Today the Lord showed something to me.
It started out with a dream I had early this morning, in which I was at work and someone called my extension and said..."so n so is on the line, and they have a whole lot of questions about the blog and what you said. I replied, I figured they would have some questions, it's okay, I'll be happy to answer them and explain to them what I meant. Transfer them over to me." I awoke thinking- "What was that all about?" Then when I was at church praying, all of a sudden I saw my Dad -my spiritual Dad, and he was welcoming me and inviting me to come and sit down with him and discuss some things. By this God was saying, "I know you have questions, it's okay to ask them. Come into my Presence and ask Me and let Me answer you and explain. For then you will see My Heart. And when you SEE my My Heart, and understand it, then you can run with it and with what is in it." He was inviting dialogue and communication! "Come now, let us reason together..." Isa.1:18
It is only through meaningful relationship that we begin to grasp and understand someone's heart, their way of thinking and seeing things through their eyes. We tend to think of our kids when we tell them "No" and they begin to say, "But why?" So we equate questions with rebellion and disobedience or lack of respect, when in fact God ENCOURAGES us to ask. He just expects us to accept what He says when He answers us. But it is okay to ask!
Can you imagine what Eden would have been like, if instead of listening to the lies of the enemy about God's intentions and heart towards her, if Eve had just talked to God about it?!! See, it was God's CHARACTER and His HEART towards us that satan maligned when he said to Eve, "yea, hath God said..?" He portrayed God as being STINGY and WITHHOLDING something GOOD from us, when in fact the exact opposite was true!
He was showing me that all the good that we might have in our hearts- the good deeds, the lofty ideals, the dreams, the desires that we are holding onto and hoping and dreaming about, are really just a fraction of what He desires for us! And He reminded me of this scripture:
Psa 37:4 Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.
Webster defines Delight this way: DELIGHT, n. 1. A high degree of pleasure, or satisfaction of mind; joy. His delight is in the law of the Lord. Psa 1. 2. That which gives great pleasure; that which affords delight. I was daily his delight. Prov 8. Delight is a more permanent pleasure than joy, and not dependent on sudden excitement. DELIGHT, v.t. 1. To affect with great pleasure; to please highly; to give or afford high satisfaction or joy; as, a beautiful landscape delights the eye; harmony delights the ear; the good conduct of children, and especially their piety, delights their parents. I will delight myself in thy statutes. Psa 119. 2. To receive great pleasure in. I delight to do thy will. Psa 40:8. DELIGHT, v.i. To have or take great pleasure; to be greatly pleased or rejoiced; followed by in. I delight in the law of God after the inward man. Rom 7.
Strong's Concordance says "to be soft or pliable"
Brown-Driver-Briggs Concordance gives this further definition: BDB Definition: 1) to be soft, be delicate, be dainty 1a) (Pual) to be delicate 1b) (Hithpael) 1b1) to be of dainty habit, be pampered 1b2) to be happy about, take exquisite delight 1b3) to make merry over, make sport of Part of Speech: verb
Be pliable in God's hands, let Him mold and shape the correct desires with in you and then He will set about granting them... but wait BDB says to be PAMPERED! Be pampered in the Lord and He will give thee the desires of thine heart. Did you know that God WANTS TO PAMPER YOU?!!
How do you pamper yourself? We ladies know about pampering... for some it is treating yourselves to a day at the spa, the beauty salon...getting your nails done, taking a nice long bubble bath, sharing a hot fudge brownie sundae with your good girlfriend, well you get the idea! But HOW do you pamper yourself in the Lord? Hmm, that requires some thought!
Let's look at what the word actually means. Here is what Websters says:
1. To feed to the full; to glut; to saginate;{make fat} to feed luxuriously; as, to pamper the body or the appetite.
2. To gratify to the full; to furnish with that which delights; as, to pamper the imagination.
So then to pamper ourselves in the Lord we must feed our Spirits to the full on His Presence and on His Word. We must pursue having more of Him in our lives! We must search out the scriptures for what He says about who we are and what He has already given us and feed on that instead of all the negative junk the enemy tries to fill us up with daily.
We must allow Him to gratify our souls with His love, His touch. We must get an appetite for the things of God! How "hungry" are you?
I "saw" Father God move to caress us today at intercession... Song 8:3 Your left hand is under my head, and your right hand caresses me.
Quite often when I am at the computer, my calico cat, Callie, is in my arms laying across them, as I attempt to type with her draped over me! She just longs to be near me and have me stroke her and feel me touch her. In fact she just came in again and is curling up on my lap right now and purring! So even though it is awkward sometimes trying to type with her butting my hand to pet her or draping herself over my arms, or even reaching up with one paw to "pat me" on the face, it is still delightful having her near and wanting my attention and I enjoy her companionship. How much MORE God enjoys us and DESIRES for us to WANT HIM!
When we spend time enjoying Him, then He can open to us the dimesnion of His heart that only comes through relationship and intimacy. And it is there that we can receive revelation of not only what He desires to do for us, but also through us!
Song 8:6
(CEV) Always keep me in your heart and wear this bracelet to remember me by. The passion of love bursting into flame is more powerful than death, stronger than the grave.
(MSG) Hang my locket around your neck, wear my ring on your finger. Love is invincible facing danger and death. Passion laughs at the terrors of hell. The fire of love stops at nothing-- it sweeps everything before it.
(GNB) Close your heart to every love but mine; hold no one in your arms but me. Love is as powerful as death; passion is as strong as death itself. It bursts into flame and burns like a raging fire.
Do you hear His Passion for you??? Close your heart to every love but MINE says the Lord. Always keep ME in your heart... Wear MY ring on your finger... I dont want to go steady with you- I want you to Marry Me! I want to overwhelm you with my Love. I want to pamper you with all that I AM. I want you to experience every expression of my heart towards you. For I KNOW the thoughts I think towards you... I want you to know them too! Be totally MINE. I want to consummate this relationship, will you carry my Vision? Will you birth out MY desires? Will you allow Me to bring you into the chambers of My heart? Will you dare to allow Me to see you naked, exposed and vulnerable? And trust that I won't reject you? Will you believe in ME, even as I believe in you? Come, there is much you have yet to learn! I will teach you, says the Lord. I will enjoy watching you learn of Me!
Oh Lord, all we can do is but answer you: Song 1:4 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.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Friday, February 27, 2009
His Presence is at Hand!
Today a friend was sharing one of the daily devotionals from E-Sword. (If you don't have it , it is a WONDERFUL tool and free.) Go here to download it:
http://www.e-sword.net/index.html
As she spoke I had "mini flashes" of our Lord. I've copied the devotional here for your pleasure... and my sharing is below it.
Our Daily Walk by F.B. Meyer
February 27
PRACTISING THE PRESENCE OF GOD
"The Lord is at hand. In nothing be anxious; but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known unto God."-- Phi_4:5-6.
THE WORD anxiety comes from the same root as anger, and suggests the idea of choking. Worry chokes the life of faith. It does not help us to overcome our difficulties, but unfits us for dealing with them. No weapon that is formed against us shall prosper; every tongue that shall rise against us shall be condemned; our bread shall be given, and our water sure. God will perfect that which concerneth us, and His goodness and mercy shall never cease. Roll thyself and thy burden on the Lord, and leave them there. Too many take them back again!
In the darkening autumn evenings, we light our lamps earlier, or turn on the switch, and lo! there is a burst of light which had been waiting to be called upon. So let us keep a smile upon our faces. As we put off our heavy and rain-soaked clothes in the vestibule, so let us leave our anxieties with God, until we have to resume our destined path.
The Lord is at hand! Let us often repeat these words, amid the commonplaces of life, as well as when anticipating His near Advent! Say it when Euodia and Syntyche are giving you trouble! Say it when you are irritated and think that there is no reason why you should accept rebuffs and slights so meekly! Say it when you are worried and anxious! Say it, till you come again into that Presence, which is as the light of the morning when the sun riseth. Practise the Presence of God! Hold fellowship with Him! Even in business, or in the midst of daily toil, often lift your heart for a moment into the atmosphere of His presence! There is a great difference between faith and its intellectual expression. We must rise above the intellectual into spiritual fellowship with God. It is not for us to excite a transient feeling of love towards God. This will soon evanesce. Our business is the absolute surrender of the heart to Him. Not the rapture of the mystic, but the consciousness of the spirit, which is aware of an unimpeded union with the life of the Infinite. To be ever, tranquilly, joyously, and strenuously, at one with the blessed Will of God--that is the Heavenly Paradise, and each of us, by His grace, may walk with Him in happy fellowship, as Enoch did of old, and then we can make known our requests!
~~~
As she was sharing , not only is He coming back ( blessed thought indeed!) but He is already "at hand" right here with us. She was talking about saying throughout the day, "He is at hand," and as she said those words, I "saw" Jesus coming towards a young woman (representative of you and me.) The Bridegroom, and he was coming to be with His Beloved! (She was dressed in a filmy white, simple gown.) This was not the Wedding Day, but like during the engagement period. He was was coming to take her by the hand. Woo her with strong adoration. He was so handsome and strong. Immediately that vision was replaced by one of Jesus bending down and washing our feet! I could not see his face, but he had on a very simple work type well worn, white muslin shirt. I could see a foot extended and a towel and a basin.
HE is the King of kings and Lord of lords. The Creator of everything. And He comes to be with us, to "visit" us, to fellowship with us. And if that is not enough, He comes to also wash our feet?!! To minister to us.
The question is, will we make the time to minister to Him?
Song 2:9 (KjV) My beloved is like a roe or a young hart: behold, he standeth behind our wall, he looketh forth at the windows, shewing himself through the lattice.
Song 2:10 My beloved spake, and said unto me, Rise up, my love, my fair one, and come away.
Song 5:2 (Darby) I slept, but my heart was awake. The voice of my beloved! he knocketh: Open to me, my sister, my love, my dove, mine undefiled; For my head is filled with dew, My locks with the drops of the night.
Song 5:3 --I have put off my tunic, how should I put it on? I have washed my feet, how should I pollute them? --
Song 5:4 My beloved put in his hand by the hole of the door ; And my bowels yearned for him.
Song 5:5 I rose up to open to my beloved; And my hands dropped with myrrh, And my fingers with liquid myrrh, Upon the handles of the lock.
Song 5:6 I opened to my beloved; But my beloved had withdrawn himself; he was gone: My soul went forth when he spoke. I sought him, but I found him not; I called him, but he gave me no answer.
Notice He came to her and she rebuffed Him with excuses-it's inconvenient now, I am tired, I don't feel like it... but look at vs 4 in Douay Rheims: My beloved put his hand through the key hole, and my bowels were moved at his touch.
Oh to live with the touch of His Hand upon my life! To hear His voice at all times! To "be" with Him...to be move by Him!
Rev 3:20 (1912 Weymouth Translation) I am now standing at the door and am knocking. If any one listens to My voice and opens the door, I will go in to be with him and will feast with him, and he shall feast with Me.
This is NOT written to sinners. It is written to the Church. It is written to You. He is waiting for you NOW.
http://www.e-sword.net/index.html
As she spoke I had "mini flashes" of our Lord. I've copied the devotional here for your pleasure... and my sharing is below it.
Our Daily Walk by F.B. Meyer
February 27
PRACTISING THE PRESENCE OF GOD
"The Lord is at hand. In nothing be anxious; but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known unto God."-- Phi_4:5-6.
THE WORD anxiety comes from the same root as anger, and suggests the idea of choking. Worry chokes the life of faith. It does not help us to overcome our difficulties, but unfits us for dealing with them. No weapon that is formed against us shall prosper; every tongue that shall rise against us shall be condemned; our bread shall be given, and our water sure. God will perfect that which concerneth us, and His goodness and mercy shall never cease. Roll thyself and thy burden on the Lord, and leave them there. Too many take them back again!
In the darkening autumn evenings, we light our lamps earlier, or turn on the switch, and lo! there is a burst of light which had been waiting to be called upon. So let us keep a smile upon our faces. As we put off our heavy and rain-soaked clothes in the vestibule, so let us leave our anxieties with God, until we have to resume our destined path.
The Lord is at hand! Let us often repeat these words, amid the commonplaces of life, as well as when anticipating His near Advent! Say it when Euodia and Syntyche are giving you trouble! Say it when you are irritated and think that there is no reason why you should accept rebuffs and slights so meekly! Say it when you are worried and anxious! Say it, till you come again into that Presence, which is as the light of the morning when the sun riseth. Practise the Presence of God! Hold fellowship with Him! Even in business, or in the midst of daily toil, often lift your heart for a moment into the atmosphere of His presence! There is a great difference between faith and its intellectual expression. We must rise above the intellectual into spiritual fellowship with God. It is not for us to excite a transient feeling of love towards God. This will soon evanesce. Our business is the absolute surrender of the heart to Him. Not the rapture of the mystic, but the consciousness of the spirit, which is aware of an unimpeded union with the life of the Infinite. To be ever, tranquilly, joyously, and strenuously, at one with the blessed Will of God--that is the Heavenly Paradise, and each of us, by His grace, may walk with Him in happy fellowship, as Enoch did of old, and then we can make known our requests!
~~~
As she was sharing , not only is He coming back ( blessed thought indeed!) but He is already "at hand" right here with us. She was talking about saying throughout the day, "He is at hand," and as she said those words, I "saw" Jesus coming towards a young woman (representative of you and me.) The Bridegroom, and he was coming to be with His Beloved! (She was dressed in a filmy white, simple gown.) This was not the Wedding Day, but like during the engagement period. He was was coming to take her by the hand. Woo her with strong adoration. He was so handsome and strong. Immediately that vision was replaced by one of Jesus bending down and washing our feet! I could not see his face, but he had on a very simple work type well worn, white muslin shirt. I could see a foot extended and a towel and a basin.
HE is the King of kings and Lord of lords. The Creator of everything. And He comes to be with us, to "visit" us, to fellowship with us. And if that is not enough, He comes to also wash our feet?!! To minister to us.
The question is, will we make the time to minister to Him?
Song 2:9 (KjV) My beloved is like a roe or a young hart: behold, he standeth behind our wall, he looketh forth at the windows, shewing himself through the lattice.
Song 2:10 My beloved spake, and said unto me, Rise up, my love, my fair one, and come away.
Song 5:2 (Darby) I slept, but my heart was awake. The voice of my beloved! he knocketh: Open to me, my sister, my love, my dove, mine undefiled; For my head is filled with dew, My locks with the drops of the night.
Song 5:3 --I have put off my tunic, how should I put it on? I have washed my feet, how should I pollute them? --
Song 5:4 My beloved put in his hand by the hole of the door ; And my bowels yearned for him.
Song 5:5 I rose up to open to my beloved; And my hands dropped with myrrh, And my fingers with liquid myrrh, Upon the handles of the lock.
Song 5:6 I opened to my beloved; But my beloved had withdrawn himself; he was gone: My soul went forth when he spoke. I sought him, but I found him not; I called him, but he gave me no answer.
Notice He came to her and she rebuffed Him with excuses-it's inconvenient now, I am tired, I don't feel like it... but look at vs 4 in Douay Rheims: My beloved put his hand through the key hole, and my bowels were moved at his touch.
Oh to live with the touch of His Hand upon my life! To hear His voice at all times! To "be" with Him...to be move by Him!
Rev 3:20 (1912 Weymouth Translation) I am now standing at the door and am knocking. If any one listens to My voice and opens the door, I will go in to be with him and will feast with him, and he shall feast with Me.
This is NOT written to sinners. It is written to the Church. It is written to You. He is waiting for you NOW.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Forgetfulness
Recently, I was talking with a friend who had been through a trying day. They were frustrated and agitated. And they felt like a failure. I began to pray for them, and asked the Lord to REMIND them of His watchful care... almost as soon as I said that and was done praying they exclaimed that their eyes glanced to see a whole flat of primroses that they had just found at a really good price. The flowers had been like a gift from Him, because those flowers held special meaning to this person. But in the irritation of the day, they had forgotten all about those beautiful flowers, until the Lord drew their eyes back to them.
There is a good kind of forgetting, and a bad kind. The Lord speaks to us about both kinds.
Here is the bad kind:
In Psa. 103:2 (DRB) Bless the Lord, O my soul, and never forget all he hath done for thee.
King James says ..."forget not all his benefits."
Mat 13:19 (BBE) When the word of the kingdom comes to anyone, and the sense of it is not clear to him, then the Evil One comes, and quickly takes away that which was put in his heart. He is the seed dropped by the wayside. (In other words he causes us to FORGET!)
Jas 1:25 (Amp) But he who looks carefully into the faultless law, the [law] of liberty, and is faithful to it and perseveres in looking into it, being not a heedless listener who forgets but an active doer [who obeys], he shall be blessed in his doing (his life of obedience).
Good forgetting:
Philippians 3:13(GNB) Of course, my friends, I really do not think that I have already won it; the one thing I do, however, is to forget what is behind me and do my best to reach what is ahead.
Job 11:16 (GW) Then you will forget your misery and remember it like water that has flowed downstream.
We all need to be reminded and have our pure minds stirred up. My Dad just tonight reminded me of somethings that I had shared with him, that I had truly forgotten. But I NEEDED to remember them.
I have a little card that says; "Friends are those who remind our heart
of the words when it has forgotten how to sing."
Have you forgotten your song? Have you let slip some promises? As I sat down to write, I really sensed that there was some who have forgotten some things that are vital and the Lord is now stirring you up to remember them. Be like David and REMEMBER the lion and the bear. And HOW God delivered you. Heb 2:1 (DRB) Therefore ought we more diligently to observe the things which we have heard lest perhaps we should let them slip. DON'T let slip away from you what God gave you.
Paul again gives us instructions of focusing: Philippians 4:8 (AMP) For the rest, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is worthy of reverence and is honorable and seemly, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely and lovable, whatever is kind and winsome and gracious, if there is any virtue and excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think on and weigh and take account of these things [fix your minds on them].
Fix, fasten, hang on to and don't let go! Heb 10:35 Do not, therefore, fling away your fearless confidence, for it carries a great and glorious compensation of reward.
Heb 10:36 For you have need of steadfast patience and endurance, so that you may perform and fully accomplish the will of God, and thus receive and carry away [and enjoy to the full] what is promised.
Be encouraged. Let go and forget what has held you back. Forget past mistakes and past triumphs that make you feel like where you are right now is "less than", in favor of remembering what has been promised and ALREADY given and reach out to grasp and possess it.
Don't let the irritations of the moment cloud you from seeing (both in front of you and in your memory) of what God is doing and what He has done. Don't the the "maybe's and what ifs" rob you of today's victories and joy. "Count your blessings, name them one by one. See what God hath done!" This seeing is both here and now and "seeing by the eyes of faith" the future.
It does not mean that the way may not be steep and hard. But you MUST see that mountaintop and KNOW that HE who has called you IS faithful!
If you will look there will be gifts strewn along that pathway for you to pick up and treasure. If you will listen, you will hear fresh and anew the song of the hour that your heart is to sing. (Making melody in our hearts to the King of kings.) Whistle while you work. Travel light. Leave your cares at the cross.
You may ask why this path. I can answer that for you. IF you will allow Him to guide you upon it, and stay focused on Him, there will be those you will find along the way that have become disheartened and have stopped climbing. They are sitting sidelined. There are those who are wounded and lay dying for lack of care. IF you will walk this path, though it is not a pleasant path at the moment, YOU will be the instrument of rescue, the bearer of hope, the bringer of comfort and the encourager to those you find along the way. If you will trust Him to keep you, He surely will. And not only keep you but raise you to a new level with a strength you thought not possible. Don't be so wrapped in your own skin that you cannot wear the robe of Priest and Intercessor. Remember the promises! Remember the price He paid. Pick up your cross again and your sword, and move forward dear ones. The mountain top awaits you.
There is a good kind of forgetting, and a bad kind. The Lord speaks to us about both kinds.
Here is the bad kind:
In Psa. 103:2 (DRB) Bless the Lord, O my soul, and never forget all he hath done for thee.
King James says ..."forget not all his benefits."
Mat 13:19 (BBE) When the word of the kingdom comes to anyone, and the sense of it is not clear to him, then the Evil One comes, and quickly takes away that which was put in his heart. He is the seed dropped by the wayside. (In other words he causes us to FORGET!)
Jas 1:25 (Amp) But he who looks carefully into the faultless law, the [law] of liberty, and is faithful to it and perseveres in looking into it, being not a heedless listener who forgets but an active doer [who obeys], he shall be blessed in his doing (his life of obedience).
Good forgetting:
Philippians 3:13(GNB) Of course, my friends, I really do not think that I have already won it; the one thing I do, however, is to forget what is behind me and do my best to reach what is ahead.
Job 11:16 (GW) Then you will forget your misery and remember it like water that has flowed downstream.
We all need to be reminded and have our pure minds stirred up. My Dad just tonight reminded me of somethings that I had shared with him, that I had truly forgotten. But I NEEDED to remember them.
I have a little card that says; "Friends are those who remind our heart
of the words when it has forgotten how to sing."
Have you forgotten your song? Have you let slip some promises? As I sat down to write, I really sensed that there was some who have forgotten some things that are vital and the Lord is now stirring you up to remember them. Be like David and REMEMBER the lion and the bear. And HOW God delivered you. Heb 2:1 (DRB) Therefore ought we more diligently to observe the things which we have heard lest perhaps we should let them slip. DON'T let slip away from you what God gave you.
Paul again gives us instructions of focusing: Philippians 4:8 (AMP) For the rest, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is worthy of reverence and is honorable and seemly, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely and lovable, whatever is kind and winsome and gracious, if there is any virtue and excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think on and weigh and take account of these things [fix your minds on them].
Fix, fasten, hang on to and don't let go! Heb 10:35 Do not, therefore, fling away your fearless confidence, for it carries a great and glorious compensation of reward.
Heb 10:36 For you have need of steadfast patience and endurance, so that you may perform and fully accomplish the will of God, and thus receive and carry away [and enjoy to the full] what is promised.
Be encouraged. Let go and forget what has held you back. Forget past mistakes and past triumphs that make you feel like where you are right now is "less than", in favor of remembering what has been promised and ALREADY given and reach out to grasp and possess it.
Don't let the irritations of the moment cloud you from seeing (both in front of you and in your memory) of what God is doing and what He has done. Don't the the "maybe's and what ifs" rob you of today's victories and joy. "Count your blessings, name them one by one. See what God hath done!" This seeing is both here and now and "seeing by the eyes of faith" the future.
It does not mean that the way may not be steep and hard. But you MUST see that mountaintop and KNOW that HE who has called you IS faithful!
If you will look there will be gifts strewn along that pathway for you to pick up and treasure. If you will listen, you will hear fresh and anew the song of the hour that your heart is to sing. (Making melody in our hearts to the King of kings.) Whistle while you work. Travel light. Leave your cares at the cross.
You may ask why this path. I can answer that for you. IF you will allow Him to guide you upon it, and stay focused on Him, there will be those you will find along the way that have become disheartened and have stopped climbing. They are sitting sidelined. There are those who are wounded and lay dying for lack of care. IF you will walk this path, though it is not a pleasant path at the moment, YOU will be the instrument of rescue, the bearer of hope, the bringer of comfort and the encourager to those you find along the way. If you will trust Him to keep you, He surely will. And not only keep you but raise you to a new level with a strength you thought not possible. Don't be so wrapped in your own skin that you cannot wear the robe of Priest and Intercessor. Remember the promises! Remember the price He paid. Pick up your cross again and your sword, and move forward dear ones. The mountain top awaits you.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Exchange Rates and Currency Values
As I came out of the house this morning on my way to work I was recalling a conversation I had with my neighbor the other day. She was telling me how expensive everything was in Costa Rica, almost the same price as things here, except they pay you in Colons instead of US Dollars.
That got me to thinking about exchange rates and currency. Given my travels abroad, I am very familiar with conversions and equivalencies. For instance for today here are some inter bank rates:
1 US Dollar = 567.180 Costa Rican Colon
1 US Dollar = 1,998.29 Uganda Shilling (1,940.00 UGX through money gram wires)
1 US Dollar = 50.17974 Indian Rupee 49.48 Inr "
1 US Dollar = 83.28968 Kenyan Shilling 76.90 Ksh "
1 US Dollar = 147.049 Nigerian Naira 146.37 Naira "
Then I heard this question asked,"What is the exchange rate for what you are spending your time, attention, and energies on? Does it have an eternal value to it? Can you afford what it is costing you?" (OUCH!)
Then I remembered a dear friend of mine who had been living abroad on an assignment, has come back to the US and just contacted me last night. She told me she has taken a position at the World Bank.
Interesting, Lord. So what are you trying to get across here? Banking, currency, exchange rates... then I heard this... "What is the currency of Heaven?"
How many of you say FAITH? Uh, huh, I thought so. That was my very first thought too! But then I remembered the scripture in 1Cor 13 (Amplified Version)
1Co 13:8 Love never fails [never fades out or becomes obsolete or comes to an end]. As for prophecy (the gift of interpreting the divine will and purpose), it will be fulfilled and pass away; as for tongues, they will be destroyed and cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away [it will lose its value and be superseded by truth].
1Co 13:9 For our knowledge is fragmentary (incomplete and imperfect), and our prophecy (our teaching) is fragmentary (incomplete and imperfect).
1Co 13:10 But when the complete and perfect (total) comes, the incomplete and imperfect will vanish away (become antiquated, void, and superseded).
1Co 13:11 When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child; now that I have become a man, I am done with childish ways and have put them aside.
1Co 13:12 For now we are looking in a mirror that gives only a dim (blurred) reflection [of reality as in a riddle or enigma], but then [when perfection comes] we shall see in reality and face to face! Now I know in part (imperfectly), but then I shall know and understand fully and clearly, even in the same manner as I have been fully and clearly known and understood [by God].
1Co 13:13 And so faith, hope, love abide [faith--conviction and belief respecting man's relation to God and divine things; hope--joyful and confident expectation of eternal salvation; love--true affection for God and man, growing out of God's love for and in us], these three; but the greatest of these is love.
When we get to Heaven dear ones, we will not need to exercise Faith. We will be experiencing what we ahd stood in faith believing but not yet seeing. We will then be SEEING what we had been believing...so then Faith will no longer be necessary. So what does it leave? Scripture tells us that Faith Worketh by Love.
Gal. 5:6 (MSG) For in Christ, neither our most conscientious religion nor disregard of religion amounts to anything. What matters is something far more interior: faith expressed in love.
Recently when I was in intercession at church ( I head Saturday morning prayer at our church) the Lord spoke/showed me something so profound to me that it took by breath away... I was praying for the Bride of Christ
and a few times He has shown me the Wedding Dress ( that is a whole nother post in itself!) This time I saw a beautiful garment embellished with appliques and sequins and pearls and then He spoke..." Things that are done in secret, in darkness will be shouted from the house tops." I always took that to mean the secret sins of the heart...but He went on to say to me; "The acts of Kindness done that no one saw or acknowledged, the things that you did quietly, the things that you took no credit for and maybe someone else got the credit... the things you said and did in love, or held back in love from saying or doing... THESE THINGS will be the ornamentation upon your Wedding Gown and in that day, ALL shall see what was done in darkness and secret!" I understood Him to mean that yes this was my Wedding Dress- but it was not mine alone- it was how each dress would be adorned- by the good and kind things that we had done down here on earth. Blew me away! Still does!
The currency of Heaven is Love. For God Himself is Love. They will KNOW we are HIS disciples by the Love we have One for the Other. Not love of the world. Not love shown to the lost, but the love we show to each other in this family we are born into. The love we give in the kindnesses we do both at home and abroad.
Acts 10:38 (GW) You know that God anointed Jesus from Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. Jesus went everywhere and did good things, such as healing everyone who was under the devil's power. Jesus did these things because God was with him.
So, I leave you with these questions:
Where have YOU gone and done good? What exchange rate are you getting and what currency are you using? Selah. Think about it.
That got me to thinking about exchange rates and currency. Given my travels abroad, I am very familiar with conversions and equivalencies. For instance for today here are some inter bank rates:
1 US Dollar = 567.180 Costa Rican Colon
1 US Dollar = 1,998.29 Uganda Shilling (1,940.00 UGX through money gram wires)
1 US Dollar = 50.17974 Indian Rupee 49.48 Inr "
1 US Dollar = 83.28968 Kenyan Shilling 76.90 Ksh "
1 US Dollar = 147.049 Nigerian Naira 146.37 Naira "
Then I heard this question asked,"What is the exchange rate for what you are spending your time, attention, and energies on? Does it have an eternal value to it? Can you afford what it is costing you?" (OUCH!)
Then I remembered a dear friend of mine who had been living abroad on an assignment, has come back to the US and just contacted me last night. She told me she has taken a position at the World Bank.
Interesting, Lord. So what are you trying to get across here? Banking, currency, exchange rates... then I heard this... "What is the currency of Heaven?"
How many of you say FAITH? Uh, huh, I thought so. That was my very first thought too! But then I remembered the scripture in 1Cor 13 (Amplified Version)
1Co 13:8 Love never fails [never fades out or becomes obsolete or comes to an end]. As for prophecy (the gift of interpreting the divine will and purpose), it will be fulfilled and pass away; as for tongues, they will be destroyed and cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away [it will lose its value and be superseded by truth].
1Co 13:9 For our knowledge is fragmentary (incomplete and imperfect), and our prophecy (our teaching) is fragmentary (incomplete and imperfect).
1Co 13:10 But when the complete and perfect (total) comes, the incomplete and imperfect will vanish away (become antiquated, void, and superseded).
1Co 13:11 When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child; now that I have become a man, I am done with childish ways and have put them aside.
1Co 13:12 For now we are looking in a mirror that gives only a dim (blurred) reflection [of reality as in a riddle or enigma], but then [when perfection comes] we shall see in reality and face to face! Now I know in part (imperfectly), but then I shall know and understand fully and clearly, even in the same manner as I have been fully and clearly known and understood [by God].
1Co 13:13 And so faith, hope, love abide [faith--conviction and belief respecting man's relation to God and divine things; hope--joyful and confident expectation of eternal salvation; love--true affection for God and man, growing out of God's love for and in us], these three; but the greatest of these is love.
When we get to Heaven dear ones, we will not need to exercise Faith. We will be experiencing what we ahd stood in faith believing but not yet seeing. We will then be SEEING what we had been believing...so then Faith will no longer be necessary. So what does it leave? Scripture tells us that Faith Worketh by Love.
Gal. 5:6 (MSG) For in Christ, neither our most conscientious religion nor disregard of religion amounts to anything. What matters is something far more interior: faith expressed in love.
Recently when I was in intercession at church ( I head Saturday morning prayer at our church) the Lord spoke/showed me something so profound to me that it took by breath away... I was praying for the Bride of Christ
and a few times He has shown me the Wedding Dress ( that is a whole nother post in itself!) This time I saw a beautiful garment embellished with appliques and sequins and pearls and then He spoke..." Things that are done in secret, in darkness will be shouted from the house tops." I always took that to mean the secret sins of the heart...but He went on to say to me; "The acts of Kindness done that no one saw or acknowledged, the things that you did quietly, the things that you took no credit for and maybe someone else got the credit... the things you said and did in love, or held back in love from saying or doing... THESE THINGS will be the ornamentation upon your Wedding Gown and in that day, ALL shall see what was done in darkness and secret!" I understood Him to mean that yes this was my Wedding Dress- but it was not mine alone- it was how each dress would be adorned- by the good and kind things that we had done down here on earth. Blew me away! Still does!
The currency of Heaven is Love. For God Himself is Love. They will KNOW we are HIS disciples by the Love we have One for the Other. Not love of the world. Not love shown to the lost, but the love we show to each other in this family we are born into. The love we give in the kindnesses we do both at home and abroad.
Acts 10:38 (GW) You know that God anointed Jesus from Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. Jesus went everywhere and did good things, such as healing everyone who was under the devil's power. Jesus did these things because God was with him.
So, I leave you with these questions:
Where have YOU gone and done good? What exchange rate are you getting and what currency are you using? Selah. Think about it.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Safe Harbours
Welcome Back!
I was contemplating the blog and felt prompted to write about the "scenery" if you will... I chose the background of a Harbour. To the left you see a lighthouse and at the bottom are rocks. Clouds in the sky and the middle is rather foggy, if you will. Just like our lives sometimes. Rocks represent sin, bondages, blockages. Sometimes the way is foggy. But we are told in Psa.119:105 "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path." A lighthouse throws out a lamp of light to warn and guide those passing along the waters it guards. The Holy Spirit hovered over the waters during creation... how much more will HE watch over us and guide us if we but ask?
Life is a journey, sometimes the ocean we move upon is tranquil, other times it is very stormy and rough. I've been through some rough patches, haven't you? I have a friend and she calls me, "her sheltering tree." We all need those people in our lives who are safe havens. I was thinking about the harbour... it is a protected place. When storms come, we need a safe harbour. I am reminded of two very old songs. One is a hymn that isn't sung much anymore. It's called, "I've Anchored in Jesus
THERE'S A LIGHTHOUSE ON THE
So why am I talking about Safe Harbours? The Lord led me to a scripture today that has to do with Safe Harbours and storms. Look with me if you will at Hosea 14: 1-3, 7-9 (Nas Version)
1.Return, O Israel, to the Lord your God,
For you have stumbled because of your iniquity.
2.Take words with you and return to the Lord,
Say to Him, "Take away all iniquity,
And receive us graciously,
That we may present the fruit of our lips
3.Assyria will not save us,
We will not ride on horses;
Nor will we say again, 'Our god,'
To the work of our hands;
For in Thee the orphan finds mercy."
7. Those who live in His shadow
Will again raise grain,
And they will blossom like the vine.
His renown will be like the wine of Lebanon.
8. O Ephraim, what more have I to do with your idols?
It is I who answer nad look after you.
I am like a luxuriant cypress;
From ME comes your fruit.
9. Whoever is wise, let him understand these things;
Whoever is discerning, let him knw them.
For the ways of the Lord are right,
And the righteous will walk in them,
But transgressors will stumble in them.
As a Priest and Intercessor I have to take what the Lord gives me and apply it first to me before I can release it. These were hard words from the Lord! How many of you have had to speak hard words to your own kids sometimes- truth spoken in love because you love them. But hard words nonetheless! I know I have had to speak such to my boys.
When we know to do right, and we do not do it, it is sin. What is not of Faith is sin. Sometimes when you are going through tough times, you forget, or you get caught up in yourself and instead of speaking the Word of God, praying or praising, you begin to murmer or just falter. Been there! God is speaking; stop it! Yes, Sir!
Here the Lord is speaking to a whole nation, (are you listening America?) but a nation is made up of it's people. He is rebuking them, but he is also wooing them and teaching them at the same time. Isn't God good? He doesn't just write us off?
He corrects and trains us, and shows us what to do even as He is rebuking us.
He says we have stumbled. Stumbling isn't falling completely down. It is losing step, it is tripping, it is getting off. America you have gotten off. But the way is open for you to come back! The Lord says, "Return unto ME. And bring words with you. Interesting. He didn't say sacrifices, or gifts, or works. He said WORDS. Why? I can think of a few reasons.
He created everything by His Words. He Spoke. The Bible tells us that out of the heart man speaks. So, by what we say, our heart is being heard. Repent, (which by the way is not a BAD word!) means to turn around, change our mind and course. To return to the Lord, we must turn back from the way we are going. REPENT! And bring with us words. The fruit of our lips giving thanks! Remember without Faith it is IMPOSSIBLE to please Him. So we must come to Him in Faith believing that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. Say Remove iniquity from us and be gracious to us.
Nancy- can I say that on behalf of America? YES! If we who KNOW to do right and we do not it is sin. But we CAN stand in the gap and we can speak to the current situations.
Assyria can not save us. Meaning our President and the Govt. cannot save us.
Prov. 16:25There is a way that seemeth right unto man, but the end thereof are the ways of death. We need to lift up our voices and cry out to God! Repent for the iniquity, for trying to work it out in our own strength, repent for the stumbling, repent for the self-seeking ways of our society at large. Thank God for His gracious mercy and call those things that be not as though they are!
God plainly says to Ephraim (America) if we will repent of being our own gods HE will heal us of our backsliding. He will freely love us. (Hos. 14:4) This is what Christ died for! Blood washed America, I declare you shall yet be saved and serve God again! The Glory and destiny for which you were created, shall come to pass!
But until that turning comes in the natural, we have much chaos and turmoil in our land. That is where the anchoring in Jesus comes in, and having a Safe Harbour in the Presence of God and in His promises. We cannot stand on our own! But underneath are the everlasting arms! He will lift us.
Ps. 94:18 Amp When I said, My foot is slipping, Your mercy and loving-kindness, O Lord, held me up.
Prov. 4: 12 (GNB) Nothing will stand in your way if you walk wisely, and you will not stumble when you run.
Which brings us to the end of Hosea:
9. Whoever is wise, let him understand these things;
Whoever is discerning, let him know them.
For the ways of the Lord are right,
And the righteous will walk in them,
But transgressors will stumble in them.
God is God! His ways are just and true! If we will hold onto Him, even in these turbulent times, we will not stumble! Choose ye this day... CHOOSE LIFE! God's life. His way of doing and being right. Run to Him. Let us pray!
I was contemplating the blog and felt prompted to write about the "scenery" if you will... I chose the background of a Harbour. To the left you see a lighthouse and at the bottom are rocks. Clouds in the sky and the middle is rather foggy, if you will. Just like our lives sometimes. Rocks represent sin, bondages, blockages. Sometimes the way is foggy. But we are told in Psa.119:105 "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path." A lighthouse throws out a lamp of light to warn and guide those passing along the waters it guards. The Holy Spirit hovered over the waters during creation... how much more will HE watch over us and guide us if we but ask?
Life is a journey, sometimes the ocean we move upon is tranquil, other times it is very stormy and rough. I've been through some rough patches, haven't you? I have a friend and she calls me, "her sheltering tree." We all need those people in our lives who are safe havens. I was thinking about the harbour... it is a protected place. When storms come, we need a safe harbour. I am reminded of two very old songs. One is a hymn that isn't sung much anymore. It's called, "I've Anchored in Jesus
Upon life’s boundless ocean where mighty billows roll,
I’ve fixed my hope in Jesus, blest anchor of my soul;
When trials fierce assail me as storms are gathering o’er,
I rest upon His mercy and trust Him more.
Refrain
I’ve anchored in Jesus, the storms of life I’ll brave,
I’ve anchored in Jesus, I fear no wind or wave.
I’ve anchored in Jesus, for He hath power to save,
I’ve anchored to the Rock of Ages.
He keeps my soul from evil and gives me blessèd peace,
His voice hath stilled the waters and bid their tumult cease;
My Pilot and Deliverer, to Him I all confide,
For always when I need Him, He’s at my side.
Refrain
He is my Friend and Savior, in Him my anchor’s cast,
He drives away my sorrows and shields me from the blast;
By faith I’m looking upward beyond life’s troubled sea,
There I behold a haven prepared for me.
Refrain
Words & Music: Lewis E. Jones, 1901 (Cyber Hymnal)
The other is a Country Gospel song that I heard for the first time when I went to North Dakota to New Town on the Indian Reservation. It was one of the pastor's favorites and they sang it a lot. You might recall it:
THERE'S A LIGHTHOUSE ON THE HILLSIDE
THAT OVER LOOKS LIFE'S SEA.
WHEN I'M TOSSED IT SENDS OUT A LIGHT,
THAT I MIGHT SEE.
AND THE LIGHT THAT SHINES IN DARKNESS NOW
WILL SAFELY LEAD ME ON.
IF IT WASN'T FOR THE LIGHTHOUSE,
MY SHIP WOULD SAIL NO MORE.
EVERYBODY THAT LIVES AROUND US,
SAYS TEAR THAT LIGHTHOUSE DOWN.
THE BIG SHIPS THEY DON'T SAIL THIS WAY ANYMORE,
THERE'S NO NEED OF IT STANDING ROUND.
BUT THEN MY MIND GOES BACK TO THAT
STORMY NITE, WHEN JUST IN TIME I SAW THE LIGHT,
OH THE LIGHT FROM THAT OLD LIGHTHOUSE
THAT STANDS UP THERE ON THE HILL.
AND I THANK GOD FOR THE LIGHTHOUSE,
I OWE MY LIFE TO HIM
FOR JESUS IS THE LIGHTHOUSE,
AND FROM THE ROCKS OF SIN;
HE HAS SHONE A LIGHT AROUND ME
THAT I COULD CLEARLY SEE
AND IF IT WASN'T FOR THE LIGHTHOUSE,
WHERE WOULD THIS SHIP BE?
AND IF WASN'T FOR THE LIGHTHOUSE,
WHERE WOULD THIS SHIP BE?
So why am I talking about Safe Harbours? The Lord led me to a scripture today that has to do with Safe Harbours and storms. Look with me if you will at Hosea 14: 1-3, 7-9 (Nas Version)
1.Return, O Israel, to the Lord your God,
For you have stumbled because of your iniquity.
2.Take words with you and return to the Lord,
Say to Him, "Take away all iniquity,
And receive us graciously,
That we may present the fruit of our lips
3.Assyria will not save us,
We will not ride on horses;
Nor will we say again, 'Our god,'
To the work of our hands;
For in Thee the orphan finds mercy."
7. Those who live in His shadow
Will again raise grain,
And they will blossom like the vine.
His renown will be like the wine of Lebanon.
8. O Ephraim, what more have I to do with your idols?
It is I who answer nad look after you.
I am like a luxuriant cypress;
From ME comes your fruit.
9. Whoever is wise, let him understand these things;
Whoever is discerning, let him knw them.
For the ways of the Lord are right,
And the righteous will walk in them,
But transgressors will stumble in them.
As a Priest and Intercessor I have to take what the Lord gives me and apply it first to me before I can release it. These were hard words from the Lord! How many of you have had to speak hard words to your own kids sometimes- truth spoken in love because you love them. But hard words nonetheless! I know I have had to speak such to my boys.
When we know to do right, and we do not do it, it is sin. What is not of Faith is sin. Sometimes when you are going through tough times, you forget, or you get caught up in yourself and instead of speaking the Word of God, praying or praising, you begin to murmer or just falter. Been there! God is speaking; stop it! Yes, Sir!
Here the Lord is speaking to a whole nation, (are you listening America?) but a nation is made up of it's people. He is rebuking them, but he is also wooing them and teaching them at the same time. Isn't God good? He doesn't just write us off?
He corrects and trains us, and shows us what to do even as He is rebuking us.
He says we have stumbled. Stumbling isn't falling completely down. It is losing step, it is tripping, it is getting off. America you have gotten off. But the way is open for you to come back! The Lord says, "Return unto ME. And bring words with you. Interesting. He didn't say sacrifices, or gifts, or works. He said WORDS. Why? I can think of a few reasons.
He created everything by His Words. He Spoke. The Bible tells us that out of the heart man speaks. So, by what we say, our heart is being heard. Repent, (which by the way is not a BAD word!) means to turn around, change our mind and course. To return to the Lord, we must turn back from the way we are going. REPENT! And bring with us words. The fruit of our lips giving thanks! Remember without Faith it is IMPOSSIBLE to please Him. So we must come to Him in Faith believing that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. Say Remove iniquity from us and be gracious to us.
Nancy- can I say that on behalf of America? YES! If we who KNOW to do right and we do not it is sin. But we CAN stand in the gap and we can speak to the current situations.
Assyria can not save us. Meaning our President and the Govt. cannot save us.
Prov. 16:25There is a way that seemeth right unto man, but the end thereof are the ways of death. We need to lift up our voices and cry out to God! Repent for the iniquity, for trying to work it out in our own strength, repent for the stumbling, repent for the self-seeking ways of our society at large. Thank God for His gracious mercy and call those things that be not as though they are!
God plainly says to Ephraim (America) if we will repent of being our own gods HE will heal us of our backsliding. He will freely love us. (Hos. 14:4) This is what Christ died for! Blood washed America, I declare you shall yet be saved and serve God again! The Glory and destiny for which you were created, shall come to pass!
But until that turning comes in the natural, we have much chaos and turmoil in our land. That is where the anchoring in Jesus comes in, and having a Safe Harbour in the Presence of God and in His promises. We cannot stand on our own! But underneath are the everlasting arms! He will lift us.
Ps. 94:18 Amp When I said, My foot is slipping, Your mercy and loving-kindness, O Lord, held me up.
Prov. 4: 12 (GNB) Nothing will stand in your way if you walk wisely, and you will not stumble when you run.
Which brings us to the end of Hosea:
9. Whoever is wise, let him understand these things;
Whoever is discerning, let him know them.
For the ways of the Lord are right,
And the righteous will walk in them,
But transgressors will stumble in them.
God is God! His ways are just and true! If we will hold onto Him, even in these turbulent times, we will not stumble! Choose ye this day... CHOOSE LIFE! God's life. His way of doing and being right. Run to Him. Let us pray!
Monday, February 23, 2009
Welcome to my blog and the Heart of God!
- February 23, 2009
(MSG) I learned God-worship when my pride was shattered. Heart-shattered lives ready for love don't for a moment escape God's notice. Psa 51:17
(MSG) He won't brush aside the bruised and the hurt and he won't disregard the small and insignificant, but he'll steadily and firmly set things right. Isa 42:3
"Man's chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy Him for ever." Westminster Catechism.
I welcome you to a blog that I hope will draw you into exploration of relationship with the One who knows us best and loves us most, Father God, The Lord Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit.
Herein will be things that God puts on my heart, as well as my own observations of day to day - living in relationship with HIM and those around me.
I welcome you with love.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
