Tag Archive | life

Was I Really Dreaming?

Sometime in the night I was awake and thought about writing a post today, about the nearly dozen eggs that I had exploded all over my kitchen. Yes, it really happened, and I am shocked at how thoroughly an egg can explode. Not just blown open, but in pulverized fragments that covered my kitchen. I had put them on to cook, threw in some laundry and then proceeded into my quiet place where I got so caught up in spending time with the Lord that I had no memory of cooking them. Even when I heard the explosions, I thought it was an odd sound, but didn’t readily investigate. I thought it must be the neighbors. When I finally realized it was actually in my house, the pan then exploded the final egg!

What a mess!

My microwave, which was perfectly fine, now makes this very loud noise even though the eggs weren’t in it but cooked below it. I think the extreme heat/steam has warped the outer casing and now it vibrates. I am leaving it off for a bit to decide what to do. Too many online reviews say the newer microwaves, no matter the brand, just aren’t the quality they used to be. I am reluctant to scrap mine and hope I don’t have to. I don’t quite understand why the Lord didn’t clue me in on the brewing storm, except that maybe I needed to see the serious consequences of putting food on the stove to cook and leaving the vicinity. I have done this too many times. There are just so many more interesting things than cooking anymore. I’ve lost interest in it, and just cook to get it done!

The Dream:

So, this morning, I had a dream. In fact, I was sleeping so soundly that I slept until 9:34 and woke up from such a deep place that it took me a minute to realize I was awake and where I was. I had slept without hearing a text that came in an hour prior, and that is really not like me.

I woke up remembering the dream in every detail. The people, the conversation, what they were wearing, action, the miracle. I highly suspect the Lord had taken me there on a mission. You can believe or not, it’s up to you. I’m just relating what happened. I don’t even know myself, for absolutely sure, but it is just so very clear. Too clear–especially to make up the conversation in one’s head, back and forth in real time. He has done this before. I have experienced many miraculous things and I never limit the God who doesn’t know impossible. I related in a text to a friend this morning, “I kinda think we are going to be in for many surprises when we go to Heaven and learn of the many ways we were ‘used’ for Him and didn’t even realize it.” . . .

When there is a willing heart, He is able.

So in the dream, I was driving a car in a land that is foreign to me and just then a teenager, on a bike, rode up and kind of side-swiped into my car. He fell off the bike, so I got out of the car and asked him if I could pray for him, because he seemed so startled. He was agreeable, and we were about to, but a woman came up and said, “We can’t pray together, because we don’t pray to the same God.” I replied, “That may be so, and you can do what you want, but I am going to pray to the only God that can save and heal. Jesus Christ is the Son of God and it is only by His Blood that we can be saved, by His Blood that we are healed.”

At that, I was about to pray for this young man but I looked up to see a boy in a wheelchair that had apparently come with the woman. He had a look of determination on his face and he started to struggle, as if to get up. The woman looked over at him surprised and asked to him, “Are you wanting to try to stand?” She started to walk back to him, she had walked about 4 steps away from him to approach me, but he made a gesture with his hand that indicated he didn’t want her help. When suddenly, he stood–all by himself!

I hadn’t prayed for him, he had just heard and believed–and stood up!

He started to walk, very stiff-like at first, but he got stronger with each step. He looked almost like a straight stick, he was so thin. The woman then told me that he has never walked. I asked how old he is and she gave me an age range of around 4. I thought that was strange and said, “Don’t you know how old he is?” and then I learned that he was adopted and she really didn’t know his actual age. He looked older to me than 4. He was taller than I would think he would be for 4 and seemed more like a 6 year old. He was dressed in thin light pants and shirt, of what seemed like a cotton material. She had dark clothes and so did the boy with the bike.

The dream then ended and I woke up more rested than I have been in weeks. I needed that rest. I have been pushing hard all summer and the egg explosion was traumatizing to my exhausted soul.

Whether I was there or not will one day be revealed, but what is revealed right now is that Jesus is here for you. Whether you were taught to believe in Him or not–whether you believe or not. He wants to save you–He wants to heal you–He LOVES you!

The Holy Bible is very clear–He is the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father, but through Jesus. He is the One and only TRUE God. You can believe Him or not, it’s your choice. I am not trying to force Him on anyone.

I respect your right to believe what you choose, but I ask you . . .

Does your God Save?

Does your God Heal?

Does your God bring you Freedom?

Does your God bring you Joy?

Does your God give you Peace?

Does your God Love you?

Does your God answer your prayers?

Did your God die for you?

Do you know for certain where you will go when you die?

All these, and so much more, you should carefully consider–for if your answer is not yes to every one of them, then you are not following TRUTH.

If no, then you are not safe and you are not free.

I urge you to seek Jesus. ♥

“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

“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.” John 3:16-18

“He who believes in the Son of God has the testimony in himself. He who does not believe God has made him a liar, because he has not believed in the testimony that God has borne to his Son. 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 write this to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life. And this is the confidence which we have in him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have obtained the requests made of him.” I John 5:10-15

“Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers of the people and elders, if we are being examined today concerning a good deed done to a cripple, by what means this man has been healed, be it known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by him this man is standing before you well. This is the stone which was rejected by you the builders, but which has become the head of the corner. And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.'” Acts 4:8-12

“He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Guardian of your souls.” I Peter 2:24-25

“And just as it is appointed for men to die once, and after that comes judgment, so Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him.” Hebrews 9:27

“After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no man could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits upon the throne, and to the Lamb!” And all the angels stood round the throne and round the elders and the four living creatures, and they fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, saying, ‘Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God for ever and ever! Amen.'” Revelation 7:9-12

Just Live

Jul29

It was nearly 40 years ago when I came across my parents and my aunt and uncle talking like their lives were over. I don’t remember what all was said, it was so long ago, but I remember that anger erupted out of my spirit like a roar. I verbally chastised them for thinking and talking that way. I do not choose to be disrespectful to my elders, but they were on a fast track of taking down their own lives.

We greatly underestimate the power of our words!

“Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.” Proverbs 18:21

The enemy knows this, and uses this as leverage throughout your life, planting thoughts and suggestions aimed at tearing you down. He can’t take your life; you have to partner with him for that to happen. ‘Oh, I would never partner with the devil!’, one adamantly declares.

Are you sure?

Ask the Holy Spirit to help you become aware of your words.

It takes discipline and hard work to re-train your speaking, but if you determine to do this, the Holy Spirit will help you. You will find your words echoing back at you if they don’t align with the Word. But words don’t begin in your mouth, they begin in your mind. To take control of your mouth, you must first control your mind. We must take every thought captive that rises against the knowledge of Christ. The Passion Translation says it like this . . .

“We can demolish every deceptive fantasy that opposes God and break through every arrogant attitude that is raised up in defiance of the true knowledge of God. We capture, like prisoners of war, every thought and insist that it bow in obedience to the Anointed One. Since we are armed with such dynamic weaponry, we stand ready to punish any trace of rebellion, as soon as you choose complete obedience.” 2Corinthians 10:5-6 TPT

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they might have life, and have it abundantly.” John 10:10

Basically, when you become aware of thoughts that are not life, and are not pleasing to God, take them captive. Speak that out, instead of the thought. Speak the Word against it. You are not responsible, and are not held accountable unless you continue to entertain the thought or speak it and make it your own. “Take no thought saying. . .”

This is a discipline that is hard work, but bears great fruit and just may save your life!

One can never lay their guard down! I am thankful for those close to me, that remind me when I am getting off track, as my son did just yesterday. He courageously corrected my ‘stinking thinking’ and I am grateful that he loves me that much!

Go and love someone enough to tell them the Truth!

So, what happened when I corrected my loved ones from their stinking thinking? Well, they were in their early 60’s at the time, and that was nearly 40 years ago. They were speechless, which tells me they recognized the Truth. They didn’t try to justify, blame or excuse–just listened and took the reprimand to heart–as I did yesterday, when my son spoke.

Truth brings clarity, not shame.

I didn’t just tell them what they were doing wrong, I told them to LIVE! That they had a long, full, life ahead of them and they needed to stop living death and live LIFE!

Truth brings life!

They listened and made an immediate adjustment– so immediate that it even surprised me. The fruit of their efforts is that they lived long and full lives, with many, many, loving friends that enjoyed the life of God emanating from them. My uncle lived to be in his 80’s, his wife until age 96. My parents, as you may read from the recent post about them, are still alive at ages 95 and my dad will be 98 in September. That’s a very long life past 60! I am convinced it would have been different, had they kept up the talk of their death.

“I call heaven and earth to witness against you this day, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse; therefore choose life, that you and your descendants may live, loving the Lord your God, obeying his voice, and cleaving to him; for that means life to you and length of days, that you may dwell in the land which the Lord swore to your fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them.” Deuteronomy 30:19-20

The Glenn Miller Orchestra

Recently, my parents and I celebrated their 76th wedding anniversary at a sweet, lakeside restaurant in a village about an hour drive away. On the way home my mom was reminiscing about all the great places they used to enjoy eating out at. “Why don’t you do that now?” I asked. “Because it’s so hard.” came her quick reply. “Yes, but didn’t we have a wonderful time, and wouldn’t it break up the monotony?” She was silent for a moment and then said, “Yes!” It was three days later that she asked me to help her get tickets to the “Glenn Miller Orchestra” which was coming to town to the Opera House. We had about a month of anticipation, while they eagerly looked forward to the event. I sweetened the anticipation by borrowing the “Glenn Miller Story”, from the library. A dvd starring Jimmy Stewart and June Allyson; a good movie, that enhanced my enjoyment of the concert, because I remembered the progression of his career as I listened to the music played. The orchestra leader informed us that the Glenn Miller Orchestra has been traveling and performing continuously over a span of 80 years! Adding new band members as needed, of course.

My dad wasn’t feeling well the day before the concert and prayers were intense that they not be disappointed by not being able to go. The next day he was better, thank the Lord, and we went. My cousin came along, and she also enjoyed the concert immensely. It is her mom and dad that I spoke of above, so it is only fitting that she was there to enjoy this with them. I grew up hearing this music from my parents, so I could appreciate and enjoy it even if it differs from my personal taste. We each have an era of music that takes us back to the youth that our spirit still enjoys, for our spirit doesn’t age, just our bodies. A time that is less stressful and reminds us of happiness of long ago. This was their happy place and it planted a sweet memory in my heart as I glanced over to see my mom and dad snuggle up, clasping their hands together, like teenagers on a date, and I realize that true love never ends–it just grows sweeter with time, and trust.

I love you mom and dad. ♥

Thank you, for sharing your happy place with me!

Thank you, for a memory I will always cherish–thank you, for truly living!

“With long life I will satisfy him, and show him my salvation.” Psalm 91:16 RSV

“You will be satisfied with a full life and with all that I do for you. For you will enjoy the fullness of my salvation!” Psalm 91:16 TPT

Never Forgotten

Jul2

Rick O’Neil – 1951-2015

His Happy Place!

Troop 30 ♥

Today marks the 10th anniversary of my husband going to his forever home. It’s never been easy, but today, being a milestone marker, is such a mixed bag of emotions. I really would have thought I would be further along with this. It seems I just can’t find a day that’s not laced with him somehow. I don’t live in sorrow, but the memories are always so entwined in my life. Yet, at the same time, it seems like ‘that life’ was really someone else’s that I just observed, because it seems so very far away. It’s strange I know– a wrestle in my heart.

So, today, I was walking my dog, Houston, on the trail and the Lord spoke something beautiful to me. I wish I could have written it down so I would have the words; but it was more like I understood, and He then wrote it on my heart.

He said that this marks a new beginning. I know that sounds cliche’ but then He said, and it begins “Right Now!” and just as He said that, a fresh breeze suddenly whooshed around me. It was refreshing! Cooling and swift, yet gentle . . .

It carried hope.

He related building my life to that of a puzzle. This too, would seem cliche’, but yet, I have never heard it explained this way . . .

Again, I can’t remember the words so I will just try to describe it because this is for anyone, this is for you!

The life you are building is your creation, because you choose the pieces to fit. He doesn’t control our lives, but He leads us to situations and people to our path–the pieces in our life to choose from. Some we will try to include and they lock in for life. Others, no matter how hard you try, it just won’t work–won’t fit. We work and fuss, often focused on the one piece at hand, not taking the time to look up–see the broader picture. Does it please you? Is that how you wanted your life to look? When you’re not looking at the bigger picture, you may leave pieces in place that you never wanted to be. Your life builds around them and now there’s no changing what was. You can only continue to build-learn from it, change and build beyond. We must become aware in the moment and not try to force a piece that just doesn’t fit.

In the meantime, while you’re fussing over that one piece, life is passing you by!

So, actually He didn’t say any of that last paragraph except for that first sentence, so that just came out in the moment, just for fun.

What He did relate to me was this . . .

Most people begin a puzzle by finding all the outside edges. They piece them together to build the frame, the outer parameter, and then work to fill in the center. He reminded me of a puzzle I had when I was a kid. It was called “The Shape.” It had a free-form outer edge that was interesting. It was different and fun to put together.

That type of puzzle building, the first and most common, is easier. You have a clear framework to build on, but it’s rigid and locked-in. There is no room for free expression and your life is contained, limited and restricted.

Rather . . .

Each piece must come from your heart!

You build out of your heart and add to it from what you see in your heart. In this way it flows in whatever way your heart, your spirit, is leading you. Ever-evolving and ever-changing, creating beauty in your life from the rock solid foundation of your heart–the Spirit of God, within your own spirit.

Beautiful!

I think there would be less heartache and pain if we built our lives this way. Instead, we set our boundaries, fill in the blanks, and spend most of our lives trying to fix what never fit to begin with. Futile work!

So this is a rather odd and puzzling post, pardon the pun, but I couldn’t resist–born out of a heart that seems at polar opposites at times. Wrestling with a section of my puzzling life that I can no longer change and yet, even though it’s way deep inside the picture now, it still commands my attention . . .

A puzzle only God can fix!

Rest in peace my love. You will never be forgotten and I know that I will see you again one day. I just ask that, for now, you would allow me to Rest, in Peace!

“I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul makes its boast in the Lord; let the afflicted hear and be glad. O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together! I sought the Lord, and he answered me, and delivered me from all my fears. Look to him and be radiant; so your faces shall never be ashamed. This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles. The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them. O taste and see that the Lord is good! Happy is the man who takes refuge in him!”

Psalm 34:1-8

In Him We Thrive

May13

Friends of mine have been going through traumatic times lately. He is my former employer, which was many years ago; but over the years, he and his wife and I have remained good friends.

A couple months ago he had a stroke. . .

With the Lord and the hospital watching over him, he has come out of it in amazingly great shape. Thank you, Jesus, and many thanks to the wonderful team of doctors and nurses who took care of him. His wife, however, did not fare so well. Struggling while he was in the hospital, faced with the reality of what life might be without him, she developed a fear for her future and began shutting down. I was working heavily at the time and was unaware of the storm that was brewing until I heard from her husband one day that they were taking her to the hospital. “I’ve never seen anyone so thin.” he stated. I asked him to get back to me, but he didn’t and when my texts went unanswered, I was reluctant to intrude. Still busy with work and life, it was 2 weeks before I realized how much time had lapsed and I still didn’t know how she was. Just as I was wondering this, he texted. She is still recovering, has lost a lot of muscle and is in Hospice care in Chicago. He had sent a wrapped heart emoji with the recovering part which made me think she had suffered a heart attack, but my texts for more clarification again went unanswered.

Sunday, Mother’s Day. . .

I was going to have my church pray for her. We are a fervent-praying, God-seeking church–but during worship I began to pray. The Holy Spirit anointing dropped and enveloped me with such a Presence that I knew God was on it and no longer felt the need for more prayer. It seemed so settled, that afterward I even forgot to ask.

That afternoon her son called me. He filled in all the missing details. She didn’t have a heart attack, but they determined failure to thrive. Her oxygen level was so low she was near death. She was dehydrated, not eating and the doctors said she would likely die within 24-48 hours. I told him about the anointing and prayer, declaring that I don’t believe it’s her time to go. He was quiet. Realizing that this too could be an intrusion, to someone that had likely prepared in the midst of this whirlwind for her death, I softened my exuberance; explaining that I’m probably just not wanting to let her go. He encouraged me to call his dad, stating that he knew his dad would welcome my call, but later it received no answer.

The next morning I called again. . .

This time he answered, and when I asked how she was, he said, “Oh, Would you like to talk to her?”

Within 24 hours, the time she was supposed to die–God moved!

Not only did she not die–she is staying in a hospital bed at her daughter’s and at the time of my call she was out of bed and sitting in a wheelchair. She had eaten breakfast and the oxygen was off. Her voice was strong, cheerful and one would never know she had just hovered at the brink of death.

She said, “I had a cup of tea this morning with honey!”

WOW!

At the end of our conversation, I instructed her, “Tie your shoes, I believe you’re coming home soon.”

Her reply?

“I want to come home.”

Someday she will go to her forever home, but this isn’t the time. . .

Praise Jesus, He is causing her to THRIVE!

“And his name, by faith in his name, has made this man strong whom you see and know; and the faith which is through Jesus has given the man this perfect health in the presence of you all.” Acts 3:16

Though the world can be a scary place, we must not yield to fear. Fear is a spirit that will begin to take your life from you if you yield to it.

This is the time to anchor to the Rock!

He will keep you safe–Yield to Jesus!

♥ UPDATE: My friends are making preparations to come home! She is walking with a walker and has gained a little weight. This is essential, as her husband told me she had weighed in at 65 pounds when they made the decision to transfer to Chicago and Hospice. I can’t even imagine a 65# adult. It is an incredible miracle that she not only lived, but is in the process of complete restoration. Please keep them in your prayers. You may just say Lori’s friends and the Lord will know. He knows without you even saying that–He knows! –Thank you!

♥ Her husband also mentioned that he will be driving soon. Another miracle, as it was just 2 months ago when he had the stroke.

Praise God for His unwavering faithfulness! He honors our prayers–He honors His Word!

Hallelujah!

♥ALL GLORY BELONGS TO GOD!

Thank you, Jesus!

Later, this same day, I was walking my dog on the public paved trail. We were almost back to the car when a shadow spanned over me blocking the sun. I saw the huge black wings imprinted on the cement and knew that bird was after my dog. He was very close. I looked up at him and pointed my finger and said, “You will not take my dog.” The eagle raised up, circled and came in closer, very close! Looking up, I pointed again and said, “I have authority over you and you will not touch my dog! His shadow covered over me. I pulled my dog in close and said, “I don’t abide under your shadow. I abide under the shadow of my Father’s wings–be gone in Jesus Name!” He immediately flew off and when I reached the car, just moments later, looking up at the sky he was nowhere to be seen.

Praise God for the authority He has given us, in His Name!

“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High, who abides in the shadow of the Almighty, will say to the Lord, ‘My refuge and my fortress; my God, in whom I trust'” 91:1-2

“Protect me from harm; keep an eye on me like you would a child reflected in the twinkling of your eye. Yes, hide me within the shelter of your embrace, under your outstretched wings.” Psalm 17:8 TPT

“Behold, I have given you authority to tread upon serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy; and nothing shall hurt you.” Luke 10:19

“Then God said, ‘Let us make man in our image, after our likeness; and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps upon the earth.'” Genesis 1:26

The Evidence of His Love

Apr19

A few weeks ago I pulled into the church parking lot, glanced over and saw this . . .

We had just had a light, overnight snow. It was the last real snow of the season and if I had missed church that day, it would have been a message lost; for no one happened to see it but me and the snow had melted by the time church was over. The person that drove the car had not noticed what he had created, and though he was driving the car, I am convinced that he wasn’t the creator of this message. This unrealized perfection has to have come from God! Sometimes we are called to be a witness, a confirmation, to another. On this particular day, this unknown event, really encouraged the speaker who had planned to teach on Love.

What have you been called to witness?

“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. For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing, to one a fragrance from death to death, to the other a fragrance from life to life.”
2 Corinthians 2:14-16

This weekend, the fragrance of Christ Jesus is everywhere, but the question is, what aroma are you emitting? Is it the fragrance of life unto life–are you filled with the fullness of Jesus living within? Is your desire to grow ever closer to Him and to call others to know of His goodness?

“And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled only to those who are perishing. In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the likeness of God.”
2 Corinthians 4:4

Today is the Day to Choose LIFE–Choose JESUS!

“Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and whoever lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?'”
John 11:25-26

“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.”
John 3:16-18

Save the Babies!

Nov8

Lord, you came as a Baby to save the world . . .

Now I pray, with all my heart, that the world would vote to save the babies.

I pray, Lord, that you remind physicians all over the world that they took an oath, “First, do no harm.”

Everyone has the responsibility to protect human life, and to be thankful that your mother protected YOU!

Vote to preserve LIFE!

Michigan, Vote NO on Proposal 1, 2, & 3!

Vote for a Governor that values LIFE!

“For thou didst form my inward parts, thou didst knit me together in my mother’s womb.” Psalm 139:13

“Now the word of the Lord came to me saying, ‘Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.'” Jeremiah 1:4-5

Choice Wheat

Jan24

I stand knocking at the door of their hearts; and yet, they don’t listen.

“Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if any one hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me. He who conquers, I will grant him to sit with me on my throne, as I myself conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” Revelation 3:20-22

I opened My Heart–allow them to come–yet, they don’t come.

The Seed was planted; it’s time to harvest. The tares have grown up with the wheat; for those that don’t know Me–it’s time we meet!

“Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. He who loves his life loses it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. If any one 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 12:24-26

Are you ready for the judgment that must come?

I have room in My Kingdom, and I bid you to come–for judgment is not for thee; if you believe–it’s been placed upon Me–when you receive.

I’m knocking.

Open your heart to Me–for judgment is not for thee!

“Now is the judgment of this world, now shall the ruler of this world be cast out; and I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to myself.” John 12:31-32

Don’t approve? –You’ll be removed.

You choose.

“Another parable he put before them, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a man who sowed good seed in his field; but while men were sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and went away. so when the plants came up and bore grain, then the weeds appeared also. And the servants of the householder came and said to him, ‘Sir, did you not sow good seed in your field? How then has it weeds?’ He said to them, ‘An enemy has done this. The servants said to him, ‘Then do you want us to go and gather them?’ But he said, ‘No; lest in gathering the weeds you root up the wheat along with them. Let both grow together until the harvest; and at harvest time I will tell the reapers, ‘Gather the weeds first and bind them in bundles to be burned, but gather the wheat into my barn.'” Matthew 13:4-30

“For as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, so also the Son gives life to whom he will. The Father judges no one, but has given all judgment to the Son, even as they honor the Father. He who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent him. Truly, truly, I say to you, he who hears my word and believes him who sent me, has eternal life; he does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life. ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, the hour is coming, and now is, when the dead will hear the voice of the son of God, and those who hear will live. For the Father has life in himself, so he has granted the Son also to have life in himself, and has given him authority to execute judgment, because he is the Son of man.'” John 5:21-25

“So Jesus again said to them, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. All who came before me are thieves and robbers; but the sheep did not heed them. I am the door; if any one enters by me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.'” John 10:7-10

“‘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 10:27-30

Ask to be Free

Dec1

On the morning of November 22, 2021, I woke up with a ‘knowing’ in my heart that the Lord was waiting with a message. I picked up notepad and pen and waited. He asked me if I was ready, I replied yes, anticipating what He had to say. I take caution with all His Messages, but this subject, especially, is of a very serious and sensitive nature–a hotly debated topic. When He finished speaking, I asked Him to take me right to the scriptures that He had in mind, and thereby confirm the message. I picked up ‘The Passion Translation’, and opened right to them. It was evident that I had heard His Heart.

Within an hour, my phone rang. The caller was a woman that I know, but it was not typical for her to call. I felt led to read her the message, since I know her to be a Christian, and asked if I might run it by her; asking for her take on what the Lord had just spoken. She agreed and listened. She interrupted briefly to say, “This brings tears to my eyes.” Soon the tears became sobs, and then she began choking and gasping for breath.

It is with her permission that I tell you of this. She has held this secret pain in her heart for over 40 years. When she could compose, she related to me that the message was for her. She had an abortion in the late 70’s and has held that dark secret in her heart, all these years, has suffered intensely from it. She feared anyone finding out, for she was already heaped with condemnation, guilt, deep regret and feared rejection–trusting only her husband, her only confidant. She then told me that she had prayed and asked the Lord to somehow give her a message that she was indeed forgiven; because she just couldn’t get past it and couldn’t truly believe that she is. I let her know that she always has been forgiven, but that she was the one that needed to forgive–herself.

In a moment of time, an answer to prayer, the Lord set her free–Glory to God; but she was free all along. It was written there in the Word for her, all those years. You see, a gift can be given, but it must be received. Open the Gift–believe!

The message He spoke is a call to repentance, but it is also a message of forgiveness and hope.

That is Jesus. He is our Hope, our Forgiveness. Without sin there is no need for Forgiveness, no need of a Savior. Can anyone then say that they don’t need Him?

“–since all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23

I have heard many speculate about what they think that Jesus wrote on the ground, when the men accused the woman of adultery and they brought her forth intending to stone. I have heard teachers of the Word say that Jesus was praying, waiting on God for how He should respond, etc. The Word doesn’t state it and I have never heard anyone say this, but I believe He was writing their sins in the dirt. One by one, they dropped their rocks and walked away until none were left but the woman accused. “Let him who is without sin among you, be the first to throw a stone at her.” John 8:7b Read the full account in John 8:3-11.

They wanted to stone the woman in adultery, but the act takes two, doesn’t it?

In the absence of any of her accusers, Jesus forgave the woman; but He told her to go and sin no more. The Love of the Father tenderly cares for all who are hurting. He Loves you so much that He handed over His very own Son to be crucified in your place. “BABY for baby–I AM!” (see message below)

The Father doesn’t ‘rate’ sins–all must be paid for, by the Blood of the sinless Lamb–Jesus! He didn’t come to condemn the world, but to save it! (John 3:17) The gift of Forgiveness is ours to receive–repent, confess and believe. (Romans 10:9-11)

His Forgiveness is a Gift, but His Word is so very clear–Go and Sin No More. (John 8:11)

And now the Message,

“Ask to Be Free”

Do you hear the silence? That baby cannot cry–for it was taken–

–taken from his place of protection, taken from his life. His gifts will not be seen. His life will not be spent. A travesty for convenience, and yet they don’t repent.

They fear the unknown–fear what they can’t see. . .

But, what they don’t fear is Me.

Each one of you–that has taken a life–was given a life.

Don’t you see?

There is no life granted, apart from Me.

“The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in shrines made by man, nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all men life and breath and everything.” Acts 17:24-25

It is by My Mercy, that you live–live to enjoy the life you’ve been given–

Apart from Me–you will never be free.

Repent.

You cannot undo what’s been done–cannot take away the stain; but ask of Me, and I will *cover it with My Blood–never to be seen again! *please see editor’s note below.

“Though we are overcome by our many sins, your sacrifice covers them all.” Psalms 65:3 TPT

For I paid the price, to make the exchange. Your baby has been granted new life with Me–Forever Free!

I offer you the same.

My Love calls you to repent.
My Love falls upon you.
My Love Forgives!

Eye for an eye; tooth for a tooth–

BABY for baby–I AM!

“And when the season of tolerance came to an end, there was only one possible way for God to give away his righteousness and still be true to both his justice and his mercy–to offer up his own Son. So now, because we stand on the faithfulness of Jesus, God declares us righteous in his eyes!” Romans 3:26 TPT

Repentance is My Gift to thee–Open the Gift and ask Me in–

Ask, to be Free.

“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.” II Peter 3:9

“He destined us in love to be his sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace which he freely bestowed on us in the Beloved. 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.” Ephesians 1:5-8

“So now the case is closed. There remains no accusing voice of condemnation against those who are joined in life-union with Jesus, the Anointed One. For the “law” of the Spirit of life flowing through the anointing of Jesus has liberated us from the “law” of sin and death.” Romans 8:1-2 TPT

“For God has proved his love by giving us his Son. And since God freely offered him up as the sacrifice for us all, he certainly won’t withhold from us anything else he has to give. Who then would dare to accuse those whom God has chosen in love to be his? God himself is the judge who has issued his final verdict over them–“Not guilty!”” Romans 8:32-33

“So now I live with the confidence that there is nothing in the universe with the power to separate us from God’s love. I’m convinced that his love will triumph over death, life’s troubles, fallen angels, or dark rulers in the heavens. There is nothing in our present or future circumstances that can weaken his love. There is no power above us or beneath us–no power that could ever be found in the universe that can distance us from God’s passionate love, which is lavished upon us through our Lord Jesus, the Anointed One!” Romans 8:38-39 TPT

My friend, from the Cross, walk free!

*editor’s note: When the Lord spoke this message to me, it gave me pause for a moment when I read it. I thought of the scriptures from the old Covenant and of the blood of bulls and goats that covers sin but cannot completely wipe it away; which is why Jesus came. It required the Blood of a sinless man to completely remove our sins. When we receive that precious Blood, it is the exchange that satisfies the debt; the Father removes our sins from us and remembers them no more. I thought of this, but I know what He said and I don’t correct the Lord’s messages to satisfy my theology, but I wondered if others would think the same. Sure enough, a reader pointed it out to me. . .

I looked at it again and realized what He is saying. He didn’t say ‘sin’, He said “stain”. You see when we receive Jesus, He brings with Him the gift of Forgiveness, through His Blood. He lived as a man, suffered and died for all mankind, for anyone who would receive Him. It is His precious Love, the free gift too vast to put into a few words, for all eternity! But though we repent and are then forgiven, many have difficulty believing they are forgiven–they continue to ‘see’ the stain and will beat themselves up as the enemy heaps condemnation. Sin can leave a stain on our heart, if we allow it, to plague us every time we are drawn to it.

There are many who have felt they have had no choice or that a horrific act was committed against them and they just wanted to be rid of any part of it, to forget, and therefore chose abortion. For whatever reason, please see that not only does God’s Love Forgive, but that His Blood covers the stain. If you will allow Him, He will bring such healing to your heart that you will truly be free. His Healing will come into your heart; and when you look for that stain, you will only see His Faithful Love in Forgiveness–you will live to love and laugh again!

That is all-encompassing Love–His Name is Jesus!

In the midst of all this, I was working several long days in a row and could not address it on my blog. I wrestled over the thought that others would reject His message, in the meantime, because of it. The Lord knew my struggle within and the very next time I had my Bible in hand, He led me right to the scripture I was able to slip in above. I reiterate it here, for it bears repeating. It is my hope that this message leads you to His Love. It is not meant to condemn, but lead us to repentance to realize His great Love has been there for us all along. He is Good, and wants to welcome all into His Loving Arms! He gave His own life in ransom to do this. He came to give you abundant life! If you are reading this, it’s not too late–“Ask to be FREE!”

“Though we are overcome by our many sins, your sacrifice covers them all.” Psalms 65:3 TPT

Are We There Yet?

Aug21

When you look at a map it looks flat, small, and yet, you know that it covers an area that is large and wide; sometimes mountainous, rugged, curved, straight—

So, is your life!

You can gather destinations from a map–even track the journey, but you cannot see the dynamic complexity of infrastructure that went into building the roads to reach that destination.

So, it is with your life . . .

Your life is not simple but complex, and yet it wasn’t engineered, but ‘built’ by you!

YOU determine the destination.
YOU carve the roads.
YOU decide how to get over the mountains or to bring them low.

The choices you make, vehicle you take, path you walk–create the ‘map’ of your life.

Don’t you think, you should consult an Engineer?

I AM.

“A voice cries: “In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill be made low; the uneven ground shall become level, and the rough places a plain. And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together, for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.” Isaiah 40:3-5

“Blessed are the men whose strength is in thee, in whose heart are the highways to Zion. As they go through the valley of Ba’ca they make it a place of springs; the early rain also covers it with pools. They go from strength to strength; the God of gods will be seen in Zion.” Psalms 34:5-7

“For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all gods. In his hand are the depths of the earth; the heights of the mountains are his also. The sea is his, for he made it; for his hands formed the dry land. O come, let us worship and bow down, let us kneel before the Lord, our Maker! For he is our God, and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand. O that today you would hearken to his voice!” Psalms 95:1-7

“I will instruct you and teach you the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you. Be not like a horse or a mule, without understanding, which must be curbed with bit and bridle, else it will not keep with you. Many are the pangs of the wicked; but steadfast love surrounds him who trusts in the Lord. Be glad in the Lord, and rejoice, O righteous, and shout for joy, all you upright in heart!” Psalms 32:8-11

The Path You Choose To See

Mar20

Do you see that there are two paths and yet it is one and the same–the path that you see.

Many see it as a fork in the road and they have a choice, a decision to make. But, in reality, it is one path. Your choices determine your direction, but it is one path; it leads to life; it leads to death, depending on which way you face–the choice you make, the steps you place.

Do you see then that moving forward only comes from being consistent in your choices? For if you are contrary, you turn away–you head that way.

The double minded man spends his life in the same spot; continually turning, neither advancing nor retreating, he digs a hole right where he is.

“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

All are encompassed by the life they choose.

One might say, ‘I am accountable to no one,’ for they are ‘the maker of the life they lead.’ Yet, when they die, many look to Me to blame, as if I had failed–as if I could be untrue.

“There is a way which seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death. Even in laughter the heart is sad, and the end of joy is grief. A perverse man will be filled with the fruit of his ways.” Proverbs 14:12-14

Man builds his life by the choices he makes, by the words he speaks, by the actions he takes.

“Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.” Proverbs 18:21

“Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom for the future.” Proverbs 19: 20-21

Even the food he eats is a choice. It will nourish the body and cause it to thrive or deplete the very life he’s been given.

Choose life or choose death.
Build up or tear down
Walk forward or stand still.

Blessing or cursing–you choose!

Choose life!

For every effect there is a cause. One tries to figure out–why? And would conclude–Because–this.

For every cause will be.

Think about what you will cause to be.

Choose life.

Choose what you want to be.

“Does not wisdom call, does not understanding raise her voice? On the heights beside the way, in the paths she takes her stand; beside the gates in front of the town, at the entrance of the portals she cries aloud: To you, O men, I call, and my cry is to the sons of men.” Proverbs 8:1-4

“And now, my sons, listen to me. Happy is the man who listens to me, watching daily at my gates, waiting beside my doors. For he who finds me finds life and obtains favor from the Lord; but he who misses me injures himself; and all who hate me love death.” Proverbs 8:32-36

“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

“And he said to me, It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give water without price from the fountain of the water of life. He who conquers shall have this heritage, and I will be his God and he shall be my son.” Revelation 21:6-7