Tag: hope

Battle Tactics From Nehemiah

musingsalonglifesjourneyLeave a comment

What an excellent book to be reading at this time, the book of Nehemiah! Today, I am using the NIV, reading in chapter 4. Join me as I lead you through.

The Enemy Taunts

In Nehemiah 4:1-3, Sanballat and Tobiah the Ammonite, in the presence of the army of Samaria, were taunting the Jews… “Even a fox climbing up on it would break down their wall of stones!”

Is anyone taunting you? Despising you?

The godly pray

The Godly Pray

Nehemiah prays, “Hear us, our God, for we are despised. Turn their insults back on their own heads.” (4:4)

Note: Jesus tells us to do good to our enemies, bless and do not curse. These days, we hear testimony of how taunting captors surrender to Jesus through prayer and love.

Angry Plots

After Nehemiah prayed, the Israelites worked with all their hearts.  Sanballat, Tobias, the Arabs, the Ammonites, and the people of Ashdod heard the repairs continued. They became very angry, plotting together to fight and stir up trouble against Jerusalem.

Is anyone trying to stir up trouble, angry with you, or plotting against you?

Pray And Guard

Nehemiah tells us, “We prayed to our God and posted a guard day and night to meet this threat.”

Oh, that we may pray to God, our help and our salvation, and do our part to guard what belongs to us as His children.

Discouragement

Meanwhile, the people of Judah were discouraged.  “The strength of the laborers is giving out, and there is so much rubble that we can not rebuild the wall.”  On top of this, the Jews living near, ten times over, said, “Wherever you turn, they will attack us.” This hopelessness reminds me of Job’s wife telling him, “Curse God and die!”

What or who is causing you to despair?

Our children, our children’s children, their children’s children…

Remember God/Generations

Nehemiah posted families with weapons at the most exposed places. Then, after looking things over, he said,“Don’t be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your families, your sons and your daughters, your wives and your homes.”

Currently, the Sprit is putting emphasis on the generations and our responsibility towards those coming after us. Discern your vulnerable places and don your Spiritual weapons. Let faith and love keep your fear away. As Pastor Josh Gmmiter said in his sermon October 18 & 19, we should fear the Lord God Almighty more than we fear anything else!

Be Aware & Prepare

Their enemies heard that they were aware of them and that God had frustrated their plot. The people returned to work, half of them building and half guarding. Those who were carrying materials worked with one hand and held a weapon with the other.

Identity In Christ

How do we go about our day? Do we realize the war that’s raging in the spiritual world as well as the natural? Daily putting on our godly armor will equip us for what’s ahead. Wisdom is discerning who we are in Christ and who He truly is to us – relationship!

Sound The Trumpet

Nehemiah kept the trumpeter at his side because “the work is extensive and spread out, and we are widely separated from each other along the wall. Wherever you hear the sound of the trumpet, join us there. Our God will fight for us!”

Our work is also extensive, and we are also widely separated. Let’s sound the unifying Trump of the Lord. Remember, our God still fights for us! We are to work faithfully to spread the glory, love, and salvation this world truly needs.

Here’s an interesting quote by D. L. Moody, that’s on my calendar: ‘”Every great movement of God can be traced to a kneeling figure.” Lord, thanks for Praying Hyde and Father Nash, two praying saints behind previous moves of God that come to mind.

Pastor Josh Gmmiter, October 18th & 19th,
ACF Church

Psalm 3 & A Hymn

musingsalonglifesjourneyLeave a comment

Welcome to another Musing, this time on God’s faithfulness and awesomeness. The Psalm was my reading for the day. The first stanza of this hymn is one that lodged in my thoughts today.

My view from our vehicle on the way home a couple of weeks ago. Yes, I enhanced it to capture God’s amazing glory in the atmosphere.

Psalm 3 is titled:

The LORD Helps His Troubled People

A Psalm of David when he fled from Absalom his son.

3 LORD, how they have increased that trouble me. Many are they who rise up against me.   2. Many are they who say of me, “There is no help for him in God.” Selah

Selah… think about this. Are you troubled by the people around you? Maybe by the bad news and dire predictions swirrling around? Does anyone say that God can’t help you/us? Imagine being King David. Your son has arisen to usurp your throne. He’s gathered his cronies to be coronated before Dad can stop him. How does David handle this?

3. But You, O LORD,  are a shield for me. My glory and the One who lifts up my head.         4. I cried to the LORD with my voice, and He heard me from His holy hill. Selah

Selah… think about this. Are you assured that God hears you? That He can bring glory out of even this trial? David has a track record with the LORD, his God, who has been a shield of protection. He knows God hears his cry for help.

5. I lay down and slept, I awoke for the LORD sustained me.                                                       6. I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people who have set themselves against me all around.

Do you have ten thousand people,  or more, set against you? Are you surrounded? Can you sleep? Can you trust the LORD to sustain you as you sleep, then wake you in the morning?

7. Arise, O LORD; save me, Oh my God! For You have struck all my enemies on the cheek bone; You have broken the teeth of the  ungodly.                                                                 8. Salvation belongs to the LORD. Your blessing is upon Your people. Selah

Selah.  Do you trust the LORD  to be your avenger?  Do you believe that His blessing is upon you? Upon those things/people you care about?

Now, let us turn to the Hymn that rested in my thoughts earlier today. I could only remember the first stanza, so I looked it up on YouTube.

Luke Powell  introduced this hymn by telling that the queen of England requested it for her 60th anniversary of her coronation. For the author, Walter C. Smith, this was the only hymn he wrote that became popular. Immortal, invisible… fhas a focus on the Light of God, as evidenced in the above photo. I’ll share the link to Luke’s video at the end.

Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise

1. Immortal, invisible, God only wise.              in light inaccessible hid from our eyes,      most blessed, most glorious,                            the Ancient of Days,                                 almighty,  victorious,                                         thy great name we praise.

2. Unresting, unhasting, and silent as light,    no wanting, nor wasting, thou rulest in might; thy justice like mountains high soaring above thy clouds, which are fountains.                       of goodness and love.

3.  To all life thou givest, to both great and small;                                                                      in all life thou livest, the true life of all;        we blossom and flourish as leaves on the tree, and wither and perish,                                     but naught changest thee.

4. Great Father of glory, pure Father of light, thine angels adore thee, all veiling their sight; all praise we would render, O help us to see, ’tis only the spendor of light hide the thee.

Words From hymnary.org

HYMN HISTORY/LYRICS ANALYSIS                 by Luke Powell

This hymn reminds me of the evening I took this photo from our deck across the yard.

Selah, I think it’s a loaded word. It’s kind of like a “pregnant pause” people talk about. In these days of wonder, waiting for God’s move, it behooves us to pause at the awe of the LORD.

Declare His will over this land, over your family, over your area. Look up, for our salvation is near. God shall defend the faithful. He is not slow as man considers it, but patient and long suffering. Awaiting the perfect timing for all to fall into place, all for His children’s good, His glory shall be revealed!

Shalom to you all, until next time.

Bible Chapter 8:1-8 in Revelation

musingsalonglifesjourneyLeave a comment

Welcome to the last Chapter 8 in the New Testament. This passage shares the beginning of God’s judgment on earth and the importance of the prayers of the saints.

Seventh Seal: Prelude to the Seven Trumpets
8 When He opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour.

Silence! Would you expect silence as the seal was opened? We shall see that it was necessary.

2 And I saw the seven angels who stand before God, and to them were given seven trumpets.

These seven angels must hold a high status in the kingdom to stand before God. Can you imagine how loud the trumpets will sound after the silence? But hold tight! Before the Trumpet blasts, the angel with a golden censer comes to the altar with the prayers of the saints.

Photo by Vladimir Srajber on Pexels.com

3 Then another angel, having a golden censer, came and stood at the altar. He was given much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all the saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne. 4 And the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, ascended before God from the angel’s hand.

Our prayers are mixed with holy incense. Just as the incense the priests used in the temple, just a foreshadowing of what goes on in heaven, our prayers are a sweet smell that rises before our God. What happens when our prayers and the incense come into contact with fire from the altar?

5 Then the angel took the censer, filled it with fire from the altar, and threw it to the earth. And there were noises, thunderings, lightnings, and an earthquake.

This is where people come up with the term, “Acts of God”, awesome destruction and noise from the heavens. NOW the seven angels can blow the trumpets.

6 So the seven angels who had the seven trumpets prepared themselves to sound. First Trumpet: Vegetation Struck
7 The first angel sounded: And hail and fire followed, mingled with blood, and they were thrown to the earth. And a third of the trees were burned up, and all green grass was burned up.

Vegetation Struck.  Hail and fire mixed with blood thrown down from heaven, 1/3 of the trees, and all of the grass burn up. In an account from a woman who encountered Jesus in heaven, green is Jesus’ favorite color. Can you imagine Jesus mourning the need to destroy all that green because of the world’s evil, sinful ways?

Second Trumpet: The Seas Struck
8 Then the second angel sounded: And something like a great mountain burning with fire was thrown into the sea, and a third of the sea became blood. 9 And a third of the living creatures in the sea died, and a third of the ships were destroyed.

After one-third of the trees and all of the grass on the land were destroyed, something like a burning mountain hit the sea. One-third of the sea became blood: think of the plagues in Egypt when the waters turned to blood. Also, one-third of the living creatures and ships in and on the sea were obliterated.

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

I will not continue with the rest of the seven trumpets here, but let’s focus on the prayers of the saints that started all of this. We have been crying out for God to fix all that is wrong in this life and avenge the evil on earth for many generations. Those cries for help are piling up in heaven.

Worthy Is the Lamb
Revelation 5:8 When He had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each having a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints.

Golden bowls are full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. We who belong to Jesus are the set- apart, sanctified ones. We are the saints this verse refers to. Our prayers rise up to heaven; at least those prayed according to the will of God do.

Make sure you do not give up on praying the will of God on earth as it is in heaven.  We tend to grow weary and disillusioned.  This can stop us from continuing to pray, often just before breakthrough comes.

My dear readers, be encouraged.  We serve a prayer-hearing, prayer-answering God who is faithful to all generations.  Trust him to work on your behalf and keep bringing your concerns before the throne of grace. Evil will not prevail against God’s people. He will keep us through the days of peril and storm as He has done throughout all generations. Remember, Romans 12:19 Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to [God’s] wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. It is not for us to beg the Lord to act, but for us to pray according to His will and speak out declarations and decrees in the name and power of Jesus. We can’t go wrong using Scripture as the Spirit leads. If we do not take up and use what Christ has bought for us, it will not be done here on earth as it is in heaven.

I remind you; my first major book event is only two weeks away! If you cannot attend, please pray for me to be led by the Holy Spirit.

God With Us

musingsalonglifesjourneyLeave a comment

Last post I told you about reading Chad Gonzales’ devotional Think Like Jesus and today I would like to share another day with you. Day 35: The Father Is Always With Me.

Don’t be obsessed with money but live content with what you have, for you always have God’s presence. For hasn’t he promised you, “I will never leave you, never! And I will not loosen my grip on your life!” So we can say with great confidence: “I know the Lord is for me and I will never be afraid of what people may do to me!”

Hebrews 13:5-6 TPT

Emanuel, God with us… soon we will hear Christmas carols proclaiming this message. What does it mean in reality? Because Jesus came in the flesh, fully man and fully God, he showed us what it’s like having the Father dwelling inside a human body. Thanks to Father sending us the Holy Spirit after Jesus rose from the dead, we have Father God inside of us, Father God all around us, once Jesus Christ comes into our being by faith.

So, even if everyone leaves us or turns against us as Jesus foretold the disciples all would in John 16:32-33, the Father did not leave him and will not leave us. In our small group, we are reading Present Perfect Finding God in the Now by Gregory A. Boyd.

This book is all about inviting God into every moment of our lives. It’s remembering that Father is always with us, waiting to join with us to bring Heaven down to earth. This means we can live full of peace, always have joy, and always overcome because in Christ, we always have the victory.

16 Therefore do not let your good be spoken of as evil; 17 for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. 18 For he who serves Christ in these things is acceptable to God and approved by men.

Romans 14:16-18

This passage is about food and drink and Jewish Law, but in the midst of it, we see our portion in Father God here on earth as it is in Heaven: righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. If we abide in Christ and he in us, no matter what state we are in, we can be joyous, peaceable, and firm in our standing with the Father.

My comment posted on Hannah’s A Grateful Life Lived blog:

Oh, Hannah! Brokenness brings wholeness in the Lord’s mighty hand. Tears are from the overwhelming move of the Spirit on our human bodies that can’t contain it, whether from joy, pain, or conviction. Remember, the Lord is always with you and in you. The light within us is the light of Christ! Let it suffuse your being until there’s no room for anything but God’s presence and thanksgiving for all He has and is doing in your life. Shalom, precious sister!

You can quickly read her post by clicking here:

https://agratefullifelived.com/2022/11/11/somehow/

My dear readers, may you be broken, overwhelmed by the presence of the Lord inside and all around you. May this lead to new revelations of who you are in Christ, and boldness to step out in the plans and purposes He has for you, so you can do your part in bringing Heaven culture -and the Father’s will- down in the midst of your life here on earth.

Here is a view of God’s bounty harvested from our garden and settled in our storage cabinet. This was taken before all the chutneys and apple sauce I processed in October and November, which displaced things and filled up most of the top shelf. It’s satisfying seeing the fruits of our labor and know we are able to bless so many people besides ourselves with what God has provided. May you experience God’s abundance so you can bless others as well. Shalom dear ones!

The Goodness of God

musingsalonglifesjourney2 Comments

Welcome to another of my musings. While I was with my family in Vermont, I found how to scroll YouTube shorts. I found the same song by different artists about six times in fifteen minutes. This song has been running in my head and been on my tongue for over a week, so I share it with you here and will add my own comments as it goes.

Bethel Music

I love You, Lord
Oh, your mercy never failed me
All my days, I’ve been held in your hands
From the moment that i wake up
Until i lay my head
Oh, i will sing of the goodness of God

Do you believe God has never failed you? Is it fathomable that you have been held in His hands every day of your life?

And all my life you have been faithful
And all my life you have been so, so good
With every breath that i am able
Oh, i will sing of the goodness of God

What about you? How many of your breaths do you use to sing of the goodness of God?

I love your voice
You have led me through the fire
And in darkest night you are close like no other
I’ve known you as a Father
I’ve known you as a Friend
And i have lived in the goodness of God, yeah

What fire has the Lord led you through? Have you found Him close in your darkest nights? Do you personally know the Lord as Father and Friend?

And all my life you have been faithful, oh-oh-oh
And all my life you have been so, so good
With every breath that i am able
Oh, i will sing of the goodness of God, yeah

‘Cause your goodness is running after, it’s running after me
Your goodness is running after, it’s running after me
With my life laid down, i’m surrendered now
I give you everything
‘Cause your goodness is running after, it’s running after me, oh-oh
‘Cause your goodness is running after, it’s running after me
Your goodness is running after, it’s running after me
With my life laid down, i’m surrendered now
I give you everything
‘Cause your goodness is running after, it keeps running after me

Can you lay your life down and surrender all you have, giving it all to our Father God? Does His goodness lead you to deep surrender?

And all my life you have been faithful
And all my life you have been so, so good
With every breath that i am able
Oh, i’m gonna sing of the goodness of God
I’m gonna sing, i’m gonna sing

‘Cause all my life you have been faithful
And all my life you have been so, so good
With every breath that i am able
Oh, i’m gonna sing of the goodness of God
Oh, i’m gonna sing of the goodness of God

Songwriters: Jason Ingram, Ed Cash, Brian Mark Johnson, Jenn Louise Johnson, Ben David Fielding. For non-commercial use only.

So, this song is still running through my head and coming out on my breath going on two weeks with only minor breaks. The Lord is wooing us. Can you sense it? He’s asking us to be humble and lay everything down. It’s difficult to crucify this flesh, but oh, so worth it! Let Jesus fill your whole being. This way there is no room for anything the enemy has put on you to stay, no room for anything to come into you.

I met a woman standing outside Hannaford. She had two layers of knee braces on one leg and was waiting for a ride home. I went with Holy Spirit’s prompting and said, “Hey, can I pray for your knee? Mine has been healed and I know Jesus can heal yours too.” She was very willing to have me pray and eager for me to lay my hand on her knee while I did it! Well, my knee is not totally restored, but boy, did I find overflowing joy as I got in the truck! “Lord, does it heal my knee when I speak that You healed it and pray for someone else while my healing is in the process of manifesting?” I’m thinking something supernatural is happening and gaining boldness to step out more often in faith.

I’ll leave you with a YouTube video of this week’s song so you can sing along:

God, Our Help

musingsalonglifesjourney2 Comments

Welcome readers to another musing, a hymn the Spirit brought to mind from my youth. As we go through these challenging times, let us reflect on where our help comes from.

GOD, OUR HELP, IN AGES PAST
TEXT: Isaac Watts
MUSIC: William Croft

1. O God, our help in ages past,
Our hope for years to come,
Our shelter from the stormy blast,
And our eternal home!

2. Beneath the shadow of Thy throne
Thy saints have dwelt secure.
Sufficient is Thine arm alone,
And our defense is sure.

3. Before the hills in order stood,
Or earth received her frame,
From everlasting Thou art God,
To endless years the same.

4. Thy word commands our flesh to dust:
“Return, ye sons of men!”
All nations rose from earth at first
And turn to earth again.

5. A thousand ages in Thy sight
Are like an evening gone.
Short as the watch that ends the night
Before the rising sun.

6. O God our help in ages past,
Our hope for years to come,
Be Thou our guard while troubles last,
And our eternal home.
Public Domain http://ighymns.herokuapp.com/hymns/o-god-our-help-in-ages-past

Yesterday, today, and forever, our God is our help and guide through the deepest waters, the hottest flames, the tallest mountains, the lowest valleys. Jesus is always our grace for today and bright hope for tomorrow. Don’t trust in governments, stay away from the fake news, and fill your life with prayer and God’s Word. Our joy truly comes from no other place but the Lord God Almighty.

I will lift up my eyes to the hills from whence comes my help, for my help comes from the LORD, maker of heaven and earth!

Glimpses of Heaven Connection

musingsalonglifesjourneyLeave a comment

Welcome to another session of musings. I am coming to the end of the 21-day fast and have been reading books about heaven, after reading Once Upon A Wardrobe by Patti Callahan and Stories From The Glory by Ruth Carneal with Kevin Zadai. Since the mid-1980s, I have been collecting books about heaven and all this time more people are having NDEs [near-death experiences] and increasingly frequent heaven encounters without a health crisis. As I read Touching Heaven by Dr. Chauncey Crandall, the following Scriptures stood out to me and I’d like to share them with you all.

Psalm 14:2 The Lord looks down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there are any who understand, who seek God.

Acts 17:26 He made from one blood all nations who live on the earth. He set the times and places where they should live.

27 “They were to look for God. Then they might feel after Him and find Him because He is not far from each one of us. [NLV Bible]

So, God is looking for us to understand, to seek after Him. Every one of us came from one blood, no matter what nation we come from. He is the one who put us on the earth at the appointed time for our birth, in the place He chose for us to live. God is close to any of us who choose to seek Him. The barrier between heaven and earth realms is minimal these days!

Psalm 63:1 O God, You are my God. I will look for You with all my heart and strength. My soul is thirsty for You. My flesh is weak wanting You in a dry and tired land where there is no water. [NLV Bible]

We are all in a time of challenges. What are you looking toward for remedies? Are you trying to get “milk out of a dry cow”?

Psalm 10:14 But You have seen, for You observe trouble and grief,
To repay it by Your hand. The helpless commits himself to You;
You are the helper of the fatherless.

We are all fatherless if we have not found our true Father, the Lord God almighty!

2 Chronicles 20:12 O our God, will You not judge them? For we have no power against this great multitude that is coming against us; nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are upon You.”

The enemy is hitting us all hard with the triple threat of fear, confusion and greed. They surround us on every side with people who “know what’s best” for us. They shook everything around us to the roots.

Luke 18:1 Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart…

Hang on! Help is on the way. God has said, “Enough!” His judgements are sure and He will now shake everything that can be shaken. Where is your hope anchored? Faith is trust in a Father who never lets us go. You can trust Him to provide all you need in Christ Jesus. The Lord shall hold in His hands all who trust Him, far above the chaos. It will save you along with your whole family if you stand in faith during this next phase. Revival married to renewal await us to step into the things God has for us.

On page 55 of Touching Heaven, Dr. Crandall quotes Reinhard Bonnke: “Faith is not a mental exercise to believe the impossible… It is not believing in ‘something’ at all [such as a miracle]. Faith is trust in God. It is personal… always about believing [Jesus].“ This is when Chauncey had done all that is earthly possible to cure his son’s leukemia.

I leave you with the book I am currently reading, Imagine Heaven by John Burke. Burke uses excerpts of stories I’ve already read, beginning with the first I read about a young soldier during the war who died of pneumonia and found himself with a heavenly encounter. Burke uses a lot of professional people’s stories; those you know must be telling the truth because otherwise, they would suffer ridicule and loss for coming forward. Keep a heavenly mindset as your destination or you will be no earthly good! Shalom dear friends.

Hey There!

musingsalonglifesjourneyLeave a comment

Hey you!!!!!! You’re probably thinking I’ve used too many exclamation marks, Lol. Don’t blame me, I’m excited because The Lord is on the move! Don’t continue to get distracted by what is happening around you. Don’t take to heart the dire news feed. Trust that Father God has a plan to redeem this trial for His glory as they glorified Him when Lazarus walked out of his tomb in grave clothes after four days dead, a foretaste of the power of Christ’s resurrection [John chapter 11].

Lamentations 3:22 Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed,
because His compassions fail not. 23 They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.

Notice this says “every morning”? It includes this morning in that promise and tomorrow. Let us continue to encourage each other with psalms, hymns, and songs of praise. If you don’t have a song of joy in your heart, ask Holy Spirit to provide one. This world is getting darker, but that means our light is growing brighter as we walk in Christ. Our salt is getting saltier as we share what God has done for us! How will others know of the goodness of God toward those He loves if we don’t share His goodness we’ve experienced? If we join in rehearsing all the problems and how the world is ‘going to hell in a handbasket’, we just add fuel to the funeral pyre that’s being built with words and chaos in our nation and around the world. I can see the forces of evil dancing with glee as we devour each other without them lifting a finger!

The Parable of the Fig Tree

Luke 21:29 Then He spoke to them a parable: “Look at the fig tree, and all the trees. 30 When they are already budding, you see and know for yourselves that summer is now near. 31 So you also, when you see these things happening, know that the kingdom of God is near. 32 Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all things take place. 33 Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.”

Yes, notice what is happening, but do not be in awe or let things shake you. The kingdom of God is near, which means His glory is ready to fall as Heaven culture is manifest on earth. Keep trusting our faithful Father God.

The Importance of Watching

Luke 21:34 “But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that Day come on you unexpectedly. 35 For it will come as a snare on all those who dwell on the face of the whole earth. 36 Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man.”

Notice the things that trip us up: carousing, drunkenness, cares of this life. Translate these to overeating, binge watching, lost in a video game… crisis or drama in your life fed by social media.

So what should we do as the day of the Lord comes closer? Watch to see what God is doing, pray always, and accept the cleansing blood of Christ Jesus daily. I pray as we draw nearer to the Lord, righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit be your portion. Amen.

End Times?

musingsalonglifesjourneyLeave a comment

In Luke 21 Jesus’ disciples were asking what the signs of the end of the age would look like. We have been in the Church age and “last days” since Jesus died and rose from the dead and now the end is closer than before. There has been an anti-christ in each generation, but THE anti-christ truly waiting in the wings? Jesus wanted to illuminate His disciples and teach them how to act and react in the times we’re in. Let’s see what Jesus had to say.

Luke 21:8 And He said: “Take heed that you not be deceived. For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am He,’ and, ‘The time has drawn near.’ Therefore do not go after them. 9 But when you hear of wars and commotions, do not be terrified; for these things must come to pass first, but the end will not come immediately.”

10 Then He said to them, “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. 11 And there will be great earthquakes in various places, and famines and pestilences; and there will be fearful sights and great signs from heaven. 12 But before all these things, they will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons. You will be brought before kings and rulers for My name’s sake. 13 But it will turn out for you as an occasion for testimony. 14 Therefore settle it in your hearts not to meditate beforehand on what you will answer; 15 for I will give you a mouth and wisdom which all your adversaries will not be able to contradict or resist. 16 You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers, relatives and friends; and they will put some of you to death. 17 And you will be hated by all for My name’s sake. 18 But not a hair of your head shall be lost. 19 By your patience possess your souls.”

This passage packs a lot in! Do not be deceived, do not be terrified. Terrible things must come, but you will be brought before rulers so you can testify of Jesus! Holy Spirit will fill your mouth with wisdom that will confound the wise. Even though you’ll be hated for Christ’s sake, not a hair of your head shall be lost, so let patience possess your souls.

Many of our brothers and sisters in various lands are experiencing persecution as we speak. I’ve heard testimonies of people in jail witnessing to those around them and revival breaking out. There are many testimonies of the Lord’s saving power and provision. Depths of the Father’s love have manifested, miracle provisions strengthened, and healings, signs and miracles have paved the way for the Gospel. These days I pray the fruits of the Spirit be so ripe in me they squirt out of me when I’m squeezed.

So, are we to prepare for “Jacob’s troubles”; hide away, buy gold and precious metals, stockpile food, water, TOILET PAPER?? Should we despair, throw up our hands and look for Jesus to come on the clouds? Or are we poised for a third Great Awakening and the biggest revival ever?

Mark 13:8 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be earthquakes in various places, and there will be famines and troubles. These are the beginnings of sorrows. *Literally birth pangs

Listening to various prophets and aligning their words with Scripture, I believe we are amid birth pangs. If you’ve ever experienced actual birth pangs, you know they are not steady or intense at first. As labor proceeds, the pains come more frequent, steady and increase in intensity. I’ve had labors last about four hours, although it could have been longer. First labor I had a foot pressing on my rib the entire day before and didn’t go into noticeable labor until my water broke at 11 p.m. and we headed to the hospital and delivered within less than an hour. My fourth pregnancy I started bleeding before I really had any contractions, put in a birthing bed at midnight with erratic contractions until they administered pitocin at 10 A.M. and delivered our third son about an hour later. Before hard, fast contractions, that labor had simmered for most of 12 hours. In these days of increasing pressure and persecution; Spirit labor pains, how should we conduct ourselves as the Body of Christ? Let’s look at some more Scriptures.

Ephesians 5:18 And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit, 19 speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, 20 giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ…

Let your spirit take over and commune with God’s Holy Spirit. Encourage and admonish each other and spur each other on to magnificent works and thanksgiving.

Proverbs 4:23 Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life.

Proverbs 18:21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.

Keep your heart in the Word and keep a sweet word on your tongue. Filled with the Holy Spirit, this gets much easier!

1 Peter 5:6 Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, 7 casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.

Be patient and humble, letting all your anxious thoughts and angry thoughts lay on God. This means stop watching all the dire news and perilous predictions. Many come from the second heaven where the devil resides. Don’t take to heart the prophecies and dreams reported that glorify the enemy. Ask the Lord to give you visions and dreams about what He is doing. Ask Him to give you understanding. This is part of the relationship Jesus bought us by His sacrifice. Join King Jesus being salt and light in your part of this darkening world.

Philippians 1:13 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.

As our warfare against evil continues. Forget the things behind because they’re gone forever. Reach forward to the things ahead as you rest in the Father’s love and provision for this day. Keep pressing on to the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Fight the good fight and pray for God’s will to be done. I have joined the prayer movement found at:

https://www.firewallusa.com/

This is not just for the USA; other nations are joining as well. I encourage you to go to this site and sign up for an hour to pray for our nation from now through November. I chose 6-7 a.m. Monday -Friday. This may become a normal routine and continue past the elections! In these troubled, awesome times, I pray Shalom be upon my dear readers!

Racism???

musingsalonglifesjourneyLeave a comment

Good day dear readers! Racism is a huge sin in this world; not just in the USA! As it’s festering and raising its ugly head again, I will share what I found at http://www.destinyimage.com [full web address after Kelly Varner’s quotes] and some verses from the Bible.

James Goll points out that the three persons of the Holy Trinity are one; they complement each other without competing, jealousy or covetousness. Most of us, even if we call ourselves Christian, are far away from the oneness of Father, Son and Spirit with our neighbors and fellow Believers. People say, “Sunday is the most segregated day of the week.”

As pastor and author Kelley Varner writes, “God hates racism in any form—it is sin. Racism is rooted in degeneracy, pride, superior attitudes, ignorance, and fear. Unregenerate Adamic flesh is the soil from which racism springs. Included here are pride of place (social status),

pride of face (physical attributes),

pride of grace (religious or denominational traditions),

and pride of race (based on skin color or ethnicity). “

Kelley Varner, The Three Prejudices https://www.destinyimage.com/2020/07/02/americas-greatest-generational-sin/?

As for me, I think my social status is middle-class, my physical attributes white European; maybe WASP. I trace my roots back to Germany where I’m sure there were a few Huns in the bloodline, European Ashkenazi Jews, and Scotland where we are from the Douglas and Bowes clans, most likely related to “Brave Heart” (or at least fought with him). As far as denominations and religious traditions, I grew up in a Presbyterian church with many proud “Denominationalists” to learn from, then moved to a Spirit filled church that came from a Mennonite church. I now am part of an independent Charismatic church. Over the years I have been prideful in the fact I can sing, I read my Bible, and am filled with the Holy Spirit and speak in other tongues. But what do I have that God did not give me? Where does pride have a leg to stand on when the ground is level at the cross?

Jesus prayed to the Father for us;

John 3:12 … that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. 22 And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: 23 I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me.

What does the Bible say about race relations?

Galatians 3:27 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

And again Paul says:

Colossians 3:9 Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds, 10 and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him, 11 where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcised nor uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave nor free, but Christ is all and in all.

Let us drop all that divides us and come together. Until each of us sees others as God sees us, until we all accept that every person on earth has intrinsic worth. Because all humans have an eternal soul and blood running through their veins; all of it red. Let us strive to outdo each other in brotherly and sisterly love, preferring others above ourselves. and heed Jesus’ command:

Mark 16:15 And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.”

1Timothy 2:5  For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus... Until we meet again, I pray Shalom over you all dear readers. Amen.