Tag Archive | wisdom

ONE

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

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

The right or the left?

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

Stop the battle!

There is only One way.

One and only One God.

One and only One Word.

No man cometh unto the Father, but through Me.

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

Honor My Father!

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

Accept My Blood and the Power of the Holy Spirit.

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

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

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

If you are One, you are arguing with yourself.

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

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

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

and

Love your neighbor as yourself!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Where You Choose to Dwell

Nov18

Rest in My Love–it is there for you always–even when you don’t feel it. If you will trust, in these times of uncertainty, you will surely find My Presence; for I AM here.

A cleansing must come to the Body of Christ–My Body.

The impurities of the world would cling to you. Continue to be washed in My Word, dwell in it!

Do you see?

You don’t walk through the Word–you dwell in it.

You walk through the world, but you don’t dwell in it.

Those who get the two mixed up, stumble–

should you stumble, become aware–assess your situation . . .

“He who loves his brother abides in the light, and in it there is no cause for stumbling. But he who hates his brother is in the darkness and walks in the darkness, and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes.” I John 2:10-11

Where are you walking, and where do you dwell?

It is a decision you make, for the path that you take.

It is a decision you make, to veer.

You decide!

Come–ABIDE

“–for once you were darkness, but now you are light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), and try to learn what is pleasing to the Lord” Ephesians 5:8-10

“Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.” Ephesians 5:15-17

“And this is love, that we follow his commandments; this is the commandment, as you have heard from the beginning, that you follow love. For many deceivers have gone out into the world, men who will not acknowledge the coming of Jesus Christ in the flesh; such a one is the deceiver and the antichrist. Look to yourselves, that you may not lose what you have worked for, but may win a full reward. Any one who goes ahead and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God; he who abides in the doctrine has both the Father and the Son. If any one comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into the house or give him any greeting; for he who greets him shares his wicked work.” II John 6-11

“No one who denies the Son has the Father also. Let what you heard from the beginning abide in you. If what you heard from the beginning abides in you, then you will abide in the Son and in the Father. And this is what he has promised us, eternal life.” I John 2:23-25

“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.” Psalms 89:15-16

My Child

Jul3

I will instruct you in the way you should walk and yet your feet will stumble from time to time as you begin to learn My ways.

“— for a righteous man falls seven times, and rises again; but the wicked are overthrown by calamity.” Proverbs 24:1

Your patterns will wish to repeat; habits are hard to break. But your comfort lies in the Truth that I AM with you–you are never alone. I see what you can’t see, and I hear what your heart doesn’t say to you, but to Me it speaks loud and clear.

Quiet your heart like a weaned child. Cause it to listen to Me.

O Lord, my heart is not lifted up, my eyes are not raised too high; I do not occupy myself with things too great and too marvelous for me. But I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a child quieted at its mother’s breast; like a child that is quieted is my soul.” Psalms 131:1-2

I AM Wisdom. I AM Power and Strength, but I AM the Lamb of God, gentle and kind–I AM.

So, do not fear that you may stumble–look up. I will not cause you to fall. If you look up to Me you will have it all My child.

Think about that…

MY Child!

“If you faint in the day of adversity your strength is small.” Proverbs 24:10

“When my soul was embittered, when I was pricked in heart, I was stupid and ignorant, I was like a beast toward thee. Nevertheless I am continually with thee; thou dost hold my right hand. Thou dost guide me with thy counsel, and afterward thou wilt receive me to glory.

Whom have I in heaven but thee? And there is nothing upon earth that I desire besides thee. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion for ever.” Psalms 73:21-26

“My son keep sound wisdom and discretion; let them not escape from your sight, and they will be life for your soul and adornment for your neck. Then you will walk on your way securely and your foot will not stumble. If you sit down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet. Do not be afraid of sudden panic, or of the ruin of the wicked, when it comes; for the Lord will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being caught.” Proverbs 3:21-26

“—fear not, for I am with you, be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.” Isaiah 41:10

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

The Best Is Yet To Come!

Mar17

You are releasing the past, it flows out of you through the tears. Do you feel the release? Do not think that you are rejecting those you’ve loved or discarding who you are–no, you are becoming.

As a flower opens to the morning sun, your life opens to more.

The richest colors of the flower are revealed the times you see deep inside, but you would never see them had the flower not opened. You must open yourself again and again for others to see the rich beauty inside. You are multi-dimensional, uniquely gifted–even so that you do not fully understand who you are and what you are capable of.

Ever evolving, your personality develops with each new experience you embrace.

Do not fear my calling, but open your heart wide for more.

“Make me to know thy ways, O Lord,teach me thy paths. Lead me in thy truth, and teach me, for thou art the God of my salvation; for thee I wait all the day long.” Psalms 25:4-5

I have only good intentions for you. I have tolerated the choices you have made, knowing some would hurt you–ever wanting to spare you, but I don’t control.

You are the one that ultimately decides the direction of your life.

I guide, I console, I AM here to see you through, but I do not control.

“Good and upright is the Lord; therefore he instructs sinners in the way. He leads the humble in what is right, and teaches the humble the way. All the paths of the Lord are steadfast love and faithfulness, for those who keep his covenant and his testimonies.” Psalms 25:8-10

You choose.

Choose wisdom, for I AM here.

I will guide you to the path that will bless you if you linger to hear–more.

Much of your life has been spent undoing the choices you have made that didn’t include Me.

Let’s change that.

Let’s find your perfect fit.

There is still more.

Go ahead, cry the tears that cleanse and release, but do not close your heart–open your heart in expectation. For the best is yet to come.

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

“Hear for I will speak noble things, and from my lips will come what is right; for my mouth will utter truth; wickedness is an abomination to my lips. all the words of my mouth are righteous; there is nothing twisted or crooked in them. They are all upright to him who understands and right to those who find knowledge. Take my instructions instead of silver, and knowledge instead of choice gold for wisdom is better than jewels, and all that you desire cannot compare with her.” Proverbs 8:6-11

“For thou hast delivered my soul from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling; I walk before the Lord in the land of the living. I kept my faith, even when I said, ‘I am greatly afflicted’–” Psalms 116:8-11

The Production of a Lifetime

Mar3

It is for discipline–all that you are learning is for discipline of the life that is to come.

You are not waiting to ‘live’ then; you are living now in practice, much as an actor rehearses a script to get his lines ‘just right.’ He practices where to stand, inflections in his voice, body movement, pauses, all to convey what he wishes to express to the world.

“If the iron is blunt, and one does not whet the edge, he must put forth more strength; but wisdom helps one to succeed.” Ecclesiastes 10:10

No, you are not an actor, you are genuine, but you are learning to ‘act’ on what you know. And what you are learning from My Word, you are developing the storyline of your life.

We are co-directors, you and I…

We consult, we command together, and together we produce your future.

As you practice what you learn, you are studying to show yourself approved. You are laboring to enter into My rest and you will find your delight in Me.

“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.” II Timothy 2:15

For I AM

Come, see your future on the big screen. Often your thinking is too small–for I have big plans for you.

You will be successful in all you do. I’ve put my trust in you, will you then trust Me, to do what I’ve called you to?

Trust and Do!

“Therefore, since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have obtained access to this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in our hope of sharing the glory of God. More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit which has been given to us.” Hebrews 5:1-5

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

“Trust in the Lord, and do good; so you will dwell in the land, and enjoy security. Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” Psalms 37:3-4

With the Patience of a Saint

Feb17

I AM prepared to follow through with My Word, but are you prepared for the answer?

The farmer doesn’t, one day, prepare for a crop and the next day harvest. He plans, tills, plants, waters, weeds, prays and waits.

There are many that lose faith when instant answers do not come.

And, just as trees grow at different rates–some fast and some very slow–your answer may not come quickly. But, though it may take the tree many years to reach the maturity you seek, that tree is still growing and changing, even as we speak.

And so are you.

Sometimes your maturity level is a requirement for the answer to come. Sometimes I wait for you–for the conditions to be right for you to receive.

Sometimes I wait for you to truly believe.

You see, you may speak it with your mouth and think it in your head, but faith is a matter of the heart. When faith flows from your heart and matches the words from your mouth, then you are ready to receive–your harvest will come.

Are you prepared to wait for Me or should I prepare to wait for you?

“But for thee, O Lord, do I wait; It is thou, O Lord my God, who wilt answer.” Psalms 38:15

Take the steps that you know–increase them as you grow. Be an active participant–in partnership with Me.

“Give ear, and hear my voice; hearken, and hear my speech. Does he who plows for sowing plow continually? Does he continually open and harrow his ground? When he has leveled its surface, does he not scatter dill, sow cumin, and put barley in its proper place, and spelt as a border? For he is instructed aright; his God teaches him.” Isaiah 28:23-26

Prepare to believe–You will receive!

“Therefore, brethren, since we have confidence to enter the sanctuary by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way which he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.

Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful; and let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” Hebrews 10:19-25

Sow Much Purpose!

Feb4

You are to begin sowing–sowing into your future. Everything you do is a seed, planted for a purpose.

Think of each action as individual–unique in itself. Therefore, think carefully about what you do. Ask yourself, ‘What purpose will this fulfill?’ ‘What end result might I glean?’ ‘Will it bring life or death?’ ‘Prosperity or heartache?’

My expectation for you is BLESSING, to be BLESSED and to be a BLESSING to others.

I want you to expect this of yourself as well. I will help you to plant–guide you in direction, but you must make the decisions in your life.

“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

BLESSING or cursing–you choose.

Choose LIFE!

Choose to plant seed that will set you and others free!

Choose to be anchored in Me. But don’t stay in the boat, cast out to sea and you will ‘see’ that your ‘Anchor’ goes with thee–I AM HE.

“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

“Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing; thou hast loosed my sackcloth and girded me with gladness, that my soul may praise thee and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks to thee for ever.” Psalms 30:11-12

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

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