"To be grateful is to recognize the Love of God in everything He has given us -- and He has given us everything." (Thomas Merton)
I have noticed that those who are not grateful soon become complainers and critical of everyone and everything. True gratitude and hypocrisy cannot exist together. They are totally incompatible. Gratitude of itself makes us sincere -- or if it does not, then it is not true gratitude. Gratitude is more than a mental exercise, or a formula. We cannot merely make mental notes of things which God has done for us and then perfunctorily thank Him for favors received.
Every breath we draw is a gift of His Love, every moment of existence is a grace. Gratitude takes nothing for granted, it is never unresponsive, is constantly awakening to a new wonder and to praise the goodness of God. A grateful man knows that God is good, not by hearsay but by experience. And that makes all the difference in living.
Gratitude is the basis of all "celebration." And ungratefulness is the basis of all "criticism." What we are thankful for we will celebrate, thus the center of all Christian worship is the "Great Thanksgiving" -- the "Lord's Supper" -- "The Eucharist!"
As we gather at the "table of the Lord" we are grateful for the very provision of life that God has provided and continues to give us every moment of every day and night. Gratitude becomes our doorway into the very Life of God.
More latter......
Friday, August 27, 2010
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Decide and Declare....
We all handle hundreds of decisions every day -- dress or pants, ceral or pancakes, coffee or tea, this project or that, shopping or banking, park here or there, and so on. If we really knew how many decisions and details we attend to each day, we'd be overwhelmed. Sometimes we're overwhelmed even without knowing the exact number! But few decisions are more important than this one: what words we use with those around us. Even on our busiest day, we can find time to say, "Great jobb!" , "What a lovely dress", "Thank you!" , and most important of all "I love you!" Remember to keep live and love at the top of the list of decisions you have to make each day. You'll be happier, and others will too.
Job 22:28 You shall also decide and decree a thing, and it shall be established for you; and the light [of God’s favor] shall shine upon your ways.
We forget all to easily that our words are the very vehicle of life, death, power, etc.... The Creator created with words, heals with words, He Himself is "the Word." Once we decide to follow the "Word" and to "decree or speak" the Word our lives will be established and favor shall shine.... Most of our lives are spent vacillating between our decision of His Word or another.
We are surrounded by a culture who has the idea that everyone has the rights to "interpret" or "think" on their own .... perhaps we should merely "follow" the Word! Even Jesus submitted to what He "heard and saw the Father doing." You might be wondering yeah but how do I "hear and see" or "who do I watch and listen."
Well for me "God is Love".... Love always recognizable.... Let us Follow the Words of Love!!!! Lets declare the words of love.
Job 22:28 You shall also decide and decree a thing, and it shall be established for you; and the light [of God’s favor] shall shine upon your ways.
We forget all to easily that our words are the very vehicle of life, death, power, etc.... The Creator created with words, heals with words, He Himself is "the Word." Once we decide to follow the "Word" and to "decree or speak" the Word our lives will be established and favor shall shine.... Most of our lives are spent vacillating between our decision of His Word or another.
We are surrounded by a culture who has the idea that everyone has the rights to "interpret" or "think" on their own .... perhaps we should merely "follow" the Word! Even Jesus submitted to what He "heard and saw the Father doing." You might be wondering yeah but how do I "hear and see" or "who do I watch and listen."
Well for me "God is Love".... Love always recognizable.... Let us Follow the Words of Love!!!! Lets declare the words of love.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Living or Dancing in the Rain!
Last night the rain came. It probably wasn't as much as we needed, but it was much appreciated. The flowers will bloom and stand tall -- showing their gratitude for the much needed moisture. That was a gift. Another gift came when I watched this young doe walk out of the woods and across the yard; investigating the change in temperature. We have seen many deer, but this one ventured very close to the house and stood and watched us as we her, together we enjoyed the rain.
Sometimes when we don't get what we things we think need (like our thinking we needed a lot of rain), we receive gifts we don't expect; the grace of a little rain, a reprieve from the heat, the beauty of a blooming flower, and the visit of a lovely deer. Perhaps those were the gifts we really needed and the Holy Spirit, who is much wiser than we, generously gave them to us. May we have the wisdom to receive those unexpected gifts with thanks and deep appreciation.
Rain has always been a sign of God's refreshing Presence! Nature reveals so much to us about the Creator. And yet it is so difficult for us to "slow down" and to see what He may be giving us in every moment of our lives.
Rom. 1:20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:
To "wake up" every morning in a world created by God for us. To stop momentarily and see what it is that He is showing us, perhaps that is worship on some level ... it is a least gratitude. And one thing I am growing in my own journey is that if I am grateful and celebrating what He has provided for me --- I am not as tempted to judge or criticize others.
I desire to celebrate and not criticize... may God reveal to you all that is worthing of celebrating in every creature ....!!!!
Remember: You are one in whom Christ lives and you live in the strong, unshakable Kingdom of God .... NOW!
I think I'll go out and dance in the rain.....
Sometimes when we don't get what we things we think need (like our thinking we needed a lot of rain), we receive gifts we don't expect; the grace of a little rain, a reprieve from the heat, the beauty of a blooming flower, and the visit of a lovely deer. Perhaps those were the gifts we really needed and the Holy Spirit, who is much wiser than we, generously gave them to us. May we have the wisdom to receive those unexpected gifts with thanks and deep appreciation.
Rain has always been a sign of God's refreshing Presence! Nature reveals so much to us about the Creator. And yet it is so difficult for us to "slow down" and to see what He may be giving us in every moment of our lives.
Rom. 1:20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:
To "wake up" every morning in a world created by God for us. To stop momentarily and see what it is that He is showing us, perhaps that is worship on some level ... it is a least gratitude. And one thing I am growing in my own journey is that if I am grateful and celebrating what He has provided for me --- I am not as tempted to judge or criticize others.
I desire to celebrate and not criticize... may God reveal to you all that is worthing of celebrating in every creature ....!!!!
Remember: You are one in whom Christ lives and you live in the strong, unshakable Kingdom of God .... NOW!
I think I'll go out and dance in the rain.....
Monday, August 23, 2010
Ordinary is OK!
Most of us fear that someone will challenge our right to be a certain way, to be able to do a certain thing. What will people think if they find out we are "ordinary" human beings? What others think does not count for much. It is what we think about ourselves and God; and what we tell ourselves that make all the difference.
Of course we are ordinary--why shouldn't we be? What is wrong with being just an ordinarily good person? Who can dare suggest there is something wrong with having respect for ourselves? So, think well of yourself, live your life well -- and let others think what they want!
Of course we are ordinary--why shouldn't we be? What is wrong with being just an ordinarily good person? Who can dare suggest there is something wrong with having respect for ourselves? So, think well of yourself, live your life well -- and let others think what they want!
Sunday, August 22, 2010
COURAGE
We have to believe that it is possible to have the courage needed to do the impossible. It is easy to be overwhelmed by all there is to do in our lives--and even more overwhelmed by what needs to be done in the world. Courage will help us do what the Holy Spirit calls us to do.
Courage doesn't mean not to have fear or not to feel overwhelmed; courage means to act from the heart. If the Holy Spirit lives in our heart, we can move ahead with confidence. There may be no signs that promise better times, but remember they are possible. Depend on that glimmer of inner light and know that those who do the impossible are those who kept going when everyone said it couldn't be done.
Courage doesn't mean not to have fear or not to feel overwhelmed; courage means to act from the heart. If the Holy Spirit lives in our heart, we can move ahead with confidence. There may be no signs that promise better times, but remember they are possible. Depend on that glimmer of inner light and know that those who do the impossible are those who kept going when everyone said it couldn't be done.
Broken or Refined?
All our experiences refine us -- and sometimes they try us to the bone. But when we've made it through a trying experience, we know that the next time we face this thing we will know what to do.
The old way of breaking and training a horse was to get on it and ride until it quit trying to throw the rider. Thank goodness, there are new ways no to gentle a horse, but many of us act like a horse being broken the old way. We buck and snort until we throw the rider, and even then we're still wild and poorly adjusted. Most of us don't like being refined. We want to do it our way -- and we pay the consequences for that. It's important, though, to remember how strong we are when we learn -- and how weak when we react. Our challenge is to be open to learning throughout our lives, knowing that what we learn will help us with whatever we encounter in the future.
The old way of breaking and training a horse was to get on it and ride until it quit trying to throw the rider. Thank goodness, there are new ways no to gentle a horse, but many of us act like a horse being broken the old way. We buck and snort until we throw the rider, and even then we're still wild and poorly adjusted. Most of us don't like being refined. We want to do it our way -- and we pay the consequences for that. It's important, though, to remember how strong we are when we learn -- and how weak when we react. Our challenge is to be open to learning throughout our lives, knowing that what we learn will help us with whatever we encounter in the future.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Looking over the Edge!!!
We can stand where we are or stand on tip-toe and look over the edge. What is the edge? It is that place where fear lurks and no one dares to get to close. Many dreams have taken us up to the edge. With quaking knees, we have looked over the immense distance between what is and what could be. Most people turn away from the edge -- it's just to scary. But we don't have to turn away. We can go to the edge and leap, if we can believe in something greater than what can be explained. The most important thing is to let go of the fear and take hold of life whose Light never goes out.
When we seek the Prophetic Presence of God we seem to always be standing on the edge. Like Eagles who leap off the ledge we are called to live facing the storm, the rush of the mighty wind of the Holy Spirit who will empower us to soar to heights of which we have never dreamed.
In stead of leaping off the edge to fall, we leap off the edge to soar. The Spirit of God empowers us to break the forces of gravity and lifts us upward into the realms of His Presence. It is our eyes that trick us and hold us to the ledge. Why? Because I find myself looking over the edge rather than looking above the ledge. It is who is "over" not what is "beneath" that we should be focused on. Today we must look up... Up to He who has calling us to the edge, to soar, to discover that within our design is the capacity to be with the One who is Higher!
So stop looking over up above the edge..... Leap ... Go ahead !!!! Fly!
When we seek the Prophetic Presence of God we seem to always be standing on the edge. Like Eagles who leap off the ledge we are called to live facing the storm, the rush of the mighty wind of the Holy Spirit who will empower us to soar to heights of which we have never dreamed.
In stead of leaping off the edge to fall, we leap off the edge to soar. The Spirit of God empowers us to break the forces of gravity and lifts us upward into the realms of His Presence. It is our eyes that trick us and hold us to the ledge. Why? Because I find myself looking over the edge rather than looking above the ledge. It is who is "over" not what is "beneath" that we should be focused on. Today we must look up... Up to He who has calling us to the edge, to soar, to discover that within our design is the capacity to be with the One who is Higher!
So stop looking over up above the edge..... Leap ... Go ahead !!!! Fly!
Friday, August 13, 2010
DON'T LOOK BACK!!!
Time and time again we feel the harshness of failing---even, or especially, when we bravely make another attempt to do something.
Most of the time we don't think about failure as an enemy, but it is. We simply have to plan a strategy that will carry us past that place where we once failed and help us to overcome all the things that dog our tracks--even ourselves. There are two necessary parts to this new strategy: first, strive to do better every day; and second, don't look back.
"I’m off and running, and I’m not turning back. So let’s keep focused on that goal, those of us who want everything God has for us. If any of you have something else in mind, something less than total commitment, God will clear your blurred vision—you’ll see it yet!" (Phil 3:14-15 MSG)
Most of the time we don't think about failure as an enemy, but it is. We simply have to plan a strategy that will carry us past that place where we once failed and help us to overcome all the things that dog our tracks--even ourselves. There are two necessary parts to this new strategy: first, strive to do better every day; and second, don't look back.
"I’m off and running, and I’m not turning back. So let’s keep focused on that goal, those of us who want everything God has for us. If any of you have something else in mind, something less than total commitment, God will clear your blurred vision—you’ll see it yet!" (Phil 3:14-15 MSG)
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Alone is not always bad!
If we are to ever hear from God in the midst of a world that is full of noise we must learn how to be alone without being alone. To make room for God to speak, to listen to Him!
I saw this and thought of you....
Thursday, August 5, 2010
The Renewal of Eustace
In his third book, in the series of the Chronicles of Narnia, The Voyage of The Dawn Treader, C. S. Lewis tells the story of the transformation the difficult little boy Eustace. Eustace is this nasty little complainer who is generally obnoxious and awakens to find out that he has become a green scaly dragon himself.
Eustace sobs when he realizes the meaning of this reality, his outside now reveals his inward being. He comes to understand that he does not have the ability to remove this outward skin. Aslan - the lion and the Christ figure in the story - explains to Eustace that he must allow Aslan to undress him before he can be renewed in the wonderful waters of renewal.
The very first tear was so deep that I thought he had gone right into my heart. And when he began pulling the skin off, it hurt worse than anything i’ve ever felt. The only thing that made me able to bear it was just the pleasure of feeling that stuff peel off. After he peeled off all the skin, i was as smooth and soft as a peeled switch. He caught hold of me and through me in the water. At first it smarted, but then it became perfectly delicious. I’d returned into a boy again.... And after a bit the Lion took me out of the water and dressed me. New clothes and all.
God intends to make us into new persons who reflect his image. To do so he must remove the old skin that represents our old way of life and clothe us with new skin made in the likeness of him. In order to become like him we must become boys again.
The Christian life is a lifelong process of taking off the soiled, tattered garments of our sinful nature and being dressed with a fresh set of clothes that will transform us into beings reflecting God’s holiness and righteousness.
God’s intent for you to reflect his image: “Put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” (Eph. 4:24).
The Holy Spirit is God’s tailor: he is ready to give us a new set of clothes and discard the old threadbare wardrobe. But the old way of life dies a slow, bitter, bloody death. It does not want to give up its grip. Yet the new set of clothes are so much more becoming.
As in Eustace’s story, it is the Lord who must be giving permission to dress us anew. We can’t remove the scales ourselves. Our prayer should be, “Lord, do what it takes, reach as deep as you need, go after the wrong thinking, wrong feelings, wrong behaviors. Go straight to the heart of the matter, because our desire is to be made over, renewed, in the likeness of God.
Eustace sobs when he realizes the meaning of this reality, his outside now reveals his inward being. He comes to understand that he does not have the ability to remove this outward skin. Aslan - the lion and the Christ figure in the story - explains to Eustace that he must allow Aslan to undress him before he can be renewed in the wonderful waters of renewal.
The very first tear was so deep that I thought he had gone right into my heart. And when he began pulling the skin off, it hurt worse than anything i’ve ever felt. The only thing that made me able to bear it was just the pleasure of feeling that stuff peel off. After he peeled off all the skin, i was as smooth and soft as a peeled switch. He caught hold of me and through me in the water. At first it smarted, but then it became perfectly delicious. I’d returned into a boy again.... And after a bit the Lion took me out of the water and dressed me. New clothes and all.
God intends to make us into new persons who reflect his image. To do so he must remove the old skin that represents our old way of life and clothe us with new skin made in the likeness of him. In order to become like him we must become boys again.
The Christian life is a lifelong process of taking off the soiled, tattered garments of our sinful nature and being dressed with a fresh set of clothes that will transform us into beings reflecting God’s holiness and righteousness.
God’s intent for you to reflect his image: “Put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” (Eph. 4:24).
The Holy Spirit is God’s tailor: he is ready to give us a new set of clothes and discard the old threadbare wardrobe. But the old way of life dies a slow, bitter, bloody death. It does not want to give up its grip. Yet the new set of clothes are so much more becoming.
As in Eustace’s story, it is the Lord who must be giving permission to dress us anew. We can’t remove the scales ourselves. Our prayer should be, “Lord, do what it takes, reach as deep as you need, go after the wrong thinking, wrong feelings, wrong behaviors. Go straight to the heart of the matter, because our desire is to be made over, renewed, in the likeness of God.
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Renew!!!
One of the last things that the Lord speaks to the church is one of the most comforting; "Behold, (look and see) I make all things new.... He who overcomes shall inherit all things, I will be his God and he shall be my Son." (Rev. 21:5,7)
All of creation has suffered from the Abuse of a fallen Angel. Lucifer/Satan has deceived and abused every human being; beginning with the first couple. To abuse, literally means to misuse, to use wrongly or improperly, thus leaving the victim traumatized. The whole of creation has been misused. The enemy of God truly desires to destroy all of our Fathers creation. The very environment that He created to the Image of Himself, His Children.
I have come to realize that as children of God we are at risk of "child abuse." Nothing alters the thinking and the development of a human being like abuse. Many begin to believe that what has happened or is happening is their fault. They even begin to accept the LIE that this is God's will for their lives.
The original abuser begins every attack by questioning the love of the Father, "did God say?" The enemy always raises suspicion about the intent and love of the Father's love. Methodically he prepares his next victim for his own plans and renders the young victim helplessly dependent upon him.
Over the last 30 years I have seen believers who begin to doubt the Love of the Father, when this occurs they become open to lies and misconceptions about God and about themselves. Once Adam believed the "lie" he was trapped. In fact he thought that there was something wrong with him. After all he ate the apple and it didn't work. He did not seem to become "like God" in fact he felt worse than before. Since he believed Satan, (satan would never lie to him, he was truly his friend, it was God he couldn't trust) ... something must be wrong with him. It was his fault that the apple didn't work it's magic. He was a failure! He deserved to hid, to fear, to live this life of abuse.
We are living in a society that has perfected "abuse." We allow the culture around us to tell us that "if only you did this or that; had this or that" then you would be all you were meant to be. If only you would go ahead and experience the forbidden fruit you would know what God knows. That is spiraling completely out of control in our society.
I have seen the horrors of abuse! Abuse doesn't just happen to "one" but to the whole family unit. When Adam and Eve were deceived and abused by the father of lies it left the entire human family abused and confused and lost. There are very few people who does not know someone who has been abused. It affects us all. It is the disease of our generation.
The wrong or improper use of God's creation! It destroys the original purpose of that life.
I am truly believe that Jesus Christ came to "REDEEM, RESTORE AND RENEW"!
That renewal is the results of the ministry of Jesus that is made available to us through the Holy Spirit.
"The Spirit of the Lord us upon Me,
Because He has anointed Me
To preach the gospel to the poor;
He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted,
To proclaim liberty to the captives
and the recovery of sight to the blind
To set at liberty those who are oppressed
To Proclaim the year of the Lord's Favor." (Luke 4:18,19)
There is a tremendous anointing that is available for "renewal." An Anointing that is very powerful to destroy the very limitations that have been placed on those who have been victimized by the enemy. That anointing is the results of a former victory. Satan abused the very Son of God to the uttermost. But Jesus triumphed over every aspect of that attack. Anointing, specific anointings, are given to those who have overcome in their own lives that which others are now needing deliverance from. Jesus overcame and destroyed the power of the abuser.
"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God....For we do not want you to be ignorant, brethren of our trouble which came to us in Asia: that we were burdened beyond measure, above strength, so that we despaired even of life, Yes, we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves but in God who raises the dead, who delivered us from so great a death, and does deliver us; in whom we trust that He will still deliver us."(2 Cor. 1:4,5,8-10).
I have had to recognized that God is desiring to work through my life to see the powers and the effects of abuse destroyed. There is an overcoming anointing that has been released upon our lives for the benefit of others. I am confident that if you have been the victim of abuse there is GREAT GRACE FOR RENEWAL.
GOD DESIRES TO MAKE ALL THINGS NEW. TO RESTORE TO ORIGINAL CONDITION.
Father, I pray for the person that has taken the time to read this and I ask in the Name of Jesus Christ that you release your anointing upon him or her right now and "make all things new." Break the lies that have held them hostage. Open their eyes to your love and mercy. Show them those who are around them that will minister truth and life to them. Protect them from condemnation and scorn. Holy Spirit fill and flood their lives with you Love. Father embrace them, hold them, protect them and set them free from those who would do them harm. In Jesus name I pray .... Amen!
All of creation has suffered from the Abuse of a fallen Angel. Lucifer/Satan has deceived and abused every human being; beginning with the first couple. To abuse, literally means to misuse, to use wrongly or improperly, thus leaving the victim traumatized. The whole of creation has been misused. The enemy of God truly desires to destroy all of our Fathers creation. The very environment that He created to the Image of Himself, His Children.
I have come to realize that as children of God we are at risk of "child abuse." Nothing alters the thinking and the development of a human being like abuse. Many begin to believe that what has happened or is happening is their fault. They even begin to accept the LIE that this is God's will for their lives.
The original abuser begins every attack by questioning the love of the Father, "did God say?" The enemy always raises suspicion about the intent and love of the Father's love. Methodically he prepares his next victim for his own plans and renders the young victim helplessly dependent upon him.
Over the last 30 years I have seen believers who begin to doubt the Love of the Father, when this occurs they become open to lies and misconceptions about God and about themselves. Once Adam believed the "lie" he was trapped. In fact he thought that there was something wrong with him. After all he ate the apple and it didn't work. He did not seem to become "like God" in fact he felt worse than before. Since he believed Satan, (satan would never lie to him, he was truly his friend, it was God he couldn't trust) ... something must be wrong with him. It was his fault that the apple didn't work it's magic. He was a failure! He deserved to hid, to fear, to live this life of abuse.
We are living in a society that has perfected "abuse." We allow the culture around us to tell us that "if only you did this or that; had this or that" then you would be all you were meant to be. If only you would go ahead and experience the forbidden fruit you would know what God knows. That is spiraling completely out of control in our society.
I have seen the horrors of abuse! Abuse doesn't just happen to "one" but to the whole family unit. When Adam and Eve were deceived and abused by the father of lies it left the entire human family abused and confused and lost. There are very few people who does not know someone who has been abused. It affects us all. It is the disease of our generation.
The wrong or improper use of God's creation! It destroys the original purpose of that life.
I am truly believe that Jesus Christ came to "REDEEM, RESTORE AND RENEW"!
That renewal is the results of the ministry of Jesus that is made available to us through the Holy Spirit.
"The Spirit of the Lord us upon Me,
Because He has anointed Me
To preach the gospel to the poor;
He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted,
To proclaim liberty to the captives
and the recovery of sight to the blind
To set at liberty those who are oppressed
To Proclaim the year of the Lord's Favor." (Luke 4:18,19)
There is a tremendous anointing that is available for "renewal." An Anointing that is very powerful to destroy the very limitations that have been placed on those who have been victimized by the enemy. That anointing is the results of a former victory. Satan abused the very Son of God to the uttermost. But Jesus triumphed over every aspect of that attack. Anointing, specific anointings, are given to those who have overcome in their own lives that which others are now needing deliverance from. Jesus overcame and destroyed the power of the abuser.
"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God....For we do not want you to be ignorant, brethren of our trouble which came to us in Asia: that we were burdened beyond measure, above strength, so that we despaired even of life, Yes, we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves but in God who raises the dead, who delivered us from so great a death, and does deliver us; in whom we trust that He will still deliver us."(2 Cor. 1:4,5,8-10).
I have had to recognized that God is desiring to work through my life to see the powers and the effects of abuse destroyed. There is an overcoming anointing that has been released upon our lives for the benefit of others. I am confident that if you have been the victim of abuse there is GREAT GRACE FOR RENEWAL.
GOD DESIRES TO MAKE ALL THINGS NEW. TO RESTORE TO ORIGINAL CONDITION.
Father, I pray for the person that has taken the time to read this and I ask in the Name of Jesus Christ that you release your anointing upon him or her right now and "make all things new." Break the lies that have held them hostage. Open their eyes to your love and mercy. Show them those who are around them that will minister truth and life to them. Protect them from condemnation and scorn. Holy Spirit fill and flood their lives with you Love. Father embrace them, hold them, protect them and set them free from those who would do them harm. In Jesus name I pray .... Amen!
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