How Long Shall I Be With You?

I enjoy reading the Bible and I write of this often of how Jesus was with His disciples constantly, teaching them many things by His actions, wisdom, and divine power. Although they were not Holy, being in His presence infected and affected them profoundly. They had some big shoes to fill; but Jesus gave them help ; which is the Holy Spirit, that was with them and in them always as they walked on this earth. We as Christians, have that same Holy Spirit in us as well. 

          John 14:23-26 Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC 

23 Jesus answered, If a person [really] loves Me, he will keep My word [obey My teaching]; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home (abode, special dwelling place) with him.

24 Anyone who does not [really] love Me does not observe and obey My teaching. And the teaching which you hear and heed is not Mine, but [comes] from the Father Who sent Me.

25 I have told you these things while I am still with you.

26 But the Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, Standby), the Holy Spirit, Whom the Father will send in My name [in My place, to represent Me and act on My behalf], He will teach you all things. And He will cause you to recall (will remind you of, bring to your remembrance) everything I have told you.

This makes me think of how our world is lacking in parenting and leadership. There is no commitment. Not all parents, but many do not want to make sacrifices , spend time with their children and educate them in life, until they are able to take care of themselves. Our children do not remember the things we bought them over the years, but they do remember the times you spend with them , giving them wisdom and love. Scripture tells us, “Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not depart from it.” (Proverbs 22:6 NKJV) Focus on the Word “Train”. To train for anything takes discipline, determination, perseverance, and a commitment to the task at hand. This is what parenting is about also; but at the forefront of all of this is Jesus and His Word(The Bible). It is imperative in our lives and our children’s lives. Nothing else can compare to it. 

When a new employee begins a job, someone is usually assigned to train and guide that employee of the accepted position they were hired to do. The training varies depending on the job, some can take a day and some can take a month or more; and some are hired based on their education- but the experience is lacking. 

No one begins a position knowing what to do and how to perform it, unless they are promoted within that department and have on occasion, filled that position in another employee’s absence for a week or so. Even then, there are some things they still need to be trained to do.

An employee that is left in the dark and never told how to do something, are viciously criticized when the job is not done correctly. This is how we parent. If a parent does not properly train, communicate with their child at all times, and spend quality time with Godly advice and love, the world will impact their lives that offer them behavior that leads to a life of chaos and destruction. But the first thing a parent does is criticize your child and give up on them. NEVER give up hope or give up on your child. 

Can I make a suggestion? Go to God in prayer first , and leave the rest up to Him. In the meantime, establish a relationship with Jesus yourself- and watch you and your child begin the transformation little by little into a new creation. Let Jesus take the wheel, who loves us perfectly, and is faithful and just to His Word and will NEVER leave you nor forsake you! 

Matthew 9:35-38 AMPC

35 And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the good news (the Gospel) of the kingdom and curing all kinds of disease and every weakness and infirmity.

36 When He saw the throngs, He was moved with pity and sympathy for them, because they were bewildered (harassed and distressed and dejected and helpless), like sheep without a shepherd.

37 Then He said to His disciples, The harvest is indeed plentiful, but the laborers are few.

38 So pray to the Lord of the harvest to force out and thrust laborers into His harvest.

Can I Love You This Much?

Goodness scares so many people! Those who reject good in their life, have had many struggles, live in an environment that bleeds tragedy, poverty, and chaos. They are surrounded by negativity in all situations, Word, thought and deeds! That mindset keeps their lives in "fear of" where they feel - "There is no hope"!

Much of what we experience in our lives is a choice, and a mindset; as mentioned above. We feel and believe - this is how life is, so "we" settle in and receive more of it.

I Corinthians 10:1-14 AMPC 

For I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, that our forefathers were all under and protected by the cloud [in which God’s Presence went before them], and every one of them passed safely through the [Red] Sea,
And each one of them [allowed himself also] to be baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea [they were thus brought under obligation to the Law, to Moses, and to the covenant, consecrated and set apart to the service of God];
And all [of them] ate the same spiritual (supernaturally given) food,
And they all drank the same spiritual (supernaturally given) drink. For they drank from a spiritual Rock which followed them [produced by the sole power of God Himself without natural instrumentality], and the Rock was Christ.
Nevertheless, God was not pleased with the great majority of them, for they were overthrown and strewn down along [the ground] in the wilderness.
Now these things are examples (warnings and admonitions) for us not to desire or crave or covet or lust after evil and carnal things as they did.
Do not be worshipers of false gods as some of them were, as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink [the sacrifices offered to the golden calf at Horeb] and rose to sport (to dance and give way to jesting and hilarity).
We must not gratify evil desire and indulge in immorality as some of them did—and twenty-three thousand [suddenly] fell dead in a single day!
We should not tempt the Lord [try His patience, become a trial to Him, critically appraise Him, and exploit His goodness] as some of them did—and were killed by poisonous serpents;
Nor discontentedly complain as some of them did—and were put out of the way entirely by the destroyer (death).
Now these things befell them by way of a figure [as an example and warning to us]; they were written to admonish and fit us for right action by good instruction, we in whose days the ages have reached their climax (their consummation and concluding period).
Therefore let anyone who thinks he stands [who feels sure that he has a steadfast mind and is standing firm], take heed lest he fall [into sin].
For no temptation (no trial regarded as enticing to sin), [no matter how it comes or where it leads] has overtaken you and laid hold on you that is not common to man [that is, no temptation or trial has come to you that is beyond human resistance and that is not adjusted and adapted and belonging to human experience, and such as man can bear]. But God is faithful [to His Word and to His compassionate nature], and He [can be trusted] not to let you be tempted and tried and assayed beyond your ability and strength of resistance and power to endure, but with the temptation He will [always] also provide the way out (the means of escape to a landing place), that you may be capable and strong and powerful to bear up under it patiently.
Therefore, my dearly beloved, shun (keep clear away from, avoid by flight if need be) any sort of idolatry (of loving or venerating anything more than God. 

Anything we go through in life that is common to man, is not impossible for God to deliver you from it, your part is to be receptive to God and believe in His power to deliver you. It is good for us to have struggles and hardships in life; because it draws us closer to God. But those who don’t know Him will turn to things not of God. 

Psalm 50:7-15 AMPC

There is NOTHING God can’t do. He owns it all and made you - He understands and WILL help when you decide - Jesus is your answer- not the evil desire within that tells you otherwise ! 

Believing is the first step - and daily spending time with Him by reading the Bible and praying - the peace and joy you receive will keep you at rest even though things around you are not! That peace is priceless and worth having. It’s available to all of us; BUT, not all want it! 

May God Bless you and you receive Him in your heart today! Someone needs Him right now! 

Who's Driving?

Authentication and Authorization!

We have to take authority over everything the devil comes against us with that is not of God - cancer, addictions, worry, depression, doubt, divorce, diabetes, fear, sexual impurity, suicide, and many more debilitating diseases and chronic conditions that destroy us physically and mentally. Fear is our biggest weapon Satan uses to get you focused on the danger and pain, more than focus on who took our pain and suffering thousands of years ago so we wouldn’t have to.

This is how we succumb to defeat!
"I GIVE UP"

“The seventy returned with joy, saying, Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name! And He said to them, I saw Satan falling like a lightning [flash] from heaven.Behold! I have given you authority and power to trample upon serpents and scorpions, and [physical and mental strength and ability] over all the power that the enemy [possesses]; and nothing shall in any way harm you. Nevertheless, do not rejoice at this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are enrolled in heaven. (Luke 10:17-20 AMPC)

Jesus came for us to have and enjoy life, in abundance until it overflows, Satan came to steal, kill, and destroy our lives (John 10:10); and the human race accepts everything Satan gives us as if it is the way of life. It is not the way God wants us to live, nor is it a quality of life. Life was given to us thousands of years ago, and God’s intention was for us to freely have access to everything He has, with love, joy, and peace in this life and the life hereafter! 

Adam and Eve had a wonderful life to freely live and roam in a garden that was beautiful, peaceful, luscious , and abundant with everything they needed. They did not lack any good thing or know pain. But old Satan came in with his crafty ways and deceived Eve into eating the fruit from the Tree of Knowledge (The difference of good and evil, blessings and calamity) [Genesis 2:16-17], and she convinced Adam to eat the fruit from the Tree of Knowledge as well.

“I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.My life makes its boast in the Lord; let the humble and afflicted hear and be glad. O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together.I sought (inquired of) the Lord and required Him [of necessity and on the authority of His Word], and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.They looked to Him and were radiant; their faces shall never blush for shame or be confused. This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles. The Angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him [who revere and worship Him with awe] and each of them He delivers. O taste and see that the Lord [our God] is good! Blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied) is the man who trusts and takes refuge in Him. O fear the Lord, you His saints [revere and worship Him]! For there is no want to those who truly revere and worship Him with godly fear. The young lions lack food and suffer hunger, but they who seek (inquire of and require) the Lord [by right of their need and on the authority of His Word], none of them shall lack any beneficial thing. (Psalm 34:1-10 AMPC)”

Satan’s craftiness worked then and is still working in us today. It causes us to second guess 🤔 God’s Word over what man says; therefore, causing us to stumble multiple times in a pit of despair and destruction. That’s why it is imperative and necessary to study and read the Bible. Satan knows the Bible also; however, the Bible is our weapon of warfare against him, because of its purity and Holiness, Satan can’t withstand. Good always overpowers evil!

So why don’t you read the Bible? If it is healing, has deliverance from sin, and gives us wisdom, joy and a sword to cast down Satan and his craftiness that destroys our spirit and soul, I’m going to ask that question again, why do many of us reject God? 

“My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge; because you [the priestly nation] have rejected knowledge, I will also reject you that you shall be no priest to Me; seeing you have forgotten the law of your God, I will also forget your children. (Hosea 4:6 AMPC)”

When we decide to suffer with a disease, or anger, or even obesity, these are strongholds Satan has on us and our thinking; that still cannot withstand God’s love and goodness. He only holds us captive to it, because we allow it. NOTHING is impossible for God, when we believe. If it seems impossible, then you don’t believe. That is Satan’s whole purpose is to deceive you in your thoughts that God is not able. Well, He IS able and willing. All you need to do is believe! That’s it!

“In the morning, when they were passing along, they noticed that the fig tree was withered [completely] away to its roots. And Peter remembered and said to Him, Master, look! The fig tree which You doomed has withered away!And Jesus, replying, said to them, Have faith in God [constantly]. Truly I tell you, whoever says to this mountain, Be lifted up and thrown into the sea! and does not doubt at all in his heart but believes that what he says will take place, it will be done for him. For this reason I am telling you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe (trust and be confident) that it is granted to you, and you will [get it]. And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him and let it drop (leave it, let it go), in order that your Father Who is in heaven may also forgive you your [own] failings and shortcomings and let them drop.But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your failings and shortcomings. (Mark 11:20-26 AMPC)” 

Or perhaps, many have never heard of Jesus. If you haven’t, I pray there are many who will stumble upon this reading and be encouraged to want to know Jesus, and become a born again believer. Take that first step, then God will do the rest!

“But what does it say? The Word (God’s message in Christ) is near you, on your lips and in your heart; that is, the Word (the message, the basis and object) of faith which we preach, Because if you acknowledge and confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and in your heart believe (adhere to, trust in, and rely on the truth) that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.For with the heart a person believes (adheres to, trusts in, and relies on Christ) and so is justified (declared righteous, acceptable to God), and with the mouth he confesses (declares openly and speaks out freely his faith) and confirms [his] salvation. The Scripture says, No man who believes in Him [who adheres to, relies on, and trusts in Him] will [ever] be put to shame or be disappointed. (Romans 10:8-11 AMPC)

Okay So Who Am I?

I am not who you say I am! If God says I am successful, then I am successful. If God says I am righteous, then I am righteous. If God says I am loving, then I am loving. If God says I am wealthy, then I am wealthy (not the world’s definition of wealth) God’s wealth is defined as good health (that leads to a quality of life), love (God’s love is servitude, gratitude, and seeks the good in all people and all things) and joy (God’s joy keeps your mind and heart in a state of, “What is good about this day, instead of focusing on what went wrong - and meditate on that more than the other! It’s a good place to be!

I will give you a scenario of how we allow a negative thought to consume us. For example, “It’s hot in this room”. Now if you keep telling yourself it’s hot, it’s hot, it’s hot, it’s hot - yep, I know you are saying, “Okay, I get it! It’s Hot! Before you know it, you become irritable, touchy, and even angry. Whereas, you have a mind set that it is hot and there is no relief. 

Now let’s flip the thinking. Picture this in your mind, it’s summer and the temperature is 85º outside. Oooooh is right! Now that’s hot! BUT - we are happy about it being hot outside; because it’s perfect weather to go swimming, boating, picnicking, or even just sit on your porch with a glass of ice tea, enjoying the panoramic view. That type of heat and image brought joy to your heart. Being outdoors in 85º weather, the choices are limitless! Well God is a limitless God, who brings joy into our hearts daily when we seek and focus on the good rather than the bad. 

Now I am going to recall that hot room you walked into that ignited an unnecessary attitude over a simple fix. What are your options? If there is a fan, turn it on. If you are wearing two shirts, take one off. If the room has air conditioning, flip the switch on. If it’s winter season and the heat is on, turn it down to a comfortable temperature - or if necessary turn it off and get to work. These are simple solutions to what we magnify into a dilemma or problem just by meditating on, “It’s Hot” - that stoled your joy!

Yes, I went a little off track, but I’m back! God’s Word tells me who I am. It is written, “For the Word that God speaks is alive and full of power [making it active, operative, energizing, and effective]; it is sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating to the dividing line of the breath of life (soul) and [the immortal] spirit, and of joints and marrow [of the deepest parts of our nature], exposing and sifting and analyzing and judging the very thoughts and purposes of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12 AMPC)

His Word heals me and slays Satan so no trace of Satan’s residue will touch or defeat me from being who God says I am!  Therefore, there should be no doubt or concern of what you see in me or tell me I’m not. It’s like this, “God said it, I believe it, and so it is”! I am the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus!

For our sake He made Christ [virtually] to be sin Who knew no sin, so that in and through Him we might become [endued with, viewed as being in, and examples of] the righteousness of God [what we ought to be, approved and acceptable and in right relationship with Him, by His goodness]. (II Corinthians 5:21 AMPC)

Where you "Lead" I will follow!

God we have lost our way in this world, running around in the dark, not sure where our steps are taking us - so we grab hold of others who we feel can lead and guide us! "Others" do not know in which direction they are going either. 

Luke 6:39 AMPC

"He further told them a proverb: Can a blind [man] guide and direct a blind [man]? Will they not both stumble into a ditch or a hole in the ground?"

Imagine holding on to someone in a dark place who can't see what's up ahead as well. One false step could take you over a cliff; with no turning back, yet we put our trust in that person, following their lead.

Those who live in "safe mode" fear going out in deep waters and perhaps never experienced God's love and power and those who are in constant chaos and turmoil repeatedly stay in that environment - only because it's familiar and fear God because nothing in their life has changed for the better. So both parties stay stagnant, not realizing if the environment won't change, then they shall make a change. 

"For we do not have a High Priest Who is unable to understand and sympathize and have a shared feeling with our weaknesses and infirmities and liability to the assaults of temptation, but One Who has been tempted in every respect as we are, yet without sinning.

Let us then fearlessly and confidently and boldly draw near to the throne of grace (the throne of God’s unmerited favor to us sinners), that we may receive mercy [for our failures] and find grace to help in good time for every need [appropriate help and well-timed help, coming just when we need it]. (Hebrews 4:15,16 AMPC)"

We have a financial problem, a difficult relationship or child; or perhaps an unexpected illness. All of these feelings and situations are dark places! But as described previously, that friend or neighbor who still lives in fear regardless of the circumstances, cannot tell you how "Good" God is themselves. They cannot offer you something that taste good if they have not tasted it themselves! 

My Nephew relaxing after an intense labor of wrestling practice! 

"For he who has once entered [God's] rest also has ceased from [the weariness and pain] of human labors, just as God rested from those labors peculiarly His own. 

Let us therefore be zealous and exert ourselves and strive diligently to enter that rest [of God, to know and experience it for ourselves], that no one may fall or perish by the same kind of unbelief and disobedience [into which those in the wilderness fell] (Hebrews 4:10, 11 AMPC)"

As bad as it seems to us, no situation is hopeless! We can't lose hope, just because your neighbor, friend, or family member tells you otherwise. The only One who knows the beginning from the end is God. 

"This was so that, by two unchangeable things [His promise and His oath] in which it is impossible for God ever to prove false or deceive us, we who have fled [to Him] for refuge might have mighty indwelling strength and strong encouragement to grasp and hold fast the hope appointed for us and set before [us].

[Now] we have this [hope] as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul [it cannot slip and it cannot break down under whoever steps out upon it—a hope] that reaches farther and enters into [the very certainty of the Presence] within the veil,

Where Jesus has entered in for us [in advance], a Forerunner having become a High Priest forever after the order (with the rank) of Melchizedek. (Hebrews 6:18-20 AMPC)

Looking to our left side or our right side complicates the situation more. We run away from God, instead of to Him. "Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always" (Psalm 105:4 NIV) 

Foggy Day impairs our vision to see clearly!

When we look up, our focus is only "One" way not two; and the blurry view (or fog) you previously had, subsides! It becomes clear enough to gain that sense of, "Every thing is going to be alright", back. That "Hope" (Jesus) who cares!

Matthew 11:28-30 AMPC

"Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy-laden and overburdened, and I will cause you to rest. [I will ease and relieve and refresh your souls.]

Take My yoke upon you and learn of Me, for I am gentle (meek) and humble (lowly) in heart, and you will find rest (relief and ease and refreshment and recreation and blessed quiet) for your souls.

For My yoke is wholesome (useful, good—not harsh, hard, sharp, or pressing, but comfortable, gracious, and pleasant), and My burden is light and easy to be borne."

Jesus, is gentle with us as well as sincere. He keeps His Word and His Promise, that penetrates within our hearts and minds to keeps us on the path of righteousness that ALWAYS leads to VICTORY!

"But seek (aim at and strive after) first of all His kingdom and His righteousness (His way of doing and being right), and then all these things taken together will be given you besides.

So do not worry or be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will have worries and anxieties of its own. Sufficient for each day is its own trouble. (Matthew 6:33,34 AMPC)"

Did you know that anxiety affects your lungs and breathing; whereas if it is severe enough, it mimics a heart attack - although you are not actually having one. In additions, it lowers your immune system; which allows your body to be susceptible to diseases and other disorders in the body that deteriorates your quality of life! 

Now the opposite of anxiety is joy, peace, and trust in God that keeps the heart and mind at rest with no pills, side effects, or health issues. Because, those who keep their minds stayed on Him, He will keep in perfect peace!

You will guard him and keep him in perfect and constant peace whose mind [both its inclination and its character] is stayed on You, because he commits himself to You, leans on You, and hopes confidently in You.

So trust in the Lord (commit yourself to Him, lean on Him, hope confidently in Him) forever; for the Lord God is an everlasting Rock [the Rock of Ages]. (Isaiah 26:3,4 AMPC)

Peace (Rest in Jesus) is your goal to seek today! 

My Heart Speaks Beauty!

There's this beautiful cream sweater I have had my eye on for the past two days that caused me to be in "Awe" of the design and beauty of it! I did not purchase it as of yet; however, I did pray to God, if I should buy it. Well, as of today, I have not received a resounding yes or no; but I did receive something more powerful and impacting that caused me to truly meditate on what the scripture in I Timothy 2:9-11 AMPC is truly saying . It reads as follows: 

"Also [I desire] that women should adorn themselves modestly and appropriately and sensibly in seemly apparel, not with [elaborate] hair arrangement or gold or pearls or expensive clothing,

But by doing good deeds (deeds in themselves good and for the good and advantage of those contacted by them), as befits women who profess reverential fear for and devotion to God.

Let a woman learn in quietness, in entire submissiveness."

Although these verses are connected to how, as Christians, we are to adorn ourselves with a pure heart that illuminates within us from spending time with God in His Word and prayer; people who are in doubt of the divine Word will develop a false message of what a Christian is and fade away from coming to God. 

Yes, I can purchase the sweater, but I put  my faith in the sweater to bring out the beauty in me more than I did God! I viewed the sweater initially; with the thought, "This is a beautiful sweater and I can wear this out and look sharp"! The sweater is only an outward adornment; whereas, true beauty is within - and God knows our hearts ( good or bad) that is the only adornment that speaks who we really are and who we truly serve! Amen 

We ALL know that clothes fade , decay, and lose their value and style after wearing them a few times- God never goes out of style, fades, decays, or is invaluable to anyone, unless we reject His Love ~ That is incorruptible and unconditional! 

The next time you see any "thing" that (in your mind) will make you feel good about you because you want to please the masses and be viewed as beautiful, well dressed, and wealthy (money); Thank God for His Love that outlast "ALL THINGS", and affects and infects your life that pleases Him (Who is the ONLY one that matters) and you will illuminate and draw attention, not because you are adorned with elaborate clothing and deceived that God is pleased with your money (Money does not please God; whereas He created Heaven and Earth and ALL it's inhabitants); but you are adorned with the Light (Jesus) that stands out in dark places that people can't help but notice ~ and draws others towards you!

John 1:3-5 AMPC

All things were made and came into existence through Him; and without Him was not even one thing made that has come into being.

In Him was Life, and the Life was the Light of men.

And the Light shines on in the darkness, for the darkness has never overpowered it [put it out or absorbed it or appropriated it, and is unreceptive to it].