I'm walking in a new season of life. From within. In order for me to describe this I have to share a prophetic word that was spoken over my hubby & I this past April. It begins:
The picture I get is of the two of you standing on a bluff overlooking a wide expanse, open as far as you can look in every direction. It is beautiful, breathtaking. What is remarkable is there are no roads, no path. It is just this huge expanse. There is this sense, "ok, we are ready to move, where do we go"? Deep down inside, He has placed a desire in the two of you and that is the path, that is the way. It is what He has for you. Allow those dreams and desires to be stirred up again. I am seeing them arising out of you. It is time for what He has placed deep within you to come forth. It will not be defined from others, from the outside. So stop looking there. Trust what He has put in your hearts. As you learn to live in His presence, as you bask in His love and the joy of that, He will just overflow out of you.
We have spent months trying to "figure it out" and all the while knowing that is exactly what we were told not to do. So, we just "found" ourselves sitting back, taking in a deep breath, deciding to just do what was in front of us for the moment, pretty much laying it down and keep (as a friend of mine says) livin' life!
And we found it! What's inside is family. God's family. Dads and moms, sons and daughters! In the last several months, low and behold parenting has bubbled up. Now we still love being natural parents and grandparents but a new love and desire has grown for us to consciously parent in the faith and encourage, teach and release others to do the same.
So, we are pregnant again. Pregnant with expectation that when "fathers" are looking for their lost sons, they will come home. Pregnant for those that haven't found a home to have a home, with a "dad" and "mom" to greet them. Pregnant for increase in the family of God and that everyone there will be loved, cared for and would grow up and have Christ formed in them according to Galatians 4:19. And everyone knows, when you are pregnant, life will come forth. What is within, naturally comes forth and is held.
What are you pregnant with? Nurture it, look forward to it and wait on the Lord and when the "time has come", what is within, will come forth!!
And lastly, God's heart is for family and Godly offspring. Hopefully, you are walking in being a son or daughter of God. And while you will be forever His son or daughter, he calls you to bring forth Godly offspring, He calls you to become a father or mother, perhaps in the natural, but for sure in the faith. Along with the Father, we are calling forth fathers and mothers!!
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Thursday, October 2, 2008
When you send your Spirit, new life is born.. Ps104
She's here!! Granddaughter #4! Her name is Braylin Grace, born 10/2 at 1:05am Central time. She weighs 6lbs, 14ozs, and is 19" long. She has lots of dark hair and a strong cry. I heard her crying her lungs out at 2:09am Eastern time. She sounded wonderful!! And she surprised everyone with her early arrival. Mommy was just told to get some sleep and the doc would see her in the morning. Braylin must have heard "morning" and her interpretation was 1:05am! Mom and Dad are doing fine by the way. Great job Ashley, no drugs! No time. When they realized what was going on, Braylin was making her grand entrance!
Ps 104:30 says, "When you send your Spirit, new life is born to replenish all the living of the earth". (NLT) Another translation says, "when you send forth your Spirit and give them breath, they are created and you replenish the face of the ground. This I know, she is made in His image, He has been forming, fearfully and wonderfully making our beautiful granddaughter, Braylin Grace, for such a time as this.
Shortly after Ashley realized she was pregnant, I was asking the Lord about her. He told me that she was a gift, given to prove God's fruitfulness. It was at a desert time in Mom and Dad's lives and God says "even in times of drought and wilderness" I will bring forth fruitfulness. And here she is, a fulfillment of His promise.
Life, what a precious gift! Grandchildren, the grandest of His gifts!! What a wonderful Father we have and I bet the buttons are popping off His robe right now!! She is His masterpiece, a piece of the Master Himself. And when I get to hold her in my arms in a few short days, I'm sure I'll see Him.
Saturday, September 27, 2008
He makes me....
Psalms 23 says, "The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me..... Hmmmmm, ever feel like you're being made to do something you don't want to do? Yeah, me too. There are things that are not comfortable, convenient or even pleasant and, therefore, I don't want to. But He makes me. He has his reasons. Just like when my sons were young, I made them do things they didn't want to. Such as go to bed, take a shower, do their homework, be kind to one another. Why did I do it? Because they needed it or others needed it. And just like I had my reasons, He has His reason for "making me".
In School of Ministry class this week we learned about authority. Pastor Herb was describing a portion of scripture and likened it as "putting iron into us". It brings strength and straightening. Discussion ensued and I began to see how we are on a journey of life. And on that journey, there are some tests, and by the way, they are all open book! But mainly, our Maker is making us. He puts things in and he removes things. At times the putting in is pleasant and satisfying, at times it's like trying to put a dress shirt and tie on a young boy with mom trying to still that wiggling boy from running away! He takes things out and often it feels much like a real loose tooth or splinter, we want it out but getting it out brings discomfort and sometimes downright pain!
I really don't want to remain the same. I choose the "making" of my Maker. I want Him to put things into me and take things out of me to straighten and strength me. And He is wanting to do it because I NEED it. I need for Him to show me where I am "twisted and messed up" because He is my Truth mirror. I want to reflect Him because I am made to reflect Him. When I "saw" Him and gave my life to Him, I ask Him to make me like Him and He is doing just that, He is making me. For that, I am grateful. It is best for me AND best for others. Then I can "let my light so shine before men that they will see my good works and glorify my "Maker" in heaven.
So, what do you think, what is He wanting to "make" in you? What "loose tooth or splinter is He wanting to remove from you? And what does He want to put in to you to strengthen and straighten you?
In School of Ministry class this week we learned about authority. Pastor Herb was describing a portion of scripture and likened it as "putting iron into us". It brings strength and straightening. Discussion ensued and I began to see how we are on a journey of life. And on that journey, there are some tests, and by the way, they are all open book! But mainly, our Maker is making us. He puts things in and he removes things. At times the putting in is pleasant and satisfying, at times it's like trying to put a dress shirt and tie on a young boy with mom trying to still that wiggling boy from running away! He takes things out and often it feels much like a real loose tooth or splinter, we want it out but getting it out brings discomfort and sometimes downright pain!
I really don't want to remain the same. I choose the "making" of my Maker. I want Him to put things into me and take things out of me to straighten and strength me. And He is wanting to do it because I NEED it. I need for Him to show me where I am "twisted and messed up" because He is my Truth mirror. I want to reflect Him because I am made to reflect Him. When I "saw" Him and gave my life to Him, I ask Him to make me like Him and He is doing just that, He is making me. For that, I am grateful. It is best for me AND best for others. Then I can "let my light so shine before men that they will see my good works and glorify my "Maker" in heaven.
So, what do you think, what is He wanting to "make" in you? What "loose tooth or splinter is He wanting to remove from you? And what does He want to put in to you to strengthen and straighten you?
Monday, September 15, 2008
Impartation
During worship on the second day of the gathering, I was thinking of those at home. In the advertising of this 24/7 worship gathering, they invited people to come and receive an impartation to take back to where you came from. I began to think about that....
How does one impart this? How does one bring someone else to or give them a heart of love and worship? No human can, only He who is Love Himself can. The Person of Love. Love is a person. Love came, Love demonstrated Himself and Love calls. Again, we love Him because He first loved us.
You must want this person. You must want him more than a clean house, you must want Him more than straight A's, you must want Him more than a promotion, a career. You must want, want so deeply that you'll step aside from all others, all things and search. Search through the night, search through the day, search in places where He is found. He is in the crowd, but He's not in the crowd. He is in the noise but He's not in the noise. He's in the ordinary, but He's not in the ordinary. When you search for Him you will find Him IF you seach with all your heart (Jer 29:13). You can't do the same things and find Him. You must come away, you must pursue Him. You must want Him more than food, more than friends, more than anything you could buy or obtain. You must be willing to lay down all othes and all things. You must desperately want Him. Willing to search and if you haven't wanted and haven't searched before today you can right now! And if you lack the desire to search, ask Him, He'll give it to you.
You were born for this Love. You were born to be loved by Him. Come before Perfect Love and be perfectly loved!! And pray... "I want to find You and be found of
You. Find me Lord. Find me searching for You. Draw me with loving kindness, draw me with Your tender mercies. Draw me with cords of Love that cannot be broken!
Psalm 9:10 Lord, you have never forsaken those who seek you.
How does one impart this? How does one bring someone else to or give them a heart of love and worship? No human can, only He who is Love Himself can. The Person of Love. Love is a person. Love came, Love demonstrated Himself and Love calls. Again, we love Him because He first loved us.
You must want this person. You must want him more than a clean house, you must want Him more than straight A's, you must want Him more than a promotion, a career. You must want, want so deeply that you'll step aside from all others, all things and search. Search through the night, search through the day, search in places where He is found. He is in the crowd, but He's not in the crowd. He is in the noise but He's not in the noise. He's in the ordinary, but He's not in the ordinary. When you search for Him you will find Him IF you seach with all your heart (Jer 29:13). You can't do the same things and find Him. You must come away, you must pursue Him. You must want Him more than food, more than friends, more than anything you could buy or obtain. You must be willing to lay down all othes and all things. You must desperately want Him. Willing to search and if you haven't wanted and haven't searched before today you can right now! And if you lack the desire to search, ask Him, He'll give it to you.
You were born for this Love. You were born to be loved by Him. Come before Perfect Love and be perfectly loved!! And pray... "I want to find You and be found of
You. Find me Lord. Find me searching for You. Draw me with loving kindness, draw me with Your tender mercies. Draw me with cords of Love that cannot be broken!
Psalm 9:10 Lord, you have never forsaken those who seek you.
Sunday, September 14, 2008
A taste...
Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! I have tasted and He is good! This past week I traveled to Colorado Springs to be a part of Dutch Sheets 24/7 worship gathering. This began 90 days ago when during a meeting on Fathers Day, the Lord's Presence fell heavily upon them. Dutch felt that they were to only host the Lord's Presence for 90 days. No preaching, no teaching, only hosting his Presence. Do you remember the story of when David refused to continue moving the Ark to Jerusalem because of the death of Uzzah when he touched the ark to keep it from falling? He left it at the home of Obed Edom for 3 months. Scripture says that everything was blessed and increased for Obed Edom.
So, I joined this 90 day gathering on day 87. It was moved to the civic center and people from all over were invited to join in hosting the Lord's Presence. No preaching, no teaching. It was 24/7 ministering unto the Lord. At times we were on our faces, lying prostate in awe. At times, we were dancing and shouting in celebration & joy before Him. It was a taste, only a taste of saints from all walks of life gathering for one thing, to worship the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords.
We all had one thing in common, the One who loved us first. Before we knew Him, before we turned to Him, before we received His precious gift of love and redemption. We all turned our gaze toward Him. The heart of the Father of all Fathers' heart was turned toward us and His children turned toward Him. That was His plan from the very beginning, face to face fellowship. Beholding Him and seeing His eyes of love and acceptance for us and resting in the security of it. We could never earn this love, never in a million years. It was always there, eternal, without condition. Ahhhhhh, how wonderful, how inviting. And that's what we did. He invited us and we invited Him. He loved us and we loved Him. He drew us and we willingly came to Him. Oh, how He loves us. Our love is so small compared to His!!
And now I know I want more, not a visitation but a habitation. It isn't enough to visit Him now and then, I want to dwell with Him! He has ravished my heart! I will never be the same!!
So, I joined this 90 day gathering on day 87. It was moved to the civic center and people from all over were invited to join in hosting the Lord's Presence. No preaching, no teaching. It was 24/7 ministering unto the Lord. At times we were on our faces, lying prostate in awe. At times, we were dancing and shouting in celebration & joy before Him. It was a taste, only a taste of saints from all walks of life gathering for one thing, to worship the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords.
We all had one thing in common, the One who loved us first. Before we knew Him, before we turned to Him, before we received His precious gift of love and redemption. We all turned our gaze toward Him. The heart of the Father of all Fathers' heart was turned toward us and His children turned toward Him. That was His plan from the very beginning, face to face fellowship. Beholding Him and seeing His eyes of love and acceptance for us and resting in the security of it. We could never earn this love, never in a million years. It was always there, eternal, without condition. Ahhhhhh, how wonderful, how inviting. And that's what we did. He invited us and we invited Him. He loved us and we loved Him. He drew us and we willingly came to Him. Oh, how He loves us. Our love is so small compared to His!!
And now I know I want more, not a visitation but a habitation. It isn't enough to visit Him now and then, I want to dwell with Him! He has ravished my heart! I will never be the same!!
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
In the fast lane...
I think I am in the fast lane on those 6 and 8 lane highways. You know, the ones that are designated for the car poolers. They get to go faster than everyone else alone in their cars.
I originally thought I would get to blog at least weekly. What happened to the weeks? It seems like only days and I'm flipping the calendar. And now we haven't just flipped to another month, we have flipped into the next season! Oh my!
There are positives to all of this. I don't have trouble sleeping, and I am fine with the early to bed thing. I'm not bored, there is always a "to do" pile, life is definately not dull. Life is exciting. New places, new things. Like the great visit we had with friends last week. We actually were experiencing a dream come true in their lives, building a new home! And next week, I'm off to Colorado Springs to spend a few days worshiping and hosting the Lord's Presence with Dutch Sheets and others from around the nation. Bored no, living an adventure, YES!
I've said over and over I don't want to be a senior citizen living in Florida waiting every day in the buffet lines. So I guess God took me up on it! No Florida, no waiting, no buffet lines (well, maybe one or two once and awhile). I'm fine with it really. Because I'm getting to see God. I'm getting to live in the Kingdom. Now. Today. Here. Life goes on in the Kingdom (remember, they don't sleep). Could that be why we are so busy our waking hours? My grandpa use to say, "you can rest when you die". There are a lot of things old people said when I was little that I don't think were right. I don't think they meant any harm. Like sticks and stones will break my bones but names will never hurt me. Oh, how wrong that is. I had names plastered into the walls of my life, layer upon layer. And they hurt. They hurt me, they hurt my kids, they hurt others.
I'm glad I've been given a new name. It has wiped away all other names. It has freed me and freed others too. I've learned the voice of Truth. His words are kind and gentle. They pick me up. They clear away the dust & grime and cleanse me. This name sets me on a path of destiny!
I pray today that in the fast lane of life, you will hear His name for you. That wherever you are headed, it will be purposeful and a great adventure. If you haven't heard your name from the voice of Truth, I pray that you will step aside for a little. Take a rest. Find a quiet place and listen.....
I originally thought I would get to blog at least weekly. What happened to the weeks? It seems like only days and I'm flipping the calendar. And now we haven't just flipped to another month, we have flipped into the next season! Oh my!
There are positives to all of this. I don't have trouble sleeping, and I am fine with the early to bed thing. I'm not bored, there is always a "to do" pile, life is definately not dull. Life is exciting. New places, new things. Like the great visit we had with friends last week. We actually were experiencing a dream come true in their lives, building a new home! And next week, I'm off to Colorado Springs to spend a few days worshiping and hosting the Lord's Presence with Dutch Sheets and others from around the nation. Bored no, living an adventure, YES!
I've said over and over I don't want to be a senior citizen living in Florida waiting every day in the buffet lines. So I guess God took me up on it! No Florida, no waiting, no buffet lines (well, maybe one or two once and awhile). I'm fine with it really. Because I'm getting to see God. I'm getting to live in the Kingdom. Now. Today. Here. Life goes on in the Kingdom (remember, they don't sleep). Could that be why we are so busy our waking hours? My grandpa use to say, "you can rest when you die". There are a lot of things old people said when I was little that I don't think were right. I don't think they meant any harm. Like sticks and stones will break my bones but names will never hurt me. Oh, how wrong that is. I had names plastered into the walls of my life, layer upon layer. And they hurt. They hurt me, they hurt my kids, they hurt others.
I'm glad I've been given a new name. It has wiped away all other names. It has freed me and freed others too. I've learned the voice of Truth. His words are kind and gentle. They pick me up. They clear away the dust & grime and cleanse me. This name sets me on a path of destiny!
I pray today that in the fast lane of life, you will hear His name for you. That wherever you are headed, it will be purposeful and a great adventure. If you haven't heard your name from the voice of Truth, I pray that you will step aside for a little. Take a rest. Find a quiet place and listen.....
Monday, August 11, 2008
Celebrating ""40" years!
It seems like yesterday, how could it be? August 2nd was our 4oth wedding anniversary. Forty years was how long the Israelites were in the wilderness. Sometimes it felt like wilderness but that was far outweighed by the joy of being loved by a wonderful man. In the beginning, I was head over heals and say it was "love at first sight". But I realize that it was more like stepping into a fairy tale and being the princess. I now know the prince! Let me describe him to you.
My prince is a man of integrity. His yes is yes and his no is no. He lives with his heart, a soft heart, a gentle heart, a giving heart. He is one of those who "gives the shirt off his back". He is strong, a hunk and a hulk!! His strength is not only in muscle but in standing firm in the face of disappointment and loss. He is not only tall (dark & handsome) but tall in character. He's my lover and my friend, my mate in everything. He's my Mr. Fixit, jack of all trades, steady, sure. I could go on and on but the greatest thing about my Prince is that he loves the King! We have loved the King together 30 years and that has made all the difference. When you both know the King and you both love the King, all other things come into order and right perspective. When you both know the King and you both love the King, all the other things become more lovely and precious.
Long before we knew the King, He knew us. And although we were unaware, He was always aware that we would be together. And He had a plan, that we would be entwined with Him, not only happy but complete as a "3 stand cord". He has become our dwelling place, He in us, us in Him. What began in our hearts so long ago was to bring us to this wonderful place and time we live in and celebrate today. As our hearts were overtaken by the King, they became more and more one. There has been a union, a coming together that only the King and time can accomplish.
So we hail the King! The one who brought us together, molded us together and holds us together. And just as the Israelites came into the land of Promise after 40 years, we too step into all the promises yet to be lived! We proclaim that the latter will be greater than the former and the best is yet ahead!!
My prince is a man of integrity. His yes is yes and his no is no. He lives with his heart, a soft heart, a gentle heart, a giving heart. He is one of those who "gives the shirt off his back". He is strong, a hunk and a hulk!! His strength is not only in muscle but in standing firm in the face of disappointment and loss. He is not only tall (dark & handsome) but tall in character. He's my lover and my friend, my mate in everything. He's my Mr. Fixit, jack of all trades, steady, sure. I could go on and on but the greatest thing about my Prince is that he loves the King! We have loved the King together 30 years and that has made all the difference. When you both know the King and you both love the King, all other things come into order and right perspective. When you both know the King and you both love the King, all the other things become more lovely and precious.
Long before we knew the King, He knew us. And although we were unaware, He was always aware that we would be together. And He had a plan, that we would be entwined with Him, not only happy but complete as a "3 stand cord". He has become our dwelling place, He in us, us in Him. What began in our hearts so long ago was to bring us to this wonderful place and time we live in and celebrate today. As our hearts were overtaken by the King, they became more and more one. There has been a union, a coming together that only the King and time can accomplish.
So we hail the King! The one who brought us together, molded us together and holds us together. And just as the Israelites came into the land of Promise after 40 years, we too step into all the promises yet to be lived! We proclaim that the latter will be greater than the former and the best is yet ahead!!
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
I'm Back!!!
Wow, it's been nearly a month since I last posted. I can't believe how life has flown by. I intended to blog so many times but so many things got in the way. I decided today would be different, today I would take the time to do what I have been meaning to do!
I've been "pondering" several things recently. I guess the first would be a verse that "leaped" out at me. I was reading Ephesians and I think I saw it for the first time (and one of my favorite books is Ephesians). Chapter 5, verse 10, "Find out what pleases the Lord". I'm still thinking on that! One thing that hit me the other day when I was listening to someone say that it pleases God's heart when we do His will. I certainly want to do that but I know that is big too! Alot bigger than the simplicity of the statement. I can't do that in a day or a month or even a year, yet it is done moment by moment of every day!
Also, I was reading a devotional from Dean & Dutch Sheets, father and son, and the ending thought for the day was "I will make sure my life on earth counts for something eternal". I again went to "pondering". Since I am at the latter end of life, this becomes more and more a persistent thought before me. I want His essence to be left when I am gone. I know I will be dust but may the days of my breath still be breathing life long after I have gone back to dust!
I am beginning to think that God drops "manna" from heaven and often we don't even notice. When we go about life each day and live in a "christian" atmosphere" I think we often miss things. Things that the Father is wanting us to "selah", stop and think about. I believe He wants to tell us things, give us direction, hope, answers and we step on it and keep right on going, oblivios to His voice, His manna. Lord, I want to be stopped in my tracks, I want the "manna" of heaven. I desire to "eat" of the spirit more frequently and freely than I do of the flesh. I want the manna of heaven and in turn, be manna from heaven. It is said that we become like what we eat. I'm not interested in the temporary, I want the eternal. I want it for myself, I want it for my family, I want it for the Kingdom.
So, today I ask You Father, what pleases You? Cause my eyes to "see" Your manna dropped from heaven for me. I will purpose in my heart to live beyond myself today and look for that which is eternal. May Your Kingdom come, Your will be done in me and through me today!
I've been "pondering" several things recently. I guess the first would be a verse that "leaped" out at me. I was reading Ephesians and I think I saw it for the first time (and one of my favorite books is Ephesians). Chapter 5, verse 10, "Find out what pleases the Lord". I'm still thinking on that! One thing that hit me the other day when I was listening to someone say that it pleases God's heart when we do His will. I certainly want to do that but I know that is big too! Alot bigger than the simplicity of the statement. I can't do that in a day or a month or even a year, yet it is done moment by moment of every day!
Also, I was reading a devotional from Dean & Dutch Sheets, father and son, and the ending thought for the day was "I will make sure my life on earth counts for something eternal". I again went to "pondering". Since I am at the latter end of life, this becomes more and more a persistent thought before me. I want His essence to be left when I am gone. I know I will be dust but may the days of my breath still be breathing life long after I have gone back to dust!
I am beginning to think that God drops "manna" from heaven and often we don't even notice. When we go about life each day and live in a "christian" atmosphere" I think we often miss things. Things that the Father is wanting us to "selah", stop and think about. I believe He wants to tell us things, give us direction, hope, answers and we step on it and keep right on going, oblivios to His voice, His manna. Lord, I want to be stopped in my tracks, I want the "manna" of heaven. I desire to "eat" of the spirit more frequently and freely than I do of the flesh. I want the manna of heaven and in turn, be manna from heaven. It is said that we become like what we eat. I'm not interested in the temporary, I want the eternal. I want it for myself, I want it for my family, I want it for the Kingdom.
So, today I ask You Father, what pleases You? Cause my eyes to "see" Your manna dropped from heaven for me. I will purpose in my heart to live beyond myself today and look for that which is eternal. May Your Kingdom come, Your will be done in me and through me today!
Monday, June 30, 2008
Seek ye first...
This week I will celebrate my "spiritual" birthday. The 4th of July holiday always reminds me of the day I ran to Him. Like most births, it was traumatic. I'm doing well and all of a sudden, I'm being forced to leave the comfort I've known into something unknown. I wasn't brought forth gently and sweetly, I was limp, dying and gasping for air. He breathed the breath of life into me and I have never been the same!
In my growing up years I went to a good bible teaching church where I learned Bible verses and came to believe in God. But what I believed wasn't all right, much of it was warped/twisted. I can't say it was anyones direct teaching that lead me astray but I do know that my enemy satan came to deceive me of the Truth, just like he did Eve in the garden.
After being born again at the age of 27, a verse captured my heart. "Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; Matthew 6:33. For the first time in my life, I experienced unconditional love. I knew God was love and I believed He loved me. And I wasn't going to miss out knowing this God of love.
The scripture verse in my devotional today was Matthew 6:33. So again, I am drawn to the one who had been seeking me all along. The author says "seek" is a verb. It is active, urges pursuit and has an object. I have pursued God over these 30 years and have a much greater picture of Him today than on that first day 30 years ago. But I noticed that we are to seek the Kingdom. This is another world from which I live in. It is above anything I have or experienced here. And it has a King and he is like no earthly king. I am to be conformed and live in the heavenly, the divine and not in earthly limitations. Luke 17:21 says. "the kingdom of God is within you". I don't have to go somehow to get the kingdom because it's already here, in me. Wow! Lord, I am in the Kingdom and the Kingdom is in me! This blows my mind! Talk about fireworks!!
So this 4th of July, I want to celebrate that the "the kingdom of God is at hand". I'm going to explore this kingdom inside of me like I would if I was moving to a new place. I'm going send out change of address cards, not of this world! I'm going to settle in this new place and abide there with the King of the kingdom. And I'm going to invite people into the place where I live, the kingdom. And when asked where I'm from, I'm going to declare...The Kingdom!!
Since our nation is celebrating it's independence this week, I hope you will reflect on your independence. Are you free from this world, it's trappings and its ruler, satan? If not, you can change your address. Seek ye first the kingdom..the ruler of this kingdom is longing to come into your heart and set up His kingdom. If you haven't already, you can ask Him to do so today. Happy Independence Day!!
In my growing up years I went to a good bible teaching church where I learned Bible verses and came to believe in God. But what I believed wasn't all right, much of it was warped/twisted. I can't say it was anyones direct teaching that lead me astray but I do know that my enemy satan came to deceive me of the Truth, just like he did Eve in the garden.
After being born again at the age of 27, a verse captured my heart. "Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; Matthew 6:33. For the first time in my life, I experienced unconditional love. I knew God was love and I believed He loved me. And I wasn't going to miss out knowing this God of love.
The scripture verse in my devotional today was Matthew 6:33. So again, I am drawn to the one who had been seeking me all along. The author says "seek" is a verb. It is active, urges pursuit and has an object. I have pursued God over these 30 years and have a much greater picture of Him today than on that first day 30 years ago. But I noticed that we are to seek the Kingdom. This is another world from which I live in. It is above anything I have or experienced here. And it has a King and he is like no earthly king. I am to be conformed and live in the heavenly, the divine and not in earthly limitations. Luke 17:21 says. "the kingdom of God is within you". I don't have to go somehow to get the kingdom because it's already here, in me. Wow! Lord, I am in the Kingdom and the Kingdom is in me! This blows my mind! Talk about fireworks!!
So this 4th of July, I want to celebrate that the "the kingdom of God is at hand". I'm going to explore this kingdom inside of me like I would if I was moving to a new place. I'm going send out change of address cards, not of this world! I'm going to settle in this new place and abide there with the King of the kingdom. And I'm going to invite people into the place where I live, the kingdom. And when asked where I'm from, I'm going to declare...The Kingdom!!
Since our nation is celebrating it's independence this week, I hope you will reflect on your independence. Are you free from this world, it's trappings and its ruler, satan? If not, you can change your address. Seek ye first the kingdom..the ruler of this kingdom is longing to come into your heart and set up His kingdom. If you haven't already, you can ask Him to do so today. Happy Independence Day!!
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