Victory!

Don't think that the work you do for the Lord is insignificant. It may seem small at the moment, but seeds grow, if they are properly watered. God who started the work will bring it to completion. He is watching over it and protecting His interests, even though you feel He is leaving you to struggle on your own. Keep praying about these things, because your prayer accomplishes much. Pray until you are assured of breakthrough! The breakthrough always comes first in the spiritual realm, then manifests in the physical. This takes time, because the enemy will try to hinder on every side. But he has lost the battle; you just need to wait for the victory to be revealed. Be in an attitude of praise!

 'The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this temple; and his hands will also complete it' Zechariah 4:9 Don't despise the day of small things 4:10.

Be Encouraged!

David had a lot of trouble on every side. Trouble with the Philistines; trouble with the Amalekites; trouble with his own people and trouble with his friends. When David and his men came to Ziglag they found the city burned, their wives, sons, and daughters taken captive. They all wept until they could weep no more 1 Sam 30:4. David had lost his wives, and was greatly distressed. His own people had also lost their wives and wanted vengeance. They turned on David and wanted to stone him because of their grief.
David had lost everything. Even his friends were not standing with him in his distress. So David encouraged himself in the Lord his God 1 Sam 30:7. He was strengthened and pursued the Amalekites and recovered all that they had taken 'there was nothing lacking to them, neither sons nor daughters, neither spoil, nor anything that they had taken; David recovered all'. 1 Sam 30:19
If no one else encourages you, encourage yourself in the Lord. Sing hymns, spiritual songs, believe God's word, shout it aloud in the face of the enemy. The devil wants to bring discouragement, but be encouraged for you shall take the spoil from your enemies if you hold fast to the Lord God Almighty. He will give you the victory.

Step Forward!

Wait for new vision and motivation to come to you from the presence of the Lord. As you worship, read His word, and bring your requests to Him, He will empower you with a new perspective and new thoughts. The vision will bring direction and clarity to your path and the things that seemed difficult and wearysome will suddenly become easy. The fresh wind is gently blowing and will gather momentum to take you forward. Keep stepping forward, even though you think the steps are small, they are significant. Your efforts are not in vain.

 'Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labour is not in vain' 1Cor 15:58.

I Hear You!

Don't allow yourself to become despondant over the needs that you see in my work on earth. I have visited my people and assessed their situations. Many lack because they do not call to me, and are not willing to give themselves sacrificially. They must love me with all their heart, and cleave to me in all their ways. But I am gracious and overlook their mistakes when they reach out to me with honest hearts. I am not just there to provide things, I desire to give Myself. Pray for them to focus on Me and Who I am.
I hear the cries of my people. I see them struggling with heavy burdens. Just as I delivered the Israelites from Egypt, so will I intervene again for them. I am raising up 'Deliverers' who will deeply care, intercede with tears and groanings, and they will lead my people to their destination.
Stand in the gap for them. Pray to your heavenly Father for them. He is good, and will supply in unexpected ways. Take your eyes off your own problems which keep you looking inward, but look upward and outward. There is still much you can accomplish. In fact you will achieve more for me in the coming years than you ever did in those that have passed. You are on earth for My kingdom purposes and will see the fulfillment and fruition of your labours. They are not in vain. Don't get bogged down by it all! Rejoice! I hear and answer.

 'I am the Lord, and will bring you out from the burdens of the Egyptians, and I will rid you of their bondage, and I will redeem you with outstretched arm, and with great judgements: And I will take you to me for a people, and you shall know that I am the Lord your God' Exodus 6:6,7

Water of Life.

For the water to flow there has to come a breaking. Moses struck the rock for the children of Israel to have water. Jesus side was pierced with a spear, and both blood and water issued forth. For the child to be born, the waters in the womb have to break.
A person who has been broken, chastened and disciplined, by the Lord is someone He can use. The person who has had nail prints in their hands, and experienced the cross in their lives, who has suffered as part of His sufferings, is pliable and compassionate in a way that others are not. This kind of person easily forgives, because they know in their hearts that they also have been forgiven much. They reach out with a hand of friendship and understanding, giving kindness to others. Because they know Him who has loved them beyond knowing.
This kind of person does not seek gain for themselves, they do not quickly judge another, they do not always want the best seat, the best clothes, the recognition of others. Instead they bless, and seek the promotion of those around them and delight when others are blessed.
This person has suffered setbacks, disillusionment, disappointment, discouragement until they have been bled dry of it all. Yet still something within them keeps going. Something within them issues forth life. Death works in them that life might come forth in others. This is a spiritual principle hard to understand. Pure waters come forth from their innermost being. They are like Jesus.

 'For we which live are always delivered unto death for Jesus sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh. So that death worketh in us, but life in you' Rom 7:11,12

Let Go!!

Moses was having trouble caused by the very people who should have been supporting him, Miriam and Aaron, his sister and brother. Miriam's name means 'bitter' or 'defiant', and she was probably the instigator in that she did not like the Ethiopian wife that Moses had. So they spoke against him. And lifted up their hearts in pride saying  'has the Lord inded spoken only by Moses? has He not also spoken by us?' Num12:2
But God heard everything and acted on behalf of His friend Moses. It says in the Bible that Moses was the meekest man on earth. He was humble and he left it to God to sort things out. God challenges the two relatives and asks why they were not afraid to speak against Moses who was faithful and obedient. As a result Miriam became leprous. There were bitter consequencies for herself through her trouble making.
Often the most difficult people are those we are close to. The very ones we are trying to help can turn and murmer against us. Leave the matter with the Lord and let Him step in to take the action needed, He can turn every situation to profit if we will give Him the responsibility and don't try to sort it all out on our own.

 ' the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price' 1 Peter 3:4

Be Patient!

We do not understand what God is doing in our lives and sometimes it makes us feel that He is doing nothing! But He is at work, little by little. He says "I will put My laws (My will) into your heart and write it in your minds. I will make you understand all that is needful to settle all the questions that need to be settled. As time passes and the days follow on, and the years roll by, and you see no settled future, I am present to unfold it all, bit by bit. You will understand, today, tomorrow, and the next day".
He will not unfold ALL the future at the present time, because it will throw you into distraction by the flood of thoughts. It would make your brain reel, you would be overwhelmed, and your life would crumble under the pressure. He will come and speak little by little, just as you can bear it, just as you need it, day by day.

Jesus said,"What I am doing you do not understand now, but you will know after this". John 13:7

Are You Willing!

Naaman was an important man. His name means 'pleasantness'. He was in favour with the king of Syria and was the commander of the army. Everyone respected him. But he was a leper. On one of the raids into Israel they captured a little servant girl, who became a maid to the Queen. She is not named in the Bible, but must have been well liked, and also liked Naaman. In passing she mentions that there was aprophet in Israel who could heal Naaman of his leprousy. The king gets to hear of it. Amazing how a snippet of news can travel to the right ears, isn't it? And without any requests from Naaman himself, a letter is written to the king of Israel, with gifts for him. So off he goes, to meet with the important dignitaries the country. Almighty God can pull a few strings when needed!
He did not like it when Elisha sent his servant with instructions to Naaman telling him to go to the River Jordan and wash in it seven times. Naaman expected some great happening with the Prophet calling on the name of the Lord and waving his hand over the leprousy. What he really wanted was some great display of magic! Not to be told to dip in the muddy Jordan. But he had good servants who told him that he should do what the prophet said. So he went to the Jordon and dipped in it seven times as instructed 2 Kings 5:13. No more, no less! And he was made clean.
It is so easy to think that God would have us do some great thing to accomplish the purpose at hand. However, He is looking for humble hearts that will obey. He often calls us to do things we don't want to do, or be with people we secretely despise, as a test of our willingness. God does not measure in small or great, He just measures in our obedience. Obedience can open a wide door! What are you putting off doing because it seems so small and insignificant?

 'Clothe yourselves with humility toward one another because, "God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble." Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.'
1 Peter 5:5,6

Confidently Wait!!

Sometimes, when an army is sent out to march into an enemy's country, but is not advancing, the question is asked 'why'. The answer will often be 'waiting for supplies'. All the stores of provisions, clothing, vehicles, ammunitions, have not yet arrived. Without these it dare not proceed. Something has held them up. It is like that in our Christian life, day by day, at every step, we need our supplies from above. And it is necessary to cultivate that spirit of dependance on God, and the confidence that refuses to go on without the needed supply of grace and strength.
We sometimes cry out to God "I haven't got what it takes!" But the necessary supplies will arrive! They have been sent. They are on their way. Wait for them before you proceed. Be it, strength, faith, wisdom, grace, finance, whatever is needed for your advancement is coming to you. But wait in confidence.

'My God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus'. Phill 4:19

Praise Him!

The most important time to praise God is when we don't feel like it! Give thanks to Him for He is GOOD. He never fails. He is always merciful and kind. He washes away our sin and heals our wounded souls. Praise Him for the wonder of His creation. Praise Him for the new day; the trees and flowers; the birds and animals. Bless His name today! Bless His handiwork; your friends and family; your health and strength. Praise Him that you can breathe; Praise Him for the sunshine and light. Praise Him for loving you, just as you are!
As you give thanks, absorb His love into your being, just as you soak up the sunshine on a beautiful day. Even if your day is not beautiful, still praise Him, it will change, for all things change. There is an old chorus that says 'count your blessings, name them one by one, count your blessings, name them one by one, and it will surprise you what the Lord has done!'

 'This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it'. Ps 118:24

Shadows!

Allow God to weave the pattern of your life. Let Him choose the colours of your days. He is a Master Artist and knows exactly how to arrange the right mix. You see, days of pleasantness and blue skies will not make you an overcomer. Shades of ease and sweet roses will not shape your character in the way he needs it to be. For you to count in the Kingdom of God you have to pay a price. And that price is displayed in the kind of crown you wear.
Your God wants you to reign with Him as a King on this earth. He wants you to have authority and power, and to wield it on His behalf. So you have to earn the right to make decrees and administer in His kingdom. He has to be able to trust that you won't leave the ship at the last minute in case it sinks! When you up against it, and all around you seems chaos, He needs you to be there as His ambassader and trust you won't crumble too.
So you have to pass through the fire, and through the waters, and through the valleys, so that you become seasoned and mature, and trustworthy. God does not give His tasks to people with no backbone! If you really want to know His glory then you have to suffer with Him over His world, and be willing to 'muck in' by taking on His burdens of prayer and His assignments.
Sometimes the shadows are long, and the colours of your days dark. But shadows are needed to give depth to the landscape. Everything would be flat without the darker things in this life throwing the highlights into view. So if your days that He has chosen for you seem tinged with sadness and pain, know that He is allowing it all for a purpose. Your life will count. You are paying a price. That is if you have asked Him to use you and made yourself available for His purposes.

 'And He said, Abba, Father, all things are possible unto thee; take away this cup from me: nevertheless not what I will, but what thou wilt' Mark 14:36.

Faith!

It takes patience to wait on the Lord. Being still takes practice and perseverance. But as we get into that place of stillness our strength is renewed by God. He gives us His strength Is 40:31. Then we need to flap our 'wings' of faith and trust. We can rise above our circumstances that worry us daily if we put our trust in God who is Almighty, the Everlasting one, who never faints or grows weary. But it is not 'magic', we actually have to DO something, that is put our trust, by choice, in God mercy and goodness towards us. And not in anything else!
Faith is the currency of heaven. We receive everything from God by faith. By believing in His absolute goodness and power toward us. When I go into a shop to purchase something I use money, and expect to get the goods I have paid for. So likewise when I go to God I use my faith in Him, to receive all that I need for that day. Just a day at a time!! not the whole of my life in one lump! Just for each day. It is easier that way because life can get very complicated if I am worrying too far ahead!
So TODAY use your wings of faith and trust and see what God will do for you, and who He will BE to you. Having a close, loving relationship with someone wonderful is what we all need. And that someone is the all loving, all powerful, kind and gentle Jesus. He does care, He does want things to change in your life, He is able to help you, so flap your wings

I Am Able!

Two blind men followed Jesus. In the hustle and bustle of the crowd they kept calling out "Have mercy on us Son of David!" They kept following and kept calling. They were determined to get an answer. Jesus went into a house and the blind men went in after Him. They came up to Jesus and He asked them, "Do you believe that I am able to do this?". "Yes, Lord," they replied. So He touched their eyes and said, "According to your faith will it be done to you", and their sight was restored. Matt 9:27-30.
The question today is "Do you believe I am able to do what you ask?". What is your answer? can you simply say "Yes Lord". If we do not have the faith in our hearts we can ask God to give us the gift of faith. To receive we just put our faith in God. It may be small but we have a great God who always shows mercy to His children. Sometimes our perseverance is tested to its limits. The blind men showed their faith by their perseverance, not by their feelings. The important thing is to keep trusting that the Lord has heard our requests and in due time He will answer! Your circumstances can change because of your faith and petitions to God.

'Jesus Christ is the same Yesterday and today and forever' Heb 13:8

Try This!!

Obedience opens opportunities for much blessing. The windows of heaven are opened to those who Tithe. If God seems remote from you at this time, think about your giving! Malachi 3:8 speaks about God being robbed. The people were not giving Him what they were commanded to. He says they were cursed because they had robbed Him. It was like a blight upon their lives, mildew on their crops.
God's work needs the blessing of our finances. We are to provide meat for His house; finance for the kingdom to be increased and the Good News to be preached. It all costs money! God challenges us to prove Him through our giving. He says that He will open the windows of heaven and pour out a blessing that we cannot contain? Mal 3:10 That is an amazing statement!
He also promised to rebuke the devourer. Their land would yield good crops. The pests and diseases would not cause the harvest to fail. They would have plenty in their barns if they put food into God's barn. It was in His interests to bless them, because as they had increase so also His house had increase, because they gave to Him.

'Bring ALL the tithes into the storehouse, and prove me now, says the Lord of Hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven, and pour you out so much blessing, that you will not have room enough for it.  And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground'. Malachi 3:10,11

Hang in There!

You have come so far and done well in the school of faith. I know that this stage is a great effort for you, but hang in there!  Stay steady.You are thinking that your stand has been all for nothing and was wasted effort on your part. But I say to you that you are attaining a great weight of glory. It is kept for you until the day of outpouring. Soon you will receive what you have long waited for and you will rejoice with singing. indeed laughter will come from your lips and understanding will envelope you. You will understand what I have been doing. This will bring you great relief.  Be encouraged for your brethren are also passing through the refiner's fire, just as you are. Your reward will be great strength of spirit. This will give you the right to encourage others so that they also come out without even the smell of smoke on them.

'Do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised' Heb 10:35,36

It's Your Choice!

Choose today who you will follow. Will you follow your feelings? The depression that has pushed you down is only a shadow! it is not real. It will pass like a lone cloud, a mist that is dispersed by the warmth of the rising sun. So don't give it too much thought. Just carry on! You have the freedom of choice. Choose to trust. Choose to believe. Choose to walk with Me. See if I will pour out blessings upon you as you press through the darkness. There is light at the end of the tunnel you are in.

'Choose life' Deut 30:19

Great Gain!

Rest content in your daily walk with me. Do not strive to attain, but yield in obedience. Often the small things that you attend to bring the greatest blessings. Everything will come to pass in its time. So be at peace and do not rush through things. The thing you dread will turn out to be something small that is easily sorted out. So do not fuss!

'Godliness with contentment is great gain' 1 Tim 6:6

Decide Today!

I have heard it said that God gives grace as we overcome. We have to determine to overcome through His help, and He does help us. But we have to take the first step, out in the cold, as it were, almost as if God was not there! And that can be painful, but when we know what we have to do, then we have to get on and do it. We may not feel like it, it may seem almost impossible, but no one can do it for us. However, as we take one little step towards victory and decide to overcome, then God steps in with all the power of heaven for us!
The battle may be hard, but the victory is assured with God on our side! God is for us, not against us. He wants to work things out for the very best, but we have to go along with Him in it all. Even if we draw back, there is help available for us to start over again! It is our very circumstances, afflictions, difficulties, that are an opportunity for God to work a godly character within us. How we would love to be blessed without any effort involved! let us co-operate with the Holy Spirit at work in our lives, and as we overcome, be partakers of the peaceable fruit of righteousness.

'To him who overcomes I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God'
Rev 2:7

God is Alive!

It is exciting to see answers to prayer! It makes us realise that God is alive, interested in our pleas, and able to keep His promises. In fact, prayer is vital. Sometimes the answers come in surprising ways. Other times the answers come softly and slowly. But one thing is sure, praying for others involves compassion, and self abasement. It can be hard work praying for other people day by day when we don't get any feedback, or even thanks. But when we do pray we join Jesus in His great high priestly ministry of intercession. To know the power of His resurrection we have to enter into the fellowship of His sufferings. And we can do that through prayer. One day we will see the result of our sacrificial prayer and be amazed! Wherever you are, whatever your circumstances, you can pray. And prayer does change things. Someone has said that prayer is the Christian's vital breath. Jesus brought all His petitions to His father. He spent nights on the mountainside because His work in the day was dependent on His life of prayer. His life was one long prayer poured out to God for the world and those around Him. True prayer brings 'action', it calls forth the power of God upon the earth and into the lives of those we pray for. Through prayer we become the answer to others. We become His heart, His hands and His feet, that others might find Life. Through prayer we become Jesus on this earth giving ourselves that others might see what God is like.

'And the Lord turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends' Job42:10

God's Wisdom

This new flow of creativity that you have rediscovered will gather momentum. You will find that you have a new ability to tackle tasks that have seemed impossible to you before. This will happen gently. Just be careful not to take on too many responsibilities at one time. So don't spread yourself too thinly. This is a time for you to focus on essential things I am calling you to do. Watch out that you do not try to do too much in one go, just because you are eager to enter into the new flow. And reject any unfruitful things for you won't have the time to sustain them in the coming months.
Start that which you can continue. You can always add other things as you go along. This is a time of meaningful friendships, relationships, and ministry for you. So don't be afraid that it will fade away after a while. Be aware that some people will want to start with you but are not totally committed.
You are about to gain much ground for the kingdom of God. Your inner circle needs to be in unity and clear in purpose. Don't link closely with those who have their own hidden agenda. They will try to drag you down and feed negative thoughts into your mind Ask God for wisdom.

'For the Lord gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. He holds victory in store for the upright to those whose walk is blameless, for he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones'. Prov 2:6-8

Be Determined!

Something is bound to give eventually. If you don't give up and keep persevering. Make a nuisance of yourself! God won't mind! He loves to see determination in His children. Too many people expect God to work 'magic'. He loves to see you pursuing Him and desiring to know His presence each day.
Get moving, and praying as you have never done before. Being passive in this situation will not achieve much. Storm the gates of heaven. Shout down the walls. Decide what you need and go for it! Don't sit back and expect anything from God if you are double minded. Be sure of what you are asking and be specific. Being vague about your praying will not bring you into the place of prevailing with God. Lift up your weak hands and offer your surrender. Lift up your heavy hands and admit your desperation.

'And it came to pass, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed: and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed' Ex 17:11

God's Opportunity!

Your needs are vessels provided by God for the Holy Spirit to fill. They are opportunities for receiving new blessings and deliverances which you can get in no other way. God loves to fill empty things!
Bring these vessels to Him, and hold them steadily before Him in faith and prayer. Keep still, and stop your own restless working until He begins to work. Do nothing that He does not Himself tell you to do. Give Him a chance to work and He will surely do so. The very trials that threatened to overcome you with discouragement, will become God's opportunity for revealing His grace in a way you have not known before. Draw upon the endless source of His riches. Enter His treasury and discover they are unsearchable and available to you. Once you have received by faith you will never want to lean on another prop!

My Cup Runs Over

There is always something over,

When we trust our gracious Lord;

Every cup He fills o'erfloweth,

His great rivers all are broad.

Nothing narrow, nothing stinted,

Ever issues from His store;

To His own He gives full measure,

Running over, evermore.

M E Barber

'How can He but, in giving Him,lavish on us all things' Rom 8:32

He will Sustain You!

You can keep going because He will sustain you! He did not bring you to this time just to heal you, then abandon you. He who made, will bear, and carry the work through to completion. So rest content that He who flung the stars into space, and holds the Sun and Moon in their orbit, will hold you in your ordained course. The plans that He has for your life will be brought to completion as you look to Him, trust in Him, and worship Him.

'Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, to the only wise God , our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever.' Jude 1:24

Speak Out!

I have not forgotten your hearts cries to Me over many years. You were once a dreamer, vibrant with ideas and hopes. But now so many dreams have been lost, and even died, and been buried. You think that they are gone forever. You lost them because you listened to others who dampened your zeal, and mocked your hopes. You lost some because you could not wait for the time of their fruition. You lost some because you forgot them. You lost some because you thought they were of no value.
But I am saying to you that they can be raised and realised in new ways. Speak to your dreams, bring them back to your remembrance, call them out of the ground where they have lain forgotten. IS ANYTHING TOO HARD FOR THE LORD? IF YOU DO NOT ASK ME TO FULFIL THOSE DREAMS, THEN WHO WILL FULFIL THEM? THEY WILL LAY THERE FORGOTTEN FOREVER.
Do not think that I have run out of resources for you, that others are more worthy of fulfillment rather than you. I need your dreams. I want to make them reality. They can live again! I gave them to you. You are saying "can these bones live again?" I am saying to you  I will raise up your dreams. You will know that I am the Lord. Speak out! prophesy again. Speak life to yourself. Speak hope and blessing upon yourself. Speak to your dreams. Rise up and cry out in faith for your dreams will become a mighty force in this earth.

' This is what the Sovereign Lord says to these bones: I will make breath enter you, and you will come to life'. Ez 37:5

Be Confident!

Sometimes, when an army is sent out to march into an enemy's country, but is not advancing, the question is asked 'why'. The answer will often be 'waiting for supplies'. All the stores of provisions, clothing, vehicles, ammunition, have not yet arrived. Without these it dare not proceed. Something has held them up. It is like that in our Christian life, day by day, at every step, we need our supplies from above. And it is necessary to cultivate that spirit of dependence on God, and the confidence that refuses to go on without the needed supply of grace and strength.
We sometimes cry out to God "I haven't got what it takes!" But the necessary supplies will arrive! They have been sent. They are on their way. Wait for them before you proceed. Be it, strength, faith, wisdom, grace, finance, whatever is needed for your advancement is coming to you. But wait in confidence.

'My God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus'. Phill 4:19

Perfect Time!

You are trying to rush yourself. You are running hard as if you have missed the train. You have not missed anything. Nothing is ever wasted, there are always crumbs left over. Remember the loaves and fishes. My timing is perfect, and always on schedule. Do not think 'there is little time left to get everything accomplished' for I can do in a moment what you think will take a life time.

'Beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day'. 2 Pet 3:8

Disappointed?

Two disciples were walking along a road going towards a village. They were busy discussing events that were on their minds. They were confused, despondent, disappointed, and doubting because all their hopes were dashed. Jesus was walking that same road. He saw that they were sad and downcast. He asked them all about it Lk 24:13-17. They poured it all out to Him, just thinking He was a stranger.
Jesus has walked through everything we walk through in life. He has been there before us, and even knows what we think and feel beforehand. The two people said 'we had hoped' but now all is lost. To them all their dreams had come to an end; there was no future hope. Looking at it the way they saw it all, nothing made sense.
But it was only half the truth! There was more to come that turned out to be 'the best'. Jesus was with them, when they thought He was dead. Jesus explained the scriptures to them when they could not understand. Jesus came and ate with them and revealed His presence. Sorrow was suddenly turned to joy!
Often we jump to conclusions in our lives. We don't give God a chance to finish what He was saying to us; we pre-judge the outcome instead of waiting for Him to unfold new things and bring light. We want to 'know the end before the beginning'! When you pour your heart out to Him you can be sure that there is another chapter to come in your life that will put things in a new light.

Adventure Together!

I saw in my minds' eye a child sitting on a metal tray in party clothes. It was winter with snow all around. The child was sliding down hills and slopes laughing with arms in the air having a wonderful time.
The Lord is saying that you have entered a season of discovering fun again. It is the best adventure yet! The metal tray speaks of ordinary things. It was not a big sledge. It was something easy to acquire and did the job adequately. You will experience the wonder of each day as a child does. Simple things will become a delight. Just the exhilaration of being alive is being returned to you as a gift. You have known this before, but your life has become clouded with the burdens and cares of the world. He says that He also is enjoying the fun with you. Take Him along with you into every opportunity and relationship and see what He will do as you adventure together! The child on the tray was oblivious of the risk of falling off! Don't look at the risk factor! Everything involves some kind of risk, especially adventure!

' Don't trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy' 1 Tim 6:1

Much Fruit!

The Vine is a plant that is not grown for its ornamental shape, shade, fragrant blossoms, or its wood! It is grown soley for the fruit it produces. It only produces fruit in abundance as it is trained, shaped, and pruned. If not pruned it can run away with itself, and grow straggly, and become unfruitful! The world loves the fruit of the Vine! The wine produced from it is sampled with relish, drunk in abundance, discussed with fervour! It is no wonder that Christ used the illustration of  the Vine to teach us to 'Abide in Him'. Not one Vine is planted without the owner thinking only of the fruit. So our 'Husbandmen' looks at our lives and desires fruit, more fruit, much fruit from us. And this is accomplished through pruning.
We do not like the idea of pruning, it speaks of loss and some pain. But when we suffer the Spirit of God and glory rests on us. When we are afflicted, God shows us His tenderness and that leads us to understand and sympathise with the misery of others. Left to ourselves we would become self centred, and become straggling branches on the Vine. The things we learn whilst we go through the pruning process, teach us to pray for the blessing of others, not just ourselves. Our times of affliction, sorrow, suffering, can become times of the greatest blessings in life. The secret is to'Abide in the Vine'. Rest in Jesus love, stay put in His presence, believe that He is using this time for your profit not for your punishment. You are in a process that will lead to you bearing much fruit.

'I am the vine, you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing..............This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples'. John 15: 5,

Precious Seed!

You will reap! Just be patient. You have sown many seeds over the years. Different seeds take varied amounts of time before they germinate. Usually the ones that germinate quickly also fade quickly! if you are after long term fruitfulness go for sowing the larger seeds that take more time to grow. Some Cactus in the desert can take over twenty years to grow, but see how they tower above the scenery and how they store water!
Be careful where you plant your seed. Test the ground first. Do not waste your time sowing into poor soil. Not everyone wants to be saved. Not everyone wants to honour the Lord and live a righteous life. Not everyone wants to do good. Make sure that you are praying about the things God wants you to pray about. Some people will not respond to your prayers, so don't pray for them. Ask God who and what you should be praying for.
Treat everyone with grace and respect, even the girl at the supermarket till! But be wise in who you open your heart to, and who you trust. Trust the Lord only.

'Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and then turn and tear you to pieces' Matt7:6