Live in Love

out of fear there is silence

out of fear there is war

we watch from afar...

God did not give us a spirit of fear, but a spirit of power, and of love, and of sound mind. 2Tim.1:7

For what is fear, but the lack of Love.

Do not live in fear, live in Love.

Psalm 32:8

~

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you.

~

Be Still And Know

Be still and know that I AM - God, be still and know that I AM - God, be still and know that I AM - God

I AM the One that healeth thee, I AM the One that healeth thee, I AM the One that healeth thee

In Thee, O Lord, I put my trust, in Thee, O Lord, I put my trust, in Thee, O Lord, I put my trust.

Be still
Know
Receive
Trust

To You, my King, I give my thanks, to You, my King, I give my thanks, to You, my King, I give my thanks

Thank

Thank-you Jesus.

When Its All Been Said And Done

WHEN ITS ALL BEEN SAID AND DONE

When its all been said and done

There is just one thing that matters

Did I do my best to live for Truth

Did I live my life for You

When its all been said and done

All my treasures will mean nothing

Only what I've done for Love's reward

Will stand the test of time

Lord Your mercy is so great

That You look beyond our weakness

And find purest gold in miry clay

Making sinners into saints

I will always sing Your praise

Here on earth and ever after

For You've shown me Heaven's my true home

When its all been said and done

You're my life when life is gone

Lord I'll live my life for You

~Written by Jim Cowan

I was listening to a new CD with this song on it and the words "Did I do my best to live for Truth, Did I live my life for You" stood out to me, rather it was like I was being challenged to consider it.

I know there are so many areas of my life that have yet to be submitted consistently to Jesus, and as I listened to the lyrics of this song, I was convicted even more to give my all to Him. Time is running out...for all of us. I have decided to challenge myself...I am going to paint these words and place them where I can see them first thing in the morning and last thing at night to remind myself that in all that I do, it is my desire to be right with God, to honour and glorify Him in all I do and say.

It is so easy to get distracted from giving God our all. And even when we do attempt to give Him our all, it can be like climbing a rock face with bare hands - difficult and scary. But we persevere, because we know that it is worth it...what we often forget is that it is worth it more than we could have ever imagined...(let that sink in...seriously)

He can do infinitely more than we can ask or imagine (Eph. 3:20)...What could He do with me if I gave Him my all? I love the quote by Michael Warden in his book "Alone with God" that suggests that, "The goal is not to change the world, but to change the focus of our hearts."

If I take the focus off of the world and put my focus on God - if I give Him my heart, let Him work through me as I fully submit myself to Him each day, will I be able to look back on the day and say, "I did my best for You Lord"? Will He be Glorified through what I have done and said throughout the day?

"Did I do my best to live for Truth, Did I live my life for You?" When it is all been said and done and you are standing before our God, what do you think His answer will be to you?

Will you live your life for Him?

Come Lord Jesus, Come

The Christmas Truce of 1914...Everywhere I read these days, I seem to come across this amazing story. It is as if there is collectively, a deep yearning today for a truce in our own lives. Peace. What is the battle do you think? Perhaps it is the war on terrorism, perhaps it is a more personal battle - a relational battle or a battle against illness, perhaps it is a specific spiritual battle...Whatever it is, there seems to be a wave of deep desire for peace that is being expressed out loud more and more.

I had a dream once that I spoke with my King
He let me into His confidence to see
The prayers of the people young and old.
All over the land I heard their cry
Formal and not, words and sighs
The sounds rose up to our Great King's Throne
They rose individually, but meshed as one
The cry of each person became a musical song
Beautiful to hear
Then something happen, quite extraordinaire
The prayers that became songs that were exquisite to hear
Became one song and then one prayer...
COME LORD JESUS, COME
The answer to everyone's prayer was the same
For it is the true cry of our hearts to answer the pain

To bring peace...

The truest, deepest yearning of our being desires
HIM

COME LORD JESUS, COME

Now, we celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we look forward to His coming again.

Merry Christmas to each of you, may His Peace fill you as you hope in Him.
~mp:)

Here I Am

You came for me...Here I am, I am Yours!

Do You See Something When I Write?

Do you see something when I write?
Do you see something I do not see?
Do I tell you something I do not know?
Would you have the courage to tell me?

Do I hide something when I write?
Do I hide something you do not see?
Do you say something I cannot hear?
Something you would keep from me?

Words through the air flow all around, thoughts in our minds bring them to ground.

speakclearlyelucidateexpresschatteronreasonreciprocatearguecommand...pray

Do you see something when I write?
Does your heart do a little leap?
Could the Holy Spirit be talking to you?
Something special for you to keep?

Immanuel

So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

Never Settle For Anything Less Than The Best

Last night I had a full house. The laughter and the conversations were great. I am sitting here this morning thankful for the people in this community, each and every one that makes this place what it is. I wish I could extend myself further, but like every other person, we all have our place and our role and we must be loyal to that; otherwise, we miss out on bestowing and receiving God's best for us in this time.


Never settle for anything less than the best God has for you, right?


As of late, I have been terribly restless, desiring to move, making changes in my home and routine, whining about the weather (mostly the cold, which is dumb because I live in Canada - like I should expect tropical weather?!) I have also been feeling very vulnerable. I want to retreat - now and fast! Yet while I am experiencing this restlessness and vulnerability, I am also having incredible opportunities to share the love of Jesus Christ and encourage others in their walk. Is it a coincidence that I am having a "yin-yang" battle. No, no coincidence whatsoever.


Never settle for anything less than the best God has for you.


What is it that I am looking for? What is it that I am yearning to have? What is it that God wants to reveal to me in this time? Loaded questions, every one of them. And what about this "Never settle for anything less than the best God has for you?" I could be on a never-ending search for the practicalities to that statement...or I could give up all that I have for Him. Oh. Dang. I guess I just answered my own question. "I could give up all that I have for Him." What is the best God has for us? Himself. How bad do I want Him? I mean, really want Him? This is the ultimate question.


This is the question we all must ask of ourselves...And if you dig deep you will hear the answer. The reality is that we want God more than anything else, He made us that way, but we tend to mask this ultimate yearning with idols of significantly lesser value. Money, cars, boats, sex, work, even charity. The truth is we get that easy thrill with these idols which we can so quickly replace when they lose our fancy. Think of how many people this Christmas will open gifts: toys, electronics, more toys...and within a day, a week, a month, these novelties will be replaced with some other novelty, the memory of them lost amongst the photos taken and saved in our hard drive.


How many of us really want to live the Spirit of Christmas day in and day out throughout the entire year? Idealistically, we all do right? Love, peace, generosity, putting disputes aside, giving to the less fortunate, thinking of others, spending time with others that we don't connect with the rest of the year, spending quality time with family...

How bad do you want to carry on the Christmas Spirit throughout the year? How bad do we want the best God has for us? How bad do you want Him? How bad do I want Him? Well, when I think about it, there is nothing else worth pursuing but His best. Now, it is time to refocus. I am recommitting myself to my King, this day, the King of Kings, Lord of Lords, the One who was born long ago in manger as a helpless babe, who lived a sinless life, who was persecuted and died on a cross, conquering sin and death, rising again to New Life, giving hope to all who believe in Him...Jesus Christ - God - His Very Best!

Lead Me This Day

do not be restless, do not be discouraged
I am finding my feet
this is new
I am learning
do not be angry, do not retreat
I am trying to grow
beyond what I know
please be patient with me

I already sense danger

Abba, be with me and guide me I pray
Grab my attention so I do not stray
- into a place I don't want to go
open my ears and open my eyes
guard me from danger
please hear my cry
lead me I pray...
Lead me this day.

The Battle Intensifies...

What was it that terrified me?
...Apathy?!...
Apathy!?!
Are you serious?!

You would figure that I wouldn't be intimidated by a spirit of apathy...I wouldn't care...perhaps there are others...others hiding behind this slug...All of a sudden, the air around me became heavy like a blanket of cold, wet wool draped over my head and shoulders. Oppressive and smothering.

I rebuke the spirit of Apathy by the authority of Jesus Christ!
I command you to leave me now, in Jesus' name!

Then out of nowhere, like a swarm of angry hornets escaping from the mouth of a hive, I was bombarded, plagued!

(groan...)
God grant me strength.
...Jesus!!!

...And that became the beginning of an intense battle that required more than I anticipated...

You Are Far Too Precious To Me

I wept for a friend,

I wept for a stranger,

I wept so hard my tears were blood.

~

I rejoice for my child,

I rejoice for my people,

I rejoice with the voice of a thousand angels.

~

I sing songs of deliverance all the day long,

Drawing your hearts closer to me.

I never do weary, I never do sleep,

You are far too precious to me.

~

YOU are far too precious to me.

What Man Believes...

Man believes the world is his to toy with...

Is it really to be toyed with? Or cared for and cherished?

Just like any living organism...it is not a toy, and if you toy with it long enough, it will retaliate in defense - to survive.

Just a thought inspired by the picture...

Grounding Through the Battle II

Abba...My King, can you hear me?
Do you hear me?!
My King...My Lord...

1 In you, O LORD, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame; deliver me in your righteousness.
2 Turn your ear to me, come quickly to my rescue; be my rock of refuge, a strong fortress to save me.
3 Since you are my rock and my fortress, for the sake of your name lead and guide me.
4 Free me from the trap that is set for me, for you are my refuge.
5 Into your hands I commit my spirit; redeem me, O LORD, the God of truth.
6 I hate those who cling to worthless idols; I trust in the LORD.
7 I will be glad and rejoice in your love, for you saw my affliction and knew the anguish of my soul.
8 You have not handed me over to the enemy but have set my feet in a spacious place.
9 Be merciful to me, O LORD, for I am in distress; my eyes grow weak with sorrow, my soul and my body with grief.
10 My life is consumed by anguish and my years by groaning; my strength fails because of my affliction, and my bones grow weak.
11 Because of all my enemies, I am the utter contempt of my neighbors; I am a dread to my friends—those who see me on the street flee from me.
12 I am forgotten by them as though I were dead; I have become like broken pottery.
13 For I hear the slander of many; there is terror on every side; they conspire against me and plot to take my life.
14 But I trust in you, O LORD; I say,"You are my God."
15 My times are in your hands; deliver me from my enemies and from those who pursue me.
16 Let your face shine on your servant; save me in your unfailing love.
17 Let me not be put to shame, O LORD, for I have cried out to you; but let the wicked be put to shame and lie silent in the grave.
18 Let their lying lips be silenced, for with pride and contempt they speak arrogantly against the righteous.
19 How great is your goodness, which you have stored up for those who fear you, which you bestow in the sight of men on those who take refuge in you.
20 In the shelter of your presence you hide them from the intrigues of men; in your dwelling you keep them safe from accusing tongues.
21 Praise be to the LORD, for he showed his wonderful love to me when I was in a besieged city.
22 In my alarm I said, "I am cut off from your sight!" Yet you heard my cry for mercy when I called to you for help.
23 Love the LORD, all his saints! The LORD preserves the faithful, but the proud he pays back in full.
24 Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the LORD.
Psalm 31

Yes! That is it! I need not panic. I need not fear!
Forgive me my King.
Please show me Your way...

1 I lift up my eyes to the hills—where does my help come from?
2 My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.
3 He will not let your foot slip—he who watches over you will not slumber;
4 indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.
5 The LORD watches over you—the LORD is your shade at your right hand;
6 the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night.
7 The LORD will keep you from all harm—he will watch over your life;
8 the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.
Psalm 121

For a joy began to well up from within, my heart began to soar. The Righteous King can be trusted.

He has saved me in the past, He will save me now.
But what was it that terrified me so?
What was it?...

A Battle Tale

Hit.
it came out of nowhere
it doesn't take its victim quickly
it is slow to penetrate every area
it is like ooze or slime
contaminating everything it touches...

Retreat!
No. Stand your ground!
Oh dear God, please help!
Stand your ground!
I will not be defeated!
I...

In the quiet, I recall the battle. I was determined. I was mildly surprised at the attack, but I have fought this kind before, it was familiar to me, so I knew to stand my ground with my sword ready for action. Wave upon wave of assault came upon me. I was tiring, and then from within the battle, something new emerged...

Who are you?!
Name yourself!

And that's when I had to re-strategize. This thing that seemed insignificant, coming out of the heart of the battle, has revealed itself to be a cunning opponent. I have pulled back, admittedly out of fear. I know, I know...I cannot hear though...there is too much noise. I need quiet, so I retreated. Not completely though, just enough to touch base with my King. I need His counsel.

To be continued...

Honest - Being True to Oneself

I posted this in June of this year and it has been getting a lot of hits over the past several months, so I thought I would re-post it.

Truly, standing up and taking on the challenge of becoming all that you are meant to be is not an easy task, but it must be done; otherwise, you will always have an emptiness and a longing that will never be fulfilled. Only God can fill that void and He will fill that void if you let Him. I encourage you to be relentless in pursuing God, He is relentless in pursuing you, even when you stop and turn away from Him, He still gently draws you back. This Christmas season is as good as time as any to turn your heart towards the God who formed you, who knows you, who loves you, and desires you to know Him...intimately.

Take the Journey, be true to yourself by being true to our King...He is calling you out, He is calling you to Himself...Go.
~mp:)
Honest, genuine, truth, being true to oneself...being true to oneself...In these past few weeks I have been struggling with the issue of who I am, in the sense that I know I am a child of God, but am I living such that others see it and does my behaviour stir others towards God or away from Him?

This has been a difficult time because, as God works in me, I have been confronting deep set fears that I thought I had either squashed or removed from my psyche .

You see, I grew up in the Anglican church...not a bad thing, I learned that Jesus loves me. What I didn't learn was that I could have a personal relationship with God - rather, God was untouchable, an entity to fear and respect, not someone I could get to know, who would care about me and my concerns (even the most seemingly insignificant of worries).

And even though fearing God is spoken of in the Bible, it was emphasized out of context in the church...unfortunately, like so many things are...

That being said, God is gracious...He knows my heart and He knew I was searching Him out. Over the years I attended many different denominations, each one with its problems and each one with a purpose to fill in society leading people to Christ. Do not think for one moment that God does not use different denominations, despite their misguided theology or whatever the grievance we perceive to be a shame. God works in and through all things to His Glory and to our benefit.

I remember one church I attended that was very charismatic - I learned many things there and my walk with the Lord grew and I grew in faith. The one thing that stood out to me the most though, was when the pastor said (more than once), "If you do not find God here, feel free to go somewhere else. Just find God!" What he was implying was that if this particular worship environment didn't help you grow to know God better, go look elsewhere, you are not bound to this congregation just because you have gone here for 'how many' years. Ironically, my family thought I was nuts to go to this church...some were quite disgusted that I would leave the 'family' tradition and search for God elsewhere. But they didn't understand. I was searching for a deeper more meaningful relationship with God. God was leading me. He was revealing Himself to me in new ways. Through different people, different worship styles, different...different from what I was used to, different from what I was comfortable with, different from what I expected.

You see, God was showing me that He is everywhere. Really everywhere, not just in a church building, not just in a specific denomination, He works through people, circumstances, and places I would have never fathomed. And He was answering my prayers...to know Him intimately.

So, over the years, I have had some really wonderful experiences with God, I have also had some incredibly difficult years where I, quite honestly, would not like to repeat. What I have learned through all of this is that even though I think I am letting God be the Great I AM, I still have Him in a box of my own understanding. He destroys the box to show me He will not be contained, that He is uncontainable and thus, I grow in my understanding of Him and my love for Him more and more. His love for me remains the same...unconditional and deeper than I know.

This is where being true to oneself comes in, I know God is bigger than all my problems, I know God loves me and want me to grow in that love, I want to grow in His love; however, He keeps challenging me. I like a good challenge, sure, but when it tears to your core and makes you realize your own shortcomings, your own sin...well, it is uncomfortable, to say the least.

Lately, I have been challenged to step out and do and speak and write what I know and believe. For all to see. I am vulnerable. I am not a Bible scholar. I have so many faults and fears that I want to use as excuses to avoid sharing the Truth of Jesus Christ, but God is calling me out. He will not leave me alone, He is stretching me - and as uncomfortable as it is, I desire this more than anything - to grow in the love and knowledge of Jesus and to share with others. This means that I need to be bold - (I talk fearlessness and now I must walk fearlessness) - this means I need to rely on God more and more, which is easier said than done.

I am glad God has brought me to this place in my life (I am sad that I made the journey to this point more difficult than what I could have - that's what relying on self and not on God leads to though...sigh). I pray you would see the honest struggle that I, as a Christian, face and be encouraged...somehow...Being a child of God, a believer, does not mean we have it all together and have all the answers, it means we recognize who we are...I am not the Great I AM, but by the grace of God, I am who I am.


Psalm 111:10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise. Psalm 111:9-10 (in Context) Psalm 111 (Whole Chapter)

If It Were Only That Simple...

If it were only that simple, I would climb today. I would go and not look back, I would have my way. It is not for me - not this day, for the Kingdom of God is to be brought to earth through what I do and what I say. I can point the way to the King, 'tis true, but you must climb, you must move.

The problem is the ladder is long, the ladder is high, will you go with me? I am afraid. I have tried to climb the ladder before, but I could not continue, the window to heaven seems so far away, the journey is tiring, I'd rather go play.

This is the dilemma we all must face. Do we go or do we stay?

Show me the way.


Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

John 14:5-7 (in Context) John 14 (Whole Chapter)

Encouragement

Today, know: you are not a mistake, you are not an embarrassment, you are a child of God, dearly loved. You are not a goof, you are not a loser. You are royalty. You are cherished by the King. You are called by the God of the universe. You have purpose. You have worth. Do you believe that? You should. It is true. Jesus loves you. It is not just a cliche. It is a statement of significance that resonates far deeper than what you perceive. Who am I speaking to today? I am not sure, but I do know that you need to read this and let it sink deep within, let the Truth of who you are in Christ penetrate your very core. It is there that healing will take place. The healing that you long for.

Matthew 10:31 So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. Matthew 10:30-32 (in Context) Matthew 10 (Whole Chapter)

Let Jesus do what He needs to do in you, so that you can become all that He intended you to be. Lay down your agenda and sit before God, asking Him what His will is for you this day. Don't give up, rather, give in to God. Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:10-12 (in Context) Jeremiah 29 (Whole Chapter) Do you trust Him? Will you trust the one Who knew you even before you were formed in the womb? Will you trust Him?

Do not look back, Luke 9:62 Jesus replied, "No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God." Luke 9:61-62 (in Context) Luke 9 (Whole Chapter) Keep your eyes fixed on God, His face, His service, His Will, His Truth, His Love, Him. Do not be discouraged. Do not be discouraged. Rejoice in the Lord, again I say Rejoice!

1 John 3:1-3 How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when he appears,[a]we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. Everyone who has this hope in him purifies himself, just as he is pure. 1 John 3 (Whole Chapter)

While reading this, I realized that I am writing to myself as much as I am writing for anyone else to read. I make no claims of being a prophet, just an encourager. Sincere Blessings to your day! ~mp:)

Go Look and See

If you haven't - Go outside and gaze at the moon!

La Lune Pleine, c'est magnifique!!!

Psalm 8:3-4 When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him?

Psalm 8:2-4 (in Context) Psalm 8 (Whole Chapter)

If however, you are reading this after the posting date...you'll have to wait until next month...enjoy the picture:)

Get Back To It!

I have been greatly inspired by some fantastic artists in cyber world lately...inspired so much so that I have gotten out my pencils and my watercolours, and I am reacquainting myself with them. It is refreshing and comforting to draw again...I am not even sure why it was that I stopped. Anyhow, I know that there are many people who have stopped a hobby for whatever reason, laid it aside thinking that they will get back to it and never do. Well...I would like to encourage you to get back to it!

Whatever it was that filled your soul with peace, that you could completely give yourself over to, that activity that gave you a sense of satisfaction, perhaps it was carving, painting, collecting bugs, writing, decorating, singing, knitting, repairing, archery, volunteering...whatever it is that stirs you...don't hold back...get back to it! You may not be the best at it...it does not matter. What matters is that you enjoy it. Commit to taking at least 30 minutes a day to your lost love. If you cannot do that then try 1 hour uninterrupted one day a week (to start). Not enough hours in the day you say? That's a lie. It is all about priority. You make time to do many things in the day...begin to include this into your schedule also...it can be done and it will do you good. Ask God to be a part of whatever you are doing and work with Him...you may be surprised at what develops...Now, get back to it! And enjoy!

God With Us

Revelation 21:3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God.

Revelation 21:2-4 (in Context) Revelation 21 (Whole Chapter)

Christmas Lights

i am sitting here this morning looking at the Christmas lights glow gently

i am wondering to myself, "is what i see real?"

Lord is there more than what i perceive?

speak to me, gently speak your truth

"I will make a way."

this runs through my heart, over and over,

"I will make a way, trust Me."

i am sitting here this morning staring at the lights

i long to be enveloped by the gentle glow,

warm, safe, at home...where you are

"Trust me, I will make a way."

i look forward to the day

I Cannot Comfort

LOL...The Good Lord has just dumped a foot of snow on us and there is rain to follow...oi! I am so moving somewhere warm...no, seriously...it was a beautiful snowfall; however, driving through 6 inches of slushy snow for 4 hours was not so nice. It gave me time to think though - 1) about how to stay on the road amidst depth-perception challenged individuals who seem to think a two lane highway has magically become a single lane...all for them! and 2) about a new friend who is having a very difficult time right now.

I can't and won't go into details except to say that it frustrates me when I cannot bring answers and comfort to someone who needs and longs for them. All I can do is pray. Which is the best and most powerful thing I could do, but when I can't see God at work, I find it easy to become arrogant towards the Lord and I want to contrive solutions of my own and set off to implement them...and in case you haven't guessed it...my solutions usually (okay...always) cause more problems.

So, while I was driving today, I decided to put myself in check and let the Lord do His thing.(...lol it has only taken near 40 years...) Anyhow, I am confident that God will make a way for all things to come together for His Glory...and oh...what a day that will be! There is always Hope...His name is Jesus!

Isaiah 51:12 "I, even I, am he who comforts you. Who are you that you fear mortal men, the sons of men, who are but grass,

Isaiah 51:11-13 (in Context) Isaiah 51 (Whole Chapter)

Hillsong - Potter's Hand - Subtitled

This song brings me great comfort when I am in a state that seems beyond my control...I go here with my King and sing...
I hear...Trust Me, I will make a way...

Eyes of Grace

Can you say WOOOHOOO!!?
I am done this semester...only one to go - yeehaw!
I am excited. There have been so many times when I have wanted to quit along the way...so many times! But I didn't and here I am, one semester to go! Having said that, I pray all goes well in my final semester. I will be in ICU. It is a little intimidating, but our hospital has a good ICU team and I am looking forward to learning from them.

For those of you who don't know, I have gone back to university to get my registered nursing degree. I do not have a background in health care, so it has been a challenge from so many angles. Regardless, here I am, persevering. (And I must say sincerely that it is because of God that I am in this program and that I have stuck with it...story for another time...)

This semester past, I spent in Telemetry. This is pre and post cardiac care. Being a student has many advantages, like being able to take extra time with the patients...and I took full advantage of that;) I heard so many stories - joys, hopes, hurts...oh, the pain and bondage of some breaks my heart. But with these stories, I was able to share my faith and encourage. I also had the privilege to pray over these patients. The stories that people confided to me has only provoked me to implore of the Lord to use me to set the captives free more and more. This is where my heart aches. I can see the potential in each person to be all that God intended them to be, yet because of this or that, they (we all) continue to struggle in different areas, captive to the enemy of our souls.

I am grateful for this experience...to be honest, these past couple of years have been hellish for me, but they have brought me to where I am today. I have a deeper appreciation for the person behind each story I encounter, a deeper desire to pray for each person to become all that they could be, a deeper gratitude for the saving grace of my Lord Jesus in my own life...

Over this holiday season, I want to encourage each of you to look at every person you meet with eyes of Grace. Don't look at what you see, but rather at what could be if that person was truly set free in Christ...and then treat them that way, with the Love of Jesus.
~mp:)

What Kind of Life Do You Live?

I am recommending this book that I stumbled across not too long ago...I am still processing and I will no doubt read it again...In short, it is about getting to know God better and truly living all out for Him....ALL OUT for Him...Crazy in love...

In this book, Crazy Love, Francis Chan (the author) is interviewed at the end with the question: "Do you think God calls you to live a radical, crazy life?"

His response:

"It's not that this lifestyle should be crazy to us. It should be the only thing that makes sense. Giving up everything and sacrificing everything we can for the afterlife is logical. "Crazy" is living a safe life and storing up things while trying to enjoy our time on earth, knowing that any millisecond God could take your life. To me that is crazy, and that is radical. The crazy ones are the ones who live life like there is no God. To me that is insanity."

Are you Crazy in love with God? If not, what is holding you back?

Give Crazy Love a read, it is a good book that will surely challenge you...enjoy...

The Goal is Christlikeness, Not Warfare

In this season of my Journey, I was abruptly reminded of the battle that surrounds us each and every day and with that, I pulled out of my library a book called The Three Battlegrounds by Francis Frangipane. In it, I came across this excerpt that I would like to share:

THE GOAL IS CHRISTLIKENESS, NOT WARFARE

There is a time, which we will speak of later in this book, when the Lord will call us to pull down the strongholds of hell over our churches and our communities. There is another time, however, when to engage in much spiritual warfare is actually a distraction from you obedience to God. Jesus defeated Satan in Gethsemane and the cross, not by directly confronting the devil but by fulfilling the destiny to which He had been called at Calvary. The greatest battle that was ever won was accomplished by the apparent death of the victor, without even a word of rebuke to His adversary! The prince of this world was judged and principalities and powers were disarmed not by confrontational warfare, but by the surrender of Jesus Christ on the cross.

There are occasions when your battle against the devil is actually a digression from the higher purpose God has for you. Intercessors and warfare captains take note: there is a demon whose purpose is to lure one`s mind into hell. Its name is Wrong Focus. If you are continually seeing evil spirits in people or in the material world around you, you may actually be fighting this spirit. The ultimate goal of this demon is to produce mental illness in saints who move in deliverance. Listen very carefully: we are not called to focus on the battle or on the devil, except where that battle hinders our immediate transformation into Christ`s likeness. Our calling is to focus on Jesus. The work of the devil, however, is to draw our eyes from Jesus. Satan`s first weapon always involves luring our eyes from Christ. Turn to Jesus and almost immediately the battle vanishes.

Job 16:20 My intercessor is my friend as my eyes pour out tears to God;
Job 16:19-21 (in Context) Job 16 (Whole Chapter)

Silly Humour

A little morning humour because 1) I am waaayyyy overtired from a crazy week and 2) I like to laugh.


...Now for breakfast....;)
Picture - enjoy_your_breakfast by nocturnalMoTH

Powerful Gift

The gift God has given to you is powerful indeed,

I do believe in you,

I know you will succeed!

Romans 12:6a We have different gifts, according to the grace given us.
Romans 12:5-7 (in Context) Romans 12 (Whole Chapter)
To God be the Glory.

Seasons

Lately, I have been thinking a lot about seasons. We all go through seasons and yet often we are surprised when we enter a new season. Not just weather seasons, but seasons of life. Sometimes we hang on to the former season in fear of losing the good that emerged in that season. You see this with the Church and the need to hold onto certain programming because it worked well in the past and why change? Or people refuse to enter into a new season because they know that the change will be uncomfortable. You see this when a person decides to make a lifestyle change such as introducing exercise, a career change, or when they decide to "own" their behaviour.

Perhaps the season is a period of rest. A time where you stop the routine and engage in deliberate refocusing of your priorities.

Whatever the season is you know it will not last forever and you can expect the next season to bring change. One of the exciting things about the seasons of life is that from one season to the next, you are building (knowledge, wisdom, relationships, etc.), you are changing and developing character, and prayerfully growing closer to God.

For me, I look for words that stand out to me in a season. I sit quietly with the Lord and let the words flow from my heart. It is always interesting to see what words resonate with my spirit. These words help me see better perhaps where my heart is taking me. If you have been following my blog at all, you will see different seasons of words that have been meaningful to me. When I have these words, I hold them before God and ask Him to lead me...I need the Holy Spirit to lead me (we all do) and this is just one way that I find order out of what seems like chaos in my mind.

Seasons are to be expected. In each season, look to God to lead you. He will provide all that you need and you can be assured that a new season of growth will present itself in God's timing; so make the most of the season you are in - it will help you in the seasons to come.

"season" mentioned in the NIV Bible:

Genesis 1:14And God said, "Let there be lights in the expanse of the sky to separate the day from the night, and let them serve as signs to mark seasons and days and years,Genesis 1:13-15 (in Context) Genesis 1 (Whole Chapter) - nature

Genesis 31:10"In breeding season I once had a dream in which I looked up and saw that the male goats mating with the flock were streaked, speckled or spotted.Genesis 31:9-11 (in Context) Genesis 31 (Whole Chapter) - reproduction

Exodus 34:21"Six days you shall labor, but on the seventh day you shall rest; even during the plowing season and harvest you must rest.Exodus 34:20-22 (in Context) Exodus 34 (Whole Chapter) - rest

Leviticus 26:4I will send you rain in its season, and the ground will yield its crops and the trees of the field their fruit.Leviticus 26:3-5 (in Context) Leviticus 26 (Whole Chapter) - provision

Numbers 13:20How is the soil? Is it fertile or poor? Are there trees on it or not? Do your best to bring back some of the fruit of the land." (It was the season for the first ripe grapes.)Numbers 13:19-21 (in Context) Numbers 13 (Whole Chapter) - harvest

Deuteronomy 11:14then I will send rain on your land in its season, both autumn and spring rains, so that you may gather in your grain, new wine and oil.Deuteronomy 11:13-15 (in Context) Deuteronomy 11 (Whole Chapter) - provision

Deuteronomy 28:12The LORD will open the heavens, the storehouse of his bounty, to send rain on your land in season and to bless all the work of your hands. You will lend to many nations but will borrow from none.Deuteronomy 28:11-13 (in Context) Deuteronomy 28 (Whole Chapter) - provision

Ezra 10:13But there are many people here and it is the rainy season; so we cannot stand outside. Besides, this matter cannot be taken care of in a day or two, because we have sinned greatly in this thing.Ezra 10:12-14 (in Context) Ezra 10 (Whole Chapter) - hindrance

Job 5:26You will come to the grave in full vigor, like sheaves gathered in season.Job 5:25-27 (in Context) Job 5 (Whole Chapter) - ending

Job 6:17but that cease to flow in the dry season, and in the heat vanish from their channels.Job 6:16-18 (in Context) Job 6 (Whole Chapter) - wilderness

Job 38:32Can you bring forth the constellations in their seasons or lead out the Bear with its cubs?Job 38:31-33 (in Context) Job 38 (Whole Chapter) - expectation

Psalm 1:3He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers.Psalm 1:2-4 (in Context) Psalm 1 (Whole Chapter) - prosperity

Psalm 104:19The moon marks off the seasons, and the sun knows when to go down.Psalm 104:18-20 (in Context) Psalm 104 (Whole Chapter) - routine

Proverbs 20:4A sluggard does not plow in season; so at harvest time he looks but finds nothing.Proverbs 20:3-5 (in Context) Proverbs 20 (Whole Chapter) - ignorance

Ecclesiastes 3:1[ A Time for Everything ] There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven:Ecclesiastes 3:1-3 (in Context) Ecclesiastes 3 (Whole Chapter) - appointment

Song of Solomon 2:12Flowers appear on the earth; the season of singing has come, the cooing of doves is heard in our land.Song of Solomon 2:11-13 (in Context) Song of Solomon 2 (Whole Chapter) - rejoicing

Jeremiah 5:24They do not say to themselves, 'Let us fear the LORD our God, who gives autumn and spring rains in season, who assures us of the regular weeks of harvest.'Jeremiah 5:23-25 (in Context) Jeremiah 5 (Whole Chapter) - rejection

Jeremiah 8:7Even the stork in the sky knows her appointed seasons, and the dove, the swift and the thrush observe the time of their migration. But my people do not know the requirements of the LORD.Jeremiah 8:6-8 (in Context) Jeremiah 8 (Whole Chapter) - duty

Ezekiel 34:26I will bless them and the places surrounding my hill. I will send down showers in season; there will be showers of blessing.Ezekiel 34:25-27 (in Context) Ezekiel 34 (Whole Chapter) - blessing

Daniel 2:21He changes times and seasons; he sets up kings and deposes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning.Daniel 2:20-22 (in Context) Daniel 2 (Whole Chapter) - divine intervention

Mark 11:13Seeing in the distance a fig tree in leaf, he went to find out if it had any fruit. When he reached it, he found nothing but leaves, because it was not the season for figs.Mark 11:12-14 (in Context) Mark 11 (Whole Chapter) - barrenness

Acts 14:17Yet he has not left himself without testimony: He has shown kindness by giving you rain from heaven and crops in their seasons; he provides you with plenty of food and fills your hearts with joy."Acts 14:16-18 (in Context) Acts 14 (Whole Chapter) - provision

Galatians 4:10You are observing special days and months and seasons and years!Galatians 4:9-11 (in Context) Galatians 4 (Whole Chapter) - reflection

2 Timothy 4:2Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.2 Timothy 4:1-3 (in Context) 2 Timothy 4 (Whole Chapter) - preparation

Titus 1:3and at his appointed season he brought his word to light through the preaching entrusted to me by the command of God our Savior,Titus 1:2-4 (in Context) Titus 1 (Whole Chapter) - obedience

Beneath the Rowan Tree

Beneath the Rowan tree I sit

Staring through its branches

Pondering God's gifts...

~mp