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Find Your Way in Me

Aug30

The Lord has established His throne in heaven, and His kingdom rules over all (Psalm 103:19).

Blessed one, I am your Creator and you are the crown of My creation. You reflect My glory. I adopted you as My very own child. You belong to Me.

I established My throne in heaven and My kingdom rules over all. I am the God of your father and his father before him. My power and authority ruled over all the generations before you and will continue to rule over all generations to come.

I will shepherd you as My sheep. I will gather you in My arms and carry you close to My heart. I will gently lead you down paths already marked out for you. You will listen to Me and follow Me because you know My voice. My ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.

I am the Most High; the Sovereign Lord of the universe, ruler of everything in heaven and on earth. I rebuke the wind and the waves. I protect you in the storm. Now rest in Me; I am in control of all things. Trust in Me; I keep My promises. Rely on Me; your strength and power come from Me alone.

You are My child whom I love deeply. Drink from the depths of My love and find your way in Me.

 

Also see:

2 Corinthians 3:18, Ephesians 1:5, Isaiah 40:11, John 10:4, John 10:27, Isaiah 55:9

Are You Wearing the Latest Fashion–the Armor of Light?

Aug23


A woman is standing at the microphone and holding a pen.

@prometeus

My dear child, have you laid out your clothes for tomorrow yet? Will you be wearing the armor of light? Put aside the deeds of darkness and clothe yourself with the Lord Jesus Christ, the light of the world. Tomorrow morning, wake up from your slumber and put on My robe of righteousness. Do not hide in the shadows and gratify your fleshly desires. Instead, walk out of the darkness and into My glorious light.

You are My child; therefore, you reflect My glory. Fulfill the law by reflecting My love; it’s unconditional. Do not harm your neighbor. Neither should you judge him, because you, yourself, will be judged. Who is your neighbor? Anyone. Everyone. Spread My love to all you meet. Love even the unlovable. When you are obedient to the law of love, I am well-pleased.

I make My home in you. I am with you at all times. When love does not come easily, draw on My power within. In your weakness, I am strong. In your doubt, I am your confidence. In your pain, I am your peace. In your sorrow, I am your joy. In the darkness, I am your light. Let your light shine for all to see. Clothe yourself daily in the armor of light, that is, the Lord Jesus Christ.

From Romans 13:9-14 (NIV)

The commandments, “Do not commit adultery,†“Do not murder,†“Do not steal,†“Do not covet,†and whatever other commandment where may be, are summed up in this one rule: “Love your neighbor as yourself.†Love does no harm to its neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law. And do this understanding the present time. The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. Rather clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature.

 

Image ID: 44298613 Historical Man ©prometeus from depositphotos.com


 

 

 

 

 

Small, but Deadly

Jul30

Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and creatures of the sea are being tamed and have been tamed by man, but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil full of deadly poison. With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be (James 3:5-10).

My blessed child, if you should boast, boast in the Lord only. Be careful what words roll off your tongue. Words expressed in haste are not retractable. Tune into My Spirit within for exactly the right words to say in all circumstances. When you are angry, take several deep breaths before you loose your tongue. The tongue may not be tamable, but do your best to keep it in on a short leash. Do not let your mouth stir up evil, but from your lips express your praise and worship. Do not curse your brother or sister who has been made in My image. Do not judge or consider yourself better than anyone. Assume a stance of humility. Mercy is not extended to the one who sits in the judgment seat. Instead, humble yourself and I will exalt you. Your tongue is a double-edged sword—sweet as honey and deadly as poison. Let your words flow as sugar through a sieve, rather than venom through a pipeline.


 

Justified

Jun26

I absolutely love how God works! He is so amazing! For example, in my previous blog post entitled “No Sin is Too Big,” I quoted from 1 Corinthians 6:11, “But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.”

After I posted it, I wondered, what does the word “justified” really mean? I think I know what it means, but I also considered, do all my blog readers understand the meaning of the word? After a few hours, the topic faded from my mind. Until two days later, on Sunday, God generously provided me with two succinct learning opportunities regarding the concept of justification.

My first routine activity every Sunday morning is to select a flavorful K-cup and brew a cup of Joe with my new Keurig machine. Next, I plop down in my favorite recliner, grab the remote control, and turn on the TV to either the Inspiration channel or the Lifetime channel and watch Dr. Charles Stanley, from In Touch Ministries, preach two sermons back to back.

In his first sermon today titled Your Convictions about Eternal Security, Dr. Stanley explained that the word “justified” means we are declared “no longer guilty” by the blood of Jesus. His atoning, sacrificial death on the cross reconciled us into a right relationship with God. When we confess our sin, God is faithful and “just” to forgive us and declare us no longer guilty because He sent His Son, Jesus, as a living sacrifice to pay the death penalty for our sin. One of the Scripture passages for this message came from Romans 5:6-10. Dr. Stanley’s In Touch Sermon 06/26/16

I cracked a smile, pleased that God had designed a way to answer my justification question so swiftly. After watching Dr. Stanley’s sermons, I showered, dried my hair, slapped on some makeup, and got dressed for church.

At Radiant Church this morning, we enjoyed an excellent message by guest pastor, Curt Anes. Romans Road Chapter 5 – Sermon He started his sermon with a definition of the word—you guessed it—justified. When I heard the word, I grinned, even more pleased that God had orchestrated the universe on this day in such a way that I would receive more clarity on the word I had questioned a couple days prior.

Pastor Anes offered a similar definition, “Justified is a divine benefit we have in Christ as Christ followers. We are declared righteous in God’s sight because of what Jesus Christ did for us.”

Supporting it with Scripture, Pastor Anes read Romans 5:1-2, “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.”

Next Pastor Anes read from Romans 5:8-9 says, “But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since we have now been justified by His blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through Him!”

Also, Romans 3:22-24 says, “This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.”

In summary, when we confess Jesus as our Savior and invite Him into our hearts, His blood washes us whiter than snow, and He declares us no longer guilty, but righteous children of God. His sacrificial death on the cross paid our sin debt in full and redeemed us from our slavery to sin, making us not only children of God, but also co-heirs with Christ.

I heard two sermons within two hours from two different pastors in two different parts of the country that both taught me two similar Biblical definitions of a term I had questioned two days earlier. Is this a coincidence? I think not!

I am so grateful that the Creator of the universe made the time to weave the answers to my questions into messages from these dedicated men of God that I would listen to today.

Lord, I thank You and praise You for Your wonderful works. Your ways are higher than my ways and Your thoughts higher than my thoughts. I appreciate the way You speak to me in my thoughts and through the instruction of wise, godly people. Thank You for the gift of Your Holy Spirit who brings Your Word to life in so many ways. I am eternally grateful for Your amazing grace in the gift of Your Son who died for me, that I might be JUSTIFIED by His blood, no longer guilty, but made righteous in Your sight. In the precious name of Jesus, Amen.

 

No Sin is too BIG

Jun24

Have you ever felt that your sin is too BIG for God to forgive? Let me assure you, it’s NOT.

When I was a new believer, I wondered if God could really forgive my sins, or were they too great. Over the years, I felt I needed to keep asking God’s forgiveness for the same old sins of my youth, even though I was a new creation in Christ, the old ways were gone, and I hadn’t returned to them. Was my sin too BIG for God to forgive or was God’s forgiveness too BIG for me to grasp?

No sin is too BIG for God to forgive. In 1 Corinthians 6:9-11, Paul assures the new Christ followers who previously were sexually immoral, idolaters, adulterers, male prostitutes, homosexuals, thieves, greedy, drunkards, slanderers, and swindlers, “But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.”

When you accepted that Jesus Christ died for your sins and invited Him into your heart to be your Savior and the Lord of your life, He wiped your sin debt clean. By His death on the cross, He paid the penalty for all your sins—past, present, and future. By His resurrection, He made it possible for you to know and experience a living God who dwells in you. Jesus cleansed you of all unrighteousness, and the Holy Spirit continues to sanctify you through and through (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24).

It turns out my sins were NOT too great for Jesus to forgive, however, His forgiveness was too BIG for me to comprehend. Once I dug deeper into God’s Word and more fully understood His plan of salvation, I could more fully appreciate His amazing grace and accept His forgiveness. Then I could let go of the guilt and shame I tightly held and claim the freedom that His forgiveness offered me. I no longer dwelled in the prison of my past sin, but I lived the life of peace that God intended for me.

Have you asked Jesus to forgive you? He has. Have you fully accepted His forgiveness? If not, dive into Scripture to more completely understand and appreciate His plan of salvation and His promises. You are a child of God. You are forgiven. You have been washed, sanctified, and justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of God. Enjoy the peace that a Spirit-filled life extends to you.


 

The Spirit of God in You

May18

“We know that we live in Him and He in us, because He has given us of His Spirit” (1 John 4:13).

“You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the One who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world” (1 John 4:4).

My dear children, you belong to Me. You, who acknowledge Jesus is My Son, live in Me and I in you. You know I am in you by the Spirit I have given you. You have seen the light. In Me there is no darkness. Now live in the light by the power of My Spirit within you. The One who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. My Son, Jesus Christ, overcame the world. You, too, have been given the power to overcome the darkness when you believe Jesus is My Son, and you walk by My Spirit.

To walk by My Spirit, you must listen to My still, small voice within you. I speak to you from the depths of your heart. Find a place of solitude and listen intently to hear the voice of My Spirit. I speak to you throughout your day. As a shepherd guides his sheep, so My voice will guide you. You are My sheep, and My sheep know My voice.

I have shown you My great love for you by sending you My Son. My love is made complete in you when you love each other, even as I have loved you. You love because I first loved you. Now show the world My love is in you by keeping My commands and carrying out My will. Let others taste and see My goodness.

You are My light in this dark world. Do not hide yourself, but shine brightly for all to see.

 

Many Scripture references in this text also come from the book of 1 John and John 10.


 

Ask Me Anything

May14

And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life. I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life. This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him (1 John 5:11-15).

Anything. Ask Me anything according to My will and you will have it. I already know exactly what you need and want, but I prefer to hear you ask Me for it. When you approach Me with respect, in humility, I see you understand your dependence on Me. I desire to be involved in your everyday life. I created you to enjoy an intimate relationship with you.

Many times, you forget about Me and run ahead on your own path, toward your own goals. Your ways may seem good and right, however, My ways are higher than your ways and My thoughts higher than yours. (Is. 55:9) Your way may not be My best for you. Seek Me to know My will at all times, in all circumstances.

Truly intimate relationships are achieved when two people regularly spend time communicating their deepest thoughts with one another. I desire to spend time in personal two-way conversation with you. I know your thoughts, but I want to hear you communicate your innermost feelings and longings to Me, and then listen. Sit quietly and listen to My voice within your heart.

You know My voice. Listen to My words of wisdom and encouragement. I will comfort you in your sorrows and counsel you in your daily decisions. Hear Me communicate the depth of My love for you. Let Me direct your paths. I am your Savior, now let Me be your Lord.

Talk to Me throughout your day. I am with you always, only a whisper away. Breathe a prayer to Me at all times, in all places. Be confident that you will have whatever you ask for according to My will. Anything.


 

Relationship Struggles

Apr7


My dearest daughter, do not fret about the relationships that you struggle with or the family connections that cause you stress. These battles are not produced in the opponents who clash. Rather, they originate from the powers of this dark world. Your spiritual enemy instigates competitiveness and jealousy in the smallest of children to the elderly saint. The devil stirs up contention and resentment in my children from the time they are young through old age.

Siblings will rival and family members will fight. Friends will disagree and marriages will crumble. But My Word endures forever. My great love lasts for all time. Seek Me in the battles. Consult Me in your competitions, both carnal and spiritual. I am Your great warrior. I fight on your behalf. I give you My suit of armor to wear for your protection. Clothe yourself in it daily. Pray it over your family. Declare victory in your home.

Buckle the belt of truth around your waist. Do not be deceived by your adversary, but expose his lies. Cling to the truth of my Word. Proudly wear the breastplate of righteousness. It will guard your heart against immorality. Be prepared always in grace and mercy to share My gospel of peace with a world at war. With the shield of faith, put out the fires started by the evil one. Put on the helmet of salvation for you have been redeemed. Carry the sword of the Spirit, my Word, with you at all times. Bind it in your heart and mind. Call on it as your weapon of choice. Use it to disprove the enemy’s deceit. After you have done all these things, stand your ground. Stand firm in My strength. Always be alert to the devils ways, and pray at all times, in all places, for all your brothers and sisters around the world who fight similar battles.

You are My precious child. I love you far more than you can understand. I won the battle for your soul, and now you must fight for the souls of those you love. Be My armor bearer. Bring My peace and light into this dark world. Shine brightly in the midst of your struggles. You will be a witness to My goodness as you withstand the tests of the times. Remain in Me, beloved one, and I will remain in you.

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against the flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark worldA woman is standing at the microphone and holding a pen., and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In additional to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints (Ephesians 6:10-18).

Also see: Isaiah 40:8, Exodus 15:3, John 15:4

A woman is standing at the microphone and holding a pen.

Do Not Be Fooled on April Fool’s Day!

Apr1

For the foolishness of God is wiser than man’s wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man’s strength. (1 Corinthians 1:25)

Do not deceive yourselves. If any one of you thinks he is wise by the standards of this age, he should become a “fool” so that he may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight. (1 Corinthians 3:18-19)

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline. (Proverbs 1:7)

Do not be a fool and do not be fooled. Do not be deceived by the world’s wisdom, for it is merely foolishness in My eyes. My foolishness is much wiser than man’s wisdom. Hold Me in a place of honor and reverence, and My knowledge will become your strength. My weakness is much stronger than man’s strength. Seek my wisdom, and do not despise my discipline, for in it, the lessons of the wise unfold. Let My wisdom be your guide and My strength be your armament. Leave the world’s wisdom to the fools, and garner your wisdom from Me. Spend time with Me daily to know Me more intimately. Listen to My voice. Search for My wisdom as for buried treasure. Accept My words, and hold onto My wisdom, knowledge, and understanding. They will be your adornment.


 

The Perfect Parent – Encouragement for Moms

Mar31

“Now choose life, so that you and your children may live and that you may love the Lord your God, listen to His voice, and hold fast to Him.” (Deuteronomy 30:20, NIV)

My precious daughter, you are the apple of My eye. I am captivated by your beauty, both inside and out. You are made in My image. I am the God of love, joy, peace, patience, and perseverance. These are the same attributes you need most to parent your children well.

Love

My love for you is unconditional. I love you no matter what you do or don’t do, what you say or don’t say. Nothing you do can make Me love you less. Nothing you do can make Me love you more. My great love for you is unchangeable. I love you longer, higher, deeper, and wider than you will ever grasp.

Likewise, you must love your children in the same manner. Love them no matter what they do or don’t do, what they say or don’t say. Nothing they do or don’t do should make you love them less.

My love for them shines through you, when your love for them is unwavering. Let them see My great love for them in your words and actions.

Joy

My joy is your strength. Seek Me and I will fill you with joy and peace as you trust in Me wholeheartedly. By the power of My Holy Spirit, you will overflow with joy in all areas of life, even in the difficult times.

Children bring great joy to a home. Savor the joyful times, and recall them when facing the challenges. A spirit of hope and joy is the result of confidence in Me. Trust in Me with all your heart, and find sweet joy in your faith. When you know and believe I am in control of all things, the heaviness in your heart fades and gives way to joy and expectation. I will not fail you. Trust in Me, joyfully, and draw on the strength My Spirit brings you.

Peace

Jesus is the Prince of Peace. When you accept Jesus into your heart and walk with Him, His Spirit lives inside you. You have the peace of Christ living in you. To experience peace, simply look deep within your heart and you will find it. Get in touch with My Spirit that dwells in you, and find the peace you long for.

This is the peace that passes all comprehension. You may experience My peace, even in the midst of your trials and challenges. When you are angry and frustrated with your children, seek My peace within. No matter the current test, spend a few moments alone with Me, and draw on My peace. I am with you always. Then deal with your children from a spirit of peacefulness.

Patience

Where there is wisdom, patience is found. When you seek My wisdom for childrearing, you will discover a greater measure of endurance for the task. In wisdom, you will handle the challenges with patient tolerance and unwavering determination.

The outcome of your confrontation will be determined by your patience in the battle. When your patience is tested to its limits, reach within your soul and receive power from My Holy Spirit. Breathe a silent prayer to Me and receive what you are in need of at the moment. Pause to take a deep breath, inhaling My peace and exhaling more patience.

Perseverance

Parenting requires perseverance and consistency. Let Me determine your steps, and then, devote yourself to the cause. Trust in Me with all your heart. Do not operate solely from your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Me and I will instruct you on the right course. (See Proverbs 3:5-6)

When you seek Me and listen to My voice, I will direct all your steps, big and small. Ask Me, and I will let you in on the plans I have laid out for you. Then you may parent with confidence and a firm resolve, knowing that your wisdom comes from Me. Persist in the major battles, and let go of the minor conflicts. Draw on the strength of My Spirit as you proceed on the path of My will for you and your children.

Battles with children are a test of the wills. Whose desire shall prevail? When you are confident that your desires align with My will, persevere in the battle. Press on toward the goal, and do not surrender.

In Summary

You cannot do any of this successfully in your own strength. You must rely on Me. I am the vine, you are the branch. Remain in Me, and I will remain in you. Apart from Me you can do nothing. (See John 15) Remain in close relationship with Me by spending time with Me. Yes, talk to Me, but also, listen to Me. I have so much to say to you.

When you make time to listen to Me, you will receive My encouragement, my wisdom, and my guidance for all areas of your life, including your parenting. I am waiting patiently for you to seek Me, know Me, listen to My voice, and hold fast to Me. I am the perfect parent and I will help you parent well.

Make Me your first priority. Seek Me before everything else. Spend time with Me daily, away from all noise and confusion. Draw your wisdom, strength, and power from Me. Receive your hope and confidence from your Father above.

Emotionally and spiritually healthy children come from emotionally and spiritually healthy parents. Maintain a healthy, spiritually intimate relationship with Me that will be seen and passed down to your children and their children. It is My greatest desire to be in constant two-way communication and relationship with each of My children, including you. Learn to listen to My voice and receive everything you stand in need of. Now choose life and hold fast to Me.