Light Interacts With Matter

 While skimming over search engine results, the number 137 caught my attention; immediately, I remembered a dream from many years ago in which God reminded me of my destiny and how Jesus intervenes to fulfill it. Physicists describe 137 (1/137) as the fine-structure constant, the probability that an electron will emit or absorb a photon ("Fine Structure Constant - Sixty Symbols", 2009). I knew that God was providing deeper insight into the dream. A photon is a particle of light, and an electron is the negatively-charged particle that whirls around an atom. All matter is comprised of atoms. In effect, the number 137 represents the interaction between light and matter. 

I feel like God is reminding me that I cannot live this life without His intervention, His interaction with me. God is light and I am matter.

1 John 1:5 Amplified Bible (AMP)

God Is Light

This is the message [of God’s promised revelation] which we have heard from Him and now announce to you, that God is Light [He is holy, His message is truthful, He is perfect in righteousness], and in Him there is no darkness at all [no sin, no wickedness, no imperfection]. (BibleGateway, n.d.)

 I have begun praying that Light would interact with matter in personal situations as well as situations involving others. God is so good. He never leaves us to figure this life out alone. He empowers us in difficult circumstances and ultimately, we will be victorious as we submit to Him and His ways.

Below, I have reprinted my dream, which I pray will be as much of an encouragement to you as it is to me.

Much love, Beautiful Grace

I was in a school, the warning bell had rung, and it was time to go to my locker to get my books for the next class. I approached my locker, number 137, noticing that the word DESTINY was spray painted over it in large red letters. I was unable to open the combination lock, and because of this, became more and more anxious. I didn't want to be late for class! I looked down the hall to my left and noticed a friend had opened her lock without difficulty, grabbed her books and headed to class. I didn't understand why I was having such difficulty in opening my lock. Suddenly, behind me, I heard the janitor say, "I'll take care of that lock for you." He easily removed the lock and opened the locker door. I reached into the locker and found no books. I became anxious again, thinking, I won't be prepared for class! At the bottom of the locker, I found an envelope. Inside was a bill, which I thought was unpaid. Again this caused distress to rise up. I opened the to envelope to find that my father had already paid the bill. I was debt free!!!!!

The interpretation of the dream is that my destiny is locked up. I observe other Christians appear to be able to open the door to their destiny without difficulty. The locker number-137, was the goal weight that I had set during a period of dieting. The janitor, representing Jesus, was the One Who unlocked my destiny/goal. I thought that my destiny rested on studying, but in reality, my destiny/goal only relies on the fact that my debts (sins) have been paid by my Father (God). I woke up with deep peace flooding my soul.

 References

BibleGateway. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1 John   1:5&version=AMP

Fine Structure Constant - Sixty Symbols. (2009, April 14). Retrieved from https://youtu.be/WlSLIW0gZtk

When God Speaks: Keep Walking

Early Sunday Morning, I read Romans 8 prior to preparing to leave for church service. Imagine my surprise when Pastor Charles referenced several verses from the chapter I read only a few hours prior to the sermon.

Life Center Ministries 7/8/2018 11:00 am service

Sermon Points: We Need Giants

• Why we need things that strengthen us.
• Some doors are obvious, some are not
• We must keep walking; we must get close
•  It's a picture of faith; it doesn't look like you can do it.
• Promises are protected from those who are half-hearted (keep walking in faith)

• Abram (Abraham) left everything to follow God's direction and promises.

• given the Promised Land
• name will be great
• will be blessed
• will be made a great nation
• will be a blessing

• Are we willing to leave or do we say, "No, I'm fine?"
• "We must change the we think, the way we inform ourselves and obey."
• The promises of God will make us into something great. 
• The promises of God release His blessing on us and cause our life to be significant.
• We become blessed and become a blessing to the world around us.
• Grace is given, we explore it by faith. 

• The 10 spies went to Canaan and 8 gave a bad report while 2 spoke in faith.
• Be careful what you say about what you see.
• When you are afraid, everything seems scary.
• Trust in God's ability to open doors for us and through us. 
• It may look like we are surrounded (by enemies), but we are surrounded by Him (God).

• Giants (enemies) are always around us.
• Trust God, He is with us (our weapon)
• Only see giants when advancing
• Our Promise Land is being conformed to Christ
•  Live our lives in love and walking and carrying the blessings of God wherever we go.
• Giants who keep us from being conformed to the image of God
• "I'm right."
• discouragement
• disappointment
• self-interest
• self-pity
• what's in it for me

Romans 8:31 Amplified Bible (AMP)

³¹ What then shall we say to all these things? If God is for us, who can be [successful] against us?

Romans 8:34 Amplified Bible (AMP)

³⁴ Who is the one who condemns us? Christ Jesus is the One who died [to pay our penalty], and more than that, who was raised [from the dead], and who is at the right hand of God interceding [with the Father] for us. 

When you are in a big trial remember Jesus is interceding for us (praying). 

Romans 8:35 Amplified Bible (AMP)

³⁵ Who shall ever separate us from the love of ^[a]Christ? Will tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? 

Romans 8:38-39 Amplified Bible (AMP)

³⁸ For I am convinced [and continue to be convinced—beyond any doubt] that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present and threatening, nor things to come, nor powers, ³⁹ nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the [unlimited] love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

This is our promise!

 

2018: The Year of Finishing Lines

In the beginning of 2018, I felt the Lord say that this year would be the "Year of Finishing Lines." Set to graduate with my BSN in May, I knew that finishing line very well. I had been looking forward to it since beginning the path to attaining it in 2014.

Originally, I was not planning to graduate until next year, but the Lord counseled me to take an educational leave of absence from work to become a full-time college student for one semester allowing for the early graduation.

I am not certain what job God has for me after graduation, and this uncertainty has the potential to stir worry, but the Lord keeps assuring me to "Trust Me."

Therefore, I am writing this post as a declaration of my intent to trust God. He has ALWAYS provided and protected and encouraged and shown His love to me in the past. He does not change!

Proverbs 3:5-6

Trust in and rely confidently on the Lord with all your heart And do not rely on your own insight or understanding. In all your ways know and acknowledge and recognize Him, And He will make your paths straight and smooth [removing obstacles that block your way].

This is an awesome encouragement and command.

• Trust and rely confidently...with all of my heart.
• Do not rely...on my own insight and understanding
• Acknowledge and recognize Him...in all my ways.
• He will...make my paths straight and smooth.

Holy Spirit, touch my heart. Empower it, all of it, to completely trust and rely on Your guidance. You will provide, because You are the Provider! I look forward to all of the finishing lines that You have in store for this year. Thank You for all You have done are doing and will do! In the great and powerful name of Jesus!  AMEN!

Matthew 10: Do Not Be Afraid of Those...

Matthew 10:26-28 

So have no fear of them; for nothing is concealed that will not be revealed, or kept secret that will not become known. What I say to you in the dark, tell in the light; and what you hear whispered in the ear, proclaim upon the housetops. And do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; but rather be afraid of Him who can destroy both soul and body in hell (Gehenna).

I am a dreamer.

Throughout my life, there have been seasons where dreaming was very lucid and active.  In other seasons, dreams remained hidden in the recesses of my asleep brain. However,  I do believe that God sometimes chooses to communicate through dreams, therefore, when I remember one, I ask Him about it.

Last week, I had a brief but terrifying dream in which a large man was attacking women and then attempted to attack me.  I woke myself up with loud shrieking.  Poor hubby.

This dream reminded me of a dream I had years ago when I was in a season of extreme emotional turmoil.  I believe the man represents the spirit of fear who attempts to control its victims by stimulating fear, terror, anxiety.  As I told my husband about the dream, he revealed that that night prior to my dream, he was praying for me in a very specific way.  His disclosure confirmed my suspicion.  Immediately, I began to pray against this spiritual attack.

Then Jesus steps in...

This past Sunday during the worship service, the images from the dream flooded my mind's eye, but this time Jesus was with me.  His eyes locked with mine as he stepped between me and the man.  Jesus reached behind His back and pushed the man away.  Jesus did this, never breaking His loving gaze directed towards me.  Then Jesus hugged me, and I could feel the perfect love that drives out all fear.

Gratitude fills my heart, that the King of the Universe would encourage me in such an intimate way.

Friends, do not be afraid of those who talk behind your back.  Do not be even be afraid of those who can kill your body, because the Keeper of Souls, Jesus, is Your Protector.  He's got you!  Receive His perfect love which casts out ALL fear.  In the great and awesome name of Jesus!  AMEN!!!

Matthew 9: Thrust Out the Laborers

Matthew 9:36-38
Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC)

³⁶ When He saw the throngs, He was moved with pity and sympathy for them, because they were bewildered (harassed and distressed and dejected and helpless), like sheep without a shepherd.^(A)

³⁷ Then He said to His disciples, The harvest is indeed plentiful, but the laborers are few.

³⁸ So pray to the Lord of the harvest to ^[a]force out and thrust laborers into His harvest.

 

There is a note written in my Bible, "what does this mean?" under verse 38.  Heartache, disillusionment, deception, depression, anger, evil abounds in the world.  If we remain tucked away inside the four walls of our homes or churches, how will the sheep ever know the Shepherd? 

 

How can we sequester ourselves in the comfort of our homes and churches, while Jesus Himself prays to "force and thrust laborers into His harvest?"  Intense.  But the people around us desperately require our help.

 

Brothers and sisters, it is the beginning of your ministry to touch the world around you (your neighbor) with kindness and love (Jesus).  We are the only contact some of these dear ones will ever have with the One Who loves them the most and best.  What I mean is that as we go into the world, Jesus, Who lives and loves through us, is manifested by what we say and do.  The attitude we have as laborers toward the harvest can mean eternity and should be overflowing with compassion for the lost. 

 

When I gave my heart to the Lord, it was His Love that drew me, not other Christians condemning me, telling me that I would go to Hell.  Love is Light, His Light, and that Light shines bright in a world full of darkness.  And although Hell is a very real place, many lost sheep are experiencing a Hellish foretaste right now, here on earth.  Where is our loving compassion?

 

Do not be surprised when things don't work out the way you thought within the comfort of the four walls.  Could it be that YOU have be chosen to be forced and thrust out into the harvest?  The laborers are few.  Maybe You have been called to go into the world, overflowing the with kindness and love which saves!

2017: Backflow, Tidal Wave

"Backflow, Tidal Wave."  When I asked the Lord about 2017 a few weeks ago, this is what I felt He said.  For many years, I have asked the Lord about the upcoming year, but this is the first time it has stirred a sense of foreboding.  For this reason, I am evaluating whether this is truly from the Lord or from the source that uses fear to control. 

The Holy Spirit has been gracious to reveal the meaning of His symbolic communication over the years.  In faith, I speak the part I understand.

1 Corinthians 13:12

Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC) 

¹² For now we are looking in a mirror that gives only a dim (blurred) reflection [of reality as in a riddle or enigma], but then [when perfection comes] we shall see in reality and face to face! Now I know in part (imperfectly), but then I shall know and understand fully and clearly, even in the same manner as I have been fully and clearly known and understood by God].

According to Webster's online dictionary, backflow is defined as "a flowing back or returning especially toward a source."  The Lord is calling us to return to Him, doing the things we know He has commanded and steering clear of the things we know He has denied.  The only way to determine the difference between right and wrong is to consult the Source, God.  Intimate, one on One communication is the key. 

The second part, "Tidal Wave" is well known in the physical.  I remember the horrible tidal wave (tsunami) which swept over coastal Japan in 2011, causing widespread death and destruction.  The "Tidal Wave" that the Lord is referring to also has devastating destructive power.  Those of us who refuse to return to the Source and/or who hold onto things which we know are sinful or not permissible, may incur the destructive force of this spiritual Tidal Wave.  The consequence of sin is painful.  God allows us to choose, choose wisely.

I really don't know if this "Tidal Wave" will affect people simultaneously on a large scale or if each of us will experience our own unique Wave, but what I do know is clear...

stop holding onto sinful activities, impure thoughts, coarse talk!  Love your neighbor as you love yourself.  Don't get caught up in the twisted reports inspired by the evil one to induce us to fear those who are not like us!  Realize, that we are not our own, but that we have been bought with a price.  Jesus gave Himself for us.  God, made man, His Spirit is in control.  To stand against Him is a futile pursuit.  His fierce love will draw our hearts back to Him. 

Holy Spirit, empower us in Your Grace.  Cause us to hear You.  Empower us to obey You.  Give us courage in the midst of trials and Peace in the midst of storms.  Be our Helper as You have in the past.  You are our refuge and our strength, a present help in times of trouble.  Cause us to come back to You, our Source, to release our grasp in things which ultimately harm us.  Let our gaze be shifted to eternal things, which places the appropriate value on temporal things.  All for the glory of One, Who was and is and is to come, Jesus!  AMEN!

Matthew 12: The Man With the Withered Hand

Matthew 12:9-14
 
9 And going on from there, He went into their synagogue.

10 And behold, a man was there with one withered hand. And they said to Him, Is it lawful or allowable to cure people on the Sabbath days?—that they might accuse Him.

11 But He said to them, What man is there among you, if he has only one sheep and it falls into a pit or ditch on the Sabbath, will not take hold of it and lift it out?

12 How much better and of more value is a man than a sheep! So it is lawful and allowable to do good on the Sabbath days.

13 Then He said to the man, Reach out your hand. And the man reached it out and it was restored, as sound as the other one.

14 But the Pharisees went out and held a consultation against Him, how they might do away with Him.


The last time I wrote a post was July.  The sermon this past Sunday inspired me to take the time.  Imagine my surprise when the next Bible reading just happened to be the very stories which Sunday's sermon included.  

I don't believe in coincidences!

Many years ago, I had a dream set in a church.  

I was standing in the front when I noticed a black man with a withered right hand sitting in the front pew.  This man was not black as a matter of of race, he was black because he had been burned, charred. As I prayed for the man, his hand was healed.

I understood that the man represented those people who had been "burned" by the religious structures (Pharisees) within the church.  These people were so hurt that part of who they were (gifting, talent, personality, etc.) had withered. 

The Lord is speaking! If you have been hurt, there is healing!  Jesus has placed great value on you, because He loves you!  He doesn't want any part of who you are to be withered.  

You and I were made to shine!  We were made to go into the world spreading His love to all we contact.
 
We were made to demonstrate compassion!
  

Matthew 4: Every and All Diseases and Weaknesses

Matthew 4:23-24

Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC)

23 And He went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and preaching the good news (Gospel) of the kingdom, and healing every disease and every weakness and infirmity among the people.

24 So the report of Him spread throughout all Syria, and they brought Him all who were sick, those afflicted with various diseases and torments, those under the power of demons, and epileptics, and paralyzed people, and He healed them.

 

 

It is important to meditate on these familiar verses regarding the healing ministry of Jesus.  Every and all are commonly used words in the English language, but do we pause long enough to consider their meaning?

 

Every "precede[s a] singular noun and [is] used to refer to all the individual members of a set without exception"(Google, 2015).

 

All is "used to refer to the whole quantity or extent of a particular group or thing"(Google, 2015).

 

In other words, the identified verses could be rewritten for emphasis.  

 

Verse 23:  And He went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and preaching the good news (Gospel) of the kingdom, and healing all the individual members who suffered from disease without exception and all the individual members who suffered from weakness and infirmity without exception among the set of people.  

 

Verse 24: So the report of Him spread throughout all Syria, and they brought Him the whole quantity or extent of a particular group who were sick, those afflicted with various diseases and torments, those under the power of demons, and epileptics, and paralyzed people, and He healed them.

 

 

Holy Spirit please help us to wrap our heads and hearts around these two little words..."every" and "all."  Cause all doubts and lack of faith to flee in the name of Jesus!  Empower us to arise with His healing power in our hands, words and actions.  Let our whispers be filled with faith, not despair.  In the great and awesome healing name of Jesus, AMEN!!!

 

 

Luke 3: It Shall Be Made Straight

Luke 3:5-6
Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC)

5 Every valley and ravine shall be filled up, and every mountain and hill shall be leveled; and the crooked places shall be made straight, and the rough roads shall be made smooth; 6 And all mankind shall see (behold and understand and at last acknowledge) the salvation of God (the deliverance from eternal death decreed by God).


You are definitely speaking, Lord! This past Sunday, the Isaiah version of the above verse was used as a base for the sermon.  You highlighted this verse almost two weeks ago, Lord.   

What are You trying to say? 
 

Let's be real and raw...


Yes, You have filled up every valley and ravine!

Yes, You have straightened the crooked places in my life.

Yes, the rough roads have been smoothed.

I have been blessed so much more than comprehension, YES, YES, YES!!!

Yet, new valleys and ravines present themselves.  Although, much smoother and straighter than in previous seasons, my path remains in need of a Savior.  

Every moment of every day, I need a Savior!

I can't imagine living without my Savior!  

Jesus, stir my soul.  Breathe, new life on its embers.  Let passion and praise arise for You.  In Your holy and precious Name, AMEN!

Malachi: You are My Jewel

Malachi 3:17
Amplified Bible (AMP)

17 And they shall be Mine, says the Lord of hosts, in that day when I publicly recognize and openly declare them to be My jewels (My special possession, My peculiar treasure). And I will spare them, as a man spares his own son who serves him.

Often this world attempts to strip us of our uniqueness. "Being the only one of its kind" is an honored position (http://www.thefreedictionary.com/unique).  Often, the nature of society attempts to marginalize our worth.  The message we receive is you aren't pretty enough, you're too thin, you're too fat, make more money, give your money away, etc.  Yet, we don't need to allow society's voice affect our heart (self worth).  

Our focus, needs to be on what God says about us.  He calls us His jewels, "a valuable stone (such as a ruby or diamond) that has been cut and polished" (http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/jewel).

Our heavenly Father, sees us as His own treasure!  WOW!

The next time you think of yourself as less than or not good enough, remember that you are the treasure of the King of the Universe.  

Now, how's that for a self-esteem booster?

Esther 6-10: It Shall Be Granted, It Shall Be Done!

The book of Esther presents an encouraging example of how God pours His grace (power) through willing vessels.   You and I have been called to stand against the spiritual enemies which come against us.

Whether those enemies manifest as sickness or strained relationships or employment difficulties, it is important to remember the true source of attack.  It is not the person standing in front of you, it is the spiritual realm attempting to thwart your calling and destroy your life.

Purim is the Jewish holiday that celebrates God's victory over the enemies coming against His people.  It serves as a reminder to us that we too must stand against the enemy, reveal his tactics, rescue those who have fallen to deception.  The evil one is the enemy, not people!  Keep this in mind the next time someone talks behind your back or bullies you to your face.

Seasons of difficulty may arise, but a season has a beginning and an end.  It won't last.  Spring follows winter, but the change of season is not abrupt.  Gradually, the days become warmer.  Little by little brown grass greens, and suddenly, spring has sprung.  The winter has passed.  New life is visible all around us. 

But even in the midst of difficulty, our father offers us peace.  He will open our eyes to see the end of winter.  We can perceive the new life of spring.  We can identify His blessings even in the middle of the battle.  God's grace makes it possible!

The celebration of Purim reminds us that God always provides...rest from enemies.

 



 Sorrow is transformed into gladness by our awesome God.

 

Mourning is remodeled, and a holiday is declared!

Just as Esther stood before King Ahasuerus, our heavenly King is calling us to stand before Him. I can hear His voice speaking through the ancient Babylonian king's word's.

 

Esther 9:12c

Amplified Bible (AMP)

 

"Now what is your petition? It shall be granted to you. Or what is your request further? It shall be done."

 

Take courage, receive His grace, stand before the King!  Make your petition and it shall be granted; it shall be done!

Zechariah 10-14: He Hears the Silent Scream

Zechariah 10:11
Amplified Bible (AMP)

¹¹ And [the Lord] will pass through the sea of distress and affliction [at the head of His people, as He did at the Red Sea]; and He will smite down the waves of the sea, and all the depths of the [river] Nile shall be dried up and put to shame; and the pride of Assyria shall be brought down and the scepter or rod [of the taskmasters of Egypt] shall pass away.

 

 

I love the imagery of this verse.  When the Lord leads, He smites down the waves of distress and affliction. 

 

Imagine being trapped in a tumultuous storm encompassing body, soul and spirit.  The sea's waves overwhelm and water displaces the oxygen in the lungs.  Gasping for air, yet only taking in more water, the process of drowning occurs.  

Drowning is a silent event. A drowning person no longer has the ability to scream, raise her head or arms out of the water, or struggle violently (Zafares, 1998).

 

Often a person experiencing emotional turmoil screams silently as well. 

 

From 93 Depression Quotes and Images from Social Media

 

 

Jesus hears the silent screams of a drowning heart.  He passes through "the sea of distress and affliction" and "will smite down the waves of the sea."

 

Hold fast to the One Who will save you!  In the midst of the violent waves, He is with you passing before you "through the sea of distress and affliction."  He makes a way where there is none.  He makes the mountain a plain and straightens the crooked path.  He will never leave you and certainly never forsake you.  He is faithful...always!!!



Zachariah 9: His Eyes are Upon Us

Zechariah 9:8
Amplified Bible

⁸ Then I will encamp about My house as a guard or a garrison so that none shall march back and forth, and no oppressor or demanding collector shall again overrun them, for now My eyes are upon them.

 

Thinking back over the challenges faced in my life, I remember, I see that God was always there.  At times my soul was so distressed and stirred that I was ignorant to His Presence, but now I understand that He was ALWAYS there. 

 

It was through those challenges that my weaknesses were revealed.  Friends, it is valuable to be familiar with our own weaknesses, because then we realize that our only hope and protection come from the Lord.  We must understand that knowing our weaknesses doesn't equal a skewed self-esteem, but it does cause us to understand our desperate need for a savior.

 

We have a choice.  What will we cling to as our savior? 

 

Money

Power

Influence

People

Technology

Self

 

There is no doubt that these are blessings, but do they have the power to save us?

 

Let me submit to you that God, as expressed through Jesus, is the ONLY ONE capable of saving us from the oppressor.  I'm not offering anyone false hope, bad things do happen in this world, but those bad things do not have the power to oppress and "march back and forth" over our souls if we cling to the True Savior, Jesus Christ! 

 

God has promised to encamp around us like a guard or a garrison!  His eyes are upon us!!!

 

Just yesterday, I read an article quoting the actress Natalie Portman's thoughts about the Oscar she received, "I was reading the story of Abraham to my child and talking about, like, not worshipping false idols. And this is literally like gold men. This is literally worshipping gold idols -- if you worship it. That’s why it’s not displayed on the wall. It’s a false idol."

 

Those are bold words.  TRUTH!!!

 

Any time we trust in something or some person other than God for our protection, we in effect committing idolatry. 

 

Those are bold words.  TRUTH!!!

 

 

Lord, I ask that by Your Spirit You reveal our weaknesses and through them show Yourself strong.  You have promised to be our guard.  You ARE the Savior of our souls.  We know that no matter what happens, You are there providing peace and calm in the midst of any earthly storm.  No more will the enemy of our souls march back and forth over our thoughts/emotions for You are always Faithful and True.  We love You and submit ourselves to You always, in the Great Name of Jesus, AMEN!!!

 

Zechariah 4: Who Are You, O Great Mountain of Human Obstacles?

Mountains...everyone experiences obstacles in life!  Unpaid bills, strained relationships, employment stressors, health issues and emotional upheaval are ALL examples of mountains or obstacles, which may block our life's path.  So it is today the same as it was when Zechariah penned this encouragement.

Zechariah 4:6-7

Amplified Bible (AMP)

Then he said to me, This [addition of the bowl to the candlestick, causing it to yield a ceaseless supply of oil from the olive trees] is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit [of Whom the oil is a symbol], says the Lord of hosts.

 

For who are you, O great mountain [of human obstacles]? Before Zerubbabel [who with Joshua had led the return of the exiles from Babylon and was undertaking the rebuilding of the temple, before him] you shall become a plain [a mere molehill]! And he shall bring forth the finishing gable stone [of the new temple] with loud shoutings of the people, crying, Grace, grace to it!

So there you have it, folks!  Whether leading a people out of captivity and rebuilding a temple or plowing through the life obstacles of today, what we need is oil, the oil of the Holy Spirit. 

His Spirit empowers us to maintain a healthy focus.  We focus on God, Who created the universe, Who knows no bounds,  Whose power is unmatched, rather then being distracted by the earthly "mountain" in our path. 

Often the very solution to transforming a mountain into a molehill is the proper perspective.  We may need to "reframe" the mountain.  In other words, we need to look at the obstacle or situation with a positive mindset rather than a negative one. 


A negative mindset set might say...

Why do bad things always happen to me?

I take two steps forward, then get pushed back ten steps.

I just can't take anymore.


Reframing the mountain and looking at it positively might sound something like...

Life is filled with bad things, they are bound to impact me at some time or another.

When I feel the pushback of life's circumstance, I will fall to my knees and worship.  God can take the pushbacks and use them to strengthen my spiritual muscles.

I "feel" like I can't anymore, but the truth is God will NEVER allow anything to touch me that I cannot handle with Him.



Holy Spirit, empower us to always reframe difficult situations seeing them through Your eyes and not our feelings.  Help us to identify the positive and be thankful for all You have done and provided.  In Jesus' name, AMEN!

 

 

 

 

Ezra 4-6; Psalm 137: The Enemy May Stall, But None Shall Stop the Prophetic Promises

 Josh: "But they need me here. If I don't help them...how will they... The shepherd, he's part of the prophecy."

Jesus: "Son! Have no fear. The prophesies will be fulfilled be it one way or another. One river is calm while the other is treacherous. In one boat, many will be saved. In the other, many will be lost."

Josh: "But maybe I, maybe I don't want the responsibility. I'm tired of fighting. It's never enough for the one that I save a hundred are...

Jesus: "It matter a great deal to that one person. It matters to Me."

Josh: "Tell me, Lord. What do I do?" (Revelation Road 3: The Black Rider)



Ezra 4:21-24
Amplified Bible (AMP)
   
²¹Therefore give a decree to make these men stop, that this city not be rebuilt, until a command is given by me.

²² Be sure that you do this. Why should damage grow, to the hurt of the kings?

²³ When the copy of King Artaxerxes’ letter was read before Rehum, Shimshai the scribe, and their companions, they went up in haste to Jerusalem to the Jews and by force and power made them cease.

²⁴ Then the work on the house of God in Jerusalem stopped. It stopped until the second year of Darius king of Persia.

The rebuilding of the temple after the Babylonian captivity was a prophetic promise, yet enemies were successful in stalling its construction. 

Have you even wondered about the prophetic promises, which the enemy halted mid fulfillment? 

Have you considered the prophetic promises yet to be fulfilled?

I certainly have.

While watching the fictional movie, Revelation Road 3:  The Black Rider, a few days ago, I was encouraged by a dialogue between Josh and Jesus as referenced above.  God WILL fulfill His promises.  He WILL complete His plan, "One way or another."  The pressure of personal responsibility to "fulfill" God's plan for Him, is off!  Our heart only needs to say,  "Tell me, Lord. What do I do?"  He is pleased with the "one" we touch for Him.  He is pleased when our heart desires to do right.  He is pleased when we try, but He doesn't expect us to do what only He can do.  He holds the world in His hands.  He is the One who directs the times and the seasons.  His Spirit draws a heart.  We cannot do these things.  We can only say, "Tell me, Lord. What do I do?"

Thank You, Lord, that Your burden is light.  Tell us what to do in every minute of every day, Lord.  In the great and awesome Name of Jesus, AMEN!!!

Journey Through the Psalms Day 30

Read Psalm 30, 60, 90, 120, 150.




"You have turned my mourning into dancing for me; You have put off my sackcloth and girded me with gladness." [Psalm 30:12] Jesus, You taught me to dance in the dark season of my soul, knowing that that obedient expression of worship was a healing balm. Thank You for removing the sackcloth-piece by piece and re-clothing me with gladness and the garment of praise!!! <3


With Much Love...
Beautiful Grace :)

Holding One in Worship

by Beautiful Grace

2/28/09

Two Hands stretched from heavenly abode,

Reach down for one, the one You know.

Their awesome, powerful expanse,

Set before the one, in whose heart cries, "Romance."

One's heart with passion's flames

Set ablaze by one touch, one Name.

Suddenly, upon the outstretched Hands,

One moves, one dances, one stands.

In this place of protected play,

One laughs and leaps and twirls away.

In this place of power and might,

No fear, no shame, no darkness, just Light.

Forever in worship, continuing on,

One's heart in Love will dance upon.

     

"His splendor was like the sunrise;

rays flashed from his hand,

where his power was hidden."

Habakkuk 3:4