Tag Archive | honor

Enduring and Everlasting Love

Today I give honor to a couple that are near and dear to my heart. In fact, I have known them all my life–they are my mom and dad, Tom and Grace Bloxsom.

Today they celebrate something that is very rare and wonderful–

→ 76 years of marriage ♥

Very few will ever accomplish such a feat; sadly, these days, most do not even try. Sin, selfishness and rebellion have given marriage a negative connotation; but my parents have lived and demonstrated it in the true meaning of the word, two lives joined together as one–for always.

As anyone that has been married can attest, it is not always easy, and often can be hard work, but it is the commitment that determines the outcome. For my parents, this commitment has been non-negotiable. For better or worse, in good times and bad, sickness and in health, they have remained faithful to their vows and to each other.

So today, and every day, I honor them! ♥

Their commitment to each other and their willingness to persevere, even in the tough times has given them a resilience, also rarely seen in the elderly. At the ages of 95 and nearly 98 my parents are independent and their minds are sharp! In this, I believe, God too, has honored them; as they have lived their lives in honor to Him and their marriage–in honor to each other.

“And he said to him, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it. You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'” Matthew 22:37-39

Who is our closest neighbor but those living in our own household? If you have failed the second commandment, it is likely that you have failed the first. Repent, and give honor to God; from Him, receive what you need to honor and love your spouse.

Is He truly Lord of your life or are you?

I believe He has something very special in store for you, when you sort that one out–it’s not too late!

God is faithful, even when we are not, for He cannot deny Himself.

“‘This saying is sure: If we have died with him, we shall also live with him; if we endure, we shall also reign with him; if we deny him, he will also deny us; if we are faithless, he remains faithful–for he cannot deny himself.'” 2 Timothy 2:11-13

Seek Him with your ‘whole’ heart!

So, this year brings another special, momentous, and rarely seen occasion, Our family business–Bloxsom Roofing Company; founded by my grandfather in 1925, now 100 years old! My dad began working for his dad in this business when he was just 12 years old. He and his brothers retired from it and passed it down to my brothers and cousins; it is still family run, now by my brother and cousin’s son, to this day. I am told that less than 1% of family businesses make it to 100 years. Just as in marriage, it takes commitment–perseverance in good times and bad. It takes commitment to each other when you don’t always agree. It takes honor, faithfulness, honesty and integrity. It takes a foundation built on the principles that God placed before us in His Word, the Holy Scriptures–it takes forgiveness and love.

My grandpa will be so pleased to learn that his business carried on for many years, long after he left to join the Lord in his forever home. . .

I expect he already knows ♥

Do you see? As hard as this life is, with its ever-increasing stress–the intensity of coldness increasingly taking over the hearts of men–yet you can accomplish it all by first receiving Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. Above all, give first, your honor to God. If you commit to Him, and to placing others before yourself–from your communion with Him you will receive all you need to do this. From His Presence, and from reading His Word, you will ever-increasingly be taking on His characteristics and His nature and then–naturally–love your neighbor as yourself.

“‘You shall not kill. You shall not commit adultery. You shall not steal. You shall not bear false witness. Honor your father and mother, and You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'” Matthew 19:18-19

This is the legacy my grandparents lived–handed down to my parents, and they have modeled for their world.

Thank you, mom and dad ♥ Today, every day, I honor you!

“‘Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land which the Lord your God gives you.'” Exodus 20:12, Deut. 5:16

“Give respect to your father and mother, for without them you wouldn’t even be here. And don’t neglect them when they grow old. Embrace the truth and hold it close. Don’t let go of wisdom, instruction, and life-giving understanding. When a father observes his child living in godliness, he is ecstatic with joy–nothing makes him prouder! So may your father’s heart burst with joy and your mother’s soul be filled with gladness because of you.” Proverbs 23:22-25 TPT

A Beacon of Light in the Darkness

Nov12

“Light rises in the darkness for the upright; the Lord is gracious, merciful, and righteous.

It is well with the man who deals generously and lends, who conducts his affairs with justice.

For the righteous will never be moved; he will be remembered for ever.

He is not afraid of evil tidings; his heart is firm, trusting in the Lord.

His heart is steady, he will not be afraid, until he sees his desire on his adversaries.

He has distributed freely, he has given to the poor; his righteousness endures for ever; his horn is exalted in honor.

The wicked man sees it and is angry; he gnashes his teeth and melts away; the desire of the wicked man comes to nought.” Psalm 112:4-10

Shake On It!

Mar28

If you have read my posts in the last couple of years, you know that I have been privileged to report several wonderful, incredible miracles. God has allowed me to be a part of them to not only build my faith, but to be a part of building yours as well. Are we not strengthened and encouraged when we read and hear of the Lord’s miraculous manifestations amongst the Body of Christ? I know I am, for it underscores what I know and believe!

Though I have been privy to many miracles and healings, even recently, the miracle received in my own eyes, yet there are just as many, and more, that seemingly can’t receive. This has bothered me, for they too are faithful ones that believe, and yet something is missing. The key that unlocks the door to what they desire so much.

So, a few months back I asked the Lord to show me, Why? Why Lord, do some get healed and others don’t? Why are some seemingly not able to receive? What are we missing?– for it surely isn’t because of you! I have seen time and again the blame laid to God when their hope didn’t manifest. Frankly, it’s time to stop blaming God and look within. Too often we try to stuff Him into the box that fits our understanding instead of asking for our understanding to be enlightened to His Truth.

You see, God doesn’t arbitrarily pick and choose whom He wants to heal and those He doesn’t. He doesn’t decide if you’ve prayed hard enough, or said the perfect words. You don’t need to find that person that has that extra anointing or says just the right prayer. They may help you, to stir up your faith, but He is your Healer. He simply asks you to believe His Word, because it’s already been done. If you believe it, your faith will manifest.

“Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that made us whole, and with his stripes we are healed. all we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.” Isaiah 53:4-6

I have found, that many think they believe but they put limits on their belief. Some won’t believe it is done until they see it manifested in their body. They are sensory driven and this is not faith; it is actually a form of doubt. I will believe it when I see it. Some believe for a time, but they have an expiration date attached to their belief. I will believe for this long, but if 6 months goes by and I haven’t seen it yet, then I guess He doesn’t want to heal me. There are those who say they believe, but their words talk their problem rather than speak their faith. Still others, receive their healing manifested, but when the enemy challenges, which often happens, they immediately say, “Oh, I thought I was healed but I guess not”; when what they needed to do was refuse it to ever have entrance to their body again. Maintain your healing!

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly. I am the good shepherd. the good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” John 10:10-11

Some say they are sick because God is trying to teach them a lesson. No, no, a thousand times no! He is GOOD. He is our Healer! Would you choose to make your children sick, in order to teach them a lesson?

If you don’t understand, do what I did–ask Him!

Last week I was walking down the hall at work, not thinking of anything in particular, when the Lord spoke to me, not audibly, but in my spirit. “Receiving healing is like entering into partnership.” Hmm. I had never thought of it like that. I was working and needed to focus on my demanding job, so that is all He said and I didn’t spend any time that day thinking on it.

The next morning when I woke up, immediately I had a vision of Jesus with His hand extended, as if waiting for a handshake. The vision remained, as Wisdom reminded me that God cannot lie and that Jesus backs His Word, in fact, He is the Word–He cannot deny Himself.

“The saying is sure: If we have died with him, we shall also live with him; if we endure, we shall also reign with him; if we deny him, he also will deny us; if we are faithless, he remains faithful–for he cannot deny himself.” II Timothy 2:11-13

“God is not a man, that he should lie, or a son of man, that he should repent. Has he said, and will he not do it? Or has he spoken, and will he not fulfill it?” Numbers 23:19

“For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, whom we preached among you, Silvanus and Timothy and I, was not Yes and No; but in him it is always Yes. For all the promises of God find their Yes in him. That is why we utter the amen through him, to the glory of God.” II Corinthians 1:19-20

We seem to have lost the art of the handshake. When I was growing up, men would come to an agreement, or a business deal and a hand would be extended. When that hand was offered, it meant ‘I will do what I have said’–you can take it to the bank! A man’s handshake was his bond. It was understood that it wouldn’t be broken and the person that likewise shook with them knew it. Trust that didn’t fail. I don’t see that much anymore. Why? Have written contracts replaced honor? We no longer can trust? I have been burned many times by men who didn’t stand by their word and I have therefore lost trust, respect. Have we carried this ‘don’t believe it until we see it’ into our faith?

Jesus extends His hand to you.

If there is any lack of Truth, the lack is not on God’s part. In other words, if your life is not lining up with the Truth of the Word, it’s not God that has failed. He will never fail you, or fail to perform His Word–come up higher!

Have we reduced what Jesus did for us at the Cross to a mere tradition?

He suffered a horrific death that we might have abundant, everlasting life. During this Easter season, it is well and good that we honor Him and remember what He went through to accomplish this; but are we truly living the abundant life or just reading about it?

Many choose the tradition of fasting during Lent. Praise God that you want to honor Him, but does it change you or are you simply saying thank you? I’m not asking you to stop if it is important to you, but asking you to consider . . .

Wouldn’t it be a greater honor to Jesus if we received the fullness of the Cross?

If we were to live healed, in peace, rest, freedom from fear, fully protected, well provided for, and abundantly giving? Daily experiencing an intimate friendship with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit; and partaking of every promise Jesus’ suffering, death and resurrection has procured for you? It’s been over 2,000 years since His agonizing death and resurrection, and yet we’re still struggling with the same questions.

Wouldn’t total, unshakable belief say, thank you, more than fasting or words could ever express?

He bids you to find each promise and shake His hand!

It’s there, extended to you, do you see it?

Shaking His hand, means you agree that His Word is True and you receive it, without question. You shake His hand and it’s a done deal! Never to doubt again. With every lie the enemy produces against you, you remind him, and yourself, that you shook on it and it’s already settled. This, my friend, is entering into His rest. For He has already healed you, it was done at the Cross. He’s already provided all you will ever need to live this life abundantly, it was done at the Cross. You don’t need to cry and beg, it is already done. He rested, because His work was completed. . . and it is for you! All you need do is believe and shake on it–Shake His hand!

It is finished!

“Is this not the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the thongs of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover him, and not to hide yourself from your own flesh? Then shall your light break forth like the dawn, and your healing shall spring up speedily; your righteousness shall go before you, the glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard. then you shall call, and the Lord will answer; you shall cry, and he will say, Here I am. If you take away from the midst of you the yoke, the pointing of the finger, and speaking wickedness, if you pour yourself out for the hungry and satisfy the desire of the afflicted, then shall your light rise in the darkness and your gloom be as the noonday. And the Lord will guide you continually, and satisfy your desire with good things, and make your bones strong; and you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water, whose waters fail not. And your ancient ruins shall be rebuilt; you shall raise up the foundations of many generations; you shall be called the repairer of the breach, the restorer of streets to dwell in. If you turn back your foot from the sabbath, from doing your pleasure on my holy day, and call the sabbath a delight and the holy day of the Lord honorable; if you honor it, not going your own ways, or seeking your own pleasure, or talking idly; then you shall take delight in the Lord, and I will make you ride upon the heights of the earth; I will feed you with the heritage of Jacob your father, for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.” Isaiah 58:6-14

ONE

Aug22

There has been much recent activity on my blog, stirring up messages, long gone by. Frankly, I have enjoyed seeing some of the titles that I had long forgotten about. This particular message happened to be my 100th post and comes from April 9, 2013. It is so pertinent for today, that I have decided to re-post it. I don’t think it was by accident or coincidence that this message has resurfaced just now. May we all take a breath, remember that our very breath and life is a gift from God; and in this time of trouble and uncertainty, turn our focus back to Him!

The following is the post, simply titled: “ONE”

The right or the left?

People are always arguing–liberal–conservative–I’m right–you’re wrong

Stop the battle!

There is only One way.

One and only One God.

One and only One Word.

No man cometh unto the Father, but through Me.

Repentance of sin must come–My shed Blood must be received.

Honor My Father!

You simply cannot approach the Father lest you be clothed in righteousness–the Royal Robe given through My Blood.

Accept My Blood and the Power of the Holy Spirit.

Understand–through the written Word of the Holy Scriptures–the Holy Bible; the True Word of God–written for you as instruction to live by; to draw understanding and wisdom as guided by the Holy Spirit–your Comforter, Teacher; who enlightens your understanding.

The Father, Son and Holy Spirit–together We are One. Together, We seek One Body–many bodies come together in agreement as One. Made that way by One Body broken, One shed Blood, One remission for sins . . .

One True God–One Way–by Name–Jesus Christ!

If you are One, you are arguing with yourself.

If you are not One, you are lost . . . Seek that you may be found.

Find the Body and join with it. Be joined by the Blood, and do what the Word says–

Love your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength,

and

Love your neighbor as yourself!

“–the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power in us who believe, according to the working of his great might which he accomplished in Christ when he raised him from the dead and made him sit at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come; and he has put all things under his feet and has made him the head over all things for the church, which is his body, the fulness of him who fills all in all.” Ephesians 1:17-23

“For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body–Jews or Greeks, slaves or free–and all were made to drink of one Spirit. For the body does not consist of one member but of many.” I Corinthians 12:12-14

“And this is the testimony, that God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He who has the Son has life; he who has not the Son of God has not life.” I John 5:11-12

“And this is eternal life, that they know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom thou has sent. ” John 17:3

“Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but by me.” John 14:6

“In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace which he lavished upon us. For he has made known to us in all wisdom and insight the mystery of his will, according to his purpose which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fulness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.” Ephesians 1:7-10

“If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there shall my servant be also; if any one serves me, the Father will honor him.” John 12:26

“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me; and I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish, and no one shall snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.” John 10:24-30

“Which commandment is the first of all?” Jesus answered, “The first is, ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one; and you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ The second is this, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” Mark 12:28b-31

“And this commandment we have from him, that he who loves God should love his brother also.” I John 4:21

“I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall exult in my God; for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation, he has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself with a garland, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.” Isaiah 61:10

A Lifetime of Devotion

Jun19

It is interesting to me that on this commemorative day, June 19th, a most important day of freedom, my parents chose to renounce their independence–committing their lives to each other.

I am thankful for both!

Thankful, the slaves were finally freed from an atrocity that should never have been. Thankful, that my parents made a commitment that has lasted a lifetime!

I honor both celebrations this day, in much thankfulness to God!

My latest book, “His Voice in My Heart the Journey,” is dedicated to my parents, Tom and Grace Bloxsom. In this dedication, I wrote that they are celebrating their 70th wedding anniversary this year. I was mistaken–should have done the math! This year my parents are actually celebrating their 72nd year of commitment and devotion to each other. A rare feat these days! I commend them and give thanks to God for giving them this strong foundation of tenacity and love for each other.

My dad, drew strength from strong, deep roots. His parents, Ottie and Addie Bloxsom (yes those are their real names and not nicknames or shortened) maintained the same devotion and commitment to each other until death. These same roots carried into a lifetime family business.

My brother, along with my cousin’s son are still maintaining Bloxsom Roofing Company; a business my grandfather started with his four sons back in 1925. My dad was just 12 years old when he began his lifetime career in roofing. Two of my brothers, cousins, and a second cousin all committed their life’s work to this company as well. It is a company built on a strong foundation of honesty, integrity, and hard work . . .

In just four years, Bloxsom Roofing, will be 100 years old!

Still going strong. Still based on integrity, honesty and hard work. I honor my grandfather, grandmother, dad and mom, who’ve lived a lifetime of strong values.

I honor my brothers and cousins (male and female) who worked hard, and continue to carry the baton–long after my grandfather, uncles passed and my dad retired.

I honor the Lord, their True Foundation, Jesus Christ, the Cornerstone.

Thank you, Mom and Dad! May you live out the remainder of your life in peace and contentment. May you find joy and blessing in every day!

Happy 72nd Anniversary!

I love you forever

A fellow blogger, Mr. Teague McKamey, author of the blog “A Voice of One,” has recently posted a review of two of my books, “Comfort in the Challenge” and “His Voice in My Heart.” He has been a follower of my blog for several years and one of the rare few that I follow as well. There are many, many good blogs out there, but I rarely follow; simply because I don’t have the time to spare. However, I was intrigued with the multi-faceted talents of Teague McKamey.

What I have learned over the years is that, not only is he a family man, enjoying a wife and two children, but he is a songwriter, singer, and guitar player; a Bible teacher, preacher, poet, and published author. He is active in his church and maintains a blog; displaying a myriad of thought-provoking subjects, contemplation of ideas, thoughts and inspiration. Yet, if that isn’t enough, I just learned through Teague’s review that he is a Social Worker by trade. I expect that I cannot do justice to this man’s inquiring mind, so why don’t you inquire for yourself and get to know him. Click the link below to read the full review, and while you’re there–take a look around!

https://thevoiceofone.org/2021/04/29/his-voice-in-my-heart/

Thank you, Teague, for your thoughtful and wonderful review of my books. In it, you have written my heart, greatly honored the Lord; and you witness in your spirit, the Holy Spirit, confirming that this work is truly not from me but from Him! I so appreciate how well you understand that, and how beautifully you have expressed it to the world.

Several other readers have provided heart-felt, encouraging reviews of my books. You may read them posted on my publisher’s website by clicking the (Home) link below and searching out each book under shop or author. Thank you, everyone, that has taken the time to read my books and express your experience of them. It is helpful to those interested in purchasing and a great blessing to me! In taking the time to review, you are honoring the Lord and giving support to His work. May the Lord bless you, abundantly, in return–ALL Glory be to God!

Home

Many thanks to you all ❤

Lori J. (Bloxsom) O’Neil

Power In That Name!

Jun20

My name is power–ready for your use at any given time–needed.

Demons shudder at My name–Jesus! Use it wrongfully and you should shudder. It would be as if bowing to a king with mockery on your face, but even more, the King of kings and Lord of lords.

“You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain: for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes his name in vain.” Deuteronomy 5:11

And yet, I honor you. I give you My name.

Do you delight to have My name on your lips or are you embarrassed to speak it? Do you speak it in honor and praise or as an expletive? At a moment of crisis, do you call upon that Name or is it used to prevent a crisis?

There is more power in My name on your tongue than any weapon man has created.

My name can cause a miracle before your eyes.
My name can bring a man back to life.
My name knows no bounds and is effective from your tongue, to places you cannot see.

“”And now, Lord, look upon their threats, and grant to thy servants to speak thy word with all boldness, while thou stretchest out thy hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of thy holy servant Jesus.” And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God with boldness.” Acts 4:29-31

Do you see?

I AM the power that backs that name–Jesus!

“But many of those who heard the word believed; and the number of the men came to about five thousand.” “And when they had set them in the midst, they inquired, “By what power or by what name did you do this?” Acts 4:4,7

Do you understand what can be done if everyone understood this?

More than you can possibly imagine. So much more!

I AM Jesus!

I AM That Name!

“Thus says the Lord: ‘Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, let not the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches; but let him who glories glory in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practice steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth; for in these things I delight, says the Lord.” Jeremiah 9:23-24

“There is none like thee, O Lord; thou art great, and thy name is great in might.” “It is he who made the earth by his power, who established the world by his wisdom, and by his understanding stretched out the heavens.” Jeremiah 10:6,12

“Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this in mind among yourselves, which you have in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form he humbled himself and became obedient unto death, even death on a cross.

Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:4-11

“And now I am no more in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to thee. Holy Father, keep them in thy name, which thou hast given me, that they may be one, even as we are one.” John 17:11

“Then he showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb through the middle of the street of the city; also on either side of the river, the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit each month; and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.

There shall no more be anything accursed, but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it, and his servants shall worship him; they shall see his face, and his name shall be on their foreheads.

And night shall be no more; they need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light and they shall reign for ever and ever.” Revelation 22:1-5

“For the kingdom of God does not consist in talk but in power.” I Corinthians 4:20

The Wise Ask

Feb8

Tonight might seem like any other night and yet, tomorrow you may arise different. For if you ask Me for wisdom, I will give it–speak it to you, even in your sleep.

“I bless the Lord who gives me counsel; in the night also my heart instructs me.” Psalms 16:7

Your spirit, like Mine, doesn’t slumber, it will hear Me, the words that I speak, just as if you were awake, but without all the confusion of daily activities catching you away.

My children often fail to ask for wisdom, believing that it is just given, liberally. But My Word says to ask. I implore you to seek wisdom from above, for it is only through wisdom that the work should be done.

“My son, if you receive my words and treasure up my commandments with you, making your ear attentive to wisdom and inclining your heart to understanding; yes, if you cry out for insight and raise your voice for understanding, if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures; then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God.

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 2:1-8

“Take my instruction instead of silver, and knowledge rather than choice gold; for wisdom is better than jewels, and all that you may desire cannot compare with her.” Proverbs 8:10-11

“I have counsel and sound wisdom, I have insight, I have strength. By me kings reign, and rulers decree what is just; by me princes rule, and nobles govern the earth. I love those who love me, and those who seek me diligently find me.

Riches and honor are with me, enduring wealth and prosperity. My fruit is better than gold, even fine gold, and my yield than choice silver. I walk in the way of righteousness, in paths of justice, endowing with wealth those who love me, and filling their treasuries.” Proverbs 8:14-21

“Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; teach a righteous man and he will increase in learning. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight. For by me your days will be multiplied, and years will be added to your life.” Proverbs 9:9-11

“Therefore it is said, ‘Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give you light.’ Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of the time, because the days are evil.” Ephesians 5:14-15

“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives to all men generously and without reproaching, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. For that person must not suppose that a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways, will receive anything from the Lord.” James 1:5-8

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

Many Thanks!

May22

Acknowledgment is important along your path; thanking those who have taught you along the way.

It takes many, many teachers in the life of a saint to bring him to maturity–a strong citizen prepared for the Kingdom. But very few of those involved in your process will be known to you until you see them in My Kingdom. How much more valuable then, it is to acknowledge those you know who have taken the time to teach, admonish, and lend a hand up. Their time is valuable–as is yours.

In My eyes, all time is measured in souls won; a price so high, no limit is set.

Acknowledgment keeps you humble; for you realize, in giving thanks to another, that it is not by your ‘good deeds’ that you have reached the level you have obtained, but by the…

Blood, that I shed for you

the

Sweat, of others that have toiled for you

and

Tears, you have cried along the way

None were without price and not a drop of any was lost.

It is all regarded as righteousness–all claimed in thankfulness–

Claim that today. Be ye thankful, and in your thankfulness…

Give Thanks!

“Teach me thy way, O Lord, that I may walk in thy truth; unite my heart to fear thy name. I give thanks to thee, O Lord my God, with my whole heart, and I will glorify thy name for ever. For great is thy steadfast love toward me; thou hast delivered my soul from the depths of Sheol.” Psalms 86:11-13

“Let not the foot of arrogance come upon me, nor the hand of the wicked drive me away.” Psalms 36:11

“Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I complete what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church, of which I became a minister according to the divine office which was given to me for you, to make the word of God fully known, the mystery hidden for ages and generations but now made manifest to his saints. To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. Him we proclaim, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man mature in Christ. For this I toil, striving with all the energy which he mightily inspires within.” Colossians 1:24-29

“For I want you to know how greatly I strive for you, and for those at Laodicea, and for all who have not seen my face, that their hearts may be encouraged as they are knit together in love, to have all the riches of assured understanding and the knowledge of God’s mystery, of Christ, in whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. I say this in order that no one may delude you with beguiling speech. For though I am absent in the body, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the firmness of your faith in Christ.” Colossians 2:1-5

“He who brings thanksgiving as a sacrifice honors me; to him who orders his way aright I will show the salvation of God!” Psalms 50:23

“Love one another with brotherly affection; outdo one another in showing honor.” Romans 12:10

“I have taught you the way of wisdom; I have led you in the paths of uprightness. When you walk, your step will not be hampered; and if you run, you will not stumble. Keep hold of instruction, do not let go; guard her, for she is your life.” Proverbs 3:11-13

“As therefore you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so live in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.” Colossians 2:6

“Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God; consider the outcome of their life, and imitate their faith.” Hebrews 13:7

“And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, as you teach and admonish one another in all wisdom, and as your sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Colossians 3:15-17

A Dedicated Heart

May19

Sing praises to Me. Think of Me as a dedication to your heart, for when a heart is truly dedicated to Me, I return the honor, in honor to them.

Do not trample on your brother’s heart for that belongs to Me.

Do you see?

His heart belongs to Me, and yet, so many think nothing of slandering, on a regular basis, the heart and life of another. He might not hear–may not even be near, but still the damage is done.

He and I are one, as are you and I, and yet so easily the words flow; bringing harm to another soul, as if I were not standing by.

Why?

Why do you not think before you speak?

Your words must be sweet. I repeat–your words must be sweet! Slander is sinful and divides you and I. You receive My love, will you receive My correction? For sometimes it must be. I will defend the one, before more damage is done–to the brother you do not see. For he is mine–as are you, My Bride, and these wrinkles must not be.

Speak kindness and love, words are gifts from above–speak ever so wisely to Me. The praises on your lips, are offerings you bring, to the One who gives good gifts to men. But when you bring your gift to the altar, be it an offering or praise, if things are not right, please settle it tonight–go to him and see it through.

Now Come

Bring your gift–be it a sacrifice of praise, from lips bearing the pain, of continuous restrain, of slandering those that I love. Make this your habit, and your requests will be granted, with no hesitation on my part…

For such a gift to receive, is an honor I believe, from one with a pure and true heart.

Well Done My Bride

Well Done!

“You give your mouth free rein for evil, and your tongue frames deceit. You sit and speak against your brother; you slander your own mother’s son. These things you have done and I have been silent; you thought that I was one like yourself. But now I rebuke you, and lay the charge before you. ‘Mark this, then, you who forget God, lest I rend, and there be none to deliver! He who brings thanksgiving as his sacrifice honors me; to him who orders his way aright I will show the salvation of God!'” Psalms 50:19-23

“So if you are offering your gift at the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.” Matthew 5:23-24

“Do not speak evil against one another, brethren. He that speaks evil against a brother or judges his brother, speaks evil against the law and judges the law. But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge. There is one lawgiver and judge, he who is able to save and to destroy. But who are you that you judge your neighbor?” James 4:11-12

“So the tongue is a little member and boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by a small fire! And the tongue is a fire. The tongue is an unrighteous world among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the cycle of nature and st on fire by hell.” “From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brethren, this ought not be so.” James 3:6, 10

“He who heeds instruction is on the path of life, but he who rejects reproof goes astray. He who conceals hatred has lying lips, and he who utters slander is a fool. When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but he who restrains his lips is prudent. The tongue of the righteous is choice silver; the mind of the wicked is of little worth. Proverbs 10:17-20

“If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. 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

“Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassion, kindness, lowliness, meekness, and patience, forbearing one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, as you teach and admonish one another in all wisdom, and as you sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Colossians 3:12-17

“–as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her by the washing of water with the word, that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish.” Ephesians 25-27

Make Ready

May14

Honor and riches are given to those who are not foolish–those who don’t waste their time on earth as if it were free to be wasted. You have been allotted a segment of time as a gift, but a requirement comes with the gift as the wrapper of the package. This time is to be utilized in learning and spiritual growth; for as you grow and change, you are then able to call others higher by example.

Heaven is not a place where sin transfers to, but a place where only righteousness dwells. Why then, would you not be prepared? Prepare yourself as a Bride prepares her wedding trousseau. She makes everything ready before the wedding day. Yes, after the marriage, there is much to learn as maturing continues, but oh, before that day, she makes ready. Her entire focus is in the preparation. She has no time to think of life after marriage, for time passes so quickly, with so much to do. Many are enlisted to help her in her plans for that big day. She trusts that her life will be completed in marriage and all is special and wonderful. Her hopes and dreams shine with love for her Bridegroom is near.

Do you see?

Make ready, for I AM near and time is fleeting…

Make Ready!

“This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is required of stewards that they be found trustworthy.” “Therefore do not pronounce judgment before the time, before the Lord comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart. Then every man will receive his commendation from God.” I Corinthians 4:1-2, 5

“Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither the immoral, nor idolators, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor robbers will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of our God.” I Corinthians 5:9-11

“–he who is united to the Lord becomes one spirit with him. Shun immorality. Every other sin which a man commits is outside the body; but the immoral man sins against his own body. do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, which you have from God? You are not your own; you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.” I Corinthians 6:17-20

“And he will destroy on this mountain the covering that is cast over all peoples, the veil that is spread over all nations. He will swallow up death for ever, and the Lord God will wipe away tears from all faces, and the reproach of his people he will take away from all the earth; for the Lord has spoken. It will be said on that day, ‘Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, that he might save us. This is the Lord; we have waited for him; let us be glad and rejoice in his salvation.'” Isaiah 25:7-9

“Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being changed into his likeness from one degree of glory to another; for this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.” II Corinthians 3:17-18

“And from the throne came a voice crying, “Praise our God, all you his servants, you who fear him, small and great.” Then I heard what seemed to be the voice of a great multitude, like the sound of many waters and like the sound of mighty thunderpeals, crying “Hallelujah! For the Lord our God the Almighty reigns. Let us rejoice and exult and give him the glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his Bride has made herself ready; it was granted her to be clothed with fine linen, bright and pure”–for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints. And the angel said to me, “Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.” And he said to me, ‘These are true words of God.'” Revelation 19:5-9

“Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense, to repay every one for what he has done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.” Revelation 22:12-13