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This is a little different from the last picture I posted. This past week-end I was ministering in Florida, and I took this picture in the yard of my host family. What beautiful flowers they had. Of course, just out of CNY, any flower would do, but I thought these were absolutely lovely.

Spring is always a lift to the heart. After moving to the North East many years ago and experiencing my first winter, I finally understood what spring is all about. When you live in a climate that has warm and hot as its temps, it is a bit difficult to understand what the big deal is about spring time. However, all it takes is one good winter in the North East, and then you know; I mean you really know. Spring is felt as much as seen. It is a lift to all the things inside a person, and allows the Lord to teach us that His spring time is the best of all and we can have that at any moment and at any time.

One truth that is often overlooked about the Holy Spirit, is that He is felt as well as seen. He is an intimate part of us and of our Lord, so He too is felt in order to truly know. When we read the Scriptures without the understanding that I will “feel” as well as understand, then it becomes something to grasp intellectually, but does not have the needed impact on our moods and therefore on our lives. This is often the objection of non-charismatics. The non-charismatics do not like the “emotional” expression that charismatics are so prone to express. Quite frankly, without the “feeling,” the fruit of the Holy Spirit comes very slowly in a life.

I lived 37 years of my life as a “non-charismatic.” I was riddled with periods of depression and many body illnesses. However, once I bowed to the Lord in my desperateness, than even though I could not grasp His doctrine with my intellect, in the bowing came the avenue of healing. It is hard to explain. But in my unwillingness to “feel,” the gospel and my choosing to stay in my “English” reserved nature, I had chosen to have a life of up and downs and in and outs.

Mood consistency has come as I have allowed His mood to be mine. It is a grand exchange. It is truly a death to my nature, but I have been empowered to life in a Spring time atmosphere. What a joy He is. I would urge all who read, do not refuse Him in any dimension who is the empowerment of life at each and every level.

Well, this is the way it looked in Albany this past week-end. It was an exciting time in the Spirit anyway. Our groups were small, much smaller than anticipated due to the storm, but very open to what the Lord would do among us.

Lauren’s leading of our worship was sweet in His presence, and the reception of the scriptural understandings very warm. I am constantly amazed at the love our Lord shows us through His people. Each of the groups was interdenominational, and that made for a rich sweetness in belonging. Really a heart blessing.

Well, this Thursday, I fly to Florida for a church conference there on the Tabernacle of Moses and the multidimensional nature of our Lord’s revelation there. I will post when I return — just wanted to chime in and let those who read know I am well and so appreciate their prayers as I travel.

Blessings to all. (Photo by Diane H)

My reading this morning was in Jeremiah and the end of 50:6 caught my heart. It says in the King James (unusual translation for me) “…they have forgotten their resting place.” The entire context is about Israel prior to the Babylonian captivity, and the Lord through the prophet was describing them.

“…they have forgotten their resting place.” Have we be come as they were? Are we so busy in the day-in and day-out exercises necessary for our lives, guilty of simply forgetting that He is the place of solace. He is the place of comfort, He is the abiding presence that dispells all lonliness. He is.

We have so very much available to us to distract us from Him; even the many books we buy, programs to watch, even teachings, or preparations to teach. Yet, have we forgotten that we need to take His book and be quiet with Him in stillness for a bit. He does long to speak and to dwell intimately with us.

Have we in all our efforts to please Him, forgotten our resting place? It is easy to do. Sometimes I get so caught up in my teaching schedule and the needs that that brings, that I forget to remember what is the most important part. To teach out of a stressed life will not do what the Lord wants me to be doing, no matter how “anointed” that teaching is.

Let us return and rest. Today is truly Sabbath. Let’s let it be one, not in legalism of rules and law, but in relaxed, receptive relationship in our Lord Jesus!

This is not the scene in Central NY on this date. It is below freezing and snow covers everything right now. However, I took this picture a number of years ago not far from where I live. When I think of “Sabbath” I think of a scene like this one. Wouldn’t it be wonderful just to sit in the swing and enjoy the lake below on a warm summer’s day. Wouldn’t it be wonderful not to have appointments to make, lessons to develop, papers to grade, and writing to be done. Wouldn’t it be wonderful not to have the cell phone ring with the office needing your attention. Wouldn’t it….. I am certain most of you would say “yes,” to some, if not all the above questions. However, Sabbath is what we try to make happen in the middle of all that.

Most of the Christian’s I know do not have any concept of Sabbath at all. We usually think that all went away with the Law, and therefore in grace we do not need to keep Sabbath. Well, I think the majority of us may be right in reference to a specific day (I think Paul thought so too in Colossians), however, I see the concept of Sabbath everywhere in the New Testament.

Jesus Christ is the Sabbath of God. “Come unto me all ye who are weary and heavy laden and I will give you rest…” describes Sabbath very well. Matthew 6 with all its “Do not be anxious…” commandments, was also describing what Sabbath is to mean. Sabbath must be kept. We keep it through obedience and faith. Faith that truly is faith — the trust of the Lord that allows one to rest in the middle of everything flying everywhere. Jesus is rest for the weary soul.

However, I think we cut short the Sabbath understanding if this is how we think it is now. If we do not literally take time to rest a day, let everything wait, carve out not just small spaces, but a nice big “day” space, then we will miss what it really means to keep Sabbath. I am finding that if the body doesn’t find its rest, then the soul can’t rest. It is a whole; they are connected. So most of us, I think, need to re-think the ordering of our lives and find Him in rest, allow Him to renew us in rest, and learn to embrace Him and His Word through rest. Not a legalistic keeping of a day and its rules, but a purposeful time of resting in order to delight in Him.

Just some thoughts.

This picture will remind many of what it will truly be like when the Lord Jesus greets them in Heaven. That is a wonderful, peaceful sentiment to hold. However, for a few minutes will you consider with me that it is not just then…but is now. Now when the Lord awakens you in the morning; now when He shares with your devotional time; now when He goes to work with you; now when He enjoys meals with you; now when He shares your family, friends, co-workers, and the person who cut you off in traffic; now when He wraps Himself around you before you sleep. NOW!

He is sharing with you, if indeed you are His. He longs for us to wake up and know that this is happening. There is not one moment, day, month or year, not one incident, not one person in our lives but what He is sharing that moment, etc… with us. When we have chosen Him, He does not just disappear while the rest of our life is happening. Instead, He is sharing in it all. He is doing it “with” us. I believe that is his heart-cry today. “Let me share in this with you.” If we can begin to envision this, then the comfort of the picture becomes an everyday comfort. The commission for my life today, becomes a act being shared with Him. Everything shared. There is no loneliness in that, no left-out in that, no lack of belonging in that.

He does not need us doing anything “for Him.” Instead, He desires us to do “with…” whatever that may be. He empowers and He guides; He just wants you (me too) with Him as He works His will through our lives and the lives of others.

Friend, look again at the picture, and let the comfort permeate your life, and let His presence be the presence you are aware of, every moment. How He loves us.

“Don’t you know you are the temple of the Holy Spirit?” “I will never leave you or forsake you…I am with you always.” True words from the one who is truth.

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.” Philippians 2:3 NIV

This simple little verse is rather non-descript at the beginning of this second chapter, and is easily overlooked as we anticipate the glorious truths of the humility of Christ in the next few verses. However, it gives rich and very important instructions for us as we live in this world, and especially as we live among other Christians. Look at those words gain — “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit.”

In other words, I must not do what I do in competition with others. This is also addressed in James 3:14-16 “But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such ‘wisdom’ does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.”

WOW! Selfish ambition, jealousy and envy are very evident in competition. The person who is competitive always must come out on top, they must continually be or do something “better” than another, they must know more, be right, and be the best. This kind of interior does not work the work of God, no matter how seemingly “good” it is. In fact, James says it is demonic. Now if I am trying to do as the Lord is leading me and I am doing it in a “competitive spirit,” then it does not do what I intend, it instead furthers the wrong kingdom. I will find myself participating in the works of darkness.

The attitude of humility, requires the death of all competition. Every time we feel it rise, we need to get to our prayer closets and begin to humble ourselves before God. Competition can only be conquered by time with the Lord Jesus Christ, purposely humbling and emptying until our interior attitudes are sweet and loving and receiving.

Competing with others will have me putting others down anyway I can in order to be seen better than they appear. It will make it impossible for me to encourage those who need encouragement, because in the long run, my encouragement will not be able to sincerely build them up — they might, just might, — be getting better than I am at a particular task.

Competing with others will have me mocking others (politically as well as personally) for the convictions they have — because I must appear superior.

I pray we begin to see this in the body of Christ. I see it all over the blogs I read (and I read some really good blogs). I also read some very delightful blogs where there is no competitive spirit and genuine differences are expressed and received. For that I am grateful, but quite frankly they are in the minority of those I come across. I see and read that people literally “vie” for the last word or the most authoritative word. Brethren, we can express all sorts of differences, and still loving receive one another.

I see this in local churches where I am allowed to minister. I see it in Bible teachers, in Sunday School teachers (I am sad to say there is a difference in those two jobs, but there really should not be). I see it expressed in the preaching, on and on it goes.

I believe the Bible speaks directly to the problem. We need to “see” it.

Lord, thank you for loving us and receiving us and for teaching us true humility. Help us as we individually work with you to submit our hearts and emotions for training in righteousness.

Lord to You we sing —

Merry Christmas !!!

I pray you enjoy our Lord in this beautiful season! All who know my family will recognize the above lyrics. My husband, Joe, son Kreg, daughter Lauren, and I began singing together as the children were born. When they both lived nearby, we sang together as an A Capella quartet. We have a precious gift in that “ensemble.” When we get together, we must sing. So this season when we look forward in hope to what our Lord has in mind for the coming year, we celebrate Him as we lift our voices together (even when apart — there is a togetherness in the voice for the “ensemble” never leaves) to praise Him and bring Him glory. Such is the delightful purpose in our lives.

FOR ME!!! I realize this is an unusual picture to put on my blog at this season of the year. But I am so deeply grateful for my Lord Jesus Christ. I love to celebrate Christmas and all the arguments about His birth being a different time of the year do not really impress me, nor do they deter me. I know about all that stuff, but I am overwhelmingly thankful that He came and He came because He loved me. It is not a pagan holiday in my heart. It is the celebration of His coming and all the dimensions of that coming pile into me and out of me in praise and wonder.

As we gaze at the babe in the manger this season, let us remember that He will come again, and this time He will come as our Victorious King. For that is what He is. Read Revelation 1:9-20 and let that image fill your soul.

1. He is One like the a son of man — One like me. I am included in Him — He came like me, He is like me — only better. So when I see those words, I know He has included me and is for me.

2. He was dressed in a robe extending down to his feet – He is wearing the linen robe of the High Priest. Glory! He is my Intercessor, never sleeping, day and night, keeping vigil for me and over me and mine. What absolute wonder! He is the One who takes care of my affairs. He doesn’t make mistakes in those matters. I do, but He straightens the things I have made crooked and takes care of it all. He came for this.

3. He wore a wide golden belt around His chest – He is King, but not just any earthly king, He is the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. He rules in all the affairs of men. They may or may not be aware of His Lordship, but He nonetheless is ruling. In Psalm 2, the Holy Spirit tells us that even though the nations of the earth gather against Him, He laughs at them. How very pitiable our preparations for safety and for government must seem in the light of His all powerful nature.

4. His head and His hair are as white as wool, even as white as snow . All the knowledge and wisdom that exists are His. He knows. He just knows. Whatever it is, He knows and He knows what is best in each and every situation. “If any man lacks wisdom, let him ask of God who gives generously to all men…” What a wonderful gift you are Lord!

5. His eyes are like a fiery flame. He sees. That is probably enough to say — He sees. Whatever, whenever, He sees. To be able to know, perceive, and see. Nothing hidden –everything out in the open. He sees.

6. His feet are like polished bronze refined in a furnace. In the Old Testament, bronze is always symbolic of judgment. So here we have the picture of our Lord Jesus with feet as polished bronze. Letting us know that whatever judgment was ours to reap, He has already stood in it, taken, it and pronounced it done. His feet are like bronze — He stands in judgment for me.

7. His voice is like the roar of many waters. Like Niagara Falls. Oh what a sound. I love to get as close to the Falls as possible and just let the sound of the roar invade my being. That is what His voice is like. Many Christians make the mistake of thinking (and saying) that they do not hear God speak to them. Lie! That is a lie. At least according to the word of the Lord, it is a lie. You see, when this Son of Man speaks — He sounds like roaring water — Niagara Falls. In order to miss it you have to be deaf (spiritually deaf), if you are one of His. Now if you do not have the Lord as your Savior and do not have the Holy Spirit inside, then it will be quiet for you. You will not hear. But beloved Christian, you do hear at least according to John 10:27. If you are His, you hear.

8. A sharp double-edge sword extends out of His mouth. We know from Hebrews 4:12, that this two edge-sword is the Word of God. This is indeed the agent that is used to create, to bring life, to deliver, to restore, and to kill. John 3:16 is a double-edge sword. To all who receive — eternal life; but to all who do not believe, the sword of His love brings the “perishing.” He speaks and He has spoken. We have the privilege of reading the utterances of Almighty God, and of knowing His heart as He has written to us. So in voice, and in page. He is amazingly thorough.

9. His face shines like the sun shining at full strength. We do not look at our natural sun for it would literally blind us. Our Lord shines more brightly than any physical sun. Yet in His light we see and know light. If we get energy and life from the physical sun, then how much more from the One who created it all and shines more brightly than any of the creation. In His presence we become healed and restored through the light of that presence. It is better than any earthly day on the beach.

This is a brief summary of the One who describes Himself as “I am the First and the Last, and the One who was dead, but look, now I am alive — forever and ever — and I hold the keys of death and of Hades.” This is Who we celebrate this season! Let us lift our eyes beyond the babe and greet our conquering King who lives forever more. Soon we will see Him as He is! Now that will really be Christmas!