Look Forward

The Apostle Paul said that he wanted to know Christ! Everything else he counted as loss. He had a determination and zeal to press on in his walk with God. Sometimes I think "well he was Paul, a really spiritual person. I could not be like that!" However everything written in the Bible is for our instruction, encouragement and development. We can be like Paul. In fact he exhorted the Christians to be like in him in his desire to follow Christ. He so much wanted to become like Jesus!
He did not consider that he had arrived! he was still learning, still struggling against sin, suffering loss each day, and often hungry, friendless, and lonely. But he gave us the secret of his zeal which is an encouragement to us. He said "But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." Phil 3:13,14
We can do that! let us push on, let us look forward and upward. Let us leave our old ways of thought and action and move into the new things God has for us. This coming year will not be like the last one! 2012 is over and gone. God has new things to teach us, new blessings for us, new hope and a deeper fellowship with Him. Don't look behind! Regret, disappointment, fears, heartache, are all shadows that fall behind us as we look to the SON! Before us are new opportunities, new blessings, untrodden ground to claim for the Lord.

I Am With You!

I am sufficient for the comimg days and will provide the strength that you need. But you will not have it in one great lump! Moment by moment My grace will infiltrate your being, spirit, soul, and body. If you allow your thoughts to wander over possibilities, hopes, aspirations or even fears, you will become overwhelmed. There is a way of gliding through the problems and challenges that arise. That way lies in total trust and abandonment to My will. I will smooth the way, but you must LET GO! We work together, and you can come to Me with great or small problems. But I will not join Myself to confusion so off load your worries regularly! Travel light along this journey. It is all about our relationship. It is a working relationship. Your Father is watching, lovingly, your progress. When you feel unable to cope and your strength is failing, take time, come to Me. I will address the situation and re-order your days bringing light into the darkness, and order into the chaos. I AM ABLE!

'So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand' Isaiah 41:10

Unexpected Blessings

God leaves room in His plans for some things to happen spontaneously. Suddenly a rainbow appears in the sky after heavy rain. Suddenly the desert blossoms with flowers after years of dryness. Suddenly a baby smiles. Unexpected things happen which bring a new season in our lives. Suddenly the sun appears from behind the clouds, and suddenly a bird sings. Each day brings unexpected blessings to us. He works everything together for our good.

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to men on whom His favour rests". Lk 2:13

Keep Firm!

These are days in which you need to put your roots deeply into God. The winds of change in the world will try to force you in their direction. But you have help to keep you firm in your purpose. The Holy Spirit is there to be your advocate, counseller, teacher and friend. Keep your heart humble before God and ask for His help and leading. At the right time He will exalt you and your feet will stand upon a rock, and then He will establish your goings.
It is important to stay the course when all around you crumbles. You will be a help to those in distress, and lead them into faith. Just stay steady until the right time comes for you to gain ground again. Continue to feed on God's word each day, pray in faith, and help others when you can. These things will keep you firm in His ways. The Lord WILL do His part, make sure you remain faithful in your part.
'Having done everything stand. Stand firm then..............and pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests' Eph 6:13,18

Take Heart!

We may feel feeble and weary with the state of the world and circumstances around us. There maybe few we know that really believe in God, and many around us in unbelief. But take heart! be strong and of good courage! let us wait for our God; that waiting is not in vain. God will hear and help, for He will never disappoint His people. In the presence of our enemies we feel so weak and we so often have to wait for deliverance to come. The blessings for which we plead are spiritual and all unseen, things that are impossible with men, heavenly, supernatural, divine blessings. And we faint at times because the seen things around us seem more real than the unseen we are asking for.
Come to God, and however feeble you may feel, just wait in His presence. Just as the sunshine penetrates the body of an invalid that needs warmth, so the sunshine of God's holy love will warm the cold areas of your soul. Just absorb that love. No one sitting in the sunshine fights and struggles and says " I must soak this warmth up. I need it, and must get hold of it" No! they just lay in the sun and let it do the work. Come to God's love and let it do it's work in you. Slowly, little by little, He will permeat your being with His divine life. You will hardly notice it at first, but soon you will feel it and know it!
'Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart; wait I say, on the Lord' Ps 27:14

Father Knows Best!

I was thinking about the possibilities, potential, and plans I could make for 2013. Already there seems to be work developing for the spread of the Good News of Jesus Christ. I could do this thing, I could do that thing, but as yet it is in my imagination all unseen to the natural eye. So I took all my thoughts, hopes and plans, and put them one by one in a large sheet of paper and then wrapped them tightly up.
I then tossed them, hurled them towards God, and He caught my parcel of precious things and held it in His strong hands (those hands that created the Universes). Then He carefully unwrapped the paper and took out each desire one by one, looked intently at them, and then put them in a safe place. He will hold everything until the appointed time. Some of my plans will be returned to me one by one as I am able to accomplish the tasks, along with it will come grace, strength, health, finance to finish the work assigned to me. Other plans will not be returned to me as they will not be God's will for my life. He is KEEPING all that I have committed in a SAFE place. I can rest content, without worry, because my Father knows best!

' I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed to Him, against that day.' 2 Timothy 1:12

Just Love Him!

Just as His entrance into the world through natural birth, changed the course of history, so will His second coming change everything forever. Thinking of the miracle of His birth gives us a revelation of our future in Eternity. He came and He comes! Are we ready for that appearing? He came insignificantly the first time, but the second time He comes, every eye shall see Him.
It will be a quick happening! there will be no time to change sides! Either we are for Him, or against Him. Are we allowing Him to have His way with us? And are we loving Him above all else? The few that were involved with His birth, worshipped. But on the day that He comes again many will worship and call Him Lord! If He is not Lord of all in your life, then He is not Lord at all!
We need to live every day as if He were coming. Even if we pass from this life to the next before His return, we must live each moment, simply worshipping, like a child loves and adores. That is not too hard for us, is it? Just love Him and enjoy His presence.

'Behold, I am coming quickly! hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown.' Rev 3:11

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,

Perfect Timing!

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. Stop and savour that which I am doing. Make the most of each moment and do not be in a hurry to move into the next thing in your life. You will miss something rich and deep if you glide over the surface of things. You can't go back, and time moves you forward, so settle it in your mind that each day will bring its own rewards, and trials, that is enough for you to cope with!

'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

Just Come!

Just sit before me. You don't need to DO anything or SAY anything. But come and wait expectantly. I am about to come and need you to be there. You will miss Me if you are not available to wait. I have things to tell you, plans to give you, and new strength to impart to you. All you need to do is wait before me. Above all I want you to enjoy the presence of My Spirit. You have already poured out your heart to Me. I have heard your requests made with thanksgiving. So now just come. Be still in my presence. Don't keep repeating words to me, I have already heard. Sit with Me and I will sit with you. There is great comfort in just 'being' together. Come and just 'be'.
'Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart: wait, I say, on the Lord'. Ps 27:14

Surrender!!

Give God ALL your worries. Because He cares about you. Carrying them around with you will wear you out. It is like taking huge amounts of luggage,hoisting them on your shoulders, stretching your arms around them, and making such slow progress! You were not made to carry all that burden.
The Bible speaks about 'casting' our care on the Lord. It is like a fisherman with a rod flinging the line high and purposefully into the deep. Fling everthing on the Lord, deliberately, decisively, desperately! in an act of abandonment and surrender. Don't hold back anything. Give it all to God as soon as you feel concerned, heavy, even depressed..
In that way you are humbling yourself before the Lord. You are saying 'I can't manage this thing, but YOU can'.You are handing over the control, and He will take the strain. Surrender yourself again today. He will not let you down. If you continue to hold onto it you will be saying that you are better than Him at managing your affairs, that He can't cope with it, and that amounts to pride.
'Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast ALL your anxiety on him because he cares for you' 1Pet 5:7.

Lean on Me!

Your obedience is tested by the things you can do. Don't waste your time thinking about things you would do if you had opportunity! Just take the next step on your agenda. Be kind to those who come your way. Your life is a witness even though you cannot see it. Most people are trapped in their own world of sorrow, grief, hopelessness, and unbelief. But your presence brings a light into their lives, and even a smile from you can unlock the pain in someone else and cause them to think on God.
Small steps of obedience, taken by love, lead to much greater fruitfulness. I am looking, watching, and caring for you in ways you do not comprehend. It only takes one small match to start a roaring fire. The match burns out, but the fire remains! You can be that person, just like the Hebrew servant girl. She spoke the right word, because she cared, to the wife of Naaman, about there being a prophet in Israel who would heal him of his leprousy. So keep on being yourself, and LET My Spirit flow through you unhindered. LEAN on Me. Things will not be accomplished YOUR way, but they will flourish MY way!

'Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding'. Prov 3:5

Teach Me Lord!

An important part of the Christian life is receiving instructions from God. We have the Bible to teach us, but also we need that word to come direct from the Lord in our particular need or circumstances. It has to be living and vital for each day. We can count on God to teach us His way, and show us His path in special difficulties or times of perplexity. Jesus said that His sheep hear His voice. And there is nothing more wonderful than when He speaks into the heart with a direct word of instruction, encouragement, and enlightenment.
There is something He wants to say especially for you! Not for others, but for YOU in your circumstances and life. He is so interested in your life and longs to communicate His purposes to you. But you need to wait quietly before God, in your times of prayer, in your heart as you go about your daily tasks. Show God that you are 'waiting' to hear what He has to say to you. He WILL speak, when you are ready to hear.
"Show me thy ways, O Lord; Teach me thy paths. Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: For thou art the God of my salvation: On thee do I wait all the day" Psalm 25:4,5

Abundant Life!

Yes! the best is really yet to come! Do not think that the days of laughter, freedom, pleasure are over, and you are to languish in mediocrity, just fulfilling the routine's of each day. No! there is joy untold prepared for you. There are adventures in My kingdom planned for your life. Do you want them? There is no age in my kingdom, only growth. There are things I have to say to you if you will still your heart to hear My voice. Position yourself to receive my teaching each day through the still small voice of scripture, circumstances and daily contacts.
I have come that you may have Life in abundance regardless of your circumstances. I am able to fill you to overflowing so that out of your being will flow rivers of water. LET Me give you laughter today and joy in abundance so that others will see the light on your face and hope in your eyes. Stop looking at the impossible and start over again, trusting, believing, and receiving. I am here for YOU!
'So Sarah laughed to herself as she thought, "After I am worn out and my master is old, will I now have this pleasure?" Then the Lord said to Abram, "Why did Sarah laugh and say "Will I really have a child, now that I am old?" Is anything too hard for the Lord?" Gen 18:12

Keep Seeking!

I am watching over you. Watching eagerly your every thought and action. Watching and waiting for signs of earnest, steadfast, seeking of Me. I wait for you to come to Me with ALL your petitions, thanksgiving and worship. Often I wait in vain. I am so much more ready to give to you than you are to receive. Because you are often restless I have to delay in my blessing to you. Still your heart again. I speak with a still small voice. Become more acquanted with My voice. Make sure that you draw apart and spend time with Me.
Do not think that your seeking is in vain. Those that seek, find. It is a promise. You feel that you are seeking and seeking and it is a long time until you find. Take heart! there is an end to this journey. When you come into the place I have prepared for you, you will find new joy, new hope and new strength for the next stage. There is a place by Me waiting for you to fill it. You are always in My thoughts, and I have already prepared that which is your inheritence. You do not need to wait until you reach heaven. It is for you now. There is a down payment that is waiting for you to collect. Come now!
'Without faith it is impossible to please Him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him' Heb 11:6

A Future

Two disciples were walking along a road going towards a village. They were busy discussing events that were on their minds. They were confused, despondant, 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 insted 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.

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future". Jer 29:11

He Prays for YOU!

I woke up this morning with these words on my mind, "I have prayed for you, that your faith fail not: and when you are converted, strengthen your brethren " Luke 22:32 where Jesus speaks to Peter about Satan desiring to have him and sift him like wheat.
Jesus did not tell Peter that he would avoid being 'sifted' but rather that Jesus Himself had prayed personally for Peter that his faith would not fail. And Peter experienced the answer to that prayer, though he had to pass through deep waters as when he denied Christ.
Because it was the first thing I thought of when I awoke, I felt God was telling me that Jesus himself, personally, had prayed for me. And that though I was being sifted my faith would not fail. I felt loved, secure, and strengthened. When God speaks to us, whether it be within as a still small voice, or through the scriptures, or by some other means, we are always encouraged and helped. There is never any condemnation, only LOVE.
God was telling me that though the sifting, wrought through the actions of Satan, was heavy and dark. That I was being tossed one way then the other, and the instruments used were sharp causing pain, the outcome was for the strengthening of the Brethren. There was a purpose in it all. I was becoming stronger than ever, my faith was unfailing because He had prayed for me!
How does He pray for us? Through His brethren all over the world who are in tune with the Spirit of God. He is not confined to one place, or in one person. He is in all who believe, and they pray His prayers for Him.

Time to Sing!

Today I will give you water. Water in abundance. Everlasting water that will quench your thirst and flood your dry soul. Are you thirsty for Me? Then sing! You may not feel like it. It may seem strange to you, but do it. Sing! Allow your innermost being to rise up and petition Me for streams to flow out of you. You do not need people to bless you. You have Me. I will bless and restore your soul.
Where there is no water, where you are in spiritually dry conditions, and all those around you are in unbelief, you can call to Me. I will refresh YOU. Dig your own well. Sing! sing! to it. The water will begin to bubble and rise and then you can move on in the refreshing that will come to you.

'They continued on to Beer, the well where the Lord said to Moses, "gather the people together and I will give them water." Then Israel sang this song: "Spring up O well! Sing about it." Num 21:17 Beer was a place that had involved weeping and mourning for the Israelites. It was there that they sang the song of the well!

Change Will Come

Do not think that I have abdicated responsibility for your life and circumstances because you cannot 'see' the changes that you want. I am at work 'behind the scenes', in the depths of your soul. This time is necessary for a deeper relationship with me to become 'real', not superficial, but a bonding with me to the very core of your being. The reality of something is proved by it standing the test of time and circumstances.
You have heard the phrase 'a fair weather friend', someone who walks with you, desires to know you, when it suits them. They don't stick with you through thick and thin, as they say, when things get tough, the tough get going!
I am one who sticks closer than a brother! Please stick to me in that same way. I will bring you through, and truly this season WILL change and you will have much light at the end of it.
'For with God nothing shall be impossible' Luke 1:37

Willing to Change.

Things around us change all the time. Often they need replacing because they get worn, old, obsolete. With use machinery wears out, needs new parts, or gets rusty. Everything changes. We have to change with our circumstances and it is not always easy to let go of the old.
Right from birth we have to change! Our human bodies are replaced several times over our life. We don't look exactly like we did some years ago! We have to lose our childish ways and adapt to growing up. it is not helpful to remain a child in an adult body.
These things are true in the spiritual realm as well. Another word for change is growth. We have to mature and eat spiritual meat, no longer feeding on milk. God has new things to show us, new truths to teach us, new paths to lead us in. To progress we have to let go of the old, and embrace the new. It is certain that we brought nothing into this world and can take nothing out. But we can take with us our personality and nature. As we become more like Jesus and have our nature renewed in His image, we take that with us into the other life that will open to receive us. Don't hold onto old ways and habits. Change for the better. He will help you to be willing and work out His purpose and will in your life if you surrender. God works in us, let work out our salvation with reverential fear.
'It is God who works in you to WILL AND TO ACT according to His purpose' Philipians 2:13
'See I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland' Isaiah43:19

Let Peace Rule!

God is ever present with us. In fact He lives in the present, in the NOW. That is why Jesus taught us to live one day at a time, for God is always in that day. We are to rest in His will for us each day. Sometimes that is easier said than done! We fidget, fuss, waver, grieve over yesterday, fret over tomorrow, and allow our thoughts to rush around.
He said that we were to pray 'Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven'. I'm sure there is no panic, fear or despondancy in heaven! God's will is done there. Have you got an agenda pressing in on you? have things got to be done your way, because you think it is God's way? let your agenda go! Leave the arrangement of each day and season to God. It doesn't matter if things don't get done in your way and time. Stop pressurising yourself and others, and God. Let yourself have some space and come into the contentment that knowing the Lord can bring to you. Let His peace rule in your heart. You can only live one day at a time, so determine to enjoy each moment as it comes and rest in His will for your life. Only one pair of hands can hold the reins!
'But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is cetain that we can carry nothing out'. 1 Tim 6:6

Restore My Soul

It is God's nature to heal. Do not be in any doubt about that! He created the human body with a built in ability to renew itself. Why does a broken bone, normally, mend itself over time and grow new bone to bind the parts together? How does a cut or scratch nit together and renew with skin?
When He says that He makes all things new, He means it, for He cannot lie. One day your body will be redeemed and you will have a new one to house you in the new heaven and earth. Just as this earthly body has been suitable for you to live on this earth, so your new spiritual body will be just right for your new life in heavenly realms.
When Jesus was walking this earth He went about healing the sick. It was a foretaste of heaven. He showed that He was the Resurrection and the Life. He did not just 'say' things, He manifested, and showed forth God's power. He wants to touch you today!
Let Him start inside you. Healing works from the inside, outwards. You need spiritual renewal, and healing of your soul. Ask Him to start this work. He wants you to get better in every way. Renounce any bitterness and unforgiveness. These things cause you pain and tear you apart. They cripple you inside. And then let God do His work, when you have done yours!

'He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul'
Psalm 23:2,3

Your Best!

Don't sink into complacency. You are just about to realise the results of months and years of prayer. So give that small extra push to your faith. Whilst you have been waiting things have been prepared for you to walk into. Opportunities will soon occur that will need your active involvement. So take them and resist the tendancy to spirititual slumber. Give it your best!
This is not a time to 'wait and see' because these opportunities will not present themselves again in your life. Do not be fearful, for I am with you to support your endeavours and to give you just what you need at the right time. You have given me the control of your life, so I am taking control, says the Lord, and you will surely see it in wonderful ways. There will be no doubt that I am with you.
'Arise from the depression and prostration in which circumstances have kept you-rise to a new life! Shine, be radiant with the glory of the Lord, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you!' Isaiah 60:1 (amp)

A New Day!

I said, 'Lord may I ride my horse again? It is such a long time since I enjoyed the freedom of swiftly racing through the meadows and over the streams. My horse is waiting for me. I have groomed him, fed him with tasty morsels, and I have stroked his nose in pleasure. His deep eyes have watched me coming and his whinnying voice has greeted me. But I have not ridden him for a while, nor put the saddle upon him. He has not felt my weight upon his back and we are both chaffing to be going again. I want to experience the freedom again of just going! I need to feel the wind caressing my face and the delight of my steed taking me to new places by his powerful body. 'Please may I ride my horse again?'
He replied, 'Yes, you may ride again! But I am giving you a new horse. He has been prepared for the swift running of the journey. Very soon you shall ride, and none shall stop you. You will have a beautiful new saddle, all intricately wrought in purple, and white and silver. I kept it for you for such a time as this.I have designed it with you in mind. As you ride you will feel that you are flying! Your horse will have wings! you will cover more miles than when you used to ride. The going will seem effortless, and you will not be tired. A new day is dawning. Go forward to new horizons, new places where your feet have never trod, and new places that your eyes have never seen.

'Old things are passed away; behold all things are become new.' 2 Corinth 5:17

God is Love.

God loves to help desperate people when they cry out to Him. He helps those who cannot help themselves. He reaches out to the unlovely and needy. The kind of people who are aware of their poverty of spirit and weariness of soul, are the very one's He is longing to touch. His Love is wrapped in mystery, but is there in the very essence of life. Like the yeast within the bread. His love is all around us wanting to penetrate our hard heart. You have to come to Him like a little child. In trust and surrender reaching out your arms of faith and saying 'daddy pick me up'.
He is not to be found in religious duty or practices, nor in hard worked prayers. He is found by the heart that seeks Him in honesty, humility and smallness. Ordinary life is His arena, and everyone who seeks for Him will find! He does not refuse anyone who comes to Him in trust and kneels at His feet. There is forgiveness for all who ask, and rest for the weary soul. His nature is pure love, and He longs to accept everyone who wants to come. There is no condemnation in His presence because Jesus bore that for us upon the cross so that we can have access to God.

'All that the father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away'
Jn 6:37

Keep on Praying!

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 dependant 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 is at Work!

You are in danger of losing what you have gained! your confidence is waning. Don't give up, get up and trust again. It seems a long journey for you, but God has made provision along the way. Even though you feel that you are facing your problems alone. Don't fear because God is at work on your behalf. Let go of the worry and let God work on this. Your worry is only a hindrance. You need to get out of the way! be quietly confident, there is a purpose in the length of time all this is taking. Whilst you wait for the answer keep occupying yourself with good works, and praise Him that soon things will change for the better, and you will see the answers.

'So 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 For in just a little while,"he who is coming will come and not delay". Heb 10:35-37

Good Works!

Jesus said that the gate to life is very narrow Matt 7:13. As Christians we lead limited, yet unlimited lives, with only one choice that brings abundance! The choice is to let go of your own life and follow Jesus in obedience which leads to receiving His life. His life is abundant. Our love for Him and others has to be genuine. Our commitment to Him and His work has to be total. We can't be half hearted and expect to receive anything from God. Make up your mind, don't change it, then you will receive great benefits that far outweigh any losses. God often tests our commitment to Him and His kingdom. He watches to see if we will press forward and see things through. Pass the test! Don't give up! Keep following each day, you will reap! Life will not always be like it is now. Things can suddenly change with Jesus in control. He is preparing you for good works now and in Eternity. You are not just going to sit around playing a harp in Eternity! You are being made ready for when the real work starts. This earthly life is just the kindergarten, nursey school stage, from which you will emerge, as the butterfly from the chrysilis, into your new resurrected life, with a new resurrected body. Our minds cannot conceive what God has prepared for us to be a part of. We would be totally mind blown! It would be like giving a one year old child a computer and asking it to design a skyscraper, or even a whole universe. Well of course it could not! nor can we have any idea what plans we will realise as creators in the great eons of Eternity.

'It is by grace you have been saved, through faith, and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do'. Eph 2:8-10

Only Believe!

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, "Acording 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

Lighten Up!

It is time to give your mind an overhaul! Take some thought about your thoughts! Stop allowing yourself to dwell on imaginary disasters that 'might' happen in your life. There is no need to wallow in morbid thoughts and plans for I have a bright future for you. My plans, says the Lord, are for good and not for your harm. My plans are for your fulfilment and enjoyment, not for sadness and emptiness.
Get rid of the dark imaginings and renounce negative thinking. Discipline your mind again to take hold of My blessings of freedom and love. If you continue to feed on unhelpful thoughts your days will be heavy and unfruitful. I desire you to dance with Me into your future, expecting that I will always provide the grace you need for every situation. It is time to lighten up! leave your baggage behind and let regrets go. You will find that the healing you need will become a reality and sorrow will vanish as a shadow. It will take a while for you to accomlish this. As the saying goes 'old habits die hard', and your traits to negativity have been with you since birth! So don't get discouraged. When you fall, just get up and try again. I am there to help you and you will have the victory.

'Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ'. 2 Corinth 10:5

Straight Talking!

It is time for us to talk things over together! you have thoughts and fears locked away in your heart that you have not shared with anyone. I want you to be strong and courageous and look deep within, and then share them with Me. I am waiting to take the burden from you. The baggage of worry that you carry is exhausting your reserves of energy, both physically and spiritually.
There is no need for you to be over loaded like this! I am ready to carry, to relieve, to dissipate your concerns. Often it is the little things that weigh the heaviest!
But you have to be very open with Me. I will not reject you, or laugh at you, or minimize your concerns. You will be surprised at the lightness that will come as you off load this 'stuff' onto Me. As you direct your prayer (conversation) to Me, so an opening occurs in the heavenly realm like an arrow piercing the skies. Through this opening, this rending of the heavens, I pour forth My aid to you. If you keep yourself shut away, nursing your fear and distress, I am unable to help you through. You create your own shield and barrier, like a dome of brass around you. Open the way by yielding to Me unconditionally. I want to invade every part of your life, but you hold Me back by cringing in the twilight of your mixed emotions. Let Me come in and spread Light, even where you think you don't need it!
Stop thinking that I only care about certain things concerning you. You are limiting Me. I care about EVERY detail of your life!

'The very hairs of your head are numbered. Fear ye not therefore' Matt 10:30.

Be Glad!

The most important time to praise God is when we don't feel like it! Sing a new song to Him today!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

Our Provision!

It always amazes me to read about the way God provided the Manna in the wilderness for the Children of Israel. The grainlike flakes appeared each morning with the dew for six days. They collected as much as was needed and enough for two days on the sixth day as nothing fell on the seventh. It was there for them without fail. When the camp moved on to a new place, so the Manna fell in that place too. Quietly, silently, it fell, making no big show about it. I'm sure they took it for granted, and they complained about the simplicity of the diet. It was not their choice. But it was God's provision that gave them strength for each day, kept them healthy, and they travelled many miles on that Manna! Jesus said ' I am the Bread of Life' Jn 6:35. He is there for us every day, has planned our provision, never fails, gives us extra when we need it, and is sufficient for all of our life come what may! All we have to do is come and collect His blessing each day, let the dew of His Spirit wash us, and be lovingly obedient to His words.

More To Do!

During my travels in Africa over twenty two years, one of the things that has stuck in my mind is the amount of unfinished buildings. I have seen little order and much chaos, but now things are slowly improving. Projects had been started, but the builder had run out of resources, gone away, died, changed his mind! The scaffolding, bricks, dust, mud, weeds on the land cry out 'who will finish me?'
The Apostle Paul was motivated by the desire to finish his course with joy, and to fulfill his ministry given by God. He had to keep working because that is why He was on this earth. At the end of his life he was able to say that he had fought a good fight, had finished his course and had kept the faith 2 Tim 4:7.
We are here on this earth to finish the work that Jesus started in His earthly ministry. God always completes what He started. He always provides the help needed to see things through. He doesn't abdicate His throne! But we need to make sure that we are actually doing what God has called us to do. Thing often go awry because God was not the initiator in the first place. But as we co-operate with Him, together we can bring His order into the chaos and change things, and create with Him. We are co-workers with Christ. He needs our input. Do not let anyone put you down, or stop your plans that have been given to you by God. The devil will use people to discourage you, block you, destroy you. God will use people to help you and come alongside you, and He will stand with you as you are tested and tried.
'Now finish the work, so that your eager willingness to do it may be matched by your completetion of it, according to your means. 2 Corinth 8:11

Wait On The Lord.

We may feel feeble and weary with the state of the world and circumstances around us. There maybe few we know that really believe in God, and many around us in unbelief. But take heart! be strong and of good courage! let us wait for our God; that waiting is not in vain. God will hear and help, for He will never disappoint His people. In the presence of our enemies we feel so weak and we so often have to wait for deliverance to come. The blessings for which we plead are spiritual and all unseen, things that are impossible with men, heavenly, supernatural, divine blessings. And we faint at times because the seen things around us seem more real than the unseen we are asking for.
Come to God, and however feeble you may feel, just wait in His presence. Just as the sunshine penetrates the body of an invalid that needs warmth, so the sunshine of God's holy love will warm the cold areas of your soul. Just absorb that love. No one sitting in the sunshine fights and struggles and says " I must soak this warmth up. I need it, and must get hold of it" No! they just lay in the sun and let it do the work. Come to God's love and let it do it's work in you. Slowly, little by little, He will permeat your being with His divine life. You will hardly notice it at first, but soon you will feel it and know it!
'Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart; wait I say, on the Lord' Ps 27:14

Resist The Devil!

Temptations will come! If you want to live a godly, righteous life, obedient to the Lord, then you will be tempted. Often a season of temptation precedes a season of great blessing. Just as Jesus was led into the wilderness, after His baptism, to be tempted of the devil. So we are often led by God through a time of testing. But God never tempts us, though He allows us to pass through sometimes dire and unusual temptations.
After Jesus had been tempted He returned from the wilderness experience in the power of the Holy Spirit and was anointed for His work on earth. And likewise, we receive a new anointing of the Holy Spirit when we resist the lies and temptations of the devil.
Temptation is NOT sin. Though the temptations can be so subtle that we think that we are sinning because sometimes they are so awful, and they come in a form that mimics our own thoughts. Sometimes they come in the form of a throw back from our past. Something that once was sin in our lives, but has been cleansed and forgiven through the Blood of Jesus, can seem to return and we think we have fallen. It is then that Scripure is so helpful. Soaking the mind, and heart in the word of God keeps us from slipping into the devil's trap. He will use anything to try to seperate us from God and His Word and lead us into unbelief.
The whole process is allowed by God to strengthen us, to increase our faith, and to show the devil that we are truly, in word and deed children of Righteousness. Our faith has to be tested and tried! Endure what you pass through, as a soldier of Christ. Be strong, stand firm in the faith, and surely in due time, it will pass, when the purpose has been accomplished. Do not give way to it, because then it becomes sin because we have acted on it. Then you can go and strengthen your brethren, for we all pass through tseasons of temptation.
' There has no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that you are able to; but will with the temptation also make a way to eascape, that you may be able to bear it'. 1 Corinth 10:13

Keep Going!

Expect Me to work and bring you through into new pathways. Some things have overwhelmed you and therefore you have thought it was impossible for improvement. But as you trust Me I will answer faith that does not waver. This is a time for you to stay strong in faith. Though the testing has continued over many months, you will soon see the benefits. You will need this stable, unwavering faith for your future assignments. So refuse discouragement, and don't give up, because the rewards of this time will amaze you. Don't fret over imaginery things! Let the peace of God rule in your heart each day.
'The testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.' James1:3,4.

Let Him!

I had a few troubled hours in the night recently. Have you noticed that things loom dark and large in the early hours? I though of Jesus needing to slip out at night, away from His disciples and talk to His Father about some decisions and matters weighing heavily upon Him. So I was encouraged that He also had sleepless nights and knew the pressure I felt. I tried to pray but it did not seem to help! Eventually that verse ' Let the peace of Christ rule in your heart' Col 3:15 came to my mind. So I put my worries on hold and started to think of scriptures that pursuaded me that He was close even if I did not feel it. Then came 'Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly' Col 3: 15 to my thoughts, and it is so true, because I was able to draw out of my mind verses and promises that I had put there over the years. So I meditated on these.
Slowly I felt less stressed and then found that I was able to tell Jesus all about my problems and asked Him to show me a way through as I had some decisions to make. Eventually I went to sleep and felt at peace knowing that He was now responsible for all that I had committed to Him. Next morning a thought slipped into my mind about how to solve this situation, and without the confusion that had been blinding me, I tackled it and it worked!

Learn Of Me.

Every child of God experiences at one time or another His discipline. When we are saved we then enter into the plans the Father has for us. To fulfil those plans we need to be trained and disciplined. Just like a child needs the example, teaching and training of parents, school, and family. In the Holy Spirit's School we are taught to perfection! Every trial, test, and affliction can bring us into the place of surrender and humility as we become more like Jesus. Because the purpose of this training is that we will be 'like Him', and our lives will shine in the world as a light, just as He is the Light of the world.
There is no other way for us to become like Him. We have to go through many waters, but are not overwhelmed; through the fires of testing, but are not burned; through darkness, but are not stopped; through disasters, but are not killed. In prison, but delivered! sick, but healed! Yes, we pass through many trials on this earth as we make our way to heaven. And at the time they are not pleasant. We wonder why a loving God can let us experience these things; we sometimes lose hope, and feel that He has forgotten us; we wonder what we have done wrong, if we have brought this upon ourselves, or if we have strayed away.
But it is all for a purpose! Take heart. Lift up your feeble hands and rejoice! God is dealing with the flaws in your character. He is making a vessel of honour out of you. You will see the harvest and reap it. This time is not in vain.
'No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however,it produces a harvest of righteousness asnd peace for those who have been trained by it. Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees'. Heb 12:11,12.

Only Believe!

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, "Acording 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".
'Jesus Christ is the same Yesterday and today and forever' Heb 13:8

You Can Begin Again!

You can get up! Everything is not over. There is a supply that you have not yet tapped into. There is a river flowing for you to drink from. A new fountain! you have not experienced the fulness of this supply before. It is ready for you to receive. Reach out to Me.
Drink from this supply. New waves of grace are falling upon your life. Do not look behind you. Lift up your eyes and gaze into My suffiency. Do you think that I am unable to meet your need? The things that I am asking of you are totally beyond your understanding or strength. That is my purpose. Have I not said that I will reveal myself to you in a new way? have you not asked to know Me, and partake of My power and great Love? For this to happen you have to be willing to lose yourself, lose your ideas, lose your ways, and come into My purposes for you.
You think it is all too hard? too much for you; too demanding, and you are unable to fulfill? but this is exactly the place I want you to be in! This is where I have brought you to. An end of yourself. Now you will see the riches of My supply. Multitudes have walked this way before you and found me sufficient and faithful. Now it is your turn! now you will see what I will do!
Begin again! be free again! You can! Rise up!

'For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. For what is a man profited if he shall gain the whole world and lose his own soul? Matt16:25,26.

Start Preparing!

Nothing is accomplished as if by magic! Things have to be planned for, prepared for, and activated. A musician has to practice and prepare for the recital. An athelete  builds his body and strength for the race. A soldier goes into training before his orders are sent.
Anticipate. Expect my plans for future work to be revealed to you. Respond with diligence and willingness to pass through the training needed to get you to the place where you will accomplish new things for Me.
This new season will demand a deeper commitment than you have ever known. Do you want that? and are you willing to prepare, step by step?
Do not give in to the lies of the enemy that you best days are past. No! your greatest days are to come, says the Lord!
Put yourself in the position to receive. to receive new vision, new strength, new plans, new power, and a new mission! For I am preparing you for war. I am preparing you to be promoted to a new position. Therefore prepare yourself for this position. I will send the help you need and the encouragement. I am asking you to do what you cannot do in your own flesh, so that you will discover my power and strength in new way. You will be stretched, enlarged, and empowered. Do not fear! have your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace Eph 6:15

'David said, "Solomon my son is young and inexperienced, and the house that is to be built for the Lord should be of great magnificence, and fame and splendour in the sight of all the nations. Therefore I will make preparation for it." So David made extensive preparations before his death'.
1 Chron 22:5

Keep Praying!

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 dependant 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

Do Not Stray!

It is wise to keep close to Me during this season. Do not stray! I know the hidden dangers of allowing your comittment and love to grow luke warm, even cold. You are living in difficult times where the love of many is growing cold. Where the truths of the Kingdom are becoming watered down by men. Even Christians are not taking the signs seriously. You are only safe as you abide in Me. Keep the oil in your lamps, and the wick sharp. Pray always in the spirit, by the Spirit. Let Me fill your spirit as you sit before Me. The evil of unbelief, slackness, and lethargy, prey upon the lukewarm believers. You think it does not matter! But I way that it does matter. You will have to pay a price, one way or the other. The price of seeking Me, waiting on Me, receiving revelation from Me, is solitude, aloneness, and the world passing you by. The price for laziness, and slackness in spiritual things is missing your destiny, no fellowship with me, and you will come out of My protection. Be aware that you are either moving forward or slipping back.

'Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling' Phillip 2:12

Surrender Again Today!

Give God ALL your worries. Because He cares about you. Carrying them around with you will wear you out. It is like taking huge amounts of luggage,hoisting them on your shoulders, stretching your arms around them, and making such slow progress! You were not made to carry all that burden.
The Bible speaks about 'casting' our care on the Lord. It is like a fisherman with a rod flinging the line high and purposefully into the deep. Fling everthing on the Lord, deliberately, decisively, desperately! in an act of abandonment and surrender. Don't hold back anything. Give it all to God as soon as you feel concerned, heavy, even depressed..
In that way you are humbling yourself before the Lord. You are saying 'I can't manage this thing, but YOU can'.You are handing over the control, and He will take the strain. Surrender yourself again today. He will not let you down. If you continue to hold onto it you will be saying that you are better than Him at managing your affairs, that He can't cope with it, and that amounts to pride.
'Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast ALL your anxiety on him because he cares for you' 1Pet 5:7.

A Large Place!

You are moving in the right direction. Step by step; little by little you are gaining ground. You are growing, though you cannot see it! Do you perceive a flower bud opening? or a tree gaining height? Can you observe a child developing? Don't you just say 'my! you have grown', but cannot actually see the growth happening moment by moment. But I see your growth as it happens. I see you develop and mature for you are ever before Me. And I am pleased with your development.
I take pleasure in watching you learn new ways. For my thoughts are not like yours, and when you come into a new understanding of Me I am so pleased. It means that we can commune together, share together, in greater friendship and understanding.
I am watching as you enter a new place, a larger place, even as you have asked Me. That large place is Me, where you are in freedom to love as I love. Where you can abide with Me without fear. I will show you many new things that will cause you to wonder in amazement, like a child open-eyed in delight. I only have good things for you, so keep moving forward in trust. Soon you will see what has been accomplished in your life through this testing time. And you will rejoice!

' He brought me forth also into a large place; he delivered me, because he delighted in me' Ps 18:19

Choose!!

Do not keep thinking about things in the past. If you do you will give them power over you and it will keep you in bondage. Christ died so that you might be free! You cannot change yesterday. Thinking unduly about it keeps those things alive in your mind. No good will come of that! you just inflict suffering upon yourself. To keep going down the same road, or round the same mountain will get you nowhere. Bring it all to God in prayer and ask His help for you to discipline your mind. You have the mind of Christ, but you have to let that mind control your thoughts. You need to renew your mind with the Christ mind. Let it take precedence. You can choose what or who you listen to! if you choose to dwell on unhelpful things, then your attitude in life is tinged with darkness. A shadow is cast over your thinking and it affects how you live. You can be free! Face the fact that part of you is dwelling on seperation, hurt, unforgiveness. Do not relive the pain. Start by forgiving yourself for not thinking wholesome thoughts and then ask God to cleanse and restore the mind of Christ again in you. THEN LET THEM GO!
'Stand fast in the liberty wherewith Christ has made us free, and don't be entangled again with the yoke of bondage' Gal 5:1

Don't Worry!

Jesus tells us not to take anxious thought about tomorrow. He does not say that we are not to think about tomorrow, make plans, or to pray about the future. But we are not to worry as it is fruitless and unprofitable. None of us can control our circumstances, or add anything to our lives by worrying. It is a habit pattern of thinking that can cause us great distress and halt our progress in life. We are really saying that our heavenly Father does not care about every detail of our lives, when we worry! Has He not said that even the hairs on our head are numbered?
Most of our troubles are imaginary. Our forebodings about the future, our forecasts about what will or might happen are just predictions and unfounded fears. The Lord can, and does deliver from them. So if you are burdened today, bring it all to Jesus, with thanksgiving, because He cares about you. As you discipline yourself to lay the weights down at His feet, so you will experience release and deliverance from the scourge of worry. The thing to concentrate on each day is to put God first in every thing and live righteously in our relationship with Him and with others. As we seek His kingdom first everything else falls into place. Our heavenly Father knows what we need, and will take care of the practical things in our lives. Our job is to seek Him and feed our souls on the spiritual things available to us. What does it profit us to gain the whole world , yet lose our own soul?
'Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will begiven to you as well.Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of it's own' Matthew 6:33,34.

Strength To Overcome.

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 peacable 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

Spring Up O Well!

Today I will give you water. Water in abundance. Everlasting water that will quench your thirst and flood your dry soul. Are you thirsty for Me? Then sing! You may not feel like it. It may seem strange to you, but do it. Sing! Allow your innermost being to rise up and petition Me for streams to flow out of you. You do not need people to bless you. You have Me. I will bless and restore your soul.
Where there is no water, where you are in spiritually dry conditions, and all those around you are in unbelief, you can call to Me. I will refresh YOU. Dig your own well. Sing! sing! to it. The water will begin to bubble and rise and then you can move on in the refreshing that will come to you.
'They continued on to Beer, the well where the Lord said to Moses, "gather the people together and I will give them water." Then Israel sang this song: "Spring up O well! Sing about it." Num 21:17 Beer was a place that had involved weeping and mourning for the Israelites. It was there that they sang the song of the well!

 "Spring up O well! Sing about it." Num 21:17

Small Buds.

I was walking in the countryside enjoying the changing colours of the trees. Red, orange, and gold leaves danced in the sunlight as the cold wind whipped through the branches. I stopped and looked closer at some small branches, and reached out my hand to touch the frail, dying leaves. Some fell into the palm of my hand, and as I peered even closer, I saw small buds, already forming along the branches. They had been forming for awhile, waiting for their time to burst forth, but were hidden by the obsolete leaves about to fall.
God spoke to my heart and said 'you think that your life is over because all you see are dying leaves that were once fresh and young, that once adorned the tree of your life with the beauty of My life. And now they are fading because they are no longer needed and the wind is releasing you of the encumbrance of obsolete things. They have had their season. But hidden away are new buds that have been developing in your life whilst the old leaves were changing colour and dying. But you could not see them because they have developed in secret. They will be seen openly, and become a source of healing to the nations.

'And the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations' Rev 22:2

Smile!

Today is a day to thank God for His goodness in your life. Has He not kept you? When you passed through the waters did they overwhelm you? When you passed through the fire were you consumed? Are you still alive today? Is He still watching over you, or have you been forgotten?
When you fell and hurt your foot did you recover? When you cut your finger, did it heal? Have you ever starved to death? Are you totally friendless? Does He send the rain to replenish the earth, and the sun to cause the flowers to grow? Have you breath in your lungs, and hope in your heart? When He shut a door, did He not open another for you?
Then smile! For God loves you! Let your heart skip for joy! Be a child again, just for a while! Sing!!!!!!!!!
'Don't trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy' 1 Tim 6:17

Abounding Grace!

He is able to meet your need. He is able to change your circumstances. He is able to heal and save. He is able to deliver. He is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work 2 Corinth 9:8. Praise Him continually that He is ABLE, and WILL do through you what is needed. He desires to pour through you to others.
But remember this:Whoever sows sparingly will reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 9:6.
He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food, will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion. 2 Corinth 9:10,11. Don't store seed just for yourself. Sow generously, sow with a cheerful heart. GIVE AND IT SHALL BE GIVEN TO YOU! OVERFLOW IN EXPRESSIONS OF THANKS TO GOD. HE IS ABLE TO MAKE ALL GRACE ABOUND TOWARDS YOU

Rise Up!!

Don't sink into complacency. You are just about to realise the results of months and years of prayer. So give that small extra push to your faith. Whilst you have been waiting things have been prepared for you to walk into. Opportunities will soon occur that will need your active involvement. So take them and resist the tendancy to spirititual slumber. Give it your best!
This is not a time to 'wait and see' because these opportunities will not present themselves again in your life. Do not be fearful, for I am with you to support your endeavours and to give you just what you need at the right time. You have given me the control of your life, so I am taking control, says the Lord, and you will surely see it in wonderful ways. There will be no doubt that I am with you.
'Arise from the depression and prostration in which circumstances have kept you-rise to a new life! Shine, be radiant with the glory of the Lord, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you!' Isaiah 60:1 (amp)

Live In The Present!

God is ever present with us. In fact He lives in the present, in the NOW. That is why Jesus taught us to live one day at a time, for God is always in that day. We are to rest in His will for us each day. Sometimes that is easier said than done! We fidget, fuss, waver, grieve over yesterday, fret over tomorrow, and allow our thoughts to rush around.
He said that we were to pray 'Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven'. I'm sure there is no panic, fear or despondancy in heaven! God's will is done there. Have you got an agenda pressing in on you? have things got to be done your way, because you think it is God's way? let your agenda go! Leave the arrangement of each day and season to God. It doesn't matter if things don't get done in your way and time. Stop pressurising yourself and others, and God. Let yourself have some space and come into the contentment that knowing the Lord can bring to you. Let His peace rule in your heart. You can only live one day at a time, so determine to enjoy each moment as it comes and rest in His will for your life. Only one pair of hands can hold the reins!
'But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is cetain that we can carry nothing out'. 1 Tim 6:6

Cheer Up!

Jesus told His disciples that in Him they would have peace, but in this world they would have trouble. "But", He says " Take heart", cheer up, do not be afraid, "I have overcome the world" Jn 16:33. He is telling them that because He has done it, they can do it too! There is a WAY through it all, there is an end to it. We cannot overcome by running away. There comes a time when we have to face all that is against us, and STAND in faith, trusting that He who has overcome will give us the strength to overcome too! Like father, like son! We have the same family trait as Jesus, if we believe in Him and have His Spirit within us. He leads us in triumph, and we are more than conquerers. We are able to do all that He requires of us through faith in Him. Feed your soul on His word. It brings a boldness and tenacity that can come no other way. Multitudes have gone before, experiencing all that you go through, and have prevailed because of their undying love for Jesus.
'Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivers him out of them all' Psalm 34:19.

He Teaches Us

When we don't know how to pray, or what to do, or how to proceed, there is Someone just waiting to help us. He is ready to be called upon every moment of every day. What problems we cause for ourselves because we don't avail ourselves of His help. The Holy Spirit is our Helper in every situation. He gives us boldness and power with God. He gives us access into the very presence of the Father. He prays for us with groans and sighs that words cannot express. He makes loving intercession in us for all the saints. It is our highest privilege as priests to be intercessors. How amazing that our prayers can move Almighty God! we can pray for people thousands of miles away; people we have never met, and God hears our hearts and answers our petitions. Ask for the Holy Spirit to help. He teaches us how to pray. He reminds us of the things that God has told us, so that we can use them in our intercessions. We cannot pray without Him. He can go where we cannot go, do what we cannot do, attend to the very root of a situation, all because we ask! Don't be put off just because you cannot see the answers to your petitions. One day you will see, and marvel at all God has accomplished through your prayers. And you may think "I wish I had prayed more". All the time you pray, you are developing a relationship with your heavenly Father and discovering that He cares about you and your concerns. And discovering that He can only change things through your prayers.
'But the Counsellor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you' Jn 14:26

Rewards of Patience.

It takes patience to wait on the Lord. Being still takes practise 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!
'Rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him' Ps 37:7
'I waited patiently for the Lord; and He inclined unto me, and heard my cry' Ps 40:1
'Sit still my daughter until you know how the matter will fall' Ruth 3:18

He Never Fails!

Who are we trusting to help us today? In what are we putting our faith? some trust in chariots! They put their hope in winning the Lottery, making good investments, buying larger houses, and bigger cars. Some put their trust in horses, the company they work for, their boss who might give them promotion, the friends who will help them get to where they want to go in life! But trusting in these things can bring your downfall. Just as the Egyptians chased the Israelites across the red sea and got stuck in the mud, thinking they were powerful because of the iron and flesh they had, so putting confidence in wordly things can bog us down. Eventually they rust and die away!
God knows that we need help, things, finances, and advancement. But His way for us is that we seek His kingdom and righteousness first. Our trust must be in the Lord He is the only unchanging One, faithful One, honest One and all powerful One. He never fails.
'Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God' Ps 20:7.

Dance With Me!

It is time to give your mind an overhaul! Take some thought about your thoughts! Stop allowing yourself to dwell on imaginary disasters that 'might' happen in your life. There is no need to wallow in morbid thoughts and plans for I have a bright future for you. My plans, says the Lord, are for good and not for your harm. My plans are for your fulfilment and enjoyment, not for sadness and emptiness. There is work for you to do on this earth. Lives need touching and changing. My Gospel needs to go forth. And I want to use you!
Get rid of the dark imaginings and renounce negative thinking. Discipline your mind again to take hold of My blessings of freedom and love. If you continue to feed on unhelpful thoughts your days will be heavy and unfruitful. I desire you to dance with Me into your future, expecting that I will always provide the grace you need for every situation. It is time to lighten up! leave your baggage behind and let regrets go. You will find that the healing you need will become a reality and sorrow will vanish as a shadow.
'Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ'. 2 Corinth 10:5

Digging Holes?

God has given gifts and talents to each one of us. It is our responsibility to use them. He has given; we must be good stewards. One of the reasons we bury our gifts in the sand is that we are afraid of what others think. If we have been put down, despised, criticised or mocked, it is difficult to rise above the things others have said. But today is a day to leave all that behind and start anew. What is your gift? God has given great diversity. Start using it again. It may be spiritual, but it may be natural. Decide to use what you have and it will grow. Jesus used what He had in the motley band of His disciples and trusted them to continue the work He started. He gave the Helper, the Holy Spirit, to come and dwell within them and be alongside them. So we are not alone in using our gifts. There is a Helper to show us what to do. Don't look at what others are doing, their particular gifts, or how successful they are. But look to Jesus and use what you have been given out of thankfulness to Him. He can show His love through you in seemingly small ways to accomplish much. Don't make the mistake of despising your own gifts!
' But the man who had received the one talent went off, dug a hole in the ground and hid his master's money' Matthew 25:15-18

Blessing On your Life!

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

Trust Me!

Trust Me even though you cannot see Me. Trust Me when your heart is failing you for fear. Trust Me moment by moment with your life. All is not lost. Though the storm clouds gather, trust Me to take you through.
In this world you will have times of tribulation, but fear not, I have overcome the world, and as you trust Me so you also will overcome the world. Greater is He who is within you than he who is in the world.
Though you feel that you struggle alone, you are not alone. The heavenly hosts gather round you. The angels are close to you. The saints in glory spur you on.
Negative thoughts are attacking your mind, seeking to pull you down. Words spoken by others have wrapped your mind in confusion and you do not know what is true and what is false. But stand fast! I am about to display My power in your life. As a baby is drawn from the womb and gasps for new breath, so I will deliver you into a new realm. The pains are but birth pangs, and there will be a delivery! The pressure on your mind is due to you passing through the birth canal. You will slip effortlessly into freedom and see new light in your circumstances.
'Why art thou cast down O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance and my God' Ps 42:11

Walk On Water!

You are going to have to venture out and walk on water again. You have done it before and found God faithful. He has never let you down or caused you to fall. But you have become unwilling to try it again. Some of your prayers will only be answered as you move! help yourself by overcoming in small ways. Stretch your spiritual muscles again. The season of dormancy is almost over. Now you need to step out of the boat. Soon there will be new challenges in your path and there are things you can do to prepare yourself for this.
God is watching over you and encouraging you on. Don't be afraid. Take small steps to begin with and you will discover you can do more than you thought. His grace will flood into your heart as you overcome. Not before hand, but as you take the steps, so you will find that there is rock under your feet, not water!
' I have strength for all things in Christ Who empowers me (I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him Who infuses inner strength into me: I am self sufficient in Christ's suffiency) Phill 4:13 (amp)

God's Discipline.

Accept this time as an opportunity to come closer to God. Don't become impatient and pull against the yoke He has put upon you. And don't blame the devil for every adverse circumstance you meet. God is disciplining you because some of your attitudes need changing. And this is the time for it to happen. If things don't seem to be going your well, stop, and ask the Lord to show any faults in your heart that are blocking your way. Though it is painful, it is necessary for you to be pruned. He is the One who does this through the Holy Spirit using your conscience to speak to you. In your heart you know when you have done wrong. Don't push the conviction away, for you will suffer if you do. Come into the Light and confess your faults and ask God to heal you. We really do love ourselves too much! We say we love God, we think we love God, but secretly we love and try to preserve ourselves. We love our comfort zone, and so often want to feel cosy and warm, not willing to venture forth into a new walk with Him, into the unknown.
Chastening and disciplining bring us into reality again. He really is Holy. He really is Almighty. Give Him total control of your self and allow Him to change your heart for the better.
'And you have forgotten that word of encouragement that addresses you as sons:"My son, do not make light of the Lord's discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you. because the Lord disciplines those he loves, and punishes everyone he accepts as a son." Heb 21:5,6

Cleanse Our Hearts

Asking God to deal with your pride is a huge step! Pride and arrogance dress themselves up in many different clothes. It is possible to wear sackcloth, and yet be proud of appearing humble. Standing up for our rights can be a covering for pride; yet to be seen doing the humble thing in a situation can also be masked pride! thinking we are not proud can be camourflaged pride. The only one who can expose our pride is the Holy Spirit, and He is the one who must reveal and deal with it.
We can be sure that God hates pride. It caused the fall of Satan. It can cause us to fall. There is a proverb that says 'pride comes before a fall'. And the Bible teaches that God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble. So some of the difficulties we find ourselves in are allowed by God to deliver us of our pride. When people don't think well of us; or we are not given the honour we think we deserve, others overlook us or speak about us behind our back, wanting to be right all the time, all these things touch our pride. Being pushed into taking the lowest place, rather than choosing the lowest place can hit our pride.
If we are in need of grace, want to come close to God, then in humility we must ask Him to cleanse us and then draw near to us again. He will do it if we are honest and sincere about our self. Don't shrink, let all be exposed before Him. We are to humble ourselves in the sight of the Lord, not necessarily man, and He will lift us up Jas 4:10
'God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble. Submit yourselves, therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and he will draw near to you.' James 4: 6-8

Arise and Shine!

The shadows hovering over you that are causing confusion in your life, are only shadows! they are not the real. They are mists in your imagination. Vapours easily dispersed by faith. Repent, renounce, rebuke, all fear, and despondancy. Push it away from you as an old garment. You are now ready for change into the new. This is a short time of transition. The new has been made ready for you. Soon your memory of the old will pass away and you will enjoy forgetfulness of the dreaded things behind you. I am working a supernatural thing within you. Yield to me, and hunger for My righteousness and prepare your heart to receive your new garment.
'Arise (from the depression and prostration in which circumstances have kept you-rise to a new life)! SHINE (be radiant with the glory of the Lord), for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you! Isa 60:1 (amp)

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: 5,8.

Step Forward!

You do not need to know where I am leading you, or which direction you are walking in. Just take a step at a time in obedience to My leading.Trust Me! All your reasoning or thought will not help you at this time. I know the way seems strange and dark to you, but be sure that I am leading.
As each step is taken so the next will become plain. You need to travel in this way because it is the easiest for you. You do not need to see far ahead at this time. There are twists and turns along the way. You are safest taking just one step at a time. Do not dread what is ahead of you. I am bringing you into a large place where you will see and understand what I am doing in your life, and you will find peace. But at this present time you need to step forward slowly through the confusion that Satan is throwing at you. The clouds will lift and the struggle will pass. Don't give in to the temptaion to remain static. Keep moving forward as each step opens up.
'Urged on by faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed and went forth to a place which he was destined to receive as an inheritance: and he went, although he did not know or trouble his mind about where he was to go'. Heb 11:8 (amp)

Just As I Am!

If you lack love, ask God to fill you with the Holy Spirit. There is an infilling available for us moment by moment. We are not alone. God will lead us into victory by His own Spirit. We could not save ourselves. He came and brought us out of the prison of self and sin. If Jesus left His home in heaven, walked this earth sharing the pain of humanity, then dying on a cross to bring us to God, surely He will give us victory over all our difficulties. You can trust the Man who died for you! Who else is there who forgives, delivers from the power of death, and is utterly faithful?
His grace is sufficient for today, tomorrow, and the future. Ask and it shall be given you, good measure, overflowing, more than you need. Don't run from God, run to Him, and He will prove Himself faithful. People let us down, human nature is fickle, and we are not what we often pretend to be. But God is true, perfect, kind, just. And He loves us just as we are! Be filled with His love today, and give it to someone else!
'God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit he has given to us' Rom 5:5

Passing Through!

There are so many ways we can encourage others. The word means 'to put courage in'and 'to inspire with spirit or hope'. The Bible speaks a lot about encouragement. In Acts 9:31 the church was encouraged by the Holy Spirit bringing a time of peace after persecution. Barnabas was sent to Antioch and encouraged the believers to remain true to the Lord Acts 11:23. Prophets were used to bring encouragement Acts 15:9. The testimony of Paul and Silas when they came out of prison was an encouragement to the Christians Acts 16:40. Letters were sent; disciples brought encouragement as they travelled and met with others.
As Christians we can mutually encourage each others faith; we can stand in the gap and intercede; we can send a letter; we can make a phone call; we can bring wisdom into a situation; we can give someone a meal; share our home; provide finance for missions; send Bibles to poor countries.
We all need encouragement to serve the Lord and continue in the faith as the days grow darker and discouraging! Be an encourager. Support and listen to others. Help to grow their faith and gifts. Smile!
'And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds' Heb 10:24.

'I expect to pass through this world but once. Any good work, therefore, any kindness, or any service I can render to any soul or animal, let me do it now. Let me not neglect to defer it, for I shall not pass this way again.' An old Quaker saying.

Be Still!

Be careful about making decisions out of fear. God leads by His peace and you can afford to wait for His peace to settle in your heart before you move forward. He really is the good Shepherd who goes before us, leading, not as one who drives us onward. Be careful of anything that pressurizes you to make a decision. Fear can push us to hasty decisions, and causes us to panic and try to keep control of our lives. Fear of what others might think, or expect from us. God's peace leads gently and there is a feeling of 'rightness' about the proposed plans. Fear brings a darkness that shadows the ability to think things through calmly. Peace bring light and there is no claustrophobic pressure with it. Bring everything to the Lord for His guidance and then wait for Him to reveal the next step. Overcome fear by faith.
 'God has not given us a spirit of fear; but of power, and of love and of a sound mind' 2 Tim 1:7.

My Yoke Is Easy.

The Lord says " Come to Me and sink into My love. There is a refreshing that will gently wash over you as you linger in My presence. Just as a child snuggles into its bed at night and relaxes in the warmth of the blankets, so you come and nestle in My love for you. Sink down, relax and let me take control. Do not be in a hurry to move from this position for you will find the healing there that you need. Let your soul be at rest and abide (stay put) in the experience. Don't be hasty over decisions, or plans, allow the waters to flow over you and soften your heart and motives. Your spiritual eyes have become weary with trying to see through the fog of many emotions. Now is the time to let all that go and rest in My love. I will show you the new pathway you must tread as you awake from your rest. Do not fear complacency. This is ordained of Me. There will be new vigour and direction, but wait for it to come from my Spirit".
'Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.' Matt 11:28

Spiritual Progress!

Habakkuk talks very freely with God. He is troubled and discouraged that the leaders in Judah are oppressing the poor and that these wicked people prosper. Why doesn't God do something about it? he asks. But God replies that He is a God of justice and eventually everyone will be judged and right will prevail. In the meantime He tells Habakkuk to have confidence in God because the just shall live by faith.
How good it is to be open with the Lord and bring our concerns to Him. He is able to take every puzzling thing we bring and turn it to advantage. All things WILL work together for good. Give God time to sort out the dilemma you have discussed with Him. In chapter 3: 17,18 of the book of Habakkuk, he says that he will rejoice in the Lord even though the fig tree does not blossom and there is no fruit on the vines, and no cattle in the stalls.
It takes humility to read the word of God, to receive it and put it into practice in our daily lives!
'The Lord God is my Strength, my personal bravery, and my invincible army: He makes my feet like hind's feet and will make me to walk (not to stand still in terror, but to walk) and make (spiritual) progress upon my high places (of trouble, suffering, or responsibility)! Hab 3:19 (amp)

A New Season.

God leaves room in His plans for some things to happen spontaneously. Suddenly a rainbow appears in the sky after heavy rain. Suddenly the desert blossoms with flowers after years of dryness. Suddenly a baby smiles. Unexpected things happen which bring a new season in our lives. Suddenly the sun appears from behind the clouds, and suddenly a bird sings. Each day brings unexpected blessings to us. He works everything together for our good.
Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to men on whom His favour rests". Lk 2:13

A Place For You!

I saw a child happily skipping along a straight road. When asked why it was on it's own, yet so happy, the reply was " I'm on my way home and nearer than when I started. I am not afraid because my Father has just been along this way and made it safe for me".
Everything in our lives, things that happen to us, choices we make, all prepare us for Eternity. Even the bad things He can turn and use for good. We can go along with a happy heart in God's Way, or we can struggle and trudge along our own way. Every day that passes brings us nearer to our heavenly home. Our Father is waiting for us with a welcome beyond our dreaming. Even if the clouds are dark and dreary around us, we can have a warmth in our hearts knowing we are on our way home.
I was fortunate to have a mother that loved her children. When I ran home from school each day, she was always there with hot tea for me. I felt welcomed, warm and loved. At Christmas time we had presents waiting in their bright paper to be unwrapped. It was only Birthdays and Christmas that brought gifts. There was nothing else for children throughout the year, not like today! We always had an apple and an orange in our stockings and relished eating them at midnight, when we were supposed to be asleep!
But Oh! my heart was so warm at the thought of surprises at Christmastime. Often I would have a new dress that my mother had made. Wearing it gave me a sense of belonging and pride. Mother had made it 'for me'!
A whole new world is waiting for us. Heaven is a place prepared for you. There are lovely surprises planned by our Father for each loved child. There is a welcome beyond words, beyond any good thing experienced on this earth. There are no more bad things, no more sorrow or pain or sickness. No more loneliness or rejection or hatred. Just Perfect LOVE.
'I will go before you, and make the crooked places straight: I will break in pieces the gates of brass, and cut through bars of iron'. Isaiah 45:2

The Next Step!

'Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip,"Go south to the road - the desert road - that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza." So he started out, and on his way he met an Ethiopian eunoch, an important official in charge of all the treasury of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians." Acts 8:26,27.
Don't look for great opportunities when the one that God wants you to take is just the next step that comes your way. The nearest opportunity is often the one that leads to something wonderful. Use your common sense and step forward into the obvious. The angel was just a messenger. He did not have wings! look out for God speaking to you through each day in ordinary ways. Don't miss the messenger!
Philip could have procrastinated and said "Why go into the desert, there is nothing and no one there." BUT he just happened to see the most important man, after the queen, in Ethiopia. And so the Gospel was preached, the man was saved and baptized, and he took the good news back with him to Ethiopia. This one man was more imortant to God, on that day, than ten thousand men!