Perfume, Oil Scents and Trouble?

Pic by Voice of Prayer

Favor is given as a purpose.

Esther 2 :8-17   NKJV   8 So it was, when the king’s command and decree were heard, and when many young women were gathered at Shushan the citadel, under the custody of Hegai, that Esther also was taken to the king’s place, into the care of Hegai the custodian of the women. 9 Now the young woman pleased him, and she obtained his favor; so he readily gave beauty preparations to her, besides her allowance. Then seven choice maidservants were provided for her from the king’s palace, and he moved her and her maidservants to the best place in the house of the women. 10 Esther had not revealed her people or family, for Mordecai had charged her not to reveal it. 11 And every day Mordecai paced in front on the court of the women’s quarters, to learn of Esther’s welfare and what was happening to her. 12 Each young woman’s turn came to go in to King Ahasuerus after she had completed twelve months’ preparation, according to the regulations for the women, for thus were the days of their preparations apportioned; six months with oil of myrrh, and six months with perfumes and preparations for beautifying women. 13 Thus prepared, each young woman went to the king, and she was given whatever she desired to take with her from the women’s quarters to the king’s palace. 14 In the evening she went, and in the morning she returned to the second house of the women, to the custody of Shaashgaz, the king’s eunuch who kept the concubines. She would not go in to the king again unless the king delighted in her and called for her by name. 15 Now when the turn came for Esther the daughter of Abihail the uncle of Mordecai, who had taken her as his daughter, to go in to the king, she requested nothing but what Hegai the king’s eunuch, the custodian of the women advised. And Esther obtained favor in the sight of all who saw her. 16 So Esther was taken to King Ahasuerus, into his royal palace, in the tenth month, which is the month of Tebeth, in the seventh year of his reign. 17 The king loved Esther more than all the other women, and she obtained grace and favor in his sight more than all the virgins; so he set the royal crown upon her head and made her queen instead of Vashti.

Any one and anything outside of our environment and community are those who still have some authority to make the rules, the laws, or something else that can be or appear as negative to us. Esther found this out in a big way!

Moving in God’s favor, Esther found herself outside of the environment she knew. Even though out of his sight, Mordecai continued to seek her welfare for good. We find him pacing back and forth and asking questions for her welfare within the walls of the king’s dominion.

Esther had to complete the 12-month process of the oils and perfumes just to go in and see the king. In this process, any serious skin problems would be dealt with. The woman was not to be blemished in any manner. Of the products used at the time, myrrh, honey and cassia topped the list. Myrrh was a healing agent, an oil resin native of Africa, the oil was as perfume, a perfume ingredient and for wound dressing. It was sought out for the use on ring worm type disease. The cassia was noted for what we would call PMS problems.

Sudden removal from one place to another is a great burden to many people. For many people it looks and sounds like big trouble!  Like children as an example, any trip outside of the 24/7 at our home, my little sister would require her pillow and blanket. She made it known that she had to be home before dark and she was two when she told our mother that. Moving to take another position far from what we know as the “known and the comfortable” can make some people down-right unhappy. In truth, some people can get downright ugly about the whole situation.  But evidently Esther has some up-bringing that took her from the unknown place of just a face in the crowd to the known face of a queen. She had to have to recognize the rules and to honor the leadership over her when she arrived as another face in the crowd.

Favor surely came to her, but she had to follow instructions, and obey every command whether she liked it or not. Sometimes people think they know better maybe by their age or even their schooling. But it must have been Esther’s upbringing in the Lord God that brought her to the place she was meant to stand. We only looked at the first part of the walk Esther took toward being Queen. Her greatest obstacle still lay before her, yet she had made it through the first hallmark of being favored by God.

Was thinking on Esther today, I had remarked to my husband of the people I have had opportunity to mentor how many really took it to heart to make the notes of wisdom the Lord had me give them for the walk with God. Some made notes as I would speak with them. Some just would come and nod and smile a lot but really asked no questions.

My husband has opportunity in the position he holds to do the same. He has done this for many years. In the recent, he spoke of all the ones who have heeded what he told them, and they had moved forward and gone farther in less time than those who took no attention to the wisdom he gave. I too,  think on one who I had given attention to and gave wisdom of God and it seemed to be rejected every step of the way. Ah, but rejection can be good, and paying attention to the speaker of why they chose another direction, certain does not limit God in their life, but it puts a roadblock by said person that they know better than God. Many probably just tell Him, bye, bye for now.........."I know better"....yet, theirs lives give a hint a trouble when you see them and hear them speak.

One thing is for certain, Esther heeded that which was before her and she was reminded of what her uncle Mordecai told her when she came to live with him after her parent’s death. Oh, yes, in Esther there is much, much more of detail, but the preparation came first. And in that process there is the waiting to do the next thing.

I thought of this month as Valentine’s Day approaches, and how many roses will be bought and given. I thought of how many boxes of chocolate and perfumes would find their way into the hands of a woman created by God. And in those scents and fragrances, I thought of this passage:

2 Corinthians 2:12-17     NKJV

12 Furthermore, when I came to Troas to preach Christ's gospel, and a door was opened to me by the Lord, 13 I had no rest in my spirit, because I did not find Titus my brother; but taking my leave of them, I departed for Macedonia. 14 Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place. 15 For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing. 16 To the one we are the aroma of death leading to death, and to the other the aroma of life leading to life. And who is sufficient for these things? 17 For we are not, as so many, peddling the word of God; but as of sincerity, but as from God, we speak in the sight of God in Christ. 

And I thought of this passage:

Song 4:9-12      NKJV

9 You have ravished my heart,  My sister, my spouse;  You have ravished my heart  With one look of your eyes,  With one link of your necklace.

10 How fair is your love,  My sister, my spouse!  How much better than wine is your love,  And the scent of your perfumes Than all spices!

11 Your lips, O my spouse,  Drip as the honeycomb;  Honey and milk are under your tongue;  And the fragrance of your garments  Is like the fragrance of Lebanon.

12 A garden enclosed is my sister, my spouse, a spring shut up, a fountain sealed. 13 Your plants are an orchard of pomegranates with pleasant fruits. Fragrant henna with spikenard, 14 Spikenard and saffron, calamus and cinnamon, with all trees of frankincense, myrrh and aloes, with all the chief spices----15 a fountain of gardens, a well of living waters, and steams from Lebanon.

Experiencing authentic love happens when both the man and woman of God know who they are in Christ. As with the union between two people designed by God, we look even deeper to this in the sense of the body of believer’s in Christ Jesus. We should refuse and abstain from any kind of involvement that would cause unwarranted situations to arise. Abstaining from the unneeded keeps us clean and away from that which might destroy.

In preparation, we are to seek God first. We are to seek to have godly counsel and not just any counsel! And we are to ask God to show us where we stand and with whom we stand. For God has someone for each who looks to marry. And for those believer’s in Christ, we look to keep ourselves holy toward Him knowing that He is our 1^st priority to even living this life.

Learn to speak the language of love. Spend time in 1 John, 2 John and 3 John. Be wise and look forward to knowing someone as your husband or as your wife, and know God as Your Husband who comes for His bride without spot or wrinkle. As we learn to speak with the Lord, then we can speak with others and those we are destined to know and walk with through life.

Protect your garden with the Lord and protect that which is with the husband or wife you have.

Celebrate the walk you have with Jesus. Celebrate truth that you will really know who He I
has destined you to be in Him. And then celebrate life it is just beginning.

AND then last but not the least of these:

Psalm 45:8-9     NKJV

8 All Your garments are scented with myrrh and aloes and cassia, Out of the ivory palaces, by which they have made You glad. 9 Kings' daughters are among Your honorable women;  At Your right hand stands the queen in gold from Ophir. 

As we spend time to seek His face, and know Him and remain within His presence, we become aware of those scents of myrrh, aloes and cassia. We become aware when that beautiful scent presents itself in our smelling, and enjoying the beautiful scent of the Savior, and our HUSBAND, THE LORD!

All that Esther was taught, the testing came in a big way when she had to fully depend on God Himself. Each of us will face that moment. It will not matter who else is around you, but what strength you hold that is of God that will carry you into your future. In His speaking, we hear His love, peace and wisdom. And it is that Word of God manifested in you that will hold you when all chaos is breaking out either towards you or your community. Stand firm, give heed to the adversary but speak all, write all and share of all God has done for you.

What symbolic language will you learn of His speaking? What will you discover in Him that will not be like any other relationship you have ever known? The ideal relationship, the ideal marriage, the authentic is only found in God. Enjoy His timeless truth in speaking love to you! Amen!

Notice: 

The Voice of Prayer  has a new teaching:

The Truthful Witness: Not Based on Lies, False Ideas or Fantasies
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yapgc3QC344



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

Remember the Wish Bone?

Voice of Prayer

When our daughter was small, we had our family over for the holiday meal. They were new to the area and while eating, the conversation had turned over to the topic of the day: The Turkey!
Yes, we laughed about some momentous moments of getting that "bird" cooked and served just like you see on T.V. or in a magazine.
But I recalled this one time, when I was about ten years old, that when the meal for our family who had gathered at Thanksgiving, comprised a total of eighteen people. Of that number ten were children and the oldest of the group pushed out her chair and ran for the "turkey" that remained from that festive meal. In the process, some things were moved and even pushed out of the way to present the part of the "bird" that at least three people desired to grab hold of and that was the "the wish bone".
Chaos ensued, and much yelling of "who" would take hold.........meaning only two people can hold it between them and break the wish bone, right?  With the battle over, the wish bone broken, I thought of all the hoopla over a...."bone"!
In relating this tale to our daughter, we laughed at the humor and wondered if people still do that sort of thing.
Of more recent days, I remember just seeing a commercial around the holiday season of some younger ones grabbing for that "wish bone" and wonder why or "if" they still do it.

In thinking of our walk with God, we do not need "wish bones". We have His word that will strengthen us. His words comfort us when in hurt and pain. He delights for us to call on Him and delights to hear us give Him praise for all that He has done for us. Was on the way back from a blood draw the other day and praised Him on that trip, both going and coming back to the country. It was a great report. The hemoglobin was around its normal level. Yes, God is good!
I also thought today in hearing a teaching by Joyce Meyer how it is important to have a backbone.

In a prayer meeting about 3 years ago, I remember this young man prophesying about the "church" the body of believer's to have a real backbone. Although I have thought of his given word from the Lord many times in the past three years, I believe it to be so more of the "now word" if you please!

Each of us has to stand. We need the stability and agility to stand and still be flexible....without breaking or falling apart.  In a recent teaching loaded on my "Voice of Prayer" You Tube Channel, it was title The Truthful Witness: Not Based on Lies, False Ideas or Fantasy. We had looked at Luke 4:1-13.......NKJV.

Luke 4:1 -13….NKJV…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 be become bread.” 4 But Jesus answered, saying “It is written, “man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.” 5 Then the devil, taking Him upon 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.” Hemming in, isolation

8  And Jesus answered & said to him, “Get behind Me, Satan!” “For it is written You shall worship the LORD your God & 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 & 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.

In that teaching you will remember if you saw it and heard it that the Holy Spirit lead Jesus out into the wilderness. Hard time? Most likely! But testing does come, and we must have the backbone to stand, yes with flexibility but also with agility to move when God sends us out to do something for Him. That strength comes when we apply our heart to His instruction and our ears to the words of knowledge. As we lend our ear to understand, we are preserved by His discretion working in us. And it is His loving kindness in the daytime and at night, we see and know, His song is with us......it is the prayer to the God of my life and your life.

For if we would just come and hear Him, come and hear all who fear God..........others should hear what you and I will declare what He has done for our souls. Jesus heard the devil speak and Jesus answered with the written word of God. It was not some quote from some guy who lived a hundred years ago, but by the living Word of God.

Will we stand with backbone in these last days? Will we proclaim God's goodness?

James 3 :9-18 Amplified Bible

9 With it we bless the Lord and Father, and with it we curse men who were made in God’s likeness. 10 Out of the same mouth come forth blessing and cursing. These things, my brethren, ought not to be so. 11 Does a fountain send forth [simultaneously] from the same opening fresh water and bitter?

 12 Can a fig tree, my brethren bear olives or a grapevine figs? Neither can a salt spring furnish fresh water. 13 Who is there among you who is wise and intelligent? Then let him by his noble living show forth his [good] works with the [un-obstrusive] humility [which is the proper attribute] of true wisdom. 14 But if you have bitter jealousy (envy) and contention (rivalry) selfish ambition in your hearts, do not pride yourselves on it and thus be in defiance of and false to the Truth.

 15 This [superficial] wisdom is not such as comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual (animal, even devilish (demonical). 16 For wherever there is jealousy (envy)  and contention (rivalry and selfish ambition) there will also be confusion (unrest, disharmony, rebellion) and all sorts of evil and vile practices. 17 But the wisdom from above is first of all pure (undefiled) then it is peace-loving, courteous (considerate, gentle). [It is willing to] yield to reason, full of compassion and good fruits: it is wholehearted and straightforward, impartial and unfeigned (free from doubts, wavering and insincerity).

In Genesis 4:9-16 we read of Cain and when he killed his brother Abel. With intent in his heart, he killed. Out of a hateful jealousy he killed him. And verse 15-16 of chapter 4 mentions that God put a mark on Cain and Cain left the presence of God.
I think of Cain being marked because of the hatefulness of his heart, and of his ability to murder. Being marked, is that which marks our character. In being the stable and the distinct reveals the quality of lack of it denoting a person's life. And what character or stength of character and where it lies, will determine the person's life in regard to " the difficult" or "even the hard" in life.

Abraham Lincoln was quoted as saying that "reputation is the shadow. Character is the tree."

Are we displaying a mere shadow.....or....are we displaying that tree...........for others to see.

Psalm 1:1-6   NKJV   1 Blessed is the man Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful, 2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and in His law he meditates day and night. 3 He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, Whose leaf shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper. 4 The ungodly are not so, But  are like the chaff which the wind drives away. 5 Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. 6 For the LORD knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the ungodly shall perish.

Living life by making wishes on a wish bone is living life in a "fantasy". I am not making any wishes on a dead turkey! Anything outside of God and His ways is considered rebellion, and of rage.........and will not end in success of anything. It will only lead to death. ( remember Cain)

As Jesus, we too, must be led by the Spirit of God and meditate and know to say the word like Jesus did in the conversation with the devil.
Strengthen that backbone. Kiss the Son in submission to His leadership and you will see your life ruled by His peace when all others outside the boundary of God will experience violence and wrath against them.

Lord, You are with us. We shout for joy because You defend us (them). Let those also who love Your name be joyful in You, for You OH LORD will bless the righteous; with favor You will surround him as with a shield. (Psalm 5:11-12)
Amen!

Notice: 

The Voice of Prayer  has a new teaching:

The Truthful Witness: Not Based on Lies, False Ideas or Fantasies
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yapgc3QC344



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

Unequally Yoked

Picture by R. Twiner

2 Corinthians 6:14 -17   NKJV
14 Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? 15 And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever? 16 And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God. As God has said: "I will dwell in them and walk among them. I will be their God, and they shall be My people."
 17 Therefore come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean and I will receive you. 18  I will be a Father to you, and you shall be My sons and daughters, says the LORD Almighty.”

Now when I heard this taught, yeah decades ago....I remember the "pastor" tying it all up with the husband and wife teaching. (see Ephesians 5:25 and Colossian's 3:19)
Yet this passage has nothing to do with husband or wives, but as a believer with another believer or a believer with an unbeliever.
In closely yoking ourselves with others, we must be aware that we do not compromise integrity or our faith in God.
In verse 15, the mention of Belial has the meaning of worthlessness or lawlessness.

Understanding we are the temple of God, we are not to defile that temple in any way. Individually we are the living place for the Holy Spirit to reside.
God desires to be our Father. He desires us to know how richly He has life for us. In that abundance we have everything we need.

In those tales of the Old West, I remember visiting an old west town. It was in Arizona. I also remember that even the stage coach that was displayed for rides, was evenly hitched with the same kind of horse in size and weight. You certainly would not want a horse on one side of the team and a donkey on the other side to make a team.

To be a part of a family, one participates with the Father's way of being and doing. In idolatry, we become what we worship. Whether it be in watching zombie flicks, war movies or games, or even those that combine zombies, war and magic together. Yikes!
As a part of God's family, we must be in spirit and in harmony with His nature, which the Bible reveals. Knowing God's true nature is important because we become what we worship. 

So when we take a real look at what we spend some substantial time on: does it add up to more violence or more peace?
I have noticed of late that those which I considered "safe" to watch no longer follow the PG 13 or even PG rule anymore. ( not when nudity appears in the first 5 minutes of the show, etc.) 
Anything false and misrepresenting what they are showing is corrupt. And that false representation highlights that group desires to sneak in the wrong thing to make a buck!
Should we begin to idolize a certain show, character, and the "nudity" appears, what is your response?
If we idolize, we become the wrong thing.

So, if we spend extra time with an unbeliever, or one who exhibits ....say....a worldly attitude...do we remain with God and His peace or do we see how far we can stretch out and touch something that should never be touched.

Psalm 38:12.....They also that seek after my life lay snares for me: and they that seek my hurt speak mischievous things, and imagine deceits all the day long.

They also seek after my life lay snares for me. Malice in deed.

And they that seek my hurt speak mischievous things. Malice in word.

And imagine deceits all the day long. Malice in thought.

In looking at what we once desired to look upon, spend time doing or just to relax in front of the TV or at the movies, would we consider Psalm 38?

Now the adversary cares not what you do as long as you stop spending time with God, being devoted to God and worshiping Him!

Ungodly behavior is not what a believer participates in. Living our lives and conducting them in the fear of the Lord honors Him and keeps us in quiet places and quiet rest. Check to see if anything in your life is that which degrades you. Allow the Holy Spirit to guide and lead you through anything which corrupts you.

Thank God, He did not choose us by our strength or ability or even good looks....but we remember His grace is for us. He is our sufficiency.

2 Corinthians 12:9   NKJV   And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you; for My strength is made perfect in weakness. Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

That infirmities in verse 9 has the meaning of malady, sickness, and morals. So whether in sickness or of weakness of morals, we need God to direct us.

When your character comes under fire, know that God knows. And He has given you His resource that makes "holy living" possible. He provides the way through and out of anything that the adversary may be presenting that is destructive to you.

Proverbs 13:20 ...NKJV ...He who walks with wise men will be wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed. 

Finding those to be equally yoked as in fellowship and even ministry, we are admonished to be connect with those who will encourage us into better behavior, not take us down or lead us into lustful situations.

Amos 3:3.....Can two walk together, unless they are agreed? 

 Proverbs 13:20.......He who walks with wise men will be wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed. 

Proverbs 22:24-25......Make no friendship with an angry man, and with a furious man do not go, lest you learn his ways and set a snare for your soul. 

This last one is even a verse that we speak over our grand-daughter as she is in grade school. We speak this over her that she will not desire to go with the angry or the furious one. Let's consider that we make the choice every time we put something before our eyes and put into our hearing. Filth will only multiply into more filth, but consider this that the more wisdom of God we put in, the more His wisdom will rule our hearts.

Don't get yoked with a donkey!

Notice: 

The Voice of Prayer  has a new teaching:

Living a Full Life without Strongholds
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0oHfyyDl-bo



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

A Happening on the Roadway

Road to Emmaus

Luke 24:13-35            NKJV

13 Now behold, two of them were traveling that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was seven miles from Jerusalem. 14 And they talked together of all these things which had happened. 15 so it was while they conversed and reasoned, that Jesus Himself drew near and went with them. 16 But their eyes were restrained, so they did not know Him. 17 And He said to them, “What kind of conversation is this that you have with one another as you walk are sad?”

18 Then the one whose name was Cleopas answered and said to Him, “Are YOU the only stranger in Jerusalem, and have You have not known the things which happened there in these days?” 19 And He said to them, “What things?” So they said to Him, “The things concerning Jesus of Nazareth, who was a Prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, 20  “and how the chief priests and our rulers delivered Him to be condemned to death and crucified Him.” 21 “But we were hoping that it was He who was going to redeem Israel. Indeed, besides all this, today is the third day since these things happened. “ 22 “Yes, certain women of our company who arrived at the tomb early, astonished us.” 23 “When they did not find His body, they came saying that they had also seen a vision of angles who said He was alive. 24 “And certain of those who ere with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said: but Him they did not see.”

25 Then He said to them, “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken!” 26 “Ought not the Christ to have suffered these things and to enter into His glory?” 27 And beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, He expounded to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself.

28 Then they drew near to the village where they were going, and He indicated that He would have gone farther. 29 But they constrained Him, saying “Abide with us, for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent.” And He went into stay with them. 30 Now it came to pass, as He sat at the table with them, that He took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. 31 Then their eyes were opened and they knew Him; and He vanished from their sight.

32 And they said to one another, “Did not our heart burn within us while He talked with us on the road, and while He opened the Scriptures to us?” 33 So they rose up that very hour and returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven and those who were with them gathered together, 34 saying, “ The Lord is risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!” 35 And they told about the tings that had happened on the road, and how he was known to them in the breaking of the bread.

The Lord asked a question:

"What kind of conversation is this that you have with one another as you walk are sad?"

From the Lord's view, He had finished what He came to do. In that view, He came to set the captives free. 

But in Cleopas' speaking that He must be a "stranger" in the area, as the things concerning Jesus of Nazareth had brought them to that place of sadness. Cleopas spoke that :" a Prophet mighty in deed and work before God and all the people and how the chief priests their rulers had delivered Him to be

crucified. 

And if that was not enough, those women came with astonishing news! "Yes, certain women of their company (group) had come....and arriving....early the tomb was found empty. The women did not see HIM!"

But Jesus continued to speak. But He spoke O foolish ones....and slow of heart. .....meaning speaking with unwise words...!  Then Christ spoke: "Ought not the Christ to have suffered these things and to enter into His glory?"

And then Jesus revealed scripture after scripture to them. Yes what a teaching that would have been.

Being revealed from the prophets of Old to all that was witnessed while He walked this earth, surely all those miracles and sufferings were all found in Jesus' obedience to His Father's plan.

 While drawing near to the village of Emmaus, Jesus wanted to go further. But they were ready to recline. YOU know it was well into the evening......and they evidently wanted to entertain their new teacher.

For what hours they walked, they certainly got a lot from what was written of how Jesus would come and what the end would be. Jesus provided that touch of the knowledge of truth and they knew they did not want it to end. So they invited Him in.

AS they took of the meal, Jesus evidently led the group there. As was His custom, he took bread, blessed it and then broke it..........handing it out.

Even though the "guest" now Jesus took the lead role of the Master. And in that moment of recognizing their regular time together to taking communion, their eyes opened. Their spiritual eyes and ears were open to Jesus. And they really saw and experienced His presence.

Do we communicate sadness? Do you arrive at a believer's gathering only to bring sadness? We can experience those things, and must be reminded that our Lord and Savior paid the high price with His own life.

Sometimes like at this Bible Study hike to Emmaus, these two were reminded of the tender communication of ONE who showed the love of the Father to the world. In His life, in His teachings and in His sufferings, death came, but oh how wonderful the glory the Father has bestowed on the Son. Because His word speaks louder now!

In whatever pain, conflict or tribulation, sadness came appear and in that moment it appears as darkness covering one with darkness. But in the light and glory of our Lord, we come to know that He cares for us, reminds us of what He has spoken and will continue to speak to us when we truly take the time to communicate and have communion with HIM!

In a true walk to Emmaus, one may have left the city in despair. One may have suffered a loss. But gathering together to actually hear the Lord speak His words, brings us to joy and peace. I know, because in my life I have certainly experienced loss of loved ones, loss of great friends who inspired me in their walk with Jesus, a loss of time with close family and even a loss of ministering in groups, but still, I walk in health that comes from a God who desires us to be whole with nothing missing or lacking in our lives.

These rose up the same hour Jesus left their vision, and there they gathered by the 11 already gathered for prayer in the Upper Room.

Allow your life to be touched in these ways. Go find a good Bible study and hear the doctrine of truth about Jesus and His crucifixion. Understand that He rose from the dead and some women noticed it first. Then be ready to pray with others. Be ready to give the reason of that hope in you.

May we not shrink in telling others of Jesus.

Psalm 66:16...." My lips and cheerful heart, prepare

To make his mercies known:

Come, ye that fear my God, and hear

The wonders he hath done.

"When on my head huge sorrows fell,

I sought his heavenly aid;

He saved my sinking soul from hell,

And death's eternal shade."

These two were not apostles. No they were like you and me. They left the city to get away from the pain and in their flight to hide their sadness, they found joy, gladness and reason to keep going forward. They saw the Lord with their own eyes. And they heard with their spiritual ears. For the words that Jesus speaks are spirit and they are truth.

What they gained will never fade from them. Though thousands of years have come and gone, still their testimony lights up the pages of Luke. In their time with Jesus, they had gained discipline. They gained the time of communicating and communion in the breaking of bread together. This is 

a skill to be learned and passed on to others. It is never lost!

Notice: 

The Voice of Prayer  has a new teaching:

Living a Full Life without Strongholds
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0oHfyyDl-bo



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

An Artesian Well of Good or a Nasty Flood of Evil

Picture by R. Twiner

Ecclesiastes 9:17  ESV The words of the wise heard in quiet are better than the shouting of a ruler among fools.

I wrote out a number of scripture verses to study and memorize for 2017. In them, I am looking into speaking with less words, more to the point and less opinion. It is important to get to the point and to keep an opinion out of the way of God's truth. I am thinking people get enough of the other from T.V.
I also went to look at other scriptures like the one above in scripture knowledge and found this one that speaks the same or in a similar way.
Proverbs 28:23..NKJV....He who rebukes a man will find more favor afterward than he would flatters with the tongue.


James 3:13-18 cinches this  all together.
James 3:13-18 ..........NKJV....Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom. 14 But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. 15 This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. 16 For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. 17 But the wisdom that is from above is fire pure, then peaceable, gently, 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.

God's wisdom gives us the insight and how to rightly implement His knowledge through out our days. His wisdom is vital in everyday conversations with your spouse, your children ( grown up or still at home), with co-workers, with those at the grocery store, postal office, or other. And His wisdom is good for any people and at any age of life.

Pondering God's thoughts for us is always a needed thing. I am always wanting to seek out that quiet time, and hear the quiet voice, yes, the small still voice that is not like the world. It is one which speaks by asking you first, "Why are you here?"

1 Kings 19:9  NKJV
9 And there he went into a cave, and spent the night in that place; and behold, the word of the LORD came to him, and He said to him, "What are doing here, Elijah?"


AND of course, Elijah has his answer. He was zealous for the Lord. Coming from chapter 18 of 1 Kings we saw and heard the spectacular of God. In all that Elijah was believing all hearts would be changed to God, evidently in an instant, which they were not. Jezebel was still Queen and had hatred for Elijah. Elijah still had the Holy Spirit but in his zealousness, he was not allowing God His true way. Of course, Elijah went into a depression, and desired his life to be over.

God asked a question in Genesis 3:9.
Genesis 3:9 NKJV .....The the LORD God called to Adam and said to him, "Where are you?"
Now we know God was not asking out of any ignorance, but rather as a parent to the child.
"Where are you?"

If we are shouting to others, then who will really hear us? If we want (or demand) our way, and shouting is the norm, then I would say, 'no one ever hears you!"
Any within your region of influence will be looking for "EXIT" SIGN!
Having the righteousness of God is having fruit and that fruit is sown in peace by those who make peace. (James 3:18)
Jesus taught thousands on hillsides outside Jerusalem and I never read HE had a megaphone.

In Proverbs 28:23, we find honesty, though painful will always win the long-term reward. The MESSAGE Bible speaks it this way: ' in the end, serious reprimand is appreciated far more than boot-licking flattery.

Again James 3:14 and 15.....tells us that .....if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. 16 For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there.

Any relationship and any time given as in bible studies, teaching and preaching the word of God and in everyday life are to be lived in wisdom of God, spoken with less words, and remain in His peace. Remaining in His righteousness, and receiving Jesus we have righteousness, but it is that which is from God. WE must remain in God!

Proverbs 17:27 ESV... Whoever restrains his words has knowledge, and he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding.
The Message Bible writes it this way: the one who knows much says little; an understanding person remains calm.
That tongue can certainly cause someone to sin. And the tongue can when used loosely will produce sin.

So if God asked "Where are you?" Could we or would we say, "we are waiting on Him in His presence to hear Him speak to us?"
Or would we with loose lips, complain and ask Him why He delays something we really want or think we really need?

As in teaching and preaching God's Word requires no dilution! So too wordiness brings evil with an intent to harm or hurt. But true teaching of God is yes, a rebuke at times, but is a place of healing, a place of experiencing God and His love and having an ability to live it and tell it to others.

In view of others, it is only God's word that is to be given and the word which will heal. It is not up to us who give God's word to make sure the other receives it. We are not the Holy Spirit, but we are too give that which is the divine blessing God desires others to have.
I had another favorite scripture I add today.
It is found in Habakkuk 2.
Habakkuk 2:1-4
1 I will stand my watch and set myself on the rampart, and watch to see what He will say to me, and what I will answer when I am corrected. 2 Then the Lord answered me and said: "Write the vision and make it plain on tablets, that he may run who reads it. 3 For the vision is yet for an appointed time; but at the end it will speak, and it will not lie. Though it tarries, wait for it; because it will surely come.. It will not tarry. "Behold the proud , His soul is not upright in him; but the just shall live by faith.

I had a teaching on this many years ago. In essence it is to write anything God has spoken to you. Keep it in a journal and add to that which God speaks. In dealing with others, we are to keep our commitment to God and time with Him. In that we do not become the intoxicated in our selves. We should not be the self-seeking and be those who envy. Because we indulge in our own gratification and see how many we can smooze with worldly talk, then we become the "stinking proud".

We are to be the righteous. We are to be promoting peace, but we also must know that peace comes with a big price. And in that is all of God and no opinion of or by man. It is certainly good that we mourn corruption, wickedness and even those abominations in the land. For in that we are revealing God, His heart and His character.
As we speak with few words, but in the strength of His, we reach the concerned, and the distressed. And those who may be away from Him will come back again to His love and His kingdom which is by faith.
Some things will not happen overnight. For it takes time to recover, to be reconciled, endure with patience as Jesus did.  Our souls are to endure in Jesus. By the Word, we adhere to Him and then move to that to which we are the destined.

In that time of quiet, we speak with less words, and desire to His strong voice speaking so low, yet so peaceful and still with power that comes from God. I write the vision for what He has given me to journal. I write that which is given to place on my heart, the tablet that reads of His word so that I might run to that which I am the appointed.
Whew, God did not ask me "where are you"? But what did He say? What was the last scripture verse He gave you and when did He give it?

Learning to wait in the quiet, hear the still small voice and abide in not only loving Him but obeying Him!

If you think you need a megaphone, ask God why you feel you are not heard? Pay attention to your own life and do you give others time to speak or do you monopolize the conversation? Another question would be if you desire all the attention?

Conducting our lives in God's principles gives a wealth of His wisdom to operate in His power. Having revelation to handle each comes by the Holy Spirit. We are not compromise but abide in peace without envy, confusion and self-seeking encounters.

I close with this verse. Proverbs 18:4 The words of a man's mouth are deep waters; the wellspring of wisdom is a flowing brook. NKJV
Message Bible  Proverbs 18:4 Many words rush along the rivers in flood, but deep wisdom flows up from artesian springs.

When we speak, does it look and sound like a really big flood in the early spring or does it appear more like that Artesian well ......where God's wisdom bubbles up to exhort and speak to the point with few words?
Proverbs 10:11...NKJV speaks that the mouth of the righteous is a well of life, but violence covers the mouth of the wicked.
That means that there are two situations that can occur with the tongue. Speaking right in righteousness that is of God brings life, and speaking the other in envy, confusion, strife, etc, only brings violence.

How about living in peace and using only God's Words?

Notice: 

The Voice of Prayer  has a new teaching:

Living a Full Life without Strongholds
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0oHfyyDl-bo



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

Now What Did They Write on that Last Message and What Did They Hear?

Picture taken by R. Twiner

Was 3 a. m. and I was awaken by the Holy Spirit. This was early Saturday morning (7th) and I was hearing what people had read in their "tweets", their "emails", and on texts within their phones!
I heard His voice and He spoke "what will they remember of that one connection?"
Of course, my answer was, " I would not remember it unless it was earthshaking and life changing!"

I rolled over in bed, looked intently at the wall and I had the thought of those who were on Flight 93 from the September 11, 2001 attack on the U.S. The flight was a domestic and carried passengers. Taken by hijackers, it was set to head for Washington D.C. Yet, it crashed many miles from where it took off from. In the county near Somerset in Pennsylvania, the place of impact of the plane was found. The brave people of that flight took control, and with that regained control, they took it to a place where no other lives would be lost. When the Flight ended on the edge of a reclaimed coal strip mining field, some calls had been made to those who knew no problems or tribulations were occurring that would affect their entire lives and most likely forever.
One recorded voice of a man spoke, "let's roll!"

Yes, many spoke of his last words and many spoke on news reports of those last recorded messages left on cell phones with calls home to loved ones this one last time, and I'm certain in these many years, someone could probably remember what that last recorded call spoke to them. But the one I heard, was this:"let's roll!"

Would you remember what someone tweeted to you last week or even last year? What message can you recall on offhand?
So in the dark early Saturday morning, I thought of the ones I had received. One was from my brother-in-law about our step-dad passing suddenly and the other when my mother passed last year. But of tweets, or texts, I just do not remember them unless they impact my life!

What was it about that group of passengers of Flight 93, that they fought the enemy and took control only to find they would crash somewhere far from their homes? I believe they wanted to live, but also believe they wanted no one else to die. What kind of courage does it take and what kind of faith in God is required for us to move out of complacency into "warrior mode"?

I do not know about you, but I am "really tired" of dealing with goofy stuff from the enemy. I am profoundly set to highly esteem, and give glory to God Who created me and in that created me to be healthy and whole.
Proverbs 18:21....death and life are in the power of the tongue, and they who indulge in it shall eat the fruit of it [for death or life].
Do we really understand the importance of our words. We can speak them, text them, tweet them, and some merely think on words. And what fruit are they producing? Is that messaging to bless another or is it to show anger to another?

"Let's Roll!" means to me, we are not done, there is still some fighting to do! The people, those passengers from Flight 93 had homes to get to, families to see and yet they fought the enemy in the skies over some major parts of the East.

I think of hearing God speak to me in the early hours of Saturday morning and remembering all the people I came in contact with the previous few days in the 1st week of January 2017.
Is our communicating just a low level type of communication or are we really putting forth a real effort to touch another with God's love?

My husband has been reading from the Bible some scriptures that involve faith. He was reading in a commentary last night, and I was moved by what this man had written. Ah yes, just his opinion and yet I was drawn back to those "mere words written and spoken". I was drawn to this teaching about the woman with the issue of blood and the man Jairus asking for Jesus to just speak the Word and his daughter would be healed. For even Jairus knew as a leader and one in authority, he recognized authority speaking to him. And he believed Jesus as He spoke.
I do not know who reads these and I know not who might be helped from them. But I know that when we speak God's Word, and when we keep it in our hearts we grow in our authority to speak to situations, and yes tribulations. We can speak to wind and say, "Peace, be still!" And we can speak to our neighbor and give them the hope of God and give them His love when no one has shown them anything but anger and hate!

The gentleman who wrote this commentary taught how faith is a 'TOUCH', where the flesh of many a person within a throng........just a group who gather, cluster together, swarm and never 'Touch' by faith.

I do not want to be a throng: who travel just to see the next thing, text my thoughts, but actually to let someone know I (or we) are thinking of them. For those on 9-11.......certainly faced tragedies, personal losses and some the loss of husband or wife or both. For someone can and will send the never-ending voice of the enemy that will always murmur despair and bitterness. But we are to be a force of people standing together in one heart after God and who live through the eyes and ears of our spirit.
Allowing God to try our thoughts, then our attitude is in worship of Him, our thoughts care not who sings or can't sing, but that we gather together to hear the Word of God preached that esteems God, brings honor to Him, and shows us to be distinctly  different.

I remember not long ago, that in leadership all must be on the same page. Yet, if  each in leadership within the same meeting have different texts of the Bible say NIV, KJV and the Living Bible, each will read a little different but carry the same subject.
But if you ask all within the meeting to turn to page 1096 in their Bible, they each would have something different listed on that specific page.

Allowing God to search us, and our hearts thoroughly, we will keep His words and lose ours. When our hearts become the pure, then we speak and minister to another pure words. ( see Psalm 139:23)

It is getting to know and allowing Him access will we actually see His Words bring life to us.
Was at the Dr.'s office on Thursday. Routine, blood checked, hemoglobin checked, and asked specific questions. Next appointment mentioned.  Fine, lets get to the checkout from this appointment. While walking to the checkout area, I could hear a lady speaking. Her voice spoke softly of her friend who had just passed. Just spoke of how sick she had gotten in such short time, but God allowed her access to help her. No family close by this dying woman of a young age. The only family lived many miles away and had just come and left many days before the final testing came on the dying woman. So this woman speaking held my attention, not specifically by her words, but by God Himself when He showed me her heart. And she has a heart that is filled with the God-kind of love.
The woman had stayed with her young friend, Took her home from the testing, made her comfortable. Put on the favorite teachings of Jesus, and played two of her favorite HYMNS.  And within those few hours the woman transitioned to meet Jesus. God had sent this lovely older woman to minister life to her and in those hours of finding out her fate, she was going to pass with no one there. But this "angel", God had sent was seeing she was cared for. Within those days of Christmas, while families were meeting, while they gathered to eat some really grand food and open packages, this woman saw to the "younger" ones cremation. In those days, this older woman now relayed her story and God allowed ME to SEE her heart!
Trying to finish with the checkout from appointment........I finally got in the waiting room to leave. And I made my way through the "throng" of people and I reached to touch her shoulder and encourage her for what she had done and that God loved her and was with her. I encouraged in His love and she leapt out of her chair and flung her arms around my neck, and we embraced. With tears streaming down her face, mine, my husbands and some others in the throng, she pulled back with a smile and her face was well-lit. She exclaimed His goodness and then the Lord told me to tell her to remain in His peace. She kept saying thank you numerous times. I patted her shoulder once more, turned toward the door, but I could still see her heart. And she loved!

What message might they remember and what will they hear? Will they be words of God's love and praise to Him and how He loves His children? What message will you write with your life? What will your life speak to others? Will it be like the throng of words spoken every day or will they really make an impact on others?
It is up to you. But it is time to ....go forward, with God oozing through our pores that others will know that we have been with Jesus. Amen!


Notice: 

The Voice of Prayer  has a new teaching published:
God Our Hope
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yxosIn7ZrSI



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

.

Manifestations of God's Goodness

Two points are seen in the manifestation of God's goodnesss: 1. the person lives by every word of God and 2. manifestations appear as signs and wonders.
Simple,..... right? So are we seeing God's Word given and manifestations appearing. It is believing, trusting, speaking and expecting that one will see the manifestations appear before them.

We could plant a tree and a tree will grow. But we cannot produce the clouds or even the storm clouds in this picture. I might make a cloud appear with just the right tools and equipment within my kitchen, still I cannot produce a cloud of great magnitude. Still scientists work and create but the life of God is not in the things they create and do. They can seed clouds and produce storms, but is considered man-made.

But in truth our lives should be seen as God's word spoken and signs and wonders following!
On Christmas Day 2016, we were at the home of our daughter and son-in-law. Was a great brunch with pumpkin waffles, laughter, fun and presents. In one conversation, our daughter asked if we had heard from a friend P.J. I told her no!
I stated that we had not heard from her in awhile. And I could not remember the last time I tried calling her. I told our daughter that I had thought of P.J. earlier in Sept and Oct., but had not really thought of her since. Our daughter said she felt she needed to give her a gift and contact her. So I spoke with God about it. And my husband and myself had been asking God for the miracle everyday. We wanted to see God move not only on our behalf but others as well. So on our way home that Christmas day evening, we spoke with our Father God about it!

Well, the very next day, the 26th of December at noon, I got a text from P.J.
It was so God and so good. She had wanted me to know that her cousin and a dear friend of ours had passed. It was so awesome to hear from her. And our daughter and husband will visit with her shortly on their trip up north. But we experienced sorrow for Lorri who had passed.
Yes, God is good and He is good all the time. Well, we then heard from a cousin I had not seen or heard from in many years. So these time have been one of great love and comfort for us and to those God has kept for us. In hearing from them, we see the love of God and His mercy for all.


God is omnipotent! God can do anything. The Bible states in a few places that God cannot do certain things. For example Hebrews 6:18 says that He cannot lie. It does not mean that He lacks the power to lie. BUT GOD CHOOSES NOT TO LIE IN ACCORDANCE WITH HIS OWN MORAL PERFECTION!

Nowhere is God’s omnipotence is seen more clearly than in creation. God said, “Let there be…” and it was so (Genesis 1:3, 6, 9, etc.).

Like what I wrote in the beginning, scientists can create but they need tools and materials to create and still there is imperfection. God just spoke in Genesis 1!
Psalm 33:6....“By the word of the LORD were the heavens made, their starry host by the breath of his mouth” .

God’s power is also seen in the preservation of His creation. All life on earth would perish were it not for God’s continual provision of everything we need pertaining to food, clothing for our bodies and of course, shelter, all from renewable resources sustained by His power as the preserver of man and beast (Psalm 36:6). The seas which cover most of the earth, and over which we are powerless, have been given their limits. Proverbs 8:29 When He gave to the sea its limit and His decree that the waters should not transgress [across the boundaries set by] His command, when He appointed the foundations of the earth.
(See Psalm 104:6-9; Jeremiah 5:22; Job 38:10)

The last few weeks I think about all those little birds who feed on the bird feeders in our yard. I think of where they might sleep at night and how they stay warm. Yet each day they show up for their meal of seed. But the winds have turned to blow out of the east and the cold has come! Yet they have food to eat!

It is God’s omnipotence that also extends to governments and to leaders. You can read about it in Daniel 2:21.

God can and will restrain them or let them go their way according to His plans and purposes. His power is unlimited in regard to Satan and his demons. Jesus reminded Pilate that he had no power over Him unless it had been granted to him by the God of all power (John 19:11).
John 19:11...Amplified Bible....11 Jesus answered, You would not have any power or authority whatsover against (over) Me if it were not given you from above. For this reason the sin and guilt of the one who delivered Me over to you is greater.

Jesus had a great relationship with His Father. And He could do things that helped another human being. Jesus in His omnipotence, had power to call upon twelve legions of angels to rescue Him during His trial, if needed (Matthew 26:53), yet He offered Himself in humility in place of others (Philippians 2:1-11). 

A mysterious life with God, is not wild, not filled with fog, fat little angel-like babies with wings of feathers or glowing halos above the head. As the believer, one who really trusts in God is united to God's heart and Jesus the Christ. One who holds on in hope and faith has put their approval on God alone.

 Paul says, "Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me" (2 Corinthians 12:9b). 

God’s power is exalted in us most when our weaknesses are greatest because He “is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us” (Ephesians 3:20). It is God’s power that continues to hold us in a state of grace despite our sin (2 Timothy 1:12), and by His power we are kept from falling (Jude 24). 

 I could not command P. J. to contact us. But I could continue to reach out in prayer and ask the Lord to remind her that people loved her.  For our boast is to be in God and not in ourselves. God's power is working within us and by His power, we are kept from falling.

May the Christ's power rest on us. God unmerited favor to us is that of manifestation of His power that exceeds anything that we could possibly say or do. That God given resource makes our living possible in His grace that is of love, is of comfort, of His mercy and peace. Our total reliance  on God puts all the pressure on HIM. Like Paul, I too have become a fool in boasting. For what is accomplished in and through me is God and God alone. Yes, I have the same Holy Spirit Jesus had when Jesus was raised from the dead.

I had shared my faith and hope with our daughter for P.J. The Lord had as much thought for P. J. and in that our family will share some time with her again. God desires for us to come and abide in the pastures of green. As we like sheep lie down in those green pastures of His goodness we remain by the still waters of His peace. We abide in His sanctuary where there is blessing and a confident hope in His goodness to us. Our lives today is a witness for Jesus. In the circumstances that followed Christmas Day, we are delighted in God and have seen His beautiful heart for P.J. and for us.

Jesus the Christ, Miracle Worker:   John 20: 30-31………30 And truly Jesus did many other signs

 in the  presence of His disciples, which are not written

in this book;  31 but these are written that you may believe

 that Jesus is the Christ,  the Son of God, and that believing you may have  life in His name. NKJV

You too can have life in His name. You too can experience what our family experienced over the Christmas holiday. Truly God is goodness and love.........and He shall follow me and mine all the days of life that I and my family will dwell in His house forever! (Psalm 23:6)
Dwell in His Presence and see His goodness for you and yours!


Notice: 

The Voice of Prayer  has a new teaching published:
God Our Hope
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yxosIn7ZrSI



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