Turn to God

The True Meaning of Christmas

~ kathrynspen ~ Leave a comment

In the USA, as well as in some other countries around the world, we have the freedom to celebrate Christmas and other holidays in our homes pretty much as we choose to… But, because I’ve been hearing quite a bit of rhetoric lately about “the real meaning of Christmas”…I thought it good to share both some thoughts – and some facts on that subject…

First of all… In a standard dictionary, “Christmas” is composed of two words – “Christ” and “mas”… “Christ” being defined as “the anointed Messiah”… and “mas” refers to “a specified festival or celebration.”  The two words together – “Christmas”- obviously means “a CELEBRATION of Christ, the anointed Messiah.”… It has meant that since the first time Christmas was celebrated… And it still means that today.

So, why would people who do not even believe the gospel of Jesus Christ enjoy celebrating Christmas?… It’s really not that hard to understand… Most people like to give…because giving feels good!  It is good!  And who among us does not like to be on the receiving end of that giving?… We all do!  Giving is good and receiving is fun!… Maybe that is why in Luke chapter 2, the angelic host proclaimed “Tidings of great joy to all people”.. Peace on earth and good will toward men”- as they announced the birth of the Savior, which is Christ the Lord.”

God gave us this Savior for a reason…. He loved..so He gave.. He gave His only begotten Son – Jesus Christ- to be the “mediator between God and men” (I Timothy 2:5).  God so loved that He made a way for man to be reconciled to right relationship with Him.  God gave this gift of love to all men.. but to those who receive this gift of God – Jesus Christ the Anointed One/Savior/Messiah, there is a very special joy as we celebrate Christmas!  For truly knowing Jesus has never been a disappointment to anyone… He is the ultimate gift – the one that truly “keeps on giving”….

He came to give you a new birth in Him (John 3:1-8) – and life eternal!.. And God made it simple… You look to Jesus and ask for this new life in Him… It is the gift of God to you.”

The “bottom line” is this:  We can all celebrate Christmas the way that we choose to – but,  NOTHING.. can change the true meaning of “Christmas.”

A Confession of the Faithfulness of God

~ kathrynspen ~ Leave a comment

I thank You, Father, that I am never alone…Jesus is always with me.

He will never leave me – and all of my life, He will never forsake me!

He will never forsake me… Because like God’s Word, Jesus is faithful and true…  To the end of all things, He is faithful and true!

Therefore I will not be afraid…

Though a mountain rises before me to stand in the way- I will not be afraid!..

I will not be afraid nor uncertain.. about the outcome of anything I face….

Though a storm may blow long and hard… I thank You Father God.. that You are with me and for me!…  So then, who – or what – can possibly succeed against me?

Even when failure appears eminent… as the enemy’s attacks are relentless….

But as I hold in my heart.. and in my mouth, the very sure Words of God – and with them do oppose every accusation and operation of the devil against me.. I am not uncertain of the outcome of anything which I face…

For God is with me and for me..whom shall I fear or of whom shall I be afraid? As I give thanks to God.. which always causes me to triumph in Christ Jesus!

For it is He who holds my hand.. saying.. “Fear not – for I am with you.. Do not be dismayed or discouraged, for I AM your God.  I will strengthen you – Yes, I WILL help you!  I WILL uphold you with the right hand of My righteousness.!” (Isaiah 41:10)….

SO.. as for me…I WILL praise Him who is the health of my countenance and my God.  I WILL delight myself also in His Word upon which He has caused me to hope….

And in my hope, I shall not be disappointed… For what He has promised, He is able also to perform!   And I am confident that every word He has spoken, He WILL  bring to pass.. as I keep my eyes on Him and His word in my mouth!

And if I stumble and get off track, His right hand will lift me up again…. He will lift me up again and help me get back on track… because He is there when I call… I KNOW He never leaves me…nor will He ever forsake me…  Therefore I WILL call on Him forever.. Jesus the faithful One!

For if God has said I win..then I win..as long as I walk the storms of life out with Him!

And even as Jesus’ victory was – not apparent – to many, on the day they laid Him in the tomb … Even so are many of the victories which we wait for in Him!

For God is faithful.. and many are the blessings of those who trust in.. AND.. wait on Him!

Note:  After I published this post, a friend called me “to make sure I was okay”!  She feared that I was in a real storm that she didn’t know about…  So I decided that it would be good and helpful for me to come back to this post and explain that “Yes, I’ve been through many storms of life, but I know whom I have come to trust and this post is simply something that the Lord put into my spirit – to encourage anyone that is going through some storm in their life – that they can indeed trust Jesus.   He has become so dear to me and truly He is my Help.. and my Counsellor through any time of uncertainty – as He wants to be .. and will be.. to any and all who call upon Him.

 

 

 

 

 

Growing in Christ…In the Time and Place of Transition – Part 2

~ kathrynspen ~ 2 Comments

Early one day in March of this year  – as I was spending some time waiting on the Lord – quietly singing and  worshipping Him – I began to “hear writing”… Then, as I heard the words “large place” and “transition”…I began to write….

“The Lord wants to bring you into a large place.. It’s not about comparing yourself to anyone else. This is about the Spirit of God wanting to bring you into a place of greater freedom and peace…

It is a time of TRANSITION.. and those times can be uncomfortable as we begin to feel “different”- even a little strange – almost like we have lost some of the good things that He has put in us… and I just heard this example: It’s like when a good mechanic is putting something new under the hood.. and some other things are temporarily taken out and lain aside while He gets to the place He needs to get to.. in order to “install” the new part… Which will result in everything running better, smoother, easier to operate.

The enemy of course doesn’t want us to get to that larger/stronger place… So he does his thing to get us off track.. slow the work down .. to stop it if he can. He attempts to plant his thoughts into our thinking.. and to “club” and injure our emotions if he can get to them… For him to do this, we have to “let” him… but he comes so subtly that if we’re really busy with life .. it may knock us for a loop before we recognize that “Hey that’s the enemy trying to mess with my mind and emotions!” I need to stop receiving that!

Once we recognize who’s at work (i.e. “your adversary, the devil” – I Peter 5:8) trying to stop what God wants to do in our lives.. we can make the choice to stop him/resist him… But even if he gets us to the place of feeling so beat up and confused that we are at a loss as to how to get out.. We CAN – by embracing the word of God – set the enemy running and start turning things around.. We’ve all been there!.. all of us who have truly pursued after knowing God and fellowshipping with Him.. and we’ve all needed to learn – and then “choose to use” the authority God has given us…over ALL the operations of our enemy.

TRANSITION.. it’s a time to be quieter – and spend time – in the different ways Jesus gave us to use to set our focus on Him…and incorporate the Word of God into our daily lives.. For the challenges of the times in which we now live.. and the important decisions we all have to make – our time to invest in getting to know and learning to hear God – is indeed a very precious and valuable thing.

Also..in relation to a time of transition….the word “test” was mentioned… It could be “like a test” – in that it enables us to see where we are actually walking…and to note the areas where the enemy occasionally works his way in to steal from us. But that information is for us.. because God is NOT “grading us” to dock us in some way.. but rather, as we see those areas we need to do better in.. we can make up our mind to “do better” – using the tools/weapons God has given us. This is a progressive work taking place in each of us that believe.. You are not competing with anyone.. because God has put things in you that are not exactly like anyone else!

It’s not a time to be fearful of, but a time to “let” your spirit man rise..(with all that God has put in it) and be dominant over your flesh. It’s a time to exercise yourself.. stir yourself up to apply/walk in those things that the Lord has shown you.. and put into your spirit… Your spirit is stronger than your flesh.. And you will see that – every time you CHOOSE to let the things of the spirit be the dominant factor in your life – you are winning a battle!  Hebrews 5:14.. “Strong meat belongs to those, who by reason of use, have exercised their spirit to discern between good and evil.”

God loves us so dearly – that He purposes to help us grow – and move forward…Because God is always about raising up mature sons and daughters.. which brings increase both to our own lives… and to the Kingdom of God…

And for those who are hungry for this….

I just heard Him say to tell you “that many victories await you”… And with that,  He just referenced John 15:16 “You have not chosen Me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you – that you should go and bring forth fruit – and that your fruit should remain.. that whatsoever you shall ask of the Father in My name, He may give it you.”

And growing into that particular place in Christ, is a major reason for trusting and staying quietly close to Him during a time of transition.

 

 

 

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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A Very Present Help in Trouble …. He’s God Right Now!

~ kathrynspen ~ Leave a comment

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble”  (Psalm 46:1)

God IS the Great I Am…. the ever present, eternal, self existing God.

And He’s “God right now! 

He’s not going to be God.. He IS God – right now!!

We often remember the good things He’s done in the past – how He helped us and delivered us in some difficult situation… And indeed, we should remember!… For that’s our experience with Him… And “experience gives HOPE” –  hope for the areas of life where we need His help TODAY!

As believers – when we accepted Jesus as our personal Savior – God accepted us into His Kingdom as members of His family.  So now, more than ever, God IS our refuge and our hope…and He IS a very present help in time of trouble!   (FYI.. “Present” in that verse in the original Hebrew text means:  “to come forth to”.. + “be enough”…. He is there and He IS ENOUGH!! )

God wants us to learn to trust Him.. and out of that trust..to call upon Him for the help we need – for our own life or to secure help for someone else…  We can call on God our Heavenly Father.. with confidence..knowing that He hears and He cares!  And the great thing is that.. He does not wait for you and me to be perfect before He will answer our prayers and our call for help…It’s enough that we recognize our need.. and WANT His help….

And even when the need that’s pressing heavily upon our heart..involves a problem area in our personal life – an area where we need to make a change in our behavior or in a habit pattern.. He is so ready to listen… and forgive… Ready to extend His grace to us to help us start making the adjustments we need to make…

Whatever the problem.. when you and I call on Him in our time of need – be it urgent or otherwise – He WILL come forth to help us!  Our part is to “call on Him” ..ASK!.. Because He’s God right now.. and He wants to be there for you in your time of trouble.

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(How many times have I called on Him for help in some serious situation that comes up – or just to help me turn things around when I’ve done something “dumb”?… how  many times?  More than I would like to admit to you – but how glad I am that I did turn to Him.. Jesus… He is my help, my hope and my God… totally able and reliable.. and for me, completely unforgettable… He’s God right now… and He loves and wants to be there just as much for you.)

 

 

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.

 

 

 

 

 

“COME TO ME”

~ kathrynspen ~ Leave a comment

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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God’s Divine Supply… Exercising Faith to Receive

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When the woman with the issue of blood (Mark 5:24-34) – touched the hem of Jesus’ garment – virtue (miraculous healing power) went out of Him and into her… Jesus had not sought her out to pray for her – neither had she requested that He pray for her…. Rather it happened because she believed (and voiced what she believed)… that if she could only touch His clothes, she would be healed….  And thus it happened that when she touched His clothes – healing virtue went out of Him and healed her.  Her faith “drew out” the healing virtue that was/is resident in Him.  We know this is so because Jesus turned to her and said “Daughter, your faith has made you whole.”….

Even so – your faith and my faith – draws on and receives from God’s divine supply of grace and provision sufficient to fill every need..  The divine supply for all our needs is already there….He made this provision for us because of.. and according to.. what Jesus paid for and did for us in God’s redemption plan for man…. And Hebrews 4:15,16 tells us that He can indeed be touched with the feeling of our infirmities….That means that He WANTS to help us and to supply our needs!

Our part is FAITH…. And as Jesus said to His disciples.. we only need “faith the size of a mustard seed” in order to receive from God.. or to do the things that He asks us to do…  You might ask  “How can I get this little bit of faith that I need to receive from God?” 

Faith is the gift of God to us… It comes as we get to know Him and trust Him – through His Word and taking time aside from other things to spend with Him (as you would with any person that you want to get to know.)   It’s for all those who choose to receive Jesus.. and exercise faith to believe….

The real answer to all of this .. is found in your continued fellowship with God …. For as you get to know Him, the things of His Spirit and of His Kingdom – begin to get into you and affect all that you think and do.  And with each answered prayer, you will find that trusting Him becomes more and more the “natural” thing for you….

God’s divine supply of healing virtue in Jesus – was available for the woman with the issue of blood…. And that same divine supply is there for you… It’s held in trust for all those who choose to receive Him – and exercise faith to believe.

Proclaiming Liberty to the Captives

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God the Father sent Jesus into this world “to proclaim liberty to the captives – the opening of “prison doors” to them that are bound.”  (Luke 4:18)…..

A PROPHETIC WORD of HEALING & RESTORATION FOR GOD’S PEOPLE 

The enemy has told you that “you have been like this since you were a little boy or little girl – and that things can never change for you”…. But the Lord says  that “I am coming with new revelation of My word – and there is a dimension of My power and anointing that is coming with that revelation – to truly set the captives free in these last days….. Because the place that I’ve brought the church to – the church cannot keep going forward – unless those things are broken…. For truly the captives must be set free… and My people walk about in freedom as never before!…

So don’t shrink back and don’t be afraid… Because the Lord says “In this hour healing is coming – and there’s a river that’s now flowing – that is going to bring about healing to the nations….. And My people are going to rise up – not a wounded people, not a people who are sick and crippled and bent over and cannot look up!…. But My people are going to rise up in these last days with healing and with strength and with power – because of the healing and restoration that I am bringing!.. So don’t shrink back, but press in to Me in these last days – and know the healing that I can bring to you, says the Lord God….. Thank You, Jesus!

Very quickly!  Very quickly! …. For others it is going to be a process of things that He is going to show you.  He’s going to bring healing – and it’s going to be a lot like peeling an onion – layer by layer – as  He’s going to show and bring revelation to you of areas that you need to be healed…. But whatever the way – whether it’s quick or whether it’s a process – the Lord says that He’s going to do the work…. He’s going to bring it to pass!  And we are to acknowledge Him!  Thank You, Jesus!

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NOTE:  This prophetic word that I just shared with you was given June 11, 2000 by Pastor Drew Isaacs – who often blesses the church he pastors – with such words that he hears from the Lord as he worships or teaches God’s word.

I was there the day this particular word was given – and I can attest to the fact that I for one, have been a recipient of a lot of this kind of healing and freedom from the Lord over the past 15 years….and have been seeing a lot of it taking place in others in the church as well….. So I would encourage all who read this to do as this prophetic word says – “Don’t shrink back, but press in close to the Lord and let Him do the work…..let Him bring to pass the healing He has for you.” And you too, will surely say “Thank You, Jesus”!

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!…

Daily Bread – Drawing From the Divine Supply

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Let’s consider for a moment the woman with “the issue of blood” in Mark chapter 5:21-34….. if there might be something we can apply to our own life today…

This woman had been sick 12 years…. then she heard of Jesus and all the miracles that happened to people when He was near….. She heard of the healing virtue that flowed out of Him to heal those who touched Him (Matthew 14:35,36) …. So she determined to push through the crowds to draw close to Jesus…..saying within herself “If I may touch just His clothes – I shall be made whole”….

And if you read of this in Mark 5, you know that she was not disappointed…. even as you and I will not be disappointed any time we “touch Jesus”.   For He is healing; He is health… He is “Life” to all who “touch” Him.…. He IS God’s divine supply for you and I. 

And even as He said to that woman, He still says today -to all who choose to draw near to Him to receive – “Son/Daughter, your faith has made you whole… Go in peace and be whole of your infirmity.”

Could it be true – could He heal me or you?…. Would He even want to?….. Hebrews 4:15,16 tells us that He is full of compassion for our needs…. He can indeed “be touched” with the feeling of your infirmity and my infirmity.   It is our faith that touches Him and draws out of Him and into ourselves that divine supply of virtue (miraculous healing power) and grace that is enough for our every need. …

Our part is faith….. And faith is the gift of God to us… It comes as we get to know and trust Him – through His Word and taking time apart with Him…. Thus we can know that He is God – and that He gave Himself so we could touch Him and receive “Life” for our every need.  And we can all learn to draw from that divine supply as we walk close to Him through this life.

Daily Bread…… As Ambassadors for Christ

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Now you and I as believers are ambassadors for Christ (II Corinthians 5:18-20). We are His representatives/His agents – urging all men – to be reconciled to God.

We are ambassadors for Christ – and the things which we have seen and heard of Him – we share with you that you also may have that same fellowship with Him ….. And truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son, Jesus Christ…. which brings great joy to our lives…

As ambassadors, we make known these things to others that their joy also may be full by knowing Jesus Christ and tasting His presence in their lives…… Thus we urge all in Christ’s stead…… Receive Jesus as Savior today – receive Him and thereby be reconciled to God!…….

“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.” (John 3:16)

I’ll finish this little post with the part we seldom quote – the very next verse –“For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.”  (John 3:17)…..  This part is “the rest of the story/good news” – which all of us truly need to hear….. and as ambassadors we certainly should more often share!

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!