I have an abundance of joy and I have a feeling of being broken. Joy is my portion when I remember the LORD is with me. The broken feeling is inside of knowing the LORD is near . So it is kind of like it hurts , but not all that bad.
It is a new insight for me to realize just how resistant I am to change. I said ,"just how resistant" but I know I truly have still not seen the depth of it. I have been one of those, "please LORD, help me get my ducks in a row," type people. And the LORD answered me. He helped. They got all in a row , and then He said, "change !"
My word of testimony today is John 15:4
Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.
I am looking at abiding and then becoming fruitful. I just got this abiding down good and then came the announcement to , "change !" I know it sounds silly , but I really have had a hard time understanding abiding. My words of testimony have in fact helped this abiding to happen. Abiding is applying God's word to my life. I am quite sure the becoming fruitful stage will continue to require my abiding principles so my word of testimony , will continue on as before.
I will die to self. I have had some preliminary instruction on this from helpful sources. Years ago I became interested in a book titled Hiding From Love. I read it several times without much result. That is because the book is not the answer. Jesus is . Jesus , His word, abiding in His word, the answer to hiding from love. Should I not hide from love it stands to reason , that I will also then love. Most important principle there is in God's word. Quite impossible to fully abide unless I can love.
Hiding From Love by Dr. John Townsend describes many different hiding styles that people use . Having read the book, oh so many times it has helped me to identify some of the hiding styles that I use. Having come to follow the Spirit to give me a word of testimony for each day , I find I now have hope for a word of testimony that will deliver me right out of these hiding styles I use.
I share an excerpt of the book with you here : While it's true that our styles are deeply entrenched in our hearts, it's not really part of the image of God in us. Personality disorders can be healed. That's in part the message of the gospel. We can become free to love and be loved , and to freely choose without our fearful, sin-influenced, and self -protective reactiveness.
The message of the gospel says I can become free to love and be loved and to freely choose without my fearful , sin-influenced, and self-protective reactiveness.
Bless the LORD , oh my soul , and forget not all His benefits.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Will I Sin Anyway ?
Not sinning is a big deal to me. It shouldn't happen. I do not want it to happen. I guess I don't like sin. Yet , I am a sinner. Oh yes, I sin. Fortunately for me , the Holy Spirit only convicts me of the sins our Father in heaven wants Him to. Now I enjoy grace. Oh yes, I enjoy grace. Grace for all my sins , I am most grateful for grace.
There are a few things I can expect when I walk in the Spirit. To be sure the Spirit is going to lead me to give. The Spirit is going to lead me to worship the Lord our God. The Spirit is going to lead me to read and meditate upon His Word. The Spirit is going to convict me of sin.
I get to choose if I want to follow the Spirit. I can follow the Spirit because Romans 8 says I can.
So I choose to follow .
I always like to do well. As I said, I don't like sin. I have a history of , well, sinning.
I can tell you of some most amazing things God has done for me , and quicker than the deed had been done , I sinned.
The word of my testimony today is Matt 19:26 But Jesus beheld [them], and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.
Mark 10:27 And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men [it is] impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.
Two times the story of the rich young ruler is recorded. According to the scriptures , Jesus had said, "It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God. " Then the disciples said, "who then can be saved ?" and that is when Jesus told them , " with God , all things are possible."
I feel like a camel that has tried to go through the eye of a needle a few times and got stuck. I woke up the other day and realized if I want to help others I can not continue to sleep here in the gate, stuck. Just a side note for my readers, the eye of the needle refers to a small entrance into the city that required camels to have their burdens and whatever on their backs taken off. Then the camels were to kneel and as I understand it , they crawled or scooted along on their knees through the gate.
With God , all things are possible. Who then can be saved ? they asked . Do you think in their Jewish up bringing they had forgotten that you were not suppose to sin ? Of course not.
A miracle may happen , a miracle might not happen. I might sin if a miracle happens . I might sin if a miracle does not happen.
The greatest miracle of all time has already happened.
That is , that I am saved.
There are a few things I can expect when I walk in the Spirit. To be sure the Spirit is going to lead me to give. The Spirit is going to lead me to worship the Lord our God. The Spirit is going to lead me to read and meditate upon His Word. The Spirit is going to convict me of sin.
I get to choose if I want to follow the Spirit. I can follow the Spirit because Romans 8 says I can.
So I choose to follow .
I always like to do well. As I said, I don't like sin. I have a history of , well, sinning.
I can tell you of some most amazing things God has done for me , and quicker than the deed had been done , I sinned.
The word of my testimony today is Matt 19:26 But Jesus beheld [them], and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.
Mark 10:27 And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men [it is] impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.
Two times the story of the rich young ruler is recorded. According to the scriptures , Jesus had said, "It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God. " Then the disciples said, "who then can be saved ?" and that is when Jesus told them , " with God , all things are possible."
I feel like a camel that has tried to go through the eye of a needle a few times and got stuck. I woke up the other day and realized if I want to help others I can not continue to sleep here in the gate, stuck. Just a side note for my readers, the eye of the needle refers to a small entrance into the city that required camels to have their burdens and whatever on their backs taken off. Then the camels were to kneel and as I understand it , they crawled or scooted along on their knees through the gate.
With God , all things are possible. Who then can be saved ? they asked . Do you think in their Jewish up bringing they had forgotten that you were not suppose to sin ? Of course not.
A miracle may happen , a miracle might not happen. I might sin if a miracle happens . I might sin if a miracle does not happen.
The greatest miracle of all time has already happened.
That is , that I am saved.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Just Why Am I Here ?
When my faith was small , I thought it wiser to go around on bald tires rather than take the money I had and buy , at least tires that were not bald. Secretly I think I was hoping that God was planning on doing a miracle , called "your tires can be bald for years , but they don't blow out."
He did do a miracle. I traveled up and down the freeway frequently. I would go everywhere I thought I should go. Sometimes I would get lost and travel all kind of needless miles. I was a normal person, almost , you know I was trusting God. One very unusual day , unusual because it was hot and traffic was backed up , bumper to bumper and just creeping along , move a few feet and stop . So I was just about to the street I needed to turn on to that my babysitter lived on. My window was open and I heard this hissing sound from my front drivers side tire. It just blew out. Not when I was going fast down the freeway. Not when I was miles away from someone who could help me change the tire. Right there , right then and slowly , so I could get around the corner and into my babysitters driveway.
Whenever I think about that , I remember those times I had gotten lost. I would encourage myself with , "everything works together for good for them that love the LORD and are called according to His purpose. " Had the tread wore totally out another place at any other time, you see my getting lost was part of the plan God had for a miracle.
Now a days I do my best to trust God with things like , getting the oil changed on the car, even it seems that will take money needed for other important things , like food. Mainly because I see Him work in practical ways rather than the out the normal ways , such as keeping bald tires from blowing out. Yet , I believe in miracles. I do believe and have seen some of that kind of which I speak. Somehow the signs follow. I am having a hard time not telling God what to do. What kind of miracle I want and when I want it .
It is a walk in the Spirit , and that is all there is to it.
He did do a miracle. I traveled up and down the freeway frequently. I would go everywhere I thought I should go. Sometimes I would get lost and travel all kind of needless miles. I was a normal person, almost , you know I was trusting God. One very unusual day , unusual because it was hot and traffic was backed up , bumper to bumper and just creeping along , move a few feet and stop . So I was just about to the street I needed to turn on to that my babysitter lived on. My window was open and I heard this hissing sound from my front drivers side tire. It just blew out. Not when I was going fast down the freeway. Not when I was miles away from someone who could help me change the tire. Right there , right then and slowly , so I could get around the corner and into my babysitters driveway.
Whenever I think about that , I remember those times I had gotten lost. I would encourage myself with , "everything works together for good for them that love the LORD and are called according to His purpose. " Had the tread wore totally out another place at any other time, you see my getting lost was part of the plan God had for a miracle.
Now a days I do my best to trust God with things like , getting the oil changed on the car, even it seems that will take money needed for other important things , like food. Mainly because I see Him work in practical ways rather than the out the normal ways , such as keeping bald tires from blowing out. Yet , I believe in miracles. I do believe and have seen some of that kind of which I speak. Somehow the signs follow. I am having a hard time not telling God what to do. What kind of miracle I want and when I want it .
It is a walk in the Spirit , and that is all there is to it.
By Faith Not Sight
2 Cr 5:7 (For we walk by faith, not by sight:)
2 Cr 5:17 Therefore if any man [be] in Christ, [he is] a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
I am still struggling with "what this looks like" vs. "trusting God , this is the way it is suppose to be."
One thing that is helping me right now is memories of a time when I thought I was making it "look like " it was really suppose to be. How I thank God for that strong angel He sent to pull the rug out from under my feet. I know that He also sent people into my life that wanted to learn the same thing I did .
Just how do you walk in the Spirit?
When I think I might be getting the hang of it , and then walk into a room of others who also claim to be doing it , my steady ground tips and I find myself reaching for support as I struggle to keep things "looking good."
This "trusting God " way is going to work though. It is going to work because it is the only thing that can work. As I was sliding and tipping the other day, I managed to say, "this is what I've been told to do. " To which the reply was some scripture out the Bible to indicate I might be mistaken. However , it looks to me that the LORD has said "yes" to what I had been told to do. I am reminded that this is how faith grows. It is a small beginning , a small door that I am grateful that the LORD opened for me , so I can do what I thought He said do. My ground seems steadier as I give this word of testimony.
Bless the LORD , oh my soul, and forget not all His benefits.
2 Cr 5:17 Therefore if any man [be] in Christ, [he is] a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
I am still struggling with "what this looks like" vs. "trusting God , this is the way it is suppose to be."
One thing that is helping me right now is memories of a time when I thought I was making it "look like " it was really suppose to be. How I thank God for that strong angel He sent to pull the rug out from under my feet. I know that He also sent people into my life that wanted to learn the same thing I did .
Just how do you walk in the Spirit?
When I think I might be getting the hang of it , and then walk into a room of others who also claim to be doing it , my steady ground tips and I find myself reaching for support as I struggle to keep things "looking good."
This "trusting God " way is going to work though. It is going to work because it is the only thing that can work. As I was sliding and tipping the other day, I managed to say, "this is what I've been told to do. " To which the reply was some scripture out the Bible to indicate I might be mistaken. However , it looks to me that the LORD has said "yes" to what I had been told to do. I am reminded that this is how faith grows. It is a small beginning , a small door that I am grateful that the LORD opened for me , so I can do what I thought He said do. My ground seems steadier as I give this word of testimony.
Bless the LORD , oh my soul, and forget not all His benefits.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Looking Good or Not
Hebrews 4:11 Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief. Gal 5:16 [This] I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.
My heart is filled with gratitude for the labor of other folks who have shared the word of their testimony. Without their seeds of faith my own garden would look pretty bare. I am especially grateful to the authors of Truefaced Experience . Also my two friends who set aside some time during one summer to go through the study book with me. In open discussion we were allowed to formulate our own words of testimony . Those very important words are helping me today.
Among the adversaries against my walking with Jesus loom the giants of the flesh. Their tauts range from "you can't walk in the spirit" to "you are not going to look good , now" .
I think my two words of testimony are fitting today because I choose not to walk in unbelief and I choose not to fulfil the lusts of the flesh. I choose to walk in faith , I choose to walk in the spirit.
So the faith I have may be as little as a grain of mustard seed. The success rate I have for walking in the spirit might be compared to a twelve month old baby just learning to walk. Take a step or two and fall down, take a step or two and fall down. So I may not look good. In fact I may look worse tomorrow than I look today. Not too many babies try to learn to walk and keep on looking good.
I just remembered something about myself, that my mom told me. She said that instead of crawling I would scoot around in an upright position , using my hands to move me around. Oh, get this, I would tilt the fingers up and press with the palm and wrist , but every push , I would stop and wipe off the dirt from my hands , then push to go on.
So my fleshly obsession for looking good and clean started back before I could even walk. How about that. You know maybe it is a good thing I don't care if I don't look good today.
Walking in the spirit requires an abandon to doing God's will regardless of how I will look while trying to do it. Entering in to a sabbath rest must require faith and an ability to walk in the spirit.
Bless the LORD oh my soul, stop worrying about getting dirty !
My heart is filled with gratitude for the labor of other folks who have shared the word of their testimony. Without their seeds of faith my own garden would look pretty bare. I am especially grateful to the authors of Truefaced Experience . Also my two friends who set aside some time during one summer to go through the study book with me. In open discussion we were allowed to formulate our own words of testimony . Those very important words are helping me today.
Among the adversaries against my walking with Jesus loom the giants of the flesh. Their tauts range from "you can't walk in the spirit" to "you are not going to look good , now" .
I think my two words of testimony are fitting today because I choose not to walk in unbelief and I choose not to fulfil the lusts of the flesh. I choose to walk in faith , I choose to walk in the spirit.
So the faith I have may be as little as a grain of mustard seed. The success rate I have for walking in the spirit might be compared to a twelve month old baby just learning to walk. Take a step or two and fall down, take a step or two and fall down. So I may not look good. In fact I may look worse tomorrow than I look today. Not too many babies try to learn to walk and keep on looking good.
I just remembered something about myself, that my mom told me. She said that instead of crawling I would scoot around in an upright position , using my hands to move me around. Oh, get this, I would tilt the fingers up and press with the palm and wrist , but every push , I would stop and wipe off the dirt from my hands , then push to go on.
So my fleshly obsession for looking good and clean started back before I could even walk. How about that. You know maybe it is a good thing I don't care if I don't look good today.
Walking in the spirit requires an abandon to doing God's will regardless of how I will look while trying to do it. Entering in to a sabbath rest must require faith and an ability to walk in the spirit.
Bless the LORD oh my soul, stop worrying about getting dirty !
Sunday, February 22, 2009
The Inward Man Is Renewed Day by Day
John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
2 Corth 4:16 - 18 For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward [man] is renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding [and] eternal weight of glory;
While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen [are] temporal; but the things which are not seen [are] eternal.
When Paul speaks of himself I believe he is saying ,"this is the Way it is for me , if you follow in the Way as I do , this is the way it is for you. "
So my inward man is being renewed day by day, if for which cause I faint not.
I am trying to remember if I ever have actually fainted, physically I am now speaking about.
I am told that you have warning signs before a black out. You should put your head down between your knees if you have these signs. I have done that a few times.
My inward man can faint or Paul would not of pointed out that he faints not. I think I know what to do when about to faint spiritually. First I need to stop rebuking myself for feeling faint.
I wonder how many times I have missed out on following the Way , just because I decided I wasn't doing a good job of it. I may feel faint today but the total black out has not come. My hope in Jesus' love revives me. He is not sending me back to the house. I can stay with Him in the Way. As soon as I have recovered I will look a little better at the "for which cause " Paul did faint not , about.
2 Corth 4:16 - 18 For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward [man] is renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding [and] eternal weight of glory;
While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen [are] temporal; but the things which are not seen [are] eternal.
When Paul speaks of himself I believe he is saying ,"this is the Way it is for me , if you follow in the Way as I do , this is the way it is for you. "
So my inward man is being renewed day by day, if for which cause I faint not.
I am trying to remember if I ever have actually fainted, physically I am now speaking about.
I am told that you have warning signs before a black out. You should put your head down between your knees if you have these signs. I have done that a few times.
My inward man can faint or Paul would not of pointed out that he faints not. I think I know what to do when about to faint spiritually. First I need to stop rebuking myself for feeling faint.
I wonder how many times I have missed out on following the Way , just because I decided I wasn't doing a good job of it. I may feel faint today but the total black out has not come. My hope in Jesus' love revives me. He is not sending me back to the house. I can stay with Him in the Way. As soon as I have recovered I will look a little better at the "for which cause " Paul did faint not , about.
Friday, February 20, 2009
Ps 149:3 Let them praise his name in the dance: let them sing praises unto him with the timbrel and harp. Ps 150:4 Praise him with the timbrel and dance: praise him with stringed instruments and organs.
Sometimes words don't seem to be enough.
I have a friend who plays instruments as he worships the LORD . He requested that I pray that his opportunities to do this be increased. Honestly my heart has not been in it . Until this morning I could not relate to his request , but now I see !
Playing musical instruments is to him, is like the dance is to me.
Sometimes words of praise to our LORD is just not enough ! When this unction from the HOLY SPIRIT comes to give our LORD praise in an unspoken language it is a delight to do so.
My word of testimony today is not praise the Lord in the dance. That is easy enough for me to do.
A few days back the Spirit was leading me to passages about being in one accord.
I know this word of testimony is for me. There is a one accord that needs to come to the Bride or Body of Christ. This one accord is not found by instruction alone. This one accord is found when I worship Him in spirit and in truth.
I have compared our LORD to an artist . As I look at this beautiful world around us I marvel at His creation and delight in His use of color. I think I am beginning to compare Him also to a great musician. What comes to mind is a concert pianist . In my mind's eye I see Him capable of drawing His body to Himself and giving them truth that frees them to worship Him .
I as one little molecule or atom in the hand of our LORD , rejoice.
Phl 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord alway: [and] again I say, Rejoice.
Sometimes words don't seem to be enough.
I have a friend who plays instruments as he worships the LORD . He requested that I pray that his opportunities to do this be increased. Honestly my heart has not been in it . Until this morning I could not relate to his request , but now I see !
Playing musical instruments is to him, is like the dance is to me.
Sometimes words of praise to our LORD is just not enough ! When this unction from the HOLY SPIRIT comes to give our LORD praise in an unspoken language it is a delight to do so.
My word of testimony today is not praise the Lord in the dance. That is easy enough for me to do.
A few days back the Spirit was leading me to passages about being in one accord.
I know this word of testimony is for me. There is a one accord that needs to come to the Bride or Body of Christ. This one accord is not found by instruction alone. This one accord is found when I worship Him in spirit and in truth.
I have compared our LORD to an artist . As I look at this beautiful world around us I marvel at His creation and delight in His use of color. I think I am beginning to compare Him also to a great musician. What comes to mind is a concert pianist . In my mind's eye I see Him capable of drawing His body to Himself and giving them truth that frees them to worship Him .
I as one little molecule or atom in the hand of our LORD , rejoice.
Phl 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord alway: [and] again I say, Rejoice.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
The idol and gods of what I want
Dan 3:17-18 If it be [so], our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver [us] out of thine hand, O king. But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.
One of things that I really enjoy about serving Jesus is that I need Him. It is impossible for me to serve Him in my strength, in my understanding and with my carnal heart. The spirit of power, sound mind and love that the LORD gives me , makes it possible to serve Him ONLY.
He is the LORD Who heals me , but I do not want the gift of healing that I expect Him to give to be my god. I want to follow the Hebrew children's example and serve no other gods nor have an idol stuck around some place that I worship.
I want to without depending on the healing , go ahead and serve the true and living God today.
If I find at the end of this day , I am healed , I will probably sing a song of praise to Him , just as I am told the Hebrew children did in the furnace that did not burn them up. However, if I am not healed I pray that the LORD will let it be known unto if I was successful in my quest to walk in this word of testimony today.
As I was meditating on my desire to be healed today I also thought of other desires that I have.
Desires for my children and people whom I love very much.
There is no doubt , the God I serve can do great and mighty things for them , and I ask Him to.
Still I must choose to not serve other gods nor worship idols regardless of what it looks like God is going to do today.
One of things that I really enjoy about serving Jesus is that I need Him. It is impossible for me to serve Him in my strength, in my understanding and with my carnal heart. The spirit of power, sound mind and love that the LORD gives me , makes it possible to serve Him ONLY.
He is the LORD Who heals me , but I do not want the gift of healing that I expect Him to give to be my god. I want to follow the Hebrew children's example and serve no other gods nor have an idol stuck around some place that I worship.
I want to without depending on the healing , go ahead and serve the true and living God today.
If I find at the end of this day , I am healed , I will probably sing a song of praise to Him , just as I am told the Hebrew children did in the furnace that did not burn them up. However, if I am not healed I pray that the LORD will let it be known unto if I was successful in my quest to walk in this word of testimony today.
As I was meditating on my desire to be healed today I also thought of other desires that I have.
Desires for my children and people whom I love very much.
There is no doubt , the God I serve can do great and mighty things for them , and I ask Him to.
Still I must choose to not serve other gods nor worship idols regardless of what it looks like God is going to do today.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Attending Unto His Words
The Holy Bible is such a benefit to me. I can read of numerous stories of people involved with my spiritual inheritance. Only the Holy Spirit can truly make sense of the messages for me. What may apply to my story may not apply to another so I hesitate at times to make public my word of testimony.
Yet I have this watch before me , that I live under the blood of the Lamb, that I live by the word of my testimony, and that I love not my life even unto death.
By publishing my word of testimony each day I am reminded through out the day of what I said.
Sometimes I read back over them and I am encouraged as I am reminded of the Lord's faithfulness to me.
When I read the word of testimony other saints have shared I am encouraged. This also helps motivate me to attend unto God's word and share my bread with others.
Yesterday I talked about David and his experience with Goliath. I think that David saw Goliath much the same way he saw the lion and the bear that had come after his sheep. So it was not to much of a stretch of his imagination to see himself being used to defeat Goliath. However, later when he was taken in to Saul's house another kind of battle confronted him. There were no book stores back then so he could pick up the latest edition on spiritual warfare.
Books and teachings on spiritual warfare can be helpful . When I am concerned about my health and so I read books about nutrition it is helpful. Having knowledge about things can be helpful .
I do not need knowledge today. I need the eyes of my heart to be opened. I need to see my situation with eyes that can see it as Jesus would.
The word of testimony I have for the Lord opening the eyes of my heart is found in Acts 16:14 And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, which worshipped God, heard [us]: whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul.
May I worship God , may I hear others who speak truth in love, may the Lord open my heart , and ( when my heart has been opened ) may I attend unto their words.
Yet I have this watch before me , that I live under the blood of the Lamb, that I live by the word of my testimony, and that I love not my life even unto death.
By publishing my word of testimony each day I am reminded through out the day of what I said.
Sometimes I read back over them and I am encouraged as I am reminded of the Lord's faithfulness to me.
When I read the word of testimony other saints have shared I am encouraged. This also helps motivate me to attend unto God's word and share my bread with others.
Yesterday I talked about David and his experience with Goliath. I think that David saw Goliath much the same way he saw the lion and the bear that had come after his sheep. So it was not to much of a stretch of his imagination to see himself being used to defeat Goliath. However, later when he was taken in to Saul's house another kind of battle confronted him. There were no book stores back then so he could pick up the latest edition on spiritual warfare.
Books and teachings on spiritual warfare can be helpful . When I am concerned about my health and so I read books about nutrition it is helpful. Having knowledge about things can be helpful .
I do not need knowledge today. I need the eyes of my heart to be opened. I need to see my situation with eyes that can see it as Jesus would.
The word of testimony I have for the Lord opening the eyes of my heart is found in Acts 16:14 And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, which worshipped God, heard [us]: whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul.
May I worship God , may I hear others who speak truth in love, may the Lord open my heart , and ( when my heart has been opened ) may I attend unto their words.
Monday, February 16, 2009
Though There be Giants in the Land, I will NOT be Afraid
My word of testimony today : be as David .
David also was one who found pleasure in giving his word of testimony.
I would like to re-cap for myself some other attributes that I find in David's story.
This part of his story is found in 1 Sam 17:1-58 . Parts of this story reveal so much about David.
When he heard the tauts of the giant he went around commenting on the uncircumcised Philistine's words. It was obvious that David knew something that the Philistine didn't . When David tried to point that out to his fellow Israelites , circumcised chosen of God people , they were not impressed. In fact with one accord , they tried to make sure David understood the situation from their perspective.
However, their one accord of unbelief , did not hinder David's desire to be all that God had called him to be. He had fought a lion and he had fought a bear. He had found the strength and favor of the Lord to be with him then and he rightly assumed that His favor would be with him now.
I have something better than a sling shot . I have the sword of the Spirit . I need not be afraid.
Eph 6:17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God [is] quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and [is] a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
David also was one who found pleasure in giving his word of testimony.
I would like to re-cap for myself some other attributes that I find in David's story.
This part of his story is found in 1 Sam 17:1-58 . Parts of this story reveal so much about David.
When he heard the tauts of the giant he went around commenting on the uncircumcised Philistine's words. It was obvious that David knew something that the Philistine didn't . When David tried to point that out to his fellow Israelites , circumcised chosen of God people , they were not impressed. In fact with one accord , they tried to make sure David understood the situation from their perspective.
However, their one accord of unbelief , did not hinder David's desire to be all that God had called him to be. He had fought a lion and he had fought a bear. He had found the strength and favor of the Lord to be with him then and he rightly assumed that His favor would be with him now.
I have something better than a sling shot . I have the sword of the Spirit . I need not be afraid.
Eph 6:17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God [is] quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and [is] a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
Friday, February 13, 2009
One Accord
Acts 5:12 - 14 And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people; (and they were all with one accord in Solomon's porch. And of the rest durst no man join himself to them: but the people magnified them. And believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women.)
My word of testimony today : I am in one accord and waiting on the LORD.
I know Jesus faced the same temptations that I face . When the devil tempted Him ( Luke 4:5-8) this could of been a bargain for popularity. Jesus was strong and spoke out "It is written thou shalt worship the Lord thy God and Him only shalt thou serve. "
Jesus was in one accord with the will of His Heavenly Father. His prayer meetings didn't have any more people than just Him self . Luke 22:39-46
Here are parts of the story:
verse 40 And when he was at the place, he said unto them, Pray that ye enter not into temptation. Here again in verse 46 And said unto them, Why sleep ye? rise and pray, lest ye enter into temptation.
I envision days like they had in Acts 5:12-14 in 2009. A group of people in one accord would be a group of people who could stand and wait on the Lord alone if that was all who showed up , or could stay awake.
So I think the plan must be that I continue to do as I have been doing . Some days I am so blessed to find that I do not stand alone. Some days I think I must only be alone, because I have not given a proper invitation to the prayer meeting. Some days I wonder how the invitation could have gotten so distorted that the people who are praying beside me would think that it is okay to do what they are doing. On those days I must not give place to the devil and accept a place of popularity just for the sake of keeping a group together.
Lord, help me stand in one accord with the will of Our Father in Heaven today. Above all Lord, if I speak , may it be the truth in LOVE. I am not planning on speaking though. I am planning on standing.
I stand in one accord.
My word of testimony today : I am in one accord and waiting on the LORD.
I know Jesus faced the same temptations that I face . When the devil tempted Him ( Luke 4:5-8) this could of been a bargain for popularity. Jesus was strong and spoke out "It is written thou shalt worship the Lord thy God and Him only shalt thou serve. "
Jesus was in one accord with the will of His Heavenly Father. His prayer meetings didn't have any more people than just Him self . Luke 22:39-46
Here are parts of the story:
verse 40 And when he was at the place, he said unto them, Pray that ye enter not into temptation. Here again in verse 46 And said unto them, Why sleep ye? rise and pray, lest ye enter into temptation.
I envision days like they had in Acts 5:12-14 in 2009. A group of people in one accord would be a group of people who could stand and wait on the Lord alone if that was all who showed up , or could stay awake.
So I think the plan must be that I continue to do as I have been doing . Some days I am so blessed to find that I do not stand alone. Some days I think I must only be alone, because I have not given a proper invitation to the prayer meeting. Some days I wonder how the invitation could have gotten so distorted that the people who are praying beside me would think that it is okay to do what they are doing. On those days I must not give place to the devil and accept a place of popularity just for the sake of keeping a group together.
Lord, help me stand in one accord with the will of Our Father in Heaven today. Above all Lord, if I speak , may it be the truth in LOVE. I am not planning on speaking though. I am planning on standing.
I stand in one accord.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Testimony
This morning I am so grateful that others live a word of testimony. Today I read from a devotional titled Streams In The Desert , just what I needed to hear. Saints from another time and place have gone through the same deserts , valleys and mountains that I face on my journey. How I praise the LORD that taking the time to write out their word of testimony seemed profitable to them.
My own word of testimony comes from Romans 8:1 . As I started out my desert day yesterday I had no idea that about 2:00 p.m. I would slip and complain. In fact as I look at what I said, I realize that the enemy actually tricked me. He knew that Pride was still a companion of mine that of course I am trying to hide.
So when I became embarrassed by something I said, I tried to justify it . I tell this person who really does not need to know , that I am very lonely now that my schedule has been changed .
It was an effort to explain why I seemed so chatty. That is what I call conversation that doesn't seem to have any sense to it. First of all, he didn't even notice I was chatty because that is what most people do most of the time. It was Pride that goaded me into my explanation that was really complaining .
My sins are forgiven !!!! The pride sin. The complaining sin. The sin of really wishing there were no deserts on this journey !
All is forgiven , and there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. That is me. I am in Christ Jesus all the time. Last night at church my brother shared , the Lord is with you. He sure is. It is only my imagination that He runs off when I complain.
My own word of testimony comes from Romans 8:1 . As I started out my desert day yesterday I had no idea that about 2:00 p.m. I would slip and complain. In fact as I look at what I said, I realize that the enemy actually tricked me. He knew that Pride was still a companion of mine that of course I am trying to hide.
So when I became embarrassed by something I said, I tried to justify it . I tell this person who really does not need to know , that I am very lonely now that my schedule has been changed .
It was an effort to explain why I seemed so chatty. That is what I call conversation that doesn't seem to have any sense to it. First of all, he didn't even notice I was chatty because that is what most people do most of the time. It was Pride that goaded me into my explanation that was really complaining .
My sins are forgiven !!!! The pride sin. The complaining sin. The sin of really wishing there were no deserts on this journey !
All is forgiven , and there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. That is me. I am in Christ Jesus all the time. Last night at church my brother shared , the Lord is with you. He sure is. It is only my imagination that He runs off when I complain.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
What Follows the Signs ?
This my word of testimony : I do and will glorify God .
This word is hard for me . My flesh does resist it .
There is one person , (that I choose to talk about today) who got this right .
Luke 17:12-19 A story is recorded of ten lepers. The one leper who came back to Jesus , truly I place as my mentor today.
Here are some things that were said of him.
vs . 12 -13 He stood with his 9 friends afar off from Jesus. 9 friends who suffered the same disease. The 10 of them started calling out to Jesus to have mercy upon them.
vs 14 Jesus took notice of the 10 lepers and said, "Go show yourselves to the priest."
10 lepers , my mentor today and his 9 friends obeyed the LORD . They headed out to go and see the priest. While they were going they were healed. 9 kept on following the order. 9 did not even turn back now that they were healed. 9 kept on going to go and see the priest.
My mentor had sense enough to know when it is okay to break the rules.
My mentor also knew it was Jesus who had answered his cry for mercy. My mentor came back and thanked Him for His mercy. My mentor was able to glorify God.
In these verses , giving thanks to God and glorifying God seem to be used to mean the same thing. I need to say as part of my word of testimony , to glorify God means a lot more than just saying thank you.
The one you can force your lips to say. The other requires an active part of the Holy Spirit.
The words please the Lord . The actions please the Lord . The words and actions that come out of me that have been brought into existence by the power of the Holy Spirit , glorify His name.
May my desire to seek the Lord for words of praise and actions of glorifying Him be as strong as my desire to seek Him for mercy.
This word is hard for me . My flesh does resist it .
There is one person , (that I choose to talk about today) who got this right .
Luke 17:12-19 A story is recorded of ten lepers. The one leper who came back to Jesus , truly I place as my mentor today.
Here are some things that were said of him.
vs . 12 -13 He stood with his 9 friends afar off from Jesus. 9 friends who suffered the same disease. The 10 of them started calling out to Jesus to have mercy upon them.
vs 14 Jesus took notice of the 10 lepers and said, "Go show yourselves to the priest."
10 lepers , my mentor today and his 9 friends obeyed the LORD . They headed out to go and see the priest. While they were going they were healed. 9 kept on following the order. 9 did not even turn back now that they were healed. 9 kept on going to go and see the priest.
My mentor had sense enough to know when it is okay to break the rules.
My mentor also knew it was Jesus who had answered his cry for mercy. My mentor came back and thanked Him for His mercy. My mentor was able to glorify God.
In these verses , giving thanks to God and glorifying God seem to be used to mean the same thing. I need to say as part of my word of testimony , to glorify God means a lot more than just saying thank you.
The one you can force your lips to say. The other requires an active part of the Holy Spirit.
The words please the Lord . The actions please the Lord . The words and actions that come out of me that have been brought into existence by the power of the Holy Spirit , glorify His name.
May my desire to seek the Lord for words of praise and actions of glorifying Him be as strong as my desire to seek Him for mercy.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Signs Follow
Mark 16:20 And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with [them], and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.
Mark 16 is my word of testimony today. I believe in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. I believe that the accounts of His words and actions recorded in Mark 16 happened. I believe that people who believe live believing signs will follow. That when they lay hands on the sick , they will recover. All of Mark 16 , I believe.
I want to go forth today, preach every where, the Lord working with me, and I know that the word will be confirmed with the signs following.
Mark 16 is my word of testimony today. I believe in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. I believe that the accounts of His words and actions recorded in Mark 16 happened. I believe that people who believe live believing signs will follow. That when they lay hands on the sick , they will recover. All of Mark 16 , I believe.
I want to go forth today, preach every where, the Lord working with me, and I know that the word will be confirmed with the signs following.
Monday, February 9, 2009
Life More Abundantly
1 Cor 15:37 And that which thou sowest, thou sowest not that body that shall be, but bare grain, it may chance of wheat, or of some other [grain]:
The Lord is talking in pictures ! He wanted to make sure everyone could understand ! When I began to follow Jesus as my shepherd one of the loudest enemies would shout , "Your mind doesn't work like the rest of the sheep. You'll never make it." The Lord taught me to speak back His words . Here is proof ! He laid His life down for the sheep and He became the Way, even for those who think pictures.
I know there is a scripture that talks of what we sow in tears , we will reap with joy.
My pastor's analogy of abundant life looks like a roller coaster, because he says life abundantly is full of ups and downs ! He is right and now I know how that lines up with the Word of God.
In order for there to be more life , there needs to be more dying to self. Just to go through the ups and downs any ol' way your flesh can manage to do it, will not bring death to self that life may abound.
Living a word of testimony will bring forth that life ! As I let that word bring death to my old way of doing , by the power of the Holy Spirit , a new life begins to take root and form all through out me. Suddenly taking note of the scripture that says , "Know ye not you are a temple for the Holy Ghost ," has new meaning. I now have a new word for the enemy when he says, "What is wrong with you ? Why don't you take better care of your temple ?"
It is the temple for the Holy Ghost ! There is a whole lot of living and dying going on in here !
You better believe it !
The Lord is talking in pictures ! He wanted to make sure everyone could understand ! When I began to follow Jesus as my shepherd one of the loudest enemies would shout , "Your mind doesn't work like the rest of the sheep. You'll never make it." The Lord taught me to speak back His words . Here is proof ! He laid His life down for the sheep and He became the Way, even for those who think pictures.
I know there is a scripture that talks of what we sow in tears , we will reap with joy.
My pastor's analogy of abundant life looks like a roller coaster, because he says life abundantly is full of ups and downs ! He is right and now I know how that lines up with the Word of God.
In order for there to be more life , there needs to be more dying to self. Just to go through the ups and downs any ol' way your flesh can manage to do it, will not bring death to self that life may abound.
Living a word of testimony will bring forth that life ! As I let that word bring death to my old way of doing , by the power of the Holy Spirit , a new life begins to take root and form all through out me. Suddenly taking note of the scripture that says , "Know ye not you are a temple for the Holy Ghost ," has new meaning. I now have a new word for the enemy when he says, "What is wrong with you ? Why don't you take better care of your temple ?"
It is the temple for the Holy Ghost ! There is a whole lot of living and dying going on in here !
You better believe it !
Saturday, February 7, 2009
You Do All Things Well, Lord
He does all things well, is my word of testimony today. I choose to remember passages of scripture that keep that word in my mind.
I read how He healed the sick (on the sabbath) and encouraged His hungry disciples to eat corn as they went through a field ( on the sabbath ) . His doing "well" was not based on following the rules. His doing "well" was doing the will of His Father.
I want to do "well." So many times I view following the rules as "doing well". Then of course I want others to follow the rules , so they will be considered "doing well". It isn't long before my perfect world , isn't perfect because nobody can follow the rules perfectly all the time.
In Jesus' case it wasn't that He couldn't follow the rules perfectly , He just knew , when He should and when He shouldn't.
I think I must look at what others do , as I would look at what Jesus did . I must believe that if they are about Our Fathers business and they break the rules , they are doing what they believe Our Father wants them to do.
As for myself I have the Cain and Abel story in mind. Also , the time when Jesus told Peter that Satan wanted to sift him like wheat.
It isn't what I "do" that is of such great importance to God . It is "how" I do it.
A right spirit , a broken and a contrite heart , these are offerings He won't despise.
These are offerings I can tell Him that I want to give. These are offerings that I can hope He will give me to give .
These offerings are spiritually given and spiritually received.
I read how He healed the sick (on the sabbath) and encouraged His hungry disciples to eat corn as they went through a field ( on the sabbath ) . His doing "well" was not based on following the rules. His doing "well" was doing the will of His Father.
I want to do "well." So many times I view following the rules as "doing well". Then of course I want others to follow the rules , so they will be considered "doing well". It isn't long before my perfect world , isn't perfect because nobody can follow the rules perfectly all the time.
In Jesus' case it wasn't that He couldn't follow the rules perfectly , He just knew , when He should and when He shouldn't.
I think I must look at what others do , as I would look at what Jesus did . I must believe that if they are about Our Fathers business and they break the rules , they are doing what they believe Our Father wants them to do.
As for myself I have the Cain and Abel story in mind. Also , the time when Jesus told Peter that Satan wanted to sift him like wheat.
It isn't what I "do" that is of such great importance to God . It is "how" I do it.
A right spirit , a broken and a contrite heart , these are offerings He won't despise.
These are offerings I can tell Him that I want to give. These are offerings that I can hope He will give me to give .
These offerings are spiritually given and spiritually received.
Friday, February 6, 2009
Be Found Doing
Matt 24:42 Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.
Here is the purpose for my word of testimony.
Matt 24: 45 Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season?
That I might be found doing.
Matt 24: 46 Blessed [is] that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing.
Here is the purpose for my word of testimony.
Matt 24: 45 Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season?
That I might be found doing.
Matt 24: 46 Blessed [is] that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
What Ought I do About the Ought?
God's Word is a lamp unto my feet. The Holy Spirit is the oil that provides for me a Way to walk.
Mark 11:25
And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.
Matt 5:23-24 Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.
When I put "ought " in the word search in blueletterbible.org I came up with 97 places in the Bible that the word was used. In almost every case the word had about the same meaning as "should."
I take Matt 5:23 to mean if you remember that a brother is thinking you "should " do something , or maybe if he is thinking you "should" have done something.
Sometimes without wanting to say, "You sinner !" our actions shout out "I think you should do this !" or "You should of done that ."
For myself , if that is what I am thinking about someone , I know to forgive.
If someone is thinking this way towards me , I am to help him forgive me.
This is one of those areas that I ask the Holy Spirit "what does that look like ?"
The picture I get is of Jesus washing the disciples feet.
My word of testimony is I will follow the example of Jesus. Even as Jesus was willing to wash the feet of those who would be saying ," You should do this," ( and it was different from what His Heavenly Father had told Him.)
In my mind , Jesus also allowed Himself to have His feet washed , as water baptism I think is a type of foot washing.
My picture of how to walk this out in my own life is kind of dim. As I share this word of testimony I hope the light will become brighter.
If I see this right , it's first forgive the person who has ought against me because he thinks I am doing wrong. I forgive him for having an ought , ( an attitude of you should of done this, or you should be doing that, or you should do this. )
Then , ( see this is the part I want to do backwards ) then go and help this person to see me as one who is righteous , not because of my works , but because of the gift of righteousness given me from Jesus. He may be right, I am sinning ,or did sin , but only Jesus can wash my sins away. Should I be successful and the brother agrees , "Yes, Jesus has washed your sins away, " he too would pick up the bowl and want to wash my feet.
First things , first. As I wash the brother's feet , I am saying ," You are forgiven by me for having an ought against me. "
I know Jesus did this, and He promised that greater things than He did , would we do , in His name. Once again, I go forth to obey and walk by faith.
Miracles do happen.
Mark 11:25
And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.
Matt 5:23-24 Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.
When I put "ought " in the word search in blueletterbible.org I came up with 97 places in the Bible that the word was used. In almost every case the word had about the same meaning as "should."
I take Matt 5:23 to mean if you remember that a brother is thinking you "should " do something , or maybe if he is thinking you "should" have done something.
Sometimes without wanting to say, "You sinner !" our actions shout out "I think you should do this !" or "You should of done that ."
For myself , if that is what I am thinking about someone , I know to forgive.
If someone is thinking this way towards me , I am to help him forgive me.
This is one of those areas that I ask the Holy Spirit "what does that look like ?"
The picture I get is of Jesus washing the disciples feet.
My word of testimony is I will follow the example of Jesus. Even as Jesus was willing to wash the feet of those who would be saying ," You should do this," ( and it was different from what His Heavenly Father had told Him.)
In my mind , Jesus also allowed Himself to have His feet washed , as water baptism I think is a type of foot washing.
My picture of how to walk this out in my own life is kind of dim. As I share this word of testimony I hope the light will become brighter.
If I see this right , it's first forgive the person who has ought against me because he thinks I am doing wrong. I forgive him for having an ought , ( an attitude of you should of done this, or you should be doing that, or you should do this. )
Then , ( see this is the part I want to do backwards ) then go and help this person to see me as one who is righteous , not because of my works , but because of the gift of righteousness given me from Jesus. He may be right, I am sinning ,or did sin , but only Jesus can wash my sins away. Should I be successful and the brother agrees , "Yes, Jesus has washed your sins away, " he too would pick up the bowl and want to wash my feet.
First things , first. As I wash the brother's feet , I am saying ," You are forgiven by me for having an ought against me. "
I know Jesus did this, and He promised that greater things than He did , would we do , in His name. Once again, I go forth to obey and walk by faith.
Miracles do happen.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Open the Eyes of My Heart
Acts 7:51 Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers [did], so [do] ye.
Acts 16:14 And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, which worshipped God, heard [us]: whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul.
My main interest in life has been NOT to do as my parents had done. To my hurt I have pushed my flesh to be different. Any work done by the flesh does not produce divine results. However, with hope I let go of my flesh works and produce a fruit of the spirit instead. My vineyard only looks good to the eye that sees the eternal.
2 Corth. 4:17-18 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding [and] eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen [are] temporal; but the things which are not seen [are] eternal.
Acts 16:14 And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, which worshipped God, heard [us]: whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul.
My main interest in life has been NOT to do as my parents had done. To my hurt I have pushed my flesh to be different. Any work done by the flesh does not produce divine results. However, with hope I let go of my flesh works and produce a fruit of the spirit instead. My vineyard only looks good to the eye that sees the eternal.
2 Corth. 4:17-18 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding [and] eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen [are] temporal; but the things which are not seen [are] eternal.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Only My Thoughts Are Captive
Because I think pictures , I see my thoughts. They run around like goats getting into all kinds of trouble until I step in and start the count. (Short for accountability.)
As I count them I say, "Are you in obedience to Christ ?" Some say , "no , " and run away. Some say, "no , but I want to." Some say, "yes, remember you and I found this thought in the Bible. "
I love allegory but it is not a true word of testimony , so I better get back to my task at hand.
My struggle is with the spirit of control. So maybe lining my thoughts up and bringing them into captivity to the obedience of Christ , appeals to my carnal flesh.
I think it's fun that our Saviour made the way so easy , yet so hard. You can not get in using your flesh , but you must acknowledge the Adamic nature you were born with and somehow , love the part of it that would have been there had Adam not sinned.
Then you have to love it , not so much, that you would put it's life above dying for the Truth.
The enemy does not want this to happen. The battle in my mind is just a reminder that there was a day that I did not know Who Jesus is. Those thoughts that were born from everything that was not from Jesus have to be transformed by the renewing of my mind.
This transformation is a miracle.
The only part I get any credit for is to say, "Yes," to the process. I receive joy from the Holy Spirit for those thoughts renewed. I still wrestle with those other thoughts , but on most days I can look at what the LORD has done , and enter into the joy of the LORD.
As I count them I say, "Are you in obedience to Christ ?" Some say , "no , " and run away. Some say, "no , but I want to." Some say, "yes, remember you and I found this thought in the Bible. "
I love allegory but it is not a true word of testimony , so I better get back to my task at hand.
My struggle is with the spirit of control. So maybe lining my thoughts up and bringing them into captivity to the obedience of Christ , appeals to my carnal flesh.
I think it's fun that our Saviour made the way so easy , yet so hard. You can not get in using your flesh , but you must acknowledge the Adamic nature you were born with and somehow , love the part of it that would have been there had Adam not sinned.
Then you have to love it , not so much, that you would put it's life above dying for the Truth.
The enemy does not want this to happen. The battle in my mind is just a reminder that there was a day that I did not know Who Jesus is. Those thoughts that were born from everything that was not from Jesus have to be transformed by the renewing of my mind.
This transformation is a miracle.
The only part I get any credit for is to say, "Yes," to the process. I receive joy from the Holy Spirit for those thoughts renewed. I still wrestle with those other thoughts , but on most days I can look at what the LORD has done , and enter into the joy of the LORD.
Monday, February 2, 2009
Abiding In the Vine
This day I am abiding in the vine. The Word has come to me and I am abiding in it. I remember what God has given me. A spirit of love , power and a sound mind. The stuff He did not give me I do not have to keep. It is enough to have what He has given me . I do not want or need the spirit of fear.
If I abide in the spirit of love , power and a sound mind , there is no room for fear.
I abide there by believing I have it. I believe I have it , I believe God does not lie. I believe and love truth.
Abiding in the vine gives me the fruit of the spirit.
I will be a branch and let that vine take over me. Soon I will not even remember what I looked like as a branch because the vine will be all I will see.
But today I still remember and I am glad that I do. For all those beginning to abide , let them know there is an ugly branch underneath this vine , Lord.
Let the LORD be given all glory for the fruit that is here.
I choose to abide , He brings forth the fruit.
If I abide in the spirit of love , power and a sound mind , there is no room for fear.
I abide there by believing I have it. I believe I have it , I believe God does not lie. I believe and love truth.
Abiding in the vine gives me the fruit of the spirit.
I will be a branch and let that vine take over me. Soon I will not even remember what I looked like as a branch because the vine will be all I will see.
But today I still remember and I am glad that I do. For all those beginning to abide , let them know there is an ugly branch underneath this vine , Lord.
Let the LORD be given all glory for the fruit that is here.
I choose to abide , He brings forth the fruit.
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Walking In
My word of testimony today is " walking in " Luke 11:2-4 also found in Matt. 6:10-15.
As I mentioned yesterday I am so grateful for the faithful friends that God has sent to accompany me on my journey.
I ask the Holy Spirit to lead me as I pray for them. I know that they above all need help from the most High , and I deem my prayers important to their being able to continue the journey with me.
This is part of what I prayed today.
Help my friend ____________ walk in Thy kingdom , that is coming on earth as it is in heaven.
Help her walk in Your will being done in her life, as it is in heaven.
Give her bread.
Help her follow the leading of the Holy Spirit , and I trust that she will not be lead into temptation.
Deliver her from evil.
For Thine is the kingdom , and the power , and the glory Forever,
In Jesus' name I ask these things,
Amen
Most days I dwell on the give her bread part. To me the voice of truth is most important and can not be ignored . However, that strength that we are given from that word is for a reason. Today I was reminded of what that reason is.
Now , just as I speak about bread and the word of God to be one, perhaps it would also help my readers to know that I consider walking and standing to be one.
The reason being that you can not walk without standing. Standing of course is done first before walking , but just as we eat , to stand , we stand , to walk.
Phil 1:27 Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;
As I mentioned yesterday I am so grateful for the faithful friends that God has sent to accompany me on my journey.
I ask the Holy Spirit to lead me as I pray for them. I know that they above all need help from the most High , and I deem my prayers important to their being able to continue the journey with me.
This is part of what I prayed today.
Help my friend ____________ walk in Thy kingdom , that is coming on earth as it is in heaven.
Help her walk in Your will being done in her life, as it is in heaven.
Give her bread.
Help her follow the leading of the Holy Spirit , and I trust that she will not be lead into temptation.
Deliver her from evil.
For Thine is the kingdom , and the power , and the glory Forever,
In Jesus' name I ask these things,
Amen
Most days I dwell on the give her bread part. To me the voice of truth is most important and can not be ignored . However, that strength that we are given from that word is for a reason. Today I was reminded of what that reason is.
Now , just as I speak about bread and the word of God to be one, perhaps it would also help my readers to know that I consider walking and standing to be one.
The reason being that you can not walk without standing. Standing of course is done first before walking , but just as we eat , to stand , we stand , to walk.
Phil 1:27 Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
