We Are More

 Are you more focused on the empty cross and suffering than on the Empty Tomb and the Victory?

The Beatitudes

Just a brief word about the Beatitudes found in Matthew 5:3-10 to ponder on today:

The Beatitudes are not the "way" to be saved. (Jesus is the Way.)
The Beatitudes are attributes of one who has been saved. (How's that working for us?)

May God continue to grow and mature us spiritually each day, making us vessels of His love and truth. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Who Wants A Makeover?

Many would go to a makeover artist and surrender completely, saying, "Make me into a new creation." God is the greatest makeover Artist from eternity past to eternity future.

                                            Painting title: Prince of Peace *** Artist: Akiane

In Ezekiel 13:10-14, God used an example to make a point, stating that people who build a wall with faulty mortar (or none) and then whitewash it to fool others into believing the wall is solid won't, of course, fool Him. He told the people through His prophet Ezekiel that He'd send stormy weather that would knock down such a wall and reveal its lack of foundation and, therefore, lack of lasting strength and value (I'm paraphrasing).

When I read this, several thoughts came to me at once.

1. This whitewashed, mortar-lacking wall is the difference between knowing about God and being in an intimate relationship with Him. Kind of like the difference between an external makeover with a haircut and maybe some cosmetics or doing what's needed to start your makeover from the inside out (becoming a clean temple where God's Holy Spirit can live, as well as make you healthier).

2. This whitewashed, mortar-lacking wall is the difference between a preacher giving congregants "feel-good" words that "tickle" their ears or feeding them the word of God as it appears in the Bible, and as He commanded shepherds to feed their flock (His flock). Remember, God said He has a BIG problem with anyone who changes even one jot or tittle of what He wrote. There are many individuals, including in pulpits, doing exactly that these days. As Jonathan Cahn said, "Do not bend the word of God to fit your life. Bend your life to fit the word of God."

3. This whitewashed, mortar-lacking wall is the difference between a minister providing entertainment to churchgoers or calling down the Glory of God so as to fill the people with Holy Spirit refreshment they can then share with others when they leave the building.

4. This whitewashed, mortar-lacking wall is the difference between congregants showing up at church expecting to be fed or bringing their portion of the Bread of Life with them.

5. This whitewashed, mortar-lacking wall is the difference between an individual or family having the appearance of a relationship with God (cosmetic only) or being strong in the Lord and the power of His might.

Do we have a wall of faith built with strong mortar? Is our faith foundation strong in the Lord--strong enough to keep covenant with Him by keeping His commandments, commandments He made a point to state in both the Old Testament and the New Testament? (By the way, it takes a whole Bible to make a whole Christian.)

Or is our faith and relationship actually loose stones and whitewash?

What's a good way to check this, you ask?

When you say or do anything that goes against God's way and will--if you do anything at all that He labeled as a sin or transgression in the Bible--do you feel the conviction of the Holy Spirit? I mean, really feel it? That's also a good way to know if you're truly saved or not: Holy Spirit conviction vs. silence.

If God said it's a sin and you do it anyway (or someone says it's okay and even passes a law saying it's okay), and you feel no conviction from the Holy Spirit, you're following the king of the other kingdom. Unless that's the king you choose to serve and the kingdom you wish to spend eternity in, forever separated from our loving Father, it's best if you run straight to the Makeover Artist of All Time and have a talk with Him.

What is a makeover, anyway? It's a revival of sorts, isn't it? The thing about revival is that it has to start with repentance, followed by a sincere effort to do only that which supports the new image. If--make that when--we stumble, we are to repent and start again. And, God doesn't expect us to do this on our own. We can't. We need Him to help us. Ask--and you shall receive.

Here's something wonderful and encouraging to keep in mind:
Those who are called by His name are God's possession, and He is our portion.

May God shine His face upon you and yours today and everyday.

The Legal System of Heaven at Work Here on Earth

Lately, what’s been filtering into my consciousness is the realization that there is a spiritual legal system at work at all times. This really kicked off in my mind when I read two books by Robert Henderson: Operating in the Courts of Heaven and Unlocking Destinies from the Courts of Heaven. This legality matter was an entirely new concept to me. But that’s because this information was never presented to me in this way, until now. Yet, it’s right there, page after page in the Bible. The words law, justice, judgment, conviction, state your case, royal law, and so forth—all there. Reading scripture now has an expanded context for me.

Then I started thinking about why Father God would set up such a system, and I bumped into “As above, so below,” in a manner of speaking. Our universe and planet operate under laws: Law of gravity, laws of physics, and so forth. These laws maintain order. They guarantee consistency we rely on and that make sense. They are laws we can discover, learn, and put to good use...or for ill. Thankfully, God didn’t leave us to figure out His laws, He had them written down for us. And when He made a new covenant with us through the sacrificial blood of Jesus—He amended His agreement with us, in order to help us out, since it’s so easy for us to follow temptations, false doctrines, and false prophets. And He had His Son, our Savior, teach us the Way, the Truth, and the Life.

How deeply within us does this spiritual legal system work? “In teachings that were recorded during his visible years, Jesus made it clear that God weighs our thoughts and actions equally. We are accountable before God for our imaginations as much as for our deeds.” ~ Alicia Britt Chole, Anonymous: Jesus’ Hidden Years and Yours

We can break God’s Laws through actions, words, and thoughts, via sin (falling short of the glory of God), transgression (knowing what we’re about to do is wrong and doing it anyway), and or iniquity (“sins of the fathers” that stain our lineage, all the way back to Adam and Eve, and that Satan can and does use against us in the courts of heaven). Those definitions were provided in Henderson’s books, and is why all three words are listed in Psalm 51:1-2 . . . “Have mercy upon me, O God, According to Your lovingkindness; According to the multitude of Your tender mercies, Blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, And cleanse me from my sin.”

It’s stated plainly in the Bible that each one of us will be held accountable for our works. While reading scripture, I realized our works are our actions, words, and thoughts. But, again, we weren’t left to figure out how to traverse this on our own. Jesus’ teachings in the New Testament—His words and those of His apostles—spell this out for us. All we have to do is read, understand, and follow. And when we err, we are to repent and strive to do better.

But it isn’t just about following the spiritual laws so we aren’t punished, it’s about understanding why they are the right things to do, and then doing them from that deeper understanding. Knowledge leads to understanding, and understanding leads to wisdom. True wisdom is more valuable than gold. This is why when God asked Solomon what he wanted, he said, Wisdom. And he received a portion of God’s wisdom and was greatly rewarded for requesting it, teaching it, and applying it.

If this is a new concept (explanation of reality) for you as it is for me, it may take time to wrap your mind around it. But, it’s worth it. It’s a map, a GPS of the spiritual kind. And when you choose to let God lead you, your footsteps on your path are more sure and peace-providing than trying to navigate life without Him.

Are You Clear or Confused about What’s Going on These Days?

One of my consistent prayers is this: “Lord, give us a discerning heart so that we are not deceived by others or by ourselves.” I also pray that He increases our vision so we see the truth, increases our hearing so we hear the truth, and increases our understanding of His truth.

  

Sorry to say it, but we can be a pretty gullible people at times. In fact, a lot of the time. One of the greatest seductions of the current era is that we are the power, rather than that we can be like Jesus, who came to Earth in the flesh, not as God, but as a man with the power of God within Him, through the grace of God our Father. Remember: Jesus is God, but He didn’t act as God while here. He always turned to and gave tribute to the Father as the one providing everything He needed and the power to do everything He did, and did this because He wanted us to know—it was imperative that we understand—we can do the same things He did, through the grace of the Father. He told us this was true, and He meant it. He was our perfect example. But, most of us didn’t grasp that, for a variety of reasons. Yep—more deception.

That seductive deception I refer to above is a whole other topic I intend to comment about at some other time. But I will say this: If you pay attention, you’ll see the deceptions all around us. We’re being fed these deceptions, especially children, who are so open to influence. And these deceptions move us away from God’s truth in tantalizing increments. Unless we’re paying attention and know what to look for.

This morning I caught the last 10 or so minutes of a program called The Key That Unlocks the Bible. The minister kept talking about the key of David that Christ gave to His disciples and His Church (which is us). I looked up the Web site: https://www.thetrumpet.com/programs/key-of-david/latest and found the 27-minute program on the Home page, along with ways to get the two writings he mentioned—for no cost. One is, of course, The Key of David (176 pages). The other is The True History of God’s True Church (233 pages). You can either download these books or get them mailed to you. I like to turn pages and have a tangible book I can retrieve from my shelves, so ordered them. In other words, I’m suggesting them rather than recommending them, since I haven’t as yet read them.

The minister pointed out that Jesus warned us about deceptions and the great deception: “For false Christs and false prophets shall rise, and shall shew signs and wonders, to seduce, if it were possible, even the elect. But take ye heed: behold, I have foretold you all things.” ~ Mark 13:22-23

If current events trouble you, right down to that, yes, thorny issue called climate change, read Mark, chapter 13, in its entirety. Jesus laid it all out for us. One truism has been espoused, but in a different context than I intend: If you want to change the world, start with yourself. From the biblical perspective, if you want to help save others, start with yourself. Pay attention to how you’ve been deceived (and still are), and in what way you’ve espoused these deceptions—likely unknowingly. I speak from experience here, as one deceived by all the New Age proclamations and falsehoods. Ask the Lord to inform you. Knock and the door will be opened to you. But you have to walk in willingly.  

We May Obey God, But Do We Love Him? – A Special Father’s Day Message

When God asks you a question, you can be assured it’s a good one He wants you to think about. I’ve admired God’s wisdom for quite a while. What I mean by that is that I look for God’s hand in and on matters—and inevitably, I perceive it. Sometimes this happens sooner than later; sometimes, it’s immediate recognition. Whenever this happens a feeling of reverent awe fills me, or as said in the Bible, “My cup runneth over.” After years of paying attention this way, I learned to trust God. That’s not lip-service; I mean I really trust Him. He is faithful and true.

I mentioned in another writing posted a while back, that as I began my prayers one evening, God asked me: “Do you trust My love as much as you trust My wisdom?” No, I didn’t. But I set about to change that with His assistance and guidance. Here’s where it’s led me so far.

Some are raised in homes that practice Christianity (which is different from religion, but that’s another story, unless you already understand what that means). Those raised this way, have a habit of following the faith—they practice it in some form. But, does this mean they feel genuine love for Him? Not necessarily.

Some come to the Lord through fear. Perhaps they learn something about End Times, or they come close to death—their own or someone else’s. The first time I received the Lord I was in my teens, and it was through guilt at a Baptist revival. That sort of took, but didn’t hold. When I returned to the Lord several months ago, it was through fear about End Times, which many believe we’ve crossed into, based on current events and how they match with what Jesus said about the signs of that time’s approach. But, I digress somewhat.

Fear that brings a person to God or back to God often leads them to spend time with scriptures and in prayer. Sincere time spent with scriptures and communing with the Lord leads to deeper understanding, especially if we ask for assistance with that. Still . . .

Going back to God’s question about my trusting His love as much as His wisdom, I admit that what I felt started in my mind—an intellectual relationship, you might say. But was I feeling the love? No. But I wanted to. So I kept going.

The more I learned about the Father, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit, and the more I perceived their presence in my life and in events, the more I felt my reverence begin to shift into love. And I realized that similarly to our human relationships, what we feel takes root in the mind before it moves into the heart. So, I was on the right track. When these feelings reach the heart, they begin to reside there. I noticed my relationship with the Lord began to strengthen and deepen. How could it not? How do you behave with someone you truly love? Perhaps you make an effort, and succeed, at altering some things you think, say, and do, because your desire is to please them. You cease merely doing what you should because you should, and act from love.

Sunday, June 18, is Father’s Day here in America. It’s a time when we honor fathers who dedicate themselves to their families, especially their children. While we celebrate fathers still with us, as well as those who live in our hearts, minds, and memories, let’s also remember to thank and honor our heavenly Father for his love, wisdom, grace, mercy, care, comfort, guidance, and extraordinary patience.

May the Lord’s peace be with you and yours.

3 Messages from God

3 EVIDENCE EVENTS. There are certainly many times in my life when God made it a point for me to know His hand is in and on my life, but there are three significant times He made sure substantial truths were revealed to me: 1) Our spirit lives beyond our physical body, 2) He’s always watching over us, and 3) His love for us is profound, profound enough for Him to visit us, in person. If you find yourself at a crossroads of faith at this time, I hope my experiences shared here are helpful for you.

Our spirit lives beyond our physical body. When I was nine, I was resting on my knees on a chair at the dining table while my mom put rollers in my hair. She got to the last two and I complained my head hurt. She said she was almost finished, but the pain became unbearable. I turned my head to the left, thinking that might relieve the pressure and pain. The world went dark. The next thing I was aware of was that I was floating near the ceiling, above my dad’s chair in the adjoining den. I could hear my parents, but couldn’t see them for the wall that covered half the room. I was so peaceful, and not at all perplexed about where I was. But, I could hear the concern in my parents’ voices and thought, “I don’t know why they’re so upset. I’m fine.” I saw my mom grab her purse, and my dad, who was carrying my body, as they raced to the door. My mother said, “I hope we can get her to the hospital in time.” My thought was, “I don’t want to go to the hospital. I need to let them know I’m okay.” As soon as I had that thought, I zoomed back into my body. I opened my eyes and smiled at my dad. Revealing something about how long I’ve been on the planet, doctors still made house calls. Our family physician examined me. I remember sitting in a chair and smiling like a fool and not wanting to speak—because I was still in a state of bliss and contentment. All that happened afterwards is insignificant. God wanted me to know and remember always that we continue after we leave our body.

He’s always watching over us. When I was twelve, a family from out of town visited with us for a few days. It was summer—scorching hot. My dad arranged with a motel, to let us use their pool for a few hours. I honestly don’t recall the trigger event, but still clearly recall the moment I realized I was drowning. I started to feel panicked, because I couldn’t stop what was happening. I thought, “No one knows I’m drowning. I don’t know how long it will be before they realize I’ve died.” As soon as I had that thought—and I can still see them clearly in my memory—two angels, one on either side, took my arms and zipped me to the surface. Not only did they lift me out of the water, they turned me around and placed my arms on the side of the pool. I coughed up water for several moments, got my breathing nearly back to normal then turned to see who was watching. No one was. My parents, the other parents, and their children had no idea what had happened. But God made certain I knew He was always watching. And because it wasn’t my time to leave this life, and because He wanted me to remember this truth, He sent supernatural help.

His love for us is profound, profound enough for Him to visit us, in person. I was sixteen, sitting cross-legged on my bed, reading The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe (first book of The Chronicles of Narnia). I’d just read the part where Aslan gave his life to save Edward, where he allowed the witch and her followers to humiliate him (and believe they’d won), and where the witch killed him. I began to weep, sob really, because of course, this was meant to represent Jesus and the sacrifice He made to ransom us from Satan (and ourselves). I was ashamed of my flaws (even though at that age I had yet to do even more in my life to displease God). I was genuinely distraught. I said to God, “How can you love me when I’m so imperfect?” Then I became aware of God holding me like a small child in his arms. He cradled me to Him and poured His love into me. I was also aware that my mom walked by my open door. I was sure she’d see and hear me sobbing, but she didn’t. And I knew that although God held me in His arms, what my mother saw was me reading quietly on my bed. His visitation was for my awareness only.

Interestingly, I’ve seldom shared my out-of-body experience, that I’d been saved by God’s angels from drowning, or that God paid me a visit. I don’t know why, other than perhaps God had a different timing in mind, which apparently is now. And despite how extraordinary these moments were, I took detours away from God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit—many detours I’ve asked and received His forgiveness for (like calling Him the Universe and other names not His; like doubting Jesus ever existed (score one, temporarily, for Satan); like buying into Satan’s deceit via metaphysics and the occult more times than I wish I had to admit); like forgetting all three of these significant events until God decided it was time for me to remember them. God let me take those detours because He knew I’d learn from them. However, He also took me off those and other detours whenever it was time. He let me carry on as I had been until a few months ago, when He nudged me and said, “It’s time to get into a serious relationship with Me.”

He had another revelation for me at the start of my returning to Him (and I’m sure it isn’t the last one). I’ve always felt deep appreciation for God’s wisdom, having witnessed it in my life so often. But one night, while speaking with Him, He asked me a question: “Do you trust My love as much as you trust My wisdom?” He asked that, already knowing the answer—I didn’t—and He knew why. So, we’ve been working on this since then. My Father, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit are leading me forward. They know me, so They’re directing me in ways that work for me. But I also feel the need for speed, as the saying goes. Perhaps you’ve been receiving your own nudges from the Holy Spirit. If so, if you won’t heed it now, when? If you’re getting one or more nudges, it’s because you’re loved...because He wants to share His promises with you now and in His kingdom.

I pray that whether His light is a flicker or a tiny flame inside you, that you reach for His ever outstretched hand. Ask for His flame of the Way, the Truth, and the Life be increased within you. Let Him lead you. Yield to Him, even if, like me, in some ways you’re still afraid of what this might mean—how you might have to change, and how others may be discomfited by this.

I claim that the sacred blood of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, the perfect Lamb of God our Father, who came to earth in the flesh and sacrificed Himself on the cross at Golgotha for the remission of our sins and our salvation, and rose on the third day to ensure our resurrection, covers you and your loved ones with His protection, and cleanses, restores, renews, and strengthens you.

May God’s extraordinary blessings of His love, wisdom, grace, mercy, care, comfort, guidance, and patience cover you and your loved ones, and I pray that He strengthens all of us to express these blessings to others as freely as He expresses them to us. I pray that He gives us a discerning heart so that we are no longer deceived by others or ourselves, but hear and follow only the voice of our true Shepherd, Jesus Christ. Amen.