Words - The Week of December 14th 2010

Words...

If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one’s religion is useless.

James 1:26

And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity, The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell.

James 3:6

Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.

Ephesians 4:29

You My children have a choice with each word spoken. A choice to bring life or death, healing or destruction, wholeness or crushing. What are the choices made each day by you with each word? Your spirituality will be useless to man if your words are ripping at their soul. Words that are bringing destruction, not repentance. The truth can often hurt but that hurt will lead to an awareness of a need to repent. When your words just crush and wound they are destructive. It will be hard for your fellow man to receive your religion when you have wounded him or her so. Know that if you are crushing and wounding another it is not I, it is the Enemy himself driving you. Many have been driven by the Enemy himself and said they did it in My name. No, not when the people where left broken and battered with no restoration and no love, this was not I. What your mouth speaks can corrupt every part of your being. Yet, words flow, flow, flow from people, many of which they know not even what they are saying. If it will corrupt a person, environment or situation keep silent and let Me deal with your heart, for something is wrong in the heart that wants to speak corrupt words. Use your words to build each other, to help one another grow and to show grace to those around you.

Please note this post for December 14^th will the last post until the January 4^th post.

I do pray that Christmas and New Years is blessed, godly, and loving for each one of you.

We will be together again in the New Year.

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Bible Study

Just posted Questions 64-70 of the Psalm 23 Bible Study:

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Journey - The Week of December 7th 2010

Journey...

“Likewise, when the Lord sent you from Kadesh Barnea, saying, ‘Go up and possess the land which I have given you,’ then you rebelled against the commandment of the Lord your God, and you did not believe Him nor obey His voice.

Deuteronomy 9:23

People are searching through life for three reasons. One they either do not know Me and My plan for them. Two they know Me and have yet to find My plan for them. Or three they know My plan for them but have refused to follow it. If they know My plan for them and have submitted themselves to that plan then they are no longer searching in life. They know and understand, therefore the need to search is gone from them. Your life on earth will be a journey, one that will only take place once. The one’s that belong to Me will have eternity to be with Me and to experience My presence. Their earthly lives have a beginning and end; and the number of those days is only known by Me. I have a land, a plan and purpose, I want all to come into, but only a part of them will. Through unbelief and disobedience they will forfeit what I had designed for them. I want them to take a journey that will change their lives and touch the lives of many around them. There is a requirement that they get their eyes off of what they can see and themselves; and get their eyes on what I see and Me. I will direct the journey and allow them to enjoy the fruits along the way to the land of My Perfect Will. Listen for My voice and My direction. Be willing to let go of your plan and purpose so I can move it out of your way – for it is blocking your view of the land I wish you to posses. Will you walk through your time on earth on a self-directed journey or will you take a Divinely Directed Journey?

Please note next week’s post for December 14^th will the last post until the January 4^th post.

I do pray that Christmas and New Years is blessed, godly, and loving for each one of you.

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Soaring - The Week of November 30th 2010

SOARING 

But those who wait on the Lord Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.

Isaiah 40:31

So many days of My children’s lives could be spent soaring instead of struggling and straining. To allow Me to carry them through life is something that takes so many, so long, to master. For it is the most intense degree of trust known by My little ones. They must know within their spirits and heart, not just within their heads that their God, yes I, am able to control all things around them and that concerns them. But for them to know that within the deep places that they need to know it, I must be their God. Their abilities to control their life cannot be their god. People who soar have only one God and it is I. They trust that I will direct their steps and their minds to the path that I have intended for their life. To know this and to walk in this through everyday life is to have burdens lifted, responsibilities carried, doubts removed, hard places softened and joys fully enjoyed. It is to know that they are walking within the Perfect Will of their God because they have sought Me and entrusted their thoughts, actions, steps, ideas, motives… to My direction and care. Then they soar through their days, they run when needed without being weary and they are able to walk the long narrow road with Me without fainting along the way. Their strength is renewed through their trust in My daily provision for their every need, My daily protection from those things that I do not desire to use for My glory and My daily provision for the wisdom needed to walk within My Perfect Will for their lives.

Soar – Soar – Soar, My beloved just Soar.

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Bible Study

Questions 58-63 / Psalm 23 Bible Study were just posted:

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Treasures – The Week of November 23rd 2010

“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; “but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Matthew 6:19-21 (Jesus speaking)

What is a treasure to you My child? What value do you place on your treasures? One of the most valuable of all your treasures is your time. How you spend your time reveals the condition of your heart and the condition of your heart will dictate how you spend your time. Is your life and time spent building the treasures of man and the world – cars, houses, boats, large bank accounts, clothes, jewels and the like? Or are you building treasures of investment – investment in people? Relationship with others and Me is an eternal treasure. It advances, maintains and restores My kingdom. No one can steal the moments and words that you have given another. Neither will they break, corrode or rot away. The value of time and time invested in people far outweighs any financial investment you will ever make. Will I not, take care of your needs as you give of your treasure (time) to another? Not busy for busy sake, but real quality and purpose to each moment spent on earth. People will always have value; things will always depreciate in value. You make the choice what your treasures will be spent to finance. Others and My kingdom or self and your toys?

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Seeing – The Week of November 16th 2010

For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, Romans 1:20

Everyone I have ever created, deep within his or her being knows that I exist. Most even believe they will one day have to come face to face with Me. However, they are undeterred from their isolation and self-appointed position as self-god. How dangerous! I have shown them through all I have made that I am here and that I care. My creation is evidence of My care – care of beauty, detail and uniqueness. My power can be seen in nature – in the water and wind. In what the two can form snow, rain, ice, storms… they can cause life or death. Is that not I, for I bring life and death? I set man’s time. People only want part or parts of Me they choose not to see all of Me. Within, I speak to their minds and hearts of My existence and desire to be a part of their lives; yet, they are unyielding. They know who I am – they know who is speaking to them. Yet, unyielding – oh, how very dangerous!

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Timing – The Week of November 2nd 2010

Timing...

Give ear and hear my voice, Listen and hear my speech. Does the plowman keep plowing all day to sow? Does he keep turning his soil and breaking the clods? When he has leveled its surface, Does he not sow the black cummin And scatter the cummin, Plant the wheat in rows, The barley in the appointed place, And the spelt in its place?

Isaiah 28:23-27

I the Lord your God have much work that must be done within and without you. The ground of your heart must be plowed and the seeds of character, grace, temperance and stability must first begin to grow. There are things within the mind, body, soul and spirit that must be removed, taken out of My holy place for My Spirit desires to reside where anger, bitterness, envy, strife, jealousy, malice, weariness, discouragement and all its brothers lye. Know that about you are the deeds I desire for you to do and to partake in those deeds is to do My highest bidding at any moment. For every deed I desire to be done is of great magnitude. It is only man’s limited eyesight that places a value on My Works. My value and man’s value is not based on the same measuring scale. For eternal value is hard for man to grasp. The heart that was touched and the life that was changed, or continued, due to the smallest gesture. To accept the mission of these gestures a man’s heart must first be leveled out and balanced for Me. A balanced heart is My moldable and pliable material and easily usable by Me. Then I can plant what I know needs to grow, the appointed plans I have can begin to manifest, being placed in line with My Will they can become dependable and My timing can arrive. Man is rarely waiting on Me as they say they are; it is I who am waiting on them.

Source - - The Week of the 26th of October 2010

Source

Thus says God the Lord, Who created the heavens and stretched them out, Who spread forth the earth and that which comes from it, Who gives breath to the people on it, And spirit to those who walk on it:

Isaiah 42:5

I am the source for all that is, or ever will be, created in and on the earth and in the heavens. I am the one who set the stars and moon in place. I am the Creator. I am the one who gave life and breath to your body. I am the one who created the animals who roam the earth. I love My creations and long for them to fulfill My purpose for their creation. I quicken the spirit and minds of My people to My Ways, My Will and My Purposes. I am their greatest source of inspiration. I am always ready, willing and able to inspire them toward the heights I long for them to have and obtain. Look around at all I have created; at all I have done and know that I can provide you with the answers and guidance that you need, to walk through your daily life. Nothing is beyond My reach – nothing beyond My care. Bring Me it all. Bring the beautiful, the bad, the sorrow, the ugly, the good, the joy … I long to help you deal with it all. My sources are endless ………………………………………………… What do you need? How can I help? What burden can I take? What inspiration can I offer? What encouragement can I give? What wisdom do you need? What guidance would help? Just ask Me, I am waiting to supply for you what is required.

Loving – The Week of October 19TH 2010

Loving

“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.

Deuteronomy 6:5

When My children love Me, this is the way all else is taken care of. To love Me with all their heart, soul, and strength, takes the time and focus off of the things they dwell upon and places it on Me. Then all the other so-called important stuff falls way in the Light of our Love for one another. Loving Me, this ways opens the way for Me to work within their life to accomplish what needs to be accomplished. This kind of love is apparent in every aspect of their lives. In their actions, attitudes, thoughts and feeling. Their desires are transformed in the Light of this mutual love. Their lives are renewed and they manifest that new creation they have become at the moment they welcomed Me. Love is the greatest thing! I have placed the need for love above all other things. Loving hearts – Loving Spirits – Loving lives that are what My body needs more of. Love Me, Love Me, Love Me and you will become that type of love. When all that is within you is loving Me then love becomes something no words are able to describe. Desire this type of love and go after it by how you Love Me. In order to love Me this way I must be their Lord not just their God. They are each able to accept Me and have Me as God in their eternal life, but not be submitted to Me as Lord in their daily life. Who is running your life you or Me? Loving Me with all your hearts, soul and strength means letting Me run the show. Will it be you or Me? Are you loving Me or allowing Me to be part of your life?

Trust - - Week of October 12th 2010

Trust

Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, And put your trust in the Lord.

Psalm 4:5

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding;

Proverbs 3:5

Behold, God is my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid; ‘For; YAH, the Lord, is my strength and song; He also has become my salvation.’”

Isaiah 12:2

To trust Me is to love Me. No person will trust Me who does not first love Me. Through that love, they come to understand the depth of My trustworthiness. For I am not man – man who is without integrity and honor, I am the Lord your God and I am forever trustworthy. My love for you and your love for Me will seal the leaking areas of insecurity that lead to your lack of trust in Me. Live your life as a life given to Me and My purposes, as well as being walked out in righteous living, and I will take care of you. So you can put your trust in My faithfulness to you as you live before Me righteously. People suffer at times from lack of righteous living and that causes them harm; then they wonder where I was and why I did not protect them. I cannot protect those who will not listen to Me and follow My counsel. Trust requires, at times, that you do not always get to understand everything; if you did, it would not require trust. To walk with Me in power and mighty requires forsaking some of your human understanding and reasoning, then choosing to trust Me at times when things appear to make no sense. They will all come together in the end and you will see the glory of your Lord. When you are walking with Me in righteousness and trust there is no room in your life for fear. Fear is useless because I will be there to deliver you from the snares; I will be and am your salvation in all things.

Judge - - Week of October 5th 2010

Now it came to pass when Samuel was old that he made his sons judges over Israel. The name of his firstborn was Joel, and the name of the second, Abijah; they were judges in Beersheba. But his sons did not walk in his ways; they turned aside after dishonest gain, took bribes, and perverted justice.

1 Samuel 8:1-3

My precious servant followed Me and walked in My Ways. He stood righteously before his children; yet, they chose not to follow Me. They chose to set themselves up as a god to determine without godly wisdom the fate of men. Those I place in a position of authority that are to discern and assess the character, motive and intent of another, are to use the godly wisdom that comes only from Me. Anything less is to set himself or herself up as god and attempt to be god over another. There are some I must choose to determine My Will for another – I have had to do this because mankind does not govern itself in submission to Me. Those in that position should guard their spirits, hearts and minds, so that they are well able to hear and accurately share My Will and My Purposes. I however, am the ultimate judge of all mankind and I will judge the unjust judges. I will judge those in authority, who have misused that authority for their personal gain or pleasure. They are many, but not one will slip away from My judgment. So when you look around and you see all the apparent injustice know that I am not asleep, I have not slumbered – I see, I know and I will act. Judgment comes during earthly life as well as in eternity. Often, I administer judgment on the unjust and unrighteous judges and authority, yet, you do not see that judgment so you doubt that I have fulfilled My promise to deal with those who have wronged or harmed you. I did not say I would always allow you to see or always tell you when and how I administer My judgment, just that I would do it.

Thanksgiving - - Week of September 28th 2010

Thanksgiving

That I may proclaim with the voice of thanksgiving, And tell of all Your wondrous works.

Psalm 26:7

I do not do the things that I do for you so that you will have a voice of thanksgiving directed toward Me. I do them for you because I love you. The voices of thanksgiving however, are a joy to Me.

Truth - - Week of September 21st 2010

Truth

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father expect through Me.

John 14:6

I am the only truth there is or ever will be, for I am Truth. So many are trying so many different ways to get to where the Father, Son and Spirit dwell but all other roads are a dead end. I am Jesus, the only road open to thru traffic. However, when they reach Me will they stop or continue on down the road to the nightmare of all neighborhoods - Satan’s playground and torture pit. It is I, only I, the only Way.

Many are seeking truth for their daily life, look - look to Me, I am Truth. I am here and willing to speak and instruct. Some have tuned Me out so long; they can no longer hear My still small voice. I have no need to shout and scream for I reign supreme. I am The Authority; I need not struggle for their attention. Why can’t they see it is in their best interest to give Me their attention in all matters? I deliver My truth through many means – I have given them My Word, My example in My Word, I will speak to them if they will listen, truth comes through the voices of My children who have fully submitted their hearts, wills, minds, spirits and lives – so many means, yet they still struggle to find truth for their daily situations. Perhaps, they are not willing to accept the truth I offer them. Are you? My truth is here come and seek it, I said I would grant it and I will.

Appearances - - Week of September 14th 2010

The Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon Him, The Spirit of wisdom and understanding, The Spirit of counsel and might, The Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord.
Isaiah 11:2


If this Spirit rest upon Me and I rest within you then should you not posses what it says here that I posses? When you deal with a person or situation most of the time, you only know a small amount of the truth. You need – you must have, My Spirit and the wisdom, understanding, counsel, knowledge and might to deal with the person and situation. Often many do not however; yet, they attempt to believe that they do. They are not in tune with My Spirit within them. Did I not say that all could speak My Words and Will at times in order to edify and build one another up? Yet, so few are able. Their Spirit is not clean, their hearts are not filled with love and their Spirits are dull, numb or deaf to My Voice. Do you want to be able to see the inside and not just the outside of a situation or person? Then clean your spirit, open your hearts and unplug your ears and I will give you wisdom, understanding, counsel, and insight beyond your ability, knowledge or might. Then you will be able to be the vessel through which I can break the bondages off another. But first, you must be able to SEE!

Loneliness - Week of September 7th 2010

Loneliness is often God’s gateway to fulfilling ones purpose.

Gold - Week of August 31st 2010

At Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream by night; and God said, “Ask! What shall I give you?”

And Your servant is in the midst of Your people whom You have chosen, a great people, too numerous to be numbered or counted. “Therefore give to Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people, that I may discern between good and evil, For who is able to judge this great people of Yours? The speech pleased the Lord, that Solomon had asked this thing.

1 Kings 3:5,8-10

Did I not promise in My Word to grant Wisdom to anyone who would ask (James 1:5). Today within My Body, what is so lacking and so needed is My Wisdom. Often My people are doing things based on the world’s way. My Wisdom will always and forever surpass anything the world has to offer. Mixing worldly Wisdom with My Wisdom is not acceptable to Me, either. My Wisdom is the only Wisdom that will stand the test of time and deliver you unharmed. My Wisdom is like precious gold and the value to the church today surpasses the greatest amounts of gold. The one who holds My Wisdom has all he or she needs to whether anything that comes. Wisdom will serve you when everyone around you is in mass confusion. Wisdom is the last place people look today, yet, it is the first line of defense. Seek My Wisdom, I will always grant it. You choose whether you will accept that Wisdom or not.

Choose Me choose My Wisdom!

Reconciling the Law with Obedient Discipline - Week of August 24th 2010

Reconciling the Law with Obedient Discipline

            A dear friend brought to mind this week the daunting task of reconciling the law, while living under grace, with our need for obedient discipline to our Master.  What a tightrope walk that can be at times for the all of us from the babe in Christ to the most mature saint.  Yet, one nevertheless which has to be taken on if we are to fully live, as Christ desires us to and steer clear of turbulence.  As my friend expressed, so many people just do not get this concept.  It has taken me a very long time not only to get this concept, but even longer to start allowing it to be a very real aspect of my life. 

            The law can be harmful if we approach it as a master and not a tool to show us our own inability.  The law was meant to lead us to our need of Christ not make us feel condemned.  Once we realize we cannot live up to the law and that we need Christ, the law’s purpose for our lives has been fulfilled.  Once we have met Christ at the foot of the cross the law dies but grace gives birth to a responsibility to be obedient to Christ. 

            It is this responsibility to be obedient to Christ, our Lord, Master and Savior that people confuse with living a law driven life.  They wrestle with themselves in knowing whether they are: (a) truly driven by love for Jesus and therefore, have an overwhelming desire to be obedient and to do all that He would have them do or (b) being what one might consider legalist.  This struggle can result in much misunderstanding on the part of others, when they are viewing your lifestyle from afar, or much stumbling and backsliding, if you do not have confidence in what is driving your disciplined lifestyle. 

            Each person must personally go before the Lord to determine his or her dos and don’ts in life.  God has a different plan for each person and though some acts are clearly sin for all, others acts would be considered personal sins based on God’s specific plan for that person. Since to go against anything God wants personally for an individual is considered sin.  Therefore, keep in mind what one can do another cannot do, necessarily.  If they do...they may not be a grace abuser and if they do not do...they may not be attempting to live under the law. Without grace, there will be no desire and without discipline, there will be no results.  

            The law or a legalistic attitude will stir up the desire for sin.  Nevertheless, a person must still follow God’s instructions for cleaning up, and clean out, their lives; otherwise, their faith and spirituality will never affect their or other’s lives a great deal.  The old nature must die and give way to the new nature.  Our focus should be on what God wants for our lives and what God wants us to be.  When Jesus is sought, He will show an individual what alterations need to be made to their lives so that they might bring Him more glory.  On this, He will never leave us without an answer.

God spoke something about this to me just a few days ago.  “You give into your habits not your desires. The things you want on the surface are your habits. The things you want deep within are your desires.”

Service - Week of August 17th 2010

Service

And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.

Colossians 3:23-24

My people who have received My inheritance in their earthly life willingly serve for the purpose of serving Me. Those who have not experienced My inheritance in their earthly life serve man; seeking, seeking, seeking something man cannot give them. To serve Me for the purpose of simply serving Me is to love Me and to know Me. To know the One with all the riches ready for distribution. Every day and with every act of service, My people choose whom they will serve. One day it may be Me and one day it may be man. Those who need not be seen, heard or known serve Me – quietly, silently, lovingly and patiently knowing that I will reward their efforts on My behalf, they need not depend upon or look upon man to give them anything. For they have come to a place where they know man has nothing of eternal value, by way of reward, to offer. Serve Me quietly and secretively or boldly and obviously but serve Me because you love Me. Don’t ever serve Me for a reward; serve Me for the same reason I served you with My death – LOVE! The only real hero’s have so much love for Me and others that they cannot help but serve to the point of death if required and reward is the least of their concerns. Yet, those will be the ones with the greatest rewards heaped upon them on earth and in eternity with Me. Would you like My rewards or the rewards of man?

Time - Week of August 10th 2010

TIME

Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed.

Mark 1:35 (The He that is being referred to is Jesus.)

Why My children do you, think I took time to go somewhere, where I could be alone and pray?  The flesh part of Me needed to submit and commune with the Father.  I was God, I was Son and I was man.  The man needed the Father.  I also slept, ate, rested and had fellowship.  Yes, I could have been incarnated in such a way as to not require these things but I needed to be man.  I needed to be flesh.  I needed you too understand, that I do understand you and your human needs.  One of your most basic human needs is time in SOLITUDE with Me. Your Spirit, mind and body need this on a regular basis.  It was never intended to be a “must do” it was designed to be a treat a “wanna do”.  For those who have experienced this on a regular basis and then experienced not having it they understand the need for it, the blessing of it, the privilege of it and the must have of it.  People must not think of it as something they do for Me – it is I, who do for them during these moments in time.  Giving Me your time makes you more effective and if you are more effective, you don’t need as much time to get the same amount of things done.  So you cannot tell Me you don’t have time!  If I had time, with only few years on earth to accomplish an eternity of work, you have time. 

Doors - Week of August 3rd 2010

Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.

Revelation 3:20

Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.

John 8:36

There are so many things, My children that are hindering you; that daily you struggle with to overcome. A struggle that wears out the brightest minds and the strongest bodies. Why must one struggle so – why the unwillingness to submit? Submit to Me, to what is required, to My Will, to My Ways and Principles. A struggle that keeps you bound in chains the Enemy is all too happy to help you make. Yet, it is My constant desire to see My children free. There are many levels of freedom. How much freedom do you My child want? Your freedom must come through Me, through My Ways not the worlds and not your own very good, well-intended ideas. Only My Way makes you free indeed. All other look-alike freedoms are only temporary and lack any depth. I have a freedom that will reign in your life forever and forever, if you will allow it. My people know I stand at the hearts door of each lost person waiting to come in and offer them the greatest gift and the most wonderful freedom of all time from now throughout eternity. But what about all the other doors? Each one of My Own are temples, houses of Myself, The Living God, inside there are many rooms and those rooms have many, many doors by which to enter. I stand at each of those doors desiring to enter and too clear out the clutter and garbage that is within each room. But so often, I am left standing and knocking and knocking and knocking until the blood drips from My knuckles – from My hands. Can’t you see My knuckles – My hands My child? Can’t you see how much I want to come in and clean up your room? I want to set you free, please, I am standing at the door knocking, the blood that will cover it all and make it all clean again dripping from My hands. LET ME IN!!!

Power - Week of July 27th 2010

Power

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Philippians 4:13

And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything in My name, I will do it.

John 14:13-14

My power is just that, My power. It is not your power until I release that power into and upon you. You cannot take My Words and distort them to your own advantage. They are My Words and I Will how and when they are manifest in the earthly realm. To pick what you want to do – what you want to receive and then attempt to use My Words as your dispenser of your products will not do. I dispense My products. So, only a vending machine that works properly and consistently is the one filled with My merchandise and is operated in My time, in My Manner. I am The Authority you are the servant. Yes, I love – yes, I long to bless – yes, I long to feed – yes, I long to fulfill but in My Time and Way. You can’t just do whatever you desire to do and believe I will grant the strength and power needed to accomplish your task. But you can do all I have called, asked and willed for you to do and know that you can do it all, with My strength and power. You can’t ask for anything and everything you want and expect Me to just grant it. But you can ask for anything according to My Will and that will bring glory to the Father and expect without doubt to receive it. Do not reduce My Word to being your servant but serve according to My Word and Will and see the Power of My Holy Spirit work throughout your life.

What God Gives - Week of July 20th 2010

What God Gives

Someone truly dear to me, reminded me this week of a very special time in my life. A period when I was happier than I ever had been before, or since, that time. Several factors, all relating to God, went into the happiness, joy, and freedom I felt during the time period, I now write of fondly. Here I will share with you only one of those factors.

I had experienced trouble most of my life in one form or another, much of which was brought to my door not invited, and then there was that portion which was my welcomed guest as well. I had tried sex, alcohol, and therapy, none of which seemed to change the endless struggle, which I knew as life. Then I began to study God’s Word.

One day I sat on my little blue coach. I had cried myself to sleep the night before, something that I regularly did. I just did not understand….so many variables of my life, I cannot even get into it here. Then I sensed the Lord leading me to read a particular portion of Scripture, I read it and bomb the lights went on. Then I sensed Him leading me to really delve deep into the meaning of the words in that verse of Scripture. I did so and it transformed me in one afternoon. Now let me stop here and express something… When we come across a transforming truth, like I experienced that day, we must guard our hearts and protect that truth come what may or we might find ourselves right back in our mess. Back to my story… When I saw that Scripture and came to understand what those words truly mean in their Greek Language I was immediately changed. Over the next year I would stop smoking, eating poorly, drinking alcohol, being bitter, angry, scared, intimidated, lose about 50 pounds and for the first time in my life feel free and happy.

I want to thank the person; they know who they are, for reminding me of that day and the transforming power, which is actually alive, available and ever-present via the Holy Spirit of God and the Truth of His Word. I think I just needed someone else to acknowledge the realness of that period in life in order to make it new again.

Below you will find the Scripture that had such an impact on me and the meaning of all those words, which seem so simple but are so very rich with depth and meaning. May God use it afresh in my life, as well as using it in each of yours.

For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.

2 Timothy 1:7

“the spirit” =

4151. a current of air, i.e. breath (blast) or a breeze; by anal. or fig. a spirit, i.e. (human) the rational soul, (by impl.) vital principle, ment. disposition, etc., or (superhuman) an angel, demon, or (divine) God, Christ’s spirit, the Holy Spirit:— ghost, life, spirit (-ual, -ually), mind.

“of fear” =

1167. from 1169; timidity:— fear.

1169. (dread); timid, i.e. (by impl.) faithless:— fearful.

tim·id [tímmid] = unassertive: demonstrating a lack of courage or self-assurance

nervousness, shyness, fearfulness, timorousness, diffidence[hesitancy], coyness[ wariness and introversion], bashfulness, reticence[uncommunicativeness], faint-heartedness, cowardice, tentativeness, apprehension, apprehensiveness, hesitancy

“of power” =

1411. from 1410; force (lit. or fig.); spec. miraculous power (usually by impl. a miracle itself):— ability, abundance, meaning, might (-ily, -y, -y deed), (worker of) miracle (-s), power, strength, violence, mighty (wonderful) work.

1410. to be able or possible:— be able, can (do, + -not), could, may, might, be possible, be of power.

“of love” =

26. from 25; love, i.e. affection or benevolence; spec. (plur.) a love-feast:— (feast of) charity ([-ably]), dear, love.

25. to love (in a social or moral sense):— (be-) love (-ed).

benevolence =

1. kind: showing kindness or goodwill

2. charitable: performing good or charitable acts and not seeking to make a profit

kind, caring, compassionate, generous, giving, kindly, benign[gentle], munificent, altruistic[unselfish]

“of a sound mind” =

4995. from 4994; discipline, i.e. self-control:— sound mind.

4994. from 4998; to make of sound mind, i.e. (fig.) to discipline or correct:— teach to be sober.

4998. from the base of 4982 and that of 5424; safe (sound) in mind, i.e. self-controlled (moderate as to opinion or passion):— discreet, sober, temperate.

4982. “safe”); to save, i.e. deliver or protect (lit. or fig.):— heal, preserve, save (self), do well, be (make) whole.

5424. (to rein in or curb; comp. 5420); the midrif (as a partition of the body), i.e. (fig. and by impl. of sympathy) the feelings (or sensitive nature; by extens. [also in the plur.] the mind or cognitive faculties):— understanding.

5420. apparently a strengthening form of the base of 5424; to fence or inclose, i.e. (spec.) to block up (fig. to silence):— stop.

sober =

abstemious[self-denying], clear-headed, temperate[pleasant], teetotal, moderate, restrained, serious, somber, solemn, thoughtful, calm, grave, unexcited, unruffled, subdued, restrained, severe, sedate, staid[demure]

temperate =

restrained, self-controlled, controlled, moderate, reasonable, mild, measured, reserved, muted, clement[soft], pleasant, comfortable