Thoughts about Scripture

Scripture takes us beyond all study in the Greek and Hebrew, and beyond the study of historical settings. It even takes us beyond the authors' intent and context. It is time for a fresh expression of the Father's heart-- a fresh encounter with the Almighty!

This Christmas season open up your spiritual eyes and ears. Allow the Agape Love to penetrate deep within. As your natural ears have heard the Christmas story, let the voice of your heavenly Father remind you of your promise, your potential, and your purpose to be fulfilled here on earth. Jesus was born with a promise and a purpose and so were you.

Let us open up our hearts and receive the healing, the deliverance He has for us so that we may run the race of Freedom declaring victory and proclaiming that Jesus is Lord of all!

Here is a challenge for you: Can you hear what the Spirit of the Lord is telling you today? And can you appreciate and accept that He speaks differently to every man?

I am Who I am

As I think about my life, my children, my husband, and my possessions, I realize they do not make me who I am. I'm so far greater-much more-deeper and so much more spiritual.

There was a time before conception when I was created by my Mother/Father God. I was fashioned after the Great I am. My spirit being is perfect in every way; just as He is perfect.I was created in the image and likeness of God Himself. I have the DNA of my creator.

Jesus said to know me is to know the Father. Shall we say the same? Please do not get me wrong. I am not saying I am God or even a little god at that. What I am saying is that the "true me" has nothing to do with this flesh and blood or my cognitive thinking.

We are who we were before we became flesh!

I have come to believe that when we were conceived the Lord breathed His ruah (Hebrew word for breath or spirit) into the fetus being to give us eternal life. There in the spirit man lays the statues of the Lord and our purpose and provision for living life. Then we became flesh and blood!

There is a song about a little bit me and a little bit you. This is referring to a small infant. Yes, I can see where our sons are a little like me and a little like their father. In looks, personality, and sometimes in character they resemble each of us.

When we are born of flesh into this pagan world to parents, who are well intentioned and have the experience and knowledge of this world to pass on to us, we begin our learning process. This is not all bad. Yet we are taught to ignore our spirit man and to get "real". We tell them that "There are no imaginary friends, monsters, or bogie men." Sometimes we are taught that there is no spirit realm at all. No God, no angles, no devil? We are taught to study hard and achieve all we can. Live your life on the defensive, trust no one, and look out for number one at all costs.

You might think this is all harsh, however, somewhat true, depending on what family you were born into. The more indoctrinated we become to this world and our intellect the more we lose contact with our "true being".

Let us be aware of our drifting into humanity and away from God and our true selves. Let us meditate on the word of God, washing our minds to who we are, our true identity, power, and authority.

Above all, God is Love and we are made of that love. Therefore, tap into the greatest existence, the essence of God in you. Tap into your divine nature and become that person God predestined you to be!

Our Words

Psalm 19:14
May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my redeemer. (NIV)

Lord, help me to become a drink offering. A drink that is as sweet as Your honey, a drink that is refreshing to others, and one that brings restoration to those in my path. A drink offering Lord that is a joy to Your heart and brings glory to Your throne. Lord that is my priority. Help me to bring substance to my words and mold my heart into what You fashion.

Have you said words similar to these to the Lord? Well then months ago I poured my heart out to the Lord with those exact words. Today as I went back to my journal and read, these thoughts flashed through my mind. Did I really mean what I said Lord? Was I trying to fool myself? Was I trying to puff myself up making myself appear holy to me?

It is so easy to give lip service. We says things like "Yeah, I will do that" or "I would love to be at your meeting". We do this to encourage, but what is in our hearts? Are we just going through the motions? Are we just giving those around us lip service? These are the questions that will help us take inventory of our lives over the past few months. Have our words met up with our actions?

I said yes so many years ago Lord. But I know there is so much more to Your love and Your grace I have not experienced as of yet. Lord, Your will and your desire is what I want to fulfill. Make Your will mine, Lord. Help me to grow deeper, wider, higher. Lift me to that higher ground in You! Exfoliate the dead within me Lord. Revive,-Renew, and Release me once again with Your anointing and power! When I reach out to you Lord, you run to meet me. Fill me again Lord, Flow over me filling those unreachable places I keep hidden. Your Love envelopes me!

Yes, this was also in my journal. Can we compare notes? Have we kept our side of our agreement with the Lord or are we just putting in our time? Are we filled to the utmost with His power and anointing? Are we experiencing His divine touch in new and marvelous ways?

Then the tears came from nowhere. Waves of cleansing, waves of joy, waves of you my Lord rushing over me!

So as I examine myself today, I realize I want more and more of His love; I want more faith, more power and more passion to do His will. I know I am lapse from time to time. I know there are thoughts of failure and complacency. However Lord we do have a history; a history of healing, deliverance from sin, and reconciliation. We have labored together Lord and have seen the Spirit fill places with signs, wonders, and people giving their hearts to you, Jesus.

My prayer today Lord is that we all become closer to you never to look back on our yesterday's sins as anchors to hold back, but to press in to Your presence receiving your Mercy and Grace; to You filling us from the inner most to the outermost. Let us not use empty words and powerless actions. Let us move forward with your love, power, and physical manifestations of divine nature. Amen.

The Lord's response: "Take who you are today and leave it behind. I will bring you a new hope, a new way, and a new plan. Release the old as you released the sins of the past. Come quickly, respond intensely and I will fill you with grace and power to complete the journey ahead."

In Between

Well it is catch your breath time! Finished with Thanksgiving and still feeling full? Now the race is on for those doing last minute Christmas shopping, going to parties, preparing for that Christmas feast, decorating the house with Christmas splendor, and all the smells of childhood deserts. Let us not forget to get those cards out to those you want to send a touch of love this Christmas. Parents begin getting their children ready to clear out those toys and treasures they once considered of value to donate them to children who might not otherwise get any presents for Christmas.

Sometimes the in between place can be a place of inventory and reflection. A place where there is a bit of solitude and thought. To me that in between place is a place to call upon the Lord for guidance for the New Year and asking Him to lighten my load so I can go further on this path He has me on. Just like parents helping their children clearing out their things to make room for the new, I too want to take all those things that I acquired during the year that have no value to His purpose and discard them making room for those Gifts Holy Spirit is more than willing to present to me.

Just as John the Baptist declared "Prepare ye the way", the in between place or a time of thirst and quiet is the time to prepare ye the way! Reflect on the year gone by and how God has prepared you for the upcoming year. Use your divine nature and stretch your human self into what the Lord has! Your territory is expanding and this is the time to claim those things that do not appear in the natural as if they were. Seek ye God and His kingdom and all else will be added to unto you.

Today we pray. Lord, lead us into your rest so that we may see from the divine prospective! Clear out time for us, extract us from the hustle and bustle of life, and hold us tight unto your breast. Allow us to hear your heartbeat and begin to hear your voice more clearly. As we do we shall obey and fulfill that purpose you have created us for. Thank you Jesus for in between times so we may power up and launch forward into divine destiny! In Jesus name we pray, AMEN

Does My Talk Measure Up To My Walk?

My dad used to tell me "Do as I say not as I do!" So my thoughts were if it was good enough for him then why not me! Many years have passed since those days and now I am faced with the question of my spiritual growth. Am I applying my dad's philosophy or am I truly setting the example of my talk with my walk? Am I walking out in faith and allowing Holy Spirit guide me in the darkness of life?

Am I faith walking on unknown paths being confident that the Lord is with me-leading and guiding me each and every step? I often ask the question "What are you believing for?", "Having faith in?", or "Having faith for?" If we are not using the measure of faith we have, we will become stagnate and begin to rely on what we naturally know.

Unfortunately, it takes a challenge in my life to cause my faith to rise. Sometimes it is an illness that comes to me or to a loved one. Then a burden arises and I begin to exercise my faith. Or on other occasions, I begin to have a burden for a nation, a people, or a community!

In the natural I see evil, sickness, disobedience, and ignorance of the Gospel. But with my inner eye I begin to see what "could" be then "will" be and slowly Holy Spirit begins to blow the winds of truth and freedom over His people. The vale is torn, eyes are opened, and freedom comes as His Kingdom is displayed.

Today I ask, Lord keep me focused on the cross. Help me to remain childlike, simple, and trusting so I may receive Your truths and that You may form and produce Your wonders throughout this land. (Matthew 11:25)

Help me to continue to do those things I know to do; while keeping my ear close to your breast so that I may be obedient in faith for those things I do not know. (John 7:17)

Bring a desire to my heart to meditate-ponder and digest your Word. (Psalm 77:6)

Help me to live in faith so my talk measures up to my walk. I trust in you as I go even though I may grow weak and fall, knowing that you will pick me up and place me on the "Rock" of my salvation. In Jesus Name I pray.

Precious Jelly

Just before leaving our Kentucky home a friend of ours gave us a jar of his homemade strawberry jelly. Straight from the garden into delicious jelly.

I was so happy to receive the gift. Not only that it was homemade but that I knew this particular jelly was made out of love and prayer and now it was "mine".

Before returning to Florida we stopped in Tennessee to visit my siblings and their spouses. Yes, the jelly was within reach, but I wanted to horde it for "my own"! No sharing "My Jelly"!

Now we are home and I want to delve into the jelly, but for some reason I am storing it on the shelf.

I keep putting off taking it down and enjoying the jelly that I know is going to be delicious. Could it be I am afraid that I will eat it all in one sitting and not have enough to last? Am I in fear that if we have guest I would have to share? I am not quite sure what the reason is; but I do know the jelly sits waiting for me to open and enjoy, share and tell how it was given to us!

For now there it sits on my shelf waiting for me to open and taste it to see how great it really is!

Sometimes this is how we treat our relationship with Jesus. We received Him as a gift and now we are hording Him for only ourselves. And in some cases we just put Him on the shelf and admire Him without really experiencing who He is personally. We think Jesus does not care about our lives and He does not care about our personal little desires and needs. How wrong can we be? Now there are many of us who attend church and we call ourselves Christians yet we never share Jesus with anyone outside of the church setting.

Does this sound like "my jelly"? So the next time you reach up to grab your jelly jar, consider how you relate to your Lord and Savior. Now I am going to have a jelly sandwich!

Thanks to Pastor Philip for the jelly. I will be asking for a refill upon our return!

Boast in Jesus

Before I begin to share, I would like to take you through the process in which Holy Spirit enlightened me about this particular scripture. And know this; I did not know the process until I finished meditating and contemplating on the scripture. May it help you in the promptings of Holy Spirit as you read and digest scripture.

1. First I read the scripture.
2. Then I chose key words to think about such as circumcision, No value, Faith, expressing itself through love, in Christ, etc.
3. Then I went to other scripture to find out more about Faith, love, and even scriptures about the law and the spirit of the Lord and what it means to be in Christ Jesus.
4. After that I thought about what the Lord was trying to tell me today.
5. And lastly, how can I apply this new understanding to my life and the life of others.

This happens to be the way the Holy Spirit led me during this time of prayer. I am sure there will be a different path the next time I put time aside to spend with the Father. For I know He is the God of growing and stretching us in all ways, in our faith, in our walk, in our thinking, and in our understanding. His loving heart always touches us drawing us closer to Him.

Galatians 5:6
For in Christ Jesus either circumcision or not has not value. What counts is Faith expressing itself through Love. (NIV)

"For in Christ" is telling me that this verse is speaking to us who believe in Jesus-not only believe but are born again. In those days there was big controversy over being circumcised or not! The Jews came from a life lived under the law and they were circumcised. However, we are not under law but under grace! (Romans 6:14) The Lord does not look to the traditions we keep or the doctrines we follow; nor does he take an account of all our good works. He is not too concerned how well we keep the law, even the Ten Commandments. He is looking at the attitude of our hearts and our humble spirits towards Him. Oh my, some of you are saying "Blaspheme!" I am not making light of the scripture. I am, however, making a point that Jesus has a way out for us when we fall short.

I tell you this. He is looking at our heart attitude and the measure of faith we allow to work in our lives. Now we know that love is not boastful; nor proud. (1 Corinthians 13:4) Nor is our faith arrogant or self-righteous! Therefore, we do not boast of those things our faith may create in the natural-No, we boast in the Lord Jesus and in what He has done, what He is accomplishing, and what He will continue to provide for us so that we may better honor Him. Folks, this is why we post what we have observed during our healing services and encourage people to send us their testimonies personally so others can read what the Lord hath done through their eyes!

Now faith on the other hand is what pleases God. (Hebrews 11:6) It is confidence in what we hope for-it is not an arrogant speech about what we expect. It is confidence in the Lord to work out those things that we do not see as of yet. (Hebrews 11:1) Therefore, we do not boast of those things that we have held captive with our spiritual eye, yet we encourage those around us in what the Lord is about to do so that their faith may grow. Faith is a muscle. It must be repeatedly used and stretched to its limit of endurance in order to grow.

The most important working of our faith is that we use the measure we have and that it operates out of the love of Christ who lives within us all. May you continue to dwell in these scriptures to show yourself approved!

God is Good!

 God is good-Jesus is more. Our Father's love endures forever, and yet without Jesus we would never to able to receive our Father's love.

Yes, many believe there are many paths that lead to heaven, but they all stop at the "Cross Road". It is only the way of Christ's love and acceptance that washes us as white as snow. When we reach the cross (road) we are not only acknowledged by Jesus, but He befriends us!

Will we befriend Him, pick up our cross (the purpose He has for us), and follow Him? Will we share our experiences, hopes, and dreams of things to come with Him? Will we touch the poor, the weak, and the blind, in His name? Will we lead the confused into His light by our lifestyle convictions. Does our life exude His contagious love? I certainly hope we all say "Yes, Lord, yes!"

Here we are Lord. Take the coal. Burn our lips. Here we are. Send us! Send us!

Jesus!

John 14:14 You may ask me for anything in my name [Jesus], and I will do it. (NIV) When another prayer cannot be uttered, when another word cannot do, and all you know has been said and done then "Jesus!" Sometimes all one can say is "Jesus!" Even not knowing why, that is the most powerful word of all-"Jesus!" It is the name that can heal the lame, the deaf, the blind, and the broken hearted. "Jesus" is the name that opens the doors of heaven and releases divine intervention. Jesus, our all in all! Jesus is the reason, the answer, the life, the truth, and the way! Jesus. Take hold of Jesus-speak His name into the-atmosphere. Jesus! He is the only way to eternal bliss, healing, and deliverance-Jesus! Jesus is the almighty doorway to our loving Father's arms! Jesus! Need I say more?

Jesus Rocks!

It is rock as in spectacular, awesome, wonderful and marvelous! Jesus is the "Best", He rocks!
Jesus is more powerful than a lightning bolt, a tsunami, a category 10 earthquake. Jesus rocks!

Just as He came to rock the foundations of the Pharisees-traditions, superstitions, and religious rights. He still comes today to rock us! He has come to defy all human odds teaching us a new divine way of life.

When Jesus spoke, things happened. Things began to ROCK! He said things like "be healed, go wash, wither and die (to the fig tree), and go sin no more". Notice when His spoken word was released it caused change! It caused others to consider their beliefs and still others to stop what they were doing and follow Him! That same power and authority has been given to us. Does that "rock" your foundations?

All we are and have that is not of our loving Father is to be shattered and destroyed. All we believe, our traditions and our theology, that does not line up with Jesus' teachings and what Holy Spirit is guiding us through is going to perish.

Jesus came to rock our very foundations-personally and that of the organized church! He came with a two edged sword. "He says " Pick up your mat and follow me!" That mat being an infirmity and sin, becomes the platform on which His spirit can love and release the captives. "Jesus rocks" through you and I!

He came to rock you and I and all that dwells in our land. He came to secure our foundations and become our Rock-the cornerstone in which we are to build His temple within.

Peaceful and Holy we shall be without spot or wrinkle, innocent and wise with knowledge far beyond our human means.

So there are three types of "rock". There is a rock that is awesome wonderful and divine in nature, a rock that destroys, divides and conquers all evil, and the Rock, our cornerstone that loves and builds a temple pleasing to our loving Father.

Now He calls us to rock this earth and all that dwell in it. Call those things forth that are not! Say to the mountain be removed and it shall move. Walk, talk, and live as Jesus lived and died. He taught us well.

Live a life with your foundation built upon the rock of Jesus. Become the image and likeness of Him who created us. All things are possible for those who call upon and believe in the "Rock" of their salvation-Jesus the Christ!

Think upon these things my friends-He will be back to collect His bride! Are you ready?

Waiting for Change

Isaiah 40:30
But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. (KJV)

Most of us are in the place where we are waiting for change-yet no change comes. A change of employment conditions, change in our spouse, change in our habits, change in our children's behavior, change in our economy, change in our government, change in our community¸ change in our health, change in our church--CHANGE. We are waiting for change.

The key word is waiting. Most are just sitting around reading the newspaper and listening to others about where we need change. We give our opinions, discuss where the change needs to occur, and proceed with the same old life we always lived. So we sit and wait for someone to change things.

This morning the Lord told me to wait upon Him. My life has been hectic with family, friends, and yes His good works as well. Yet He tells me to stand aside and wait upon Him in the manner He taught me. When I finished I felt renewed with the sense that I will go back again today and wait upon Him.

Waiting on the Lord has nothing to do with doing nothing! It begins by quieting our minds of the world and focusing in on our How great our God is. Would you too like to wait upon the Lord? Would you like to wait with me? This is the process of my morning waiting and meditation, you can fill in the blanks with the scripture andthe pondering the Lord gives you as you proceed.

How great thou art God! How marvelous are your ways! Holy, Powerful, Merciful, and full of Grace. Most of all, how loving. Go to the scriptures and read and meditate on the attributes of God and His wonders and most of all the Love He has for you!

Then it is time to reminisce on Who God is to you or me! He is my fortress, My high and mighty tower, a shelter in times of storms, a hiding place in times of stress, my healer in times of sickness, and a place of comfort in times of sorrow. He gives me wisdom in times of calamity and peace in times of chaos. My all and all He is to me. He chastens me when I fall and encourages me unto the right paths. Need I go o?. Who is the Lord to You?

At this time I have touched His hem and now He can speak to my heart. If I need to forgive... or repent. If I need direction it comes all with His loving touch. I am made whole and ready for my next assignment.

If you are anything like myself. I tend to forget to wait and then proceed with a divine strategy. I tend to go and go and then realize I have lost my peace-His peace.l

Again we find ourselves waiting upon Him to instruct, correct, comfort, and heal all those areas within. And again He is faithful to produce such fruit that others may recognize Him and give their lives to Him. As we submit ourselves, He shall move mightily in our lives and the places we live.

Seek others to wait upon the Lord with. The territory in which you live will be expanded and His Glory shall be known!

If you are in the place where you are waiting, yearning, and desiring change begin at the beginning. First and foremost, we were created to Worship the King. Second, humbly surrendar your will for His. And third, listen very carfully so you may be obedient to the plan and purpose He has for you to accomplish!

Simple Things!

Isaiah 30:15
This is what the Sovereign LORD, the Holy One of Israel, says: In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength. (NIV)

The simple things in life like a summer breeze, the refreshing rain after the heat of a day, or just the twinkle of the morning sun on the waters edge. All of these gives me pleasure. My grandmother once said that you don't have to spend money to be happy. The simple things in life are what produce happiness.

It is the same in our walk with Jesus. The simple, the basics of our faith will produce eternal happiness.

If we repent (change our ways) and rest in our salvation (rely on the Lord knowing that He shall strengthen us in times of trouble, heal us in times of sickness, and encourage us in times of doubt.

In the simple life of faith He shall be gracious to us and show us compassion. There is no need to strive in the worldly flesh. For our Lord is a God of justice and He will bless all who wait upon Him.

Waiting is not a passive position. It is proactive. It is praying, watching, and steping out when the Holy Spirit leads. Waiting is preparing our hearts and minds. It is like cleaning our home expecting visitors. It is like preparing a meal to celebrate the King of kings and the Lord of lords.

With that I say prepare the way-repent and make straight your ways for He is about to enter your home!

I believe if we do as Isaiah suggesst all else will be added unto us!

A Dove

I would just LOVE to have a DOVE-chocolate that is! Smooth, creamy; just makes you want to relax and savor the flavor. It is the hypnotic chocolate that makes you come back for more and more. Take a moment for yourself and indulge in a Dove. Great commercial lines, yes?

The fact of the matter is that the advertising experts are constantly appealing to that hole we have within. They want to fill it with all sorts of drinks and eats, not to mention the houses, cars, clothing and toys that can occupy our time. We are fun seekers looking to please our flesh in whatever ways we can. Now I want you to know that we are not necessarily in sin nor are we being unpleasing to the Lord with these things however they can take us over the edge.

Ever since my healing I have been craving more and more of God. Just like tasting that ever delectable Dove chocolate I crave the presence of the Holy Spirit. He is the only one that satisfies my being. He quiets my soul and fills my emptiness. In the days ahead we are to seek first the Kingdom of God and know that all else will be added to us!

Lord, we are so deprived of your tender presence! Today we come to you and ask if our pleasures displease you? Lord, speak to us so we will know. Infill us with your Spirit, Lord. Give us the ability to seek you first before we try to replace that hole within with fleshy desires.

Honor thy Father and thy Mother

Exodus 20:12
"Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you. (NIV)

During a wonderful dinner conversation with a multigenerational gathering, suddenly a youngster speaks harshly to his mother. A grandparent jumps in to reprimand the youngster by asking what is the fourth commandment?. "Honor my mother and my father" was the reply. Well now, was that showing respect or honor? For an instant the little head points down in embarrassment but almost immediately a finger points to mother and the little mouth responds, "She sins, too!" Grandma says, "You are right we all sin, but at the present time the focus is on your behavior."

You might have had a similar experience in your life-a situation in which you find yourself either listening to or partaking in such a conversation.

Young or old we are subject to and held responsible for our actions--the things we say and the things we do. The above scenario might have seemed very light to you, however there are lessons for us to learn. Noticed how quickly the child responded by pointing the figure at another? That "child" could have been us!

Your reaction could have been one of these: Well, I had to respond that way because of what was said! I am not the only one who feels this way! I have been rejected so many times I would rather not use the gift and talents God gave me! Well, if my circumstances where different I would be a better person .If only... !

Do some of these sound familiar? Have you used one or two in the past? Then we sometimes joke that "The devil made me do it!" All of these to responses are just to protect our ego and our pride. We want to take the focus off of our sin and onto someone else or the circumstances.

If we claim we are mature-grown up, then we must stop passing the buck and take our medicine like a "man" or "woman". I can guarantee that when we do the Father embraces us with His heavenly love and encourages us to continue onward and upward for the prize is ours and it is within reach.

So the next time a brother or sister in Christ approaches us, be quick to repent and quick to respond in love thanking them for doing their part in keep you on the straight and narrow!

Keeping Up!

You might think of times you had to keep with an older sibling or cousin. Think about how you tried to keep up in school or in gym class as a young teen. Of course we have tried to "Keep up with the Jones'" one time or another in our lives. When do we ever learn we are not in a race with any other but ourselves. Maybe we tumbled to that conclusion after much trial and error!

Then the golden years hit and you just want to keep up with your children and their children. Now that is a task! Or keep up with the day to day activities and planning and goings on in your life!

Whatever our reasoning may be to "Keeping UP" it is the flesh that causes us to strive in areas for our ego to be puffed up in one way or or another. In Philippians 3:8-9 tells us Paul to consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus his Lord for Christ's sake he has lost all things considering them trash so that he may be found in Christ. Paul goes on to say having righteousness of his own only comes from law (and may I add the World's competitive nature). Yet the righteousness found through faith in Christ gives us power of His resurrection! That power enables us to carry out our destiny designed by our heavenly Father.

Philippians 3: 13-14
Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. (NIV)

Will we ever learn that in our Father's eyes there is no "Keeping UP". We run the race of one, setting our aim at the prize and running with confidence that He and He alone will accomplish every good deed within us.

As we live our lives, I suggest we cling to those things that are from above and let those other things fall to the wayside. Let us seek out Christian friends who are also in the race of one. Let us band together and encourage each other as we all walk this journey of life towards eternity.

Today I pray, Father guide me and lead me to those who are like minded and are walking the walk of Faith. Bring me to a clear understanding of my prize that is stored for me in Christ Jesus! Amen

I Have a Friend

Boy do I have a friend! When I am down my friend picks me up. My friend prays for my every need. He dispatches angles before me and sends the Holy Spirit to guide my every move. I have a friend who supplies all my needs and gives me strength when I am weak. In time of trouble my friend supplies a shelter in the cleft of the rock. My friend sends wisdom when I am dumbfounded and discernment when I find myself in a quandary.

Today I look around and see His handy work in my life and within me. By His spirit I know I am free. I can walk in confidence knowing He will always be there. He has given me His authority and power to use for His glory.

My friend is the best ever. He even sends me others to confide in and walk out my faith journey with. I am so grateful for what He has supplied me. Now I have people in many states I can call on in a moment. They are friends that honor me and I honor them. For in Christ we walk as brothers and sisters, reaching for the goal He has set before us all. No matter where we travel, I can feel at home. What a family of friends my Lord Jesus has supplied.

Proverbs 18:24
There are "friends" who destroy each other, but a real friend sticks closer than a brother. (NIV)

Today we take stock in who you are to us, for us, and within us, Jesus. You are our all in all. Heavenly King and beloved, You are the lover of our souls!

In Love

Do you remember when that special someone came into your life? You jJust couldn't get enough of them; right? There was constant communication and you were never lost for words. You couldn't wait for that intimate embrace in the honeymoon suite. Every chance you got you were trying to surprise him with a treat of sorts.

How about when it came to all your friends? You just couldn't wait to show him off, telling them all about his dynamic talents and attributes. What a catch I have; what a treasure!

Yeah, when we are in love with that special someone we cannot help but boast about him, share our excitement, and have others experience for themselves that unique relationship you have with him-a relationship that could only have been made in heaven.

I must confess that I am frustrated that I do not see many boasting about Jesus. They say they love Him and yet do not talk about what He has done for them or how wonderful He is just being who He is. If you confess that you are a Christian and you never boast about Jesus or share about your treasured relationship with Him; it is time to sit back and ask yourself this question. "Am I truly going to heaven to spend the rest of eternity with my Savior?"

Luke 9: 26-27
For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when He comes in His glory, and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels. "But I say to you truthfully, there are some of those standing here who will not taste death until they see the kingdom of God." (ASB)

"Lord I pray that my heart melts and my eyes, ears, and my mind are open to Your everlasting, perfect love. Help me Lord to crave Your Word and a relationship that will change me and grows me into the bride you expect me to be! Amen"

Saving for a Rainy Day

Philippians 4:11-13
I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength. (NIV)

"Save for a rainy day" my dad told me. Have you ever made some creative meal with leftovers? Or do you have a veggie garden and learning to can and freeze so you can have fresh veggies all winter? Some learn to knit and sew so they can have nice new clothing to wear. Or you may be like me and have a friend cut your hair or be like my husband who cuts his own hair. These are just some ways we can save for a rainy day. It does not always have to do with putting money into a savings account at the bank.

We all have gifts and talents; with some of us those gifts and talents are very obvious while with others they may be subtle. Who would think that gardening and freezing and canning would save money? Or for that matter how about hand-me-down clothing and homemade dresses?

Save for a rainy day in the spirit. You may not think you are saving for a rainy day when you read the Word, or while you are enjoying some Christian music, or listening to a Christian speaker. Maybe just hanging around some Christian friends will do it for you. Maybe you think that doing a Bible study is the way to save for a rainy day. The fact of the matter is that they are all ways to build up your spirit man so you will be able to fight the wiles of the enemy.

It is in all we do, think, and ponder that adds to our transformation journey. So when you awake in the morning, consider those small things you may do that saves for a rainy day. Because when trouble strikes you will be prepared; that song will pop into your head or that scripture verse will come to remembrance and protect you from some wrong.

Needs and Seed?

Needs: I need a new car, some new clothes, a new apartment, maybe. I need some friends. I need a handout. I need a doctor to heal my ailment. I need to see my children or I need to not see my children as much! We could go on and on couldn't we? Whatever our predicament is there we are in the midst of our own turmoil.

Seeds: If I work hard enough I will get my needs. If I know the right people they will supply me with my needs. If I search hard enough I will find the right doctor and he will cure me. If I give my children lots of things and/or money they will want to be with me and will love me. If it is to be, it is up to me. WRONG.

Those needs and seeds are too much work if you ask me. I am not saying that a person should not work nor do research to arrive at solutions to some of their needs. However, if we search out the Word and listen to the Holy Spirit's guidance won't we have all our needs met?

1 Corinthians 1:18-21
Know very well how foolish the message of the cross sounds to those who are on the road to destruction. But we who are being saved recognize this message as the very power of God. As the Scriptures say, "I will destroy human wisdom and discard their most brilliant ideas." So where does this leave the philosophers, the scholars, and the world's brilliant debaters? God has made them all look foolish and has shown their wisdom to be useless nonsense. Since God in his wisdom saw to it that the world would never find him through human wisdom, he has used our foolish preaching to save all who believe. (NIV)

Back to seeds. I planted some string bean seeds back in May. Now the harvest is overflowing with RED string beans. I had thought I was planting GREEN string beans. Well there you have it. Red string beans. Being skeptical I searched the Internet to find out what they were all about and how to cook them. They originate in China and are high in fiber and some much needed protein. However, no matter what I do with them I cannot get past the color. I planted other things I knew about--tomatoes, bell peppers, strawberries, and eggplant. I knew what to expect and I am grateful for that harvest.

When the Gospel message comes our way, it is a tremendous seed. It is not just about salvation however. In and of itself, salvation leads us to our ultimate destination to live forever with our Lord, our God in heaven. The purpose of the cross and the shed blood of Jesus are to instill in us the power of God so that we may live according to His standards and produce vegetation from His seed. Now it would be great if we knew what that seed would produce. However, sometimes our lives are so filled with linear thinking and worldly standards we are mislead to look for the wrong harvest.

Psalm 121
A song for the ascent to Jerusalem. I look up to the mountains -- does my help come from there? My help comes from the LORD, who made the heavens and the earth! He will not let you stumble and fall; the one who watches over you will not sleep. Indeed, he who watches over Israel never tires and never sleeps. The LORD himself watches over you! The LORD stands beside you as your protective shade. The sun will not hurt you by day, nor the moon at night. The LORD keeps you from all evil and preserves your life. The LORD keeps watch over you as you come and go, both now and forever. (NIV)

The seed I am speaking of is JESUS. No other seed will do. And the harvest will come from that seed which the Father planted within our hearts.

"Oh how I love Jesus because He first loved me! Breathe Holy Spirit. Breathe upon me! Jesus is the seed and the harvest will be His love through me, the Hope of Glory!"

When you are confused about your needs and your seed, take a break and breathe. Allow the Holy One to bring you back to the cross and the love blood that was shed for you. Come back and begin to worship, and praise Him for whom He is. Thank Him for your eternal life and the rest of life will unfold unto you!

Blessings, dianne.

Longing for Friendship

As I look over my life I realize I was always looking for people to surround myself with. People who would love me, and encourage me. People whom I could trust and care for just as they would trust and care for me. Is that true for you? I truly believe that life is not worth living without someone to share it with. And we do not need just one person, but a village of people whom we can live with. Now I am not speaking of a communal living. I am speaking about trusted God given men and women to share life with. These are people you may confide in and those you may help.

Now this has gotten me to thinking that the soul reason we have been created is to worship the one true God. To walk with Him in the dew of the morning, in the heat of the day, and in he cool of the night. We are to give Him praise and thanks as we rise in the morning. As we walk and talk we praise Him even in the midst of trouble and give Him the Glory when we rise victoriously through our troubles. So I believe that the Lord has placed inside each of us a yearning to belong to someone, a people and most of all to Him.

Is your relationship with God a once a week practice? Is your relationship with your spouse only good while things are going good? Is your faith in the one true God only displayed on Sundays? Do your church friendships only occur on Sundays and Church functions? If you answered yes, or sometimes to those questions consider your salvation and your call by God our Father. Consider the price Jesus paid for our relationship with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit for eternity!

Our first purpose to fulfill according to the Word is to Love God with our whole minds, hearts and soul. The second is to Love our neighbor as ourselves. To me that has relationship written all over it.

Today we pray: "Lord I surrender to your everlasting Love and I give you my entire being to mold into Your image and likeness. I give you permission to touch in those places within me I hold private. Lord, embrace me so that I may embrace others. Help me Lord to see others the way you do and to be able to Love them as you love me--ever loving, ever encouraging, without judgment, and without criticizing. Keep my emotions in check and in balance so I may remain firm in you and resilient to offence. In Jesus name I pray, Amen."

Love Changes Us

I am always taken back and astounded by the Love of Christ Jesus, His life sacrificed for us, and the Love of the Father who sent His son to us. Today I think upon the everlasting and prevailing Love of the Holy Spirit, the one who indwells us forever prodding, teaching, encouraging, and correcting. His tutelage never ends, never fails, never gives up, and is never angered by our ignorance or our rebellion! When I just think about myself, it is hard to understand that level of love-His not losing patience with me while continuing to provide opportunities for me to grow and change through His guiding power of LOVE.

There is no good in me except for Christ Jesus who perfects me. So I no longer focus on my sin but on Christ crucified for my freedom. No longer do I put myself or my fellow man down with malice in my heart. Once there resided an anger within me that lashed out in rage, now there is a sensitivity that overcomes me; a sensitivity that causes me to retreat to that perfect Love. Do not get me wrong. I do make mistakes and say or do the wrong thing on occasion. However, today it is done without thinking about judging or anger. It just comes out of the old man impulses. One day I look forward for that to diminish as well; for the perfect Christ to be revealed from me.

So today we pray that we all are perfectly rooted and grounded; established in that perfect agape Love from above. Together we may come to an understanding of how wide, how deep, and how long the Love of Christ truly is. It is a love that goes beyond all our natural understanding and will fill us one day to the fullness of God!

Consider the Love of the Holy Spirit and ponder on the Love of the Father and Son. Bask in their unlimited love supply and allow the transformation to continue. With Love all is possible. Without it we will be doomed into eternity. This is the only way we can regard our former way of life:
"... put off your old self, which is corrupted by its deceitful desires, to be made new in the attitude of your minds; put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness." Ephesians 4: 22-23.

Ephesians goes on to talk about the things we must shed. When I read them over there are times I am over whelmed and feel I cannot put off the old. And then I realize I cannot do it. It is only His Love in me that can produce the fruit of His Love.

Today I leave you with Ephesians 5:1 "Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant sacrifice to God "

Authority/Freedom

There is so much to be said on authority. Some relate to the military "Just following orders"; others may relate to their work environment "I just do the job I have been hired for". Or maybe you are of the age that just does what your parents and teachers tell you-they are your elders and know what is best. Whatever you relate to it is not as simple as that. Let me say that again, "It is not that SIMPLE"!

While you read what follows think upon the scripture and think about your own life of sin and the restoration the Lord provided. Think of how you live and why you listen to the authority you are placed under. Dig out the scripture for yourself and examine your lifestyle.

When I think upon Saul's life and how he hunted out Christians and slaughtered them my heart begins to pound. What was he thinking? Was he just following orders? Saul was a learned man, one of the Pharisees. He could reason and speak truthfully about the scripture he had learned as a young man. My conclusion is-"No", he was not just following orders. He had made a conscience decision and was certain he was doing the correct thing; in addition to following the orders of his superiors. Otherwise, the Damascus experience would not have been necessary.

In that one moment on the road to Damascus, Christ struck Saul off his "high" horse and led him into the whole truth. Saul, renamed Paul, was instructed by the man who laid hands on his eyes and most importantly taught, edified, and encouraged by the one and only Holy Spirit-the same Holy Spirit who leads and guides all believers today into the truth. Paul had a revelation about who Jesus was and is and then he was given his purpose in life to carry out. It was not until many years later, that Paul met up with the original apostles.

Today there are many rules and regulations set into place. Some are for our protection and safety while others are meant to keep order in society. These rules are of our own making to keep up with the mores of this day and age. Some of these are political, social, and even some religious traditions and doctrines all set into place to hold people in a certain place and mindset.

With that said, whose authority do we allow ourselves to be placed under? Man or God or both? I say both. However, when man's rules and traditions interfere with God's, I draw the line and go the way of the Cross.

So, fellow believers, it is imperative that we get into the Word of God for ourselves. Do not take every whim and doctrine spoken from the platform as truth. Do you read a book or something on the Internet and believe it tells the absolute truth? The only one who will lead and guide us into the perfect truth is the Holy Spirit as we read the Word of God and listen to that inner voice so gently and quietly speaking to us all. As the days go by the stronger we will become in the truth and the louder will be His voice and clearer will be His ways in our lives. Without a personal relationship Jesus Christ we will be lost forever. Get under the umbrella of the Truth and be set free. A freedom that will be beyond your expectations a freedom that will last throughout eternity!

Think upon these things and let us know your thoughts and revelations. The decision is yours, just like it was Saul's. Be changed. Live in the truth and the truth will set you free!

What a Privilege

Isaiah 61:10
Delight greatly in the LORD; my soul rejoices in my God. For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of his. (NIV)

What a privilege it is to be a believer. To follow in the footsteps of our Lord and Savor is an honor. Out of His love we were called to greatness.

There was a time when the law was needed. People of Moses' time did not have the infilling of the Holy Spirit and they needed laws to keep them on the right path. Yes, even though the Lord knew they could not keep them.

Yet some still live the scriptures out of their heads. What I am trying to say is that they are still under the law trying to keep the commandments and traditions of religion. It seems like some are always falling short according to their rules and are dealing with shame and guilt.

Galatians 5:17-18
For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you [h]please. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law. (NASB)

It is because of God's love for us that we yield ourselves to Him. His love for us is expressed by His grace to us. God in His love has given us His grace which does not give us an excuse to sin but a reason to obey. Paul has proved that we are not saved by the Law and that we do not live under the Law. For many this would mean that we can sin all we want because they don't understand the wonderful constraining and controlling power of love. Love is what gives the strength or ability to obey. (Romans 6:14-23 according to Dianne)

John 15:9-12
I have loved you even as the Father has loved me. Remain in my love. When you obey me, you remain in my love, just as I obey my Father and remain in his love. I have told you this so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow! I command you to love each other in the same way that I love you. (NIV)

When we begin to live the scriptures out of the very fabric of our being, we will find that it is love that placed it there in our hearts and it is love that allows us to change and move and live as Jesus taught. When we fail it is love that lifts us up and that carries us to the places in God to accomplish what He has for us here on earth.

Our divine Father makes a way where there is no way and it is He who supplies the possibilities for the impossible to happen! All of that say, Think on the process and the part you play in the greater good (through the obedience to your call) for the glory of our Lord.

What Does it Take?

What does it take to cross the boundaries of traditions? What does it take to break the bondage of ones loyalties to tradition?

I know I do not have all the answers, yet as I gaze back on my life I realize what has happened to me. You might have a few boundary breakers of your own. Jesus had to overcome the traditions of man and their false interpretations and teachings of the Torah. The Jews were expecting a King to come and take reign over the earth. Through their disobedience God placed a veil over their eyes and they could not see who Jesus was. And yet others burst through those traditions and teachings and followed and believed!

In the Catholic faith and in the home where I grew up there were misunderstood and misquoted scriptures. There were also many superstitions about how God would operate and love or not love me. If I did such and such, Jesus would love me. If I was disobedient then Jesus would cry and not love me. Sick. Right? It was so hard to be little Miss Goodie Two Shoes that I just gave up and went my own way. Along the way, I heard many many times that God is a God of love and that He certainly loved me. Yet, because of those past traditions, I did not really believe that.

Some believe that being involved in a church and being involved in all sorts of works and taking on all sort of obligations will label you righteous, and then worthy to enter heaven. Wrong!

I found that I needed to hear the truth over and over again until it ripped that veil of unbelief and busted those teachings, those misconceptions I grew up with. Some people believe their relationship with Jesus is private and never should they share it. Wrong again. If we go about life keeping our faith the best kept secret we will be holding that veil over a loved one's eyes! Satan can be using us to hold the truth far from those we love.

Today I continue to read the Word and surround myself with those who are proceeding with their faith walk with Jesus. Together we grow and learn and together we can make a difference in the world in which we live.

Today let us pray. "Lord, continue to rip the veil in our lives, in our thinking, and in our upbringing. Bring the truth through those we know, through our private time with you, through the media around us. Burst forth so that we will not be able to contain ourselves. So we will be compelled to share the Gospel with all our fellow men. So that never again will it be the Best Kept Secret! Amen."

Your Ways

Your Ways are not our ways, Lord. But Your Love overcomes all. Your Love dwells within us.

I received this thought and then pondered it. The Spirit of the Lord is sweeter than the scent of the honeysuckle. And it is more powerful than the roaring swirling winds.

Then deep within me I heard: "My majesty will be known and My word will be demonstrated in your lifetime. For My fire has been released from the heavens. It has begun, and all shall be ablaze and a catalyst for igniting many hearts".

Peter saw the Lord and stepped out of the boat. Today there are many in the "boat", the church buildings, preoccupied with the world and responsibilities within the church building. So much so that they do not see or hear the Lord's call upon them. Others are so caught up with their turmoil there is no seeking God. They are only running from man to man to quiet their circumstances. They are fixed on worldly things and so swelled up in fear that they do not dare step out of the boat.

Today is the day to stop the world from spinning. Settle into a quiet place and sit under the anointing of the Lord. Taste and see for yourself that He is good, sweeter than the honeycomb, and more powerful than the roaring swirling winds. He is calling you today to experience His power and His Love. He will deliver and heal. His fire and power will fall upon and dwell within you causing all you say and touch to be purified.

Preparation-H

For a few days now I have been feeling overwhelmed with preparations. I so want to get on with the process..."I just want to skip the preparation process". To me preparation is just the grunt work. It seems meaningless and I do not get any self-gratification for doing it. Needless to say, preparation is boring and it seems to tire me out before I get to the fun part.

Let me give you a couple of examples.

• Cooking. I just love to cook. I find it a joy and fulfilling. I love to watch my husband's face when he bites into something I have just created. But in order to smell the meal cooking and to watch a loved one's expression I must first prepare.

There is the shopping for the items, washing veggies, and fruit. The separating and measuring. The pots and pans and bowls, etc. I just wish the ingredients just appeared on my counter so I could begin the process.

• Gardening. I just love to plant and watch things grow! Don't you? It gives me much pleasure to see how the garden takes shape and beautifies our home. Collecting and sharing the harvest is also rewarding.

I bet you are getting the hang of it now. Yes, Before one can consider planting there is Preparation. Imagining the end result is just one thing, but then there is buying the right tools, soil, fertilizers, and mulch. And looking up what grows best in our area and purchasing the bulbs, seeds, or seedlings! That is not the half of it. Now there is the tiling, weeding, mixing of the soil with the proper ingredients, and the actual planting. I might have skipped a few things, but I am sure you get the idea.

2 Timothy 2:15-16
Work hard so God can approve you. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth. Avoid godless, foolish discussions that lead to more and more ungodliness. (NIV)

Hebrews 13:15
"By Him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to His name". (NIV)

The Word tells us to study to work hard so God can approve you. It also tells us that the fruit of our lips is a result of sacrifice and praise! Well I must say I am not much of a student. However, I love the insight and revelation I receive when I take time out to sit under the tutelage of the Holy Spirit.

My mind began to wonder thinking about how it takes preparation to receive knowledge. That we must prepare our minds to focus and our heart must be pure before. PREPARATION H. The H is for help; the Lord's help. Well SOME of what I just wrote is true. However, we do not have to prepare to get into the presence of the Lord. I will say it one more time. We DO NOT have to prepare to sit at the Lords feet. WOW when I toppled to that conclusion, I asked myself "Why am I not running to the lover of my soul leaning on His breast and obtaining the secrets I need to live?"

All we need to do is ask the Lord and the Holy Spirit is willing to teach, correct and encourage us. All we need do is sit still, read His Word and by golly WAM! Snap Crackle and Pop-revelation, knowledge, wisdom, peace and our joy shall be full-Full to overflowing with the Love of Christ. We will be prepared to enter the world to share and shed His divine light.

So what are you waiting for? What am I waiting for? "Come Lord Jesus, come. Come Holy Spirit and shed your light upon us! Father we come to receive more love, more power, more passion, and more faith. In Jesus name we pray."

Let's Play Cupid

Do you remember when the Cupid's arrow struck you? Or are you thinking that this is not of God? That was a religious test!

Cupid according to Wikipedia: In Roman mythology, Cupid (Latin cupido, meaning "desire") is the god of desire, affection and erotic love. He is the son of goddess Venus and god Mars.

OK, Cupid is not of God! But I know that where there is the counterfeit you will find the genuine. In my mind's eye when I imagine cupid, I see a little cherub shooting arrows of love to that perfect match made in heaven. Well, I have matured enough to know this is my way expressing love at first sight.

When the Lord healed me in 1991 I fell head over heels in love with Jesus; just because He loved me first. The arrow of His love pierced my heart forever. His arrow of love pierced my heart melting away, hurt, resentment, and anger. I began to see this world with His eyes and not my own. I fell in love with His people and with the world in which I live.

1 John 4:11-12

God so loved us that we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God, but if we love each other, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.

Today I realize that we all can be "cupid". We have the agape love of the Father that lives and breathes within us! As we fan that fire of love by getting to know the Lord and who He is within we can shoot our own arrows of love out into the world. It is a love that accepts others, a love that inspires, a love that begets more love! It is a love that sees the potential and not the flaws, a love that embraces, and a love that heals.

If you are not feeling like "cupid" this day, pick up the holy written Word and ask for insight and more of His love so that you will be that heat seeking arrow of love to others!

Pray with me, "Lord help us to receive Your Divine Love in such a way that it overflows from our hearts and exudes out of us to attract others like bees are attracted to flowers. Let us once again experience Your overwhelming love for us filling every need and supplying every gift we need to do Your will! In Jesus name we pray!"

Got to Have More

I am not speaking about those natural possessions in our life. No, not that at all. I am not trying to live up to the saying "The man who dies with the most toys wins!"

1 Timothy 6:12
Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses. (NIV)

I am speaking about my faith and the good fight of faith we all must have to win the victory by the blood of the lamb.

Yeah, we were all born with a measure of faith; this I know. But to grow in faith is another thing. This is the kind of faith we are all called to! This is the faith I want operating in my life!

Faith that moves mountains Faith that sustains me through the storms Faith that heals the sick-the blind, the one with aids, the cripple, and those with an incurable disease Faith that knows that I am more than I am Faith that sees families reconciled Faith that is vocal to the lost, the hurting, and to those who are stagnate Faith that loves until there is no tomorrow.

That is what I want. I want more and more until I am no more! How about you?

Pray With Me:
"We come to you, oh Lord. Once again ignite our seed of faith with your Grace. Once again, Lord put in us a flame that will not be squelched by the fiery darts of the enemy! The enemy that lurks behind and comes aside us to distract us from the growth you have predestined us with. In Jesus name, Amen!"

My Blood Is Crying Out

Ponder on the following scripture:

Psalm 42:1-4
As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God? My tears have been my food day and night, while people say to me all day long, "Where is your God?" These things I remember as I pour out my soul. (NIV)

The Lord gave me the following word a few weeks ago:

"My blood is crying out to those who are thirsting, dehydrating, dyeing by the water's edge. I say come into the sea of My Love. For I will cover you and provide for you! I will enhance your perception of who I am and whence I come. There is a revelation awaiting you there. A revelation that causes you to speak of My divine Glory. It will be life to those around you and life changing for yourself. Hence, your destiny is at hand. COME!"

As the days pass, I am so aware of people who perish for lack of knowledge. I am talking about people who do not even give God a thought, never mind have a relationship with Him. They are living day-to-day, striving to survive in the present times! It is sad that they are not thinking of the future, either in the natural by saving for a raining day or for their eternal everlasting life.

My soul is saddened when I ponder on such things. There are innocent children who are sick and their families do not even consider looking for divine help and guidance. Need I say more?

Today I will focus on the Divine, the eternal Future and His mighty hand covering, guiding and providing. I am so grateful for His faithfulness in my life. I give Him praise and glory for all provision of health, wealth, instruction, and correction.

Psalm 18:1-2
I love you, Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. (NIV)

David, a servant of the Lord, sang to the Lord the words of this song when the Lord delivered him from the hand of all his enemies and from the hand of King Saul.

Let us pray. Lord, come. Come Lord Jesus, come. You have so mercifully provided a place for us to dwell in the Most High. Continue to lead us to the Rock, our cornerstone, our shelter, and our Love.

Walk Like Enoch

The Word tells us Enoch walked his whole life with God and one day he continued to walk until he was no more! What a picture that displays in my mind; to walk with God every day of my life. That we would be so close that I would lose all attachments here on earth and continue on with the Lord until that day He calls me to my eternal home; more of Him and less of me. There is a song I like to sing about the Lord's all-consuming fire. May it continue to burn in me until all that is left is JUST what I need. Then there is that all old song about standing on the rock and all else is sinking sand! I believe Enoch accomplished his life journey and fulfilled God's purpose in his life! Sometimes to make this a reality we must be willing to give up relationships. Sometimes we must be willing to be casted aside and yes loose our mother, father, brother, sisters, and even our children and grandchildren of this world so that we may continue to walk without the baggage of distraction and sin! One thing I know for sure, without the Holy Spirit's indwelling I could not walk with God. The Holy Spirit makes me aware of my shortcomings (sin) and gives me empowering strength to continue on. This place in which I live has many distractions that try to lure me away from the divine presence that I so desperately need in my life. My heart's desire is to say no to man and no to temptations and yes to God no matter what people say or think. No matter how many times my feelings may get hurt, I will continue my walk until the end. I will be determined to become a friend of God like Enoch and walk until that day He takes me home I will be grateful and thankful of the many gifts, miracles, and blessings God has given me. Thankful to be used as an instrument of His love and consider it a privilege to walk in healing and deliverance touching others so they may be free. Believe me when I say this. I know I remain with shortcomings. There are times when I ignore the prodding of the Holy Spirit. And there are times of not being grateful. I should be praising Him all day long. Those are the days of pity parties and sin! When I look back or notice my joy is lifting, I am more determined to seek His face and not allow those around me to persuade me into wrong doing or wrong thinking. I will not fall into man's law, man's doctrine, and mans tainted ways. The Word tells us to seek, knock and the door will be open. May we continue to do so to deepen our relationship with Him. Getting closer to God means not to fear man. It means giving up our old traditions and old teachings of man. It means to be open to change and have the willingness to yield to the Spirit's touch, teachings, and reprimands. No matter what we have experienced of God in life these things that try to rob you of your joy! It does not matter for Jesus suffered much much more just so He could walk with us! Today think about things that hinder your walk! Think about those who have injured your ego! Then ponder the Love of the Father. Ponder the Cross. It is worth it! Dig deep within. Ask the Holy Spirit for that enduring power to fulfill you in every way. He is able if you are willing. Let us walk together until we are no more!

Completion

Psalm 42: 1-2 As the deer pants for streams of water, so I long for you, O God. I thirst for God, the living God. When can I come and stand before him? (NLT) 

My soul pants like a deer running toward the water. There is such a desire to become whole, complete in Him. What shall we do to obtain this completion? Put all hindrances behind Stay focused on Christ alone. His peace will fall and then His glory will be known to us! Yield, which comes with our brokenness. Lord, break us! Let us know how incomplete and worthless we are without you. Let us reach out and touch the hem of His garment. The touching will quicken our spirits to His. It will draw us into a place of all knowing. To His Glory!

Psalm 51:10-13 Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a right spirit within me. Do not banish me from your presence, and don't take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me again the joy of your salvation, and make me willing to obey you. Then I will teach your ways to sinners, and they will return to you. (NLT) 

I know that the Word became flesh and the Word is life to our souls. The very breath of God infuses us with all we need. Yet there are some who do not grasp this divine nature for themselves. Some do not care! And yet others think too lowly of themselves to consider it is as available to them!

Jesus came for all to partake, yet all do not. My spirit cries out "Lord, touch our unbelief. Lord, fill us with your Glory."

Dick has a Droid

Yeah he did it.  Searched high and low, compared prices, hemmed and hawed.  "Would it be worth the money?" He finally purchased it with a two year contract from Verizon.  The Droid 2 was free and the monthly contract has unlimited data!

Now that the purchase was made there is much time and effort taken to learn how to operate it.  Downloading the numerous apps that fit his needs and then to become an expert on each. Yes, finally it's clear sailing on the web, note taking, Bible reading, calendar, picture and video taking at his fingertips! Not to mention it is as GPS, compass. And a level. Need I say more? His Droid was the answer to his dilemma. Oh, yes, let us not forget that it is foremost a cell phone. Yes, you may make and receive phone calls as well.

I found Jesus. Better still, He found me in a sea of muck and mire! (sin) It was so much fun to be accepted into the Kingdom of God. So much love, so much peace, so much joy, so much righteousness. I can not stop giving Him praise and honor!  Just to be in His presence was plenty for me.

There are so many facets and expression of His love. I wanted them all; healing, deliverance, tongues, prophesying, interpretation of tongues, on and on. I wanted them all, and I still do! I want to be used by Him in all the gifts everywhere I go.   Oh, the glory. His mystical presence brings all that we need. Peace, Joy, Understanding, Wisdom His perfect Love-need I say more?

Revelations 2:4-5
Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first. Consider how far you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first.

Almost like the Droid, there are so many applications and expressions. What are the ones designed just for me and you? Are you downloading them and experimenting and learning how to apply them? Did we forget that Jesus came and redeemed us unto Himself first and foremost! Our relationship with Him sometimes gets overlooked and overshadowed by things to do for Him. How often do we forget?

Do you know that now Dick can replace his GPS, Palm Pilot, camera, and almost his laptop? Well he can, but will he feel confident in his ability to proficiently operate that Droid?

Romans 12:1-5
Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God-this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is-his good, pleasing and perfect will.

 Did you know that Jesus wants us to replace our old habits of drinking, smoking, cursing, carousing with a relationship with Him?  Just like the Droid you can replace those old things, but will you?

How advanced will we get in the Kingdom of God? How trusting and reliant will we become on His Spirit leaving behind the crutch of earthly things?

SELAH

Throw Caution to the Wind!

Do you remember that one? Or how about "Born to be wild"? Come on now. Live on the edge, will ya?

I remember those days when I was taking chances against all odds. I was looking for a thrill and going for it! Fearless! Brave! Adventurous! If things worked to my advantage, I proceeded to do it again and again! Well, those were the wild and sin filled days.

Then somehow we matured cleaned up our "wild" ways and came to Jesus. We became responsible caring for our families, spouse, and self. No longer were we throwing caution to the wind. We began a life of boredom living in the constraints of the law of the Word.

Today the Spirit is calling those "wild ones". Come! Come into the deep waters of My love. Come be adventurous once again. Come you religious law keepers. Come and throw your caution to the wind.

Throw caution to the Wind of My Spirit. Life is to be lived to the fullest. I say jump off the cliff and hang glide with me. Be brave, courageous, and bold!

I say:

• Sing that new song I gave you!
• Shout to heaven about my abiding love
• Speak to that nemesis in your life-Be gone!
• Share the new life in My son with others!
• Take a leap of faith!

Take a leap of faith my dear brothers and sisters. Don't trust yourself by keep the law any longer. Trust the Lord and take a chance with the Spirit of the Living God!

Private Prayer

My spoken private prayer contains my needs, my longings, my concerns for others as well as for myself. Always forgiveness, my aspirations, thankfulness and top of the list to express my love to Him. This comes out of my spontaneous feelings-words expressing my inner thoughts and feelings for those matters.

Prayer spoken casts out all anguish and fear. It exhausts that bubble within me and is replaced with a loving peace and healing embrace.

It is only when I have exhausted myself in expression of words and thoughts that I can become still before my creator. Whether lying in bed, sitting in a rocker, or out by the water. Wherever I may be one thing remains the same. I finally become still in words and actions. Even my thoughts fade away as I drift into nothingness of self into the fullness of His Spirit.

When I was lying in my "sick bed" almost twenty years ago, I used guided imagery to escape the pain that came with Crohn's disease. I walked with Jesus in the Garden. Sometimes I would walk with Jesus that day He carried His cross to Calvary. I became an eyewitness of His love for me.

Guided imagery can help us escape the world and its distractions. It can allow us the privilege to be present to the Peace, Love, Joy, and Healing Grace of our Lord and Savior.

I believe our Father God awaits each of us in a secret place.

• A place where He calls you His own.
• A place of refuge in times of storms.
• A Place of provision and wisdom.
• A place where love meets us and builds us up.
• A place of secrets told and where lives are made whole.

Don't know about you, but I cannot wait until my next love date!

"Lord, I pray you will meet me and greet me, touching me where I need to be touched. Love on me Lord so I may become lovable to others! In Jesus name I pray."

Something to Think About

I used to think that those who were meek and humble were wishy-washy people. I know what you are thinking. You probably agree that people who let people walk all over them and take advantage of them are meek and humble. I have found that not to be true.

Being willing to admit we are wrong and able to learn from those whom are correct is a humble person. A meek person is patient with others. And knowing the greater plan helps one to be meek. It is easier to listen and pray for those who persecute us when we know they do not understand the truth!

Now think. Only moistened clay can take on to a mold; only softened wax can be pressed into a seal. These statements are true. Have you ever tried to place old crumbled clay into a mold to form a pot?

When I was young, I had fun sealing notes to my friends using candle wax. I found I could use all sorts of things to form the perfect seal for my trademark. To be successful the candle had to be lit and I had to be ready to press as soon as the wax dropped!

Romans 12:21
Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

So it is with the condition of our hearts. We come to our Heavenly Father with a broken contrite heart ready for His seal; ready to adapt to the mold He has in mind for us. And then when life's challenges and Godly opportunities come our way and we are ready to receive and overcome evil with good!

Yielding

I could not help but question when the word permission was used in relationship with the Holy Spirit. What would I rather give permission or yield to? Something in me wanted to say yield but I did not know why. To check it out I went the dictionary to understand the difference between the two word. This is what I found.

Yielding:

• to give up, as to superior power or authority
• to give up or surrender (oneself)
• to give up or over; relinquish or resign
• to give as due or required: to yield obedience
• opposite of yielding is to resist

Permission:

• to consent to expressly or formally
• to give leave or authorize
• to make possible
• intransitive verb to give an opportunity or allow
• opposite of Permission is to forbid

As you can see there is a subtle difference. Then I began to ask the Holy Spirit's advice and this is what we came up with. When I give another permission it us usually in some sort of formal environment where I am the leader or such-mother, supervisor, etc. I am the one in the know--the person in charge. Therefore I may give someone permission or allow them the opportunity in such and such. How nice of me! Ha!

Now if a person asks permission I may also forbid their right away in that area.

My brain tells me that no way am I the superior in any relationship with the Lord! I am not in charge. He has it all over me! How about you? In that context I cannot see myself giving the Lord permission. Furthermore, as I pondered this I realized permission gives me the inkling that I can take this privilege away from the Holy One. Woe is me!

Now let us reason together to yield to the Holy Spirit. That is to give way to our superior who has all good intentions for us. God is in charge of all the earth and heavens alike and all that dwell therein. How splendid it is to serve this mighty God. Surrender today and yield to His ways in us and for us. Yield by relinquishing all our own will over to Him. I don't know about you, but I really feel yielding to the Lord is much better than allowing Him permission. Lord help us not to resist a life of a yielded body, mind, and spirit.

"Lord, I pray, Allow me to yield to You in all my thoughts, deeds, and my needs. Allow me to serve with the flexibility that will allow me to be driven by Your Spirit! May I resist the temptations that come my way so that Your righteousness reigns within me until that day I come into the fullness of You! Amen."

Take Care of Your Feet!

I have had very dry cracked callused skin on my feet for years. Some relatives say my feet are like my dad's. He had callused feet and so did I. Notice the past tense. But I do own up to my own neglect. Very seldom do I dry my feet after showering. And hardly ever do I get a pedicure or apply cream to my feet. How are your feet?

For the last several weeks now I have been paying attending and caring for and bringing nourishment to my feet. It has become a ritual now. After I shower I take a few minutes to pamper my feet by messaging them with extra hydrating facial cream.

This morning I could not help but think how we should take care and give attention to our relationship with the Lord. For I know He longs for our precious times together. I give Him thanks-He gives massages to my heart. I give Him the glory-He performs mighty wonders through my hands. I express my gratitude-He gives me His peace! Just being still with Him on my mind alone places me in the position of His grace.

1 Timothy 6:17-19
Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.

This brings me to another thought: How long will I maintain this ritual of pampering my feet? How long will I continue to take time to be with the Lord? Good questions, right? Yea, I am so human. I get lazy and get involved with things and might want to hurry along my shower routine! And I just might skip over my quiet time with the Lord!

Romans 12:1
Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God-this is your true and proper worship.

Oh, Holy Spirit, help us not to neglect You. Prod us along so that we will become so longing for Your touch that we set aside worldly concerns and deeds to fellowship with you. We need to love on you the way Jesus had loved and still loves on us! May this be our living prayer! Amen.

Power Washer

You are probably thinking, "What in the world is Dianne going to talk about?" Have you ever used a power washer? And I am not talking about one of those wimpy ones either. I am talking about waving that wand and seeing dirt, mildew, and mold slim of all sorts just melt away.

As I was power-washing our driveway I had a few thoughts. One of which was reminiscing about the last time I had done the driveway. It was just after Charlie (hurricane in 2004) when the driveway was covered with all sorts of debris including mold and green fuzzy stuff. It was horrendous looking. After that wash it looked white as snow.

It seems to me that this is what the Lord does to our spirit man when we call upon Jesus' name to save us. He cleans us as white as snow. WOW, what a power-wash we receive. Pure and innocent we become; so much so our heavenly Father does not see our old selves. He see's us through the blood of Jesus.

Today I had another thought as I was power-washing. The driveway was not as bad as it was back then, but as I was waving that wand dirt, mold, and debris peeled off running with the water down the driveway. Now if you have a spouse like mine, he might respond to all your efforts like this: "Yup, it's the driveway. Good job." You see he really would not notice the difference. He just would not see that the driveway is once again light grey with nice colored shells in it. He would not even notice the new found cracks. He would say good job because I spent the major part of the afternoon out playing with the power-washer.

Sometimes that is how it is when we come to Christ. Some people won't even notice the difference with us either. Maybe we are keeping Jesus a secret and in that case we should reconsider who the Lord is to us and what He has done in our lives. Or it could be we have been living with the Lord for several years now and we need a new blast (a power-wash) refreshing and reviving of our spirits to carry us through the next leg of our journey.

So today when I went to prayer, I asked for a power-wash. I asked for His grace to blast over my life, my soul, and my spirit and to fill those new found cracks with His Love and mercy.

Let us pray "Revive me O Lord. Refresh me Anew. Use the Power-Washer of Your Spirit to create in me a clean heart towards You and others. In Jesus Name. Amen"

The next time you decide to do some power-washing ask God to do Great things within you. Washing you, cleansing you, and making you into a New Person not only in His sight but to change your character into His so others who gaze upon you see Jesus' character!

Blessings, dianne

Ruby

Who would have thunk that going to listen to Jazz would lead me to hear the harmony of the saints. As the musicians played drum, harmonica, piano, and all sorts of horns each playing their own part as if they were listening to the beat of their own inner melody, yet together harmonizing into a beautiful love musical.

If it had not been for Dick's high school friends inviting us that day, I would have missed the insight the Holy Spirit had planned all the time. As we find ourselves growing in Christ we realize we are all individuals listening, as it might seem to our own inner beings. However, if you look closely we will see each following with Holy Spirit's prodding. Together the body of Christ has many parts, many functions yet the SAME Holy Spirit who brings us into our divine purpose here on earth.

Romans 12:4-5
Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, so it is with Christ's body. We are all parts of his one body, and each of us has different work to do. And since we are all one body in Christ, we belong to each other, and each of us needs all the others.

1 Corinthians 12:4
Now there are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but it is the same Holy Spirit who is the source of them all

It was as if the lead harmonica player was Christ and the rest chimed in as believers playing their part in divine destiny here on earth. I wish I could have saved that music so that you too could hear the beauty of it. Next time we are with the body of Christ, look and listen to the different facets, talents, and gifting the Holy Spirit has given to each and how each make up the whole body of Christ.

Refiners Fire

Have you ever asked God to bring you closer to Him? Have you ever said "Send me, Lord"? Recently I asked the Lord to help me to become a drink offering! Did I really mean it? Well, yes I did, but the flesh is real tough.

I asked God to turn me into a drink that is sweeter than wine and as fresh as the honey from its cone! I asked that it be a drink refreshing to others and that brings Joy to His heart and glory to His throne! I have asked the Lord to make that a priority in my life.

I have found that it does not come without His refining fire! Do you recognize it when it comes? Heck no, I did not. But if you bring your challenges to a trustworthy friend in Jesus, you will soon see how our heavenly Father uses others to bring about that drink offering in you. In order to bring substance to all this flowery talk, a challenge will come your way as it has in my life. Who would have thought-I am still dealing with myself centered flesh! Yep, I am. Are you?

Love those who are unloving to you, says the Lord. Love those who persecute you. Shower them with love and praises. Jesus says "Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me". Ouch! That stung. I must reevaluate my heart motivation. I must seek His grace. In my own right I cannot do those things. But, with Jesus all things are possible. Uh-huh, is this what Paul means when he says he knows what to do and yet doesn't; his flesh is weak?

I want you to know I am preaching to myself. Just chime in at any time. Lord you are so strong and I am so weak. Can I do to another as I would do unto you? Can I trust you will follow through if I dare to step out it faith? There is so much more I need of You-Your will, Your desire for my life, and Your love to flow through me. I need You more than ever before Lord. In a deeper, wider, higher way I need to be grounded in You!

Is this possible, I ask of myself? The Bible tells us "Everything is possible for one who believes". Do I dare and do you dare to believe?

Make the journey with me, come singing praises to our King as the Refiners Fire turns us all into pure liquid GOLD!

Are We That Far From the Truth?

Exodus 34:24
I will drive out nations before you and enlarge your territory, and no one will covet your land when you go up three times each year to appear before the LORD your God.

The Lord's promises to you are yes and Amen! In this scripture He promises to drive out nations before you and to enlarge your territory! What nations are they? Are they like the legion of spirits Jesus cast out of the young man. Those spirits found themselves driving pigs crazy and they drowned themselves in the water! Are those the nations? Are they those things that do not resemble His character, those things that resemble our human nature which is filled with pride, self-righteousness, and judgmental spirits towards people, places, and things?

Well if you are like me, you are probably dealing with some of that! I like enlarge territory, don't you? But there is work associated with that enlargement. For me the work is submitting myself to God, leaning on Him and not my understanding. For me it means less of my self-worth and more of His being put into me. Well the work is not in the doing. At most, it is about letting Him do for you and for me. By His grace we will be set free and by His grace we will resist the devil and who will flee from us!

You might be saying "Been there, done that." Yeah, me too! However the more I seek Jesus in all His ways the more I realize He has for me to change. The scripture goes on to say that no one will covet your land when you go up three times each year to appear before the Lord your God! Whoopee. That means no one can steal from you and I the things the Lord has given us.

So what is the catch? What does the "if" clause mean for you? What does going up three times a year to appear before the Lord mean for you? For me it is important to set some time apart from the activity of life so I can be face to face with the lover of my soul.

Exodus 34:25
Do not offer the blood of a sacrifice to me along with anything containing yeast, and do not let any of the sacrifice from the Passover Festival remain until morning.


Verse 25 goes on to say not to offer your life as a sacrifice with pride involved. "Yeast" is sin and so is pride. Can you replace "yeast" with another word that fits for you?

I pray that for the rest of our lives we serve the Lord. 65 may be the age of worldly retirement, but there is no retirement from God's purposes in your life or mine. The sacrifice of the Passover feast does not remain until morning. The sacrifice of our "lives" will continue to serve until we take our last breath.

Practice silence by separating yourself from others. It will bring you to an audience of ONE with the Lord. I have tried it during part of the retreat I was recently on. It is true. He awaits your audience! And I know He is beckoning for me to come to Him again!

Thoughts of Revival!

Psalm 85:6
Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you? Revive us again O'Lord.

Steve Camp and Graham Kendrick sing out "Revive us O Lord, Revive us Again!" Yes, we are born again, but are we walking with Jesus? Have we lost our luster, our glow, our zeal for the Lord? Answer these questions for yourself and consider if you need another touch of His fire!

What was going on in your life when you allowed Jesus access to your heart? Were you desperate, empty, lethargic, or down and out in some way or fashion?

For us to be revived we should seek His face and turn from our sin and humble ourselves before the Lord. Ok, you might say that you are no longer in the sin or lifestyle Jesus found you! But are you growing more like Him or are you satisfied where you are at?

Our glow, zeal, luster comes from our seeking, searching, and submitting ourselves to the Lord's will for our lives. The peace that passes all understanding continues to sweep over us bring us refreshment and renewal and releases us to share with the dying world around us.

I would like to compare ourselves to a beautiful delicate flower that is parched and in need of nourishment-water. Have you ever seen such a plant? I have. My own. When I neglect my African violets, their leaves become droopy and their blooms wilt before they have an opportunity to show forth their beauty. Then I finally notice and bring them water. The plants comes back to life, leaves spring upward, and the flower opens up with full color and beauty.

The plant must be watered with just the right amount or it could drown with too much water. For the believer, there is no limit to the nourishment we can receive from the Spirit of God. If your walk has been dulled by the earth's pleasures and you have been distracted by business, allow a visitation of the Holy Spirit to water you. Are you thirsty and hungry for a fresh touch?

Today I pray that the Lord will dig a deeper well within you, so that you will spring forth with a fresh revelation of His love and desire for your life-reviving you once again.