Month: February 2013

Dear God: You Are The Fountain Of Life~

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For with You is the fountain of Life; in Your light we see light. Psalm 36:9

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 “His light is blinding and lights up the entire world.  His light cannot be hidden, and darkness is no more.  His light is comforting to all those who welcome it, and His light is a source of love and continuous comfort in which we can feel protected and loved forever more…” 
 
   
  
God Offers the only real life there is. When we begin to walk in the Spirit, we undergo an amazing transformation.  Things begin to look differently than prior to our walk with Him, and our priorities and perspective is forever changed.
 
The ability to work through situations when life gets tough is totally different with God. His light from within offers continuous companionship, and we are able to face adversity with ease.  His ways, wisdom and light will provide all that we need in the most dire of circumstances.  The issues aren’t so suffocating with Christ, we are able to breathe with His help.  He guides, instructs and makes us able to withstand the fires and come through it unscathed.
 
“When I re member You on my bed, I meditate on You in the night watches.” Psalm 63:6
If God brings something to your attention at bedtime, don’t ignore it. It is wise to pursue it, and seek God’s face asking what it is that He wants us to do. Walking in the Spirit is first to obey the initial promptings/urges of the Spirit.  He will do the rest if we comply with the impulse or sensation we feel from the Spirit.  And, of course, wait for an affirmation from the Lord your God.  He will always bring forth another confirmation.
 
“My soul, wait silently for God alone, for my expectation is from Him.” Psalm 62:5
We need to wait patiently, and listen for God and His voice.  In prayer, sometimes we need to stop talking and just listen for Him. His voice can be very small. It can come in the form of a whisper, as gentle as a breeze.  Or it can resonate from within to without of your very soul.
But, like prayer it’s a very personal and intimate relationship waiting on God.  It’s certainly not for “show.”  “But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place and your Father who sees in secret will  reward you openly.”  Matthew  6:6  As Jesus Himself instruted us, go in private and be connected to Him alone.
 
“All things come alike to all: One event happens to the righteous and the wicked; to the good, the clean, and the unclean…” Ecclesiastes 9:2   To really understand God we need to focus on His word as we meditate.  The promises of God are clear to some, and fuzzy to others. But, the mainstay of it all is this –Sometimes the wicked prosper for awhile. And, sometimes the righteous do suffer…for awhile.  But, the Father assures us with His promises, and His word that ALL accounts get balanced in eternity. 
 
A wise man’s heart discerns both time and judgment…” Ecclesiastes 8:5
The wisest man or woman will seek God’s will, and often that has to do with timing and method, about the when and the how.   God will move heaven and earth to show us His will if, and when we seek Him earnestly and wholeheartedly.  Only then will He maneuver all things for our purpose, to offer a glimpse into His incredible plan while showing us his abundant mercy and consuming love.
 
We can all achieve peace as we walk in His light and the Spirit.  You can reach God right now.  Ask Him to give you solace…and find yourself wrapped in the incredible powerful love that will not let you go.  That is the Comforter, that is His gift to us.  His love, His assurance, His promises.
 
“O Lord, I know the way of man is not in himself; it is not in man who walks to direct his own steps.”  Jeremiah 10:23  God made us to depend upon Him for all things.  To look toward His face for guidance and direction and counsel.  We commit ourselves to Him not merely for salvation, but for what we need and where we are going every single moment and step of our life. To d0  things  on our own accord is like saying we are capable of doing it without Him.  He is the strength behind our weakness and the weakness that makes us strong. He is the power and rock, and our tower of refuge.  He is the “go to” for every single aspect of our daily life, in all we do and say.  In all we feel and need.  In all we are…in all we aspire.
 
 God made us for His own pleasure– “Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created”  Revelation 4:11  
 
We are His and His alone.  He is the Creator of the Universe and of all things.  We can build a road and have the knowledge to do so…but who is the supplier of the tools needed to in fact build the road?  We can ride an automobile, but we need the keys to start the engine.  God is the key to ALL things in our life.
 
He is the fountain of life.  He moves upon the face of this earth and His Spirit lives within those that believe.  He is our breath…His hands move upon our lives in a regiment fashion.  His goal and promises are indelible, impregnable, and undeniable.
 
Life, sustenance and never being thirsty again…how beautiful is that?  How wonderful is that?  How incredible is that?  
 
 
I love you Jesus…and I thank the Lord my God  for You every day of my life.  For without You, there is no life~
 
His fountain of life, love & light…truly a blessing and a gift.  Amen~
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
pic courtesy of Scott Birge~
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Dear God: Our Foundation Is The Cornerstone~

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For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 3:11 KJV

 

 

  Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded 1 Peter 2:6 KJV

 

This passage jumped off the page as I was reading the Bible yesterday. Looking at so many individuals who are going through issues, being tested and being harassed by the enemy…this scripture came to life in so many ways.

Zion was founded on a “rock” and those that lay their foundation upon this rock are protected and filled with wisdom in the Lord.  The enemy/foe may wish to shake our very foundation, but to build upon that “rock” makes it impervious to attacks.  It will stand strong, and stay firm.

He that believes in the Messiah…our “Rock” are protected.  The great doctrine of Jesus Christ and His very existence is why we, as Christians have our salvation, and confidence in all aspects pertaining to our lives. 

A precious cornerstone; which as it is both for the beauty and strength.  It knits us together, Christ is the Spiritual building, and He keeps all the parts together, we in Him and He in all of us. He is the precious gem/rock that paid a price for the sins of the world.  But, how amazing in that we are able to live by His word, and look to build upon this sturdy rock. 

To be able to withstand the weather by not only building upon this “rock”–but to have Him dwell with us.  His presence makes the difference between a tumultuous storm  that won’t be able to penetrate your “house” at all.  Or, the one that can be tossed about like a cork in a sea…without His presence within. That’s the core difference in building upon the rock.

We shall seek the Lord’s face in all that we do, and gain insight into His ways as we listen to His word.  We shall lift our eyes to the Lord as we search for higher and deeper ways in which to appease Him.  And, in all of this…how astounding and awesome is it to know that the “precious cornerstone” is what we need in order to “build” our Spirituality upon.  We need that cornerstone to guide us and protect us in order to withstand the “worldly” ways and to rise above it all.  That cornerstone is the reason for our strength, wisdom, prosperity, and vibrancy.

Christ…our Savior…our Rock…our Precious Cornerstone.

How strong is your foundation? 

 

 

“O you afflicted, tossed with tempest, and not comforted, behold, I will lay your stones with colorful gems, and lay your foundations with sapphires.” Isaiah 54:11 KJV

 But his bow stayed in strength, and the arms of his hands were made strong by the hands of the mighty God of Jacob; (from there is the shepherd, the stone of Israel:) Genesis 49:24 KJV

As it is written, Behold, I lay in Zion a stumbling stone and rock of offense: and whosoever believes on him shall not be ashamed  Romans 9:33 KJV

 

 

 

 

Many thanks to Scott Birge for the picture of Booth Bay~

Dear God: We Are All One~

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I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. John 15:5 KJV

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman…” John 15:1 KJV
Jesus is the vine, we are the branches…God is the cultivator and so it goes.  We are all connected as one.  We are all essentially part of the history of the Bible.  So many generations  have gone before us and have become a part of history.
 
We are all spiritually connected and, which,  of course,  means we’re truly all brothers and sisters in Christ…all children of God.  We are all here for a purpose.  Some people wonder, “why am I here, what difference does it make?  My life isn’t truly worthy.”  Well, God created us, and we’re connected to the Vine as branches.  So, therefore…we have a purpose have we not?  For to say we do not is to imply that God makes mistakes, or doesn’t create perfection in His divine plan.
 
Think about it.  The Holy Bible…the amazing men and women in those pages, recorded for all of us to partake in.  Essentially, are we not already a part of the plans in which Gods’ words are referring?  The people in the Holy Bible are our ancestors.  Umbilical cord to umbilical cord, we are all connected…all from the beginning of time. And, each person in the Bible had a purpose, as do we.
 
Our branches are being pruned according to plan…His plan, not ours.  “Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.” John 15:2 KJV  We are continuously being cultivated by His hands, so that we might bring forth good fruit.  We have His word engrafted in us, and He abides in us. 
 
The cycle of life is never ending…for our spirit never will perish.  Our family ties and roots that are from the beginning are here today.  An Uncle Joshua is living in some of us, and an Aunt Mary in others.  Uncle Boaz’s characteristics may be akin to a cousin we know and love…or we may resemble Aunt Rachel without realizing it.  We are all ONE…and all of our branches are entwined with each other. There is a reason for each of us, a purpose, a calling.  One of us may have made a difference in many lives…and some may have touched one person so deeply that is opened a flowing river of love in their hearts.  One, two…or thousands, each of us have a purpose in our lives, no matter how inconsequential you may believe it is..it may be monumental to someone else.
 
God, His Son, and the comforter, the Holy Spirit are all here for each and everyone of us.  The branches are being prunes, the fruit is coming forth in abundance. And, the branch that doesn’t abide with the Vine, will be withered and cast forth into the fire.
 
As children of God, go forth and bear your fruit.  Engraft yourself in the Word and in Christ, the Vine and the Savior. And, remember that we are all one…all connected and all significant in our purpose according to God. 
 
 When we are called to our purpose, and assemble ourselves as good soldiers in Christ…oh what an abundance of joy that will radiate forth. The sweet scent of the Holy Spirit and the powerful pull of His love is evident when we abide in Him.  He will grow as we decrease, and  our fruit will be pure, ripe, good, and in preparation for eternity.
 
We who know Him have known Him always…from the beginning and for all time.  For You and Your word endureth forever.
 
So, Lord prune our branches as we become engrafted in You and Your ways.
 
 
 
But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, [even] the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me.   John 15:26 KJV
 
And ye also shall bear witness, because ye have been with me from the beginning.
John 15:27 KJV
 
For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away:  1 Peter 1:24 KJV
 
But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.  1 Peter 1:25 KJV
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Pic courtesy of Scott Birge ~

Dear God: Call Us Higher & Higher~

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"For ever, O Lord, thy word is settled in heaven." Psalm 119:89

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
“Spirit of the Sovereign Lord come and make your Presence known…Spirit of the Sovereign Lord come and make your Presence known, reveal the glory of the Living God.  Let the weight of Your glory cover us, let the light from your river flow, let the truth of your Kingdom reign in us…Let the weight of Your glory come~”
 
 
 
O Lord we want to see the light of Your glory, and we want the truth to reign in us.  We seek to come closer and higher and hear Your voice.  These days where there is a famine for the Word, we seek You, and Your ways ,with a ferocity of desperation.  We need You. We seek You. We want to enter the Holy of Holies…as we enter through the blood of the Lamb.  We worship You and adore you.
 
There are reasons for everything, and everything has a purpose.  Some are meant to become teachers, some are meant to become doctors.  Still, others are meant to be leaders, and others followers.  Some people are the mediators in their family, their purpose to stand in the gap and listen and console and guide.  But, no matter what our role may or may not be, we are all the same in the sight of the Lord.  We are His children, and one is not better than the other. We are all created by His hands and His love.
 
The Lord will “open eyes” to some, and lend “ears” to others…bringing a stupor upon those who are not ready to learn or understand.  But, one day every knee will bow and all lips will profess that He is our King of Kings, and Lord of Lords.  Some are blessed at this time that their ears and eyes are open to the instructions and the voice of the Lord, and how joyful are those who walk in His ways at this time.
 
A dear friend of mine  is going through a rough time in terms of “the wilderness” and wondering what is next.  She is in a valley and in the middle of nowhere geographically.  Her spirituality is growing by the second. The trials and tribulations have been great, and have been plentiful in severity, and seemingly one after the other.  Her faith is immense… she stands and shines in His light as her light shines forth.  It is His strength that brings her to her knees in prayer and supplication.  She is strongest during her weakness, thanks to His strength, love and guidance.  He is bringing her through the fire. She is being purified, and becoming more like Christ,  she is shining more and more.  Her faith, unwavering, her love growing deeper as she climbs up higher and higher unto His ways, and unto His love.  She is tasting the Lord more each minute of the day.
 
It is through times of crisis that our face becomes like flint pointed towards the Lord, standing in the direction of His ways, and when our ears become fixed on His words more than ever. As we stand and wait for His loving hands to hold and mold us, change these clay pots into a work of art with the transformation glaringly apparent to all those in our path. All of the great ones in the Bible were at some time or the other going through great trials, or imprisoned before being granted great favor.  However, one thing is for sure, the Lord always takes care of His own, and never allows us to handle more than we can handle.  He will ALWAYS bring us through.  And, the result is exceedingly great, joyful.  He will anoint our heads in gladness, and give us beauty for our ashes, He will give us laughter in exchange for our tears.  He sees all.  He knows all.
 
In the presence in the Lord, we are all beautiful. We are all His living works of art.  He loves us one and all. No one is better, or prettier, or handsomer than the other.  All the same, all worthy in His eyes.  He is as the river flows, endless, boundless and living within each of us.
 
I was afflicted…now have I kept thy word.  119:67 KJV  — God will sometimes allow us to experience hardships and troubles in order to draw us into His Word, and to Himself…exclusively.  Away from the world, and into His presence and unto His Holy of Holies, into His presence.  That is where we are all the strongest.  In His presence, seeking His face and touching His grace. 
There isn’t anything that we are going through that someone else hasn’t gone through. There isn’t anything new under the sun.  God won’t allow us to go through anything without being there to relieve us and help us.  He will bring us out of any valley we are in.  Faith. Faith. And, more faith.
 
“Thy commandments has made me wiser”  Psalm 119:98 KJV  When we spend our life in devotion to God’s Word we will learn to see life as God sees it, we will begin to value what God values, and we will eventually love what He loves. We will attune ourselves to the thoughts of God.  “”For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ. ”  1 Corinthians 2:16 KJV
 
“Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path…” Psalm 119″105 KJV  God’s Word contains spiritual principles that will help us avoid many sorrows, pitfalls and tragedies brought on by wrong decisions, or choices.  Ostensibly, we must treasure its wisdom and steadfastly we MUST hold onto to its precepts in all of our decisions concerning our life. Learn from them, go up higher and higher into the Lord.  Come closer towards His face…grasp His Word and His love. Move up, climb up…walk boldly into His presence.  He is waiting for us. All of us.
 
My comfort in my affliction: for thy Word hath quickened me.  Psalm 119:50 KJV   God has ordained that His Word, which is made powerful by the Spirit, will bring hope comfort and strenght to His faithful as we experience troubles and sorrows.  Because God’s Word is living and active, it has the power to revive and restore us who abide in it and in God. When we are in trouble, turn to Him. Turn to the Lord and His Word…and then wait for His Spirit to impart His life, His ways, and His peace unto you.  “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. An the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.  Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report, if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, so: and the ogd of peace shall be with you.”  Philippians 4:6-9  KJV
 
To my dear friend, embrace your struggles right now, hang on to your faith…God will reward you openly and fully.  He will bring you through this valley, as He always has and always will.  He loves you…never forget that.
 
And to all others, hang in there…Seek His face turn to Him in all things.  Remember you are being refined and He will never forsake you.  Embrace His Word, and all things that are of His essence, and remember…He is with you always~
 
 
 
 
 
 
 “For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height—to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.” (Ephesians 3:14-19, NKJV)
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Pic courtesy of Scott Birge – Thank you my friend~