I enjoy reading...getting new insights...inspirations...
But I believe I have been worshiping the author more than the creator of the author. I have been seeking more wonderment and more strength of the Holy Spirit. Strange as it may sound and I believe because I love words, emotions, and writing I have become addicted to the authors' expressions...looking for a new "high" in what the author expresses. That is so wrong!
When I first began book reading again, it was great and I was thrilled because my brain seemed to finally have recovered from brain surgery and chemo. My brain was renewed and restored...ready to absorb!
I dove into reading! One of the books was truly a Holy Spirit inspired book and re-set my soul on fire. I began reading more books by Christian authors and honestly looked TOO forward into what they had to say...how they could touch my soul to truly seek the Holy Spirit!
At first this all seemed good. I was growing in Jesus, right? Yes! I was! The authors used insightful scripture passages! "They" were my seekers. They gave me the verses and I would eagerly highlight some verses in my YouVersion Bible app.
The Holy Spirit whispered ever so tenderly to my soul, "why are you seeking your spiritual fulfillment...your learning...your equipping...from another person? Yes, God inspired their writings BUT His Word is the True inspiration. His Word is Truth!
It's not that these authors don't speak truth~they do~and it's not that it is bad for me to be inspired or encouraged by what they have to say. God has gifted them with that~But it is on ME~It is MY heart~MY soul~MY mind that needs to delve into Scripture. I need to and I do desire to thirst for God's Word and growing in what He has to say to me!
Yes! I will continue reading books written by Christian authors. They will not be a substitution for God's Word and what I can glean from it...learn from Him directly to me! The books can be helpful, but His Word is much more significant!
I will delve deeper into the Living Word!
~Still growing and learning in Him! Seeking HIS wisdom and guidance from His Truth (the Holy Scriptures)
Tuesday, April 24, 2018
Wednesday, April 18, 2018
~Restful Rest~
I tried something new the other night. I had read about it that day, so I decided to try it. I have been having interrupted sleep for no real reason. I would simply wake several times a night until it was actually time to get up for the day.
I had no stresses. I had no anxiety. I ate nothing out of the norm. I would simply wake to the darkness and silence of my room. I would talk to God and ask if there was someone I should pray for. If there were, I would pray but the majority of the time, no one came to mind and God does bring people to mind when we are to pray for them. My sleep pattern of having no real sleep pattern continued for months.
THEN, I read something. Some of you may think it a bit odd what I am going to share but that is all right with me! I know my God and I know my heart, soul, and mind. I have shared before that I am that lady who has little girl-like faith in Father God. I am that lady who is that Warrior Princess filled with the Holy Spirit. I am that lady who has Jesus-y things dancing around inside her heart, soul, and mind but only allows some of that dancing to leak out so as not to freak out people who don't quite understand (yet) the fullness of Him. I am that lady who desires for all to fully understand all that Jesus is and all who the Holy Spirit is and the relationship with Father God. All three of the God-figure are so wonderfully awesome! I can't even begin to describe in any words how glorious all three are in each of their ways! Once you allow the trinity to be part of who you are, you will understand and God shows Himself to each of us in a variety of ways. What is it I read?
As I said, think what you will, but what I read is to do something before you go to sleep~after praying. Of course quieting your mind is essential, but as your head lies on your pillow, when you are ready to sleep, talk to Father God. What you request is short and simple. Ask Jesus talk talk to you in your sleep. I have been doing this for about a week. My experience? I fall asleep shortly after asking this of Him. I still wake on and off during the night BUT my sleep is more sound and restful and when I wake, I simply ask Him (again) to talk to me. I won't say that I hear Him in audible words. Some night I may. What happens is, I experience a very deep, calm, and sound sleep. I believe He speaks in stillness. In the calm. He IS the calm.
"The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift his countenance upon you and give you peace." ~Numbers 6:24-26
I had no stresses. I had no anxiety. I ate nothing out of the norm. I would simply wake to the darkness and silence of my room. I would talk to God and ask if there was someone I should pray for. If there were, I would pray but the majority of the time, no one came to mind and God does bring people to mind when we are to pray for them. My sleep pattern of having no real sleep pattern continued for months.
THEN, I read something. Some of you may think it a bit odd what I am going to share but that is all right with me! I know my God and I know my heart, soul, and mind. I have shared before that I am that lady who has little girl-like faith in Father God. I am that lady who is that Warrior Princess filled with the Holy Spirit. I am that lady who has Jesus-y things dancing around inside her heart, soul, and mind but only allows some of that dancing to leak out so as not to freak out people who don't quite understand (yet) the fullness of Him. I am that lady who desires for all to fully understand all that Jesus is and all who the Holy Spirit is and the relationship with Father God. All three of the God-figure are so wonderfully awesome! I can't even begin to describe in any words how glorious all three are in each of their ways! Once you allow the trinity to be part of who you are, you will understand and God shows Himself to each of us in a variety of ways. What is it I read?
As I said, think what you will, but what I read is to do something before you go to sleep~after praying. Of course quieting your mind is essential, but as your head lies on your pillow, when you are ready to sleep, talk to Father God. What you request is short and simple. Ask Jesus talk talk to you in your sleep. I have been doing this for about a week. My experience? I fall asleep shortly after asking this of Him. I still wake on and off during the night BUT my sleep is more sound and restful and when I wake, I simply ask Him (again) to talk to me. I won't say that I hear Him in audible words. Some night I may. What happens is, I experience a very deep, calm, and sound sleep. I believe He speaks in stillness. In the calm. He IS the calm.
"The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift his countenance upon you and give you peace." ~Numbers 6:24-26
Wednesday, April 11, 2018
~Princess Prayer Warrior~
I wear an invisible crown. I am the daughter of the King most high! I am not an ordinary Princess. I am a Warrior Princess!
My Father, the King,is invisibly invincible. I rely on Him for my courage, strength, and training. He loves me uniquely and trains me accordingly. Of course my heart and soul must be right in order to be trained according to His ways. I don't believe I will ever be fully trained. There will always be more to learn...more to study...but He equips me with what I need as I go about life.
I don't dress like a Princess. I do wear the invisible crown. It is beautiful! There are many precious jewels adorning it. Amazingly, it stays on my head even when I am in battle...and it shines...oh does it shine!
My crown being the only "princess-like-attire" that I wear, as I dress ready for battle! I wear armor! I wear the belt of Truth, the breastplate of righteousness, my shoes are of the gospel of peace, my shield is faith, my helmet is that of salvation, and my sword is the Holy Spirit.
The belt of Truth is Father God and His Word. I must be ready to combat in Truth at all times. My breastplate is of holy and right living. I must always be living the life my Father wants...obeying Him and staying in His will. My shoes can only be crafted by my Kingly Father as He is the one who gives true peace, a peace that all long for but only can be understood when you have it. My shield of Faith wards off any dart of fire thrown at me by satan (YES! small S). My helmet protects my head and face. My sword of the Spirit is the Word of Father God. I must be ready on ANY occasion to know His Word and combat with it. I must continually be in communication with Father God, the King.
As you read, my attire is far from that you would imagine a princess wearing. It all fits perfectly as Father God has designed it uniquely for me and the battles I will come against.
Some of my battles are not seen by anyone but the King nd I. Some are seen by many. Father God prepares my heart and soul for each and every one. It is in the smaller battles, the unseen ones, that I am preparing for the larger battles.
It is within my heart, as a Warrior, to fight the unseen. There are battles waging all around. Battles that satan desires to win. As a Princess Warrior I am honored to be able to pray (talk to Father God) continually. In talking to Father God, I can pray in the Spirit with prayer and supplication.
There is a quickening within my soul to be a Warrior as I join the cause for Jesus. Being a warrior is far different than being a soldier. A warrior is honor-bound to something higher than themselves. A soldier is paid to go to battle and fight and when the battle is won, the soldier is done. A warrior is made. The way of the Warrior Princess begins with the heart. We bear our Father's image (reflection of Him). A Warrior is driven internally...by the Spirit of God.
I will not stop being a Warrior Princess. It is my life! It is my call! I will hear the whispered call of Father God throughout my life as His Warrior Princess. I will be sure that I am always ready for battle and led by His Spirit!
"...If God is for us, who can be against us?"~Romans 8:31b
My Father, the King,is invisibly invincible. I rely on Him for my courage, strength, and training. He loves me uniquely and trains me accordingly. Of course my heart and soul must be right in order to be trained according to His ways. I don't believe I will ever be fully trained. There will always be more to learn...more to study...but He equips me with what I need as I go about life.
I don't dress like a Princess. I do wear the invisible crown. It is beautiful! There are many precious jewels adorning it. Amazingly, it stays on my head even when I am in battle...and it shines...oh does it shine!
My crown being the only "princess-like-attire" that I wear, as I dress ready for battle! I wear armor! I wear the belt of Truth, the breastplate of righteousness, my shoes are of the gospel of peace, my shield is faith, my helmet is that of salvation, and my sword is the Holy Spirit.
The belt of Truth is Father God and His Word. I must be ready to combat in Truth at all times. My breastplate is of holy and right living. I must always be living the life my Father wants...obeying Him and staying in His will. My shoes can only be crafted by my Kingly Father as He is the one who gives true peace, a peace that all long for but only can be understood when you have it. My shield of Faith wards off any dart of fire thrown at me by satan (YES! small S). My helmet protects my head and face. My sword of the Spirit is the Word of Father God. I must be ready on ANY occasion to know His Word and combat with it. I must continually be in communication with Father God, the King.
As you read, my attire is far from that you would imagine a princess wearing. It all fits perfectly as Father God has designed it uniquely for me and the battles I will come against.
Some of my battles are not seen by anyone but the King nd I. Some are seen by many. Father God prepares my heart and soul for each and every one. It is in the smaller battles, the unseen ones, that I am preparing for the larger battles.
It is within my heart, as a Warrior, to fight the unseen. There are battles waging all around. Battles that satan desires to win. As a Princess Warrior I am honored to be able to pray (talk to Father God) continually. In talking to Father God, I can pray in the Spirit with prayer and supplication.
There is a quickening within my soul to be a Warrior as I join the cause for Jesus. Being a warrior is far different than being a soldier. A warrior is honor-bound to something higher than themselves. A soldier is paid to go to battle and fight and when the battle is won, the soldier is done. A warrior is made. The way of the Warrior Princess begins with the heart. We bear our Father's image (reflection of Him). A Warrior is driven internally...by the Spirit of God.
I will not stop being a Warrior Princess. It is my life! It is my call! I will hear the whispered call of Father God throughout my life as His Warrior Princess. I will be sure that I am always ready for battle and led by His Spirit!
Monday, April 9, 2018
Saturday, April 7, 2018
~Like a Butterfly, A Soul on Fire!~
Have you ever experienced being that butterfly busting out of a cocoon...then that glorious and beautiful freedom? THAT my friend, is what a Soul on Fire (for Jesus) is like!
he makes his messengers winds,
his ministers a flaming fire.~Psalm 104:4 ESV
A soul on fire! Because of Jesus!
his ministers a flaming fire.~Psalm 104:4 ESV
A soul on fire! Because of Jesus!
Wednesday, March 28, 2018
~Worship~
Close your eyes. If you close your eyes you won't be able to read this text. So, close your eyes after reading what I have to say. When you close your eyes, sit in silence. Talk to Father God. Avoid pleading with Him for things you may think you need or requests you think you need to bring to Him at this moment. Use this time of quietness with Father God to seek Him. Ask Him what needs to be changed in your heart and soul. Tell Him you desire to de-clutter.
Read this passage aloud before closing your eyes in silence:
"I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world,but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." Romans 12:1-2
When you close your eyes and are in silence with God, pray this scripture something like this..."Lord, I give my all to you, my heart, my soul, and my mind. Please renew my mind in You and help me to know Your will for my life."
Then sit in silence and listen! Be patient! Listen! Maybe you will hear nothing at this time. Maybe you will hear a soft whisper. Be open to Father God!
After you have listened for a while, open your eyes and read the following:
"Then he said to me, This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: NOT BY MIGHT, NOR BY POWER, BUT BY MY SPIRIT, says the Lord of hosts." Zechariah 4:6
When we are in a right relationship with Jesus, we can have the same Holy Spirit power in us that raised Jesus from the dead. Think about that! Absorb that Truth! That is a LOT of Godly power!
This time you can either keep your eyes open or closed...just don't give way to distractions. Talk to Father God about this truth of having the Holy Spirit in you. Thank Him for the Holy Spirit in you.
Sometimes people can be uncertain as to what the Holy Spirit can do. They tend to hold back maybe in fear or doubt of some sort. The Holy Spirit helps you to discern. He speaks to you in that still small voice that shows you what to do about situations. He empowers you to stand strong in your walk with Jesus. He gives you that Crazy Peace and Joy! Talk to Jesus about Him. Read scriptures about the Holy Spirit. Accept that when you have a relationship with Jesus, you HAVE that amazing Counselor and Strength of the Holy Spirit.
Your act of worship is to be in obedience to Father God and His word. Periodically take times of quiet with Him. Maybe He told you to set up specific times to be with Him. Do that! Our worship of Father God is not only to sing to and of Him or to praise Him. Those things are parts of worship. True worship is to live in obedience to what He wants for your life.
Jesus said, "But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you." John 14:26 The Holy Spirit is to be in our heart, soul, and mind. I become giddy knowing that because I know the amazing strength and joy there is in Him and I know that there is SO much more to Him than I have experienced.
We all express our Holy Spirit power in different ways. Some are more quiet, some express their minds excitedly and openly...and there are some in between.
Allow the Holy Spirit to work inside you as you daily walk with Jesus and commune with Him. Follower of Jesus, KNOW that you have mighty Holy Spirit Power if you accept it. Proceed in life living with the Holy Spirit and enjoying whatever life with Him brings!
Read this passage aloud before closing your eyes in silence:
"I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world,but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." Romans 12:1-2
When you close your eyes and are in silence with God, pray this scripture something like this..."Lord, I give my all to you, my heart, my soul, and my mind. Please renew my mind in You and help me to know Your will for my life."
Then sit in silence and listen! Be patient! Listen! Maybe you will hear nothing at this time. Maybe you will hear a soft whisper. Be open to Father God!
After you have listened for a while, open your eyes and read the following:
"Then he said to me, This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: NOT BY MIGHT, NOR BY POWER, BUT BY MY SPIRIT, says the Lord of hosts." Zechariah 4:6
When we are in a right relationship with Jesus, we can have the same Holy Spirit power in us that raised Jesus from the dead. Think about that! Absorb that Truth! That is a LOT of Godly power!
This time you can either keep your eyes open or closed...just don't give way to distractions. Talk to Father God about this truth of having the Holy Spirit in you. Thank Him for the Holy Spirit in you.
Sometimes people can be uncertain as to what the Holy Spirit can do. They tend to hold back maybe in fear or doubt of some sort. The Holy Spirit helps you to discern. He speaks to you in that still small voice that shows you what to do about situations. He empowers you to stand strong in your walk with Jesus. He gives you that Crazy Peace and Joy! Talk to Jesus about Him. Read scriptures about the Holy Spirit. Accept that when you have a relationship with Jesus, you HAVE that amazing Counselor and Strength of the Holy Spirit.
Your act of worship is to be in obedience to Father God and His word. Periodically take times of quiet with Him. Maybe He told you to set up specific times to be with Him. Do that! Our worship of Father God is not only to sing to and of Him or to praise Him. Those things are parts of worship. True worship is to live in obedience to what He wants for your life.
Jesus said, "But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you." John 14:26 The Holy Spirit is to be in our heart, soul, and mind. I become giddy knowing that because I know the amazing strength and joy there is in Him and I know that there is SO much more to Him than I have experienced.
We all express our Holy Spirit power in different ways. Some are more quiet, some express their minds excitedly and openly...and there are some in between.
Allow the Holy Spirit to work inside you as you daily walk with Jesus and commune with Him. Follower of Jesus, KNOW that you have mighty Holy Spirit Power if you accept it. Proceed in life living with the Holy Spirit and enjoying whatever life with Him brings!
Friday, March 23, 2018
~The Shadow~
"Jesus never left anyone the same after an encounter with Him."~The Rock, The Road,and The Rabbi page 76.
There are so many instances of Jesus being with such a variety of people recorded in the Bible. He was with the woman at the well who had been with numerous men. He didn't condemn her, he gave her hope. She left Him to tell others all about Him. Zacchaeus the "robbing" tax collector was never the same after meeting and spending time with Jesus. He paid people back four times what he took from them and his heart was changed. The disciples of course were never the same after being with Jesus. The woman caught in adultery whom the rulers said should be stoned was never the same. Jesus told her he didn't condemn her after everyone had left. Scroll through the New Testament of the Bible. Take note of those who encountered Jesus and their changes in their lives after meeting Him.
If we are a follower of Jesus, we are to BE like Jesus. We were made in the image of God. "What sets humankind apart from all other creatures? Only we are made in the image of God(in Hebrew, b'tzelem Elohim).The word for image in Hebrew is tzelem. It is derived from the Hebrew word tzel, which means 'shadow'. A shadow does not act independently but is a reflected image. Thus to be made in God's image means to reflect the image of our Creator. How is this to be accomplished? In Jewish thought , it means that we are to imitate God in all ways.."~The Rabbi, The Rock and The Road, page 44.
With all of that in mind, how then shall we "shadow" Jesus as we go about our lives? Think of how you can be a "shadow" no matter who you are with. I encourage you to breathe a little prayer with each person you encounter in life as you are conversing with them or simply listening to them. Breathe a prayer that you would be the shadow of Jesus and leave them with a positive thought or hope...leave them with something that would help them to not be the same in a positive way....or even simply when you leave them, leave in such a way that they will know that there is something different about you...something that brings hope...a peace...joy.
Be Jesus' Shadow!
There are so many instances of Jesus being with such a variety of people recorded in the Bible. He was with the woman at the well who had been with numerous men. He didn't condemn her, he gave her hope. She left Him to tell others all about Him. Zacchaeus the "robbing" tax collector was never the same after meeting and spending time with Jesus. He paid people back four times what he took from them and his heart was changed. The disciples of course were never the same after being with Jesus. The woman caught in adultery whom the rulers said should be stoned was never the same. Jesus told her he didn't condemn her after everyone had left. Scroll through the New Testament of the Bible. Take note of those who encountered Jesus and their changes in their lives after meeting Him.
If we are a follower of Jesus, we are to BE like Jesus. We were made in the image of God. "What sets humankind apart from all other creatures? Only we are made in the image of God(in Hebrew, b'tzelem Elohim).The word for image in Hebrew is tzelem. It is derived from the Hebrew word tzel, which means 'shadow'. A shadow does not act independently but is a reflected image. Thus to be made in God's image means to reflect the image of our Creator. How is this to be accomplished? In Jewish thought , it means that we are to imitate God in all ways.."~The Rabbi, The Rock and The Road, page 44.
With all of that in mind, how then shall we "shadow" Jesus as we go about our lives? Think of how you can be a "shadow" no matter who you are with. I encourage you to breathe a little prayer with each person you encounter in life as you are conversing with them or simply listening to them. Breathe a prayer that you would be the shadow of Jesus and leave them with a positive thought or hope...leave them with something that would help them to not be the same in a positive way....or even simply when you leave them, leave in such a way that they will know that there is something different about you...something that brings hope...a peace...joy.
Be Jesus' Shadow!
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