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.