Friday, December 3, 2010
New Place for Me | QuintinMoore.com
Hello everyone...It's been a long time coming but I have moved my blog to a new website. QuintinMoore.com...Update your bookmarks and feed readers and join me over at the new place!
HOW TO SPEAK WORDS TO THE WEARY!
“The Lord God has given me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him who is weary. He awakens me morning by morning, He awakens my ear to hear as the learned.”
Isaiah 50:4 NKJ
Isaiah reveals to us how he received messages from the Lord. Like every other human being when he took care of his health by eating and sleeping regularly. In the morning, when he was the most rested and refreshed, when he was the most sensitive to spiritual responses, hew would get a “nudge” from the Lord. “Wake up, Isaiah, I have many things to tell you.”
Solomon wrote: “...when you awake, they (the words of God) will speak with you.” (Pr. 6:22) Jesus often challenged his disciples: “He who has an ear, let him hear.” Waking up is the first step. Hearing from the Lord is the next step. This is why a consistent plan of daily devotions is so important and vital to spiritual health.
Isaiah tells us that the result of awakening and listening to the Lord, is the ability to say the right word to the right person in the right place at the right time. Eyes open from sleep, ears open to God and then your mouth will open to speak refreshing words to the languishing, weary followers of the Lord.
Eyes open, Ears open, Mouth open -- that is a good sequence -- for us as well as for Isaiah!
Isaiah 50:4 NKJ
Isaiah reveals to us how he received messages from the Lord. Like every other human being when he took care of his health by eating and sleeping regularly. In the morning, when he was the most rested and refreshed, when he was the most sensitive to spiritual responses, hew would get a “nudge” from the Lord. “Wake up, Isaiah, I have many things to tell you.”
Solomon wrote: “...when you awake, they (the words of God) will speak with you.” (Pr. 6:22) Jesus often challenged his disciples: “He who has an ear, let him hear.” Waking up is the first step. Hearing from the Lord is the next step. This is why a consistent plan of daily devotions is so important and vital to spiritual health.
Isaiah tells us that the result of awakening and listening to the Lord, is the ability to say the right word to the right person in the right place at the right time. Eyes open from sleep, ears open to God and then your mouth will open to speak refreshing words to the languishing, weary followers of the Lord.
Eyes open, Ears open, Mouth open -- that is a good sequence -- for us as well as for Isaiah!
Thursday, December 2, 2010
The Power of 3!
... a threefold cord is not quickly broken.
Ecclesiastes 4:12
One strand of cord can easily be severed. Two strands of cord can be stretched and pulled until they split. But a threefold cord is not easily broken.
Scripture never tells us exactly what these three strands symbolize. But here are some ideas that I have found:
1. Ham, Shem, and Japheth. Family ties. Man had a serious rupture from Adam to Noah. But with his three sons to help him, Noah survived.
2. Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Covenant relationship. naming these three and claiming the blessings that were given to them through covenant is the very basis of our faith.
3. The Law, the prophets, and the scriptures. These three make up the truth as revealed to Israel.
4. Spirit, Soul, and Body. All three of these must function in harmony in order for man to live life.
5. Husband, wife, and child. The basic family unit.
6. Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The Trinity. God Himself is a community of three.
7. ( your thoughts) I have left this one blank so you can send me your suggestions.
Ecclesiastes 4:12
One strand of cord can easily be severed. Two strands of cord can be stretched and pulled until they split. But a threefold cord is not easily broken.
Scripture never tells us exactly what these three strands symbolize. But here are some ideas that I have found:
1. Ham, Shem, and Japheth. Family ties. Man had a serious rupture from Adam to Noah. But with his three sons to help him, Noah survived.
2. Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Covenant relationship. naming these three and claiming the blessings that were given to them through covenant is the very basis of our faith.
3. The Law, the prophets, and the scriptures. These three make up the truth as revealed to Israel.
4. Spirit, Soul, and Body. All three of these must function in harmony in order for man to live life.
5. Husband, wife, and child. The basic family unit.
6. Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The Trinity. God Himself is a community of three.
7. ( your thoughts) I have left this one blank so you can send me your suggestions.
Friday, November 5, 2010
Advent... just around the corner!!!
We are about to celebrate “Advent.” Advent is the sacrament of the PRESENCE of God in His world. His purpose to unify all things together in Christ, begins and continues in the mystery of His Advent (Eph. 1:10). The Presence of Christ in the world as Savior, is the Advent that changed and continues to change the world.
We understand that there are three Advents. The first of these is the one in which Christ entered into the world, having received a Human Nature. The third is the Advent which will bring Him into the world at the end of time. In the first He comes to seek and save the lost. The third is that in which He comes to take us to Himself. The first is a promise and the third its fulfillment.
We live our lives between these two arms. Embraced by the Father’s ultimate plan for reuniting humanity to himself. Our past and our future are completely in His hands. As we mediate on the mystery of these two ‘Advents’ we are transformed, changed by the overwhelming love of this great embrace.
Meditation on the past and future Advents leads us to recognize the present Advent that is taking place at every moment of our lives as we journey through this present life. Every moment is a moment when Christ is walking by; are we aware of His Presence? Will we call out to Him, will we join Him and travel with Him?
It is in the hiddenness of the middle (second) Advent where you and I are called to live and to become like Him. It is in our “becoming like Him” that He is revealed to this world. In other words, this second Advent is one in which we are co-laborers with Christ so that others may come to know the Christ.
The very mystery of Christ at work through Jesus Christ, continues in and through the Church. The Church, the body of Christ, is the community of those we are reconciled to the Father, in Christ, because they are united with one another in the Holy Spirit, who has shed His Love abroad in our hearts.
It is this unity, that makes the Church a sign, an Advent, of God in the world. So the mystery of the Church demands that Christians love one another in a visible and concrete way -- and that they love all men.
I am convinced that, Christ will become visible to the world, only in direct proportion as Christians seek peace and unity with one another and with all men. Since conflict seems inevitable, unity will only be maintained in great difficulty, it will require a constant renewal of sacrifice, humility and a readiness to receive forgiveness and to forgive. It would appear that the Christian life is one of perpetual conversion, a life of continual repentance.
It appears to me that “Love” is the key to everything. This love will never be understood by rational investigation but only by faithful reception as the gift that it is. “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you” (John 15:12).
When we as Christians love one another we become what Paul calls, “God’s workmanship” (Eph. 2:10). Thus the second, middle, or hidden Advent of Christ is made know in our love and forgiveness for one another. It is this community of pardoned people, the body of Christ, the Church through which God is making Christ known during this moment between the first and third Advent of Christ.
“To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God,...” Eph. 3:10
It is within this mystical body of Christ that we see the very power of the Father’s love unite individuals to one another by Mercy and Grace. The Church then is not so much a body of people who are so pure that they never offend, but rather people who in their weakness and frailty, frequently err and offend, but who have received from God the power to forgive one another in His name (John 20). The Holy Spirit himself moves them to do this; and acts in them, to preform this miracle of grace and oneness. In the same proportion that we love and pardon one another we open the whole Church to the action of the Holy Spirit.
In the Church this community of pardoned people, we must not refuse to accept the genuine good will of our brother, we must not reject his sincere and open offers of reconciliation, his true friendship. Even our enemy must not be judged, but his need for forgiveness must be recognized. We must not allow our evaluation of a man’s acts stand in the way of the Holy Spirit, who draws us into unity with others.
No one of us is complete, self-sufficient, perfectly holy in himself. No one can rest upon his own individual virtues. What is missing in our lives God had given to others.
This is the beauty of “Advent,” the Presence of the Christ coming among us as our Savior. In His presence we are forgiven, love and adopted into this Great Family of the Pardoned. Our redemption reunites us not only to God the Father but to one another and it is in that unity that the “fullness of Christ” is made known.
I hope these words help us to prepare for “Advent” and to recover the reality of the “Church.” Only then can we receive the “Truth of Christmas.”
Bishop Quintin
We understand that there are three Advents. The first of these is the one in which Christ entered into the world, having received a Human Nature. The third is the Advent which will bring Him into the world at the end of time. In the first He comes to seek and save the lost. The third is that in which He comes to take us to Himself. The first is a promise and the third its fulfillment.
We live our lives between these two arms. Embraced by the Father’s ultimate plan for reuniting humanity to himself. Our past and our future are completely in His hands. As we mediate on the mystery of these two ‘Advents’ we are transformed, changed by the overwhelming love of this great embrace.
Meditation on the past and future Advents leads us to recognize the present Advent that is taking place at every moment of our lives as we journey through this present life. Every moment is a moment when Christ is walking by; are we aware of His Presence? Will we call out to Him, will we join Him and travel with Him?
It is in the hiddenness of the middle (second) Advent where you and I are called to live and to become like Him. It is in our “becoming like Him” that He is revealed to this world. In other words, this second Advent is one in which we are co-laborers with Christ so that others may come to know the Christ.
The very mystery of Christ at work through Jesus Christ, continues in and through the Church. The Church, the body of Christ, is the community of those we are reconciled to the Father, in Christ, because they are united with one another in the Holy Spirit, who has shed His Love abroad in our hearts.
It is this unity, that makes the Church a sign, an Advent, of God in the world. So the mystery of the Church demands that Christians love one another in a visible and concrete way -- and that they love all men.
I am convinced that, Christ will become visible to the world, only in direct proportion as Christians seek peace and unity with one another and with all men. Since conflict seems inevitable, unity will only be maintained in great difficulty, it will require a constant renewal of sacrifice, humility and a readiness to receive forgiveness and to forgive. It would appear that the Christian life is one of perpetual conversion, a life of continual repentance.
It appears to me that “Love” is the key to everything. This love will never be understood by rational investigation but only by faithful reception as the gift that it is. “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you” (John 15:12).
When we as Christians love one another we become what Paul calls, “God’s workmanship” (Eph. 2:10). Thus the second, middle, or hidden Advent of Christ is made know in our love and forgiveness for one another. It is this community of pardoned people, the body of Christ, the Church through which God is making Christ known during this moment between the first and third Advent of Christ.
“To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God,...” Eph. 3:10
It is within this mystical body of Christ that we see the very power of the Father’s love unite individuals to one another by Mercy and Grace. The Church then is not so much a body of people who are so pure that they never offend, but rather people who in their weakness and frailty, frequently err and offend, but who have received from God the power to forgive one another in His name (John 20). The Holy Spirit himself moves them to do this; and acts in them, to preform this miracle of grace and oneness. In the same proportion that we love and pardon one another we open the whole Church to the action of the Holy Spirit.
In the Church this community of pardoned people, we must not refuse to accept the genuine good will of our brother, we must not reject his sincere and open offers of reconciliation, his true friendship. Even our enemy must not be judged, but his need for forgiveness must be recognized. We must not allow our evaluation of a man’s acts stand in the way of the Holy Spirit, who draws us into unity with others.
No one of us is complete, self-sufficient, perfectly holy in himself. No one can rest upon his own individual virtues. What is missing in our lives God had given to others.
This is the beauty of “Advent,” the Presence of the Christ coming among us as our Savior. In His presence we are forgiven, love and adopted into this Great Family of the Pardoned. Our redemption reunites us not only to God the Father but to one another and it is in that unity that the “fullness of Christ” is made known.
I hope these words help us to prepare for “Advent” and to recover the reality of the “Church.” Only then can we receive the “Truth of Christmas.”
Bishop Quintin
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
The Word is never chained....
for which I am suffering even to the point of being chained like a criminal. But God’s word is not chained.
2Tim. 2:9
Chained -- it means to “to chain, shackle, put in fetters, or imprison.”
Paul speaks of his own imprisonment and yet he reflects on his hardship and suffering as being treated like a common criminal. Mostly likely both his hands and feet were chained in some sort of irons. It was probably the worst type of confinement that you can imagine. And yet he burst forth joyfully: “I am suffering as though I were a criminal, but the Word of God is not bound.”
Inspite of circumstances that seem to restrict, bind, or limit us; His promises can never be limited. Isaiah tells us, “So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.” His word is never chained.
The world seems to be living in “chronic crisis.” Crisis is all around us, in fact it appears to control every one I meet. We must recover Paul’s understanding of the challenges or shall I say the “crisis’s” of our lives. We are called to live in “chronic Christ” not “crisis.”
No matter what Paul faced he is able to rejoice in the fact that even though he sat in chained in a dark, dismal cell, the Word of God was still moving all over Asia Minor and many people were hearing the Gospel.
“Though I am limited in what I am able to do and where I am able to go,” Paul says. “But the promises of God know no limitations. He is still sending His Word and healing people everywhere (Ps. 107:20).
2Tim. 2:9
Chained -- it means to “to chain, shackle, put in fetters, or imprison.”
Paul speaks of his own imprisonment and yet he reflects on his hardship and suffering as being treated like a common criminal. Mostly likely both his hands and feet were chained in some sort of irons. It was probably the worst type of confinement that you can imagine. And yet he burst forth joyfully: “I am suffering as though I were a criminal, but the Word of God is not bound.”
Inspite of circumstances that seem to restrict, bind, or limit us; His promises can never be limited. Isaiah tells us, “So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.” His word is never chained.
The world seems to be living in “chronic crisis.” Crisis is all around us, in fact it appears to control every one I meet. We must recover Paul’s understanding of the challenges or shall I say the “crisis’s” of our lives. We are called to live in “chronic Christ” not “crisis.”
No matter what Paul faced he is able to rejoice in the fact that even though he sat in chained in a dark, dismal cell, the Word of God was still moving all over Asia Minor and many people were hearing the Gospel.
“Though I am limited in what I am able to do and where I am able to go,” Paul says. “But the promises of God know no limitations. He is still sending His Word and healing people everywhere (Ps. 107:20).
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
The Sleeping Beauty
The church is alive, contrary to what “some say”; alive with the essence and the energy of God. However, like “sleeping beauty", she lies under a spell concocted by a culture who has not recognized her beauty.
The voices of institutionalism and individualism have conspired, perhaps unknowingly, to keep her safely hidden from those in need of her goodness, truth, and beauty. But on lonely walks through the woods of my soul, I have caught glimpses of her beauty, waiting to be kissed, waiting to be received, this bride appears to be ready to awaken.
Covered with layers of institutionalism and self centered individualism, the body of Christ, the church, the results of the resurrection of Christ, remains unseen by most of humanity.
Individualism seeks to deconstruct or discredit institutionalism, while the institution that struggles to survive fights back. People, becoming weary of the struggle over the baby, seemingly are satisfied to have the child “cut in two,” much as Solomon offered. Alas one or the other will let go and yet neither have found the truth.
Into the forest we must forge! Into the shadows of the stories told of the beauty of this bride. This is the journey that I have found myself on.... traveling over stones covered with moss, slippery with the dew of early morn. Light breaking through the trees reveals a turn in the path that is so easily unnoticed. My heart is pounding for a glimpse of this “sleeping beauty.” Moments of vision pierce through the shadows, rays of understanding, snippets of revelation, my spirit soars in anticipation....
She is here, she is alive, the church, the people of God, the Body of Christ, the Temple of the Holy Spirit..... the continuation of the Christ, the community of pardoned humanity, the new creation!
Exhausted I fall into the leaves, under the canopy of the oaks, serenaded by the sounds of nature, sleep overtakes. There she is .... her beauty is beyond anything I have ever seen. Not only do I see, but I feel it, somewhere deep within comes this flood of fulfillment, warmth, an embrace that seems to lift me into the heavens.
A kiss that awakens every fabric of my being. There she is, in His embrace.
But wait she is “us.” We are, you and I together, united in Him and each other We are “sleeping beauty.”
We sleep under the power of separation from each other. Either by institutional dispute or individual demand, we allow ourselves to become separated from each other in the forest of this culture.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer says, “He who looks upon his brother should know that he will be eternally united with him in Jesus Christ...in Jesus Christ we have been chosen and united for eternity.”
“United for eternity.” These words have captured my imagination and have awakened my spirit. The two most important things that the church does is “worship and witness.” Our unity is both our worship and our witness.
The world longs to see the truth, the goodness and the beauty of the body of Christ. All the while the voices of this culture continue to separate rather than unite, deconstruct rather than build.
It is too easily forgotten that the communion of the brethren is a gift of grace. Paul says, “He is our peace,” (Eph. 2:14). Without Christ there is discord between God and man and between man and man.
The beauty, the goodness, the truth that each of us seek is found in the unity, the communion of Christians. This is the church. A communion of the pardoned that gather “to remember", “to give thanks” for the One who lived and died and lives again. As we gather to lay down our individuality and be united to Him and to one another, “Sleeping Beauty” awakens and the future reality of eternity breaks into the present.
My continual prayer is that you would join me on this journey. To walk into the woods arm in arm, to agree to share this path together. This path of forgiveness, of love and grace. To awaken in His embrace with His breathe on our lips, to be together with Him that is my desire.
For I am convinced that as we gather in faith to worship He is present. And our unity, our gathering plus His Presence is our witness. And that witness is our mission.
The voices of institutionalism and individualism have conspired, perhaps unknowingly, to keep her safely hidden from those in need of her goodness, truth, and beauty. But on lonely walks through the woods of my soul, I have caught glimpses of her beauty, waiting to be kissed, waiting to be received, this bride appears to be ready to awaken.
Covered with layers of institutionalism and self centered individualism, the body of Christ, the church, the results of the resurrection of Christ, remains unseen by most of humanity.
Individualism seeks to deconstruct or discredit institutionalism, while the institution that struggles to survive fights back. People, becoming weary of the struggle over the baby, seemingly are satisfied to have the child “cut in two,” much as Solomon offered. Alas one or the other will let go and yet neither have found the truth.
Into the forest we must forge! Into the shadows of the stories told of the beauty of this bride. This is the journey that I have found myself on.... traveling over stones covered with moss, slippery with the dew of early morn. Light breaking through the trees reveals a turn in the path that is so easily unnoticed. My heart is pounding for a glimpse of this “sleeping beauty.” Moments of vision pierce through the shadows, rays of understanding, snippets of revelation, my spirit soars in anticipation....
She is here, she is alive, the church, the people of God, the Body of Christ, the Temple of the Holy Spirit..... the continuation of the Christ, the community of pardoned humanity, the new creation!
Exhausted I fall into the leaves, under the canopy of the oaks, serenaded by the sounds of nature, sleep overtakes. There she is .... her beauty is beyond anything I have ever seen. Not only do I see, but I feel it, somewhere deep within comes this flood of fulfillment, warmth, an embrace that seems to lift me into the heavens.
A kiss that awakens every fabric of my being. There she is, in His embrace.
But wait she is “us.” We are, you and I together, united in Him and each other We are “sleeping beauty.”
We sleep under the power of separation from each other. Either by institutional dispute or individual demand, we allow ourselves to become separated from each other in the forest of this culture.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer says, “He who looks upon his brother should know that he will be eternally united with him in Jesus Christ...in Jesus Christ we have been chosen and united for eternity.”
“United for eternity.” These words have captured my imagination and have awakened my spirit. The two most important things that the church does is “worship and witness.” Our unity is both our worship and our witness.
The world longs to see the truth, the goodness and the beauty of the body of Christ. All the while the voices of this culture continue to separate rather than unite, deconstruct rather than build.
It is too easily forgotten that the communion of the brethren is a gift of grace. Paul says, “He is our peace,” (Eph. 2:14). Without Christ there is discord between God and man and between man and man.
The beauty, the goodness, the truth that each of us seek is found in the unity, the communion of Christians. This is the church. A communion of the pardoned that gather “to remember", “to give thanks” for the One who lived and died and lives again. As we gather to lay down our individuality and be united to Him and to one another, “Sleeping Beauty” awakens and the future reality of eternity breaks into the present.
My continual prayer is that you would join me on this journey. To walk into the woods arm in arm, to agree to share this path together. This path of forgiveness, of love and grace. To awaken in His embrace with His breathe on our lips, to be together with Him that is my desire.
For I am convinced that as we gather in faith to worship He is present. And our unity, our gathering plus His Presence is our witness. And that witness is our mission.
Monday, October 4, 2010
Special Miracles
...God wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul. (Acts 19:11)
A miracle is always special, so what does Luke mean here when he speaks of special miracles? Other versions of the Bible translate this word as “unusual,” “extraordinary,” or “uncommon.” Since by definition a miracle is always something unusual, extraordinary, or uncommon, this verse is almost a play on words: “God wrought ‘special special’s’ ‘extraordinary extraordinaries,’ unusual unusuals’ by the hands of Paul.”
the thing that made these particular miracles so “special” was the geographic location in which Paul was ministering when they were performed. In New Testament days, the two cities most widely known for their total degeneracy and depravity were Corinth and Ephesus. Biblical scholars tell us that these two towns were open sewers of dissolution and debauchery. Yet they were the very areas God chose in which to perform the greatest miracles recorded in the book of Acts. Why?
There is a spiritual tense that says..... where sin abounded grace did much more abound (Rom. 5:20). Paul could well have been speaking of these two cities when he made that statement. The greater the presence of darkness, the greater the provision --- and power --- of God’s redemptive light.
That should encourage us today. Perhaps none of our modern-day cities compares in wickedness with Corinth and Ephesus, but God still has “special” miracles for each of them. Claim the “special” miracles of divine deliverance the Lord has for you and your hometown.
A miracle is always special, so what does Luke mean here when he speaks of special miracles? Other versions of the Bible translate this word as “unusual,” “extraordinary,” or “uncommon.” Since by definition a miracle is always something unusual, extraordinary, or uncommon, this verse is almost a play on words: “God wrought ‘special special’s’ ‘extraordinary extraordinaries,’ unusual unusuals’ by the hands of Paul.”
the thing that made these particular miracles so “special” was the geographic location in which Paul was ministering when they were performed. In New Testament days, the two cities most widely known for their total degeneracy and depravity were Corinth and Ephesus. Biblical scholars tell us that these two towns were open sewers of dissolution and debauchery. Yet they were the very areas God chose in which to perform the greatest miracles recorded in the book of Acts. Why?
There is a spiritual tense that says..... where sin abounded grace did much more abound (Rom. 5:20). Paul could well have been speaking of these two cities when he made that statement. The greater the presence of darkness, the greater the provision --- and power --- of God’s redemptive light.
That should encourage us today. Perhaps none of our modern-day cities compares in wickedness with Corinth and Ephesus, but God still has “special” miracles for each of them. Claim the “special” miracles of divine deliverance the Lord has for you and your hometown.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
The Centrality of Worship
Worship is central to who we are; to to who we are becoming! "A person will worship something, have no doubt about that.... That which dominates our imaginations and our thoughts will determine our lives, and our character. Therefore....what we are worshipping we are becoming." (Emerson).
The identity of the church is determined by its worship. We must worship, stand in awe, lost in wonder, love and praise, aware of the holiness of God, this is our identity as the people of God, the church. Worship is the context and the catalyst for transformation. Robert Webber said, "Worship is the key to the renewal of the church...the way to the future runs through the past."
We are commanded "to remember," to remember the self-giving life of Jesus Christ. His death and resurrection is the very basis and the future of our life. Life unites with humanity in order to give itself away. "To remember" is to join this very life of Christ and to live with and for Him being joined to His Body. A Body that is united to worship the "one" who is the source of life.
The identity of the church is determined by its worship. We must worship, stand in awe, lost in wonder, love and praise, aware of the holiness of God, this is our identity as the people of God, the church. Worship is the context and the catalyst for transformation. Robert Webber said, "Worship is the key to the renewal of the church...the way to the future runs through the past."
We are commanded "to remember," to remember the self-giving life of Jesus Christ. His death and resurrection is the very basis and the future of our life. Life unites with humanity in order to give itself away. "To remember" is to join this very life of Christ and to live with and for Him being joined to His Body. A Body that is united to worship the "one" who is the source of life.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Unite my Heart!
Teach me your way, O Lord;
.....unite my heart to fear your name.
Psalm 86:11NKJ
Have you ever felt like you had it all together, finally, and then forget where you put it?
The psalmist prays for wisdom to know how to take all the various areas of his life and weave them together into one single strand of unity and harmony. I have mediated upon this verse many times and it has helped me to find harmony within the Holy Spirit and with the entire body of Christ.
In Hebrew, the word translated “unite” is the word yachad. Most define it as “to join together, to become one.” A Christian is not a divided person or personality. Although we are comprised of different “parts,” we really are a “unified” being. Our tangible and intangible bodies are inextricably interwoven together with each other and with the Creator. A Christian truly is one with himself and with His God.
The Christian must also come to recognize that he or she is also one with his brothers and sisters in Christ. In such a fusion, there are no divisions, no separations, no barriers, no cross, no conflicts of interest.
When believers truly become one Body, with Christ as Head, instead of going off in hundreds of different directions, we will finally be able to give total concentration to the one thing we are all called to do: WORSHIP THE LORD AND BE WITNESSES TO HIM IN ALL THE WORLD.
I love this verse; “Unite my heart to fear Your Name!”
.....unite my heart to fear your name.
Psalm 86:11NKJ
Have you ever felt like you had it all together, finally, and then forget where you put it?
The psalmist prays for wisdom to know how to take all the various areas of his life and weave them together into one single strand of unity and harmony. I have mediated upon this verse many times and it has helped me to find harmony within the Holy Spirit and with the entire body of Christ.
In Hebrew, the word translated “unite” is the word yachad. Most define it as “to join together, to become one.” A Christian is not a divided person or personality. Although we are comprised of different “parts,” we really are a “unified” being. Our tangible and intangible bodies are inextricably interwoven together with each other and with the Creator. A Christian truly is one with himself and with His God.
The Christian must also come to recognize that he or she is also one with his brothers and sisters in Christ. In such a fusion, there are no divisions, no separations, no barriers, no cross, no conflicts of interest.
When believers truly become one Body, with Christ as Head, instead of going off in hundreds of different directions, we will finally be able to give total concentration to the one thing we are all called to do: WORSHIP THE LORD AND BE WITNESSES TO HIM IN ALL THE WORLD.
I love this verse; “Unite my heart to fear Your Name!”
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
HEAR THE BREEZE
And they heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day...
Genesis NKJ
The cool of the day was around four o'clock in the evening. It is the time when the evening breeze begins to stir. The Hebrew word translated cool in this verse is ruwach. Elsewhere in Scripture, this same word is translated breath, wind, breeze, spirit, and Holy Spirit.
God is a spirit. When the afternoon breeze began to stir in the Garden of Eden, God as a spirit came to Adam and Eve in the wind. Although it is not stated that this was a daily occurrence, most Bible scholars consulted seemed to feel that this was the case.
David Kimchi, a Jewish scholar living in Spain in the 12 century, wrote that Adam and Eve sinned around the four o’clock time. Satan’s strategy was to tempt Adam and Eve into disobedience, thereby creating a sin barrier between them and God.
Matthew-Henry, an 18th century scholar writes: “There is an evangelic not to this passage. God know they had sinned, but it did not keep Him from coming to meet them. Even though they had failed, miserably, He still came looking for them. He remained faithful to being “Good.” Our failures reveal His “Fail-fulness.” His compassion for them effected a reconciliation and the promise of the coming Messiah.
To this very day every human being still longs for the breeze, the wind, the Holy Presence of God to come to them. To those of us who believe in Christ we have received His eternal, never leaving presence into our lives and we know the comfort of His embrace.
As the breeze, wind blows around my deck this morning I am overwhelmed by the fact that He continues to come to me. In spite of human failure, His divine faithfulness covers me with His Present Grace.
Genesis NKJ
The cool of the day was around four o'clock in the evening. It is the time when the evening breeze begins to stir. The Hebrew word translated cool in this verse is ruwach. Elsewhere in Scripture, this same word is translated breath, wind, breeze, spirit, and Holy Spirit.
God is a spirit. When the afternoon breeze began to stir in the Garden of Eden, God as a spirit came to Adam and Eve in the wind. Although it is not stated that this was a daily occurrence, most Bible scholars consulted seemed to feel that this was the case.
David Kimchi, a Jewish scholar living in Spain in the 12 century, wrote that Adam and Eve sinned around the four o’clock time. Satan’s strategy was to tempt Adam and Eve into disobedience, thereby creating a sin barrier between them and God.
Matthew-Henry, an 18th century scholar writes: “There is an evangelic not to this passage. God know they had sinned, but it did not keep Him from coming to meet them. Even though they had failed, miserably, He still came looking for them. He remained faithful to being “Good.” Our failures reveal His “Fail-fulness.” His compassion for them effected a reconciliation and the promise of the coming Messiah.
To this very day every human being still longs for the breeze, the wind, the Holy Presence of God to come to them. To those of us who believe in Christ we have received His eternal, never leaving presence into our lives and we know the comfort of His embrace.
As the breeze, wind blows around my deck this morning I am overwhelmed by the fact that He continues to come to me. In spite of human failure, His divine faithfulness covers me with His Present Grace.
Friday, September 17, 2010
Update on Haiti!!
“...And who is my neighbor? And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead.” (Luke 10:29-30).
Located only some six hundred miles from the shores of Florida, Haiti is laying beside the road! Haiti is our neighbor!
Haiti is an entire nation who has fallen, been stripped, wounded and left half-dead. This country of nine million people, of which eighty percent are living in total poverty was devastated by an earthquake that took at least six hundred thousand lives.
Living on the edge of humanity this country was thrown into complete despair by the earthquake. There are numerous sights that took my breath away and nearly brought me to my knees, but it was the emptiness in the eyes of the children that has affected my soul.
Everyone has suffered loss! Grievous loss! Death has robbed each of them of, father, mother, children, brother.... I listened as a young mother speaking in a low monotone voice clutching her four year old daughter, spoke of the loss of her twin children and her husband. Looking blankly into the distance as if somewhere over my shoulder she would see them, tearlessly she replayed the nightmare of that day. A day that would alter not only her life but everyone around her.
There was and is no one to comfort her, because everyone is grieving. Death and destruction has touched the entire nation. They sit in the midst of rubble starring off into nothingness!
The Haitian government was and still is unprepared to assist it’s people. Hundreds of thousands of people have fled Port Au Prince for the surrounding foothills. Makeshift huts, some of wood and some of tent or tarp like materials fill the base of the mountains. As the rains come the conditions only worsen. The people have watched as their huts have slowing been eroded by the water as it has overtaken home after home. Standing, and stagnant water of the rainy season has made the conditions even more ripe for typhoid, malaria and all other diseases.
This past week as I walked among these people I am convinced that we must be the neighbor that Christ spoke of in Luke’s Gospel.
I realize that we cannot do everything but we can do something.
With your help we can assist in the feeding, education and rebuilding of the lives of the children of Haiti. I have partnered with “People To People” so that we can touch the lives of the Haitian people, particularly the children.
We are working on several strategies to partner with this existing ministry to restore the lives of the people of Haiti. I know that the Lord spoke to me about being present in Haiti after the initial response. We are to make long term commitments to these people.
And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee. (Luke 10:34-35).
The challenges for Haiti are long standing and require long term compassion. We can make a difference in their lives if we are willing to remain steady in our efforts. I want to thank each of you for your support and encourage you to make a monthly pledge to assist these children.
You can visit the website www.fathershouse.net/Haiti....and make your donation. There you will find several pictures and I will keep you posted as to the upcoming plans and projects.
Located only some six hundred miles from the shores of Florida, Haiti is laying beside the road! Haiti is our neighbor!
Haiti is an entire nation who has fallen, been stripped, wounded and left half-dead. This country of nine million people, of which eighty percent are living in total poverty was devastated by an earthquake that took at least six hundred thousand lives.
Living on the edge of humanity this country was thrown into complete despair by the earthquake. There are numerous sights that took my breath away and nearly brought me to my knees, but it was the emptiness in the eyes of the children that has affected my soul.
Everyone has suffered loss! Grievous loss! Death has robbed each of them of, father, mother, children, brother.... I listened as a young mother speaking in a low monotone voice clutching her four year old daughter, spoke of the loss of her twin children and her husband. Looking blankly into the distance as if somewhere over my shoulder she would see them, tearlessly she replayed the nightmare of that day. A day that would alter not only her life but everyone around her.
There was and is no one to comfort her, because everyone is grieving. Death and destruction has touched the entire nation. They sit in the midst of rubble starring off into nothingness!
The Haitian government was and still is unprepared to assist it’s people. Hundreds of thousands of people have fled Port Au Prince for the surrounding foothills. Makeshift huts, some of wood and some of tent or tarp like materials fill the base of the mountains. As the rains come the conditions only worsen. The people have watched as their huts have slowing been eroded by the water as it has overtaken home after home. Standing, and stagnant water of the rainy season has made the conditions even more ripe for typhoid, malaria and all other diseases.
This past week as I walked among these people I am convinced that we must be the neighbor that Christ spoke of in Luke’s Gospel.
I realize that we cannot do everything but we can do something.
With your help we can assist in the feeding, education and rebuilding of the lives of the children of Haiti. I have partnered with “People To People” so that we can touch the lives of the Haitian people, particularly the children.
We are working on several strategies to partner with this existing ministry to restore the lives of the people of Haiti. I know that the Lord spoke to me about being present in Haiti after the initial response. We are to make long term commitments to these people.
And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee. (Luke 10:34-35).
The challenges for Haiti are long standing and require long term compassion. We can make a difference in their lives if we are willing to remain steady in our efforts. I want to thank each of you for your support and encourage you to make a monthly pledge to assist these children.
You can visit the website www.fathershouse.net/Haiti....and make your donation. There you will find several pictures and I will keep you posted as to the upcoming plans and projects.
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Hungry For God
Hunger for God is one of the greatest signs of life a believer can have. It reveals that inner awareness of God. This desire is in itself testimony that there is more, and the fact that we possess that hunger to seek God should encourage us to pursue encounters with Him.
I crave time with my children and grandcildren. That craving, that cry would destroy me if it were not possible for that reality to exist. “He who loves Me.... I will love him and manifest Myself to him. (John 14:21). This is more than a heavenly promise. We are not only to receive the Holy Spirit but we are to see Jesus over and over again. He will be found by those who love and seek Him.
God told Samuel that He did not look at the outward but instead he looked on the heart. It was from that perspective that David was chosen. David’s heart of passion of hunger for God is what attracted God’s attention.
David’s passion for God was seen on the other side of the mountain as he cared for sheep. David worshiped without anyone else around for many years before he gave insight to Israel and their worship. David’s heart and passion for God is known through not only Christianity but nearly every faith.
This worshipping King hungered for the very presence of God, above all else. David endeared himself to God as a man of great passion -- for God and for life.
I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will. (Acts 13:22)
I repeat hunger, passion for God is one of the greatest signs of life a believer can have. That passion pulls the believer into worship and draws others to worship together. l
There is a sound emerging from within our culture that has affected the Kingdom. It is no more or no less than the idea that we as believers are called to merely perform social or civic duties. It would reduce us to being chaplains of society. Thus the church losses focus on here highest calling.
I serve from Him, not merely for Him. This may seem overly simple but it is the key to ministry. This was the model that Jesus gave to us. He only did what He saw His Father do and said what He heard the Father say.
The greatest example of this is the story of Mary and Martha. Mary chose to sit at the feet of Jesus while Martha chose to work in the kitchen. Mary sought to please Jesus by being with Him while Martha sought to please Him through service. “Mary has chosen the better part.” was His reply.
As I write this I realize that some will take this to mean that they can stop doing anything and just sit.... However, that is not the meaning of this little letter nor the story of David, Mary or Martha. The point is that without sitting in His Presence any attempt of ministry is futile. All ministry must flow out of His Presence. Presence Centered worship will lead to Presence Driven ministry.
Martha respond to a need that was not even expressed, because she did not understand her own favor. Thus out of her own insecurity she was fixing a lunch that was never ordered. And all the while “living bread” was being offered. Only after we’ve eaten from His Table can we feed others.
David’s passion, Mary’s attention we must come to realize that what the world is in real hunger for is His Presence.... In His Presence there is “fullness.”
I crave time with my children and grandcildren. That craving, that cry would destroy me if it were not possible for that reality to exist. “He who loves Me.... I will love him and manifest Myself to him. (John 14:21). This is more than a heavenly promise. We are not only to receive the Holy Spirit but we are to see Jesus over and over again. He will be found by those who love and seek Him.
God told Samuel that He did not look at the outward but instead he looked on the heart. It was from that perspective that David was chosen. David’s heart of passion of hunger for God is what attracted God’s attention.
David’s passion for God was seen on the other side of the mountain as he cared for sheep. David worshiped without anyone else around for many years before he gave insight to Israel and their worship. David’s heart and passion for God is known through not only Christianity but nearly every faith.
This worshipping King hungered for the very presence of God, above all else. David endeared himself to God as a man of great passion -- for God and for life.
I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will. (Acts 13:22)
I repeat hunger, passion for God is one of the greatest signs of life a believer can have. That passion pulls the believer into worship and draws others to worship together. l
There is a sound emerging from within our culture that has affected the Kingdom. It is no more or no less than the idea that we as believers are called to merely perform social or civic duties. It would reduce us to being chaplains of society. Thus the church losses focus on here highest calling.
I serve from Him, not merely for Him. This may seem overly simple but it is the key to ministry. This was the model that Jesus gave to us. He only did what He saw His Father do and said what He heard the Father say.
The greatest example of this is the story of Mary and Martha. Mary chose to sit at the feet of Jesus while Martha chose to work in the kitchen. Mary sought to please Jesus by being with Him while Martha sought to please Him through service. “Mary has chosen the better part.” was His reply.
As I write this I realize that some will take this to mean that they can stop doing anything and just sit.... However, that is not the meaning of this little letter nor the story of David, Mary or Martha. The point is that without sitting in His Presence any attempt of ministry is futile. All ministry must flow out of His Presence. Presence Centered worship will lead to Presence Driven ministry.
Martha respond to a need that was not even expressed, because she did not understand her own favor. Thus out of her own insecurity she was fixing a lunch that was never ordered. And all the while “living bread” was being offered. Only after we’ve eaten from His Table can we feed others.
David’s passion, Mary’s attention we must come to realize that what the world is in real hunger for is His Presence.... In His Presence there is “fullness.”
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
AGREEMENT - THE MASTER KEY OF THE KINGDOM
Agreement --- the Master Key of the Kingdom!
Jesus came proclaiming the presence of the Kingdom and the Father’s pleasure to give us the Kingdom. He went as far as to say that He would bestow upon us the “keys to the Kingdom.”
It appears that the overarching theme of the New Testament is the announcement and the availability to live in the Kingdom of God. And yet we still live as though the Kingdom is some distant hope that is only realized after death.
Again Jesus, inspires us by saying that “the kingdom is within us.” He encourages us that “out of our inner-most being will flow rivers of living water.” Today perhaps like none other we need to take time to reflect on the way that we view the King and His Kingdom.
We all read the scriptures that tell us “He lives in us.” And we mentally understand that where He is there is the Kingdom. But I don’t think we have really come to terms with what that means.
“Repent, the Kingdom of God is at hand!”
This is an invitation, not a threat! We have been and are being invited to live within the domain of our Heavenly Father. To live under the protection, provision and polity of the One who Loves us and has given His life for us all.
To “abide under the shadow” of the Almighty that is our inheritance. This is our “secret place,” the very mystery of being in the world but not of the world. And to further grasp that He has given us the “keys” of this kingdom is even more exciting than ever.
Matt. 18:19 Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven.
God lives between the two Cheribs who forever face each other above the Mercy Seat, and it is there that He promised to meet with Israel. Christ sent them out two by two. Two are better than one, one will put a thousand to flight but two ten thousand. When God desires to bless you he brings another into your life.
Ruth had one conversation with Naomi and she was introduced to Boaz. Elisha needed Elijah! David and Jonathan were friends. Andrew introduced Peter to the Lord, and Barnabas was helpful to Paul.
The power of two is scatter all the way through our Christian History. When Christ came he revealed the power of two as the “master Key” to the Kingdom. “If two of you agree.....”
Wow! Simple and yet profound. James told us where there is strife, evil and confusion prevail. Jesus through his own blood removed the condemnation, judgmental, and over all criticism of this world. In fact Jesus calls us to agree with our adversaries.
Agreement, harmony, unity is the very vehicle through which the very power of God is released in His Kingdom. To live under the shadow and in Agreement and to see the manifestation of the Kingdom of God is and should be our greatest desire.
Jonathan and his armor-bearer were able to defeat a huge army merely through agreement. (1 Samuel 14:6-15).
May we set our hearts to agree with God, and with each other.
Jesus came proclaiming the presence of the Kingdom and the Father’s pleasure to give us the Kingdom. He went as far as to say that He would bestow upon us the “keys to the Kingdom.”
It appears that the overarching theme of the New Testament is the announcement and the availability to live in the Kingdom of God. And yet we still live as though the Kingdom is some distant hope that is only realized after death.
Again Jesus, inspires us by saying that “the kingdom is within us.” He encourages us that “out of our inner-most being will flow rivers of living water.” Today perhaps like none other we need to take time to reflect on the way that we view the King and His Kingdom.
We all read the scriptures that tell us “He lives in us.” And we mentally understand that where He is there is the Kingdom. But I don’t think we have really come to terms with what that means.
“Repent, the Kingdom of God is at hand!”
This is an invitation, not a threat! We have been and are being invited to live within the domain of our Heavenly Father. To live under the protection, provision and polity of the One who Loves us and has given His life for us all.
To “abide under the shadow” of the Almighty that is our inheritance. This is our “secret place,” the very mystery of being in the world but not of the world. And to further grasp that He has given us the “keys” of this kingdom is even more exciting than ever.
Matt. 18:19 Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven.
God lives between the two Cheribs who forever face each other above the Mercy Seat, and it is there that He promised to meet with Israel. Christ sent them out two by two. Two are better than one, one will put a thousand to flight but two ten thousand. When God desires to bless you he brings another into your life.
Ruth had one conversation with Naomi and she was introduced to Boaz. Elisha needed Elijah! David and Jonathan were friends. Andrew introduced Peter to the Lord, and Barnabas was helpful to Paul.
The power of two is scatter all the way through our Christian History. When Christ came he revealed the power of two as the “master Key” to the Kingdom. “If two of you agree.....”
Wow! Simple and yet profound. James told us where there is strife, evil and confusion prevail. Jesus through his own blood removed the condemnation, judgmental, and over all criticism of this world. In fact Jesus calls us to agree with our adversaries.
Agreement, harmony, unity is the very vehicle through which the very power of God is released in His Kingdom. To live under the shadow and in Agreement and to see the manifestation of the Kingdom of God is and should be our greatest desire.
Jonathan and his armor-bearer were able to defeat a huge army merely through agreement. (1 Samuel 14:6-15).
May we set our hearts to agree with God, and with each other.
Friday, September 3, 2010
Sweet Peace...
Sweet is the peace and serenity of the early morning before before anything makes a harsh sound or shakes the morning dew; two deer feed along the woodland path, and a brown leaf or two floats down from the trees. Though it is early, Autumn seems to begin and the cool quiet morning mists soothe the spirit.
Human spirits need a lift now and then. But it is not the things outside a person that turn on the light or heal the soul. Only the heart can do that. The heart is the core, a place where words, beliefs, and images are stored. Life springs from this place and rejects the darkness, no matter how many times it presents itself.
Be like the flower that opens to the light and closes when touched by darkness. The choice is yours -- the darkest night cannot touch the bloom that will not open to it.
Human spirits need a lift now and then. But it is not the things outside a person that turn on the light or heal the soul. Only the heart can do that. The heart is the core, a place where words, beliefs, and images are stored. Life springs from this place and rejects the darkness, no matter how many times it presents itself.
Be like the flower that opens to the light and closes when touched by darkness. The choice is yours -- the darkest night cannot touch the bloom that will not open to it.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
As Pure as Gold!!!
I realize that blogs, facebook, twitter is probably not meant for prophetic word stuff... However I felt this was maybe useful to more than just me....
A WORD FOR THE LORD:
I know the way that you take, and when you come forth, you shall come forth as gold, yes as pure gold, having been tried by the fire. My eye is upon you in loving watchfulness, and My ear is open to your cry.
Be not over-charged with anxiety. I am thy burden-bearer. Be not anxious for tomorrow, for tomorrow I shall be your supply. Praise Me NOW, and let your confidence in Me be seen and manifest. So shall the faith of others be encouraged, for your life is a witness to many.
I AM your portion: I will keep you in perfect peace. Because you have made the Most High your dwelling place, I shall deliver you from all trouble. I shall bless you and reward you, and reveal to you the greatness of My Salvation.
A WORD FOR THE LORD:
I know the way that you take, and when you come forth, you shall come forth as gold, yes as pure gold, having been tried by the fire. My eye is upon you in loving watchfulness, and My ear is open to your cry.
Be not over-charged with anxiety. I am thy burden-bearer. Be not anxious for tomorrow, for tomorrow I shall be your supply. Praise Me NOW, and let your confidence in Me be seen and manifest. So shall the faith of others be encouraged, for your life is a witness to many.
I AM your portion: I will keep you in perfect peace. Because you have made the Most High your dwelling place, I shall deliver you from all trouble. I shall bless you and reward you, and reveal to you the greatness of My Salvation.
Friday, August 27, 2010
Gratitude!!!
"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......
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......
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.
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