 The following scripture has been coming to me a lot. I do believe it was to teach me something as well as to tell others about it. I think "we" as a church. As believer's of Christ have forgotten and failed to truly let this scripture sink into our spirit..... Father, please lead me in this message.... For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Ephesians 6:12 When I look at this scripture. First, I look at the words " flesh and blood" What does this mean Lord? All along I feel like we have been battling the wrong thing. We have been judging our sisters and brothers in sin. Why are we pointing fingers instead of interceding in prayer for them to our Father. God gave us freedom from sin so that we could lead others, through love and faith in the Lord,to Jesus Christ. He did not grant us mercy and forgiveness for us to not show that same love, mercy, and forgiveness to those around us. 21 Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times?22 Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.23 Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants.24 And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents.25 But forasmuch as he had not to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made.26 The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.27 Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt.28 But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellowservants, which owed him an hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay me that thou owest.29 And his fellowservant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.30 And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt.31 So when his fellowservants saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came and told unto their lord all that was done.32 Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me:33 Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee?34 And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him.35 So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses. Matthew 18:21-35 The next thing that I notice in this scripture is that the battle is against "principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." We are rebuking the wrong thing! Instead of rebuking the "person" the "flesh and blood" we are suppose to be rebuking the "spiritual" wickedness that surrounds them! How can we do this? 43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you,45 that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. 46 For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? 47 And if you greet your brethren only, what do you do more than others? Do not even the tax collectors do so? 48 Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect Matthew 5: 43-48 14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Romans 12: 14 Bless, and curse not. It means thorough good will; not, bless them when at prayer, and curse them at other times; but bless them always, and curse not at all. 17 Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. Romans 12:17 The last verse suggests what is not easily understood by the world; that in all strife and contention, those that revenge are conquered, and those that forgive are conquerors. Be not overcome of evil. Learn to defeat ill designs against you, either to change them, or to preserve your own peace. He that has this rule over his spirit, is better than the mighty. God's children may be asked whether it is not more sweet unto them than all earthly good, that God so enables them by his Spirit, thus to feel and act. 20 Therefore “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.” Romans 12:20 As I read these scriptures it breaks something inside me. Have I been showing those that are considered my enemy the love of Christ? Or have I been standing around saying, " I will pray for him BUT" Do you realize how loud the word " BUT" is when you say it? You always recognize that word because you know something different then what was spoken before it will be spoken after it! There is life and death in the tongue and saying " BUT" shows doubt and distrust in what God can do! When the disciples noticed the Fig Tree that Jesus cursed had withered and died, they were amazed! Jesus said it best in the next scripture And Jesus answered them, “Truly, I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what has been done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ it will happen. Matthew 21:21 The next question I am going to ask you is, What is the point of prayer if we pray without faith? But whoever has doubts is condemned if he eats, because the eating is not from faith. For whatever does not proceed from faith is sin. Romans 14:23 Many wish for peace, and talk loudly for it, who do not follow the things that make for peace. Meekness, humility, self-denial, and love, make for peace. We cannot edify one another, while quarrelling and contending. Many, for meat and drink, destroy the work of God in themselves; nothing more destroys the soul than pampering and pleasing the flesh, and fulfilling the lusts of it; so others are hurt, by willful offence given. Lawful things may be done unlawfully, by giving offence to brethren. This takes in all indifferent things, whereby a brother is drawn into sin or trouble; or has his graces, his comforts, or his resolutions weakened. Hast thou faith? It is meant of knowledge and clearness as to our Christian liberty. Enjoy the comfort of it, but do not trouble others by a wrong use of it. Nor may we act against a doubting conscience. How excellent are the blessings of Christ's kingdom, which consists not in outward rites and ceremonies, but in righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost! How preferable is the service of God to all other services! and in serving him we are not called to live and die to ourselves, but unto Christ, whose we are, and whom we ought to serve. Meekness, humility, self-denial, and love, make for peace. When I read those words I know that those are the qualities that we are suppose to possess as Children of God. We should not live for what "we" want! We should live for "Christ" and "Christ" alone. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23 If we possess the qualities of Christ then why are we not using them? The next scripture I believe answered this question for me. 14 But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. 15 Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death James 1: 14-15 I'm reading a book right now called Call 2 Arms it is written by Edward McIntire . That scripture was spoken of in this book but, there was text following that scripture and before that scripture that is very profound and very true! Our greatest foe is not the devil and his angels, they only take advantage of our weaknesses and enter doors we open. So you must look deeper and discover the doors you've left open before he does. Ask God to open your eyes before it is too late. What doors have you left open in your life? Is it un-forgiveness, un-belief, lust of the flesh, anger, selfishness, self-righteousness? Why are you letting the devil peek into your home and cause havoc? Why are you letting your weakness control your prayer life? Now your saying but, "My flesh isn't controlling my prayer life!" IF you are not praying and believing on God. Putting that Prayer under the blood and then stepping away from that weakness or desire then you are letting the FLESH control your prayer life. Not only do we have to pray it but we have to LIVE IT! I feel like I am speaking to someone right now. IF your prayer is unanswered it is because you have let the devil in through a door that you have left open. Jesus walked among the sinners to preach the gospel but he did not become best friends with them. The devil uses our weakness to make it impossible for us to get closer to God. We have to address that weakness! Confront that weakness and remove it from our life! I know sometimes we all have felt that " we" could somehow change the person. I'm telling you now sometimes the devil uses that excuse to ensnare you into his trap and plans to destroy your salvation! PRAY to God and give it to GOD! Flee from the trap that the devil has set before you and Seek Refuge in the Lord your God. Salvation will come but, only by the conviction of the Holy Spirit! Salvation and redemption will come in God's perfect timing! I know when He redeemed me it was right on time and not before! To bless someone is to pray for them BUT you have to sanctify yourself from and remove yourself from that sin before you can bless someone with your prayer. It is GOD's fight. He is the one that comes to the rescue when we pray to HIM. We forget that the power comes from HIM. We are only a vessel. Seek REFUGE in the Lord your God and He will give you peace. Sometimes, the decision to flee is hard out of love for the person. Sometimes, we fail to do so. I'm telling you that when He says He will give you peace. He means that He knows it is uncomfortable for you but, He will walk with you through it and bring ultimate peace. He will answer your prayer and give you peace but you have to dwell with Him and not in sin. LET IT GO! God will work. Confusion is of the devil. Fear is of the devil. SEEK REFUGE IN THE LORD YOUR GOD! Father, I thank you for your guidance. I ask that your perfect will and plan goes out to this person that you are speaking to. I pray that you open there spiritual eyes to what is around them and help them to see what they need to flee from. I pray Father that you will give them refuge because sometimes change is uncomfortable! Father, you suffered for our salvation. How much more will be suffer for you to add to your kingdom? How much more will it take to get out attention? How much more can your mercy extend to us? Father, I give you the GLORY and I believe Father that you will do a mighty work in the lives of those that are reading and that need you! Father your will be done! I pray a hedge of protection around this person that you let no evil come near this Child of God that when the time comes that they will know to call upon your name! Father you are the Almighty! You are Yahweh and You know all things. Father I cry to you and know you hear my prayer! I love you Father! Thank you and I give you the Glory over my life! Thank you for your blessing and anointing! Thank you for guidance and spiritual wisdom! Help us to continue to grow in you Father! IN Jesus Name, AMEN I hope you will heed the call of our Father! Be blessed in the Lord Sincerely, Sarah [email protected] Red text is Jesus speaking. Green text is Matthew Henry Commentary Scripture reference from NKJV bible.cc and biblegateway.com If you would like more information on the book I am reading go to the following link Call2Arms I highly recommend this book. I am not completely through with this book but it truly has opened my eyes!
"It's Happening Now!" That is the text I kept receiving from several family members and friends last night in my dream. I usually don't put a lot of thought into dreams but this one was very significant and very real to me. So, I am just going to write this to you and if any of you have had similar dreams please feel free to share them below. It started off with myself, my two young children, some friends that I use to know, and a lot of others that I didn't know. We were hiding in a house, bunker, or something. I felt like I was observing everything that was going on around me. Old friends that I use to know were still drinking. No one around me was focused on the Lord. Everyone was really scared accept for the few select people. I'm not sure why they weren't scared. I think it was because maybe they didn't understand the gravity of what was going on. The next thing that happen was that the bunker or home was found. I don't know how they found us in the dream but they started confiscating anything personal that we had. That includes the people's alcohol that they were drinking. They starting marking us or tattooing us on the foreheads and the thing that came to my mind in the dream was Holocaust. If I'm not mistaken they were marked like cattle and put in concentration camps.(A symbol/picture of a bar code was brought to my mind in the dream.) We were then separated I think according to our numbers into different districts. My oldest daughter was taken from me and placed somewhere else so that I couldn't find her. The reason I think this happened and this is something significant, is that Family Together is strong and powerful but when you break something down and tear it apart especially by using something that means a lot to someone, It too becomes weak. From what I understand the person that was over the country in this dream (not sure who it was) had promised so much to everyone. Had painted a picture of a utopia. When in reality it was not! Throughout the dream the words "He's a Liar." Kept repeating to me. Something else that I felt was significant was the fact that the alcohol was taken from my friends that drink. What this meant to me is that whoever this ruler or president was in the dream. He would have no respecter of person, he would be filled with hatred towards human life, he did not care who you were, sinner or christian it doesn't matter! So what I am going to say to you is if you are living in sin and you think the devil is going to be your friend. THINK TWICE. He has come to steal, kill, and destroy. Don't think your protected! That is the illusion that is given to you. The only ones that are safe are the ones that have Christ in their heart and have the hope of returning to The Father! Okay, myself, my youngest daughter, and someone else were took to a house. When I got to the house you could tell everyone including myself had expected something of perfection, something far greater. This house had walls that were built unevenly, a dirt floor, some inside furniture, and some necessities. BUT there was no roof. That signified to me that everything we did would be monitored and watched. There would be no privacy, no sense of security, and if your wondering, YES there was one world currency in the dream and anyone that didn't deny Christ would be killed! When I seen the house "He is a Liar!" came to me again and I started receiving text from family, from friends, from everyone "It's happening now." Every text I received had those words in it. I was so sorrowful and mournful. All I wanted to do was find my daughter and go home to Christ. We would be forced to deny Christ and participate in sin….How horrible! I kept crying to God in the dream. How evil this man is! Finally, towards the end of the dream I left with a man and went somewhere. I'm not sure if it was a store or what it was. This man to me was an escort, someone that would take me everywhere I went. He was in a black and white suit. I wasn't afraid of him though for some reason. We got to the store and I seen my oldest daughter with this woman. I ran up to her and started crying and holding her and telling her that we would see each other soon. I had to reassure her everything would be okay to just hold on. Then right after that I seen this most beautiful waterfall outside the store and there was a big beautiful rainbow that stretched as far as I could see and I was reminded of God's promise to come back and get us. He is saying HOLD ON to my living water! Endure but for a time! I'm coming back! I remember you! I love you just Hold on! I will not forget and I will not leave you! I felt like I was supposed to share this dream with you and everyone! Those of you that are feeling hopeless! PLEASE hold on! You don't want to be here when the antichrist rules! He will rule with an iron fist! He does not care about you! SO those of you in sin! GIVE IT TO CHRIST! I am begging you! Hell was never meant for you! But, that is where you will go because of your choice to!! Give it to Christ! Repent! He loves you and you don't want to live with the monster that was in my dreams! For those of you that are in Christ! Take this as a message to hold on!!! Get in His Word because that your strength! Fellowship one with another because those that don't fellowship are weak because they are not joined together with their family, their church family! Those within the body of Christ that stay together will be strong! PRAISE GOD because He is awesome and He remembers His promises! It's ALL in God's time! Love God because He loves you and spread the Living Hope and Word about Christ to everyone!!! He doesn't want anyone left behind!!! I love you guys and I hope this meant as much to you and it did me! I love you! Go with God Sincerely, Sarah
The video explains everything that you need to know! You will be able to find your daily power message on the homepage also! I hope this helps you! Please leave any feed back, praise reports, prayer request in the comment box below! I love you guys!
Sincerely,
Sarah
Like adamant stone, harder than flint, I have made your forehead; do not be afraid of them, nor be dismayed at their looks, though they are a rebellious house.
Ezekiel 3:9 When we look at the word "rebellious" we often associate it with someone that doesn't know God. The Lord has changed my perspective recently on the meaning of "rebellious".
When I look at the word "rebellious" I think of a child that is acting out. Not only do I think of a "child" I think of a "child" that has been taught right from wrong. This "child" does well most of the time, acknowledging the things that he or she has been taught. Sometimes, however, this "child" acts out by not heeding the parent's instruction and fails to apply the instruction to his or her life.
An example of this is the story of Sarah and Hagar.
Hagar, is Abram and Sarai's hand-maid or slave. She is an Egyptian so not only is she a slave but, she is in a foreign land. As I am thinking about her situation I can imagine how home-sick she must be. How alone she must feel! How alone she thought she was.
Abram and Sarai have been promised a child by God. Sarai is becoming impatient and "rebellious" because she wants a child so bad and she has lost faith in what God has told her. She tells Abram to take Hagar and to conceive a child with her. When Hagar conceives she despises Sarai for what she has done. Sarai blame's Abram for what has happened and at this point I think Abram probably "throws his hands up" and tells Sarai to do with Hagar as she wishes.
Sarai deals with Hagar badly. She mistreats her! How can someone who had no fault in the circumstance be done so wrong? I believe Sarai was jealous that Hagar could provide a child for her husband. She knows that she was wrong for not listening to God. He had promised Sarai a child but, because she had taken matters into her own hands the situation had gotten out of control. They had tails like scorpions, and there were stings in their tails. Their power was to hurt men five months.
Revelation 9:10 When God give me this scripture in Revelation I had no clue what I was looking up. I just knew that Revelation's is about end times so what could this scripture possibly have to do with Hagar and Sarai. Let me show you a little about what God gave me with this scripture.
"Tail's like scorpions" represented to me someone's mouth or tongue. "The sting of those tails" represented the hurtful words that come out of the mouth of someone who is angry and bitter. The word's themselves have the power to hurt men for five months.
Have you ever said something that you wish you could take back? Maybe, in the middle of a disagreement or maybe you let the fleshly side of you be mean and hateful?
There is death and life in the tongue and we should be very careful what we speak to others. Not only do we cause bitterness from our words and actions but, we then take two steps back. We have to repent for the wrongs that we have done and set things right with God and the person we have mis-treated.
Hagar fled her mistress because of how she was treated. She fled into the wilderness and when she came upon a stream an "Angel of the Lord" found her in her despair. He ask her "Where did you come from and Where are you going?" Hagar answered the question about where she had came from " I'm fleeing from my mistress Sarai." However, she never answered where she was going. Most of the time when people flea from hurtful situations they do not have a destination. They just feel the need to get away from whatever is causing the hurt.
First, the angel tells Hagar "Go back and submit to Sarai". Why would he tell her to go back to where she was being treated harshly? One, she was in the wilderness with no where else to go and for her to receive enough nourishment for her and her unborn child she had to go back to where she was. It might not of been the most comfortable thing to do but, in the long run it would pay off.
Have you ever asked God that question before? Why must I do this Lord? I don't like it. I'm not comfortable. Sometimes, to get where we are going things aren't always comfortable. God sees the things ahead of you while you see in the current circumstance. Keep that in mind the next time things get uncomfortable to you!
Next, the angel told her that "I will so increase your descendants that they will be too numerous to count." He also said; " You are with child. You will name him Ishmael for the Lord has heard your misery."
The LORD had heard her misery! Praise God! Even though her circumstance was horrible to her, God was with her. She was not alone! If you feel today that you are alone that no one hears you. I want you to know that God does. You may not can see past the circumstance your in but God sees you in your circumstance and he will walk with you through your trial. He will hold your hand and He will celebrate with you when you come out VICTORIUS! He is not only your God in the Bad times but He is God in the Good times too!
The Lord had given Hagar a new purpose in life. To care for this new life Ishmael that is growing inside of her! The well in the area that the "Angel of Lord" visited Hagar is named Beer Lahai Roi after what Hagar said to the Angel "You are the God who sees me" for she said "For I now see the one who sees me."
Hagar obeys and goes back to her mistress. She gives birth to her son Ishmael. God had given her purpose in life to raise her child. Not just that but, she knew that her child had an important destiny and this also gave her purpose and courage to be obedient to God.
Despite returning to Sarai there was constant rivalry between the two women. I'm sure you can imagine the un-kind words shared between the two.
Fourteen years later God fulfills the promise in Sarai and she gave birth to a son named Isaac. The rivalry and jealousy grew even more. Sarai wanted Isaac to be the heir of Abram. Eventually this turned into a huge confrontation and Sarai tells Abram to cast Hagar and her son Ishmael out. Ishmael didn't help by mocking her son Isaac.
Abram did so but, with great hesitation. Something that I found amazing was that when he was sending them away he provided a gift of life (bread, water). This was to say that even though he wasn't there Hagar and her son were still under His protection! I know God had a hand in this area as well.
Hagar sets out into the desert with her son and I'm sure she is frightened but, I also believe she stepped out in faith. Eventually, the water runs out and her son is dying of thirst. She turns from her child and starts crying to the Lord and He hears them both!
"He is always there, Always listening!" He opens her eyes to something she didn't see before "A WELL" I believe this was a well of great mercy and grace! God not only provides instruction and discipline but he also provides encouragement and nourishment to us daily!
PRAISE the LORD! Blessed is the man who fears the LORD, Who delights greatly in His commandments. His descendant will be mighty on earth; The generation of the upright will be blessed Wealth and riches will be in his house, And his righteousness endures forever. Unto the upright there arises light in the darkness; He is gracious and full of compassion and righteous. A good man deals graciously and lends; He will guide his affairs with discretion. Surely he will never be shaken; The righteous will be in everlasting remembrance. He will not be afraid of evil tidings; His heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD. His heart is established; He will not be afraid, Until he sees his desire upon his enemies. He has dispersed abroad, He has given to the poor; His righteousness endures forever; His horn will be exalted with honor. The wicked will see it and be grieved; He will gnash his teeth and melt away; The desire of the wicked shall perish.
Psalms 112 In conclusion, I want you to realize that sometimes we will hear hurtful things from the people around us. We will sometimes flea from them into our own wilderness "depression". We will feel resentment towards them for hurting us with the negative things they say but, I want you to take into consideration ALL of these scriptures. God is telling you "Their words and wickedness will pass away." He is telling you " Do not be dismayed at their looks". He is telling you to LOOK to him because His words are tender and sweet to the soul. The wicked will pass away and be no more but, the righteous will live on forever with Him.
I think about this story and I think about how God can cause your "enemies" to bless you. Sarai was a good woman at heart but, because of her rebellion against what God had told her it caused a rift in a relationship. However, I see how God turned it into a blessing for Hagar because, not only was she given her freedom from slavery. She was blessed with a child that would have descendents of many! He made her fruitful for her obedience to him. He provided a purpose for her and healing balm to the sting of Sarai's actions and words! He can do the same for you.
Regardless of your situation. I want you to remember that God is there. Abide in his commandments. Seek after Him with ALL of your heart! He will conquer and lift you above those that speak negatively against you as long as you look to him. I know this because, no matter what comes against Truth, Truth always prevails! Be kind to those that hurt you and you can see a person transformed by God's love which is the ultimate healing balm to all! Look to God because He comforts the weary! He will quicken you in your situation and give you purpose for living even through the darkest of times!
I feel like this message was meant for someone in a really dark time and He is telling you to LOOK UP! I'm here! Reach out for me! I will lift you up! Don't give up and don't look at what the world says to you or about you! I say your wonderful and perfectly made! I will let my light shine into the darkness through you! Let me in! I WILL HELP YOU! Cry out for me! I WILL hear you! I can provide a healing balm for whatever is hurting you right now!
I hope this helped you! I know it has opened my eyes a lot! I'm going to close with a prayer and if you need prayer or need anything there is a comment box below. If you don't want anyone to know who you are you don't have to post under your name. God knows what you need.
Father,
I come to you humbly right now! My heart is crying out to you for someone that is hurting! Please hear my cry for them! Send them comfort! Send them your love and build a hedge of protection around them to keep whatever is hurting them away! Father I know that you know all things! I know that you know how to fix it and how to make things better so I pray that your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Father hear me tonight and please send your blessed assurance their way. I love you Father! I'm so thankful that you walk beside me and I give you the Glory!
In Jesus Name I Pray
Amen and Amen
Thank you for your time. God bless you!
Sincerely,
Sarah
Scripture references from NKJV Spirit-Filled Life Bible
Today, I was faced with a one syllable question that stopped me completely in my tracks; because of the situation it was asked in and because of the reality of it.
Why? I was suppose to deliver some flowers to a friend today. However, she couldn't make it. So I drove to the doors of Wal-Mart to allow my husband to go inside and change our 8 month old daughter.
While I am sitting there waiting I am asking God to help me decide what to do with the flowers I had brought. I knew if they sat in the heat of the car that it could cause them to wither up and die. So, I'm praying and listening.. and I just felt my spirit tell me to "Give them away".
So, I see this elderly man walking in to the store and I'm saying; "Lord, if he is the one allow him to forget something and head back to his car." The man does exactly that as soon as I pray it! I get the man's attention and show him the flowers and ask him if he knew anyone that needs healing or just someone that would enjoy them and be blessed? He says; "That he has a young boy that is sick but, he didn't think that he was old enough to appreciate flowers". and he politely rejects them and walks away.
So, I'm dumb-founded! I am praying again and this elderly couple I see walking out of the store kind of felt like a good way to go. So, I'm getting out of the car and I walk up to the man's wife and ask her if she knows anyone that might need healing...and BEFORE I can get the next words out, the lady's husband scoffs and stalks off as if he is angry about the question being asked!
By this time I am really starting to get discouraged. I keep thinking, "God, why are so many people rejecting a gift...and it's a FREE gift!"
So, now I take it a new direction. I get back in my car. I'm waiting and praying and I ask God; "Let the person I am suppose to give these to walk right up beside my car and I will get out and give the flowers to whoever it is."
Some how my spirit lets me know that I am looking for a woman. Five minutes or so goes by and I see this lady coming in my side mirror. She looks a little dis-hearted and she is on the phone and I hear her say "So, they are fighting again." I know that is my que because, I know the power in healing is not just for the physical. It is for emotional healing, spiritual healing, and so many other type of healings!
I stop the lady "I'm feeling rude at this point because she is on the phone"
I say, "I want to give you these flowers and they are free. If you or someone you know would enjoy them I want you to have them."
She looks at me kind of puzzled and says; "Why?" I am awe-struck by this question. I have been rejected not once, but twice, and now the lady I am trying to give this "free" gift to is asking me "WHY?"
So, I look at her and say the only things that come to mind. "Well, I believe everyone needs a gift of happiness and joy brought to their life every now and then." It's a very simple response but, it's the one I gave.
She looks at me and I'm a little embarrassed because I'm hoping I said the things that God would want me to say and right about the time it starts getting really uncomfortable to me, she said,"That's unusual!" and she reaches out and embraces me!
I get back into the car and I am completely humbled by this experience. This world is so surrounded in corruption, evil, and "nothing is free mentality." That a small gift of free flowers is hard for someone to understand and so they reject it.
As I am writing this I am thinking of Christ! He offers that free gift to us.
I can just imagine how dumb-founded He feels when so many reject a free gift of salvation that He TOTALLY and COMPLETELY paid the price for. I had began this message thinking I was going to write about Hagar from the bible but, now I know God wanted me to tell you the story that is happening now!
When Christ tries to give us this gift we are SO much like those people that I tried to give the flowers to today. The first excuse made is "I don't think I am good enough for it" The other gets angry and offended by the offer and because we are afraid to step out; "We follow the example of the one that scoffs at the free gift."
Sometimes, the free gift is accepted. If you will notice it done so with great caution. Asking questions the whole way, "Why?" The other statement that struck me today was her response to my answer. "That's unusual."
I was thinking "You're right God is Unusual! He is Extraordinary! He sent His only Son to be that free gift of salvation! Even though He knew that there would be few that answered the call. Those few were so precious that the gift to those few was PRICELESS!"
I want you to remember that God loves you! He knows your not perfect. He knows that you question Him and He also knows that sometimes there is doubt! While He knows this He STILL loves you! So please accept His free gift to you! It's a gift of Healing, Restoration, Salvation, Love, and SO much more!
I love you guys! I hope this message meant as much to you as it did me! Remember to leave your prayer request and feed back below! I would love to hear from you!
Before you leave I would also like to tell you that I received a symbol of a "heart" and a "circle" today and I did some research and looked up the meaning of those symbols in a biblical sense and I want you to Check This Out! This was absolutely amazing!
In both Hebrew and Greek culture, the heart was thought of more as a symbol of ultimate purpose and motivation. Emotional concepts, like affection, were associated more with gastrointestinal organs. Hebrew symbolism used the body as an analogy of the whole person. The strength of a person was their outward behavior - what they do WITH their body. The conscious mind, in that culture did not as easily separate thought, emotion and volition like we do. They recognized the conscious mind was engaged in thoughts, feelings and intentions but they tended to see these as different facets of the conscious mind. The heart is the organ more at the core of the body. That culture used the heart as a symbol of
the inner man, the deepest thoughts, the deepest feelings, the deepest
intentions. So deep at times they were incomprehensible, and in some ways, unknowable and difficult to observe - known only by God.So the heart is, in that language, a word that represents the core or ultimate intention, ultimate value, ultimate motivation. These were also analogous to concentric circles. The inner man is center-most. This is the heart. Surrounding the heart is a larger circle called the mind. The mind included all conscience thoughts, decisions and feelings. The outermost circle was the body where all the behavior took place. Spirituality starts at the center and works it way out, hence the admonishment to love God with all your heart (the very core of your being), all your mind (the most accessible part of your conscious life) and all your strength (the behavior that flows from the heart and mind).Early Greek was not too different, especially the dialect of Koine Greek spoken in Israel and in which much of the New Testament was written. So in the bible, the word heart included all the facets of conscious process of intent, thought and feeling but at a level so deep it is ultimate and less accessible. It does not mean "emotions"
the way we use the word today
http://wiki.answers.com God bless you and Thank you so much for blessing me with your time!
Sincerely,
Sarah
And the vision of all is become unto you as the words of a book that is sealed, which men deliver to one that is learned, saying, Read this, I pray thee: and he saith, I cannot; for it is sealed and the book is delivered to him that is not learned, saying, Read this, I pray thee: and he saith, I am not learned.
Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept* of men:
Therefore, behold, I will proceed to do a marvelous work among this people, even a marvelous work and a wonder: for the wisdom of their wise men shall perish, and the understanding of their prudent men shall be hid.
Woe unto them that seek deep to hide their counsel from the LORD, and their works are in the dark, and they say, Who seeth us? and who knoweth us?
Surely your turning of things upside down shall be esteemed as the potter's clay: for shall the work say of him that made it, He made me not? or shall the thing framed say of that framed it, He had no understanding?
Isaiah 29:11-16
Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary
29:9-16 The security of sinners in sinful ways, is cause for lamentation and wonder. The learned men, through prejudice, said that the Divine prophecies were obscure; and the poor urged their want of learning. The Bible is a sealed book to every man, learned or unlearned, till he begins to study it with a simple heart and a teachable spirit, that he may thence learn the truth and the will of God. To worship God, is to approach him. And if the heart be full of his love and fear, out of the abundance of it the mouth will speak; but there are many whose religion is lip-labour only. When they pretend to be speaking to God, they worship the God of Israel according to their own devices. Numbers are only formal in worship. And their religion is only to comply with custom, and to serve their own interest. But the wanderings of mind, and defects in devotion, which are the believer's burden, are very different from the withdrawing of the heart from God, so severely blamed. And as those that quarrel with God, so those that think to conceal themselves from him, in effect charge him with folly. But all their perverse conduct shall be entirely done away.
- Prudent : believing but not being truly committed.
- Understanding: discernment
- Precepts: commandment, statues
Reading these scripture, the King Nebuchadnezzar comes to mind. God had shown himself to Nebuchadnezzar in various situations. When Nebuchadnezzar had the dream of his mind being made like that of an animal and he called for interpretation of the dream from his wise men and magicians, none could interpret his dream. The things that are of God cannot be interpreted by anything of this world. Nebuchadnezzar was forced to call upon one of God's people, Daniel, to interpret the dream.
When Nebuchadnezzar threw Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego into the fire for not worshiping the golden statue, God saved them. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego are a perfect example of someone that is not moved by man's precept of what God wants. The only way we will know what God wants is to read His word and be a person after God's own heart.
Therefore our elders and all the inhabitants of our country spoke to us, saying, Take provisions with you for the journey, and go to meet them, and day unto them, We are your servants: therefore now make you a covenant with us. This our bread we took hot for our provision out of our houses on the day we came forth to go unto you; but now, behold, it is dry, and it is moldy: And these skins of wine, which we filled, were new; and, behold, they are torn: and these our garments, and our shoes have become old by reason of the very long journey. And the men took of their provisions, and asked not counsel at the mouth of the LORD.
Joshua 9: 11-12
Matthew Henry Concise Commentary
But when they had once said, We are come from a far country, they were led to say it, made of skins, and their clothes: one lie brings on another, and that a third, and so on. The way of that sin is especially down-hill.
The "Elders" led them to tell lies. My heart is grieved because so many people fail to pick up the Word of God and confirm what someone say to them with it. God said that there would be many wolves in sheep's clothing. So many are not teaching the FULL Word of God. When you pick up the bible and you say, "I believe this but I don't believe that." You are denying Christ and if this is happening with a leader of the church, this is very dangerous because, he is not only hindering and hurting himself. He is hindering and hurting his flock. There are so many "MAN" made rules. Just like in Jesus time He said that He had not come to take away from the Law but to fulfill it. The people in His time were adding man-made rules to what God had meant for instruction. I believe this caused confusion and it caused division and it caused MANY to be lead to hell. The Word of God was meant to be a simple interpretation. God is not the author of confusion. His Yoke is easy and His burden is light. So many try to make the burden more heavy and the yoke hard. God's Word is simple and it shouldn't be taken away from and it shouldn't be added to with man-made rules
For to this end also did I write, that I might know the proof of you, whether ye be obedient in all things. To whom ye forgive anything, I forgive also: for if I forgave anything, to whom I forgave it, for your sakes forgave I it in the person of Christ; Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices. Furthermore, when I came to Troas to preach Christ's gospel, and found not Titus my brother: but taking my leave of them, I went from thence into Macedonia. Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place. For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish: To the one we are the savour of death unto death; and to the other the savour of life unto life. And who is sufficient for these things? For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ.
2 Corinthians 2: 9-17 I had no rest in my spirit, because I found not Titus my brother. I don't know if any of you have ever experience this but, whenever I am sharing the Word of God with someone on a personal level. "Witnessing" to them about Jesus. My Spirit can always tell when they reject it. I feel grieved for them because I don't understand WHY they reject Christ? WHY is it so hard to love Jesus when He loves us so much! I know a lot of people probably think I am dramatic or take things to a higher level but; IT IS DRAMATIC! Christ paid the price for us but, so many reject Him! We make other things of less importance like; money, fame, clothes, jewelry, and various other things more important than God! by doing so we make these things a God in our life! Do you realize that?
When Nebuchadnezzar decided that he was greater than God and did not need God: he said these words;"Is this not the great Babylon that I have built for a royal residence by my own mighty strength and for my majestic honor?" The thing I want you to consider is God gave Nebuchadnezzar a warning through his dream. He also gave him a year to turn from his wickedness. Nebuchadnezzar did not heed that warning and so he was brought to his knees with a mind of a wild animal! I do feel like this is a year of preparation for us. This country has gone so far from God's word! You see it in all the news channels, in the way the people of this country act! The people of this country are fulfilling scripture; for shall the work say of him that made it, He made me not? There are people starving for God's Word but there are hardly any working to give it to them and when they do give it to them it's the watered down version
The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few Why not speak as Jesus spoke?! He didn't sugar coat anything and we shouldn't either The scripture said;
To the one we are the savour of death unto death; and to the other the savour of life unto life.
If we don't tell people the truth of God's Word then the salt loses it savour! QUIT watering down the truth! DON'T take from the Word of God by not believing ALL of the bible. I'm here to tell you that if you don't believe every word on those pages! YOU ARE NOT a believer of Christ! You are believing MAN'S precepts and standards and the ways of MAN shall perish! The WORD of GOD will stand forever!
Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary
2:12-17 A believer's triumphs are all in Christ. To him be the praise and glory of all, while the success of the gospel is a good reason for a Christian's joy and rejoicing. In ancient triumphs, abundance of perfumes and sweet odours were used; so the name and salvation of Jesus, as ointment poured out, was a sweet savour diffused in every place. Unto some, the gospel is a savour of death unto death. They reject it to their ruin. Unto others, the gospel is a savour of life unto life: as it quickened them at first when they were dead in trespasses and sins, so it makes them more lively, and will end in eternal life. Observe the awful impression this matter made upon the apostle, and should also make upon us. The work is great, and of ourselves we have no strength at all; all our sufficiency is of God. But what we do in religion, unless it is done in sincerity, as in the sight of God, is not of God, does not come from him, and will not reach to him. May we carefully watch ourselves in this matter; and seek the testimony of our consciences, under the teaching of the Holy Spirit, that as of sincerity, so speak we in Christ and of Christ.
If your are wondering what happened to Nebuchadnezzar once he repented..... The text says immediately the king lifted his eyes to heaven and his sanity was restored. bible-truth.org So, I am asking you today are living by man's precepts or by God's precepts? Are you denying self or denying Christ? Is the things, the objects, the images, in your life GOD to you or is Our Heavenly Father GOD to you? The wonderful thing about Christ is that He not only brings conviction He also brings forgiveness when we ask for it! Let God restore what is His. If you have read this message you feel that the Holy Spirit is bringing conviction I want you to say this prayer with me.
Heavenly Father,
I ask that you forgive me for not putting you first in my life. That you help me deny the things that have risen above you in my life. To set those things down and to pick you up; because Father I can't do this without you. Father, you know my heart and you know that I am sincere. Please, help me to see things through a new light today. Help me Father, Over my life. You are my Father, My Yahweh! I love you over all things and I pray that you will help me be a light to others. I humbly pray this..
In Jesus Name,
Amen Go with God my brothers and sisters in Christ,
Sincerely, Sarah
P.S. If you have left me a comment and I have not responded I will be doing that later on. I have been terribly sick with some sort of virus going around. I love you so much!
Matthew Henry Concise Commentary in Blue.
Scripture reference from bible.cc
Definitions in Green and referenced from bibletools.com
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The following scripture has been coming to me a lot. I do believe it was to teach me something as well as to tell others about it. I think "we" as a church. As believer's of Christ have forgotten and failed to truly let this scripture sink into our spirit..... 
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