Final Blog

Today is the end this chapter... I embark on a new journey. A journey to the deepest parts of my soul. To journal my thoughts daily to better understand and get to know who I am...

Your perspective

There are those of us at times along the way get a glimpse at just how close the margin can be in life. At times only a few hundred yards is all the difference there is in a life being completely changed. Looking to the west from my house, the bright evening sky is now exposed and reminds me of one personality Mother Nature has. The splintered pines reveal a horizon in disarray; a few moments where a power unleashed created a lasting impression on the evening skyline. But even as the broken trees layer the forefront of my perspective, into the next layer I can see in contrast the bright orange sunset which reveals a certain beauty and hope as it sits calmly and peacefully behind. Almost a picture that sums up how total devastation and total beauty can exist in total perfection and total harmony in this life; The new lie just within reach, just beyond the old. We must dare to reach past the point we think we can grasp.

Let God

“They called him every name in the book and he said nothing back. He suffered in silence, content to let God set things straight” (1 Peter 2:23 MSG).


Focus on two words every moment of your life. In every circumstance, in every event, in every trial, in every celebration, in every failure, in every mistake. In every hurt, in every pain, in every let down, in everything always those two words. The list is endless, in what you will face, but the answer fits in every situation. All you have to do is let HIM. In every breath you take in all that you do, let God. As hard as that may be it is ultimately the only way. Until you let go you have not let HIM. I had the blessing to listen to someone speak to us this week at work and he talked about our purpose and commitment being to not think about ourselves but of those in our lives who depend on us. He told the story of being burned on 99% of his body at age 9 when he tried to pour a small amount of gas on a piece of lit cardboard he had ignited. The fumes were ignited when he lifted the can up and it exploded. His parents were out of town and his 17 year old brother put the flames out with a rug. His 11 year old sister held him and comforted him and his 7 year old sister went into the burning house 3 times for a glass of water to douse on his face trying to cool him off. He said they never thought of themselves only of him and challenged us to think of our neighbors as God says in the same way. to be our brothers and sisters keepers. How this man who as a boy faced so much adversity went on he summed up in 4 words. When he asked his mom would he die...she said do you want too? he said no. she said well you have to walk with God and you have to fight like you never have before. He said, "I chose to fight". He is now married with 3 boys and spoke of the love his wife has for him who sees past all of what is on the outside. And never focuses on the flaws only on what makes him the person he is. There is no reason for me to elaborate because I know what this story did to me and I know what it'll do to you. Make you thank. He said stop and thank God and he is right. God owes us absolutely nothing. But what has HE given us! Life poses many questions and along your walk you will reflect on much as you take your circumstances and deepen your relationship with God. This gentlemen summed up his entire life in this quote. "When you know your why, the how will never be a question." What is your why? I ask myself this very question in light of the recent tornado. I have always expected to live. I still prayed before leaving my house on April 27 at 5:30 p.m.. I prayed selfishly for God to protect my house. I prayed that lives would be spared and property would be spared, but I never prayed for Gods will if it meant that lives would be lost or property lost. I did pray for Gods will, but who expects that to be it. The devastation missed our house by less than 500 yards. My neighbors said they were praying for their lives and said God saved them. I have let go of the why because I know only God knows why not me. And their prayers were no different than mine. But their houses are gone. And one I knew personally is dead. I find it a blessing to be able to let go of this and let God. God is my why. His will, my life, those HE put in my lives. My son, my family, my friends, my co-workers, the many people who have crossed my path and taught me much, those in Christ that have prayed for and loved me. It may be hard but it will never fail when I remind myself of my why and all that I have been brought from, that there is no how. I can never say through any how that I did anything to change the situation. I can only say I was carried and delivered by the same Savior that carries us all and has delivered us all! There are many areas in my life that will never be conquered until I surrender. What does it really mean to let God. The following is taken from surrender by Nancy Leigh Demoss.


Complete surrenders biggest challenge is I do not know what lies ahead. would surrender be hard if God said here  is your life, all the details, filled in nice and neat and said sign here on the dotted line and I promise to do all that I have written. would we sign. we may ask what will it cost me? what will you ask me to do in order to give me this? Show me the fine print and let me decide. then maybe i'll negotiate and sign the dotted line. Is that Gods way? Gods way is a blank piece of paper and at the bottom there is only "your name here" X_________________________


you hand it back and the details will be filled in over the course of your life. Why? Because He is God. He bought us. We live for HIM and not our independent self promoting pleasure. why? because He loves us? because He is faithful and trustworthy? is signing that paper risky? what if God is not who He says He is.. what if He falls off His throne? There is no greater reality than the reality we have nothing to lose by signing that contract and living. We will lose some things the world considers valuable. we may lose some things we want. but we cannot ever lose if we look in the eternal scheme of all that is valuable and essential because God can be completely trusted. If we will "let Him" If we will let Him, God will fill in the details of our lives with His incomparable wisdom and sovereign plan, written in the indelible ink of His covenant faithfulness and love. 




To yield the right to God and give up whatever it cost may be the hardest thing I will ever do, but if I will let Him I believe it would be the best thing I will ever do. Today do I have the courage to sign my name to that blank piece of paper

All He ask you to do is trust

It is amazing how different life is when you are turning towards and drawing closer to God. He truly never is far, only us who stray. This last week was such a testament to what God can do. Seemingly so far a week ago at this time, this week has been one of learning. It started Sunday. Sitting 5 days away from speaking to the students at Hueytown Middle for Career Day the preacher said all God ask is us to give ourselves. He will use our talents and gifts. All week long I really wanted to prepare and practice, but between work and school finishing up I just took care of the task at hand and found myself sitting here last night realizing I didnt print my notes off and my printer was out of ink. Funny thing. I went over to my neighbors to use his printer and he had dial up....and no microsoft word to open my document which I had emailed to myself to open and print at his house. I then ran back home and copied the document into an email and again went through the tedious process of waiting on the dial up. Patience truly is something else as you watch life pass  you by... I decided to just stop and talk and listen and fellowship with my neighbor; knowing I wanted to get home I remembered the Martha and Mary story where Jesus told Martha she was too busy. A couple of hours later and a piece of homemade apple crumb cake, I parted with my neighbor saying do not worry, everything will be fine. I knew that as I laid my head down on the pillow.....and eventually I fell asleep. I sit here, it is hard to reflect on today, cause it passed so quickly, but I am just in awe at how God can take someone and work through them. I am confident that He planted seeds today and each of us that spoke impacted the kids that needed to be impacted as God knew their needs and what they needed to hear. It truly was a joy even as I sat there speaking to one class and noticed several students sleeping to realize what a great time it is to be 13 and what a great joy it is to be on this earth. Truly I learned a lot this week. As I relied on God my friendship with Him grew and I saw what He can do when I just trust and give Him the glass. I also learned that when you let down the walls and reach out to those in your lives they truly meet you with love and compassion. I felt the prayers of those in my life this week. Praise God for what He does everyday a little at a time through each of us and for each of us. And all we have to do is just trust!

Unseen Companionship - April 9, 2011

Courage, My child!! No hand shall sustain you but Mine own. Hoped you for another? Disappointment awaits every soul not sustained by My love. Never draw from other sources, for when you do, you rob the life force from another, leaving them weaker and yourself deceived; for you confuse comfort with strength.

Fellowship is not life. It is to be given rather than sought. It is shared in the overflow. The soul that is rich by communion with God will not be dismayed by isolation but will seek out solitude. He will seek not the crowd, but the closet and emerging will never walk alone, for he always has the unseen companionship, and whoever joins him on the way will be doubly blessed.

Be not anxious

Over & over I have spoken to you about being anxious. Nothing slows your growth more than your apprehension. Fear in any form will bind the soul of a man and imprison his spirit in darkness. The free man fears nothing. The bound sit in prison houses, not knowing how they came, nor how to escape.

Where the Eagles Fly

I recently read something that compared certain ways our lives can be lived to certain kinds of birds and how they live. I remembered reading a book about being single many years ago. I will try to paraphrase as best I can recollect but I think it is worth noting that it is so true and it is my hope and prayer that you find something in what I remember and how these thoughts come out that would help you in your flight. Many of us settle for flying in flocks. In fact many of us by nature find it much easier to just pick a spot and fly in formation and not get out of line. It is after all an act of courage to not only lead a formation but even harder to fly alone. We are not born to fly alone, and we must spend our lives learning to fly alone. We are born dependent on others, but we must learn to be dependent on God alone. No person will ever satisfy the needs that you have. God alone and HE is not human. He is God. He made us and as our creator He alone knows each of us and how we work and were meant to work. When we lean on others we should lean on them with no expectation other than that it is God alone Who will work through that person. and when we help someone we should realize it is never us who helps. It is only God alone who helps others through us. There is a direct relation to the height you will fly and the faith that you have in God. I remember the point being made, that as a single we were looking for an eagle but had to first become an eagle. I think this is true in every relationship and can be applied to overall peace and joy, not happiness as the earth tells us when we have all we think we want and all is good. That is not happiness. Happiness is truly being able to fly alone and at peace with God as the air beneath your wings and God as the source for all you are. It is imperative if you intend to soar to the heights the eagles soar that you learn to think like an eagle. To first understand what a eagle is, you have to know what a eagle is not. You must go to the lowest of lows and there we find the buzzards and vultures. We all know buzzards and vultures. They prey off the weak, the dead. They start out above at height that is still visible to us. Keep this in mind. The height in which eagles fly is higher than most can see. The buzzards and vultures circle there prey and slowly descend on them. Not all at once, because they still do not know if the kill is dead. Even still they land at some distance and slowly and conservatively approach and once they are sure, they begin in a pack to peck, and eat away until there is nothing left. We all have had those in our lives and we know what is left after they leave. They are gone when there is no more food left to feed upon. If you are single you will forever be left for dead if you associate with vultures and buzzards. If you are looking for successful relationships in life and successful friendships, you will forever be left empty when you look to others to fill you. Because the types of people who are usually quick to meet your needs are those who would seek to devour you and fill themselves. If you ever want to fly at the heights you were meant to fly at you must stay far away from the ground. When you are on the ground you are ever close to not moving, and when you are not moving you will be descended upon. No one will ever fulfill you the way God can. Our cups must be overflown and then and only then, can we have enough to share with others. You can never look to others to fill your cup. Learning to recognize those and not fly near the ground is our first step. But we must eat right? We have physical needs right. Well again to appreciate the eagles flight lets look at the eagles eating habits. Food is not required daily for their survival.They are at the top of the food chain. Now we want happiness, and we search for happiness and while most of us while at some points lay motionless we do not stay there for long. Most of us are smart enough to avoid the vultures. Where most of us fail is the middle of the road. We are like the chickens. Again to appreciate the eagle who we desire to be and to be with, we must again understand the chicken. Chickens by nature are crowd followers. If a chicken sees a bunch of chickens running across the chicken yard, he will take off after them. It doesn't matter that he doesn't know where they are going or why they are going there. He follows along because he doesn't want to miss out on anything the majority is doing. Chickens just naturally "squabble and fight" over things in the chicken yard. If one finds a nice juicy bug to eat, suddenly they all want it. They will chase each other all over the chicken yard, trying to take it away from each other. They are funny that way. They can walk all around a bug or a grasshopper and not pay any attention to it, but the moment one decides he wants it, at that moment, they all decide they want it and the chase is on. They have no interest in the heavens. They are content to live in the chicken yard, walking around with their eyes on the ground, scratching in the dirt looking for something to eat. Most of them will never try to fly. They are earthbound birds.Chickens must know what is next. They like predictability. They want comfort. Again, sounds like a lot of us, and where a lot of us stay. We desire better and believe there is better but never venture from the pin, because we know what is in the pin. Many of us see eagles and want to be eagles and be around eagles. While eagles do not fly in packs and need each other to survive, imagine two eagles together. What could they offer one another if they are both completely sustained and completed without the other. What kind of relationship would they have. This is why we must learn to fly where the eagles are. You can only fly where the eagles are by being an eagle. This is also why when you fly where eagles fly you do not see many eagles. Few choose the eagles heights. When you learn to fly where the eagles fly however you will find a different perspective of the world. The eagles know where the ground is, but they choose to go there. They are not bound to stay there. They live mostly off fish. That in and of itself is amazing since they can't swim. Never doubt, when you choose not to be in the company of the chickens and you are willing to fly high, God will provide you with eagles. We should never settle for anything less than being an eagle. When we settle for less than the best we limit ourselves. Everyone has the ability to be an eagle. There are many beautiful species of bird, who live quite content lives there is still something about even each of them I think is worth noticing in comparison to the eagle. Looking at them, they are individual each having a unique appearance or nature. Each serve a purpose. The beauty of a cardinal or the flight of a hummingbird. The woodpecker, the sound of an owl. The sparrow, the call of the parrot, a crow. The list goes on.The way they each have different characteristics about them. Looking at each bird, we see something it offers in the way of beauty and the way of existing. Within each species though there are identifiable traits, to be admired, but as birds see each other so should we see others, see them not as we see them, but knowing each is beautiful and for a purpose, but still worth noting the considerable difference when compared to the behavior and sheer majesty when compared to the eagle. I say that to say you can have a cardinal life, but a cardinal will never exist with the eagle. And an eagle will never fly with the cardinal or any bird. So if you want the eagles heights you still have to choose to fly alone. My point is consider the various social classes and the many social groups and choices we have to make among friends. Many groups look and appear nice and some are. Some serve great purposes and do great works, but still we should not seek to be followers. A peacock may be beautiful but it is still a peacock and a parakeet no matter how much it tried would never be a peacock. Only a parakeet. But does a parakeet try to be a peacock. Why then to we seek to be like others. Why as a child do we want to be like someone else, and why as adults do we judge by appearance. I would think the other birds are quite aware of the noticeable difference between the eagle. But does the eagle seem concerned. Consider this about the eagle, soaring in the atmosphere, effortlessly riding the wind currents high above the earth; majestic in appearance.Now as in any relationship those of us who have waited and focused on becoming eagles have found the rewards for finding eagles. They mate for life till death parts them. Again to appreciate the eagle lets understand their journey. Let me briefly share with you the parent eagles method of training their young to fly. The Mother eagle watches until the eaglets in the nest are fully feathered. When she thinks they have matured sufficiently she begins to "Stir the nest" With her strong beak she will start tearing out everything in the nest that makes it soft and cozy for her young. She removes all the padding of rabbit fur and animal skins, making the nest so uncomfortable and miserable her little ones don't want to stay in the nest any longer.She then begins the process of helping them develop strength in their wings. She hovers near the nest and begins flapping her wings furiously. As they watch her do this the little eaglets will begin to imitate the mother by flapping their wings also. They seem to know that this is what they are supposed to do. Just before she takes her eaglets out on their first solo flight, she will perch on the edge of the nest over her young and inspect them. Noticing that they have loose feathers sticking out all over them, she knows they must first be removed if the little eagles are ever to fly. So she begins to beat her wings, causing a mighty blast of wind to blow upon the eaglets. Soon all the loose feathers have been blown from them and they are ready for their flying lesson. Let me pause for just a moment and ask you these personal questions. Are you identifying with the little eaglets "stirring of the nest" experience? Lately, have you found yourself experiencing the discomforts of the stirring of your nest? Is there an awareness that something just isn't right, but you're not sure what it is? Is your comfort zone being threatened and are you a person who doesn't like changes? Are you uncomfortable and worried about it? Have you considered that just maybe - it's God stirring your nest? That it's His way of telling you that you've stayed in the nest too long and that He doesn't want His eaglets to be nest dwellers all their life. It's too confining - too limited - and too "O hum." God doesn't want His eaglets to be nest sitters. They were meant to fly. Sometimes, God has to tear up our nest to get us in the air. Now that we understand the eagle and their path from eaglet to eagle. I think it is worth comparing the path we must take and choose. If you are an eagle you will fly alone. As the nature, courage and strength of the eagle gives it the courage to soar by itself, so shall we. This does not mean we cannot have relationships are be friends with people. It simply means we will often have to make and act upon decisions that separate us from the pack if we are to reach higher heights than the people around us want to go. You may find some will not like you, and that you will go through lonely seasons in life. What do you want to be? Other birds fly in flocks, eagles fly alone. Being an eagle doesn't mean you will never go through crisis. Eagles spend a lot of time resting quietly in preparation because they use an abundance of energy while hunting. Only 1 out of 18 attacks are successful and their hunts are quite exhausting. But as an eagle returns alone to their nest to recuperate so shall we run to our solace and have our strength renewed by God. Do you realize that an eagle can effectively see a rabbit two miles away, swoop down on it’s prey at speeds of up to 100 miles an hour, snatch up its meal with it’s sharp strong talons, and then glide back to it’s nest at a leisurely 30 miles an hour? The bird can soar at altitudes of up to one-half mile high. Pretty amazing! Makes you think about a lot when you consider the view the chicken has from the pin and the view the eagle has from the sky. If we will choose the way of the eagle we will soar as the eagle and will find an eagle. 

The way of the eagle

Isaiah 40:31, "But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run and not be weary; and they shall walk and not faint." 


Publish Post

Faith

"Strong in faith."  
              -- Romans 4:20

Christian, take good care of thy faith; for recollect faith is the only
way whereby thou canst obtain blessings. If we want blessings from God,
nothing can fetch them down but faith. Prayer cannot draw down answers
from God's throne except it be the earnest prayer of the man who
believes. Faith is the angelic messenger between the soul and the Lord
Jesus in glory. Let that angel be withdrawn, we can neither send up
prayer, nor receive the answers. Faith is the telegraphic wire which
links earth and heaven-on which God's messages of love fly so fast,
that before we call he answers, and while we are yet speaking he hears
us.

But if that telegraphic wire of faith be snapped, how can we receive
the promise? Am I in trouble?-I can obtain help for trouble by faith.
Am I beaten about by the enemy?-my soul on her dear Refuge leans by
faith. But take faith away-in vain I call to God. There is no road
betwixt my soul and heaven. In the deepest wintertime faith is a road
on which the horses of prayer may travel-aye, and all the better for
the biting frost; but blockade the road, and how can we communicate
with the Great King?

Faith links me with divinity. Faith clothes me with the power of God.
Faith engages on my side the omnipotence of Jehovah. Faith ensures
every attribute of God in my defence. It helps me to defy the hosts of
hell. It makes me march triumphant over the necks of my enemies. But
without faith how can I receive anything of the Lord? Let not him that
wavereth-who is like a wave of the Sea-expect that he will receive
anything of God!

O, then, Christian, watch well thy faith; for with it thou canst win
all things, however poor thou art, but without it thou canst obtain
nothing. "If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that
believeth."

Slowing down

Every day it gets harder and harder to take the time to stop and write. While a few short weeks have passed in some ways it seems they have been a few short months. In others though it seems brief. My desire to stop and write and exhale seems so needed. I have walked at night over the last couple weeks several times. Enjoying the warmer weather is nice. It has made for a nice winter. Thanks to the groundhog. I was listening to a song today. On my mind has been how to slow things down. Especially when you are driven by the completion how do you stop and smell the roses. With so much to do. I recall Jay Z used to say sleep when you are dead. I have been trying to put my thoughts down to words about this whole time thing. I am trying to figure if we continue to blaze through life as we are, how much literal time it will wind up equating to that we have actually spent in engagement with God and mother earth. My great grandmother was described as a woman of faith. She "lived" her 86 years. She worked in the garden and hung clothes on the line. She canned vegetables for winter. I know I am not the only one to notice past generations had more time on their hands and everything they had to do required more time to do it than what it takes us. And with all I have going on, I waste so much of the time I have. Time is the one resource we are freely given and this one here wonders if we will be measured on what we did with the time we had. So much has happened since I last posted on here, let alone actually laid down some of my thoughts. I have grown closer to God. I have seen some realities up close and personal. I have gained more certainty about many things. As always the reality that life after death is becomes more and more real and my steps here began to be filled with more and more peace and joy. I am so excited to see what God has on the horizon. I remember a boss of mine use to tell me that the sun will rise tomorrow. Not only does God fill me with that truth, but His presence in moments becomes stronger and I know simplification and walking with Him is so possible. Breathing in and looking around and living all 60 seconds in each minute. I'll stop here. It is my prayer that we will begin to see what is happening for what it is, and wake up. The more I am able to slow down, I can't begin to even describe what I see when I look out and watch people scurrying around...running like chickens with their heads cut off. I know each and everyone sees it, but does anyone stop and question that at any time you can get off the carousel. This life is pulling us along at our own will. I shall continue to pursue this picture of my great grandmother sitting on her porch when I was a child visiting her, talking to me and drinking lemonade, windows open on her house in July, her asking me what I was doing, as she sat there and rocked in her rocker.

2011 - A year of giving up - "On the High Road of Surrender" - Day 52 - Remove the Barriers

taken from "On the High Road to Surrender" 

My children, over many barriers I call to you. Man has erected walls that separate between brothers, but you, MY people, have allowed many walls to separate yourselves from the full revelation of MY glory. 

I do not withhold Myself by choice, but you prevent Me from fellowshipping with you. Curtains of doubt, fear, timidity, unrepentance, and many others hide My face from you so that you cannot know Me. 

I plead with you, yes, I cry out to you that before it is too late you will turn to Me with no devices of self-defense, and then can I open My heart to you and pour out My blessings. 

2011 - A year of giving up - "On the High Road of Surrender" - Day 47 - Folly of Immaturity

taken from "On the High Road to Surrender" 

It is so simple when you approach Me in proper fashion and do not hinder your spiritual progress by regression to a parent-child position in your attitude. I know full well when you are no longer properly in that stage, and although you may attempt to fall back into it to avoid responsibility, I will not respond, and you will be left to a folly of your own making. 

2011 - A year of giving up - "On the High Road of Surrender" - Day 43 - Outflow

taken from "On the High Road to Surrender" 

Blessings are released when the soul of a man is content with nothing of earthly value. The spirit is prepared for worldly success only after it has learned to care nothing for it. I fill the hand that lies open in worship. The hand that grasps shall be forever empty. 

Learn to leave to My love and wisdom all your destiny. Nothing ought concern you but the health of your soul and the outflow of your life. Man looks upon the income. I watch for the outflow. You will free your soul as you refuse to seek anything and desire only to give. Then shall I bless you with increase and only then will it not impoverish your spirit. 

2011 - A year of giving up - "On the High Road of Surrender" - Day 42 - tribulation

taken from "On the High Road to Surrender" 

Through much tribulation I am bringing My chosen to perfection. Be not amazed when challenges present themselves. I am building your fortitude, and the day will come when you will be grateful for every lesson learned in the school of affliction. 

2011 - A year of giving up - "On the High Road of Surrender" - Day 39 - fear, a sin -

taken from "On the High Road to Surrender"

Be not faint of heart. Fear will rob you of your possession as quickly as any other sin; for truly fear is a sin, and it opens the door for many other sins to follow.

Guard your heart from doubt and every negative attitude. You cannot afford to take the risk of entertaining any such thoughts at so critical a time. Only the strong in faith shall prevail. Only those with a "Caleb" spirit shall take the walled cities and crush out the enemies. 

If you make the Most High your dwelling ... then no harm will befall you, no disaster will come near your tent. (Psalm 91:9-10)

If we fear persecution and its consequences, it simply means that we do not believe He is strong enough to see us through our times of trial.

This marvelous psalm could have been written especially for me. "Surely, he will save me from the deadly pestilence" (v.3).

"You will not fear the terror by night, nor the arrow that flies by day" (v.5).

"He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge" (v.4).

We never need to fear, whatever the circumstances - for He is with us. The Psalmist speaks from experience - so do I - and so may you.

2011 - A year of giving up - "On the High Road of Surrender" - Day 37 - Protection - part 3

taken from "On the High Road to Surrender"

Cast fear forever from your heart. Gods love protects the sparrow: Surely He is near His children who rely on His faithfulness!

Let My peace fill your heart, and if ever it is not present, wait in My presence , and go not until it has been regained. I WILL direct your steps. I WILL provide for your needs. I WILL deliver you from evil. Rely on Me. 

2011 - A year of giving up - "On the High Road of Surrender" - Day 36 - Protection - part 2

taken from "On the High Road to Surrender"

Seek guidance for outer action, but be even more concerned with the desires of the heart, that they be consistent with the character of the Lord Jesus Christ. Never did He call upon men for protection, nor even upon angels, although they were sent to minister to Him. It was His own inner unification with the Fathers heart that effected His preservation against all evil that was directed against Him. Even so your own heart purity determines the extent of your personal preservation. 


In the biblical account (2 Kings 6:17) Gehazi owed his own safety to Elisha. for God was with Elisha, the man of God in the form of an angelic host that filled the mountains, and Gehazi the servant, benefited by being in his company. So shall it be for those who journey with you, as God, seeing your confidence in Him and desire to please Him and do His will, moves in your behalf. 

2011 - A year of giving up - "On the High Road of Surrender" - Day 32 - Protection - part 1

taken from "On the High Road to Surrender"

My protection is all you need, My child. The help of man is vain, for he who would protect another is himself never beyond the reach of danger. He who looks to the Almighty for aid will not be tempted to seek elsewhere for strength or shelter.

Information man may supply, but bring this to Me, and let Me give you wisdom as to the right use of knowledge.  All will fall into place beautifully as you rest in My hands. Fear not that any can harm you. Fear only the potential treachery of your own heart, for often in the midst of what seems a holy action, there suddenly appears a traitorous motive. 

2011 - A year of giving up - "On the High Road of Surrender" - Day 31 - Love Endures Part 2

taken from "On the High Road to Surrender"

It is by My Spirit that you overcome, because My Spirit is the spirit of love, for God is love; and love will give tolerance for hardship. He who knows he is loved can be content with a piece of bread, while all the luxuries of the world cannot satisfy the craving of the lonely. 

You need never be that one deprived of comfort as long as your desires are fulfilled in Me; for as it is written, I satisfy the hungry with good things, while the rich go empty away (Luke 1:53). He who goes away will always be empty in spite of his riches. He who seeks Me will never be unhappy or poor. 

2011 - A year of giving up - "On the High Road of Surrender" - Day 30 - Love Endures Part 1

taken from "On the High Road to Surrender"

Through many bewildering experiences I deal with the soul of a man. When there is submission of spirit, all things work together for good. This is why I said all things work together for good to them that love Me (Romans 8:28). The soul that submits to My disciplines is the soul that loves Me. 

Love will hold a man steady beneath the chastening rod because love believes and hopes in all things (1 Cor. 13:7). Love will never fail. It will endure whatever comes because it rests in Me rather than in the circumstance . 

2011 - A year of giving up - "On the High Road of Surrender" - Day 29 - Press On

taken from "On the High Road to Surrender"

O My child, you have crossed a bridge . Reach not back. Move on ahead and press on into the fullness of all I have prepared for you. It is the blossoming of that which long ago was planted and for many years has been nurtured. It is waiting for you to step forward and receive. Do not tarry, and do not question, neither allow doubts to enter your mind. Your heart may cry out and rebel, but if you will turn to ME in those moments, I will give you MY peace. I send you no place except as I have gone before. 

2011 - A year of giving up - "On the High Road of Surrender" - Day 28 - Immediate Obedience

taken from "On the High Road to Surrender"

You never enhance either your own life or the lives of others if you are out of MY perfect will. When I give you guidance and you are persuaded in your own mind of MY leading, never ponder your decision. There is but one possible reply, and that is, "Yes Lord." Then simply do MY bidding, and do it immediately.


Much confusion and remorse would be averted if all of MY children acted in this manner. This is why delayed obedience is nearly always DISOBEDIENCE, because along with the procrastination there is deliberation followed by rationalization, and by the time decision finally evolves into action, your own will is in control.  

2011 - A year of giving up - "On the High Road of Surrender" - Day 27 - Seers

taken from "On the High Road to Surrender"

There is a spirit  of bewilderment abroad in the land today that causes people to go about as though they were moving through a dense fog. Vision is obscured. Never have I needed watchmen, heralds, disciples, and seers as I need them in this hour.

Stay close to ME no matter what attractions exert themselves to draw you away. I need more time with you, and you need to give fuller attention to the things of the Spirit. 

You can never fail to hear MY voice if your ears have been unstopped by obedience and the desire to please and serve ME. 

2011 - A year of giving up - "On the High Road of Surrender" - Day 26 - Recognize the enemy - Part 2

taken from "On the High Road to Surrender"

Either take the offense and win a victory for Me, or else sever the connection with the one who is walking in the darkness of his own reasoning mind. It would be better to retreat than to fall into a snare. You may be better prepared at a later time. You have a full scale assignment already at hand and need all of your resources for this.

Recognize the attempt of the enemy to distract you from concentration, and refuse it. Shake off the viper, as Paul on the island of Malta (Acts 28: 1-6). This will strengthen your witness, even as it did for the apostle, and open the door for the proclamation of the truth to those to whom you have been sent. 

2011 - A year of giving up - "On the High Road of Surrender" - Day 25 - Recognize the enemy - Part 1

taken from "On the High Road to Surrender"


O My child, hear My voice, and let not the crafty words of a stranger influence your thinking. My word is all you need. Study it more and be filled with its wisdom that you may be fortified against insidious attacks of fallacious human reasonings. The high sounding phrases of the humanist seem convincing at times, especially those times when you are in a condition of weariness, and in a place of testing and searching. But I say to you, that any search that leads you to your own self rather than to Me is of the devil. 

2011 - A year of giving up - "On the High Road of Surrender" - Day 24 - Disappointment

Today a little closer to understanding that God always loves me, even when I fall. No matter what. That seems unimaginable. All He asks is for my belief and acceptance. I am not sure why that is such a hard thing.To believe that even when I slip, fall or fail, He cares about me understanding that He still loves me. I just did not think love like that exist. I am not sure what it is I am supposed to do today, but I just hope it is what God wants. I don't think there is anything harder I have ever had to encounter or to do in my life than to break my human spirit. To break this will of mine, to battle myself, every last dying breath seems only to bring about a new and stronger person to fight with the next day. Every time I think I am down for the count, I get back up again... if I could only listen to the guy in the corner telling me to stay down this time.....stay down....don't get back up. I can only believe that at some point God will break me completely and this soul will begin to work in unison with HIM as He made it too! My mom told me Saturday night that I was the most independent, had to do everything myself, stubborn child. I am glad to know Jesus has already won this battle, and I am glad to know that today God still loves us and is out ahead fighting for us already! 

taken from "On the High Road to Surrender"

Out of every disappointment there is to be gleamed some treasure. The enemy would whisper "all is lost." I say to you,much can be gained.

Refuse the temptation to brood over what is gone. It has passed into the area of MY sovereignty. The PRESENT challenge requires your undivided attention.

Give no time to dark thoughts. Depression undermines the vigor of the soul. 

2011 - A year of giving up - "On the High Road of Surrender" - Day 23 - Singleness of Mind - part 2

taken from "On the High Road to Surrender"

Nothing should obscure the revelation of My will. You desire to know: I desire to reveal. Only be mindful that to know My will and not perform it brings severer judgement than to be ignorant. 


When you seek Me for guidance, it is usually an expression of love. Failure, then, to fulfill My demands is a denial of that same love which you have voluntarily expressed. Better it is not to profess, than having professed, to deny. I accept your words; but you are judged by your actions. I accept the profession of your love, but you betray your own heart by disobedience. 

2011 - A year of giving up - "On the High Road of Surrender" - Day 22 - Singleness of Mind

taken from "On the High Road to Surrender"


Do you truly love Me, My child? Are you genuinely desirous of doing My will? I say unto you, heaven and earth are moved to help when your heart is set on pleasing Me.


Over and over I have pleaded with My people, that they might know the value of singleness of mind, for it is the secret to victory. I may ask great things or small. I judge you not by the scope of influence...how important your actions are in the sight of men, but by your purity of motive and the degree of dedication you apply to the task. 

2011 - A year of giving up - "On the High Road of Surrender" - Day 21 - Anxiety

Why be anxious? Really....Why? Is it really the same choice to respond with worry or doubt to a storm as it is to respond with peace, faith and calmness. As I see it, in my strength, it may be my response but I choose to try to do it myself. The peace and calmness and erasing of worry must come in my surrender, so God does it, not I. Run the "I" test through your response; if you are saying things like why can't I handle this, or why does this always happen to me, or I don't know what to do, or I asked, or I tried. Look for the you, I, or me in your statement. God is the only one who can. I am encouraged by a verse I read the other day... where the man said to Jesus, " I believe, help me with my unbelief." The help with everything, most importantly what we can't do, must come from He not I. 

from Heartlight Morning Devotional -

VERSE:

   He [Jesus] said to them, "It is I; don't be afraid." Then they
were willing to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat
reached the shore where they were heading.
    -- John 6:20-21
  

THOUGHT:
   Jesus comes to his disciples to comfort them in one of their
worst nightmares -- a storm on the sea. He literally tells them, "I
Am; do not be afraid." Two key things are here for us to notice:
First, Jesus uses a name ("I Am") that identifies himself with God
who delivered Moses and the Israelites from Egypt. Second, he uses
a surprisingly frequent command found throughout the Bible: "Don't
be afraid." When we are willing to invite Jesus into our lives
during the middle of our storms and messes, he not only says, "I
Am; don't be afraid!" but he also helps us find our way to our most
important destination, ultimate deliverance.

taken from "On the High Road to Surrender"

My child, when you are tired, do not be disheartened. Most of your discouragement comes when you try to carry your own burden., forgetting to call upon Me for help. Give Me everything, and quickly; for as soon as any heaviness of spirit sets in, trust is crowded out. An atmosphere of anxiety or unhappiness is withering to faith. 

Continual prayer will fortify your soul.