I pray that out of God's abundant love, mercy and grace that you hear what He's speaking to encourage you today. This is right where I was at...almost a year ago....recovering from a detached retina....looking straight down for a very, very long month....
Remember, it is to Whom we look during these times of trial....Jesus Christ, the Author and Perfector of our faith. Be blessed by His message through Francis Frangipane.
~Crista
Love Me Where You're At
Francis Frangipane
September 21, 2009
eword@frangipane.org
I have discovered that, as we seek the Lord, our most difficult periods can be transformed into wonderful breakthroughs into God's love.
For me, one such season occurred during the years 1979 to1981. The association of churches with which I was aligned had fallen under spiritual deception. Not only were its core doctrines increasingly seeded with New Age influences, but immorality crept in, and key leaders began leaving their wives for other women. I could no longer remain silent. As a result, in 1979 I left my congregation in Detroit, Michigan, where I had served as pastor, and traveled to the organization's regional headquarters in Iowa. I came to plead for repentance. However, after meeting with the senior leaders, I was asked to leave the group.
So here we were - we had left our church, we had no money, and we had four little children and couldn't afford even basic housing. Desperate for anything, we finally found an old farmhouse in rural Washington, Iowa. The home was over a hundred years old, but it actually looked much older. After negotiating with the landlord, we were given a year of free rent provided I did basic repairs to the house, such as cleaning and painting.
Even so, the house needed more than I could provide. The furnace did not work well, so we installed a wood burner stove in the kitchen. That first winter, it turned out, was one of the coldest in Iowa's history. Frost formed on the inside walls, spreading a foot or two around each window; wind chills dropped to 60 below, and even colder, on several occasions.
To keep warm each night, the whole family cuddled tightly on one large mattress on the dining room floor, about 18 feet from the wood burner in the kitchen. A fan behind the stove nudged warm air in our direction. My nightly project, of course, was to build enough heat in the stove to keep us warm until morning.
While I worked the fire, I also would pray and seek God. The wood burner became a kind of altar to me, for each night as I prayed, I offered to God my unfulfilled dreams and the pain of my spiritual isolation. Yes, I knew the Lord was aware of our situation. Though we had virtually nothing, He showed Himself to us in dozens of little ways. I just didn't know what He wanted of me.
As the seasons came and went, another child was born, and then we fostered a young girl from Viet Nam, giving us six children. Still, as the family grew, the little area around the wood burner became a hallowed place to me. Even in the summer, I would sit on the chair next to the stove and pray and worship.
I would like to say I found the joy of the Lord during this time, but in truth, though I gradually adjusted to my situation, I felt an abiding misery in my soul. Our deep poverty was an issue (I barely made $6,000 a year), but more than that, I felt like I had missed the Lord. My continual prayer was "Lord, what do You want of me?"
Three years of seeking God passed, and I still carried an emptiness inside. What was God's will for me? I had started a couple Bible studies and spoke a few times in churches, but I so identified with being a pastor that, until I was engaged again in full-time ministry, I feared I had lost touch with God's call on my life.
In spite of this inner emptiness concerning ministry, I actually was growing spiritually, especially in areas that were previously untilled. I went through the gospels hungry to study and obey the words of Christ. Previously, I had unconsciously defined a successful ministry as something born of my performance. During this time, however, the Lord reduced me to simply being a disciple of Jesus Christ. Indeed, a number of things I thought were biblical I discovered were really just religious traditions. The Lord desired that I take inventory of my heart and examine those few truths for which I would be willing to die. He said the truths for which I would die, for these I should live.
Frankly, things like the timing of the rapture or nuances about worship style or spiritual gifts dropped in their priority, though I still considered them important. Rising to the top of my focus was a passion to be a true follower of Jesus Christ - to obey His teachings and approach life not merely as a critic, but more as an encourager. I also found myself increasingly free to enjoy and learn from Christians from other streams and perspectives.
Yet, these changes, though deep and lasting, occurred slowly, almost imperceptibly. They were happening quietly in my heart, and only in hindsight did I see what the Lord had done. Throughout this time, I was preoccupied with feelings of detachment from God's will. My prayer to know the Lord's plan for me continued daily.
The Breakthrough
One day, as I stood in the kitchen pantry, I repeated again my abiding prayer: "Lord, what do you want of me?" In a sudden flash of illumination, the Lord answered. Speaking directly to my heart, He said, "Love Me where you're at."
In this time and season, remember, I was not a pastor or minister. I was a television repairman doing odd jobs on the side to provide for my family. I hated what I was doing. In my previous church I taught against TV and now I was "laying hands" on television sets and raising them from the dead! The Lord's answer cut straight to my heart. I was awed at its simplicity! I asked, "Love You where I am at? Lord, is that all you want of me?" To this He responded, "This is all I will ever require of you."
In that eternal moment peace flooded my soul, and I was released from the false expectation of ministry-driven service. God was not looking at what I did for Him, but who I became to Him in love. The issue in His heart was not whether I pastored, but whether I loved Him. To love the Lord in whatever station I found myself - even as a television repairman - this I could do!
A deep and remarkable transformation occurred in me. My identity was no longer in being a pastor, but rather on becoming a true lover of God. Having settled my priorities, amazingly, just a couple days later I was invited to pastor a church in Marion, Iowa. In spite of all my previous anxiety about returning to ministry, I did not jump at the opportunity. For I had found what the Lord truly desired of me. Though I eventually accepted this call, my focus was not merely on leading a church, but loving God.
What God Seeks
More than one's ministry, God seeks our love. His great commandment is that we love Him, ultimately, with all our mind, all our heart, and all our soul and strength. If we love Him, we will fulfill all He requires of us (see John 14:15). And it is as we love Him that He orchestrates all things to work together for our good (see Rom. 8:28).
Beloved, loving God is not hard. We can fulfill any assignment - auto mechanic or housewife, doctor or college student - and still give great pleasure to our heavenly Father. We do not need ministry titles to love the Lord. Indeed, God measures the value of our lives by the depth of our love. This is what He requires of every true God seeker: to love Him where we are at.
Lord Jesus, the revelation of Your love has swept me off my feet. Lord, You have drawn me and I run after You. Master, even in the mundane things of life, I shall express my love for You. Consume me in Your love.
source: http://www.etpv.org/2009/lmwya.html
Showing posts with label Suffering. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Suffering. Show all posts
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Roots and Suffering
I received the following from Priscilla Van Sutphin the other day....Now, if you read Friday's post, you will understand why I just get so thrilled with the Lord when He sends His confirmation - especially when I'm feeling a bit worn out from my own journey the Lord has me on! Please note that the italicized, bold and red type are my edits, because I cannot highlight them in this blog.
Are you suffering for Christ's sake...the Body of Christ?....Then I say to you, you've got roots, baby!
And when your breakthrough comes...He is THE ONLY ONE WHO GETS THE GLORY!
Be encouraged today!
Love and blessings always,
Crista
Rev 22:2-5 NKJV2 In the middle of its street, and on either side of the river, was the tree of life, which bore twelve fruits, each tree yielding its fruit every month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. 3 And there shall be no more curse, but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it, and His servants shall serve Him. 4 They shall see His face, and His name shall be on their foreheads. 5 There shall be no night there: They need no lamp nor light of the sun, for the Lord God gives them light. And they shall reign forever and ever.
Understanding Suffering
Elvis Iverson
http://www.elvisiverson.com/
Many are saying why me Lord? Understanding suffering will help us see our own purpose in order to have endurance during those times. Most suffering is not from God. God does no evil. God is a father and a father cares and loves his children. At the same there are some who are not teaching Christians in how to deal with suffering. In this article I will try to help you understand suffering. Besides, there is more than one form of suffering that Christians will go through. You must say why do you go through this kind of suffering, then think about what you're doing for the Kingdom and this will tell you why.
The Word says; “Jesus Christ learned obedience by the things which He suffered.” –Heb.. 5:8. When we are going to live a life of obedience we will suffer at certain times. Suffering comes to see if we will stand in our obedience to the Lord. The Word say; “Yes, and all who desire to live in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.” –2 Tim. 3:12. When you desire to follow the ways of the Lord and to be lead by the Holy Spirit there will be attacks of suffering that come against you.
Don’t listen to them and don’t be moved by them, and don’t count your life dear to yourself. The Word says; “There is a blessing upon those that are persecuted for righteousness sake.” –Matt. 5:10. God will bless those in this life and the next that willingly go through suffering for the Gospel sake. The Word says we suffer for righteousness sake. The Word says; “That we should rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. “ –1 Pet. 4:13. We are to rejoice and believe God for exceeding joy to come from God. The Word says we are to partake in Christ’s suffering. There are rewards that come through partaking in His suffering.
In addition, we are to fellowship in his sufferings with the saints. What we suffer we gain with Christ. When we are conformed to His death we will partake with the power of His resurrection. We are to know Him in His sufferings and in His power. –Phil. 3:10-11. The Word says; “If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God will rest upon you.” –1 Pet. 4:14.
When we go through suffering we are blessed and the Spirit of glory and of God will rest upon you. Apart from that, the Word says; “about Apostle Paul that he rejoice in his suffering for the church of Colossians, he said he was fill up in his flesh what was lacking in the afflictions of Christ, for the sake of His body, which is the Church.” –Col. 1:24.
This shows us that apostles will go through suffering on the behalf of the churches that they care for, and if they suffer shall not other Christians suffer with them. Christians will suffer for the church to come forth in victory.
Nevertheless, the Word says; “about those who don’t have any root in themselves, and so endure only for a time. Afterward, when tribulation or persecution arises for the Word’s sake, immediately they stumble.” – Mk. 4:17. Not every one can go through such suffering for Christ. Some Christians don’t have good roots in Christ yet. The Word says that tribulation and persecution arise for the Word’s sake. Suffering comes For the Word sake. This is why Christians must be grounded in the Word and in Love before suffering comes.
Furthermore, the Word says; “ in Acts eight that great persecution arose against the church and what do we see when we read this that the Word spread everywhere. In Acts eleven that after persecution arose that church of Antioch was birthed. Wow! This tells us that no matter what happens, the Church will move forth.
It says that through many tribulations we enter into the Kingdom of God. –Acts 14:22.
Copyright © 2004 S.I.M. All Rights Reserved
Are you suffering for Christ's sake...the Body of Christ?....Then I say to you, you've got roots, baby!
And when your breakthrough comes...He is THE ONLY ONE WHO GETS THE GLORY!
Be encouraged today!
Love and blessings always,
Crista
Rev 22:2-5 NKJV2 In the middle of its street, and on either side of the river, was the tree of life, which bore twelve fruits, each tree yielding its fruit every month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. 3 And there shall be no more curse, but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it, and His servants shall serve Him. 4 They shall see His face, and His name shall be on their foreheads. 5 There shall be no night there: They need no lamp nor light of the sun, for the Lord God gives them light. And they shall reign forever and ever.
Understanding Suffering
Elvis Iverson
http://www.elvisiverson.com/
Many are saying why me Lord? Understanding suffering will help us see our own purpose in order to have endurance during those times. Most suffering is not from God. God does no evil. God is a father and a father cares and loves his children. At the same there are some who are not teaching Christians in how to deal with suffering. In this article I will try to help you understand suffering. Besides, there is more than one form of suffering that Christians will go through. You must say why do you go through this kind of suffering, then think about what you're doing for the Kingdom and this will tell you why.
The Word says; “Jesus Christ learned obedience by the things which He suffered.” –Heb.. 5:8. When we are going to live a life of obedience we will suffer at certain times. Suffering comes to see if we will stand in our obedience to the Lord. The Word say; “Yes, and all who desire to live in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.” –2 Tim. 3:12. When you desire to follow the ways of the Lord and to be lead by the Holy Spirit there will be attacks of suffering that come against you.
Don’t listen to them and don’t be moved by them, and don’t count your life dear to yourself. The Word says; “There is a blessing upon those that are persecuted for righteousness sake.” –Matt. 5:10. God will bless those in this life and the next that willingly go through suffering for the Gospel sake. The Word says we suffer for righteousness sake. The Word says; “That we should rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. “ –1 Pet. 4:13. We are to rejoice and believe God for exceeding joy to come from God. The Word says we are to partake in Christ’s suffering. There are rewards that come through partaking in His suffering.
In addition, we are to fellowship in his sufferings with the saints. What we suffer we gain with Christ. When we are conformed to His death we will partake with the power of His resurrection. We are to know Him in His sufferings and in His power. –Phil. 3:10-11. The Word says; “If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God will rest upon you.” –1 Pet. 4:14.
When we go through suffering we are blessed and the Spirit of glory and of God will rest upon you. Apart from that, the Word says; “about Apostle Paul that he rejoice in his suffering for the church of Colossians, he said he was fill up in his flesh what was lacking in the afflictions of Christ, for the sake of His body, which is the Church.” –Col. 1:24.
This shows us that apostles will go through suffering on the behalf of the churches that they care for, and if they suffer shall not other Christians suffer with them. Christians will suffer for the church to come forth in victory.
Nevertheless, the Word says; “about those who don’t have any root in themselves, and so endure only for a time. Afterward, when tribulation or persecution arises for the Word’s sake, immediately they stumble.” – Mk. 4:17. Not every one can go through such suffering for Christ. Some Christians don’t have good roots in Christ yet. The Word says that tribulation and persecution arise for the Word’s sake. Suffering comes For the Word sake. This is why Christians must be grounded in the Word and in Love before suffering comes.
Furthermore, the Word says; “ in Acts eight that great persecution arose against the church and what do we see when we read this that the Word spread everywhere. In Acts eleven that after persecution arose that church of Antioch was birthed. Wow! This tells us that no matter what happens, the Church will move forth.
It says that through many tribulations we enter into the Kingdom of God. –Acts 14:22.
Copyright © 2004 S.I.M. All Rights Reserved
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Hard Pressed, but Not Crushed
This photo just begged to be posted! Oh my! Do you not relate???!!! If this cat COULD talk, I think he'd be saying something like this: mmmpppggggffhhhpppp!!!!!" ~Interpretation: "Hey stupid! Get off! NOW!!! Can't you see you're seriously suffocating me??? WHAT IS UP WITH THIS!!!??? What did I ever do to you to deserve this?!?!"...Well, you get the picture. And we all know what this feels like when life throws stuff our way.
And whatever it is that has come out of the blue to "subdue" us for a season, WILL be used to produce His glory in and through us.
It's one thing to sing "Have Thine Own Way, Lord"....It's quite another to walk through it when He does have His way...The Way of the Cross...The Way of producing Christ in us, the Hope of Glory...His purpose is always far greater and far wiser than anything we can see ourselves at the time, because He puts an eternal value on hardships....one that we do not see in the natural.
Beloved, take heart....He allows afflictions and hardship for eternal purposes.
God bless you!
Love always,
Crista
2 Cor. 4:8 "We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed;
v. 9 struck down, but not destroyed---
v. 10 always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body. For we who live are always delivered to death for Jesus' sake, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh."
v. 17"For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory,
v. 18 while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal."
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
You Have Been Crucified with Me
~So, if you were with me on yesterday's post, then you read "Lazarus Come Forth"....You can only imagine my JOY in reading the following prophetic word I received through another ministry this morning!!!! I'm telling you, God WILL confirm that which He indeed, truly wants us to know and understand! That is His love, mercy, compassion, long-suffering and goodness to us. WE ARE TRULY BLESSED OF THE LORD~ Ephesians 1:3.
"You Have Been Crucified With Me"
Susan Cummings
In The Image Of His Glory Ministries
Penfield, NY 14526
www.intheimageofhisglory.com -
April 17, 2009
Child, you must realize that there is much that you have yet to understand about why I have prolonged your preparation and your emergence. With all that I have allowed to come upon you and to thoroughly try you, even in those hours of the deepest pain, I still had much joy as I watched you struggle to yield to Me. I know your heart and your deep desire to break free and to walk closer to me. I see your progress and I have noted your determination to establish My ways even more. For this I have waited. For this I have longed.
I have desired that you would remove the final barrier to the knowledge of the depths of My Heart. As you have begun to shed the last areas, you have begun to notice the new life that has begun to flow within your being. This is as it should be. For this is only the beginning of the transformation. I have awaited this hour, when My People would begin the transformation, and walk in My Reality. Such has been your awakening, and travail. But, Child, it has seemed to you that all of the waiting has been to no avail.
Oh, but you do not see what I see. You do not see what I have waited for, and what I have labored for, I have brought forth My Image within you. I have worked My work within you, it seemed to you that you had lost all identity. That you had lost all purpose, and strength. That you had lost all ability to function and to produce. And you were right, I brought you to the end. You have been crucified with Me. Now I can bring forth all that I have desired for you to now be.
Even in your struggles and in your tears, I worked. When you were screaming within and smiling outside for others, I knew the truth. I worked on. I watched as the days passed into weeks, and the weeks into months, and the months into years. Yet even in the passing of time, you pressed deeper into Me, and I reached deeper into your being setting you free. Child, I have given you the victory. I have removed the last wall in which you have repeatedly tried to scale on your own. I brought you to the end, so that now I could radiate fully from within. This is where My finest work will now transcend.
There is no depth into which I cannot see or into which I cannot bring forth total liberty, as I know what lies beneath and what men do not see. Your journey will reflect that which I do best. So, lay aside the concern for your current state and know that I am never late. I have brought you to the final gate and this will usher in what I have begun to divinely orchestrate. Do not judge by the outward appearances as there is much that will be swept away with the emergence of My New and Living Way. My Word was released concerning you, and that which has been prolonged according to My Hand, will now enlarge and greatly expand.
Much has been misunderstood and falsely determined by mere human reasoning's and opinions. But as I bring forth the radiant Glory, even the wisest amongst men will see that there is no depth to their human carnality. Even when men crucified me openly, they did not understand the depth nor the purpose that the Father had for them, as it was wrought within Me. So, now you understand that reality, for I have brought you to death in your humanity, so that now you can walk in My Resurrection Reality. I have brought you to completion, and now you will emerge as My friend, one in whom I can trust and also to lend. There is much for us to share now that I have removed the final cares and I am eager to make you fully aware of that which will now cause you to climb the golden stairs.
Look within and see the fullness of My Light that radiates within thee. I have wrought a great work and now I am emerging from within you and also through you as a reflection of Me. Oh, that more of Mine would be desire to be fully crucified with me, for then I could work My Great Work and establish My Reality Radiantly. Even so, I will show you My Faithfulness as I finish My Final touches and you will rejoice and break forth as My Radiance greatly rushes. Set your heart upon My Word and set your Feet upon My Path, for you know the Way that I have shown unto you would come, everything is ready, and the Fanning of My Radiant Glory has now begun. But men have no where in which to run. Yet, My Spirit calls out to those who will transform. It is time for your Radiant Garments to be worn.
"You Have Been Crucified With Me"
Susan Cummings
In The Image Of His Glory Ministries
Penfield, NY 14526
www.intheimageofhisglory.com -
April 17, 2009
Child, you must realize that there is much that you have yet to understand about why I have prolonged your preparation and your emergence. With all that I have allowed to come upon you and to thoroughly try you, even in those hours of the deepest pain, I still had much joy as I watched you struggle to yield to Me. I know your heart and your deep desire to break free and to walk closer to me. I see your progress and I have noted your determination to establish My ways even more. For this I have waited. For this I have longed.
I have desired that you would remove the final barrier to the knowledge of the depths of My Heart. As you have begun to shed the last areas, you have begun to notice the new life that has begun to flow within your being. This is as it should be. For this is only the beginning of the transformation. I have awaited this hour, when My People would begin the transformation, and walk in My Reality. Such has been your awakening, and travail. But, Child, it has seemed to you that all of the waiting has been to no avail.
Oh, but you do not see what I see. You do not see what I have waited for, and what I have labored for, I have brought forth My Image within you. I have worked My work within you, it seemed to you that you had lost all identity. That you had lost all purpose, and strength. That you had lost all ability to function and to produce. And you were right, I brought you to the end. You have been crucified with Me. Now I can bring forth all that I have desired for you to now be.
Even in your struggles and in your tears, I worked. When you were screaming within and smiling outside for others, I knew the truth. I worked on. I watched as the days passed into weeks, and the weeks into months, and the months into years. Yet even in the passing of time, you pressed deeper into Me, and I reached deeper into your being setting you free. Child, I have given you the victory. I have removed the last wall in which you have repeatedly tried to scale on your own. I brought you to the end, so that now I could radiate fully from within. This is where My finest work will now transcend.
There is no depth into which I cannot see or into which I cannot bring forth total liberty, as I know what lies beneath and what men do not see. Your journey will reflect that which I do best. So, lay aside the concern for your current state and know that I am never late. I have brought you to the final gate and this will usher in what I have begun to divinely orchestrate. Do not judge by the outward appearances as there is much that will be swept away with the emergence of My New and Living Way. My Word was released concerning you, and that which has been prolonged according to My Hand, will now enlarge and greatly expand.
Much has been misunderstood and falsely determined by mere human reasoning's and opinions. But as I bring forth the radiant Glory, even the wisest amongst men will see that there is no depth to their human carnality. Even when men crucified me openly, they did not understand the depth nor the purpose that the Father had for them, as it was wrought within Me. So, now you understand that reality, for I have brought you to death in your humanity, so that now you can walk in My Resurrection Reality. I have brought you to completion, and now you will emerge as My friend, one in whom I can trust and also to lend. There is much for us to share now that I have removed the final cares and I am eager to make you fully aware of that which will now cause you to climb the golden stairs.
Look within and see the fullness of My Light that radiates within thee. I have wrought a great work and now I am emerging from within you and also through you as a reflection of Me. Oh, that more of Mine would be desire to be fully crucified with me, for then I could work My Great Work and establish My Reality Radiantly. Even so, I will show you My Faithfulness as I finish My Final touches and you will rejoice and break forth as My Radiance greatly rushes. Set your heart upon My Word and set your Feet upon My Path, for you know the Way that I have shown unto you would come, everything is ready, and the Fanning of My Radiant Glory has now begun. But men have no where in which to run. Yet, My Spirit calls out to those who will transform. It is time for your Radiant Garments to be worn.
Monday, April 20, 2009
Lazarus, Come Forth!
~You know the waters have been beyond rough of late...and there didn't seem to be any answers...and the Lord was quiet....Is that not THE WORST silence of all?!?!...Hurting beyond hurt - physically, emotionally spiritually; bloody knuckles from pounding on Heaven's Door, and still God is silent....And yet, He was teaching me and showing me....Allowing me to have my "Peter Moment" (Matt. 26:74)....It wasn't pretty....It wasn't living a victorious Christian life....It was a nuclear meltdown.
~Sleep helps...and I truly think the Lord "knocked me out for the count" on the couch yesterday...2 hours of blessed sleep on an icepack. Praise God there wasn't any freezer burn! ~Three very dear friends wrote to me - ministering the Lord's comfort. (You know how it is when you know you've just won the spiritual brat contest, and yet your friends still hang with you!)....Three friends...God's three....Thank-you, Lord!....And through it all, my husband's prayers.
~And then this morning, in the quietness and stillness of the morning, 2 Corinthians 1:8-9 blazed across the page...."For we do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, of our trouble which came to us in Asia; that we were burdened beyond measure, above strength, so that we despaired even of life. Yes, we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves but in God who raises the dead."
~Beloved, there are simply those things that God will bring the sentence of death upon within ourselves so that we do not trust in ourselves, but in Him. And just when we think that we've learned to trust Him in one area - He will bring another area to the Cross for crucifixion. Why? Because when He crushes the flesh out of us - the centrality of the flesh that thinks it is self-sufficient - when there is nothing left upon which to rely but Christ, Himself, then we are at a point of crossing the Red Sea, because then we do not trust in ourselves, but in God who raises the dead. It will be that point in our lives when the answer will be Only One - Jesus Christ, the Glory and Lifter of our head...My God in Whom I put my trust. My God Who IS Faithful and True. My God Who will NEVER leave me nor forsake me.
~I will not be able to say, "Look at me. Look how faithful I was. Look how hard I prayed. Look how much I fasted. Look at this or look at that. NO! It will be - LOOK TO THE CROSS, AND YOU WILL FIND YOUR ANSWER! LOOK TO THE EMPTY TOMB, AND YOU WILL FIND HE IS RISEN! NOW, LOOK TO THE LAZARUS WITHIN YOUR OWN TOMB, AND YOU WILL HEAR HIM CALL YOU...."LAZARUS COME FORTH!"
~Beloved, please let me remind you...Lazarus had NO FAITH TO BE HEALED!!!! Lazarus was D-E-A-D!!! DEAD!!! That which is dead has NO faith! It's dead! But then, Jesus shows up outside our tomb...and tells us that His Glory will be revealed if those OUTSIDE the tomb will believe. He didn't tell Lazarus if he believed. No! He told Martha that if she believed she'd see the Glory of God!
~Beloved, we're either in a Lazarus situation, or we're Martha - called to believe to see the Glory of God revealed in someone else's stinking stench of flesh death. It is tortuous at times to stand by and watch the flesh be killed in someone we love....but as we do, we are to believe for them that the Glory of the Lord will be revealed.
~What is the color of Glory? I think it is pure gold..."that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ." 1 Peter 1:7
~Suffering is one area that we just don't want to deal with...and yet, it is just as much a part of our Christian walk as servant hood and laying on of hands. Suffering kills the flesh, and it stinks! But Beloved, we are called to partake in not only His sufferings, but in His consolation to those who ARE suffering.
~In verse 7, the Apostle Paul writes: "And our hope for you is steadfast, because we know that as you are partakers of the sufferings, so also you will partake of the consolation." Is this what Jesus meant when He said, "Unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you have no life in you." (John 6:53)....and in v. 60, "Therefore many of His disciples, when they heard this, said, "This is a hard saying, who can understand it"....and then many left Him....but Peter answered Him in v. 68 "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life."
~John 6:63 "It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life."
"Lazarus, Come forth!"
~Sleep helps...and I truly think the Lord "knocked me out for the count" on the couch yesterday...2 hours of blessed sleep on an icepack. Praise God there wasn't any freezer burn! ~Three very dear friends wrote to me - ministering the Lord's comfort. (You know how it is when you know you've just won the spiritual brat contest, and yet your friends still hang with you!)....Three friends...God's three....Thank-you, Lord!....And through it all, my husband's prayers.
~And then this morning, in the quietness and stillness of the morning, 2 Corinthians 1:8-9 blazed across the page...."For we do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, of our trouble which came to us in Asia; that we were burdened beyond measure, above strength, so that we despaired even of life. Yes, we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves but in God who raises the dead."
~Beloved, there are simply those things that God will bring the sentence of death upon within ourselves so that we do not trust in ourselves, but in Him. And just when we think that we've learned to trust Him in one area - He will bring another area to the Cross for crucifixion. Why? Because when He crushes the flesh out of us - the centrality of the flesh that thinks it is self-sufficient - when there is nothing left upon which to rely but Christ, Himself, then we are at a point of crossing the Red Sea, because then we do not trust in ourselves, but in God who raises the dead. It will be that point in our lives when the answer will be Only One - Jesus Christ, the Glory and Lifter of our head...My God in Whom I put my trust. My God Who IS Faithful and True. My God Who will NEVER leave me nor forsake me.
~I will not be able to say, "Look at me. Look how faithful I was. Look how hard I prayed. Look how much I fasted. Look at this or look at that. NO! It will be - LOOK TO THE CROSS, AND YOU WILL FIND YOUR ANSWER! LOOK TO THE EMPTY TOMB, AND YOU WILL FIND HE IS RISEN! NOW, LOOK TO THE LAZARUS WITHIN YOUR OWN TOMB, AND YOU WILL HEAR HIM CALL YOU...."LAZARUS COME FORTH!"
~Beloved, please let me remind you...Lazarus had NO FAITH TO BE HEALED!!!! Lazarus was D-E-A-D!!! DEAD!!! That which is dead has NO faith! It's dead! But then, Jesus shows up outside our tomb...and tells us that His Glory will be revealed if those OUTSIDE the tomb will believe. He didn't tell Lazarus if he believed. No! He told Martha that if she believed she'd see the Glory of God!
~Beloved, we're either in a Lazarus situation, or we're Martha - called to believe to see the Glory of God revealed in someone else's stinking stench of flesh death. It is tortuous at times to stand by and watch the flesh be killed in someone we love....but as we do, we are to believe for them that the Glory of the Lord will be revealed.
~What is the color of Glory? I think it is pure gold..."that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ." 1 Peter 1:7
~Suffering is one area that we just don't want to deal with...and yet, it is just as much a part of our Christian walk as servant hood and laying on of hands. Suffering kills the flesh, and it stinks! But Beloved, we are called to partake in not only His sufferings, but in His consolation to those who ARE suffering.
~In verse 7, the Apostle Paul writes: "And our hope for you is steadfast, because we know that as you are partakers of the sufferings, so also you will partake of the consolation." Is this what Jesus meant when He said, "Unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you have no life in you." (John 6:53)....and in v. 60, "Therefore many of His disciples, when they heard this, said, "This is a hard saying, who can understand it"....and then many left Him....but Peter answered Him in v. 68 "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life."
~John 6:63 "It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life."
"Lazarus, Come forth!"
Sunday, April 19, 2009
When Answers Aren't Enough
I'm just going to tell you flat out that I'm struggling right now....and there are no answers yet...and the emotional pain and distance from the Lord that I feel is beyond my words to tell you...because right now....I'm angry....and I'm angry at God.....Angry, because at the bottom of my anger is profound pain for which there is no human consolation right now. My child's heart is searching...my adult mind is trying to wrap myself around an answer that is simply not here right now....I can tell you that the Lord brought the words to this song to mind this morning...so I searched it out on the internet...and thank the Lord, it was still available. Maybe you don't need them....but I do! ....I haven't heard this song in years! But God knew I needed it~
When Answers Aren't Enough
by Scott Wesley Brown
Verse:
You have faced the mountains of desperation
You have climbed, you have fought, you have won
But this valley that lies coldly before you
Casts a shadow you cannot overcome
Verse:
And just when you thought you had it all together
You knew every verse to get you through
But this time the sorrow broke more than just your heart
And reciting all those verses just won't do
Chorus:
When answers aren't enough, there is Jesus
He is more than just an answer to your prayer
And your heart will find a safe and peaceful refuge
When answers aren't enough, He is there
Verse:
Instead of asking why did it happen
Think of where it can lead you from here
And as your pain is slowly easing, you can find a greater reason
To live your life triumphant through the tears
Chorus:
When answers aren't enough, there's still Jesus
He is more than just an answer to your prayer
And your heart will find a safe and peaceful refuge
When answers aren't enough, He is there
When answers aren't enough, He's still there
When Answers Aren't Enough
by Scott Wesley Brown
Verse:
You have faced the mountains of desperation
You have climbed, you have fought, you have won
But this valley that lies coldly before you
Casts a shadow you cannot overcome
Verse:
And just when you thought you had it all together
You knew every verse to get you through
But this time the sorrow broke more than just your heart
And reciting all those verses just won't do
Chorus:
When answers aren't enough, there is Jesus
He is more than just an answer to your prayer
And your heart will find a safe and peaceful refuge
When answers aren't enough, He is there
Verse:
Instead of asking why did it happen
Think of where it can lead you from here
And as your pain is slowly easing, you can find a greater reason
To live your life triumphant through the tears
Chorus:
When answers aren't enough, there's still Jesus
He is more than just an answer to your prayer
And your heart will find a safe and peaceful refuge
When answers aren't enough, He is there
When answers aren't enough, He's still there
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Be Ready for My Surprise
Beloveds, I'm sharing two posts today, because they are both so apropos for many of us going through difficult things right now. I pray that in and through all your heart may be encouraged and prosper! ~First, to share what the Lord told me yesterday morning and then His word through Olivia, as they confirm each other.
Also, please be sure to read "Does God Dance on Your Potato Chips?"....another separate posting for today.
Olivia Reitz Long has been an Internet Sister and friend for many years. I have always been encouraged by the prophetic words the Lord gives her, and the Lord sends it at just the right time. Be blessed~
BE READY FOR MY SURPRISE!
~Olivia Reitz Long ~February 28, 2009
"Even though I walk 'through' the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me..." Psalm 23:4
So many of My own are going and have been going through painful trials - you are suffering and you awake the next day, concerned of what that day might bring. You are concerned about your here and now, concerned about your future and the future of your country as well as the world. A future that appears to you to be crumbling and falling apart, but I say REJOICE, REJOICE in your sufferings looking forward to the outcome that is to follow, not only with you but in all aspects of what I AM doing.
Sufferings, Jesus suffered but He beat suffering, and how did he end up .... with Glory! Are you not connected with Him? Others say "You are a Christian, look at the sufferings and pain you are going through!" They see what is on the surface, but what they don't see is the word "through". I said you would walk "through" the shadow of death, not remain in it and when you get to the other side, you will come out as metal that was purified by the red hot fire... So when they speak these things to you, when they insult and ridicule you for your beliefs - friends, co-workers, the man on the street, even family members; it's for one reason and one reason only, it's because you live for Christ and believe in His standards and they cannot fathom even the most simplest part of your walk with Me.
Yes, hard times are upon you and much is happening in America and all over the world, but just when you believe you have it all figured out, just when you believe you have all the answers, your one and only true living God has a Surprise for you, one that no-one sees or comprehends is going to happen, will happen at just the right timing, My timing!
I spoke the universe into existence with a word and I hold that same universe in My hand even now and the God of the Universe can surprise even My own. Be ready, for shortly - perhaps not today, perhaps not tomorrow and perhaps not even a month from now, but shortly... in My timing! Just as a loved one can surprise you with the most beautiful of gifts, given in love - how much more is your Beloved able to give you a surprise gift that will rival anything you could ever think or imagine... given in My abound less Love for you!
Remain in Hope, Remain in Faith, Remain in Joy, Remain Strong - even in the most difficult of moments - Remain in all of these and Pray always - for others and yourself, to stay the course ... and ...
REJOICE, again I say REJOICE, Look Up ... and BE READY FOR MY SURPRISE!
Also, please be sure to read "Does God Dance on Your Potato Chips?"....another separate posting for today.
"My Dear Child, How I love you with an everlasting love. How proud I am of you when you do not abandon Me through the trials of life; for I AM refining you. I AM bringing you forth as pure gold. As you look to Me, the Author and Finisher of your faith, I will do in you what you are unable to do for yourself. Do not despise the trials which have come upon you, for I have designed this momentary affliction to bring Glory to My Name; for I tell you the Truth, when you walk through the fire, I AM with you. I AM in the fire with you. Allow My fire to refine you, My love, for the fire shall reveal My Glory, and produce what you could have never imagined - I shall give you the treasures of darkness, and you shall see the harvest! You shall see the lame walk, the blind see and the deaf hear...and all shall give Glory to My Name!
Isaiah 43:2b "...When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned or scorched, nor will the flame kindle upon you." v. 4 "Because you are precious in My sight and honored, and because I love you, I will give men in exchange for your life."
1 Peter 4:12-13 "Beloved, do not be amazed and bewildered at the fiery ordeal which is taking place to test your quality, as though something strange (unusual and alien to you and your position were befalling you. But insofar as you are sharing Christ's sufferings, rejoice, so that when His glory [full of radiance and splendor] is revealed, you may also rejoice with triumph [exultantly]."
Olivia Reitz Long has been an Internet Sister and friend for many years. I have always been encouraged by the prophetic words the Lord gives her, and the Lord sends it at just the right time. Be blessed~
BE READY FOR MY SURPRISE!
~Olivia Reitz Long ~February 28, 2009
"Even though I walk 'through' the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me..." Psalm 23:4
So many of My own are going and have been going through painful trials - you are suffering and you awake the next day, concerned of what that day might bring. You are concerned about your here and now, concerned about your future and the future of your country as well as the world. A future that appears to you to be crumbling and falling apart, but I say REJOICE, REJOICE in your sufferings looking forward to the outcome that is to follow, not only with you but in all aspects of what I AM doing.
Sufferings, Jesus suffered but He beat suffering, and how did he end up .... with Glory! Are you not connected with Him? Others say "You are a Christian, look at the sufferings and pain you are going through!" They see what is on the surface, but what they don't see is the word "through". I said you would walk "through" the shadow of death, not remain in it and when you get to the other side, you will come out as metal that was purified by the red hot fire... So when they speak these things to you, when they insult and ridicule you for your beliefs - friends, co-workers, the man on the street, even family members; it's for one reason and one reason only, it's because you live for Christ and believe in His standards and they cannot fathom even the most simplest part of your walk with Me.
Yes, hard times are upon you and much is happening in America and all over the world, but just when you believe you have it all figured out, just when you believe you have all the answers, your one and only true living God has a Surprise for you, one that no-one sees or comprehends is going to happen, will happen at just the right timing, My timing!
I spoke the universe into existence with a word and I hold that same universe in My hand even now and the God of the Universe can surprise even My own. Be ready, for shortly - perhaps not today, perhaps not tomorrow and perhaps not even a month from now, but shortly... in My timing! Just as a loved one can surprise you with the most beautiful of gifts, given in love - how much more is your Beloved able to give you a surprise gift that will rival anything you could ever think or imagine... given in My abound less Love for you!
Remain in Hope, Remain in Faith, Remain in Joy, Remain Strong - even in the most difficult of moments - Remain in all of these and Pray always - for others and yourself, to stay the course ... and ...
REJOICE, again I say REJOICE, Look Up ... and BE READY FOR MY SURPRISE!
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Call and I WILL Answer
~Friends, this has been a physically challenging 18 mos., to say the least. Last week, I received news of another assault against my body, which is causing much pain and another specialist to consult.
~Dear Child of God, when the storms of life surround us, we look up for Our Redeemer draws nigh! HE IS THE GLORY AND LIFTER OF OUR HEAD!
~It is very tempting when the tempests hit to throw in the proverbial towel. Those times when we barely catch our breath and here comes another wave to knock us off our raft in the ocean of life....coughing, choking, sputtering and spitting, we no sooner crawl back on, and WHAM!...another wave comes and throws us clean off!
~Think of the raft as Jesus, Our Rock. He is Our Anchor! He holds firm when the situations of life buffet us, and He holds us to Himself.
~Have you ever had those times when you think of the poster which reads, "When you're at the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on"? I have...and I've also said, "Lord, I pray You ARE there, because I don't have any strength left to tie a knot, much less hold on. So I'm letting go, and I'm free falling...and I'm trusting Your arms to be there for me.
~Last night I received these words from a precious Sister...."I had a feeling that your feelings were in regard to your back. I’m so sorry that you’ve received such disheartening news. I’m starting to pray already that the creative miracle you need happens and SOON! If God chooses to allow you to go down this path, I know it will be to serve His purposes in a calling higher than we’re aware of right now. I’m also praying for your patience as you find out which path will be yours."
~HIS PATH...HIS PURPOSE....ARE MY DEEPEST DESIRES.
~For the past week, I've been praying for the Lord to reveal what He's trying to tell me from all these 3's that keep popping up....Time: 3:33, Temp: 33 degrees, Cost: $3.33 ~Can I tell you what a joy it was to my heart this morning to hear the Lord whisper, "Jeremiah 33:3"...AND THERE IT WAS!!!! HIS ANSWER!!!!!~
Jeremiah 33:3 (Amplified) "Call to Me and I will answer you and show you great and mighty things, fenced in and hidden, which you do not know (do not distinguish and recognize, have knowledge of and understand).
Now, I don't know about you, but THAT'S A PROMISE!!!!! ~Call to Him, and HE WILL ANSWER!! It will probably involve waiting, asking, seeking, knocking, quieting, listening....BUT HE WILL ANSWER!!! That is His Promise, and He is not a man that He should lie....for His promises are Yea and Amen!
~Dear Child of God, when the storms of life surround us, we look up for Our Redeemer draws nigh! HE IS THE GLORY AND LIFTER OF OUR HEAD!
~It is very tempting when the tempests hit to throw in the proverbial towel. Those times when we barely catch our breath and here comes another wave to knock us off our raft in the ocean of life....coughing, choking, sputtering and spitting, we no sooner crawl back on, and WHAM!...another wave comes and throws us clean off!
~Think of the raft as Jesus, Our Rock. He is Our Anchor! He holds firm when the situations of life buffet us, and He holds us to Himself.
~Have you ever had those times when you think of the poster which reads, "When you're at the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on"? I have...and I've also said, "Lord, I pray You ARE there, because I don't have any strength left to tie a knot, much less hold on. So I'm letting go, and I'm free falling...and I'm trusting Your arms to be there for me.
~Last night I received these words from a precious Sister...."I had a feeling that your feelings were in regard to your back. I’m so sorry that you’ve received such disheartening news. I’m starting to pray already that the creative miracle you need happens and SOON! If God chooses to allow you to go down this path, I know it will be to serve His purposes in a calling higher than we’re aware of right now. I’m also praying for your patience as you find out which path will be yours."
~HIS PATH...HIS PURPOSE....ARE MY DEEPEST DESIRES.
~For the past week, I've been praying for the Lord to reveal what He's trying to tell me from all these 3's that keep popping up....Time: 3:33, Temp: 33 degrees, Cost: $3.33 ~Can I tell you what a joy it was to my heart this morning to hear the Lord whisper, "Jeremiah 33:3"...AND THERE IT WAS!!!! HIS ANSWER!!!!!~
Jeremiah 33:3 (Amplified) "Call to Me and I will answer you and show you great and mighty things, fenced in and hidden, which you do not know (do not distinguish and recognize, have knowledge of and understand).
Now, I don't know about you, but THAT'S A PROMISE!!!!! ~Call to Him, and HE WILL ANSWER!! It will probably involve waiting, asking, seeking, knocking, quieting, listening....BUT HE WILL ANSWER!!! That is His Promise, and He is not a man that He should lie....for His promises are Yea and Amen!
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
I AM Close to the Broken Hearted
~Tonight, I'm weary and depressed and discouraged....chronic, searing physical pain has been a constant companion for the last 2 mos., and has tagged along as an uninvited, unwelcome, unpaying tenant for almost the past 18 mos. in one form or another. I don't understand it, but do know the Lord has given me visions, scripture and encouragement in the process.
~He showed me a golden tip of a spear, and said, "I AM refining you. Sharpening you; not because you did anything wrong, but because a tool which gets used becomes dull with use and needs to be resharpened." In my heart, I was fairly screaming, "BUT GOD, I HURT SO BADLY!" He is no stranger to pain. He knows. He experienced the reality of human, physical suffering....And then, I bowed my heart and reaffirmed my conviction that I have offered my body to Him as a living sacrifice for His glory - for the Body of Christ - no matter what.
~Then, He gave me a vision of seeing myself walk through a wall of fire....a refiner's fire.
~During group prayer, His Presence was so tangible that we all felt almost helpless to stand. It was as if He put me in His intensive care room to saturate me with His Presence.
~And tonight He has reminded me of a time when overwhelming emotional pain blocked my view of Him....
~My Dear and Precious Daughter....Do you remember when you got hit in the face with the softball and bled profusely? You did not realize who was standing next to you and around you, but you did know that others were with you. That is what happens in pain....The world as you know it becomes a shadow; a blur as the body seeks to protect itself. The body perceives pain and automatically does what it needs to do to protect itself. That is how I have designed you. The brain registers pain as pain...whether it be emotional, spiritual in nature or physical.
~If you had been in a severe accident requiring hospital care, you would be in ICU. You would not care for yourself, but others would care for you as directed by the physician. And whether you are aware of their presence or not, they are still caring for you.
~That is how it is at times with Me. I AM Your Great Physician. Not only am I standing with you, but I send others into your life along the way to minister to you. But sometimes through your pain, you do not see Me or realize that I am there with you. Knowing I AM there when you do not see Me is walking by faith.
~Take comfort, My Love, in knowing that no matter what, I AM by your side and I have a purpose through it all. Trust Me in this. For nothing, absolutely nothing, shall separate you from My love.
Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him....Though He slay me, yet will I praise Him.
Father, no matter what, I will praise You with my whole heart!
~He showed me a golden tip of a spear, and said, "I AM refining you. Sharpening you; not because you did anything wrong, but because a tool which gets used becomes dull with use and needs to be resharpened." In my heart, I was fairly screaming, "BUT GOD, I HURT SO BADLY!" He is no stranger to pain. He knows. He experienced the reality of human, physical suffering....And then, I bowed my heart and reaffirmed my conviction that I have offered my body to Him as a living sacrifice for His glory - for the Body of Christ - no matter what.
~Then, He gave me a vision of seeing myself walk through a wall of fire....a refiner's fire.
~During group prayer, His Presence was so tangible that we all felt almost helpless to stand. It was as if He put me in His intensive care room to saturate me with His Presence.
~And tonight He has reminded me of a time when overwhelming emotional pain blocked my view of Him....
~My Dear and Precious Daughter....Do you remember when you got hit in the face with the softball and bled profusely? You did not realize who was standing next to you and around you, but you did know that others were with you. That is what happens in pain....The world as you know it becomes a shadow; a blur as the body seeks to protect itself. The body perceives pain and automatically does what it needs to do to protect itself. That is how I have designed you. The brain registers pain as pain...whether it be emotional, spiritual in nature or physical.
~If you had been in a severe accident requiring hospital care, you would be in ICU. You would not care for yourself, but others would care for you as directed by the physician. And whether you are aware of their presence or not, they are still caring for you.
~That is how it is at times with Me. I AM Your Great Physician. Not only am I standing with you, but I send others into your life along the way to minister to you. But sometimes through your pain, you do not see Me or realize that I am there with you. Knowing I AM there when you do not see Me is walking by faith.
~Take comfort, My Love, in knowing that no matter what, I AM by your side and I have a purpose through it all. Trust Me in this. For nothing, absolutely nothing, shall separate you from My love.
Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him....Though He slay me, yet will I praise Him.
Father, no matter what, I will praise You with my whole heart!
"The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart...." Ps. 34:18
""Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing is happening to you, but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ's sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy." 1 Peter 4:12-13.
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