"if you will bow down and worship me."

Matthew 4:9 "All this I will give you," he said, "if you will bow down and worship me."

10 Then Jesus said to him, “Away with you, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the LORD your God, and Him only you shall serve.’”

Do you receive Him... or do you receive him? If it not one, its the other- thats just the cold hard truth, knowing or not knowing.

This world has its ways is drawing people to its lies... but the main focus is whom is telling those lies to you. Who is tickling your ears to encourage you to live in your pride and self-righteousness? Are you indeed bowing down to the anti-christ? He has been given limited authority in all that has been given to him (satan), he is the prince of the earth.

John 12:31 Now there is a judging of this world; now the ruler of this world will be cast out.

We as a people, sin in every way and turn a blind eye as society has so accepted it. We drink and smoke, steal, want everything. Thats not to say that we shouldn't desire to do our best in our lives, its saying that sometimes we get out of control in our way of living and satan is here to ensure that we hold that course, bowing down and worshiping the things of this earth.

Well, this isn't our home. We are merely sojourners... on temporary assignment- if you will. We are given free will to do as we please. I still want to enjoy life. To golf, play hockey, watch hockey, watch baseball, play with my kids and family, fish, etc. But, in doing so, worshipping God and spending time with Him.

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want...... the things of this world and only that of which the good shepherd provides. He knows our needs, our thoughts, our pain. He is there, waiting for us to call out to Him as a daughter cries out to her daddy- even then I point my daughters to Christ.

Its okay to have possessions- computers, trucks, 4-wheelers... what-have-you. I just encourage you not to get captivated in the way that this... world-order provides. Have some respect for our creator- just because society has accepted sin... its still wrong before God.

(I don't want to come off as cracking the whip on you- because I am a sinner. But that doesn't mean that we shouldn't try and do our best before God. I have been down the road of many people in the bible, through the same trials. Perhaps you may be going through something tough yourself. I am here to bear your burdens and to exhort your efforts in achieving victory in you life- thats whom God has intended for me to be used for.)

Why do you labor in vain?

I have been struggling recently. I have many desires and problems that I have been nourishing. I didn't see it, but I knew it.

Jesus was tempted in the same way. Desires of having the entire land that was given to satan. Tempted to be King of all the people in the land. In all ways we are tempted, He has been tempted.

It is natural for us to be in want... how ever, The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want........ the things of this world that I do not have.

iPhone
Truck and trailer
Boat
Golf clubs
Fishing gear
Etc.

The Lord has given many things for me to enjoy, shouldn't I be rejoicing in that of which He has given... and that of which He will provide?

I have been taken to lunches- many times.
I have been taken to Blue Man Group.
I have been given opportunities to work and rewarded bountifully.
I have a home, clothing and food- which I have not paid for directly.

I have been given many things... but I still want more??? Well, I renounce those desires in the name of Jesus. He is my provider. He is my Author. He is the one that has been given ALL things... He paid the price for it.

I am very thankful for what has happened, the good and the bad. I rejoice in Him who directs me in the path He has set before me. I fully depend on Him and will serve Him. I cannot let the things that belong to this world effect the great plans He has for my life. THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD, I SHALL NOT WANT.


Its... kinda like a Railroad engineer. The engineer... at least in the old days, shoveled coal into the engine to feed the fire. It was pretty dirty work and very labor intensive. But he was driven to keep the fire burning intensely. But the Lord told me that I do not have to feed the fires before me... and to relax and enjoy the fire that He has put in me. When people attack me verbally (its more... wrongful misperception on my part) or being impatient before everyone... I am the one feeding the fire of my desires unrighteously. I give into the hatred that I love so much... and we all know how things turn out- it just hurts people.

So, why do I labor in vain- why am I picking up a shovel and feeding the fire into an intense fur-no? Why not rest in roast up a few cosy marshmallows and kick my feet up. Do not be hasty in the way that you carry your day. Respond lovingly- no one likes to be talked to in hatred! Be patient as God is with us- He is slow to anger... we should be too.

When a fire arises before you, do not feed it. Apologize if you have upset someone- you were the one that did it, whether directly or indirectly. Respond in Truth, Righteousness, Salvation, in the Gospel, by Faith and by His word. Be humble. Ask for His help to change you. To strengthen you. To teach you. To guide you. All you are doing is acknowledging your ways before Him so He can make you path straight. He wants you to rely on Him in all aspects of your life- not to be thrown in the corner and ignored. He calls you friend and wants to be your best friend. He is Lord. He speaks to us EVERYDAY, do you give an ear to Him... do you check in with Him to see what He wants to share with you? This is the day the Lord has made, find out what His glory means to you this day.

Lord, forgive me for giving into the desires of my heart. For looking for what I cannot have, rather seeking what You will provide. I have nothing and am nothing, but that of which you give. It is no long I who live, but You who live in me. I renounce covets of my heart. Help me to return your Love for the evil. I thank and praise You for this teaching and pray to share this to those whom You bring across my path. In Jesus name I ask Father, Amen.

Dancing in the rain

Though I cannot see the sun today, I know its there. The world is a 'lil darker today and not as warm. But I am well equipped and prepared to face this days path with proper attire. I look forward to the light when it comes as it always does. I know the clouds will dissipate and be no more if I wait long enough. I go to bed and await for it the next day and do not partake in the darkness of night. I live in the light witch promotes growth to many things, without it many things parish. I know I certainly cannot live without it. The more I get of it, the more I want of it. But, I fully understand there is a cycle of how things work- its not always perfect weather. In fact, as the trees have begun to bud and produce leaves, I welcome the rain- as it is good despite all the complaints to the weather person.

Are you prepared for the storms of this life? Do you have to put a string to latch down the window from the winds. Maybe you gotta fix that leaky roof. Regardless, sometimes the elements find their ways to penetrate our homes. I encourage you to take Shelter in the storms that comes across our path... even when the rains comes, you'll find me dancing in the streets.

Servanthood

What does it mean to serve? And who, how, when, where, why?

Christ did not serve Himself... He served others the glory of God, which He obtained through prayer and spending time w/ God... seeking the Will of God.

Matthew 7:21 “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven.

Christ did not come on His own authority, nor did He conduct His own agenda's in all the work God assigned to Him. There are many times in the bible where Jesus prayed, much upon the mountains, away from the busyness of the cities. He had to submit Himself before God, due to living in our fleshy nature. He prayed... living by faith, not by sight. There was a time when people were coming after Him so they could make Him king, but Christ departed... being tempted to become king over the land by the miracles He was conducting on behalf of God. He departed to come before God... to let go of the temptations of this world, to ask for strengthening during the time when He sent the disciples across the lake to the other side. And look what happens... Jesus walks on water, catching up to them as they were rowing against the wind.

His attention was fully dependent upon God. He was sent to serve us according to the glory and riches that God has for our lives.

But, what does that mean for us. There have been many of times where I have served myself, and not those around me. He was humble. I have to be more humble before others- regardless of how they speak to me. Serve them.

Its like having a platter in our hands... do I serve what I put on it to others? Or do I serve... in a form of response... a platter of love to the person who is frustrating me.

Joshua or Jacob served Laban for 14 years... being obedient to God as he served Laban- despite how He was treated.

So how do I do it? I cannot do it on my own- that just is guaranteed to lead to destruction. I need to pray to God for the wisdom and strength to take the brunt of this world, and in return... by His mercy and grace that is freely given... I can share that mercy and grace to those around me... as best I can.

Rodney & Adonica Howard-Browne Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12 verse 1 - 2

1. The Race for the Prize.

1 Corinthians 9 verses 24 - 27

27 Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it.
25 And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown.
26 Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air.
27 But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.

2. Perseverance and persistence will gain you the prize.

2 Timothy 2 verses 3-13

3 You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.
4 No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier.
5 And also if anyone competes in athletics, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules.
6 The hardworking farmer must be first to partake of the crops.
7 Consider what I say, and may the Lord give you understanding in all things.
8 Remember that Jesus Christ, of the seed of David, was raised from the dead according to my gospel,
9 for which I suffer trouble as an evildoer, even to the point of chains; but the word of God is not chained.
10 Therefore I endure all things for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.
11 This is a faithful saying: For if we died with Him, We shall also live with Him.
12 If we endure, We shall also reign with Him. If we deny Him, He also will deny us.
13 If we are faithless, He remains faithful; He cannot deny Himself.

3. We have to press in toward the mark.

Philippians 3 verses 12-14

12 Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me.
13 Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead,
14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

2 Corinthians 4 verse 16-18

16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day.
17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory,
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.

2 Timothy 4 verses 6-8

6 For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand.
7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
8 Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.

James 1 verses 12-17

12 Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.
13 Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone.
14 But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed.
15 Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.
16 Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren.
17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.

1 Peter 5 verses 1-4

1 The elders who are among you I exhort, I who am a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that will be revealed:
2 Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly;
3 nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock;
4 and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away.

Revelation 2 verse 10

10 Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.

Revelation 3 verses 10-11

10 Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth.
11 Behold, I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown.

Any Comments ..................................

Fruits of His labor

I just want to share what God has shown me, the fruits of His labor in me.

Many times He speaks to us through dreams, and that is the case with me at times. Its amazing how He speaks to us through anything in this world. Seeking Him, investing time with Him, bonding with Him... just as He seeks you, invests in you, bonds with you.

I had a dream las week where I walk upon a table... somewhere I don't know. I looked upon the table and seen small paper drinking cups with a flowery pattern on them. But I found in amazement were large sprouts, in full rich colors... from the green stems... to some buds. The stems were beyond the normal growth, but were thick and healthy. There were many on this table... possible 30-40. Someone prepared these and I was amazed.

Later that morning, I was reading the paper. In the sports section there was a gardening article that was stating to plant 2 different vegetables at this time. Then it came to me in clear understanding...

God spoke to me showing me the fruits of His labor in me. He was showing me a portion of His Glory of the work that He has given responsibility to me to do. Through obedience, I have been sowing seeds... that it. I try my best to do what has been shared w/ me... as God speaks to those whom has brought across my path.

I did not know any of the specimens that were on the table, I only seen that they were in full bloom. These sprouts are being nourished and someone did the sowing.

His word never returns to Him empty. Whatever I share, or others, go out to minister to those who has an ear. To me, it doesn't matter who hears it... many will reject it. But it is up to God to minister to those who it is intended.

Thank You God for sharing Your provision... only through the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen

Jesus could not do it on His own

He was fully man when He was here. He grew hungry, tired, weeped, deeply distressed.

The Prayer in the Garden


Mark 14:32 Then they came to a place which was named Gethsemane; and He said to His disciples, “Sit here while I pray.” 33 And He took Peter, James, and John with Him, and He began to be troubled and deeply distressed.

There are many things in this life that we experience that we become fearful... or distressed... anxious... hurtful... and those natural reactions sink us. There are times when God lets me go into this world alone... to test my obedience to the things He has put before me. I experience the feelings mentioned before- but the Holy Spirit comes and 'checks' my spirit and points me to Jesus... in the way that I should react. It is at that time that I repent and ask for forgiveness. Its a learning process to react in a Holy manner.

The natural desires that we have often try to come to the surface and sometimes we react according to its ways. The main thing here is that I cannot do it w/out Jesus in my life. Through Him, I can do all things. Through Him, I am reconciled w/ God. Through Him, I am strengthened. Through Him, I can ask for forgiveness.

Jesus was the same way. In the garden of Gethsemane, He was being persecuted by satan not to go through all the pain and agony. Jesus, fully man as we are, knows what we go through... because He went through it all.

When Peter asked the Lord to come out onto the water that Jesus was walking on, He couldn't do w/out Jesus- but knowing who Jesus was- He had the faith to ask. But when the winds and water became turbulent, in fear Peter began to sink.

Its the fear that we give into that diminishes the Glory of God. God granted Peter to walk on water, but fear sank Him. People fear many things in this life... and they are diminishing and putting aside the Glory of God. Peter was walking by faith, but when his focus turned to what he was seeing and not keeping his eyes upon Jesus, who he was walking to... he began to sink.

When Sunday comes around and the offering bags come around, I might have 20 bucks in my wallet... I was given $150.... I still gotta give my fifteen... I don't know when I am going to get more gas money to take my girls to school! I have gone through fear and frustrations in my finance dept... how many people give 'til it hurts... ya just gotta do it by faith and He still provides me gas money... but it was those times when I got angry.... for what? For nothing.

The bottom line is this in my life... ... .... I'm a failure. I've tried changing. Can't do it. Thats who I am. BUT, by Him, through, Him, for Him... I CAN DO ALL THINGS.

One of my favorite scriptures is... it is no longer I who live... but He who lives in me.

I can't help to say that the times that I have gone through.... have been nasty. I have been on depression meds twice, financially troubled, fully dependent upon other people- its not easy what I have gone through. Certain things have had to come to pass for me to get to this point in my life where I am at! I have trusted all that He has shared w/ me. I know that He will bless me and glorify Himself in my life... if I wait for Him. Look what Jesus got... He got ALL AUTHORITY! God blessed Him for what God put Him through... and really, it was for us... because God Loved us so much that He sent His ONLY begotten Son. What is going to be the prize for us to wait and trust in Him... ultimately- eternal life.

Chances are that He is going to do something in your lifetime here on earth that is going to glorify God. When satan is persecuting you... its God severely chastening you... so that you may learn. But you can't do it on your own... you gotta helper- the Holy Spirit whom God sends by the petition from Jesus Christ... you can't do it w/out Jesus.

I'm gonna bust you up... go for it.

In the epic battle between Clubber Lang and Rocky Balboa, an exchange of words took place prior to the commencement of war.

Mr. T conquered Rocky in the first fight, but rendered powerless the second.

Yeah, I know... you prob guessed it... more sharing!

With the dawn of Easter approaching soon, a battle was set forth by the 'ring master'- God. In one corner... satan, in the other... Jesus Christ.

This was not one fight Jesus wanted. Being fully man- just as we are, He wavered in the temptation to resist submitting Himself over to authorities.

Luke 22:42 ...“Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me..."

Rocky didn't have much interest in doing another fight vs. Clubber Land... but Apollo Creed pushed him and encouraged him.

Jesus continued..."nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done.”


I can imagine satan, arrogantly speaking to Jesus the words... I'm gonna bust you up! Inasmuch ferventness as Rocky answered, Jesus responding... go for it.

Easter is a time remembering what Christ went through. Crucified, died... and risen.

In the end... Rocky arms were up in the air- overcome by joy, knowing that it was all over... he won... the crowd screaming and yelling. He received his prize- a belt of recognition of an achievement by going through something near horrific. Clubber Lang's sting is no more... rendered defeated... but his presence still lingers.

We are now left to fight Clubber Lang... he is a formidable opponent. He is going to defeat us round by round... until we can overcome his adversity- with the knowledge of Who is in our corner. He is our Trainer, our Encourager, our Cut-man, He gives us drink, He lets us rest between rounds... even though we want to give up and walk out of the ring while we are being punched in the face. During the bout, He is yelling instructions out to us to keep our guard up... keep moving. When the bell rings, we sit down and He gets in our face and He tells us what to do next... do we listen to Him or do we throw in the towel.

You gotta Clubber Lang in your face... (it could be anything... sex-drugs-alcohol-depression). I can share with you a testament of how He helped me defeat him. Anytime, anywhere, no matter what... He can be in your corner if you want Him to be.

No one has to be the asking price.

Lyrics in the song 'Undone' sang by FFH.

One night, I became overwhelmed in an onslaught of such wickedness, only a Man of Holy Power can diminish its grasp on me.

Its not easy at all what we all can go through. But He cares for us, He loves us and He can deliver us.

Satan can only do so much as allowed by God. he is given power and authority in this world... the main word here is given. he can only do as much as God allows- at least in my Christian faith. What I mean, is when God's wrath was being released on me (just as it happened w/ Christ in His cruxifixction), He came as a Savior in my life... I started to let go of all the temptations.

I suppose that I am not the only one that can loose composure. But instead of the continuing of self-punishment (waling on my legs w/ a dowel rod), I settled myself down, closed by eyes and began to think of the blessings God has shared w/ me in recent past. I did not want to throw that away- He cared enough for me to share some of His glory in what He is doing in this world. So, despite all the thoughts that fed my inferno... I closed my eyes because the things that I was looking at was being used against me- they were tools to persecute me, that could be used to cause harm.

2 Corinthians 5:7 We live by faith, not by sight.

By closing my eyes, the things of this world I could not see. By closing my eyes, I could focus on Christ... I could focus on His blessings, His work in my life... the work that He can do through me sharing w/ others. I could focus on resisting the thoughts that I was reacting on.

James 4:7 So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

It took some time- it did not go away immediately. But, his death-grip on my life began to fade... then it was gone.

One day the disciples were rowing a boat against the wind as Jesus was walking on water approaching them. When Jesus boarded the boat, the winds subsided.

Thats who God is in my life. Jesus is my Savior. Without Him, who knows what type of destruction could have arise. But he showed me what people go through... in completion. The will to react and convict, condemn, persecute others, and carry out relentless thought after thought of kayos and destruction.

Cutting, self bludgeoning, suicide, will to die, blaming others. These things happen in our world... and who can help them??? When is God going to begin a world-revival?

Matthew 3:8 Therefore bear fruits worthy of repentance.

When we repent... first we need to realize that we are wrong in our transgressions. The humbleness that we know will come to us, bringing us before God in unworthiness.

Philippians 4:6 that he who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Jesus Christ.

His work in this trial, He is building up your trust in Him. Was this God pushing us through the 'threshing floor'.

Matthew 3:12 "Whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into the garner; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire." At the time of threshing, the wheat is separated from the chaff and the tares... but I guess that is another sermon.

The main point is... Christ paid the full price for us- because of our sinful ways we live... through Him, we no longer face the penalty for sin- which was death. Now, through Christ, we can be reconciled to God... through Christ whom forgives all sin who ask for it- NO MATTER WHAT KIND OF SIN.

Christ paid the asking price, put up be His father, whom sent His only begotten Son, to serve it... not judge it. He received the full onslaught wrath of God... until God's Will was satisfied during His cruxifixction.

In this trial, Christ kept His faith in the Will of God... knowing that He was going to go through tremendous pain and persecution. But, in the end, God vindicated His Son...

After His resurrection:

The Great Commission


16 Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had appointed for them. 17 When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some doubted.
18 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.

God vindicated His Son by giving all authority............. wow. He received a blessing, for what He went through... no different when we take our kids to the doctors- I certainly have given a prize for what they went through.

So, Christ paid the asking price... WE DON'T HAVE TOO! Thank God for that. I don't have to wail my legs to pay for the way I am treated by others... I can bask in the peace that covers me and let go of everything.

Philippians 4:6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Thats who God is and how He love me and you... spend some time with Him. Learn to hear His voice... because He 'IS' reaching out to you. Build in the personal relationship with Him- nobody likes to be ignored.

Rowing against the wind

But wait, there's more... as I go through bankruptcy, all the past was being re-lived by means of how I got to this point. The marital problems or the missed opportunities to come to a settlement w/ credit card company, the depression, the loss of living a life. Then I have a lawsuit against me and an impossible amount of paperwork, of which, I do not fully understand.

In the book of Mark, there was a great multitude of people and it was time to eat but they only had 5 loaves of bread and two fish. The disciples asked if they spend 200 units of money to go buy bread for the five thousand people. In the end, all were fed to their fulfillment. Jesus took an impossible moment and made it happen. A true miracle.

That is just what I am up against in this paperwork- an impossible situation to complete it as required. But, I call out for help.

Psalm 145:18 The LORD is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth.

I am not alone in this- but only if I desire.

After Jesus fed the five thousand, He made His disciples get into a boat and go before Him to the other side, to Bethsaida. But the disciples were rowing against the wind and here comes Jesus walking on water. They cried out in fear of the ghost that was drawing near. Then Jesus said, "Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid." Then He went up into the boat to them, and the wind ceased.

How many times to we find ourselves rowing against the wind... I find myself doing it quite a bit. But... how many times do we give ourselves and opportunity to call out to Him. In these storms that we face, there is always going to be turmoil to a degree- but when we call upon Jesus... the storms subside and His peace covers our understanding (Philippians 4:7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.)

Give unto Cesura what us to to Caesar

I am under rule of my father's house. He is giving me a room and food to partake in. He has his ways backed by his pride- to say that his ways are not His ways.

In the emotions that come upon me, I take defense to to wickedness of pride. This is nothing new, but I now proclaim the wisdom that is freely given to those who ask.

You see, as he curses his name in vain- it hurts me to the point of tears because Jesus is Lord. He is the author of my life. I do my best to surrender all unto Him with the help of the Holy Spirit. But the Lord my God does not hold grudges against anyone...

Even when Peter denied Him 3 times when the romans were proclaiming that Peter was one of His disciples. I am sure that Jesus was tempted to condemn Peter for what transpired before everyone. But, His trust was in God, He had to let it go- for God knows no sin.

God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit is forever Loving no matter how we treat or rebel against Him. The fruit of His promise is forgiveness, showing grace and mercy towards those who follow His commandments and law. He consistently give opportunity to those of His creation to come before Him, and when they lay down all the walls and give up everything, He may grant them repentance.

But as my dad holds the world in contempt, so do I hold him in contempt before God. I have despised his presence and ways of his pride, but I must let it go and forgive him and let it go.

How can the Lord forgive me if I can't forgive those around me. Matthew 6:15 But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.

Past, Present, Future trials... turmoil or His Glory?

There has been many a day in the past when I have come to the table to eat. But, in doing so, giving thanks in the form of tears and pain and unworthiness.

Philippians 4:6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

As I said my grace this morning, I was reminded of the past that I had lived. I was a man badly broken, severely chastened (Ps. 118), pressed against the threshing floor, pruned of all the bad fruit... only so He could complete the good work that He had begun in me.

I humbly look at my past w/ thanksgiving for who was with me when I was at my weakest point... only to find out that was when I was the strongest I have ever been. Faith in Jesus was my only hope and there is where I rested. Though I speak of praise, I am not exempt of the feelings of being oppressed and defined by those around me.

Do I forgive them. God instructs us to forgive 7 x 70 which means to forgive forever. I can leave the judgement to Him.

But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, (Matthew 5:44). Instead of reacting in a nasty way, we can let it go and respond for praying for them... ultimately, giving it all up unto the Lord. Ya see? I cannot condemn them. If I can say that God has great plans for me... what about them. We are for the sinners, if we accept that Jesus is for the sinner.

The work of satan and his craftiness is at work, therefore I cannot condemn another person for their wrong doing, can I? God doesn't want us correcting the prideful man lest he will hate us. So just let it go and pray for those who curse at you.

What was meant for evil against you, God meant it for good (ref. Genesis 50:20)

In all that happens to us can bear us down into deep depressions, but The LORD is near to all who call on him, (Ps 145:18). When we put our trust in Him in those bad times we go through, He can cover us w/ His peace- which surpasses all understanding. He increases our faith in the trials He puts us through.

Frozen, thawed, flowing

I walk my 1st grader to school everyday. Yesterday as I picked her up from school, I noticed that my pant legs were damp from walking in the spring run off. This morning as we walked, we crunched the thin layers of ice that covered the pot holes- something that I used to like doing... and still do. My daughter and I fought for position so that we could break the upcoming crust frozen water.

Christ is the water of life. Revelation 22:17 The Spirit and the bride say, "Come!" And let him who hears say, "Come!" Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life.

Then there is satan whom is on our other shoulder- per say. 2 Corinthians 12:7 To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me.

In these early spring days where the warmth of the day comes, so too does the cold nights that re-freezes the spring runoff.

Through all the trials that we go through, Christ is here to preserve and strengthen us when we have fallen. We are like the frozen water that is brought by winter. We become frozen and go no where, we are in a stand still. But, if we wait long enough... in his perfect timing, we will be able to flow where He directs us.

Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

But, when the darkness of the night comes, satan temps us (doesn't make us) to quit flowing... the water from the previous day had become frozen- but not all of it. There were puddles at the top of the hill that still had some water under the thin cover of ice. A remnant of water still in its form and not entirely affected by the coldness of night. (Which would you consider yourself to be... the water that completely freezes or the water that does not fully succumb to the cold).

John 5:21 For just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, even so the Son gives life to whom he is pleased to give it.

The process of winter becoming summer- and who isn't ready for summer, will go through many cycles of freezing and melting... until the freezing of the night succumbs to the warmth, it no longer has the power to freeze the water. The same happens to us in the faith-building trials that we go through. We will go through the same trial over and over until we learn to focus on Him who knows the way and delivers us- through His resurrection power... hmmm, strange that Easter is near!

Circle of Life Ministries of Alaska

Lord God, I pray that You would bless a ministry for Your Glory. I submit myself unto You, for I cannot claim this vision for myself. I pray that You would nourish this seed and give it of the Water of Life.

You are my only. The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want.

When I am in my weakness, I am at my strongest.

You are all I have left and all that I need.

I just want to submit myself unto You. I ask for Your wisdom that is freely given to those who ask... to understand Your mystery, Your will, Your provision for this Life that I have surrendered. It is no longer I who live, but You who lives in me. Greater is He who is in me, that he who is in the world.

Lord, I ask for Your anointing, that You would fill me according to Your riches as I present myself as an empty vessel before You.

Faith without works is dead. Those who share, more will be given. You have been responsible w/ a little, and I give you more.

Lord, let me be Your song. Let me be in tune w/ the song that You sing for me. Let me reverberate Your song in my life and for those around me.

Glory be to You.

In the name of Jesus I pray. Amen.

Willfulness or submission

Jesus, come into my heart. I accept You as Savior in my life.

Could this be a misleading prayer? Who are we to command Him what to do? When we come before Him on judgement day, we are not going to ask Him to come to us... but it will be us that go to Him.

The main word that we should focus on is "I". How many times have people accepted Him into their hearts and nothing happens- I can testify to that statement.

We do nothing in the transformation- literally. But it is Him that does His work in us. Instead of saying 'I', we should be asking Him humbly for Him to come; we really should be coming before Him, knowing that we have lived a sinful life; we should be confessing that we have been wrong. We need to do this before the cross... confessing all sin at the foot of the cross and submit ourselves to His Truth and His ways.

New International Version (©1984)
Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth,

It is He that is the giver of life, it is He that corrects us, it is He that blesses. The only thing we really gotta do is surrender all and submit ourselves unto Him. Its His work, His life, He is in control and directs His will in our lives. He who began a good work in us will perfect it until the day of Jesus Christ.

Bankruptcy

Pretty tough thing to go through what I am going through. I can't even pay attention let alone my bills. But one thing that I do have peace about is... the rest that God puts into my life.

It is upon my heart that this bankruptcy thing may have to come to pass. The ways of this world has put me into bondage in the ways that I had coveted according to my heart. I lived in that manner- according to the ways of the world.

In bankruptcy, I must declare all my valuables so the trustee may review them and may take them away to pay for part of the debt that I owe them. Much of it I wish to keep and not let go. I could potentially hide some stuff... but that still would not be right. God is watching.

I will inventory all my stuff and declare EVERYTHING as best as I can- especially all that seem to be most important to me... my fishing gear... golfing equipment... computer.

But, I also think that in filing for bankruptcy, my credit of this world will be no more. This will only force me to FULLY rely on my Provider instead of this credit that everyone so covets.

My trust in in the Lord, to teach me, to raise me, to feed me when I am hungry, to give me thirst when I am thirsty. It is perhaps a desire that He has put in me as He did in Paul? To serve Him fully and to rely on my Savior in all things He puts before me?

"True science" of God

John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

God created everything, it doesn't take a scientist to figure that out. Thats what the Truth is. Everything is put forth by Him, orchestrated in perfect fashion. It doesn't matter how it happens, although it is very interesting to see how He puts everything into action.

But, we can say there is a science to life as we know it. I present exhibit-1 (myself). Through rigorous trials I have gone through, there is cause and effect. There is reaction to every action. Either it will produce good fruit or bad. Blessing or consequences.

The scientist is, per say, God. I am His subject. What He is trying to do is produce good fruit out of His labor. There are many times that I falter before Him to get the desired effect in which He wishes. But, nonetheless, an action is produced. And when that action is produced it can affect not only myself, but those around me; always in a negative manner- if good ethics is the standard in which is being tested.

Chances are that He is going to put me through it again... and again... and again- until the faith-building trial produces good fruit and His Wisdom is received by me- according to the richness of His glory. Only until then, could I share what I have learned w/ someone else whom may experience the same trials- and the fruits of His labor continues and never stops- according to His desires in which He uses it.

Science can be a bad word in regards to the Christian faith- it is okay to seek how something God has made, how things of this world work... just be careful not to take the glory for yourself or give it to someone else; although people may entice you to their deceptive ways to draw you away for God.

2 Timothy 4:3 For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. 4 They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.

Vindicated

What a powerful word that God can describe His work in our lives. It is showing proof that we can trust in Him through all the trial He puts us through.

There was a time in my life when a slow vehicle would be in the way of my self-righteousness. My instant gratification for myself would be to curse that person as I held them in contempt... they weren't worthy of me going around them- especially if they were in the fast lane. But the only gratification I got was a shameful feeling- being that of me slapping myself in the face because of whom I had to go around... realizing that it was just an old lady just trying to stay on the road.

This happened time after time. And time after time I reaped the same conviction of shame from the finger of God. But, low and behold, after repetitive conditioning of this faith-building trial, I have graduated to humbleness before the Lord. I now give the benefit of the doubt (or shall I say 'Lord'?) when ever I come upon another co-habitant of this world.

Ya see? My fleshly desires to cast down other people as reinforced or directed by the enemy and that what I did. I had sown injustice and reaped conviction of the Lord... sowing the wrong kind of seeds.

Sowing seeds is what we do, its actually begins by God- He is the one actually sowing a seed in us so that we may learn. When we aren't getting Him message, He just doesn't give up on us- He keeps putting us through that faith-building trial until we get it.

God's vindication can only happen if we trust and believe in His ways- the ways that He desires for us to handle any situation that happens in our lives. So instead of listening to the twisting thorn that is in our flesh that produces the wrong fruit, we can resist the enemy and he will depart from us. If we be still and know that He is God, we can be patient and humble in His righteousness, then, we can be vindicated- vs. satan, before God and by God.

The victory is already won if we think about it.

Thank You Lord God for this day and for the free will that you have given us. I just wanna take this time to surrender it and submit myself unto You and Your ways, for I know what I can become and its destruction and waywardness it can produce.

I seek the great plans that You have for me because that is what You have promised. Create in me a burning fire if You find favor in me. Let me a carrier of the Flame. I present myself as an empty vessel. I deny all my thoughts and let me focus on You and Your ways... not mine.

I thank and praise You for Your work in this world as well as in me. Please pray for me first and convict me of any residual sin that I am practicing.

A remnant of hope preserved for restoration.

Thank You for that remnant, thank You for letting me see it, thank You for speaking to me.

For He works all things together for good, to those who love Him.


If He is welling up inside of you, answer Him. Learn to identify His voice. He will come to you first. If He is calling you, put everythin down and seek Him, answer Him. Know that something is going to happen- wait for confirmation to what He has spoken to you. Surrender unto Him, praise Him, deny your self-righteousness.

There are feelings for my wife- that of which I cannot claim for myself. But, this desire I believe is of the Lord. Glory to Him who works everything that was meant evil against me, God meant it for good. My old pattern was to move on in my relationship w/ my wife and divorce her... but those were the thoughts of the flesh/satan.

I must surrender myself and wait for confirmation, proceeding forward on this God given desire so that His glory can come into fruition. God is sowing something here, so I must affirm it and come into cohesion w/ this desire. I must let Him water and nurture His work for the restoration process He has begun. satan will try and thwart it, but resist the enemy and he will depart from you.



Holy Father, Holy Son, Holy Spirit... I hear Your prayer. I thank You. I praise You. I honor You. I surrender unto You. I yield to You. I ask for Your wisdom, which You give freely, to understand Your mystery and provision for my life, for my marriage, for my finances, for my children, for Your Life that You live in Me- it is no longer I who live, but You who lives in me. Hallelulia, Amen

Jeremiah 32:17 (New King James Version)

17 ‘Ah, Lord GOD! Behold, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and outstretched arm. There is nothing too hard for You.

I can still press forward... I can still 'patiently' press forward.

I can still 'patiently' press forward... expecting but w/ patience.

Christ was crucified for a long time. He had to lug His cross for what must have seemed like forever. Can you relate to that as much as I can?

As I hold my arms and hands up upon my cross, I asked "why have You forsaken me?". All I can sense is satan's (or shall I say God's wrath) upon this bludgeoned body of mine.

Whom have I trusted? Whom do I dwell with? Is the enemy amongst me? Why the badgering, why the put downs, why the expectations of what others expect of me? Everything is conditional.

Where is the 'positive, encouraging, kaaaaaaa-love' attributes that defines Christ? Thus, I close my door to the world to come in fellowship w/ God the Father, God the Son & God the Holy Spirit. He still calls me His own. I must be well spoken for (I hope). But the chance I hear His call- I can answer it. What do I mean?

Well, I just gone done a few days ago bashing in my head and lashing my legs w/ dowel rods. That is to say that this worldly people does not Love me like my Lord does; I react negatively to my surroundings in an uproar- reaping the seeds of satan. But, God has shown me what I am up against... and how do I learn to respond to it.

Back to positive, encouraging, kaaaaaa-love........ People just don't like being put down, or seeing people trying to hurt us- because it does. ANSWER: Why not just give an apology- say "sorry". Perhaps its that simple. In the midst of that proclomation is the Peace of God. Give unto Caesar what is due to Caesar. Fight fire w/ the Water of Life. It both... humbles us and... if it humbles us- it will humble the people in the midst. Do not cast a stone in return- whether it is upon yourself or not. But, His Truth and Love and Righteousness and Salvation and Gospel and Faith and Word will put them to shame.


Now you gotta practice what you preach!

Sweetly Accessorized?

What is wrong w/ a factory vehicle? Nothing. It came w/ all the gadgets necessary for it to run according to whom engineered it. Then, why is it that people add modifications and accessorize it according to their hearts desires?

We are beautifully made according to His Glory. Nothing fancy, but fully functional. Why is it that we begin to accessorize it? We add ashtrays, bottle holders, fancy chrome, loud speakers, flashy wheels, extravagant paint job. All of this stuff gets in the way of our Lord. It is our focus... our idol.

The byproduct of all such things is driven by pride, self-righteousness, glamour, attention, complacency, focus on ourselves; all idols that draw us away from the Lord our God. We have made ourselves into something that bears us down according to satan's way.

All this stuff is not needed for His glory, when in fact it gets in the way. We need His help to detach these meaningless products that seem so important to us. We need to empty these things if we are to be empty vessels. We need to become nothing... because w/out Him- we are nothing. He is the one that increases, that provides, that nourishes, that teaches, that ministers, whom speaks to us.

We need to tune that radio station to Him- not to the influential music that people listen to. We need to tune into the song into the song that He sings for us. I heard that a music instrument cannot reach out and reverberate other instruments, like that of a band, unless there is another instrument that is of the same tune; like that of a guitar. If you pluck one string on one guitar, another guitars thing will vibrate... but only the string of the same frequency. So, lets tune and focus in on whom comes to us and speaks to us. Its God that comes to us, we don't come to Him. We are merely answering His call.

We are all perfectly made, we do not need to make ourselves into an idol- either for ourselves or for other people. He is the one to use us- to fill us according to His Glory... but only if we are an empty vessel, will He will us to do the work He has set before us.

Isn't it good to be God's mess?

I am Your mess!

Is your life a mess as much as mine? The things we do to hinder God's plan for our lives. Yes we may fail... and we will continue to fail until we give it up at the foot of the cross. Only He truly can fix our situations, our ways are not His ways. He is the Restorer of the destruction that satan causes.

It is our free will to make our lives the way as our flesh directs us; a.k.a.- self-righteousness. That of which is contrary to the plans that God has for our lives. But, none the less, satan has used his craftiness to distract us away from God- thats what/who he does.

Low and behold, if we give that up and acknowledge our ways, He will make our paths straight. When we give up our mess to Him, it becomes His to fix.

He will never leave you nor forsake you.

What was meant for evil against you, God meant it for good.

God works all things for good for those who love Him.


Isn't it good to be God's mess?

Do we even know who God is in us?

Who is God?

What does He do?

What is this world?

God has an imprint of Himself everywhere... but do we see it? God has great plans for us... but do we listen to His leadings? God does not need the doctrine of man to conduct His own work.

We need to share His witness in us. We need to exhort one another. We need hear from those gentiles what God is doing in their lives.

It is not a one man show. The parable of the good samaritan was revealed because there was a religious expert questioning Jesus what is the greatest commandment of all? This man, per say, had a note book in the back of his pocket taking notes so that he could follow the rules of scripture- just so that he could put a check mark next to it upon completion.

We need to step aside! Everyone take a step back, do a self evaluation of our own selves and our duties that we given responsibility of. It is not a one man show. Everyone should have an opportunity to share testimony. What I am saying is that we need to throw away the bulletin for a while... not to say it is a bad thing to have one- but, it is a tradition of man to be used as a guideline in our rituals... so, maybe we should get rid of it.

God is continually trying to reach out to us... but, do we know how to listen to His guidance? We need to seek Him earnestly, diligently, DAILY- meaning everyday! Can't we pray w/ Him one hour? Do you not invest time in relationships w/ people of this earth? How much so, then should we invest time w/ Christ?

He shall baptize you w/ fire of the Holy Spirit. Once He has done that, you'll never go back to your wicked ways. That is not to say that we will still fail. But this fire is not freely given as people say. He may not give it to you until you expose yourself to Him unconditionally. Let go of everything that is contrary to the way that God intends for us to live. There is so much more than... living w/out Him.

Living w/out Him is living according to this world. Are you addicted to this world? Or, are you happy w/ which He has provided for you. Are you living... according to what society has accepted as okay-to-do? Or, are we listening to the conviction of the Holy Spirit in our sin?

I think that we can share testimony in our messages, not just a message that has been scripted so that we can relate to others as Jesus relates to us.

Its not about us doing the work. We should not let our thoughts get in the way of His thoughts. We are empty vessels for His to use. He will put words in our mouths at the time of need. We need to submit to Him, not to our check-list. We need to answer His call when He reaches out to us. You think your prayers are your prayers? Do you ever hear His provision and promise through the prayers that come out of your mouth? Do you wait for His prayers, as He prays for us, to come out of your mouth? Do you honor yourself or justify yourself in the deeds that you conduct yourself in- in other words, are you putting a check-mark next to everything that you do for the Lord?

Did you know that you are nothing? Did you know that you did not invent your faith? Did you know that you cannot increase your faith? Did you know that you cannot will healing by self-righteousness? Whom are we conducting our perceived work for? For ourselves? For the elders of the church? Do you think that all this lashing is of my tongue???

Are these words sound like a clanging cymbal or are these words fruit bearing?

Do you resist these words in your own prideful ways? If so, all you have to do is tell the Lord that you don't appreciate what was written. Tell the Lord that you just don't like it. If so, then I encourage to ask Him what He is saying... this is not Peter Pickett's message.

Who is defining me?

Matthew 6:31-34 (New King James Version)

31 “Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.

Is He the Author of my life?

Am I not well spoken for?

Only He can truly define me.

EVERYTHING IS MY FAULT!

Early stages of depression, in my scenario has begun with relational stresses w/ other people and my inability to handle the impact to it.

God is giving me an opportunity to understand where I am at in this stage of depression. I can continue to fall into it or chose to focus and meditate in Him. If I continue in depression, I only know that my mind will get skewed in the way it processes information... I don't want to go down that road again.

I go t an opportunity to recollect my mind w/ my dad out of town- to listen to the Truth and do away w/ the lies that I am a loser and everything is a lie.

I think what bothers me most is not being able to tell my life partner all of my troubles- my wife. She is not there for me. It means nothing to her (I'm sure it does, but I get nothing back reassuring me everything will be okay). So, I am stuck where I am at not being able to share w/ anyone.

Are You enough Lord???

I have no Christian friends. I live in a dark home. My wife in an anomaly to me. I have no income to move out. My living situation w/out the Lord is a dead end and death is eminent.


So, in the depth of depression that I currently reside, how can I combat it? How do I invest my trust back into the Lord, whom I have revolted from. What is the reason for this trial... if it is indeed a trial??? So, what do I understand what I see?

I see destruction and Hope, Love. I see the signs of destruction and its road. I also hear the Lord reaching out to me. Do I listen to the Lord and invest my time in Him?

Do I acknowledge my ways before Him so He can make my paths straight?

I know that there is a better way of living than living in depression. I know that there is Truth. Do I put my trust in Him after stripping it from myself; due to the fact that nothing has progressed in my life- no job, no home, financial troubles, living w/ parents, wife out of town, no gas money, EVERYTHING IS MY FAULT! being dependent upon other people for EVERYTHING! EVERYTHING IS MY FAULT! Can I justify buying an $80 laptop charger as a tool of rehabilitation? All these... I must come to peace with... not war. EVERYTHING IS MY FAULT!

No weapons formed against me will prosper.

With that being said... I can look satan in the eye as I don the Armor of God, with eyes of fire and cast him down w/ my sword.


Lord I pray that the wisdom freely given can be used for Your glory to reach out to my brothers and sisters in the fight against darkness. We are the light of this world and a light that is covered up is rendered useless.

We cannot 'will' Him into becoming who we want Him to be.

Evaluation of the responsibilities we are given

Unity.

Paul wrote a letter to the church in Corinth, addressing issues and correcting their paths.

Love.

The underlaying foundation of Christ needed in our lives for His leadership, so that, we, as empty vessels can administer His work- we are His agents.

Unity.

Is this body united or is it divided?

Love.

Love is not.... 1 COR 13:4 Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; 5 does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; 6 does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; 7 bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

Unity/Love.

Being in accord w/ each other AND in Christ. If we do not come together in Christ, we are worthless. We need to ask Him if there is anything wrong in the way that we are doing things. We need to watch ourselves, being careful of the lies of the enemy. We need to seek His unlimited power, it is His body and He can run it accordingly, but if we don't seek Him, we are going to be a clanging cymbal.

Help me to Love you in my life

Help me to love you in my life, so that I can see the direction you are guiding me in.

Help me to love You first, before myself. Help me to love myself so that I can love others. Help me to accept Your life in me that You have put forth- then I can love myself.

All things work together for good for those who love God.

Do I object to the life that I have at this moment? Yes, I DID. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. Greater He is who is in me, than he who lives in this world.

Help me to love You, so I can then love myself... then I can love my enemies.

Do you understand how you are reacting to others when there is confrontation? There may be people of hatred in your life that cause strife in your lives. God is using them to tell you not to focus on them, but on Him and how He wants you to minister to them. You see, the enemy is using them, in accordance to God's will, to drive that thorn into your flesh. And to accept their torments is to let that thorn pierce you where it hurts most. Then we have a tendency to put up walls and when we do that, we also block out God.

This area could be a stumbling block that the enemy uses to twart God's will for our lives. Because, He tells us that He has great plans for us and the enemy doesn't like what that will be- so he derails God's glory in our lives by casting lighting bolts upon our hearts.

We need to focus living by faith, not by sight. We need to think about how to respond in/by grace, mercy and love. Not by lashing out, but by providing an explanation to the scenario. We need to be prepared, we need to be nestled in Christ's arms, we need to be ready for the opposition's attack and repay Him- NOT by hatred, but by truth and righteousness, according to His salvation and gospel, by faith and by His word. So, as we put on the Armor of God, we are protected by the elements of this world. We are protected by what this world has to offer- which is strife. We are to be Holy men of God, not fleshly men of this world. We are to be blameless. We are to be obedient... if we claim that we 'believe' in Him and His ways.

So, are we praising Him in our 'turmoil' or are we grumbling like the Isrealites? He is putting us through famine to see if we can FULLY TRUST IN HIM- NOT JUST WHEN AND AFTER WE FAIL THE TRIALS! The trials will come to pass, rest in Him who rests. He knows the way to pass this level of testing. Ask Him what is going on... and if you listen, He will tell you. Seek and you will find. Knock and it will open for you, ask and it will be given.

No one is greater that his teacher

How do we expect to do the things that Jesus did... and even greater things that He did.

I look at this world and see all the troubling things that we go through and experience. Hemorrhoids, cataracts, back aches, messed up teeth structures?

Do we walk in the spirit? Are we an empty vessel for His use? Are we responsible with what we got, so that He can give us more responsibility? Are we ready to serve Him in the path that He has prepared for us???

Are we just sitting around hoping He fills us with His spirit so that we can do something miraculous? Or are we actively praying just as Christ did. What do we expect when we say that He has prepared a path before us?

If you want to serve Him... start looking for Him. Seek and you will find. Ask and it will be given to you. Knock and it will be opened.

We gotta build in our relationship w/ Him so that we can learn how to listen to what He wants to do. He continually talks to us, but do we know how to listen to Him?

Are we laying hands upon each other so His spirit can flow through us and upon the one we are praying for?


No one is greater that his teacher.


Prepare yourself as an empty vessel, putting our flesh aside so we can focus on the Lord as He has prepared our path for us. He has great plans for us. He is going to bring people across your path... are you going to be ready to engage those people?

God's provision for tomorrow

Lord, thank You for opening up this scroll.

Are we prepared to receive what God will put forth in our lives?

More often then not, we are not. Last week the pastor asked what we worry about in our lives. Both he and I went through the very things based upon that question. We were put through our fire of worries- and it was not fun. The pastor shared that he went through a troubling time w/ his wife. I certainly experienced and lived the worries that had caused me to rebel against God.

Hindsight has shown me that God was putting forth an action in our lives that we struggle on- based on the question. And we were not prepared for it... we never are.

Learning to listen and recognize God's direction that He reveals to us, is going to take a lot of practice. He does actively live in our lives. Christ did nothing on His own, but only that of which God had told Him to do. Jesus didn't 'do-nothing' in order to find out the will of God. He had to work at it. He continually prayed for the provision God was going to put forth for the up coming scenarios. So, as we continue to do 'nothing' to prepare us for what God is going to put us through.

Peter wasn't very prepared to walk on water, although he did momentarily. But, God put waves upon the waters that attacked his weaknesses. He wasn't fully prepared and ended up sinking, only to call out to the messiah. It is okay to fail, but only if we learn from our trials so that we can rest in His peace and learn to trust in Him to look for His helping hand as we sink into the water.

So, my question is... will you be ready tomorrow for what God is going to put you through.