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Watch out for the pricklies

Mattew 7:12 (MEV) Therefore, everything you would like men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.

While in prayer yesterday, I was praying for our church to seek God first. The word ‘seek’ kept going over and over in my mind and I turned to Isaiah 55:6 (MEV), “Seek the Lord while He may be found, call you upon Him while He is near” and Matthew 7:7 (MEV), “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and it will be opened to you.” Then I kept reading in Matthew, “For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks, it will be opened. What man is there among you who, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a snake? If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!“

I have learned with a “Therefore” that I better pay attention to what is going on before and after. We love the verses about when we ask it will be given to us but check out what He tells us to do. Do you know that the way you view people is important? How many of us are disappointed at people, but most of it is our own doing. Matthew 7:12 in the Amplified says this, “So then, in everything treat others the same way you want them to treat you, for this is [the essence of] the Law and the [writings of the] Prophets.” What did Jesus say were the greatest two commandments? To put it simply, to love God and to love people. It is a self-centered mindset for wanting people to do for you but for you not to seek out opportunities to do for others.

Matthew 7:13-14 (AMP) Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad and easy to travel is the path that leads the way to destruction and eternal loss, and there are many who enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow and difficult to travel is the path that leads the way to [everlasting] life, and there are few who find it.

Be mindful of the temptation to seek the best for yourself only. Seeking God takes a surrender of self. When we are positioned to love God, we should have the fruit of loving people. Jesus tells us that anything we would like for people to do for us, we should do for them. It is not when people do for you, you do the same in return. You start the process, even if they never do in return. When we lose peace and start keeping score is when we have done things without love. Love does not keep a record and does not keep score.

Matthew 7:15-20 (AMP) Beware of the false prophets, [teachers] who come to you dressed as sheep [appearing gentle and innocent], but inwardly are ravenous wolves.  By their fruit you will recognize them [that is, by their contrived doctrine and self-focus]. Do people pick grapes from thorn bushes or figs from thistles? Even so, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the unhealthy tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Therefore, by their fruit you will recognize them [as false prophets].

Eating from a tree that is dripping with bitterness can turn you sour. It can make you distrust God and the body of Christ. Watch out that you do not become prickly yourself. This is not to do good to the prickly people, but do not become one yourself. Set boundaries but always do good.

So, who does the initiation in seeking, asking and knocking? We do. Who does the start of the good works? We do. Can we expect others to do for us, and we are not willing to do for them? Absolutely not. Check our motives and keep our hearts pure, because self-focus and self-centeredness may seem like a path to take but it does not lead to growth in Christ. It may just lead to a life of prickly. So next time you are in your feelings about people not doing for you, get out of yourself and into the love of Christ. Seek out an opportunity to do for others, like you would want done for you.

Abba, Father, our Creator, You are worthy of our Praise and Honor. You are Marvelous and full of Majesty. You are Holy. Thank You for Your Son, our Prince of Peace. Thank You for the Holy Spirit, our Teacher and Comforter. Thank You for the revelation of Your Word to bring us to know You more. We want to know Your heart as we seek Your face. We repent for taking score and keeping records of when we feel like we have been disappointed by people. People are not our problem. Sometimes we have created our own problems, and we are sorry for that. Give us a heart that sees, hands eager to help, and the courage to move forward without pause. May our actions mirror Your compassion, bringing light to dark places, hope to the weary, and love to the lonely. Seach our hearts Lord, let us surrender our will and our ways to Yours. We choose forgiveness today. We choose hope today. We choose joy today. We choose love today. In Jesus Name, Amen.

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Where does rest come from?

2 Chronicles 14:2-5, 7 (AMP) Asa did what was good and right in the sight of the Lord his God. He removed the foreign altars and high places and tore down the [pagan] pillars (obelisks, memorial stones), and cut to pieces the Asherim [the symbols of the goddess Asherah]. And he commanded Judah to seek the Lord God of their fathers [to inquire of and for Him and seek Him as a vital necessity], and to observe the law [given to Moses] and the commandment. Asa also removed the [idolatrous] high places and the incense altars from all the cities of Judah. The kingdom was at rest and undisturbed under his reign. So he said to Judah, “Let us build these cities and surround them with walls, towers, gates and bars [to secure the doors]. The land is still ours because we have sought the Lord our God; we have sought Him [longing for Him with all our heart] and He has given us peace on every side.” So they built and prospered. 

When I read the Bible I do not pick and choose just my favorite verses, I read it in context of what was going on during the time it was written. Chronicles is separated into two books and goes along with first and second Samuel, first and second Kings, the books of the prophets, the writing of Psalms, Proverbs, Lamentations and Song of Solomon. King Asa (found in 1 Kings 15 and 2 Chronicles 14-16) reigned after the death of this father Abijah. In the first verse of 2 Chronicles 14, it states that the land was quiet for ten years. Why was that important? Because after Solomon died, the kingdom was split and warring against each other. There are now two kingdoms and two kings. Does that not sound confusing?

King Asa ruled 36 years. He was known to be a man of character and brought reforms to the nation. In verse five it states, “The kingdom was at rest and undisturbed under his reign.” Yet reformation happened and building happened. Actually, a few verses down we read that Zerah, an Ethiopian Cushate, came out against them. What? I thought they were at rest? The total number in King Asa’s army totaled 580,000 (army of Judah 300,000 and from Benjamin 280,000). The men from Ethiopian came out against them with one million men and three hundred chariots. Talk about out numbered! Asa went out to engage and arranged for battle.

2 Chronicles 14:11 (AMP) Asa called out to the Lord his God, saying, “O Lord, there is no one besides You to help in the battle between the powerful and the weak; so help us, O Lord our God, for we trust in and rely on You, and in Your name we have come against this multitude. O Lord, You are our God; let not man prevail against You.”

What happens next? God strikes down the enemy before King Asa and Judah. What does God striking down look like? Is it like He sends down lightning? How about He empowers us so that it happens like we put a knife in a stick of butter that has been softened.

Rest comes in His presence, not the absence of opposition. Not the absence of action. Rest and peace is seeking God with all of your heart, soul and mind. It is making Him your vital necessity. This is where rest come from. When opposition comes, you have no fear and no worry. He has made a way before you and you follow along fully armed in the full armor of God. Ready, have done all and then stand firm (Ephesians 6:13). This is why Jesus was able to sleep during the storm (Matthew 8:24).

King David, wrote Psalms 23 (AMP) towards the end of his life. We know his life did not go without opposition:

The Lord is my Shepherd [to feed, to guide and to shield me],
I shall not want.
He lets me lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside the still and quiet waters. 
He refreshes and restores my soul (life);
He leads me in the paths of righteousness
for His name’s sake.
Even though I walk through the [sunless] valley of the shadow of death,
I fear no evil, for You are with me;
Your rod [to protect] and Your staff [to guide], they comfort and console me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.
You have anointed and refreshed my head with oil;
My cup overflows.
Surely goodness and mercy and unfailing love shall follow me all the days of my life,
And I shall dwell forever [throughout all my days] in the house and in the presence of the Lord.

There is so much I can speak more on what His presence truly brings. Presence is my word for this year. In His presence is peace and rest, even when your enemy (the devil) wages war against you. Seek His as your most vital need today. There is nothing greater.

Father, I thank you for being the God who goes out before me. I seek you as my most vital need today. There is nothing else that I would rather have than be in Your presence. I know I will not really be at rest without You. You have proven Yourself time and again. Your guide me and I am comforted in that. You have prepared a way for me and I will not lack because of You. Let me be a light and example of what it is like to be at peace in this world, not to say that I do not have a care, because You care deeply for us. Peace is one of the gifts You sent when you sent Your Son. I am empowered with peace because of the Holy Spirit that now dwells in and around me. I pray for rest for the person reading this. May they grow to know you more this year. We desire more of You. In Jesus Name, Amen.

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My Most Essential Need

Psalms 105:1-4 (AMP) O give thanks to the Lord, call upon His name; Make known His deeds among the people. Sing to Him, sing praises to Him; Speak of all His wonderful acts and devoutly praise them. Glory in His holy name; Let the hearts of those who seek and require the Lord [as their most essential need] rejoice.  Seek and deeply long for the Lord and His strength [His power, His might];
Seek and deeply long for His face and His presence continually.

Today we have so much information available to us at our fingertips. Last night my youngest and I laid on the couch looking at SUVs to purchase. It looks like we are in the market for a new vehicle and are starting our search. When I was looking for my minivan the criteria was for it to have the captain chairs in the second row, the third row had to have the ability to lay down for storage and a DVD player, for my kids, with the headphones. My husband found the perfect one and I drove it until the motor needed to be replaced. To our disappointment the warranty company decided to take the van down to totaling it, and since the repairs will cost more than it is worth, they canceled the warranty.

Here is the reason I am standing on this verse. Over and over again the Word will direct us to what our most essential need will be. Although, right now we have two vehicles to use, my husband’s truck and my son’s blazer, I do not have an immediate need to have something to drive. It is an inconvenience. If I did not have those then I would take advantage of the many ride sharing options in our area. I had once provided that service. My most essential need is to be in His presence. I cannot spend so much time and focus on needing a new vehicle that I negate the need for His strength. Although, time and again favor has been poured out concerning my van, He is still good and this is the next step He wants us to go in. Favor is still being shown as the service center will be putting it back together and the cost will be better than initially quoted. The warranty company will be sending us a check and we will be able to pay off the truck and only have one car payment.

Psalms 37:4-5 (AMP) Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires and petitions of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him also and He will do it.

I will continue to delight myself in Him and enjoy every moment of it. He knows the what I desire in my next vehicle, and I will wait patiently for it. Hebrews 11:1 says, “Now faith is the assurance (title deed, confirmation) of things hoped…” I do not need to try to figure out and worry about how we are going to make another car payment. Therefore, I will not stop looking for people and places to plant seed. It is taken care of. He is my most essential need.

The news for my vehicle came on the heals of me returning from attending Icing this weekend with Terri Savelle Foye. It was an event that I got to attend free, including my airfare and hotel. She encouraged us to stand on Psalms 37:4-5 and Hebrews 11:1. Our Father wants for us to delight in Him. He wants to take us places that we have dreamed of (Ephesians 3:20). We are not promised to not experience trials and testings. Where does our faith stand? Why do I search for Him? For me, it is because I want Him to be my most essential need.

You may also have a need for a vehicle or you may be wondering how you will pay your light bill this month. With the rise in the cost of goods, it could be on how you are going to feed your family. Know this, God knows our needs (Matthew 6:25-34). There are many foundations in the Word with a promise and seeking Him first is one of them (Matthew 6:33). Do not lose heart, make Him your most essential necessity.

Father, I come boldly into the throne room of grace to worship you. I praise your name not just because of your goodness, but also because of who you are. You are the God who sees me. Thank you for sending your Son to redeem me into your presence. You already know the petitions of my heart. You know my every need before I even have to speak them. Above all else I desire you, I desire you as my most essential necessity. Thank you that I have breath in my lungs to continue to glorify your name. I will continue to speak of your goodness and sing praises of who you are. You are all I need and I put my trust in you. I know you have the solutions to what is going on and I have decided to listen to you and not become anxious in trying to work it out of my own. Thank you for your peace. In Jesus Name, Amen.

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What needs restoring?

Isaiah 33:6 (AMP) And He will be the security and stability of your times, a treasure of salvation, wisdom and knowledge; the fear of the Lord is your treasure.

This is the verse for the cover picture on my personal Facebook page. This tells me that I need to be about the Father’s business. How do I know when I am on the right track?

Proverbs 19:21 (AMP) Many plans are in a man’s mind, but it is the Lord’s purpose for him that will stand (be carried out).

Psalms 105:4 (AMP) Seek and deeply long for the Lord and His strength [His power, His might];
Seek and deeply long for His face and His presence continually.

These are just two verses that speaks to seeking God. We seek Him in our prayer life and in His Word. If our prayer life does not line up with what is in His Word then we may need guidance. God has given us the five fold ministry for a reason (Ephesians 4:11). However, when you come to your pastor and tell them “God said” and then ask their guidance, who are we to come against “God said” (even if it does not line up with His character and nature). We will tell you what the Word says, but when someone states “God said” their minds have already been made up.

There are many words that are thrown out as the new year begins. For our church the word that was given to my husband was “Restore.” He preached a message yesterday about this being the year of reconciliation. Many people when they hear restore, especially in the church, they are thinking about physical restoration and financial restoration. They want what they can tangibly see and touch restored. In my memories today I saw a picture of the demolition of my kitchen before the restoration could begin. It started with a small leak behind the wall. My kitchen today is beautiful and has brought many good meals to my boys bellies. This not the restore He wants to do this year. What about the original intent? Restoring man to God. My prayer life and actions will show what I treasure.

Matthew 6:33 (TPT) “So above all, constantly seek God’s kingdom and his righteousness, then all these less important things will be given to you abundantly.”

We are to give diligent dedication to one’s self with that which that we are seeking. Seekers have a desire to know and possess a passion for the object of their search. We are to pursue! The Kingdom should have no other competing priority in our lives. The Kingdom is not a religion ans therefore our priority should not be to seek some form of ritual for our lives.

Matthew 5:6 (AMP) “Blessed [joyful, nourished by God’s goodness] are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness [those who actively seek right standing with God], for they will be [completely] satisfied.“

Righteousness means we are to be in alignment with, in right standing with, to have correct fellowship with, to be in a right relationship with, to be in legal or lawful alignment, and to be in correct standing with the regulations of to fulfill the requirements of authority. You notice there are times of re-alignment. When we are out of alignment we experience fatigue, lack, disconnect from the fellowship of the church, etc. Although we are in right standing with Christ, we still have our own mind, will and emotions. These can get our of alignment and cause us not to desire what He desires. This does not effect our salvation, it will effect our impact to restore man to God. Why is it important for me to restore man to God? Jesus did it all on the cross right? That does not mean you were not given an assignment.

Matthew 28:18-20 (AMP) Jesus came up and said to them, “All authority (all power of absolute rule) in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations [help the people to learn of Me, believe in Me, and obey My words], baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always [remaining with you perpetually—regardless of circumstance, and on every occasion], even to the end of the age.”

You were put in right standing and given the mantel of righteousness for a reason. You are to “GO!” Look people in the face when you leave the house. See His created and desire what He desires…to see them restored!

Praying this year is a year of restoration. Reconciling man to God!

2 Corinthians 5:18 (AMP) But all these things are from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ [making us acceptable to Him] and gave us the ministry of reconciliation [so that by our example we might bring others to Him]