WHY Have You Put a Luggage Tag on Your Big Toe

 My husband and I were watching this adventure type show: two older women who do that special garden work ( those who studied horticulture and the such) and how they use their expertise to solve those varied problems in people’s gardens which look more like parks and situated within in the United Kingdom. One such episode they made this observation about how people carry their problems around while alive with the noted truth they have attached a travel tag to their big toe instead of to their luggage.

They noted when people are in the extreme mode with a stress that their garden (or park) is not growing or fairing in all the quality that has been put into it, they will sooner or later seek a horticulturist to help them find out why the garden isn't up to its best look of beauty. In those regions where the garden is everything, they will spend large amounts of money and time to get the desired result whether it is for a backyard or an acre or two off the side of a castle.

 They in their speech pointed to those people who with the extreme desire had extreme stress for the garden to live. And in their choosing that, the work had to have been yesterday. Those with such demands live on the edge mostly without God. To live in His presence, you know and understand what is required for the Holy Spirit teaches us the way to go or walk.

In the estimation of these women, these people required some more teaching on what they were striving to attain, and one such point appeared as to the talking according to plants and soils needed for such plants, say like roses. As you know you never put a new rose plant into soil that has grown roses before. You create that “new bed” with new soil to receive the new rose plant. Another point they pointed to was that I noticed that they talk about over watering any plants. Just because the plant appears yellow does not mean it means more water, but that it requires more nutrients and many times it is magnesium for a plant if it is outdoors! The excessive watering had washed the important minerals out of the soil.

Now this may seem odd to you but as a born again believer we too can know what God plants in us a new heart for His kingdom. And how is that new soil planned and laid out? For one is planned through His Son Jesus Christ! John 14:1-6 Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. 2 In My Father’s house are many mansions, if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3 “and if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you unto Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. 4 “And where I go you know and the way you know.” 5 Thomas said to Him, “Lord we do not know where You are going, and how can we know the way?” 6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.

 

We go through the Son Jesus and into that place where we grow! We go into God’s word and find what is ours. We find that we have an inheritance. We find that we are seated in heavenly places. And we know that we have an opponent. So too, these people who regarded their gardens should have known their opponents and what those enemies could inflict to their newly planted roses and bulbs. You would have to know what to put in your soil and what to leave out of your soil. Flaws can appear within the soil of our garden and within the soil of our hearts. Our children gave me this beautiful Begonia for a gift last month and I have been reading on it. I would certainly want to make it thrive instead of putting a tag on it for death!

 

 Only truth and life come through Jesus Christ. God has desires for us all through our lifetime. We are to understand that He has thoughts for us: Psalm 139:15-18  Amp. Bible   My frame was not hidden from You when I was being formed in secret [and] intricately & curiously wrought [as if embroidered with various colors] in the depths of earth [ a region of darkness & mystery]. 16 Your eyes saw my unformed substance, & in Your book all the days [ of my life] were written before ever they took shape, when as yet there was none of them. 17 How precious & weighty also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How vast is the sum of them! [Psalm 40:5] 18 If I could count them, they would be more in number than the sand. When I awoke, [could I count to the end] I would still be with You.  

He thinks about us and knows our ways and many times you and I may not want to  follow His ways: Ps. 139:1-8   Amp. Bible…O LORD, you have searched me [thoroughly ] & have known me. 2 You know my down-sitting and my uprising; You understand my thought afar off.  3 You sift & search out my path & my lying down, & You are acquainted with all my ways. 4 For there is not a word in my tongue [still un-muttered], but, behold, O Lord, You know it altogether.

But we should want to do nothing else but follow Him. Yes, our Father knows what will tumble out of our mouths if we speak long enough. And if we have kept watched to fill our heart with His truths, then we grow like that beautiful English garden. We grow where we have all the right nutrients we require, not overly watered with just water, but watered with His truth so that nutrients are received when they are given.

 

But many times, you and I can tell Him that we do not like the message, or we do not like the messenger. But in truth, God’s word is His word and it is to be received in that of which it was sent: by His Son, through His blood of sacrifice and His love. God wants to lead us, but do we pay attention to His leading?

God sent His Son that we would live for Him: 1 Thessalonians 5:5-11 NKJV 5 You are all sons of light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness. 6 Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober. (self-control) 7 for those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk are drink at night. 8 But let us who are of the day be sober,  putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet the hope of salvation.  9 For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, 10 who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him. 11 Therefore comfort each other & edify one another, just as you also are doing.                       

Just like in a garden, where all the plants stand tall in their beauty, we too belong in that kingdom of God. We are planted deep into His richness. We are planted in His holiness and righteousness. We stand to glorify Him. We belong to the day and not darkness! Ephesians 6:14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness.

We who are those who have salvation through Jesus Christ; are to the sensitive to the Lord and be alert and be prepared! We are to be prepared as His children, the sons of God.  We were saved in the past, in the present we are being sanctified by the Holy Spirit’s work in us and through us and we share in the Lord’s final triumph…the glorification.

We have participation in the kingdom of God:1 Thessalonians 2:10-12 NKJV 10 You are witnesses, and God also, how devoutly and justly and blamelessly we behaved ourselves among you who believe; 11 as you know how we exhorted and comforted and charged everyone of you , as a father does his own children, 12 that you would walk worthy of God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory.

 

God our Father is the Vinedresser. John 15: 1 Amplified Bible I am the True Vine and My Father is the Vinedresser. 2 Any branch in Me that does not bear fruit [that stops bearing] He cuts away ( trims off, takes away); and he cleanses and repeatedly prunes every branch that continues to bear fruit, to make it bear more and richer and more excellent fruit. 3 You are cleansed and pruned already, because of the word which I have given you [ the teachings I have discussed with you]. 4 Dwell in Me, and I will dwell in you. [Live in Me and I will live in you ]just as no branch can bear fruit of itself without abiding in ( being vitally united to the vine, neither can you bear fruit unless you abide in Me. 5 I am the Vine; you are the branches. Whoever lives in Me and I in him bears much (abundant) fruit. However, apart from Me [cut off from vital union with Me] you can do nothing.

Work in shaping trees for growth and within gardens takes many hours of sweat and time! A garden takes time to plan and a time to work the ground of soil to receive what is planted in it. Jeremiah 17:5-9 NIV 5 this what the LORD says: “Cursed is the one who trusts in man, who depends on flesh for his strength and whose heart turns away from the LORD. 6 He will be like a bush in the wastelands; he will not see prosperity when it comes. He will dwell in the parched places of the desert, in a salt land where no one lives. 7 “But blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in him. 8 He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has not worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.” 9 The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?

 

Our trust is to be in God the Lord. Our heart is to understand that what we receive will come from Him and will we see it if our heart is captive to the flesh of man?  No, we will not see it.

Have you seen those salt fields in countries like Italy or here in the United States? Most of those places that produce salt have few people living there! People have to move there and build to work that salt into a product for consumers in other countries.  But it is still a salty land. It only produces more salt in a dry place till rain or some type of moisture covers it.

 

So there is a great difference between the salt land and bearing fruit. For a plant described in the salt land is a bush.  And if you know or have family who have lived in a desert region, you can know that in that desert that a tree without water, pruning or nutrients will stay or remain according to the size of a bush. But if this same bush had water, pruning and nutrients, it could possibly grow into a great big tree. To care for a tree in any region requires someone to give the proper care. And our Father desires to give us care and comfort as we grow and become a tree for His glory. That we can dig in deeply for our roots to hold to His kingdom that has come. That you and I can remain green during any drought and we can bear fruit with no worries in sight! Psalm 1:3 He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper.  Psalm 92:12 the righteous shall flourish like a palm tree, He shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon. 13 Those who are planted in the house of the LORD shall flourish in the courts of our God. They shall still bear fruit in old age; they shall be fresh and flourishing to declare that the LORD is upright; He is my rock and there is no unrighteousness in Him.

No salt flats for us! We are to live in a glorious place God planned. It is neither dusty or dry land filled with disappointment but it is a place of God’s kingdom where faith is alive in Him and where His love comforts us.

 

 Deuteronomy 33:26-27, 29  NKJV “There is no one like the God of Jeshurun, who rides the heavens to help you, and in His excellency on the clouds. 27 The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms; He will thrust out the enemy from before you, and will say, ‘Destroy!” 29 Happy are you, O Israel! Who is like you, a people saved by the LORD, the shield of your help and the sword of your majesty! Your enemies shall submit to you; and you shall tread down their high places.

 The God Almighty of Genesis to Revelation is the God of the present and the ages to come. He is security and He is prosperity! For we are to enjoy Him, His protection as our shield and our sword, He is the God of glory, power and strength!

It is great that your plants have tags on them to tell you what their name is, so when you take them home, you might discover what sun and soil they prefer best to live and thrive! If you have tags for travel, make sure you have them on the right bags to note that place you are traveling to whether for work or fun so that they arrive when you do!

 But if you are choosing to tag yourself because something did not work out for you in the workplace, or someone passed and you expected them to live and not die or you had high hopes for a word given last year and as of yet still has to be fulfilled, it is time to take note of Your God and His love for you. For He loves each of us. He is the God of Comfort, and He will hear us in that pain of anguish, but we are to see and know His love that comforts that heart that is broken with sadness.

 We are reminded in 2 Thessalonians 2:13 But we are bound to give thanks to God always for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God from the beginning chose you for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit & belief in the truth, 14 to which He called you by our gospel for the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. 15 Therefore, brethren, stand fast & hold the traditions which you were taught whether by word or our epistle. 16 Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, & our God and Father, who has loved us & given us everlasting consolation & good hope by grace, 17 comfort your hearts and establish you in every good word & work.

God had you on His mind! He chose you, set you apart for purpose. He chose you before the foundation of the world for salvation and through sanctification, you feast on that which is revealed by the Holy Spirit and the word of God. Hold fast to that belief in His doctrine: it originates in salvation, by divine choice, brought by divine power…for in this divine message the will of God is perfected in His divine glory.   No tags here, but only benefits in our God the Lord: Psalm 106:4-5 NKJV Remember me, O LORD, with the favor You have toward Your people. O h, visit me with Your salvation, 5 that I may rejoice in the gladness of Your nation, that I may glory with Your inheritance.    

Our inheritance in the Lord came through repentance of sin to receive salvation. In Him we have peace with God and integrity with people. We stand against that which conflicts against His truth and we prevail valiantly. Psalm 60:12….Amen!

                                          New teaching at: Voice of Prayer  

Jesus the Final Word

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New teaching at: Life Giving Wells

That Grace to Spread a Testimony

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A Do-Gooder

Salt & Light

Acts 10:36-41 NKJV 36 The word which God sent to the children of Israel, preaching peace through Jesus Christ-----He is Lord of all----- 37 that word you know, which was proclaimed throughout all Judea, and began from Galilee after the baptism which John preached: 38 how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him. 39 And we are witnesses of all things which He did both in the land of the Jews and in Jerusalem, whom they killed by hanging on a tree. 40 Him God raised up on the third day, and showed Him openly, 41 not to all the people, but to witnesses chosen before by God, even to us who ate and drank with Him after He arose from the dead.

Ever hear of someone speaking of maybe a friend, family member or themselves as being "a do-gooder".
But scripture tells us that the person who does good is one who is baptized, anointed by the Holy Spirit and who goes about like Jesus did, healing all who were oppressed by the devil.
Simple, right?
God is with us when we receive Jesus as Lord of our lives. Confessing Him with our mouths, that is by repenting of sins, repenting of the past life and by faith receive the new life or the new man in Him!

Still though, I hear from new broadcasts to the on-line sector video news to heralding a " do-gooder" dying suddenly, or in regard to some freakish event.
Jesus was the Word of God! John 1:14-18 NKJV And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. 15 John bore witness of Him and cried out saying, "This was He of whom I said, He who comes after is preferred before m,e for He was before me." 16 and of His fullness we have all received, and grace for grace. 17 For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. 18 No one has seen God at any time. The only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, He has declared Him.

Jesus came to bring the love of the Father. He declared Him. Jesus spoke of the kingdom of God which had come. It was seen as preaching peace. Jesus went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil for God was with Him.

So it would be easy to see when God is not with someone, right? God is love, but Jesus told us in John 14:6 ...."no one comes to the Father except through Him.
Jesus told us this in John 15:15-17 .....No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you. 16 You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you. 17 These things I command you, that you love one another.

This is what the "do-gooder" looks like: they sound like Jesus, their lives imitate His life and they declare the Father. Our lives should have fruit that is to have more life, more fruit produced living our life that points to the Father, the Creator of the Heavens and Earth!

Heard on a teaching today by Kenneth Copeland. He was speaking of the time when the Queen Mary was to be raised out of the ocean water in Long Beach, California and place on land where it was going to be built into a hotel. He spoke they had a Believer's Convention about the time it started some years ago and he said, "the men meticulously removed the first smoke stack from its position, and placed it on the deck with no one touching it.

He said it was suddenly that the enormous smoke stack that looked so beautiful with the fine paint instantly crumbled to the floor of the dock. In awe, people ran to look at "what just happened in an instant"! He said that what was revealed was nothing but layers of paint for the salt air had corroded the very metal of the smoke stack. It was only the the outside the facade!

Yes, that salt water air had corroded the metal on that smoke stack! It was the metal that held the shape, but paint remained only when the metal was gone. So too, we must remember that being saved, we are moved into that which should have no pathways for sin to run rampant. The Father loves us and staying close to Him through Jesus connects us to truth and to light. Outside of that it is just a facade.

People who remain in Jesus should do what Jesus did without going to the Cross, but nailing the flesh creature must be applied. Our emotions should not lead us into sin. Scripture tells us the if our eye or hand offends remove it.
Matthew 5:27-30 NKJV You have heard that is was said to those of old, "You shall not commit adultery. " 28 But I say to you, that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart. 29 If your right eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and cast it from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish, than for your whole body to be cast into hell. 30 And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut if off and cast it from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish, than your whole body to be cast into hell.

We cannot just appear good like the smoke stack, we are to have hearts connected to the Him who has key of life in Him. Just quoting some scripture does not make us a "do-gooder" in God. It is not enough to just walk through life without making the commitment to Him.
When a man and woman get married, it is to be for life through the continual communication and covenant between them. So many lose that connection and divorce usually finding out too late that freedom truly was in the connection they had at the first in their relationship!
Those who truly understand that the "salt" maintains the effectiveness in adhering to the kingdom that had come. The norm is for us to be salt and light. In that regard as the disciple of Jesus we are to act as the preservative in a world by conforming to kingdom reality or truths. Adhering to His words of truth we remain the strong strengthened in Him. Without Him, then we would appear as the smokestack from the ship Queen Mary cruise-liner!
Surely salt will stall the decay of the meat....and for us it will do the same. Oh, it so vital to stay connected to the Lord, and to know we have the Holy Spirit, we have the open communication to continue in the life-giving grace that has come from the Father of lights and in whom there is no changing ....He never changes His mind toward us.
We must not change our minds either, for to do so well, we would end up looking that beautiful smoke stack for awhile to only end up a heap on the dock of some port. No! We should want to remain in Him for life. Amen!

New teaching at: Voice of Prayer  

Danger at the Doorstep

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You can also visit my You Tube channel Voice of Prayer 

for more teaching at:  http://bit.ly/1tNyBhV

New teaching at: Life Giving Wells

Speech

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Also visit Life Giving Wells You Tube Channel for more teaching:

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Responsibilities: Salt and Light

What are we responsible for? What responsibilities do we have right now? Growing up in a family who believed everyone pulled their own weight, we each had responsibilities. We each had a bed to make, dishes to put in the sink and wash. We had to make sure that special outfit was on it's way to the washer, if we desired to wear it in a couple of days. What we wore on any day, was our responsibility if we wanted to wear it again without the dirt, grime, or sweat. I only list grime as my sister and I played baseball in the summer months, so dirt, sweat and grime were a part of the outfit at the end of the day! I played with the neighborhood "kids" and she played on a team!
Responsibilities!
1 John 2:29...................29 If you know that He is righteous, you know that everyone who practices righteousness is born of Him. .NKJV

1 John 3:3....3 And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.  NKJV

1 John 3:21-23.................... 21 Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence toward God. 22 And whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do those things that are pleasing in His sight. 23 And this is His commandment: that we should believe on the name of His Son Jesus Christ and love one another, as He gave us commandment.   NKJV

John 17:11-19…. 11 Now I am no longer in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to You. Holy Father, keep through Your name those whom You have given Me, that they may be one as We are. 12 While I was with them in the world, I kept them in Your name. Those whom You gave Me I have kept; and none of them is lost except the son of perdition, that the Scripture might be fulfilled. 13 But now I come to You, and these things I speak in the world, that they may have My joy fulfilled in themselves. 14 I have given them Your word; and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. 15 I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one. 16 They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. 17 Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth. 18 As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world. 19 And for their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they also may be sanctified by the truth.   NKJV

We are to be:

1.    Free of worldly influence…SANCTIFIED BY THE WORD (verse 17)

2.  Very much in the unsaved world, but participants in the government and social processes..............like voting!

3. No longing living in the sinful nature but living according to righteousness

4. Sanctified, having the word of God in our lives..SO...we look and act differently!

 1 Timothy 4:6-7.................6 If you instruct the brethren in these things, you will be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished in the words of faith and of the good doctrine which you have carefully followed. 7 But reject profane and old wives' fables, and exercise yourself toward godliness. NKJV

Exercise: Timothy is told to exercise himself toward godliness. He was instructed to give that which he was nourished in and it is those words of faith and of the good doctrine Timothy was commended on........to continue to follow carefully. 

Proverbs 15:26.......26 The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the LORD,    But the words of the pure are pleasant. NKJV

Those who follow after righteousness, those in right standing with God have pure words that are pleasant! They are a joy to be around! They encourage you, love God and always have a testimony of faith on the goodness of God in their lives!
How interesting today, we see so many speaking out about what was sent to another either in email, text, or twit, and was in regard to hate, bullying, and meanness for others to see. So sad that people want to openly regard hate for another. Was asked to watch this concert by my friend was asked to have this concernt up north. He has a band and has had such favor with God, that this concert was going to have livestreaming. How awesome was that? 

So my husband and I tuned in and waited for concert to begin. On the side of the window box, it stated you could leave a tweet message. It also stated to write something kind! WOW! People have to be REMINDED TO WRITE SOMETHING KIND!  So I wrote out the message and sent it.BUT MY THOUGHT PROCESS TOOK ME TO THE SPOT, how did our world get so out of balance AND GET SO UGLY?

If there are anger issues, one needs to find out why they are so angry. Blaming others, does not release us out of a prison of anger, anymore than a bath or shower will remove pain from one's heart. Those issues are to be addressed through the Word of God. Talking with others generally will not help you, but may make things worse.  We really need the Word of God to wash those areas of hurt and pain. Unless, someone just wants others on their side, so they can sin all they want, so they can curse others all they want, and continue to walk in anger, resentment, and the "the world owes me" mentality, then "that being kind" will not be seen BY anyone. Nope, being kind will not exist!

Learning our responsibilities, is much like learning our way through life. Do this and don't do that. Eat this, and don't eat that. Watch this and don't watch that! All those do's and don't's can have one questioning everything they encounter.

It is choosing good over evil. It would be like Eve tasting the fruit of the tree of knowledge just to find out what happens. Instruction and correction are for our benefit. If we choose not to be instructed or corrected then we walk down a path with many problems, sink holes, and disasters. I desire to avoid those!

Proverbs 12:1...........Whoever loves instruction loves knowledge,
But he who hates correction is stupid.  NKJV

Proverbs 13:18..........18 Poverty and shame will come to him who disdains correction,
But he who regards a rebuke will be honored.  NKJV

"BUT HE WHO REGARDS A REBUKE WILL BE HONORED."
 If we have the instruction to not "touch" then why do so many want to touch what they should NOT HAVE OR INVITED INTO THEIR LIVES?

YOU eat too much chocolate cake every day, you gain a weighty problem. Our walking with God is seeing Him in the Words He placed for us to see, hear and adhere to for our walk through this life.
Timothy is told in 1 Timothy 4:7 to exercise toward godliness! Yes that godliness has a look about it! Take a look at all those who go to gyms and exercise daily. They are not doing it to remain the same size they are. No, about half of those attending a gym for exercise are wanting that next look they saw in Vogue. They want that model's size, even though the model is 5' 7 inches tall. They desire to be pounds smaller and to do that in most cases, is remove those "bones from your body". Am I right about this? Now there are some who go, like firefighters who want to remain in strength when they fight fires. There are those who do that endurance training and who are part of the "wilderness rescue" group. You know those men and women who will backpack into the farthest reaches where there is "NO CELL SERVICE" to reach someone who has either gotten lost, fell from a glacier climb to the top of a mountain peak or one who suddenly died.

Seriously, I have worked in a gym and seen how many want that "skinny" look to wear those "skinny" jeans. Just had seen a warning on the news (KATU) in the past 10 days about some lady wearing those "skinny" jeans. She was not a twenty something, but older. She had worn the said jeans to help a friend move. Well, it seems that all that up and down bending with boxes caused her some leg pain and much swelling from the knees down to feet. She had to go to the hospital and they found this nerve damage being created by the "skinny" jeans. With the intense tight fit, nerves were being pinched dramatically. She was warned about wearing them and that it was possible for her to lose her legs if that kind of problem continued. Yes, they mentioned to this lady that there could be amputation if she continued to wear them.  To me that is dangerous. It was clear to see that this woman was in major pain and the swelling caused her grief. Instruction came and will she follow it?

But let's think about exercising! What ways are we "exercising" our responsibilities? Are we committed to be sanctified and look different to the world? Are we as those church goers sanctified and ready to recognize someone in pain, someone who hides, someone who may be defiant, but feels so lost and abandoned.
Exercising comes from the day to day routines that involve others and not just family members. 
Each of us though, either good or not so good have made a commitment to exercise in the things of God. Our commitment to God is known by others. Anyone can know in the first 5 minutes of conversation where our heart resides.

In writing this, I thought of my brother-in-law. He rises early and gets things done. He grabs that "special" cap, and off he goes to do errands and minister. He wears that cap with some writing on it. And many people know exactly what it means and gives him a thumbs up!
I think of my sister and brother-in-law and how they daily fill up on the Word of God. They pray together and minister life to others.  They are always looking out to hand someone a new Bible, a word of encouragement or give them a new book to read about something on Jesus and His coming again soon.


Matthew 5:13-16.........13 "You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. 14 You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lamp stand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. NKJV


In the pass couple of weeks, it was been a hard place for me in remembering my step-dad and how good he was to my mother, especially in these last years of life. I am in the peace of God, knowing that I cannot travel, yet with all that has transpired in the last two weeks, still God is with me and my family back East. With the blood testing continuing with blood draws for me on a monthly basis right now, I have had to turn my attention to praying for my family as they see many things multiplied as in caring for two properties. They have increased meal preparation and trips to the Dr. for check-ups.

With the passing of my step-dad very recently, and mother in the hospital for almost a weeks, I think of all the opportunities for my sister and brother-in-law to minister to other people. They took on the daily caring of our mother in the hospital but also ministered life to others about Jesus.

How many of us would have coiled up in a ball or like a babe and just became silent? How many of us would refuse to continue to live when someone close to us dies? How many choose to give up when there are so many still living out in the world and may be on their way to someplace that is away from God entirely and for an eternity? Would anger show up or some other bad emotion? Are we giving our best to those around us or do we want our way "when others are hurting from loss"?

On their way out of hospital and the city the other day, my brother-in-law had to stop for some meds for our mother. It was one of those hot days in the south. He wanted to leave the car running with the air condition on high with my sister and mother in the car while he picked up the meds. He was not going to leave them in a "hot car".  He of course had stopped at Costco!

YES, it was a Friday and was probably very busy there. I was imagining this "long, very long" line he got in to purchase the meds. In the course of the line and conversation, and seeing my brother-in- laws' cap, the pharmacist mentioned she was having trouble with a son in that he would not talk with her anymore. In the length of the line and that conversation, my brother-n-law encouraged her in the Lord and prayed right there in line, for the return of the son to his mother!

Responsibilities!

From Matthew 5.......we are to be the salt that preserves life, just like verse 13 states..........if that salt loses its flavor, then how shall it be seasoned? In early years of this country, many used the salt on meat that they stored in meathouses. It was suppose to cure and help the meat to last for periods of time.( in reading on this, I found there was a preservation method and is reported throughout the history keeping of this country)

My brother-in-law last week at Costco, was salt to a woman languishing in such pain that her son will not talk with her. He was a son who had rejected her! But I believe that all has changed dramatically.  Salt was given to this woman, to give hope and help her continue forward. My brother-in-law was and is that light that gives light to all who are in the house and at Costco!  Halllelujah for those who are salt and light!

John 12:36...........36 Put your trust in the light while you have it, so that you may become sons of light." NIV

Be responsible today and wash in that Word that sanctifies. Get that head up, and shoulders squared, and walk firmly with faith in your heart knowing it is not over. Whatever may be on the horizon, you have the salt to be light to someone who may be in pain, who may have a loss as well, but God has the answer!

I believe my brother-in-law and sister were light to many. And if all knew the entire story, many would know that we too had a loss, but it did not show. They kept going forward and spread the love of God to others. Can we here do as much?
God met them at every juncture, every decision, every moment, and He caused strength to rise up in them and keep them going through out an emotional week.

My prayer today is for all those who are battling illness, sickness caused by disease, those who have to deal with a loss.
Father, thank YOU for Jesus, the Son of YOUR Love.(Col 1:12-14.... 13 He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, 14 in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins. NKJV)

 As we have been delivered from the power of darkness and moved into the kingdom of YOUR dear Son, the son of YOUR love, we are thankful. We give praise that we can operate in the Light of YOU and see what is before us. Help us to be the responsible ones who will move in the power of God and not judge others because they are having some issue with anger at the moment. We all have experienced some anger due to loss or illness or even a brokenheart! Those who are of God know when we are not to sin in anger at anyone or anything. 

Our desire is to reach and touch lives for the kingdom of God that has come through Jesus our Lord and Savior. We choose to be those who will be salt to those in pain and anguish. We choose to be those who will abide in truth and be committed to be responsible when others cross our paths who may have a loss or dealing with a disease that refuses to die. We need to understand that anger that comes when death changes everything, but does not have to defeat us!
Father, YOUR word is true, and we confess and profess that YOU are for us. YOU will never leave us or forsake us. We ask today to be those who will encourage those who have trials or tribulations that are weighing them down. Today we come boldly to the throne of Grace that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in this time of need. (Heb. 4:16) Strengthen hearts for the battle ahead and give patience as we wait on You. We pray to be those who rejoice in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfast in prayer.(Romans 12:12)
As we live this journey, help us to reach out to others with encouraging words that give life. Help us to be "kind" when we are wanting to choose bedtime for our daytime. Help us to make the right decisions and give some time to others, even if it is just making that phone call, sending a card, or giving a needed hug to someone who is hurting. Help us to create new habits that will exercise our faith in going and doing all the while relying on YOUR grace and goodness to us!
Help us to "kick the habit" of wearing black clothes every day. Help us to be colorful in our dress, in our prayer life, and in our walk with others.

Father, the Word states in Psalm 138:7-8 that though we walk in the midst of trouble, YOU preserve our lives. You stretch out Your hand against the anger of our foes, with YOUR right hand You save us. YOU, Lord, will fulfill Your purpose for us. Your love , O Lord endures forever----do not abandon the works of Your hands. Amen.

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

How Many Times a Day Does the Lord Speak to Us?

Acts 9:10-20.......................10 Now there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and the Lord said to him in a vision, "Ananias." And he said, "Behold, here am I, Lord." 11 And the Lord said to him, "Arise and go to the street called Straight, and inquire at the house of Judas for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for behold, he is praying, 12 and he has seen in a vision a man named Ananias come in and lay his hands on him, so that he might regain his sight. " 13 But Ananias answered, "Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much harm he did to Thy saints at Jerusalem; 14 and here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call upon Thy name. " 15 But the Lord said to him, "Go, for he is a chosen instrument of Mine, to bear My name before the Gentiles and kings and the sons of Israel; 16 for I will show him how much he must suffer for My name's sake. " 17 And Ananias departed and entered the house, and after laying his hands on him said, "Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road by which you were coming, has sent me so that you may regain your sight, and be filled with the Holy Spirit." 18 And immediately there fell from his eyes something like scales, and he regained his sight, and he arose and was baptized; 19 and he took food and was strengthened.  NAS

Ever thought how many times a day the Lord is speaking to us? I do! I know I have a grand-child who loves conversation and loves to tell you new things she has learned going to pre-school. So when we get together, get our crafts box out and markers with coloring sheets, our conversations begin and it can cover from food, to riding bikes, to what she ate for breakfast and what she did at the playground yesterday evening.  I have learned about dog's bodies and how they work. I have learned about the wind and why it is important for our little dog to go out of door periodically to keep her temperature just right to keep her cool. Yes, I have learned some new things. And from all this, I have learned that God too, is speaking all the time and are we listening?  Are we hearing the next instruction He gives to guide us through the day? Ananias was listening and heard to go and do something hard, but he obeyed!

Yes, I know that girls can out-do most boys in the speaking category, and our girl is well on her way to the Debating Team of all time, but one thing is certain, God created the child and I believe He loves to share with His children as well she does!

I think it is inspiring to read about Ananias and know he answered in this vision......"Behold, here am I, Lord."

I know in times of ministry I had the switch on readily to hear what He was wanting to do in the Chapel in the Jail Ministry and even in the Women's Shelter for those things were full on ministry and needed to hear His voice to fulfill God's plan for each ministry time in those places and not mine! But there are times we all can find the place to sit and idle much like a car and not be going any where. Yeah, listen to that engine and how it idles! Sitting in an idling car is useless till it is ENGAGED! Being engaged means we are connected and ready and not still idling only. 

Engage as verb: to involve someone's interest or attention in...

Engage with.:establishing a meaningful connection or contact with

Engage in: participate in or become involved

 But I will bring this back to some prayer time as it is the relationship of our wanting to speak with God that keeps that door open to hear Him when He is giving us something new, something we need, or something He wants to bless to us! For His Word is life to us and when we keep that place clear of just idling in place, making sounds like a running car, and receiving noise, then we are not hearing God and not moving forward in what would present itself as the next thing for us to do in and through Him!

Psalms 131 

131:1 A song of ascents. Of David.  

My heart is not proud, O LORD,

my eyes are not haughty;

I do not concern myself with great matters 

or things too wonderful for me. 

2 But I have stilled and quieted my soul;

like a weaned child with its mother,

like a weaned child is my soul within me. 

3 O Israel, put your hope in the LORD 

both now and forevermore.   NIV

Quiet places, with no sounds, should be the place our soul comes to dwell. Our minds, our wills and our emotions are to be so quiet as to hear a pin drop from a table top to the floor. As David wrote in the scripture above, he is showing us that he had to be like a weaned child from the mother and her breast.

We were taught by Jesus in Matthew 18:3 the importance of becoming as little children when coming into His kingdom.

A babe can have the breast but when time comes to start growing up, as much like the world, the child must learn to live without the breast and without having it as number one in its life. If you have children of your own, you have no doubt seen the amount of time it takes to start weaning the child and get them into learning about new foods for the body. Going back to the conversations with our grand-child, her most favorite new food was bread, that was toasted with butter added and even avocados were on the top of the list of five new ones when new foods were added to her diet when the "milk' was leaving the scene for all time. Toast still ranks but avocados hit an all time low value to her.

So too, we as followers of the Lord must be weaned of things of the world. We are to find that which we do not fret over, but adhere to finding the meat of God's Word that leads us to new places where we know the Lord to be our Shepherd and that we will not be in want of any good thing. That it is He who causes us to lie down in green pastures, feasting on the good of the land and to be led beside the still waters finding His peace and relaxation in HIM and in HIM alone! And all the while this is going on, it is our souls that are being restored to the way it was suppose to be done long ago in the Garden of Eden. But thanks be to God who had the plan of His Son in a Redemption and a Cross on Calvary for the greatest sacrifice ever! Amen.

Psalm 23:1-3...........The LORD is my shepherd;

I shall not want.  2 He makes me to lie down in green pastures;

He leads me beside the still waters. 

3 He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness 

For His name's sake.    NKJV

When we push back the world and move toward God, it is His light and revelation that comes. It is knowing that He has a place for you and for me. It is a place with everything we need to fulfill God's call on our lives whether we go to the mission field or raise six children on the homefront. We can have every thing we need to fulfill His plan for us whether we are the truck driver on long hauls or the Foot Dr. at the strip Mall. We can have everything we need to fulfill His plan whether we are the CEO of the greatest company of the world or the man who runs the local barber shop downtown. We can have everything we need when we follow His plan and hear HIM when He speaks to us. 

Let's again consider David. He is usually a good example of how leadership looks. He was anointed to be king and the horn of oil was poured on him. 1 Samuel 16:12-13....And the LORD said, "Arise, anoint him; for this is the one!" 13 Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brothers; and the Spirit of the LORD came upon David from that day forward. So Samuel arose and went to Ramah. NKJV

    That is something done for a person who stands in a place God has called him to come stand. He did not push his way through. He continued to remain humble and do the next thing, and sometimes hide in low places from those who sought his life, but David had a mind toward God and to hear Him speak.

It was years before the throne came. In fact he served King Saul not only on the battlefront but also in the bedroom because of the spirit that distressed Saul's life! For this David played music on the harp and worshiped God from Saul's bedroom! How important praise and worship is for us today!

David spent many months on the dusty road with the thorny bush before he walked the halls of the great palace of a king. It was about ten years that Saul persecuted David. 

In another time of trial, David let Shimei curse him, and yes, throw up the dust and stones at David. He left Jerusalem before Abasalom took the throne with that prideful lust for glory.

 Yes, in reflecting on David's accounts through so many trials, he got to the throne and finally stayed till the end of his life. Humility and the revelation God had begun it and would finish it was David's focus.

It is finding peace for our souls. It is finding that we do not need to fret over "stuff" and "doing".

When our souls become quiet to the things of the world, then it is our confidence that gains the ascendancy to God to hear HIM speak.

It is coming to God and the Father and saying I do not want to be controlled by depression, anger, anxiety or even jealousy. I will not have fear, hopelessness or suicide. For whoever is the boss at work, the teacher at school, the nurse on duty when I give blood, the Dr, who gives very hurtful shots, the one thing THAT I NEED TO KNOW AND REMEMBER IS  that the Lord delivers and heals.

 "Well things did not turn out like I thought they would turn out!"

For whatever we could get ourselves into at work, at play or at home, God is our instrument of restoration. 

It is saying we will not be depressed because of this silliness that is still going on at work, but we choose to be liberated to cry if we need to, and walk through this sharing our deepest feelings with the Lord and and know He will send what we need just when we need it the most. WE choose not to settle down in receiving less than God has for us. WE choose to rise up out of mediocrity and believe God's best for us when we know He is speaking and showing the way in which to walk this day and everyday!

Then like David, we, will dance and sing with laughter, and find that ability we need that comes from God alone to move forward in this situation. Like David, we too, can take our eyes off the situation and circumstance and the Lord will give us patience to possess our souls and have the ability to take charge of it....(Luke 21:19)

It is the Lord Who  anoints us with the “oil of joy” (Isaiah 61:3), refreshes us with His Spirit, and sets us free from negative emotions this day. Amen!

So what if we started our day with, "Behold, here am I, Lord." I wonder how fast we would hear God relay that important mystery we need for the day to us?

Father, thank You for the examples You have given to us in Your Word. Our relationship was implemented by Your Son Jesus, and we expect to be those to hear and answer when YOU call, "Behold, here am I, Lord."

We know that relationship is talking together and getting to know each other on a personal level. Help us and guide us through this important time together with YOU. I pray that we would continue earnestly in prayer to YOU and be vigilant with thanksgiving. I pray that each who prays this today and every day, that we would be men and women who walk in wisdom toward those who outside, redeeming the time. I pray that we too, like Ananias, will have the opportunity to say we are listening and ready to move on Your next instruction regarding ministering to those on the outside and those who have come into the kingdom for such a time as this.

I pray that our speech will be seasoned with salt that we may know how to answer each one who is sent our way.( Colossian 4:2-7)

I pray that we be humble to hear, seeking to put the world out and draw close to You and hear You speak. Father, today our trust is in YOU and we dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. We choose to delight ourselves in You and it is YOU who gives us the desires of our heart. We are committed to Your way today Lord and our trust is in You. We expect like Psalm 37:6 that You will make our righteousness shine like the dawn and the justice of our cause like the noonday sun. We seek to please You and have fellowship with You for today and every day.

In Jesus' name, we pray and speak..........

"Behold, here am I, Lord."..........Amen.

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

Responding in Faith

What is fighting the "good fight of faith"?
Scripture tells us that Jesus is the Author and Finisher of our faith!

Hebrews 12:1-2.....................12:1 Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. NKJV

When we read verse 12, we are to lay aside every weight and sin which so easily ensnares us to run an endurance race that is set before us! That race is a life journey, a walk of faith with the Lord entrusting our every step into His confident hands!

1 Timothy 6:11-16.................11 But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness. 12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. 13 I urge you in the sight of God who gives life to all things, and before Christ Jesus who witnessed the good confession before Pontius Pilate, 14 that you keep this commandment without spot, blameless until our Lord Jesus Christ's appearing, 15 which He will manifest in His own time, He who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings and Lord of lords, 16 who alone has immortality, dwelling in unapproachable light, whom no man has seen or can see, to whom be honor and everlasting power. Amen.    NKJV

Lay hold of a life that pursues righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience and gentleness. Fight the good fight of faith holding onto that eternal life through Jesus.

Matthew 27:11-14.....................11 Meanwhile Jesus stood before the governor, and the governor asked him, "Are you the king of the Jews?" 

"Yes, it is as you say," Jesus replied. 

12 When he was accused by the chief priests and the elders, he gave no answer. 13 Then Pilate asked him, "Don't you hear the testimony they are bringing against you?" 14 But Jesus made no reply, not even to a single charge-to the great amazement of the governor. 

NIV

Life can seem unfair! But as we see with Jesus, we must choose how to deal with people in fairness, patience, truth, gentleness, righteousness and godliness seasoned with much love!
What if Jesus chose to speak against those bringing accusations? What if He wanted His say at that moment in time? What if He just let "loose" and told them it was about Him? No, because Jesus was led by love to forgive and to continue obeying His Father who directed Him to the Cross!

If there is something going on in the workplace or at home, do we look at the circumstance instead of looking into the face of Jesus?

Do we throw all caution to the wind, so to speak and dwell on the circumstance or situation or will we keep the faith and keep a good confession in the presence of many witnesses?

Will we confess:

Ephesians 5:1…..I am Your follower.

Ephesians 5:2……. I walk in love.

Ephesians 5:8….. I am light in You.

Ephesians 5:15…. I walk circumspectly.

Ephesians 5:18…...I am filled with the Spirit.

Revelation 12:11…..I am an overcomer.

1 Peter 2:24…..I am healed.

John 8:36….I am free.

Matthew 5:13…...I am salt.

1 Corinthians 6:11 amp……..I am consecrated.

1 Corinthians 6:11…...I am sanctified.

1 John 5:4….. I am victorious.

Everything You say about me is true, Lord. In Your name I pray. amen

Or will we let it "all hang out"? Will our words, sound like God our Father or the world?

It is important to fight with the faith in God's Word. To do anything else is like committing a spiritual suicide. We should always be determined to respond by holding onto joy in Jesus.

So what if it looks like things will never change? NOW would not be the time to stop believing! Only meditating on the world's view of things can lead people into bitterness and conjure a false view of God. God is good and He is good all the time, every day and in every circumstance. We must align ourselves with His truth and thoughts by confessing what He says about us. Bitterness about a situation will only cause one to lose direction in life and that moves one into the "enemy's camp".

Psalm 68:1-3......Let God arise,

Let His enemies be scattered;

Let those also who hate Him flee before Him. 

2 As smoke is driven away,

So drive them away;

As wax melts before the fire,

So let the wicked perish at the presence of God. 

3 But let the righteous be glad;

Let them rejoice before God;

Yes, let them rejoice exceedingly. 

NKJV

Bitterness about a situation will cause one to be a wanderer with no certain path on which to walk.

Isaiah 38:15-19............15 "What shall I say?

He has both spoken to me,

And He Himself has done it.

I shall walk carefully all my years 

In the bitterness of my soul. 

16 O LORD, by these things men live;

And in all these things is the life of my spirit;

So You will restore me and make me live. 

17 Indeed it was for my own peace 

That I had great bitterness;

But You have lovingly delivered my soul from the pit of corruption,

For You have cast all my sins behind Your back. 

18 For Sheol cannot thank You,

Death cannot praise You;

Those who go down to the pit cannot hope for Your truth. 

19 The living, the living man, he shall praise You,

As I do this day;

The father shall make known Your truth to the children.   NKJV

In verse 17, the writer tells of us choosing his peace but his peace had great bitterness. But he goes on to tell that the Lord delivered his soul from that corruption, that sin which ensnares one.

Here we find that the Lord restores us day by day not to wander in bitterness of the soul but to live. He wants us alive to Him and give thanks for His goodness in delivering us from the things of the world.

We must understand that "bitterness" is a self-inflected venom that will kill.  Staying in bitterness will only lead one into more troubles and forget how to forgive others.

How does our faith measure up today? Is our trust in God alone? Do I think God needs my help to get things moving in this situation or circumstance at home or in the workplace? Do I think I need it done "my way"? Am I declaring it is "all about me"? Yikes! That would be a bad place to be in the journey of life. Are we putting on the confession to many witnesses of those listed above like being one who walks in love, is filled with the Spirit, am an overcomer or does something else spew out of our mouths? Am I thinking I deserve something that was given to someone else? Do I think I need to speak every thought I think out loud?

When we choose to say that we walk circumspectly, we walk as in the way of the Lord being mindful of others. It is bringing others to His word as well. To be an example of what a "Christian" looks like in living life, and not as a distraction, or something that belongs of this world.
Ephesians 5:15...."see then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as the wise."
"Circumspectly"...... Greek word..."Akribos"....means diligently, perfectly, circumspectly......
"see then"..........Greek words "Blepo oun" .......take heed, take action or make sure
"walk" ....Greek word..."peripateo" ....to live, or to be occupied with"

TAKE HEED TO BE OCCUPIED WITH DILIGENT, PERFECT (INSTRUCTION)


Confessing God's Word, His power, His goodness and faithfulness to us is a choice even when it appears that bullets are flying in our direction. The Word of God is the same yesterday, today and forever. It will always remain the same in the face of any cultural disintegration, and moral upheaval. It is following Jesus daily and keeping that faith which brings victory to us in any circumstance or situation.

The choices we make today toward holding onto the Author and the Finisher of our FAITH will instill in us a strength and courage to know that we are walking the way Jesus walked. This walk involves not only us but in also involves all our future generations!

1 John 5:4….. I am victorious.

Father, today in Jesus' name, I pray for those who are bowed down. May their hearts take courage to know that You are their strength. Your thoughts and ways are the way to life with joy and peace. Father thank You for all who read and pray this out today. May they know You have not given them a spirit of fear, but a spirit of power, love and a sound mind. I pray Father they would hold onto Your thoughts, feelings and purposes for them from Your heart. I pray they will be renewed with the fresh mental and spiritual attitude as they run to Your Word of safety.
Father, thank You that Your children are set free from every evil work. We praise You that the joy of the Lord is our strength and stronghold!
The things of this world are put to death today. Our fellowship, we pray is with the Father and His Son Jesus Christ. Today we are alive from the dead and we walk circumspectly with others understanding there are witnesses to our faith walk. We move away from that which is past and move forward into the future, to that which lies ahead. Yes we strain to reach the end of the race and receive the prize for which You are calling us up to heaven because of what Christ Jesus did for us! Our hope is in You. That hope which never disappoints or deludes or shames us for YOUR love has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit given to us. Whatever the circumstance we face today, Lord we roll that work upon You, commit and trust it wholly to You; and believe that You will cause our thoughts to be come agreeable to Your will and so our plans will be established and succeed. Amen.


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