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If you’ve been set free from sin and bondage and been given an amazing gift of a new life, maybe it’s your turn to give someone else an opportunity to hear about it.

Galatians 6:1 says,

Dear brothers and sisters, if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself.

This can be a very slippery slope for some, who might think “Oh I got this!” No you don’t! But God does. If God goes before you, then Go. Just an admonishment to those who don’t feel like they can, if He calls you to it He’ll anoint you to.

In Isaiah 61:1-3 it says,

The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor;1 he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound. 2 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor, wand the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn; 3 to grant to those who mourn in Zion— to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning,the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit; that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he may be glorified.

Why? The Lord anoints us to go…

“You can’t keep it unless you give it away.”

You must give away what you have, it’s like the story of the talents. You have to share. Give and it will be given unto you, good measure pressed down and running over. All Things!

It’s Jesus’ desire that we share what we have. He doesn’t expect us to go at it alone! He’s anointed us with the Spirit of God.

Remember..

Once we, too, were foolish and disobedient. We were misled and became slaves to many lusts and pleasures. Our lives were full of evil and envy, and we hated each other. 4 But—When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love,5 he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit.[a] 6 He generously poured out the Spirit upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior. 7 Because of his grace he made us right in his sight and gave us confidence that we will inherit eternal life. Titus 3:3-7

I believe we have to remember where we came from. Jesus modeled humility. We need to be humble.

Romans 12:3 Because of the privilege and authority[a] God has given me, I give each of you this warning: Don’t think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us

Acts 1:8 says, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” This power that comes from the Holy Spirit allows you to stand strong for the things of God.

There is one added scripture in this place of scripture, Jesus adds… “And recovery of sight to the Blind” Before this place, people couldn’t see. They were blind. But through Christ we see now, and through Christ in us and upon us, others can see too!

Living for God

1 Peter 4:1-5 So then, since Christ suffered physical pain, you must arm yourselves with the same attitude he had, and be ready to suffer, too. For if you have suffered physically for Christ, you have finished with sin.[a] 2 You won’t spend the rest of your lives chasing your own desires, but you will be anxious to do the will of God. 3 You have had enough in the past of the evil things that godless people enjoy—their immorality and lust, their feasting and drunkenness and wild parties, and their terrible worship of idols.

4 Of course, your former friends are surprised when you no longer plunge into the flood of wild and destructive things they do. So they slander you. 5 But remember that they will have to face God, who stands ready to judge everyone, both the living and the dead.

So my prayer for you today is to be ready to be used by God, that your eyes would be wide open for opportunities to share the gospel, that you’d allow the Holy Spirit to use you.

Blessings,

Jen Meyers

HUMBLED BUT HUNGRY

The word humbled is marked by meekness or modesty in behavior, attitude, or spirit. Showing deference or submission. Where hungry has its meaning in wanting or needing; a craving or a ravenous desire. These two words speak of the many facets of the Holy Spirit. One has to marvel at the layers of the Divine nature of God and our limited human minds to understand Him. He is all that is holy, and we are mere men, yet He has called us to know Him and walk with Him. Two opposites—flesh and Spirit. We are His paradox to the world; dying to gain, lost but now found, confessing to cleansing, full but never satisfied. 

This poem from my book Messy Poems and Not-So-Private Prayers is a piece that speaks of my journey in laying down my flesh and picking up my cross to follow after Him, humbled but hungry. 

LORD, I COME TO YOU AND DROP TO MY KNEES.

TO CLIMB DOWN THE MOUNTIAN OF MY OWN MIND AND TO ADVANCE UP THE MOUNT OF YOUR HOLY THRONE.

HUMBLED BUT HUNGRY.

BRINGING MY BUNDLE OF PRAISE AND EMPTYING MY BAG OF SUPPLICATIONS.

TO ASK YOU HOLY SPIRIT, TO OPEN MY EYES, SO MY FOCUS IS CLOSED TO THE WORLD AND FIXED ON YOUR GAZE.

THIS IS WHERE I DROP TO MY KNEES.

HUMBLED BUT HUNGRY.

TO WAIT UPON YOUR SOVEREIGNTY, LORD, WITH AN ACTIVATED FAITH.

SUBMITTED TO NOTHING LESS THAN YOUR WILL. STANDING IN HOPE, NOT DEFERRED.

HUMBLED AND HUNGRY

YOUR HIGHWAY MAKES MY CROOKED ROAD STRAIGHT, YOU’RE THE NARROW WAY JESUS, TO THE MASSIVE DIMENSIONS OF ETERNITY.

MAY I GIVE YOU MY LIFE OF EMPTINESS SO THAT I MAY RECEIVE YOUR ABUNDANCE. YOUR MERCIES ARE TRUE.

MAY MY INADEQUACIES BE EXCHANGED BY YOUR FILLING, HOLY SPIRIT. YOUR POWER CONVERGING WITH MY WEAKNESS.

I COME HUMBLED AND HUNGRY.

MY FLESH FRESHLY FASTED FOR THE SATISFACTION OF EATING THE BREAD OF LIFE.

 Galatians 5:16-17 

But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. 

Psalms 25:8-10 ESV

Good and upright is the LORD; therefore, He instructs sinners in the way. He leads the humble in what is right and teaches the humble His way. All the paths of the LORD are steadfast love and faithfulness for those who keep His covenant and His testimonies.

Psalms 107:4-9BSB

Some wandered in desert wastelands, finding no path to a city in which to dwell. They were hungry and thirsty; their soul fainted within them. Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble, and He delivered them from their distress. He led them on a straight path to reach a city where they could live. Let them give thanks to the LORD for His loving devotion and His wonders to the sons of men. For He satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things.

BY MELISSA NORRIS

Sanctioned Love

The number one need in a Christian’s life is a renewed mind. By renewing our minds we as believers find out what is truth and what isn’t. Then we know what to accept as truth and what to reject as a lie. This can clean out the “junk” we have let into our minds and lives.

Renewing your mind is not switching the “to-do” list of the world for the “to-do list” of God. It is literally a change from the inside out. The Holy Spirit renews our mind supernaturally as we spend time in God’s Word. For the Word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of the soul and the spirit and the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of thoughts and intents of the heart. Hebrews 4:12

Let’s look at what Paul says about renewing our minds–our thoughts, feelings, and will.                                                                                                                    

Romans 12:2 says,                                                                                                                                                                    

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is good and acceptable and perfect will of God. (NKJV)

Or , as the New Living Translation puts it:

Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.

To be conformed means to walk downstream or to go with the flow.

In other words, you harmonize or comply with this age. 

God says DO NOT be conformed –Do not stay conformed to the world and all of its doubts and fears. Do not be fashioned by its religious ways.

This world means this age.

This world has nothing to do with the Father; it is a Godless system.

But be transformed–The word transformed comes from the word metamorphosis (G3329 Strongs). When we are transformed, it means we walk against the current to make a thorough or dramatic change in form or character. 

The renewing of our minds means to renovate–a renovation of our mind. (G342 Strong’s)

A renewed mind will walk upstream. 

Even though we are born again and trying not to accept the pattern of this age, we still can be in compliance with the world’s way of doing things.

This is why the renewal of our minds must be a daily pursuit. We are only changed/transformed after being with Jesus.

Renewing your mind is a continuous act of obedience. 

By renewing our minds we are replacing the world’s way of thinking with the truth of God, revealed in His Word, the Bible.

Ephesians 4:23-24                                                                                                                          Be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.

We must fill our minds with God’s Word, for Jesus says, Sanctify them in the truth; 

Your Word is truth. John 17:17

Blessings!

Lynda Renne

ODE TO CONTENTMENT

Contentment is a slippery thing,

It can come and go so fast.

I had it here a minute ago,

But it slipped right through my grasp.

I sat down for only a moment,

Turned on Facebook for a look-see,

And contentment was gone. 

Now, where could it be?

Oh, but basically, I am content.

I mean, I like myself, you know.

But I wouldn’t mind losing,

Ten pounds or so.

Now, I really like my house,

It is just perfect for me.

Although I wouldn’t mind adding,

A room or two or three.

As far as my kids,

At one time, I wanted more.

But I am happy with two.

Did I mention I wanted four?

Oh, and I have enough money,

Although I wouldn’t mind a bit more.

Money doesn’t buy happiness. 

That’s what those little plastic cards are for!

Ok, so I keep trying to be content,

But it keeps eluding me.

So what am I doing wrong?

Watching too much Netflix on T.V.?

And what about all this peace, love, and joy stuff?

Where does that all fit in?

Do I not have those,

Because of some hidden sin?

I work and work and work so hard,

Yet contentment seems just beyond my grasp.

And when I grab a hold of it,

It never seems to last!

Or maybe it’s not contentment, 

I should be working for.

Maybe I should be working on my walk with Jesus,

And then contentment will slip in the back door.

Blessings,

Perfect Your Love in Me

A few weeks ago, I had a bit of a health scare. I will not go into detail, but needless to say; I was freaked out. I scheduled an appointment with my doctor, but God spoke to me before I even went in. He gave me a promise to hold onto, something to keep my eyes pinned on while I waited for the results. He told me all was well. 

At that moment, I had a choice to make, am I going to live in fear, or am I going to trust God’s voice and what He told me? 

I can’t say I was perfect about trusting. There were many tears and lots of roiling in the pit of my stomach as I thought about the implications of a positive test result. So many thoughts bombarded me. “Who is going to take care of my family? I’m not ready to die; my kids are so young. I have not done everything God has called me to do yet.” 

This was a battle waged in my mind, and I had to lay it down before the Lord daily. Sometimes hourly. Sometimes by the second. 

I had a few people praying for me during that time–my husband, my parents, and my in-laws. I did not tell a lot of people what was going on. I chose to trust and lean on the people closest to me. I knew as soon as I started talking and allowing other people’s opinions to sway me from what God said, it could be rough. God already made a promise, and I was just waiting for the results to show that the physical lined up with that promise. 

During this time, I was taken to a scripture in 1 John about fear vs. love. 

Such love has no fear because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced his perfect love. 

1 John 4:18

I was scared; I’m not going to lie. I prayed, “God, perfect Your love in me.” I thought I had not been perfected in love. His love drives out fear, so I asked Him to help me and drive out the fear that was trying to clamp onto my heart. 

He is faithful. Now, the point is not that I got a good result. (Everything is 100% healthy as far as this issue is concerned). However, through this circumstance, God revealed pieces of my heart that I had no idea were festering. I realized I was dealing with a lot of baggage around grief. I had not fully grieved for people I had lost in the past, and God was faithful to bring (and is continuing to bring) healing into those areas. He was right by my side through the waiting. 

I have struggled with fear my entire life. As a child, I was afraid of the dark, of talking in front of people–well, of pretty much everything. I had to battle constantly to stand in faith, championed by my parents as they taught me what that actually looked like. I still had to battle in my teenage years, and public school was a battlefield in many ways. The Lord taught me how to overcome fear, leaning on Holy Spirit’s voice and presence as I walked through those halls. 

However, over recent years, I have felt like there hasn’t been a lot of battling with fear. So why all of a sudden was it rearing its ugly head again? I believe Satan was trying to bring distraction and chaos into my heart as I was getting ready to be a part of a powerful conference that the Sanctioned Love team put on this summer called, Awakening Wonder in the Families of the Kingdom. But even the fear of a positive diagnosis was not going to keep me from doing what God had placed on my heart to paint. Yes, I could have called them and backed out, but I was not going to allow the enemy to get the upper hand. God is always faithful. I did get a good report the day before the conference started, and it was confirmed on Friday night again. 

But what would have happened if I had gotten a “bad report”? God is still faithful. I am sure most of us have heard the quote: “Sometimes God rescues us from the fire, sometimes through the fire, and sometimes in the fire.” 

What does this mean? Well, in the circumstance I faced, He delivered me from the fire. All is well, and I can continue living my life for Him with purpose and passion. It has reminded me of what is important and to keep my eyes trained on Him, like Peter walking to Jesus in the midst of the storm. 

Sometimes He delivers us through the fire, meaning we have to walk through a season of testing. A diagnosis would not have been fun, but He would have been with me, just like God was with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the fiery furnace. He walked them through that fire and would have done the same for me. 

Sometimes, He delivers us in the fire. We walk through a diagnosis, and we have faith. We pray and receive prayer, and sometimes, we win by leaving behind our earthly bodies and being reunited with Jesus in Heaven. I’ve watched this scenario several times, which is why I think I was grieving so deeply when the thought of going through it myself was a possibility. 

The question is, do I still believe God heals? Yes! Do I still believe He wants us to walk in perfect health—mind, spirit, emotions, and body? Yes! So how do I reconcile that sometimes the physical doesn’t match up with what I believe? Sometimes this world does not make sense, but I know the One who created all things, Who is in all things. I don’t know why not every person I pray for gets healed. But, I do know that God is good. 

For in Him we live and move and have our being…

Acts 17: 28a NIV

Whether I live or die, it is for Him. And nothing can take me out of His hands. 

Was this ‘health scare’ a fun thing to walk through? No. But God is faithful. He showed me where I needed to adjust my heart and lean into His love more. He brought healing to grief I did not even realize I was still carrying. He is good–in every situation. And you can bet He will never leave us. 

“The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” 

Deuteronomy 31:8 NIV

Blessings!

Nicole Boyd

Sanctioned Love

Don’t be a Saul, be a Paul!

As I was studying for a teaching, the Lord showed me a picture of Paul when he was still Saul. I saw Saul as a villain in a Spaghetti Western (the low-budget films made in Italy during the 1960s and early 1970s.). 

Saul was an absolute villain! He hated Christians and even delighted in the stoning of them. He was the “strong-arm,” the one who ruled the town. He didn’t like “them Christians.” He was hell-bent on killing them or running them out of “his town.” He was consistently looking for a “showdown.” He was full of pride, which led him to believe that he was doing God a favor by getting rid of “all them Christians out there.” And in doing so, he was defending the God of Israel. Unfortunately, he was only defending the god of self. 

Pride kills destinies. Pride short-circuits timelines. Pride destroys.  

And Saul was full of it! 

Then I saw  Jesus show up like Clint Eastwood in the movie High Plains Drifter (can you hear the soundtrack in the background?) Jesus was standing on Straight Street (the road to Damascus) and looking out at the horizon. In the distance, Saul rode in on his “high horse.” All of a sudden, a light shone from Heaven. The light was so blinding that Saul fell off his high horse out of fear and astonishment. Saul could not see anyone, but he heard a voice saying, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me? It is hard to kick against the goads.” Acts 26:14 

Now Goads were typically made from slender pieces of timber, blunt on one end and pointed on the other. Farmers used the pointed end to urge a stubborn ox into motion. Foolishly, an ox might kick against the goad, causing injury and pain to its leg.  (Christianity.com) 

Jesus was calling Saul a stubborn ox! Jesus was the goad! 

Saul was trembling, and with stammering lips, he asked, “Who are You, Lord?” Even though he could not see Him, Saul knew he was talking to someone with authority. He was actually talking to Jesus, the Sheriff of Heaven and Earth–the Sheriff of everything! Then Jesus said to him, “I AM Jesus whom you are persecuting.”

Saul was shaking in his sandals now. He was terrified! He asked the Lord, “Lord, what do you want me to do?” It was then that Jesus gave him his first assignment; “Go into the city, and you will be told what to do.” Saul needed to go and wait for instruction, and someone had to lead him because he could not see. (This was very humbling) 

Saul was knocked off his high horse of pride that day, and God humbled him. Saul could not see because of the blinding light. God gave him a visual-or not so visual–picture. Pride blinds us!  But, when we humble ourselves, we can be led into a safe place. 

 Humility, by the world’s definition, often implies diminished self-confidence. However, humility in the Bible means getting your confidence from God, who loves and values you more than you do yourself; it means believing what God says about you over anyone else’s opinion, including your own! 

 Humility requires embracing who you are in Christ over who you are in the flesh. To be biblically humble is to be so free of concern for your own ego that you unreservedly elevate those around you. 

                                      (Gentle Christian Parenting/Parenting in Christ-Dronen, Jackson)

 To lead with humility, we first need to know how God values us and get our confidence from Him.

 Leading with humility is a mark of maturity; pride, on the other hand, is like a demanding two-year-old. It (pride) is immature. It throws tantrums, wants its own way, and moves in comparison-“Johnny has more toys than me!”. Pride bullies people, especially if those people don’t think or do what pride wants. Pride is so ridiculously jealous. It manipulates, controls, blinds, and hinders peace. Yes, pride is sooo immature!

 But humility LOVES! It is the prized crown to lay at the feet of Jesus. It moves with all the lusciousness of the Fruit of the Spirit. It encourages “one-anothering.” It sees the gold in each person and calls it out in them. Humility is the poster child of The Cross of Jesus. 

 Humility is the essential ingredient for being a leader. You must be a servant before you can become a good leader. Jesus was the ultimate example of that.

 God, Himself had to humble Saul so He could position him as Paul.

The takeaway:

  It is better for us to fall on the Rock than for the Rock to fall on us!

Just ask Paul!

Blessings!

Joy Pharo

 Sanctioned Love

Jesus had just taken His disciples into the Garden of Gethsemane and told them to pray. Then Jesus went a little further and prayed. When He returned, He found His disciples sleeping. He woke them and said;

Could you not tarry (watch) with Me one more hour? Matthew 26:40

Jesus left them again and told them to pray. But when He returned, He found them sleeping again.  

To tarry means to:

a: to delay or be tardy in acting or doing. b: to linger in expectation: wait. 2: to abide or stay in or at a place. (www.meriam-webster.com)

When you tarry, you are waiting and watching.  You are lingering in expectation for His presence.  

“Watch and pray lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Matthew 26:41

Could this be a clue as to why tarrying in prayer is so important?  I think so.  I believe that there are times when we must tarry. I believe waiting on the Lord strengthens us in ways nothing else can.  

I know for sure that if I am “prayed up,” I am “armored up,” then when I am tempted in life, I am strengthened in the power of Jesus’ might, and I can resist.  These are words of great importance to us!  

Tarrying goes against the flesh.  The flesh wants to get in and get out.  If we learn to practice His presence, the exchange far exceeds its weight in glory rather than leaving early just because we are in a hurry. 

I imagine the disciples would have stayed awake a while longer, wide awake, had they only known. 

So, what do you do if there is a prayer assignment and you are physically tired?  

You pray and stay. Press in, pray, and tarry there. There is almost always a supernatural exchange. When we do this, we can leave that place of prayer prepared, ready, and equipped with what we need when we need it.  

“When we learn to wait and tarry in prayer, we encounter His presence, and this brings much provision in the spirit.” Jen Meyers

Learning to wait is a discipline we must purposely learn.   If we will practice this principle in life, we will not be disappointed. A muscle of faith develops in the believer who practices waiting in expectation.

Waiting for the Lord with active anticipation is to be bound with Him until we know we have heard from or encountered Him.

Those who wait…

The idea of waiting might sound like a passive exercise; however, it is quite the opposite. When you are waiting, you actively and intentionally seek and focus with all your affections towards Him.  Waiting, or to wait for Him, is much more than sitting there doing absolutely nothing.                                             

Waiting means to wait actively with anticipation, watching with hope for God to act.                                                                                                                                             

Your heart position is to be one of an expectant attitude of faith seeking until you find or encounter.

“If we provide space for God to fill, He will fill it.” Jen Meyers

Wait on the Lord; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen thine heart.  Wait, I say, on the Lord. Psalms 27:14

To wait on Yahweh means: you are waiting for His help, putting your trust, hope, and confidence in Him.  You are active in your faith. Your heart is in a posture of faith towards God. You are sure and steadfast.  Your wait will be feeding on faith.  Just like peace is active, waiting is active. You are actively trusting, hoping, and waiting in faith. Seeking you will find it. Hallelujah.    

You are expecting deliverance through the promises of God; He is not a man that He should lie (Numbers 23:19). He will do what He has promised.

What do you do when waiting on the Lord?

Occupy the moment and space you are in but do not forget that God will answer because He always does.  His timing is not always our timing, but His timing is always perfect.

Trust is developed in the waiting.  Those who have learned to wait on the Lord trust the Lord.  Those who trust the Lord do not mind waiting on the Lord, for they know He is faithful and good. 

Serving Jesus, as we tarry and wait together,

Jen Meyers

 Belonging

I wrote a poem several years ago entitled “Do you long to belong?” You can find it nestled in the pages of my book “Messy Poems And Not-So-Private Prayers.”

This written piece came out of a prayer time of mine, but it is also a clarion call to anyone who has ears to hear it. It is based on the open invitation Jesus gives to anyone who will receive it. He is all about us being one with Him. 

In an age of stolen identities and so many diverse social perspectives, all calling to become connected to a system that says, “You should be one of us,” while all the while providing no substantiated truth to fold into. With all the worldly choices to choose from, identity issues have become more lonely, isolated, and divided.

But we have a unique song as the Children of our Heavenly Father. We have an anthem song of identity. 

The enemy of our Lord has unleashed lawlessness on the world. He is encroaching ever so suddenly. Boldly he has come out from behind his lair. Proudly roaring his desires to devour. He is so close you can almost see him in the crowd. He wants to consume those who have nowhere to belong, any wandering soul searching for a home. 

  Do you long to belong?

To be joined to, fixed to, or attached. To have your own inclusive title hanging as a banner over your life?

Do you long to belong as you gaze at this vast universe of great unknowns and to possess the great knowing of a for-sure?

Do you long to belong with a confidence that is for-sure? Cannot, will not, or could not ever be stolen from you?

Do you long to belong to a voice that shouts with authority? A voice that overpowers the principalities of darkness, ones that are longing to shut your mouth? To silence you with sickness, sadness, worry, doubt, isolation, rejection, or even abandonment?

Do you long to belong with a steadfastness that can close the void of the universe and bring heaven to earth by knowing that His Holy Spirit lives inside of you?

I was in my first moments of prayer time one day, and all I could seem to say was an anthem of truth, “I belong to you, Lord! I belong to you!” Louder and louder, my voice rang out. Soon, I was standing and praying to the air around me, “I belong to Him! I belong to Him!”

I knew at that moment that this great privilege was a shout of joy, a shout of victory, a shout of attachment, a shout of who I was to Him. 

And best of all, He was rejoicing with me. He was shouting right back to me. “Yes, yes, my beloved, you belong to Me! You belong to Me!”

In this current day and age, that may sound like a statement of suppression. But to those of us who know His love, this is our freedom song, that we belong eternally. 

This belonging is such a for-sure that it comes with the branding of intimacy. Our shouts become more personal, “I belong to you, Jesus, I belong to you, Lord.”

When I lay my head down at night and rise again in the early morning to a brand-new day full of grace, I can shout right from my bed. A fresh new cry of thanks. “It’s a great day to know your name. My day belongs to You.”

When I sit in a quiet place, like a piece of random silence that no one sees me in, I can still hear the silence around me, “Hello world! I just want to make it clear, I belong to His glorious kingdom, for He knows me. Even down to the hairs on my head!” 

When the enemy shouts his threats to devour my finances, my marriage, my children, my job, my very space, and place, I stand on the throne of my prayers and shout from this high place. “Don’t you dare, oh enemy of mine, because I am known by the Lord divine. He calls me friend and heir, and I belong to Him!”

Back in the biblical days, people flocked in those ancient streets to reach this man named Jesus, the Lord and Savior of the whole earth, for in their desperation, they longed for a touch. Desperate and driven with a purpose to connect. To connect even to the hem of His garment. To have a chance to receive a great healing. So many, so sick, no money to fix their plight. The neediest were stretching, pleading with their mouths, “Please, Sir, if you are willing, will you bring forth my healing?” 

We know from God’s word that each one who asked received from Jesus’ healing hand; not one was ever denied. But what they all did NOT know was the much more of what they were given, the much more He had to offer.

The healing, a sign of His divine power, yes. The touch of God’s own hand was a gift for sure, but the much more that lay before them was the offer of Eternal life. A gift of now belonging was being offered to them. His shout was, “You can now belong to Me; you can belong to Me for all Eternity!”

The promises to us who have received are too numerous to count. Our positions in Christ are too powerful for this short story right now. But the voice of our anthem, simple as it sounds, is a roar of his children, a vibration that says, “I belong to him!”

Will you personalize it with me and stand to your feet as we roar with one voice? A tribe in agreement, “I belong to you, Jesus, I belong to you, Lord!” 

May your shout be so loud that it drops down into your very own soul, creating a great attachment of joy, for in the end, this truth is always for you. For us to believe that He is our For-Sure, our longing fulfilled, the banner over our lives.

For we are His glory clouds, flying as His banners. We are large and bright, filling all the four corners of the earth. 

 We are His declarations that His kingdom is at hand. 

 We are a universe of people beating forth the rhythm of His time. 

 We all have been given giant banners stationed over our lives, waving for all the universe to see that we are the co-heirs in Christ. That He is coming back for us, that He is coming back for you, and for me, for we are His belonging.

We are His Bride.

I hope this poem piece roused your heart and soul to delight with the greatest of gratitude that you have been called and chosen by the Great I AM.

Love Melissa Norris

Messy Poems and Not So Private Prayers

https://mymessypoems.com/

sanctionedlove.com

GO TO THE NEXT LEVEL

Then Jesus said to His disciples, “Whoever wants to be My disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow Me.” Matthew 16:24 

If you seek to go to the next level with God, passivity on your part is a big problem. You can get stuck in the same place wishing things would change, yet you aren’t making any effort to change. 

We say, “I am waiting on God,” which sounds great, except that you expect God or someone else to change your behavior for you. God could very well be waiting on you! Passivity is a killer to spiritual progress!  

How do you “GO to the next level?”

First: Stop seeing yourself the way others see you.                                                                              

When David was going to fight Goliath, his older brother Eliab didn’t think David was able. He said, “What are you doing here? You just want to see the battle!” Eliab questioned David’s judgment, demeaned his work, and judged his motives. When you’re confident of who you are in Christ, know your calling and exercise your faith, you won’t be moved by what others, including friends and family members, say about you.

Second: Do not despise small beginnings. David made the most of where he was called to be, which gave him confidence, so when an opportunity arose, he was ready. He did not shy away or give up because he was “just a shepherd boy.” What seemed small and insignificant to almost everybody else became a destiny changer in the hands of David. 

Third: Create momentum for your future by your faithfulness today.                                                   Colossians 3:23 says: “Whatever you do, work at it heartily for the Lord and not for men.” Sadly, many believers are not growing in their spiritual walk with God simply because they’re not faithful where they are at the moment. Be diligent wherever God has you right now as David was. Create momentum for your future by your faithfulness today. 

Make a decision today. Start moving toward God, and momentum will follow!

Dear God,

I want to go to the next level with You. I know You want that too. Open my eyes to anything that may be blocking or hindering me. I thank and praise You for working, even if I don’t see or feel it because You are faithful.

 In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Lynda Renne

Rheyma in Real Life

This is not a parable; this is the real deal. These are actual conversations I have with Jesus from my

journal.  I am walking this out in real-time.

Me: Jesus, it has been about two and a half months since I wrote my “addendum” (see previous blog 3/22/22), and I am doing a little check-in. You asked me to “walk with You.” I can’t say I have done particularly well with that request. 

I was strictly in survival mode for a month and barely survived that. Some days I thought I might explode; the internal pressure was so high in me. I was just hanging on, and sometimes not. I have cried more in the last two months than I have in the last two decades. 

With my “heart injury box” now gone, my thoughts and feelings seem like free radicals inside me that need to be neutralized, if not eradicated!

They are like loose live wires flopping uncontrollably, randomly spitting out sparks. These “sparks” are my not-so-pretty thoughts and feelings left behind, ungrounded and dangerous. Without a box to put them in, they are now free to roam around until they get triggered, at which time they might fly out of my mouth without notice and definitely do not edify anyone. 

Have You heard any of them, Jesus?”

Jesus:   “Yes, Rheyma, I have.”

Me: “Actually, I know You have Jesus because Holy Spirit has been calling me on them. But Jesus……..haven’t you ever just wanted to tell someone off? I mean, let them know they are wrong and you are not? That they hurt you? How will they know if “someone” doesn’t tell them? You see that way, they will know how much they hurt me and are able to feel bad about it and repent…….just sayin’………”                                                                                                                                                          

“A few weeks post survival mode, “things” started to become bearable; the stress easing, the pressure decreasing, and the feeling of internal combustion was subsiding. I was able to at least take a breath. But now, I was wanting to get back on that same old ship and sail away. Do things the way I have always done them-cover over my emotions, take the path of least resistance, pretend like everything is “okay,” and go back to “the familiar.” But then I start “defaulting to my defaults.” And even though it is possible and easier in the moment to go that route again, it is not the one I want to choose. Been there, done that, bought the shirt, got a medal, and still ended up losing.”

Me still: “Jesus, You, asked me to take a walk with You. To spend time with You-just the two of us, enjoying time together. Now, you would think that would be pretty easy, right?  AAAAHHH, that’s a no! I really don’t know how to be still. To relax and enjoy. To go for a stroll, look at the flowers, smell Spring in the air, and just be with You, Jesus. 

I don’t think You are talking about blasting praise music through the house and doing the chores. No, You are talking about just enjoying being with You and You with me.”

Jesus:  “Do you even know what being still means, Rheyma?”

Me:  “No, not really. When I am being still, I am still not being still. I think it is a lost concept, especially with social media today. Growing up, I used to be able to relax and enjoy things, people, and life in general. Now, it seems to just be do, do, do.                                                                                                                                                   

I love how You make no bones about what You are telling me. It is not like I have to guess or figure it out. Nope, You say it straight up to me because You know I tend to get it best that way. So, once again, in my devotional, I Hear His Whisper, by Simmons and Rodriguez, You talked about rushing. How in our lives, we tend to always be rushing here, rushing there, doing, doing, doing. Even when we are sitting still, our minds are still rushing. Rushing here, rushing there.”

Jesus: “Sound familiar, Rheyma?”

Me:   “AAAHHH….maybe a little. Oookaay, maybe a lot.” 

Jesus:  “Rheyma, there is no condemnation in Me, but this walk with Me requires intentionality. You must choose to make and take time with Me. You must be intentional about being still with me. 

This walk with Me is absolutely “the way less traveled.” It is a road you have never walked before. One you never even knew existed spiritually. It requires less talking and more listening. More believing and more trusting. These are action words. Not just Bible words you throw around at church to sound spiritual. I am asking you to put these words into action, Rheyma, in-your-heart. To do them, not just say them. These are heart-action words, NOT mouth-action words.

I know you have heard, “My ways are not your ways.” It is time to step out, believe, trust and have faith IN ME. It is time for action, my sweet Rheyma.”

Me:  “Okay, Jesus, I am willing. Where do I start?”

Jesus:  “Being willing is the perfect place to start, Rheyma. A willing heart is a teachable heart.”

Me:  “I am definitely willing, Jesus. When what’s next?”

Jesus:  “Next, I want you to:

            STOP-doing human reasoning.

            LOOK–AT Me, Rheyma. Not for Me, but AT Me.

            LISTEN-to Holy Spirit. You and I both know you hear Him.

ACT-Act on what you hear Holy Spirit saying. Realize that sometimes action can mean inaction.”                                         

Me: “You mean like keeping your mouth shut? And why Holy Spirit has been asking me, “Is that comment on the tip of your tongue necessary, Rheyma? Is it going to edify the hearer?” I have definitely heard that question a lot lately.  Those stinkin’ free radicals!

I heard something in a movie I saw last night called The Cupcake Mayor (don’t laugh, I love “feel good” movies). Anyway, it said, “You chose the road, OR the road chooses you.” I don’t want the road to choose me. I have already been down that road. I call it my default road. The one where I default to my defaults, just try to stay afloat and look like everything is going fine as I slowly sink below the water line. No, I am choosing Your road, Jesus–the road less traveled. What will that require of me, Jesus? How do I walk it in real life?”  

Jesus: “Rheyma, do you remember the scene in the movie “The Shack” where Mack is in the row boat, it is sinking, and he doesn’t know what to do? He is terrified and desperately trying to figure out how to stop the water from coming into the boat. I tell him, “Look at Me, Mack. Focus on Me.” But he is so scared, frantically trying not to go down with the boat, that he cannot even hear Me. I keep telling him to “Look AT Me, Mack,” and when he finally does, the boat stops sinking. Like my disciple Peter, who walked on water while a storm was raging (Matthew 14:22-33). As long as he kept his eyes fixed on Me, he stayed on top of the water and walking towards Me, regardless of what the storm was doing around him. 

And that Rheyma is what walking the road less traveled requires of you. In real life, stop trying to figure out what you “need” to do, say, or be to walk this road with Me. Look AT Me, focus ON Me, and Me alone. You will need to be intentional about spending time with Me; it “just doesn’t happen,”, especially in today’s world. My Father, Holy Spirit, and I will teach you. As you meet and talk with Us, We will instruct you and teach you in the way to go (Psalm 32:8). As you listen and act, you will know Our voices more and more. It is essential to be intentional, Rheyma.”

Me: “Jesus, I read this snippet in “Intimacy with the Almighty” by Charles Swindoll. 

Noise and words and frenzied, hectic schedules dull our senses, closing our ears to His still small voice and making us numb to His touch.”

Jesus: “Yes, Rheyma, this is true and why intentionality is vitally important. You must choose to make and take time for Me. It is not going to just happen.”

Me: “So many questions, Jesus. How? When? Where? What?” 

Jesus: “I get that, but this “walk with Me” is not dependent on you, Rheyma.  Remember what I said about believe and trust? That they are action words. You must choose to put them into action–heart action, by believing and trusting that what I say is true, no matter how you feel. Choose intentionality, My daughter. Set time aside for Me, and come. My Father, Holy Spirit, and I will meet you there.”

“Your job Rheyma is to choose Me.  I have already chosen you.”

Rheyma Oosterman