Godly Discernment

I was out in my spearmint patch this morning pulling weeds. I had made one pass and was looking more intently on the second. I found a weed that was so simular to the real plant that I missed it the first time. Then the Lord popped up and said, "If you do not stay in my word and discern with my wisdom (by the revelation of the Holy Spirt), you will think you are following Me but you will actually be following him (the deciever)." I prayed for God's discernment to fill me to the core. Many will be deceived in the days to come. Watch and pray! Matthew 24:4, Mark 13:5, Luke 21:8, 1Peter 5:8, John 10:10

Run...Mary Jane...Run!

In December of 2015, I ended a relationship that was basically built upon lies, not mine but his. When God showed me how all the pieces would fit together, I was shocked at how ugly the picture was going to turn out. And so I walked away…and when I did, I felt like the life of faith and creativity that I had once known was being sucked out of me and in its place, a stronghold of fear. What I wanted so badly had turned into a nightmare, a mental battle for my character, my authority and my peace of mind.

For almost nine months, the enemy of my soul flooded my mind with so much negative criticism that it was hard to combat the depression. I had a hard time reading the Bible and listening to Christian music because I felt condemn not only for what had just happened but then the enemy headed for my past insecurities as well. Now, I know condemnation is not from God (Romans 8:1) but I felt powerless with the heavy on slot of accusations. Just because you know what to do doesn’t make it easy to do it in a time of pressing trouble. I tried speaking and reading the Word out loud. Claiming the promises. However, whatever I did, my ‘believe’ was not there and so my faith was cut short. It looked like life had forever changed and with little hope, I was going downhill fast. However, I felt compelled to keep going forward to fight the good fight of faith with the little hope that I had until I regained my lost mental territory.

During all this time, the Lord was relentlessly faithful to me through the love and faithfulness of family, friends and church. Also, I saw 10 10 everywhere which to me could only mean one thing.

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy;

I came that they may have life, and ^[a]have it abundantly

John 10:10

                                               

Then there was the word He gave to me personally as the healing had barely begun.

January 7, 2016

You are my darling wife to be. I had to come rescue you. I love you, appreciate you, and adore you. I did not want you to be swallowed up by your circumstances. Come follow Me back to health, both physically and spiritually. See what I can do in a short period of time. You are not alone neither have I forsaken you. You have wanted to quit but I won’t let you. You are my precious child who I want to help. Yes, you lost your way, but I grabbed you by the hand and rescued you and have put you on solid ground. Seek me Mary Jane. Trust that I will bring you through. I know you are afraid right now and I have my loving arms around you. You are not alone. Follow Me, Mary Jane, follow Me.

With all the affirmations and confirmations, the enemy sought even more desperately to destroy me and my relationship with the Lord.

When my prayers changed from “Oh God, help me!!!” to intensionally praying for others and praying the opposite to whatever the enemy was telling me, my mind slowly began to respond. I knew then that I had broken down a line of the enemy’s defense. God was doing His part. Now I needed to do mine.

Afterwards, I heard the Lord say, “You have got to get out and walk.” As much as I wanted to stay sheltered, I knew I had to listen to His directions. In late October 2016 after walking for about six weeks, I started seeing major release from the enemy’s mind control. I was gaining confidence and courage to resist all the lies. It still was not easy but I was determined.

Since my mind was beginning to clear from the negative thoughts, I started to see my positive creative imagination began to peep out. Oh, how I had longed for my writing to spring forth again.  The Lord was right. Being out in nature was helping me to heal.

Lastly, I felt the Lord say, Running your race will give you endurance,” so that’s what I did. I started running some and then some more. Each week or so I would increase my running a little bit more.  And each and every week I was gaining back my mental strength. In November of 2016, I entered my first 5K at South Mountain Christian Camp. As I crossed the finish line to win 2^nd place in my age group, I knew I was well on my way to being myself again.

 As of today, I have racked up many 5Ks, a couple of 10Ks, with my latest goal of a half marathon coming up in three weeks. My main goal there is to finish within the allotted time. Pretty good for an out of shape 61-year old beginner, don’t you think? Do I love to run now? No, I can’t say that I do but I love where it is taking me and that keeps me joyfully putting one foot in front of the other as fast as a can.

PRASIE BE TO GOD FOR HIS WONDERFUL FAITHFULNESS!

Are you going through a mentally tough time right now? I know it is not easy and sometimes your fears seem like they are going to over take you. But do not lose heart. Jesus is right there with you, holding your hand too. Read the words the Lord gave me again but insert you name instead. He wants to help you overcome whatever it is you are facing. Go to Him the best way you know how. No matter what the situation is, Jesus is waiting for you to let go and let Him help you.

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As I prepared for a recent 5miler race in downtown Columbia, I told the Lord I could not do this without Him. What He answered me with was a vision of me running down the street with a large angel, flying overhead. At the race, as I came around the corner to run the last quarter mile, my earlier vision came to life. The two scenes were exactly the same. I knew without a shadow of doubt that a large angel was flying overhead cheering me on.

Keep Yourselves From Idols

Dear Children,

Keep yourselves from idols.

I John 5:21

Recently, a friend of mine asked me to look at houses with him. We began our search through the Internet to pick out the ones he wanted to see. Afterwards, he called a realtor in the area.

There was one property in particular that got our attention. As we viewed the house, we noticed there were pictures of different gods hanging in several of the rooms. Then when we toured the ground, we discovered two large wooden platforms with concrete idols on them.  As I inquired of the Lord, he told me this was like the idols of old in Isaiah’s time. I knew this form of worship still existed but it was strange to see it in an area so close to me. Needless to say, if my friend chose this property, he would have to make sure all the idols were gone and the land was cleansed.

Most of us in the Christian world cannot really identify with statues and that kind of idol. So let’s go a little closer.

What is an idol? Idols are anything that distracts us from the one true God who is our identity and true source of supply. We are drawn to idols because they can foster our need to be loved and accepted . Then of course, we have them to help us in our time of need. (But do they?)

As I thought about this more, I asked the Lord for a deeper meaning. This is what he gave me.

I     Deny     Our     Lord

access to my life.

What does it mean to deny?

·      to refuse to agree with

·      to withhold possession

·      to refuse to recognize or acknowledge

·      to withhold accessibility

In other words, when we deny the Lord, we are not allowing his influence to reign over a particular area of our life.

Now… most of us can name some of the biggie idols that we could have… our career, pride and ego, materialism, sports figures, TV personalities, children or even grandchildren. However, let’s dig a little different direction. How about…

·      Negative attitudes and criticisms of others, the need to be right

·      Offenses, bitterness, and unforgiveness

·      Worry and guilt

·      What others will think of me

Suddenly, idols may be closer to home then what we would like to admit. Idols are sneaky, if you are not vigilant. You give them an inch and they can take a mile. They start out innocently but slowly dig deep roots into our heart. Idols take away our sense of spiritual reasoning and choice. The thing about idols is, when you get in a pinch and really need the power to overcome, idols have no power to save you from whatever you are going through.

So what is the answer?  The real answer is not an idol at all. It is a personal relationship with Christ Jesus. He is not man made idol but  the true Son of God who has the power and grace to help us through whatever situation we face. If you haven't met Him personally, I encourage you to seek him out. Discovering Jesus's love for you will change your life forever.

The devil comes to kill, steal and destory but I have come to give you life and that more abundantly. 

John 10:10

The Chain Is Tightening

I met a young man named Jeremy this week. He expressed that he was deeply troubled about forgiving the man who murdered his uncle long ago. After serving a twelve-year sentence, the man convicted would be freed in the next several months. Jeremy was uneasy about the man’s upcoming release.

Jeremy looked up to his uncle and the fine Christian man he became. However, something must have happened to his uncle’s Christian resolve. Slowly, alcohol crept in and took over until his uncle ended up in the “gutter of life.” It was there that the gunman took the uncle’s life. Jeremy was heart broken over the way his uncle’s life had ended. I perceived Jeremy was not only mad at the shooter but also his uncle as well. He didn’t understand how this could have happened to a man once so dedicated to the Lord.

I explained to Jeremy that the enemy is very subtle as he works to deceive God’s children. He gradually convinces us that we have become worthless to God, and we will not be able to rise up out of our pit of regrets anymore. Self-condemnation and shame becomes the stronghold that keeps us bound inside. Finally, the enemy wants to secure our death so that we will never be a threat to his kingdom again. (John 10:10)

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Later, the Lord showed me a picture of a chain around Jeremey’s neck.

First, I recognized the chain as a choker like one used on a dog to insure obedience. If Jeremy’s present state of mind continued, the enemy would father tighten his control and eventually choke the life of God out of him leaving him bitter and defeated.

Why did God allow this to happen? I have the right to be angry. Look what that guy did to my family. I am still having nightmares. My uncle was a good man. I don’t think I have the strength to forgive him after what he has done.

In other words, I sensed Jeremy was not sure he was ready to give up the battle he had maintained all these years.

Likewise, a second picture appeared. I recognized the chain as a beautiful necklace that all could see and appreciate. I sensed that God wanted to initiate a personal promise to Jeremy. If he would show grace and mercy by learning to forgive this murderer, then God would bless Jeremy abundantly with the peace, the joy, and freedom He knew Jeremy needed.

Then, when Jeremy was ready, God also desired to help him use his uncle’s death to become a living testimony of God’s love and forgiveness. In this way, Jeremy could honor his uncle’s memory instead of allowing the past to destroy his life.

Don’t let the power of the past dominate

your present and determine your future.

Now, Jeremy has a choice to make.

   

What about you? Is there a crisis in your life that requires forgiveness to gain freedom? Are you going to be someone who will keeps a bitter vendetta alive or someone who will rise and became a living testimony of what God’s forgiveness can do? 

What will YOU choose?

What’s A Snake?

Quite some time ago, I lived in a place called Lake Providence, LA. The town was built around this beautiful cypress crusted oxbow lake formed from the Mississippi River centuries earlier. We loved to go down to the lake and sit on the dock. You could catch catfish, brim, and bass and swimming anytime the weather permitted.

One day, while I was sitting out on the pier, I noticed a snake had caught a catfish and was proceeding to swallow the fish whole! When I walked over to observe, the catfish was halfway in. But as I stood there, I noticed the snake reversed his intent and began to release the catfish from his jaws. Soon the fish and the snake were gone.(Video of snake/fish)

Researched characteristics of snakes:

·      They can ‘unlock’ their jaw to accommodate any size meal they catch.

·      Their skin is expandable so the meal can go all the way in to be digested.

As I pondered on the spiritual implication, the Holy Spirit spoke up and said, “The snake is just a mouth and a tail.”

“Yes, but what do you mean by that statement?” I replied.

“The enemy has a big mouth. His mouth can only speak negatively about your past, the tail. He cannot proclaim or create truth so everything that comes out is a lie.” the Holy Spirit answered.

Yeah, I thought.He gains power by manipulating my thoughts and feelings to make me doubt whether I am measuring up to God’s standards. The enemy wants me to remain insecure about God’s love and the power of Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross. So if I agree with the enemy, he will proceed to unlock his jaws and swallow me whole. Slowly and methodical, worrisome thoughts fill my mind as his mouth covers my head halfway. If the enemy of our soul can maintain control of my thinking and keep me double minded about God's love and forgiveness then he will be able to swallow me whole killing my passion and my destiny.

So…how should I think about our past sins then? Are they all forgiven?

If we confess our sins, his faithful and just to forgive us our sins,

 and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

I John 1:9

When I went back to study the Greek translation on this passage and others, I found out Jesus not only took all my sins (past, present, future) away but having to feel the shame, guilt, and condemnation of them too. I never have to think about the past again in a negative light. I use it to show others His amazing grace. If I allow these negative thoughts to swallow me up, then it is not God who is glorified in my ‘self-proclaimed humbleness’ but it is Satan’s lies that I am exalting. I have had a hard time believing the total scope of God’s grace but I am now opening my heart to believe. The result is I am experiencing freedom and boldness on a whole new level.

Are you struggling with thought patterns designed to sidetrack your progress? We all do. However, the ones who can see those patterns for what they really are, throw those destructive thoughts out and replace them with the Truth of God’s word. It may not be easy but it is life changing. Blessings to all who are reexamining the Truth that will set them free.

Then you will know the truth and 

the truth WILL set you free. 

John 8:32

Is Jesus Your Savior And Lord?

I don’t need Jesus as Lord over my life. 

I have Him as Savior and that’s all I want! 

These were the words I heard from a friend not long ago. As I pondered their implication, my heart broke. I sought the Lord in prayer and intercession. The Lord responded with a vision and a word of wisdom.

What I saw was the narthex of a small church with several people standing around. Two were whispering to each other while another kept to himself. One was sitting in a chair reading a newspaper. One scared and indecisive woman bit her fingernails while she paced back and forth in front of the double doors. I could see there were rays of light coming through the small windows in the doors. The handles were on the outside ready when anyone of them decided to enter. As I looked through the windows, I could see the glory of Jesus towards the front. Many were singing and raising their hands in praise. Others danced with joy. I felt the love and faith the people inside had for their Savior and Lord.

Then the Lord said,

“Yes their sins are forgiven. However, they are still choosing to be lead by the enemy’s wisdom instead of learning to renew their mind and rely on My Word. I long for them to trust Me fully and live in My Presence. I want to show them how to overcome and live in victory as Lord of their life. For those who are willing to turn towards Me, I will show them the abundant life they so desire.”

Receiving Jesus as our Savior in our life takes a God-given measure of faith. But, accepting Jesus as Lord takes a willingness on our part to develop that measure of faith into total trust. When we are unwilling to risk learning more about kingdom living, then we will live far below the victorious life that Jesus fought and died to give us.

Instead of walking by faith, we will continue to depend on ourselves. We won’t seek His word for wisdom or others for godly counsel. We convince ourselves faith development is to hard. Stress and fear will plague us. After we have unsuccessfully struggled through a challenge, we then begin to wonder why God had not been more helpful, forgetting we shut Him out earlier.

Jesus desires to be there to help us with every aspect of our lives no matter how big or small. The question is: Do we want His kind of help?

Today, think about where you stand with the Lord. Is He Savior and Lord of your life? Do you want Him to be? Then, think about what you need to do to get where you would like to be? Choose wisely. God awaits your commitment and choice.

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. 3 For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith.

Romans 12:1-3

New King James Version (NKJV)