Listen, my radiant one—if you ever lose sight of me, just follow in my footsteps where I lead my lovers. Come with your burdens and cares. Come to the place near the sanctuary of my shepherds. Song of Songs 1:8 TPT Bible
There are several reasons I love this verse, but the one I’d like to focus on this morning is that if we lose sight of Him on our journey, all we need do is look for His footsteps and follow them till we catch up with Him once more. Isn’t that a comforting thought?
Distractions happen. Keeping your eyes on the prize isn’t always easy when so much is happening around you. We’ve all been there, done that, bought the t-shirt, wore it out and bought another. That’s just life, right? But to know that at any point, we can pick up His steps and walk on, that’s encouraging.
You can’t walk too far away that He can’t be reached. The mere mention of His Name brings Him into any situation you may face. Jesus. Say it and watch Him rush in.
Today in your current situation, call Him. Call His name, Jesus. Let His presence still the raging sea and transform your current waves to still water. You can bring all your burdens and cares and lay them before you. He cares for you.
“I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; and whatever you bind (declare to be improper and unlawful) on earth must be what is already bound in heaven; and whatever you loose (declare lawful) on earth must be what is already loosed in heaven.” Matthew 16:19 amp
When you purchase a home, you’re given a key to that house. How silly would it be for you to tell everyone you own the house but never open the door and move in? What good is a home if you don’t live there?
Jesus gave us the keys to the Kingdom but we don’t use the keys to unlock the gate and live Kingdom lives. We talk about it, but we live outside the gate, pointing our fingers, ‘This is my eternal home. This is where I’m gonna live someday!’
It’s time to begin reading the Word and believing what we read. Lets bind up sickness and disease and loose healing. Lets bind up poverty and loose increase. Lets not pray it once, and say it just doesn’t work for me! Lets use the power given and contend for what is rightfully ours. Lets bind the strong man everyday. Lets worship and give thanks for the Kingdom thats within us!
Then Jesus was led by the Spirit up into the desert, to be tempted by the devil. After a fast of forty days and nights he was very hungry. Matthew 4:1 Phillips
Well, I imagine He was hungry. Not only hungry, but pretty weak as well. 40 days? I’d be hungry after a day! How about you?
Have you ever been led to a wilderness in a weakened condition to be tested? Think about it. What kinds of hurdles and obstacles have you had to jump over on your journey? Have you ever gone through something and heard a voice say, “God doesn’t care about you! He doesn’t keep His promises. Maybe for others, but not for you. He’s not going to heal you. You say, ‘I will live and not die and declare the works of the Lord’, but will you?”
That’s being tempted to walk away from what you know deep down in your heart is truth. Even those of us who have walked with God for a long time have faced these ‘temptations’ to let go and fall away. To allow the darkness to consume you simply because you don’t see a way out.
Jesus told us we’d go through trials. He said we’d face hard times but He also said, “Be of good cheer, I’ve overcome the world!” Regardless of where you are, He’s with you. Regardless of what you face, you’re not alone.
Look what happened at the end of the temptation; Then the devil let him alone, and the angels came to him and took care of him. (verse 11) You can look forward to that at the end of what you’re going through, He’ll send His angels to minister to you because God won’t do anything less for you.
Not that I am implying that I was in any personal want, for I have learned how to becontent (satisfied to the point where I am not disturbed or disquieted) in whatever state I am. Philippians 4:11 Amplified
Have you ever quoted this verse to yourself or someone else with the intent of conveying that ‘you just need to be happy where you are’? I have. But that word is interpreted quite differently here. It’s actually referring to your state of mind while going through something.
Paul said it’s a journey, a lesson learned, a process that goes beyond just satisfied. It’s not allowing the situation you face to shake you, it’s allowing your trust in God to keep you in place of peace that is so deep, it covers all the surrounding turmoil.
So my thoughts on this today are simple; I must not be disturbed or disquieted. Even when the rough waves of the water threaten to zap me of strength to stand against their onslaught, I stand not in my own peace, but His. I trust in the Lord with all my heart, leaning not on my own understanding, but in His. He’s my Father, He loves me, where He leads me will place me where He needs me most.
Then I heard what sounded like a crowd, like the sound of a roaring waterfall, like loud peals of thunder. I heard them say, “Praise God! For the Lord, our Almighty God, is King! Let us rejoice and be glad; let us praise his greatness! For the time has come for the wedding of the Lamb, and his bride has prepared herself for it. She has been given clean shining linen to wear.” (The linen is the good deeds of God’s people.) Revelation 19:6-8
I’ve stood at the edge of Niagara Falls watching the water fall and hearing the mighty roar of it’s falling. I’ve stood in a stadium, listening as the crowd roared and cheered when the concert ended, wanting more. But my friend, imagine that amplified a kazillion times when all of heaven cheers at the announcement, “My Son is getting Married today! His bride is ready!”
Many of us are waiting, hoping, wondering, longing to hear those words. Are we ready? Truly ready? Or is that what He’s waiting for, a bride who is ready, spotless and white, occupying until He comes. Are you speaking His Word, doing good deeds, righteous deeds for others?
I have a dear friend who is getting married today in a private ceremony. I’ve watched her this past year as she’s prepared herself for her love. I’ve also met her betrothed and I can tell you, he’s definitely a keeper! But when I spoke with her on Monday, she voiced her hearts cry to me which should be all of ours, that this relationship not come between her and Jesus. She said she would rather walk away then allow that to happen.
That stirred me and I’ve thought about those words all week and echo that; may I have the courage to step away from anyone or thing that would try to separate me from the love of Jesus. There can be no substitute, no hinderances as we continue to run our race toward the finish line. If those around us aren’t cheering us on, if they’re trying to keep us in their comfort zone, convince us we should take a break or rest, we must walk away and continue the race without them.
Father, I want to be ready, spotless and pure, running toward You! My heart longs for and follows hard after You! You alone are worthy to receive glory and honor and praise. I love You immensely. I long for You deeply.
Today as I reach up my hands to touch Your finger tips, may I feel You envelop me with Your arms, holding me close to You. May I feel Your heart beat as You breathe on my neck giving me strength to finish well.
You are more real to me then anything I could see or feel in my natural realm. I do love You. You will return for me and that is enough for now. I will wait and in my waiting, I will be faithful to You and Your Word. I will listen closely when You speak and be quick to move as You lead.
A person may have many ideas concerning God’s plan for his life, but only the designs of God’s purpose will succeed in the end. Proverbs 19:21 TPT
Again I’m blown away by the plans God has for me and how many times I’ve seen Him answer prayers. I can look back over my past and tell you stories that would blow your mind. I’m sure you have seen the same things. I’d love to hear about them!
This morning I’ll share something very recent in hopes you’ll be encouraged. Many of you are aware that I rent a room on and off a commonly used site. I’ve been doing it for over two years and have met some pretty amazing people. Some of them have remained a part of our lives and visit often. It’s such a blessing!
About a week ago, I had a woman book with me for a week. She happened to arrive on the evening we were hosting our church’s connect group so I reached out to her, giving her a heads up that we would probably be having about 10 people there and she was welcome to join us. She responded that she had previous plans, but would never be scared away by a church event. Well, that was positive.
I briefly was able to welcome her to our home that evening and as we spoke, I instantly liked her. I don’t normally do this, but was overcome with the urge to hug her, so I did, and she hugged me back. The next day, I went to work thinking, I really like her. She’s my kind of people and I couldn’t wait to get to know a little bit about her.
So the next evening, I was able to talk with her a little bit more and asked a little more about her. She mentioned she worked for a landscaper and at one time, had her own small landscaping business. She said she noticed we were working on the small courtyard attached to her room and would love to help us, stating she loved doing things like that.
What she didn’t know was this; I had a vision when we first bought the house of taking out the window and putting in a door going out into the side yard. I wanted to fence it in, put in pavers and lights to create a tropical retreat for our guests. Well, I had saved up the money, had the doors done and the fencing done, all that remained was the pavers.
Due to an unexpected surgery 6 weeks earlier, I couldn’t lift anything at all, so I was very frustrated that I couldn’t finish the project that was so close to completion. I was able to hang the lights, spray painted the small table and chairs and cleaned up the area. I even had a friend donate a good share of the pavers, but I could only look at them and wonder who I could get to come and finish it for me. I was willing to pay, but I couldn’t find anyone who knew how and I didn’t want to spend $1000 on a landscaper to do it.
I remember saying, “Lord, you’re going to have to work this out. I don’t want to be frustrated anymore.”
For 3 free nights, she’s finished my courtyard for me. I cried. Especially when I realized just what God did to arrange this. She’d just recently sold her house and needed a place to stay until she could find a place to rent. When I told her our steps are ordered by the Lord and He delights in the plans He has for us, she said her daughter had just told her the same thing.
I told her my story and that she was an answered prayer, a gift from God, she cried. We never know who God will send or the purpose for their visit, but we’re alway prepared to open our home and hearts, to encourage and be ready to build friendships and love as Jesus does.
I know this is a long story, but thanks for reading it. God still has plans and we’re right in the middle of it.
God, create a pure heart in me. Give me a new spirit that is faithful to you. Don’t send me away from you. Don’t take your Holy Spirit away from me. Give me back the joy that comes from being saved by you. Give me a spirit that obeys you. That will keep me going, Then I will teach your ways to those who commit lawless acts and sinners will turn back to you. Psalm 51:10-13 NIRV
This has been my prayer since I was 15 and surrendered my life to Christ. Pure heart, faithful spirit and please oh please, don’t send me away or leave me. I remember praying this one morning to hear the Lord whisper, “I could never leave you! Since my Spirit is in you, when I leave, you’re coming with me.” I stopped praying that part of the prayer, but the rest, well it’s still my desire.
The next part is what we should do daily; remembering what it was like when we first learned of forgiveness and grace. Being thankful. Going over the goodness God has poured into our lives. Then the big one: Give me a spirit that obeys you, that keeps me going. An obedient heart with a tenacious spirit.
I don’t ever want to miss an opportunity, an open door or a chance to affect a life for God. A constant reminder that my life is not my own. Sometimes it thinks it is, but I have to constantly remind myself, no, flesh! You are free because of someones sacrifice and that someone was Jesus. A love that big deserves more then I have to give so I give it all.
Someday, I will stand before Him, wrap my arms around Him, hug Him hard and fall at His feet and kiss them. I will scream out, “HOLY”, “WORTHY”, “THANK YOU!” and begin again. How I long for that day. The eternal ‘Friday’! Never to have to labor again.
“How long before dinner’s ready?” “Twenty minutes left on the timer and it’s ready.”
Wouldn’t it be great if we could predict when an expected promise would show up? Like setting a timer on the oven. The alarm goes off and it’s finished! How long should we wait? Until we see it!
“Therefore I say to you, all things for which you pray and ask, believe that you have received them, and they will be granted you.” Jesus said this in Mark 11:24 just after He had cursed the fig tree because it wasn’t producing figs when He was hungry. The disciples were amazed at what they saw, but Jesus wasn’t. He expected it.
So according to this verse, I see three key components to manifestation: 1. ASK 2. BELIEVE 3. RECEIVE
Expect what you ask for, no doubting. Your words have power, my friend. The bible says that life and death is in the power of our words so we must use them right to reap the fruit. Don’t teeter totter on what you’re believing for, wondering which way it will go. BELIEVE that the things you say will come to pass, walk away and EXPECT the manifestation.
You don’t stand looking in the oven, waiting for the timer to go off. That’s the reason for the timer. You can go do other things because the timer is set to tell you when to take it out.
Don’t wonder how God will do it, when God will do it or where God will do it. Suffice it to say, God will do it! Keep your thoughts on the Word and continue doing what God has told you to do. Get excited! Rejoice! Put on your dancin shoes! God loves to give good gifts to his children, and you’re no exception.
Father, it’s a new day and I am confident that when the process is finished, I will receive what I’ve asked for in faith. In the meantime, I will rejoice in You and believe that what You said, You will do. I’ve got things to do in the process, so I ask that You’ll accompany me today. Open doors of opportunity to share Your great love with others. It’s all about You! Your Kingdom come! Your will be done on earth as it is in Heaven. It’s in Jesus’ name-DING-It’s done!
Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing. 1 Thessalonians 5:11
I feel in my spirit that there are so many discouraged people out there today. People who woke up with a bad case of the Monday blues. Perhaps you’re just ready to give up the good fight because the good fight just got nasty. You’re not alone in your battle.
The bible says that the battle isn’t ours, its Gods. I think the reason people quit is because they allow the pain of rejection to become their own. Remember, they’re not rejecting you, they’re rejecting the God in you and though He was rejected of men, He still went to the cross, paid the price, redeemed you back then came back and gave you authority over all the power of the enemy.
If it’s happened to you, welcome. Welcome to an elite troupe of overcomer’s, those who have learned where their help comes from. Take all that hurt, bitterness and resentment and give it to the Lord. He is your strength, He is your help. He is your deliverer.
Here’s something else that overcomer’s have learned; Pray for your attackers. Yeah, I know, makes no sense in the natural, but it sure brings victory in the supernatural. Only God can see the outcome of your battle. When you look to Him, get HIS instruction, you’ll win every time.
Every Easter Sunday, thousands gather in churches throughout the world to hear the story of Jesus’ death and resurrection. But that’s not what Jesus said to do! In Marks account of the gospel, chapter 16, Jesus had told them what to do and where to go do it-into all the world.
So we still sit in our comfortable churches, inviting people to come sit with us to hear about Jesus instead of going out to them where they’re at and living the true gospel of Jesus. What is the true gospel? It’s loving others as Christ loved us. It’s caring enough to heal the sick, cast out tormenting spirits, raise people from the dead. It’s the first place Jesus went, out where the people were.
“Go everywhere in the world. Tell the Good News to everyone. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved. But those who do not believe will be judged guilty. And the people who believe will be able to do these things as proof: They will use my name to force demons out of people. They will speak in languages they never learned. If they pick up snakes or drink any poison, they will not be hurt. They will lay their hands on sick people, and they will get well.”
Father, I’m sorry for letting you down, for not going and being who you created and called me to be. I’ve allowed it to be about me when clearly it’s about others. I’m trying to get it right, see if it will work for me before I go ‘try’ it out on someone else. You clearly showed us it’s better to give than to receive but here we sit with our hands held out saying, ‘gimme, gimme, gimme’, ‘me first! me first!’
Lord, this Easter, may it not be about baskets of candy and fun for our children, but may we take our children into the community and show them how to heal the sick and cast out demons, even to show them how to love like you. “Just as I am without one plea, but that thy blood was shed for me. And that thou bidst me come to thee. Oh Lamb of God I come. I come.” Amen
remnantposts by sandy gregory 