Journey part 5 From a manger in Bethlehem

Journey of a Lifetime part 5

From a manger in Bethlehem

Oh Hello! You found me?!! Shhh. You’ll have to pardon my whispering, but he is asleep in the manger, and I don’t want to awaken him. After we parted last night, the pains intensified and it was then that I knew it was more than a stitch in my side. Joseph was desperate to find us a place to stay and led the donkey from inn to inn inquiring for a room. It was the same everywhere. “Full up.” I watched his face, I saw the concern, the frustration, and the shame trying to take hold of him. “Joseph, I called to him. Please, don’t be hard on yourself. If I hadn’t made us stop so many times on the road… Don’t blame yourself. God sees you are trying, and you and He have taken such good care of us all the way. His ear is not deaf nor His hand shortened…” At that Joseph brightened and said, “you are right Mary, my brave and beautiful wife! Let’s pray.” So we prayed and asked the Lord for His provision and the place He would have us to stay and await the birth of Jesus. Joseph went to one more inn and though it was full, the keeper was kindly. He said, “You young folks should have arrived sooner, you know.” Joseph answered, “Yes, sir I know! But have you ever traveled with a woman laden with child? Even now her pains are upon her!”

“What’s this? The innkeeper cried. “We must do something about that. Let me fetch my servant girl, she will take you around back, I have a stable there. It isn’t much, but it is private, and sheltered. She will help you get situated”

And so, that is how we came to be here. This is a lovely stable. It is the innkeeper’s private stable, where he keeps his own animals. It is away from the open courtyard and the public stables where most travelers put their stock. It is as most stables go. One side for tethering the animals, and the other side for storing the hay and feed for them. Joseph helped the servant girl to mound a bunch of the sweet smelling hay and put down a blanket for me to lie on. The pains were coming much more strongly and I wished my mother or Cousin Elizabeth was here to guide me and help.

AAAHHH! OWWWW. OOOOHHH! How long??? Lord! Help me! I am afraid! Suddenly I heard the words from King David- “What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee.” Oh Lord, I put my trust in thee. Help me! Now I could hear God reminding me of the words of the Prophet Esaias; “ Fear not! There is nothing to fear, for I am with you; do not look around you in terror and be dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you and harden you to difficulties, yes I will help you, yes, I will hold you up and retain you with MY victorious right hand of righteousness and justice.”

Oh Lord! You are so good to me! Thank you! I need your strength. I need your hand to hold me, I need your power to endure and prevail. I’ve never been this way before…

“ I know Mary, but when you said yes to ME that day back by the spinning wheel, and you allowed ME to overshadow you, did you think I would then leave you to fend for yourself? I WILL bring you through, every step of the way. You are not alone! I will not leave you. Your life and times are in MY hands. I am well pleased Mary, that you have trusted me even to this day, though it has not always been easy. There will be times again that will be hard for you. But remember, I AM with you! Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”

The Lord made my delivery lively and quick, just like that of the Hebrew women when Moses was born! May the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob bless my dear Joseph! Men are not usually around during the woman’s darkest time, that is for the womenfolk to see to and deal with. But it was just me and Joseph and God in this little stable last night. Until the miracle happened. What miracle you ask? Why, when HE was born, of course! Isn’t he the most beautiful baby in the whole world? His name is JESUS. After that it got quite lively around here!

He was born and suddenly the whole stable lit up in light. Gabriel appeared to me once again, this time with a contingency of other angels shouting praises and singing glories unto God. ‘Yea, Lord, we greet thee, Born this happy morning; Jesus, to thee be glory given; Word of the Father, Now in flesh appearing; O come, let us adore him, O come, let us adore him, O Come, let us adore him, Christ the Lord’. ‘Then he spoke to me and said, “Blessed art thou among women Mary. For the Lord who called thee by name, has kept you and brought you to this day. And now you have brought forth the Son of His Promise. He has sent me to announce Him, who shall save His people. But first I had to come see the Ancient of Days clothed in humanity!”

With that, he was gone. But the angel song has stirred up the whole stable, and all the creatures were making a racket, like they too were singing praises unto God! It was such a sight and noise indeed! Next, shepherds came running in a short time later, saying they had seen an angel who announced the birth of the Saviour! I knew who that angel was! And they said a heavenly choir filled the sky singing. Well, they had certainly filled this little stable with as many as they could squeeze in! I couldn’t imagine how many must have filled the sky! Yes, it’s been quite an eventful night! But now HE is here!

You must excuse me now. I really need some sleep! Please come again to see him when he is awake, ok? You’ll want to hold him close to your heart. I know I do!

1. When times are hard, do you ask why, or do you press in to Him as never before?
2. When you wish people were there with you and they aren't, and things are not going the way you would choose and desire for them to, do you shut down, or stand up?
3. Do disappointments leave you wondering if you are loved, or do you yet believe His hand IS upon you and trust even when everyone/everything seems silent?

Why don't you write out a letter expressing your hurts and disappointments, and then state 1 or 2 scripture promises that covers the situation(s).

Thank you Lord that you know the beginning from the end. That nothing takes You by surprise. Thank you that you never leave us or forsake us! Thank you for being the friend that sticks closer than a brother. Lord, You know my down sitting and my uprising. You know every word in my heart before it ever leaves my tongue! Thank You Jesus for leaving Heaven and coming to Earth. Thank you for making that sacrifice to come to earth, to redeem us back to God. Thank you for granting the privilege of carrying You in my heart. Jesus I DO adore you. May You always find room in this heart of mine. Amen.

Journey part 4

Journey part 4

I think this will be the last day on the donkey, at least I hope so! We’ve got to make Bethlehem tonight, please Lord.

Thanks for coming around. I promised to tell you the next part of my story, so here goes:

I don’t know how long I worshiped in God’s Presence that day. Everything seemed to fade around me. When I finally got up, the sun was slanting towards afternoon, where it had once been a bright sunny morning! Gabriel was gone, the light was gone. But what remained was a warm, soft glow inside of me.

I’d have to hurry to finish my chores. How could I explain this morning to anyone? I’m not sure they would believe me,! Then the thought came; “Elizabeth!” She would believe me! If there was anyone on the face of this earth that would understand this divine encounter, it would be Elizabeth. I could go under the guise of helping her during this time. No one would suspect anything of my going to visit for such a momentous occasion! Maybe she can help me figure out how to tell Joseph.

That night I told Mother, “I heard some fabulous news today! Cousin Elizabeth is with child! God has blessed her. I am sure she needs help about now, may I go to visit? Abigail and Darius can help you here.” So mother agreed, and I packed some things and set off to see Elizabeth. I sent a note to Joseph by way of one of my brothers, telling him I was traveling to go help my elder cousin. They say absence makes the heart grow fonder, I prayed that would be the case with Joseph.

As I walked the distance to my cousin’s home near Judah, I had time to reflect on all that had occurred. It still seemed like a dream. As I drew near to the house, once of the servants saw me and ran to get her mistress. It will be so good to see Elizabeth, I thought. She is such a blessing to our family. All at once there she was. Her face was crinkled and brown from working outside caring for the household. Her hair glinted with hints of silvery streaks in it. But she was smiling broadly and her arms open wide in greeting.

I called out in greeting to her. What happened next totally stunned me, although I guess I should be getting used to God surprises! She clutched her rounded and protruding stomach and then looked up to Heaven. With tears streaming she looked back to me and began to prophecy in song by the Holy Spirit “Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb. What cause have I to be so honoured that the Mother of my Lord should visit me? My own child has skipped like a lamb in frolic, being led forth in joy from its stall. Oh blessed woman who dared to believe that what God said would be so! For now it has come to pass, the fulfillment of what God has spoken to you.”

Now mind you, all I had said up to now was, “Grace and peace be to you my dear cousin…” But at this juncture, I was so caught up in the moment, I offered up my own song of praise and thanksgiving; “My soul doth magnify the Lord and my Spirit rejoices in God my Saviour. He that is Mighty has done to me great things and Holy is His name!”

Holy Spirit blabbed my secret before I even got to say anything! Wow. I wonder if He will tell Joseph before I do? Elizabeth and I had the best time together. Day by day, it became more evident that I really was with child, as the morning nausea set in, and the tiredness would come in the afternoons. I determined I needed to get back home before I actually began to poke out like Elizabeth now does. Cousin Zach insisted on having one of the boys from the temple escort me home. He is so thoughtful.

I no sooner arrived home than Joseph came over. “Mary! You stayed away so long! I have missed you! What was so all fired important that you had to go off in such a hurry? And is it my imagination, or is there something different about you?”

I thought to myself, “oh yes, big changes Joseph! Changes that I hope you are willing to accept and deal with!” I took a deep breath and began. Yes, there are changes Joseph, that was very sweet of you to pick up on that. And it was important for me to go. You see my cousin who has been called barren, is now expecting her firstborn any day now! I needed to go be with her…

But Mary, for 3 whole months?!! He said, reaching to take my hand. I hesitated and though, come on girl, you can do this. Yes Joseph, those 3 months allowed me some privacy as I adjusted to and dealt with changes in my body.

Oh, Mary! You’re not sick are you my love? Dear Joseph! How I love you I thought. Yes and no Joey. He looked puzzled. I am not sick, but I had morning sickness and Elizabeth…

You had what?, he asked with a trembling voice. Mary, how could you? I thought you loved me, I thought we had a life together? You’re engaged to me!

Joseph, it is not what you think. I have not been with any man. Only meeting with God. Joseph, He has chosen me to be the One! How could I say no to Him? I’m with child by the Holy Spirit’s divine power! It is a miracle. I don’t understand, but I know it’s real. And I told him everything.

Afterwards, he just sat there with a glazed, blank look on his face. Why didn’t you tell me before now? He asked.

I didn’t know how, I said simply. I had to think about it all, and I wanted to just hug it to my heart, for it is so wonderful and overwhelming. Only you and Elizabeth knows .

He just looked at me. But soon everyone will know he said. And they will know it is not mine. Not it, I said, He. Jesus.

Joseph sighed very deeply and stood up. Mary, I’ve got to go.

When will I see you again Joseph? I don’t know Mary. I just don’t know. And with that he left. And I sat there crying and praying. God, you know all things from the beginning to the end. You know every twist and turn along the road I must travel. I don’t ask you to spare me hardship. But I ask you to be with me in it and bring me through it. Like King Jehoshaphat of old my eyes are on You Lord. Show Yourself strong on my behalf, and that of your child I am carrying. Let it be well with us. For the Lord’s sake I pray. Amen.

Joseph told me later, that he went home shattered. He still loved me, but he didn’t know what to do either. He thought it best to just annul the marriage contract quietly. He went to bed with a heavy heart and fell asleep. He said he was having a fitful night of it, when suddenly an angel came to him in a dream- or was it a dream? Joseph, he said. Don’t be afraid to get married to Mary. She has told you the truth. She has conceived a son of/from the Holy Spirit. He shall be called Jesus for He shall save his people from their sins. Joseph said he sat up with a start! A holy child was coming! He was going to be a parent to the Messiah?!! He and Mary must get married right away so hopefully not many people will talk against her and the pregnancy.

Can you imagine?!! From being devastated, he was now determined to protect me and the child! Is it any wonder I love him so? Even if he can be a little quirky about stuff sometimes!

So he gave me about a day’s warning and showed up at midnight with some revelers to carrying torches and he stormed the house declaring loudly. I’ve come to claim my Bride! Mary, my love, come away with me! It was not exactly how we had planned to have the wedding. But the important thing was and is, we love each other, we love God. And there is nothing that we can give up to God, that He will not repay us in ways we cannot imagine!

Oh I see lights of a town up ahead! Is it? Yes! Bethlehem! I see you in the distance now! It won’t be long! We will be there. Oh I wonder how long this census thing will take anyway?

Ouch! What was that twinge? Ohh! There is another one!

I must have sat too long, or else sat funny, for there are pains in my back and sides. I will be glad to get into town and settled in a nice room. A bath sounds so good! And stretching out to get these kinks out of my back and side…

I hope that we can see each other again. Perhaps get a room nearby one another! I am so glad this donkey journey is almost at an end, but I can’t help feeling a whole different kind of journey is just getting started…

1. What situations are you facing that have you stymied?

2. Have you taken time to come aside and spend time with Him, so HE may minister to you?

3. Are you ministering to Him as well?

Lord, your ways are marvelous in our sight. We thank for your hand of care and Your Grace for every situation. Thank you for your unfailing kindness and goodness to us. Teach us Your ways

Oh Lord. We want to know you more. Even if knowing you means ridicule or put down, we still want to know you more. Help us to do that Lord. Amen!

Journey part 3-Still on the Back of a Donkey

Journey part 3-Still on the back of a Donkey

Oh Hello! I am so glad you caught up with us today. It’s nice to have someone to chat with on this trip, it helps to pass the time, which seems to be going so slowly! I have been most uncomfortable on this donkey today. Bless Joseph, he has been patient with my many requests to stop, but finally he said, “Mary, do you want to have this baby right here on the road? We have got to keep moving, so I can find you a proper place!” So I have tried to be a better traveler, although all the bouncing and jostling and the weight of the baby just makes it so hard to not have to stop, if you know what I mean!

I have been thinking about what to share with you next. Let me share “that day” with you. The day the Angel appeared. I’d been busy spinning for Mama. I had taken a moment to get up and stretch my legs and was looking out the window. And just like that he appeared! “Hail Mary, full of grace and highly favored, the Lord is with thee,” he called to me. “Blessed art thou among women.” Why moments before I had been contemplating my future with Joseph, and Rabbi’s message the Shabbat before and what Mama wanted to fix for supper that night… Now the whole room was lit up with a bright glow! I rubbed my eyes and wondered if I was daydreaming! .Highly favored? Blessed among women? What had I ever done to cause me to stand out over and above all women as charming, lovely and agreeable? Although every morning I would wake up and say, “Hear O Israel, the Lord Our God is One Lord. This day Lord I shall love You with all my heart and all my soul and all my might. And if You grace me to bear Joseph’s children, I will teach them Your statues and speak of Your goodness to them, all the days of my life. Help me this day to please You Lord, and preserve my life before You. Amen”

Now my poor heart felt like it would jump right out of my chest it was beating so wildly with fear! Gabriel must have sensed my dismay at his appearance for he quickly said to me: “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found grace-free, spontaneous, absolute favor and loving-kindness with God.” ME! But his next words left my head spinning and my whole body electrified and giddy. “Behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS.”

But I’m not married! How? And what about…? And then I remembered! A VIRGIN shall conceive and bear a SON… Prophet Esaias has foretold it. Was I to be THAT virgin? Gabriel assured me that Yes, I was to be that very one! I could not fathom how this would be. But He spoke very confidently and kindly to me. The Holy Spirit shall come upon you. (That same Spirit that had come upon Prophet Esais to prophecy of Our Messiah’s coming?) Yes, he said, that same Spirit! And the Power of the Most High shall overshadow you like a shining cloud. Gabriel you mean just like when God spoke Light BE, in the beginning and it was and is even to now? Yes Mary, that power, that creation ability, that Force of gathering atoms and molecules and speaking into existence something that had not yet existed. Oh God exists, but now He shall exist as God Man and you most favored one shall carry this Holy Seed and bring it to birth.

At that point I pitched onto my knees and began to weep and praise God. Lord, let it be unto me even as Your messenger Gabriel has spoken it. Suddenly I was cocooned in warmth and an energy of luminescent light sparkled and swirled about me. My whole being felt alive as I have never felt before! The light touched my skin in wispy brushes and I tingled. There was such a deep peace and joy and breathtaking awesomeness as God’s very Presence enveloped me. I felt as though I was drowning in a sea of Love! The Almighty came to me and claimed me as His! Ahhh. He is so wonderful indeed!

Oh, I can tell by the look on your face that you find my story hard to believe! That’s okay, so did Joseph at first. I’ll tell you about that tomorrow okay? We are nearing our stopping point, and I will need to prepare us something. Would you like to stay and have a meal with us? It won’t be anything fancy, but you’re most welcome you know! Okay then, talk to you tomorrow. Shalom.

1. What things are you having a “hard time swallowing?” Why? 2. What is God bringing to you in the way of honour and blessings? 3. How may they or have they changed your life? Are you ready to accept those changes? 4. Write Him an honest letter telling all your fears, concerns and dreams. Listen for Him to speak back to you.

Dear Lord, I give You permission to divinely interrupt my life and show Yourself strong on my behalf. I say even as Moses said, “Show me Your Glory, Lord!” Help me to make any adjustments necessary to make room for Your Glory in my life. I desire you. Thank you for showing up even in the mundane of my life. I give you place, have Your way with me. In Jesus Name. Amen.

Journey-part 2 (Or From the Back of a Donkey)

Oh my! I must have dozed off! Happens a lot to us pregnant ladies. Sorry! Hmm, where was I? Oh yes, I remember! I’ve been so busy, getting ready for this trip, and it has been such a long one! But I was telling you how I was drawing close to God. People have some funny ideas about God, and what they think they have to do to please Him. Me, I just think about things and then have conversations with Him, ya know?

But I guess that in itself is considered unusual, especially for a GIRL! My Dad, is a bit unusual though. He never once acted disappointed that his eldest was a girl. And he didn’t go for the notion that girls only needed to know cooking and cleaning and sewing and stuff like that. No, I remember him taking me outside to gaze up at the stars while he told me about Father Abraham.

“Daughter, look at the stars”, he’d say with a sweep of his arm. “It was these same stars that our ancestor Abraham was told to look at and to count if he could.”

After Adam and Eve were kicked out of the garden, it was a very long time You see, until Abraham, was approached by Yaweh. He was minding his own business after leaving the land of Ur, when the Lord Yehovah said to him, ‘Get thee out from thy lineage and thy father’s household, to a world and a Way I will show you.’

I love how God talks! Even then, God was speaking of Covenant to him, as He sent him on the Journey of a Lifetime, searching for the City, whose Builder and Maker is God. Kind of like the journey that Joseph and myself now find ourselves on. One of trust and faith.

Here I am with child. Not just ANY child, but HIS seed. And now we have been commanded to journey to our place of lineage by Caesar Augustus, to be taxed. Abraham left his lineage to find God’s lineage. Now, I carry God’s lineage in me, and I look up at the stars with wonder of His promises foretold.

Mmm, the fire is crackling and so cozy! The lentils were mighty good tonight. You’ll have to excuse me for the evening. All day on the donkey has left me very tired. Please come back tomorrow as we journey. I’d be most pleased to share with you some more of the marvelous things God has done for me. Ok? See you then!

1. What marvelous things has God done for you?

2. What Promises has He given you to hold onto? Have you let them slip? Or are you still holding on?

3. What demands have been placed on you by situations beyond your control? As you journey thorough them, are you able to see God’s hand protecting and guiding you? Look up at the stars. They are the same ones Abraham and Mary journeyed beneath. Take heart! Your journey is uniquely your own, but you do not go it alone (unless you choose to) The King of the Universe, who watches over His Word to perform it, is watching over you.

Dear Lord, thank you that You uphold all things by the power of Your Word. Thank you that my journey of Faith and Trust is no less significant than was Mary’s or Abraham’s journey. Help me to realize that I too carry God’s lineage with me everywhere I go, because I AM now part of that lineage, thanks to Jesus Christ and His birth, death and resurrection.

Help me to draw close to You in little ways and big ones, that through those moments of intimacy, I too may be overshadowed and my life changed day to day by Your Glory. Amen.

Journey of a Lifetime Part 1

I can't believe my time is so near! What a strange year this has been. So much has happened! I remember the beginning of the year when Joseph finally got up the courage to propose! Of course He didn't come right out and SAY it, but rather he asked me in a round about way. Carefully, the same way he carves his wood and makes his furniture. With Loving thought and attention, putting his whole heart into it, but not speaking much.

"Mary," he announced to me, "I've given much thought to the future." I wondered, "Does that future include me, Joseph?" He went on, "I am no longer an apprentice, but I am now a full blown carpenter. My pieces are selling quite handsomely. Why just the other day Mrs. ben-Jehozadak ordered several tables from me!" I can see my little carpenter shop growing. and my sons helping me in it."

I had to smile. He was sharing his dreams with me, without actually telling me that they included me. But where else is he going to get sons? My only other competition was that girl Dina. But she told me that although Joseph was handsome and polite, he was so boring to her! She confided in me, "He's always talking about the grain of the wood and stopping to examine other pieces of work in the marketplace and ask questions, how did they do this or that?" I thought to myself, "Good! Keep thinking that way Dina, because Joseph is going to be mine!"

You see, I don't care that he is not exciting to others, or dashing around being the life of everyone’s party. I love how he examines the wood, looking for hidden beauty that no one else sees. I find it exciting how he sees past what is right in front of him to what can be, and sets out to make it happen, turning a block of wood into a beautiful piece of craftsmanship. Just like God did in the beginning. He looked down and said “Let us make man in Our image.” God envisioned each of us, and planned out blessings for our lives and all we have to do is draw close to Him and He will reveal Himself. He promised and He always keeps His promises! But that is how all this got started! I was drawing close to God and… ~to be continued.

What about Your journey? What is Your story? As we journey with Mary, how does it relate to your life? How and where has God shown up in your life? Be thinking of these questions and journal a few memorable moments of your own!

Dear Lord, thank you for looking past all the “non descript” in my life and seeing the inner beauty that You have placed inside of me. Help me to develop that confidence that You really are making something beautiful out of my life, despite what I see right in front of me. I want to trust You more and draw closer day by day. Help me to see glimpses of you in and through those you put in my path, and to look to what CAN BE, to see the beauty and wonder with the eyes of a child secure in her Father’s Love, instead of just what I see with natural eyes. Thank you Lord. Amen.

Tis the Season

Tis the Season to be Jolly
no place for Merry, or Joy,
But lots for Holly.

Tis the Season
But not to Proclaim
Call it anything but by My Name!

Spin your wheels
And spend like crazy
Drink and party till all is hazy.

Enjoy the lights
Even put up a tree-
Give out presents to all but Me.

Seasons come
And quickly go
Time flies by before you know.

The lights will go out
The tree turn brown
So seek Me now while I can be found!

For I am the Way, the Truth,
And the Life you see,
All you desire is found in Me!

From Humble Birth
To Glorious King
I still desire just One more thing.

A gift from you
That only you can bring
Come my Love and wear My Ring.

Your heart I want for My Own
Your life surrendered
To My Throne.

I stepped from Eternity
into this Season and time
I came to ask you, "Please Be Mine."

© NEM Dec. 10, 2009

Love Notes for You

All around you I am speaking. Everyday I send you messages. Yet you say, "I have no testimony, God is not doing anything in my life right now." Stop looking backwards and thinking that what I have done is so spectacular that I can not top that!

The day I intervened in your life and you recognized my wooing for the first time...was that not the most incredible day? Yet, I have many incredibles to share with you. Many "Oh my gosh," and "Take my breath away" moments. But you've allowed the mundane to ensnare you. You have been gazing so long at what is right in front of you, that you have stopped seeing it. Yes you heard me right! You are no longer looking with possibility eyes. You are not even seeing the little messages I have hand written and tucked for you through out the day. Tear yourself away from the worries, stress and cares that are mounting up in your mind and heart.

Let My Peace mount garrison over your heart and stand guard through out your day. Read my love notes with the eyes of your heart. "But where are they?" you ask. They are embedded in the everyday things. The bird's song is Me whistling happily as I spread the day out before you. The warmth of the sun is my tender caress on your shoulder. The blue of the sky is my smile hello. And when it is raining, I am simply clearing the air for you. The pristine of the snow, is to give you a glimpse of the snow white robe of righteousness that is yours through my Son. The parking place close by is my favor. So is the friendliness of the check out person, and the rearrangement of your schedule at work... and the list goes on and on each day.

You see, I am intimately involved with your life. Like a wise and good earthly parent watches for opportunities to teach their child through everyday experiences, and to bless them when they are not expecting it, I your Heavenly Father, am plotting ways to bless you! I am very vigilant to guard you, protect you, and to teach you My ways, so that you can walk in the paths of Blessings.

So tomorrow, look for My Love Notes, will you? They are tucked into unusual things and places, as well as found in My Word. Do not worry about tomorrow child. I am already there, and it is going to be grand! In Jesus the Best is yet to be, so trust in Me and watch and see.
Here's Looking at You Kid! Love, Dad (Abba)

Dear Abba,
Thank you for your love gifts strewn along my path. Thank you for anointing my steps to walk in the paths you have chosen for me. Help me to be a blessing and teach me to read your messages more clearly. You said if we ask for wisdom you would give it to us liberally and not upbraid us. I surely need your wisdom to know your ways and hear your voice. Open my eyes to see. Thank you Lord. In Jesus Name. Amen.

1. Journal your day of love notes and gifts from Him.
2. Write God a love letter back!
3. Ask Him for the deeper message behind the obvious in the gifts He left you.

Heaven's Impact Through You

For each new Day that is dawning, I have already held it in my Hand before I release it to you. Soar my Eagle with Confidence that I am revealing and drawing you to new heights to see my face as never before. Know that my Glory is dripping down upon you and covering you each day. As you go through the day, Heaven's Impact is being made through you. Go Boldly! Soar Higher! Stand Strong! Never doubt, for you carry much clout! Love, Dad (Abba)

Photo courtesy of Sandy Warner http://thequickenedwordcommunity.com/cgi-bin/members/photogallery.cgi?categoryid=9990239559027r
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Questions and an Answer

Have you ever struggled and mumbled and fretted because you are stuck in a rut and you don't know how to break out of it? Have you cried, pled and gotten angry with yourself because you are not where you want to be, or where you think you should be? (Never mind what others think, because it is real easy for others to sit in judgment of you when they have never walked a mile in your moccasins... I am talking about you and yourself alone.) Sometimes we are our own worst critic and enemy!

And sometimes it takes a whole lot of effort to step beyond just beating yourself up and making some postive steps toward doing something to change yourself or your situation. Not that I am saying any of you do this, mind you. I am just sharing my own observations of life with Nancy.

And so when you are asking questions of anyone who you think may have some wisdom for you, but no answers seem forth coming, are you expecting to get an answer from the Source from which all good things come? After all , He is the Giver of good gifts!

Well I ask all this to make a confession... I've been stymied...Spirit streams seemingly blocked and my mind and spirit in a pretzel every time I thought of posting. In talking with my (earthly) Dad, he tried to reassure me, "the stream just got a little blocked up, it'll come loose, you'll flow again." I've been asking those who write, what to do... had just sent out yet another query to another Holy Ghost writer and then looked in my mailbox and found not an answer directly from those I'd asked, but an answer from HIM, of whom I should have asked most (my asking my friends was outward, inward I've been reaching to Him.)

Here is what I found- it is today's automated post from Brenda Craig's Journals of the Heart:

Arise, Prophesy To Your Dry Bones

Posted By Brenda On December 1, 2009 @ 2:00 am In Word of the Day | 3 Comments

Word of the Day

Beloved, the time of all times has come. The time has come for you to arise and shine. Time has come for you to arise and act contrary to what you see, hear and feel. There is no other way. I must remind you that it doesn’t matter how large or small the thing is you struggle with or long to see. All are important to Me. My power is available to bring forth life and purpose in all you long for. See though My eyes and you will endure till the end.

You must trust Me and My Word. I am asking you to dance among the dry bones of your life…dance among the dry bonds of unfulfilled dreams and desires. I am asking you to speak words of faith to them. I am asking you to have hope on this side of the Red Sea. Not one syllable of My Word given to you ever returns void.

“Dance! Speak!”

“Yes, beloved! You must dance and prophesy to your dry bones all I have ever said to you about them and they shall live (Ezekiel 37:3-5 ^[1]).”

Do not be afraid. I say your bones can surely live. You have all you need to accomplish this. You have Me. Your have My resurrection life flowing in and through you. You have the power to agree and see. Do not look down at the bones as Peter looked at the storm. Look up at Me—resurrection draws nigh.

Listen! Hear the distant whispers. Hear the soft rattling of your promises longing to be fulfilled. They are waiting for your voice to speak according to My Word—waiting to respond with faith to the hearing of My Word given to you.

Yes, they are waiting, not for you to dance as Miriam did after she crossed the Red Sea, but to dance before the way is opened. You are to be an example of one who calls those things that are not as though they are (Romans 4:16-18 ^[2]). This is called faith. Faith comes by hearing.

Beloved, what is faith hearing when you speak? Today is a day to speak life. Open your heart and be with Me and you will know exactly what to speak. I will give you a current Word…a current revelation on what you need to do to bring life to dry or forgotten dreams. I say, “Your dry bones will live!”… Read Complete Love Letter… ^[3]

“And He said to me, Son of man, can these bones live? And I answered, O Lord God, You know! Again He said to me, Prophesy to these bones and say to them, O you dry bones, hear the word of the Lord. Thus says the Lord God to these bones: Behold, I will cause breath and spirit to enter you, and you shall live;” (Ezekiel 37:3-5 ^[1] Amplified)

Prayer

Lord, the time has come to rise and shine with a heart of joyous praise, for You are faithful. Your love endures forever regardless of what takes place around or within me. I acknowledge Your loving-kindness and Your complete attention to even the smallest concerns of my heart. No matter what they are, from finding a parking space to matters of life and death, You care equally for them all.

Please show me where every ounce of fear would seek to hide and heal every wound giving place to said fear. Help me to dance on this side of the Red Sea. Help me to believe. Expose and then heal every hindering place within me and I shall be made new. Give me a fresh Word and I will proclaim it until victory comes. I declare with a heart of faith that I hear the whispers of Your voice over the rattling of dry bones. Faith will hear me speak Your Word and faith will come. The ears of faith are open to the Word coming out of my mouth. Resurrection life is not for some future day…it is for me right here and right now. I embrace resurrection life. I embrace the Living Word. I come into agreement and I live. My dry bones live. Amen.

Reflect and Journal

1. Not only does He want you to speak, He wants you to dance in an attitude of praise. Can you hear His whispers over His rattling? Write the whispers of His heart and use them as proclamations capable of reshaping the future.

1. Now that you have done this, what words of agreement has He given you to speak?

1. Since faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God, then faith must have ears and is waiting to have something to respond to. Reflect on this and ask yourself the question, “What is faith hearing when I speak?”

^[4]

Please Link to Me

Arise, Prophesy To Your Dry Bones

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Article printed from Journals of the Heart: http://www.journalsoftheheart.com

URL to article: http://www.journalsoftheheart.com/2009/12/arise-prophesy-to-your-dry-bones/

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Ahh Daddy, help me to press in tighter and closer to you! For all my questions and seeking, help me to remember that it is YOU that I am really needing to hear from. Thank you for my brothers and sisters who encourage me and lift me, but Lord it is YOU that sustains me and maintains my cause and gives me wings to fly.

In obedience I prophesy to the dry bones and dry places in my own life (how much easier it is, to do this for others rather than for myself!) I speak moisture and dew of the Spirit come into those places! I call forth the very Life of God within me to come forth in vibrancy and power! I declare that I do have the ear and the tongue of the learned, and I flow freely in the the gift of writing that YOU Lord gave me from a young age. Now Lord I ask you to help me craft it, and use it wisely for You. And Lord I ask not only for myself, but for those who are struggling in ANY area of gifting and calling that You have put in them. I speak LIFE to them also and Divine multiplication. In Jesus Name. Amen.

Open Letter Please Draw Me!

Abbi You've given me the privilege of prayer. The ability to write. The mandate to raise others up. You call and equip and strip off all that would cause men to see me rather than you. Yet I struggle to do these things. Passion burns yet I lag. Ideas come, yet I hesitate.

How long will I halt between two opinions? Yours which tells me I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me, and my enemy which whispers to me, "Who do you think you are? What do you think you have to give? What makes you think, anybody wants to hear from you?" The words seep in insidiously, but Your Word rings louder with the mandate to GO! The oily accusations stifle my creativity and stun my sense of connectedness.

But that can only last momentarily. For you O Lord are my Shield and Defense. You alone have the right to interrogate me, and instead you encourage me to step out on the water! Instead you draw me to the fire to purify and strengthen me. Instead you pour cool water over me, reviving me and refreshing me. I am undone by Your gentleness. I am in awe of Your greatness. I am indebted for Your kindness. I am set free by Your sacrifice. O Lord. Have your way in me, through me and with me. May my life be spent for You. May I be a drink offering poured out upon others, in Your Presence. May I Lavish You with Love all the days of my life.

Thank you for the mandate. Thank you for the passion. Thank you for the ability. Most of all thank you for You. Your Presence makes all the difference, every day. Teach me how to stay in Your Presence. Oh I have been there, but teach me how to stay there. How to go deeper. How to move past the plateau of yesterday, into the revelation of Today. Take me deeper into You.

I say along with the maiden in Song of Solomon: Draw me, we will run after thee: the king hath brought me into his chambers: we will be glad and rejoice in thee, we will remember thy love more than wine: the upright love thee. Song 1:4

I love thee. I long for more of thee. Draw me. Even as Peter said, "Lord if it is you Bid me come" and even as Jesus said, "No man comes to the Father except by me" and again "no man can come to Me except the Father which sent me draw him..." So Lord draw me and I will come.

Like A Hammer

Your Word O Lord is like a Hammer
well timed, well aimed, precise in measure
Released with anointing and ease
Seemingly at your leisure

You strike a blow for victory
Your Word so very Active
You strike a blow for defeat
of all that would hold me captive

You chip away around the edges
with glancing blows ringing
sparks are lifting off a flying
while the enemy is cringing

Oh Holy Word of God
come and have Your way
Seed yourself inside of me
Till only Your Will has perfect sway

You are relentless
in Your pursuit of me
till your likeness
all shall see

Your Word Paints a
picture bold and strong
Bringing Life and Light
and Victory's song

Long may Your Word
a Holy habitation be
A refuge, a comfort
where in I meet with Thee.

NEM

© 2009

Grace, Is it Sufficient?

I don't know about you, but I struggle sometimes. I struggle to get past myself. To shed flesh and flow fully in the spirit. I know others who struggle too. Struggle with hang ups and put downs and weaknesses of the human kind. Their hearts yearn to be great Christians, but their failings tell them they are not. The enemy whispers they are failures, consigned to always failing. He says they are phonies, only pretending. I wonder if Peter felt that way sometimes? Of John, the son of Thunder? I have hope that if the Son of Thunder can be transformed into the Apostle of Love, then surely there is hope for me!

I read what Paul wrote in Romans...how he struggled to do what he knew he should, but then didn't. And vice versa. I wonder, did Paul fly off the handle? Was he sharp tongued, or critical? Or did he always seem to put his foot into his mouth? Or was he viewed as being a bossy know it all?

Yet, for all his struggles, whatever they were, all the assaults of the enemy against him, the weight and care of the Churches upon him, when he went to Jesus, Jesus comforted him saying, "My Grace is sufficient for thee." Really? Grace? That is all? He didn't say, "My Blood, my sacrifice, my armour", but HE said, "My Grace." How powerful Grace must be, and how misunderstood and under utilized!

What is His Grace? Yes, it is unmerited favor to the sinner. But what is it to the saint?
Apostle Bobbie Jean Merck did a word study on this. Here then is her Holy Ghost definition:
"Grace: God's Ability. God's Efficiency. God's Proficiency. God's Power. God's Strength. God's Help In, Upon, With and Through ME!"

God is so good! Another meaning of Grace is Favour, graciousness and liberality. God is saying, My Favour is sufficient. Indeed, His favour surrounds us like a shield. His favour goes before us. His favour changes people's heart's and minds. It causes them to be gracious and liberal when they may have wanted to be stingy! Favour brings about promotion and benefit! Favour causees rules and laws to be changed.

2Cor. 12:9 But His answer was: My grace is all you need; power comes to its full strength in weakness-NEB
More than ever, then, I delight to boast of the weaknesses that humiliate me, so that the strength of Christ may enshrine itself in me. -Knox

Oh, so instead of letting my weaknesses confound and trip me up and cause me to shrink in and flounder, I should cast my care and my weaknesses on Christ who cares for me and gave Himself for me and Who gives Me his Grace to persevere.

So I beg to ask again, "Is Grace sufficient?" When it is His Grace, then the answer must be "Yes! His Grace is sufficient." So then, how do we appropriate this Grace? What does Eph. 2:8 tel us? "Yes, it was grace that saved you, with faith for its instrument." -Knox "It is not by your own action." - Goodspeed

Hebrews tells us this: Heb 4:16 (AMP) Let us then fearlessly and confidently and boldly draw near to the throne of grace (the throne of God's unmerited favor to us sinners), that we may receive mercy [for our failures] and find grace to help in good time for every need [appropriate help and well-timed help, coming just when we need it].

J.B. Rotherham translated it thus: "Let us then be approaching with freedom of speech unto the throne of favour..."

We access this Grace and favor by Faith, same as we received Salvation. Mark 11:24 in the MEssage Bible says: "That's why I urge you to pray for absolutely everything, ranging from small to large. Include everything as you embrace this God-life, and you'll get God's everything."

Jesus said, "MY Grace is sufficient for thee." Sufficient means to ward off, to avail, to be possessed of unfailing strength, to defend, to ward off. To be satisfied, to be contented.

His Grace avails for us. It defends and wards us. It satisfies us. To be possessed by Christ! Have we allowed Him to possess us? If we have, then His Grace fills us and posseses us and gives us unfailing strength.

Ahh, now we can begin to grasp the scripture in Philippians: "I can do ALL things through Christ which strengthens me." Paul had made the transistion! We can too. His Grace IS sufficient. Shalom!

Appetizers and Abuse, Yes. Abandoned? No!

NOV. 8TH, 2009
INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER FOR
THE PERSECUTED CHURCH

http://www.ninaastrom.com/node/51

Nina wrote this haunting, thought provoking song in 2008 to raise awareness for our persecuted brethren. It was featured on IDOP.com for the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church 2008 and now here with her kind permission. Thank you Nina!
Please click the link to listen to the song. http://www.ninaastrom.com/node/51
She works closely with the Martyred Church.

Finnish recording artist Nina Åström

Nov. 8th is this year's day set aside to remember our persecuted brothers and sisters all over the world. Below you can click on links to get further information and ideas of how to participate and what you can do.

How many of the Body of Christ are already waiting at the hall of the Great Banquet? From the Martyrs of our fore-fathers who risked everything to follow Christ, to those who translated the Bible into an understandable language of the peoples of an earlier era and lost their lives for doing so, to the pastors and sheep found in today's climes hostile to any mention Jesus Christ.

GOD

has not and will not abandon

the Persecuted Church,

let us not abandon them either!

We are pressed on every side by troubles, but not crushed and broken. We are perplexed because we don't know why things happen as they do, but we don't give p and quit. We are hunted down, but God never abandons us. We get knocked down, but we get up again and keep going. These bodies of ours are constantly facing death just as Jesus did; so it is clear to all that it is only the Living Christ within [who keeps us safe.] TLB 2Cor. 4: 8-10

Please visit the websites below. Some offer free materials. Some send out prayer alerts.
http://members.opendoorsusa.org/site/PageServer?pagename=IDOP_2009_LP http://www.opendoorsusa.org/ http://www.persecutedchurch.org/ http://www.persecution.com/
Pictures taken from the websites, illustrating the plight of persecuted Christians.

Words to the song:

THE GREAT BANQUET © 2008 Nina Astrom

They came and took my husband, no explanations given
Later I was told he is an enemy of the state
Would you tell me; how can love and compassion be hostile; It just doesn’t make any sense

It seems that they’re really afraid of love
Afraid of the freedom that Christ gives
you can imprison me; but I’ll always be free
What I have can never be taken from me

I think they’re already serving appetizers at the Great Banquet

She is fifteen and belongs to Christ in a country
Where freedom in Jesus is a threat; so they rape her and beat her up
They want to break her down, ‘cause they think they can own her
It seems that they’re really afraid of love
Afraid of the freedom that Christ gives
you can imprison me; but I’ll always be free
What I have can never be taken from me

I think they’re already serving appetizers at the Great Banquet


This tiny home is full of people, we’ve come to fellowship
Bread and wine are passed on, we leave our burdens at the Cross

Suddenly the door flies open, rifles are flashing and gleaming
in candle light There’re shouts, commotion and chaos

It seems that they’re really afraid of love
Afraid of the freedom that Christ gives
you can imprison me; but I’ll always be free
What I have can never be taken from me

I think they’re already serving appetizers at the Great Banquet