Out of the Net: PS 25

"I trust in you;

do not let me be put to shame,

nor let my enemies triumph over me.

No one who hopes in you

will ever be put to shame,

but shame will come on those

who are treacherous without cause."

Psalm 25:2-3

Great is His ways! What comfort can come from those words, a comfort so deep that hope begins to bubble within and renews a strength that creates a path.

Today began with a few inspirations. Out of the Net is a new bible study with Beth Moore. As always, just those words resonated with the longing in me to be free from the snares and "nets" that have me caught in my daily walk. You know those snares, the type that keep your mind occupied with conversations that "could have" or "should have" happened vs. the way things really went down. Snares in which someone or some situation is threatening your every move... taking up way too much energy and/or time. Yep, that's entrapment and I want out!

Then there is the book study, The Longing in Me by Sheila Walsh, that is nourishing my spirit and mind. I'm conversing with our Lord about the many times my words and/or actions have impacted the life of someone else in a not so Christian way. Check out this provoking word:

"Don't be misled...

you cannot mock the justice of God.

You will always harvest what you plant."

Galatians 6:7 

What do I wish my harvest to look like from His Heavenly view? I know, that I know, that He has ministering angels and the Holy Spirit made willing to help see me through to completion. Accepting and allowing them to "weed" my inner most harvest will provide a joyous freedom that will remove every snare, every net, and "squelch" those monotonous conversations.

"Good and upright is the Lord;

therefore he instructs sinners in his ways.

He guides the humble in what is right

and teaches them his way."

Psalm 25:8-9

  

Dear Abba, my Lord and Savior Yeshua, and Holy Spirit the breath of Heaven...

Thank you for seeing me through to completion. Let your words guide me, refresh my mind, restore my spiritual focus, and minister to my needs.

Your name I pray...

Amen, Amen, and Alleluia  

Never empty and alone...

"He restores my soul;
            He guides me in the paths of righteousness
            For His name’s sake."

Psalm 23: 3

Today is the day that our Lord has made. There are numerous moments in each day in which we have the amazing opportunity to see God's hand at work. With the manifestation of the Holy Spirit, we are blessed with the sense of "seeing" and "knowing" the hand of our Lord at work. Oh, how deeply we can sense His work being done within us. His beautifully, gentle, and loving touch. The longing within wants to stay in His presence... and never depart. And yet, life clicks us in and out of His presence like someone surfing channels.

"...when our longing is directed toward God,

we'll never be left empty and alone."

Sheila Walsh

The Longing in Me 

Longing for direction... crying out for His direction... thirsting for His tender touch. Closing my eyes and shutting out the world. Sensing His love as He walks through His flock.  With pure joy you just know His path leads straight to you. As He bends down and extends His hand, His loving voice soothes the longing. Flooding you with love, strength, and delight in Him.

Then you open your eyes... and you ponder... 

Good morning Abba, Good morning Jesus, Good morning Holy Spirit...

Fervent and Consistant

"Then I set my face toward the Lord God

to make request by prayer and supplications."

Daniel 9:3

Communicating with our Lord. No safer place on earth. This season ushers in the desire to be in communication for a transformation within my spirit, heart, and mind. As life gets more contrary to God's word, I tend to get more thirsty. That type of thirst that never is quenched and produces disquiet and a heaviness within my heart.

Daniel prayed fervently, consistently, for the will of God. He came before our Lord seeking communication that would usher in a peace... that would strengthen his resolve... that could refresh and renew his thinking. Yes, oh yes... I seek such freedom. Being His vessel to the point that joy bubbles forth into all aspects of my life. Strengthened to the point that my tongue is controlled by the power of the Holy Spirit. Renewed and refreshed in a way that every day is a-washed with possibilities and balance.

Just for this day...

"When we learn His purposes and make them our prayers,

we are giving Him the opportunity to act."

S.D. Gordon  

Surrendering All

Do not conform to the pattern of this world,

 but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.

 Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--

his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Romans 12:2

When I have been on my knees, praying about an out-of-control situation... Our Lord is merciful and washes us with His peace that surpasses all understanding. Yet, the minute I leave that moment in His presence... something creeps in and my mind replays the scenario that brought me to my knees in the first place. 

When you have prayed and you can't hold onto the peace... You know you just can't be a part of the agony any longer... A radical surrender usually follows! Surrendering all to God means all, even those conversations within your mind. Putting on the armor of the Lord (Ephesians 6:13) leaves me covered while binding and rebuking those thoughts that hinder the gift of His peace.

In Shelia Walsh's book, The Longing In Me, she reminded me that "giving up your attempts at control, letting the person do his or her worst, and seeing what God will do..." is far greater than speaking to others or doing anything on my own. Trusting and letting God do His will in our lives/situations is His role... He is my vindicator!

Keep me from deceitful ways; be gracious to me and teach me your law.

Psalm 119:29 

Remembering "whose" we are... what our standard is... what our calling is... and who is in control, leads us not only into a place of peace but allows us to live freely, in the meantime, while God is at work.

Choose to live freely in His will. Refuse to give into the world and what is deemed tolerant, acceptable, or contrary to God's word. As a Christian be supportive by offering prayer. As a Christian, the words "I'm not comfortable with this conversation," is a complete sentence that should lead the gossip away from shredding another's name.

Dear Abba, Lord Jesus, and Holy Spirit... lead me in ways everlasting! Amen

This is the day: PS 118:24

This is the yom which Hashem hath made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.

Orthodox Jewish Bible (OJB)

Praise the Lord... this is the day our Lord has made. It is the season for my reflections to bring a newness within my soul. As a teacher, summer brings precious moments on my porch, with my family and friends and with His word. It is this season that brings me hope, strength, inspiration, and joy. It nourishes me and brings me out of the fire... renewed... blooming... and refreshed!

Have you watched the movie War Room? One of my summer creations will be designing my prayer closet. Since January, I have been clipping great inspirational quotes, bible text with short stories, and pictorial scripture passages. Colors for the walls in which I will spend time in communication with our Lord.

As this season begins, the longing me has lead me to Sheila Walsh's book.  Speaking life back into my inner most spirit... claiming and accepting healing and all the goodness that He wills for my life.

 For He who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is His name.

Luke 1:49 (New King James Version)

http://warroommovieresources.com/ 

The Reason for my Hope by Billy Graham

Billy Graham

ISBN: 9780529105448

Publisher's Synopsis:

The saving message of the Gospel is the heartbeat of this preacher and evangelist. Millions around the world have heard Billy Graham proclaim this unchanging truth. He has never forgotten the transformation of his own life, when he first said yes to God’s gift of salvation, and he has witnessed multitudes turn their hearts to the God of Hope.

 "Hope is a Gift.

Have you ever taken hold of such a prize that leads you out of uncertainty into profound assurance?

When it arrives, despair departs.

An old Scottish proverb says,

'Were it not for hope, the heart would break.'

What is your heart's condition?"

MrsK's Review:

Did you watch this special? Did you discover a new truth? When the opportunity for me to review the book, well I knew that our Lord was asking me to journey deeper into my relationship with Him.

This man's voice resonates deep within. Just his name brings back all of those moments in front of our television. A gathering "snuggled together" listening to what inspiration might feed us for the next few moments... the next few months... the next season. In the introduction, Billy Graham, reminds us that you can "glimpse the glow of hope" simply by lighting a match and burning a candle:

"You will discover that the whisper of its flame brings life to a room,

making the candle useful.

Is your flame alive and making a difference in the world?"

Have I been "nourishing" my soul enough that a flame burns within? Can others see the "glow of hope" in my actions or with my words? If "Hope pierces the darkness," if  "Hope brings comfort," then what am I showing all of you? 

Rescued for Something: What would your story be? With a series of short testimonies about survival from circumstances, physical defeats, or mental anguish there is a "Hope" that comes from being saved.

"For with the Lord there is mercy,

And with Him is abundant redemption."

Psalm 130:7

The Great Redemption: Have you redeemed your free gift? Redemption involves a giver and a receiver. How often have you turned away from someone offering you a gift? These testimonies "brings into focus" moments in which a "redeemed" life-choice may have included a "price to pay" that wasn't thought through. And if you have been redeemed with another chance, do you tell about it?

 "I will cleanse them from all their iniquity by which they have sinned against me,

and I will pardon all their iniquities."

Jeremiah 33:8

Sin is In: Self-interest lives that keeps us from obeying God and His word. It impacts our thinking, our actions, and our beliefs. When we walk through life unprotected and without God's word we fall short of divine discernment. As early as 1948 and straight into 1967 our culture was reinvented. History was rewritten. What once was a nation raised up on God's commandments, became a nation of self-interested deceptions. There was a time when sin was considered a terror to be shunned, today there exists a deception that excusing ownership of sinfulness leads to a tolerant mindset of acceptance. This chapter is one of the hardest to explore... it will challenge today's myths. It will open the depths of your soul to the truth of God's word. It will lead you beyond your protected surface.

"Good deeds will not bring comfort to the soul

because the bad and hurtful things we do to others

are ultimately done against the One who created our souls.

Your soul belongs to God.

He is the only One who can redeem your soul."

The Price of Victory: "What was the greatest and most costly battle ever to take place? Who was the victor, and what was the reward?" Have you ever rejected the truth of God's word? Have you turned away from the message of the cross? Do you reject that men and women are sinners who need to live with a repentant heart? When Jesus Christ was nailed to the cross, he "triumphed over all the forces of evil and death and Hell..." he gave us mercy, grace, and the eternal promise of forgiveness. Through grace, hope was freely given:

"For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world,

but that the world through Him might be saved."

John 3:17  

Where is Jesus?: How would you respond to this question, "What is the ultimate Victory of the cross?" Every time we write the date, we proclaim the victory of the cross! Ponder what that victory meant from the third day, through out the ages, and into this century. Deception is blinding the message of the cross. 

"In His great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope

through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead...

who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation

that is ready to be revealed."

1 Peter 1:3-5

Defining Christianity in a Designer World: Are you living in a world of your own making? Does your life mirror society's whims and choices? Where is your quest for truth and acceptance leading you? Ultimately, it will be the choices that you have made that will provide a life "tailor-made," is it aligned with God's word or has it become a "relaxed-fitting" life that "fits your needs?"

"The Gospel of Jesus Christ has been watered down to a myth,

causing young and old to doubt the authority of Scripture."

 If the nation is blending a pick-and-choose, gender-resistant society, then what will put on the brakes for its immoral binge? "What we are seeing is human nature expressing itself without God." Without the Holy Spirit's discernment we are blinded by a designer that is seeking to devour. Believing in Jesus Christ, the truth of his birth... death... and resurrection, and placing priority on Him and God's word, we are assured of salvation from our selves:

"Without Me you can do nothing."

John 15:5

"You can continue searching for some religion that fits your particular lifestyle,
 but your search will never come to a satisfying end.
 Or you can commit your life completely to the Lord,
 who brings true and lasting fulfillment to the human soul who sincerely seeks Him in truth."

We are reminded that being Christian isn't about living for yourself. We must turn away from our "old" lives and begin a new way of living. It's all about a change. Listening and seeking obedience to God's will, His word, and the Holy Spirit's prompting. Humbling yourself before the Lord (daily), stopping to praise and give thanksgiving for all of your blessings, striving to "see" His hand at work in your life and the lives of others, and "asking" Him to show you what you can do for Him.

"He is not going to come in and ignore the chains that bind you to sin.

He is not going to come in and close His eyes to the immorality that governs your relationships.

He is not going to come in and overlook your indifference to His commands.

He is going... to come in...

and overlook your indifference to His commands.

He is... going to mold you and make you new

by changing your very nature."

 With each day we begin are given a new beginning. We can trust that He is with us in every moment. We have been given His blessed assurance that He will provide our needs... and more. Being willing to be "redesigned" is freedom. We no longer have to be the one in control, always planning and dealing with frustrations. Is Christ within you? If so, then are you seeking His will in every decision, every purchase, every conversation, or every thought? Freedom is granted as we begin "just being" His. There is nothing we can do to earn or loose His love. He is love. At the cross our Lord Jesus completed our destination.

"Those who belong to Christ Jesus

have crucified the flesh

with its passions and desires."

Galatians 5:24

No Hope of Happy Hour in Hell: "What do you think about Hell?" Do you believe that all sin is offensive in the eyes of God? Do you believe that God is Holy? Do you believe that during His crucifixion, Jesus cried out to Abba because He had taken on our sin and was separated from Abba:

About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice,

 "Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?"

 (which means "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?").

Matthew 27:46

He Is Coming Back: Is hope rare? What would you want changed? "Still people clamor for hope and change, blinded to evil disguised as good."  If we are looking for Jesus' return, we know that there is hope. The word of God promises that He will return in great glory. All we need to do is stand. Feed on His word daily. Put on the armor of God, and trust that He is returning.

Living Life with Hope: Are you convinced that you truly need Jesus in your life? That you are willing to give up your self-sufficiency and trust in His will for your life? Do you believe in the message of the cross? Are you openly following Jesus? Is God's word your daily nourishment? Is the Holy Trinity your strength? Ask Jesus... He will see you through to completion! 

 "His compassions fail not.

They are new every morning;

great is His faithfulness."

Lamentations 3:22-23

Beautifully written, this book will help your spirit soar, 
MrsK 

"The message of this book is my hope for you.
And my prayer is that you will be filled with the dividends of joy and peace
in believing that you can be rescued from all that hinders,
bringing you into a 'Living Hope of Salvation."
Billy Graham
May 2013 

 Meet the Author:

  Billy Graham

“My one purpose in life is to help people find a personal relationship with God, which, I believe, comes through knowing Christ." 

Billy Graham, world-renowned author, preacher, and evangelist, has delivered the Gospel message to more people face-to-face than anyone in history and has ministered on every continent of the world in more than 185 countries. Millions have read his inspirational classics, including Angels, Peace with God, The Holy Spirit, Hope for the Troubled Heart, How to Be Born Again, The Journey, Nearing Home, and The Reason For My Hope.

 My Hope Videos

 

 

Ephesians 6:12 We are not alone...

Good morning Abba, Good morning Jesus, Good morning Holy Spirit,

"For we wrestle not against flesh and blood,

but against principalities,

against powers,

against the rulers of the darkness of this world,

against wickedness in high places.

Ephesians 6:12

Do you recognize where the enemy's attacks are coming from? Do you blame circumstances and people? Or are you learning that the enemy lies in wait for the opportunity to separate us from the promises and strength of God's word? There is a difference in our energy level when we are fighting spiritual warfare. Our energy and hope is replaced with fear, anger, rage, confusion, and exhaustion. 

" My brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.

 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil."

Ephesians 6:10

  

When we are walking by faith, we are proclaiming the power of God. We are taking our stand and choosing not to let any aspect of the attack steal our peace. We serve a God, El Shaddai our creator who is sufficient for all of our needs. Jehovah-Nissi the one who goes before us to clear our paths or right our ship in the storms. Jehovah-Jireh our provider are strength. When we are in God's word and reading it aloud, we are declaring His power in our reality, circumstances, and over all of our love ones... it's our covenant with our Creator and Father (ABBA). When we move out of the grey zone and we choose to draw a line against principalities, we are entering the prayer room of faith for divine intercession. Jehovah-Shalom will immediately pour forth His anointing oil upon us, His strength, His hope, His grace, His mercy, and His peace that surpasses all understanding. Our Lord Jesus goes into action...

Psalm 91

Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High

will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress,

my God, in whom I trust.”

Surely he will save you

from the fowler’s snare

and from the deadly pestilence.

He will cover you with his feathers,

and under his wings you will find refuge;

his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.

You will not fear the terror of night,

nor the arrow that flies by day,

nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness,

nor the plague that destroys at midday.

A thousand may fall at your side,

ten thousand at your right hand,

but it will not come near you.

You will only observe with your eyes

and see the punishment of the wicked.

If you say, “The Lord is my refuge,”

and you make the Most High your dwelling,

no harm will overtake you,

no disaster will come near your tent.

For he will command his angels concerning you

to guard you in all your ways;

they will lift you up in their hands,

so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.

You will tread on the lion and the cobra;

you will trample the great lion and the serpent.

“Because he loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him;

I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.

He will call on me, and I will answer him;

I will be with him in trouble,

I will deliver him and honor him.

With long life I will satisfy him

and show him my salvation.”

Once we are strengthened... then we must boldly declare our promised victory by suiting up with the armor of our Lord. Every morning speak your protection over yourself, your family, your finances, your home, and the works of your hands:

Dear Lord Jesus, it is written in Psalm 91 that me and mine are protected under the shelter of your wings.

I stand your promise in Isaiah 54:17, that no weapon formed against will prosper in any facet of our lives.

I put on the armor of the Lord as you directed in Ephesians 6:10:

I  gird my loins with your truth protecting my soul,

I put on the breastplate of righteousness protecting my heart and spirit,

I shod my feet with the preparation of peace so as not to stumble,

I pick up the shield of faith in which no weapon formed against me and mine will prosper,

I put on the helmet of salvation protecting my mind, my eyes, and my ears,

I pick up the sword of the Holy Spirit... guarding my tongue and proclaiming God's word and victory!

And I stand...

On watch...

For your hand at work in my life... through me... with me... and in me!

In your name Lord Jesus, I sing... Amen, Amen, and Hallejulah!  

For this reason... Colossians 1:9

Good morning Abba, Good morning Jesus, Good morning Holy Spirit,

For this reason,

 since the day we heard about you,

 we have not stopped praying for you.

 We continually ask God to fill you

 with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives.

Colossians 1:9

Today I have been reminded that there have been many whom walked before me that were faithful prayer warriors. They chose to pray for me and mine for all of eternity. They knew the truth of God's words. They experienced the forgiveness of our Lord. They chose to  walk by faith and not by sight. They honored our Lord's passion, mercy, and grace by giving their life and will unto Jesus. And then... they became a prayer warrior for all of us... for all of eternity! 

"...because they cried out to him during the battle. He answered their prayers, because they trusted in him."

1 Chronicles 5:20

  

 

"As you help us by your prayers. 

Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many."

2 Corinthians 1:11

With a heart overflowing with love, I can proclaim the goodness of our Lord. Sometimes life presents opportunities in which we can choose to "cling" to the promises found within scripture. Sometimes the unexpected can cause us to feel faint. Sometimes we are confronted with news that pushes us to our knees. In all circumstances we can choose to bring it before our Lord. We can reach out and ask for prayer so that we are not standing alone in the battles that we face.

As is always His way, a gentle touch from our Lord can give us peace during the storm. His assurances are real. His strength can carry us through every obstacle and attack. He is so diligent in His watch over us... and yet we must be the ones to "cry" out for his helping hand and power.

As we walked down the corridor to the hospital, I was watching my feet and praying. I was aware of the path that Jesus walked for us on the Via Dolorosa  and was pondering His faith as He was taking each step to the cross. I was encouraged in His promise that He freely chose to walk that path for me... for mine... and for us. I pondered the precious gift of His blood. I grappled with the horror of what man's denial and abuse cost Him for our souls. I was reminded of the mockery from those who chose to be His tormentors. I could see the crown of thorns piercing not just his head but His heart. And through it all... I could hear His eternal promise...

 "But those who trust in the LORD will renew their strength;

 they will soar on wings like eagles;

 they will run and not grow weary;

 they will walk and not faint."

Isaiah 40:31

Today has been a day of thanksgiving. A day in which blessings have covered my family. Today is the day of new beginnings. The old has been made new. The past is forgiven. And by His grace, through His mercy, and with the fullness of His blood... we are given this day to rejoice and be glad...

Thank you for your prayers of intercession...  As for me and my house we will praise our Lord Jesus Christ... now and forever!

 "Yeshua said,

 “Behold, it is finished.”

 And he bowed his head and gave up his Spirit."

John 19:30

Psalm 19 True and Purified Freedom

Good morning Abba, Good morning Jesus, Good morning Holy Spirit,

The law of the Lord is perfect,

refreshing the soul.

The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy,

making wise the simple.

The precepts of the Lord are right,

giving joy to the heart.

The commands of the Lord are radiant,

giving light to the eyes.

The fear of the Lord is pure,

enduring forever.

The decrees of the Lord are firm,

and all of them are righteous.

Psalm 19:7-9

With joyous wonder, I have embarked on a journey within my soul. Through my daily devotional time, I was prompted by the Holy Spirit to draw nearer to our Lord. That, oh so gentle, nudging that receives confirmations in what you are reading... what others might say... what you hear from your church. Have you ever considered what true and purified freedom feels like? Has your heart ever been touched so profoundly that you feel as if it will break? What about those times when you sit quietly and you just are... no thoughts of anything in particular... just quietly sitting and listening to the sounds of life?

When I hunger for those moments of deep, satisfying, peace and joy... I find myself experiencing a heaviness that brings forth shadows from the past. Oh, it could be just a whispering or it might crush my chest with a type of heavy sorrow. Our soul is separate from our spirit. God's word promises that once we ask Jesus to save us, His eternal mercy and grace seals our spirit unto Him. Yet our soul can keep deep secrets hidden even from us. Within our souls toxic thoughts, weaknesses of doubt, hurts, faults, and choices linger. I once read that your soul harbors resentments and when you come before our Lord with a repentant heart, asking Him to cleanse and free you from your thoughts, actions, and choices... you can feel the difference by placing your hands upon your stomach as you are in prayer (you can!). 

  But who can discern their own errors?

Forgive my hidden faults.

Keep your servant also from willful sins;

may they not rule over me.

Psalm 19:12-13

My journey is about asking our Lord to "repair" my soul, my heart, my mind, and my will. Cleansing, renewing, refreshing, and setting me free to live within His will... joyous of His diligent watch... blessed by His tender pruning... and filled to overflowing with His life-giving waters.

Thank you for walking with me, 

May we continue our walk together,

Blessings as we journey on...

His words will provide my sustenance as I ponder His goodness in cleansing me:

John 4:10

John 4:14

John 5:30

Matthew 11:25-30

2 Timothy 2:20-23

John 7:37-39

John 8:36

Matthew 5:6-9

John 15: 1-17

1 Peter 5:6

 

From Kellie Copeland Swisher and Gloria Copeland (August 10-21), I received a beautiful prayer:

"Jesus, I ask you for living water and I believe in your gift for me. 

I believe that I receive your love and grace.

Lord fill me with living water from you.

Make me a well for others to drink from your goodness,

your presence,

your grace and love."

From my Sunday missal:

"Dear Jesus, I love you with my whole heart,

my whole soul, and with all my strength.

May the love of your own Sacred Heart fill my soul and purify it

so that I may die to the world for love of you,

as you died on the Cross for love of me.

My God, you are all mine;

grant that I may be all yours in time and in eternity."  

One of my favorite songs to ponder is "In The Garden" by C. Austin Miles:

I come to the garden alone,
While the dew is still on the roses,
And the voice I hear falling on my ear,
The Son of God discloses . . .

And He walks with me, and He talks with me,
And He tells me I am His own,
And the joy we share as we tarry there,
None other, has ever, known!

He speaks and the sound of His voice,
Is so sweet the birds hush their singing,
And the melody that he gave to me,
Within my heart is ringing . . .

And He walks with me, and He talks with me,
And He tells me I am His own,
And the joy we share as we tarry there,
None other, has ever, known!

And the joy we share as we tarry there,
None other, has ever, known! 

Psalm 119:47 Inward Joy

Good morning Abba, Good morning Jesus, Good morning Holy Spirit,

"I will delight myself in thy commandments which I have loved."

Psalm 119:47

For the last few weeks, whether I was on our patio... watering our plants... putting together a puzzle... or cutting up old "cherished" dresses for quilting... I found myself in an unusual frame of mind. There were many moments in which my soul seemed so burdened, actually heavy with grief. There were moments when I was "talking" to our Lord that I felt an inner peace, yet my mind was troubled. Then there were times when I was so "tired," I felt as if my strength had just been syphoned out of my body and I would crumble to the ground.

"Then shall my heart have inward joy,

And keep my face from shame,

When all thy statutes I obey,

And honour all thy name."

Abraham Lincoln's Daily Devotional

What was my spirit trying to awaken in me? Oh what, my Lord, had grieved my soul and the Holy Spirit? Lord show me what I must do? As the weeks passed, I had opportunities to speak with many who are hurting for various reasons. Our nation has made grievous decisions for all Americans. They choose to believe it is progressive thinking. They speak of hate crimes... yet, these rulings are in a "false-relationship" with a deceiving "hateful" spirit. Lines are being drawn, voices are raised in judgements, an human spirits are either being broken... entrapped... held hostage... or disintegrating.

    

"Therefore judge nothing before the time,

until the Lord comes,

who will both bring to light the hidden things of darkness

and reveal the counsels of the hearts."

1 Corinthians 4:5

    What do we know about each other? What are our individual "secret" sinfulness? Do we know anyone's battle against sin? Do we know the strength of the evil that has caused a loss of hope and opened the door to the sinful nature our world appears to have accepted?  Is God your creator (El Shadi)... your father (ABBA) in Heaven... or is He a god of your understanding (willingly choosing to pick and choose what parts of the Bible you want or don't want to live by? Jesus Christ did not come to change the "old testament"... He came to add His blood atonement for our sinful self-serving choices, decisions, actions, and speech.

If we are Christian... we know that Jesus Christ is our Lord and Savior. We believe in the Word of God. We have freely chosen a freedom like nothing this world could offer. We also have chosen the truth about our "sinful nature." Therefore we accept His commandments as our spiritual "thermometer."  Our Lord, and He alone, will be our eternal judge. We are to keep watch. We are to have a repentant heart, and as we are blessed with His merciful forgiveness... we are to be forgiving. Nothing we say or do is directly of our own intellect... we are designed by El Shadi our creator... we are led by the Holy Spirit... we are saved by His Grace!

"If you judge people, you have no time to love them."

Mother Teresa