Eve came along. And they lived in a garden that God provided. It had every kind of tree and what beauty must have been in that garden!
Yes, she came along to help Adam in a situation. It might be something of a difficulty...........some hard work.........and even (Yikes) some suffering!
The helper---the helpmate---- had come to assist what Adam was doing. Well, he had named the animals........but what else.......well, he was to tend the garden........take dominion and rule!
But the serpent came in, and Adam was not taking his right in dominion. It was that chaos again........and much like Hurricane Sandy! It looks that way in the lives of families who are to be led by the Father, Helpmate Mother, children achieving an end that is useful.

 God said this in Genesis 3:16.........

Genesis 3:16
6 To the woman He said:

"I will greatly multiply your sorrow and your conception;
In pain you shall bring forth children;
Your desire shall be for your husband,
And he shall rule over you."  NKJV

When they had fallen from sin, they were given God's thoughts on their lives.
And He stated that Adam would rule over his wife Eve.
That word  " rule " is 4910 in the Strong's Greek/Hebrew definition.

It means to be in good condition. Even though they had now fallen into sin, God was stating, "Adam, your wife will be in good condition."

 In searching further, we find it means to "feast" together. It is to revel in each other's company! Dancing together through life seeing after the other's need. It was to be done in a joyful attitude, and done together............not husband on one rail of a train track and the wife on the other rail of a train track, never meeting together except to produce a child. Yikes!
I like what the Webster's Unabridged Dictionary says about ruling: to indulge without restraint.
What if they worked together without restraint.........not putting up signs...........like:" me Tarzan", " you Jane"?
What if they worked in union together as say 2nd Scenario family?

They were to work together in preparation...........an agreement of life together, working together for the meal preparations, preparing for child/children.........and moving forward in their lives that was achieving an end. Every member of that family would prosper when the head, followed Jesus, and kept his watch over his garden, his family. Each doing, learning and prospering in the doing: like cooking, like shopping, like working in the yard, like painting a fence and like cleaning a dirty toilet?

Did our Lord prepare fish for His disciples when He was the RESURRECTED? YES!

John 21:9-12
9 Then, as soon as they had come to land, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid on it, and bread. 10 Jesus said to them, "Bring some of the fish which you have just caught." 11 Simon Peter went up and dragged the net to land, full of large fish, one hundred and fifty-three; and although there were so many, the net was not broken. 12 Jesus said to them, "Come and eat breakfast."  NKJV

Wow! The man, the God from Heaven, Jesus Christ the Messiah, the Lord of Lords prepared fish!

In leading the home, the leader, the man, the husband is to lead in every area. The wife, a leader in that understanding that her husband still leads. She is to assist him in that which to give assistance, and often times be one of a difficult situation that has some suffering in it. Ah, but who is it that suffers?
Jesus got the fish to prepare and not for just a couple of the "guys"! No He held a feast for them with bread added!  It was to be one of joy, reveling as a dance together that Jesus was the RESURRECTED and was sending His disciples out to be "those fisher's of men"!



As the nurturer, both husband and wife are to nurture as God nurtures. The Garden God created, He designed for someone to oversee that garden. He had to care for it.
So too, the father of the family is to nurture his family. He is to brood over it as God does. He is to look to the future for those who will become his family. He is to talk about, but also do the things listed within the living quarters of the home. Today, families have a whole multitude of electronics and gadgets that help out in the cooking of meals, keeping in touch throughout the day, and also caring for those things of our mind, will and emotions.

Some families I have met over the years I recall the amount of effort a husband will do for the family when the mother becomes so ill that she requires help.
I remember one such woman I met back in Ranchester, Wy. many decades ago. What I saw, was a man who cleaned the house, bought the groceries and talked much with his ailing wife. She passed some five years later, but I remember that love he gave, the love he so vigilantly displayed that was without restraint. He had someone to come in to help with her meds and someone to help with the laundry. But he did the rest! And God bless his heart for the love that was displayed toward his wife.

In closing: If our days start out like "Croods" then we probably need lots of help. We would need lots of prayer time and not just five minutes a day. Let's see now, it has taken how many years to get in this condition? So, yes, it will take more than just a quick "5" minutes to get things right and in order.

What is it the Bible says........Romans 15:5-6
5 May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, 6 so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.  NIV

Our lives requires what we can bring to the table for others. If your son or daughter never sees you cook a meal, wash a dish or take out the trash, then why should they do it, right? If everything is done for them, then how will they be productive in their lives? You will either still be taking care of them when they turn 30 years old or you will have millions of dollars to pay out for the butler and the maid they will require!

My husband loved to take us out for a camping trip. His focus was to travel to the country, and generally the mountains was his preference and to prepare food. He was great at cooking out of doors and the food tasted so rich and delicious.
I believe he gave everything within him to be what God planned for him. He still loves to be outdoors and cook outside, but it is closer to the house. He showed our daughter what productivity meant. And in turn, both she and her husband are showing it to their own.
We truly want to be the family God created and that is to share all our experiences in living, in preparing food for another, help with math, praying with children at night, spending time at the park and paying bills takes team work. And when we work together..........love one another, without restraints, without the labels like "wife in the kitchen only" or "husband only brings in the bacon", or "housecleaning is woman's work", then we have missed the mark of what I believe God desires for His family to be. We must look back at what God spoke even when they were leaving the Garden of Eden..........and see what God purposed for Adam to do for his wife and his family.

Jesus came to serve. He was the true Servant! I have seen my husband do the same. In truth he does a better job at cleaning a bathroom than I ever did. He always tells me to leave something, so that he will do it when he gets home. And he does it. He makes a list to do for me and I am not to do them!  I have truly seen what the love of God can do and how it can cause a whole family to flourish. When it starts in our homes, it will invade the "church" the body of believer's where unity will prevail, Jesus will return, and we will be with Him, in His family without restraint! Amen.

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

To Bind, Govern, AND HEAL?

Isaiah 3:6-9.............6 When a man takes hold of his brother 

In the house of his father, saying,

"You have clothing;

You be our ruler,

And let these ruins be under your power," 

7 In that day he will protest, saying,

"I cannot cure your ills,

For in my house is neither food nor clothing;

Do not make me a ruler of the people." 

8 For Jerusalem stumbled,

And Judah is fallen,

Because their tongue and their doings 

Are against the LORD,

To provoke the eyes of His glory. 

9 The look on their countenance witnesses against them,

And they declare their sin as Sodom;

They do not hide it.

Woe to their soul!

For they have brought evil upon themselves.   NKJV

Came across this reading......and was intrigued by the verse 7 stating......."I cannot cure your ills, for in my house is neither food nor clothing. Do not make me a ruler of the people."

Now how many times have we seen people who love to "rule" over other people? Now at searching out the word from the concordance, we find it to mean to..........bind, gird about, govern, healer, .....

The other thing I noticed as I was reading about what was transpiring in the chapter (2) before, brought the prophet to caution all........that we should not put our confidence in any man. The prophet goes on to mention what those things will be as he was given them by God. He talks of their of government being judged. It is a total decay of the kingdom and of their church. He told of their looking to man for answers, when it was in actuality man who brought on "all those problems" to the land.

There were judgments against their military. If it was despicable, then man must remember that word...."

Isaiah 25:3-5...........3 Therefore the strong people will glorify You;

The city of the terrible nations will fear You. 

4 For You have been a strength to the poor,

A strength to the needy in his distress,

A refuge from the storm,

A shade from the heat;

For the blast of the terrible ones is as a storm against the wall. 

5 You will reduce the noise of aliens,

As heat in a dry place;

As heat in the shadow of a cloud,

The song of the terrible ones will be diminished. NKJV

In regard to what the prophet talks of in those days, these people saw their wealth in getting what they desired or truly needed. So what if the bread and the water are taken away? What if rain is withheld from our community and this land?

But we see the Lord being glorified in Isaiah 25. He is the strength to to the poor. He is strength to the needy in his distress. He is a refuge from the storm.........ever been in a storm with high winds, 116 strikes of lightning an hour and the land is dry? But what about the blast from those who are against you? It can be as a storm that seems to never end!

Verse 5 says that HE REDUCES THE NOISE OF THE ALIENS, THOSE WHO SPEAK DIFFERENT THAN US, ACT DIFFERENT THAN US, WHO FOLLOW THEIR OWN gods!

I think of Jesus talking to Martha in Luke 10. Jesus was telling her that Mary had chosen that good part which will not be taken away from her.

Luke 10:42.................... 42 But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her." NKJV

Well, what part? Being in awe of the love of God! Being captivated by the spiritual side of all this. Martha's serving would die with her. All that natural part of her would die. She would leave this earth without her body. Then all her gift in hospitality, all her great recipes and her personality would leave the earth one day. But Mary's good part, knowing Jesus spiritually would be eternal!

In following Jesus as Mary did, we find the good part. We find in Him, the way, the truth and the Life!

"You have clothing, be our ruler"!

Never mind the person has no previous leadership ability.........you have clothing, be our ruler! You have the right colored jacket, be our leader! You have a black jacket with a white patch on it, be our leader. You have fancy clothes to wear, be our leader. YOU drive a new Lexus, be our leader. (not that I have anything against a Lexus) Wow! 
Ever been in a church where the pastor desires those who have the expensive vehicles to lead others? I have!
When people see things becoming so broken, torn down, and not usable any longer, and when there is no rain and the bread runs out........then what? When it seems the government is falling down, apart and to ruin, and the news reports sound more like a horror movie,  but there is one who sticks closer than a brother. His name is Jesus!

But back to that ruler, the one to rule over people, yes that one, is to be a healer as well! Remember when you look it up, that leader is to be one who will lead and bind, govern and heal.

Being leader takes a quality only God can give to you. It is born out of a love for the fellowman.

Leaders like people, enjoy being around them and like to help them. They walk in integrity toward them.  Those who truly desire another's success will always deal in truth.

Leaders like to communicate. They reach out to others by communicating, "hey I am here."

Leaders will know their opponent. They will know when to avoid conflict and when to address a certain situation. In any conflict, those flaws are revealed, but in dealing with others, the leader who heals will call out the weakness and always look out for the person's potential he is leading.

"I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep."  NKJV If we have the heart problem, it looks like this! ...........Mark 7:20-23........................20 "What comes out of a man, that defiles a man. 21 For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, 22 thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lewdness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness. 23 All these evil things come from within and defile a man."    NKJV If things are breaking down, the water running out and there is no bread for one to eat, then we must consider we are in a sickly place. From Isaiah 3, we saw men who were looking for someone who had clothes to wear, not just one garment but many. They wanted to have that which was decaying, rebuilt and continue to do their own thing! BUT the only one who can bring life is Jesus.! He is the only One who leads others to safety, who looks out for their good and expects to have fellowship with them. Are we coming from a place of idolatry or bitterness? Are we coming from a place of pride and I want my own way or are we coming from a place of love? These people spoken about in Isaiah 3, were those who were doing their own thing and speaking evil against God.   Let's pray for a nation that will follow God since our founding Fathers did over 200 years ago. This is the greatest nation in the world. It must be each of us directing ourselves to the the leader, God has called us to be. We must take our places and lead by His Word. Amen.  Jesus was and is the "Healer".

In verse 9, we see these folks declaring their sin. They are proud sinners! Wow! And they are compared with Sodom. Is it possible for this to be true?

Is it possible that men and women around the world are being deceived by an enemy?  Yes!  In 1 Peter 5:8.........we are told to...........8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. NKJV

So what about those who do not know the word of God......? Do we pray for them or do we seek God in His goodness, to show us how to pray in these days? 

Any of us can see many people with sick hearts. They are sick and need the "HEALER". THEY NEED THE GREAT LEADER, THE GOOD SHEPHERD....THE DELIVERER, THE GREAT "I AM", GREAT HIGH PRIEST, FIRST BEGOTTEN, CORNERSTONE, BREAD OF LIFE, AND FAITHFUL WITNESS! They need a Savior!


Luke 4:23-27........23 Then he said, "Probably you will quote me that proverb, 'Physician, heal yourself----meaning, 'Why don't you do miracles here in your hometown like those you did in Capernaum?" 24 But I solemnly declare to you that no prophet is accepted in his own hometown!  25 For example, remember how Elijah the prophet used a miracle to help the widow of Zarephath-a foreigner from the land of Sidon. There were many Jewish widows needing help in those days of famine, for there had been no rain for three and a half years, and hunger stalked the land; yet Elijah was not sent to them. 27 Or think of the prophet Elisha, who healed Naaman, a Syrian, rather than the many Jewish lepers needing help."   TLB

THAT GOOD PART, IS FOUND IN JESUS....it is remembering He died to give us life. He gave it to us whether there are storms, or floods, whether there are tornadoes or typhoons, whether there are earthquakes or tsunamis, or famine stalking the land. He is the "I AM" in our midst. Amen.


John 10:14-16..............14 "I am the Good Shepherd and know my own sheep, and they know me, 15 just as my Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep. 16 I have other sheep, too, in another fold. I must bring them also, and they will heed my voice; and there will be one flock with one Shepherd. TLB

Luke 5:17-18................17 Now it happened on a certain day, as He was teaching, that there were Pharisees and teachers of the law sitting by, who had come out of every town of Galilee, Judea, and Jerusalem. And the power of the Lord was present to heal them. 
NKJV

Jesus had opportunity to teach Pharisees and teachers of the law who had come from every town of Galilee, Judea, and Jerusalem. The power of the Lord was present to heal them.
Even those who were against Jesus were present when the power to heal came. He followed His Father and did the same things He saw the Father do. In the midst of even unbeliever's the power of God can come to heal all those gathering together. The goodness of God is seen and some people change by it and other's do not!   

 So what if the bread and the water are taken away? What if rain is withheld from our community and this land?  Will we remind ourselves that God has the answers, and that He will be our guide?

2 Timothy 2:19-20.............19 Nevertheless the solid foundation of God stands, having this seal: "The Lord knows those who are His," and, "Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity."   NKJV

Luke 5:31-32.......31 Jesus answered and said to them, "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. 32 I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance."     NKJV

Father, in Jesus' name we pray, that we need only the Savior. We have the Great Shepherd. We desire to humble ourselves under Your mighty hand and resist the devil,he will flee from us. We desire to come near to YOU. For we know that all that comes to a land is that which is the product of a sick heart. When we truly desire to purify our hearts, and to grieve over that which we have done, and truly repent, it is YOU who will lift us up.(James 4:7-12)

Father, it is not our desire to slander another, or speak against a brother or judge him for we understand the only Lawgiver and Judge is he who is able to save and to destroy.

What we do ask, is that we would continue to have the walk of faith to trust no matter what is going on in the world. The Word stands that the "Lord knows those who are His."

We know the land has leaders and we pray for them all, that they would have the wisdom of God and dwell in His presence. Make they make the decisions that will benefit all based on the Word of God.

We, who are the temple of the living God, understand that we are to mediate the blessing of God to the kingdoms of this world.

Please give us the boldness to speak when we need to speak and to be mute, when we must be mute. Help us by Your Holy Spirit be the men and women who are called of God and are Christ's ambassadors displaying the righteousness of God to those around us. We look to You for the answers we need today and how to pray for our nation and those around us. YOU are gracious when we cry for help! We pray to hear Your voice saying, "this is the way; walk in it."  It is our desire to abide in YOU.......as the branch cannot bear fruit of itself. Today we have sought out the Lord and to abide under the shadow of the Almighty....we believe that which we desire is done for us. Be glorified Father God and may we bear fruit showing that we are the disciples of the Lord. Amen.

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

A Refreshing: From Rain Swept Storms to Cloudless Days

2 Samuel 23:2-4.............2 "The Spirit of the LORD spoke by me,
And His word was on my tongue.
3 The God of Israel said,
The Rock of Israel spoke to me:
'He who rules over men must be just,
Ruling in the fear of God. 
4 And he shall be like the light of the morning when the sun rises,
A morning without clouds,
Like the tender grass springing out of the earth,
By clear shining after rain.'   NKJV

Is there nothing else like a refreshing rain on a hot summer day? Is there nothing as beautiful as the scents that fill your nose when walking out of doors after a sudden and wind swept rain that washes the dust away and causes the scents of plants, flowers and trees to take a  new life of green, a new exotic smell to fill the nose with oils of beauty and to leave the place before our eyes looking better than before the torrential rain came to wash away the dust?

Should not we add to others in the same way? Should we not be a "breath of fresh air" and speak life to them? 

In reading scripture this morning, I was taken back to another period in my life when I arose early with the sun. My parents generally were up before the sun rose. I was close behind in that I loved watching the horses in the corral in the early dawn. I watched how they came bringing a zest for their love to not only eat, but to run the sum of ground that kept them within a boundary for safety but still enough room to run and romp as a horse will do! They certainly entertained me as I ate breakfast before school and I looked forward to the afternoon when they would get their alfalfa hay (that is like dark chocolate to you and me). 

The sun would rise with no cloud to hinder it from our sight! The day would bring warm breezes and scents of honeysuckle to the nose, but it was the rain washed air that seem to change the whole scene of life before our eyes. We could certainly think we could hear the grass grow from a wild wind and rain swept afternoon of dark looming clouds, spectacular lightning show and the timely sounds of the booms of thunder as the storm moved overheard to another town, move to another pasture, and to another time.

Our family was out yesterday to eat a meal with us and they were talking of the opportunity to minister to another family not from the area from the night before at church. They were disappointed in that the time needed to minister was not available to do that one thing! And I thought how important sometimes it is to just stop and enjoy. Sometimes it is a great deal better to stop the "just doing stuff" and take account of the cost when we have the opportunity to minister to others especially those "not from our church", " not from our community," and "not the one who speaks good English". Now our son-in-law had some great ideas about being prepared for the next time. But I also was taken to another time at this same church of another family being ministered to a year ago and how history was repeating itself again in another family who is not from this area. When those times come and we see a new face, do we ask how the Lord will WANT US minister to them, and take in account that God is bigger and greater than any agenda to a service going on at the time?

Just a thought! And I think we need to take everything in account and work these out before the "visitor" shows up at the door, right? For it does not matter if you have a title, or is it just you, does not matter if you have a church or just a Bible study, and it does not matter if you are a youth or an elder person, we should consider when a "guest" comes, when the "leper" comes and needs healing and wholeness, right? So my son-in-law gave me some food for thought you might say.

The scripture above in 2 Samuel 23:2-4, was written by David. In truth it was his last words before he passed!

Do we want to keep doing the right thing but out of order? Like I wrote above, I take this to heart not for others but for me. Because we certainly can learn from mistakes made by others. But I truly want to be on the cutting edge, as I am certain you are too, and see the miraculous of God, not only for my life but for others as well.

In effect, ruling our hearts determines what and how we will minister to others. If I keep to my plan (yikes) problems will arise, but if I continue to look into God and His plan, I will not fail. But it has to be true to what God wants and how He wants it done to have that victory!

When we think of what David had on his mind,  in the last hours of his life, was that even though his family was having some big issues, BUT David knew that the Messiah was coming. He was on His Way to bringing a covenant that would stand firm. With a comfort ensured by the COMING ONE, David rested in a hope of knowing the gates of hell shall never prevail against his house.

So when someone comes to "our door" of the church, do we send them off with what they "needed" or what we "think" they needed?

Are we allowing the Holy Spirit the freedom to truly have His way in our lives, in our homes and in services within a church service or even a prayer meeting or Bible study?

Am I ruling as I see "fit" or am I allowing the Holy Spirit with resurrection power loosed in the "place" to see the miraculous done? It is the "light" of His Word that will dispel darkness, but we also must choose to stop "religiosity" and doing what we did a year ago! 

When we take into account when Jesus walked on earth, I never saw anything repeated! I never saw it written that Jesus said, "well we did it this way last year, let's do that again....." "surely it would work again"................NO, He never said or did anything like that at all!
People were healed, the blind could see, and the lame could walk. People were running up to HIM to receive what they asked for and in return they followed and some praised like the leper from the ten who were cleansed. But the one leper walked away whole for he had returned to give praise and thanks for his healing.

When Jesus came, He came to set up His kingdom. In the case of the John the Baptist, John was born of the "old covenant " as was Jesus. But Jesus came to do away with "religiosity" and to set up a kingdom that is born of a love of the Father to the child and the child to the Father.

John the Baptist was the last of the old testament prophets. John certainly had to decrease as Jesus increased because Jesus was showing the "new" which had come. It was time for the new man "birth". Religion was being done away with and it was time for the new thing. RELATIONSHIP!

John was expecting like the "others" a conquering Messiah. But we know Jesus had to suffer at the hands of others, and experience the cross to be the sacrifice the world needed to be "saved". John probably had the thought that the kingdom would take over and he would be free to live as he had before being thrown in prison. But this was no "temporal" Messianic kingdom.

Jesus called John a "shining light"........in John 5:35. He called him "more than a prophet" in Matthew 11:9. He gave John worth that was no doubt under the old covenant. Jesus submitted Himself to receiving the step OF being baptized in water. And we know that submitting to this baptism was the symbol that Christian discipleship would begin. And discipleship is so important to all of us!

Certainly we see John as the forerunner of Jesus in ministry and of the message. But we can in truth of it  see it in John's death as well. Being put in prison can certainly put one in a disillusioned state. And that is what happened to John. Determined to preach righteousness and putting those in high positions on warning that greed was bad, he demonstrated that the people of that day were needing a moral regeneration. His words directed to them to seek their purging and express a voice to repentance of demonstrating nothing less than righteousness.

So why do I write all this.............John was preparing Israel to meet their God! He said, " Prepare the way of the Lord, make His paths straight" (Mark 1:3). John knew who was to come after him who would baptize in fire and Spirit (Mark 1:7-8). John was a forerunner to the Mightier one, and it was dawning in Jesus Christ!

In any "thing' we call church or prayer meeting or Bible study, we should consistently ask the Leading of the HOLY Spirit and know His plan for that day. We know not what people may show up at the door and need a helping hand into the loving arms of a loving God. If we are repeating the same thing from last year, then we must ask what did we miss the first time around and be able to speak life, be a 'light" and send the people off in the glorious refreshing of the Lord.
So what if someone like that "leper" would come to a service, would we have time to see that he is taken care of or what?

The Apostle Paul tells us in his visit to Ephesus about 30 years after John's passing that he had found a group of John disciples.............

Acts 19:1-10......................19:1 And it happened, while Apollos was at Corinth, that Paul, having passed through the upper regions, came to Ephesus. And finding some disciples 2 he said to them, "Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?" So they said to him, "We have not so much as heard whether there is a Holy Spirit." 3 And he said to them, "Into what then were you baptized?" So they said, "Into John's baptism." 4 Then Paul said, "John indeed baptized with a baptism of repentance, saying to the people that they should believe on Him who would come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus." 5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 6 And when Paul had laid hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke with tongues and prophesied. 7 Now the men were about twelve in all. 8 And he went into the synagogue and spoke boldly for three months, reasoning and persuading concerning the things of the kingdom of God. 9 But when some were hardened and did not believe, but spoke evil of the Way before the multitude, he departed from them and withdrew the disciples, reasoning daily in the school of Tyrannus. 10 And this continued for two years, so that all who dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks.   NKJV

John's influence had continued long after his death. But Paul wrote many years later (60 years) and encouraged those still under John's baptism and authority that Jesus' superiority ranked higher and following His Lordship was necessary and vital.

John had to go willing, submitting to all he was to Jesus's authority and rule. For John certainly spoke of Jesus' coming, and when we submit and leave the flesh creature behind, we can see the move of God in many ways we did not expect!  John was silenced and Jesus went to the forefront. 

Will we allow the Holy Spirit the leading in whatever circumstance or situation that arises either in church, Bible studies or prayer meetings? Will we allow freedom to see the "light" of God move in darkness and bring us to the forefront to see people's lives actually changed for good? Should the "leper" come and expect something from God but we give them something else?

Do I know what part I am to participate in for God's glory? If I am scheduled to do something, am I prayed up and ready to do my part or am I running to find another leader and see "if I am scheduled"?
Have I consistently shown up for meetings when I am expected or do I just "blow them off"?
And for those leadership meetings, am I just showing up to show the pastors I am there or am I willing to participate to see things go forward and see change for everyone involved?
What if God is wanting to put out some new "voices" in the arena for "let's say"new converts, but the old voices are still being heard? "Let's do this again, it worked last year!"

The Kingdom of God has certainly come:

Luke 18:16-17............"Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God. 17 Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it."   NKJV

Matthew 21:43-46..........43 "Therefore I say to you, the kingdom of God will be taken from you and given to a nation bearing the fruits of it. 44 And whoever falls on this stone will be broken; but on whomever it falls, it will grind him to powder." 45 Now when the chief priests and Pharisees heard His parables, they perceived that He was speaking of them. 46 But when they sought to lay hands on Him, they feared the multitudes, because they took Him for a prophet. NKJV

1 Corinthians 4:20-21................20 For the kingdom of God is not in word but in power. 21 What do you want? Shall I come to you with a rod, or in love and a spirit of gentleness?  NKJV

Romans 14:17-18.................17 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, 18 because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and approved by men.   NIV

Services in church are awesome and serve to bring us closer to God but they must be the part of communion that continues every day and not just on Saturday night or Sunday morning. And then what comes out, is there the chance and good opportunity to serve someone who may be new to area and is just passing through like the "leper"?

Or is it always a hard fast rule, the Easter day thing looks like this......or the Bible study has to look like this or the Prayer Meeting has to look like this .......and THEN fit it into a pattern that is not broken or changed in any way for the last 10 or 20 years? Is it a hard fast rule to do the "same 'ole thing" in light of the Holy Spirit and His presence or slide on through and do "our thing" thinking ................"well, God wants me to do this...........so"........I am doing this....!

Do we then become those who are reformed to the past things, hating instruction and especially "change"? Yikes!
Does the "doing" become more important than ministering to a "someone"..? Is it possible to set some extra time to minister to those who "might drop in" and be expecting them in our daily devotion time with God?
In our believing, are we open to, yes, the preaching of the Gospel, and yes, that others would want to attend, but also see that people coming are receiving as much in less time, being supported quickly and in a timely manner encouraged, spoken to as a real person and important, that produces to a harvest of fruit...........or we running with tongues hanging out and trying to play catch up with another leader because we have forgotten to check a schedule to see if we were scheduled to do our part.....for that specific day and service........?
Again, these are things I ask myself! For I have led Bible studies and Prayer Meetings and surely do not want to be in the Way when the Holy Spirit is wanting the freedom to move in someone's life!
When Paul saw those who continued to rally against the Way and the teaching...........he took those disciples.. who had received their baptism through John,......away to be established in a foundation of hearing the Gospel, and meeting together. Paul taught them of the authority in and through the Lord Jesus Christ.

Can families say they meet around the Word of God today? My husband and I meet around the Word every day. We talk the Word and finish the day with the Word of God and prayer.

Because like the scriptures above, the kingdom of God is in power, it is of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. It is coming as a child to receive that which God has freely given through grace to us! And are we seeing a harvest of fruit towards this end?
If not, then change is evident to have His power and joy in righteousness!


2 Corinthians 2:14-17.................14 Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place. 15 For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing. 16 To the one we are the aroma of death leading to death, and to the other the aroma of life leading to life. And who is sufficient for these things? 17 For we are not, as so many, peddling the word of God; but as of sincerity, but as from God, we speak in the sight of God in Christ.   NKJV

If a storm has really come into lives, are we changed to see the fragrance of the new day, with a great light and the beauty that comes when we allow the Lord's way into every situation? Will we experience the beauty of the fragrance of Him in our lives and send it out to those who are perishing, or to those who are to live?

For the storms I have experienced in my life, I desire to stop wasting valuable time and seek to find those who need that encouraging word and be given a life transfused with energy to move in power of the Holy Spirit and see their lives changed in dramatic ways that proves God is on the scene and that we all stop playing religious games!

Father, You cause us to triumph in Christ. We are thankful that as the spring day or summer day brings rain and wind, the day clears to the bright and shining sun. We are thankful that we have the opportunity to be the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing. We are thankful that we are the aroma of death leading to death and to still others we are the aroma of life leading to life. Today we are not peddling the word of God, but we speak and write in the sight of God in Christ.
Father, today it is YOU who gives to us understanding in all things. I pray for all who receive this word and pray that we would be those who are ready in season and out of season. I pray that we are watchful for those coming to see us in church, Bible studies and Prayer meetings. We desire to stand with YOU Lord and preach the Word fully and courageously sharing the Gospel message of grace. I pray that we stand therefore girding our waists with the truth having put on the breastplate of righteousness and having our feet shod with the Gospel of peace, and above all that we take the shield of faith with which we will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one and take the helmet of Salvation and Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God praying always with all prayer and supplication for all saints and for us that utterance be given us to open our mouths boldly, to make known the mystery of the Gospel. May we speak boldly as we ought to speak.

Father we know that discipline produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.

Father, we thank you for good friends, a great family and good health. We pray for opportunities to pray for those at church and to pray for people here in our home. We look forward to opportunities to minister to the "leper" and those coming for the first "visit" at the Bible studies, Prayer Meetings and church too! We seek to encourage them face to face. You have not given us the spirit of fear, but you have given us power, love and a sound mind. We ask for ample time to minister to the new person coming to these things Lord!

We thank YOU for favor everywhere we go to minister, favor in the workplace and favor on the roadways and parking lots. We thank You Lord, and call upon You now asking that You would deliver us from anything that binds us from reaching and ministering to the "leper" and yes, the first time guest to any Bible study, Prayer Meeting or church service. Deliver us from these things that bind us to past things, and open our eyes to the new things. Help us to get out of religiosity and be confident You are watching over these important areas and that You have begun a good work in us and will complete it. Give us hope this day that change is coming to these areas we need help in and that it is for Your glory. Make us remember to be praising people, for we know that when we worship You, we gain clear understanding and our lives are transformed, and we receive power to live Your way. Help us to hear Your specific instructions concerning ministering to the "leper", the "new guest" or "1st time guest" at any Bible study, Prayer Meetings or church services and help us and enable us to obey those instructions. I pray that YOU continue to give us hearts that long to do Your will and may we enjoy the peace that can only come from living in total obedience to Your commands. Amen


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