Gone but not Forgotten

The scariest things are written privately and will remain that way until such time as they are relevant. 

Just dont stop writing.

That is what I have lived by for two years. 

The truth is,  I went through a time of personal loss and tragedy. The tragedy being my own world being turned upside by a man I loved and prayed for.

He wasn't who he pretended to be.

He didn't mean the words he was saying to me, and he left me way before I moved away from him.

I still love him and I always will but I will not spend my energy praying for him anymore. I spent 4 years fervently praying for him. I saw God move mountains.

My faith grew. My trust grew, in God. Then God rescued me from the mental abuse, suffered by his behavior.

I thought I was going crazy once, but God.

He is faithful to lead His sheep to the realization of the truth.

The ties to that darkness were severed and seared. The man is gone, removed from my life, never to return. Praise God.

This is the new beginning.

I will write again, even if it is short and without complete thought. I will write the words the Lord places on my heart to write.

Hello again. The new day has dawned and it is a new beginning.

Not Your Normal Freedom

 Freedom

I was thinking about Texas' new law that states that if an unborn child has a heartbeat, then it can not be aborted.(paraphrasing) For a brief moment I felt proud that Texas created a new law that was different from most states. For a brief moment.....

I'm not here to debate politically but what do you think God said about that law? It can be looked at two different ways. If your baby has a heart beat it is spared being pulled apart by doctors instruments and dismembered until death. If it doesn't...it isn't.  You then have permission to kill it. 

Thou shalt not kill.

That is what God says. 

In America we have freedom.

Regardless of the changes in the last 100 years or so we really do. We have the freedom to say what we want to, do what we want to, go and live where we want to, become whoever we want to become. Most third world countries do not even have the freedom to do what we Americans do, but I have noticed over my fifty-one years there is a deception that tends to follow wordly freedoms.

Worldy freedom can make us (I say us because I am guilty as well) complacent, lazy and selfish.

Hear me out, please.

There are home churches, that are held in secret, that people walk miles to go to, who if found out would be killed....just to be free in Christ and we complain that the door greeter didn't say hello to us. Voices of the Martyrs will send you free reading material on the subject. You should spend some time on that. It's worth it.

They are not in a free country but they are SO free, free from fear, free from complacency.

Texans are proud that we stand apart in our new laws. Laws that are supposed to secure our freedoms, yet they are still not as freeing as we are in Christ.

Whom the Son sets free is free indeed.

Freedom is more than red, white, blue, and potato salad on the Fourth of July. Real freedom can only be found in Jesus Christ and when you truly find it, you are truly free.

What does that look like?

I am free to tell you about Jesus.

I am free to live and love like Jesus, laying my life down, even unto death if necessary.

In practical terms, I am free to let someone go first, putting my wants and desires aside, so that theirs may be fulfilled. I am also free to do what is hard so that others don't have to. I am also free to tell someone when they have hurt me and tell them not to do it again, in truth and love. I am also free to teach, correct, love, discipline, enjoy, suffer, sing, and whatever other verb that you can think of that Jesus Himself did while he walked the earth.

I recently learned that Thomas Jefferson made his own bible. He took pieces of six bibles, withholding all miracles, including only the moral things that Jesus did. Google it if you don't believe me. There is a whole documentary of how a team of experts restored the book so that others may read the words he pieced together. It aggrivated me a little but guess what? He had the freedom to do that for whatever reason he desired. I'm not calling it right or wrong but he was free to do it.

How much freedom do you have? What are you free to do? Better yet, what are you free to do but aren't doing? 

Bear with me for one more example. 

This weekend my husband and I went to a little fishing spot. Two pre-teenage girls and a Dad made their way to where we were fishing. We didn't know them. The two girls were enjoying themselves but were cussing like sailors. After my mother meter was beyond pegged, my Jesus meter kicked in as I stood praying, in my mind, for them.

I stepped closer and smiled asking could I speak with them for a moment and would they please not be offended. They said,"Sure!" smiling also.

I said, "I have to say you two girls are very beautiful." 

"Awwww thank you" they almost simultaneously said.

I continued,"but those words that are coming out of your mouth are taking away from that beauty God gave you. God loves you. Do you know how I know?" They shook their heads sheepishly."because He loves me and I'm a mess. If he can love me then He can love you. I just wanted you to know." They thanked me and apologized etc. After a few more casts, we left the fishing spot, saying our goodbyes and good lucks.

I'm not telling that example to glorify myself because there is only one thing good in me and that is the Holy Spirit. To God be the glory. You see, I was free to do that. Bondage would have been NOT saying anything and just complaining about their behavior.

Also, years ago someone once said those very words to me and God brought it to my remembrance.

Freedom in Christ is the only real freedom any man or woman can act in and no man or woman can take it away, no matter how many laws are written.

There are dozens of scriptures in the bible, speaking on freedom. I will leave that discovery for you to enjoy.

My friends, you are free, more than you realize. Operate in it, abide in Him, and help us free the world from the bondages they are really bound to, seen and unseen.

Lead Me On

We are all going somewhere. Some are just beginning to venture back into the world after being confined to their homes for almost two months. Others are continuing on as they have been, a little more weary but wiser for the experience of working through a Pandemic Crisis.

It was a wonderful sight to see the home town restaurant, across the street from my work, open back up today. Even just seeing the cars in the parking lot brought a wave of relief and a knowing, in my soul, that everything is going to be alright. My spirit, however, already knew everything was going to be alright.

Why? I have a friend. He is a Shepherd, and a very good one too, that herds my friends and I around this life. He said to trust Him, that no harm would come to me or my family and I believed Him. His Name is Jesus.

Don't stop reading because I mentioned Jesus. Give me a few minutes of your time to explain. 

For many years I wandered through this life doing what I wanted to when I wanted to. It wasn't a bad life but I wasn't happy. My way led me to jail. My way led me to an unhappy marriage and divorce. No amount of having my way could lead me into a good life or fill the void in my heart I knew was there. 

Every one of us has a God shaped hole in our hearts that can only be filled by Him.

A friend once told me that he loved me. I asked him why and he said there was a piece of his heart that was missing, that he didn't know was missing until he met me. Smooth talker you may say but he made a great point. I never knew how much love I would have in my heart for my six children until I met the five. One I will meet in heaven when my time in this life is done. I could say the same about them. Meeting every one of them left me wondering how I ever lived life without them.

We are eternal creatures, born into a body, with a mind, will and emotions that will never be complete until we know Jesus. I know this because it is true. I myself have experienced it and have heard the testimony of many others confess the same.

There is no other person, no amount of money, prestige, or position that can take the place of God in our lives. All other things are idol worship. Objects of wood, gold or stone can not replace a living breathing God in our lives. The wonderful thing about this God is that He walks in love.

He is calling us all to follow Him. He has great things planned for the life of the person that makes Him the final authority over their lives. I know you may have parents, friends, spouses, or even bosses that you look up to that decide most of your life but God wants to be number one on a list of one, because He alone knows what you want, need and desire. 

He knew you before you were ever created. He knows what you have been created for. Speaking for myself, I never knew what I wanted to be when I grew up, apart from being a really good Mom. I didn't have a good mom growing up and I wanted to love my children and care for them the way I always wanted to be cared for.

God knew that. He blessed me and helped me become that. As I got older and entered the working world, I happened to begin working at the Post Office. It really happened on accident. I also need to tell you I didn't want to go to work there and leave my youngest at the babysitters. Like I mentioned earlier, I wanted to be a mom and I loved that job.

Today, almost 16 years later, I am the first female Postmaster of Dublin, Texas since 1875.

Who knew?

God alone knew the plans He had for me, After following His lead for more than 25 plus years, I can safely say He has led me into greater and greater things every year of my following Him. For the first time in my life, I am married to a man who also follows this Good Shepperd, and loves Him with all of his heart. Together we trust God and His leading.

Trusting in the Lord hasn't always been easy. I wouldn't lie to you. It has, however, been so very worth it.

 I have some friends that once walked with the Lord but wouldn't or couldn't trust this wonderful Shepherd. Some have fallen away, back into their old sad lives while some have returned, stronger than ever and are taking on the kingdom of hell by force!

Wherever you find yourself today I want to tell you that Jesus is calling you to Him. He is saying, " Come Away with Me. It's gonna be great. It's gonna be wild. It's gonna be full of Me."

Will you follow the Master's call?

I will. Everyday until I see Him face to face I will always say, "Lead Me on Lord. Lead me on."

I can't wait to see what the next adventure with Him has in store!!

Time To Get Serious

"Now is the time", the Holy Spirit is saying, to all of humanity. 

Can your hear Him? 

Are you even listening?

Don't worry. I'm not condemning you for something I do as well.

My prayer is that we all have ears to hear what God is saying to us, in this hour.

The past few months have been consumed with reports from media and government officials concerning CO-VID 19, the Coronavirus. I'm sick to death of hearing about it yet, smart enough to realize that anything that affects the entire planet with this magnitude is worth paying attention to.

I won't bore you with repeating excerpts from sermons already told or prophetic words from other sources but will only share with you what God has put on my heart at this moment to share.

Beware of distractions.

I wonder what was going on in the world the few weeks most Americans were watching "Tiger King". I'm not judging those that watched, but so many of my dearest godliest friends were watching this twisted T.V. drama. America was distracted.

 When a great move of God is occurring, when a much needed change is coming, when the Lord Himself is making it so evident that He is changing the pieces on the board, daily, it is imperative we not be distracted. 

God is out in the open, holding the ball, ready to pass and the enemy is watching, waiting to blindside us. 

He will do anything to keep us from the wonderful plans God has for us in this hour and use the very thing God is changing and moving in to trip us up.

What is this "thing" God is using? Social Media.

Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, etc. are just a few of the mighty weapons in the Hands of the Lord. I heard someone say today that there is more video production coming from the church than from Hollywood. Why? Churches have no choice if they want to fulfill the mandate of spreading the gospel to the world. 

The church meetings have been shut down, the doors shut due to the virus. Facebook Live and other social media avenues of self-made church videos are flooding the internet. Praise God! It is time the people of God took back the ground that the enemy has been working on stealing for so many years. 

I LOVE the fact that we are alive and walking with the Lord right now. I LOVE to see a brand new world evolving from such tragedy. I LOVE to see the beauty God gives in exchange for the ashes the enemy leaves behind. 

My friends, focus on the mark. Listen for His voice and follow the Good Shepherd. He is going places and I don't want to be left behind.

Do you?

The Goodness of God in Your Memories

The Goodness of God in your memories

 Memories can be extremely fun and often exciting to remember but also can be very painful. Some wounds run so deep they never fully heal. In those times we cling to Jesus to pull us through with the hope that His word is true, that all the tears will be wiped away, and we will all be together forever with Him.

 In looking back we should also look forward as to what new memories we are in the process of making. What does God have in store for us? Often we ask, is there going to be a happy ending to my story?

 No matter where you are in your story the author waits and watches to see what you are going to do next. It isn't that He isn't aware of every possible outcome, He is omniscient after all. It isn't as if He doesn't know the ending for He is not bound by time. It is your ability to choose according to the freewill God gave you that shapes your future.

 How can we change the future and keep the past from repeating itself? How can we learn and grow and change into someone other than who we are now? Not that you or I are bad, but we know if we use wisdom, we all have issues, demons to conquer...pun intended.

 How do we conquer the demons from our past and have a better tomorrow than today? Today may have been a great day and you may be completely satisfied with who you are and have blessed where you have been and let it all go as they say but memories are tricky things. They creep up on you when least expect them.

 Today I saw a penny on the floor as I was sweeping and something tugged at me... Later, as I was getting something out of my pocket, I dropped a penny on the ground.... a wave of sadness hit me as I picked it up and I realized how much a small penny means to me right now. I thought of times when I had abundance and times like now, when scraping together copper and silver change has once again become a part of my weekly routine.

 Seasons change. I was telling my daughter, as I held my month old grandson, the same thing older women told me...cherish these moments Sara, they go by so fast. You may feel held down or trapped but these moments are precious. What I should have told her but I didn't want to start crying, was that I wished so very badly I could hold her in my arms like that one more time.

 We have had our ups and downs as she was growing up and going through the changes all young women go through but she is still that precious baby girl that I held in my arms.

 I have had the privilege of holding 5 of my own precious babies in my arms...one I will see when I get to heaven, my baby Rose, who must have been so precious that God kept her for Himself. Yet in this day and age I know I am above and beyond blessed to have had so much love in my life.

 Memories keep us warm on cold nights and cause fresh tears to wet our cheeks as if they had just occured. God is good. In all things God is good. Let me say that....for those that love the Lord...and we do....ALL THINGS work together for our good.

 From the time I was 14 years old I have memories of adventures of unbelivable Proportions. Some people say, " Did that really happen?" Yes it did.

 I was a teenage runaway and a 9th grade drop out...but God. I am now a Pastor and also Postmaster of Dublin Texas. Only a compassionate ever present God can take a broken little girl and make her into a strong productive woman of God. I was lost, unwanted, and unloved (so I thought) but now I am loved by a wonderful man who loves the Lord, using my gifts and talents for the kingdom of God and have restored relationships with family and friends, to which seemed impossible for the lost little 14 year old homeless girl so long ago. I am making new memories that are wild, great and full of HIM.

 For those of us that live according to God's word He is ever present in our memories. His word calls us to remembrance. He commands us to remember. If we don't we will repeat our past. I am thankful to live in a world where the past can be the past and the future can be amazing. I am thankful to be forgiven for past mistakes. I am thankful our times are in His hands.

 As the seasons change and old memories creep back in, bless them, let them go, and let God write your future. Let's

 keep our eyes on the prize, which is an eternity with Christ full of love and forgiveness. If you find yourself in a dark place, uncertain and afraid, call out to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. He is able to bring about newness of life, restoration and will begin to rewrite your story and give you that fairy tale ending you never thought possible. 

 It took a long time for me to believe in the goodness of God. Today I have found it in my memories.

Christmas Peace

   


       This year started with a word from the Lord about the great gift of peace Jesus left with us before He left the earth. Throughout this year, 2018, I have seen the peace that surpasses all understanding in many forms and faces. I have also seen the dark back drop of chaos, worry and strife that peace has been so beautifully drawn upon. It makes sense doesn't it? In order to experience good and appreciate it, we have to know what bad is. We value healing and good health more sincerely after we have been sick or injured and the same has been true for peace. It has been and will continue to be a wonderful gift from God.

 

       Now that the Christmas season is upon us, for some, work hours become longer and harder, ( I work for the Post Office), money becomes an issue ( I have 5 children and 3 amazing grandchildren), Holiday plans are made, more errands are run, shopping has to be done, cooking, cleaning, and the list goes on. I love Christmas but for many years Christmas has been a struggle.

 

       This Christmas, I work in a different office, in a different town, with a totally different culture. I have new relationships. I have joined new clubs which require new responsibilities and my church has once again changed to a new location. Everything is different yet Christmas is the same year after year. Once again the stress of the season has begun to creep upon my heart and mind with an old familiar ache and I find myself wanting it to be over as soon as it's begun.

 

       What a rip off for old Saint Nick. There is no other time of the year that is more giving, more loving, more beautifully decorated than Christmas. It's a time of surprise and wonder and everything good, especially the cookies. Every tree that is trimmed and every house gloriously lit brings an earthly joy that can't be explained. For those of us that do not have a lot of money, or even those that do have the opportunity to look upon the beauty of not only the decorations but the beauty of people's hearts. Christmas just does something to people. It makes some kinder, if allowed, more compassionate and forgiving. It has a special kind of peace about it that soothes the ache caused by the temporary hustle and bustle and old memories.

 

      The peace that Jesus left is just like that but exponentially more. As I began to think about all the things that have taught me, this year, to enjoy the free gift left behind for us all, I thought, what if, for once, I learn how to walk in that same peace during this busy season and NOT walk in stress and worry, for once and for all! It IS possible to be a Postmaster of 2 Post Offices at Christmas AND have money problems, AND have BUSY-NESS to take care of, kids to shop for etc. etc. AND walk in perfect peace. 

 

       How is this possible?

 

       Jesus Christ said, " Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world gives, give I unto you. ...." (John 14:27)

 

       It's not a normal peace. It's not even comparable to any peace paid bills, or a completed "To Do" list has ever given. It is peace that belongs to a Risen King who has already paid the price for us to walk in "freedom from disturbance, quiet and tranquility" as Webster's dictionary explains. We don't have to be afraid of anything except doing wrong. That is called "godly fear".

 

       How many times do we have to overcome all these obstacles before we realize HE, God Himself, has our backs. How many times does He have  to valiantly provide all the needs of Christmas before we realize He will do it again and again. He is a good God who wants good things for His children. He wants us to succeed, do well, and overcome and at the same time to have peace. It was His gift to the world in Jesus Christ.

 

       In the final part of John 14:27 He says, "...Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."

I refuse to let my heart tremble another moment or fear that He is going to rip the rug out from under me. Lord I receive Your peace. Even in the season of Christmas, when the world tries to take it away thank you for Your Christmas Peace.


      

The Warm Light

Now we see as in a glass darkly. We can’t see the path ahead unless we follow the light. No one can tell the future unless God tells them. It’s ok, really. The light of the love of God shines ahead showing just enough so as not to lose our way. He is a Good Shepherd after all. He doesn’t want us to be lost but if we could see the end of the path, if we could see the future we may mess it up, hurt ourselves or others. If I would have known what all I had to go through to get where I am today, I would have said no thanks Lord. But God...in His infinite wisdom saw fit to lead me down a path full of bumps and sharp turns to the place I am today.

The path is narrow as He said it would be but leads to a place of peace. It leads to a place we all want to be, righteousness, in right standing with God. It leads us to, “Well done my good and faithful servant.” The path is narrow but the light is warm and full of hope. A hope that we will arrive precisely where we are supposed to.

There is no more inviting light than the glow from a fireplace with the light from a Christmas tree gleaming beside it. It can be freezing outside, the wind howling but inside the light beckons us closer.  Like a light house beckons ships lost in the fog, “ Follow me. I will show you the way, ” so does the Light of the World, Jesus Christ.

 He beckons, “ Come closer to me. I will show you the way. In Me is warmth and comfort. I will not lead you astray nor will I hurt you. Come closer to me my love. Let me help you carry those burdens. I know you have problems. I can help you with those. It is not your place to be so heavy laden with pain and sorrow because I already paid the price it cost to carry those. I did it on the cross. That was My job. It is unnecessary for you to pay any extra. I am strong enough to carry your baggage. I was created for it. Believe me when I say I want to help you. It makes me happy to help you and makes it all worth it.  Aren’t you happy when you help others? It’s o.k. for you to help others. I want you to be happy too. I want you to know the joy of giving and laying your life down for one another. I also want you to learn to be a light in dark places like me. I want you to know how to lead others down the right path, how to help others not to stray and when the work is over we will all be together in the great light of heaven where there is no darkness, where it is warm and safe, where no sorrow or loss can break your heart. I care about your heart and I know it’s hard sometimes but it will be worth it. You will overcome all of the problems you are dealing with and we will be together forever. Let not your heart be troubled for the Light of the World has come. Come into the Light and stay close to
Me.”

Life is hard. Problems are real no matter what manner they show themselves in but Jesus is The Way, The Truth, and The Life. He is The Light of the World.

Take comfort in the fact that God did not leave you alone and in the dark. He set you on a path and gave you a light to lead the way. He gave you Jesus Christ. I know this is true because  He led me here. He led me through teenage homelessness, jail, out of thievery and deceit, out of addiction and into self confidence, motherhood and success.

I still have my share of problems but now I follow the light. There are still ruts in the road with what seems like wild animals lurking in the dark but I do not fear and neither should you. When you are
afraid He will hide you under the shadow of His wings and lead you on, fighting the darkness for you. When you don’t know what to do or where to go He will guide your feet. He is The Way, The Truth and The Life. He is The Light of the World,  So while you are in the world follow the warmth of the light of Jesus Christ.

Bare Bones

     Money doesn't make a man's life, it only makes life manageable. Who are you without it? When you have nothing to give, offer, show people you did something with your life, who are you when you are not Jr's mom, the coach, the boss, or the pilot of a commercial airliner? Who are you without that house, car, or that husband or wife?

How are you with others when there are no strings attached, no free meal, or door prize involved? Are you still kind or do you flip someone off when they cut you off on the highway?

Being poor is like walking around in your bare bones. Nothing to hide or cover your need yet I have seen some do it so well, walk with such grace, you would never have guessed it. When one has nothing, they are the real deal. What you see is what you get.

I have been to both ends of the spectrum and I can honestly say, both ends can teach you who you are. Both will show you who your friends are and both paint an imaginary picture of who you think you are.

Respect can not be bought, nor can love. Position, stature, and all things that moths and rust destroy can readily be bought. Money characterizes, bonefies, attempts to exact respect but in the end it's all smoke and mirrors. Oh it pays the bills and I praise God for it but it will not make or break me though at times I may feel broken.

Try this. Sit and mentally remove all your titles, where you live means nothing for a moment. Empty your psychological bank account (humor me) and breathe. Just close your eyes and ask God to tell you who He says you are. Forget about who you say you are.  It may take a few tries. Who are you really? I admit I'm still learning the answer to that question.

Those who have walked around in their bare bones, those whose worlds have been torn down around them can testify. At that point you are the real deal.  You're not fooled by the ones that appear to have their act together.  Life is rough sometimes. A woman having a baby may receive praise and adoration for this amazing miracle but that Momma knows. There was blood, tears, and screaming involved. I know. I've had five children. It was definitely a real deal, bare bone moment.

Children are the best at being open and honest, sometimes too honest. My youngest son is fifteen. We call him the "Money Man" . Since he was old enough to hold coins in his pudgy little hands he has been squirreling away money. While cleaning, I would find these little rat holds of change and dollar bills around  the house in the strangest places. When telling the kids a story or sharing an event that took place during the day, Abel would always ask, " And how much did that cost ?" Or some other money related question. He is all about the money.

It was a time that I found myself at the low end of the spectrum and money was tight.  That's really an understatement but it looked like I needed a second job. As a single mother, with only two of the five left at home, working at least fifty plus hours a week, I had a conversation with the Money Man. After all he was a teenager and continuously needing/wanting money.

"It would be tough for a little while I explained to him but..." He stopped me.

"Wait, wait, " waving his hand he began to ask, " How MUCH longer would that mean you would be gone from the house?"

Preparing myself for him to say, " Dueces" or " See ya" as I explained, I was shocked when he said plainly, "No."

I'm still in shock really but my materialistic, worldly, carnal, wonderfully beautiful son said, " Mom, you are worth more than money. We would rather have you home."

And that was that.

Money can't replace love and love requires time.  My most precious memories are of time spent with those I loved and if it took all that for me to hear God tell me who I am and how much I am worth, then I will walk around in my bare bones anytime.

Happy Birthday and Merry Christmas to me!!!

      My daughter is getting married. It is , as the saying goes, " the best of times and....the worst of times." I mean I'm happy for her and I love who she is marrying but this is my baby daughter we are talking about!

Last weekend was her bridal shower and all the ladies ooh-ed and aww-ed at her gifts. I got the lovely couple very nice luggage for their honeymoon cruise. They were thrilled. No, really they were and I realized how each of my children are in a different season in their lives and,  how if each were to receive a gift today, how different each gift would be.

My teenage sons certainly would never be so excited about luggage. I laugh, now, imagining the dumbfounded looks on their faces. I'm almost positive the first comment out of their mouth would be something along the lines of, "Are you kicking us out Momma?" Ha!

No, a gift needs to be appropriate for the time, season, and individual.  Teenage boys are easy. All they really ever want is money and food and if you can wrap it up and call it a present, even better! Their conscience has been released from the pressure of earning it to having been given it freely. No chores were involved in the process of obtaining it, which frees up the possibility of extorting money in exchange for chores later.

The true definition of a gift as explained by Webster's dictionary is something that is given to another, or a special gift or ability.  A gift is something personal and exclusive to that individual. The one giving it should have wisdom and understanding of the time and season that person is in. It wouldn't be very enjoyable to receive a pair of shoes you always wanted only to discover they didn't fit.

God is the perfect and most willing Giftgiver .

James 1:17
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above....

Which means God has given each of us a particular "something", a talent, a craft, a good and perfect present. The ultimate gift was the life of His Son who died for our sins and nothing is more perfect than that but did you know that you have one tailor made for you? One that when opened brings a creative process to making you who He created you to be?

What a Good Good Father to love us so much that we get presents! Happy Birthday to me!

I'm not ashamed to tell you I'm 45 and still unwrapping my present. At the first glimpse into the box I could hardly believe my eyes. I'm sad to admit I've doubted what was in the box for at least 20 years but with fear and trembling I'm pulling up my big girl britches and throwing back the lid!  

If the creator of the Earth and Sky loves me enough to perfectly formulate a gift for me....well....you better believe I'm diving in and like on Christmas morning, I'm leaning over to you right now saying, "What did you get?" "Man that's perfect for you and just what you wanted!"

A Word For 2012

The Invisible Church

A word the Lord gave me about this year of 2012

Rev. Susan G. Honeycutt

Some things you can see , like water, cars, people , and animals.

For those that are blessed with eyesight, it is common to drive thru any

town and see several churches of different denominations. America is

blessed with the freedom to worship whoever they want in whatever

way they want . What then is the invisible church?

The invisible church is the God given institution of the the Body

of Christ, with the members being made up of people who have given

their hearts to Jesus Christ. It is a body with Christ as the head. It is

an unseen group that surpasses time and space, connected by their

love of the word of God and their devotion to the Father that loved them

enough to sacrifice His own son's life to jointly fit them together.

The greatest act of love is giving of yourself for another's sake, giving,

willingly, out of an abundance of love for the sake of another. Love is

not measured by gifts given or received but by the amount of sacrifice

it took to give that love. A parent sacrifices their youth by working and

providing for their children . Putting another before yourself requires

a sacrifice of love . Pride requires that we put ourselves first, that we

satisfy our own needs first and foremost , but love requires that our

wants and expectations are second when compared to another's. Love

doesn't require that the person be family or even a friend. It is an even

greater sacrifice to love someone you don't know and most great when it

is an enemy.

The Lord is calling the invisible church , the body of Christ, to arms. We

are being called into an invisible battle, not with physical ammunition but

with the sword of the Lord , which is the word of God. Let me share with

you what I hear the Lord speaking concerning this year , specifically.

The word is "The Invisible Church " . Why the emphasis on being invisible?

What can we do when we are not seen? Like servants to the master we do

the work that is asked of us and even sometimes the work no one wants

to do. We are also like foot soldiers that go in the front of the battle , taking

the heavy fire , so the rest may follow. Church , we are called to war with a

sacrifice of love according to the word of God, through the laying down of

our lives for the sake of the other.

I must say that there is a measure of sadness in my heart as I write this,

because I know that so many of the things we will do this year will never

be seen by the naked eye, nor will the rewards be realized in this life , but

will be in the next to come. Just like the church is invisible , so will

our battles be, sensed by the spirit and hard to explain. Some of those

battles might even be fought alone. Why would a member of the body

have to fight alone?

Sometimes the Lord leads us through these times of solitary battle to show

His power in us and sometimes it is to strengthen our faith and resolve that

God is who He says He is and He will do what He says He will do. Rest assured

He gives us what we need right when we need it. In this unseen battle God is

a master General who supplies His army with the right equipment and manpower

to take back the ground the enemy has conquered.

Call on your brothers and sisters for their assistance in prayer , don't feel the

need to try and articulate everything you are going through when fighting an

unseen enemy. Call on the Lord for protection for one another and be ready in

a moments notice. Don't proceed , in the work of the ministry, desiring to see

results in this life. Some things are meant to be stored up in heaven, to be revealed

when we are standing before the throne. It is an easy thing to suffer something

when the prize is clearly in view , but what a reward awaits us when we have

lived by faith and not by sight.

We are the invisible church , not bound by any man made institution , denomination ,

or culture. We are jointly fit together by a master carpenter who never wastes

materials on empty purposes. He has a plan for each individual that is profound

and better than that person can possibly imagine. He also has a plan for the body

as a whole , beautifully adorned as a bride, awaiting the bridegroom. He is coming

for His bride , soon. That is the only reward we need to look for , that the one

we love is coming to return that love very, very soon.

There is a spirit of fear that is spreading with the new year and many doomsday

prophecies circulating. It is our responsibility to counteract that fear with love

and truth at every turn. I encourage you , in the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ,

to be the man or woman of God that He created you to be regardless of what

it looks like. Believe in the impossible and do not limit the power of God

through you. Call on every resource made available to you to do the

work that is put before you. Do the tasks behind the scenes that no one

has the courage or the amount of love required to do . Be the Christian you

declared before the Lord you wanted to be. Do it , regardless of whether anyone

is there to pat you on the back . Love no matter what it costs, walk

continuously in the Love of God and store up for yourselves treasure in heaven

where moth and rust will never destroy it.

God bless us all with wisdom and

understanding to do His will this year and always.

Don't turn away your heart from me

HAVE YOU EVER IGNORED THE VOICE OF THE LORD? HAVE YOU EVER KNOWN THE LORD WAS REQUIRING YOUR PRESENCE AND YOUR TROUBLES WERE TOO HEAVY OR YOUR SORROW TOO GREAT FOR YOU TO PAY HIM ANY MIND?

DURING THE TIME THAT JESUS WAS WALKING THE EARTH , THERE WAS A FAMILY THAT HE LOVED DEARLY AND WAS VERY CLOSE TO . THE SCRIPTURES TELL US THERE WERE TWO SISTERS , MARY AND MARTHA, AND ONE BROTHER ,LAZARUS. YOU MAY ALREADY BE FAMILIAR WITH THE STORY OF MARY AND MARTHA . THEY WERE TWO SISTERS WHO HAD DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVES ON HOW THEY SHOULD MINISTER TO JESUS. MARTHA , WHEN JESUS CAME TO HER HOME, BUSIED HERSELF WITH FOOD AND DISHES AND CLEANING AND SERVED HIM IN THE NATURAL WAY MOST WOMAN SERVE, THE COMPANY THEY RECEIVE INTO THEIR HOME. WHEREAS MARY, IGNORED ALL THAT BUSY-NESS TO SIT AT HIS FEET AND MINISTER TO HIM BY SHARING HER TIME WITH HIM, ABSORBING EVERY WORD, SITTING ALMOST FACE TO FACE , BREATHING THE SAME AIR SO TO SPEAK. ALL SHE WANTED WAS TO BE WITH HIM. MARY GAVE OF JESUS HER TIME AND ATTENTION OUT OF THE LOVE SHE HAD FOR HIM. MARTHA WAS UPSET AND COMPLAINED TO JESUS BUT HE SAID SHE CHOSE THE BEST PART AND HE WASN'T GOING TO TAKE IT FROM HER.

DO YOU REMEMBER YOUR FIRST LOVE OR YOUR DEEPEST LOVE I SHOULD SAY? ALL YOU WANTED TO DO IS BE WITH THEM . EVERYTHING THEY SAID WAS HILARIOUS AND GOSPEL. IRONIC I KNOW. THEY WERE PERFECT IN YOUR EYES AND YOU REARRANGED YOUR WHOLE LIFE TO BE WITH THEM. THIS IS WHAT MARY WAS DOING. SHE LOVED HIM AND SHE WAS NOT CONCERNED WITH THE DISHES. SHE HEARD HE WAS THERE AND SHE THREW OFF EVERY NATURAL INCLINATION TO BE PROPER AND WENT FOR THE GOOD STUFF. SHE WANTED HIM AND ALL HIS FRIENDS COULD SEE A MESSY KITCHEN SHE DIDN'T CARE BECAUSE SHE WANTED HIM! LOVE WAS IN THE AIR AND LIFE WAS GOOD!!!

WELL, THERE WAS A TIME FOR THIS FAMILY ,WHEN THINGS WERE NOT SO GOOD. LIFE IS FULL OF UPS AND DOWNS, HILLS AND VALLEYS, HAPPINESS AND SORROW, NOTHING STAYS THE SAME. THOUGH IF THINGS DIDN'T CHANGE , WE WOULD NEVER LEARN AND GROW.

IN JOHN CHAPTER 11 , JESUS HAS GONE OUT INTO THE WORLD TO MINISTER AND LAZARUS, THE WOMEN'S BROTHER HAS DIED. THE SADDEST PART IS THAT WORD WAS SENT TO JESUS THAT LAZARUS , WHOM HE LOVED, THE SCRIPTURES SAY, WAS SICK AND BY APPEARANCES SAKE HE DIDN'T SEEM TO CARE! HE SAID....AHH ITS NOT UNTO DEATH BUT UNTO THE GLORY OF GOD AND HE HUNG OUT 2 MORE DAYS, TILL HE DIED THEN HE DECIDED TO RETURN TO HIS HOME.

HOW MANY TIMES HAVE YOU SEEN THINGS BEGIN TO TAKE PLACE IN YOUR LIFE AND YOU'RE LIKE...."WHAT ?" AND YOU ASK GOD THE MOST POPULAR QUESTION EVER ASKED OF HIM ... "WHY?" WHY ARE YOU DOING THIS , WHY DIDN'T YOU SAVE HIM? WHY DIDN'T YOU SHOW UP? WHY DIDN'T YOU ANSWER ME RIGHT AWAY?

I BELIEVE THE ANSWER IS IN THE TEXT : JESUS IS RETURNING TO THE FAMILY AND THIS IS WHAT TRANSPIRES:

John 11:20 Then Martha, as soon as she heard that Jesus was coming, went and met him: but Mary sat still in the house.

WHAT?????????? MY HOW THE TABLES HAVE TURNED. MARY , WHO ONCE FORSOOK ALL PRIDE TO SIT AND HANG ON EVERY WORD OF JESUS' . HEARS THAT HE'S COMING AND SITS THERE. CAN YOU SENSE THE TENSION . THERE IS A WALL BEING PUT UP, AGAINST JESUS!

HOW MANY TIMES HAVE YOU BEEN FACED WITH GREAT SORROW AND TURNED AWAY FROM GOD. IT'S O.K. TO ADMIT IT. WE GET MAD SOMETIMES TOO.
,
YET, WHEN YOU NEEDED THE ONE YOU LOVED THE MOST YOU IGNORED THE FACT THAT HE WAS COMING TO YOU. JESUS WAS COMING TO HER . THINK FOR A MOMENT WHAT THIS MEANT. IN HER SORROW SHE COULD HAVE FALLEN INTO HIS WILLING ARMS AND WEPT HERSELF EMPTY OF THAT PAIN. AND WHAT'S MORE SHE COULD'VE BEEN HEALED OF THAT PAIN. YES, SHE KNEW HE WAS A HEALER. WHY DO YOU THINK SHE CONTINUED TO SIT THERE? ANYONE THAT HAS EXPERIENCED THIS KIND OF PAIN CAN RELATE. DO YOU THINK PERHAPS SHE WAS MAD AT JESUS? I DO. THEY CALLED HIM, AFTER ALL, AND HE DIDN'T COME. SHE WAS , WHAT WE CALL, WALLOWING IN IT! THE KING OF THE UNIVERSE WAS COMING AND SHE COULD CARE LESS. HER PAIN WAS GREATER, FOR THE MOMENT......

LET'S CONTINUE READING: MARTHA , WAS THE "HEAVY" IN THIS SITUATION. SHE HAD QUESTIONS AND SHE WASN'T GONNA WAIT AROUND SHE WENT BOLDLY BEFORE HIM AND CONFRONTED HIM
VS.21
John 11:21 Then said Martha unto Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.
John 11:22 But I know, that even now, whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give it thee.
John 11:23 Jesus saith unto her, Thy brother shall rise again.
John 11:24 Martha saith unto him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day.
John 11:25 Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:
John 11:26 And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?
John 11:27 She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world.
John 11:28 And when she had so said, she went her way, and called Mary her sister secretly, saying, The Master is come, and calleth for thee.
John 11:29 As soon as she heard that, she arose quickly, and came unto him.

WHAT AN AWESOME GOD WE SERVE. HE KNEW HER SORROW REQUIRED SPECIAL ATTENTION, SO HE REQUESTS HER BY NAME, AND WHAT DOES VS. 29 SAY, SHE AROSE QUICKLY AND CAME TO HIM. SHE TORE DOWN THE TEMPORARY WALL AND RAN TO HER JESUS. SHE RAN TO HIM . SHE RAN TO HEALING AND COMFORT . SHE RAN TO HER SALVATION. SHE RAN TO THE ONLY ONE WHO COULD SAVE HER. SHE WAS TEMPORARILY HANDICAPPED BUT CAME TO HER SENSES AND RAN TO HIM WHOM SHE LOVED.

PEOPLE THERE IS NO VALLEY SO DEEP OR PAIN SO GREAT THAT CAN NOT BE HEALED WHEN JESUS CALLS OUT TO US . IF WE RUN QUICKLY TO HIM, HE WILL HOLD US WILLINGLY AND EAGERLY WIPE OUR TEARS.

THE STORY CONTINUES WITH MARY COMING TO HIM AND FALLING AT HIS FEET. THEIR GRIEF MOVES HIM TO TEARS . JESUS WEPT, THE WORD SAYS. MY FRIENDS JESUS LOVES YOU AS MUCH AS HE DOES THIS FAMILY . WHEN YOU WEEP ,HE WEEPS. HE CAN'T KEEP HIS EYES OFF YOU EITHER, AND HE HANGS ON YOUR EVERY WORD. THE BIBLE SAYS HE IS CONTINUOUSLY INTERCEEDING ON OUR BEHALF BEFORE THE THRONE. TALKING TO HIS DADDY ABOUT HIS BEAUTIFUL BRIDE . WHOM HE ADORES.

THE END OF THE STORY IS THAT JESUS RESURRECTS LAZARUS, BRINGS HIM BACK TO LIFE. THE SISTERS GET THEIR BROTHER BACK. I KNOW WHAT SOME OF YOU MAY SAY.....WHEN WE GRIEVE THE LOSS OF A LOVED ONE , AND WE CRY OUT TO GOD , THEY ARE NOT RETURNED TO US AS LAZARUS WAS, THAT STUFF ONLY HAPPENS IN FAIRY TALES AND THE BIBLE , WRONG BECAUSE THEIR ARE SOME THAT ARE, AND ALL FOR THE GLORY OF GOD, DO NOT CAMP OUT ON THE POINT OF WHO GETS TO STAY AND WHO GETS TO GO , THAT IS A SERMON FOR ANOTHER DAY ,BUT FOCUS ON WHAT IS TAKING PLACE HERE.

WE ARE NOT ALONE IN OUR GRIEF. JESUS COMES TO US IN SPIRIT AND IN TRUTH . HE HAS SENT A COMFORTER TO US . WE ARE NOT ALONE. IF YOU FIND YOURSELF IN SUCH A PLACE DO NOT BUILD UP A WALL OR IGNORE THE CALL OF THE ONE THAT CAN BRING HEALING AND COMFORT. HE KNOWS YOUR PAIN, AND HE GRIEVES WITH YOU. HE LOVES YOU AND WANTS TO BE YOUR ALL IN ALL. HE WANTS TO BE THE ONE YOU COME TO. HE DOESN'T WANT YOU TO RUN TO ALCOHOL OR DRUGS OR FOOD OR PEOPLE FIRST. RUN TO HIM FIRST AND THEN HE WILL SEND PEOPLE TO HELP YOU THROUGH YOUR SORROW. HE MUST BE FIRST IN YOUR LIFE. NO ONE ELSE CAN SAVE YOU. HE IS YOUR HERO, YOUR KNIGHT IN SHINING ARMOR. DO NOT TURN AWAY FROM HIM.

I PROMISE , HE WILL RESCUE YOU IN A WAY YOU LEAST EXPECT. HE IS THE PERFECT GENTLEMEN AND WON'T LEAVE YOU COMFORTLESS. HE IS LOVESICK FOR YOU AND ALSO VERY HUMAN . HE IS NO STRANGER TO THE PAINS AND DESIRES OF OUR HEART. TURN TO HIM AND LIKE A PERFECT GENTLEMEN HE WILL MEET YOU WHERE YOU YOU ARE.

Taste The Living Water

It is so hot. The ground is dry and cracked. Every step creates a small cloud of dust from the ground. Ground that longs for a long drink of water. Seems like it was such a short time ago when the streams overflowed and the ditches swelled with rain water. Seasons change and abundance turns to lack. Nature's cup extends with the strong desire for water.

With that I am reminded of the story of the woman at the well and the message a friend of mine recently preached. You can find it in John chapter 4 and I encourage you to read it, but Jesus met a woman there and offered her "living water". She came to the well for natural water and he said ,

"If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water. " ( John 4:10)

What does that mean , "living water" ? Living , to be alive, is to be organic and not INorganic or dead. So to be living water is not that the water is full of living organisms, but that the water itself is alive. We know that regular water can be ingested and sustain life , but to ingest water that IS a living organism means that you have taken something into your being that is alive and continues to refresh and rejuvenate. It doesn't stop rejuvenating you because it isn't taken , used , then eliminated, like natural water. Once taken in it continues to sustain because it is a "being" in itself and it's desire is to give life.

The definition of the word living is " the action of being life" . So , to take in living water is to take in an organism that is continuously " being life". The word " being" is written in the present tense and not in the past tense. It will continuously be life to your spirit. Only this is not just any organism . This is the perfect Son of God, Jesus Christ, and what a great gift He is indeed.

He also told the woman:

" But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life." (John 4:14)

The one who drinks this water , this living water, would never have to be thirsty for it again. Why then do we have spiritual dry seasons? Even the most dedicated of disciples may find themselves standing on a dry patch of ground. Perhaps we have been working real hard and not seeing results, or following the Lord's leading and find ourselves in a desert. Remember the promise of our King . What we have , in Him, has never gone away. His love , joy , peace, and comfort will always be with us. He will sustain us for He is the Good Shepherd. We drank from the cup and He lives within us. He is the Living Water that fills our Spirits and causes the dry patches to bloom with life once again.

If you find yourself in a dry place, pray the Father fills you with this living water and take a deep drink. God bless you my friend.

I'm sorry Joshua and Caleb , they just didn't get it...

Many years ago the people of Israel were held captive in the land of Egypt and were made to be slaves, building great structures with bricks of mud and straw. Moses , who was led by God, son of A Hebrew woman, yet raised by the Pharoah's daughter, delivered the Israelites from Egypt and led to them promised land, that flowed with milk and honey.

Moses sent 12 scouts to observe and bring back samples of the land, which proved the land was rich and fertile. The scouts brought back one bunch of grapes that was so big it had to be hung on a pole and carried by 2 men. Wow! Unfortunately there were some very big people there, giants, Nephilim, sons of Anak, which frightened the people and it didn't take much gossip for the whole camp to be stirred up and against the whole idea of going into the "promised land".

How very sad the people didn't trust God. How very sad when we don't trust God. There were 2 that didn't agree with the rest. They knew God could do the impossible. These 2 men were Joshua and Caleb . Praise God for people that are willing to stand for God in the opposition of thousands. Even today there seems to be too few that are willing to go "all the way" with God. Sadly, the people were sent back into the wilderness, by God, for 40 years for their unbelief.

Some of the people changed their minds but it was too late. They went on to the promised land and found great opposition and defeat. They missed their opportunity and God wasn't in what they were doing now. God forgives when we do wrong, but there are consequences for those wrongs and those may not always be changed. Why didn't Joshua and Caleb go with this group? They had faith enough to believe God could defeat their enemies, but they knew obedience is better than sacrifice. They must obey the word of the Lord. They must follow the Good Shepherd. So back they went. Joshua and Caleb were the only adults that ended up seeing the promised land.

Could you imagine being those poor men? They trusted, believed, prayed, cried out, and saw this land , walked upon the soil with their own feet. Yet, even doing everything right , they were sent back to the wilderness with the rest. Why did they deserve to spend most of their lives in the wilderness ? Why couldn't they enjoy the fruit of their labors designed by God for them and rest ? Why did they have to spend forty years with angry, disagreeable ,unbelieving people?

The same Spirit that gave them the faith to believe also gave them the faith to endure. This was their walk , what they were perfectly formed to do. After all , how can the clay tell the potter what they should be made into. It is that same trust in God , that He knows and sees, that gave them strength to endure.

I'm sorry Joshua and Caleb , that they didn't get it . Alot of people just don't get it and because of that there are some in the wilderness that don't deserve to be there. They are there taking care of someone else, waiting for the time to be right when they can go back once again.

When reading this story I was sad for the brothers that had to turn around and head back into the dry and dusty land and wondered what it would have been like if they would've done things their way instead of God's way. Well, we wouldn't have had the book of Joshua that's for sure and he wouldn't have been there to lead the people once again into the promised land. They knew God would keep His word and they would once again walk the promised land . Except this time , after such a long wait, they were "fired up" , as we say, and ready to defeat the enemy and take the land.

If you find yourself somewhere you don't wanna be , hang in there and endure until the end. If this is your walk, God will give you wisdom and strength to persevere. Follow the Good Shepherd wherever He leads you.

I Love it When a Plan Comes Together !

One of my favorite lines in that old t.v. show " A-team " , was, as the conclusion to the adventure drew near, the leader exclaims " I love it when a plan comes together!" It was a statement of relief as all the different team members efforts were used with a result of the "bad guys" being apprehended and the A-team barely escaping with their lives. That was T.V. greatness.

"I have never forgotten that line and God has reminded me of it many times. The most common times are when prayers are finally answered , like today.

As we get older and mature in the Lord it seems the trials are longer, the tests harder and rightly so. How could we become better , kinder , and more loving if we weren't trained and refined. Just like some training facilities are in different towns , etc. God moves His people around the board. Just like businesses send their employees to different schools , God sends His students to different locations to be hooked up with people who are perfect for the job of teaching them specifically what He needs them to learn. Sometimes, He sets His children in a quiet place to be alone to draw from Him only, which can be a wonderful yet very difficult trial.

This one almost got me, I have to admit it. We have waited 2 and a half years to find the right place to grow and learn spiritually until my studies are finished . A place that is safe and not puffed up. Thank you Lord for answered prayer. No place is perfect, and God has a plan for everyone to be hooked up with fellow believers. He is a family oriented God. He loves His family and wants what's best for them. I have to admit Lord, I thought I was going to be grounded forever......

God hears you and has a perfect plan for our lives. He knows your mind and when you are obedient the rewards are breathtaking. He isn't a bad Shepherd but a good one . He leads us to where we need to be. If you are praying and begging God to take you where you are supposed to be and you aren't moving....don't be afraid you missed His voice. When it's time to move He'll tell you.

Like I said , the trials get more difficult but as they do He will teach you how to handle the difficulties.So when you are ready to move, you are fully trained for the next job He has for you. Then, He can watch you enter into the new territory where you will conquer old ground,grow and learn. Then He will be able to say...."I love it when a plan comes together"

God bless you in all you do , and thank you for being patient with me while I was studying for exams etc. I hope this is the beginning of resuming my Sunday Blogs.

The Loss that Saves

Happy Easter/ Passover/ Resurrection Day , however you prefer to term it, it's Spring , guys , and Jesus is Lord! Hallelujah!

I just wanted to take a few minutes and ask what Easter means to you? What do you think of , when you think about this day? Do you think about everything you have to get done and all the people you have to please or do you really think about Jesus and his death and resurrection?

Admittedly, it's all of that and more for me. The running around is done for now and all that's left is finishing the meal so now is the perfect time to share with you a few things that are on my heart. A great part of this holiday celebrates loss. Yes, I said 'celebrate' and will explain.

I have a difficult time wrapping my mind around loss, but there is a great element of loss associated with this time of year. The snow is gone and the quiet stillness of Winter is over. There's no more time to spend inside because the ground is waking from a long sleep and the yard and gardens now require attention. The results of that time spent in the garden will prove as great gifts , in the forms of vegetables and fruits.

Jesus giving His life so that we may be saved is the greatest gift anyone could give . Yet, I couldn't imagine the sorrow his closest friends felt when he was crucified and died. I have only had a glimpse of the pain his mother must have felt during the whole process , and I must say, I don't want to feel that kind of excruciating pain.

Fortunately God doesn't look at death the same way we do. If He did, Jesus would've rushed to Lazarus and prevented his friend's death by healing him. He did not and he allowed him to die only to raise him from the dead later on. Which proved to everyone in the area , that resurrection , in Christ was very possible. They had proof because they had witnessed with their eyes , the death and resurrection of Lazarus. Jesus too experienced the loss associated with death for it is written ,"Jesus wept". You can find the whole story written in John Chapter 11.

Yet, God calls death precious.

Psa. 116:15 Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.

It too is a gift . Without the death of Jesus , he would not have overcome the grave , and then stand in the presence of God so, therefore it would not be possible for us to overcome death and stand in the presence of God as well.

2Cor. 5:1 ¶ For we know that if the earthly house of our tent is dissolved, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal, in the heavens.
2Cor. 5:2 For most assuredly in this we groan, longing to be clothed with our habitation which is from heaven;
2Cor. 5:3 if so be that being clothed we will not be found naked.
2Cor. 5:4 For indeed we who are in this tent do groan, being burdened; not that we desire to be unclothed, but that we desire to be clothed, that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life.
2Cor. 5:5 Now he who made us for this very thing is God, who also gave to us the down payment of the Spirit.
2Cor. 5:6 ¶ Being therefore always of good courage, and knowing that, while we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord;
2Cor. 5:7 for we walk by faith, not by sight.
2Cor. 5:8 We are of good courage, I say, and are willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be at home with the Lord.


Still, the loss of someone is very difficult to bear when someone has gone to be with the Lord and you are left behind.

The Lord knows this loss and has felt it too, but Easter has a happy ending! He who was dead , is now risen from the grave to life everlasting. The coldness of winter is left behind and a new life has begun. The whole world proves with the coming of spring the process of life, then death, then life. For every year you have been alive you have seen this process take place: Summer, Fall , Winter, and Spring. All creation cries out there is a God, we have only to choose whether we will believe it or not.

Rom. 1:20 For since the creation of the world his invisible attributes—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, because they are understood through what has been made. So people are without excuse.

I know it is true, that Jesus came ,as an innocent lamb, and was led , willingly , to the slaughter. I know he gave up riches and glory and power to be my kinsman redeemer and rescue us all from death and hell. I know He now sits on the throne at the right hand of the Father and intercedes on my behalf. I know He is coming again for His bride the church. I know I will be ready , will you?

******Thank you Father for the loss of those that have gone on to be with you . We thank you that they are now present with You. Thank you for dying on the cross for our sins . Thank you for taking all the blame and punishment , so we may be with you when we leave this earthly tabernacle. Most of all, thank you for overcoming death and the grave. We celebrate Your Resurrection with joy and praise . Hallelujah ! Glory to the Lamb that was slain! ********

Sleep?

I have prayed that the Holy Spirit would write this for me because I haven't been getting enough sleep and my mind feels like spaghetti !

Do ya'll do that? Do you have so much to do that you've shred your inner man until your outer man can't keep up? Recent busy-ness has caused this to be the case for me and yet I know , especially at times like this , that it is not I that gets things done , in my life, it is God.

Still, it is good discipline to be pushed beyond what you think you can bear. Isn't that what the armed services do as well? They push and prod, stretch the limits of a person beyond what they think is normal. With the end result being a strong , highly disciplined soldier.

We are soldiers for the kingdom. All who have taken up the banner of the Lord and pledged to serve Him , are recruits into a vast army of spiritual fighting machines. We have a living Holy Spirit , like a continuous flow of intel from on high, living within us. He is the spirit of truth. He is also the spirit of remembrance.

John 14:26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

Recently, my son was really stressed about the upcoming baseball season . On the way to practice I explained to him that the Holy Spirit can help him remember things, he thinks, he may have forgotten. So we prayed and he had a great practice and did indeed remember the things he learned in previous seasons.

I pray fervently every time I'm about to take an exam , that the Holy spirit will cause me to remember the things I have been taught. It is the reason we are to study the word of God daily , so when we are living our daily lives , He can bring to our minds the things we have been taught. Studying the word is how it gets in us to start with , and if you don't study how then can you remember? Studying is a good discipline, for a soldier of the kingdom ,but there are many others .

1Th. 5:9 For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,
1Th. 5:10 Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him.
1Th. 5:11 Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.
1Th. 5:12 And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you;
1Th. 5:13 And to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. And be at peace among yourselves.
1Th. 5:14 Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.
1Th. 5:15 See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.
1Th. 5:16 Rejoice evermore.
1Th. 5:17 Pray without ceasing.
1Th. 5:18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
1Th. 5:19 Quench not the Spirit.
1Th. 5:20 Despise not prophesyings.
1Th. 5:21 Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.
1Th. 5:22 Abstain from all appearance of evil.
1Th. 5:23 And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Though I said we are soldiers ,we don't wage war like the world does. We don't fight evil with evil. We aren't fueled by pride and go to exact revenge . We are not pumped full of rage and anger to be killing machines .That is what nations send their armies to do. In the typical army movie, you can find people that smoke and drink and cuss, but it's o.k. because they are sent to kill or be killed. It is not so with us. We are called to wear holiness as our banner and to yield to our enemies the right of way....for a season. Our enemies are not of flesh and blood , but of the spirit. So when we are spit on , or engaged in battle , we take it to the King. We let the offender believe they have the victory , for the moment, then take our situations before the throne , in secret.

That is my favorite part of our mission, that which we do in secret.

Matt. 6:6 But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.

There are times when we must join together and fight side by side, with prayer and praise , and what a beautiful experience it is when the people of God are as one in battle. There are things going on that the human eye cannot see. Our words , spoken from our mouths, make things happen in the spiritual realm that will amaze us someday. Yet, these words are given to us by the Holy Spirit which resides within us. They are His words , spoken through us.

Still, everyone needs sleep sometimes. When the battle has been fought and God has obtained the victory , it is time for rest. The Lord gives His children rest.

Psa. 4:8 I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety.

While we sleep, He looks out for us and keeps us safe.

Psa. 121:4 Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.

Upon entering into the facebook/twitter world ,I now can see how that is done. As we are sleeping, other believers around the world are praying and fighting the battle of the Lord , as our fellow soldiers. How awesome is that?

The battle is the Lord's but we are His footman, His hands and feet. We are to be diligent and disciplined but we are allowed some rest. So that when we awake we are fresh and ready to do battle again.

I used to have real issues with getting out of bed and it is a work in progress, but, I know , that when my feet hit the floor, that the enemies of God immediately are wishing I was back in bed! Haha! Because , as we say here, "It is on!" The same can be said of you as well. I pray that you begin to see who you are in Christ. I pray you see how powerful and mighty God has made you and that YOUR fervent prayers can change the world we live in , and I pray after the battle you get some rest. Have a blessed week.

Kindness

KIndness is one of those attributes a Godly person is supposed to have that often goes unrecognized. It is a character of the Holy Spirit that is supposed to shine through in all we do.

Col. 3:12 ¶ Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;
Col. 3:13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.
Col. 3:14 And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.
Col. 3:15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.

It is the one little word in the midst of all those others that is so easy to do. All the other words are difficult , with forgiveness and longsuffering as two of the hardest. So why do we overlook and underestimate the act of kindness?

This life is challenging at times and down right unfair to say the least , or so it can seem. This isn't what the Lord wanted for us in the beginning. In Genesis we see He created for us a perfect world and walked and talked with us daily. We messed it up , by not following the rules our Daddy gave us. Yet, in His kindness, He made a way for us to return to Him.

This week I've been thinking about this simple little word , little did I know I was going to be faced with an opportunity to test it. This wasn't a test like one would think. It wasn't a "pay it forward" moment , though I wished it had been. It was simply that one of my children disobeyed and the result of that disobedience had great consequences for all that were involved. It is out of kindness that I don't go further into detail but , let's just say , it was one of those moments a parent feels like a total failure.

As these things were going on , I could hear in the back of my mind, " Kindness" . Every instinct within me wanted justice , retaliation, punishment , and punishment did ensue , but with kindness . I did , as we say " give the child what for" , but after all was said and done, kindness was what the Lord required .

When someone hurts you, embarrasses you, appears to be something only to find out they are not who they say they are, we naturally put a guard up against future attacks. It is o.k. to beware . It is o.k. to learn from bad experiences , but it is not o.k. , to be unkind. It is not o.k. to be rude , slanderous, backbiting, etc. when we have been wronged. It is so easy to reward evil for evil , but it is not of God to do so.

God is kind. He is kind enough not to wipe us out for all the evil we have done and don't others deserve that same kindness? If you're not "feeling it" , then pray for God to give you the spirit of kindness in that situation and remember when we are weak , He is made strong. Trust that He has it all under control. He will finish what He has begun in you.

Lastly, we are coming upon the season of spring in Texas and of course many will be making ready their gardens and sowing seeds. I encourage you to sow some seeds of kindness and regardless of the situation , do all things with kindness and watch what fruit that will bare. No one deserves to be spoken to ugly or unkindly, no matter what the offense. We are all in this together. God bless ya'll in all you do this week.

Lift Up Your Hands for Battle

If I had my own church , the service today would be spent entirely in Praise and Worship. It has just been one of those weeks. The enemy has appeared strong and the constant theme seemed to be deception and destruction. Well, he tried anyway but he did not succeed.

Every afternoon , when I pick up the kids from school , I know within moments there is going to be a battle escalating to great proportions , usually until someone ends up crying , or fake crying as they like to do also. So , before its time for them to walk in the door my mind and spirit are gearing up for battle. I have to be compassionate and loving , yet firm and forceful if necessary and to tell you the truth it can be very exhausting. My husband comes home and I sometimes have to say " Get these children please. I'm wore out. " Which of course , with one word from dad , they are perfect angels, for a moment, until the next battle.

The same is true for us all that breathe air and live in this world. Jesus said :

John 16:33 These things have I spoken unto you, that in me ye may have peace. In the world ye have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world

As long as we are here we are going to have trouble. It's not bad luck, fate, a curse from mother nature or even the fact that a black cat walked across your path. It is the fallen state of the world we live in.

Some times are far worse than others and this week was very difficult. It seemed every avenue of our lives were under constant attack and I continuously had to keep my guard up . I say "my guard" but in reality it isn't me at all. The me that you see is weak and afraid , lazy and disobedient , but there is a me that you don't see. My spirit, who is inside , is to whom I am referring and is guided by the Holy Spirit to do good and not evil . He, is whom I put in charge of my day.

The Holy Spirit is the one that gets me up in the morning. He's the one that shuts my mouth when I get so mad I wanna cuss. He's the one that whispers words of comfort in my ear when I'm so tired and scared of the future.He's the one that turns me away from temptation. He is the one of the best presents ever given to man. Jesus died on the cross for our salvation, Praise God and to which we owe our lives, yet he loved us so much that he left, so that the Holy Spirit could come and reside inside of all those that ask Him to.


Luke 11:13 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?


My brothers and sisters, do you realize how much your Father loves you? Do you know how much is available to you , if you just ask.

Have you ever been in love ? I use this example because not everyone has children which is the example used in the scripture. Do you remember loving them so much that you just wanted to give them a gift? It didn't matter what it was, big or small you just wanted to bless them , because you loved them. You couldn't wait to see them , not because you wanted to look at them but because just being in their presence brought you such great joy. The Father of heaven loves you so much more than this. He can't wait to have your attention so He can shower you with His love. A great place He finds you is when you are singing to Him in praise and worship. When your hands and hearts are raised to Him in adoration He is there pouring His love upon you. It is one of my most favorite places to be. It is here He speaks to your spirit through the Holy Spirit . It is here the battles of everyday life are fought, and won.


Eph. 6:12 For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world-rulers of this darkness, against the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.

In the spirit, is where the enemy is and in the spirit is where we worship.

John 4:24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship in spirit and truth.

With every battle that was brought before me this week I knew that complaining about it, arguing about it, or even manipulating it was not going to accomplish anything. Who can manipulate the power of a tsunami , which we were faced this week? Only God , who is Spirit , can do anything to save us from so great a power.

So , just like I ask my husband for help when I can not continue on my own , I ask my Father to help me when the battle rages on. He is the one who calms the seas. He enters the scene and with one word from Him there is peace, for the moment , until the next battle.

I encourage you, as you face your battles , pray to the Father, cry out to Jesus , and heed the words of the Holy Spirit which are written in the word of God and you will see great victories. Remember you are not alone. God has placed warriors by your side to help through prayer and what a blessing Godly friendships are.

One last note, as you prepare for the battle , remember the words in Ephesians:


Eph. 6:11 Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
Eph. 6:12 For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world-rulers of this darkness, against the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.
Eph. 6:13 Wherefore take up the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and, having done all, to stand.
Eph. 6:14 Stand therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness,
Eph. 6:15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
Eph. 6:16 withal taking up the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the evil one.
Eph. 6:17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
Eph. 6:18 with all prayer and supplication praying at all seasons in the Spirit, and watching thereunto in all perseverance and supplication for all the saints.

I'm praying for you many mighty victories . God bless you in all you do. Have a great week.

No Comprendo

Last night my grandson made his first visit to our house, the house of his mother's childhood , and we were all very excited. He was passed around and cooed at , smooched and even welcomed by our 2 dogs , Pedro and Ladybug.

I was privileged to hold him while I was studying my Hebrew lessons and my daughter even made a comment about him learning Hebrew by association. Also , a friend asked if I was starting his Theology and Hebrew studies and suggested to sow as many seeds in him while he was young so he would be a great witness for the Lord , to which I fully agreed.

I have to admit though, it has been very difficult lately to comprehend and memorize all the words necessary to be at least an average student of Hebrew. That may be partly due to working in extreme weather and being tired, or having a lot of housework , or just a lot of busy-ness , but the point is more time and effort is required of me to learn and apply what needs to be learned. I have recognized I must try harder and persevere through this tough spot . I have also decided that no matter how difficult it is , that quitting is not an option. I live by the scripture:

2Tim. 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

Before I awoke this morning the thoughts were impressed upon me that learning a foreign language was a lot like learning the word of God at times. The "world" has one definition of how things should be and the word of God teaches the opposite of that definition. Sometimes it seems so strange and impossible to understand yet it is His great gift to the world .

John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
John 1:2 The same was in the beginning with God.
John 1:3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.
John 1:4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men.
John 1:5 And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.

Unfortunately those who follow after ungodly things and those who live to please the "world", do not like nor understand the word and even persecute those that do .

John 17:14 I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.

The reason learning the word of God can be compared to learning a foreign language is because it appears , at first glance, to be confusing or difficult to understand . One may think they have to have a degree to even comprehend it. That is not true . The word is a light . It is pure and righteous and the Holy Spirit is here to teach us and shine the light in the darkness of our understanding . Unfortunately , darkness likes to remain dark , therefore it hates the light . This struggle is a part of the constant battle we face , and as believers we are supposed to be shining forth this light , learning and living the word as well as speaking it to others.

Pastors can be compared to teachers of a foreign language , who with great patience are trying to teach those in their care , something that may be totally beyond their understanding. They are supposed to be setting the standard and have a great understanding of this word we all desire to learn. They have to teach students that are at different levels of understanding , and maturity.

They have to come with great patience for the young and tolerance of the youthful accompanied by direction for their great excitement and energy. They must also bring the meat of the word to the mature in Christ , while maintaining a blameless walk so as not to make others that are weaker stumble and fall. They have to avoid any and all appearances of evil so those following can see the word lived out through their lives . Ergo the statement , "practice what you preach" is used.

This takes a lot of preparation on the part of the Holy Spirit who is the most patient teacher of all because, Pastors are nothing more than eternal students of the Holy Spirit . Teachers of the word may know a lot of it , but are always learning as well and should never think more highly of themselves than they ought:

Rom. 12:3 For I say, through the grace that was given me, to every man who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think reasonably, as God has apportioned to each person a measure of faith.

Whether you are walking in the light or in the darkness, whether you are the teacher or student it is not impossible to understand and learn the word of God. What seems like an insurmountable feat , with perseverance , will become easier for Jesus taught :

Matt. 11:29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart; and you will find rest for your souls.

Decide that no matter how difficult it is , quitting is not an option. I pray the Holy Spirit guides you into all truth and that if you don't have a teacher that He sends you one. Until then , pick up the book and read. God bless you in all you do.

Endurance

Snow in Texas? Who would've thought we would have 12 inches of snow fall in one day in Texas! It beat every record known and was the cause of many a school kid's celebrations.

I am a mail lady by day and my excitement for the winter wonderland was short lived when it came to delivering the mail. Don't get me wrong , it was gorgeous and I am so thankful for seeing the Glory of God painted through frozen trees and white blankets lain over our small town. One of the wonderful things about our God is His ability to teach us through our normal everyday activities , so when an extraordinary event takes place , the voice of the Lord is amplified tremendously.

What I wanted to share with ya'll today is a small part of everything God has shown me through those days in the snow.

We are a very busy society, and sometimes my customers do not check their mail. It only becomes inconvenient when the box is too full for us to continue to do our job. So, until then , we don't concern ourselves with it. Although this week , as I was risking life and limb to " bring the word" to my customers , in seeing the boxes full I was a little bothered.

The roads were treacherous to say the least. I drive a postal vehicle that is definitely not 4 wheel drive , and there was a lot of walking to the boxes to avoid getting stuck, not to mention slipping and sliding all over the road, trying to avoid pedestrians and other vehicles , wet feet and the bone chilling cold.

As Christians we are commanded of the lord to go forth and spread the gospel.

Mark 16:15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.

So , as I am delivering mail , I liken that unto spreading the word. Yet, when I saw that some didn't check their mail , I felt the gentle leading of the Holy Spirit speaking to me.

There are many Pastors , Evangelists, Missionaries , spreading the Gospel in very dangerous atmospheres. There are countries that would secretly ,and some even blatantly , kill those who taught others about our Lord and Saviour . As Christians we hear too many stories of precious ones that have served the Lord unto death , but there is another type of persecution we don't hear much about.

Imagine if you will the brother or sister that is totally surrounded by unbelievers, that may even be of their own household , and their own spouse may be the one that is persecuting them . There are those that wake every morning and know that they will suffer some type of mental abuse for standing by their Lord. There are those that only have the Holy Spirit as a gentle companion who makes the word of God come alive in their lives , yet they still persevere and endure to the end knowing that perhaps someday the people they love will follow Christ .

This type of persecution may not be news stopping but it's very painful to minister day after day and only receive curses and shame in return.

As I saw the mail that had been left in the boxes. I thought of those that risked their lives to deliver the word day after day , and those that disregarded it as unimportant. The word of God is a precious thing and it is very sad that so many treat it as though it was no big deal.

Prov. 30:5 Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.

Heb. 4:12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

It is for this word and the Love of Christ that we , as Christians, risk our lives and hearts , peace, security , and all things temporary for eternal joy and happiness. Sometimes that word falls on deaf ears and hardened hearts, but it is for us to deliver nonetheless. It is for the Holy Spirit to convict and convince , it is only for us to obey and do our job.

If you are in the "spreading the gospel" business, which if you are a Christian you are, my word for you today is to endure .

Matt. 24:13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.

Don't quit :

Gal. 6:9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

We will reap what we have sown. Another great thing I saw this week was eventually people do pick up their mail and the word is received!

Finally, whether you are a Christian or not, and you notice that people have been trying to talk to and encourage you, help you, love you, do not push them away or ignore them . Receive the love that God is sending you. There is no greater Valentine than God himself. God bless you all and have a great week. Happy Valentine's Day