When You Pray

Every new victory which a soul gains is the effect of prevailing and fervent prayer.
Looking to Christ, just saying His name, often suffices to overcome the wicked one.
Remember he always sees our vulnerable areas and weaknesses; he will walk by often.
The Bible says he roams the earth seeking whom he may devour; enticing “Come”.
Satan even endeavored to entice Christ to bow down and serve him; he the seducer.
Learn to sense his presence, but recognize and love the Holy Spirit; he is the protector.

God’s command to pray without ceasing is given to us because we all need His grace,
And strength to protect us from the evil one, for he loves to destroy your testimony.
When witnessing make a beeline for the cross and the Savior who rose from the dead.
Christ is the only one who was crucified and rose from the dead, He is part of history.
God wants to urge us on, not give up and stop praying; He sees the path ahead of us.
Prayer is a two-way conversation, not a “Give me” “get me” list, that is just saying to Him,
“We want, or need, help us to do, this or that”; Remember Jesus commended Mary because
She simply sat at His feet and learned of Him, we find it so hard to just praise and meditate.
Upon His word, and to thank Him, learning to wait on Him; hard to say “Thank You” when
Nothing has occurred; we want instant everything, especially for our family and their needs.
The Holy Spirit will speak to us, give us reassurance that we are heard and can rest in Him.
We wonder how anyone can pray for an hour when what we have to say lasts mere minutes.
Why do we become so formal when praising, thanking, or just talking to our heavenly Father?
Could it be because we do not talk to Him very often? So, He has become a stranger to us?
He says in His word that He delights in hearing from us, reflecting on those upon words that
He tells us, His followers, should leave a lump in our throat and tears in our eyes so much
Does He love us that He delights when we talk to him, and I am sure takes heed to our words.
If a request from us is not to our benefit or our support, He is wise enough to say no to us.
Or if more time has to elapse in order to answer that prayer request with a yes, or a further wait.
We have to accept that our Father knows best, and pray with His will in mind and not our own.

• James 5:14 – 17 ~ Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him, and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. And make the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well, The Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.

• Elijah was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. Again he prayed and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops.”

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Satan's Instructions

I dreamt last night I overhead a conversation.
Between Satan and his motley congregation.
He was sending them out, his anointed few,
And I‘ll repeat the dream now here to you.

Christmas is here, and I’m depending upon you,
Stand tall, take note, all my motley young crew.
I need help at this season, so you must not rest.
I am instructing you now to each do your best.

The lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eye.
A vision, a want, and a dream, and a sigh.
Cause them to covet and fill every mind.
With pride, and pleasures of every kind.

And go to the saints ... the more saintlier few,
Tempt them with feasts, and tempt them with brew.
Let them all party and visit and forget even why.
Fill each man with dissension and create a new lie.

To live life to the fullest, there’s no future just present.
Use each moment for self, and everything pleasant.
Don’t forget I am powerful, don’t forget I am strong.
I know the character of man, and I’m seldom far wrong!

If you find a man lax and weary in well doing,
It’s a signal to you to draw close and start brewing.
Talk about parties, and Santa, talk about toys.
Use your finest of wits, and your sneakiest of ploys.

Talk about famine, talk about climate change and war.
Make them think they are sitting by death’s very door.
Make them forget and lust, and fill them with greed.
Fill them with “wants” that they think they all need.

Bring on depression, and remember the fears
Bring on the worry, and bring on the tears.
Don’t talk about meekness, don’t talk about sin.
Don’t consider the world, the state they are in.

And whatever you do, don’t mention the child!
Don’t talk of that garden that I once defiled.
Not a word of the Saviour, don’t speak of His plan,
To redeem a lost world and to save fallen man.

So go quickly now, for the season is here.
The time for festivities and for good cheer.
And I heard him exclaim e’re he walked out of sight
Merry Xmas to all, now go and show them your might.

I Peter 5 : 8 - 9 “Be sober, be vigilant: because your adversary the devil walks about like
a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in this world.”

Only Once

Christ only needs to forgive someone one time, one for all, believe it.
To resent you have to do it all day, every day, all the time to commit.
To carry resentment in your heart, let it fester, and soon it will grow.
It may destroy your crops or fruit, but be sure in your life it will show.
Others the way to Christ by how you live, and God Himself will know,
That your righteousness is but filthy rags, if you fail to forgive anyone.
Rich or poor, agnostic or heathen, Jesus said if he would find but one
He would go into the fields, find that lost sheep and bid him come in.
Every person has that chance for the Saviour to forgive him his sin.

When you harbour resentment, your walk with God will not grow.
If you remember offences, hoard them in your heart you will show..
Bitterness to others when you talk, it will stunt your Christian walk.
Health problems will pursue you if you spread gossip when you talk.
Until you decide to give your resentment up to God and say, “Lord,
I do not want this poison living inside me this way please forgive me.
For what I pour out on others will destroy this vessel, and I will be
Rotting from deep within me; and Satan will start to exult with glee.
I will become a slave to bitterness and hate and I will never be free.

If you forgive and forget, even if the offended person does not forgive you.
You will feel such release when you forgive, it is the greatest thing to do.
God desires that you rid all vengeance heaped on people from your life.
It is the only way to let His love shine through; it will release all strife.
To forgive is like removing a boulder from your own shoulder, your life.
You will learn, as you grow closer to God, and as you get older and mature.
God’s way is the only way, don’t run from Him and to hide, make a detour.
God delights in helping us, His Spirit also works deep inside and will abide.
Carry resentment in your heart, it destroys others but it also destroys you

• Matthew 6:14 ~ For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins your Father will not forgive your sin.
• Mark 11:25 ~ And when you stand praying , if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.
• I John 1:5 ~ This is the message we have heard from Him, and declare to you. God is light, and in Him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with Him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on LOVE, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

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Consistency

Tap into God’s strength each and every single day.
Start out each morning do not neglect to pray.
Being consistent makes it easier to be resistant.
And Satan and his angels are very persistent.
If you are not on your guard they will attack.
His ways are wily, so be careful, watch your back
Don’t try to tell me there is no Satanic force,
For I have felt his presence and I used my voice.
The moment I sense his interference I then attack.
I tell Him “My God protects me, don’t come back!"

The forces of darkness know our weakest points.
Determined to attack they start work on our hearts.
Satan, the strongest tempter comes around to seek
Our human frailties his arrows can destroy the weak.
If you area trusting God to protect you He will see more
They point them out to you for faith is at the core.
Negate God’s power when it can not only protect but guide.
They see inconsistencies in your walk and draw you aside.
Consistent rhymes with resistant, it tells you what to do.
Resist the devil, quote scripture, and he will flee from you.

He was left here on earth; command him to leave; have faith.
God tells us to have faith, this gives you time to take a breath.
The Spirit was left on this earth to be our adviser and guide..
You need commitment, determine to always follow through.
Walk close to God`s side for the Spirit is always with you.
Burdens are shared in prayer, in fact, leave them all there.
Commitment done consistently over time require much prayer.
Whenever you identify an area that needs improvement, pray.
God gives us a strength that is not of this world but will stay,
The Holy Spirit guides and protects us and shows the way.

You can see it clearly now, we are an equation, simple math.
Be consistent, be resistant to Satan and his cohorts on the path.
Consistency done over time equals success, and more strength.
God is greater than you and I, He knows you need His strength.
The only way to use God’s word is to read it, and be consistent.
When you are shown an area that needs improvement trust, and ask
The Holy Spirit is your guide as you set about your personal task.
Day in and day out this leads to real changes and not led by you.
We grow and we know that He loves us, He told us what to do.
Don’t negate God’s power, it not only protects you it is your guide.


THOUGHT: Christians know their own personal weaknesses, but forget to ask God to
pour out His Spirit upon you. Consistency and being resistant are jobs you can pray for and do.
Satan roars like a lion, but he is not always in your jungle. He is a fallen angel and you can always
pray to the Father to turn your heart towards Him.

• 1 John 4:4 ~ You belong to God dear children and ask Him to point out Satan’s ways, because the Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in this world.

FURTHER THOUGHTS

• 1 John 4:4 ~ You belong to God Every child of God defeats this evil world, and we achieve this victory through our faith. And who can win this battle against the world? Only those who believe that Jesus is the Son of God.
• Psalm 91:15 ~ When they call upon me, I will answer: I will be with them in trouble. I will rescue and honour them.
• Isaiah 65:24 ~ I will answer them before they even call to me. While they are still talking about their needs I will go ahead and answer their prayers.
• James 5:16 ~ The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.
• Mark 10:27 ~ Humanly speaking, it is impossible, but not with God. Everything is possible with God.
• 2 Corinthians 12:9 ~ My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.
• Psalm 37:5 ~ Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust Him and He will help you.

Lent

Lent is heart preparation, a desire for a deeper connection.
Prioritize, give up those needless things, that on reflection
Are time wasters, in our lives, yet we are all drawn to them,
And away from the real needs of others, and begin again.
Seek God, put Him first, remembering what He did for us.
Don’t procrastinate, don’t blame work, we all do that alas!

It is focusing our minds upon on a revival in our heart.
The Spirit urges us to reach out in prayer and make a start,
Seek a deeper walk with Jesus, and set our thoughts apart.
Read God’s word, as if hungry, reflect on each meaning.
Learn more, memorize scripture, and you start winning.
The fight against Satan, I tell you this, for it is a warning.

Lent reflects upon earthly longings that often shackle us.
God says, “Where our treasures are, there is our hearts also.”
Lent is observed for forty days, the time Jesus was tempted
In the wilderness by Satan, and so today we are reminded
We know Lent is part of the Passover because our lamb,
Jesus Christ was sacrificed, at a time of Jewish forgiveness.

• John 18, 27, 28 & 29 ~ The Jews did not enter the palace. The Practeriium. This was the Roman headquarters, the barracks, used as a dwelling place for the Gentiles that were unclean. The Jewish authorities would not enter lest they be defiled themselves for the coming Passover. Yet these priests or Sanhedrin went to see the murder of Jesus committed without fearing defilement.
• JESUS SPEAKING: “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You hypocritical! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. Blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and dish, and then the outside also will be clean. “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs. Which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of dead men’s bones and everything unclean. In the same way, on the outside, you appear to people as righteous but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness.
• Verse 29 ~ “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You build tombs for the Prophets and decorate the graces of the righteous”
• The Feast of the Passover began the next day, Saturday. The Jews were to be of generous spirit. After confessing their sins they found an unblemished lamb and slaughtered it as in the Old Testament.
• I Corinthians 5:7 ~ “Get rid of the old yeast, that you may be a new batch without yeast – as you really are. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed. Therefore let us keep the Festival, not with the old yeast, the yeast of malice and wickedness, but with bread without yeast, the bread of sincerity and truth.”

Consistent

Tap into God’s power every morning.
Praise first, be thankful, count blessings.
Don’t hide your weaknesses from God,
He knows them already, He loves you now!
No conditions, but God does say we are to
Confess our sins to Him; know we are forgiven.
Drop them, once told or confessed you find rest.
He promised to make us strong, and He will.

Think of things you do consistently, each day.
Cleaning your teeth, and washing your face.
That is the discipline of consistency God asks
Of us; He cannot look upon sin, get rid of it!
God will point them out; they will discourage you.
He promised to make us strong, and He will!
Prevailing prayer is the talks we have with God.
Consistent rhymes with resistant, God will tell you.

Don’t negate God’s power, He knows Satan well.
He knows the wiles of the devil better than we do.
The Word says resist the Devil, He will flee from us!
Being consistent is easier than resistant, you have a guide.
Confess your worries, leave your burdens with the Lord.
That bag of worries is weighing you down, it ties you up!
From living God’s way, it cripples you, saps your strength

When you pray, tell God your burdens He knows them anyway.
Do not let yourself be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.
If you place all your worries at Jesus’ feet and then pick
Them up again, that is the yoke of slavery He tells us about.
Like a dog worrying a bone, you will never gain victory.
All our anxieties, all our cares, bring them to the mercy seat
Leave them there; don’t pick them up again, like a millstone
They will hang around your neck and eventually drown you.


Luke 24:15-24

As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; but they were kept from recognizing him. 

He asked them, “What are you discussing together as you walk along?”

They stood still, their faces downcast. One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, “Are you the only one visiting Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?”

“What things?” he asked.

“About Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied. “He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place. In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning but didn’t find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive. Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but they did not see Jesus.”

Jesus Followers - in 2019

As a Jesus follower He should be your guide for 2019
That habit, or pastime should be what controls your life.
Sin is anything that hurts you, or others around you.
Sin kills things, your health, peace, your relationships.
Relationships with others or your relationship with God.
Obedience makes things right, even when it is difficult.
Sin can take control over your soul, ruin your life too.
Anything that is not good for you, or for him or for her

Your body is a temple when surrendered to the Holy Spirit.
You are not your own, you were paid for with great price.
God’s son, Jesus Christ was sent to pay the price for sin.
We have to confess to the Lord; His Spirit dwells within.
He never said it would be easy, He said He would guide.
Give up anything that is holding you back; “Drop it now!
Jesus said, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and
Looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.”

That may sound like some regret, or a change of heart.
But a true awakening to the things of God remains firm.
Nothing is worth living in disfavour with God, I know
Because when I live my life my own way I surely pay.
The most miserable man is one that seeks his own way.
To be an overcomer means to give up things that we know
Will offend our Father, if we love Him best, we confess
Quickly and, make a brand new start with a clean heart.

JUST REMEMBER THIS; WHAT TIES YOU DOWN, KEEPS YOU DOWN.
DROP IT! NOTHING IN THIS WORLD IS WORTH LOSING FAVOUR WITH GOD. HE LOVES YOU JUST AS YOU ARE. IN 2019. PRAY, AND SET YOURSELF GOALS, FOLLOW THROUGH
Romans 6:16 & 17 ~ Don’t you know that when you offer yourselves to GOD, obey Him as slaves, (you are slaves to the one whom you obey). Whether you are slaves to sin,
which leads to death, or to obedience, which leads to righteousness and life everlasting. But thanks be to God that though you used to be slaves to sin, you wholeheartedly
obeyed the form of teaching to which you were entrusted.

Cultivate, Create & Consume

To grow a flourishing garden you cannot just cultivate the soil in a garden,

and clear out all the roots and weeds, 

You need to turn over the soil, allowing oxygen to enter the soil, 

before you even begin planting seeds.
It is the same with your life, you ask God to cultivate your life and rid it of sin.
God creates a sterile growing area to receive

We ask God to “create in us a clean heart, Oh Lord,
and renew a right spirit within me,” the Holy Spirit, in whom we believe.

Your spiritual garden needs air, water and fertilizer in order to multiply and grow; 

this we read in God’s word and we know.
God does not give us advice about strengthening our serve to really grow, 

ignoring His advice and have only bare ground to show.

Just as in our vegetable garden, where weeds can choke out fragile seeds; 

spiritual lives can be stale, which will be seen by our deeds.
We can be so busy consuming and accumulating that we neglect God’s word, 

God’s word should be life and breath to us, but it has to be heard.
Starving spiritually causes a condition known as “Constant Spiritual Worry."
It attaches to “guilt," you attempt to deflect one sin, starting to hurry.
Thinking if you work hard enough and fast enough, you take stock, begin to say
“It is this fast paced world of living, it leaves you little time to pray.”

Tell God you got caught up in this “Hurry World” and you forget your purpose 

God’s word tells us to willingly submit to his guidance too.
He will even tell us what to do, through His Holy Spirit living within you.

One day this world will all pass away and all that we have known will cease.

Remember the Spirit prepares the soil, God gives the increase.
In order for us to create and consume it should be a daily walk in God’s word, 

Showing Christ living in us, so that it is not us that is heard.
I long for others to see the Spirit, changing, us so that we can become
Partakers of God’s grace, given sacrificially on that cross by His own Son.
The best part of a garden is partaking of its fruits, behold the purpose of the garden!
God’s garden is the people of this world, God sent His Son as the pardon.
We want to be used of God to bring others to Him, we are told the harvest is ripe!

• John 15:1 &2 ~ I am the true vine and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit, He prunes it so that it will be even more fruitful.’ 
• Genesis 2:8 & 9 ~ Now the Lord God had planted a garden in the east, in Eden; and there He put the man he had formed, And the Lord God made all kinds of trees grow out of the ground — trees were pleasing for the eye and good for food. In the middle of the garden was the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. A river watering the garden flowed from Eden.

Unity

Touch my heart with the things that break the heart of God.
Lord, please open my eyes to the needs I see around me.
Silence my voice to criticism, comparison and judgment.
When I speak, let it be with love and Your understanding.
Make us one in the body as You Father taught your followers.
The Lord’s table represents community bound permanently.
We are not becoming the body of Christ, we are the body.
We are related to one another as believers, one could say 

We have the same DNA, because we have the same Father.
We are in a covenant relationship with God as a community.

Unity is a miracle, we who are many form one single body.
One body with many members, but each belongs to the other.
We do not have the same function, but we have the same heart 

And the same mouth, so that we glorify our God and Father.
The church is useless without arms and legs to do God’s will.
We all have different uses, special talents that should be used.
Ensure yours are not wasted in the minutiae of life, but fulfilled 

In the service of our Lord, for is it not written in His word, 

That greater is He that is in us than he that is in the world?
God does not renege on His promises, they are the same today.

Remember we are here to live in one accord, glorifying our Lord.
Divisions and politics will be forgotten as we seek His face first.
The Word says “Make God’s joy complete by being of the same mind.
Maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose”.
Our unity will be effected by genuine selflessness and meekness, 

The example of Christ; He has shown us alight .... now let us all 

Go in His peace, breaking the shackles of this “ME” generation.
May the Lord give you the Spirit of Unity uniting in a common cause.
Until at last we reach that unity He longs for us to all have, 

that “One in the Spirit, that harmony of minds that is music to His ears.

Amen

Thoughts on Our Ever Present God

May the peace of God reside within you always.
He is your shield and buckler, be ready to praise!
Sing out your love to Him, let your voices raise.
For He is a generous God, worthy of our praise.
Let His word direct you and His Spirit protect you.
Let not your faith depend on the wisdom of men.
Put your trust in men and it will soon trip you up.
Lean upon God’s promises, He will fill your cup.

God works in amazing ways, His word guides us too.
He will keep your faith strong; His Spirit lives in you.
God is our strength and power, He is ready to save.
He is our rock, our salvation, put your trust in Him.
Let nothing here enthrall you; do not succumb to sin.
Confess readily any indiscretion, move on and begin 

To allow His spirit to direct you as you live for Him.

God is our strength and power, He is ready to save.

God’s Spirit is a comforter and guide, depend on Him.
Let nothing here enthrall you; do not succumb to sin.
Confess readily any indiscretion, move on and begin 

To allow His Spirit to direct you as you live for Him.
Read His word daily, always pray, and you will grow.
You spirit communing with His Spirit will readily show
Him your sorrows, for He has an ever-listening ear.
He will not condemn you, so do not succumb to fear.

• I Thessalonians 5:16 ~ Be joyful always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will in Christ Jesus.
• Psalm 92:1 ~ It is good to praise the Lord and make music to your name, O Most High.
• Psalm 25:4 & 5 ~ Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for You are God my Saviour, and my hope is in you all day long.
• 1 John 1:9 ~ If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
• Romans 3:3-6 ~ What if some did not have faith? Will their lack of faith nullify God’s faithfulness? Not at all! Let God be true, and every man a liar, as it is written: So that you may be proved right when you speak and prevail when you judge. But if our righteousness brings out God’s righteousness more clearly, what shall we say? That God is unjust in bringing His wrath on us? (I am using a human argument). Certainly not! If that were so, how could God judge the world?
• I Corinthians 1:7-9 ~ Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gifts as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed. He will keep you strong to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God, who has called you into fellowship with His son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful.

The Problem With Time

“If only we had more time,” which they say, waits for no man.
In this life we are given but few opportunities or a brief span.
To do all the things we want to do, yet we admit we do waste.
A lot of time needlessly, roaming aimlessly, a waste of space.

We all have the same amount of time, God left it up to you,
To decide what is important, what is meaningful for you to do.
The hustle and bustle of the every-day working life of today,
Leaves us but a slim measure of time to reflect and to pray.

It only fosters anxiety, to rush whilst watching a clock fly by.
It can cause you to make mistakes to keep up, or to comply.
Now, you see deadlines and completion dates not to miss.
They made us watches to be used to monitor our progress.

Beat the clock, improve our time, or be able to finish first.
The Bible mentions time in both old and new scripture verse.
It is thought that to race and come in last is really a disgrace,
But this is not what God’s word tells us about a Godly race.


Just watch a measure of sand dripping out of an egg timer.
It is the seeking of God with all your heart, our Redeemer.
And to build up treasures in heaven, winning a new soul.
Our time is not in vain, for we have made someone whole.

If we compare our time with someone else’s, it is a sin.
When talking to someone about Christ, then we really begin
Knowing what it is to win the race with time is but a nod.
We do not need to clock-watch for the time is truly God’s.

It is in racing to the back of the line that we truly shall win.
To show off our speed is not where it is really at, that is a sin.

The self-centred man sets his eyes on the finish line alone.
He should not race against another man, God is on the throne.
That man does not stop to help another, see if they are dong fine.
He rescues the fallen, and he ministers to others on the way.

That same man is last at church, helping to put things away.
He goes to the cross at the front to take time to listen and pray.

• Ecclesiastes 9:11 ~ The race is not to the swift or the battle to the strong, nor does food come to the wise, or wealth to the brilliant or favour to the learned; but time and chance happen to them all. 
• Galatians 5:7& 8 ~ You were running a good race. Who cut in on you and kept you from obeying the truth. That kind of persuasion does not come from the one who calls you. 
• Hebrews 121:1& 2a ~ Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith.

The Problem With Time

“If only we had more time”, which they say, waits for no man.
In this life we are given but few opportunities or a brief span.
To do all the things we want to do, yet we admit we do waste.
A lot of time needlessly, roaming aimlessly, a waste of space.
We all have the same amount of time, God left it up to you,
To decide what is important, what is meaningful for you to do.
The hustle and bustle of the every-day working life of today,
Leaves us but a slim measure of time to reflect and to pray.
It only fosters anxiety, to rush whilst watching a clock fly by.
It can cause you to make mistakes to keep up, or to comply.
Now, you see deadlines and completion dates not to miss.
They made us watches to be used to monitor our progress.
Beat the clock, improve our time, or be able to finish first.
The Bible mentions time in both old and new scripture verse.
It is thought that to race and come in last is really a disgrace,
But this is not what God’s word tells us about a Godly race.

Just watch a measure of sand dripping out of an egg timer.
It is the seeking of God with all your heart, our Redeemer.
And to builds up treasures in heaven, winning a new soul.
Our time is not in vain, for we have made someone whole.
If we compare our time with someone else’s, it is a sin.
When talking to someone about Christ then we really begin
Knowing what it is to win the race with time is but a nod.
We do not need to clock-watch for the time is truly God’s.
It is in racing to the back of the line that we truly shall win.
To show off our speed is not where it is really at, that is a sin.
The self-centred man sets his eyes on the finish line alone.
He should not race against another man, God is on the throne..
That man does not stop to help another, see if they are dong fine.
He rescues the fallen, and he ministers to others on the way.
That same man is last at church, helping to put things away.
He goes to the cross at the front to take time to listen and pray.

Thought: Time is a special gift because you only have a set amount of it.

Further Thought: Serve God by doing common actions in a heavenly spirit, and then, if your daily calling only leaves you cracks and crevices of time to fill up. “Use your time wisely.

• Ecclesiastes 9:11 - The race is not to the swift or the battle to the strong,, nor does food come to the wise, or wealth to the brilliant or favour to the learned; but time and chance happen to them all. 
• Galatians 5:7 & 8 - You were running a good race. Who cut in on you and kept you from obeying the truth. That kind of persuasion does not come from the one who calls you. 
• Hebrews 121:1 & 2a - Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith.

Bitterness

Nothing positive comes from bitterness for a start.
Bitterness is a poison that can bury into the heart.
It can pattern jealousy or it may even imitate anger.
But, bitterness is more severe, more like a mugger.
That sneaks up slowly into your life, and takes over.
Taking over very facet of your life until you discover 

Bitterness has become part of you, deep in your heart.
It speaks, slips out of your lips not wanting to depart.
It is of Satan you know, just part of his best“big ploy”.
His plan is just like a missile to aim, seek, and destroy.

Soon others will begin to notice that you are bitter too.
Facial expressions begin to change, in fact all you do.
They take on the demeanor of a discontentment in life.
To others it often seems like you always cause strife.
It is one of those roots that is growing deep within.
It is fine to place the blame on Satan, but it is our sin.
A new start has to begin with confession and change.
And only Christ can give you the power to re-arrange 

We are told not to miss the grace of God, and to be 

Watching no bitter root grows defiling many you see.

THOT: “What goes down the well comes up in the bucket.”

• Bitterness destroys relationships that can destroy us all.
• Bitter root always grows bitter fruit.
• Bitterness not only destroys the vessel on which it is poured, it destroys the vessel in which it is stored.

• Hebrews 12:15 ~ See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many. 
• Ephesians 4:31 ~ Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 
• Romans 3:14 ~ Their mouths are full of cursing and bitterness. 
• Psalm 5:9 ~ Not a word from their mouth can be trusted; their heart is filled with destruction. Their throat is an open grave, with their tongue they speak deceit. 
• Proverbs 14:10 ~ Each heart knows its own bitterness, and no one else can share its joy.
• Proverbs 17:25 ~ A foolish son brings grief to his father and bitterness to the one who bore him.

Shepherds Urgently Needed

Lead like a Shepherd, it is always about the sheep.
It is a calling, not a career, your job is to keep 

The sheep safe; you need to be ever watchful 

They can easily lose their way; they are willful.
You must seek lost sheep, pursue and steer them.
They can scatter which often causes mayhem.

Be willing to be misunderstood to do any good.
They are fearful, and many times misunderstood.
Be willing to seek lost sheep, patiently steer them.
They can be stubborn so do not always condemn.
They are fearful so watch for wolves that attack.
You have to be willing to seek, bring them back.

Round your sheep up safe into a penned keep 

Before you stop for a rest, or even fall asleep.
Sheep get diseases, you are responsible to heal.
There are sheep “rustlers” who will often steal.
And brand them with their mark, so take care 

To brand your own sheep, and always be aware.

The pay on this earth is not monetary, but brings joy.
Your reward is heaven, you are under God’s employ.
Christ talked about His sheep to teach us every day 

That we need to be shepherds to show others the way.
You have to look for the sheep where they all are 

For they are followers and are afraid to travel far.

• 1 Peter 5:2 ~ Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, serving as overseers ... not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be.
• Acts 20:28 & 29 ~ Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which He bought with His own blood. I know that after I leave wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock.
• Matthew 1:36 & 37 ~ When He saw the crowds He had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then He said to His disciples,‘The harvest is plentiful but he workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore to send out workers into His harvest field.
• John 10:10 ~ I tell you the truth, the man who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber. The man who enters by the gate is the shepherd of his sheep. The watchman opens up the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.

Doubt

It is a common practice of Satan to work hard to introduce doubt.
Even Christ’s followers, the ones that saw Him were not left out.
We want to put God in a little box and have Him all figured out.
When God does not act the way we think He should act, we doubt.
One third of the world’s population believe that a Jew died on a cross.
About another third think it was possible, but it was no great loss.
Yet the other third actually believe that Jesus rose from the dead.
But at times we are fearful, choosing to remain silent instead.

When we hear someone mocking Christians we do not make a stand.
Often we do not have words prepared, not wanting to grandstand.
But to testify of what Christ has done for us, our unquenchable thirst,
Being bold enough to tell others that we put Christ in our lives first.
We do not have to understand everything to believe in something.
Satan is powerless when we start to make a stand, not swerving.
God is far greater than the human mind can ever comprehend.
All around us is evidence of a creator, and God willingly did send

His Son to die, willingly upon a cross so we might be set free.
Switch from the unexplainable to the undeniable, you will see.
It takes far more faith to believe in an evolution happenstance,
To think that this world of ours just simply occurred by chance.
Doubt cannot co-exist with its opposite, which is faith, we must trust.
One drop of doubt, can make our faith weak and ineffective, we must
Realize doubt cannot inhabit where faith exists, doubt comes from fear
Fear paralyses us and we are unable to pray properly, unable to hear

Build yourself up in the holy faith whenever doubt comes your way,
And know that Satan is defeated when you shout at him and say
“I am covered with the blood of Christ, Viper depart from me now.”
He dislikes you speaking about the blood of Christ, so let it show
That you have no fear of him and you know doubt is really a sin.
Build yourself up in the holy faith whenever doubt comes in.
Doubt cannot co-exist with its opposite which is faith or belief.
Do you have a big God that you can turn to for every day relief?


THOT: “I live in a very small house, but my windows look out on a very large world. My God is as big as I perceive or believe Him to be. Do not put your God in a box, for DOUBT will climb into that box and destroy the faith you already have.”

• Jude 1:22 ~ Be merciful to those who doubt; snatch others from the fire and save them: to others show mercy, mixed with fear ... hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh.
• James 1:6 ~ But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord, he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does.
• Matthew 21:21 ~ Jesus replied, I tell you the truth, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, Go, throw yourself into the sea, and it will be done. If you believe you will receive whatever you as for in prayer.

Open Hands

The Bible speaks many times about giving with generosity.
And it also warns us about giving with an attitude of piety.
We are to hold all our earthly treasures with open, loose hands.
Love, our time, along with monetary giving quickly expands.
The story of the good Samaritan tells us of how we should be.
Stay on the alert for the needs around us; giving sets us free.
Open hands means an open heart that freely gives with love.
The Spirit gives us compassion, and that comes from above.
We do not to let our left hand know what our right hand gives
The Pharisees wanted to show all what they gave; God forgives
Momentary lapses of no ill intent, when money was often lent..
The open hand of a man who knows that all he has is but spent.
But woe unto the man who loans money to the poor, it is given
With no expectation of return, our reward will be in heaven.

Giving with no expectation of a return is what is expected of us.
Does not the word say, “There should be no poor amongst us”?
Open hands means working hands, one who applies his trade
Passing a brother in distress, neglecting to come to their aide.
Wasting talents God has given us is just another sign of greed.
Our talents should be used to willingly help a person in need
Open hands depicts service too, giving our time to service too.
In every church there are jobs to do, and some start with you.
If you attend church just to warm a pew who picks up the slack?
Some are burdened with too much work and do not come back.
Listen for the voice of the Holy Spirit, He guides you in all things.
Joy you will feel from serving others, for satisfaction it brings.
Do not be concerned with deductions you might receive on earth.
Leave the world with empty hands, the spirit is what we are worth.

• Deuteronomy 15:11 ~ “There will always be poor people in the land. Therefore, I command you to be openhanded toward your brothers and toward the poor and needy in your land.” 
• 2 Corinthians 9:6 & 7 & verse 12 & 13 ~ Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver, and God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. As it is written: He has scattered abroad His gifts to the poor, His righteousness endures forever; This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of God’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. Because the service by which you have proved yourselves, men will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else. And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you. Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift.

To Abide

Abide, such a gentle word that inter-connects with reside.
For if we ”reside in Christ” it means we constantly abide.
You find your thoughts remain focussed on Jesus every day.
You start your morning with thoughts of Him and you pray.

As you focus on Christ, the more the Spirit shows the way
Listen to the Spirit’s voice, you learn new things every day.
You agree to abide in Chris, for is a restful place to be.
Suddenly your eyes are open, the needs of others you see.

Abiding is residing close to the one you love and serve.
His Spirit gives you confirmation, suddenly you observe
Needs not met, a hurt not healed and grief so defeating.
Abiding is not just “resting,” it is also openly “trusting”.

Jesus said to take His yoke upon us; His burden is light.
But that only occurs when we tell “self” to take flight.
Putting others first, and giving God the reigns to lead.
For an oxen’s yoke is useless if they will not concede.

The Spirit is the “Driver” in our life, He leads the way.
Since abide also means “to submit to” we need to say:
“Lord I want to abide in You while I work for You today.”
It is not a sitting, resting action, but a desire to obey.

Think today of abiding as making a conscious act.
You will find you begin to pray as you start to interact,
God’s love will come shining through, not up to you.
Rest in the knowledge that the Spirit is coming through.

Remember that “yoke” that two oxen used to carry?
After a while they were used to it, and did not tarry.
They received much praise when they pulled in unison.
They did not feel the yoke upon them, it was a lesson.

• Thought: We will feel deep rest inside ourselves when we abide in Christ, because The Spirit will give us confirmation when we are working in Unison with Him. ~ A TED Tal

• Further Thought: Men are often blamed because they refuse to ask for directions when they are lost or do not know the way. That is not the case with the Holy Spirit, we just have to pray.
• ABIDE is an Old English word signifying progressively: to await, remain, lodge, sojourn, dwell, continue, endure. It is spoken of in the Old Testament and in Hebrews 12. 
• Acts 20:23 ~ I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me. 
• John 14:23 ~ Jesus replied, ‘If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. 
• John 14:26 ~ But the Counsellor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things, and will remind you of everything I have said to you.

If Only

If only I had known the heartache you were bearing.
If only we could become more open in our sharing.
If only I had prayed and asked the Spirit to use me.

I could have prayed for you, for the Spirit to heal your bruising.
I could have reached out more, focus my thoughts upon choosing.
I could have been discreet, and asked you, rather than excusing.

Things I saw as “unsettling” were merely symptoms of your pain.
Things between us were not close, I was not really looking again.
Things the Spirit wanted to teach me, things that I desire to attain.

A much closer walk with God, to pray, and have Him talk to me.
A “Hot Line” to Heaven, so when we both share I can really see
A friend I love so much, who is hurting yet does not want to be.

The focus of attention, yet does really need to focus upon Thee.
The child of God who has lost her way, trapped, no longer free.
The pain you feel is the pain of one who is lonely, lost at sea..

For I pray to God for words, that will bring you back home to Him.
For a child of God who is lost, just does not know where to begin.
For the weight of unconfessed sin is clearly an anathema so grim.

Now clearly you need to repent, and don’t forget, He is waiting too.
Now is the accepted time for the Holy Spirit will readily show you.
Now is the beginning of all things new, He has work for you to do.

• James 1: 21-25 Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls. But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his own way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. But who so looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.
• Proverbs 6:23 ~ For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life:”

Not Long Now

It won’t be long until we will be leaving here.
But there are no worries, and there is no fear.
Know where I’m going, and know who is there.
Not that I won’t persist in breathing a prayer.
Still so many needs here, and it is everywhere.
I really want to take part in of winning a soul..
One more start to write in the book and enrol.
It won’t be long until we’ll be leaving here.
Time quickly flies by, I’ve become really clear.
I’ve been taught well, the Spirit resides here.
There’s no fear of hell for I know for sure
I rest in Christ’s payment, so in Him I am pure.

A place is reserved in heaven for me right now.
Christ’s Spirit leads me and He doth endow
Me with assurance that this isn’t my home.
One day I’ll be kneeling before His throne.
Time flies by quickly, but your not left alone.
Christ’s death was for us Hid blood did atone.
In the blink of an eye so my rapture shall be.
Transported to heaven with new eyes I’ll see.
God’s plan all along was to see Jesus in me.
And release from this pain will set me free.
As a promise to me you won’t grieve too long.
Rely on God’s word more, and be very strong.

It won’t be long until we will be leaving here.
Death hath no sting, and I will never veer
From the path God hath set for me to tell
The grace of Christ; He doeth all things well.
Walk and talk as if you both know and believe
The Spirit will speak to you and you will receive.
That Jesus’ word is just as true today as before.
And seek His way and start to learn much more.
Jesus abolished death and He is waiting for me.
So don’t grieve too long, I will be waiting for thee.

• John 6:47 ~ Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life.
• John 5:13 ~ These things have I written to you that ye may know that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe in the name of the Son of God.
• Romans 8:11 ~ But if the Spirit of Him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, He that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by His spirit that dwelleth in you.
• John 14:18 ~ I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.

Another New Year 2018

Tradition always says we should toast in another New Year.
But so often people approach anything new with such fear.
We who know Christ know His Spirit walks with us each day
Whatever path we walk, we must first we take time to pray.
We may never know of the joys and pains that could lie ahead,
But we do know we have a guide whose Spirit leads us instead.
The future is not horoscope or crystal balls to confound us all.
We who know Christ know He will pick us up when we fall,.

We do not need to make New Year’s Resolutions that will fail.
Christ does not expect perfection, He forgives, no rules to entail.
We can open the door to a New Year without any fear or dread.
Christ died as a sacrifice for one and all to redeem us instead.
Looking ahead to a brand New Year gives us such choices.
We can live each day to serve Him with our hearts and voices.
Witnessing becomes easier as we begin to look for new clues.
Look for the hurting, listen to what they say, share the good news.

Is anyone sick, anyone hurting, you may learn to depend on Him.
You don’t have to pray aloud, you can listen and always begin
Listening to His Spirit before you visit, avoiding the traps of sin.
Another New Year, yes, but look upon it as a brand new start..
God’s Spirit was left with us to guide and teach, us and set us apart,
For we are not our own having been paid for with a mighty price.
Blessed is the man that maketh the Lord His trust in this New Year.
We walk with confidence; He is Lord, and we do not succumb to fear.

• Psalm 32:8 ~ I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye. 
• Isaiah 2:3 ~ ... and He will teach us of His ways, and we will walk in His paths. 
• Proverbs 3:5 & 6 ~ Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. 
• Psalm 119:105 ~ Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. 
• Psalm 46:1 ~ God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.