Back in the day I used a 35mm Pentax with macro-micro-zoom and wide angle lenses. Today my little Kodak digital camera takes panoramic shots! WOW. There is so much more to see in a panoramic picture.
So I began to think how those macro micro shots of flowers blooming were expressed on the film. Taken so close you could almost smell the scent and feel the texture of the flower peddles. I had one picture of a white rose in full bloom. The dew from the evening was still lingering on the peddles. One peddle had what looked like a tear drop. When your eyes focused on the drop you would anticipate its demise to the ground. So real; so alive. So close up and personal. And that is how Holy Spirit wants us! Just like that Rose--up close and personal.
Let's take a look at that wide angle shot. Okay, okay, now we can get the feel for the total scene. You can jump in at any place and take in the environment, the smell, the crisp air. Get the lay of the land, the home, barn, horses and even the rose gardens. Beautiful!
I bet you can see where I am going with this. Holy Spirit wants us to see the "Big Picture"-Bigger Picture!-the picture of life, if you will. You might be feeling insignificant in your walk today, or feel as if you have lost focus. Holy Spirit says step back into me and I will show you the Father's plan for your life and those you are called to reach in His love.
So today with the panoramic view you are even given the Biger-Bigger Picture! It is the supernatural view of life. For those feeling less than get up close and personal with the Lord, allow Him to know you in a deeper way. In turn He will bring you to the place of peace, love and a confidence assurance of your faith. It is so important for us to have that one on one personal experiential growth with Him. In those treasured private times with the Lord we become secure in who we are and know our worth and our purpose in Christ. In prayer and meditation comes revelation. The Holy Spirit stimulates our desires and arouses us to a new work for His ministry.
After that personal experience we have the Rock of our Salvation. He is our fortress and in Him we shall trust. As we grow and are nurtured, He begins to show us the Bigger Picture! We can jump right in and get lost in His plan and become a part of that panoramic snapshot of life. The beginning and the end; He is the Alpha and Omega!
Yet we are but mere mortals and only see in the finite! God is unlimited and sees it all from start to finish. This is where our faith comes into play. So remember, think upon the things from above-seek first the Kingdom of God and our walk of life become worth living! His Grace is sufficient for us!
For today, Lord, a closer walk with thee! Today, Lord, a glimpse of the "Bigger Picture"
Monday, March 5, 2012
Monday, February 20, 2012
Focus
The Kingdom of God is near! Prepare the way.
When some of us were growing up we were given the proverbial carrot. If you do well in such and such a subject you will receive, Chatty Cathy, Barbie Doll, plastic army men, Match Box cars, etc. Parents would bribe us with almost anything to have us study and achieve good grades. Even our teachers got in on the act. They would give us extra time in the library, candy, or a neat looking pencil.
Yes, we did get older and learned to dangle that carrot in front for ourselves. Wanting that new car, some new cloths, new home, a baby was the carrot to save our money. We would save up for an exotic vacation, trip to Disney with the family. We learned well, didn't we?
Then along came the day of our Salvation. There was no carrot there. There was nothing we had to do to achieve an everlasting relationship with Jesus. It is free to all who believe and confess with their mouth. Oh, the Kingdom of God is at hand! His righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. Come Lord. Jesus come and become closer than a friend.
From that day forward all we have had to do is stay focused on the Cross and know we live in the Kingdom of God. All things are possible there. There is nothing we have to do to secure our salvation, to procure our healing. The Holy Spirit is the one who does all the work and we just follow along!
The problem comes when we lose our focus and loose our closeness with our Lord Jesus. Our ears become dull and our hearts become hardened by the kingdoms of this world. We replace His Kingdom with the kingdom of man. How did that happen? Was it because we were trained with the carrots of this world? Are we still trying to fill the void with those things? Are we trying to treat the things of God like the things of the world?
Maybe we can begin with our children and grandchildren. It is time to reward them out of love and not of possessions. Time spent in a fun loving environment is more effective than a Chatty Cathy or Match Box! Our Father in heaven bestows love upon us. In return we love Him and listen and obey. As we love Him His kingdom is present in our lives along with all those precious gifts He has for us! AMEN -- dianne
Psalm 16:11
You will show me the path to life,
abounding joy in your presence,
The delights at your right hand forever.
When some of us were growing up we were given the proverbial carrot. If you do well in such and such a subject you will receive, Chatty Cathy, Barbie Doll, plastic army men, Match Box cars, etc. Parents would bribe us with almost anything to have us study and achieve good grades. Even our teachers got in on the act. They would give us extra time in the library, candy, or a neat looking pencil.
Yes, we did get older and learned to dangle that carrot in front for ourselves. Wanting that new car, some new cloths, new home, a baby was the carrot to save our money. We would save up for an exotic vacation, trip to Disney with the family. We learned well, didn't we?
Then along came the day of our Salvation. There was no carrot there. There was nothing we had to do to achieve an everlasting relationship with Jesus. It is free to all who believe and confess with their mouth. Oh, the Kingdom of God is at hand! His righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. Come Lord. Jesus come and become closer than a friend.
From that day forward all we have had to do is stay focused on the Cross and know we live in the Kingdom of God. All things are possible there. There is nothing we have to do to secure our salvation, to procure our healing. The Holy Spirit is the one who does all the work and we just follow along!
The problem comes when we lose our focus and loose our closeness with our Lord Jesus. Our ears become dull and our hearts become hardened by the kingdoms of this world. We replace His Kingdom with the kingdom of man. How did that happen? Was it because we were trained with the carrots of this world? Are we still trying to fill the void with those things? Are we trying to treat the things of God like the things of the world?
Maybe we can begin with our children and grandchildren. It is time to reward them out of love and not of possessions. Time spent in a fun loving environment is more effective than a Chatty Cathy or Match Box! Our Father in heaven bestows love upon us. In return we love Him and listen and obey. As we love Him His kingdom is present in our lives along with all those precious gifts He has for us! AMEN -- dianne
Seek Your Face
By Robin Rumbolt
In awe I come to seek your face;
The garden is such a beautiful place;
To walk with you and know your way;
I listen to you every day.
I need to hear your gentle voice;
Your wisdom helps with the right choice;
Your tender touch,
Your warm embrace,
Fills my soul as I seek you face.
Psalm 16:11
You will show me the path to life,
abounding joy in your presence,
The delights at your right hand forever.
Monday, February 13, 2012
The River's Call
A Word of the Lord through Dianne Evans
"For years I have watched how you have entertained yourselves at My River's edge. So content, you are examining and re-examining My rock and shells and the way they glisten from the beaming light of My son's sun. Yet, I call unto you 'deeper, deeper!' You ignore My call and refuse to leave these simple things.
"Yes, there are others calf and knee deep in the River of My refreshing and exploring. I am watching you romping with the others in the faith. I see you splashing, laughing, and being filled with love and experimenting with the treasure I have given each of you. Again, I called out again and again: 'Come into the deep where you will experience My son to a fuller measure.' Again, I see a refusal to leave the safety of your friends and the fun you seem to have accomplished there.
"Oh, there are some who are waist to chest high. They stand alone. You know there is more. You have felt and sensed the Spirit sweep through your legs and tug at your heart. It is the current of My love entering you, enticing you. Deep calls to deep, my friend. I have whispered into your ears time and time again saying 'Come away with me and be carried off into the currents of love and expression I have for you.'
"This is a lonely place for you, and yet you refuse to be swept away with Me. You hear clearly yet you allow fear to drive your feet and ankles deeper and deeper into the muck and mire of My River. You stand in a fortress you have created for yourself, not to be moved or shakened. I am calling to you again: 'Come, come away with Me. Allow My Spirit to befriend you and guide you into the deep things I desire for you. Come away with Me into the River of Life and Love. I promise your life will never to be the same. Your destiny is awaiting and My Spirit is here for you. Release yourself and come!'"
"For years I have watched how you have entertained yourselves at My River's edge. So content, you are examining and re-examining My rock and shells and the way they glisten from the beaming light of My son's sun. Yet, I call unto you 'deeper, deeper!' You ignore My call and refuse to leave these simple things.
"Yes, there are others calf and knee deep in the River of My refreshing and exploring. I am watching you romping with the others in the faith. I see you splashing, laughing, and being filled with love and experimenting with the treasure I have given each of you. Again, I called out again and again: 'Come into the deep where you will experience My son to a fuller measure.' Again, I see a refusal to leave the safety of your friends and the fun you seem to have accomplished there.
"Oh, there are some who are waist to chest high. They stand alone. You know there is more. You have felt and sensed the Spirit sweep through your legs and tug at your heart. It is the current of My love entering you, enticing you. Deep calls to deep, my friend. I have whispered into your ears time and time again saying 'Come away with me and be carried off into the currents of love and expression I have for you.'
"This is a lonely place for you, and yet you refuse to be swept away with Me. You hear clearly yet you allow fear to drive your feet and ankles deeper and deeper into the muck and mire of My River. You stand in a fortress you have created for yourself, not to be moved or shakened. I am calling to you again: 'Come, come away with Me. Allow My Spirit to befriend you and guide you into the deep things I desire for you. Come away with Me into the River of Life and Love. I promise your life will never to be the same. Your destiny is awaiting and My Spirit is here for you. Release yourself and come!'"
Monday, February 6, 2012
Woman of Influence
As I think about Jesus I believe he was title less here on earth even if some called him teacher. Jesus was a man of influence.
Jesus lived a life displaying the truths His father in heaven gave Him. He lived a life without holding unforgivness up until the day He died. As He lived his life He went about sharing and spending quiet time in prayer. I guess this gives us an idea about influence. Because Jesus lived in this manner He attracted those around and about him. There was a peace, a love, and an understanding of mankind that was displayed. One could not help be influenced by him.
So today what characteristics can we portray to be that woman of influence? This is what I see. You may want to add to this as time goes by.
A woman of influence walks and talks out of love and appreciation of others. Her loving inner impression of heart is recognized through her uplifting words of encouragement. She is a woman who is always looking for divine appointments and acting upon the direction of the Holy Spirit.
A woman of influence continues to tell and share her life with the Lord to others. She is fun loving and light hearted yet brings forth deep truths of the Spirit.
A woman of influence asks questions to those around her. She listens attentively and relates to their situation.
During tough times a woman of influence prays. She prays for others, herself, and the world in which she lives. She is a woman who realizes that Jesus Himself is the chief intercessor praying along with her interceding for the needs and hurts of His people.
A woman of influence has a compassionate heart that responds with mercy and grace.
Most importantly a woman of influence always leaves behind a vision and a purpose for those to hang on to. People know that there is something much more in their lives and they are here for a divine purpose.
Last but not least, a woman of influence has unconditional love for all. That is ALL. Just as Jesus healed all she displays unconditional love to all.
I aspire to become this woman of influence. Don't you? Today we pray, Lord help me become that woman you intended me to be. Bring me to an understanding on how my life can be lived as a woman of influence! In Jesus name I pray.
Jesus lived a life displaying the truths His father in heaven gave Him. He lived a life without holding unforgivness up until the day He died. As He lived his life He went about sharing and spending quiet time in prayer. I guess this gives us an idea about influence. Because Jesus lived in this manner He attracted those around and about him. There was a peace, a love, and an understanding of mankind that was displayed. One could not help be influenced by him.
So today what characteristics can we portray to be that woman of influence? This is what I see. You may want to add to this as time goes by.
A woman of influence walks and talks out of love and appreciation of others. Her loving inner impression of heart is recognized through her uplifting words of encouragement. She is a woman who is always looking for divine appointments and acting upon the direction of the Holy Spirit.
A woman of influence continues to tell and share her life with the Lord to others. She is fun loving and light hearted yet brings forth deep truths of the Spirit.
A woman of influence asks questions to those around her. She listens attentively and relates to their situation.
During tough times a woman of influence prays. She prays for others, herself, and the world in which she lives. She is a woman who realizes that Jesus Himself is the chief intercessor praying along with her interceding for the needs and hurts of His people.
A woman of influence has a compassionate heart that responds with mercy and grace.
Most importantly a woman of influence always leaves behind a vision and a purpose for those to hang on to. People know that there is something much more in their lives and they are here for a divine purpose.
Last but not least, a woman of influence has unconditional love for all. That is ALL. Just as Jesus healed all she displays unconditional love to all.
I aspire to become this woman of influence. Don't you? Today we pray, Lord help me become that woman you intended me to be. Bring me to an understanding on how my life can be lived as a woman of influence! In Jesus name I pray.
Monday, January 30, 2012
Keys to Being Contented!
Some things we just need to get deep down into our spirits before we can proceed.
1. We are heirs and co-heirs to the Kingdom (Romans 8:5-17). Jesus died and rose again so that we may be partakers in His Kingdom. We became siblings when we received Him as Lord and Savior. His Father in Heaven became our Father
2. We need to know that our steps, the steps of a righteous man, are ordered by God. We can only become righteous when we are clothed by Him and reside in Him. The reason why Jesus could sleep through the storm was that he knew He would fulfill His purpose. We need to know what the Lord would have us do. When this becomes clear we are to wait, sit at His feet and be alert. When we know our purpose, we can live in confidence knowing everything is under control.
Now if only we would get those two things into ourselves and have those truths rooted and planted in love our Father in Heaven will bless us abundantly.
Let us expound upon the Keys to being content!
1. An attitude of gratitude. Be grateful for who you are, what you have been blessed with, and for family and friends. Even in bad times remain grateful.
2. A repented heart. Let us not blame others for our wrong doings. Blame breaths discontentment.
3. Know that we are loved by the Lord Himself. Your Father in Heaven sent His only Son so that you could live with Him in eternity. Now that is something to ponder, think about, and receive as the truth. (John 3:16)
4. Live a life of obedience. Love, listen and obey the Lord (John 23) The word tells us that obedience is much more excellent than sacrifice! For the last few weeks I have been here. To hear more clearly and obey promptly.
5. Trust the Lord with your whole heart, whole mind, and whole soul. (Psalms 21:1, 3:5-6) Know that He will never let you down and that He will always come through for you. Trust Him more than your bank account, more than the doctors, and more than your family and friends.
6. Don't allow man to deceive you. Ask the Lord for a discerning spirit and remain in the spirit of love. Every good gift come from God; remember that.
7. Finally, always wear a smile.
If we can begin here, we can then talk about the woman of Influence!
Next week... Love to you all,dianne
1. We are heirs and co-heirs to the Kingdom (Romans 8:5-17). Jesus died and rose again so that we may be partakers in His Kingdom. We became siblings when we received Him as Lord and Savior. His Father in Heaven became our Father
2. We need to know that our steps, the steps of a righteous man, are ordered by God. We can only become righteous when we are clothed by Him and reside in Him. The reason why Jesus could sleep through the storm was that he knew He would fulfill His purpose. We need to know what the Lord would have us do. When this becomes clear we are to wait, sit at His feet and be alert. When we know our purpose, we can live in confidence knowing everything is under control.
Now if only we would get those two things into ourselves and have those truths rooted and planted in love our Father in Heaven will bless us abundantly.
Let us expound upon the Keys to being content!
1. An attitude of gratitude. Be grateful for who you are, what you have been blessed with, and for family and friends. Even in bad times remain grateful.
2. A repented heart. Let us not blame others for our wrong doings. Blame breaths discontentment.
3. Know that we are loved by the Lord Himself. Your Father in Heaven sent His only Son so that you could live with Him in eternity. Now that is something to ponder, think about, and receive as the truth. (John 3:16)
4. Live a life of obedience. Love, listen and obey the Lord (John 23) The word tells us that obedience is much more excellent than sacrifice! For the last few weeks I have been here. To hear more clearly and obey promptly.
5. Trust the Lord with your whole heart, whole mind, and whole soul. (Psalms 21:1, 3:5-6) Know that He will never let you down and that He will always come through for you. Trust Him more than your bank account, more than the doctors, and more than your family and friends.
6. Don't allow man to deceive you. Ask the Lord for a discerning spirit and remain in the spirit of love. Every good gift come from God; remember that.
7. Finally, always wear a smile.
If we can begin here, we can then talk about the woman of Influence!
Next week... Love to you all,dianne
Monday, January 16, 2012
Moldy Oldie
Have you been in a place of complacency-stagnant in your well being? Going through the motions without results? Well, you could be suffering from an infestation of mold.
My experience is that if mold is covered in a dark damp place, it festers and grows. My next experience is that if it is left open to the elements---it becomes airborne and travels, festers, and grows.
I believe mold is like sin-any old sin. When sin is covered up by the body of Christ or by oneself it festers and grows in that dark place. Yet when sin is exposed it is free to travel throughout the body of Christ and take on an identity of its own.
What is the application for eradicating this MOLD?
O' Holy Spirit lead us to accept the truth and to expose and extinguish our sin. Show us how to apply the Love and the Blood of our precious Jesus and how to cling to the Word of God listening to it as often as we can. Show us how to apply each truth to our situation.
Those of you who are ministering to a beloved in sin-remember Love is the key that melts the stony heart towards God.
So whatever sin you are dealing with, known or unknown, it does not matter. Worry, fear, anxiety, illness, addictions, gossip, division, argumentative judgmental spirits, or whatever else-it is all sin.
The Lord is calling us to be Holy as He is Holy. What you are experiencing is the Holy Spirit on the inside burning through to the mold. Holy Spirit wants to deliver us from ourselves and the sin working of satin. In the name of Jesus, be Holy!
With mold one needs to apply some elbow grease, washing with bleach. Then sunlight is best for finishing the job.
With Sin, the Holy Spirit convicts us and then connects us with the blood of Jesus to wash us white as snow. Then it is our place to stand our ground holding fast to His Word and becoming more and more like HIM!
My experience is that if mold is covered in a dark damp place, it festers and grows. My next experience is that if it is left open to the elements---it becomes airborne and travels, festers, and grows.
I believe mold is like sin-any old sin. When sin is covered up by the body of Christ or by oneself it festers and grows in that dark place. Yet when sin is exposed it is free to travel throughout the body of Christ and take on an identity of its own.
What is the application for eradicating this MOLD?
O' Holy Spirit lead us to accept the truth and to expose and extinguish our sin. Show us how to apply the Love and the Blood of our precious Jesus and how to cling to the Word of God listening to it as often as we can. Show us how to apply each truth to our situation.
Those of you who are ministering to a beloved in sin-remember Love is the key that melts the stony heart towards God.
So whatever sin you are dealing with, known or unknown, it does not matter. Worry, fear, anxiety, illness, addictions, gossip, division, argumentative judgmental spirits, or whatever else-it is all sin.
The Lord is calling us to be Holy as He is Holy. What you are experiencing is the Holy Spirit on the inside burning through to the mold. Holy Spirit wants to deliver us from ourselves and the sin working of satin. In the name of Jesus, be Holy!
With mold one needs to apply some elbow grease, washing with bleach. Then sunlight is best for finishing the job.
With Sin, the Holy Spirit convicts us and then connects us with the blood of Jesus to wash us white as snow. Then it is our place to stand our ground holding fast to His Word and becoming more and more like HIM!
Monday, January 9, 2012
Prerequisite for Success!
It does not matter where you are in life or who your birth parents were. In God our Father's eyes you are unique and your steps are ordered by God Himself. Your past, your natural heritage, and your old character does not matter with God. He sees your potential according to who lives within you-Jesus the Christ and Holy Spirit.
Today I am speaking to all those who are believers, walking with Jesus, giving their lives as if it is not their own. So if any of these things are happening in your life, look up to the supplier of all our needs!
Trapped
Do you feel trapped and financially you cannot seem to get off ground zero? Are you physically dealing with chronic illness and have not had success in obtaining health through the medical field? Are you in a bad relationship and do not know how to resolve personal issues? Are you mentally,or physically off balance!? Are you just giving into an addiction over and over again and cannot seem to get the monkey off your back?
Tormented
Are you being tormented by well intentioned friends and relatives? Or are you tormented with your own thoughts of unworthiness or unforgiveness? Does past sin to haunt you? Is the enemy filling your mind with worldly pleasures that seem so much better then following the Lord Himself?
Outlawed
Do you feel like you are living live on an isolated island with no friends, family, or kindred spirits nearby? Did your old friends decide to abandon you because you gave your life to Christ and now you want to return to the same old life of sin and corruption?
Timid
Are you the person who never steps out to try something new? Are you living in fear of rejection and fear of failure to the point that is the reason why you have failed and you are rejected?
The Good News is that if we submit to God and resist the devil he shall flee from us. So you might say it is good if I am dealing with an addiction, poor character behavior, financial needs, or even those well intentioned people, because you have become aware that you have to submit it to God.
Think on those things that are above. Ponder in your heart those promises laid out to you in the Word! Begin to count your blessings and give thanks for all you have. Take out your journal and read what the Lord has accomplished in your life and in the lives of others around you.
If we want to get on with God, Holy Spirit is faithful to point out our character flaws. If we are quiet and listen circumstance will arise providing a means for you to forgive, release, and be revived. God is faithful to fulfill those things within us as we heed His call. Are we willing to see our shortcomings and pursue Him? Are we willing to ask for forgiveness and press into His presence? It is in His Spirit we will find peace, healing, deliverance, and His agape love.
You see. it does not matter where you find yourselves. He has created us to worship Him. He has created us to love and cherish. He has known us before we were ever born. He knows the number of hairs on our heads. He has made us to be a friend of God.
Start this year off by submitting, by humbly approaching His throne-Raise your hands (even if you do not feel like it) and give God the honor and praise He rightfully deserves. When you do, Holy Spirit will guide the rest of your steps. If we are willing, He is able, more than able.
BLESSINGS dianne
Today I am speaking to all those who are believers, walking with Jesus, giving their lives as if it is not their own. So if any of these things are happening in your life, look up to the supplier of all our needs!
Trapped
Do you feel trapped and financially you cannot seem to get off ground zero? Are you physically dealing with chronic illness and have not had success in obtaining health through the medical field? Are you in a bad relationship and do not know how to resolve personal issues? Are you mentally,or physically off balance!? Are you just giving into an addiction over and over again and cannot seem to get the monkey off your back?
Tormented
Are you being tormented by well intentioned friends and relatives? Or are you tormented with your own thoughts of unworthiness or unforgiveness? Does past sin to haunt you? Is the enemy filling your mind with worldly pleasures that seem so much better then following the Lord Himself?
Outlawed
Do you feel like you are living live on an isolated island with no friends, family, or kindred spirits nearby? Did your old friends decide to abandon you because you gave your life to Christ and now you want to return to the same old life of sin and corruption?
Timid
Are you the person who never steps out to try something new? Are you living in fear of rejection and fear of failure to the point that is the reason why you have failed and you are rejected?
The Good News is that if we submit to God and resist the devil he shall flee from us. So you might say it is good if I am dealing with an addiction, poor character behavior, financial needs, or even those well intentioned people, because you have become aware that you have to submit it to God.
Think on those things that are above. Ponder in your heart those promises laid out to you in the Word! Begin to count your blessings and give thanks for all you have. Take out your journal and read what the Lord has accomplished in your life and in the lives of others around you.
If we want to get on with God, Holy Spirit is faithful to point out our character flaws. If we are quiet and listen circumstance will arise providing a means for you to forgive, release, and be revived. God is faithful to fulfill those things within us as we heed His call. Are we willing to see our shortcomings and pursue Him? Are we willing to ask for forgiveness and press into His presence? It is in His Spirit we will find peace, healing, deliverance, and His agape love.
You see. it does not matter where you find yourselves. He has created us to worship Him. He has created us to love and cherish. He has known us before we were ever born. He knows the number of hairs on our heads. He has made us to be a friend of God.
Start this year off by submitting, by humbly approaching His throne-Raise your hands (even if you do not feel like it) and give God the honor and praise He rightfully deserves. When you do, Holy Spirit will guide the rest of your steps. If we are willing, He is able, more than able.
BLESSINGS dianne
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