Tag Archive | spiritual

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

 

 

Step Lightly

Aug24

The path of light is sometimes rocky, but not so that you stumble.

It is in the light that you see clearly to make your way. There may be rocks, but you will see them, and know as in the day, what you’re dealing with–that you not slip.

“He who loves his brother abides in the light, and in it there is no cause for stumbling.” I John 2:10

I teach, but do not tempt.

“Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted with evil and he himself tempts no one; but each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire.” James 1:13-14

Many think that I give them tests, but I do not try to trip you and I AM here for you always. But I would rather that you see the rock and learn how not to fall. For this is part of your call–to learn to walk steady and tall–weathering it all.

Therefore, I do not remove the stumbling stones and I give you full rein to roam–allowing you to make choices–I wait and see. If you call this a test, then so let it be. But still, I’d much prefer that you come, follow Me.

“This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light and in him is no darkness at all. If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not live according to the truth; but if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.” I John 1:5-7

For in My light you’ll see clearly the path along the way.

We’ll step lightly around the rocks that would hinder your day.

Pass the test–pass it on by.

You’ll never know, until you try!

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

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! by his great mercy we have been born anew to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and to an inheritance which is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God’s power are guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

In this you rejoice, though now for a little while you may have to suffer various trials, so that the genuineness of your faith, more precious than gold which though perishable is tested by fire, may redound to praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Without having seen him you love him; though you do not now see him you believe in him and rejoice with unutterable and exalted joy. As the outcome of your faith you obtain the salvation of your souls.” I Peter 1:3-9

“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. do not enter the path of the wicked and do not walk in the way of evil men.” Proverbs 4:11-14

“For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.” Romans 8:14

 

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

 

The Key and More

Aug17

It is good that you wait for My voice. There are many voices in this world, clamoring for your attention. Some would seem to have good intentions and some, it is evident, do not.

Listen

“Have nothing to do with godless and silly myths. Train yourself in godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.” I Timothy 4:7-8

“When he has brought out all his own, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. A stranger they will not follow, but they will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers.” John 10:4-5

Do not be hasty to obey–if you are unsure of the call, wait.

“Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for God is at work in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.” Philippians 2:12-13

I AM in no hurry and neither should you be. I take you slowly, but steadily forward. Sure, strong steps that you not slip and therefore become discouraged.

Practice is essential; with each new task you learn. Do not be hasty to arrive, but think about your stride. My direction is all around you, when you seek inside. Confusion will never lead you.

Stop, listen.

Do nothing more than run to the door. Open the door to Me, that you may see, but do not run out the door without your keys.

Do you see?

I will be your guide, but you must wait on Me. I AM the key that unlocks the door to more.

I AM the door.

“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

I AM more.

“I am the good shepherd; I know my own and my own know me, as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep.” John 10:14-15

I AM

“Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.”” John 8:58

Key

“He who conquers shall be clad thus in white garments, and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life; I will confess his name before my Father and before his angels. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.

And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: ‘The words of the holy one, the true one, who has the key of David, who opens and no one shall shut, who shuts and no one opens.'” Revelation 3:5-7

Now listen.

“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.” John 10:27-28

“Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone 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

“–may you be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, to lead a life worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.

May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy, giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in light.

He has delivered us from the dominion of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” Colossians 1:9b-14

 

 

The Next Step

Aug12

You feel stress pressing all around you and for you there is no rest. But you have dropped the lifeline. You fight and toil with the problems of life; too busy to notice how it all began or wonder the end, as you fight to maintain–without the lifeline. Pick it up.

“I was pushed so hard, so that I was falling, but the Lord helped me. The Lord is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation.” Psalms 118:13-14

Simply begin again.

Break your focus and look to Me.

I have come to set you free.

Begin again with Me.

Pick up the lifeline.

“Out of my distress I called on the Lord; the Lord answered me and set me free. With the Lord on my side I do not fear. What can man do to me?” Psalms 118:5-6

“As a father pities his children, so the Lord pities those who fear him. For he knows our frame; he remembers that we are dust.” Psalms 103:13-14

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth should change, though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea; though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble with its tumult. There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy habitation of the Most High. God is in the midst of her, she shall not be moved; God will help her right early.” Psalms 46:1-5

Accomplishment comes through a series of moves, in the direction I call–always forward–never look back; for you cannot move forward while looking back. Your next step will be missed if you turn and twist–look straight ahead.

The path may seem steep, furrows too deep, but I will be true to the call, that you may have it all!

 “Because he cleaves to me in love, I will deliver him; I will protect him, because he knows my name. When he calls to me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will rescue him and honor him.” Psalms 91:14-15

“I will look with favor on the faithful in the land, that they may dwell with me; he who walks in the way that is blameless shall minister to me.” Psalms 101:6

“Blessed are the people who know the festal shout, who walk, O Lord, in the light of thy countenance, who exult in thy name all the day, and extol thy righteousness. for thou are the glory of their strength; by thy favor our horn is exalted.” Psalms 89:15-17

“But we are bound to give thanks to God always for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God chose you from the beginning to be saved, through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth. To this he called you through our gospel, so that you may obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

So then, brethren, stand firm and hold to the traditions which you were taught by us, either by word of mouth or by letter. Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father, who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace, comfort your hearts and establish them in every good work and word.” II Thessalonians 2:16-16

“You who fear the Lord, trust in the Lord! He is their help and their shield. The Lord has been mindful of us; he will bless us; he will bless the house of Israel; he will bless the house of Aaron; he will bless those who fear the Lord, both small and great.

May the Lord give you increase, you and your children! May you be blessed by the Lord, who made heaven and earth!” Psalms 115:11-16

“Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him, bless his name! For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures for ever, and his faithfulness to all generations.” Psalms 100:4-5

 

 

What’s It All About?

Aug7

Complacency lacks desire to further My Kingdom–in their heart or in the life they live. Much is lost when one becomes ‘settled’, contented to live out their days seeking nothing more than good friends and a days’ work–the simple pleasures of life. Life is teaming all around them, but they do not see for ‘life’ is all about me.

If it’s all about you, then what are you going to do when your life ends and you find that it was all about Me?

But you couldn’t see for you were complacent.

All about Me isn’t selfish you see, for I AM all about others; those all around you–you see, but you don’t ‘see’ for when you make it ‘all about me’ you simply don’t see those I place all around you who need ‘Me’.

Stop thinking about you and make it all about ‘Me’.

Which is others inside of Me, for I carry them all in My heart–as I carry you; for I AM all about you, but you just don’t ‘see’ for the complacency.

Do you see?

Stir up the gift that is within you and come along with Me!

“Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom for the future. Many are the plans in the mind of man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will be established.” Proverbs 19:20-21

“And we exhort you, brethren, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all. See that none of you repays evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to all. Rejoice always, pray constantly, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” I Thessalonians 5:14-18

“If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. Let us have no self-conceit, no provoking of one another, no envy of one another. Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Look to yourself, lest you too be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.” Galatians 5:25-6:2

“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:12-13

“Many a man proclaims his own loyalty, but a faithful man who can find? A righteous man who walks in his integrity–blessed are his sons after him!” Proverbs 20:6-7

 

A Brand New Life

Jul29

You have served Me well–I cannot complain. But still you lack; something is amiss. You hold your heart back, even from this…

A part of you, I cannot reach; a part of you, I cannot teach.

Your spirit I have won; your walk has begun, but you hold yourself in a safety zone; guarding, always guarding, not allowing it to roam–even for Me.

I want you to explore and enjoy your life, but you continue to follow the strife. You find it sticks to you like glue–it follows you.

This is My promise, you will shake free. I have not forgotten thee. But I insist that you dig, and call upon Me. I’ll not make it easy, for you ‘know‘ Me.

I AM your key–your answer to strife.

  • Everlasting love is yours.
  • Healing has been, from the foundation, and again I say–already yours.

Come a step higher–don’t hesitate to climb. I AM your maker and all you find–the Blessing of life is yours to keep; the fruits of the Spirit operate–even in your sleep.

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. Let us have no self-conceit, no provoking of one another, no envy of one another.” Galatians 5:22-26

If you’ll just put an end to strife, you will have a brand new life!

I Promise!!

“His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, that through these you may escape from the corruption that is in the world because of passion, and become partakers of the divine nature.

For this very reason make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. For if these things are yours and abound, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For whoever lacks these things is blind and shortsighted and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins.

Therefore, brethren, be the more zealous to confirm your call and election, for if you do this you will never fall; so there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” II Peter 1:3-11

“Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good life let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. This wisdom is not such as comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, devilish. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice.

But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, without uncertainty or insincerity. And the harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.” James 3:13-18

“Unfaithful creatures! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. Or do you suppose it is in vain that the scripture says, “He yearns jealously over the spirit which he has made to dwell in us”? But he gives more grace; therefore it says, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”

Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and he will draw near to you.–

–Humble yourselves before the Lord and he will exalt you.” James 4:4-8a,10

“Do not grumble, brethren, against one another, that you may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing at the doors.” James 5:9

“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 3:13-14

“For every one will be salted with fire. Salt is good; but if the salt has lost its saltness, how will you season it? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with one another.” Mark 9:49