Tag Archive | spiritual growth

Be Right or Be Left

Nov28

Are you right or left handed? You are born with natural tendencies and some are stronger than others, but you will develop what you practice. Most will choose to favor one over the other.

Are you left or right?

So you are born with a spirit nature–that you develop by your choices. Do you favor left or right? You are not forced into a mold. Even a child, when influenced, must make his own decision and will grow to live by the decisions he makes.

Child’s play develops–adult decisions envelop–all must choose.

“When the Son of man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne. Before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate them one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats, and he will place the sheep at his right hand, but the goats at the left.” Matthew 25:31-33

Right or left–right or wrong; decisions all life long. Some merely hinder, but some will never escape for the choices they’ve made; in stubbornness they cling to the way that seems right, but the end therein is destruction.

“There is a way which seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.” Proverbs 16:25

“For a man’s ways are before the eyes of the Lord, and he watches all his paths. The iniquities of the wicked ensnare him, and he is caught in the toils of his sin. He dies for lack of discipline, and because of his great folly he is lost.” Proverbs 5:21-23

Are you right or left handed?

It matters not.

But right and wrong is a matter of the heart.

You choose to develop what will envelop you.

Choose rightly–choose life!

“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

“Who is the man that fears the Lord? Him will he instruct in the way that he should choose. He himself shall abide in prosperity, and his children shall possess the land. The friendship of the Lord is for those who fear him, and he makes known to them his covenant. My eyes are ever toward the Lord, for he will pluck my feet out of the net.” Psalms 25:12-15

“Turn thou to me, and be gracious to me; for I am lonely and afflicted. Relieve the troubles of my heart, and bring me out of my distresses. Consider my affliction and my trouble, and forgive all my sins.” Psalms 25:16-18

“If thou, O Lord, shouldst mark iniquities, Lord, who could stand? But there is forgiveness with thee, that thou mayest be feared.” Psalms 130:3-4

“For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant; later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint but rather be healed.” Hebrews 12:11-13

“Then the King will say to those at his right hand, ‘Come, O blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.'” Matthew 25:34-36

 

A Thankful Heart

Nov27

“I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart; I will tell of all thy wonderful deeds. I will be glad and exult in thee, I will sing praise to thy name, O Most High.” Psalms 9:1-2

Enjoy your families!

For those of us who have to work…be thankful…it is a blessing to have a job!

“Whatever your task, work heartily, as serving the Lord and not men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward; you are serving the Lord Christ.” Colossians 3:23-24

I am so very thankful to God; I am so very thankful for you!

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

 

Measured Within

Nov2

The true measure of a man–his stature–is measured from within. The appearance may not always be true, to you, but I see within and therein are no lies.

I know fully the make-up of a man, for the part that you cannot see is the heart–the heart I see.

You judge appearances–how can that be?

How can you judge what you cannot see?

Yes, the fruit will tell–what falls from the tree. Yet, still you’ve no right to judge, for judgement is not for thee. Do you know where he’s been; what has happened before then? Do you know his dreams or failures from when?

When you know all that I know, then you shall judge.

Will that ever be?

No, you’d best leave him to me. That is My plea–

–just leave him to Me!

“Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and the measure you give will be the measure you get. Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?” Matthew 7:1-3

“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.” John 15:12

“There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call, one Lord and one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of us all, who is above all and through all and in all. but grace was given to each of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift.” Ephesians 4:4-7

“And his gifts were that some should be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, for the equipment of the saints, for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ; so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the cunning of men, by their craftiness in deceitful wiles.

Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by every joint with which it is supplied, when each part is working properly, makes bodily growth and upbuilds itself in love.” Ephesians 4:11-16

“Let no evil talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for edifying, as fits the occasion, that it may impart grace to those who hear.

And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, in whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, with all malice, and be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.

Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” Ephesians 4:29-5:2

 

 

Built to Last

Oct12

You’ve been beaten down, but you’re not beaten!

Remember that!

Tear down all the things in your life that do not seem right, but don’t give up on the fight.

When it seems as though your life is a confusing mess–a mass of confusion–tear down until you reach Truth–rock solid.

If what is built isn’t right, tear down until it is, and build again.

Just build again.

Build from the Truth that you know; judge your life as you go, but don’t stop building. Re-construction is part of life–all must take time to fix what’s not right.

Begin again…

and again.

It may seem then, that you’re not getting anywhere, but it is one life. With each re-build you have:

  • More wisdom
  • More knowledge and understanding.
  • Your contracting skills are improved–increased.
  • Lesson learned–more is released.

The final building–without blemish.

Matured to stand the storm–less mess.

Don’t shy new construction–tear it down, to build you up!

Built to stand…

Built to last!

For we are fellow workers for God; you are God’s field, God’s building. According to the commission of God given to me, like a skilled master builder I laid a foundation, and another man is building upon it. Let each man take care how he builds upon it. For no other foundation can any one lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.

Now if any one builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble–each man’s work will become manifest; for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done.

If the work which any man has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward. If any man’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire.” I Corinthians 3:9-15

“The Lord is not slow about his promise as some count slowness, but is forbearing toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a loud noise, and the elements will be dissolved with fire, and the earth and the works that are upon it will be burned up.

Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of person ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness, waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be kindled and dissolved, and the elements will melt with fire! But according to his promise we wait for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.

Therefore, beloved, since you wait for these, be zealous to be found by him without spot or blemish, and at peace.” II Peter 3:9-14

 

 

 

Greater Love

Oct5

Legends have come and legends have gone, but there is one thing that lasts a lifetime…Love.

You might not think that–given the current divorce rate, but the one factor that drives those to divorce is love–

for self.

Now, what are the two greatest commandments?

Love the Lord, thy God, with all thy heart, with all thy soul, and with all thy strength and with all thy mind.

And

Love thy neighbor as thy self.

If you would love others as much as you love yourself, you would be loving your God with all your heart. For only when a heart is turned toward God, does it love another with the love of God beyond themselves. And that kind of love, Agape Love, lasts a lifetime.

Legendary love?

It’s not a legend–it’s the Truth.

Love.

“And behold, a lawyer stood up to put him to the test, saying, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” He said to him, “What is written in the law? How do you read?” And he answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself.” And he said to him, “You have answered right; do this, and you will live.”” Luke 10:25-28

“But I say to you that hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. To him who strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also; and from him who takes away your cloak do not withhold your coat as well. Give to every one who begs from you; and of him who takes away your goods do not ask them again. And as you wish that men would do to you, do so to them.” Luke 6:27-31

“We love, because he first loved us. If anyone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, cannot love God whom he has not seen. And this commandment we have from him, that he who loves God should love his brother also.” I John 4:19-21

“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you; abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.

This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.” John 15:9-12

 

Now Rest

Sep2

Have you heard of rest? There are times of rest and refreshing for My children. Many think that they have failed if they are not in constant production–night and day. Even land needs to rest or it will not produce good crops.

Rest

Take the time for your body to rejuvenate; allow your mind to settle.

A vacation from work is essential for the spirit.

“The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want; he makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters; he restores my soul.” Psalms 23:1-3a

You have not failed Me when I call a ‘time out’. And you will know when I have, for just as, “I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me,” if I remove the power, you will find yourself against a wall every time you try to strike out.

“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” Philippians 4:13 KJV

We are a team; we go together or we stay.

We rest.

I need you to be very attentive to My direction. We move as one, and I know what ‘we’ need to function, to lead a healthy and happy life–a life that produces fruit.

Allow the ground to rest and there will be an abundant harvest when we plant again–next time!

Now Rest!

“And on the seventh day God finished his work which he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had done. So God blessed the seventh day and hallowed it, because on it God rested from all his work which he had done in creation.” Genesis 2:2-3

“Six days you shall work, but on the seventh day you shall rest; in plowing time and in harvest you shall rest.” Exodus 34:21

 

Scaling The Mountain

Aug27

These times have been hard and I know you have struggled so. It has not been easy to watch you fight with each day, yet you must gain strength and know your weakness.

“I can do all things in him who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13

The higher climb is difficult terrain–scaling mountains you have only seen from afar in the past. Your enemy is nearer to your face when you are facing your mountain.

Speak to the mountain as you climb.

“Truly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will come to pass, it will be done for him. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you receive it, and you will.” Mark 11:23-24

With each new step, speak your accomplishment; speak your decisions. Do not look down to see how far you have come until you reach the top; for you will follow what you see.

Keep looking at Me!

The higher you climb, the clearer the view. You may understand when someone relates an experience to you, but, when you climb that mountain yourself–you know!

Delight in accomplishment; celebrate the victory, but do not become prideful or you will fall. When pride comes to call, look around you at all that you have yet to accomplish–look to Me–you’re still small.

“Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” Proverbs 16:18

“And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give away all I have, and if I deliver my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing.” I Corinthians 13:2-3

There is more to learn.

Always more.

But what I want you to know, as you’re struggling so, you’re not failing–you are continuing to grow. Fight the good fight of faith.

Use the tools you’ve been given.

You’re nearer than you think. Often it is only the top of the mountain that peaks out of the clouds. Climb until you reach the glory and don’t look back!

“Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving, and pay your vows to the Most High; and call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me.” Psalms 50:14-15

“Show yourself in all respects a model of good deeds, and in your teaching show integrity, gravity, and sound speech that cannot be censured, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say of us.” Titus 2:7-8

“For the grace of God has appeared for the salvation of all men, training us to renounce irreligion and worldly passions, and to live sober, upright, and godly lives in this world, awaiting our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all iniquity and to purify for himself a people of his own who are zealous for good deeds.” Titus 2:11-14

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

“Blessed is every one who fears the Lord, who walks in his ways! You shall eat the fruit of the labor of your hands; you shall be happy, and it shall be well with you.” Psalms 128:1-2

“Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the Pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good as long as you live so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.” Psalms 103:2-5

“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

“May the Lord give strength to his people! May the Lord bless his people with peace!” Psalms 29:11

 

 

Just One Look

Aug21

Amazing Grace is given to the one who has lost his way. You are not reprimanded; you are gently led. You shall not meet a harsh response, as so many think and turn away for fear of the wrath to come.

No!

My Love is far deeper than superficial acceptance, it is everlasting.

“–the Lord appeared to him from afar. I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you.” Jeremiah 31:3

Do you understand?

Unending Love

Lavish Love

It does not require an action, but that you believe to receive.

So you have wandered from the truth?

Return

“In overflowing wrath for a moment I hid my face from you, but with everlasting love I will have compassion on you, says the Lord, your Redeemer.” Isaiah 54:8

All I need is one look to capture your heart. For in that glance, you will see that you’ve captured Mine–for all eternity.

Just one look.

You’ll see–I truly love thee. Do you love Me? Just one look.

Look at Me!

I forgive.

“Who is a God like thee, pardoning iniquity and passing over transgression for the remnant of his inheritance? He does not retain his anger for ever because he delights in steadfast love. He will again have compassion on us, he will tread our iniquities under foot. Thou wilt cast all our sins into the depths of the sea.” Micah 7:18-19

“For the mountains may depart and the hills be removed, but my steadfast love shall not depart from you, and my covenant of peace shall not be removed, says the Lord, who has compassion on you.” Isaiah 54:10

“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

“For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures for ever, and his faithfulness to all generations.” Psalms 100:5

 

 

Angels Along The Way

Aug19

A host of angels gather round thee every day. Though surely you do not see all the special things they do for thee, you sense they are there, making your life more free; they are there for Me.

“But to what angel has he ever said, “Sit at my right hand, till I make thy enemies a stool for thy feet”? Are they not ministering spirits sent forth to serve, for the sake of those who are to obtain salvation?” Hebrews 1:13-14

The Holy Spirit is your guide, but I call them to your side, to help you along the way–every day.

You may not see them, but they are always there.

“Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” Hebrews 13:2

Become aware.

Many things that you call chance or happenstance is the work of the Angelic Host.

“For he will give his angels charge of you to guard you in all your ways. On their hands they will bear you up, lest you dash your foot against a stone.” Psalms 91:11-12