Archive | March 2013

Satisfaction Guaranteed!

In My Word, I said that “you will always have the poor among you,” and this has remained a steadfast truth through the ages. There are always those who are less fortunate than others, some would say, but I would prefer to say that there is always opportunity among you to give.

Your hard work and life choices should focus on giving of yourself, financially. A man’s finances are close to his heart, because it is a tangible substance, representative of his hard work.

Accomplishments come in time, but money is a reward that you can see and touch, bringing satisfaction of a job well done. Share this with others, those in need, and you will realize an even greater satisfaction, that no money can buy; a satisfaction that only the poor can give. Allow the poor to give to you in this way–an opportunity to be satisfied, and I will see to it that you never lack for any good thing.

Satisfaction guaranteed, and your money back!

“The poor you always have with you, but you do not always have me.” John 12:8

“He who oppresses a poor man insults his Maker, but he who is kind to the needy honors him.” Proverbs 14:31

“Honor the Lord with your substance and with the first fruits of all your produce; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine.” Proverbs 3:9-10

“Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to do it. Do not say to your neighbor, “Go, and come again, tomorrow I will give it”–when you have it with you.” Proverbs 3:27-28

“He who is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed.” Proverbs 19:17

“Give, and it will be given to you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For the measure you give will be the measure you get back.” Luke 6:38

Knowledge

Mar20

The world is filled with knowledge. Man has been given great capabilities of understanding and knowledge. He has spent thousands upon thousands to gain more. Many have heaped up a lifetime of debt to be endowed with knowledge, and still they toil, still they labor; more so now for the mountain of debt that cries out to be paid. And yet, the one book that would truly transform; that would enable them to move mountains and part the seas; that brings the mountains low and the valleys high–this book is left on a shelf, neglected.

Forgotten

Or there just isn’t time, for I have too much to do; there is a debt to be paid and the cycle continues–

Reach for it

Dust it off

Live it

My Word will set you FREE. That is not just a catchy phrase–it is the Truth. My Word doesn’t merely give you knowledge…

It feeds your spirit, soul and body.
It opens doors man cannot open–an open door that no man can shut.
My Word could retire the national debt.

It can set the captives free–pick it up, feed on it and watch your life transform. If it’s knowledge you can’t resist I have that, but let Me also give you understanding, for free, and along with the package comes love, joy, peace, friendship, compassion and an endless list of gifts–all for you!

The cost?

Your life of sin–your pain, heartache, reservations–your fear. In exchange I offer you–

My Life

I’ve already laid it down for you, because I had hoped you would come. I want you to love Me, as I love you. I want to set you free.

Pick up My Book and you will gain wisdom and understanding of what to do with all that knowledge you’ve acquired and so much more, oh so much more!

Embrace My Word and learn to live, but don’t stop there…

Knowledge without action is useless gain, but if you do what the Word says—

My Freedom will remain!

“–If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” John 8:32

“But do not ignore this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slow about his promise as some count slowness, but is forbearing toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a loud noise, and the elements will be dissolved with fire, and the earth and the works that are upon it will be burned up. Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of persons ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness, waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be kindled and dissolved, and the elements will melt with fire! But according to his promise we wait for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells. Therefore, beloved, since you wait for these, be zealous to be found by him without spot or blemish, and at peace. And count the forbearance of our Lord as salvation.” II Peter 3:8-15a

“But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.” II Peter 3:18

Absolute Trust

Mar19

Absolute trust is a requirement for moving forward in faith..

Trust that My Word is true.
Trust that I love you
Trust that you are not alone

Trust

It was the first thing that was broken in the Garden of Eden, and again witnessed when Moses threw the tablets down. He trusted his people…

Trust was broken.

It took faith for Moses to descend that mountain again; fresh commandments in hand–trust in the heart.

So I was broken, in exchange, the old command for new; this born out of loves gift to you–the perfect sacrifice.

I laid my flesh body down…

to arise again

Perfection complete, not even the grave could defeat–

Trust

Knowing that I will watch over My Word to perform it–as I have already proved to do, and…

just as I rose again, I will come again…

but this time–

I come for you!

“For the son of man is to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay every man for what he has done” Matthew 16:27

“Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid; for the Lord God is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation.” Isaiah 12:2

“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV

“Thou dost keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee, because he trusts in thee. Trust in the Lord for ever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock.” Isaiah 26:3-4

“–For I am watching over my word to perform it.” Jeremiah 1:12b

“And behold, I am coming soon.” Revelation 22:7

Full of Faith

Mar18

A time of testing is at hand in the Body of Christ. I value your input as you learn, but when you are being tested I would rather find that you simply, trust.

Don’t question, but search My Word for the right scripture to speak to your mountain. For My tests are not to try your patience, but for you to try your skills–what you have learned is to be applied, and then you will know…

You will know.

For he that has ‘passed’ smiles in triumph upon his enemies. At this, I would have you to remember that your enemies are not flesh and blood, but principalities and powers of darkness.

Lay them down with My Word.

Slay them with what you know and, if you don’t know, then learn some more. For there is a testing for My body. I need you to prove My Word.

It is sharper than any two-edged sword. It is your weapon of warfare–your weapon of choice. And in the time of test, prove yourself faithful. For you are not trying My Word, but My Word will try you.

Find what you know

and be

Faithful–

Be Full of Faith!

“Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal which comes upon you to prove you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice in so far as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.” I Peter 4:12-13

“For this slight momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, because we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen; for the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.” II Corinthians 4:17-18

“He disarmed the principalities and powers and made a public example of them, triumphing over them in him.” Col. 2:15

“Since we have the same spirit of faith as he had who wrote, “I believed, and so I spoke,” we too believe, and so we speak.” II Corinthians 4:13

“Put to death therefore what is earthly in you; immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. On account of these the wrath of God is coming. In these you once walked, when you lived in them. But now put them all away; anger, wrath, malice, slander and foul talk from your mouth. Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old nature with its practices and have put on the new nature, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator.” Colossians 3:1-10

“Be sober, be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking some one to devour. Resit him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experience of suffering is required of your brotherhood throughout the world. And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, establish, and strengthen you. To him be the dominion for ever and ever. Amen.” I Peter 5:8-11

“–Be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we are not contending against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the equipment of the gospel of peace; above all taking the shield of faith, with which you can quench all the flaming darts of the evil one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” Ephesians 6:10-17

“Be watchful, stand firm in your faith, be courageous, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love.” I Cor. 16:13

Relax

Mar17

I have constrained you, but for a season. Preparation is required for you to become fully dependent on My direction, My signals and cues.

We Move as one.

Yes, you know My ways, but do you know Me so intimately that you know what I will do in your life before it happens?

I thought not.

Work closely with Me. Allow Me to teach you as a personal mentor. I have observed your every move in life, but have you watched Mine?

I thought not.

So, there is more to learn. Think of My constraints as a comfort zone, that I have arranged for you; to allow you freedom to learn and grow within My parameters for your life.

In other words…

RELAX

Give yourself time to grow, knowing that I AM in control.

All is well…

All is well!

“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:29-30

“He whose ear heeds wholesome admonition will abide among the wise. He who ignores instruction despises himself, but he who heeds admonition gains understanding. The fear of the Lord is instruction in wisdom, and humility goes before honor.” Proverbs 15:31-33

“For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding; he stores up sound wisdom for the upright; he is a shield to those who walk in integrity, guarding the paths of justice and preserving the way of his saints. Then you will understand righteousness and justice, and equity, every good path; for wisdom will come into your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul” Proverbs 2:6-10

“A man plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.” Proverbs 16:9

“But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumph, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere.” II Corinthians 2:14

Break Through

Mar16

Spring forward or break through? So many get the two confused. One thinks that going forward means that they are approved in the action they take. Yet they do not seem to notice, their footing has begun to shake.

I will allow you to find your path for a time without My guide; to test you and allow you to try your wings–your style. But there comes a time when, if we are not conferring on the path taken…

You may find I AM no longer there.

You didn’t notice at first, My absence, you were so busy forging your way, but then you found you became more and more tired come the end of your day. And you wondered…

Why?

Lord, why are you not helping me? Why do you not lead?

But where were you that morning when I met you and you barely glanced My way? Now it seems a wall has risen and its for break-through that you pray, and still more tired it seems you’ve become toward the end of your day.

My love, never did I leave you–you are never far from Me. I merely chose to give you the lead and allow you to find your way. In this you found that forward doesn’t always mean moving in the right direction, but the break-through you seek is right close at hand–with only a small correction.

Follow My Lead…

“For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding; he stores up sound wisdom for the upright; he is a shield to those who walk in integrity, guarding the paths of justice and preserving the way of his saints.” Proverbs 2:6-8

“Thy word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Psalms 119:105

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may prove what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Romans 12:2

“Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; love one another with brotherly affection; outdo one another in showing honor. Never flag in zeal, be aglow with the Spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in your hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute, you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly; never be conceited. Repay no one evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends upon you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God; for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” No, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals upon his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Romans 12:9-21

“Thus says the Lord of hosts, Render true judgments, show kindness and mercy each to his brother, do not oppress the widow, the fatherless, the sojourner, or the poor; and let none of you devise evil against his brother in your heart.” Zechariah 7:9-10

“But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, which shines brighter and brighter until the full day.” Proverbs 4:18

“For there shall be a sowing of peace and prosperity; the vine shall yield its fruit, and the ground shall give its increase, and the heavens shall give their dew; and I will cause the remnant of this people to possess all these things.” Zechariah 8:12

Savory Truth

Mar15

The seasoning in one’s life is a delicate balance. For it is said that a person is “well seasoned” when he is mature in years and has lived a long life–seemingly to have gained much wisdom. But I tell you wisdom, that which comes from above, is not gained through years of living, but from time spent within close fellowship of the Holy Spirit. Wisdom is to be sought after–it is more valuable than gold.

Choice nuggets come from spending time at My feet and learning the heart of the Master from My Word. I AM revealed in My Word, but you truly will not recognize the different, subtle flavors or aspects of My person without first savoring them on your tongue. “Oh taste and see that the Lord is good.” (Ps. 34:8)

Speak forth My Word, whether through prayers, reading My Word aloud or sharing with a friend. The declaration will be sweet to the taste as honey. The subtle notes return to the ears, quickening your spirit within, as deep calls to deep. It is food for your soul–this, My friend, is true seasoning. The delicate balance of wisdom and life…

The one anchors

The other propels forward

Yet they do not contradict, but are in perfect balance, as is the Sword of the Spirit–rightly dividing soul and spirit with the Word of Truth.

“For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and spirit, of joints and marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12

“The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple; the precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes; the fear of the Lord is clean, enduring for ever; the ordinances of the Lord are true, and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb.” Psalm 19:7-10

“Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.” Proverbs 16:24

“O taste and see that the Lord is good! Happy is the man who takes refuge in him!” Psalms 34:8

“But wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, without uncertainty or insincerity. And the harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.” James 3:17-18

“Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward being; therefore teach me wisdom in my secret heart.” Psalms 51:6

“My mouth shall speak wisdom; the meditation of my heart shall be understanding.” Psalms 49:3

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we are not contending against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.Therefore take the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the equipment of the gospel of peace, above all taking the shield of faith, with which you can quench all the flaming darts of the evil one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” Ephesians 6:10-17

Against All Odds

Mar14

Against all odds you became saved, for it is not in your nature to seek good and shun evil. My children were created pure and holy…

then came sin.

Sin separated man from the Father and created a new nature and environment for his life…

The garden was no longer perfect
Trust was broken
Weeds entered in
Tears were shed

But I had a plan from the very beginning; to reinstate man into My Grace, I asked My Son to take your place.

Against all odds

God became a man. Born of a natural woman to sever the divide…

Mary agreed

Jesus became

But yet, there was more to come…

For you were born into the natural world, where sin still reigned–for without a Savior, there is no hope. A choice has to be made for man to be under the rule of God and not man. To have dominion and to rule and reign, one must choose the great exchange.

Your old life for one that is completely FREE–never again held to sin’s lying shame. Your life renewed–never to die again. Your spirit for ever shall live, and ever with Me you’ll remain. Where there is no more sorrow, sadness or pain–a perfect garden, no weeds–all gain.

Your answer then, was it against all odds that you said yes?

Yes to Jesus?
Yes to Love?
Yes to Life?

Yes, against all odds–welcome home son–welcome home daughter…

Welcome home!

Have you invited your friends? There is always room for more…

Against all odds

“Therefore the Lord God sent him forth from the garden of Eden, to till the ground from which he was taken.” Genesis 3:23

“If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin is couching at the door; its desire is for you, but you must master it.” Genesis 4:7

“Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he has visited and redeemed his people, and has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David, as he spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets from of old, that we should be saved from our enemies, and from the hand of all who hate us; to perform the mercy promised to our fathers, and to remember his holy covenant, the oath which he swore to our father Abraham, to grant us that we, being delivered from the hand of our enemies might serve him without fear, in holiness and righteousness before him all the days of our life.” Luke 1:68-75

“for to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:11

“In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in darkness and the darkness has not overcome it.” John 1:4-5

“And from his fullness have we all received, grace upon grace. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God; the only Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, he has made him known.” John 1:16-18

“Jesus answered him, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born anew, he cannot see the kingdom of God.'” John. 3:3

“And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life. For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God sent the Son into the world, not to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him. He who believes in him is not condemned; he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. And this is the judgment that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one who does evil hates the light, and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. But he who does what is true comes to the light, that it may be clearly seen that his deeds have been wrought in God.” John. 3:14-21

“But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for such the Father seeks to worship him. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth. The woman said to him, “I know that Messiah is coming, he who is called Christ; when he comes, he will show us all things.” Jesus said to her, “I who speak to you am he.”” John 4:23-26

The Plumb Line

Mar13

Re-examine your heart daily to see where you stand…

Like a plumb line, it is a measuring rod for your soul.

You may be closer than you think, but you may also be further away from your goal than need be.

Make the necessary adjustments while they are

small

few

Often it is simply a matter of changing your thinking.

Believe in yourself as you believe in Me

For we are one.

“I will walk with integrity of heart within my house; I will not set before my eyes anything that is base.” Ps. 101:1b-2

“If I had cherished iniquity in my heart, the Lord would not have listened. But truly God has listened; he has given heed to the voice of my prayer.” Ps. 66:18-19

“For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. The good man out of his good treasure brings forth good, and the evil man out of his evil treasure brings forth evil. I tell you, on the day of judgment men will render account for every careless word they utter; for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” Matt. 12:34b-37

“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.” Ps. 19:14

Lavish Spending

Mar12

Anoint Me to be of service to you.

It is a hard thing for you to consider–Me serving you, but that is what prayer does it–

Enlists My service
Calls upon My help
Sets Me to act on your behalf

I AM not appalled at this–I crave it!

I want you to seek Me out–daily, hourly, whatever you can spare. But I AM most pleased when you are not ‘sparing’ time for Me, but ‘spending’ time with Me.

Freely and lavishly spending your time on Me.

I came to serve and to teach you to walk in My footsteps–to follow My example. So pray–actively and seek to enlist My active response.

I AM listening

I AM at your service, even as you are all about mine.

“Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going to God, rose from supper, laid aside his garments, and girded himself with a towel. Then he poured water into a basin, and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel with which he was girded.” Jn. 13:3-5

“When he had washed their feet, and taken his garments, and resumed his place, he said to them, ‘Do you know what I have done to you? You call me Teacher and Lord; and you are right, for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you. Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master; nor is he who is sent greater than he who sent him. If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.” Jn. 12-16

“–whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave; even as the Son of man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Matt. 20:26-28

“Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I go to the Father. Whatever you ask in my name, I will do it, that the Father may be glorified in the Son; if you ask anything in my name, I will do it.” Jn. 14:12-14

“For the eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those that do evil.” I Pet. 3:12

“If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you will, and it shall be done for you. By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be my disciples.” Jn. 15:7-8