Forgiveness = Forgiveness

 

His Salvation Transcends Reproach

 The Lord wants to talk about "thirst" today.  Have you ever been so dehydrated, you thought you would die?  To be so thirsty, it seemed water itself refused to manifest and remain.  I've been there plenty of times in life.  Literally and figuratively.

 Recently, I went through a dry spell, and it seemed I'd never find my way back to God or myself.  Almost took me out, no lie.  Just as God's word is more than bread, His Spirit is our water, our wellspring.  Without either of these, we will eventually perish-spiritually, then physically.

 Now I want to add something to this.  There's thirst for God(Spirit), and then there's thirst for the world(lust and greed).  I was a successful business partner and business owner not too long ago.  If I wanted something, I took it.  I cut people down along the way-many.  God was not pleased with me.  I wasn't aware of this as I didn't have an active relationship with Him.  I was "self-made" in my eyes and not no one could tear me down.  I made sure of it.  Oh my God!  How He has humbled me.

 Being torn down is not the worst thing that can happen to a person.  What really hurts is when He breaks down your fortress and refuses to repair it.  God helped me see how arrogant and cold I was.  I thought I was right.  I let my negative experiences, greed, jealousy, and hatred taint my judgement.  Walking around blind reaping continual judgement.  I didn't know this at the time.  I thought I was a king.  I was a court jester at best.  It was sobering to finally see how others truly felt about me.  Thirst.  It caused a deep thirst to well up inside of me.  That thirst led me to Jesus and he gave me drink.  More than that, He gives me life.  My definition of wealth and life has shifted.  It's not worldly riches that will sate your thirst.  Only God.  Jesus loves you and I love you with His love.  Shalom Shalom

Rescued From the Cliffs of Mispachah

 Our Father in heaven...What words could I use to describe Him?  Loving, patient, merciful, faithful, strong, wise, forgiving, and the list goes on.  He's always on time.  You know, God has a special kind of way of humbling His children.  It's not always fire and brimstone like many of us were made to believe.  Don't get me wrong, he does go there, but it's not what some people think.

 What if I told you that even in God's anger, there is always love.  God loves you, he loves all of us.  He doesn't want any of us to perish.  He hates sin.  Not us.  And that can be confusing sometimes, especially if our heart and lives are not in alignment with His will.  I remember when my heart and life were out of alignment-it was difficult to perceive God.  But that's where he was working on my heart and training me to understand Him more.

 Recently, God humbled me.  At first, he humbled me by bringing to mind he is unpleased with me.  My actions had reached His ears and He drew close to me.  I wanted to die.  I wanted him to end my misery.  I didn't want to live anymore.  That's what I told Him.  He became furious with me.  He wasn't mad because of what I felt.  He was upset because I responded to him in open rebellion.  He was displeased because I rejected faith.

 Then, even more recently, He humbled me again.  This time though, it was the kind of humbling that grabs hold of your heart and hugs it.  He allowed me to see that He sees me.  Not just with our personal relationship, but I'm witnessing proof in the reports that are coming in.  It felt so goooood to finally be seen and not as someone not worth thinking about.  It broke me in the best way.  So there's humbling by destruction and there's humbling by love.  Jesus loves you and I love you with His love.  Shalom Shalom

Building On Foundation Stones

 The Lord is highlighting quicksand right now.  We know that everything built on anything but Christ cannot be sustained.  But those who rely on the Lord will they themselves be refreshed.  In His timing.  "Suffering produces endurance, endurance produces character, and character produces hope."  ~Romans 5:3-5

 He is encouraging you to lean into him.  To trust him.  Not all fire is spiritual warfare.  You have accepted Christ and you are abiding in him.  Now he is working on you, and the Holy Spirit is refining you from the inside.  Refinement by fire.  His holy fire.  "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."  ~Romans 8:28

 Do not be dismayed by your current circumstances.  He is testing your heart.  Testing and refining.  That refining fire will cause the sand surrounding you to transform into glass.  Isn't that reassuring?  Then you will be able to identify what has been dragging you down.  Then you will be able to endure.  Through obedience in Christ--and He will lift you up out of it.  Alignment.

 Christ is inside you.  Go within.  I pray this is a blessing to you in Jesus name.  Amen.  Jesus loves you and I love you with His love.  Shalom Shalom

Break Down the Walls of Pride

 I was out for a walk earlier, and the Lord revealed something to me.  We are all like little children in a classroom.  Do you remember those times?  Remember what the teacher would say when the children became too loud or disruptive?  They would say, "Ok class, settle down.  Y'all are getting to be too loud."  The noise level would increase steadily as everyone in the class tried to talk above one another.

 So, we are like little children in a classroom--just different.  Just like in the classroom, in the world, people can become prideful when they witness someone else exercising pride--especially if the world around us is encouraging rewards for pride.  Do you see?

 What sticks out to you after considering this?

 Gentleness should be prized and expressed in this world.  While being gentle will not always guarantee amity amongst yourself and others, it is far better than walking around with a false light leading the way.  Jesus loves you and I love you with His love.  Shalom Shalom

Rain, Hill, and Valley

 I've been in deep reflection these past few months.  The Lord has been convicting me to change some of my ways.  I won't lie, I walked away from God for a bit.  Spiritual warfare has been coming at me hard, though I believe most of it came from me resisting the Holy Spirit.  Fear and pain does that.  Entertaining them erodes integrity, faithfulness, and faith.  Anyway, I came on here to share something with you:  You can use the model of the Holy Trinity to reshape your life and the quality of it.

 Concept is easy enough, but the application requires earnestness and awareness.  We have the spirit, the mind, and the body.  If one begins to weaken, it affects the other two.  To help correct this imbalance we can hone in on the other two, and that will help the other weakened self.  In other words, if the spirit isn't right, the mind and body will decline.  Same goes for the mind and body-if one of them is in decline, the other two will be also.

 So, say my faith is under attack and my mind isn't firing properly, I can focus in on my body.  That looks like eating healthy, drinking plenty of water, getting plenty of rest, and exercising.  This will help my spirit and my mind reclaim its integrity.  And once my body is functioning properly, my mind begins to clear up and my spirit begins to regain its authority.  Then I'll be able to focus in on the mind and spirit, as well as my body.

 Fun fact:  Your immediate surroundings reveal the contents of your mind.  If I have a cluttered house, my mind is cluttered.  If I want to clear my mind, I clean and organize my surroundings.  I pray this blesses you.  I love you with the love of Christ.  Shalom Shalom

The Eighth Day

 The wages of sin is death, but Jesus defeated death. What does this signify? This indicates that through our faith in Him, death has no hold on us. The weapon will form but it will not prosper.

We are born sinners, and not one sin is lesser or greater than the next. Over the course of my life, even up until recently, I've been deceived into believing that if I continue sinning, I go to hell. As I transitioned from a life of the law to a life of the covenant, there was still a, how do I say this-a delayed awareness. I was trying to become clean by my own strength, and I found that to be impossible. The law kept me blind and in a loop of sin, shame, and sacrifice. The covenant of Christ broke those chains.

When the Lord breathes His Spirit upon someone, it changes their heart-it transforms them into creatures that want to abide in Him. And when he brings someone into a wilderness season, it is not punishment. The one he corrects, he loves.

The Lord wants His children to know that our peace is His care. There will be trouble in this life, but we have peace in Jesus. Even through the storm. The kind of peace that makes no sense logically, but plenty of sense to those He has given understanding. I check my analytical mind on a daily, and even though I experience unease, I also experience peace in it through Jesus. He is the author of peace, not confusion, and when I'm experiencing confusion, I know that's my cue to lean into Him. I encourage you to let your guard down in those moments and lean into Jesus-to call upon Him. He will answer. Jesus loves you. I love you. Shalom Shalom

Your Faith Matters

 It is impossible to please God without faith.  Why?  Faith is required for transformation.  If I wanted to go to college let's say, I would first have to believe in myself and that it's possible.  If I didn't have faith that this was possible, I would most likely decide not to go to college.  It's the same way with God.  If we don't believe His promises, we won't come to him or invest ourselves in His good work.  And His good works lead to salvation.  Let's continue to walk by faith and not by sight.  Let us continue to trust in Him and see His faithfulness.  Let us go up to the mountain of the Lord.  Jesus loves you.  I love you.  Shalom Shalom

Cleaning, Holding, and Trimming

 The Lord brought my mind to the night sky today.  Stars in particular.  He said, "The stars in the sky are no more the sky than thoughts are the mind."  It still blows my mind today-every time God speaks.  You'd think I'd have gotten used to it by now.  But no, he wows me everyday.  He then brought to mind about holding every thought captive.

 God speaks about bringing our thoughts into obedience in Christ in 2 Corinthians 10:5.  He talks about how we must cast down our imagination, and rise up in truth and exalt the Lord-not ourselves or the machinations of our mind.  This isn't a reprimand, it's caution-a warning.  And this isn't a warning stemming from condemnation, it's love-God's mercy.

 See, there are levels when it comes to having a relationship with God.  To the unbeliever, the teachings of the bible are considered religious and hypocritical.  Why?  Because they see people claiming to be followers of Christ when those same people weaponize scripture against their own brothers and sisters, rather than weaponizing the Word of God against the attack on our spirit from the enemy.  

 The truth is everyone already knows Jesus.  We already know God.  Even the unbelievers.  And we should show mercy to unbelievers, not hate.  What good does that do-to express contempt?  That only justifies their behavior-in their eyes at least.  God is love.  If you know love, you know God.  And just because we know God, doesn't mean we love him.  We show our love through obedience, and that obedience, just like His instruction, gives way to life.  It's a process.  Don't give up on yourself or God.  The best is yet to come.  Jesus loves you.  I love you.  Shalom Shalom

 

Rivers of Oil

 Favor cannot be won.  It is given freely.  It is offered to all who call upon him.  A king is the one who gives favor, and just like a king, God gives us favor.  He reminds us of this in Jeremiah 29:11:  "For I know the thoughts I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end."  But this doesn't mean we don't aim to please him.

 We will not become ensnared by the ways of this world.  If God said it, will it not come to pass?  For we don't spread the good news for favor of men.  Rather, we share the good news that it would be pleasing in our Father's sight.  And it is by His Spirit that this has come to pass.

 I remember before I came into agreeance with Jesus.  Yes, I still had favor, but I had no desire to please God.  When I agreed to abide in him as he has in me, I was coming into agreement with God.  He began to breathe His Spirit into me and I became one who reveres God instead of one who cares only for self.  It wasn't anything I could do in my own strength. I couldn't earn the favor on my life, for he shows this favor to all peoples.

 Favor is grace and we all have grace through Jesus.  I encourage you to remain patient with God's process.  You will see His expected end.  And that end is not the end, but a beginning.  Jesus loves you.  I love you.  Shalom Shalom

 

The Violence of Madmen

 The Lord took me to Matthew 24:26 today. The Lords says, "Wherefore if they shall say unto you, Behold, he is in the desert; go not forth, behold, he is in the secret place; believe it not.

 The coming of Christ is like a boat out on the sea.  Many will say, "Look, he is over there in the reefs", but do not go there, or, "Look, he is below deck", but do not believe it.  Only the Father knows the hour.  There is no man, or angel of heaven that knows when he will come.  Just like the night sky changes into day and different hues arise, you know to drop your nets: so you will know that the harvest is near.

Deliverance in the Bruising

 Today, the Lord has a word for the prodigals, the stranger, and the seemingly profane.  "Your lips are as sweet as nectar, my bride.  Honey and milk are under your tongue.  Your clothes are scented like the cedars of Lebanon." (Song of Songs 4:11)

 Do not let the seasons of your past define you.  The prominence of the Lord eradicates the arrow by day and the terror of the night.  If you find yourself suffering persecution by the enemy, just know Jesus did as well.  And if your past should rise up to accuse you, let also your remembrance of His love rise up to comfort you.  When I am weak, He is strong.  

 I, too, am a prodigal.  I have a colorful past to say the least.  I've been immoral, loose, a glutton, and prone to exalting the desires of my flesh.  But you wanna know something?  It was in my darkest moments when the Lord showed up mightily on my behalf.  It's been about four years now since the day the Lord opened my eyes to him.  I was deep in drunkenness, lust, irreverence, and greed.  I was literally dying-spiritually and physically.  And I am convinced if it wasn't for the Lord chasing me down, I never would have made it this far.

 Not all attacks are through others.  A lot of times, the attack comes from within your own household-your mind.  Household enemies.  This is where the enemy does most of his work.  Why?  If he can confuse us as to where the attack is coming from, he has already won.  He is the one that attacks our innermost being-our thoughts and our emotions.  But the Lord is the one who has won.  It has already been done.  His victory is timeless and stretches out through all the ages to cover the weariness of many.  The Lord says, "I have made your words my words and your heart my heart.  I clothe you with life."  Jesus loves you.  I love you.  Shalom Shalom

The Deception of Pride

 Today the Lord wants to address pride.  We've all been guilty of this at one time in our life, and even now at times.  It's not something that just goes away.  Pride requires submission.  It requires a daily check-in with God and with ourself.  But where does pride come from?

 Pride is an extension of fear.  Almost everything undesirable to the Lord usually stems from fear.  Fear is a lie from the enemy, and it tries to influence our connection to God and others.  So, what is pride exactly?  Pride is associated with elevating oneself above others, often in opposition to divine authority.  What causes this?  Yes, fear, but more than that-unresolved pain.

 Unresolved pain leads to being fearful.  That fear then leads one down a road where, rather than looking at the pain, they turn to behaviors that eliminate the possibility of that same pain to occur again.  I get it.  We desire to protect ourselves and our loved ones.  But think of the pain we throw on top of it by refusing to look at it.  Elevating oneself above the rest looks like refusing sound advice, relying on one's own understanding, and in turn leads one to open rebellion against God.  It leads to rebellion of God by the smaller stepping stones from the other behaviors before that final destination.

 Often times we think of pride as evil, and it is, yes, but what is evil?  Evil is anything contrary to God.  But that's not our point.  Pride is an affliction caused by other afflictions, as we've covered earlier.  We shouldn't be too elevated to see that pride is pain.  Pride is fear.  And pride is a false elevation lending false sight.  I encourage you to take a look inside your heart and ask the Lord to reveal the areas where you might be listening to the wrong voice-the voice of fear.  Jesus loves you.  I love you.  Shalom Shalom

The Lord's Wealth for the World's Lot

 Good morning y'all.  I pray you're having a wonderful start for the day.  Today the Lord put it on my heart to speak about leprosy.  Spiritual leprosy to be specific.  There are many forms of leprosy that can potentially manifest in one's spiritual walk.  First, what is leprosy?  Leprosy is typically described as a bacterial infection that affects the skin, nerves, and respiratory system.  I wanna hone in on the skin today for this comparison.  When leprosy forms on the skin, it can present itself in the form of lesions that are scaly in texture.  The Lord says in Acts 9:18, "Instantly something like scales fell from Saul's eyes, and he regained his sight.  Then he got up and was baptized."

 Before God called Paul, Paul was known as Saul.  And before Saul's spiritual sight was birthed, Jesus appeared as a light from heaven, causing Saul to fall to the ground and close his eyes.  When he opened his eyes next, he was blind.  Before all of this Saul's heart was already blind to the Lord, causing him to persecute Jesus through persecuting Jesus' followers.

 So you see, Saul's heart was already hardened by God before Jesus took his sight.  The Lord first inflicts, then he heals.  The removal of his sight eventually lead to the removal of the scales on his eyes.  The scales on his eyes were like the scales that form on a leper's skin.  And if Jesus hadn't showed up, not only would Saul still be afflicted by leprosy, Saul would have continued to wonder the world blind to him, persecuting others in the process.

 What comes out of a persons mouth, comes from their heart.  His heart was first hardened, and then that hardness manifested from the spirit into physical affliction.  But the Lord is our physician.  Do you think this strange?  Do we suppose it is our own leading and not the Lord's?  Just like Pharoah, Saul's heart was also hardened by God.  The Lord can change your circumstances in an instant.  *Snap*  Just like that.  I can relate with Paul, as I, too, have experienced spiritual leprosy, and I have also experienced the Lord and His healing power.  Continue to stand in position.  Continue seeking after the Lord's heart.  Continue to pray.  Even though we walk through the valley of the shadow of death, we will fear no evil.  The Lord is with you.  Jesus loves you.  I love you.  Shalom Shalom

Abba Whispers to His Beloved

 Hi guys, good morning.  I pray you're having a beautiful start for the day.  No matter what you are going through or what you may be facing, just know that the Lord is with you.  The Lord is with you and you are His child.  There is no amount of hate or condemnation that can keep you separated from the love of Christ.  There is no amount of you falling short or making mistakes that will snatch you from His hand.

 The Lord took me to Romans 8:15 this morning.  He has been encouraging me through His word and through His children.  When one sits, another may stand and comfort.  And so I pass on the encouragement I have freely received-while I was sitting.

 In Romans 8:15 the Lord says, "For you have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but you have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, "Abba, Father."  See, even though we may slip back into familiar behaviors from time to time, or even though we may face circumstances we'd otherwise choose not to, the Lord has given you His Spirit, and His Spirit enables you to cry out to him.  Remember before we knew Jesus?  Yes, there were many tears.  But even now, though there be many tears still, the difference is who we're crying to.  The difference is you know now the Lord is with you.

 I pray the Lord gather you to His bosom and you are calmed by the steadfast beat of His heart.  Jesus loves you.  I love you.  Shalom Shalom

 

Wings of Light Above the Fray

 Early this morning there were two cats facing off.  One was howling and the other was unbothered.  Then a bird came and began a series of aggressive caws at both of them.  It was quite the commotion.  I've not seen cats and birds interact like that before.  I felt bad for the cat that was howling.  I began to speak calmly under my breath, "It's ok buddy, he isn't trying to hurt you.  Just turn around and walk away."  Right as I finished saying that, the irritated cat turned around and walked away.  The other cat jumped up into the window of our laundry facility to watch the other cat leave, and the bird followed it as well-still cawing.

 The Lord later took me to Exodus 1:15 where Puah defied Pharaoh's orders to kill Hebrew male infants, Romans 5:18 where the Lord says that one trespass brings condemnation and one act of righteousness brings justification and life, to Daniel 3:8 explaining the power and authority in standing firm when facing outside pressure, Psalm 46:10 instructing us to be still and exalt the Lord, Acts 7:49 where the Lord says, "Heaven is My throne, and the earth is My footstool", and Isaiah 66:2 where the Lord declares that he will esteem the one who is humble and contrite in spirit.

 It's so cool how the Lord speaks to us.  When I was witnessing the commotion, I didn't fully understand the significance, but I did know that God was trying to tell me something.  Then he clarified the situation through His word.  The howling cat faced condemnation because it was trespassing, the calm and unbothered cat stood firm in its authority despite the aggressive behavior of the other cat, and the bird was perched in a high place while cawing at the two.  Then after I spoke Shalom over the crying cat, it was able to leave in peace without further altercation.

 But God was also comforting me in this scenario.  I have been crying out in the spirit.  Some of my cries is a result of me falling short before him-the condemnation I bring on myself at times when I'm disobedient.  Not that he is condemning me, no, but I condemned myself through a recent trespass.  The Lord is merciful.  All it took was a move from God and it brought me life.  I pray this illustration is an encouragement to stand firm in the Lord.  Jesus loves you.  I love you.  Shalom Shalom

To Help Yah

 It only takes one.  Are you familiar with this saying?  It's a popular mantra within the Christian community that believers say.  I've heard people say it and I have said it too.  Many times.  It's meaning is often misunderstood.  If you hear someone say, "It only takes one", they usually mean if I can reach only one person, I've done a good job.  But this isn't entirely correct.

 The true meaning behind this saying is this: It only takes God, and if I can be an example to another through His love and healing power, God will handle the rest.  We're not the ones responsible for opening people's eyes-only God can do that.  Rather, it's the healing power of Jesus that opens eyes, especially if the ones witnessing Jesus in you knew you beforehand.  Our purpose is to love God and His children.  Do that and you've done a good job.  So.  It only takes one.  It only takes God.  Shalom Shalom

Caves of Fermenting

 I was cleaning my house today and the Lord revealed something to me while I was sweeping.  Sweeping our home is just like sweeping inside the spirit.   This is like when an impure spirit "comes" out of a person.  They clean house and now that they have made room, the unclean spirit returns with seven more spirits more wicked than itself.  This is an attack in heavenly places-on the mind and in the spirit.

 Without the blood of Jesus, we are subject to the condemnation of death.  The enemy is cunning.  When someone is spiritually sick and their condition seems to improve, do not be deceived.  Their condition will get worse but it will appear different than their previous ailment-"Then it goes and takes with it seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go and live there.  And the final condition of that person is worse than the first.  That is how it will be with this wicked generation."  That's Matthew 12:45

 Notice how Jesus is talking about both wicked spirits and wicked generation?  The Lord says in Ephesians 6:12, "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places."  And so it is with this world, to include believers.  Though, with those covered by the covenant of Christ, the result is not as severe.  The attack will still form but it will not prosper.  The attack on our spirit.

 I encourage you to sweep house and make room.  I encourage you to make room for Jesus.  Jesus loves you.  I love you.  Shalom Shalom

Aroma of the Spirit

 It's a soft and cool rainy day today here in San Antonio, Tx.  As I was spending time with the Lord, just enjoying the coolness of the air, several birds of the sky caught my eye.  I began to reminisce of when I would feed the birds over at my last place.  They would follow me and sing to me in the neighborhood I lived in last.

 Last night, I fed the birds over here at my new place, and the birds this morning were flying in to sing to me.  I am filled with so much gratitude.  As I felt excited to get to know my angels over here, a thought began to form in my mind, "Birds, just like angels, are like the wind.  Always going where the Spirit takes them.  Just like the birds the wind carries, you cannot tell where the Spirit will blow next."

 The Lord took me to John 13:4-5 this morning and began to explain to me a significance.  Jesus laid aside his own garments, covered himself with a towel, and washed the disciples' feet.  This reminds me of Ezekiel, when God instructed him to prophesy to the wind and bones in the valley, and how the Lord covers us with his "skin", which is His righteousness.  This passage from John also reminds me of Mary, Martha's sister, how while weeping, she anointed Jesus' feet with an excellent aroma and washed His feet with her hair.

 The hour is upon us, a time when many will be shown that the time is near when we will depart from this world and ascend back up to the Father.  This doesn't mean wait for a physical death to return to God.  No, this also means that the hour of our salvation is here, and he has sent His angels concerning you to watch over and protect you.  Your care and watchful nature is a pleasing aroma to the Lord and soon you will share in His glory with not just yourself but with others.  I pray this word edifies your spirit and you find comfort in Hs presence.  I love you.  Jesus loves you.  Shalom Shalom

His Help, Our Resolve

 There will be wars and rumors, and rumors of war.   Do not be afraid.  What we're seeing in the world today is a direct reflection of what has already transpired in the Spirit.  Have we not already waged war within ourselves?  We cannot become distracted by outside events.  What we're witnessing in the world around us should be of no shock.  Throughout the ages, mankind has struggled with internal conflict, and that same war within leads to the manifestation of an outward projection of it..  How many times in our everyday lives has this truth proved true?  So it only makes sense that this same truth proves out in the world at large today.

 

 Now is the time to exchange our battle-worn garments for garments of peace.  Peace within us and throughout our communities.  This life is short in contrast to the eternal life we will experience with Jesus.  We will endure to the end through strife and through longsuffering.

 Our salvation is nearer than when we first believed.  From beginning to end, the Master Architect never ceases in creation.  He oversees the work of His hands, never abandons it, and ensures the success of His creation.  The Lord forms within us Spirit-led inclinations and purpose, resulting in a radical shift from a fleshly mindset to a spiritual mindset.

 

 The day of the Lord is here.  The kingdom of God is at hand.  Let us draw near and revel in our newness within Him.  He has prepared us for this day.  Pruning and testing.  Refining and purging.  His blood has washed away our sins and we are now purified in Him.  Now we get to enjoy the fruits of our labor and the resulting spiritual and moral purification.  God loves you.  I love you.  Shalom Shalom

Rain, Refuge, and Rivers

 The Lord brought me to Acts 5:2 this morning, "And kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles' feet", and 1 Corinthians 4:4, "For I know nothing by myself, and am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord."  Just like Ananias and his wife Sapphira, the apostles and God were aware.  He and his wife were aware they were cheating the Lord as the apostles and God were also aware of their transgression.  

 Sometimes in our desire to serve the Lord, our fleshly desires get in the way of our prostration before him.  We cannot serve both money and God.  We will hate one and love the other.  Monetary wealth is a direct manifestation of the spiritual abundance he has given us, and not the other way around.  Does He not gather the grapes and cut them off from the vine as well?  And he will also demonstrate this with His people.

 Modesty and reverence for the Lord must outweigh my own desire.  Did he not raise us up from the dust of the earth and multiply as numerous as the stars in the sky?  We were blessed before we were formed and we are still blessed as we hold on to His promises.  That is the splendor of the Lord.  As we desire him, God too desires our heart.  And if we desire the flesh, death too will desire our life.

 There is nothing new under the sun.  We may fool our fellows and we may fool ourselves, but we cannot fool the Lord.  That is why it's so important to spend time with him-doing so brings joy and clarity.  He reveals hidden things to His children in the secret place.  As God has blessed us, let us too, revel in His majesty and give to the Lord what belongs to him.

Turning Away from the Ashes of Doubt

The Lord brought me to 2 Samuel 23:8 this morning. He highlighted the name "Adino." In David's army, Josheb-basshebeth a Tahchemonite was the chief of the captains. He was also called Adino, because of the 800 men slain by him at one time. Adino means "his spear", and the Hebrew root word (adin) means "slender" or "delicate." I find this interesting because his nature was formidable, as warriors are known to be, but it was by his "spear" the 800 men were slain.

This reminds me of Moses. Moses was also known to be formidable. It was when he killed the Egyptian that he became formidable to his own peers, and this was before the exodus. Later, when he came back to lead God's people out of Egypt, it was by his staff that the Red Sea was parted. And then there was Paul who was called Saul before Jesus equipped him with the faith required to accomplish the assignment given him.

Of course, none of this was possible except with and by God. Just like the spear, the staff, and the faith, we are given tools, which is illustrated by these stories. These tools that God blesses us with is an extension of our faith, and God is the author of that same faith. Every believer is armed by God with tools tailored specifically to the person, according to their faith. The tools we wield differ from one person to the next, are similar by contrast, and every believer shares the same captain, who is Jesus Christ.

Jesus Seeks Your Well-being

 As I woke up this morning, a message from God was imprinted on my heart.  The Lord told me, "You have made me very glad, as you yourself have given with a cheerful heart.  It's time to break off that heaviness in your heart.  I am invading your heart and loosing in it my joy.  Rejoice!  This is a time for celebration.  It doesn't have to make sense, only that you believe me.  That is my desire for all of you.

 Remember when I told you two years ago that it is for my benefit I do this and not yours?  You made me very proud when you didn't hold my words against me.  I am doing a new thing, do you not perceive it?  Look at your heart now.  So fertile.  So beautiful.  I, the Lord have done this, and it is good.  Just like when I was near the Sea of Gennesaret, I, too have chosen your heart for good works.

 I know things haven't also been easy for you, but still you remain faithful to me.  This brings my heart great joy!  Despite your shortcomings, you still show up everyday and do right by my Father.  You do right by my children.  You have provided for the poor, when you yourself were poor.  Do not think I have not noticed.  I see you.  I love you.  Do not let the troubles of this world infect your heart.  Keep abiding in me.  As we abide in each other, my heart is revealed to those who cannot yet see me.  The world may count you worthless and a cheap rag to discard, but it is not so with me.

You are my beloved.  I love you.  You are mine."

Keep Guard and Observe

 I had a rough day yesterday.  Yesterday, I had a doctors appointment.  Everything was going smooth all the way up to me walking into the doctors office.  That's when everything began to shift.  Now, I didn't expect this visit to be a poor experience, but it turned into just that.  My doctor began to ask me questions, and as soon as I would begin to answer, she would cut me off and either tell me that's not what she asked or go on to her next question-without even looking at me.  This continued for several questions.  My chart wasn't even current, all the way back to when I was still in service.  I thought to myself, "How is that possible?  Did they somehow erase everything?"

 She has been refusing services for months-any requests I made known for my current conditions.  And so after several minutes of her being ingenuine with me, I became frustrated.  So, I confronted her about it and that's when she looked at me and sneered, "We don't do easy fixes over here!"  That was the last straw.  I said, "You people are quick to prescribe drugs that only make my conditions worse, which is an easy fix.  But I have been requesting a knee brace replacement for several months and you haven't lifted so much as a finger to help me."  She said, "Yes they told me, and I said no, he has to come see me.  I'm not going to put it in until he contacts me."  I then said, "I did.  I called your office but I can never get ahold of you."  She said, "No.  You have to schedule an appointment, not just call me."

 It continued like that for quite awhile, the back in forth between us, until finally she said, "Quit yelling at me, or I'm going to ask you to leave."  I became infuriated.  She knew she was wrong and she used her position to shame me.  She began to play the victim because I was calling her out on being unprofessional, rude and a liar.  I said, "I'm not yelling at you.  I'm raising my voice because you're not listening.  THIS! Is yelling."  She kicked me out.  I was wrong.  I shouldn't have taken it that far.  But it didn't stop there.  The moment I allowed my rage to reign is when I began to spiral.  Guilt and shame began to attack me to the point I had no desire to pray and I couldn't hear God clearly.  God is good though.  He sent me several random people to approach me and treat me with kindness.  I began to calm down and then I called my family.

 We do not wrestle against flesh and blood enemies, but against evil in the unseen realms and heavenly places.  I didn't cover myself before I left my home.  I didn't pray.  I stepped out from the hedge of protection God surrounds me with when I retaliated from a fleshly position.  I payed dearly for it.  There is power in prayer and there is power in the tongue.  I pray this lesson I learned can be of value to your faith walk.  In Jesus name.  Amen.  I love you.  God loves you.  Shalom Shalom

To Curse or to Form

 I was under heavy attack from the enemy yesterday.  I needed prayer and my family prayed for me.  There is power in the tongue.  There is power in prayer.  The prayers of a righteous person are very effective.

 We are made right in God's sight through the blood of Christ and through our faith-that's the definition of righteous.  It is impossible to please God without faith.  And so the definition of self righteous is to be right only with self.  That's why, sometimes-not all the time, prayers are not answered.  Heart posture has a lot to do with it.

 Yes we pray on behalf of ourselves to the Father, but we should gather in Jesus name and pray for others--that's more powerful.  To pray freely for others is a great gift given us by God.  And so it only makes sense that when we choose life, instead of praying by our worldy sight, we are blessed even more.  It's a double edged sword in that respect.

 He has set before us life and death.  So we should choose encouraging life giving words, rather than hurtful death dealing words.  We are blessed or cursed by the intent of our words.  And our words and deeds are a direct reflection of what is in our heart.  I pray this is an encouraging word and edifies your spirit.  In Jesus name.  Amen.  I love you.  God is with you.  Shalom Shalom

The Steadfast Love of God

My sister received a message from God yesterday.  I happened to be on the phone with her when it happened, and upon request, she sent a copy of it to me.  I will do my best to translate the first line of the message.

 

Let us remember as we gather together in the house of the Lord-that is our secret place.  The gift of the Holy Spirit was given us when Christ went to the Father.  After He was crucified, the veil was split in two that we would be delivered into life and not death.  Our Lord Jesus Christ is King, the rock on which we stand.

 

After he was crucified and was risen from the dead three days later, the chains of death no longer had authority.  The sure hope of salvation we now have, on account of Christ, is a gift from God that marks the ending of one age and the beginning of another.

 

We are no longer separated from God but we are made right in His eyes because of the blood of Jesus that now covers us.  Death can no longer ensnare us and the webs of the enemy can no longer entangle us, for we are now caught up in the hands of the Father and entangled in His love.  Thank you Father.  Maranatha.  Come Lord Jesus.

Bursting Forth in the Breach

 There are multiple ways to fast.  Remember when David fasted?  He fasted for seven days as a plea to God on his son's behalf while his son was ill.  Or when Daniel fasted for three weeks, abstaining from the common sustenance the other servants relied on.  How about when Jesus healed the demon possessed boy?  Jesus told his disciples that this kind of possession can only leave by prayer and fasting, and that the disciple's faith was not yet strong enough.  Then there's lamenting-the fast from joy.  This type of fasting is a cry to God, and shows our Father our trust in Him, as He is the author of our faith.

 Then there's the time when God rebukes the ones who fast for the approval of the assembly, and instructs us in the proper way to fast.  All of these are examples and an instruction on the proper way to fast.  God should be the primary overseer.  Fasting builds faith.  Fasting builds our faith in the Lord through the act of faith required for our petition.  Our faith is strengthened through His response and our awareness of it.

 These petitions are not just for our benefit or the benefit of others.  Those benefits are results and a byproduct of our communion with the Father.  And fasting is not only a petition, but a means to draw closer to God.  Jesus also reminds us that persecution will come from the Sadducees and Pharisees-the ones that grieve and oppress us on account of Christ.  The enemy knows when we fast and will attack our faith through the thoughts and questions that surface during our test of faith-like when Jesus fasted in the wilderness when he was tempted by the devil for forty days.  

 So there's spiritual sustenance and then there's earthly sustenance.  All of these are prime examples of how to fast from the ways of this world, and how to rely on the sustenance only the Father can provide.  They are stepping stones for the ones who wish to go higher.  Only through Jesus, and prayer and fasting can we purge the worldy programming within us and our community.  I pray this edifies your spirit.  In Jesus name.  Amen.  I love you.  God is with you.  Shalom Shalom

 

 

Lion of Judah

 Ephphatha.  Be opened.

Refuge In the Lord

 Rapture means a feeling of intense pleasure or joy.  I always had this nagging thought that how I was perceiving Rapture was missing the mark.   

 I remember when I first started walking with Jesus.  When He revealed himself to me.  Before then, and even in my first steps, I thought the Rapture meant God would raise His chosen ones from the grave and into heaven-from a carnal perception.  I thought it was literal.  Well, He is the God of both the first and last, so it is both a spiritual and carnal transliteration.

 Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air.  Then we will be with the Lord forever.  I translate that into:  The Lord and we who remained steadfast and continued to run our race will be caught up in the Lord's hands in the Spirit.

 That's not just my translation but a revelation as the Lord saw fit to give me.  And so I share it with you in hopes that I confirm what the Lord has spoken to you as well.  Iron sharpens iron.  I pray this message encourages you in your faith.  In Jesus name.  Amen.  I love you.  God is for you.  Shalom Shalom

The King Approaches and Makes His Bride Whole

 I remember growing up, I got into trouble all the time.  I was so rebellious.  I was the mischievous one.  I still am in a sense-just different now.  As it goes, "I was one way, and now I'm completely different."

 I didn't like correction.  I ran as far and as fast as I could away in any direction contrary to it.  This perception led me to making many mistakes.  The mistakes then grew into bad decisions.  It's one thing to make a mistake, but continue making the same mistakes and they become bad decisions that lead to poor heart posture.  Had I listened, I'm sure I could have avoided years of unnecessary pain.  Not just myself.  Accepting correction would have prevented years of hurting the ones I love.

 It's not fair.  It always seems to be that the good ones always get hurt the most, to include the ones closest to them.  But there is grace.  Love covers a multitude of sins.  One of the best ways to serve God is to care for family and the ones you love.  I can tell you from personal experience, when you turn away from the crooked ways and start walking in "The Way", forgiveness floods in.  Not just from Jesus, but for self.  And not just for self, but from others.

 I encourage you to have a relationship with the Father and to reconcile yourself to him.  I encourage you to shift from the ways of this world and return to your first love.  Reach out in faith and reach out to family.  You may be pleasantly surprised of what you may find.  I love you.  God is with you.  Shalom Shalom

  

For My Mossy Friends

Moss is pretty cool because it grows on the north side of trees, and was used as a natural compass. It's not picky about where it grows and can pop up just about anywhere. Plus, it does a lot in and for the forest ecosystem, like keeping trees insulated and providing a home for little animals. It's even one of the first plants to show up after a fire or deforestation, helping to stabilize the ground and hold onto water for new growth.

Spiritual Abundance

You belong to the Lord. Your footsteps are ordered by God. It is not by chance that you were led into places and things where death seems to be everywhere, and where slumber reigns. Everyone must be born again. In spirit. Death is necessary. The depletion of the old must take place so that we turn to God and be filled again. New wine for new wineskins. New joy for newborns. Listen to the word of the Lord. As you hear His Word, he will breath His Spirit upon you and your bread will return. Your joy is returned through the enjoining of His Spirit. Amen. He will protect and strengthen you, and he will cover you with His righteousness. The two will become one, and you will know the Lord's Salvation. In Jesus' holy name. Amen. Amen!

The Land of Milk and Honey

 The pain and spiritual warfare you went through wasn't for nothing.  And where you're going, where the Lord is taking you, will require the same faith that got you through.  Your difficult season has produced a field of lilies and dandelions.  Enjoy what the Lord has done.  Welcome to the never ending harvest.  Shalom Shalom

The Tree of Life

 As the Holy Spirit abides in you, fruit will begin to grow.  Remember, even though the fruit may not be evident to the human perception, it is still growing.  Fruit takes time to grow.  The seed must grow into a sapling, the sapling to a tree.  The tree then produces fruit, and the fruit contains seeds.  Those seeds will one day be taken to other locations where they will become a beautiful tree, full of life.  In due season.  Keep growing in the Lord.  Your tree still has leaves, branches, and color.  The Lord is pleased with your aroma.  Keep reaching for the sky.

From Rebellion to Musing With My Creator

 I remember when I was a kid, I was so full of life.  I was so full of energy.  I buzzed around here to there, there to here and back.  Just like a bee flying around from flower to flower.  No one knew where I'd fly to next.  It seemed chaotic, almost pure randomness-even to me.  As I grew into a young man, those traits were still inherent in my mannerisms.  Yet, I slowly began to forget the light of truth within myself.  

 Slowly but surely, the love in my heart began to grow cold.  My attention began to turn into obsession.  Self exaltation was growing into an ever part of my life.  I fed it.  It felt good to feel right and not wrong.  The more someone tried to correct my behaviors, the more I became disobedient.  I thought, "This doesn't feel good, so this must be wrong."  That's where self exaltation began to manifest in me and grow.  It grew because I believed that feeling.  And that applies to anything in life.  If a person believes something, it will become a truth-a false truth at best. The false truths I fed led me down a road where God was difficult to perceive. 

 He had taken away my bread and I didn't even realize it.  He took away what little I had left.  Slowly but steadily.  I lived a long time without knowing God.  Even as a child I was gifted.  I took His gifts for granted.  I didn't understand that these blessings were from the Father-not me.  I didn't understand because I didn't want to understand.  And that was reflected by my heart posture, my speech, and my everyday dealings.  I didn't understand because I didn't believe Jesus.  As he began to reveal himself to me, I slowly began to believe.  How could I not?  He became an undeniable presence in my life.  He took away my bread and returned to me His bread.  He returned to me His presence.

 Jesus has delivered me from much.  I still struggle, as we all do.  Though now that He has given me new life in Him, I can breathe again.  And it feels like breathing for the first time.  I exalt the name of the Lord.  I lift him high, high as I'm able to.  A new song is coming from my heart and it is a lovely tune that brings me peace.  Hail to the One who saves.  His mercy endures forever.  I pray this testimony blesses your heart.  I love you.  God is with you.  Shalom Shalom

On Account of Christ

Parents. Love your children. Show them the love of the Father. Look at them. Really see them. We are created in God's image. When we look at one another, we are not just looking. We are seeing the Father in each other. Likewise, show your children that you truly see them as God's creation. Cherish them. When we do it unto these little ones, we do it to Jesus.

If we don't steward the love of the Father within our children, it makes it more difficult for them to see themselves. And if they can't see themselves, they learn not to look at themselves. And when they learn not to look at themselves, all they will see are the ones around them.

Then, sometime later in life, the grief can no longer be hidden away under the surface. Since they can not see themselves properly, it begins to enjoin with the pain that comes from that. This is how pointing fingers, misplaced blame, and the persecution of others begin to manifest. They are unable to face the truth within themselves because they have forgotten. All they can feel is the pain, and all they can see is red. The love they once had in their hearts begins to grow cold. The lights in their eyes begin to dim, and they fail to give its light-In the light of day or in the dark of night.

Gather your children to you as the Father has gathered you unto himself. Show them the love He has freely given you. Stewarding love stewards trust, the two together build faith and reinforce the truth of Christ. I love you. God is with you. Shalom Shalom

I Drank Deep the Wrath of God

 Up until recently, I thought I knew what was going on in my life and why.  I was so sure.  Arrogance.  I have been arrogant and evil toward God and his people.  The truth is I didn't know what was happening to me or why.  God placed inside me his wrath, and he made me drink deep.  I was drunk on his wrath.  My debt piling higher and higher every passing year, to the point of death.  To the point of death spiritually and physically.  Sin was eating me alive from the inside out.  Sin alienated me from God.  Yes, we all sin, but I knew better.  I was shown how to properly conduct myself but I was too proud and too cold in my heart to kneel.  Oh how he has beat me.  Beaten me down and out.  Hallelujah!  He has been beating the warp out of my loom for a minute.  Decades.  It's been a process that nearly took me out.  I didn't want to know God or His Son.  I didn't want to forgive people and I became a collector of debt.  I counted the debts of others and charged interest.  I have been unjust.  He has shown me many mercies and I abused his grace.  I became comfortable hurting people.  I refused to love him or his children.  Now, I drink deep the cup of His Peace.  Blessed are you, Lord our God, King of the Universe, who creates the fruit of the vine.  I pray this testimony brings healing and clarity.  In Jesus name.  Amen.  Shalom Shalom

The Only Dictionary We Need

 The word of God is the only dictionary we need.  It's a technical manual that covers a myriad of life topics and challenges we will face along the way.  It teaches us how to write and write in alignment with God.  It teaches us how to speak and speak in alignment with God.  It illustrates the substance of God and his kingdom through stories and parables.

 He gives a revelation to one and a different revelation to another in all of his teachings.  It teaches us how to trust in him through the stories, and through the characters that overcame and walked in victory.  It indicates seasons of our life through the seasons others before us have walked into and through.  It teaches us the different languages he speaks, not only with stories but in the realm of the numerical as well.  There's a number attached to every word in the bible.  The Strong's concordance covers this.  

 It teaches us how to unravel his mysteries that would otherwise remain a mystery.  It teaches us how to operate in his will for our life.  It teaches us how to function within relationships and how to properly conduct oneself.  It teaches us how to love with his love.  It teaches us how to have compassion and show mercy.  It teaches us how to be better parents and children.

 There are so many wonderful revelations waiting for you, but so I don't ramble on, I'll leave it here.  I love you and encourage you to seek his wisdom and a relationship with him.  That act of faith may be just the remedy you are searching for.  Reverence for God is now our desire and His delight. God bless you.  Shalom Shalom

The Manna of Christ

 I ran into an old friend the other day, a brother in Christ.  We go back a few years but it has been two years since I've seen him.  I took that as a sign from God that it is time to reintegrate into the church community.  He spoke words of healing and encouragement and told me many people of the congregation are always praying for me and speak good things about me.

 For the past couple years I didn't return to the church because of persecution.  I was glad to discover I was wrong. It wasn't the persecution of others I was perceiving but the condemnation that comes from sin.  My sinful living was causing internal shame and condemnation, and in turn I perceived it as it being projected onto me from others.  I was wrong.

 I went to church again today and found this to be true.  I remember when I used to attend church.  There were many tears-tears of grief.  Years of grief condensing and pouring out of me.  Today there were many tears.  The difference is, they were tears of joy.  It felt good to fellowship with my brothers and sisters.  Self alienation brought that into perspective for me.  Even in the midst of sharing praise of the Father with others.  I didn't care who saw me crying.  I no longer cared to discern whether people were for me or against me because after all that he has brought me through, I no longer wonder-I know God is for me.

 I found myself contemplating this earlier today and I thought to myself, "When did this happen?  When did he remove my old garments of shame?  When did this transition take place"?  The power of Christ, and the power of prayer and compassion go a long way.  I chose to believe that what my friend was saying was true, rather than leaning on my own observations.  This brought healing to my heart.  Because I believed, I went back to church, and Christ proved true through my friends once I went back.  It is a burden lifted to know that I am not alienated from the assembly of Christ.  It truly was a day of healing and joy.  I pray this testimony of Christ and reunion blesses you.  I love you.  Shalom Shalom

The Enjoining

 I was on a morning walk earlier and I came across this sign outside someone's house.  It read: "If God was here, will you help him?  Yes or no?  I immediately declared that God is here.  I wish they were present so I could tell them that God is here.  We serve a living God and the living God lives within us.  With every breath.  With every beat of the drum that is our heart.  I wanted to share these revelations with them.  So I share it with you.

 The Samaritan woman by the well had to go later in the heat of the day to gather water from the well of Jacob.  Jesus asked her for a drink of water and he gave the woman a drink of his water.  He shared the good news with her that is living water.  He told her that people would no longer worship on mountains or in Jerusalem but that they would soon worship the Father in Spirit and in truth.

 If God was here, would you help him?  We help him by sharing the good news with others.  A time is coming and indeed it is now here when peoples from all corners of the earth will draw water from Christ's well.  They will be reconciled to the Father and they will draw close to him while it is still cool in the day.  The old evidence of our fathers makes us thirst for more, leading us to the living waters of Jesus-the new evidence.

 The stories in the bible are not just things of the past.  The living word of God lives in our everyday lives.  God's word lays out his faithfulness through the stories, and promises and promises fulfilled.  They are stepping stones for many who do not yet know Jesus.  They are reminders for everyone through the revelation of Christ. 

 As we go to our secret place, where our treasures cannot be stolen and where his cistern does not fail us, we come back with a bubbling spring of water within us and overflows onto others.  The enjoining of His Spirit is near and not far, for He is a God that is near and not far.  God be with you.  I love you.  Shalom Shalom