Heart Issues

Matthew 9:9-13........................9 As Jesus passed on from there, He saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax office. And He said to him, "Follow Me." So he arose and followed Him. 10 Now it happened, as Jesus sat at the table in the house, that behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and sat down with Him and His disciples. 11 And when the Pharisees saw it, they said to His disciples, "Why does your Teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?" 12 When Jesus heard that, He said to them, "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. 13 But go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy and not sacrifice.' For I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance."   NKJV

Wow! Heart issue going on within the Pharisees! Mercy and not sacrifice was the statement Jesus made when hearing what the Pharisees had spoken to the disciples. He goes on to say, "For I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance."

Matthew 12:1-8..................12:1 At that time Jesus went through the grain fields on the Sabbath. And His disciples were hungry, and began to pluck heads of grain and to eat. 2 And when the Pharisees saw it, they said to Him, "Look, Your disciples are doing what is not lawful to do on the Sabbath!" 3 But He said to them, "Have you not read what David did when he was hungry, he and those who were with him: 4 how he entered the house of God and ate the showbread which was not lawful for him to eat, nor for those who were with him, but only for the priests? 5 Or have you not read in the law that on the Sabbath the priests in the temple profane the Sabbath, and are blameless? 6 Yet I say to you that in this place there is One greater than the temple. 7 But if you had known what this means, 'I desire mercy and not sacrifice,' you would not have condemned the guiltless. 8 For the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath."  NKJV

YOU would not have condemned the guiltless.....

Thinking of the Pharisees and their watchful eye on Jesus, have you ever wondered if they had schedules to follow Jesus around in a 24-hour period? You know like Mike and Joe at 6 am to 9 am and then Frank and Fred take 9 am to noon. Just a thought, for they seemed to have those spying out what that "man" was doing at the moment.

Now it states from the above scripture passage that Jesus went through the grain fields on the Sabbath. The disciples were hungry and began to eat. Now if you have never gone through a grain field and picked the heads of grain, you have missed out. For it is surely a good treat for anyone needing food in a moment of time.

The Pharisees were quick to point out "something" and it was that being in the grain field was unlawful. They were picking in the field on the Sabbath.

But Jesus reminds them of David and how he got the shewbread for his men to eat as they were without food at the time.

1 Samuel 21:1-6.....................21:1 Now David came to Nob, to Ahimelech the priest. And Ahimelech was afraid when he met David, and said to him, "Why are you alone, and no one is with you?" 2 So David said to Ahimelech the priest, "The king has ordered me on some business, and said to me, 'Do not let anyone know anything about the business on which I send you, or what I have commanded you.' And I have directed my young men to such and such a place. 3 Now therefore, what have you on hand? Give me five loaves of bread in my hand, or whatever can be found." 4 And the priest answered David and said, "There is no common bread on hand; but there is holy bread, if the young men have at least kept themselves from women." 5 Then David answered the priest, and said to him, "Truly, women have been kept from us about three days since I came out. And the vessels of the young men are holy, and the bread is in effect common, even though it was sanctified in the vessel this day." 6 So the priest gave him holy bread; for there was no bread there but the showbread which had been taken from before the LORD, in order to put hot bread in its place on the day when it was taken away.   NKJV

Though a Law prevented the shewbread to be used by anyone else other than the priests, in this emergency of human need, compassion prevailed over the restriction.

In another arena of this complaint, the priests had to work.   

Matthew 12:5....Or have you not read in the law that on the Sabbath the priests in the temple profane the Sabbath, and are blameless?

Can you imagine the thoughts and overwhelming pride these Pharisees held in regard to what they knew the Law to be for they always referred back to the Lawgiver, Moses!

These priest were guiltless of performing their temple worship.

So in regards to the disciples plucking and eating the grain, as they followed Jesus who was leading them. They were doing what was expected and done in a manner of knowing Jesus was the master of the Sabbath.

It is like in this country, we have laws for the highway use. There are restricted areas like neighborhoods that only allow a 25 mph maximum because the amount of children who live and play in that area. Other areas like Interstate Highways have a designation of 60 mph or 70 mph, but other areas that have construction going on, and that speed is cut dramatically in accord with what is being done to roadway. Some areas of construction may have only a 40 mph reduced to a 20 mph in less than 1/4 mile. Again that is for the safety of those workers in that area and for the safety of those driving on the roadway that is under repair or for a whole new restructuring.

Sunday night, a week ago, in Portland, there was a traffic problem with a "Fast and Furious" moment when a group of street racers took over a bridge on Interstate 405. There were several drivers involved and they performed "donuts" and some "burnouts". Yes, it had traffic snarled, blocked and stopped on the Fremont Bridge. Not sure of the amount of time, but I was thinking how many motorists needed to cross that bridge that had an emergency at home or elsewhere they had to get to, but because of a few drivers, many motorists had to stop while those "stunt drivers" performed their stunts. Yikes!

Not a common rule in this country. Am certain those who exhibited their expertise in "donuts" will see some kind of fine or jail time.

Jesus always moved through the crowd. He stopped when He needed to stop but always kept moving to the next person and the next person.

Jesus said, "I desire mercy and not sacrifice"..........I desire all to have a merciful heart......!

 About ministering to others. It is always the heart issue. The heart issue is not only for those who come for prayer, but also for those who minister "to others" in prayer. It always takes the Holy Spirit to lead us through to pray for someone. But like Jesus, we should just speak a word and it is done.

In ministering to others, it is the "heart that leads". It takes those who love others through prayer and giving a needed encouragement to another.

You can certainly see those who have a "heart" for others. Not just on the street in respect to saying hello,but stopping to pray with them there as well! That is a strong heart that loves over all circumstances and situations.

I like what the New American Standard-Updated Edition had of the verse..........Matthew 9:13...................13 "But go and learn what this means: "I DESIRE COMPASSION, AND NOT SACRIFICE,' for I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners."   NASU

COMPASSION.......JESUS DESIRES FOR US TO HAVE COMPASSION!

Matthew 5: 7...Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. NIV

Matthew 23:23-24...Woe to you, scribes, and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law; justice and mercy and faith. These you ought to have done, without leaving the others undone. NKJV

James 3:16-18...For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. 17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits; without partiality and without hypocrisy. 18 Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace. NKJV

In the verse above, that merciful and mercy are the love, that God compassion for others. It is one love, one great compassion that has good fruits without partiality and without hypocrisy!
I think of Jesus knowing Judas would betray Him. He knew what was in Judas' heart and yet Jesus never murmured about it to anyone. YOU never READ of anything being mentioned about Judas other than Jesus telling him to do quickly what he was about to do in betraying HIM!

In the blog, "What Language Do You Speak?", I had written our individuality is ours alone but our identity should be in God alone! I knew as I was writing it that it was Holy Ghost inspired and believe that today, that God created us as those individuals with choices, to live for him and to be that part of His family. We can be loud, we can be red, yellow, black or white, we can be short or tall, we can heavy or thin, but our hearts should belong to God. I love to pray, and you may love to run, but we still love God. I love to write about Jesus and you may write songs about Jesus and then sing them to crowds.
We should not want to act like the Pharisees and send out scouts to check on the "man of God" and see if he is following the strict law. Talk about religiosity! no, Jesus came to set captives free.  Someone new shows up at church or the Bible study, they love to pray, but are we allowing them access to us and the other believer's or are we shunning them, and cutting off access to them "not to pray" or "encourage" others?


Mark 9:38-44....................38 Now John answered Him, saying, "Teacher, we saw someone who does not follow us casting out demons in Your name, and we forbade him because he does not follow us." 39 But Jesus said, "Do not forbid him, for no one who works a miracle in My name can soon afterward speak evil of Me. 40 For he who is not against us is on our side. 41 For whoever gives you a cup of water to drink in My name, because you belong to Christ, assuredly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward. 

42 "But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea. 43 If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter into life maimed, rather than having two hands, to go to hell, into the fire that shall never be quenched-- 44 where 

'Their worm does not die,
And the fire is not quenched.'  NKJV

Should we not want to look like the "free" son  of God and be imitators of that which is good and not that which is of evil intent?
It should not make a difference what church one attends or if it is on Saturday or Thursday. When God is in it, others will know!     Acts 5:39........39 but if it is of God, you cannot overthrow it--lest you even be found to fight against God."  NKJV
(Read all of Acts 5) When God is with us, others will know it and have the wisdom to not fight against it. BUT ALAS, you can at times find some who try to stop what God is doing, but to no avail.

 We are not to be the judge, jury and sentence giver of said "crime". We will know others by their fruit. Are they producing fruit that is of righteousness that produces peace or they causing strife? Is the new person praying for others and seeking the other's good?

So what if she prays loud that every person in the next county can hear her pray? So she prays so quiet that only a mouse can hear her speak or give a squeak! So what if "he" only shows up when the service begins with the "sticks" to the drums and leaves when an "Amen" is spoken.  Again God is the JUDGE.
Jesus is the "I AM" in our midst. If I talk about Joe Blow and his " what I think is bad" driving on I-5, that makes me a what? We are to bless and not curse our fellow man! Could not tell you how many times I had to repent living in the Seattle area. Yikes! All that confessing sin, .............but God........."they did this" and "God, did YOU see that"..and they....did and did and did................! That is tiring guys. 
It is best to give it to God. I keep the responsibility of driving safely on the roadway, but I cast the care of it on God! I believe He will perform His Word over my trips to and from said place I need to be. 

Yes, a heart issue.  It is the Holy Spirit that brings to us that which is wrong. If HE SHOWS US SOMETHING FOR SOMEONE ELSE, WE ARE TO PRAY AND NOT BRING LIGHT TO IT UNLESS THE HOLY SPIRIT LEADS US IN THAT DIRECTION. AGAIN, GOD'S WORD WILL CORRECT US. IT IS UP TO US TO FOLLOW THAT INSTRUCTION!
In following Jesus, we follow that which He has placed for us to do. Not complain about Jennie June or Missy Ann or John, but walk with them, have good thoughts about them, and pray. For God desires us to have compassion for others. Do we have good fruits that are without partiality and without hypocrisy? Do I have a problem with a woman because she is of color or because she is loud? Some of my best friends have been those of color and who were "very" loud. And praise God, they loved Jesus! It starts with us and should end with those knowing we have been with the Lord!

We are not to have a religion here but a lifestyle that exhibits love the way Jesus did and one that still flows through that of His followers!

Father, thank You for Jesus. He is our example of a 360 degree love. He came to set the captives free who followed after the world's set rules implemented to enforce a rule that no man can keep. Father, today we live in a day and time when people want to rule, have their own way because they think they look good. But from Your Word we find that love is the best example to give and to show. In 1 Samuel 16:7...we are told...... for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart." NKJV

Scripture tells us in Proverbs 14:33....that
33 Wisdom rests in the heart of him who has understanding,
But what is in the heart of fools is made known. NKJV
We pray for understanding!

It is our desire as we pray today that courage and strength would be seen in our lives. It is our desire to have that which will give love at the most inopportune times. For we know love never murmurs, but does something. That God-kind of love speaks and fulfills a job to be done. YOUR kind of love does something without being told to do it. Does it quickly and in most cases is never seen by others. It is this kind of serving others that we saw in Jesus. It is this most excellent way in serving that we desire for it truly is given in an amount that is noticeable and it is given by words of kindness and sometimes by correction for another's good.

Father, we know not what our complete roles are in serving You and our fellow man, but we hold fast to YOUR Word and believe that as we walk into eternity with YOU, we are those who are the merciful extending a compassionate heart whether in praying or giving of time or even finances into another person's life. We understand that we all were created in Your image and we expect to have a part in this end time harvest of having opportunities and many open doors to see Your kingdom come into the lives of many men, women and children. We give You praise for all that You do in our hearts today. Holy Spirit come and have Your way in us. It is in Jesus' holy name, we pray. Amen.

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

BUT THIS IS MY LEISURE TIME!

Have you ever been asked to attend something that the pastor, himself, would not be attending? Have you ever been asked to attend something that was miles away, would take some time driving from where you live to get there and take hours out of a Saturday that you rather enjoy as "the leisure time"? About seventeen years ago, the pastor of this church we were attending asked us, the entire church, to attend this seminar being led by John C. Maxwell. Anyone who was in leadership or serving in some department was asked to attend the event. It was to be held down at SeaTac and would require all day. Although Dr. Maxwell was not literally in "the house", he was being televised in by some special means that day! And if you remember those days of the latter 1990's, names like Dr. John C. Maxwell, Andrew Carnegie, or Virginia Arcastle were commonplace. Everyone was teaching about lifting people higher to be the great leader.
I thought of this scripture today when reflecting back to another time and place. And I thought how Jesus in verse ten of John 7 went secretly to the Feast of the Jews.


John 7:1-19................7:1 After this, Jesus went around in Galilee, purposely staying away from Judea because the Jews there were waiting to take his life. 2 But when the Jewish Feast of Tabernacles was near, 3 Jesus' brothers said to him, "You ought to leave here and go to Judea, so that your disciples may see the miracles you do. 4 No one who wants to become a public figure acts in secret. Since you are doing these things, show yourself to the world." 5 For even his own brothers did not believe in him.

6 Therefore Jesus told them, "The right time for me has not yet come; for you any time is right. 7 The world cannot hate you, but it hates me because I testify that what it does is evil. 8 You go to the Feast. I am not yet going up to this Feast, because for me the right time has not yet come." 9 Having said this, he stayed in Galilee.

10 However, after his brothers had left for the Feast, he went also, not publicly, but in secret. 11 Now at the Feast the Jews were watching for him and asking, "Where is that man?" 

12 Among the crowds there was widespread whispering about him. Some said, "He is a good man."

Others replied, "No, he deceives the people." 13 But no one would say anything publicly about him for fear of the Jews.

14 Not until halfway through the Feast did Jesus go up to the temple courts and begin to teach. 15 The Jews were amazed and asked, "How did this man get such learning without having studied?" 

16 Jesus answered, "My teaching is not my own. It comes from him who sent me. 17 If anyone chooses to do God's will, he will find out whether my teaching comes from God or whether I speak on my own. 18 He who speaks on his own does so to gain honor for himself, but he who works for the honor of the one who sent him is a man of truth; there is nothing false about him.
NIV

Now from the scripture passage, all males were to attend the Feast of Tabernacles. It was man's wisdom thinking that Jesus should go while Jewish people came for the feast and thus gain popularity.

Now back to the day spent with Dr. John C. Maxwell! There were probably some 25 people who showed up. That was only about a 1/4 of the entire church!  Yes, it was that of an early morning arrival. We got there and wanted to see where seating was available. Then as we found seating, the pastor and his wife showed up as well. Some of us looked in awe. Was father duck, checking over the little ducklings? 
Yes, for certain, he came to see who would show up, even though all were told that he would not be attending this event on that Saturday. Well, he took note of how many came and evidently took down the names of those attending. He gave us a smile and off he went to his scheduled appointment with other pastors for that Saturday morning.

In the above scripture passage, Jesus' brothers wanted Jesus to go and draw on the popularity, of that influence He was gaining. But Jesus came to expose sin. He came to bring light to the evil in the world. The "talk" was evident with differing opinions. "Where is that man?" One testifying He was good and another that He was a deceiver.

Jesus moved in secret, not to flaunt Himself, but to remain a person without fanfare. Jesus only moved when His Father revealed it to Him by His Holy Spirit. And Jesus had the wisdom of God to teach and preach in light of the truth, even though He had not attended any rabbinic schools. 

Those who spoke evil, spoke loudly about Him, as they had the rulers on their side.But those who believed Him to be good, kept it more as a quiet speech as not to be heard by others in fear of getting into trouble with the rulers of the day!

What Jesus did was to make known of the doctrine His Father sent Him to preach. He was actually teaching from the Old Testament and gave it precisely as it was written. He did not change anything, but spoke as He was commissioned to teach it!

Jesus had the truest of hearts to obey His Father Who sent Him to do something specific. He did not come to gain the glory, but to bring glory to His Father.

When asked to do something as we were asked to do, are we willing to be obedient to do it? Are we willing to do it when others refuse to do one "simple thing" that may take a leisure day out of our week? Yes, the pastor did comment on those who did not attend. But he also had some great comments on those who did attend. He made it known that he was there for a short time to check the attendance of those who actually did "show up" what they were asked to do by him!

We came away with some great teaching of how to be a leader and be one of "influence". It was a good thing to invest the time to be taught on leadership.

Will the Lord find us doing what He has asked us to do for Him? Will we choose to obey or will we take "the leisure day" at our own expense? Do we just want to show up when the pastor is there so we can hear him say something like, "how great we are for taking a day to do his plan"? 

In any kind of ministry, we should always look at the side of it that Jesus reflected on. It was always about the purpose of fulfilling the Father's plan for salvation. And it had nothing to do with fanfare!
 If someone knows our name, may it always be known that we are one with the Lord and that it is about His glory always and not for ours.

Luke 12:51-58........51 "Do you think I have come to give peace to the earth? No! Rather, strife and division! 52 From now on families will be split apart, three in favor of me, and two against-or perhaps the other way around. 53 A father will decide one way about me; his son, the other; mother and daughter will disagree; and the decision of an honored mother-in-law will be spurned by her daughter-in-law."

54 Then he turned to the crowd and said, "When you see clouds beginning to form in the west, you say, 'Here comes a shower.' And you are right.

55 "When the south wind blows you say, 'Today will be a scorcher.' And it is. 56 Hypocrites! You interpret the sky well enough, but you refuse to notice the warnings all around you about the crisis ahead. 57 Why do you refuse to see for yourselves what is right?

58 "If you meet your accuser on the way to court, try to settle the matter before it reaches the judge, lest he sentence you to jail; 59 for if that happens, you won't be free again until the last penny is paid in full."     TLB

There will always be those who complain, and bring division. Jesus said that He did not come to bring peace to the earth. The peace He brought was that who heeds the Word of God and obeys it. They are those who live their lives to obey instructions.  There were those who listened to Him and were in awe of the wisdom of which He spoke and still others were breathing out cruelty and lies as they looked to those religious leaders to circumvent Him and keep Him from doing those things He did. He only obeyed the Father and moved as the Holy Spirit caused Him to move. Jesus was the faithful servant who did what the Father asked Him to do. He went when He needed and He taught when He should. If we have someone over us in leadership, say the church, do we follow their instruction?
Do our lives reflect that in anyway?

Jesus had the wisdom of God to make the decisions He needed as He made His way to the Cross. He was going to walk, not in fear, but knowing all that He had to speak and do was that which was ordered by God His Father.  Whatever the controversy or debate, Jesus remained faithful to follow His Father's instruction! Jesus was always "ready" to do what the Father asked Him to do! When Jesus returns for His Bride, will He find us doing as much?

Father, it is in Jesus' name we pray today. We pray to be obedient like Jesus to obey without expecting all the fanfare. We desire to be the image of Jesus, and be that person who testifies of the Word of God and of His power in our lives. May we be commissioned like Jesus to deliver the message.

Father, today we pray to be delivered from our enemies, O God. Defend us from those who rise up to do us harm. (Psalm 59:1) Fight against those who fight against us (Psalm 35:1). In YOU, O’LORD, we put our trust. Let us never be put to shame (Psalm 71:1). If you are for us, then who can be against us (Romans 8:31)?

We ask as the Word reveals to be preserved from the enemy, hide us from secret counsel of the wicked. Pull us out of any net which has been laid for us. Keep us safe from the evil of gossiping mouths. Where there has been ill spoken of us, touch the lips of those who speak it with YOUR refining fire. Let those involved be revealed. Let them be ashamed and brought to confusion who seek to destroy our lives; let them be driven backward and brought to dishonor who wish us evil (Psalm 40:14). We commit our way today unto YOU, and we know that YOU will bring to pass what we believe for to pass.

Our desire is to have total trust in You and not be afraid of what man can do to us (Psalm 56:11) for YOU have said whoever believes in YOU will not be put to shame (Romans 10:11). Lead and guide us, and be our mighty fortress and hiding place. We choose today to delight ourselves in You and it is YOU Who will give us those righteous desires of our hearts. May our light so shine before men that they see our good works and glorify YOU Lord ( Matthew 5:16 ) Amen.

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

No Ill Effects!

Acts 28:1-6..........28:1 Once safely on shore, we found out that the island was called Malta. 2 The islanders showed us unusual kindness. They built a fire and welcomed us all because it was raining and cold. 3 Paul gathered a pile of brushwood and, as he put it on the fire, a viper, driven out by the heat, fastened itself on his hand. 4 When the islanders saw the snake hanging from his hand, they said to each other, "This man must be a murderer; for though he escaped from the sea, Justice has not allowed him to live." 5 But Paul shook the snake off into the fire and suffered no ill effects. 6 The people expected him to swell up or suddenly fall dead, but after waiting a long time and seeing nothing unusual happen to him, they changed their minds and said he was a god.   NIV

In reading Acts 27, we see Paul being a prisoner and taken aboard a vessel to sail for Italy. It was called the Adramyttium. It would sail along the coasts of Asia. After a few more days out,they boarded an Alexandrian ship which would sail for Italy.  We find that they, those who piloted the ship seemed to drag their feet in going at the opportune time so as to avoid all the wind. But as the season proved for more winter time weather, the going became difficult for the ship to hold a course. For in verse 9, it represents that some time had passed and must have been well past the time for ships to cross safely to avoid any hurricanes or "northeaster's. They came to Fair Haven's, which was near a town called Lasea. But the harbor was unsuitable to winter in. So it states that the majority decided to sail on, hoping to reach Phoenix and winter there. (the majority of who decided)

Paul tries to warn those over ship and crew about the impending danger, but the centurion who keeps watch over the prisoners, chose not to listen to Paul but listen to the pilot of the ship and the owner of said ship.

Alas, we know God to be with Paul and how important it is to receive some information that would keep one safe, but was not to be so with said crew on this ship! So reading through verse 13-20, we find the "northeaster" presenting a great storm that raged for many days.

With the storm swept seas closing in on this vessel, Paul tells them all.......in verse 21, "Men, you should have taken my advice not to sail from Crete, then you would have spared yourselves this damage and loss."

He now tells them of the angel who came to warn them, that the ship would be lost, but no man's life would be lost. Paul goes on to say what the angel stated, "Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand trial before Caesar; and God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you."

Then Paul adds his words to this, and speaks, "So keep up your courage men, for I (Paul) have faith in God that it will happen just as he (the angel) told me. Nevertheless, we must run aground on some island."

Notice Paul said they would run aground on some island. He did not say where the island was or it's name!

As the fourteenth day was passing and the ship was being driven across the Adriatic Sea, those aboard the ship found that they were nearing land. The concern was that the ship would be dashed against rocks, so some of the sailors were choosing to save themselves and went to let down a lifeboat.

With those pretending to do some drop anchors over the bow, Paul told the centurion and the soldiers, "Unless these men stay with the ship, you cannot be saved. " So the ropes that held the lifeboat were cut and it (the lifeboat)  drifted away from the ship!

With the dawning of the 14th day, Paul urges those to get food. And he tells them that none of them would lose a single hair from his head. (verse 34)

So thanks was given to God for the food and they ate. With all being encouraged and filled with what they needed, the ship was lightened by throwing the rest of the grain and supplies into the sea. There were 276 on board the ship. With the light of day, they could see the beach that was close by. They cut loose anchors, and hoisted the foresail to the wind. The ship struck a sandbar and ran aground.

Although the soldiers planned to kill the prisoners, so none could swim away or escape, yet the centurion spared Paul's life. So orders were that all would go ashore and they fell into the water, with planks or pieces of the ship, everyone reached land in safety. (verse 44)

When God is with you, the orders will go out, that all go together and not one life will be lost!

Ever notice how someone chooses to do something, that just does not line up in being safe or keeping wisdom as the principle thing in decisions?

In writing this today, I was thinking of how people make their decisions based on a human "whim"! A whim? You know like an urge, impulse, a spur of the moment kind of decision that is just "Wrong"!

In seeing the centurion in chapter 27 of Acts, choosing to go along with the pilot of ship and the owner of the ship, would you not think that these would at "least" have knowledge to know the difficult passage that would lay ahead in seeing the season's had changed and winter was on its way? 
Sometimes people let pride get the best of them. They are the "men" and they have a ship and "know the seas". Well, they did not know how to receive good instruction, as when Paul told the centurion what would transpire in all this.
Those who may have made the trip a thousand times does not make them the "most knowledgeable" or able-bodied men to finish the trip in wisdom and safety. Now I know not how anything of this "centurion" , but I do think he knew of Paul and possibly of what he spoke in regards to hearing from God. My curiosity is stirred up in regards if the centurion was told by the Holy Spirit to listen to Paul. For I certainly believe Paul was praying for all of those men involved in the trip to get to Italy. 

Did not matter how many ships or men, but that prayers had to be going on for all and Paul was the man to do it!
It is also interesting to me how they chose to do what they did. YOU know those who choose to move out in the wrong timing of like moving ships or even ministry. The whole timing thing is off and things out of order. To me that is the same is trying to wash your clothes with you in them or wearing them or like writing a check for something and you have no money to back up the written check.

Then the winds start to blow, and then the northeaster comes in and like most northeasters, they bring high winds and very cold temperatures and generally snow. The waves themselves would cause many aboard to stay "green" in the face for many, many days. Their stomachs probably felt like they had been turned inside out!  Because Paul warns them about the 14th day to eat........why? because they had not eaten due to the truth of violent waves tossing that ship around like a toy in a bathtub. Imagine the intense waves and the motion of the ship...........up and down, side to side, and then up and down again. Let me off this ride!

And we find that they have neared a beach, and though the ship is breaking up in pieces, all find safety just like Paul spoke.

This year has been a year of hardships for those who do their business on the seas. There have many been fishing vessels sunk this year due to some rogue waves that seem to come out of nowhere.( you can even read of rogue waves hitting cruise ships and even yachts) And those waves have proven their strength time and again showing the man-made vessel has no standard to hold against such waves of strength. Even in the last few days there has been mention of another vessel going down somewhere near Alaska. I believe it was a fishing vessel. Another ship is lost to the sea forever. I think of the movie 2012 and that ocean liner that is capsized by the gigantic wave of a tsunami! Now that is a "rogue wave"!

Arriving at Acts 28, they have made it to an island called Malta. The islanders showed some awesome hospitality. The islanders built a fire and welcomed them all in the rain and the cold. Yes, seems like it is some bad time for traveling!  But we see in verse 3 of Acts 28, that Paul is helping and as he gathers the brushwood, and places the wood into the fire, it is a viper that fastens itself on his hand. Of course, all look on, and those of the islanders who see the snake hanging from his hand speak, "this man must be a murderer; for though he escaped from the sea, Justice has not allowed him to live."

Then it is Paul who shakes off the viper and he suffered no ill effects. Nothing happened to Paul!

Justice is the word that seems the most prophetic today. Justice, that like Proverbs 21:2-3 states,

2 Every way of a man is right in his own eyes,
But the LORD weighs the hearts.

3 To do righteousness and justice
Is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice. NKJV

It is doing that which is honorable to all people. Paul held relations in justice with others. In all that he exercised in following the Lord proved an example of a justice  that God resides over. In determining that what we do reflects on what we believe, that which we hold in our hearts. In Paul's case, what he held to was a belief that God would take him where he needed to go and have him do what God desired Paul to do! It is seem in every step that Paul takes forward in his life.

In Matthew 22:18, we see what Jesus perceived as wickedness in those sent by the Pharisees and the Herodians and their plot to entangle him in such a way to discredit him altogether. But what do we find Jesus replying to them?

Matthew 22:15-22...............15 Then the Pharisees went and plotted how they might entangle Him in His talk. 16 And they sent to Him their disciples with the Herodians, saying, "Teacher, we know that You are true, and teach the way of God in truth; nor do You care about anyone, for You do not regard the person of men. 17 Tell us, therefore, what do You think? Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?" 18 But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, "Why do you test Me, you hypocrites? 19 Show Me the tax money." So they brought Him a denarius. 20 And He said to them, "Whose image and inscription is this?" 21 They said to Him, "Caesar's." And He said to them, "Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's." 22 When they had heard these words, they marveled, and left Him and went their way.   NKJV

First, Jesus called them hypocrites and asked why they test Him.
Jesus then told them to render to Caesar the things of Caesar and to render to God the things that are God's.

Matthew 22:37-40.........37 Jesus said to him, " 'You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.'  38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like it: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'  40 On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets." NKJV

AND Jesus said that we are to love the LORD our God with all our heart, with all our soul, and with all our mind. And that we are to love our neighbor as ourselves. On these two commandments hand all the Law and the Prophets.
Yes, from the very same passage of scripture, we find Jesus pulling it altogether for us.

In Paul's walk thus far, he was always seeking God and giving care for his neighbor. 


1 Peter 3:8-17......................8 Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous; 9 not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing. 10 For 

"He who would love life 
And see good days,
Let him refrain his tongue from evil,
And his lips from speaking deceit.  
11 Let him turn away from evil and do good;
Let him seek peace and pursue it.  
12 For the eyes of the LORD are on the righteous,
And His ears are open to their prayers;
But the face of the LORD is against those who do evil."  

13 And who is he who will harm you if you become followers of what is good? 14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you are blessed. "And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled."  15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; 16 having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed. 17 For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.   NKJV

WE are told in 1 Peter 3 that the eyes of the LORD are on the righteous and His ears are open to their prayers, but the face of the LORD is against those who do evil.
And WHO WILL HARM YOU IF YOU BECOME FOLLOWERS OF WHAT IS GOOD?
BUT even if you should suffer for righteousness sake, YOU ARE BLESSED.
YOU STILL COME OUT SMELLING LIKE A ROSE. YOU COME OUT ON TOP. YOU COME OUT THE HEAD AND NOT THE TAIL, ABOVE AND NOT BENEATH.
DO NOT BE AFRAID OF THEIR THREATS, NOR BE TROUBLED, BUT SANCTIFY THE LORD GOD IN YOUR HEARS. GIVE A DEFENSE TO EVERYONE WHO ASKS YOU A REASON FOR THE HOPE THAT IS IN YOU WITH MEEKNESS AND WITH FEAR.

JUSTICE: My favorite scripture is Psalm 37:5-6............5 Commit your way to the LORD, Trust also in Him, And He shall bring it to pass.

6 He shall bring forth your righteousness as the light, And your justice, as the noonday. NKJV

Today, no matter what ship you happen to be on, whether that job, that ministry, that new position, that new city, the appearance of being alone, the appearance of being the forgotten, or the one just left behind when others seem to want to lead, remember God has a plan. He has "justice" for you in the right place at the right time!

Remember today, that your best days are ahead. Remember the whole leadership of the company may have degrees that are framed and fill their offices several times over, BUT it is not the degree that will take you EVERYWHERE YOU NEED TO GO FOR GOD. It is by knowing God and His plan that brings into the necessary motion of life that brings results to see the greatest things God has for you and you alone. It will always include others and those humble in spirit. Remember it may appear dark, and the waves high, and MAYBE meals are not your priority RIGHT NOW, BUT I can guarantee that like Paul, you can sleep through a wild storm. You can have the answers for others just like Paul did and you can continue to see, whether on the beach or on the ship, God is with you and will lead you through to the end!

Father, Your word says that when we commit our way to the  LORD, and trust in YOU that YOU bring forth righteousness as the light and YOUR justice as the noonday. According to this Word , we pray for Justice to be done in our lives. We who faithfully follow, stumble some, but keep our eyes on YOU, seek YOUR plan and purpose to the end. YOU are the Light and have brought us out of darkness. 

It is YOUR Word that protects us and in this we apply that word and send it out in prayer. Your word is true and does not lie…….we are assured and certain the things YOU have promised but that we cannot see at this moment. (Hebrews 11:1)…

Scripture tells us that we are not to withhold good from those who deserve it, when it is in our power to act. There are those today who are worthy of their pay, of their advancement, of their growth in ministry, worthy to increase and not to be divided by divorce or sickness. There are men and women today who are being led by those who operate in whims. today, we say by the authority of the name of Jesus and by His shed Blood, that stops now. For those who have faithfully complied, and have kept the word of God in their hearts, we expect to see a harvest in their finances, a harvest of souls in ministry. We expect favor in the workplace, favor from outside the church building. We expect favor for those who render music, in praise and worship to have contracts fulfilled and finances come now into the kingdom of God! May there be favor of those in the new place, the new position that fulfills God's plan to the end! May there be righteousness, justice and fair dealing in every area and every relationship connected with this teaching today. With whatever storms, we expect pace of God to rule and reign in all proceedings. Whatever phone calls and or meetings, may they all be held in the spirit of excellence in God Himself.

Father, thank YOU for all deliberations to be done justice. We give praise to Your name and may the Holy Spirit be loosed now into all situations. If God be for us, then who can be against us? Amen.


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

What then is the Bleating of Sheep in My Ears?

What instructions do we hear and respond to act on in accord with what God speaks to us? Do we initiate (to begin) and complete the said instruction to our hearts or do we find ourselves like King Saul? Did Saul turn toward man and those he led? Did he consider pleasing them more than pleasing God?



1 Samuel 15:1-23...................15:1 Samuel said to Saul, "I am the one the LORD sent to anoint you king over his people Israel; so listen now to the message from the LORD. 2 This is what the LORD Almighty says: 'I will punish the Amalekites for what they did to Israel when they waylaid them as they came up from Egypt. 3 Now go, attack the Amalekites and totally destroy everything that belongs to them. Do not spare them; put to death men and women, children and infants, cattle and sheep, camels and donkeys.'" 
4 So Saul summoned the men and mustered them at Telaim-two hundred thousand foot soldiers and ten thousand men from Judah. 5 Saul went to the city of Amalek and set an ambush in the ravine. 6 Then he said to the Kenites, "Go away, leave the Amalekites so that I do not destroy you along with them; for you showed kindness to all the Israelites when they came up out of Egypt." So the Kenites moved away from the Amalekites. 
7 Then Saul attacked the Amalekites all the way from Havilah to Shur, to the east of Egypt. 8 He took Agag king of the Amalekites alive, and all his people he totally destroyed with the sword. 9 But Saul and the army spared Agag and the best of the sheep and cattle, the fat calves and lambs-everything that was good. These they were unwilling to destroy completely, but everything that was despised and weak they totally destroyed. 
10 Then the word of the LORD came to Samuel: 11 "I am grieved that I have made Saul king, because he has turned away from me and has not carried out my instructions." Samuel was troubled, and he cried out to the LORD all that night. 
12 Early in the morning Samuel got up and went to meet Saul, but he was told, "Saul has gone to Carmel. There he has set up a monument in his own honor and has turned and gone on down to Gilgal." 
13 When Samuel reached him, Saul said, "The LORD bless you! I have carried out the LORD's instructions." 
14 But Samuel said, "What then is this bleating of sheep in my ears? What is this lowing of cattle that I hear?" 
15 Saul answered, "The soldiers brought them from the Amalekites; they spared the best of the sheep and cattle to sacrifice to the LORD your God, but we totally destroyed the rest." 
16 "Stop!" Samuel said to Saul. "Let me tell you what the LORD said to me last night." 
"Tell me," Saul replied. 
17 Samuel said, "Although you were once small in your own eyes, did you not become the head of the tribes of Israel? The LORD anointed you king over Israel. 18 And he sent you on a mission, saying, 'Go and completely destroy those wicked people, the Amalekites; make war on them until you have wiped them out.' 19 Why did you not obey the LORD? Why did you pounce on the plunder and do evil in the eyes of the LORD?" 
20 "But I did obey the LORD," Saul said. "I went on the mission the LORD assigned me. I completely destroyed the Amalekites and brought back Agag their king. 21 The soldiers took sheep and cattle from the plunder, the best of what was devoted to God, in order to sacrifice them to the LORD your God at Gilgal." 
22 But Samuel replied: 
"Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of the LORD? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams. 23 For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and arrogance like the evil of idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, he has rejected you as king."   NIV

Every time we visit the pages of scripture passages, we are given instructions of which the Father wants for His children. Each time we dwell in verses either for healing, strength and courage, or for loss, we seek to find that which strengthens us in the area we need it at the time. Just like trees and plants need water, so to, we need that which brings life to our spirit, soul and body.
The prophet Samuel asks, "what then is this bleating of sheep in my ears? What is this lowing of cattle that I hear?"

Verse 9 says they were unwilling to destroy completely........!

In speaking about his obedience, it was the king's flesh that spoke a stink to heaven. It was that indulgence to please other men that proved a witness against Saul himself. What looked good to Saul and the other men? 

Nothing was to be spared of the Amalekites. The relationship between King Saul and his allowing Agag, the king of the Amalekites to live and to not only live, but live in Israel brings the same issues to the time of Esther and her relative Mordechai. 

Both of these were of the same lineage of King Saul, the tribe of Benjamin, and of Saul who was going to let the Amalekites live. But Samuel made sure the king Agag would die. In a later time, we see Haman who shows up bringing much hardship and pain as he came breathing out cruelties to the time of the Book of Esther. (he was some relative of the king Agag)

I have known when the Lord wants to correct something I am taking way too far in giving my time or even extra focus to. We can demonstrate obedience or we can demonstrate disobedience. The noise within King Saul's camp was the a noise of sheep and cattle that were to be destroyed and not used for any kind of sacrifice. God did not want anything those Amalekites had. It was King Saul's character we see showing it's true colors to pleasing man and not God! He was bringing problems to Israel. As Samuel spoke in verse 23 to Saul, that Saul's rebellion was that as the sin of divination, and his arrogance was sin so evil as idolatry!



Wow! that is really strong! So what is the sin of divination? Any obtainable knowledge of a present or future tense is that of paganism (of the profane) and is opposite of that which we know in "church" when a prophecy is given by inspiration of the Holy Spirit. Divination is the speaking spirit that is demonic, is not from God, and the knowledge or information is counterfeit and is of the profane. It is opposite of the truth of the godly heritage. You can see in the story of one such instance in the Book of Acts.

Acts 16:16-24..........16 Now it happened, as we went to prayer, that a certain slave girl possessed with a spirit of divination met us, who brought her masters much profit by fortune-telling. 17 This girl followed Paul and us, and cried out, saying, "These men are the servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to us the way of salvation." 18 And this she did for many days. But Paul, greatly annoyed, turned and said to the spirit, "I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her." And he came out that very hour. 19 But when her masters saw that their hope of profit was gone, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them into the marketplace to the authorities. 20 And they brought them to the magistrates, and said, "These men, being Jews, exceedingly trouble our city; 21 and they teach customs which are not lawful for us, being Romans, to receive or observe." 22 Then the multitude rose up together against them; and the magistrates tore off their clothes and commanded them to be beaten with rods. 23 And when they had laid many stripes on them, they threw them into prison, commanding the jailer to keep them securely. 24 Having received such a charge, he put them into the inner prison and fastened their feet in the stocks.  NKJV

This divination was practiced by the slave girl. She knew enough by the demon spirit that Paul and Silas were men or servants of the Most High God. This was done to show to those of the community "who watched" that she followed those godly men. But in truth when these servants would have left the area, the slave girl's talent would have a step up to a greater degree of use for the enemy instead. She would have continued to make money for those her masters. But any prophecy later would be of the divination given by the devil himself either for individuals or for groups of people!

All would be under the guise of "good" but of evil intent in any knowledge to any people after Silas and Paul were gone. But the teaching tells us that Paul cast that spirit of divination out of the slave girl!

In reality, Saul had future information, and it was that which God chose to do away with the Amalekites once and for all. He knew this group of people to be the epitome of evil and of the blackest hearts.

Saul's arrogance was so evil as the sin of idolatry. He was serving himself. He had those around him, that he listened to more than he listened to God for instructions. God had the idea of how He wanted any sacrifice given, and Saul and these men were going to do it their way and call it "good". But they erred in their thinking that a good God would go along with this.......for how can you want what this group or tribe of people had accumulated according to the sin that filled lives they led?  How could Saul think that God would want any part in the use of the Amalekites resources of cattle, sheep, camels and donkeys for a source for good? 

Yes, Saul was overtaken in his arrogance. He felt superior to others, and held a conceit that showed in his actions. In verse 12, we find Saul going to Carmel to build a monument to himself. Not to glorify God, but himself. In receiving God's commands to do something where is the "heart issue" on the matter? Do we really want to serve God and do His command or do we do something and finish up with what we think is best?  When Samuel charged Saul of his disobedience, Saul charged back in his own hypocritical nature. For what was displayed was that which was a witness against him. He proved he wanted the glory and to be "the BIG MAN" on the scene. But his arrogance got the kingdom torn away from him! Bad move on the part of Saul, yet, this was always in him to do!

What was it that T. S. Eliot wrote? "Most of the evil in this world is done by people with good intentions."

Yes, good intentions was what Saul was demonstrating. He thought that keeping the livestock would benefit them all and bring a good meal. Barbecued steak anyone? 

Aahh....intentions......you know that one of the meanings is "purpose"......something that is purposed. God has things He has purposed for our lives!
Seeking the purpose, not just living, but why we are set here for this time, just before the Lord's return!
But the purpose God intends for each of us is by truth in His Word, by the Blood of Jesus and by power of the Holy Spirit to see the instruction completed.

What do we allow to keep our focus and allow to live that needs to be put away from us? Could we doing something today, that could bring us harm or even death in a few days, a few months, or even in a few years? Even in the account of all that transpires in the book of Esther, there is no mention of any of Haman's nieces or nephews or aunts or uncles being taken to the gallows. It only mentions Haman and his ten sons! So many of them were allowed to live and have problems with Israel that have continued through the centuries even to this day and time!

When following God's instructions, are we following it to the letter as He speaks it?

If I buy all the ingredients to make a chocolate cake, but do not follow the instructions, then what do I have at the end? Probably the finished product will be anything but an actual cake.  I remember making this one recipe many years ago, but it did not turn out. It was suppose to be an airy type cake texture, but in reality it was FLAT as a pancake and thinner than a pancake! It was a recipe given to me by another person. I told them about it and guess what? They had left out ONE of the most vital ingredients I needed to make that recipe. It was the buttermilk! It was one of the those Texas Sheet Cakes! They are very good if you have never made one! But you need all the ingredients to see a "good" finished product.

I have this green chile recipe that was given to me by my mother and her mother many years ago. I have certainly made it a lot and am showing my husband how to make it as well since he wants to eat it more often with our meals. But in making it, you make sure you have the right Anaheim peppers and garlic cloves for the recipe. If you veer off that ever so slightly, as our daughter says, "it tastes bland". And she is right! 

Following instructions and heeding what it tells us to do will keep us out of harm's way. I am in no means a chef, or the cook like my sister is, but I do try new things to prepare. My husband looks for recipes for soups and has found some we like to eat.

Proverbs 1:2-6.............2 To know wisdom and instruction,
To perceive the words of understanding, 
3 To receive the instruction of wisdom,
Justice, judgment, and equity; 
4 To give prudence to the simple,
To the young man knowledge and discretion-- 
5 A wise man will hear and increase learning,
And a man of understanding will attain wise counsel, 
6 To understand a proverb and an enigma,
The words of the wise and their riddles.    NKJV

I have learned over the years, that knowing wisdom and instruction looks much like correction. Whatever may have been taught us from our mother's knee, must always have the Word of God to have the complete picture of what God desires for us and those who follow after us!

In realizing a recipe could be FLAT like what I had experienced, I think how our lives could become flat without life or any zest to them. We could look pretty much like the world looks, with no difference at all.

 We were meant to look different and sound different! People should see us as being different than the world. We are to be those who follow instruction in applying God's wisdom, justice, judgment and equity to every aspect of our lives. In the book of Amos and the fifth chapter, the prophet tell us in verse 24 to "let justice run down like water, and righteousness like a mighty stream. We are not to be those out for justice, but those who know God seek the other's good by doing justice.
God knew the Amalekites as those who were destructive in their hearts. These people of any age, held a most evil heart against other living human beings. God Himself wanted an end to them because of the vile hatred they held toward those who came around them. But Saul disregarded the instructions and Samuel the prophet had to end Agag's life. 
Still today we see all the hatred toward Israel and those which want them gone for good. But God is making sure His chosen will stand in even the harshest moments of hatred, hostility, and abominations against the Lord and His people.

Will what we choose to do today in regard to God's instruction to us be honorable or of the profane? I really do not want to hear something like Saul heard from Samuel............
16 "Stop!" Samuel said to Saul. "Let me tell you what the LORD said to me last night." 
"Tell me," Saul replied. 

22 But Samuel replied: 
"Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of the LORD? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams. 23 For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and arrogance like the evil of idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, he has rejected you as king."   


Would surely not want the Lord to reject me in something He has purposed for my life, would you?

Father, in Jesus' name, we pray to be those who heed and obey YOUR instructions regarding our lives and the lives of others. We desire to be disciplined in the Word of God and be renewed daily in our minds to see transformation come. Today we desire to be those who would be quick to say yes to YOUR commands, and follow them closely.
Help us today to see if we are on the wrong schedule for life. We know serving is a choice and does not start when the kids are back in school or when a New Year comes on January 1. We know it is a "heart issue".

Help us to see the right time is right now! That in choosing to follow YOUR instructions we are choosing the things of YOUR way and doing that which will bring us to honor.

We desire to be a catalyst that will spark the importance of following Jesus and imitate HIM. In doing that, the world will see us as different and living different kind of lives than that of the world.

We know some can always find excuse and blame another, as Saul chose to put some of the blame back on those men who followed him.(verse 21) But we are not those speaking of there always being a lion in the street or the Jordan is always overflowing its banks! No, today we are those who speak......and believe......that Your Word is true. Whatever You instruct us to do, we know we have the ability to see it completed for Your glory. No matter the odds, no matter the intensity of war, no matter the level or any correction God is our Father and He is for us!

WE understand that Chaos is our enemy. We determine to be men and women who will triumph in YOU. Today we fight with the fight of faith and arise to take our place.

We have discernment and have the wisdom of God to make the decisions to keep to the course set before us. Whatever we have allowed into our camp, show us what needs to be killed or moved out entirely never to be returned to our home and family again. We give praise and glory to YOUR name! Amen.

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

Whispers!

In a previous blog I had written how our grand-child loves to whisper. The telling of a secret is fun for a small child, but those who are grown up and do not keep them become the teller or the gossiper of said story or tale! But remembering we are to come before God as children, and have that relationship with Him, what does a whisper look like? When coming to God as a child and speaking, what voice does one use?  Again, I think of our grand-child and how she speaks. There are times she is serious, especially about the "artwork" and she speaks seriously about how many pictures to color. As for me, I love to color pictures with her. It relaxes me to hear better and to watch her more intently as she works her way through a day of life living as a child. Her more humorous times comes in the "sun" while out of doors. You have probably read that story as well. She can get loud and can be heard around the whole neighborhood. Yes, she can voice what she is experiencing. And did God not give us a voice to be heard?

In thinking on this writing this morning, I thought of how I always thought of Hannah when praying before the Lord. It was that "whisper" I thought of and how she prayed with moving her lips but so silently speaking in whisper tones of the pain she was experiencing.

She had wanted a son and she had no children at all. In referencing Hannah for this, I am reminded of the "extreme" life she had lived. In her painful existence as a wife, she had no children with her husband. In reading about Hannah, we see that she never stopped sharing her heart with the Lord. In 1 Samuel 1:10, we find her praying out in pain of all that she was dealing with in her life!


1 Samuel 1:9-18.....9 So Hannah arose after they had finished eating and drinking in Shiloh. Now Eli the priest was sitting on the seat by the doorpost of the tabernacle of the LORD. 10 And she was in bitterness of soul, and prayed to the LORD and wept in anguish. 11 Then she made a vow and said, "O LORD of hosts, if You will indeed look on the affliction of Your maidservant and remember me, and not forget Your maidservant, but will give Your maidservant a male child, then I will give him to the LORD all the days of his life, and no razor shall come upon his head." 

12 And it happened, as she continued praying before the LORD, that Eli watched her mouth. 13 Now Hannah spoke in her heart; only her lips moved, but her voice was not heard. Therefore Eli thought she was drunk. 14 So Eli said to her, "How long will you be drunk? Put your wine away from you!" 15 And Hannah answered and said, "No, my lord, I am a woman of sorrowful spirit. I have drunk neither wine nor intoxicating drink, but have poured out my soul before the LORD. 16 Do not consider your maidservant a wicked woman, for out of the abundance of my complaint and grief I have spoken until now." 17 Then Eli answered and said, "Go in peace, and the God of Israel grant your petition which you have asked of Him." 18 And she said, "Let your maidservant find favor in your sight." So the woman went her way and ate, and her face was no longer sad. NKJV

Out of the abundance of our heart, we will speak. (verse 16) Matthew 12:34-37...........
For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. 35 A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things, and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things. 36 But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment. 37 For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned."   NKJV

The priest Eli saw Hannah. He evidently had moved closer by verse 13 and he saw her lips moving, but her voice he could not hear. A WHISPER!
Eli in his haste to speak called her a woman who was drunk. He was scolding her to put her wine away. But Hannah responded, "NO, my lord, I am a woman of sorrowful spirit. I have drunk neither wine nor intoxicating drink, but have poured out my soul before the LORD. Do not consider your maidservant a wicked woman, for out of the abundance of my complaint and grief I have spoken until now."
She had spoken in the past, but the pain was such that she now had only a WHISPER!
AT THAT MOMENT, all she had left within her was that WHISPER OF PAIN. 

Proverbs 13:12......12 Hope deferred makes the heart sick; but when dreams come true at last, there is life and joy.  TLB

Psalm 143:7-10........7 Come quickly, Lord, and answer me, for my depression deepens; don't turn away from me or I shall die. 8 Let me see your kindness to me in the morning, for I am trusting you. Show me where to walk, for my prayer is sincere. 9 Save me from my enemies. O Lord, I run to you to hide me. 10 Help me to do your will, for you are my God. Lead me in good paths, for your Spirit is good.  TLB

Hannah had shared her home with another woman who had given Hannah's husband, Elkanah children. Peninah was mean to Hannah and flaunted the truth that she could give Elkanah children, and we see in 1 Samuel 1:4-8....that Hannah was provoked in a way that irritated Hannah. Hannah was in such an unrest that she could not eat but cried instead.
1 Samuel 1:4-8........ 4 Whenever the day came for Elkanah to sacrifice, he would give portions of the meat to his wife Peninah and to all her sons and daughters. 5 But to Hannah he gave a double portion because he loved her, and the LORD had closed her womb. 6 And because the LORD had closed her womb, her rival kept provoking her in order to irritate her. 7 This went on year after year. Whenever Hannah went up to the house of the LORD, her rival provoked her till she wept and would not eat. 8 Elkanah her husband would say to her, "Hannah, why are you weeping? Why don't you eat? Why are you downhearted? Don't I mean more to you than ten sons?" NIV

Hannah was so loved by her husband, yet her womb was closed up. She had not given her loving husband a child! She probably suffered much anguish. I am certain that when Peninah challenged her about the children, Hannah had to confront her anguish by seeking God. Hannah held her ground. 

She demonstrated a prayer life that only ONE God could answer with what she asked. When it came to WHISPERS, she kept her eyes on God for the answer to come. We certainly do not have to experience that which Hannah did, for today there is a law against having more than one wife at a time. But we should still see that in whatever Hannah's problems, she gained a much needed strength in prayer!

Is our prayer life one that truly exists? Is our day set and scheduled around God and His purpose for us that day? I remember a friend stating once that her life-line to God was much like a rope. She considered her prayer time, a time where she would keep one end and throw God the other and wait on Him to answer. She always considered God to keep what she had given to Him in prayer and that answers would come. She prayed to receive them in the form to which He desired to answer her! 

2 Corinthians 4:13-15...........13 We boldly say what we believe [trusting God to care for us], just as the psalm writer did when he said, "I believe and therefore I speak." 14 We know that the same God who brought the Lord Jesus back from death will also bring us back to life again with Jesus and present us to him along with you. 15 These sufferings of ours are for your benefit. And the more of you who are won to Christ, the more there are to thank him for his great kindness, and the more the Lord is glorified. TLB  

         

1 Samuel 1:18-23............18 And she said, "Let your maidservant find favor in your sight." So the woman went her way and ate, and her face was no longer sad. 

19 Then they rose early in the morning and worshiped before the LORD, and returned and came to their house at Ramah. And Elkanah knew Hannah his wife, and the LORD remembered her. 20 So it came to pass in the process of time that Hannah conceived and bore a son, and called his name Samuel, saying, "Because I have asked for him from the LORD." 21 Now the man Elkanah and all his house went up to offer to the LORD the yearly sacrifice and his vow. 22 But Hannah did not go up, for she said to her husband, "Not until the child is weaned; then I will take him, that he may appear before the LORD and remain there forever." 23 And Elkanah her husband said to her, "Do what seems best to you; wait until you have weaned him. Only let the LORD establish His word." So the woman stayed and nursed her son until she had weaned him. NKJV

1 Samuel 2:18-21............18 But Samuel ministered before the LORD, even as a child, wearing a linen ephod. 19 Moreover his mother used to make him a little robe, and bring it to him year by year when she came up with her husband to offer the yearly sacrifice. 20 And Eli would bless Elkanah and his wife, and say, "The LORD give you descendants from this woman for the loan that was lent to the LORD." Then they would go to their own home. 21 And the LORD visited Hannah, so that she conceived and bore three sons and two daughters. Meanwhile the child Samuel grew before the LORD.   NKJV

From chapters 1 and 2 of 1 Samuel, we find the Lord blessing Hannah. In verse 20 of 1 Samuel 1, we find she conceived, and called him Samuel. He was to minister before the LORD God. And in 1 Samuel 2:21, we find Hannah conceived and gave birth to three more sons and two daughters. Hannah received her desire and gave him to the Lord without hesitation. What a faith we see in Hannah! A woman who experienced derision and tribulation when another woman shared her husband. But a true beauty came through that her trust was to be in God the Lord and He would see her through those demanding experiences of pain. Because of a thankful heart, she received more children in her union with Elkanah!  We do not reside in a "rose garden" where there are no trials or tribulations. But we do live life that in whatever comes, our expectancy is to be in the Lord. For He will do valiantly, and the more we trust in Him, the more ease and peace, we will experience in knowing He has our back.
I believe Hannah always had a forgiving heart toward Peninah.

I close this by writing to those who may be men reading this. In regards to Hannah and what she believed for in her union with her husband, men can also experience such in the workplace.
I believe this to be a prophetic word to any men who work in the business arena. What God has placed in you to do for His kingdom can still come forward and be given life. For with Hannah, we saw a woman who was so provoked by another, only a whisper remained to pray. If that is where you are today, remember God still hears, and when we truly believe that He can bring to life that which we may have thought was dead or would never happen, God is on your side and He will do what He has promised! Whatever Peninah's surround you in the workplace and whatever "children" the other person has, whatever great idea or concept the other person may hold at this moment, God still hears and answers prayers. He is forever leaning forward, and reaching out to us. All we have to do is speak, even in a WHISPER, "Lord, help me"............and reach out whether it be in anguish, despair and heartache, He will HEAR AND HE WILL ANSWER!  HE WILL BRING FORTH THAT WHICH HE DESIRES TO BIRTH THROUGH YOU IN THE WORKPLACE THAT WILL BRING PRAISE AND GLORY TO HIS HOLY NAME!
Lord, what the righteous desire will be granted (Prov 10:24), When the storm has swept by, the wicked are gone, but the righteous stand firm forever. (Prov 10:25), the prospect of the righteous is joy (Prov 10:28), and (my )  mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom,(Prov 10:31)!

 Father, thank You for those times we must WHISPER! We pray that You will stir us. As we read and spend time with YOU, we use that time in worshipful praise through our prayer time. We choose to continue to give YOU praise and honor for all that happens in this place of worship to YOU.  Father, we pray to be those men and women who will pray and co-operate with YOU and the instruction YOU give us. We pray that You bring illumination to things we may not understand at this moment. Today, we give thanks that YOUR Word comes into places we need to see and to make decisions based on the truth of YOUR Word. We seek to be those who will give birth to the new concepts, the new inventions, the world-changing ideas that will no longer be hindered by our own thinking, but we will prevail, because we hold onto to YOUR ways and thoughts and operate in the wisdom of God that will see the kingdom come in our workplace, homes and ministries.

We believe those decisions we must make, will be made in truth and integrity without pain and any difficulty. Thank Your for showing us things that are hidden to us that we must know. We give thanks in advance of any warnings we may need to know and need to respond to. We desire to keep step with YOU and YOUR ways today. It is in Jesus' name we pray. Amen and Amen.

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