Inherit and Occupy: A Recollection

 Hello.  I hope you are fairing well today, wherever you may be.  Peace be with you.  It's been awhile since my last entry here on this blog, and today I think this will be more like a journal of sorts.

 I was sitting with some thoughts this morning, and I find that it's so easy in this life.  It's so easy to worry about our job or career, our mortgage, the bills we need to pay, social norms and status quos.  That's the easy part.  It's easy to be caught up in the things of this world.  Who did what, who's to blame, as if we ourselves have done no wrong.  And we all have fallen short at one point or another in this walk we call life.  The hard part, I find, is sitting with ourselves before God.  The distractions of this life have a way of distorting what truly matters.  Truth, love, mercy, compassion.  Matters of the heart.

 So, wherever you may be today, I encourage you to reach out to one another, and that is, after all, reaching out to God.  That we would love and care for one another.  And remember, the purest form of truth is love and mercy.  Man's truth is but a shadow compared to these.  So be good to yourself today.  Be good to one another.  For we are all created in His image.  May the love and truth of Jesus Christ give you peace.  Shalom Shalom

Your Double Portion

ARK (n):  commonly, a portable wooden chest, box, or coffer; specifically, of Noah, a  ship the size of a light cruiser; of the covenant, a sacred housing for the Law of Moses

CLOUD (n):  a visible mass of particles of condensed vapor suspended in the atmosphere

COVENANT (n):  a mutual agreement or contract (between persons, between nations, or between God and humanity) with conditions and consequences spelled out
see also PROMISE, VOW

COVERED (v):  to hide from sight or knowledge; to lay or spread something over; to lie over

DEW (n):  moisture condensed upon cool surfaces especially at night

EVENING (n):  the latter part and close of the day

LORD (n):  traditionally rendered, Jehovah (Hebrew Yahweh); the sovereign God Almighty
see also YAHWEH

MANNA (n):  miraculous supply of food given to Israel in the wilderness; symbolic of spiritual nourishment

MORNING (n):  the time from sunrise to noon

SET APART (v):  to designate or preserve for a particular use

Shalom, child of God.  Praise the name of the Living God!  Forever and ever.  Hallelujah!  Holy is He.  Holy is His Name!

The LORD is your portion, your manna.  The Ark of the Covenant is you, Noah, and you are set apart to Him.  His rest and comfort is set apart for you.  Jesus covers you in His Blood, His Salvation, your comfort.  The LORD cover you in the evening.  Yes, the Lord cover you in the evening, through the night, and into the coming of His Light.  Forever and ever!  He has sworn it by His Name.

The Law of Moses is not meant to condemn us.  We are the Ark of His Promises and we keep house by keeping His Love within us.  Keeping care of the Law and His Love invites the Holy Spirit-this is the meaning of Truth and Praise in Spirit.  Keeping the Law and keeping the Love of Christ is the double portion set apart for you.  The Love of Jesus fulfills the Law of Moses and the Prophets.  I love you.  Jesus loves you even more!  Shalom Shalom

Psalm 66: Bless God, All Of Us

GLORIOUS (adj):  Psalm 66:2

possessing or deserving special honor; splendid or magnificent

AWESOME (adj):  Psalm 66:3

characterized by reverential fear; expressive of or inspiring awe
see also MARVELOUS, WONDERFUL

MIGHTY (adj):  Psalm 66:3

powerful; great or imposing in size or extent

BLESS (v):  Psalm 66:8

to confer prosperity or happiness upon; to honor in worship; to offer approval or encouragement; to bring pleasure or divine favor

SLAVERY (n):  Psalm 66:11

submission to a dominating influence; the practice of slaveholding

ABUNDANCE (n):  Psalm 66:12

great quantity, affluence; more than ample

SACRED (adj):  Psalm 66:14

dedicated or set apart for the service or worship of a deity; entitled to reverence and respect

Shalom, child of God.  Praise the name of the Living God!  Forever and ever.  Hallelujah!  Holy is He.
  
I'm reminded tonight, it's easy to forget what He has done for me.  Yes, it is good to seek Him and search for the truth in His word, but it is equally important to reciprocate my blessings back to Him.

The Lord has done so much for me, I get a bit overwhelmed sometimes when recounting them.  Like, I don't where to begin sometimes.  One of the most recent things he has done for me is he has blessed me with His Joy.  Might seem like a small blessing to some people, but when you've lived your whole life in bitterness, joy is a Godsend!  And His Joy is more than enough.

Joy enables me to acknowledge and enjoy all that he has blessed me with.  I'm not talking about the joy that is conceived of earthly achievements, but the joy of the Holy Spirit.  It's a presence, truly.  Every time I cry out to him for help, he always responds.  And not just crying out for help, but I make sure to show gratitude at the same time.  He is a joy to my heart that is difficult for me to describe at times.  I feel it's better expressed face to face, as I've seen how he moves in us when we are in proximity of others.  I look forward to more of that!

And so I bless the Lord with all that I am able, as He is the one who enables me, and I pray this is a blessing to you as well.  I pray this is an encouragement to your spirit.  In Jesus name.  Amen.  You are never alone.  He is there with you, even if you can't feel it sometimes.  I've found that in moments I can't sense him, it is a reminder to cry out for His Presence, because even that, is a blessing to His Heart.  I love you.  Jesus loves you even more.  Shalom Shalom

Command Love, Follow Wisdom

EYES (n):  Proverbs 7:2
organ of (physical and spiritual) sight

WINDOW (n):  Proverbs 7:6
an opening in the wall of a building

HEART (n):  Proverbs 7:3
figuratively, the seat of emotions, thoughts, and intentions; personality, disposition; courage, love, affection; central or most vital part of something

INSIGHT (n):  Proverbs 7:4
the power or act of seeing into a situation; discernment

BELOVED (adj):  Proverbs 7:4
dearly loved; dear to the heart

WISDOM (n)  Proverbs 7:4
knowledge, insight, judgment

TREASURE (n):  Proverbs 7:1
wealth or a collect of precious things; something of great value

ADVICE (n):  Proverbs 7:1
recommendation regarding a decision or course of conduct; counsel

COMMANDS (n):  Proverbs 7:2
an order given; religious instruction
see also COMMANDMENT

INSTRUCTIONS (n):  Proverbs 7:2
a command or principle intended especially as a general rule of action; an order; directions; the action, practice, or profession of teaching
see also COMMANDMENT(S), LAW(S)

Shalom to you, child of God.  Praise the name of the Living God!  Forever and ever.  Hallelujah!  Holy is He.  The Lord commands love.  He commands us to love one another, as we care for ourself.  There is only one other commandment greater than this:  to love God with all our heart, all our mind, and all our soul and our strength.  This fulfills the Law of Moses and the prophets.

To follow Jesus and keep his instruction in our heart is the beginning of wisdom.  We are His Beloved.  He loves us dearly, and we reciprocate that love through storing up his advice within us, as one would store up treasure.  Wisdom commands love, is justified by her works, and the results are good fruit.  The fruit of the Spirit is in sight, and the window through which we see is Jesus.

You are more than a conqueror in Christ, for greater is He living in you, than he that is in the world.  Let us not lean towards the world's understanding, nor ours, and let us stand upon the Rock of Salvation that is Jesus Christ.  This is true understanding and good advice:  To listen to Jesus and write Him upon our hearts, to hear the truth and multiply it through the way we live our lives, led by the Holy Spirit.

I decree and declare, "Your eyes are a witness to Christ.  He has opened up the window, and you are Beloved.  Judgment has come from Zion.  You have received Salvation through His Blood, and His Salvation brings the treasures of Heaven within sight---within your heart and loosed in the world."  In Jesus name, I pray love, peace, joy, patience, faithfulness, gentleness, kindness, and self control over you.  Amen.  Go within the secret place to receive Him, and everything else that is worthy of God will be added to you.  I love you.  Jesus loves you even more.  Shalom Shalom

Honor For Ashes

ADVANCING (v):  Matthew 11:12

ASHES (n):  Matthew 11:21
burnt residue or remains of the dead, or anything ruined; denotes grief, repentance, or humiliation

HONORED (v):  Matthew 11:23
of God, to reverence his majesty; of man, to respect or esteem; to confer honor upon

LIGHT (n):  Matthew 11:30
daylight; brightness; illumination; celestial body; spiritual enlightenment; exposure to the truth and justice

PREPARE (v):  Matthew 11:10
to make ready beforehand for some purpose, use, or activity; to get ready

REVEAL (v):  Matthew 11:27
to make known through divine inspiration; to make (something secret or hidden) publicly or generally known; to display

TRUTH (n):  Matthew 11:11
the property (as of a statement) of being in accord with fact or reality (natural and spiritual); sincerity in action, character, and utterance

Shalom.  Praise the name of the Living God!  Forever and ever.  Hallelujah!  When we prepare our hearts, and make a straight path before Jesus, he prepares the way before us.  Repentance is key.  Repentance is standing in truth.  And when we stand in truth(which is honoring God), he honors us.  In due season.

But how do we perceive the truth?  We confess with our mouths to him, our transgressions against him.  The heart is a liar, and in order to flip the script, Jesus must be involved.  How can we see truth, and not acknowledge it first in our hearts?  How do we hear truth, without first speaking it?  Through accepting Jesus as the Truth, he enables us to embody it(heart, mind, and soul).  He cares for the condition of our heart.  We must come to Jesus, even if we doubt.  A doubtful heart is perfect-when we are weak, He is strong, and when a doubtful sinner confesses, repents of the world's ways, Heaven rejoices.  Accepting Jesus allows the Kingdom of Heaven to advance in Spirit and Truth.  First within us, then onward, wherever He may lead us.  You are not sin!  You are a child of God, whom He loves dearly.

Repeat after me:  Lord Jesus, I confess I am a sinner.  Jesus, I accept you into my heart as my Lord and Savior.  I believe that God gave you up to sinners on a cross, you were crucified, and three days later, God rose you up from the grave.  I believe that through your blood, there is salvation.  I need your salvation, Jesus.  Your blood makes me clean.  Purify me in your blood.  Lord, reveal your truth to me, that I may live and not die.  Shine your light on me Jesus.  Please reveal the lie of the enemy in my heart and bring healing to my land.  Your name is Holy.  Thank you Jesus for dying for my sins, that I may live.  I love you.  In your most precious name, Jesus.  Amen

The word of God says if we confess that Jesus is Lord, and believe it in our heart, we will be saved.  As surely as the Lord lives, you will live also.  Watch what God does in your heart next.  Pay attention and be watchful.  Be expectant when you pray this prayer over your life, as this will confirm His Word and reinforce your faith in Jesus.  It may get bumpy, but just keep focusing on Jesus.  Seek Him in His Word and look for him in your heart.  Nothing compares to the love of Christ.  He came to bring salvation, not condemnation.  I love you.  Jesus loves you even more.  Shalom Shalom

The Secret Blueprint: Stop "Worrying" and Achieve "Fulfillment In Christ"

AWE (n):  Psalm 65:8
an emotion variously combining dread, respect, and wonder that is inspired by authority or the sacred
see also FEAR, REVERANCE

CLOTHED (v):  Psalm 65:13
to dress; to endow especially with power or a quality

DRENCH (v):  Psalm 65:10

FULFILL (v):  Psalm 65:1
to complete or perform as promised; to measure up or satisfy

HOPE (n):  Psalm 65:5
confident trust with the expectation of fulfillment

JOY (n):  Psalm 65:4
the emotion evoked by well-being, success, or good fortune

PRAISE (n):  Psalm 65:1
worship; commendation; value, merit

PRAYERS (n):  Psalm 65:2
conversation with God---in praise, thanksgiving, or intercession

Shalom, child of God.  Praise the name of the Living God!  Forever and ever!  Hallelujah!  As you've probably noticed, joy, awe, hope, praise, and prayers are all defined as a noun.  Yes, which means it is safe to stand in all of these.  They are emotions, due worship, and an intimate conversation with God---evoked by the Holy Spirit.

When we are in an active relationship with the Father, he clothes us with these.  Faith without works is dead---not works of our flesh, rather, works through His Spirit(conversing with God, and acknowledging and giving thanks to him for all he has done for us).

Your body is the Temple and he takes care of His Temple.  Joy is a gift of life for our spirit, and anything contrary to this, drains our spirit.  Joy is not an emotion you can fabricate, but a direct result of abiding in Jesus.  The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.  ~Galatians 5:22-23~

I pray this message is a blessing to you and lifts your spirit with encouragement.  In Jesus name.  Amen.  I love you.  Jesus loves you even more.  Shalom Shalom

You Are A Testament To God's Glory

FATHER (n):  Proverbs 6:20

male parent; ancestor(s); characteristic of a mentor or provider relationship; name and role for God in relation to the children he fosters/adopts; originator or creator

see also PARENT

MOTHER (n):  Proverbs 6:20
a female parent; a woman in authority
see also PARENT

WITNESS (n):  Proverbs 6: 19

a person who gives testimony; one asked to be present at a transaction so as to be able to testify to its having taken place

LAMP (n):  Proverbs 6:23
a source of intellectual or spiritual illumination; any of various devices for producing light

LIGHT (n):  Proverbs 6:23
daylight; brightness; illumination; celestial body; spiritual enlightenment; exposure to the truth and justice

EYES (n):  Proverbs 6:17
organ of (physical and spiritual) sight

COUNSEL (v):  Proverbs 6:22
to advise

LEAD (v):  Proverbs 6:22
to guide by direction or example; to go at the head of; to result in
see also LED

HEART (n):  Proverbs 6:18
figuratively, the seat of emotions, thoughts, and intentions; personality, disposition; courage; love, affection; central or most vital part of something

FEET (n):  Proverbs 6:18
see also FOOT

Shalom, child of God.  Praise the name of the Living God.  Forever and ever.  Hallelujah!  Hallelujah!  Hallelujah!  Jesus is the first and the last.  Believing in the name of Jesus Christ, that he is the Lord of salvation, given up to sinners for the salvation of sinners, produces repentance, yields healing and resurrection-rescue within and from the land of oppression.

The word of God (the bible), is a lamp, enabling one to see light, and brings counsel to the heart.  The Holy Spirit enables us to search out the truth and find justice.  So it is, the Holy Spirit resides also within you, and in the word of God.

I pray the love of Christ over myself and the reader.  I plead the blood of Christ over us.  I decree and declare, "You are the head and not the tail!  You are valuable in the eyes of God, and nothing can separate you from His love.  As both your spiritual Father and Mother, He loves you dearly, and desires your heart."  I prophesy over you, in the name of Jesus Christ, "The Lord is gathering you into His illumination.  The Lord of Hosts of Heaven's armies is fighting for you and over you!  You will witness the tangible provision of El Shaddai."  May the Holy Spirit lead you.  The Father counsel you, and give you light.  In Jesus name.  Amen.  I love you.  Jesus loves you even more.  Shalom Shalom

Receive Your Pay

HIDE (v):  Psalm 64:2
to shield; to seek protection; to put or remain out of sight
see also HID

HOME (n):  Matthew 9:7
one's place of residence; place of origin, destiny, or comfort; family-style social unit
see also DWELLING, HOUSE

INSTRUCTIONS (n):  Exodus 14:1
a command or principle intended especially as a general rule of action; an order; directions; the action, practice, or profession of teaching
see also COMMANDMENT(S), LAW(S)

LISTEN (v):  Proverbs 5:1
to hear something with thoughtful attention
see also HEAR

PAY (v):  Proverbs 5:1
to suffer the consequences of an act; to requite according to what is deserved; to make due return to for services or goods rendered
see also PAID

PROTECT (v):  Psalm 64:1
to cover or shield from exposure, injury, damage, or destruction; to defend
see also KEEP

STAND (v):  Matthew 9:6
to remain stationary; to remain erect; to maintain one's position; to endure successfully
see also STOOD

Listening to the instruction of the Lord enables us to stand firm in the face of adversity.  When violent people wrong us, we can be confident in God's protection through abiding in Jesus.  There will always be testing.  There will always be the temptation to retaliate in our own strength-but the Lord is our strength!  When we are weak, He is strong!  So stand, child of God.  And if you ever find yourself in a position of falling short before the glory of God, remember this:  Weakness invites more glory-the glory of the Lord!

Jesus did not call those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners.  With that being said, we now know we sinners receive salvation through the price Jesus paid for us-His blood.  We are all sinners, and this does not mean we excuse our sin, but rather, intentionally turning away from it.  This does not mean we will never sin again.  When we lift up our heel against the enemy, and exalt the name of Jesus Christ, we show him mercy-showing mercy for Jesus, and condemning sacrificial behavior.  For God sacrificed His only begotten Son, given up to sinners, for the salvation of sinners.  The sacrifice has already happened; receive your pay.  So, let us not continue to condemn Jesus through exalting sin-by excusing it.  Let us stand, Lord.  Lord, let us remain in your steadfast covenant-your love-our home.  Thank you Father.  We thank you for not hiding your face from your servants!

I plead the blood of Jesus Christ over the reader and their home.  I pray for Godly insight, and thoughtful attention to you, Lord.  I prophesy in the name of Jesus Christ, "We are, and will, continue to stand and walk in your instruction."  I declare, "We have made you, Lord, our abiding home, and you, Lord, have made us your abiding home."  May the Lord bless you and protect you.  God smile upon you and gift you.  The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.  I love you.  Jesus loves you.  Shalom Shalom

Rebuilding The Temple With God

JOY:  Psalm 63:5
an act or instance of traveling from one place to another

MEAL:  Matthew 8:15
a portion of food eaten usually at designated times in the day to satisfy appetite; an act or time of eating

PRAISE:  Psalm 63:3
to worship, command, or give honor to

REST:  Proverbs 4:16
to sit or lie on; to cease from action or motion; to take relief or respite

SERVANT:  Matthew 8:8
one who performs tasks under the direction of another

SLAVERY:  Exodus 13:3
submission to a dominating influence; the practice of slaveholding

YEAST:  Exodus 13:3
a fungus used for making alcohol and bread

The fear of the Lord brings joy to my heart.  I remember my life in Egypt.  The confusion, the resentment, the pain, the fear, the pride, the loneliness-the slavery.  In fact, the Lord rescued me from all of it recently.  The yeast in my heart caused a great decay within, and it was detrimental to my soul.  I held the trauma inside to the point of bursting-from my wrong living and from religious people and their leaders.  I wouldn't forgive myself or others, and I used the gifts God gave me to destroy them.  I committed myself to destruction, and there was no rest for my soul because of it.

I remember when the Lord began chasing me down with intention and intensity.  It was terrifying.  I was terrified because all I'd ever known up until then was decay and short lived peace.  I thought he was punishing me, but really, he was pruning me-breaking me and then loving on me-both, with precision.  He pierced my heart in the most poetic way.  So, yes, I will praise God for the rest of my life, both here and after.  How could I not?  The joy of the Lord has consumed me and I don't have time for much else these days.  He has proven what is right in his sight through correcting me.  He corrects the one he loves.  Now, he honors me, and I am honored to reflect what he has taught me back into the world.

Through it all, from slavery to servant, from suffering in slavery, to victory in Christ, to share a meal with Jesus-I am truly grateful beyond words.  I never thought the day would come when I'd be grateful for the trials and tribulation-but God!  Isn't it so refreshing to be loved unconditionally?  What love!  Love conquers all.  Love covers a multitude of sins.  And now these three remain: faith, hope and love.  But the greatest of these is love.  ~1 Corinthians 13:13~

I pray we never forget the great kindness he has shown us.  I pray whoever is reading this-if they are still in Egypt-that the Lord chase them down with his love and break the yoke of bondage, and may he cleanse the yeast in their land.  I love you.  Jesus loves you.  Shalom Shalom

Jesus Makes Us Whole

BLOOD:  Exodus 12:22
fluid in the circulatory system; signifies human life; kinfolk; of animals, used in priestly sacrifices; of Christ, effective for the forgiveness of sins; on hands or head, symbolic of guilt

BRANCHES:  Exodus 12:22
limb of a (family) tree, part of a complex body (of knowledge); figurative of offspring and of disciples (of Christ and his disciples)

FRUIT:  Matthew 7:20
a product of plant growth; product or result

POUR:  Psalm 62:8
to move or come continuously; to supply or produce freely

PURIFY:  Psalm 51:7
to make pure or remove (physical or moral) blemishes; to make ritually clean

TREE:  Proverbs 3:18
woody perennial plants, many of which produce crops; highly treasured natural resource; often linked to the worship of pagan gods; symbolic of a growing believer

TRUST:  Proverbs 3:5
to place confidence or depend; to commit or place in one's care or keeping; to rely on the truthfulness or accuracy of

WASH:  Psalm 51:7
to cleanse-of physical, ceremonial, or spiritual significance

There is a significant difference between ritual and obedience.  I'm just now discovering this as a growing believer in Christ.  Ritual living looks like treating others in a way that Christ would disapprove and then asking forgiveness-rather than showing compassion from the get, and living wrong 6 days a week, then playing Christian on Sundays(observing festivals and ceremonies).

But there is grace in Jesus Christ.  There is grace when we have a continual relationship with him(pouring out our heart to him), accepting his truth, and producing good fruit as we grow in our relationship with our Father.

Jesus makes us clean,  He washes us in his love and mercy.  It's taken me a long time to realize this.  It's taken me a long time to realize I don't need to strive for his love because he loves us freely.  My wrong living produced much guilt and shame, and in turn, made it difficult for me to accept him-to accept that it is his sacrifice, his blood, that makes me clean.  Not my own works.

It is good to do good works.  But that can't be the sole mission.  Excluding Christ(excluding  love, mercy, and truth), and relying on one's own understanding produces bad fruit-loveless knowledge.  I find that loving others is difficult at times because I am exalting my own feelings, rather than accepting his truth and redistributing it(good fruit).

I pray we continually seek after and pour out our hearts to God.  I pray we embrace his love, rather than our own resentments.  I pray the blood of Christ over you and your family.  I pray you pray the same for me 🙂.  I love you.  Shalom Shalom

Claim Your Inheritance

FIRSTBORN:  Exodus 11:5

The eldest offspring; one possessing special rights of inheritance

INHERITANCE:  Psalm 61:5
the acquisition of a possession, condition, or trait from past generations; something that is or may be inherited

INSIGHT:  Proverbs 2:3
the power or act of seeing into a situation; discernment

SEEK:  Matthew 6:33
to go in search of; to try to acquire or gain
see also SOUGHT

Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.  Jesus is the only begotten son of God, given up to sinners and resurrected for the salvation of all.

Our portion is Jesus.  He is our inheritance.  When we seek out Jesus(the Truth), our inheritance in Christ becomes a tangible thing.  Life(wisdom), and insight and understanding(discernment), to name but a few of the many attributes gifted from God through seeking Him.

The Word of God is a living power.  While we have salvation through living in Christ, and we cannot justify ourselves through our works, seeking God through His Word is an empowering act of faith that helps us mature in the fruits of His Spirit.

So, do not grow weary in seeking out our Father.  It only becomes religious when we choose to live by the Law alone.  It only becomes religious in nature when we exclude Jesus.

I pray we remain faithful to Christ through the way we live, and that we utilize His word to edify ourselves and the Body of Christ.  In Jesus name.  Amen.  Shalom Shalom

The Beatitudes

 

Words Of God For The Day

DISCIPLINE:  Proverbs 1:2
punishment; instruction

PROVIDE:  Exodus 10:25
to furnish or supply, implying foresight in making provision for the future

FAVOR:  Psalm 60:1
gracious kindness; approval from a superior; a special privilege or right granted or conceded
see also GRACE

RECONCILED:  Matthew 5:24
to restore to friendship or harmony, especially between God and human beings

In the name of Jesus Christ, I prophesy the Lord's perfect will over you and your household.  I pray He provide foresight through wisdom and discipline; that He instruct us in His Way.  I decree and declare, "We are reconciled to the Father through His Son Jesus Christ."  May He favor you in all your ways.  Amen

You Are A Lyre!

Have you ever been accused of being a liar?

I have-so many times in my life.  The truth is my heart IS a liar at times.  Yet, even in my affliction, even through the accusations and persecution-these lead me straight to Jesus.

What the enemy meant for evil, God has worked it out for our good.  ~Genesis 50:20~

The Word of God is a living, breathing force.  Likewise, the power of the tongue is a double-edged sword(sword of the Spirit), from which life and death flow, according to how we use it.  ~Hebrews 4:12~  and  ~Proverbs 18:21~

You are a beautiful Lyre in the Father's hands, and your life is a beautiful song ascending to the highest height of Zion, to His Heart.  ~Psalm 108:2~

So, the next time the enemy accuses you of being a liar, you can be confident the enemy is being used by God to bless you-You Are A Lyre!  Shalom Shalom

Wake Up Little Susie, Wake Up

WISE: Matthew 2:1

marked by deep understanding, keen discernment, and a capacity for sound judgement

WAKE: Psalm 57:8

to rouse from or as if from sleep

LISTEN: Exodus 7:4

to hear something with thoughtful attention

PRAYER:

The Lord is causing your heart to wake up to him: He is speaking to you, do not doubt it.  Listen to him, for it is by His Spirit this has happened. 

As you continue to seek him in all you do, stay vigilant in the discernment he has given you, and do not return to slumber-do not look back. 

I encourage you to read into these words and meditate on them.  He will bring everything that is of Him to come to full term.  I pray wisdom, keen discernment, and sound judgement over you and your household.  I pray this in Jesus name.  Amen

You can watch the video that covers these words of God by following this link:  https://youtu.be/u7-BMZ_c8Xg

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