Sacred Moments

Because God is Holy Holy Holy there really is a sacred moment of sharing in Christ's sufferings every time a believer ministers directly unto the LORD.

To begin: It is like when you bind the wound of another, you are doing it unto him through a physical act of love (Matt 25: 40). So too when you find a tangible way to help bear the burdens of another in love (1 Cor 13: 7), you are participating in bringing forth God's plan and purposes in their life. Rightly so, these physical-tangible deeds are noteable ways in which we may seek to fulfill God's commandments to actively love Him and to love others too (Matt 22: 37 - 40). Accordingly, we should ascribe greatness to his name because he daily grants to every human being an opportunity to show their love for him and others.

To continue: There is a lesser known privilege granted to the saints who love God first, above all else: that is to physically and tangibly suffer for the LORD (Phil 1.29). Yes, it is power of God at work inside them to willingly suffer on his behalf. This is no small feat inside the kingdom of God but born out of a great love for him, a genuine gratitude for his sacrifice, and a thankful heart for the gift of substitutionary atonement.

To explain: It is Jesus who suffered and died. He literally bore on his body all our sin, transgressions, pain, afflictions and disease (Isaiah 53: 3 - 5) in a physical-tangible way. On top of that he holds first hand knowledge of all our personal woes for he was despised, scarred, scared, scorned, rejected and more. How else can it be other than his act of substitutionary atonement deserves all praise, his perfect love demands our affections, and his wounds our tender human attentions. Therefore, let us not deny his personal need in this hour by turning a blind eye to his sufferings or deaf our ears to his cry Why have you forsaken me? . . . Ah! Do you hear the hammer even now, nailing his precious hand to the cross? I do hear that resounding throng of a hammer pound. It is nothing less than a direct blood-shedding blow taken on my behalf. Do you see him hanging on the cross with eyes of sorrow and his head hung low? I sometimes do when others are around reveling in lesser glories of mere human success. Quite truthfully he longs and patiently waits for my silent fellowship with him alone.

To encourage: Go ahead and take another sacred step forward. Go directly to him. Cast your eyes upon him for a sacred moment alone . . . you'll find hind in the Holy of Holies and just past the veil of focusing on temporal things. It's your calling, your walk of faith, and your heritage to minister directly to the LORD.

But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's own people, in order that you may proclaim the mighty acts of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. 1 Peter 2: 9

To commission: Now go forth knowing Jesus Christ paid the price for you (Rom 5: 8). Nothing can separate you from the love of God and loving him (Rom 8: 35 - 39). Like the priests who have gone on before, you are invited to enter into the Holy of Holies and minister unto him. He likes to hear your praise and your small voice reminding him of what he has already done. Speak the truth in love to others. Speak the truth in love to Him -- for this sacred moment is hidden in Christ and meant to be found.

This tidal wave come: the Alignment of the Saints

Just as water reflects the face, so one human heart reflects another [Proverbs 27:19].

So I ask you this question: Does your heart reflect the one who belongs to the world? Or does your heart reflect Jesus Christ, the Son of the Living God who came in human form and gave his life so that you - dear Saint - might live?

Go ahead and seek Him to understand this tidbit of wisdom: A heart set on following the path of Christ is one that desires to act in obedience to God's word. And the willingness to crucify the flesh (i.e., one's sinful nature) is a cross formation inside the heart of thee.

Now look again inside your Bible! We are told that Jesus, by his very nature, is the true reflection of God's glory and the exact imprint of God's very being [see Hebrews 1:3]. Therefore, Jesus Christ perfectly reflects the Father's heart (i.e., the heart of LOVE).

Plainly speaking, Jesus showed us God's perfect love and wisdom by learning obedience through what he suffered even unto the point of death on a cross[Hebrews 5: 8].

Do you see? The supreme act of LOVE is defined by the cross.

Jesus himself confirmed this word: "No one has greater love than this, to lay down one's life for one's friends" [John 15: 13]. And He showed us the way of the cross.

Therefore I Conclude in this way: We will see God's perfect alignment of the saints when we, like the Israelites, choose to encamp around the presence of the Lord and become conformed to the cross (see Numbers 2 to draw your own conclusion and a picture of a beautiful cross formation).

And now for my very own pressing forward, and the desiring of the refiner's fire in perfecting my faith, I choose to reflect on this verse: I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the sharing of his sufferings by becoming like him in his death [Philippians 3: 10].

Amen.

Please join along with me and all the other nameless Saints from across the sands of time and take up your cross to come into alignment with God's plans and purposes for your life. It's time for a tidal wave of Christ's perfect LOVE, which reflects the true love of the Father.

Four Words that Divide

With great power to separate evil from good Jesus spoke four simple words: I am the Gate (read John 10.7 through 10.19!).

These four small words are sharp and to the point, dividing falsehood from truth. In the most definitive terms, there is no other way to salvation except through Jesus Christ.

We as humans may also choose to freely speak with power: I will follow you. When spoken, and without a doubt, these four little words draw a clear demarcation upon the sands of time. There is no fence to sit upon. These four spirit-filled words put you immediately on the front line of battle.

Either you are for, or against, Jesus Christ?

Listen again to the words of Jesus Christ: "My sheep hear my voice. I know them and they FOLLOW ME. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish." (John 10. 27 - 28).

These are:
Words of wisdom.
Words of intimacy.
Words of promise.
Words of warning.

Four simple words that divide. Four small words that lead to full surrender.

Go ahead. Confirm your walk with a forward (i.e., a four word) press toward the prize of Christ Jesus (Philippians 3.14) and speak, pray, sing, text, blog, or paint a spirit-filled expression of love for Him: I will follow you.

Intimacy

The Marks of Intimacy

True friends spend a lot of time together.

They seek each other out and talk non-stop.

They cherish one another.

They trust each other.

They tend to hold the same world view.

They talk about everything (esp. kids).

Physical appearance doesn’t really matter.

They cry, laugh and dance together.

They go on walks.

They break bread and dine together.

God too wants to see these marks in you – between you and him. And before long you will hear these very words written for you:

I do not call you servants any longer, because the servant does not know what master is doing; but I have called you friends, because I have made know to you everything that I have heard from my father.

John 15: 15

Entrust

1 Peter 4: 12 - 19

12 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that is taking place among you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice insofar as you are sharing Christ's sufferings, so that you may also be glad and shout for joy when his glory is revealed. 14 If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the spirit of glory, which is the Spirit of God, is resting on you. 15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, a criminal, or even as a mischief maker. 16 Yet if any of you suffers as a Christian, do not consider it a disgrace, but glorify God because you bear this name. 17 For the time has come for judgment to begin with the household of God; if it begins with us, what will be the end for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18 And

"If it is hard for the righteous
to be saved,
what will become of the
ungodly and the sinners?"

19 Therefore, let those suffering in accordance with God's will entrust themselves to a faithful Creator, while continuing to do good (emphasis mine).

To entrust implies a deliberate and continuous form of trusting. For example, to entrust implies that one is actively committed to trust. To entrust means that an individual has chosen to place his (or her) full confidence in the one deemed trustworthy.

Go ahead. Confide in Him. God himself is Faithful and True.

Numbers 23: 19
God is not a human being, that he should lie,
or a mortal, that he should change his mind.
Has he promised, and will he not do it?
Has he spoken, and will he not fulfill it?

Be more like Paul in Christ

This is the Word of the Lord:

Remember your leaders, those who spoke the word of God to you; consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith.

Hebrews 13: 7

True leaders are tested and proven to be imitators of Christ.

I have thoughts of Paul.

1. Paul: an apostle.
2. Paul: a father in the faith.
3. Paul: a new testament writer.
4. Paul: an imitator of Christ.

Interesting. . .Invigorating. . .Sobering

Take note of Paul's simple beginnings. Paul began to experience true life while blinded, talking to God and down on his knees (see Acts 9).

It's that simple. Paul began his life praying.

So it really does not matter if you are a religious person, scholar, blind man, persecutor, prisoner, person in need, or one who is beaten-up. . . begin again!

Truth Restorers
are people who pray;
filled with his spirit,
you plead not in vain.

Are You Willing?

This is the Word of the LORD:

"And you, my son Solomon, know the God of your father, and serve him with single mind and willing heart; for the LORD searches every mind, and understands every plan and thought. If you seek him, he will be found by you; but if you forsake him, he will abandon you forever. Take heed now, for the LORD has chosen you to build a house as the sanctuary; be strong, and act."

1 Chronicles 28: 9 – 10

Dear believers, who lift their hearts in a concert of prayer for Christ’s beloved church, do you hear what God is speaking to you? The LORD has chosen you to build his house, his temple, his body of believers, his place of worship as a sanctuary for Him to abide in.

Do you wonder “How? How are we to do it?” Dear Child, do not fear . . . only fear the LORD. For this is the wrong question. It is not a matter of “How?”, nor of intellectual prowess, but "HOW: A House of Worship" the Father says.

For we are to worship the Father in spirit and in truth. The location is in our hearts.

But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father seeks such as these to worship him. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.

John 4: 23 - 24

The cornerstone is Jesus Christ (not a Peter, Paul or little rock).

So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are citizens with the saints and also members of the household of God, built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the cornerstone. In him the whole structure is joined together and grows into a holy temple in the LORD; in whom you also are built together spiritually into a dwelling place for God.

Ephesians 2: 19 - 22

The Holy Spirit will guide you into all truth. . . and, as in times past, this can not be done in our own strength or earthly wisdom.

"Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, says the LORD of Hosts."

Zechariah 4: 6b

Others do not know what they are missing. There is no god like our God! Let’s be faithful to seek Him and his face. And if we continue to walk before the LORD with all our heart he will strengthen us.

These are his promises to those who believe and confess:

O LORD, God of Israel, there is no God like you, in heaven or on earth, keeping covenant in steadfast love with your servants who walk before you with all their heart.

2 Chronicles 6: 14

For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the entire earth, to strengthen those whose heart is true to him.

2 Chronicles 16: 9a

Wake up and Sing!

Speak, child of mine, tell of His Glory
Speak, child of mine, tell of His Story
Speak, child of mine, for the Kingdom of God has come to you
Speak, child of mine, He is Faithful and True

Faithful and True, you belong to Him
Faithful and True, His Word never ends
Faithful and True, Jesus the Mighty King
Jesus, my Savior, God, and King

Mindful of Greater Things

I am mindful of this: There are greater things yet to be done.

In response: I commit myself to God's purposes and plans.

Do not let your heart be troubled.

For the Beloved Church

Originally this letter was written to encourage the leadership of a church renewal movement inside the PCUSA (the year 2006). I choose to release this letter now. I am ever mindful that the days are short – understanding that the spirit of the Anti-Christ has been unleashed.

Dear Ones,

This has been a week where God has narrowed my walk – not to restrict my freedom in Christ, but to protect my heart from half-truths. Basically, he inquired of me “To what teachings do you hold fast to?” “From whom do you seek wisdom and knowledge and truth?” “Whose words do you hold in your heart and cherish?” “Are you making choices based on God’s truth or simply taking action in response to words from the mouths and hands of man?”

In particular, there was a verse I had to talk to the Lord about. When I read it, I knew my heart was not pure and I was wrestling with this truth. Perhaps you are too. 2 Timothy 3: 12 says this, "Indeed, all who want to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted."

You see, at the time my eyes were opened to this scripture I was also reading a book on Christian martyrs. Through their testimonies, written in black and white, I could see a clear picture of how God sustained each one of them through all persecution, torture and means of death . . . just like he did for Stephen. The common denominator remains. They truly love(d) Jesus, keeping their eyes upon him.

This is the way I want to live too - - gazing upon my savior Christ Jesus.

I am thankful for God’s correction and the preparation of my heart for things to come. I want to hold to truth alone. It is Christ alone who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.

Please listen to God’s word, receive it, and pray for one another, as we possibly enter into a season of persecution for the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Your sister in Christ, Brenda

A KINGDOM PARABLE Matthew 13: 3b – 9; 18 – 23

3b "Listen! A sower went out to sow. 4 And as he sowed, some seeds fell on the path, and the birds came and ate them up. 5 Other seeds fell on rocky ground, where they did not have much soil, and they sprang up quickly, since they had no depth of soil. 6 But when the sun rose, they were scorched; and since they had no root, they withered away. 7 Other seeds fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked them. 8 Other seeds fell on good soil and brought forth grain, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. 9 Let anyone with ears listen!"

18 "Hear then the parable of the sower. 19 When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what is sown in the heart; this is what was sown on the path. 20 As for what was sown on rocky ground, this is the one who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; 21 yet such a person has no root, but endures only for a while, and when trouble or persecution arises on account of the word, that person immediately falls away. 22 As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the lure of wealth choke the word, and it yields nothing. 23 But as for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty."


HOW TO PRAY Colossians 2: 6 – 7

6 As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, continue to live your lives in him, 7 rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.

• Father God, I ask that you would strengthen my brothers and sisters in the faith. They are weary and sometimes fearful of what man can do to them.

• I thank you for giving us your Son. Lord, we are not worthy of praise. . . only you. It is unfathomable how much you love us! To think, that while we were yet sinners you sent your only son Jesus Christ to make a way for our salvation. THIS IS LOVE!

• Lord, please purify us and help us to desire only your Son.

• Lord, I also ask on behalf of the entire leadership of the beloved church that we would be rooted in Christ Jesus alone. I beg for greater faith, O God.
  

• Help our unbelief and change our hearts. May we be bold for Christ and never shrink back.

• Thank you for this opportunity to show you our love, and to draw closer to you through trials that purify our faith.

• Whom do I have in heaven but you? O my soul sings! I love you Jesus. You are My Everything.

This I pray in the precious name of JESUS.

WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT Colossians 2: 8 – 15

8 See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the universe, and not according to Christ. 9 For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, 10 and you have come to fullness in him, who is the head of every ruler and authority. 11 In him also you were circumcised with a spiritual circumcision, by putting off the body of the flesh in the circumcision of Christ; 12 when you were buried with him in baptism, you were also raised with him through faith in the power of God, who raised him from the dead. 13 And when you were dead in trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you alive together with him, when he forgave us all our trespasses, 14 erasing the record that stood against us with its legal demands. He set this aside, nailing it to the cross. 15 He disarmed the rulers and authorities and made a public example of them, triumphing over them in it.