God Does Not Give Up on You

 

Jesus Has NOT Given Up on YOU !

Pastor Allan was speaking as I took notes.  At times it seems we may give up on some who show no indication of turning to the Lord.  Especially those who persecute the “Church” and we call our enemies.

Matthew 5:44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,

Then there are the backsliders who fall back into sin after it appeared they were doing so well in Christ.  They were called into a higher standard, and their ministry still awaits.  Perhaps they were scared and believed the lies they were hearing from their own mind or from the lips of others. 

 

Our enemy will try to divide a household and will use the person closest to us to derail our advance.  If we have anger or bitterness the enemy will use that against you.  Paul reminded us that our battle is not against flesh and blood but against principalities and powers of darkness.

God has called us unto unity – one faith - - all of which is holiness.  We are soldiers, ministers to proclaim the gospel where ever we go. 

Trials happen and some times it is so that we learn patience.  It is a step into God’s grace.

We can put on a façade in front of a stranger, and when we get home change into a monster.  - - This ought not to be so.

There are many ways to get a job done, and we must learn to forebear and put up with those we work with.  Offence will stop the work of the Lord.

The person we don’t like is probably most like us.

Love one another and appreciate them for who they are in the body of Christ.  Each of us have a place.  Not all are Pastors, Prophets, Teachers, but all can be in the “HELP” ministry.  Find what needs to be done and volunteer.

Some things offend me.  The condition of our city offends me.  When someone comes in our yard and helps themselves to what is not theirs that offends me.

Jesus said to love your enemies and pray for them.  Peter asked Jesus how many times should we forgive?  Jesus offered 70 times 7 - - meaning keep on forgiving even if it hurts.

We must watch our attitudes and emotions.  The enemy has a field day when we begin to find fault and criticize.

Some do not like the lifting up of hands during worship.  Others say the songs are too fast, or repeated too many times.

Love God and others.  Love the person who is causing tribulation in your life.

Corrie Ten Boom was arrested for hiding Jews.  She was put in prison and abused while there.  Years after her release she saw her tormentor at a gathering.  She was able to embrace him and forgive him.  God had removed all of her bitterness.

The works of the flesh is our inability to love and forgive.  Obviously there is a lack or reason – and definitely a lack of forgiveness.  Instead we turn to alcohol, drugs and suffer the bitter dregs.  Do you find yourself doing things and you don’t know why? 

 

The reason is way back there - - the flesh prevailed with rebellion and stubbornness not to forgive.

Flush out all the nonsense our of your life with forgiveness.

Learn to Fear God, embrace patience, forgive and Love one another.

We are not worthy, but God can and will restore.  On the cross, Jesus knew all of our sins.

Don’t judge where you are, but reach toward where you should be.  Don’t let people talk down to you.  Realize you are not the same person you once were.  They are remembering the old you.  Even so, we are being changed every day into His likeness. 

 

We all are still a work in progress.  Daily allow the Holy Spirit to continue the clean up.   God has not given up on YOU. 

 

 

 

What a Savior! Guest Roy Lessin via Day Spring

What a Savior!

When Jesus Christ is your Savior you have not only received His salvation, but so much more:

You are—

Clean in His purity,

Secure in His consistency,

Bold in His authority,

Alive in His reality,

Blessed in His generosity,

Amazed in His majesty,

Free in His liberty,

Content in His sufficiency,

Edified in His excellency,

Confident in His immanency,

Established in His permanency,

Courageous in His potency,

Overjoyed in His transcendency.

He is before all things, and in Him all things consist. And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence. For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell, and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross. Colossians 1:17-20 (NKJV)

 

 

Joy of the Lord is Your Strength

Joy of the Lord is my Strength

 

 

My niece and I had been clearing out her very sick mother’s mobile, (my sister) taking many van loads to the Salvation Army and food and women’s clothing to our local Hope Center.  Lastly three van loads of garbage were hauled to the community garbage and we were both exhausted. We had only made a dent and next week we would begin again. 

Back at the mobile, suddenly my heart began to pound and shortness of breath hit me hard.  I backed into a soft chair and asked my niece to bring me one of the bottles of water.  My strength drained and I told my niece, I think I will leave as this was enough work for today.  My niece agreed.   

The weakness continued for several days, and the Lord gave me some instructions along with the Verse, Nehemiah 8:10 “The Joy of the Lord is my Strength.” 

You may think this silly, but God told me to stop certain vitamins and to begin a teaspoon of molasses each day.   

On Sunday, at our Bible Study our teacher Linda, told us our lesson for today was on Rejoicing.  I was amazed how God guided her to bring this lesson (just for me J)

She was reading from 1 Peter chapter one. 

1 Peter 1:6-7 (NASB) In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 

The word REJOICE – To exalt, rejoice – to be exceedingly glad.

At all times, we can count on who Jesus is, but we cannot always depend on others.

Peter was urging the Believers to rejoice anyway, even though times were tough.  He was exhibiting genuine Faith in the face of adversity.  “When I am weak, He is strong.”  Rejoice with Joy unspeakable. 

I Peter 1:8  Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory,

Psalms 16:7  I will bless the Lord, who hath given me counsel:  my reins also instruct me in the night seasons. 

David was bringing the ark into the Tabernacle and he sang a song of praise.  1Chronicles 16:27 “Glory and Honor are in his presence; strength and gladness are in his place. 

Trials are going to happen every so often – that is just life !  Peter says, you have been grieved by trials – We do not rejoice because you are having problems, however rejoice because God is with you during the struggle. 

James 1:2-4 encourages us that trials produce patience!  My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials,  knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.  But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. 

Let God use trouble that Satan puts on you - - to prove His Word is True.

 

Rejoice and be Glad !

 

 

Abiding Continually in God’s Presence

 

Pastor Allan began his message as I took notes and edited his sermon.  He was reading from the 91^st Psalm.

It is essential for the Believer to appropriate the Presence of God each and every day, not just on Sunday.  No matter the situation to apply the grace and Presence of God 24/7.

He, who dwells in the secret place of the Most High, shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

It is important to know we can safely trust God and when we do, there is no fear.

I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust.”

The Holy Spirit will comfort, encourage, and even correct us as He leads us into the presence of God.

Surely He shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler And from the perilous pestilence. He shall cover you with His feathers, And under His wings you shall take refuge;

Darkness is a reality in this world.  We are told it is okay to change our bodies and lies about marriage.  God’s Word is Truth and we must speak truth, not arguments and discussions.  We must pray for our leaders as they need prayer that God’s will be done in the decisions ahead. Their judgments will set the tone for generations to come.

You shall not be afraid of the terror by night, Nor of the arrow that flies by day, Nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness, Nor of the destruction that lays waste at noonday.

We can remove our selves from the Presence of God.  Jonah tried to run from God’s presence, until he finally realized God could meet him in the belly of the whale where he began to repent.

Pastor mentioned he was tired of the status quo.  Each morning when he wakes, he says, “Lord what would you have me do today?”  It is understandable that we must go to work, and accomplish the duties of the day, but you can still do that within the presence of God.

We have conversations with God and we say, “Why is this happening? Am I doing something wrong?”  God answers back, “I know better than you the reasons, just keep dwelling in my Presence."  Allow His presence to crowd out all the other unproductive stuff; and let Him push out the nasty stuff still hanging on.

When our heart is right, the fruit of the Spirit will be produced as the roots go down deep and are watered with the living water.

The disciples were in a boat with Jesus lying there asleep, when a storm came up and they were fearful.  To Jesus this was no big deal, because they were all in this together. 

Jesus knows ahead of time what the future holds, and He has miracles yet to be spoken.

A crippled man lay at the pool of Bethesda, and Jesus asked him, “Do you want to be well?”  The man gave an excuse, because he was waiting for an intercessor, a person to be his miracle.  Jesus wanted to know the desire of the man’s heart.

Some of us here today have carried an infirmity for years, struggling to be free.  Jesus is the miracle we need, and we have been looking in all the wrong places.  We have searched, stolen, and taken substances all which lasted only for a moment.  We wait for the buzz, but everything remains the same.  Our search brings a mirage not the miracle that Jesus can provide. 

 

Jesus is the best choice you will ever make, for without Him we are nothing.  Self condemnation says you are not worthy, because you are struggling with a hang up.  

 

That doesn’t mean that Jesus is not able, it just means God continues to clean us up as we stay in His presence.  There is power in the name of Jesus.

Understand that His Grace does NOT give us permission to deliberately sin, and Paul says, God forbid.  When God reveals something in our life that must go - - It is time to Stop it - - Quit it - - Drop it.

Jesus does not want anyone to be lost, but it is a choice. 

Storms may be there, but the truth is Jesus is there with us in the thunder and lightening. 

 

Keep your relationship with Jesus fresh and up to date, so you can say, “He is my refuge and in Him I can fully trust.”

 

7 Good Things…to Affirm about Guidance

I know the One in whom I trust. 2 Timothy 1:12 (NLT)

Seven Good Things to Affirm about Guidance via Roy Lessin
 

We are all in need of God’s guidance in our lives—when to move forward, when to slow down, when to wait, when to say “yes” and when to say “no.”

The most important thing in knowing God’s guidance is not about knowing a formula, but knowing God; not about hearing opinions, but hearing God’s voice; not about striving, but resting in God’s wise and wonderful will.

Here are 7 affirmations of faith relating to God’s guidance:

I don’t know the next step on the path, but I know the Guide (Psalm 32:8).

I don’t know the next chapter in the book of my life of faith, but I know the Author and Finisher. (Hebrews 12:2).

I don’t know the best decision to make, but I know the Counselor (Isaiah 9:6).

I don’t know how the need will be met, but I know the Provider (Philippians 4:19).

I don’t know how I will get through, but I know the Way through (Isaiah 43:16)

I don’t know all the answers, but I know the Truth (John 16:13).

I don’t know how this will turn out, but I know the One who cannot fail and never makes a mistake. (Ephesians 1:11).

 

Joy Is Coming – Guest - R.T. Kendall

Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy. He who goes out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with him. —Psalm 126:5-6

Has something ever broken your heart? Have you ever felt that because your heart is breaking, all you can do is weep? Some people can cry at the drop of a hat, but I'm not referring to that kind of tears. Some men are afraid to cry, because they feel that it is not manly. But the greatest man that ever was, Jesus of Nazareth, wept (John 11:35).

Psalm 126:1 refers to the end of a nightmare: "When the Lord brought back the captives to Zion, we were like men who dreamed".  In other words, it seemed too good to be true. But while the nightmare was on, they thought it would never end.

A nightmare is an awful thing. I think that some of them may be caused by the devil. The last thing I do before I fall asleep is to pray for the sprinkling of the blood of Jesus upon my family and myself. I pray so every night, because I know the devil likes to seize upon us in our sleep, when we cannot control what is happening.

The nightmare referred to in Psalm 126 was that of Israel living in captivity in Babylon, a captivity that lasted for seventy years. Many died there, and others were born there. The whole time they lived in Babylon, all they could think about was going home.

You may be enduring a psychological or emotional nightmare, where you think you are losing your mind because the depression is so severe and the anxiety so intense.

Maybe you are facing a financial nightmare, being deep in debt. I think of those in our society who are elderly and have to survive on small incomes. It is very sad to think of them being put under that kind of pressure.

Perhaps it is a physical nightmare that you face, where something has gone wrong inside your body and the outlook is bleak.

Perhaps you are going through a social nightmare. You have been ostracized because of the color of your skin or because of your accent.

Here is a promise that is based on a condition. The promise is joy, even success, but the condition is tears.

Excerpted from Higher Ground (Christian Focus Publications Ltd.)

Chosen and Made Holy

Chosen and Made Holy 

 

Linda, our Teacher of our Bible Study stated that 1 Peter was written to encourage us.  The people of Peter’s day were dispersed and times were difficult.  They were mixed in with the culture of their captivity. 

 

At times another culture can rub off on you, so it is important to know who you are IN CHRIST.  Peter was writing to the strangers scattered, and this included the Gentiles.  God is no respecter of persons, and He has shed his grace upon all.

1 Peter 1:2 God the Father knew you and chose you long ago, and his Spirit has made you holy. As a result, you have obeyed him and have been cleansed by the blood of Jesus Christ.  May God multiply grace and peace to you.

Those who strayed from the Living God, were being encouraged to return to their roots in Jehovah God.  Peter reminded them of the kindness and goodness of God and His love for them.

When we come upon a situation of trouble in our lives, these scriptures can encourage us. 

We have a lively hope and our inheritance is reserved for us in heaven.

We have been born again Spiritually, because of the resurrection of Jesus Christ.  We are like Him, for we are not IN Him and He is IN us.

We have a living Hope, so we must live breath and be among the living not the dead. Jesus desires us to enjoy life and life more abundantly.

We are actively blessed in the endless Kingdom of God – Here and now and then also.

Our past live is under the blood of Jesus and we now life in the manner and acting according to God’s law of Love.

He has given us living water, having vital power in its self and exerting the same upon the soul.  A metaphor; To be in full vigorous, fresh, strong and effective as we are kept by the power of God.  Our inheritance is not corrupt and does not perish.  Fades not away.

You have everything you need !!  You may say, I need a new car, a new house, new clothes, and a million dollars – but that is wants, not necessarily needs.

We are protected by the Power of God.  That does not mean that bad things don’t happen, but through it all we are kept safe IN Him. 

You may ask, “How do I get through the storms that will come?”  Keep your head up, don’t look back, it is forward march and do NOT blame God for trouble.

We are to walk in forgiveness and live in peace as much as is possible.

The Christians in Peter’s day were captive, persecuted, and many were killed.  Our persecution is minor compared to some in other lands.

Keep your relationship active with God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit.  Your faith is more precious than gold which parishes.

When Noah left the ark, he made a sacrifice, and a promise was given by the sign of the rainbow.  Never again would God destroy the entire earth by water.

We have a better promise and a covenant with God in a personal relationship with Jesus and the Holy Spirit.

Trials will come, but only for a season.  Temptations will come, but do not yield.

May we all be found in praise to our God and in His abundance of Grace and Peace.

  

David’s Tabernacle/Tent

David’s Tent DC

 

Pastor Allan was very interested in David’s Tent DC erected in DC near the Washington Memorial. Pastor participated in a conference call about the continual worship to our Lord Jesus for 424 days in Washington DC.  The event is from Sept 11th 2015 to the Presidential Election on Nov 8th 2016.  You may want to follow them on Face book.

Fourteen years ago, a terrible devastation changed our culture and the stance of our leaders. The date of this remembrance was when this David’s Tent DC went up.  Already praise is going forth from the tent, and all are welcome to bring groups to praise God.

As the church, we must set the tone for the nation with our worship and praise.  When God wanted the city of Jericho taken and walls pulled down; Joshua was told to have the people march silently around the city for 6 days.  On the 7^th day, they were to blow the trumpet and shout, and the walls came tumbling down.

Listen to the speeches of the politicians.  All are divided with different ideas.  There is great division in our nation.  Many in our country do not recognize God, and those who do not believe in Him, work the hardest to tear down Jesus Christ and those who belong to Him.

Our battle is not in protest marches, riots and fighting, but our battle is to worship and allow God to fight for us.

Worship is not just about music, although Pastor said; he loves to play songs unto the Lord.  We have seen people dance, even paint pictures as they worship God.  Your weekly duties can be worship to God as you keep your mind on Him while you do the best job you can; even if your boss is cantankerous.  

Believing God is worship. Your very lifestyle is worship as others see Jesus in you.

When the storms of life come, we must still praise Him, not for the problem, but for who He is.

God desires continuous conversation with Him.  To seek His face in every thing we do.

Saul was on a religious rant to kill Christians, but he recognized God’s presence when he was struck from his horse to the ground.  Our attitude may need adjusting and we may get smacked down like Saul.  Don’t harden your heart but keep tender to the voice of the Holy Spirit.

Pastor confessed that he may not always handle himself in a proper Christian way, and he may fall short at times, but he is willing to quickly repent like David.  He said, “I can scream and head bump with the best, but my heart must be right and I must be led of the Lord.”

Use the talents and gifts God has given you to expand the work of the ministry.  God will train and teach you how and where to be most effective for Him. 

Sing a new song unto the Lord.  Sing from your heart showering Him with words of gratitude and tell Him how much you love and appreciate His mercy and grace.  Your song may not be structured, but sing your prayer, prophecy and decrees over your loved ones and over this city and nation. 

Paul didn’t want his followers to be like him, but he said, “Follow me as I follow Christ.”

Posture yourself as warriors who worship.  The workers in the Old Testament had a sword by their side as they rebuilt their city.  They were watchful as they worked. 

Jesus was anointed by Mary with priceless ointment.  Our praise and worship anoints Jesus afresh.

Be in His presence 24/7.  May your life be a continual worship unto Him.

 

CHOSEN, SANCTIFIED and SPRINKLED

CHOSEN, SANCTIFIED and SPRINKLED

  

Our Bible Teacher Linda, at Open Door Church, spoke about the atmosphere during the years after Christ arose from the dead.  The Gospel went out to the then known world and many were born again, but also there was harsh persecution.  Many Christians were held in Prison, others suffered terrible deaths by lions and merciless torture. 

 

Our culture today is facing a similar maltreatment.  Christians in other lands are already experiencing this discrimination with beheadings - - as the normal event of the day.  Here in the USA Christians are being fired from their jobs or taken to court because of their faith.

Our Bible Teacher suggested interesting ways to study the scriptures.  Write it down, speak it out as you meditate on those things that apply to your situation.

We have a responsibility to understand what God is saying to you.  The Bereans daily searched the Scriptures to see if what they were being taught was truth.

1 Peter 2:2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:

Our teacher stated that she uses commentaries to get views she might have missed.  Tyndale and Zondervan are trusted sources.  Be careful in using some commentaries as they are not accurate and can be misleading.  She stated that she enjoys Jewish New Testament commentaries as they know the Old Testament culture and their background to explain the New.

There are lots of words out there on the Inter-net; many are harsh and critical with angry rants especially against Faith groups where the Holy Spirit is moving. 

Proverbs 22:24 Make no friendship with an angry man; and with a furious man thou shall not go.

If you are NOT grounded in “Who You ARE IN Christ” you can easily be deceived with counterfeit teaching.  Bankers are taught to get familiar with the real 20 dollar bill so they can spot a fake. There are many promoting “Another Gospel,” such as cults and professed Apostles.

2 John 1:6-7 And this is love, that we walk after his commandments. This is the commandment, That, as ye have heard from the beginning, ye should walk in it.  For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.

Our teacher said she likes to use Strong’s Concordance as it shows word meanings with other scriptures to explain deeper revealing truth.

Doing a research on the word “Covenant” brought out understanding of the Old Testament covenant and what Jesus did in bringing us the New Covenant.

Peter was schooled to read and write, but possibly did not have higher education, because he was a working man.  However he was Bi-lingual and was anointed by the Holy Spirit.

I Peter 1: 1-2 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied.
 

Word: CHOSEN:  Deuteronomy 7:6 For thou art a holy people unto the LORD thy God: the LORD thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto himself, above all people that are upon the face of the earth.

Ephesians 1:4-6 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:  Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.

Actually God has chosen everybody to be saved, but each person must cast the deciding vote.  Peter was writing to people who were chosen and had accepted Jesus.

Word: SANCTIFIED:  - Consecration – Purification of heart and life.  Set apart by the Holy Spirit.  This does not mean you are better than others, because God is continually working on you and me; transfiguring our spirit.  We WERE a sinner, but now we ARE a new creature.

How are we to live our life in the Holy Spirit?  Our goal is to obey Christ Jesus according to His Word. The Holy Spirit will always reveal Jesus in us and show us the way.

Word:  SPRINKLED:  Sprinkling of Blood.  Hebrews 12:22-24 But ye are come unto mount Zion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels,  To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect,  And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaks better things than that of Abel.

Moses took the blood of a perfect lamb and sprinkled it on the alter.  This was a fore runner picture of Christ and this sprinkling continued through time, until Christ.

Exodus 24:6-8 And Moses took half of the blood, and put it in basins; and half of the blood he sprinkled on the altar.  And he took the book of the covenant, and read in the audience of the people: and they said, All that the LORD hath said will we do, and be obedient.  And Moses took the blood, and sprinkled it on the people, and said, Behold the blood of the covenant, which the LORD hath made with you concerning all these words.

Peter understood this culture of Sprinkling the Blood. 

I Peter 1:2 Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied.

It is interesting to note, the final act of Jesus completing his work of sacrificial death and resurrection and presenting his blood on the heavenly Mercy Seat: 

John 20:17. Jesus said unto Mary, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to  my God, and your God.

It is a done deal.  Jesus Christ presented his own blood upon the Mercy Seat, to our Father God and it was received by God as the angels shouted “Glory.”

Hebrews 9:12 But BY HIS OWN BLOOD he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.”

Understand that YOU have been sprinkled with the blood of Christ!

 

There is POWER in the Blood of Jesus ! 

 

1 Peter 1:18,19 "Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot."

You are CHOSEN, SANCTIFIED, and SPRINKLED – !

Now walk worthy of your calling!

One of the best books I've ever read concerning the blood of Christ is

THE CHEMISTRY OF THE BLOOD, by M.R. DeHaan, M.D.

 

 

Remembering 9/11

Remembering 9/11

Lord - - Help my Unforgiveness
 

 

Lord I believe, Help thou my unbelief!
These words were sincere as the man spoke,
He had asked Jesus for a miracle to spare his child,
His words came with expectation and with hope
 

Oh Lord today we remember the devastation
Caused by those who thrive on terror,
Hate nourished their very thoughts and minds
They were void of even considering their error.
 

We grieve those who were lost in the rubble,
Children, men, and women; all innocent of this deed,
Our sorrow knows no bounds as we moan our loss,
Why, why would men be so vile? What was their need?
 

I cannot find it in my heart to forgive those terrible men,
From their souls came seeds of destruction they have sown.
Lord, help me to draw upon your forgiveness,
Because I have nothing left to forgive on my own.
 

Give me peace where there is none, and bring me grace,
Let me understand how you are able to forgive,
Even these awful men who sinned against you,
Teach me Lord, show me your heart and the way to live.
 

When you breathed your last, I know it was for all,
Did you love those who hated you, even as you died?
And still the miserable sinners who devise wickedness?
Did you have me in mind when you gave your life?
 

I must pray when I do not feel the energy to do so,
I pray for those who lost family, and those who survived.
Lord Help my unbelief, help my un-forgiveness,
Teach me to forgive as you have shown us by your life.


by Hazel Moon

Permission granted to copy, but please acknowledge author

 

 

 

Dreaming of a Marriage

Dreaming of a Marriage

 

The Scriptures tell us that many will see visions and have dreams but honestly my dreams have always been silly, and I forget them right away.   

However the other night early in the morning I was dreaming and it seemed significant.   

In my dream I was a young girl with a boy friend.  My thoughts were to become a bride, but my boy friend was flirting and holding hands with other girls. 

 

His behavior was making me extremely angry, so I finally went up to him, and asked if he was ready to commit to me.   

His answer startled me, because he looked right at me and said, “I can’t commit right now, because I must have three more days to see if there is something better for me out there.”  

When I awoke, the Lord gave me the meaning:  

Jesus is getting His bride ready for the marriage supper of the Lamb.  “So many border line Christians are sitting on the fence, and flirting with the world.  Yes, many are still holding hands with other gods.   

The Holy Spirit keeps wooing them to surrender and totally commit to Jesus but they refuse, because they think they have at least three days to decide to surrender their life completely over to Him. 

The Truth is - - - none of know if we have three more days to make our life changing decisions. 

We are living in the last days and time is short.  Now is the day to make this serious choice and to completely turn your back on the world, and say Yes to Jesus once and for all. 

Don't Delay - Surrender all and Commit completely to Jesus Christ

 

Fallow Ground

Good Ground Produces a Harvest

 

Jeremiah 4:3  For thus says the LORD to the men of Judah and Jerusalem, Break up your fallow ground, and sow not among thorns.

The chatter in a restaurant often will over power conversation.  The voice of the Holy Spirit is not fabricated, and we must be attentive to what God desires to say.  If our thoughts are cluttered with distraction it is difficult to hear God speak. 

 

The enemy is at work to interrupt and sidetrack, but you have the ability to pin him down, because we wrestle not against flesh and blood but against principalities of darkness.

Notice those who are not here today and pray for them, as they may be under attack. 

 

 Matthew 13:3-9 Then He spoke many things to them in parables, saying: “Behold, a sower went out to sow.  And as he sowed, some seed fell by the wayside; and the birds came and devoured them.  Some fell on stony places, where they did not have much earth; and they immediately sprang up because they had no depth of earth.  But when the sun was up they were scorched, and because they had no root they withered away.  And some fell among thorns, and the thorns sprang up and choked them.  But others fell on good ground and yielded a crop: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. He who has ears to hear, let him hear!”

 

Jesus spoke of four types of soil where seed was planted.  Three areas were fallow ground; hard, stony, thorns and weeds.  The wayside was hard and the seed was snatched away by the enemy.  The stony place had little soil, but it too was hard, and the plant had no roots and was scorched by the heat of the day.  The thorns and weeds choked the tender plants with the cares of the world.  Only one ground was good and there was a joyful harvest.

I asked the Lord, “How can we break up the fallow ground and prepare these difficult areas to receive the seed?”  The Holy Spirit replied, “I will break the ground.”

The fallow ground is a heart condition.  We must allow the Holy Spirit to cultivate and remove the stones, pull up the thistles.  The seed needs water, but you must not water the weeds.

We come into the church with good intentions to receive from God.  Then we wonder why there are so many struggles.  The fact is we are stubborn and rebellious.  We grieve the Holy Spirit by not allowing Him to cultivate our Spirit.  Continued rebellion creates a habit of stubbornness and our heart turns to hard soil.

Let it effect you when the Holy Spirit reveals something that must be removed from your heart.  You ask “Why?”  Because we are living in the last days and time is short.

There are problems with anger.  When I was first saved, it was easier to hit someone then to work it out.  That fallow ground is getting plowed up and now I pray for those who once angered me.  With the help of the Holy Spirit, you can change the soil.

Forgiving and meaning it, will remove the thorns and weeds of unforgiveness.  Harboring resentment and bitterness is allowing murder to be in your heart.  Forgiveness brings cultivation to the fallow ground.  The truth is; each of us has a certain amount of fallow ground, some less than others, but it needs to be broken up regardless.  Do you wonder why you are always angry?  It is because your heart is full of unforgiveness.

It is time to forgive the Police, the Judge, your parents, the person who violated and abused you.  Yes, you can forgive by allowing Jesus to forgive through you.

James told us to confess our faults one to another for that brings accountability.  Let us know how to pray for you.  You are not in this walk alone for we are a family.

You may wonder why you do certain things when you know better.  Our self-willed hearts have an abscess and surgery is needed to remove it.

Love God enough to allow His Holy Spirit to pull out those things that prevent the Word from taking effect in your heart. 

 

Be tired of the rocks, thistles and junk and be willing to allow the Holy Spirit to do the surgery.