Look Up!

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

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

Prayer is Vital!

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

Be Determined!

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

A Wide Door!

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

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

You Will Fly!

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.

'Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, neither has it entered the heart of man, the things which God has prepared for them that love Him' 1 Corinth 2:9

Patiently Wait!

Wait for new vision and motivation to come to you from the presence of the Lord. As you worship, read His word, and bring your requests to Him, He will empower you with a new perspective and new thoughts. The vision will bring direction and clarity to your path and the things that seemed difficult and wearysome will suddenly become easy. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and don't lean on your own understanding, but let God give you the wisdom and understanding that you need in every situation.
The temptations will be to cause you to become disheartened at the timing of things because you think that nothing is moving. But God is more interested in stabilising your faith and trust in Him. He will act in due time. Many seeds have been planted in your life through the dark months, give them time to germinate and sprout. Keep stepping forward, even though you think the steps are small, they are significant. Your efforts are not in vain.

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

Surrender to God!

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 us 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' Isaiah 43:19

God's Love!

The people around us need God's love! Not the kind that is sexual, or platonic, but the eternal pure love that never changes in it's quality. We are meant to show that kind of love to others. Not to the same degree as Jesus did, but the same quality. Not the same quantity that Jesus had, for He gave His life on the cross for the whole of mankind. But we are meant to love one another as He loved us, with the same purity. So each person that comes our way, every relationship that we have and all our prayers are meant to display that pure quality of love from God.
We need God's love. It is so easy to forget He loves us unconditionally, through and through, and will never reject us or leave us alone. If we do not believe He loves us, then it is impossible for us to love others with His love. That love fills our hearts by the Holy Spirit, freely given to all who will receive. We just need to receive that love daily and enjoy giving it away! God's love flows like a golden river ever outwards from Himself. It is not hard work for Him to love the world, the peoples and His creation.
Let it flow into your heart today. The flow can be blocked through unforgiveness, resentment, or anger. But running to the Father in childlike need, saying sorry, letting Him pick us up, sets the river flowing again. Then it freely flows into us and out of us, and is not hard work!

'Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.........Love never fails..............Now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.'

Count Your Blessings!

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

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

Stand 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, comforter, helper 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

Hope On!

Don't give up hope! Don't be disappointed. Give God more time to work. He is attending to your requests, and though you seem to be walking through a long dark valley, you are near the end now. If you concentrate on your symptoms, they will dominate. Take control of your emotions and feelings. Treat them like children that need to be told how to behave! And when you feel overwhelmed hand the problem straight to the Lord, who will not forsake you or leave you to sink. Overcome your impatience through faith. He does not condemn you for bringing the same petitions to Him. He does not grow weary of your cries. Stand in faith. Declare that He is on your case! Even though you feel weak under these attacks, rejoice! For your faith will come forth as gold. It is being tested so that you will become stronger.

' We rejoice in our sufferings, because suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out His love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us.
You see, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly' Rom 5 3-6

Be Filled Today!

God does not look at the amount of work we accomplish for Him. He is after quality. A pint jar can be as perfectly filled as a gallon vessel. We may have little, but it is what we do with our little that counts with God. If we surrender all we are and have to God it is as acceptable as if we had ten times that amount in capacity, ability or strength. We make a great mistake if we estimate the value of service to God by the amount accomplished. We put people in the world on a pedestal if they give a lot, or do a lot, or are in the public eye alot, doing more than we could ever do.
God's eye is upon the one who renders a small but perfect service, in honesty and love. It is on the same level and of the same value to God as a great serrvice rendered. Likewise, a great service for God is of the same value as the small service. All things are on the same level to Him. He looks at every task accomplished and sees if the person has done it for the Glory of God. We are all different, some have a greater ability, capacity, to accomplish things in this life. But all we need to do is use our time, gifts, talents, to the full. If you are a pint jar, be filled to the brim! If you are a gallon vessel, be filled to the brim! use what you have!

'Be filled with the Spirit' Eph 5:18

He Hears Your Cry!

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

Press Forward!

Dwelling on past failures or missed opportunities will not help your progress. Thoughts of 'if only', and 'why did it happen' or 'things could have been different' just keep you bound to an earthly level. Rise higher in your thinking! God can turn everything to profit as you yield to His word today. There are weights upon you that you need to release and lay at Jesus feet. You cannot change the past, but your attitudes can determine the future. Paul says from experience that he had to forget those things which were behind him and press on Philip 3:13. He could have lived in the morbid thoughts of how many believers he had killed and persecuted before he met Jesus. He could have thought about all those who forsook him; the awful stonings; the shipwrecks; the hunger and cold; the prison. So many dreaded things! But he knew that the mature let all these things go and press forward to the prize of the high calling Phil v 14-15. As you look towards the sun the shadows fall behind! let us look to Jesus the author and finisher of our faith. He is trustworthy!

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

Little By Little!

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

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

Don't Sink-Rise!

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)

He Knows Best!

'I trust in You, O Lord; I say, "You are my God" My times are in Your hands; deliver me from my enemies and from those who pursue me. Let Your face shine on your servant; save me in your unfailing love'.Psalm 31: 14-16. Let us rest content in knowing that our times are in His hands......and He never drops anything! And no-one can snatch us out of our Father's hand Jn 10:28. We often get impatient to see results! But God knows all the hidden factors and agendas. His delays are not 'no', but are arranged with our best interests at heart. His timing is important. He really does know best!

Faith is Tested!

The testing of our faith produces perseverance James 1:3. And the one who has stood the test will receive the crown of life God has promised to those who love Him. What is this 'crown of life'? A crown is given as a mark of honour, it denotes kingship, authority, and it sets apart the wearer investing then with royal dignity . Jesus said that He had come that we might have abundant life. This life is a crown that we wear daily as a sign of our royalty.
I don't think that this crown will be given to us in heaven. I think that it is available for us now. We need it like a soldier wears a helmet, or a policeman, or a fireman, or a builder! It graces us with significance in the spiritual realm. Satan recognises our crown of life and is wary of it. Our crown states that we are ALIVE with the same power that Jesus was resurrected by. And we gain it by enduring the tests, temptations, and trials that we pass through, if we stand in faith. Our faith has to be proved to be genuine. We are kept by the power of God through faith. As we believe and endure our crown of life becomes weightier. Our authority is increased. Through the things we endure and persevere in for Jesus we gain! Through sharing the fellowship of His sufferings, we gain the power of His resurrection resting on our lives. We are crowned with the crown of life!

'Though now for a season, ( for a little while) if need be, you are in heaviness through manifold temptations. That the trial of your faith being much more precious than of gold that perishes, though it be tried with fire, might be found ( proved genuine) unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ.' 1 Pet 1:6,7

Give it Time!

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

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