I Speak Jesus

  

 

I'm a simple person. I have few needs, and I don't really desire much in the way of "things." I try to think practically, sometimes to my own detriment. I'm satisfied with fixing up the old home I have, thankful that I have a home especially in today's economy. I enjoy cutting the grass with a push lawnmower - although it is more weeds than grass now days - sitting in the shade of the maple tree or among the smaller trees in my shaded little haven. I enjoy the smell of the earth after a rain, the smell of nature's blooms of summer, gentle breezes and birds playing in the bird bath. And, in spite of my already noisy head, I enjoy the sounds of frogs, crickets, and other insects of the "peace" of night. I anticipate the daily visits of the neighborhood Maine Coon cat hungry for food and hugs with her tussled, matted fur and playful nibbles to elicit more hugs. I'm content with a bowl of beans slow-cooked overnight in the crock pot, rather than a gourmet meal in a fancy restaurant. I do, however, miss chicken tacos with guacamole and green salsa from El Parasol or green chili chicken enchiladas from Rancho de Chimayo or La Cocina. Road trip to New Mexico here I come!

I enjoy sitting around an open fire with friends sharing, singing, and worshiping while we roast hot dogs or toast marshmallows. I miss those days, but I fully intend to make one of my up and coming projects building a fire pit. It used to be something we did often as a family and as part of a larger church family, before we moved to New Mexico. After that much changed, including priorities. Later on when I was on my own, I enjoyed some great times of fellowship with my friends and church family, but we never got around to using my fire pit. 

I think I've found a new church family, and soon maybe I'll become a real part of the community. It takes time, but when the conversation is focused on Jesus and the furthering of His Kingdom on earth as it is in Heaven, for me, that's when the good times roll. Jesus is the most important person in my life, and I can talk to Him all day long. I'd rather talk to Him about national and world events than anyone, because He is after all the one who created this earth and everything in it. When in doubt He gives us the Owner's Manual, the Bible, for direction and clarification on any topic. So what I don't understand is why don't more people ask Him about things rather than listening to gossip, hearsay, or the opinion of biased news accounts that only cause more unrest. It's much easier to go to the Author and Finisher of our faith. Many times people just are not grateful for what they do have on this earth, so selfishness and the thirst for power and more comes into play. I will never understand why a person has two homes, unless the second one is to share with someone who doesn't have one. Same goes with cars and other stuff. What makes that more attractive to a person rather than helping someone who has a real need? I guess one thing is trying to fill up the empty places in a heart. I am thankful that in Jesus I am complete, but I do have my dream of a home for "misfit toys" such as myself. A place where no one is turned away or discounted, a place where new life begins. One day.

Although I see more clearly each day as an aging adult, I realize that God has had His hand on my life since the beginning. As a child I grew in the wonder of knowing Jesus, and as a teenager and young adult, going through different phases in my life, my life ebbed and flowed, but I never lost my desire to serve Him. Over the many years of being alone I have witnessed the overwhelming pursuit of God for one of His fledgling children and His relentless love. I have come to understand the outrageous price paid for my redemption, the torture, pain, humiliation Jesus suffered on the cross for me, for my sins and healing. The blood to redeem me from the curse of death. He ransomed my life, and I am seated in heavenly places at His right hand according to Ephesians 2.

There's no better friend and confidante than Jesus, and He gives His Holy Spirit as my continuous guide. Whether I'm in the desert heat, the wilderness wandering, or the valley of the shadow of death, or ascending the mountain on hind's feet to high places, He is with me. He is faithful, true, always with me, never leaving or forsaking me. He's my shelter in a storm, my hiding place where I can rest in safety and peace. I want to be like Him, an example to others, to shout to the world Who He is and of His great love and compassion. I want to share my personal experience so that others will not see tragedy but redemption and an amazing adventure and know that they too can share this life just by believing in faith and calling on His Name.

This morning I heard a song, "I Speak Jesus," the lyrics say it all. Listen to the words:

 

"I just wanna speak the name of Jesus

Over every heart and every mind

'Cause I know there is peace within Your presence

I speak Jesus.

I just wanna speak the name of Jesus

'Til every dark addiction starts to break

Declaring there is hope and there is freedom

I speak Jesus.

'Cause Your name is power

Your name is healing

Your name is life

Break every stronghold

Shine through the shadows

Burn like a fire.

I just wanna speak the name of Jesus

Over fear and all anxiety

To every soul held captive by depression

I speak Jesus.

'Cause Your name is power

Your name is healing

Your name is life

Break every stronghold

Shine through the shadows

Burn like a fire.

Shout Jesus from the mountains

Jesus in the streets

Jesus in the darkness over every enemy

Jesus for my family

I speak the holy name

Jesus, Jesus.

'Cause Your name is power

Your name is healing

Your name is life

Break every stronghold

Shine through the shadows

Burn like a fire.

Your name is power

Your name is healing

Your name is life

Break every stronghold

Shine through the shadows

Burn like a fire.

I just wanna speak the name of Jesus

Over every heart and every mind

'Cause I know there is peace within Your presence

I speak Jesus."

 

Music speaks to the heart especially when the one singing has knowledge of the journey. These words are powerful and the invitation so clear. I'm walking with someone through some hard times today, who needs to feel the truth of these words. My prayer is that others who may read this blog will reach out to Jesus. If you don't think He doesn't understand, just read His bio in the four gospels. He has literally endured anything and everything anyone has ever felt, done, or been tempted to do. When the song says, "Jesus paid it all...." trust me, He did. 

 

 

Abide in Christ

For many, the past two years have brought tears, pain, sacrifice, loss, and great heartbreak, along with confusion, riots, deception, wars, rumors of wars, and chaos in our nation and world. But in the midst of all the noise, I heard the Lord saying that now was the time for me to return home to Virginia. Circumstances in New Mexico had changed, doors had been shut, and all signs favored this return. I had wrestled with the prospect for almost ten years, and each time I made a step forward, or felt that the time was right, the Lord said, "Not yet."  In late October 2021, however, I finally made the long pilgrimage home, but it came at a very high cost. I'm not speaking financially, although it does cost a considerable amount of money to relocate across country and purchase a home, not to mention the emotional upheaval of leaving my home and a people and culture I dearly loved after 35 years. God provided the finances to make the move, but I had to endure extreme hardships, often physically painful ones in the wake of this amazing blessing. On one occasion I was told that returning home was never a good idea. The scriptures, however, say otherwise; in fact, the Bible speaks of native Israelis making aliyah home before Christ returns. It also suggests that many Gentiles will feel the call to travel and make Israel home as time draws closer to the end of days on this earth. For me, I dream of going to Israel, so I'm keeping one eye trained on the horizon!

Prior to the world turning upside down, Abba spoke to my heart very clearly regarding what was required of me, so I snapped out of my ups and downs, got off my face, and took up the mantle. So, for me, the past two years I have slowly learned to completely surrender myself to God's will and focus only on Jesus, completely dependent waiting for His voice. That's why moving from the place of  surrender to abiding in the secret place of the Most High was a natural progression for me. It is not an unfamiliar place, as I am very comfortable sitting at His feet. As a child I was graced by the presence of God in my life, and over the years I have hungered for more of Him. Today, He is my only focus. I can't make it without walking each day hand in hand with Him.

Returning to my parent's home brought back memories. Each day as I sit quietly scenes will play in my mind. I've always had a vivid imagination, a safe place to dwell. Memories come in all shapes, sizes, and forms. It could be visual, or a song, a smell, a musty ole book, or something as silly as an old pink hair roller in an otherwise empty dresser drawer. My Grammy's quilt covering my bed is a constant reminder of summers spent with my grandparents. They were my safety, my refuge in the storm when I was a child. More importantly are memories of times in childhood and early adulthood when Jesus' presence in this home was tangible to both my mama and me. I also witnessed the transformation of my daddy after the birth of my daughter and after the death of my mama. He would talk to me for hours about many things, as did she over the years, that I wish I'd written them down. But Abba is graciously helping me remember. He's writing words on my heart, words indelibly written on my heart, just as His word is forever a part of my being. He called me home for a purpose as a prodigal is welcomed by his father, so this home beckons my return for a reason only God knows. But I can tell you this, the presence of Jesus Christ fills this place. He never leaves, and I know He never will.

Have you ever felt His presence so closely that you inhale His breath. Holy Spirit fills your being with the sweet fragrance of His love.The word says "taste and see that the Lord is good...His love endures forever." He wants to fill you with His Holy Spirit. He want you to feel His presence, to be your hiding place. Sit quietly, apart from the noise of televisions, radios, cell phones. Find a quiet place where you can sit and listen. Bring your Bible. As you read a favorite psalm softly, out loud, take time to listen to the words and meditate on what they are saying to you. Begin to invite Holy Spirit in; sing praises and worship Jesus. Ask Holy Spirit to search your heart as in Psalm 27, and if He speaks to you, confess so that you will not be hindered in prayer. Never fear the correction of Holy Spirit, always gentle for those who desire to draw close and experience His love. Jesus loves you. He died for you. You are His beloved one. It's that easy, but it must be sincere.

I have come to love my mornings with Jesus in the quiet of this home. I could sing praises to His Name all day and talk to Him about anything and everything. It's a life worth having. I may not own anything of intrinsic value in the world's eyes or have money in the bank, but I have riches untold. I have Jesus, and He is all I need. All I could ever want. I invite you to journey with me as I write "the story" He wants me to share. It's a tale of redemption, a story of His overwhelming and unrelenting love for each of us. Journey with me as you taste and see His glory!

Letters to Abba - 3/23/2022

 Abba,

Thank You for Your Almighty presence in my life, especially, even in these times when I am dancing as a child, and in my silliness in playing with Mia (my son's cat), with the tail of the dancing dragon (also my son's possession), as I twirl and skirt in and out of the doorway. She's probably wondering, "What's up with this crazy human? Has she been in my cat nip?!"

Last night in the study, Kathy mentioned the picture of the "laughing Jesus." Remember, Pastor Tom hung one up in the church to "loosen up" the uptight, at times, congregation? I laughed myself at his deep-gutted roars of laughter. Bless him, Father, and remind him of those moments. I know You laugh, Jesus, and I've even envisioned You shaking Your head at my zany antics of praise. I know You dance also. How could You attend the wedding at Cana without "busting a move," as the youngsters say?! I see You! I see You standing behind Rebekah and Peter hanging on my refrigerator door. The only thing missing is Your arms embracing this blessed man and his handmaiden, as he lovingly refers to Rebekah, his covenant bride. Perhaps You were just making them aware of Your presence, but then, You are always with them. 

This morning, as I prayed about the overwhelming petitions for prayer, I could sense Your great compassion for these lost and broken people. So many, Abba, so many lost, not realizing their need for You. Not understanding that You want the very best life for them. As I was reading about Saul, the King of Israel, whose pride and impatience cost him dearly, and of Jonathan, his son, who recognized David as Your anointed king, I wondered. When You died, the scriptures say You descended to paradise where you joined the thief on the cross as well as all who had gone before knowing You. You set captivity free that day by announcing to all that You were the Messiah! Imagine the joy of seeing You face to face before they gather in heaven to await Your glorious return!

As I remember others, like Judas, who hung himself he was so grieved by his betrayal, I wonder, was he in paradise that day? Did he become free and forgiven? O, Abba Father, how great has been Your mercy since creation. Continue to show me the faces of the people. The ones who need You so much. So many deceived and broken lives that You wish to gather as the chicken gathers her young. I can see that picture in my mind. I used to feed the chicks for my grandparents. I loved helping them, knowing I was caring for Your creation. Those days were the joy of my youth! But that's another story. For today, I will focus on the prayers.

As I write, the song "There's Nothing" plays softly in the background:

 

"… Oh, just one word, You calm the storm that surrounds me

… Just one word, the darkness has to retreat

… Oh, just one touch, I feel the presence of heaven

… Just one touch, my eyes were opened to see
My heart can't help but believe

… There's nothing that our God can't do
There's not a mountain that He can't move
Oh, praise the name that makes a way
There's nothing that our God can't do

… And just one word, You heal what's broken inside me
And just one word and You revive every dream
(That's right)

… Just one touch, I feel the power of heaven

… And just one touch, my eyes were opened to see
My heart can't help but believe"

 

 

O, Abba, with one word...You heal what is broken inside! Just one touch, one breath, one word from Your mouth! We won't stop singing and praising You! Break the prison walls, cast off the shackles that bind the hearts and mind of so many deceived by the enemy. Nothing is impossible with You. As Sean Feucht sings, "We won't stop singing til the whole earth looks like heaven!"

 

May my eyes stay fixed on You today, my LORD.

 

Your child.

 

My Latest Adventure

 

For some time  now I have been making plans and preparing for my inevitable move back home to Virginia. After my retirement from case management in October 2018, I had finally had hopes that my plan would come to fruition. But, God had other plans, and circumstances prevented the move, and my home has remained "half packed" until recently.

About four or five months ago, the LORD spoke to me very clearly that I was to get into the boat and cross to the other side where He had already given me the home I had prayed to own. God knows the perfect timing, and although this current season is somewhat chaotic world-wide, He alone knows all things. All He asks of me is to trust Him. He also knows that I love New Mexico, especially my family and friends as well as the culture, so leaving here is emotionally challenging. Fortunately, I have a friend who will gladly ship me all the green chili I desire!!

Since I had initially begun this process in 2019, I had the names of moving companies, so I contacted one that was family-owned and had a good reputation, and the move was scheduled. However, mid-stream communication faltered, and one week prior to the scheduled move, I found out that the move was not going to take place. This was rather distressing, as I wondered why, if I had heard God correctly, had this happened. That's when confusion came in, voices making attempts to confuse me. I had another company promising results string me along for almost two weeks, then for another solid week my phone was ringing non-stop with friends making suggestions and moving companies vying for business. I prayed for clarity and for direction, fully believing still that I had made the decision based on His timing. The last thing I wanted to do was make any move without God and repeat the consequences of moving out of God's timing as had been the case when we first moved here in 1987. The "noise" became so loud that I had to silence it or face an emotional/mental breakdown. The spiritual warfare was intense! One thing I know is that God is NOT a God of confusion (1 Corinthians 14:33). I turned off my phones, took a shower, and turned on the praise and worship music. I danced and worshiped and studied the Word of God. This is the way I silence the enemy who seeks to steal my peace. Soon a calm came over me, and I was able to once more hear the voice of Holy Spirit leading me.

 One thing I have greatly missed since moving here has been the consistent support of a pastor and church. During these past two years of mandates I have been further isolated. As an intercessor I face solitude and sadly, a lack of support from other intercessors with whom I can connect locally. I have been connected with strong ministries online, but in person support has been extremely limited. The Bible speaks of the assembling of ourselves together, and I can say that local community, praying together in oneness of purpose, is essential. God has called the church to be His voice in government as well, and it has greatly failed to the detriment of the body of Christ's mission and the safety of the people. It is my prayer that the church will awaken and stand on the authority given by Jesus in this time of chaos. But that is a subject of another blog.

So back to the story...! I decided to search on line for Christian-owned moving companies, and I came across one located in Kansas City called Kingdom Movers and More. I spoke with the young pastor, John, who owns and operates the company, and we were able to do a Zoom meeting and assess my need. He quickly provided a reasonable quote, but since this was on a Friday, I had to wait until Monday to seal the deal. John was extremely accommodating, and we discussed a great many spiritual matters. It was indeed a pleasure to meet him and his wife Amber and baby daughter, Shiloh via the internet. We prayed together, and things went well. Over the weekend I slept well, was calm, let my family know about the potential use of this company. But on Monday morning when I awakened, I remembered the name of a local man who had been recommended to me. I knew for some reason I was supposed to contact this man. On Thursday of the previous week, prior to silencing the noise, I had been given the name of a local company, recommended by a storage company located in Velarde where I lived. I had contacted J & J Storage just in case I needed to store my belongings and make the trek to Virginia with what I absolutely needed for the time being. When Jake asked about my storage needs, I briefly related my dilemma. He immediately recommended Leonard's Moving Services in Santa Fe. This is the man I knew I was to contact regarding the move. I had briefly spoken with Leonard on Thursday, but my mind was so full of "noise" and confusion that I did not invite him over to make the assessment. On Monday, however, I knew that I needed to contact him regardless of the potential plans made with the other mover. I notified John that I needed some time to make a decision and explained the local contact, which he totally understood, and I called Leonard. He made time in his busy schedule to come over to the house and make an in-person assessment and provide a quote. In the end, I knew that I needed to listen to the inner voice in spite of the "confusion" that was attempting to filter in again. I contacted John to let him know my decision, and we prayed together again about the move. At this writing I am happy to say that Leonard has already delivered my belongings safely and in tact to my home in Virginia, as promised, in record time. He assured me that he would make this move happen, and he was true to His word. I have written a review and will post it later on Facebook as well as his company site on Yelp. 

So why am I sharing this experience with you? Well, I have a two-fold purpose. I wanted to let my friends and family know that finally after a long delay, it appears as if I am finally headed home. Of course, until I am there, I am still here, but I feel confident that this move will be completed before the end of the month. My sister is coming to make the long journey home and enjoy some together time. Plus she gets to meet some of my awesome friends whom I will be leaving behind, until I am able to make the trip back to my second home. The second purpose is to introduce you to the young men who helped me make this incredible adventure a reality, as well as to introduce you to John of Kingdom Movers and More. They are both assuredly "more."

Hopefully, I will be blogging again in the not so distant future, so until then, keep your focus on Jesus Christ the Author and Finisher of our faith, and listen for, and trust, the still, small voice.

Exposing the Lies

 

In my lifetime I have often been misunderstood, especially when it comes to my faith in and walk with Jesus. Much of the 34 years I have lived in New Mexico have been solitary times as I sit in the lap of Abba and listen. It has been suggested more recently that fear of the Covid virus kept me from attending church in person, but I have no fear of the enemy's attacks whether they be physical, emotional, mental, or spiritual. My hope does not rest in man but on the goodness of my Abba Father. And He is good in every way. My church attendance has been consistent, daily, and this period of time has been a period of growth and refreshment in my personal faith and walk with Jesus. Abba holds me firmly by His righteous right hand. It has been a time of introspection and worship as I join in prayer and repentance for our nation and world with fellow intercessors according to 2 Chronicles 7:13-14.

This nation has been established as One Nation Under God with a motto that is written on our currency, our buildings, and it has been inscribed on our hearts and spoken of in our churches and schools. That motto:: "In God We Trust." Today our nation is in chaos, because this truth on which our Constitution was formed as well as the God in Whom we trust, is being abandoned for a lie, a deception as old as Genesis. The great deceiver who comes as an angel of light has manipulated the truth of God's Word, so we will be drawn away from the life God ordained that we should live.

Today in Tony Evans' message entitled "The Enemy of Truth," that I have posted on my Facebook page and is available on YouTube, Pastor Evans lays it all out in simple terms based on the scriptures so that anyone who wants to understand will be able to do so in clarity. Sadly, few who post or follow Facebook want to devote the time to messages requiring greater than 5 minutes. I doubt seriously that this blog is read by many, because it requires longer to read than a scripture verse or short quotation by a noteworthy person. But that's okay

When I write, I do so because I feel compelled by Holy Spirit to speak out and Abba has asked me to write. I admit that I have not been as faithful to what the Lord has been sharing, because sometimes it is very blunt and in your face. Don't get me wrong...I don't really care who unfriends me or if I get censored. In fact I have already been censored, and I suspect unfriended. But I have to be faithful to God before anyone else, because the scripture is clear on the matter. Jesus tells his disciples the following in Matthew 10:37-39: "Anyone who loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; and anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it."  Prior to these verses Jesus is explaining to His disciples that anyone who acknowledges Him, He will acknowledge to His Father, but those who do not "own" Him will be disowned before His Father in Heaven. Basically, you are either for Him or against Him. There's no middle ground. And if you are "for Him" then you must surrender your independence and follow Him. Many become confused and feel that the Old Testament is not relevant today, but the scriptures make it clear that Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever. The Book of John explains that Jesus has existed before the beginning of time as part of the Triune Godhead of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and John called Jesus the Living Word.

I say all this to say that the entire Bible is based on the Word of God, and it is the inspired, God-breathed truth by which we, as followers of Jesus Christ, live daily. As I began this post I noted that our world is in chaos, and that is a direct result of people walking outside of the will of God in disobedience to His decrees and regulations set for a peaceful existence.

I respect Pastor Tony Evans and consider him a man who rightly divides the Word of Truth. His purpose is to teach Kingdom principles and make Kingdom disciples who will walk out their faith in their homes and communities. Kingdom living is God's Kingdom not man's. The message today, as I mentioned previously is part of a series he is teaching to shine God's light on what is happening in our world today. His message today is based on John 8:42-45 identifying satan as the deceiver, but Pastor Evans takes us to the beginning in Genesis to explain the initial act of deception. When satan rebelled against God in heaven, he was able to manipulate and deceive a third of the angels in heaven. His purpose in doing so was to become autonomous with God. Because God is Truth satan wants to discredit Him. And this led to satan's and the deceived angels' fall from heaven. His first act was to deceive Adam and Eve by the question in Genesis 3:1:"Did God really say...?"

Today satan is very active in government, society, culture, schools, businesses, families, and, yes, churches. Satan who wants to be like God is not omnipresent as is God, so his fallen angels, better known as demons, are sent to do his work in our lives. The Bible says that many will be deceived and fall away from the truth, and history demonstrates this truth. It can be witnessed in all our lives, as the Word say that "All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23)." 

 

"If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves

and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins,

he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and

 cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:8-9)."

 

I hope you will take the time to listen to Pastor Evans' messages, as he delves into the complexities of the lies we are facing today. But there is one more thing I want to say to address the issue of the sin of abortion. I am an advocate for life, and I have been standing against abortion since the beginning, and I will continue to fight for these unborn Americans. I want to share a scripture with you that should forever settle for anyone seeking the truth about the origin of life, one Pastor Evans shared this morning. Psalm 139:16 "...your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be." Psalm 139 is written by David celebrating our lives before, during, and after. It cancels abortion. 

It is my sincere prayer that pastors will teach the Word of God and not shy away from the truth. As believers and followers of Jesus Christ we are to be "clothed" in his character meaning walking in truth, love, kindness, compassion, but in clarity. The most loving act we can do is to tell someone the truth. Sadly, our churches have failed, but a great awakening is in the works. God's Army is rising, and Truth, Righteousness, and Justice will prevail.

                         

                                  

A Mother's Prayer

 

This morning as I sought the Lord, He showed me a portion of scripture that speaks, I believe, to the current events of our day. As the evil one seeks to remove any shred of decency and morality from our government, and as the freedom of religion, the freedom to just elections and freedom of speech, to name a few, are being undermined, I see hope in God's Word. Hannah was one of the two wives of Elkanah from the tribe of Ephraim. Hannah was barren, unable to have children, and she bore the brunt of Elkanah's other wife's mockery and taunting year after year when they went to the tabernacle to sacrifice to the Lord. One day, in desperation, Hannah cried out to the Lord:

"O LORD of Heaven's Armies, if you will look upon my sorrow and answer my prayer and give me a son, then I will give him back to you. He will be yours for his entire lifetime, and as a sign that he has been dedicated to the LORD, his hair will never be cut." (1 Samuel 1:11)

God heard her prayer and answered. True to her word, after Samuel was weaned, she brought him back where he lived under the counsel of Eli, the priest. Samuel became the last judge and first prophet of Israel. 

As I read Hannah's Prayer of Praise, I asked God to honor the prayers of many mothers, grandmothers, aunts, cousins, friends, who are standing for our children, grandchildren, all children, beginning with the unborn - the future generations who are the future leaders of this country. We stand against legislation that seeks to undermine righteousness and justice, as the so-called "Equality Act" and other legislation poised to threaten the sanctity of human life and rights of all humanity. So I offer up this prayer of praise and declaration:

                            

"My heart rejoices in the LORD!

The LORD has made me strong.

Now I have an answer for my enemies;

I rejoice because you rescued me.

No one is holy like the LORD!

There is no one besides you;

there is no Rock like our God.

"Stop acting so proud and haughty!

Don't speak with such arrogance!

For the LORD is a God who knows what

you have done;

he will judge your actions.

The bow of the mighty is now broken,

and those who stumbled are now strong.

Those who were well fed are now starving,

and those who were starving are now full.

The childless woman now has seven children,

and the woman with many children wastes away.

The LORD gives both death and life;

he brings some down to the grave but raises others up.

The LORD makes some poor and others rich;

he brings some down and lifts others up.

He lifts the poor from the dust

and the needy from the garbage dump.

He sets them among princes,

placing them in seats of honor.

For all the earth is the LORD's,

and he has set the world in order.

"He will protect his faithful ones,

but the wicked will disappear in darkness.

No one will succeed by strength alone.

Those who fight againt the LORD will be shattered.

He thunders against them from heaven;

the LORD judges throughout the earth.

He gives power to his king;

he increases the strength of his anointed one."

1 Samuel 2:1-10 NLT

May all God's people praise His Name, Jesus Christ, our true King!

                                                   

Unequivocally His, Jesus Christ my Savior and LORD

 

Over the last few months I have written several blogs in my journal, on my blog website, and on scraps of paper, but I have not shared them publicly. Not because I was afraid, but because the time was not quite right. When I post on Facebook, I post scriptures, messages, and information that may or may not be received well by my friends or family, but I feel it is important for our times and should be considered. I believe strongly in the Word of God as the authority for my life, my family, and the nation and world. Many times I have become discouraged, because I do not hear the whole counsel of the Word taught from pulpits as God intended. It has become filtered and watered down, and the Gospel of Jesus Christ is not being taught. God's grace and mercy is not being shared in the appropriate light. I am not a pastor or a theologian or anything other than a disciple of Jesus Christ, but I know His Word. When I was born, God had His hand on my life. I can now see that more clearly each day. I have spoken in past blogs of the relentless love of God and His pursuing me when I made wrong decisions and took the wrong path. He never left my side, and although I may have strayed, He was always in my heart, and we communicated. I have always been quick to repent. Jesus has been my best friend since early childhood, but I have not always treated Him as a Best Friend. Thank God for His wonderful mercy and grace. 

I selfishly guard my mornings with Jesus. I cannot begin the day without first communing with Holy Spirit, seeking direction. This has been a long-standing practice, and has become even more important now that I am retired. Over the past two years, Holy Spirit has been shaking me up, calling me back to service in areas where I had previously served. He has shown me things prior to the actual events or happenings in preparation for days to come. And now, I see that we are in those days, and the spiritual warfare is intense. Today my confidence in pastors has been revived, and I thank my LORD for having me tune in to one important message. Before the pandemic I felt that I needed to be in a place where I would hear only gospel truth that aligned with the Word of God, so I have actively pursued that path, separating for long periods of time from a local fellowship. Although I wholeheartedly believe in attending a local church and not forsaking the assembling together, as the scripture commands, and I ache to find a local fellowship where I can learn, grow, and serve, I am presently at a bend in the road. This is not new, as I have felt this way pretty much all of the 30+ years I have lived in New Mexico. I always condemned myself for the way I felt, but I can understand now more fully why and how I have been allowed to "see." And I repent that I did not fully understand what Jesus has been trying to tell me when He asked me to "write the story" of my life. That too is closer to happening thanks to a new intercessory prayer friend who recently published his memoir. This morning, from the pulpit, a fast was called. A fast to prayer and repentance. As I have quoted many times, "Judgment begins in the house of God" (1 Peter 4:17-19). Prayer and fasting is being called today by this Pastor specifically because of current legislation now in the Senate called the Equality Act. He went on to say that while we love all people and value all people as human beings created in the image of God, we do not go against God's standards. The fault begins with the church that has grown weak and divisive, and not adhering to Biblical clarity with conviction and boldness. We have preferred friendship with the world over friendship with God, and we need to repent - personally and as a body. In my notes, I added a verse to the many Pastor shared today: "Study and be eager and do your utmost to present yourself to God approved (tested by trial), a workman who has no cause to be ashamed, correctly analyzing and accurately dividing - rightly handling and skillfully teaching - the Word of Truth" (2 Timothy 2:15 AMP). This verse has helped me in all areas of my life, but it particularly aides me in deciding how to interpret and discern political/cultural issues. Many times people will accept the word of the people making promises or an opinion of a newscaster or another influential or "famous" personality, rather than search for the truth. I try to make it a practice to listen, observe, and investigate the truth. This requires time, as sometimes researching previous legislation or seeking the written, public declaration of a person's or party's stand on an issue, is a lengthy process, but I feel it is a necessary one. In an "instant" society where "instant" gratification of our personal preferences or ideologies take precedence, even as Christians, sadly, truth remains veiled, and many are deceived. Our nation was established on a Biblical foundation and has been called One Nation Under God, but this is no longer the case. In addition to the concern over the Equality Act, I add my concern for the legislation addressing the voting rights and elections reform, also in the Senate for consideration. This bill will undermine our Constitutional rights, so I urge you to educate yourself fully on this legislation. This legislation, as well as most of what is now being proposed, has not been recently written, but the enemy of our souls has been working and developing it for years, while the church slept and basked in the many freedoms of our Constitution without realizing the slow, steady moral and spiritual decline. Now time is accelerating, and the Biblical prophetic return of Jesus is closer at hand, and only revival and transformation of the church can save this nation. Repentance precedes revival, and to repent means to turn and go in a different direction. On September 26, 2020 in Washington DC, The Return was called, as the remnant met together for a day of prayer and repentance. This move continues and is now global, as many countries around the world join us in committing to fasting, prayer, and repentance for our nation as well as many for their own. 

Jesus has come that we may have life abundantly. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. This morning, as we praised and worshiped, we sang "To God be the Glory," an old-time favorite that reminds us of the price Jesus paid: "To God be the glory, to God be the glory, to God be the glory, for the things He has done. With His blood He has saved us, with His power He has raised us, to God be the glory, for the things He has done." We worshiped, "I'm a child of God, yes, I am! In my Father's house, there's a place for me. I am a child of God, yes, I am! I am a child of God. I am chosen, not forsaken. I am who You say I am. You are for me, not against me. I am who You say I am." These are powerful words of life, truth, acceptance, yet many times the songs or hymns we sing while we are corporately engaged, fail to touch our hearts to the core and follow us from the church house to the world. We are called to be His light, salt, a city set on a hill that cannot be hidden. Brothers and sisters, we have fallen short.

In Matthew 10:26-39, Jesus is speaking to His disciples, those who follow Him. I have this passage of scripture not only marked, but circled and the page folded for easy reference in my Bible, as it impacts my life and testimony. It says: "So do not be afraid of them. There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the housetops. Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the one who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven. But whoever disowns me before men, I will disown him before my Father in heaven. Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to turn 'a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law - a man's enemies will be the members of his own household.' Anyone who loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; and anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it."

Jesus makes it very clear to his disciples that we are either for Him or against Him. It requires confessing Him in public, not just in private or in the sanctuary of the church house. It means publicly identifying ourselves with Him as not only Savior but LORD. Lordship means we have a day-by-day, moment-by-moment relationship with Him in all walks of our life. And the visual identification of this relationship must be crystal clear. Pastor used an analogy of a person joining the Army or any branch of the military. That one is identified by the uniform he/she is wearing. Once the civilian enters the military, puts on the uniform, that person is owned by the military and has to do what they are told; otherwise, they are considered AWOL. It is the same with accepting Jesus Christ as Savior and making Him LORD. We have to be identified with Him, walk in His ways, be "clothed" in Him, and obey His Word. We have to be "like" Jesus in our character/conduct/attitude/actions, as we live in this world. This is a process of transformation, and we all make mistakes in the journey. Only Jesus is perfect, but it is a transformation as spoken of in Romans 12:1-2: "Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God - which is your spiritual worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - his good, pleasing and perfect will." The book of Romans is often called the Gospel of Grace, as Paul understood fully the grace and mercy of God, as a man who fell short of that glory but was redeemed and transformed.

So, how do we know if we have truly made Jesus LORD of our lives? Anyone can "say" He is, but Jesus explains further in Luke 6:46-49 the test: "Why do you call me, 'Lord, Lord," and do not do what I say? I will show you what he is like who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice. He is like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built. But the one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete."

Brothers and sisters in Christ, now is the time to fast, pray, repent and turn back to Jesus Christ. Our very lives depend on it, and the life of our Nation depends on it. Jesus warns that there will be a price to discipleship, but the rewards of fully committing our lives to His LORDSHIP is well worth it.