Blackbird fly

This morning, as I was letting my senior chocolate Labrador retriever run around the yard, a huge crowd of blackbirds was in my trees. There were so many that even though 2/3 of them flew away, there were still many remaining perched in my tall trees.

These particular black birds are not crows, they are red-winged blackbirds. They sing, are beautiful and graceful in flight. They seem to stay together in huge family units.

Our family (inside / outside) cat Nemo tends to chase them off and loves to try to catch them.

Just as in the animal or bird kingdom, we are no different, there’s always predators and preys in this world.

We must learn to fly above, with God‘s help, the conflict of the world. I share the scripture in Matthew 10, which describes a sparrow, I can easily replace blackbirds in that scripture.

Did you know the Word of God is filled with encouragement? We are to fear God alone. You are worth more than a sparrow or blackbird, He sees you!

Matthew 10:26-33 TPT
“Don’t be afraid or intimidated by others, for God will bring everything out into the open and every secret will be told. [27] What I say to you in the dark, repeat in broad daylight, and what you hear in a whisper, announce it publicly. [28] Don’t be in fear of those who can kill only the body but not your soul. Fear only God, who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. [29] You can buy two sparrows for only a copper coin, yet not even one sparrow falls from its nest without the knowledge of your Father. Aren’t you worth much more to God than many sparrows? [30-31] So don’t worry. For your Father cares deeply about even the smallest detail of your life.. [32] “If you openly and publicly acknowledge me, I will freely and openly acknowledge you before my heavenly Father. [33] But if you publicly deny that you know me, I will also deny you before my heavenly Father.

Let me repeat this truth, each of us is cared for even more than the birds that God created. Your Father God cares about you deeply, even the smallest detail of your life. No matter what may be going on personally or in the world He cares for you isn’t that amazing?

However, in verse 32 and 33 we are reminded that we must openly and publicly acknowledge God, our Heavenly Father ( Jesus) in order to receive the blessings that He already has planned for us.

We must not be afraid because He is the one who saves His children. He is a jealous God, and we must worship and publicly acknowledge Him.

Matthew 10:33 describes the consequence if we put anything in the position that belongs to God alone, He will deny us to the Father.

Use this moment to call out to Jesus, let Him be the only source of truth, and the only God you seek.

It feels as though the conflict between families and communities has escalated, it was prophesied in scripture.

Matthew 10:34-42 TPT
“Perhaps you think I’ve come to spread peace and calm over the earth—but my coming will bring conflict and division, not peace. [35] Because of me, A son will turn against his father, a daughter her mother and against her mother-in-law. [36] Within your own families you will find enemies. [37] “Whoever loves father or mother or son or daughter more than me is not fit to be my disciple. [38] And whoever comes to me must follow in my steps and be willing to share my cross and experience it as his own, or he is not worthy of me. [39] Those who cling to their lives will give up true life. But those who let go of their lives for my sake and surrender it all to me will discover true life! [40] “Whoever receives you receives me, and whoever receives me receives the One who sent me. [41] Whoever receives a prophet because he is God’s messenger will share a prophet’s reward. And whoever welcomes a righteous person because he follows me will also share in his reward. [42] And whoever gives a cup of cold water to one of my disciples, I promise you, he will not go unrewarded.”

I used to think that I was supposed to have specific words in order to talk to God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit (that’s the 3 parts of the triune God).

Over the course of almost 30 years now I’ve realized my best friend Jesus Christ only wants to hear my heart and be my best friend. I just need to reach out to Him and be honest about what’s going on in my life. We must cling to God and surrender all to Him and discover a true life ( verse 39).

Being humble before our Creator God, and being willing to be taught the only truth that matters, and repenting for any sins that we may have spoken or acted against another human created in the image of God, are key steps in deepening our relationship with Jesus.

Even Thomas one of the disciples who walked with Jesus doubted. But when Jesus came to him, after His death on the cross, Jesus shared the truth.

John 14:1-7 NLT
“Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. [2] There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? [3] When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am. [4] And you know the way to where I am going.” [5] “No, we don’t know, Lord,” Thomas said. “We have no idea where you are going, so how can we know the way?” [6] Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. [7] If you had really known me, you would know who my Father is. From now on, you do know him and have seen him!”

He is the way, the truth, the life, and no one comes to the Father except through Jesus.

This is a week of Thanksgiving, it’s a wonderful opportunity to talk to our only best friend that never changes and never leaves, Jesus. He cares about you more than a sparrow or blackbird.

Talk to Jesus today! He loves you!! Allow Him to transform you, and as a result, He will guide you to a transformed life with any life that intersects yours.

Revelation 2:17 TPT
But the one whose heart is open, let him listen carefully to what the Spirit is presently saying to all the churches. To everyone who is victorious I will let him feast on the hidden manna and give him a shining white stone. And written upon the white stone is inscribed his new name, known only to the one who receives it.

Photo credit by M. Mesikapp

Focus

I’m not sure about you, but I feel like distractions abound lately. It’s almost like a tornado of information and data. Whether it’s social media, current news, events, strife, opposing opinions, politics, etc.. but God wants us to pause. Take a step back from the distractions and fix our eyes on what’s really true.

He is the way the truth in life. He is the way to peace. He’s the way to wisdom. We need His direction. The battle with distraction starts in the mind.

“Send out your light and your truth; let them be my guide; let them lead me to your holy mountain, to the places where you live. Then I will go to the altar of God, to God, my joy and delight; I will praise you on the lyre, God, my God. My soul, why are you so downcast? Why are you groaning inside me? Hope in God, since I will praise him again for being my Savior and God.”
‭‭Tehillim (Psa)‬ ‭43‬:‭3‬-‭5‬ ‭CJB‬‬

Visualize yourself sitting at the feet, Jesus. His smile lights up His eyes as He extends His hand to you. He wants to be in relationship with you. It’s your choice. He brings joy, peace and hope.

What is your happy place? Your favorite places could be next to a rolling river, listening to the sounds of the wind blowing through the pine trees. Could it be taking a hike in the mountains, the gravel crunching beneath your feet. Or is it sitting on the beach, listening to the waves crash at the shore. Wherever you find peace and can observe His creation is a happy place. For me it can be sitting in the middle of a horse pasture, listening to the neighs and whinny of a happy horse calling to its herd. Those beautiful, happy places reflect the gifts of the only One who can give you rest. God wants you to fix your mind, your soul and your body on Him alone.

He is lovely, He is excellent, He is the King of Kings, He is wisdom, He is waiting for you.

If you already know Jesus as Savior, and have declared Him aloud as Lord of your life. Let Him direct your steps to a great destiny. Filter your day with your eyes, mind and heart on the message of Philippines 4:7.

If you have stepped away from God, it’s time to reconnect, call on Jesus. He knows all the details of your life.

“He who comes from above is above all. He who is from the earth is from the earth and talks from an earthly point of view; he who comes from heaven is above all. He testifies about what he has actually seen and heard, yet no one accepts what he says! Whoever does accept what he says puts his seal on the fact that God is true, because the one whom God sent speaks God’s words. For God does not give him the Spirit in limited degree — the Father loves the Son and has put everything in his hands.”
‭‭Yochanan (Jhn)‬ ‭3‬:‭31‬-‭35‬ ‭CJB‬‬

If you have not called on Jesus and humbled yourself before Him as Savior and Lord. I must say there is no better place to rest in this world than to feel His Presence.

“If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved. As the Scriptures tell us, “Anyone who trusts in him will never be disgraced.” Jew and Gentile are the same in this respect. They have the same Lord, who gives generously to all who call on him. For “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.””
‭‭Romans‬ ‭10‬:‭9‬-‭13‬ ‭NLT‬‬

So get caught up in the whirlwind of the breath of God. Breathe Deeply, and receive rest for your soul, and remember where there is peace when we rest in Him.

Photo credit by M. Mesikapp and scripture photo by Youversion.

I am crazy

Call me crazy! However, the more I walk this planet, the more I see some pretty unbelievable circumstances. How about you? Do you feel a little crazy?

The foundation of truth found on the Rock of Ages, the Father, theCreator of heaven and earth is unshakeable. God never changes! His Word is alive and cuts through the bone and marrow. ( Hebrews 4:12)

Hebrews 4:12-13 MSG
God means what he says. What he says goes. His powerful Word is sharp as a surgeon's scalpel, cutting through everything, whether doubt or defense, laying us open to listen and obey. Nothing and no one is impervious to God's Word. We can't get away from it-no matter what.

Hebrews 4:12 NLT
For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.

Find out for yourself what truth is as you personally dig deep into the Bible. Then you will understand the crazy people! I am one of them and glad to be in amazing company.

Crazy People, a song by Casting Crowns, is so well written. It is fun loving and yet serious about who some of us crazy people follow. Enjoy this song! And join the circus led by the Amazing RingMaster, Jesus, who loves you!

Crazy People by Casting Crowns

Crazy in love with Jesus is amazing!

Measure of success

Tim Tebow at a conference shared a story of a Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer that took a photo of a young African girl who was sick and unable to move. she seemed alone on the dry, desert ground. A vulture was near awaiting her death. The photographer did not touch her or save the girl as he was told she had a contagious disease, instead he shooed the vulture away and took a photo. Even though this photographer won this prestigious award, his life was lacking, and sadly the photographer committed suicide a few months later.

Success is sharing the good news, the gift of Jesus, and life eternal with Him, loving and serving God’s people, this is a success for the present and future with eternity.

It doesn’t match the world’s view of success, status and wealth are fleeting. Material things can break or whither away, as dust on the wind. The status of audiences on social media; or enough likes will not fill the empty space of insecurity. But only connection with the Father who created us will complete us.

By what audience, do you measure success: the world opinion or the Lord? What brings you significance? Is it eternal or temporary? As parents, we are called to teach the truth in God, and we want to leave this legacy of faith in Jesus alone! It will remain after we die physically. we want to give our children gifts for good not evil, hope over despair, joy over anger /fear, and a future with Jesus!

Significance in what…. Having success is not outward appearance it’s serving Jesus, bowing before Him every morning asking Him where or who you can tell about His message of hope, to love like Jesus without stopping! That is a success by the Lord’s standard, sharing the gift of Christ to guys and girls even if you are afraid to be mocked. (Psalm 23) Fear no one but God. This is a success!!💜

Confess your sins to Jesus, Repent and turn away from them, believe He is your Savior, seek Jesus to full measure, get yourself in the Bible, and ask Him to show you the way to success. Listen for His still voice.

God is the carpenter of your life, He has the measure for success, He is the answer!

Who’s stirring the pot?

The pot is boiling, who is stirring the pot? Things are heating up. It’s time to step up to the stove.

2 Timothy 1:14 AMP
Guard [with greatest care] and keep unchanged, the treasure [that precious truth] which has been entrusted to you [that is, the good news about salvation through personal faith in Christ Jesus], through [the help of] the Holy Spirit who dwells in us.

The treasure of the good news about salvation through Jesus Christ alone is a gift to share not hold onto ourselves.

The gift effects the mind, body and spirit for eternity. It is more priceless than gold or any currency. It is more life changing than the most pampered spa visit. It leaves you refreshed from head to toe.

The peace that surpasses understanding can not be attained without Jesus. No power of hell nor scheme of man can pluck us from the hand of God.

Picture this: A huge black or red copper pot is filled with water, boiling at high temperature, the cook is placing one mistake after another into the pot. He stirs the water and contents with a huge slotted spoon. A creepy laugh escapes his lips, as a smile curls on his face. If the enemy can get those created in the image of God, all of us, to turn from the gift of relationship with Jesus, then the enemy wins our souls and we die.

This is the attempt of Satan, to steal kill, or destroy each of us, created in the Image of God. He knows each weakness, the enemy knows our places of regret, shame and guilt.

On the other hand, if with every attempt to drop our sins in this pot, we repent and ask Jesus to forgive and save us from this death, the pot of boiling water can’t overflow. We can seek Jesus for life changing futures. We will be saved to new life, our destiny is not written in the boiling water but in the One who created us for a purpose. We will have peace that surpasses understanding and if in trial we will no longer walk alone.

The healing balm of anointing oil from our Savior Jesus is just a repentance away! Be renewed in mind, body and soul. Jesus is Savior, Wonderful Counselor. Prince of Peace, King of Kings.

We may need to repent and turn from past mistakes and sin. Even in our past lives, we can learn and comfort others with the wisdom we gain in relationship and salvation in Christ. That is the key, our lives can be a story that draw others to Him.

So, if you know Jesus as Lord of your life, now is the time to share the gift with others. Don’t be afraid, someone likely prayed for you to meet Him. Ask God to bring the boldness of David against the giants in this world. He will prepare you with His Words in this hurting world. He needs your witness to those lives you intersect, we must answer the call to love like Jesus.

Psalm 32:8 NLT
The LORD says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.

Photo courtesy by Pexels.com

Kintsugi and Life

We are like this fragile teacup, broken and yet with value. Our life is a story of broken pieces and healing opportunities. I went to a Christian adoption group meeting a few years ago, and one of the leaders spoke about an ancient Japanese art called Kintsugi. Those who attended the gathering were able to take a mug or ceramic teacup and reflect on their lives regarding places of brokenness and the need to turn our lives over to God for restoration and healing hope.

Kintsugi, a Japanese art mends broken pottery with gold lacquer making the repaired piece more beautiful for having been broken. The message of using our broken stories, mistakes, trials, and pains, for good, resonated with me.

Why do I see broken experiences as loss? Why do I see mistakes as failures? Why do I see trials as punishment? Do these broken stories mean I am forever broken? Who gave me this pessimistic thought? Should I stay in the negative or choose instead to see the other side? That is the choice I must make no matter which road I choose to journey.

As I purposely broke the creme-colored teacup, I pondered the long list of my challenges with myself and others. I pondered the mindset of the negative and the need to trust God with unbelief. I reflect on how in my infertility I found God. I reflected on the stress and fears of adoption, awaiting God’s blessing, and I felt His presence again. I thought, about how each one of my children came to my husband and me at just the right time, God’s time, His Presence, and His blessings to me. Why is that surprising and yet inspiring? The trials brought me to a closer relationship with Jesus. I had to trust Him with the unknown.

As I have watched each stage in my children’s lives, I am reminded yet again, God is refining me as the epoxy and gold flakes reconnected the broken pieces of my teacup. The bond of strength in this cup is stronger, and the gold shimmering edges of the cracked pieces are more luminous. The beauty of the teacup is changed and more meaningful to me now than if the teacup hadn’t been broken.

When I was breaking the teacup, I thought in the back of my mind how amazing it would be if there was a small irreparable opening. I reflected if that opening appeared it would be a reminder of how the Lord God Himself has shown Himself through the cracks of my life. It would remind me I am not meant to go through repair without His Light.

Interestingly enough, the small opening in my creme-colored teacup did appear, I carefully dabbed on gold-dusted epoxy in the opening. Surely, I will remember He is steadfast in all trials, joys, and steps of life. May I be the example to those who watch the step-by-step journey of His Light shining through the cracks. Refined, remade, richer, and Luminous!!!

Kintsugi feels so relevant for current times. May it encourage and remind you we all have broken parts. The world seems to be fracturing between nations. We all need peace and unity with our Creator. Our cracks can be healed and patched up by time meditating on His Word and letting Him be the Light that fills the dark places of our past. Let Jesus provide the glue and wisdom and let His Light shine through the cracks.

He contends for His

What does it mean to “contend”? According to Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary, the definition of ‘contend’ states: to maintain, assert, and strive. Synonyms for contend; to battle, to face off. What a thought our God contends, faces off, battles for His children! We do not fight our battles alone (unless we choose not to accept Jesus). In our action step, we must call out to God, believe He is able, and go to Him as the Commander in Chief who directs His Army for His children. Let me say that again, first, we choose Him, we communicate to Him in prayer, then we align with His promises for our lives and our children.

We must put on the Armor of God ( Ephesians 6; 10 -18), and we read about the importance of each piece of the battle armor. Covering our mind is the helmet, covering our chest ( heart) is the breastplate, God’s truth is represented in the belt, walking in the shoes of peace that have spikes on their bottom to secure the soldier on the battlefield. A fellow Sister in Christ shared this truth regarding spikes on the top and bottom of a soldier’s feet in ancient times. Powerful visual that our foundation must be grounded in our God and faith in Him. The shield of faith is our belief that the power of the unseen God covers us with His protection, the Sword of the Spirit is the Bible, and His Word is alive. Prayer is a mighty weapon, when done unceasingly it is solid gold power. We must share this with our family, friends, and whoever God brings to our minds.

Isaiah 49:22-26 NIV
This is what the Sovereign LORD says: "See, I will beckon to the nations, I will lift up my banner to the peoples; they will bring your sons in their arms and carry your daughters on their hips. [23] Kings will be your foster fathers, and their queens your nursing mothers. They will bow down before you with their faces to the ground; they will lick the dust at your feet. Then you will know that I am the LORD; those who hope in me will not be disappointed." [24] Can plunder be taken from warriors, or captives be rescued from the fierce? [25] But this is what the LORD says: "Yes, captives will be taken from warriors, and plunder retrieved from the fierce; I will contend with those who contend with you, and your children I will save. [26] I will make your oppressors eat their own flesh; they will be drunk on their own blood, as with wine. Then all mankind will know that I, the LORD, am your Savior, your Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob."

Declare: Father God, we are in awe of you, we are not worthy of Your love, yet you give it freely, You see potential in your children, You are a patient Father God. You provide all we need, we minimize your gifts and promises. Forgive our unbelief, our own self-focus takes us from the Illuminated Beauty of being in Your Presence. You are Elohim, the Almighty One, You are Jehovah Sabaoth, You are Jehovah Shalom, You are El Shaddai, the All-Sufficient One, the God of the Mountains! You are Adonai, My Great God!

John 1:1-5 NLT
In the beginning, the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. [2] He existed in the beginning with God. [3] God created everything through him, and nothing was created except through him. [4] The Word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone. [5] The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.

YHWH is the symbol for the Hebrew name of God, God you are “I AM”, The Self-Existent One! You never change, save us all! In awe and reverence, the Jewish people whisper His Name.

Father, the nations need Your hand, we wait on Your action, and we hope in You alone, Lord of heaven’s armies ready for battle, Your Word is truth as Isaiah 49 shares, You are our protector, contend for our children and us!

You are amazing God, bring Your Light to this darkness attempting to cover our world. Lord, your children need You, alone!

Love God: He is for Every Nation

Can you imagine what it will be like when every tribe, tongue, and nation will bend its knee? Every Soul connected to the Holy Spirit seems a mystery and not possible. I love the letters of Paul and Timothy who wrote to the church at Philippi, great words of wisdom for an attitude like Jesus.

Philippians 2: 1- 11     Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort 
from his love?  Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? 
2 Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, 
and working together with one mind and purpose.

3 Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than 
yourselves. 4 Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.

5 You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.

6 Though he was God,
    he did not think of equality with God
    as something to cling to.
7 Instead, he gave up his divine privileges;
    he took the humble position of a slave
    and was born as a human being.
When he appeared in human form,
8     he humbled himself in obedience to God
    and died a criminal’s death on a cross.

9 Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor
    and gave him the name above all other names,
10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
    in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11 and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord,
    to the glory of God the Father.

God loves His children! He loves all of His Children. He extends His hand, and He seeks the child ( sheep) who hides past mistakes or is lost too. We are the sheep of His pasture ( Psalm 100:3).

Psalm 100:3      Acknowledge that the Lord is God!
 He made us, and we are his.
 We are his people, the sheep of his pasture.

He really calls His sheep to abundant life with Him. He died the sinner’s death on the cross for our sins. What love He has for us!!

Declare: I am a child of God, I may never feel worthy of Jesus’ love yet You extend it anyway. Help me Jesus to open my heart, mind, and soul to Your amazing Love. I want to experience all of You. Amen.

This song by Lindy Conant is so precious, I feel the amazing grace and mercy of God. He calls His children, including all of us, as His adopted Children into His family! We are His!!

Deuteronomy 6: 4-9   “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. 5 You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. 6 And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. 7 You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.

We must Love God with all our Heart, Soul, and Strength. We must share God’s wisdom with our children. It can break generational curses and bring generational life-changing futures.

Don’t be troubled

C. S. Lewis in his book ” The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe”, shares an interaction between Mr. Beaver and Susan, a young woman. It is a wonderful example of trusting without knowing the future. Aslan, the Lion, is the character that saves the kids and animals in this mysterious world. He speaks and acts for truth and against evil. He is powerful and gentle just like Jesus. I love the powerful message found in this conversation between Mr. Beaver and Susan, Mr. Beaver shared, “Aslan is a lion, -the lion, the great lion”. “Ooh”, said Susan, “I thought he was a man, Is he quite safe? I shall feel rather nervous about meeting a lion”… “Safe,” said Mr. Beaver, “… who said anything about safe? ‘Course, He isn’t safe, but he is good. He is the King.”

We must trust our King Jesus. We must discover who He is, He is the Lion of Judah! He is for us not against us. He is safe and good. Jesus is the Lion and the Lamb.

John 14:1-4,6-7,10-11,30-31 NLT
[1] “Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. [2] There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? [3] When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am. [4] And you know the way to where I am going.” [6] Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. [7] If you had really known me, you would know who my Father is. From now on, you do know him and have seen him!” [10] Don’t you believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words I speak are not my own, but my Father who lives in me does his work through me. [11] Just believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me. Or at least believe because of the work you have seen me do. [30] “I don’t have much more time to talk to you, because the ruler of this world approaches. He has no power over me, [31] but I will do what the Father requires of me so that the world will know that I love the Father. Come, let’s be going.

Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. He is preparing a place for you with our Father God. No matter what your eyes see, no matter what the world tells you, no matter how you feel about the future.

Our mind can not conceive what the future holds, however, we can trust the One who holds the future in His hands.

Even when Jesus walked the earth, there was unbelief. His disciples struggled to understand the wisdom Jesus shared in parables and sermons.

In the midst of trials, it can be hard to trust in something unseen. I have been there, however, I am amazed that I witnessed Jesus move in my detours and He kept me safe even in conflict, or at peace when I felt alone.

Jesus was in the midst of my life. I had to reach for the Lion. I am baffled yet intrigued by awe at the power of my Savior Jesus.

Lion is a powerful battle cry worship song by Chris Brown and Brandon Lake. This live version of “Lion”, is so Holy Spirit driven. I would be surprised if you don’t feel awe as you listen, then a prompting to sing as you join the chorus, Our God is amazing, He is the Lion of Judah. He can break through and save you from unbelief, fear, and your past. Let the Lion Roar and gain a beautiful perspective of hope, breakthrough, and acceptance as a child of God.

Revelation 5 5 Then I saw in the right hand of him who sat on the throne a scroll with writing on both sides and sealed with seven seals. 2 And I saw a mighty angel proclaiming in a loud voice, “Who is worthy to break the seals and open the scroll?” 3 But no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth could open the scroll or even look inside it. 4 I wept and wept because no one was found who was worthy to open the scroll or look inside. 5 Then one of the elders said to me, “Do not weep! See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed. He is able to open the scroll and its seven seals.”

6 Then I saw a Lamb, looking as if it had been slain, standing at the center of the throne, encircled by the four living creatures and the elders. The Lamb had seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven spirits[a] of God sent out into all the earth. 7 He went and took the scroll from the right hand of him who sat on the throne. 8 And when he had taken it, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp and they were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of God’s people. 9 And they sang a new song, saying:

“You are worthy to take the scroll
and to open its seals,
because you were slain,
and with your blood you purchased for God
persons from every tribe and language and people and nation.
10 You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God,
and they will reign on the earth.”

11 Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels, numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand. They encircled the throne and the living creatures and the elders. 12 In a loud voice they were saying:

“Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain,
to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength
and honor and glory and praise!”

13 Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, saying:

“To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb
be praise and honor and glory and power,
for ever and ever!”

14 The four living creatures said, “Amen,” and the elders fell down and worshiped.

Sometimes we have to gain faith in the unseen things, repeat our belief in the Power of God loudly, and hold onto Jesus! I don’t know the future but I know who does, He can be trusted with your life. All Hail the Lion of Judah! He is worthy of all praise, honor, glory, and power, forever!!

Holy Spirit?

Who is your compass? photo by Tobias Aeppli

Who is the Holy Spirit? Why do we need to know Him? Times are changing but He never has. Even the prophets share Wisdom from Him.

I’ve been reading the books of Daniel and Isaiah lately. Potential prophecies for the future, words of wisdom for Daniel and Isaiah who must’ve been baffled by their imagery. In our current social climate, things seem to be taking shape.

As we continue to celebrate the birth of Jesus we must realize that the Holy Spirit came upon Mary at the conception of Jesus. Jesus is God’s Son and God is the Father. This is threefold (triune) representation of our God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Luke 1:35 AMP
Then the angel replied to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you [like a cloud]; for that reason the holy (pure, sinless) Child shall be called the Son of God.

It’s not just a matter of accepting Jesus as Savior but it’s allowing the Holy Spirit which is the third part of the triune God: (Father God, Jesus, Holy Spirit) to rule and guide your life.

John 4:21-24 TLB
Jesus replied, “The time is coming, ma’am, when we will no longer be concerned about whether to worship the Father here or in Jerusalem. For it’s not where we worship that counts, but how we worship-is our worship spiritual and real? Do we have the Holy Spirit’s help? For God is Spirit, and we must have his help to worship as we should. The Father wants this kind of worship from us.

When Jesus was preparing the disciples at the last supper, He told them that He would be leaving but would leave them with wisdom from another source. That other source is the Holy Spirit.

I for one do not like to lose control. And yet the Holy Spirit guides by love, grace, forgiveness, mercy and truth. The Holy Spirit is a supernatural compass that keeps you directed by God’s precepts. His precepts will never change.

As we come to the close of 2022 I reflect on the times I allowed the Holy Spirit to lead me. I also reflect on the times I did not center my wisdom on His wisdom.

John 14:15-21 NLT
“If you love me, obey my commandments. [16] And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you. [17] He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. The world cannot receive him, because it isn’t looking for him and doesn’t recognize him. But you know him, because he lives with you now and later will be in you. [18] No, I will not abandon you as orphans-I will come to you. [19] Soon the world will no longer see me, but you will see me. Since I live, you also will live. [20] When I am raised to life again, you will know that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. [21] Those who accept my commandments and obey them are the ones who love me. And because they love me, my Father will love them. And I will love them and reveal myself to each of them.”

I know these concepts may seem hard to grasp but I’m hoping that the scriptures that I’m laying in this blog will be beneficial for you to read for yourself and then open your own Bible and ask the Lord to speak directly to you. He really does want to fill you with the wisdom from above.

If you have stepped away from the love of Jesus your best friend or if you don’t know him yet, He is amazing! He waits your extended hand and your willingness to allow him to lead your life. There’s a song by Chris Renzema featuring Elle Holcomb, “Just as good.”

The lyrics of the song remind me: the God (Jesus)of your youth is still the same God. He knows you, He knows the details of your life, He knows detours of your life, and Jesus just wants to love you. The phrase Ebenezer Stone (described in the song) in Hebrew, means “stone of help” and is found in 1 Samuel 7, the Bible.

Matthew 28:18-20 MSG
Jesus, undeterred, went right ahead and gave his charge: “God authorized and commanded me to commission you: Go out and train everyone you meet, far and near, in this way of life, marking them by baptism in the threefold name: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Then instruct them in the practice of all I have commanded you. I’ll be with you as you do this, day after day after day, right up to the end of the age.”

Amazing that God thought of His children from the beginning of time. Hold onto His hand and let Him instruct you, the Holy Spirit will not leave you. Give your life to Him today, let the Father, Son and Holy Spirit guide your words, steps and life.

Isaiah 59:21 TLB
“As for me, this is my promise to them,” says the Lord: “My Holy Spirit shall not leave them, and they shall want the good and hate the wrong-they and their children and their children’s children forever.”