Breaking Dams and Shining Lights

Psalm 24:1

The earth is the Lord's, and the fullness thereof; 

the world, and they that dwell therein.

Today I want to share part of an entry from my journal which was born out of one of my visits with the Lord recently. This one, particularly, because it relates to our lights shining brighter. So, here goes:

As we allow The Holy Spirit to unstop the dams within, the Living Water can begin to flow more and more freely, and we can become more like Isaiah 58:11 describes:

NASB 1995
And the LORD will continually guide you, And satisfy your desire in scorched places, And give strength to your bones; And you will be like a watered garden, And like a spring of water whose waters do not fail. (Emphasis, mine)

And also like John 7:38

King James Bible
He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.

 

The Living water of His Spirit will flow more freely to us and through us, and our Light will shine brighter and brighter as we allow Him who is Light to have His way more and more.  Only the Spirit and the Word of God  can work together to reveal spiritual heart blockages and He is skilled in  removing them. All He needs is our permission and cooperation to proceed.  As we allow His great love for us to call us deeper  into Himself,  we not only see more of who He truly is, we also can begin to to see more clearly who we are truly created to be,,,, and it'll be much better than we could have  imagined!  And as I've mentioned before, the journey can be painful at times but it is so worth it, especially because of our increased ability to see and experience His absolute loveliness! 

Truly, truly,  Jesus IS the reward....and that is exactly what He thinks about us....and for most of us, THAT is difficult to  receive.

2 Corinthians 4:7

But we have this treasure in earthen vessels,

 that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.

The Other Side of the Boat

Psalm 24:1

The earth is the Lord's, and the fullness thereof; 

the world, and they that dwell therein.

I wanted to write a follow-up post since the last one on March 12, 2023 -- Being and Shining. And I did try....several times. In fact I spent quite a bit of time and a number of different ways in efforts to express what was in my heart, but to no avail. The simple truth?  The blog had become a "work" like everything else in my life.  Instead of the enjoyment of simply sharing my heart,  and the goodness of God I  had come to a place where there was no joy in my life...so how could I share that?  My light had flickered. My true Light had become hidden under a weight of cares-under the "bushel"  of tiredness, dwindling hope and human effort.

So what does one do at a time like that? The hard thing, of course- let go of the tight hold of the end of the frazzled rope we're  grasping for dear life (by what faith we may have left) and trust that God really is there to catch us. Once we've done that, though full of uncertainty and fear, wave the white flag of surrender while laying down EVERYTHING to Him in a way we never fully knew we needed to until we had our own personal "end of the rope" experience!  Yes!  It is this simple....and this difficult... and this fearful-- to finally let that  old independent nature of ours fully die without a clue as to how it all will play out!... mm-hmm. Really.

Jesus gave us  several examples of the need to travel the "surrendered road" with Peter....I know everyone picks on him, but he was called to greatness and Jesus knew he could handle it!  So, how about when Peter, the fisherman by trade, thought he knew more about fishing than Jesus did  until later he had to bow to Him saying, " Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord."  This was after Jesus told him to go cast his nets on the other side of the boat after Peter told Jesus they had already fished all night without catching a thing, but none-the-less...suggesting, well, you know! Then again in Matthew 26:69-75  Peter cursed while denying he even knew Jesus! But after his repentance, full surrender to Jesus and  baptism in the Holy Spirit,  Peter was transformed from a man who could be pressured into cursing like a sailor to one who spoke the oracles of God!  

Peter's surrendered life led him successfully to the place where his light shined to all as from a lampstand rather than one limited, buried under a bushel of fleshly  hindrances. 

The first requirement of our light shining brightly necessitates  our receiving  Jesus as Lord and Savior. After all He Is the true Light and when we receive him we become new creations in Him and are changed from actually being darkness in our spirits into instantly being made light even as He is Light.  But we are babes indeed in understanding and have to grow into maturity in learning how to become sons of God!  Often it takes long periods of great stress and distress to bring us to a place of understanding just how much we've relied on ourselves ever so much more than we dreamed.  But truly, only He by His word and Spirit knows how to reveal our hearts to us as the Word shows us in Hebrews 4:12:

For the Word of God is living and powerful and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. 

And do know, with His revealing there is also healing,  His only purpose for revealing anything to us is to bring us into wholeness, to shine light on areas of our heart for correction, protection and direction and to give greater wisdom and understanding. As the Word tells us His mercies are new every morning.  I believe most of us may not be good receivers because of the general harshness and even cruelty, we've experienced in our everyday lives and these are what we've come to know and expect....especially over these last few years  (and after all, some of us may even think it's our job to take on the responsibility of making things better for everyone!) The effects of these hardships and difficulties can become roadblocks within which limit our ability to accept the goodness of people much less the goodness of our Creator.  This kind of knowledge, these roadblocks,  are the strongholds which limit us and are the very things He wants to help us begin to dismantle.  All these things are carried over  even after  our born again experience and require the cooperative effort of the Holy Spirit and us to begin to look at and tear down in order to begin to experience a better more peaceful and productive life for ourselves and those we love.

It's not always easy to participate in the process with Him, but it's well worth getting to know Him on a deeper level, a healing, greater peace level which begins to affect every part of our lives.  All I can say is that becoming a greater receiver of grace is a  fa-a-a-ar better way to live than not--even as the word says in Romans 5:17;

For if by one man's offence [Adam's]  death reigned by one; much more they which receive an abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ. (emphasis, mine)

All I can add to this now is that living a lifestyle of becoming better acquainted with  casting  my net on the other side, whichever side that is, because He always knows what side is best for the best results!  And how great it is not ever having to travel this journey alone!....and leaving behind having to "figure out" the best way to go!

2 Corinthians 4:7

But we have this treasure in earthen vessels,

 that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.

 

Being and Shining!

 

Psalm 24:1

The earth is the Lord's, and the fullness thereof; 

the world, and they that dwell therein.

I was gifted with a new laptop and since I was unfamiliar with it, I decided to take it for a 'test drive".   While checking it out, I went to my blog, this one, to see if everything worked as it did before. It did and as I looked over the various aspects of it, I decided to hang around to read some older posts, and one especially caught my attention because of its relevance for the days we find ourselves living in at this moment. And since that was the case, it brought to mind what I had written on the title page of my journal for this year.  As I wrote "2023", the rest of the words flowed from my heart as I wrote them...just as if I had pre-planned them which was not the case. Here they are:

In 2023, it's You and me.

In 2023 The Light that shines

has to be mine.

In 2023, I choose You living 

through me.

In 2023, I'm gonna be totally

free.

In 2023, it's an abundance of

grace and the Gift of Righteousness flowing to,

and through, me.

I never intended to share this, especially publicly, but here it is, and I think the previous post from 6 years ago will shine a little light on why they seem to fit, so, here it is!

[Since I wrote both of these posts, I took the liberty to emphasize a phrase or two which I find particularly relevant to my journal title page for 2023.]

Tuesday, March 7, 2017

Shine, Shine, Shine!

 

As mentioned in the following movie trailer, "Show the Lord a little respect..."  I think it's a great idea, but not how the choir director meant it!   Let us all show Him a little respect by letting our true light shine, what He created us to be, and all of our best "doing" will come out of that.  Oh, there will always be those who will try to discourage us, but now is a very good time to break loose, break through, break free from all that held us back and let our lights shine no matter our age.   Herein lies joy!  

In keeping with lights shining, here's my all-time favorite movie trailer. 

Though the little girl in the video needed some instruction in proper timing, she didn't need to be cast aside.  What a missed opportunity to have offered loving instruction in order to develop a true gift!

We might not all be superstars in the making, but we can all be super at being ourselves. By developing and using our God given personalities with all the gifts and talents which go along with it, we have so much more to offer those around us.  Is there a greater way to respect God than to cooperate with Him in being who He truly intended us to be?  

I think He's still saying, " Let there be Light," so I trust Him to help us all "rise and shine!"  So, my final word on this subject is, and I say to us all:

                                                                                 Lights Be! 

 I'll close this entry today, Sunday, March 12, 2023, with the title of the previous one. And I say to us all... Shine, Shine, Shine!

2 Corinthians 4:7

But we have this treasure in earthen vessels,

 that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.

Olam El

 

Psalm 24:1

The earth is the Lord's, and the fullness thereof; 

the world, and they that dwell therein.

Olam El!  What a magnificent name for God!  It's a name that is rarely mentioned, but one with great significance.  I'm going to share a link which will give definition to  the beauty, life, freedom and power that's  within the name Abraham used to describe the Eternal God. And what a discovery it is!  And again, as in all the names used for God, having understanding of what's in the name enables us to embark on the journey of receiving  by faith  all  that the name implies. 

While watching "The Power is in the Glove" (what I thought was today's video for Give Him 15 by Dutch Sheets,)  I was so deeply moved by recceiving what I needed  personally today--a renewed hope and expectation for my future--that I didn't hear the part  where Dutch spoke about and prayed for Afghanistan and its people and all that had taken place there. I only heard it the second time I watched and listened because I didn't  want to miss  amything the LORD had for me!  You can imagine my puzzlement when I went back later to copy the link so I could add it to this blog and  discovered it wasn't the video made for today, September 12, 2022, but it was made for September 2, 2021,  a year ago! It took a moment for the infomation to sink in when I saw that the video for today's date had a different title  and that I had "mistakenly" watched another video instead! Thank God once I returned to my senses, it didn't take long to find the one I had watched  earlier and it was not a mistake at all, but was the Holy Spirit leading me where I needed to go.  How much more am I convinced that  becaue of the Father's great love  the Holy Spirit  moved on my behalf to see to it that I received what I really needed today!  WOW!

In light of what the greater understanding in the definition of the Name, Olam El, did for me, all I could think to do was share it here today in case, by the hearing of it,  hope would be restored to others who may be in need of a loving touch from God that only Olam El  can bring. So...

Without further delay, here's the link to Dutch Sheets', Give Him 15 "The Power is in the Glove"  and I  trust the Holy Spirit will touch you wherever you need to know the Everlasting God  the most today.  

Please note:  Though the video is about "taking out" spiritual giants,  the information  concerning Abraham  and his use of the name Olam El   is what is pertinent to this blog post.

2 Corinthians 4:7

But we have this treasure in earthen vessels,

 that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.

Follow-up to: Just Show Up? Really.

Psalm 24:1

The earth is the Lord's, and the fullness thereof; 

the world, and they that dwell therein.

This is a follow-up to my last post:  Just Show Up? Really. 

This morning I watched a short sermon clip on Youtube of Pastor Bill Johnson, of Bethel Church in Redding California, teaching something very interesting and enlightening.  It was to me especially because it brought some clarity to the transition I'm cycling through in this season. He was comparing the extremes between receiving as a child  through rest and receiving through the violence of taking by force using our faith.  He said when receiving as a child it relates to learning about our identity  while  taking by force relates to using our authority.

The transition for me in this season is learning to be prepared to do either at a moments notice. This is the nature of  spiritual warfare. As I wrote in my last post, I was worn out and had used up all my resourses.  Truthfully, I was having a difficult time distinquishing  the difference between resting properly and  quitting all together. I hadn't been wise in understanding the absolute need to rest as necessary in order to proceed with strength besides not understanding how much more I was relying on myself than I realized. It was that last unconquered area of self reliance that had to be dealt with. 

Years ago after having read Psalm 110:3 I committed myself to be a volunteer in the day of his battle and that desire has never left me. I was concerned I'd be as a deserter and unfaithful to my calling even as the men of Ephraim were if I didn't constantly stay at it.  We're told God was not pleased with them because though they were armed they turned back in the day of battle. Though my heart sincerely desired to stay active and engaged, my human ability could never attain to the high standard I had placed on myselft.   And that was the key, "the standard I had placed on myself." 

Once I literally cried out to the LORD in admission that I could NOT go any further, and all the turmoil had ceased,  and I could hear His gentle voice within, I was enabled to do what He said to do, "Go in the strength you have."  This is what assured me that I could go on in His strength alone.

We all can come  battle weary in stressful seasons especially in extended, unsettled times such as we're living in these days. Problem is, exhaustion can make us a little  bit..well..."crazy"!  We sometimes just can't think clearly, and that's when we need help greater than ourselves.  And thank God, we  can call on Jesus and He WILL answer. And I feel impressed to add: If you've never asked Him to come into your life, you can ask Him right where you are. It's this simple, ask Him to come and live in you and take your life and do something with it. I promise He will do it.  At the end of this entry I'm going to give several phone numbers to ministries I trust  where people are available to pray for you and help you know what to do next.

So, here's the link to Pastor Johnson's video clip, To Rest or to Fight I mentioned earlier. I trust this short 6 minute, powerpacked message will be a blessing to you as  it was for me in whatever circumstances you're having to deal with.  It might help to clarify whether or not you should "come out swinging" or simply rest and trust!...as he mentions in his message.

For Prayer, Call:

Andrew Wommack Ministries

Prayer

719-635-1111

At the prompts press  1

Available 24 hours a day.   

KCM/ Eagle Mountain International Church

Prayer (not a toll free number).   

817-852-6000

Monday – Friday: 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Saturday – Sunday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

2 Corinthians 4:7

But we have this treasure in earthen vessels,

 that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.

Just Show Up? Really.

 

Psalm 24:1

The earth is the Lord's, and the fullness thereof; 

the world, and they that dwell therein.

"Back in the day" whenever that day was,  I recall some who hosted what was called a "Come As You Are Party." As the title suggests, it was an improptu party where people  came dressed in whatever they were wearing at the time of the invite.  I thought of it because of the decision I finally came to this morning. 

Around the globe, we're living in such a chaotic time where each day seems to require more effort to  make it through than the day before.  So what do we do when our best efforts and all our reserves of strength and internal fortitude have been used up and are failing us?  I was there this morning.  I really had reached that place and was pouring it out to my Father....and after a moment or two of silence before Him,  I was somehow enabled to make a decision even after considering all my weaknesses and  seemingly insurmountable issues.  I decided I could just simply...show up.  

Though nothing really changed, my desicion made a difference and I knew it. Then  a few moments later-even as God had spoken to Gideon-I heard the voice of the Spirit say quietly within "go in the strength you have". That confirmation from Him made all  the difference.  I knew it would really be okay just to show up despite how I may be looking or feeling, just like going to a Come As You Are party.  I knew from past experiences that if I'd show up where I was suppose to,  He'd show up, too! 

At times just showing up really is enough and that's a miracle in itself.  I came to this point with this blog entry yesterday. After making several attempts to end it,  I knew I didn't have the true reason why just "showing up" is so important  to our God.  I knew I had to see it from His perspective so the following is what He showed me early this morning:

By choosing to show up, we're reaffirming our committment to stand with and honor Him not in words only, but also in our actions.  Since He's already promised to remain with us,  as well as stating in Hebrews 13:5 “I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you;” our loyalty to Him satisfies His heart in a very special way as we actually stand with Him in our weakest, most vulnerable seasons.

"Thank You, for your lovingkindness to us your children who always gives us strength to stand...for after all Your Presence with us IS that enabling strength!"

2 Corinthians 4:7

But we have this treasure in earthen vessels,

 that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.

A Tribute

Psalm 24:1

The earth is the Lord's, and the fullness thereof; 

the world, and they that dwell therein.

As I lying in bed in the very early hours of this morning,  a poem I had written in the late 70's rose up within me.  Though at the time it seemed to be "dark" to some who read it, I remained undaunted and kept it as it was  since I had a knowing on the inside that it was as it should be.  And now, since we live in a time I thought I'd never see, where so much hardship has been experienced by so many worlwide, the poem has proven to be prophetic.

So today I share it here as a tribute to all who've suffered much with the hope that it will offer encouragement to hang in there one more day and then...do it again the next day knowing that as we choose to trust God in spite of it all, we can put Romans 8:28 to work on our behalf. He really can and will make all things work together for good as we choose to trust Him through it.  And do take note that where  the word "Gold" is metioned in the following, it's merely a metaphor for our faith and trust in God as it is being purified by fire.

[P.S.  added June 24, 2022]  To be perfectly clear,  it is God Himself through Jesus Christ Himself who is our "Gold".  Afterall, what good would it be if our faith was tried by fire based on anyone less  than Him who is the author and finisher of our faith?

A Surly Cloud

 Fear not should some,

surly cloud hail your door,

for oft' times 

 life's dearest treasures hide

behind its burly core.

Don't shrink away

in fear

or dread,

for masks these beasts do wear,

to hide you from

the truth

they hold,

to keep your chambers bare.

So clothe yourself

with courage

and strength

standing within  its train,

for when it's  passed

Your Gold you'll find,

did keep you well sustained. 

                                                ABB 1979

2 Corinthians 4:7

But we have this treasure in earthen vessels,

 that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.