What Language Do You Speak?

When I was in grade school, I was taught Spanish. As a class, we would go to a room in the High School building. In the afternoon, and close to the end of the day, we each were greeted as we entered the room. We were called by our Spanish name we had chosen to be called at the beginning of the year. Each of us had a booth we sat in, put on earphones, and listen to the instructions of the one teaching. Cannot recall the teacher's name right now, but she surely did a good job teaching and we loved that class. We learned a new language that year with the help of someone who loved their job. She taught other languages, but she was surely fluent in Spanish.
What language do we speak? How do we relate in expressing joy, or sorrow in a situation? What do we actually sound like to others when speaking about something specific?

In recent days, our daughter and her family had moved to a more serene country community. Our grand-daughter was out playing in the sprinkler as the weekend proved to be a "hot one"! She donned her swimsuit and got the water turned on, the sprinkler placed  in just the right spot and the fun was on. One thing I noted, as I told our daughter, was that our grand-daughter could squeal loudly and I believed someone would be out to check if the child was in pain. Sure enough, not five minutes passed from the first sprinkler run through and squeal, and someone came out to check. I told her that the neighbors, being new around our grand-daughter would not know her laughter, and would not know that by that squeal she could make, was just her way of expressing her fun time through the sprinkler. The neighbors learned that day what her language was when having fun in the sprinkler. Yes, it is a very loud squawk of joy and not one of pain.

In learning how to speak a different language like what I and others took in school, we were prompted to listen and to speak or repeat what the instructor had just spoken. I think how important that is when we want to go from point A to point B, specifically in the things of God! We should be reminded to listen and then speak or repeat the same thing!

Too many times, we choose to relate what the " greatest sport entertainer" is speaking or that "singer". Too many times, we choose to do and say those things the world relates as good things, but in the end, brings either pain, or loss or both!
In viewing a couple of commercials that sell burgers, one would believe that you require wearing a two piece swimsuit to chow down on one of those enormous burgers! 
It is one thing to be a Doctor and go to Medical School to learn all the procedures for say surgery, and to repeat the good procedure and not to err in anyway. But to go to Medical School and not repeat what they were taught is detrimental to all the doctor's new patients, would it not?

John 2:13-17.....13 Now the Passover of the Jews was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 14 And He found in the temple those who sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the moneychangers doing business. 15 When He had made a whip of cords, He drove them all out of the temple, with the sheep and the oxen, and poured out the changers' money and overturned the tables. 16 And He said to those who sold doves, "Take these things away! Do not make My Father's house a house of merchandise!" 17 Then His disciples remembered that it was written, "Zeal for Your house has eaten Me up."  NKJV

Is it possible that we can cause our hearts, our Father's house to be a house of merchandise? Jesus came to bring reformation to the people. He came to purge out the old and keep the Passover.

Malachai 3:1-5.....3:1 "See, I will send my messenger, who will prepare the way before me. Then suddenly the Lord you are seeking will come to his temple; the messenger of the covenant, whom you desire, will come," says the LORD Almighty. 

2 But who can endure the day of his coming? Who can stand when he appears? For he will be like a refiner's fire or a launderer's soap. 3 He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver; he will purify the Levites and refine them like gold and silver. Then the LORD will have men who will bring offerings in righteousness, 4 and the offerings of Judah and Jerusalem will be acceptable to the LORD, as in days gone by, as in former years. 

5 "So I will come near to you for judgment. I will be quick to testify against sorcerers, adulterers and perjurers, against those who defraud laborers of their wages, who oppress the widows and the fatherless, and deprive aliens of justice, but do not fear me," says the LORD Almighty. NIV

Proverbs 17:3......The refining pot is for silver and the furnace for gold,

But the LORD tests the hearts. NKJV

How does the Lord test our hearts? By His Word! His Word sets the standard, and the more Word we put in, the hotter the Light of His Word gets to purify and remove any dross out of our lives. And by praying in the Holy Spirit, He purges away fear, torment,rejection, and temptations that might try to rise up as a stronghold. God's Word sets up a wall that is established around us, a wall of protection. The praying part flushes out all that is not of God and helps us to take charge over our spirit man.

What do we choose to "repeat"? From the Dr.'s report to the dental report or the news on earthquakes, drought conditions or worse, yet we should be resilient and ready to apply what God speaks. As we grow in the Word of God, we choose to speak as He speaks and do as He does! Do we feel the need to copy, to imitate those commercials, so as to "look like world"?  If we do that, then we will be those that will put on that two-piece suit and order that enormous burger.

Our heart is the deciding factor. If our heart is soft and pliable to the teachings of the Lord, then we can recover from difficult conditions. We become the strong, the tough and the hardy ones! Whatever the "storm" or the "ordeal", or "verdict" of one doctor, one dentist or even the world, one holds the answer to it all! God is to get the last Word in and we are to abide in that Word!
Well, Shelley, the word is not working in my life! My response to you would be, "How much do you speak it" ?  How often do you repeat it over and over? If none, then I would say, "yes, that Word is not working in your life!" 
If our hearts are hardened, then we need to find out why they are in such a condition. Meditation on those miracles we have seen keep us mindful that God is good.  But if we are concerned with the cares of this world, wearing some special outfit, wearing some kind of hair-do to looking like that "singer" or that special "actor" from a movie, or even driving a certain "brand new" vehicle can bring us to another place. The heart can become calloused and hard! It may be more about what "I want" or "I need", yes, that thing which will make "me" happy!
GOD DOES NOT MIND US HAVING THINGS, BUT HE DOES MIND IF THINGS HAVE US! Those things are suppose to be that which helps us get the "message" out that Jesus is returning for His Bride, the church! And not bring bondage and slavery to us! (like working 80 hours a week to make a house payment you cannot afford to make)

If you have ever worked in a garden, you know the time it takes to keep those weeds down so you can recognize those carrot seedlings, those squash seedlings or even those onions...........oh, no, they look like weeds to me! All that pulling of the weeds, all that cleaning up with the hoe sure takes a toll on the hands. It is felt in the soreness of muscles you forgot you had and discover those newly formed callouses in places on your hands that you recognize as "painful". All that gardening involves much work in bending and stooping, the kneeling down on the dirt, and finding a small pebble nesting into the skin of the knee joint, we try to meditate that the garden is good! We speak on the good that we will enjoy adding those delicious vegetables to our meals. We remind ourselves that we planted good food to eat soon, and we try to push out the pain that tries to capture our thoughts and take us away from those green onions, and great tasting yellow squash. Yes, our thoughts are to be kept on that which should be about the Lord and His plan. 
Our thoughts should not be captured by the game of the Final Four! (and spending how much time and finances on one set thing) Even heard of a Dr.'s assistant getting tickets for free to the Final Four. She went and glad she went, but she knew nothing about them and went back to not caring about any basketball games. She enjoyed the part of watching those spectators and their thrill, but it escaped her thinking how some could get so wrapped up in "sports".
I remember a day when basketball started just after football was done in November if there were championship games being played. Basketball was done in March with major play-offs at the end of that month of March. Today, it seems games are played year around for big bucks, and by choice, they choose to play nearly all year. I even saw a football game being advertised during the news break last week. What, football in June?

In coming to this area awhile back, our family went to church together as a rule for about two years. Our grand-daughter was small and required some napping time before church. So her parents went to the church and took care of those things that needed tending to be ready for a service and we watched our grand-daughter. We would arrive about 45 minutes ahead of service, as she wanted to hear the band play. She would clap her hands and sing with them. She grew accustomed to raising her hands in worship and enjoying the Presence of God! She would sing no matter if no one else sang during this practice time. She would want to dance and do those things small children do to have fun!

In our family, as we abide as a family, by spending time together, we grow aware of each other's personalities and how they differ. We know our grand-daughter's zest for life, and her acute or intense way of expressing her joy in it! So too, as we abide in God, we grow accustom to His ways and doings. We know when He speaks and when He is silent. We know when correction comes, and when we have moved to another level in God. We know His voice and know we are truly welcomed in His presence! Our language is to be just like His! 
Today, our grand-child gets upset if she has to miss a service. She delights to sing and clap and raise holy hands to the Lord. She thoroughly misses that time with others who worship God.
Ephesians 5:1-2........5:1 Follow God's example in everything you do just as a much loved child imitates his father. 2 Be full of love for others, following the example of Christ who loved you and gave himself to God as a sacrifice to take away your sins. And God was pleased, for Christ's love for you was like sweet perfume to him.   TLB

A much loved child imitates his father. I like this example. Although my dad was generally out of town on business, I sure liked the idea of wearing those cowboy boots and jeans and dressing like he did whether he was home or gone for a few days. My mother was more of the dress-up type and wore the lipstick and blush. She always looked like a model to me in that she was of a small stature and weighed around a hundred pounds. My friends and school mates always commented how beautiful she was when entering our class room when she was hosting as the "homeroom mom" for a special holiday. But in my younger years, my paternal grandmother always stood out to me in that she always seemed to be interested in those around her.(my maternal grandparents lived in another state and many miles away from us) She loved conversation and loved hamburgers as her many grand-children did. She was to me, a person who loved life and loved others. And I think of this scripture verse as Jesus gave Himself, the sacrifice, to take away sins. And God was so pleased with Christ's love for me, that it was like sweet perfume to Him. Wow! Now that is awesome. The giving of ourselves for others, that seems like an easy thing, but I know that it is not. 
At the end of the day, my grandmother still had another meal to prepare, another call on the lady next door who lived alone, and a garden to tend. Her days were filled with many things, but she always had time for those who had no family close by. And she had time for us, her grand-children. She worked to fit everyone in who needed a smile, a hug, a good laugh, a good meal, and some times just to let someone know that they were not alone!  In looking back at that time, I believe it was her "gift of gab" that was the vehicle that took her to all those places and accomplish all that she did. God created her to do all that!

John 1:6-14...................6 God sent John the Baptist as a witness to the fact that Jesus Christ is the true Light. 8 John himself was not the Light; he was only a witness to identify it. 

9 Later on, the one who is the true Light arrived to shine on everyone coming into the world. 

10 But although he made the world, the world didn't recognize him when he came. 11 Even in his own land and among his own people, the Jews, he was not accepted. Only a few would welcome and receive him. But to all who received him, he gave the right to become children of God. All they needed to do was to trust him to save them.  

13 All those who believe this are reborn!-not a physical rebirth resulting from human passion or plan-but from the will of God. 

14 And Christ became a human being and lived here on earth among us and was full of loving forgiveness and truth. And some of us have seen his glory-the glory of the only Son of the heavenly Father!  TLB

The world did not recognize the One Who created it when He came to this world. Jesus was accepted by few who received Him and welcomed Him in.
What and whom do we welcome into our lives? What do we readily receive as the best for us and our family?

Who do we identify with? Is our identity in the world........the world's heroes.......with the ungodly, the atheists, or with God?  Isaiah 32:5-8.......5 In those days the ungodly, the atheists, will not be heroes! Wealthy cheaters will not be spoken of as generous, outstanding men! 6 Everyone will recognized an evil man when he sees him, and hypocrites will fool no one at all. Their lies about God and their cheating the hungry will be plain for all to see. 7 The smooth tricks of evil men will be exposed, as will all the lies they use to oppress the poor in the courts. 8 But good men will be generous to others and will be blessed of God for all they do. TLB 

In this scripture passage of Isaiah 32, the teaching is about the new King Hezekiah, but some have referred to it as a type of Christ in prophecy. In these verses of 5-8, it is God alone who takes care of those who have become the heroes in their own deceit.
Have we not seen this in recent months, those who sought to keep their preeminence and pay out large sums of money to keep others quiet. Have we not seen those who were declared heroes make a downward spiral fall from that high post of preeminence?
The prophet here in Isaiah was describing what was going to occur in the future. Although King Hezekiah did not fulfill his role in being the king, the prophecy surely points to Jesus as well.
In the passage below, we see those who call evil good, and good evil. They are those who put darkness for light and light for darkness. Do we not see that today as well?


Isaiah 5:18-23...........18 Woe to those who draw iniquity with cords of vanity,
And sin as if with a cart rope; 
19 That say, "Let Him make speed and hasten His work,
That we may see it;
And let the counsel of the Holy One of Israel draw near and come,
That we may know it." 

20 Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil;
Who put darkness for light, and light for darkness;
Who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! 

21 Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes,
And prudent in their own sight! 

22 Woe to men mighty at drinking wine,
Woe to men valiant for mixing intoxicating drink, 
23 Who justify the wicked for a bribe,
And take away justice from the righteous man! 

NKJV

If we view the above scripture from Isaiah 32, as that of a prophecy, it is as the final world battle! It is the two things: good versus evil that will come to an end forever. King Jesus will return soon to take His rightful place and will rule forever. His righteousness will deliver to the world, the place with life where souls will be satisfied. 
Psalm 36:8-9..............8 They are abundantly satisfied with the fullness of Your house,  And You give them drink from the river of Your pleasures. 
9 For with You is the fountain of life;
In Your light we see light. NKJV

 It is God's standard that will set the plumb line so to speak. Men will not be deceived by the enemy any longer. Men will see and recognize the truth for all time. Today, we have the Holy Spirit to show us those who are of the devil. We recognize those who are fire for God and those who just use words to flatter and deceive others by directing some innocents into their webs of deceit and nonsense!
We hold the course, by adhering to the Word of God and speaking the same He speaks.
People need the Holy Spirit to show those who are for you and for those who are against you. We need the Holy Spirit to direct our walk in this world where everything appears to be upside down as we see in Isaiah 5.

Our individuality is ours alone, but our identity should be in God alone! He created us to be individuals with choices to live for Him and be a part of His family.  Should we not want to look like the sons of God and be imitators of that which is good and not that which is of evil intent?
As we search the scriptures, we find our identity. Our worth is found in Him. It is through His eyes and by His standards we begin to see and know those unique qualities He has placed in each of us.
We need to quiet the voices that would tell us otherwise and turn off that T.V. set!
May we choose to be directed by His Holy Spirit and see with out a doubt that God has good things for us as His children! May we speak as He speaks and see the greatness of Who He is today and everyday for an eternity! Listen and Repeat!

Father, it is in Jesus' holy name we pray. Today we seek to know the Cornerstone of our lives. We expect to spend time and help us to see His example everyday, knowing that He Who committed no sin nor was deceit found in His mouth, did not revile nor did He threaten, but He judged righteously according to the word of God. Help us to understand that He bore in His own body the sins of the world on a tree for the world to see.
Help us to see that He reigns and is seated with the Father of Righteousness, the Father of Glory.
Help us to see that we have become that Royal Priesthood and to pray accurately what the Lord is speaking to each of us for He does speak and there is much peace in His Word. We pray that we would not continue to turn to chaos in our thinking, not turn aside to the whims of man,  or those of seducing spirits of this world. We desire to follow closely after Jesus and stay out of the mud and the mire of this world that is drowning people in empty promises of deceit that bring death and destruction. May we be found,  bound to the Author and the Finisher of our faith.  May we be bound to truth, and not to legalism of man's wisdom.  Father, we thank You that we have come to the Holiness Highway (Isaiah 35:8) and that You have heard from heaven. We receive Your answers of truth to our prayer of which we have asked in Jesus' holy name. Amen.



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

What Great Lengths

Ever thought of Jesus and His walk from the Passover meal to praying in the Garden of Gethsemane? Ever thought what those last hours were like before the military troop came to arrest Him? From being surrounded by His disciples, to washing feet, to a walk across the Brook Kidron and gather for a last time in prayer, to be surrounded by those who were hardened against Him, still the miraculous occurred!

Now they say that in Jesus' time there was a bridge over the Brook Kidron, but am thinking it was not like the bridges they had built in the twentieth century. What would it have been like to cross over that bridge if the brook was really flooding?

Has anyone ever thought of the significance of what previously had been done by others in that area of the Kidron Brook? What would play out when Jesus took the last walk to pray there and then be "crucified"?

John 18:1-2.........18:1 When Jesus had spoken these words, He went out with His disciples over the Brook Kidron, where there was a garden, which He and His disciples entered. 2 And Judas, who betrayed Him, also knew the place; for Jesus often met there with His disciples.    NKJV

Jesus had been in Jerusalem for the Feast of Passover. After He has His last meal with the disciples and washes their feet, He goes to the Garden of Gethsemane. Interesting truth is that at the time Jesus went from Jerusalem to the Garden, He had to cross the Brook Kidron. Although it was generally dry in the summer, in the winter it was always rain-swollen. The seasonal heavy rains would cause the water to run turbid, and dark. It was a rapid moving river and probably out of it's banks. Rains could hit the high areas around Jerusalem and cause a flood of the low-lying areas.

Yes, it was no walk in the park. This Brook now looked like the raging river, out of it's banks and was moving with a great force! It was probably dark outside as well. Not sure they took a light of any kind with them. No, there were no flashlights handy! (commentaries mention it was probably the 10th or 11th hour at night)
Could the brook have been a raging river and covered the "bridge" at the time Jesus walked with His disciples to the Garden of Gethsemane?

The most interesting thing of where Jesus walked in the time of the Passover was something that would remind Him of the cup He was about to drink. Found this all interesting some years ago in preparing to give a Bible Study on the Garden of Gethsemane.
In light of the sacrifices of the lambs for the ritual held, from where Jesus walked out of Jerusalem and down to the torrent fierce waters of the Brook Kidron, He would have seen the blood of all those lambs ( some list it as 250,000 lambs) as it drained down from the altar area to just outside the Temple mount. This ritual would continue till all those lambs had been sacrificed. Now the blood would drain down the steep side of the Temple mount and color the whole hillside soil with a red color.

In crossing the Kidron Brook, Jesus was crossing the area that was noted by historians as the place some notable kings like Josiah, Hezekiah, and Asa burned idols and those objects of worship to pagan gods. It was even noted that one king's mother (Asa's) had idols of the Asherah and the king burned them in fire. (see 1 Kings 15:13) Whatever the idol worship that was in the Temple, these reformers took and burned outside in the Kidron valley. ( see 2 Kings 23:4-12 and 2 Chronicles 29:16, 2 Chronicles 30:14)
Interesting that Jesus walked through the place that had such a history of that which defiled, was destroyed and burned to be mixed as dust with the earth. Were we not taken from the earth as dust and created?
Genesis 2:7.................7 And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being.    NKJV

Anything that takes our time from God as in worshiping Him, is considered an idol. Whether it is in objects like cell phones, I-Pads, texting, or how about SUV's, how about camping, or fishing equipment? How about all that new furniture?  How about that nice "boat" for weekend use? How about houses or a sport's hero?? How about that nice "expensive bike" for touring the hills? Even people who like fame and importance is idolatry. Did we not see it when Jesus spoke of the Pharisees? Do we have it, or does "it" have us? Anything that captures our attention for hours can become an idol. How about a five hour or so football game, week after long week? Mine is watching too many black and white movies from the 40's and 50's. I have to put a limit to how much I watch!


Ephesians 5:5-10...........5 You can be sure of this: The Kingdom of Christ and of God will never belong to anyone who is impure or greedy, for a greedy person is really an idol worshiper-he loves and worships the good things of this life more than God. 6 Don't be fooled by those who try to excuse these sins, for the terrible wrath of God is upon all those who do them. 7 Don't even associate with such people. 8 For though once your heart was full of darkness, now it is full of light from the Lord, and your behavior should show it! 9 Because of this light within you, you should do only what is good and right and true. 

10 Learn as you go along what pleases the Lord.  TLB

His deliberate walk through this brook in its most fierce time, seeing the blood of all those lambs sacrificed, and being reminded of what awaited His mission to the Cross probably caused some distress within Him. Turbulent indeed, chaos, no doubt, but tribulation awaited Him and it was going to have the seal of a kiss by a betrayer.

Mark 14:22-33............22 And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them and said, "Take, eat; this is My body." 23 Then He took the cup, and when He had given thanks He gave it to them, and they all drank from it. 24 And He said to them, "This is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many. 25 Assuredly, I say to you, I will no longer drink of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God." 26 And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. 

27 Then Jesus said to them, "All of you will be made to stumble because of Me this night, for it is written: 

'I will strike the Shepherd,
And the sheep will be scattered.'  

28 "But after I have been raised, I will go before you to Galilee." 29 Peter said to Him, "Even if all are made to stumble, yet I will not be." 30 Jesus said to him, "Assuredly, I say to you that today, even this night, before the rooster crows twice, you will deny Me three times." 31 But he spoke more vehemently, "If I have to die with You, I will not deny You!" And they all said likewise. 

32 Then they came to a place which was named Gethsemane; and He said to His disciples, "Sit here while I pray." 33 And He took Peter, James, and John with Him, and He began to be troubled and deeply distressed.  NKJV

From the passage above, we know Jesus took Peter, James and John with Him into the Garden.  He brought them to pray with Him, but not so much for Him, but for themselves. We find in the scripture passage below that Jesus was desiring them to pray...."Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation".


Matthew 26:37-46............ 38 Then He said to them, "My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch with Me." 39 He went a little farther and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, "O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will." 40 Then He came to the disciples and found them asleep, and said to Peter, "What? Could you not watch with Me one hour? 41 Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak." 42 Again, a second time, He went away and prayed, saying, "O My Father, if this cup cannot pass away from Me unless I drink it, Your will be done." 43 And He came and found them asleep again, for their eyes were heavy. 44 So He left them, went away again, and prayed the third time, saying the same words. 45 Then He came to His disciples and said to them, "Are you still sleeping and resting? Behold, the hour is at hand, and the Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of sinners. 46 Rise, let us be going. See, My betrayer is at hand." NKJV

Luke 22:48-53...........48 But Jesus said to him, "Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?" 49 When those around Him saw what was going to happen, they said to Him, "Lord, shall we strike with the sword?" 50 And one of them struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his right ear. 51 But Jesus answered and said, "Permit even this." And He touched his ear and healed him. 52 Then Jesus said to the chief priests, captains of the temple, and the elders who had come to Him, "Have you come out, as against a robber, with swords and clubs? 53 When I was with you daily in the temple, you did not try to seize Me. But this is your hour, and the power of darkness." 
NKJV

Proverbs 27:6........6 Faithful are the wounds of a friend,
But the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.    NKJV


Jesus was saying, violate me Judas with a kiss.....??.....betrayal was now in the form of the deceit, a crime against Jesus Himself. Even though coming like a friend, the true witness was one that was "betrayal" disguised as affection. Jesus knew Judas' heart! What Judas held in his heart had nothing to do about the good for another person.

Ever been betrayed by someone you thought really cared about you and your welfare? Jesus certainly was, and yet Jesus knew who the Betrayer would be.  He knew ahead of time who would betray Him. For those who profess and confess to be our friends and even be a part of the Body of Christ, we too, can see betrayers and give a kiss of pretense as to honor, but actually gives a blow to kindness and love. That kind of betrayal will knock you off your feet and throw you to the ground.  If the friendship was coming to an end, this would be the ultimate blow to end it, right?
Yet, Jesus continued to love and forgive. In light of all the treachery, Jesus saw a young man lose his ear, and Jesus healed it right there in front of this barrage of insult from those who came to arrest Him.

Jesus spoke in verse 52, "Have you come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs? Verse 53..."When I was with you daily in the temple, you did not try to seize Me. But this is your hour, and power of darkness."


Like the raging river He crossed, He also experienced it in those who came with Judas. Judas came to assail, to make haste in seeing Jesus captured. But in reality, these men saw the power of God. Jesus healed in seconds the man whose ear had been cut off. These men also saw the mercy and goodness of Jesus. He rendered good for evil. But if anything was evident at the time, it was that these men's hearts were hardened.
Jesus went willingly with them. He spoke no evil. He gave no defense. He showed humility in those of His disciples when He washed their feet. He showed His willingness to pray. He went the distance it took and what great lengths He took to show His caring heart for others!

What He saw in that raging Kidron Brook, He also experienced in dealing with the lives of those who came to seize Him.
What Great Lengths He walked, to the very last, he demonstrated His great love in relationships for those for whom He came to save.
Can we do as much, to forgive even being given that kiss of betrayal? Can we forgive and move forward in life understanding Jesus gave the price for those who show no mercy?
Jesus was not relying on political means to bring about the spiritual ends He came to deliver to us. That love He displayed always exalts God, causes commitments to be made, and to never waiver at any insults, any display of contention against us, or whatever the enemy may be directing toward us. Always remember if God be for you, then who can be against you?


Lamentations 3:22-24......22 The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases,
his mercies never come to an end; 
23 they are new every morning;
great is thy faithfulness. 
24 "The LORD is my portion," says my soul,
"therefore I will hope in him."   RSV

His mercies are new every morning. Even if we think we have used up the entire portion of His mercies toward us, yet there is a new mercy every morning.

Gethsemane or the "olive press" is the place where we all come to at some point in our lives.   Like Jesus we can be surrounded by friends, those we teach, those we call friend and even those who know us only by name. Jesus had those who walked a little further to pray with Him, but in truth Jesus prayed for Himself, being hard pressed on all sides, that the Father's will be done in His life.

Luke 22:39.......39 Coming out, He went to the Mount of Olives, as He was accustomed, and His disciples also followed Him. NKJV

This was a part of Jesus' regular routine, as the above verse states: ....as He was accustomed....and His disciples also followed Him. He set time to be away from the city, and to pray. Separate from the city, He found His peace in prayer to His Father. Judas, the betrayer, even knew where to find Jesus after the Last Supper. He knew that Jesus had taken the disciples to pray. Judas knew Jesus so well, that he could count on where Jesus would be after the Last Supper.
Are we set to walk the "great lengths" Jesus walked? Can we be found praying with our husband, our children, or with those few in the "church body"? When that "temptation" comes and a betrayer can be found, will we be getting to that place of prayer no matter the condition of the Brook Kidron and if it is running at its highest level? Will someone have to text to find out where we are at and what we are doing?  Will it matter that those present have hardened hearts against us? For we certainly saw the miraculous that Jesus performed in restoring the man's ear and His choice to go willingly knowing He had touched God's heart in prayer!

Father, thank YOU for the gift of Your Son Jesus to us………You are holy, worthy and mighty…..we give YOU our praise and honor YOU our God! Thank You for Your mercies that are new every morning. It is You Who destined us to be a part of Your family. You spent much time pulling this together for Your glory. We are thankful today for the precious shed Blood of Jesus Christ. I pray today for families to be strengthened in and through YOU. Today, I ask protection for those who guard their ways in holiness toward You and Your Son. I pray that all who read this and pray will submit to that wisdom from above that begins with a holy life and is characterized by getting along with others. It is gentle, reasonable, overflowing with mercy and blessings, not hot one day and cold the next, not two-faced. Help each of us to be Your instruments that will develop a community that lives right with You. Help us to gather as families and communicate Your love to others. May we grow in grace being submitted to Your plan for the family and community that will be of love, respect and honor to others. Remind us daily to put others first and above what we are doing. We set these priorities in place to be followers of Jesus and not R-rated movies. We choose to align ourselves with Your Word that speaks and directs us to the Kingdom of God that is endless, blessed, and active. Now thanks be to YOU, Father Who always causes us to triumph in Christ Jesus. Amen.

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

Sandals and Pooh!

Can you imagine wearing sandals in the day that Jesus walked? How about all those animals in and around the Temple area when the Jews brought in their offering for the Temple worship? Can you imagine all that "pooh"?


Exodus 12:11-13.......11 "Eat it with your traveling clothes on, prepared for a long journey, wearing your walking shoes and carrying your walking sticks in your hands; eat it hurriedly. This observance shall be called the Lord's Passover. 12 For I will pass through the land of Egypt tonight and kill all the oldest sons and firstborn male animals in all the land of Egypt, and execute judgment upon all the gods of Egypt-for I am Jehovah. 13 The blood you have placed on the doorposts will be proof that you obey me, and when I see the blood I will pass over you and I will not destroy your firstborn children when I smite the land of Egypt. TLB

Those walking shoes were sandals. There was mention of some women wearing a soft low cut boot type shoe, but most wore the sandal outside and wore no shoes inside. The significance of wearing them was based on the wearer. The shepherd's sandals were made of a stronger leather for the terrain they covered in their guiding sheep to pastures from valleys to hills. They had to withstand walking through water and mud alike, not to mention the pooh as well! Those people of wealth wore the better made sandal.
In Ezekiel 16:10 we find the more costly leather sandal. In this passage of scripture, the LORD is speaking of how He the LORD clothed Israel with the leather sandals probably made out of seal skin. The more regularly worn sandal was probably that of badger skins.

Ezekiel 16:10-14.......10 I clothed you with an embroidered dress and put leather sandals on you. I dressed you in fine linen and covered you with costly garments. 11 I adorned you with jewelry: I put bracelets on your arms and a necklace around your neck, 12 and I put a ring on your nose, earrings on your ears and a beautiful crown on your head. 13 So you were adorned with gold and silver; your clothes were of fine linen and costly fabric and embroidered cloth. Your food was fine flour, honey and olive oil. You became very beautiful and rose to be a queen. 14 And your fame spread among the nations on account of your beauty, because the splendor I had given you made your beauty perfect, declares the Sovereign LORD.  NIV

Exodus 25:1-8......25:1 Then the LORD spoke to Moses, saying: 2 "Speak to the children of Israel, that they bring Me an offering. From everyone who gives it willingly with his heart you shall take My offering. 3 And this is the offering which you shall take from them: gold, silver, and bronze; 4 blue, purple, and scarlet thread, fine linen, and goats' hair; 5 ram skins dyed red, badger skins, and acacia wood; 6 oil for the light, and spices for the anointing oil and for the sweet incense; 7 onyx stones, and stones to be set in the ephod and in the breastplate. 8 And let them make Me a sanctuary, that I may dwell among them.  NKJV

The same badger skin found in the sandals the Israelite wore was also found in the covering of the sanctuary, that temple of God.

As you know if you have worn sandals that the foot can become pretty dirty if you do not stay on the paved roadway or  walk on the fine made sidewalk of concrete. As the sandal does not cover the entire foot, the dirt from any dusty pathway will find its way to those areas of your feet which are not covered, and sometimes will leave a nice brown line of sandal on your foot which you find in removing the sandals.

In Jesus' time, the lowest slave of any household was to remove the sandals from the guests feet and to wash them. That washing was to include anything else on them besides dirt. And remember this was dinner time!  BUT we find Jesus washing the feet of His OWN disciples in John 13: 2-17.

John 13:2-17.......2 The evening meal was being served, and the devil had already prompted Judas Iscariot, son of Simon, to betray Jesus. 3 Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; 4 so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. 5 After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples' feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him. 

6 He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, "Lord, are you going to wash my feet?" 

7 Jesus replied, "You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand." 

8 "No," said Peter, "you shall never wash my feet." 

Jesus answered, "Unless I wash you, you have no part with me." 

9 "Then, Lord," Simon Peter replied, "not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!" 

10 Jesus answered, "A person who has had a bath needs only to wash his feet; his whole body is clean. And you are clean, though not every one of you." 11 For he knew who was going to betray him, and that was why he said not every one was clean. 

12 When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. "Do you understand what I have done for you?" he asked them. 13 "You call me 'Teacher' and 'Lord,' and rightly so, for that is what I am. 14 Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. 15 I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. 16 I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. 17 Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.  NIV

Washing another's feet was the mark of humility the way Jesus taught in that the servant is not greater than his master, nor the messenger greater than the one who sent him. This was a serious act that Jesus gave evidence to in washing the disciples feet. Jesus brought intimacy to the disciples, his own in this world. Those He called, "the fisherman" were those He conveyed His love to and the call to minister that which would go worldwide after His walk to the Cross. It was in humility that He became the servant to wash their feet. He removed those sandals and pooh, to clean away that of the world, and replace on their feet that which He came to teach. He put on them a foundation of Him the manifested Word that could be touched.

Luke 22:24-30............24 Now there was also a dispute among them, as to which of them should be considered the greatest. 25 And He said to them, "The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them, and those who exercise authority over them are called 'benefactors.' 26 But not so among you; on the contrary, he who is greatest among you, let him be as the younger, and he who governs as he who serves. 27 For who is greater, he who sits at the table, or he who serves? Is it not he who sits at the table? Yet I am among you as the One who serves. 28 But you are those who have continued with Me in My trials. 29 And I bestow upon you a kingdom, just as My Father bestowed one upon Me, 30 that you may eat and drink at My table in My kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel."      NKJV

Now remember that the disciples argued among themselves in Luke 22 about who was to be considered the greatest. Jesus told them even then, that " he who is greatest among you, let him be as the younger, and he who governs as he who serves. These disciples were too proud to serve and there was no one to serve as in cleaning their dirty feet while having their last dinner together.

John 12:24-26......24 Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain. 25 He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. 26 If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also. If anyone serves Me, him My Father will honor. 

NKJV

Our serving others is the most important thing Jesus pointed to when ministering this foot washing to them. Yes, a dirty job indeed, and someone had to do it. It was the protocol for the least of all slaves to wash the visitor's feet when they came into the house. 

A lowly task that was possibly a dirty one and who would want to perform such a thing?  Jesus knew He came to serve others. In our thinking how do we relate to serving another?  I always think of our daughter when she first got a job in her high school years. It was busting tables first before she was promoted to being Hostess. She worked hard those months cleaning after every family left the table at which they were served.

She would see more food on the floor under the table than on top of the table in the plates. So it took extra time to clean and have ready for another customer. On the weekends, people would be standing in line for a clean table, and her job was to see the floor was as clean as the table top. There were days she spent more time on her knees than standing on her feet!

She did her work without complaining, and she got her promotion after many, many clean-ups that involved the floor as well. In some instances of her cleaning, someone would give her a tip for the job she did on that mess!

When we volunteer for something, is it something that is the "important" job? Is it the most "respected" job that we seek to do? Or are we willing to clean that which no one likes to do, like the bathroom?

Everyone wants a microphone and everyone wants to sing, but not everyone needs a microphone nor can everyone sing! 

The disciples certainly argued in the past of which we read about in Luke 22 and Luke 9:46. The greatest were not the heroes. The greatest He spoke about were to be the obedient and humble in serving.

I remember serving in cleaning the church for two full years and that included the bathrooms. My husband and I did it with another couple and we cleaned every other weekend.  I remember for about six months we had this issue with some young little man desiring to not go in the commode but to get it all over the walls and floors. We would always find it after the fact, so I started confessing that I was going to know who did it. I told my husband that we needed to confess that we would know who it was and get this stopped before it became a real nightmare! It was work keeping those bathrooms clean and just one person could make a disaster in it in just seconds. Well, finally after a few months and asking people to keep watch when taking the youth to restroom, I was standing in the hallway next to the restroom for men and women. I had taken a five year old to the restroom and waited in the hall. Lo and behold, the urine was flowing under the door of the men's restroom, out into the hall and onto the carpet. So I waited, and yes got the culprit who committed the act. With help of a teacher, our daughter, and the person available to clean, my husband,cleanup began in the men's restroom. The mother was notified of the son' s behavior and was watched weekly.

Even in those occurrences, do we continue to serve?

It should be our desire to fill the need we are well qualified to fill. I cannot speak for you, but for me, I always see the need for a prayer meeting. I delight in seeing one is going and if not, then I start one with the Holy Spirit leading me. I always try to find those who desire to be in the Word and to study it. I usually invite those in the church to come. I have even invited neighbors to come as well.

Ask anyone who came to one of those Prayer Meetings and they will speak about the food as well as the prayer time together. With help from our daughter, we put on a feast of food as fresh strawberries and pineapple to dips like Spinach Artichoke with pita chips. We brought bottles of water and the coffee maker for hot coffee or even hot chocolate to be served. And last but not the least, there were simple little cheesecakes that were just right sized for one wonderful bite! The greatest times we had in the Word and in prayer came together like a family enjoying some great snack foods to be refreshed and enjoy!

The Lord's supper was one to be enjoyed and relax. Even in the presence of enemies, Jesus served His fellowman. He taught and He washed feet! Jesus gave them the foundation of His teaching in preparedness to go forward in "the kingdom which had come". Fill the spot that needs some help. Fill that area which you are qualified to do. And who qualifies us...........God does!  In  Ephesians 6:15.......we are to have our feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace!

For whatever our feet can bring us to, it is by repentance and believing on Him that have salvation. By His teachings He armed them with truth that would fight against persecutions, temptations, and any trap the enemy would try to put before them. He even had to confront Peter about his not wanting his feet to be washed.

That word would establish them to serve others. 

Is there love in our hearts to serve others. If I bring you the word of God in prayer, am I bringing something also to serve you the person? Does love show up in that serving, or is it just pomp, and fluff that "I am important" and the important one? Does love really show up in all that we do and all that we speak to others? I like what people write or speak about when they come back from the mission's field. You can tell a whole lot about if Jesus was the One they went for or if it was for themselves! You can certainly hear it in what they speak and what they write about.

That Supernatural was presented in Jesus as He was preparing for the betrayer, Judas to do his best work. Jesus reinforced that the Gospel was about peace. It was that which established peace between God and man. It also would be proclaimed to the world. Jesus was showing His love and exhibiting that whatever laid ahead of His path, He was not going to allow the strife, quarrels or human adversity effect His walk to the Cross. He showed His character in love and compassion for those He came to save. He took no part in chaos!

May God open our hearts to see with His eyes that which is the servants heart to serve others. Not to serve in the importance of the serving task, but the serving that is willing to remove their sandal and the pooh too! That with willing hearts we will seek to serve others and give them that which God desires us to give them in the super of His spirit and truth!

Father, thank You for the opportunity to serve others. It is in Jesus' name we pray to have hearts to see the importance of serving, that willing to wash another's feet. Jesus was our example of being the humble and the obedient. He came to show us what the "kingdom of heaven" was like. 

In the example of the mustard seed (Matthew 13:31-35) we see that the seed sown was indeed the least of all the seeds, but when grown it is greater than the herbs and becomes a tree for birds of the air come to make nests in its branches.

What has been placed in us, whatever gift, may it be that which we know is small at first, but grows like the mustard seed. What we plant today Lord, we plant to Your glory. May it be all that which You have called us to be and to do for our fellow man. We ask for hearts to be open to see how we can expand seeking to sow into other's lives. If we just gave water last time, may we feed them next time. If we just gave them some crayons to color, maybe next time we should give them a whole bag of markers. For wherever we seek to serve, from the child to the adult, from the bathroom to the pulpit, may we be those who are humble and obedient to know that the true leading comes from a heart that truly loves others.

Father, if any come to us, whether in ministry to prayer meetings, teaching in the youth departments, or singing to large groups of teens, help us to know the importance of giving above and beyond what we hold in our hand.  We give You all the glory for what happens in the next encounter in serving our fellow man, woman, or child. Amen.

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

Is Not This the Day of MIRACLES?

John 7:14-31...... 14 Now about the middle of the feast Jesus went up into the temple and taught. 15 And the Jews marveled, saying, "How does this Man know letters, having never studied?" 16 Jesus answered them and said, "My doctrine is not Mine, but His who sent Me. 17 If anyone wants to do His will, he shall know concerning the doctrine, whether it is from God or whether I speak on My own authority. 18 He who speaks from himself seeks his own glory; but He who seeks the glory of the One who sent Him is true, and no unrighteousness is in Him. 19 Did not Moses give you the law, yet none of you keeps the law? Why do you seek to kill Me?" 20 The people answered and said, "You have a demon. Who is seeking to kill You?" 21 Jesus answered and said to them, "I did one work, and you all marvel. 22 Moses therefore gave you circumcision (not that it is from Moses, but from the fathers), and you circumcise a man on the Sabbath. 23 If a man receives circumcision on the Sabbath, so that the law of Moses should not be broken, are you angry with Me because I made a man completely well on the Sabbath? 24 Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment."

25 Now some of them from Jerusalem said, "Is this not He whom they seek to kill? 26 But look! He speaks boldly, and they say nothing to Him. Do the rulers know indeed that this is truly the Christ? 27 However, we know where this Man is from; but when the Christ comes, no one knows where He is from." 28 Then Jesus cried out, as He taught in the temple, saying, "You both know Me, and you know where I am from; and I have not come of Myself, but He who sent Me is true, whom you do not know. 29 But I know Him, for I am from Him, and He sent Me." 30 Then they sought to take Him; but no one laid a hand on Him, because His hour had not yet come. 31 And many of the people believed in Him, and said, "When the Christ comes, will He do more signs than these which this Man has done?"   NKJV

IS not this the day of "miracles"? Even those of little faith spoke and was recorded for our benefit. "When the Christ comes, will He do more signs than these which this Man has done?" With no courage in their hearts, they still regarded that the One sent from God, the Messiah would perform miracles and they would see many healed.
Take note this was done in the synagogue! So Jesus referred to them both, those of His disciples and those who believed Him to be the Messiah, AND those who attended the synagogue. They were both confronted when Jesus spoke in verse 28-verse 29.....YOU BOTH know Me, and you know where I am from; and I have not come of Myself; but He who sent Me is true, whom you do not know. But I know Him but; for I am from Him and He sent Me.

Wow! bold in the face of those "church" folk, and Jesus knew those who attended the synagogue but did not know God.
Ever been in a service and someone is asked to speak for a few minutes. They speak in boldness and truth of God. They do not mince words, but speak boldly about what God has shown them in their time with Him. Jesus told them that God had sent Him to them. Certainly we know that when the "someone" gets up to minister a word about what God is doing and showing them, that many times those in the service will never recognize that one truth. They have not been with God, so they no not what it looks like.  And Jesus pointed it out, and had it written for our benefit!

Now the thing about those who have gotten up to speak, and seem to ramble on about nothing seem likely to have no fire. Although they mention a time they did something for God, even at the moment they speak, life does not seem evident.  They have an hour and say nothing that encourages or motivates us to move!
I had the T. V. on the other day on this one Christian program. It turned out to be a talk show hosted by one gentleman. Well, the one guest was speaking when I had turned it on. That one guy spoke volumes in his two minutes and spurred me on to write a blog for that day. I was motivated by the Presence of God to speak what the Lord was showing me, and it came from someone I knew who had been with God. Every word he spoke was fire. Everyone encouragement had the life of God in it!
I shut off the T.V. and I went to the office to write!


John 2:23-25.............23 Now when He was in Jerusalem at the Passover, during the feast, many believed in His name when they saw the signs which He did. 24 But Jesus did not commit Himself to them, because He knew all men, 25 and had no need that anyone should testify of man, for He knew what was in man.   NKJV

John 2:23-24..............23 Because of the miracles he did in Jerusalem at the Passover celebration, many people were convinced that he was indeed the Messiah. 24 But Jesus didn't trust them, for he knew mankind to the core. No one needed to tell him how changeable human nature is! 
TLB


Jesus knew what was in man. He was not going to put His trust in man for anything.

In today's society, millions keep their focus on man and woman rather than on God. The world wants heroes and they name them throughout every sport possible. They declare some to be the "best the world can have or see", yet with all that publicity, one or all of them noted as the "greatest player" of a specific sport, they come full circle in being exposed of using some kind of drug, to have beaten their wife or children, and  to be one revealed in cheating in the sport itself.
Jesus knew what was in man. He knew how weak one is and how man can be persuaded.....1 John 2:15-17..............15 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world--the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life--is not of the Father but is of the world. 17 And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.  NKJV

Men and women make mistakes and those without Jesus do it very often. We need to keep the focus that there is One Lord. The Lord over all...........! We must remember that lust of anything is not of God.

Yes, how changeable is human nature? Today we like that show, and tomorrow we do not like it. Today I want short hair and tomorrow I want long hair. It is hot today and I need air conditioning, and tomorrow it is back around 55 degrees and I need the heater going to warm the house. Yikes!

Today I have people who like me and tomorrow they will not remember my name. Today I am called to serve in the meeting and tomorrow the meeting is canceled. Am asked to serve by giving a testimony for a conference and then in two weeks later it is listed with another' name!
When we meet together, is it in knowing the Holy Spirit is with us and hearing all that is said and done by Him and through us? Do we actually know when someone has the Holy Spirit in them and is guided by HIM?
Who makes the decisions of what is right or wrong? Who decides what will be presented and what will not be presented? We must be very "careful" when speaking,

 "Well, God told me to change it", especially when God never said that at all! We have to be cautious in throwing around our own thoughts and doings and saying ,"they are God's thoughts and doings" .......AND....in reality it is just us wanting our own way to do our own thing! Not good, and it shows up in many ways, when someone is out of the will of God.
Many things change including the people who surround them. Just take a look sometime and watch. YOU might be surprised what the Lord will show you when someone is wanting their own way!  If you think not, take a look at what happened to Jerusalem some seventy years after Jesus died on the Cross. He told them to repent and to hear God. They liked the "old way" and the "things of the past". They wanted the "preeminence", they wanted to retain their importance, their prestige with the people, and they wanted and loved the celebrity status! They wanted to be NUMBER ONE!

Those kind of things will surely bring someone down.
Sure glad God did not change His mind when sending Jesus. And I AM really thankful Jesus did not change His mind at the last minute. Wow! Just try to imagine US WITH  NO  REDEEMER EVER! ( and everyone doing their "own" thing!)

Prayer and the teachings is what kept Jesus on His course. All that Word from Isaiah and all which He taught in the synagogues, surely found its place in His heart. And prayer........all that time with the Father and hearing Him speak did not deter Him. He surely had His moments in prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane, and have we all not had our moments there as well?  But those who truly want God's will for their lives will find whatever needs to be nailed to the Cross, to find it nailed there forever.

The scripture in Hebrews comes to mind......

Hebrews 4:12-16.......12 For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. 13 Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight.  Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account. 

14 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are-yet was without sin. 16 Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. NIV


I like what the same scripture says in the Living Bible:

Hebrews 4:12-16.......12 For whatever God says to us is full of living power: it is sharper than the sharpest dagger, cutting swift and deep into our innermost thoughts and desires with all their parts, exposing us for what we really are. 13 He knows about everyone, everywhere. Everything about us is bare and wide open to the all-seeing eyes of our living God; nothing can be hidden from him to whom we must explain all that we have done.

14 But Jesus the Son of God is our great High Priest who has gone to heaven itself to help us; therefore let us never stop trusting him. 15 This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses since he had the same temptations we do, though he never once gave way to them and sinned. 16 So let us come boldly to the very throne of God and stay there to receive his mercy and to find grace to help us in our times of need. TLB

No where can I find that Jesus told Judas Iscariot that He had made a mistake by choosing him for one of the twelve disciples. Jesus found out what was in him and no doubt knew he was the one who would mount military men to come to take Him and be the catalyst to begin Jesus' being arrested to seeing Him sentenced to death.
No, Jesus, heard what the Pharisees spoke, and He knew what others whispered about Him, but His trust was in God and in Him alone!

We desire God to do miracles in our lives, and it had been almost 500 years since any miracles had been done until Jesus came on the scene. Those of small faith saw the ones that He had performed, but were still questioning themselves who might be the Messiah and "Is He still coming"? Because they thought that even the Coming One would or could still do more miracles than what this Man had done!

Even John the Baptist and those who followed him, asked the same.....
Luke 7:19-23.....19 And John, calling two of his disciples to him, sent them to Jesus, saying, "Are You the Coming One, or do we look for another?" 20 When the men had come to Him, they said, "John the Baptist has sent us to You, saying, 'Are You the Coming One, or do we look for another?' " 21 And that very hour He cured many of infirmities, afflictions, and evil spirits; and to many blind He gave sight. 22 Then Jesus answered and said to them, "Go and tell John the things you have seen and heard: that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, the poor have the gospel preached to them. 23 And blessed is he who is not offended because of Me."
NKJV

Jesus told John and those who followed John...."And blessed is he who is not offended because of Me."

Are we looking for the outside appearance of the man or woman? Are we looking to how they draw the crowd or do we think we can do better than possibly the one that God has appointed to that place to either preach, teach, or even minister in a song or a testimony of healing? Is it possible that we fall on our faces, fall short of following Him and end up in a mess, because we did not follow His plan for any set thing before us. Do we ask God to search our hearts?
In the recent blog of "Who Then is the Faithful and Wise Servant?", I got the person' name that God wanted the testimony to be written about. I sent this woman a copy of it before being published. It is important to know they are willing to participate, but even more than that, she had the heart of love for others, and God wanted it printed with her testimony about autism. It all came down to love in the heart for others. For God looks on the heart and not on the man or woman's appearance!

Acts 13:22.......22 And when He had removed him, He raised up for them David as king, to whom also He gave testimony and said, 'I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after My own heart, who will do all My will.'   NKJV

God always looks on the heart!

My husband and I are still experiencing miracles in our lives today. I have seen many in our daughter and her family' s lives as well! I can name probably five right now that God has done just for us all in recent weeks. The medical bill I had accumulated in just a few days with a severe anemia, was paid in full and God did it. Our daughter and family have a beautiful new home, living in a new area, and God did it!

Jesus spoke and He showed by example that many were cured of infirmities, afflictions, and evil spirits; and to many blind He gave sight. And the poor have the gospel preached to them!

Jesus evidently was not the package the Pharisees were seeking. Why, is He not the carpenter's son? Is He not from Galilee?

John 7:45-52..............45 Then the officers came to the chief priests and Pharisees, who said to them, "Why have you not brought Him?" 46 The officers answered, "No man ever spoke like this Man!" 47 Then the Pharisees answered them, "Are you also deceived? 48 Have any of the rulers or the Pharisees believed in Him? 49 But this crowd that does not know the law is accursed." 50 Nicodemus (he who came to Jesus by night, being one of them) said to them, 51 Does our law judge a man before it hears him and knows what he is doing?" 52 They answered and said to him, "Are you also from Galilee? Search and look, for no prophet has arisen out of Galilee."     NKJV

Sometimes we are looking for the miracle in the daytime, with sun shining, and everything at peace. And I tell you that the "miracle" comes in the middle of chaos. The miracle shows up in the middle of a dark night! Ask anyone who has had a report of death to their person, and the miracle comes when they are believing for it in the midst of the most horrific time in their life!

Is not this the day of Miracles? Has not Jesus risen from the dead and lives in us through His Holy Spirit? Are we not equipped to operate just like Jesus did and see the same Miracles as He did?

Or are we looking at the world for the latest and the greatest singer, the latest and the greatest dancer, the one with an I.Q. of 200 or are we recognizing those God has placed around us to minister life, and healing to us all?  Are we really seeing who the most powerful men or women who are in this world at this moment? Those most powerful are those who follow Jesus, fill up on the Word of God and spend time in prayer to Hear God SPEAK! Today is the day for the miraculous. WE who have the heart that sees it will receive it! Embrace those God has sent to surround you. Embrace them, for they have been sent to surround you and speak life to you when ""all hell is bent on destroying you".

Our search in the Word reveals His plan. The more we spend in study and prayer the more our faith grows.

It is that "faith" word!

Colossians 2:4-10.....4 Now this I say lest anyone should deceive you with persuasive words. 5 For though I am absent in the flesh, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the steadfastness of your faith in Christ. 6 As you have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, 7 rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving. 8 Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ. 9 For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; 10 and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power. 

NKJV

We are not to be deceived by those who philosophize life. We are not be deceived by empty deceit. What is empty deceit? Any untruth or fallacy that leads no where. It is an error in thinking, or a misleading. Empty deceit is flawed, and is not real!

Jesus is our Head. He is the fullness of the Godhead bodily and we are complete in Him in the authority and the power He has given to each of us who believe. Nothing in this world can add any holiness or redemption to our lives as Jesus did for us!  We are to remain steadfast in our faith in Christ Jesus, as our Lord, rooted and established in every Word He spoke and gave to us to adhere to always. It is not in the traditions of men or according to the basic principles of the world that we seek to be the example for our lives. That package sent to us was in the Man who came to live as we live and to die a terrible death taking on all sin of mankind. He was known for His wisdom and boldness to look sin in the face of unrighteousness and rebuke it loudly. Remember the  "money changers"?     ( see John 2: 13-17) He took a whip of cords and drove them out of His Father's house, the House of Prayer!

Faith is seen, and is evident when we believe and know truth. When our trust is in God and not in man, we move in power to see the "unseen".

Father, today we pray against that being self-focused and our own right to be first, the chosen for something, when ultimately Your vote is the only one we need. Father, in Jesus' name we pray to be focused on what Jesus did when He shed His Blood to provide for us what we needed. Praise the Lord we have a Redeemer!  Father, today we understand that we are not righteous without Jesus and we are to seek His righteousness. We are never righteous due to our performance or even in religious works. Our righteousness comes from Christ's righteousness! Help us to understand our faith is not just centered around a specific day, or even a sunny day, but healing comes when we need it, for healing was taken care of at the Cross for us.
Today, I plead the Blood of Jesus over every one who reads this. I plead the Blood over the portals of their minds, their wills and their emotions and their bodies. I pray they will know Jesus intimately and know those the Lord has sent to surround them to give them encouragement, to give them a teaching, or even speak healing over their lives and families.
Father, that power which works in us is for the impossible in our lives. That power is being exerted in our lives even now. We co-operate with You and Your kingdom. We are established in YOU before any world storms are driven toward us. Whatever walk we are in, whatever decisions, we will not be carried around by any wave of adversity or wave of doubt. Today we believe we receive that which Jesus conquered at the Cross. We are those are WHO receive our Miracles today and every day. Our faith is growing stronger and we know IN whom we have believed and are persuaded that He is able to keep what we have committed to Him until that DAY!(2 Timothy 1:12)

Today, God our Father is our witness, whom we choose to serve with our spirit in the gospel of His Son that His will is done in our lives. Amen.

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

THIS HEART IS NOT FOR SALE!

Heard this song by Michael Combs, "Not for Sale". What a song, what an anointing, and how it so ministered to me that I cried! I highly recommend this to all. Take a moment to listen and see if this does not minister to your whole being. As I listened, I thought on the words he sang, and how each area of the church was listed. What happened to that preacher who could preach so strongly about the Lord? What happened to the those who sang as of a heavenly choir? What happened to that one singer, well they went country!
He even sings about someone calling from California to give him a proposition for making lots of money and he told them, "NO"! Not for sale!
I thought how easy it is for some to "sale out" for the something of the world. My sister and brother-in-law told me to view this song on Youtube. And I am truly thankful this morning to have heard this beautiful singer singing praise to magnify God.

How do we know if we have sold out for the world? Good question and one that we can look at in the word of God!

Acts 8:4-25...............4 Therefore those who were scattered went everywhere preaching the word. 5 Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria and preached Christ to them. 6 And the multitudes with one accord heeded the things spoken by Philip, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did. 7 For unclean spirits, crying with a loud voice, came out of many who were possessed; and many who were paralyzed and lame were healed. 8 And there was great joy in that city.

9 But there was a certain man called Simon, who previously practiced sorcery in the city and astonished the people of Samaria, claiming that he was someone great, 10 to whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, "This man is the great power of God." 11 And they heeded him because he had astonished them with his sorceries for a long time. 12 But when they believed Philip as he preached the things concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, both men and women were baptized. 13 Then Simon himself also believed; and when he was baptized he continued with Philip, and was amazed, seeing the miracles and signs which were done.

14 Now when the apostles who were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them, 15 who, when they had come down, prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit. 16 For as yet He had fallen upon none of them. They had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 17 Then they laid hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit. 18 And when Simon saw that through the laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Spirit was given, he offered them money, 19 saying, "Give me this power also, that anyone on whom I lay hands may receive the Holy Spirit." 20 But Peter said to him, "Your money perish with you, because you thought that the gift of God could be purchased with money! 21 You have neither part nor portion in this matter, for your heart is not right in the sight of God. 22 Repent therefore of this your wickedness, and pray God if perhaps the thought of your heart may be forgiven you. 23 For I see that you are poisoned by bitterness and bound by iniquity." 24 Then Simon answered and said, "Pray to the Lord for me, that none of the things which you have spoken may come upon me." 25 So when they had testified and preached the word of the Lord, they returned to Jerusalem, preaching the gospel in many villages of the Samaritans. NKJV

Even Simon walked with Philip and saw those amazing things, those miracles and signs yet he thought that he could buy his way. Have we not seen that in "the church" as well? Have we seen someone desire to buy his way through, and get the thing he wants? Simon was told by Philip to repent for wickedness and pray. But even in verse 24, Simon wanted Philip to pray for him.
Simon liked being regarded as someone sent by God, yet he only used sorceries. He had hoodwinked a lot of people, from the least to the greatest in that place of Samaria.
It is what the heart desires, and what does our heart desire the most?
It takes more than a conversion, it takes a walk with God on a daily basis to learn of HIM and of His ways and truth!


1 Kings 8:56-61.....56 "Blessed be the LORD, who has given rest to His people Israel, according to all that He promised. There has not failed one word of all His good promise, which He promised through His servant Moses. 57 May the LORD our God be with us, as He was with our fathers. May He not leave us nor forsake us, 58 that He may incline our hearts to Himself, to walk in all His ways, and to keep His commandments and His statutes and His judgments, which He commanded our fathers. 59 And may these words of mine, with which I have made supplication before the LORD, be near the LORD our God day and night, that He may maintain the cause of His servant and the cause of His people Israel, as each day may require, 60 that all the peoples of the earth may know that the LORD is God; there is no other. 61 Let your heart therefore be loyal to the LORD our God, to walk in His statutes and keep His commandments, as at this day." NKJV

When Solomon blessed Israel, he prayed the blessing, a confession that their hearts would be loyal to the LORD our God. To walk in His statutes, and keep His commandments.

Luke 4:1-13.......4:1 Then Jesus, being filled with the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, 2 being tempted for forty days by the devil. And in those days He ate nothing, and afterward, when they had ended, He was hungry. 3 And the devil said to Him, "If You are the Son of God, command this stone to become bread." 4 But Jesus answered him, saying, "It is written, 'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.' " 5 Then the devil, taking Him up on a high mountain, showed Him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. 6 And the devil said to Him, "All this authority I will give You, and their glory; for this has been delivered to me, and I give it to whomever I wish. 7 Therefore, if You will worship before me, all will be Yours." 8 And Jesus answered and said to him, "Get behind Me, Satan! For it is written, 'You shall worship the LORD your God, and Him only you shall serve.' " 9 Then he brought Him to Jerusalem, set Him on the pinnacle of the temple, and said to Him, "If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down from here. 10 For it is written:

'He shall give His angels charge over You,
To keep You,'

11 "and,

'In their hands they shall bear you up,
Lest you dash your foot against a stone.' "

12 And Jesus answered and said to him, "It has been said, 'You shall not tempt the LORD your God.' " 13 Now when the devil had ended every temptation, he departed from Him until an opportune time.
NKJV

No opportune time came as Jesus never sold out to the devil!

I think of Jesus and all the He gave of His life to hang on that rugged Cross. He was tortured and brutalized by man in the most horrific manner and He went to the cross, knowing the price that had to be paid to be the LAMB OF GOD for me and for you.

Now that was loyalty to His Father God. Now that is what a heart after God looks like.

What have we sacrificed today? What have we given up to serve the Father more effectively in our own lives?

We are to be like Jesus in every way! Is my life lining up in that manner today or do I need to make some corrections  here? As for me, I have some corrections to make today. My heart is not for sale at any price. Today my focus is to give love to my God and worship Him in spirit and in truth!


Father, today we seek to have our hearts as one with YOU! In Jesus' name we pray to take hold and not let go of Your truth. We see the total work of Jesus on the Cross. We may not understand everything He did there, but we know our future with You depends on a willing and faithful heart forever. For change to take place in us, we know we must be willing to let go of the world and anything that has a place in our hearts.
Father we know that You lead with love and purpose in mind. Today we pray for help in how to let go of stuff. We pray to be those who will receive correction and move forward in total commitment to YOU and YOUR plan for our lives.

Thank YOU for Jesus, and for showing us the path to walk. Today we desire to be those whose hearts that are "not for sale" ever. Thank YOU for hearing and we believe we receive YOUR help today. Amen.

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