Justified

This is a word that's in my head and spirit today. I woke up with the whisper of it in my ear.
"What do you need to say to me, Lord?" I asked.
Again the word came; this time with a thought that I needed to investigate.

Most days starts off fine. A little of this and that. A sit down with a cup of coffee and a blogging session that can sometimes last into the afternoon.  I have household things that need to be done; a load of clothes in the washer, kitchen dishes to be put away. My time is abundant, it's how I choose to use it. "Getting things done" can lead to time spent accomplishing everyday things, but neglecting the one thing that really is of the most importance in my life...my relationship with God, and His desire to work with me.

So what does the word "justification" have to do with what I've said here?

I have time alloted in life, as we all do. What are we as individuals doing that enhances our relationship with the Lord? On a daily basis, what are we doing with our "time" that counts in eternity? Reading daily Bible verses and  time spent praying for others? Although that's good, because praying for others enables the Holy Spirit to work in thier lives, but I'm talking about, what as individuals are we doing to enhance our own relationship with God?

It's about a time spent alone with Him when there's nothing "on the agenda". When it's about quality time, and yes, even quantity. Five minutes can be good, but even fifteen would be better.

Now, on to "justification". This is a word used in many circles to express and define our Christian experience of salvation. Our being made right in the eyes of the Lord. Our sin being paid for by Jesus Christ on the cross.

But the concept of what I'm feeling about "justification " in my spirit today is: How often are we concentrating on God Himself?  He longs to be with us and just see us face to face. Looking at our own loved ones faces brings us great joy. So as our Heavenly Father goes, He feels the exact same way with us. He longs just to spend some one-on-one time with us. I need to put away the prayers for my health, worries about the future, etc. and just concentrate on Him.

By having this alone time with Him, I'm justified , and made right, in His presence. Spending time with Him is what He longs for. Deuteronomy 4:24 says, "For the Lord your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God." Not jealous in a negative way, but as in strongly desiring our attention. Just like a lover who wants to be with His beloved. In His presence leave the place of our daily "existence" and get away with Him for a moment. It provides the plan for our lives. Just being in His presence enables us to refill and recharge, to receive revelation, and find security in His arms. How to do this? Just ask Him, He wants to show us. Christian music, maybe just quiet and solitude; an open Bible and an open heart.

He's able to take care of all our needs and give us the desires of our heart. He's just reminding me that I need to focus on Him, and let Him become one of my great desires.

love in Jesus,

(If this seems a little "ramble-y" it's because this came straight from my spirit, from God's heart to mine. When He's talking I try not to change much. He loves to communicates with us, just try having a pen and paper with you when you are with Him. Let Him share His thoughts with you.)

Abba, Daddy

A few weeks ago we talked about a young Roman boy, how he received a tutor/ teacher/guardian until he reached adulthood. Even though he was heir to the estate and wealth of the father he needed to be trained and matured. He was a "son" but didn't have access to the inheritance until he was grown up. Basically he was in no stronger standing than "a slave". He had to do what he was told. He was to obey and stay under the authority of the "teacher".


Version: NAS
Galatians 4:1-7

1. Now I say, as long as the heir is a child, he does not differ at all from a slave although he is owner of everything, 2. but he is under guardians and managers until the date set by the father. 3. So also we, while we were children, were held in bondage under the elemental things of the world. 4. But when the fulness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law, 5. in order that He might redeem those who were under the Law, that we might receive the adoption as sons. 6. And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying, "Abba! Father!" 7. Therefore you are no longer a slave, but a son; and if a son, then an heir through God.

In the time of the New Testament years the Roman Empire consisted of about 60 million slaves. Yes, you heard me right. These were captives from subjugation of other countries, or impoverished persons whom needed to be employed. Their lives basically were not their own, and they were property of their master without rights. (verses 4:1-2)

Galatians 4:3-5 refers  to the time of the Old Testament or Old Covenant in which the Jews were still really "children" being taught; under the bondage of the "elemental" things of the world. Then when the time was right God sent Jesus to earth to elevate us, or "graduate" us from childhood to adulthood, or "adult sons" of God. Jesus death on the cross took us from being no better than slaves into an actual "relationship" with God the Father.

When I was young I was afraid of God. I grew up in a church that was legalistic in many ways. Sermons on "hell fire" and "needing to be saved" were the topic of most Sunday mornings. I had a skewed vision of God and who He was. This view of God stayed with me most of my adult life. I've shared this before, and I know that many of you were brought up like me. I felt like God was sitting up there in heaven just waiting for me to mess up, so He could strike me with lightening when I did. And did I ever mess up? Sure. Did I get struck by lightening? Well, things didn't always go well, but I know now that it wasn't God's fault. He ultimately wants the best for us, and isn't "out to get us".

I could recite the Lord's Prayer, but never really felt like God was a "father" to me. Knowing God as our Father can be difficult. A lot of it has to do with our relationship with our "earthly" father. How he treated us, whether he was available, at home, loving, kind, considerate, or if he was absent, abusive, unloving, and harsh. I had a good relationship with my own father, but he was often involved with other things, hobbies, etc. and wasn't a "communicator" to any great degree.

God has a great desire for us to think of Him as our "Heavenly Father". He doesn't desire for us to think of him as "the boss" or even as royalty in that he is aloof or unapproachable. He wants us to think of ourselves as His greatly loved children. And in that relationship enjoy His presence, closeness, kindness, and involvement in our lives.

Galatians 4:6-7 tells us that when we accept Jesus into our hearts and find "salvation" that the Spirit of God, or the Holy Spirit comes to us and desires that we have that Father/Child relationship. That we then truly get to know God in the way He desires. Not just our Father in a "shake your hand or pat your back" kind of way. But a way that is personal, loving and intimate. The kind of relationship that asks that we think of Him as our "Daddy". The "crawl up in His lap" kind of relationship that offers unconditional love, kindness, soothing, forgiveness, and instruction and guidance with a gentle spirit.

John 3:16-17

"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life. 17. "For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world should be saved through Him.

If you truly cannot call Him "Abba, Daddy", for whatever reason; be it a lacking relationship with your earthly father or a less than desirable experience within the church, please seek Him for that special love and tenderness He desires for us to know. It will truly change your life.

love, in Jesus,
Debra

New Clothes

Fun topic today...clothing. Some of you gals may relate a little more to this concept than the guys, but who doesn't love to get a new outfit? Change of season and I'm all over the mall hunting down some new things to spruce up my closet. I'm not a "fashionista" in any sense of the word, but I look for trends and what fits me and my lifestyle. I do like to look and feel as young as I can, without being silly or age "In-appropriate".

Version: NAS
Galatians 3:26-29

26. For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. 27. For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. 28. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29. And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's offspring, heirs according to promise.

And then in the King James Version:

Version: KJV
Galatians 3:26-29

26. For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. 27. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 28. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. 29. And if ye [be] Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.


If you think about it, the Bible talks a lot about "clothes" and clothing. Not in a "fashion" sense, but in metaphorical reference to our spiritual life. Case in point, Joseph and the coat of many colors (Genesis 37), the Priest's holy garments (Exodus 39), Elijah's mantle (1 Kings 19:19), our spiritual armor (Ephesians 6), and our robes of righteousness (Revelation 7). These are just a few that come to mind.

It's important that we have a grasp of the society and culture of the day in which the Bible was written. In this case, the New Testament time in which Rome was in control of Israel and all the surrounding area. In studying for this lesson, I learned that when a Roman boy was school age he received a tutor, or teacher, that would serve him for his complete childhood. This tutor was a disciplinarian, babysitter, teacher, guide, and guardian of the child. He served his young master, but was really in charge of him. As a young boy the charge wore a youth's clothing, but as he became a young man, and "graduated" from his schoolmaster, he was given a new set of "adult" clothing which was covered by a tunic. This change in garment is referred to here, as we are all sons of God. It was made mention that the word "children" in the King James Version should actually translate "adult children" of God.

And not only do we "put on" Chist, we are told that we are all equal in the eyes of God. We are all sons and daughters of the Most High. There is no distinction in God's eyes as to rich or poor, influential or meek, male or female. We all have the same standing with Him and He treats us the same. So with that in mind we all need to think of ourselves the same way; brothers and sisters "in Christ". Then with that knowledge we realize that we are heirs with an inheritance.


Version: NAS
Romans 13:11-14

11. And this [do], knowing the time, that it is already the hour for you to awaken from sleep; for now salvation is nearer to us than when we believed. 12. The night is almost gone, and the day is at hand. Let us therefore lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. 13. Let us behave properly as in the day, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual promiscuity and sensuality, not in strife and jealousy. 14. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh in regard to [its] lusts.


The scripture that we have today says that once we make the decision to follow Jesus Christ and become a believer that we "put on Christ". And how do you do that you might ask. Well, it starts with a relationship, which means that we have to communicate with God: prayer, Bible Study, just spending time with Him. Making a determined effort to be "about" Him in our daily lives. 

"Putting on Jesus" has also been spoken of as a "uniform", like a military uniform, that shows the world we are believers. It's our duty as believers to be clothed in Jesus. We have a decision to everyday get up and wrap ourselves in the presence of Jesus. Sometimes I don't do a good job of it. I forget. This is a good reminder to me that our belief system and relationship with Jesus needs to be not only on the inside, but showing on the outside also!

love in Jesus,
Debra

Personal Revelation

We know God has laid out His plans for the Gospel and Eternity, but does He still speak to us, personally? Does He care about us as an individual who needs a personal "word" from the Holy Spirit? We're still looking at Saul/Paul's conversion and how he heard God speak to him.


Galatians 1: 11-17
11. For I would have you know, brethren, that the gospel which was preached by me is not according to man. 12. For I neither received it from man, nor was I taught it, but [I received it] through a revelation of Jesus Christ. 13. For you have heard of my former manner of life in Judaism, how I used to persecute the church of God beyond measure, and tried to destroy it; 14. and I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my contemporaries among my countrymen, being more extremely zealous for my ancestral traditions. 15. But when He who had set me apart, [even] from my mother's womb, and called me through His grace, was pleased 16. to reveal His Son in me, that I might preach Him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately consult with flesh and blood, 17. nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me; but I went away to Arabia, and returned once more to Damascus.

In verse 11 there is a key phrase I want to look at. "received through a revelation of Jesus Christ". We know Paul aka "Saul" of Tarsus, was a zealous persecutor of Christians. He was a young rabbi taught under the tutelage of Gamaliel, a famous Jewish teacher in the first century. As I mentioned last week, Saul was fast making a name for himself that was causing him to rise up in the Jewish leadership. He was the "hands on" man for persecuting and killing Christians.
 
The word "revelation" in the Greek is apokalypto which means to disclose, unveil, uncover. And has the sense of restoring or curing. We are familiar with the word, "apokalypse" which comes from this Greek word, referring in our culture today as end time events or something of cataclysmic change and importance.
 

Saul had been on a mission to kill Christians in the city of Damascus, Syria, which is north of Israel and Jerusalem. For an in depth personal account of his experience read Acts 9 :1-19. Paul makes it clear that he did not receive his revelation from any man; not from the Jews, and not from the Christians. The Jews were trying to wipe out the Christians, and the Christians were afraid of Saul so they had nothing to do with him. His revelation came from Jesus Christ himself.


And what is this "revelation" that Paul is talking about? Something that had been hidden, a "mystery" not understood or yet uncovered for the Jews to know. Plain and simple, the message of Jesus Christ; that salvation was not just for the Jews, but also for the Gentiles, (everyone else). That revelation rocked the world of the Jewish people and they did not, nor have they yet, received it. Throughout the Old Testament there are indicators and prophecies of the "Savior" who would be coming. But the Jews had a concept of who they wanted that savior to be, and he didn't look anything like Jesus of Nazareth.

Do we feel like "revelation" is just for the OT and the early New Testament times? Well, some denominations would believe and say so. But God is still God, and even though there might not be the same type of revelations, we all still need to have Jesus "reveal" Himself to us personally. Maybe we haven't led a life as counter-productive to the cause of Christ that Saul had lived, but we all need salvation and to know our Savior on a personal one-on-one way.


In verse 15 of Galatians, chapter 1, Paul talks about God setting him apart from birth, and calling him by His Grace. In Jeremiah 1: 5-10 the OT prophet Jeremiah recalls his own calling, evidently at a young age. Take time to read this passage sometime this week. You will be blessed by it and maybe feel a tug at your own heart.


I remember about 11 years ago, (not well read in the Bible, or having studied alot) I came across these words in Jeremiah 1:5, "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart..." I remember it clearly because I was on a quest for personal revelation from God. I needed to hear from Him, personally. I was setting at the kitchen table, Bible on my lap. I read those words and an electric spark went through me. God was speaking. He was talking to me. insignificant me. Those words touched me so powerfully. I had heard them before...for many years. They had lived in a hidden place in my soul and spirit. A place that sometimes seems unreachable, yet we know it's there. A place where our spirit communicates with the Holy Spirit. Those words had been hidden there, until that moment when God "revealed" Himself to me personally for my own life.


There are many many people in the world today, that believe that Jesus Christ is Lord, and Savior, yet they have not had a "personal revelation" of who He is. I'm encouraging you and me both, to seek personal revelation from the Holy Spirit and the Word of God, the Bible. (they need to go hand in hand) He will send it to you. Do you have problems in your daily life?...children, spouse, health, relationships, finances, unsaved loved ones? God is waiting to personally reveal Himself to you in these areas. It's something I need to remember too; seeking Jesus for personal revelation of His will for my life. Trust Him. He's ready to communicate.

This is where I will strongly reiterate the need for daily Bible study. When we put ourselves before God; Bible open, He sees our willingness and availability to hear from Him. If you aren't reading your Bible it's harder to get to that place. Not impossible, because people find Jesus everyday that have never picked up a Bible. But to receive instruction and personal guidance from God we need to be in His Word.


Paul is a huge example of how "suddenly" God can step in and change our lives...and our destiny. Don't give up on the possibility of "suddenlies" in your spiritual life.


love in Jesus,
Debra

No Other Gospel

Knowing the true Gospel of Jesus Christ is of the upmost importance. There are a lot of  "gospels" out there in the world today, but there is only one true Gospel and that is the one from Jesus Christ. If you're following an "added on" version or different "gospel". I'm hoping that this study of Galatians will reveal that to you.

Version: New American Standard

Galatians 1:6-9
6. I am amazed that you are so quickly deserting Him who called you by the grace of Christ, for a different gospel; 7. which is [really] not another; only there are some who are disturbing you, and want to distort the gospel of Christ. 8. But even though we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to that which we have preached to you, let him be accursed. 9. As we have said before, so I say again now, if any man is preaching to you a gospel contrary to that which you received, let him be accursed.

The word "gospel" comes from the Greek word "euangelion" which means good news. We get the words "evangelize" and "evangelist" from this word, meaning someone who preaches the gospel or preaches the good news.

In the case that you are reading this Bible Study today and you are thinking, "What...there are other "gospels"? The answer would be "yes", there are other "gospels" out there. Some lay in the guise of Christianity, others are blatant, but most are man's spin on religion or spirituality. All you have to do is look as far as the New York Times Best Seller list to find one or more perversions of the Gospel of Jesus.

Matthew 5:18
For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.

 Luke 16:17
And it is easier for heaven and earth to pass, than one tittle of the law to fail.

The New International Version gives us a more clear understanding of these verses and these two words, when it says that "not the smallest letter; not the least stroke of a pen" . A jot and a tittle were letters of the Hebrew alphabet. The meaning? Nothing written in the Bible should be changed, added on to, or taken away from. If it is, then it is not the true Gospel of Jesus Christ.

The books of the Bible were conceived by the Holy Spirit, and compiled under His direction. Now we may not always understand what it all means, but we're not supposed to add or subtract from God's Word. Here is where it gets tricky, because I've heard one denomination call another denomination "false prophets" just because they didn't "agree" with what was being said. The key to knowing whether or not something is the true Gospel of Jesus Christ or a false gospel is whether or not it is found in the Bible, and I do mean the "Holy Bible".

If you don't believe the Bible then it's really easy to get off track. We can't pick and choose what we believe from it. Like I said, we might not always understand, but we can't have a Bible Smorgasbord  where we reject the parts that don't seem to "fit" into our lifestyles and points of view. Too many religions and cults have found their origins in adding on to or subtracting from the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The way I see it is this. Get your own Bible and read it. Become familiar with it. Study it. That way you won't be fooled by someone coming along and trying to tell you different. Pray for revelation and hearing from God. Ask Him to lead and guide you and to reveal if anything you are believing is not the true Gospel.

So back to the "other gospels". When I was working in the Freedom in Christ ministry and talking with people and going through their ideas, view points, and history, there were many who had fallen prey and victim to New Age Philosophy. The New Age theory is basically that you are master of your own universe and that you are a God in and of yourself. There is no One God (Jehovah), but "God" can be found in any natural or inanimate thing. The New Age has a habit of taking a little of the scriptures and incorporating them into their own teachings. That way it "sounds better" and is more palatable to those seeking "enlightenment" in their spiritual journey. But they "pervert" the true Gospel in a way to make it easier to follow, and to appeal to the masses of people searching. Nothing in the Bible suggests that what Jesus had to say was particularly "easy", on the contrary He said the way was narrow, and that many would look at the Gospel and then reject it because it seemed to be more than what they were willing to do and believe in.

Today, I'm encouraging you to seek God for His words concerning your beliefs. Lay them before God and ask for revelation if there is any thing that you are believing or practicing that is not Biblical or Truth.

Following the "traditions of men" can prevent us from following Jesus.

Version: NAS
Mark 7: 6-8
6. And He said to them, "Rightly did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written, 'This people honors Me with their lips, But their heart is far away from Me. 7. 'But in vain do they worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the precepts of men.' 8. "Neglecting the commandment of God, you hold to the tradition of men."

There is nothing or no person that can take the place of our Bible and the message of Jesus Christ. If what you are believing, worshiping, or practicing is not Christ centered, then get a Bible and start in the New Testament. Let it be the defining factor in all your beliefs.

Next time we'll take a look at what this particular "gospel" was that Paul was warning his converts about.

Love you all, thank you for reading and joining in in this study of Galatians. I love seeing your comments and thoughts. Please feel free to leave a message in the comments section. Remember, what you are thinking may be what someone else needs to hear.
God Bless You,

love,
Debra

Better Late than Never

I've had some thoughts in my head the last few days about what I wanted to say about Mother's Day, and I felt like I really needed to speak from my heart concerning how being a mother has changed my life.

When I was young I really didn't have a lot of big dreams or aspirations. I knew in my heart getting married and having kids was what I wanted to do. I'm a nester and homebody, so a house and the white picket fence is what I dreamed of...a husband, a home, and a couple of kids.


I've come to learn as I've matured and worked in church ministries, that no family is perfect. Some of the people you see setting in church on Sunday morning all spiffed up and smiles are the same people that 30 minutes ago were yelling, fighting, and fussing at their kids. If anyone says they come from the "perfect" family then all I can say is, "Praise the Lord, and I hope you're not in denial".

Without getting too personal I will say, like many of you, that while I had a good and relatively happy childhood, it was not without it's problems and dysfunction. Problem is that I didn't realize the fallout from that "dysfunction" until I had already married and had two kids of my own. Dysfunction, (there's that word again) has a habit of revisiting itself on future generations. Things that happened to our parents in their youth unfortunately come down on the kids. Our parent's lack of parenting skills most likely were learned from their parents and so on.


If you've read my blog for awhile you know that I would really love to have some "do-overs" in my life. Where were the parenting classes I so desperately needed? In reality, I probably wouldn't have attended them. We never think we need the help until "life" lands on us and we're on the ground.

For most of my life I suffered from a lot of misinformation about God. I was afraid of Him and didn't have a concept of how much He really loved me. It's amazing how screwed up we can be if we don't have that one critical piece of information. God loves us. God loves us...


So in thinking about a few things that I wanted to pass along of what I've learned by being a mother, I will share the most important ones to me; seemingly small, but powerful concepts.


1. The old phrase from "Love Story" is totally inaccurate. Nice byline from a movie, but totally wrong! "Love means never having to say your sorry".  Horse doody. God showed me after a long and painful separation from my younger daughter that at times we have to be willing to say "I'm sorry" and mean it. Even if you felt justified in your actions and attitudes. It's not how you perceive something, it's how the other person perceives it. If she felt I didn't love her or had hurt her, I better be willing to take responsibility by admitting my own mistakes. And you know what? I had made some. I just didn't see them until we started the dialogue. There is something about hearing those two words that start to mend and heal relationships. Ownership of words and actions...good place to start.


2. Don't lie or cover up with your kids. Be honest and keep them informed. They're smarter than they look. That doesn't mean you have to give them gory details. Just be willing to talk to your kids about what's going on. Secrets and coverups are the devil's playground. My parent's generation is a good case in point. Family secrets can be so destructive. My mother found out when she tried to get social security at age 65 that her sister was really her mother. She had been the product of "date rape" back in the early 1930's.  Not a new scenario. Things were covered up, people went to their graves with that secret, and it had my dear mother reeling for months. I didn't know my grandmother as my grandmother, nor my girls their great grandmother. Always just an aunt; a loving one, but still just an aunt. I had a really hard time forgiving missing out on that relationship. My mom's hurt was visited upon me.


3. Take the time to do the little things. Don't always be in such a hurry that you miss out on the sweet and precious moments that we can have with our children. Being "present" and in the moment has been difficult for me a lot of my life. Don't get me wrong. We have had great times and laughs and so many memorable moments. I just wish I'd savored them more and considered the impact that would have on my girls and husband. A dirty floor can always wait. Work and projects and all the other non-essentials can never be compared to making cupcakes, taking an afternoon in the park, or going for a drive to see new places and things. Live in the present. In reality, that is all we really have.


4. Don't live your life through your children. Don't put pressure on them to do things you never were able to do. Don't put expectations on them that cause them to not be their own person. Let them explore who they are and who God is calling them to be. Respect that at an early age. We're all different, with different talents and dreams and desires. Don't confuse what you missed out on to be something that your children may enjoy or even be good at. Give them space to be who God is calling them to be...then be happy for them and celebrate their own accomplishments.

5. Learn to put others first...it's not all about me... enough said.

6. Be kind. If there is a raving maniac living inside of you, get a grip. Think of how we speak to our children and other children for that matter. Tender hearts can easily be broken or stepped on. This is something I needed help with. Anger, frustration, my own hurt, etc. comes out of me pretty matter of fact. I am changing, I just wish I would have done better when they were young. So many hard or harsh words that cannot be taken back. That is where #1. comes in. Learning to say you're sorry and then doing the right thing.


7.Trust God with your kids. They are a gift; and God loves them more than we could ever possibly love them. He knows their needs better than we do, but like any gift, He has expectations of their care from us; feeding, sheltering, loving them, teaching them. But there comes a time in their lives when we have to back off and let God have the reins. That's when prayer and trust kicks in. And sometimes sleepless nights. This is where knowing God's Word and Promises will help when nothing else can. Speaking the Word over my kids in their bedrooms when they are not home. Being on my knees on their behalf, then letting God take over. I have first hand proof that it works.


8. And then knowing that when they become adults they can be your best friends. My girls have weathered their own storms. They are now women that I respect and love and they nurture me. Having them in my life has taught me the values I was sorely lacking.


Thank you God for blessing me in life. It may not have been perfect but I love the scripture that says His mercies are new every morning... and they are.

Love, to all of you,

Have a blessed Mother's Day.

Debra

What Happens When We Stumble in Our Walk of Faith?

Have you felt as if you were living on the edge of God's patience with you? That you were at two strikes, and felt another one on the way? So many of us have stumbled in our Faith Walk that we feel like God must truly be so tired of us that he's ready to walk away and be done with us...but that is just not true.

"The primary truth you need to know about God in order for your faith to remain strong is that His love and acceptance is unconditional. When your walk of faith is strong, God loves you. When your walk of faith is weak, God loves you. When you're strong one moment and weak the next, God loves you. God's love for us is the great eternal constant in the midst of all the inconsistencies of our daily walk."

1 John 2:1-2
1. My little children, I am writing these things to you that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous; 2. and He Himself is the propitiation for our sins; and not for ours only, but also for [those of] the whole world.

We can think of this scripture as in a courtroom setting. We are the defendant. Thing is, we are guilty as charged. Jesus is our advocate, like an attorney pleading our case before "the Judge". He is in constant intercession for us before the throne of God. Now, I used to feel uncomfortable with this scenario; like Jesus was always having to talk God into forgiveness. But it's more like Jesus is our constant "defense". Because He is there, we are made right before our Heavenly Father when we sin. So for me it is pretty constant. I would be before the bench a lot.


Hebrews 7:25
Hence, also, He is able to save forever those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.


We know that God desires that we strive to do the right thing; to not be in a place of constant sin. He helps us, leads and directs us, but He also knows that we are human and that we fail. I cannot count the times daily that I would re-do a decision or action or word out of my mouth. Some of us do a better job than others, but we all stumble. And maybe it's not the little things everyday, maybe it's some big hurdles we fall over.

I've had some big hurdles where I just fell flat on my face. I would be going along just fine and then before I knew it my life was a mess and I was feeling like God had abandoned me. My life may have been a mess, but God in no way abandoned me. Our adversary, the devil, does what he can to get us out of the will and fellowship of God. He takes advantage of our weaknesses and plays upon them. Then when he gets us in the place of sin, he bombards us with the notion that God is done with us...over...finito.


Romans 8:26-27,34
26. And in the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for [us] with groanings too deep for words;
27. and He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He intercedes for the saints according to [the will of] God.
34. who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus is He who died, yes, rather who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us.

Jesus is our "intercessor". He's always there guiding, helping, watching out for our interests.


Romans 5:8
 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

"While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us", so if He knew and loved us before we knew and loved Him, would He not still love us, no matter if we stumble? The important thing to remember, is if we stumble (when we stumble), don't lay down and call it quits. Get back up and keep moving forward.

Jesus always tells us to move forward. Don't give in to looking at the past. Don't wallow in regrets and past mistakes. We all have them. We can find ourselves in a place of paralysis if we aren't careful; frozen, fearful and unable to get up and get moving. If you are struggling with past mistakes and sin, ask God to show you how to receive forgiveness and then let it go. He wants us to not repeat our mistakes over and over, Jesus wants to walk you through the admission of our sins, but then He asks us to let them go. He says he forgets and removes them from His "memory". He expects us to let them go also.


Psalm 103:11-13
11. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, So great is His lovingkindness toward those who fear Him. 12. As far as the east is from the west, So far has He removed our transgressions from us. 13. Just as a father has compassion on [his] children, So the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him.

Romans 8:1
There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
 No condemnation, only love and acceptance. Jesus  still loves us and calls us back to His fellowship and open loving arms.

Love, In Jesus,

Debra

quotes and concepts taken from

Victory Over the Darkness

by Neil Anderson

Liberty in the Spirit-filled Walk

Last time we looked at what a Spirit-led life isn't. We found that it isn't license, meaning we can do whatever we want, and it isn't legalism, meaning that we HAVE to live by a lot of rules and regulations, and we know that a Spirit-led life is not characterized by a rebellious attitude. Walking in the Holy Spirit is a life led and directed by the Holy Spirit. The result of our connected relationship with God through Jesus Christ.


Version: NAS

2 Corinthians 3:16-17
16. but whenever a man turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. 17. Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, [there] is liberty.

We can see that the Spirit-led life is not characterized by license or legalism, but the opposite, which is liberty.

Thinking about the liberty that Jesus and the New Covenant brought to the culture and life of the individual in Jesus' day is really monumental. As Jews, they were bound up in many laws and tedious rules that the rabbis and leaders had put together. A minutia of restrictions and needless duties filled their everyday lives. The temple laws and sacrifices were still in effect for remittance of sin. As a people they were "bound". Jesus came to set them and us free of "religion". Religion and a relationship with Jesus are two very different things. I've known people so bound up in religion they had no common sense or love for their family. What the "Church" dictated ruled their lives, and family relationships were harmed. Jesus came to set us free. Opinions and rules of pious people and legislative church committees are not something Jesus wants for us. Unfortunately, many churches and Christian people today do not walk in the freedom Jesus offers us. They are just as "bound up" as the Jewish people of the first century.

The Oxford Dictionary gives these definitions for the word, "liberty": "Freedom from captivity, or slavery: entitlement and permitted, emancipation, latitude, free will, unfettered and authorized."

Luke 4: 18-19
18. "The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, Because He anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim release to the captives, And recovery of sight to the blind, To set free those who are downtrodden, 19. To proclaim the favorable year of the Lord."

Galatians 5:1
It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery.

Ephesians 3:12
For you were called to freedom, brethren; only [do] not [turn] your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.
In Him and through faith in Him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.

We can see from these scriptures that Jesus life and crucifixion bought us back the freedom that the original Adam had given away to Satan. God had meant for us to walk in the freedom of the Spirit-led life from the beginning in the Garden of Eden. But Adam gave away his liberty and freedom (and ours) to the enemy when he disobeyed God. Freedom from the enemy's hold on us. Freedom to do what God asks of us, and freedom to be the person God is calling us to be. Possessing the abundant life that Jesus came to give us.

John 10:10
"The thief comes only to steal, and kill, and destroy; I came that they might have life, and might have [it] abundantly." Galatians 5:13
For you were called to freedom, brethren; only [do] not [turn] your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.

1 Corinthians 8:9
But take care lest this liberty of yours somehow become a stumbling block to the weak.

1 Corinthians 10:23
All things are lawful, but not all things are profitable. All things are lawful, but not all things edify.

Galatians 5:16-18
16. But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. 17. For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please. 18. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law.

 
These last four scriptures caution us about walking in that freedom. We cannot do as we please, because in and of itself, it can end up in bondage as we discussed last post. The Spirit-led life is a life guided and directed by the Holy Spirit. He has parameters for us, that enable us to fulfill our purpose in life and our spiritual destiny. Just like any loving parent, God does not want us to grow up without boundaries. A life with no boundaries can mean we can wander away. And like all children we feel safe when we know our parents love us enough to guide and counsel us. Boundaries with God and in the Spirit realm help keep us in God's territory, not wandering into the camp of the enemy.

I know I need some boundaries. It's easy for me to be "unbalanced" in my life. I'm emotional and spontaneous at times. In my younger years, I could run off in any number of directions. In later years, as I have matured physically and spiritually, I appreciate God keeping His hand on the back of my collar. I don't want to be doing anything without submitting it to Him first. I don't trust my ability to always know best. I need His leading and parameters. God expects us to "use our head", but He also knows we need "the mind of Christ", to do that well.

The author Neil Anderson has this to say:
 "I believe that our freedom in Christ is one of the most precious commodities we have received from our spiritual union with God. Because the Spirit of the Lord is in you, you are a free moral agent. You are no longer compelled to walk according to the flesh as we were before conversion. And now we are not even compelled to walk according to the Spirit. We a completely free to choose (our walk)".

Next time, more on our walk with Jesus in being yoked to Jesus, one of my favorite scriptures.

love, in Jesus,

Debra

The Spirit Led Life: What it ISN'T

Living a Holy Spirit led life can seem somewhat of a mystery; a little hard to describe at times. Sometimes to know what something "is", it's good to know what it "isn't". Does that make sense? Let's look at walking in the Spirit by finding out a few of the things that it isn't.

Version: NAS

Galatians 5:16-18
16. But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. 17. For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please. 18. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law.

When Paul said, in verse 18 that "you are not under the law" he didn't mean that we were free to do any thing we pleased. As the author of our book, Victory Over the Darkness, Neil Anderson says, Walking according to the Holy Spirit is not "license", meaning "we do not have an excessive or undisciplined freedom constituting an abuse of privilege. As a Christian we may see the phrase "You are not under the law" and exclaim, "Wow, I'm free. Walking in the Spirit means I can do anything that I want!" Not at all. In the previous verse Paul said , "You may not do the things that you please." It means we are finally free to live a responsible, moral life- something we were incapable of doing when we were the prisoner of our flesh."

Walking by the Spirit is not "License".

This reminds me of being a teenager again and the end of the school year. The rules and regulations of school, the 8-3 class schedule, homework, chores, getting to bed by 10:30, all show me what happened as soon as the bell rang on that last day of class. We ran around with our friends, went to parties, ate way too much of the wrong things, stayed up all night and then crashed the next day, not finding my way out of the bedroom until late afternoon. The rules and "law" of the school year just served to make me want to "cut loose" in the summer and do exactly what I wanted.

Let's take that same scenario with kids just graduating from high school and then think about them moving off to college. They no longer have their parents watching them so they can sort of go crazy in the "I'll do what I want to do" department. We know where that can lead. Hangovers, missed classes, failing grades, promiscuity, not to mention that dreaded "Freshman 15"! License can be fun for a short while, but there are always consequences.

Some misguided Christians feel that because they are "saved" and going to heaven, that they have the license to do whatever they desire. If you are being led by the Holy Spirit that won't happen. If you are letting Him lead your daily life, thoughts and activities, I can guarantee that you won't be running off to engage in harmful or sinful activities; not for long at least. What may appear to be "freedom" at first, really can lead to a "bondage", full of unhappy results.

2 Corinthians 3:6
who also made us adequate [as] servants of a new covenant, not of the letter (law), but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.

In the Old Testament or Covenant, the Israelites lived under the "Law"; God's rules and regulations. It was clear no one could keep them perfectly. The Ten Commandments are guidelines and parameters of how to live our life, but no one has ever been able to keep them perfectly. (except Jesus Christ) God knew that when He gave them to Moses all those thousands of years ago.

Galatians 3:13
Christ redeemed us from the curse of the Law, having become a curse for us-- for it is written, "Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree "--

Galatians 3:21
Is the Law then contrary to the promises of God? May it never be! For if a law had been given which was able to impart life, then righteousness would indeed have been based on law.


Walking by the Spirit is not "Legalism".

Strictly trying to obey Christian rules and regulations does not enable the Spirit-filled walk. Freedom only comes when we receive Christ not only in our heart but in our mind. When we look to Him for our freedom.

Galatians 5:1
It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery.

How many of us know that "laying down the law" - telling someone that it is wrong to do this or that, does not give them the power to stop doing it? Christian denominations have been notorious at trying to legislate spirituality and morality. Smoking, dancing, playing cards, drinking, movie attendance, wearing make-up...these have all been things that church denominations have tried to prohibit within their congregations. How many of US or people we knew from church, would "sneak around" to do many of these activities, all the while hoping and praying they wouldn't "get caught"?


Walking by the Spirit does not give room to "Rebellion".

Romans 7:5
For while we were in the flesh, the sinful passions, which were [aroused] by the Law, were at work in the members of our body to bear fruit for death.

We all know that all you have to do is to tell a 5 year old that there are fresh cookies in the cookie jar and that he cannot have them until after dinner, to see him crawl upon the counter and grab a couple as soon as our backs are turned. Legalism can't curb immorality. Laying down the law only serves to heighten the temptation. Paul said that the law actually stimulates our desires to do what it forbids.

"Neither will a Spirit-filled heart be produced by demanding that someone conform to a religious code of behavior. We often equate Christian disciplines such as Bible Study, prayer, regular church attendance and witnessing with spiritual maturity. All these activities are good and helpful for spiritual growth, but barely performing these admirable Christian exercises does not guarantee a Spirit-filled walk.

God has given us protective guidelines and a moral standard within the Bible for our good. His rules for behavior and living a Christian life are for us to remain healthy and productive Christians, keeping us out of the territory of the enemy. Loose Christian living can bring unhealthy and unhappy results, not only in the physical, but in the spiritual realms.

I used to think that God was just a big spiritual "Party Pooper", please forgive my seeming lack of respect, but you get what I mean. I thought doing things my own way was my "right" and I didn't want Him or anyone else telling me what to do or how to live my life. After many years and many mistakes I now realize that it is because God loves us so very very much that He wants to protect us from the consequences of poor choices, choices that can draw us away from Him and change the course of our destiny.

Next time we will approach this idea from the "positive" outlook instead of the negative.

love, in Jesus,

Debra

(concepts and quotations taken from

Victory Over the Darkness

by Neil Anderson)

The Wind of the Holy Spirit

When we first become new Christians our decision making process is beginning to change, but we are still dealing with our "old man" and the "flesh". We begin to recognize that we need to change our actions, words, and behaviors, but it's still hard. Alot of the time we end up still making those poor choices. As we mature in our Christian walk the easier it is to let the Holy Spirit lead and guide our decision making process. The more time we spend in prayer and Bible Study, the more likely that we will allow the Holy Spirit to manage our thought processes which in turn, makes decision making easier and more Christlike. This is all part of what we call "Walking in the Holy Spirit".

John 3:8
"The wind blows where it wishes and you hear the sound of it, but do not know where it comes from and where it is going; so is everyone who is born of the Spirit."


Acts 2:2
And suddenly there came from heaven a noise like a violent, rushing wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting.

The interesting thing about wind is that it comes in many forms or strengths. It is soft and sweet and gentle. Then again, it can come with great power and noise. I have experienced both. And both in the Spirit realm.
I want my life to be like a sailboat. I put up the sail and then the Holy Spirit moves. His Presence takes me where He desires that I go. I want to be available to be directed by Him.

As Neil Anderson writes in our book, Victory Over the Darkness:

"There is a degree of mystery to walking in the Spirit which cannot be captured in an equation. In fact, the moment you think you have reduced the Spirit-filled walk to a formula, it probably isn't Spirit-filled anymore."

Using a "formula" for some things is helpful in the beginning. Like prayer, there are several acrostics that are helpful in remembering to include certain elements. Such as "ACTS". Adoration, confession, thanksgiving, and supplication.

We may use a formula in the beginning for many situations, but like marriage, friendships, or any relationship, while rules and regulations can help us with boundaries and maintaining healthy parameters, they are not meant to be the norm or the mature way of approaching situations and life in general. I do have a few little "habits" and daily customs that I look forward to and enjoy, but what if we did the same thing day after day without thought of spontaneity, or impulse? Safe, but boring. So it is with our relationship with the Holy Spirit. It cannot be "pinned down" or standardized. 

One thing to know and be aware of is that the Holy Spirit is a "person". He is not a thing or it. He has a personality. He is the essence of God the Father, and Jesus the Son. He is our Comforter, our Helper, He is the one who "comes along side" and holds us up. Like a person who is limping and needs someone to give him strength for the journey. That's us...the one limping, and the Holy Spirit comes to us to strengthen, encourage, and help us in life.

In the following scripture Matthew is recounting what John the Baptist is speaking concerning Jesus and His ministry:

Matthew 3:11
"As for me, I baptize you with water for repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, and I am not fit to remove His sandals; He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.

And then Matthew's account of Jesus' baptism by John and how the Holy Spirit came upon Him.

Matthew 3:16-17
16. And after being baptized, Jesus went up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending as a dove, [and] coming upon Him, 17. and behold, a voice out of the heavens, saying, "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well-pleased."

Jesus came to earth as God's Son. He always knew who He was. He was not confused, and walked in an earthly anointing as such. But if you think about it, Jesus did no miracles until after His baptism when the Holy Spirit indwelt Him. His baptism by water and then by the Holy Spirit is part of the pattern that God shows us throughout scripture. Salvation and then Baptism in the Holy Spirit. It is not a requirement for salvation, but it is something God says for us to do. "Be Filled".

Quite a while back, before I had been baptised in the Holy Spirit, during the time that I was intently seeking Him, I had a dream that God fully impressed upon me as the daylight came. I was in a huge mansion. Magnificent and sumptuous. Room after room of beauty and delight. I could see the successive rooms filled with opulence and blessing, yet I was standing in the entry hall. I could not proceed into the rest of the mansion. God spoke to me and said. "This is all waiting for you but you can't leave the entry hall until you make the next step."

That's how way too many Christians live their lives. Stuck in the entry without ever moving into the abundance and blessing of knowing a life filled to overflowing with the Holy Spirit.

I'd love to hear your comments, questions,

 or experiences if you'd like to share them!

love in Jesus,

Debra

Walking in the Power of the Holy Spirit

In the beginning of our Christian walk most of us are like lawnmowers. We have some "horsepower", but not a lot of it. We can get the job done, but we may need some "push" behind us. Most of us as new Christians are learning about our relationship with God. Sometimes we need a few rules to give us some guidelines. Time and discipleship result in growth, and a closer walk with God.

But hopefully there will come a time in our life and relationship with the Lord when we find the need for more of Him in our life. We know we cannot get everything accomplished by ourselves. We desire a more full commitment to God and we want more of Him. We want to walk in more power as we allow the Holy Spirit to lead and guide us. A bulldozer is more what we have in mind. More "horsepower" for bigger jobs.

Acts 1:8

but you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth."

Acts 2:1-4

1. And when the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. 2. And suddenly there came from heaven a noise like a violent, rushing wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3. And there appeared to them tongues as of fire distributing themselves, and they rested on each one of them. 4. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit was giving them utterance.

I have heard these two scripture passages explained that this was just for the 1st Century Christians: that it was a one time event, to initiate the Holy Spirit and to empower those Christians for spreading the gospel. These are scripture that are "God breathed" and they are just as needed for today as in the early New Testament times.

There are two schools of thought in this area of being "filled with the Holy Spirit". Some feel that at salvation we are given the fullness of the Holy Spirit and it is with maturity that we grow in Him and let the Holy Spirit develop us.

The other belief is that Salvation and the Baptism of the Holy Spirit are two separate experiences. Whichever your belief, it is clear that we need to walk in the "fullness of the Holy Spirit" however it is that we get there.

I'll just take a minute and give you my experience. I had always been taught the former way of thinking. The problem was I just wasn't getting anywhere with my spiritual growth. I was learning about the Lord and my knowledge was increasing but there was no power for victory in my daily life. I was still a "lawnmower" no matter how I looked at it. I had a desire for a closer walk with Jesus, but I still knew I was lacking because no matter how hard "I" tried I just couldn't make much progress. I began down a road seeking the Lord for His fullness. I didn't know what it was called. I wasn't seeking doctrine, or theology, or denomination. I was just seeking God and needed Him in a way that was life changing and powerful. I was on a quest for this for about a year. I was going through a time of family issues that were causing me to seek God in a new and more intense way. Prayer and Bible reading became a huge focus in my life. I didn't know how to "get" this dimension, but I knew I had to have it. At one point after a major crisis, I got to a place of deep brokenness and surrender. I totally gave my life up to the Lord. I let Him have it all. It was in the middle of the night on my bathroom floor that I prayed and sobbed and gave it all over to Him. I was already a born-again believer, so this was not "salvation". I was not a backslider, so this was not "rededication". I experienced the Holy Spirit in a new and powerful way.

I will never forget that experience, because when I got up, my spirit was changed, I felt the power of the Holy Spirit move through me with a force and power like I had never imagined. It was completely different from anything I had experienced in the past. I was filled up to overflowing with His peace, love, power, joy, and enthusiasm. I was changed. And my life changed. I could "hear" God's voice in a new way, my focus was clear and strong, and He began to give me the "gifts of the Spirit".

Now, this was my experience. I heard Pat Robertson explain the Baptism of the Holy Spirit in this way and this comes closest to how I feel and the experience I had. Take a bottle and fill it up with water over time. That is our salvation experience and process of being filled with the Holy Spirit. And yes, it is a process. Now take that full bottle and throw it into the ocean. That is the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. Immersed in His great love and Presence accompanied with empowerment, by the Holy Spirit.

Do you long for a deeper walk with Jesus? Do you want a deeper prayer life and more intimacy with the Holy Spirit? Do you need to change, but don't know how? Have you tried over and over to walk in love for others but cannot get there? Being filled to overflowing with the Holy Spirit is the only way. Seek God for Him in His fullness, be relentless in your pursuit of Him. He will lead you in receiving Him in power. Ask God to give you whatever He has for you, nothing held back. He will do it.

love, in Jesus,

Debra

Revealing Our Freedom Through God's Word

We have seen from the last post that freedom is clearly a promise. Our old man is dead. We are a new creation in Christ. We know we still sin, but we are no longer called "sinners". We are now "saints". Born again, and given freedom through Jesus' death on the cross. Our new identity "in Christ' will begin to propel us forward on our journey. That is what life is to me; a journey. A path to a new destination. Not only "eternity in Heaven" as a destination, but to me the journey is about conforming to the image of Christ. That is my goal.

Today I want to share with you some scripture about "freedom" and hearing from God through His Word. Spending time reading and studying and meditating on scripture is one of the key elements to begin applying the Truth to your life. Seeing change in our lives, starts with our relationship with Jesus Christ. Salvation is just the start of the journey. He wants to transform and renew our minds and life. Jesus wants to break the chains that have held us captive.

Version: NAS

Luke 4:18-12 (Isaiah 61)
18. "The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, Because He anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim release to the captives, And recovery of sight to the blind, To set free those who are downtrodden, 19. To proclaim the favorable year of the Lord." 20. And He closed the book, and gave it back to the attendant, and sat down; and the eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed upon Him. 21. And He began to say to them, "Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing."

To bring freedom to the captives; that was part of Jesus anointing, not only while He walked here on earth, but as He resides with the Father, it is still His ministry; to bring freedom to all who are slaves to sin.

Version: NAS

John 8:32-36
32. and you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." 33. They answered Him, "We are Abraham's offspring, and have never yet been enslaved to anyone; how is it that You say, 'You shall become free '?" 34. Jesus answered them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who commits sin is the slave of sin. 35. "And the slave does not remain in the house forever; the son does remain forever. 36. "If therefore the Son shall make you free, you shall be free indeed.

Knowing the Truth is the key element in finding freedom, Jesus is the embodiment of the "truth". So we must not only know Him, but learn to walk in the truth He reveals to us.

Romans 6:17-18
17. But thanks be to God that though you were slaves of sin, you became obedient from the heart to that form of teaching to which you were committed, 18. and having been freed from sin, you became slaves of righteousness.

Galatians 5:1

1. It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery.

Talking about "Freedom", and Isaiah 61, I want to share a little part of my testimony with you. You may have noticed a time-line in my life; a series of revelations the Lord started giving to me back in the late 90's. Drawing me close to Him and revealing Himself to me through His Word, the Scripture, and then even more definitively for me through experiences.

God started making several passages of scripture "jump off the page" at me. I imagine most of us have had that experience. We will be reading the Bible and all the sudden a passage seems just as if it has our name attached to it. It becomes embedded in our minds and hearts. It becomes a "sign", direction giver, "calling", and road map.

Isaiah 61 was one such passage for me. It seemed that everything I read, heard, and thought about went back to that one chapter in scripture. (books, Christian articles, music, sermons, Christian TV) This was when God was first revealing Himself to me with a call to ministry. I was continually amazed at what God was doing and shared each time when this scripture would "become real"  for me with my husband. We, at that time, started growing in the Lord together. We became "one" in mind, spirit, and heart for the first time in 29 years of marriage. We did Kingdom work together, prayed together, and read God's Word together.

When I had the heart attacks in October of 2002, it was a total surprise. No symptoms, no advance warning. We were totally taken off guard. In fact I thought I had a pinched nerve in my right arm. After a weekend of three "attacks" we finally made it to the ER on a Monday morning at 6 a.m. All I could think about was that my husband would need to be at work shortly and I was going to cause him to be delayed.

When we arrived I was in big trouble, in the middle of another massive heart attack. Bad bad news. They rushed me into the heart cath lab to see what was going on. I don't think they gave my husband much hope, and of course, you have to sign a waiver that they are not responsible if you die while you are in the test. So here he is sitting in the waiting room, completely alone. We had not called family, until we knew what we were looking at. My poor husband sat by himself; confused, shocked, in great fear, and alone. The only one in the waiting room was a young woman doing housekeeping. She was cleaning and dusting and trying not to be obtrusive. She finished her job and laid the Bible back down on the table where she had just dusted. She opened it randomly and quietly left the room. My husband stood up and went to pick up the Bible, needing God's direction and help. There in front of his eyes, as if in letters blazing with God's message, lay Isaiah 61. He knew I would come through this. God spoke to my husband through His Word.

Isaiah 61:1-3
1. The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, Because the LORD has anointed me To bring good news to the afflicted; He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to captives, And freedom to prisoners; 2. To proclaim the favorable year of the LORD, And the day of vengeance of our God; To comfort all who mourn, 3. To grant those who mourn [in] Zion, Giving them a garland instead of ashes, The oil of gladness instead of mourning, The mantle of praise instead of a spirit of fainting. So they will be called oaks of righteousness, The planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified.

If you desire to hear the Lord speak to your heart and have not experienced His revelation in this way, start, by asking God for it. He is more than willing and wants to communicate with you.

Dear Heavenly Father, I know I am your child, and I so desire to know you better. I want to hear from you in a personal way. Please speak to me from your Word, the Bible. I'll be reading and waiting to hear from you.
Thank you,
In Jesus Name,
Amen

Our freedom and transformation begins with accepting Jesus as our Savior. Then we embrace the Bible as God's Word to us. If you don't have a desire to read or study, please include that in your prayer. Ask God to also give you a desire to read and study the Bible. He will gladly do that for you.

I'd love for you to share times and scripture when God has "spoken" to you from His Word. It encourages all of us, when we learn of other peoples experiences in this. Please leave a comment if you feel God is leading you to share.

love in Jesus,

Debra