PSALMS or POEMS

A POETIC PROMISE – Which I Chose to Believe

~ kathrynspen ~ Leave a comment

Things can change within a day.. a week.. a year.. or even within an hour!

Things are going to change…

The wall – even  that wall standing in front of you – WILL come down!

Like the Berlin Wall – your wall also will be torn down….. (HOW??)

As believers – we just decree what God has said/shown us!

For there is enough power in any word that God speaks.. to bring it to pass…

Your part and mine – is to decree what God has said..  which means that we speak in line with what He has said… regardless of what we hear or see!

That’s what II Corinthians 4:13 refers to as “the spirit of faith speaking”….

We speak because we believe… and then wait and watch Him do the work!

He will do the thing He promised!

And here’s a “poetic promise” He spoke to me some time ago…

“I will perform it.. and you will see..

I will perform it – that which I promised thee!”

And things will change!  Just dare to believe that I mean what I say…

Things will turn – even from the things of the curse to a blessing!

Indeed – the power of life and death are in the tongue.. (Proverbs 18:21) – and those who love it will “eat the fruit thereof…

Forget it not…and you will see..”life” rise up in place of death… according to all that you will – in Jesus name – believe and decree!

 

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And just to let you know — this “poetic promise” — for me came to pass (big time!).. exactly 4 months to the day..after it was given to me!  I believed it, received it, and decreed it… The result being that it came to pass…It happened because this is a spiritual law that God Himself set in place – and God’s word is always true! 

(Note that there are both longer and shorter times we wait to see our promise come to pass – but you can know that from the moment you set yourself to believe, God goes to work… He works to influence for good.. move things around or out of the way, and otherwise work to bring that promise to pass!)

 

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Worship From the Beloved Place

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I am accepted in the beloved…. God’s holy word tells me so!  (Ephesians 1:6)

My Father who cannot lie – received me – when I received Jesus.  God the Father has loved and accepted me… endued me with His grace.. and I am highly favored in that special place – that place/that state called “accepted in the beloved.”

Father God, thank You… I’ve been born of Your Spirit…(John 3: 1-8).  Indeed, I accepted Jesus, and You accepted me!   You accepted me and translated me into the kingdom of Your dear Son… Who redeemed me… By His blood He bought me out of the hand of the enemy… And now I have a place in Your family, Father – You have accepted me in that beloved place.. Glory be to God! (Colossians 1:12-14 & Psalm 107:2)

 

I thank You Jesus – that in that place Your blood continually cleanses me.. It cleanses me from all sin – and sin’s disgrace!  (I John 1:7-9)  It cleanses me of all unrighteousness and guilt… Hallelujah Jesus – You are wonderful and good!.. I’m so glad to belong to You Heavenly Father… I love, worship and adore You!  You alone are worthy of my worship, of my praise – for You alone are God!  And I thank You for accepting me in the “beloved place.”

 

The Resurrected Life

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Put the past behind you!…..  Turn loose and step into that fresh new day.

No man can stop you.. This is “God ordained!”….

The resurrected life… “fresh”… with no mistakes..

New – walking a different way!

Lay down the pride – this having to answer/explain – thus to “fix” everything.

It doesn’t matter if you’re wrong.. or if you’re right.. Let it all go!  Let it go –  and thus turn loose of living to defend your life… And trust God to be your defense!

“Be still and let Me “be” God in your life” He says…”And you will see that is the way to show (whoever needs to know)… “what is what” and Who I Am”.. “Isn’t that what your life in Me is really all about?”

So lay down the pride – even this pride that will not rest until you get everything just right… And THAT is beyond your power both to see how – and to do!

So, let go!  and enter into that place of rest which I have prepared for you.  It starts when you decide to “seek first the Kingdom of God – setting your focus and your efforts on Him – Who has already “fixed” everything for you!!

Oh the peace that awaits you in that place – the abundance of joy and grace…  Walking in His righteousness… Knowing you have none of your own….

Time to rise up, look ahead, and leave the things of death behind you.. to walk in life anew – even the resurrected life He has called you to…

Understand that the past cannot go with you .. and there is no time and no place in Him to “vindicate self.”  Self must be denied to walk in this resurrected life…

You must lay it all down – this “demand” to be justified… For when God is your defense, there is nothing to prove… Oh, the freedom in that – just to rest in Him… humble yourself under His mighty hand – and thus receive grace to conquer and reign.. over all the inequities of this life!

And because You’re wonderful and good, Lord… I can lay down shame where the enemy has accused me.. And even in the place where I have failed to walk altogether uprightly… when I turn to You, Your righteousness vindicates me!  This is the place where all things become new again – the place of the fresh start – the walk without pride.

The key is to look at Jesus… Keep your eye, your focus on Him/His life – and so walk in the standing with the Father Jesus gave you… Walk with Him – could anything be better?  There you’ll find true vindication – as His glory surrounds you!

The “price” of all of this….?   Set your focus on Him – and don’t look back!   (Why would you want to – when you can be done with what is behind you!) Your walk, your direction – HE is your life… There’s nothing to prove or to clear up – not when you are done with all of that!!  Just step out and walk after Him… His righteousness is your “justification”..great joy and peace the reward

….. of the resurrected life.

 

 

 

 

 

The Lamb of God… Love’s Perfect Sacrifice

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Lamb of God… love’s true story.. brought the Lamb down from glory…

Love divine.. Jesus made it yours and mine

God so loved – His holy Word says…

That He gave His Son to redeem mankind…

He came to redeem us… from the effects.. of the law of sin and death…   (Romans 8:1,2  &  Romans 5:12-21)

Indeed, Jesus came not to condemn..

but to redeem – to buy us back – from sin’s default…

Even the deepest kind of poverty and lack .. manifested in spirit and soul…

Never enough of any good thing and always searching for that missing part.. something that would light up and bring hope and comfort to a man’s heart…

That’s why Jesus came – and even as the scripture says… “the law of the spirit of life in Christ Jesus.. will set you free… It can deliver any man.. from the law of sin & death”! …

And that truly means something .. because there’s nothing on earth you can “buy”.. that will allay the effects of that darkness which doth reside…

In the spirit of the one who has never in some way cried “Lord Jesus forgive my sins…Come in and heal my life…and with me forever reside.”

That’s why Jesus came… the Lamb of God…  love’s perfect sacrifice….

Jesus came and laid down His life..

That you and I might know the love God has for us…

To know Jesus is to know the God kind of love…

And to follow Him  (learning to listen to the direction the Spirit of God gives) is to know the God kind of peace…and the abundant life that only He can give

That’s why Jesus came… to be the Lamb of God… love’s perfect sacrifice.

 

 

Part 2 – Spirit or Soul?…Why You Need to Know the Difference

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“If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature”.. (II Corinthians 5:17)….

We had a new dimension added to our life when we received Jesus – even life in the spirit.  We who were dead in trespasses and sin (Ephesians 2:1-6) have been made alive in our spirit man.. alive from the death that came into man’s spirit in the garden (Genesis 3) when Adam turned from God to serve another master.

But now we’ve been born again – made new in Christ Jesus… It’s a new dimension that we have the capacity and the need.. to learn to walk in…. We have the need to LEARN about the things of the spirit because it is new for us when we receive Jesus… We’re born of the Spirit of God – but we still live in a flesh and blood body that has been ruled by our soul in conjunction with our five physical senses… But now we have the capacity in our born again spirit to get to know God and the things of His Kingdom.  We now have the capacity to learn to “be led by the Spirit of God” (Romans 8:14).  It is a new walk for us .. in the Spirit to spirit relationship which God the Father designed our born again spirit to have with His Spirit/aka the Holy Spirit…We can’t do it without Him! 

Because… I Corinthians 2:14… states unequivocally that “the natural man understandeth not the things of the Spirit of God.. for they are foolishness unto him..neither can he (the natural man) know those things.. because they are spiritually discerned.” (natural = psuchikos – the Greek word for SOUL).

When we try to understand spiritual things and the Kingdom of God with our mind/reason/intellect (all of which belong to the soul of a man) – we will not succeed – for  as Jesus so very clearly explains to us in John 3:3-6.. “Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he can neither see nor enter the Kingdom of God… Because.. that which is born of the flesh IS FLESH!… and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.  You MUST be born again!”

Indeed many of you reading this post have been born again/aka “born of the Spirit”.. But you do not understand what happened to you and you are still trying to figure it all out with your mind and reasoning (which is of the soul).  I understand that because for the first ten years after I received Jesus as my Savior.. I struggled with that as well.  I struggled to understand more about this new relationship and I longed to hear the voice of God to answer my questions and to give me direction when I had an important decision to make.  Once in a while I did hear.. and that made me hungry to hear and to know more….

I knew that something incredible and supernatural had happened to me but I didn’t know what it was .. beyond the fact of knowing that God was truly there and that He is wonderful…. But as long as we are trying to understand spiritual things with mental abilities – (i.e. our mind, intellect and reasoning factors) – we won’t grow in Him as He intended.. For God is a Spirit…(John 4:23, 24) and He seeks a Spirit to spirit relationship with you and me.. Because as Isaiah 55:8 & 9 tells us.. “His thoughts are not our thoughts – and His ways are not our ways – but as the Heavens are higher than the earth .. even so are His ways and thoughts higher than our ways and thoughts”…. But He gave us a way to get to know Him and His ways…

God gave us His Word to tell us about Himself.. and the history of man’s relationship with Him.  God’s Word is not a common book.. nor is it a fairy tale….  I can affirm that BECAUSE I KNOW the interaction that I (and many others) have with Him through His Word and by His Spirit…

But because I also know the struggle a person can have if they do not understand the spiritual rebirth that took place in them when they received Jesus into their life.. I desire deeply to share with anyone who is hungry enough to listen! …  because I’ve come far enough in Him in the last 38 years that I don’t even think twice about what to do when I have a problem or a big decision to make… I RUN TO HIM!!  I ask for His help/His input…. and with joy I can tell you that He never fails me… I KNOW He hears and will answer my prayers – even as He has always purposed to do for anyone who truly turns to Him.

But He leads us and speaks to us by His Spirit…to our spirit…. He gave us a hearing ear in our born again spirit.. and He also gave us a “witness” of the truth (and of error) in our spirit man.  Your spirit man was made to feed on the Word of God (I Peter 2:2)… and to be led by the Spirit of God (aka the Holy Spirit/the Comforter/the Spirit of Truth – John 14 – verses 16,17 & 26)…

You and I were made to be taught and led by His Spirit (Romans 8:14)… and that is the only way we are going to understand the promises of His Word and the provision that He has made for us…. How very much He wants to help us even now….

And that my friends – is the biggest reason I can think of to understand the difference between your soul and your spirit!… Because your spirit (not your soul) “is the candle of the Lord.”

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When you have the time – I urge you to read the first part of this post about the difference in a person’s soul and their spirit… See February 29 post under “Recent Posts” on the right side of my home page.

“Spirit” and “Soul” – Are We Talking About the Same Thing?..

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I used to think that the “spirit and soul” of a person was one and the same… but are they truly the same thing?  I Thessalonians 5:23 informs us that we are “spirit, soul, and body” – three parts to our being…. and in line with that.. we see in Hebrews 4:12 that the soul and the spirit are two different parts of our being – and – can be separated to distinguish between the two…

The spirit and the soul of a man are indeed two separate parts….For the soul of a man is “home to his mind or intellect,  plus his will and his emotions….. The spirit is the part of a person in which the spiritual rebirth takes place when he or she chooses to receive Jesus as their Savior… In John 3:1-8 Jesus attempts to explain being “born again”.. telling us in verses 5 -7 ..that.. “except a man be born of water and the spirit – he or she cannot enter into the Kingdom of God… (Because) “that which is born of the flesh is flesh.. and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit… Therefore I say unto you … you must be born again.”

(This spiritual rebirth is necessary for man to be in right relationship with God again – because when Adam partook of the forbidden tree in the Garden, he did not die physically but spiritually.  You may read in more detail about this in Romans 5:12-21).

My purpose in writing this is not to “split hairs” – but to share what helped me tremendously once I saw and understood..that.. indeed there is a difference between the soul and the spirit… As I mentioned earlier,  I Thessalonians 5:23 informs us that – as an individual – you and I are spirit, soul, and body… That’s three different “parts” to our being… The “body” we can see and comprehend.. But many people wrestle with understanding the difference between the “soul” and the “spirit” of a man….

What IS the difference between the spirit and the soul?….

  • With my body… I contact the natural/physical realm.
  • With my spirit… I contact the spiritual realm….  John 4:24 tells us that “God is a Spirit”… and that “true worshippers will worship Him “in spirit and in truth”… He seeks those to worship Him.. who have been born of the Spirit/aka born again (or “saved” as some prefer to say).. Being Himself.. a Spirit .. God seeks this Spirit to spirit relationship..
  • With my soul… I contact the emotional and intellectual realm – and relate to them in conjunction with my 5 physical senses… i.e. what I see, hear, feel, smell, and can touch.
When we do not understand the difference in our soul and our spirit – we will try to figure God out through our mind/intellect and what we are “feeling”/our emotions…  And thus we have a much more difficult time understanding His Word… and often wonder why we don’t hear Him speaking to us – as John 10 tells us that we will…. “My sheep hear My voice.. and they follow Me because they know My voice”.. verses 3 & 4…. But it is with our spirit (not the soul/mind) that we “hear” His voice…

As Proverbs 20:27 tells us.. “The spirit of man is the candle of the Lord”… and in I Corinthians 2:9-14… we see clearly this Spirit to spirit relationship which God designed to use to reveal things to us by His Spirit…. It is necessary that our spirit first be born again as Jesus said in John 3:1-8 ….  because as verse 14 in I Corinthians 2.. says.. “The natural man  (referring to our mind/soul) – receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God.. for those things are foolishness unto him… neither can he (the natural man) know them because they are SPIRITUALLY DISCERNED”…

Though we “walk in the flesh”… we began our relationship with Him in the spirit (Galatians 3:2,3)… It is a Spirit to spirit relationship… And because God designed it that way.. you and I should not ignore those verses in His word that speak of spiritual things….

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More to come in Part 2 about distinguishing the soul from the spirit of man.

 

 

“COME TO ME”

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In Matthew 11:28-30  Jesus gave a wonderful and deeply heartfelt invitation to those weighed down by any kind of care….. “Come to Me – all of you that labor and are heavy laden.. and I will give you rest”… And from that simple discourse in the word of God the following lines came into my spirit….

 

Come to Me.. Do not be afraid.. I am “with you and for you”.. Do not let fear or discouragement stop you.  I AM your God!…

Come – and worship Me… I will meet you there…

You can be strong to rise up against fear..and the things that “come in the door” that fear opens… For My authority is in you to rise up over those things which the enemy has brought to stop you… Your fight is in the spirit realm – and that is where I operate to affect the natural realm.

So.. come to Me! ……. You will find the strength you need as you worship Me…. I love you!  Do not let people or pain from the past hinder you and rob you from returning to worship Me… I love you.. and I am stronger than any of those things….

Come to Me!   I will meet you – and you will know the peace that touching Me brings.. and the confidence that I have to give you.  There is a refreshing that comes to those who choose to draw aside to spend time with Me… And in My presence – you will find the answer to things that stop you from walking strongly with Me.

COME!… You “chase” other things – CHASE ME!  You’ll find Me waiting to touch you..  So come to Me and know how much I LOVE YOU!

 

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GOD’S CALL TO HIS PEOPLE ….

Come to Me.  Do not be afraid – I am “with you and for you.”  Do  not let fear or discouragement stop you.  I am  your God.

Come – and worship Me.  I will meet you.  You can be strong to rise up against fear – and the things that come in the door that “fear” opens.  My authority is in you to rise up over those things the enemy has planted to stop you.  Your fight is in the spirit realm – and that is where I operate to affect the natural realm…. So, come to Me!  You will find the strength that you need as you worship Me.

I love you!  Do not let people or pain from the past hinder you and rob you from returning to worship Me.  I love you.  I love you – and I am stronger than…

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A New Song For A New Year

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Can you believe that it’s already the middle of February?…. But here we are..

We’ve made the switch from the old year to the new..

But early on into the year 2016 –

God gave me a thought about that.. which I’d like to share with you…

It is..that..sometimes there are some new things we can add to our life..or do

Things that don’t have to be hard to keep – like the resolutions you’ve already “canned” – and left behind you!

It could be as simple a thing as getting some new music – or changing what you routinely watch on TV….

You might try putting a different picture on your wall – one that voices pleasant things and lends to peace – especially if your job and lifestyle is a busy or hectic one…

Those few things are just thoughts that came to me as I write – because the thing that the Lord actually said to me was about getting the new music…

And He even explained “WHY” this can be a good idea for some people…. especially if you know it’s time to move into some new things that God’s already laid out for you…. (We’re talking here about “good things” – not about chucking responsibility!)

In a nutshell.. the reason we may need the new fresh music.. is this… Our “OLD” music has “our emotional ruts” imprinted all over it…. Think about it – the music that we listen to.. deeply affects our emotions.. and we tend to go to the same music time after time.. knowing how it will make us “feel” before we even get there….

And if that is NOT a good thing for you – or – you just need to get “a different mindset” to be a little more ready for some new challenges or mountains to climb…  that He’s adding to move you a little higher…. Then this small change can be very helpful and you’ll love it as well…

And that – in a nutshell – is the reason you might want  to bring in some fresh music which could help redirect your thinking and get you ready for a new thing this year … That’s why God gives some of us a new song for a new year!

 

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And I would like to add this scripture which just came to me – for any Christian who frequently feels down (25-30 years ago – that was “me”..That’s awhile ago, but I can still remember how it feels!) …. So, I want to share this scripture which speaks of the value that a new song can bring to your life and also affect the lives of others…..

Psalm 40:3  “He has put a “new song” in my mouth – even praise unto God... Many shall see and fear.. and trust in the Lord.” (He did this for me – when He brought me out of a “horrible pit” and set my feet upon a Rock – and established my goings.”.. Psalm 40:2)  Glory be to God!  He IS incredible!

 

 

 

Trust Him – And Start Walking

~ kathrynspen ~ 1 Comment

How does one walk out of the past?

You put one foot in front of the other – and start walking….

You may not see how you can do it.. But if you will ASK Jesus “into the picture”- He WILL help you….

He will not only walk with you – but His very presence (whether you always “feel” it or not) – will begin clearing the way ahead of you….

So.. ASK Him! … That’s the first and most important thing you can do.

Then – start walking!..  Put one foot in front of the other and keep walking – according to the last instruction that He gave you…. If you didn’t hear a particular instruction- then it is this….. “Just start walking”….. Because as Proverbs 3:5,6 tell us.. “If you will trust in the Lord with all your heart – and not lean upon your own understanding, but in all your ways acknowledge Him…. HE WILL direct your paths!” … He will show you how to “walk it out.”

And.. like the 10 lepers in Luke 17:12-15 – who received instruction from Jesus to go to “a certain place”… “As they went” (before they even got there!).. they were cleansed and healed!….I cannot tell you if things will turn that quickly for you .. if “your journey” will last 6 months.. or 6 days…But we do have to step out and start the journey….

And I would like to encourage you by sharing this from my life – that one of the biggest hurts of my past was completely (and supernaturally) healed in less than a day – and ended with a glorious finish as He wiped all the hurt away….

AND.. then He “promoted” me…. That came right aftewards – when He asked me if I would start depending more personally on Him than on anyone or anything else … I said “Yes”.. (In the atmosphere I was” tasting”- why would I say anything else ?!!)

That happened in 1998.. and it is one thing in my life which I agreed to – that I have NEVER regretted!.. Glory be to God.. How He loves us!

So trust Him – and START WALKING!

 

 

 

 

 

The Perfume of His Presence II

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We all need personal fellowship, Lord Jesus, with You….

Only that fellowship can make our hope and strength for each day new….

As the freshness of the early morning – before the turning of the hand or mind to do…

Like the one in the old hymn who comes to the garden alone – Lord Jesus, seeking You..

That one comes “while the dew is still on the roses”….

And although those roses have long since faded –

The sweet presence of the Son of God still lingers… waiting for the one who seeks Him..

The perfume from His presence reserved for those who draw aside to such a meeting…..

The very remembrance of which – serves as a confident respite from the hustle and bustle of the world we live in today…..

As we are mindful – of WHO HE IS – and the sweet fellowship and communion we’ve had apart with Him…still there with us… permeating all that we face with His wonderful peace.

This kind of fellowship is to us as Jesus said in Luke 10:41 & 42 of Mary…. “this one has chosen that good part – which shall not be taken away from her.”

For the perfume of His presence can still linger –

And the words that you heard Him say are a gift to take with you…..

As “duty” calls – and you have need to depart from that dear place.

And it is the same for those who choose the stillness of the night….. lighting down from the cares of the day to meet Him ….

The “time” is just a matter of choosing to draw aside into that secret place….. Oh, Jesus.. I’m so ready for this time away – an hour – or even a few quiet moments to visit again with You…

For by His Spirit, God calls… He beckons to each one of His children to lighten down and find rest in Him from all the busyness and cares of the day…

And then refreshed and aware that He made us to live here in this world for a certain span of days – we take leave from that place of sweet respite He gave us here….

It’s not a dream I can assure…. It’s not a “myth or fairy tale”… It IS the one thing I know of that sounds too good to be true – but indeed is REAL…It is “the product” of God’s love for you….

Jesus, You ARE.. all the wonderful fragrance of this life anew…..the gift of God given us to live for and draw aside to….

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

God’s Grace Is Sufficient For You

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Note:  This poem/psalm was given to me – both to instruct and encourage  – as I hope it will do for you.   It was given on my way to work November 11, 2003…. I had a little recorder with me, so that I was able to “capture the words” to pen later…And today, I thought it good to share it with you..

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 My grace is sufficient to bring in your new day…..

And it is ENOUGH – to “open up the way”- for you to walk in that new day!

So.. take hold of My grace….. Rest in and rely upon Me….

Walk out of the past – and KEEP WALKING…..

‘Till you walk out of the things that have stood to block your way!

My grace is sufficient….. It is enough!

And as you keep your focus on Me – I’ll move those things that have entangled you.

So, keep this one thought in all of your days…..

My grace IS SUFFICIENT to move every mountain out of the way!

But keep moving – pressing in – to fellowship with Me…knowing….

I AM (IS) with you….. EVERY DAY…

Daily Bread – What Will You Choose to Pursue?

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The spirit of a born again individual….. is READY, is WILLING, and even “predisposed” to follow after and worship God… That simply means that it is inherent – in the new nature of your born again spirit – to cry out to God….. and to seek to know Him.  God designed it that way…. and He birthed it so in your spirit the moment you received Jesus as your personal Savior… In the time it takes to “blink an eye” you were transferred out of darkness into the Kingdom of God/light when you received Jesus Christ into your life  (Colossians 1:13,14).

You entered into “newness of life”… still flesh and blood – a human being – but you’ve had a “new dimension” added to your life… even life in the spirit….

“If any man be in Christ he is a new creature/creation…. Old things are passed away, behold all things are become new” (II Corinthians 5:17,18) … It is right here at this “starting point” that it is good and very helpful for you to understand that this monumental change took place in your spirit – NOT in your mind or emotions nor in your physical being.. (all three of which the bible refers to as “the flesh”).

If you read John 3:1-8, you will see that there is the natural birth that brings every man into this world…. AND…. there is the “regeneration” (Webster’s defines this as a spiritual rebirth) – which immediately ushers the brand new believer in Christ into the Kingdom of God…. You’ve just been “born again” (the spiritual rebirth into God’s Kingdom)

….But if you expect to immediately see great change in your life – and nothing remaining of your old self/the old man of the flesh – you will likely suffer some bewilderment and disappointment….(Because)… You do have a new life in Christ… but you still have a choice…. the choice to walk after the demands of the old flesh man who is still very much alive …OR… you can choose to follow after the cry of your born again spirit which has the capacity to begin to understand the things of the Kingdom of God – and to follow after Him…. The choice is yours – and mine – to make!  God designed it this way…. because He desires fellowship and kinship with you and me – not robotic relationship!

So…. He gave us the choice – to walk after the old flesh man – or to pursue after the pull in our born again spirit to follow after Him…. and learn of Him, be taught and led by His Spirit.  It is first a choice .. and then a pursuit….

 

 

Daily Bread – Sent to Reconcile Man to God

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He was conceived in the womb of a virgin – who dared to believe God – that it could be done even as He had told her…… “Be it unto me according to Your Word,” she had said……  (Luke 1:38)

So this “Life” was sent from Heaven – God’s person to reveal…He came out of the bosom of the Father (John 1:1-18) – this “outlet” of divine mercy and grace……. sent to reconcile and heal – all the broken places “in man apart from God.”

He came to “seek and to save that which was lost  (Luke 19:10)… And although God the Father gave this gift to man at great personal cost….. He so loved the world that He took upon Himself the loss – of His only begotten Son – that you and I might – through the Spirit – also become one….. even a son of the Living God!

This is truly not so hard to believe – if you really stop to ponder – the miracle of the world itself – how incredible it all is…… With everything all put together to reproduce themselves….. from the fruit trees and herbs to the animals that roam the earth…… And then man himself…. so loved by God that He desires our fellowship… We worship Him because He IS God….. He is God alone – and truly no man (or “accident” of nature?) – could do the things that He does!…..

So we worship You – God the Father and God the Son – our Lord Jesus Christ.  We worship You because – through You and Your life – we’ve been reconciled to God!…

Keeping a Proper Perspective…… As You Press Toward the Mark

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As a growing Christian, we want more of Jesus…. So we press in, and press towards that mark for the high calling of God in our lives…. and then it is like we come to the top of the hill – or mountain – and we see farther then we’ve ever seen before…. and we breathe in fresh new air…. “Oh, this is great!”…..

But life goes on – and if you think Satan (II Peter 5:8 – your adversary the devil) likes you being in a new place, a higher place – think again!…. Because he’s already working on some tactic to get you back down….. And it can get to the point that it is like “I thought I had grown into a new level – but things are not working – not even as good as they were!… And after a couple of weeks or so of this,  we feel “distant” from God….and we begin to”think it strange” (I Peter 4:12) – strange concerning the things happening to us and the place we are at….  (Can you “identify” in some way with that?)

Because I have “been there and done that”- definitely more than once or twice – I thought it good to share the following “Psalm” that God dropped into my spirit many years ago as I was coming out of one of those times.  It was at a time in my life – that I was just beginning to see – that as we pass along the way pressing in to know Jesus better – we will UNDOUBTEDLY  ENCOUNTER  some feelings and things that are strange – and uncomfortable for us….. But what I “saw” at the time He dropped this Psalm into my heart – gave me insight and understanding that I had not had before…. an understanding that helped me keep things in more of a proper perspective every time thereafter that I began to experience a time like that …..So,  I now share it with the hope that it will also give helpful insight to you – as you press in to know Jesus better……

BORNE OUT OF THE FIRE

We desire to go on with God…… But what we do not see is that we are carrying things that cannot go with us – things which would hold us back – from going to the next place of His glory…. But because we do not see all of this in proper perspective… (so much we do not understand!)…. Indeed it does seem as though we “look through a glass darkly”…. And thus we urgently plead, “Lord help me!”

And of course He is always there to lead us…. (He can’t take us unless we ask!) And ask, we do – not knowing or seeing – that between where we are now – and the place we desire to be….. is the FIRE or the RAGING WATERS!  We’ve asked and so ….  He leads us out……. but before long, we begin to think.. “this must surely be a mistake!”…..     I mean – we were wanting to go upward – to “get better!”. ….. But instead – here we are in a frightening place!

Now, water and fire can both destroy and wreak havoc…. But carefully tended and directed – they cleanse and ready the ground for new growth….. So that in the time that follows, out comes a thing for God’s use and our “beauty.”

Then through tears of joy – and with strengthened devotion – we look back – and our understanding is lightened!…. There is no other way – else He would surely bring us…… But should we come another way …. I mean – that He would just “zap”us!….  We’d “be there” alright  – and “there” would be “perfect!”….

But who would He be??… Would we even know Him??….                                               You see, there is so much “distance” between who He is and who we are – a world of difference – that it takes a lifetime just to begin to understand….  And how could we ever – have a proper view of Him – if we had not seen the things that “fill up the way” – between our mortality and Him?….

Sure,  now we see through a glass darkly…. but each new level we press to brings us closer to His light – and we grow in our personal knowledge of Jesus Christ …. Then from this new place of glory….. I see Him more clearly… and do better understand…the futility of the unregenerate man….

Turn Loose of the Past….. And Taste God’s Great Love and Mercy

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It’s about turning loose of the past …. and the hurt…. for that is the thing that imprisons you…… SO.. TURN LOOSE!! ….. and let those things that happened in the past – be “history”- history of the kind that does not bind you….. but rather builds strength – as you learn to lay things down – and leave them behind you!…..

Giving many thanks to God for His love and mercy…… remembering that He is – and has always been – so kind….  And He is no respecter of persons …. for it matters not if you made the mistake or someone else has wronged you – the invitation is the same…..  “Come to Me with your cares and I will help you – I will give you rest.”  I will give you strength  and instruction – to make things right again.….

For hurts and offenses and unforgiveness – make up the three layers of the chains that bind you…..

Those things bind – and hold our heart at a distance – from the blessings of sweet fellowship with Jesus and God the Father …..Such rich blessings that cannot be bought or bartered….. (Check out Psalm 103 ….. and you will see! … You will understand! .. that to live life without these benefits and blessings – would be like living life unchartered – just going wherever the waves and billows take you!)

But God offers too much – both to the offender and the offended – to let life slip by – whilst you and I hold on to hurts and offenses……

SO…. TURN LOOSE….. Let those things go… And let God help you;  let His mercy and grace flow – for those are some of the things He sends to heal you!

My God – how good You are! ….. You have shown me such love and mercy !  I can now lay down all the burdens and pain of these offenses – and let Your love and fellowship be the balm that brings healing …..

And heal it will ….. for anything that man can do to hurt you ……. God can do something better! …. He gives grace  … And He’ll show you  HOW to overcome those things…….while you get to taste His great love and mercy!

 

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That was “just a poem” –  while hurts and offences can grow into  something very serious…… But the reality is that those things are “too expensive” to let them grow unchecked in our lives while God wants to displace them with something greater ……. Because when we focus too much attention on things like hurt and offenses – it tends to swallow up our time and energy (and clear thinking) so that other things – even much more important things – are often pushed into the background…and even forgotten.

I’m writing now as someone who has tasted – at least my share of all these things – and so I tell you –  It really doesn’t matter who was right and who was wrong – these things affect our lives just the same! ….. UNTIL… we decide that the cost and pain – of holding on to them – is robbing us of too many good things ……

And we turn to God… Who is able to do for us exceedingly abundantly more than we can ask or think……. SO,  ASK!…. and taste of His great love and  mercy!

 

 

The Revelation From God…. Against Which the Enemy Cannot Prevail!

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I believe God that it shall be …. even as He has told me….                                               Thus it shall be – according to His Word – just as He has said……  For by the Holy Spirit (aka the Spirit of God) – God quickens His word to me….

And even though at times, things certainly appear to be going a different way..     I’ll not let those things turn my head and my thinking away – from what the Lord did say!….  For I know the word that He quickened to me is full of life and ability… the ability to bring those things to pass which He did say!

Therefore I choose…… I’ll “set my face”- to hold fast to the words that He did say…  I will hold God’s words – over things to the contrary that I might hear or see……    For God – in His sovereignty – did set “this law of life in the spirit” into place……        And that law (of faith) rules above what men – or circumstances – might say!

So as long as I know I heard Him say…. that is the thing that will guide my way! For I know that God “who cannot lie” is watching for His Word to perform it ….. And He performs it – as it is spoken by you or me in faith….

So when you are in a battle where it looks like you can’t possibly win –                 Remember this very important little thing ….. Which is simply this …….           “Don’t doubt in the dark what you heard from God in the light” ……                          But take that into your heart and mind – and put it into your mouth! …..        And let it “Rule” over what you think and say!……

For when God speaks a word to you – or reveals to you His way…..                         That is “THE WORD” you are to stand on when doubts or fears assail…..                   For that is the revelation from God – against which the enemy cannot prevail!

Starting Our Day with Him

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To me, there is nothing “softer” and “sweeter” than the first gentle moments of the morning…… before all systems are “GO” – with thoughts running to and fro  searching for the best way to do this thing or that thing I’m expected to do…….

All of that is well – and for things like that – indeed we are  accountable……         But oftentimes in the quiet stillness of the early morning – before all these things start moving….. When we take the time to draw aside with God, we take those precious moments of our time to look at the eternal –  and as we look,  our thoughts rise to worship and adore Him….. It’s not an “idea” – it’s not a    “let’s pretend this is real” (or what I’ve heard scornfully referred to as  “having a Jesus moment”) – but He is there …and very glad that you came to meet Him this day.

You were made for fellowship with God – and it delights Him that you took the time to be there ….. He knows your time constraints – and as much as you can get still from all the thoughts that would try to push into that space – He will visit you with the things that He knows are most needed this day for you – And oftentimes He’ll bring fresh ideas and answers before this time with Him is through……

I sometimes say  after such times as those – that the Lord is my helper in every good endeavor – and indeed that is true……Of course, He is not my servant – far from that – but for you and me,  He honestly wants to be a close and dear friend.  Still, He is God alone – and supreme over all – the God of all creation….. And if you choose to come  to Him, you will soon understand – that His heart is full of love for you.

God will meet you anytime, any place – that you care to seek His face….. and I am so glad for that.   I am glad that I can come to Him in the middle of a busy day – and He doesn’t chide me if early that morning He waited for me and I failed to be there.   Nevertheless there is nothing quite as sweet as the gentle call of the early morning to start our day in the stillness with Him.

 

Getting to that Place of Rest – a Place Called “Trust”

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There is a place in God – where storms will calm and winds be still …..                    That place is in Jesus ….. It is the place called “Trust”- where we can rest from the problems that assail us.  We are not denying that the “problem(s)” exist – rather we are looking beyond all our reason – looking for His help….. asking for His answers.  I’ve been “there” – any number of times – and it’s quite likely that you who read this have been there too…… So, even though this that I am now writing may be a little “poetic” in wording, I hope to share here with you what I have learned over the years to do.

In everything we see or face we will find our Answer in that place – where storms are calmed and winds are stilled – because that’s where He IS – and we do not want to be found where He is not!….. He is not in strife, in turmoil, in reasonings.  Still,  He is available to us, but He does not walk in those things – they are not a part of who He is – (Recall that He was not in the earthquake, wind, or fire – but His voice was heard…..when Elijah got still!!  –  I Kings 19).

So to walk closely with Him in the midst of our need or the problems that we face – we must learn to “separate” ourselves from the turmoil, the strife, and the unrest that comes with the problem – even though those things may be waging a war in us and all around us….. and find our rest in Him….. For He IS our resting place….

But yet again – the winds (of adversity) and the turmoil, strife and unbelief come  against me, to take me out of that resting place….. Do they succeed?  In all honesty – Yes! – but their success is only temporary – because I see quickly that I do not like that place they take me to!!  So, like Jonah – remember? – I will tell you…..

So like Jonah – he was in the belly of that whale……. a circumstance more desperate and seeming impossible than anything I’ve seen in a long long while (and then some!)   But it says (Jonah 2:5-10 paraphrased)  “when my soul fainted within me, I remembered the Lord….”  and my prayer went up to Him – even with the voice of thanksgiving – (to Him who hears and answers prayers).  Salvation is of the Lord I said…..  And the Lord heard me and spoke to the fish” –  and thus He delivered me – out of the midst of a deep sea and on to the dry land – where I could breathe again – out of the belly of that whale!

It is God’s heart that we remember Him when trouble shows up in some form in our life – even if we had a part in bringing it…… He cares for us -. and wants us to learn to cast our care on Him – and ask/seek  to know His solution.  We can turn to Him in all kinds of trouble….. It’s a choice – our choice – to turn to Him  – best of course to do before we stir up and muddy the waters….. But even so, He can “fix our messes” – but the time can be made a lot shorter – and for us much easier – to ask Him into the situation in the first place.

There is a place of rest in Him – some call it “the secret place”…..  another name could just be “Trust”.….   “trust in the Lord with all your heart – and lean not to your own understanding….. call on Him and He will direct your paths” – (aka He will give you the answers and direction that you need)!

There is a place in God where storms will calm and the winds be still – a place of safety and rest….. That place is in Jesus.   Turn to Him, call on Him – and He will be there – there as your place of safety and rest.

 

The Heavens Declare the Existence and the Glory – of a Mighty God

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As we look up into the heavens – taking in the order and the grandeur of the morning and evening skies – we are given to understand that there is indeed “a mighty God”…… a God big enough to put together all of this that we see above us in the sky….. Indeed He IS talking to us – and making Himself known to all who will observe and truly consider – that the constellations we see in the evening sky –  and the faithful rising of the sun each morning – are far too complex and well ordered –  to be simply the product of a “Big Bang” or some other “cosmic accident.”

And I do not scorn that line of thinking – for it is not a bad thing to seek to find a reason – but apart from understanding that God’s ways and thinking are higher than yours and mine – you and I can never comprehend His power and operations…..Thus He set “a vision” for us to see in the morning and evening sky…

So I watched the sun rise this morning – with the splendor of its warm colors spreading across the sky…… It is glorious to be sure –  the soft fresh colors of the morning – and the darker hues we see in the evening – magnificent colors that melt away as the stars and their constellations begin to fill the night time sky.   What we see is a picture painted by the Great Creator – the grandeur of which  even the best of artists cannot quite capture….

But it is more than just a thing of beauty – because there is also the wonder-        For you can see the majesty and the love of its Creator…….                                 Indeed, He put it together perfectly – the hallmark of a new day and the setting to rest at evening of the same….. Then the multitude of stars – and the moon as they appear – beckoning to us to ponder how anyone could put such a masterpiece of incredible design and purpose there…..

No one could help but worship God and feel His presence –                                     Should they take the time to ponder……                                                                              Indeed – they would begin  to understand His way! …….                                               For the heavens declare the glory of God  –                                                                        There is no speech or language  where their “voice” is not heard!

* “The heavens – where the celestial bodies revolve –                                                          do declare the existence – and the glory of a mighty God!                                       Indeed the sky that is visible to our eyes – day unto day and night unto night –       if one will observe…do show forth His handiwork – even the operations of a mighty God!  There is no speech nor language where their “voice” is not heard…..They make their proclamation  –  that there is  a living God!!                                                  The heavens indeed ….. declare the glory of God.”

* Paraphrase Psalm 19:1-3

Seek to Know the Realities of God’s Kingdom

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Is your life about striving to get the “accolades” that come when one is an “overnight success” …. and the popularity/fame that may come with it…. ?  Those things alone are often fleeting – and empty at the end – as things and people more “relevant” take that place…..

Therefore, why not rather seek to know the realities of God’s Kingdom – which will never end – and each one has a place reserved for them…..And although all these things are hidden to the natural eye of man , yet God’s invitation to receive Jesus – the Door to knowing Him…… to all men, this invitation God does extend….

The invitation accepted….. and the journey begins.  There are challenges, yes – but you can be sure that deep within…                                                                                   you will find much satisfaction, contentment and confidence – when your heart is to do the Lord’s bidding – ie. walk out the plan that He put together especially for you!  Because walking upon that path is the greatest success any person can know or even think to do – for when you choose to walk God’s path, He will walk there with you …… and ever stay close…..

….. as you give Him the praise and worship that He deserves, always looking to Him for the things that you need and what is best to do – learning to keep the eyes of your spirit on the horizon – where He purposes to open up new venues for you!

There’s nothing boring about walking His way you see ….                                              for the spirit of a man can hold more strength, more joy than the flesh ever can. And that is because…..it is by the spirit that you are “connected” to Him      –  when you are born again (John 3:1-8) –  and by way of this Spirit to spirit connection that you then have with Him,  He can impart peace and many other things that you pray for and need.  He can answer your questions – and inform you of His plans. (John 16:12-15)

So stay close to Him and learn to live more aware of this Spirit to spirit relationship you have with Him.  (John 4:22-24). … *spending time in His word, giving thanks and worshiping Him – and finally praying in the spirit – (as well as in words that you understand) …..  For *these things all lend to developing that ear that He gave you to hear – those things that He would say and impart to you……

… . So that at the end of this life, you can depart with peace because you know Him – the Giver of that life that is so much better than the accolades of men.  Glory be to God – my goal then – will be to seek to know and walk with Him!  For as the scripture says ….

“Godliness is profitable unto all things – having promise for the life that now is, and of that which is to come.”  (I Timothy 4:8)   Amen!