July 28, 2011

Created To Sound

As I am continuing to study Job and we converse, I hear so many words exchanged between these men.  I hear broken hearts, shattered hopes, crushed lives and arrogance. 
You have been reading Job on your own and journaling about common situations, today I wanted to open us up to understand what Job was stating when He addressed his discernment that his friends were acting deceitfully.
Deceitfully is translated from a Hebrew word Bagad: defined as to act covertly or fraudulently, secretly, deceptively, to cheat, to betray, to oppress, to afflict, to spoil. 
In the KJV it is translated: transgress, transgressor, offend, be unfaithful, deal treacherously. Most of these are figurative uses of the literal root “to cover” as with a garment.  This is similar to our expression cloak and dagger.
What I found interesting is that it appears 47 times in context of marriage, Israel’s unfaithfulness to the Lord and interpersonal relationships.  It also states that wine may cause people to act this in this way.
There is a poem listed below for the purpose of seeing what our hearts intent is supposed to be, how we are utilized by God as well as His view point of situations. 
In Job we already read, that this is about Satan attacking God’s integrity and our ability to see His character.  I find it odd that there appear to be lengthy monologues expressing their own wisdom of God, I cannot wait to move past the sounds of their noise and embrace the movements of God himself.
Please search the sounds charging your environment, listen to them, find out if they are nothing more than an empty echo or wisdom from God.  Seek environments that fill your spaces with encouragement and truth even if those honest words humble us.
Write about it – I would love to have some of your prose to share with everyone.  Think about it.  I will be posting what I have been given on our creative commUNITY page – www.seecreativityspeaks.org
With Love,
Candace
Created To Sound
Can an instrument of itself create music?
Is there even an ability producing sound
Having no knowledge of composition
Simply a vessel for brilliance to utilize
 
The mind and the skill of the creator
Understands contour and rhythm - counterpoint
The instrument knows not to pause, rest or surrender
Unless through the object, His spirit blows
 
His fingers skilled to bring forth the desire
All tension calmed when His power is aligned
His melody sooths the troubled moments
The weary hearts now embrace with joy
 
This unity is real, we now remember
Alone, our melody empty, just a note hanging midair
To hear a sound, we repeat, receiving echoes
From the returning vibrato no distance is relief
 
Their constant refrain surges negativity charging all spaces
The lack of rests and restraint drains His peace
At any time the Maestro may silence the instrument
He can withdraw the knowledge and His skill
 
He may choose a more willing accompaniment
One desiring to listen learn; engage respectfully
Believing alone their note assumes no grandeur
Their intense tone no more than a symbol clang
 
When not encapsulated in time embracing silent movements
The conductor must choose to save integrity
Today practice, watch and listen
Waiting for the conductor’s hands to align
 
Together we each are significant
He provides a stage  for each unique part
We, as one, support His heart’s desire
To release the beauty of our individuality
 
Sharing the splendor of each brilliant succession
Allowing His symphony to resonate upon all life
Fulfilling His greatest commission
Our will alighting heaven from earth through His song.
By Candace Huffmaster
©2011 All Rights Reserved

July 25, 2011

Filled By His Tears

Father, I am broken from all this world has to offer
Make me whole even here in this space
The love of this place no longer pleasing
All I long for is held in your tender embrace
My heart longing to be in your presence
My eyes seeking for you in all ways near and far
My hand yearning to touch you if only for one single second
For I would cherish that moment till this life surely ends
Oh fill me in my deepest love losses
So that there is no dry arid space they may continue to haunt
Let my memories be filled with only your goodness
Bind me in the promise of your return
Barren and abandoned is not my heritage....
Because you never left me here alone
You are simply away in preparation,
Of our home, which I eagerly await
You have given me daily provision
You have ordered the care that I need
I am following your direct instructions
Ensuring where you have gone, there too, I will be
Thank you for this day of laughter
Thank you for this day full of  life
Thank you for Loving me with such great abandon
Thank you for calling me your wife
Let me be pleasing in your presence
Increase me to care for those in need
Allow me the grace to Love as you Love
So that they see you, as they peer through me
Be it done unto me as you will it
For I know you will allow me no harm
You are the creator of all good things
Protecting my very life with your righteous strong arm
Lift me with your prayers of intercession
For in this life I cannot make it on my own
Be one with me and our Father
As you have wished, I request it to be done
Within the holiest of Holies, I beg your forgiveness
For any way I brought your reputation harm
Repair your image - all stains forgotten
Lift me up as the bride you deserve
I ask that they too be forgiven
For it is only in unity we can be released
I ask for your kingdom to overwhelm us
As the angels usher in to assist
Prepare us to rejoice as you foresaw it
Teach us your words harmonizing the tune in full
Bring all your power into our abilities
For only then may we celebrate your spectacular reign
We shall not fear your perfect presence
We shall shine bright as we stand in the winds of your change
To light up your heavenly runway
Praising your glorious entry as our King
Clamouring with joy to embrace you
Bearing our most precious gifts to lay at your feet
Humbly in adoration you approach us
Each of us and yet some how one by one
Your eyes seek and search our every feature
As if you are looking at us for the very first time
Your hands, embracing our face, pull us toward you
Your lips touch the smoothness of our skin
Your tears of joy spill out upon us
To completely fill any arid space that exists
Together we sit and we ponder
We toast, we laugh and we enjoy
This table is the home we have longed for
Your presence is that space for which we have yearned
Now, in unity, not one thing is missing
So we are bound within your presences eternally.

To the One, the only Lord of my Life, Jesus Christ
Kisses,
C

©Candace Huffmaster 2011 All Rights Reserved








July 24, 2011

That is Just the Beginning!

Jeremiah 15:19
..............They for their part may turn to you, But as for you, you must not turn to them.

Job and his friends speak a great deal in reference to the fear of the Lord.  I am not suggesting that all they do is from the view point of Bruce Almighty where he stated "Smite me, oh mighty smiter" but I do not hear an awful lot of peace running rampant around the land of Uz; do you?

In Psalms 111:10 the writer puts it like this:
The fear of the Lord is the "beginning of wisdom"; a good understanding have those who do (His commandments); His praise endures forever!

Friday in group we discussed the weight this battle was having on Job.  We also discussed his admission that he knew his words were not grounded in diplomacy, logic, peace, gentleness of spirit or stability.  However we could understand how the great obstacles, loss, neglect of compassion, isolation and much more were causing him grief.  As well as our unbelief that anyone "claiming" to be a friend could assault him when in such a vulnerable position - this is not only inhumane -  it is beyond inconceivable- it is unconscionable.

God created us with an emotional range to help us navigate through troubles waters as well as good times with a consciousness to propel us into goodness and away from evil.  But look at how abruptly, relentlessly these attacks were spiraling inward upon this God loving, unsuspecting man. It makes me squirmy just empathizing with him.  Honestly, I do not know that I would not have cried "UNCLE" by this point.  Kudos to Job!

Now we see that even though he doesn't necessarily have all his ducks, in a row as far as understanding, he is getting past the beginning and still standing.  That my friends is progress.  He is coming to see the surrounding elements with some clarity. 

1. He realizes some how a poisonous arrow tore through his tender flesh.
2. He sees the poison is effecting his spirit.
3. He feels the reality of the spiritual battle fiercely assaulting him.
4. The "brothers" act deceitfully by not bringing true help to him in his time of need.

He still, however, puts his fate into the hands of God trusting in His goodness without fear.  Job knows he has not denied the words of God. But knowing he is no match for the strength of God he is overwhelmed as he tries to understand how he will not be totally defeated - since he is still assuming this array is from the same God he trusts.  He is perplexed and dismayed realizing that these friends are erroneous; they are more of a milestone around his neck that a life preserver.

Job is not alone, all things are common to man.  Just so you know not only Job  is recorded as experiencing this.  I thought we might glean some strength from another persons perplexity (other than Christ himself), Jeremiah hit this wall too.

Jeremiah 15:15-21 (NAS) You who know, O LORD, Remember me, take notice of me,
And take vengeance for me on my persecutors. Do not, in view of Your patience, take me away;
Know that for Your sake I endure reproach. Your words were found and I ate them, And Your words became for me a joy and the delight of my heart; For I have been called by Your name, O LORD God of hosts.  I did not sit in the circle of merrymakers, Nor did I exult. Because of Your hand upon me I sat alone, For You filled me with indignation.  Why has my pain been perpetual And my wound incurable, refusing to be healed? Will You indeed be to me like a deceptive stream With water that is unreliable?
God answered Jeremiah quickly:
“If you return, then I will restore you— Before Me you will stand; And if you extract the precious from the worthless, You will become My spokesman. They for their part may turn to you, But as for you, you must not turn to them. “Then I will make you to this people a fortified wall of bronze; And though they fight against you, They will not prevail over you; For I am with you to save you And deliver you,” declares the LORD.  “So I will deliver you from the hand of the wicked, And I will redeem you from the grasp of the violent.”
We are stopping here for today, I ask each of you to be bold in your faith, cling to Him that is holding you near and dear, pray for those who are supposed to be turning to you so that we, through Him, may save the precious soul of a child adored by our Lord God Almighty. 

But Remember, do not turn to chase after them - God is clear; They, must turn and make the bold steps to walk into peace, harmony and unity of true light themselves.  Together let's call their names in hope that Today they will not harden their hearts as in the past so that they may have rest for their souls. 

............for this is His good, pleasing and perfect will on such a fine day as this.
In the Heart of Christ,
Kisses,
Candace



July 23, 2011

Porcelain Soldier

Porcelain Soldier


Images shattered all around me
In my midst there is nothing as far as I can see
What I believed I saw in no longer standing
As I reach for what I held near, precious and dear
Like a porcelain soldier, attempting mighty battle
The truth attacked, needing only one direct blow
As the beautiful façade abruptly splintered
A vast cold darkness unknown to me appeared
My mind, heart and limbs now surely shaken
As the shards entered my tender trusting soul
What is real?  I feel as if all is reeling……
Why can I not see beyond this vast empty space
Me inside, all windows and doors now locked tightly
I hear deception creeping in from beneath the door
Sounding nothing familiar to my lovely soldier
Whom I trusted, loved... promising to adore
Why is not for me to know now......
To explain the unexplored depths of my ache
I hear the boast of the images past still mocking.....
Remembering their intent is to hurt showing they truly don't care
I believe I am loved and desired though,
By the only one who knows my deepest need
He tenderly cares while desiring to repair me
......All the cold callous rips into my very soul
He cries as I try to be strong, though it’s painful
To love them more than that which I have been shown
He encourages me to keep going
He gives me peace allowing me try yet again
To believe in those things which are promised
To have hope in the things I still cannot see
He tells me He knows what has happened
And that only His truth will set us free
No matter how strong the force is appearing
He promises in no way will they ever again punish me

I live and I love,  crying sometimes…..
But now the tears are not covering me
They are poured out upon those bound, blind and hurting...
Trusting in shadows of all that is real, near and here
I pray that you reach out allowing life to touch you
To ensure that what is surrounding you is really there
Blow His truth in trust that He loves all things
Never desiring to harm what is righteous, lovely and pure
We love because He first loved us…..
This I know and is where my feet are firmly ground
Because it is He that conquered all of these things
So we must know, even now,  He in us will have His eternal victory.
 
I know your battles and I care – deeply, honestly, passionately and freely
Kisses,
C
By Candace Huffmaster
©2011 All Rights Reserved

You Were Made to Fly



TGIF Today God Is First Volume 2 by Os Hillman



"Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I will depart. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised" (Job 1:21).


Can a caterpillar fly? If you said, "No," you would be partially correct. Actually, a caterpillar can fly, but it must have a transformation first.
The butterfly begins life as a caterpillar, a wormlike larva that spins a cocoon for itself. For weeks, the larva remains hidden within the cocoon as it undergoes metamorphosis. When it's time for the butterfly to emerge, it must struggle and fight its way out of the cocoon. We might be tempted to help this process by tearing open the cocoon - but that's the worst thing we could do. The struggle makes it strong and enables it to fly. Butterflies need adversity to become what God intended them to be. So do we.

The Book of Job is the story of a wealthy and successful community leader named Job. He was a successful and righteous businessman with huge holdings of livestock and real estate. One day Satan came before God and asked him, "Where have you come from?" Satan replied, "From roaming through the earth and going back and forth in it."

God said to Satan, "Have you considered my servant Job? He is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil." Notice that God pointed Job out to Satan! God gave Satan permission to put Job through a trial of adversity. Job's herds were stolen, his servants were murdered, and all of Job's children were killed by a sudden tornado.

Through his trial of adversity, he grows in strength, wisdom and faith. His entire perspective on God is transformed by his suffering. He was even accused of sin by his closest friends.

We must get beyond the immature notion that God is interested only in making us healthy, wealthy and happy. More than anything, He wants us to be like Christ. And the road to becoming like Christ often leads through the wilderness of adversity.

In order for the butterfly to fly, there must be a transformation process that is often developed through adversity.

Oz's other devotion today is really great, "Second Chances".  Click on the TGIF tab at the top of the page and read that one as well, if you'd like.

My prayers and love to each of you today - My peace I offer and I know it is well received.
With Love,
Candace



July 20, 2011

Distant, Far Away, Always Near

 

Lord take a walk with me today

This land is distant, but not far away

Amassed with clutter and debris

When my sight fails you see through defeat

In the safety of your embrace

I have complete joy within your peace

 

Engulfed in your spirit no fractures exist

In the stillness of Love I can hear the spirit grieve

Longing the experience of those still too far away

 

Knowing there is still much to learn

I watch closely as we go

With attentive ears I come to understand

Lifting your skills up to apply

Respecting this is not my natural suit

With no need to mention the state from which I came

 

When we battle for Love, it’s your victory that completes

With trust is in you, my self won’t compete

The destruction comes upon what destroys and kills

Yes indeed we celebrate with joy

 

But it is this defeat which brought Him the pain

I remember the cost to  his life…….

And praise God I was not asked to pay

 

With humble thanks,  I stand amazed

Watching the work of my mind, heart and hands

Knowing I own nothing that I can repay

 

If He chose to stop I would cease

Because without Him I desire not to be

So in this moment to honor His gift

I bow low for all to pass by

Landing grace upon others in need

His voice, truth and love will serve and sustain

Mercy I cry, my feet shod upon His

Now where He goes, there too I will ever be.

 

If ever we pass, please do not notice me

There is one more important you should see

His name is Jesus Christ the son of God

He’s the King of all Kings

The One who is mighty to save

At all times He is here and alive

 

It is true He does exist

And He is not too far away

Reach out He will touch to your soul

Call His name, He can hear

He will answer if you believe

Till then we are here as you can see

Know, too, I am human…. at times I might fail

But His grace overcomes and prevails

 

So in faith I speak from my heart,

Hoping His truth you hear when you need

He is with you at this moment and always……

His peace and love, I pray, comfort you as well

 

By Candace Huffmaster

©2011 All Rights Reserved

July 19, 2011

Please Change Your Mind


Today simply read the words of Job, Chapter 6 posted below, to these men.  Job has realized that their actions do not align with the compassion that a friend should have - so he begs them to reconsider their stance.  Have you ever had someone do that to you....beg you to see from their point of view so that you would not be so harsh on them? Sometimes people just need compassion, gentleness and Christ needs a vessel whom He can trust to stand in the gap for Him.  Think about it, write about it, share your thoughts. 

I pray each of us see ourselves very clearly today and be transformed by what we understand.
With Love,
Candace

Job 6
Then Job replied to his friends,  “If only my grief could be weighed, if only my misery could be laid on the scales with it, then they would be heavier than the sand of the seas. I spoke carelessly because the arrows of the Almighty have found their target in me, and my spirit is drinking their poison. God’s terrors line up in battle against me. 

“Does a wild donkey bray when it’s eating grass, or does an ox make a sound over its hay? Is tasteless food eaten without salt, or is there any flavor in the white of an egg? I refuse to touch such things. They are disgusting to me. “How I wish that my prayer would be answered—that God would give me what I’m hoping for, that God would finally be willing to crush me, that he would reach out to cut me off. Then I would still have comfort. I would be happy despite my endless pain, because I have not rejected the words of the Holy One. What strength do I have left that I can go on hoping? What goal do I have that I would want to prolong my life? Do I have the strength of rocks? Does my body have the strength of bronze? Am I not completely helpless? Haven’t my skills been taken away from me?  You Have Not Treated Me Like True Friends "A friend should treat a troubled person kindly, even if he abandons the fear of the Almighty.

My brothers have been as deceptive as seasonal rivers, like the seasonal riverbeds that flood. They are dark with ice. They are hidden by snow. They vanish during a scorching summer. In the heat their riverbeds dry up. They change their course. They go into a wasteland and disappear. Caravans from Tema look for them. Travelers from Sheba search for them. They are ashamed because they relied on the streams. Arriving there, they are disappointed.  “So you are as unreliable to me as they are. You see something terrifying, and you are afraid. Did I ever say, ‘Give me a gift,’ or ‘Offer me a bribe from your wealth,’ or ‘Rescue me from an enemy,’ or ‘Ransom me from a tyrant’? Teach me, and I’ll be silent. Show me where I’ve been wrong. How painful an honest discussion can be! In correcting me, you correct yourselves! Do you think my words need correction? Do you think they’re what a desperate person says to the wind? Would you also throw dice for an orphan? Would you buy and sell your friend?  “But now, if you’re willing, look at me. I won’t lie to your face.
Please change your mind. Don’t permit any injustice. Change your mind because I am still right about this! Is there injustice on my tongue, or is my mouth unable to tell the difference between right and wrong?



July 18, 2011

Wow, for a Minute There I Thought You Were a Friend

God tells us things in advance.  He withholds no good thing from us.  But we have to make the request for advancement.  I believe it is possible that the reason we are supposed to be content in all situations with what we know and where we are, might be that when we ask for things if we do not have enough knowledge or experience we end up in a less than desired situation which brings pain.

Job was called a man of integrity and character by God.  We know that God calls us by who we are in Him, what He is raising us up to be – as in our study of David.  God called him or reserved his place when he called him a King.  Many experiences by the merciful hand of God brought his called King into being.   Non the less, God knew who David was to be – so he accepted him at his current state granting him his future status.  Could it be that this is the same thing He was stating of Job?

Let’s keep this in the back of our minds as we continue on this journey with Job.

Friday in conversations we discussed how Eliphaz had already made up his mind the reason for Job’s predicament.  He was coming to Job, not so much as a friend but as a prophet.  After knowing that the vision, or words forming the vision, in his mind were opposed to the character or God, we can discern which side of the battle line that this spirit came from.

For a moment I would like to stand in Eliphaz place and look around as if it were me rolling in upon Job. However, I want to base my stance on the facts so that I can correctly see myself or hold myself accountable.  Since Friday I have hashed and rehashed the dialogue and environment leading up to where we are.

We have no idea of Eliphaz’s relationship with the Lord.  We do know that he believes he is a wise and discerning prophet.  As Eliphaz, did I take what I believe to be a vision as well as my understanding into the counsel of the Almighty before running off to enlighten Job of the cause for this curse upon him?  If not how in God’s name could I discern the spirit working amidst another individuals life?

Since I can find no reference anywhere of me taking the matter before the God that I am representing touting my knowledge of, I can only assume that I leaned on my own understanding.  If I were to hold myself up to the standards of God and look myself square in the mirror what would I see?

  Though I spoke truth, was it the whole truth?  Did I come to Job as a judge or a sympathetic companion?  Did I speak with great wisdom in a manner that would encourage hope to be healed? Did I serve this conversation of truth administered through love? Did I intercede as a servant desiring my God to have this wayward child back into his fold?  Would he have felt that light, life and companionship were brought to him by the grace of God’s mighty protective arm or that a scourging authority was extending his arm to administer a merciless flog?

As I look upon the situation, I have no doubt that I, Eliphaz have heard from a supernatural source.  Believing there is insight of a situation I am compelled to go.  As Eliphaz, I believe myself to be wise, discerning and someone superior in which others should take heed.  However, I do not believe that I am compassionate, gentle or generous with anything other than my own intellect.  I also sense that I am inciting a grieving person in crisis while withholding proper Godly insight.

I can only imagine how crushing this was to Job.  If I put myself in his place as he set there in the ashes, scraping his boils after his wife said curse God and die, seeing my three friends coming down the road I would have been so relieved.  I think I might have been tempted to angle the shard of clay a bit differently as was suggested by my “help mate”.  I thank God that He had total control and only good in store for Job.  This all reminded me of what God said through Jeremiah to His people:

Jeremiah 29:7-14

Today's New International Version (TNIV)

7 Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the LORD for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.” 8 Yes, this is what the LORD Almighty, the God of Israel, says: “Do not let the prophets and diviners among you deceive you. Do not listen to the dreams you encourage them to have. 9 They are prophesying lies to you in my name. I have not sent them,” declares the LORD.

10 This is what the LORD says: “When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will come to you and fulfill my good promise to bring you back to this place. 11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 12 Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. 14 I will be found by you,” declares the LORD, “and will bring you back from captivity. I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you,” declares the LORD, “and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile.”

So today, think about the goodness of the Lord, believe that it is his plans to give you hope and a future as you seek peace prayerfully interceding for the prosperity of the community you are currently journeying through.  Because of this you too will prosper.

I pray for those who are deceived and request that they see the truth so that they, through Christ CAN cast down false imaginations.

To Him be ALL the glory,

Kisses,

Candace

July 15, 2011

I'm a Donkey on the Edge

Yesterday we stopped our conversation with Job being on the ledge.  Desiring to believe the best of Eliphaz, I assume this was his best attempt to talk Job down.  As we noted yesterday, his approach is a bit lacking.  Just when he should have stopped and given Job a moment to process ......he kicks the gas petal and runs him down.  And he goes on......and on.....and on for somewhere around 43 verses give or take.   I rather envision Mr Crisis coming through town. (If you were not with us, look back in the archives).  Sometimes our relationships seem as though they are nothing more than a "stubborn mule".  But we must take our eyes off the individuals and realize the true battle going on.  If you have not believed me when I have talked about being aware of the voices you are listening to - those in your "memory" or "conversations" going on and no one is there (role playing in your imagination) understand those thoughts ARE coming from something.  Still don't believe me....... here is a real example:

Eliphaz on his soap box delivered this:
7 “Remember now, who ever perished being innocent?


Or where were the upright destroyed?

8 “According to what I have seen, those who plow iniquity

And those who sow trouble harvest it.

9 “By the breath of God they perish,

And by the blast of His anger they come to an end.

10 “The roaring of the lion and the voice of the fierce lion,

And the teeth of the young lions are broken.

11 “The lion perishes for lack of prey,

And the whelps of the lioness are scattered.

12 “Now a word was brought to me stealthily,

And my ear received a whisper of it.

13 “Amid disquieting thoughts from the visions of the night,

When deep sleep falls on men,

14 Dread came upon me, and trembling,

And made all my bones shake.

15 “Then a spirit passed by my face;

The hair of my flesh bristled up.

16 “It stood still, but I could not discern its appearance;

A form was before my eyes;

There was silence, then I heard a voice:

17 ‘Can mankind be just before God?

Can a man be pure before his Maker?

18 ‘He puts no trust even in His servants;

And against His angels He charges error.

19 ‘How much more those who dwell in houses of clay,

Whose foundation is in the dust,

Who are crushed before the moth!

20 Between morning and evening they are broken in pieces;

Unobserved, they perish forever.

21 ‘Is not their tent-cord plucked up within them?

They die, yet without wisdom.’

Chapter 5
1 “Call now, is there anyone who will answer you?


And to which of the holy ones will you turn?

2 “For anger slays the foolish man,

And jealousy kills the simple.

3 “I have seen the foolish taking root,

And I cursed his abode immediately.

4 “His sons are far from safety,

They are even oppressed in the gate,

And there is no deliverer.

5 "His harvest the hungry devour

And take it to a place of thorns,

And the schemer is eager for their wealth.

6 “For affliction does not come from the dust,

Nor does trouble sprout from the ground,

7 For man is born for trouble,

As sparks fly upward.

8 “But as for me, I would seek God,

And I would place my cause before God;

9 Who does great and unsearchable things,

Wonders without number.

10 “He gives rain on the earth

And sends water on the fields,

11 So that He sets on high those who are lowly,

And those who mourn are lifted to safety.

12 “He frustrates the plotting of the shrewd,

So that their hands cannot attain success.

13 “He captures the wise by their own shrewdness,

And the advice of the cunning is quickly thwarted.

14 “By day they meet with darkness,

And grope at noon as in the night.

15 “But He saves from the sword of their mouth,

And the poor from the hand of the mighty.

16 “So the helpless has hope,

And unrighteousness must shut its mouth.

17 “Behold, how happy is the man whom God reproves,

So do not despise the discipline of the Almighty.

18 “For He inflicts pain, and gives relief;

He wounds, and His hands also heal.

19 "From six troublesHe will deliver you,

Even in seven evil will not touch you.

20 “In famine He will redeem you from death,

And in war from the power of the sword.

21 “You will be hidden from the scourge of the tongue,

And you will not be afraid of violence when it comes.

22 “You will laugh at violence and famine,

And you will not be afraid of wild beasts.

23 “For you will be in league with the stones of the field,

And the beasts of the field will be at peace with you.

24 “You will know that your tent is secure,

For you will visit your abode and fear no loss.

25 “You will know also that your descendants will be many,

And your offspring as the grass of the earth.

26 “You will come to the grave in full vigor,

Like the stacking of grain in its season.

27 “Behold this; we have investigated it, and so it is.

Hear it, and know for yourself.”


Wow - there is so much to say about all this.  Here are some things to ponder:

How far will satan go to find the perfect person to fight in the flesh for HIS purpose?
Would you know enough to discern the spirits in your midst, or would they overtake you and move within their destruction?
Are you capable of  / have you had success with pulling the reigns in and overcoming the propensity to hit the gas pedal making you one with the adversary instead of one with God?

It is only through the power of the spirit and our free will allowing Him the victory that this is possible, I pray for us all to see these moments or intersections headed for calamity and fall to our knees requesting that we not be part of destruction to those around us.  It simply does not have to continue, but it is our choice. 

I beg of you to realize this day it is you and you alone who chooses life or death, and it is through each though kept, action taken and word spoken......please hear, see and truly choose life, for Christ sake and glory to be received by him.

In Him,
Kisses,
Candace







July 12, 2011

When We Do Not Know Of That Which We Search…… We Roam.


Today we are going to focus on the last 6 verses in Job 3 from God’s Word translation. Verses 20 - 23 appear as thought Job asks 2 questions, however in truth they are rhetorical statements.   Given that Job has always been the one to “give answers” the poor guys probably does not know how to be vulnerable…..and appreciate receiving care. Or maybe it is simply that no one around was attempting to give him any care or compassion.   Have you ever experienced Job’s land of UZ?  Let’s look at these 6 verses and separate the truth from the fiction:
“Why give light to one in misery and life to those who find it so bitter, to those who long for death but it never comes – though they dig for it more than for buried treasure?”
“They are ecstatic, delighted to find the grave, Why give light to those whose paths have been hidden, to those whom God has fenced in ?”
As you all know by know one of my greatest praises to God is that I am forever grateful to live in the space this side of the cross.  Job did not have the bible in which God had someone record the scene in heaven so that he could understand what we know as the spiritual battle.  We also have the word of God which gave us the true knowledge so that we would not be mislead as Job was. 
For instance, why give light to one in misery?  We know that Christ is the truth, the way and the life.  The reason is so that we can find our way, see the light and have a reason for hope.  It is only through hope that misery flees.  Christ came to bind up the broken hearted and to set captives free.  His light shines on the darkness so that the darkness must flee.  He sends the comforter for misery and when someone finds comfort their bitterness or hardness softens.  It is then and only then that hope blossoms.
…..to those who long for death but it never comes – though they dig for it more than for buried treasure?'” :  We are promised that God does not cut our time short and that is another reason for our hope.  We are to search for Him, dig if you will, with all our heart, strength and soul. Although we know our desire is to find relief it comes from life, not death.  We cannot perceive that we are already dead and in this death there is only anguish.  The only relief from death is life.  Most people or at least those seeking are in fear of loss, death, finality.
We know that Satan is in Jobs head when we hear the perversion from these words: Why give light to those whose paths have been hidden, to those whom God has fenced in.  Sound familiar?  In Job, scene 1, satan answered the Lord with this statement:  “Haven’t  you put a protective fence around him, his home, and everything he has?”  Now we hear Job confessing that the protection of his Almighty is claustrophobic. 
The next three verses are very important in order for us to see the truth in what is taking place here:
  • When my food is in front of me, I sigh
  • I pour out my groaning like water
  • What I fear most overtakes me
  • what I dread happens to me
  • I have no peace
  • I have no quiet
  • I have no rest
…….and trouble keeps coming!
The first thing we give thanks for to God is our daily bread.  We know we cannot live by bread alone, but from the very word of God.  Job is struggling with both here.  His gratitude, for the one thing God stated satan could not take away, his very life is more than flailing here.
“I pour out my groaning like water” – we discussed last week how an unclean spirit is seeking out a waterless place to rest.  These spirits in the past could not enter Job because he was water filled.  So they waited, provoked,tormented, abandoned, mocked and belittled Job till he did not have the strength left to fight them off - “What I fear most overtakes me!”
How awful, have you ever been there.  All you see is darkness, you feel it crushing in ………and you don’t have the in your heart and mind these wonderful words to help you persevere “We may be pressed on all sides but we are not crushed!”  So we see that they did come in and they found rest because Job didn’t have it any longer.  He had no peace and obviously their voices were disturbing his mind because he stated he had no quiet. 
This my friends sound like “Hell on Earth”.  And true to the rest of the verse from last week “the state of the man became worse than the first!”
Satan lost that first round, so he came back with 7 more powerful.  They were wicked unclean spirits.
These are the things I want you to think about then write your thoughts for us to discuss:
Satan had been circling Job as a lion studying his prey. Do you think he had a pack of demons surrounding Job as well?
Job had 7 sons we are told and three daughters.  His sons were the ones creating the parties and opening their doors to encourage others to join in.  All that Job had been blessed with was theirs and they were using this prosperity in ways that harmed Job’s peace, and ultimately his reputation.  Could they have been waterless places in which evil found a resting place?
For today, I thank God that we have His mercy, grace and written word in order that we may know all things in advance.  I pray that those of us in need of wisdom, that our spirit prospers even as our soul just as He has promised.  I ask that we all intercede for each other first and then make requests on our own behalf so that God may have a body to call his very own – complete in all ways.
In Christ,
Candace


©2011 All Rights Reserved

July 11, 2011

July 10, 2011

My Sad Heart Sings

Praise and Prayer in Prose
 
My sad heart sings, for His promises I believe
My faith hold firm joy, which I know the morning brings
Grief for the loss, as my wailing pours out
I pity his place, though I know his days are safe
My God, this is hard, even with all I know
My experience is not large, compared to his need
I know you use all things, to accomplish his good
But for now my heart is breaking, as I feel his despair
Through anger and vengeance his wrath is felt
These burdens you bore, as it ripped off your flesh
But I too feel torn from the pressure and hate
Protect my heart with your hand, for it heals all these things
So that I may speak boldly, withholding no good thing
I denounce all other power, except for your name
Nothing else is eternal, your love binds to uphold
I pray that he seek you, your counsel in full
To see all things clearly, and that he is adored
In Christ there is no condemnation…no guilt or shame
I request satan be bound from him, and he protected by your grace
Have mercy upon him; what he sees is a lie
Pierce him deeply to usher in your light
In you there is no shifting shadow only angel to take charge
All good things you offer so that his mind may transform
I beseech you dear Father, this is my request:
To love him and save him, to prosper him in all ways
If I am a hindrance, remove me this day
His life is too precious and I am already saved
In Christ, through the Holy Spirit, my faith knows this is done
To God be all the glory for the mighty things he has done
~by Candace Huffmaster
©2011 All Rights Reserved

July 9, 2011

Ministry in Word

Relationship

关系

“Be careful not to do your ‘acts of righteousness’ before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.“

你们要小心,不可将善事行在人的面前,故意叫他们看见,若是这样,就不能得你们天父的赏赐了。

Matthew 6:1

马太6:1

What are our 'acts of righteousness'? What does God expect us to do? “He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” (Mic 6:8) What is the purpose of doing our 'acts of righteousness'? Is it to please man or to please God? Jesus told us that we ought to do them secretly to receive our reward from God. We are supposed to show the fruits we bear to glorify God, and not flaunt our 'acts of righteousness'.

什么是我们的善事呢? 神盼望我们做什么呢? “世人哪,耶和华已指示你何为善。他向你所要的是甚麽呢?只要你行公义,好怜悯,存谦卑的心,与你的神同行。” (弥6:8) 我们做善事的目的是什么呢?是要讨人喜欢或是讨神喜悦? 耶稣告诉我们我们应该秘密地做善事来从神那里得到我们的赏赐。我们应该显示我们所结的果子来荣耀神,而非标榜我们的善事。

Jesus then gave three examples of the 'acts of righteousness': giving to the needy, prayer, and fasting, representing three dimensions of human relation. Giving to the needy is concerning one's relationship with other people, with our neighbors. Jesus said, “So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” (Mt 6:2-4) The motive for our giving to the needy should be our love for others and our compassion for them. It should not be our desire to make a name for ourselves. If we do it in public to seek men's praise, that will be all the reward we get. But if we do it in secret seeking God's righteousness, God will bless us with heavenly joy. It is our proper relation with others that we should love them as God loves them, and do to them as if we do to God (Mt 25:40), yet we ought not to seek their approval instead of God's.

耶稣然后举三个善事的例子:施舍,祷告和禁食,代表三个人际关系的维度。 施舍是关乎一个人与其他人的关系,譬如我们的邻舍。 耶稣说, “所以,你施舍的时候,不可在你面前吹号,像那假冒为善的人在会堂里和街道上所行的,故意要得人的荣耀。我实在告诉你们,他们已经得了他们的赏赐。你施舍的时候,不要叫左手知道右手所做的,要叫你施舍的事行在暗中。你父在暗中察看,必然报答你。” (太6:2-4) 我们施舍的动机应该是我们对其他人的爱和我们对他们的同情。不应该是我们沽名吊誉的欲望。如果我们在大庭广众中做善事来寻找人的称赞,那就是我们得到的所有奖励。但是,如果暗中做来寻找神的义,神将赐我们天上的喜乐。我们应该象神爱他们一般爱他们,并且我们对他们所做的,就犹如我们给神做的一般(太25:40),那是我们与其他人正确的关系,但是我们不应该求取他们的认可而不求取神的认可。

The next dimension of human relation is prayer. Prayer is concerning one's relationship with God, our intimacy with our heavenly Father. Jesus said, “And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” (Mt 6:5-6) Prayer is our two-way communication with God. We need to focus on God as the object of our personal prayer and source of our inspiration, not making it into a show before men.

下个人际关系的维度是祷告。 祷告是关乎一个人与神的关系,我们与我们天上的父的亲切。 耶稣说, “你们祷告的时候,不可像那假冒为善的人,爱站在会堂里和十字路口上祷告,故意叫人看见。我实在告诉你们,他们已经得了他们的赏赐。你祷告的时候,要进你的内屋,关上门,祷告你在暗中的父;你父在暗中察看,必然报答你。” (太6:5-6) 祷告是我们与神的双向联系。 我们需要集中于神作为我们个人祷告的对象和我们启发的来源,不是把祷告变成在人之前的表演。

Fasting is the third dimension of human relation. It is concerning one's relationship with self. Jesus said, “When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” (Mt 6:16-18) Fasting represents a denial of my immediate satisfaction, bringing my focus off myself onto God and others. This is what Jesus said, “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” (Mt 16:24) Making people aware of our self-denial is no self-denial at all!

禁食是人际关系的第三维度。 它是关乎一个人与自已的关系。 耶稣说, “你们禁食的时候,不可像那假冒为善的人,脸上带着愁容;因为他们把脸弄得难看,故意叫人看出他们是禁食。我实在告诉你们,他们已经得了他们的赏赐。你禁食的时候,要梳头洗脸,不叫人看出你禁食来,只叫你暗中的父看见;你父在暗中察看,必然报答你。” (太6:16-18) 禁食代表我对即时满足的否定,把我的焦点从我自己带到神和其他人身上。这是耶稣说的, “若有人要跟从我,就当舍己,背起他的十字架来跟从我。” (太16:24) 让人知道我们舍己就不是舍己了!

When we do our 'acts of righteousness' in secret instead of in public, we are doing them for only one reason: God. We will then reap the greatest reward: God. From this dimension of our human to divine relation spawns a healthy human to human relation with self and others. Have you gotten your relation right with God? If not, now is a good time to pray to receive Christ as your Savior to have the right foundation for your relation with yourself and others.

当我们在暗里做我们的善事,而不是公开的,我们做的原因就只有一个:神。 然后我们将收获最大的奖励:神。从这个人神关系的维度产生我们与自已和与其他人健康的人际关系。 您已经得到与神正确的关系了么?如果没有,现在正是好时机来祈祷接受基督作为您的救主,您就可以有与您自己和与其他人的关系的正确基础。

Tom and Tehwan Tso

仲谋与德菀

The outcome of your faith is the salvation of your souls.” 1Peter 1:9

信心的果效, 就是灵魂的救恩彼得前书19

July 8, 2011

Living As If You Were Dead ~ by Os Hillman

TGIF Today God Is First Volume 1 by Os Hillman
Friday, July 08 2011

"In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus." Romans 6:11

What are the things that arouse the strongest emotions in you? Perhaps it is a rude motorist who cuts you off in traffic. Perhaps it is the anger you feel when you are wrongfully accused. Perhaps it is frustration that results from not having enough money to meet perceived needs. When do emotions turn into sin? Anger itself is not sin. Jesus had righteous anger when they sold doves in the temple.


Whenever our peace is upset over events and circumstances in life, we have moved past emotions into sin. Sin says that circumstances of life now dictate anxiety, worry, fear, or anger. Consider the attributes of a dead man. He does not get angry when slandered. He does not worry about the future. He does not fear what can be done to him. Why? Because he is dead. Nothing can harm a dead man.

Christ said we are to live as if we are dead - dead to the temptation of responding to stimuli in our life that are designed to stir up the sinful nature that resides in each of us. We do not have to respond to that nature; we can consider it dead. Christ said He is enough. When He is our all in all, nothing can move us. If we are moved, then Christ is not our all in all. This does not mean we cannot have strong emotion about our circumstance, it means we do not sin. Christ had strong emotions in the Garden of Gethsemane, yet He sinned not.





July 7, 2011

The Rudder And The Way Out

Words. What do they really mean? We are told that God created the world with them. We are told that they are a double edge sword. We are told that they have a great power and recompense also to etch them  on our heart.  We are to bind them about our waist, wear them as a garland around our neck, wrap them around wrist and to never let them leave our mouth.  Yet we are encouraged to always speak them, sometimes to hold them, not to give them to fools, they are pearls so do not feed the pearls to swine.  However, we are to speak them even when we know people will not listen.  We are not to withhold them when they will teach, to speak them in love and kindness knowing they can harm or heal and that they have action for good or evil.  But also understand that they overcome evil when we truly believe in them.  Ultimately they give life or cause death.
No doubt when to speak and when to shut ye ole pie hole can become a bit overwhelming…….if we are leaning on our own understanding.  Satan knows this! But God says there is nothing new under the sun, so evils bag of tricks is predicable.  Let’s not be so naïve (maybe that is a bit harsh) easily overtaken.  Let’s learn from our dear brother Job who allowed himself to be our biblical example for educational purposes.
If you have ever felt like there is no where else earth for you to go because evil is attempting to force you off the last snippet of ground you are wobbling upon so you might as well just end all the terrible mess……..or better yet just beg God to curse the day you were born.  Then you know how Job felt when he basically said “Job OUT!” 
Today simply read and try to see things as Job was seeing them.  How desperate he must have felt then relate to what you imagine he was internally dealing with by the words that he stated.  Write it down to discuss tomorrow.  Job was much more than sad and if not dealt with he would have become depressed.
Job 3:1-26 (NAS)
Afterward Job opened his mouth and cursed the day of his birth: And Job said “Let the day perish on which I was to be born, and the night which said a boy is conceived. May that day be darkness; Let not God above care for it, nor light shine on it.  Let darkness and black gloom claim it;  Let a cloud settle on it; Let the blackness of the day terrify it.  As for that night let darkness seize it; Let it not rejoice among the days of the year; Let it not come into the number of the months, Behold, let that night be barren; Let no joyful shout enter it.  Let those curse it who curse the day, who are prepared to rouse Leviathan.  Let the starts of its twilight be darkened; Let it wait for light but have none, neither let it see the breaking of dawn; because it did not shut the opening of my mothers womb, or hide trouble from my eyes.  Why did I not die at birth, come forth from the womb and expire?  Why did the knees receive me, and why the breasts that I should suck?  For now I would have lain down and been quiet; I would have slept then, I would have been at rest with Kings and counselors of the earth who rebuilt ruins for themselves; or with princes who had gold, who were filling their houses with silver.  Or like a miscarriage which is discarded, I would not be as infants that never saw light.  There the wicked cease from raging, and there the weary are at rest.  The prisoners are at ease together; they do not hear the voice of the taskmaster.  The small and the great are there, and the slave is free from his master.  Why is light given to him who suffers, and life to the bitter of soul; who long for death but there is none, and dig for it more than for hidden treasures; who rejoice greatly, they exult when they find the grave?  Why is light given to a man whose way is hidden, and whom God has hedged in?  For my groaning comes at the sight of my food, and my cries pour out like water.  For what I fear comes upon me, and what I dread befalls me.  I am not at ease, nor am I quiet, and I am not at rest but turmoil comes.”
Let us cry out for those in turmoil today.  Together we pray for each other that our faith not fail in order that Christ be glorified.  We remember that we can do all things through Christ who raised conquering death so that we might have life in abundance from the hand of I AM who send us His sustaining truth.  I pray that today you hear His call and turn to Him so that you, we as one might be healed in all ways for all eternity.
With the Love of our Christ covering us as a mighty blanket,
Kisses,
Candace

July 5, 2011

Smote and a Mirror

We have all heard the phrase “smoke and mirrors” which we know is distortion of reality to trick our brain into seeing unrealistic images and come to an altered final understanding.  We see that Satan smote Job with painful sores now.  Job had a very strong faith, his heart and mind were set on God.  Like many of us when we become physically weary our mind starts to weaken, our heart does not seem to have the same firm hold on our hope does it?  In my opinion Satan used his power to smote Job as a form of smoke and mirrors.

In Luke chapter 11 where we stopped yesterday, we have to believe Jesus must have been getting a bit tired he had been preaching, teaching and standing strong against the critics.  When, bless her heart, a woman blurted out to Jesus “ Blessed is the womb that bore You and the breasts which You nursed!”  To which Jesus stated, “On the contrary, blessed are those who hear the word of God and observe it.”  The crowd doesn’t do anything but pick up at this point.  And Jesus continues by saying, “This generation is a wicked generation; it seeks for a sign and yet no sign shall be given to it but the sign of Jonah.”

Jonah did something spectacular, he walked through the streets and spoke the truth of God to people God called child like: not knowing the difference between right and wrong.  When they repented and turned to God so that they could be saved and all might go well with their soul,  Jonah was angry.  Guess what God used to get Jonah’s vision corrected – Smote and a Mirror.  Unlike satan, God allows us to feel things and then gives us a mirror to see ourselves in light of our new information.  He is interested in our very life….forever. 

So now, back to Job.  At the closing of scene 2 there were these 3 men who were fairly close to Job, probably from a congregation or community and they had all received an accurate report of the situation.  They decided to come and show compassion to him because they had pity for him.  However, upon arriving the scene must have been so much worse than they anticipated, they basically did the same thing that the King of Nineveh when he heard the truth from Jonah – except in the midst of throwing the ashes and ripping their garments they did not open their mouth to call on God.  Instead they withheld what Job needed most, the word of God being lifted up and poured out to encourage him.  They should have been bringing to remembrance Jobs integrity and character but they just sat there allowing satan to manipulate the false images as well as allow Job more time for his heart and mind to weaken.

In my mind I imagine that satan desired this to take place for 7 days simply to mock God even further, then on the 7th day he must have taken such pride in work of his hands and said it is finished.  Can you imagine how disgusted he was when Job cursed the day he was born and not God?

Think on all this today and write about it.  Reflect on the power of speaking up to affirm our faith in God’s truth so that we are not  overtaken during a spiritual battles leaving us in a worse state than from where we began.  I pray that your spirit prospers even as your soul does and that you will allow this power to flow from your heart, mind and lips unhindered…….for His glory and name sake.

In Jesus Christ,

Kisses,

Candace

July 4, 2011

And Then There Were Three……

We have been walking in Job’s shoes for the past couple of weeks.  We looked at several scriptures that I would like to pull together today:

In Jeremiah 6:16 and God made a request that we stand aside and ask for him to show us the good way so that we could find rest for our souls.  Job may be sitting but he is still desperately seeking God’s wise counsel.

We looked at the scriptures on satan's job description verses Jesus’s": kill steal and destroy – unity, harmony, life. 

I would like to tie them together as we conclude scene 2 of Job’s adventure, with Luke chapter 11.  One of the disciples had requested that Jesus teach them how to pray.  Jesus gave them the knowledge and followed it with some practical theory in regards to speaking up and making the request known as well as trusting.  Right after that it seems they had the battle field.  When God has the victory, satan steps up right away to take all the glory.  He uses the lips of the spectators to denounce God’s reputation.

Luke 11:15 (NAS)

But some of them said, “He casts out demons by Beelzebul, the ruler of the demons. And the others to test Him were demanding of Him a sign from heaven.  But He knew their thoughts and said to them, Any kingdom divided against itself is laid waste and a house divided against itself falls.  And if satan also is divided against himself how shall his kingdom stand?  For you say that I cast out demons by Beelzebul.  And if I by Beelzebul cast out demons by whom do your sons cast them out?  Consequently they shall be your judges. But if I cast out by the finger of God then the kingdom of God has come upon you.

We already discussed the strong mans house will not be disturbed, that a curse with out a cause does not come, putting on our armor and standing firm till the promises of God show up and the importance of having a true understanding of what we believe. Because we need to know the truth so that the truth can set up free, let’s look at the rest of the story here in Luke 11 starting in verse 22, going through to 28.

but when someone stronger than he attacks him and overpowers him, he takes away from him all his armor on which he had relied, and distributes his plunder.  He who is not with Me is against Me; and he who does not gather with me scatters.  When the unclean spirit goes out of a man, it passes through waterless places seeking rest, and not finding any it says, I will return to my house from which I came.  And when it comes it finds it swept and put in order.  Then it goes and takes along seven other spirits more evil than itself and they go in and live there; and the last state of the man becomes worse than the first.

We discussed how Satan must have been attempting to take over Job’s house.  So let’s look at the battle field of his posse:

The 3 messengers who consecutively came stating all is lost and only I escaped so that you could be told.

There was the wife who spoke when Job needed some encouragement and prayer to strengthen him, but instead he was told to curse God and die.

Satan is pulling out all the stops by sending in the 3 amigos, right on the heals of Job’s wife and pain sores doing their best to force the man to defer his hope in God:

Job 2:11-13 Now when Job’s three friend heard of all this adversity that had come upon him, they came each one from his own place, Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite and Zophar the Naamathite, and they made an appointment together to come to sympathize with him and comfort him.  And when they lifted up their eyes at a distance and did not recognize him, they raised their voices and wept.  And each of them tore his robe and they threw dust over their heads toward the sky.  Then they sat down on the ground with him for seven days and seven nights with no one speaking a word to him, for they saw that his pain was very great.

Tomorrow we will pick back up here – but for today I ask you to take notice that God created the heavens, the earth, living being and had a day of rest all within 7 days.  He used his mind, his energy and his voice to do good. 

I pray that we look around at those we allow to cross into our personal space, look with discernment at the voice exiting their being, the intent of their words and be aware of those posing as friends.  We do not judge them, but we are to discern and allow God’s separation of darkness and light to protect us in all ways.

Especially this 4th of July I ask that each of us cry out to God our father for justice to prevail.  He tells us that if we do not, the stones, walls, rafters, beams and ground will.  Know that even when you might feel as though you are alone in the wilderness there are many of us…..hopefully using our voice, words and faith joining together calling out to Him who is faithful to save.

In the all powerful name of Jesus Christ our Lord who liberates us all, Amen, Hallelujah, Shalom,

Kisses,

Candace

July 1, 2011

Why Are You Surprised When Even Family Turns or Attacks.

In speaking of Job and his situation it is very important to understand when Satan is attempting to make us run away from God's blessings.  Remember satan will do anything, take any measure and use even the ones that are supposed to love us most to make our minds imagine the worst possible outcome.  My questions for us today is will we continue to stand.....and to ALL to stand until we see his face show up on the horizon and show us the way out; or will we shrink back to the destruction of our souls - in this God has no good pleasure (we have discussed these verses may times in the past, go into the archives to re read them if needed)

Please read Luke 215-32 posted below then write about your thoughts.  Maybe it will even help you to stand firm this very day.

5 Some {of the disciples} were talking about the temple complex. They noted that it was built with fine stones and decorated with beautiful gifts. So Jesus said, 6 “About these buildings that you see—the time will come when not one of these stones will be left on top of another. Each one will be torn down.”

7 The disciples asked him, “Teacher, when will this happen? What will be the sign when all this will occur?”

8 Jesus said, “Be careful that you are not deceived. Many will come using my name. They will say, ‘I am he!’ and ‘The time is near.’ Don’t follow them!
9 “When you hear of wars and revolutions, don’t be terrified! These things must happen first, but the end will not come immediately.”
10 Then Jesus continued, “Nation will fight against nation and kingdom against kingdom. 11 There will be terrible earthquakes, famines, and dreadful diseases in various places. Terrifying sights and miraculous signs will come from the sky.

12 “Before all these things happen, people will arrest and persecute you. They will hand you over to their synagogues and put you into their prisons. They will drag you in front of kings and governors because of my name. 13 It will be your opportunity to testify to them. 14 So make up your minds not to worry beforehand how you will defend yourselves. 15 I will give you words and wisdom that none of your enemies will be able to oppose or prove wrong.

16 “Even parents, brothers, relatives, and friends will betray you and kill some of you. 17 Everyone will hate you because you are committed to me. 18 But not a hair on your head will be lost. 19 By your endurance you will save your life.

20 “When you see armies camped around Jerusalem, realize that the time is near for it to be destroyed. 21 Then those of you in Judea should flee to the mountains. Those of you in Jerusalem should leave it. Those of you in the fields shouldn’t go back into them. 22 This will be a time of vengeance. Everything that is written about it will come true.

23 “How horrible it will be for women who are pregnant or who are nursing babies in those days. Indeed, the land will suffer very hard times, and its people will be punished. 24 Swords will cut them down, and they will be carried off into all nations as prisoners. Nations will trample Jerusalem until the times allowed for the nations {to do this} are over.

25 “Miraculous signs will occur in the sun, moon, and stars. The nations of the earth will be deeply troubled and confused because of the roaring and tossing of the sea. 26 People will faint as they fearfully wait for what will happen to the world. Indeed, the powers of the universe will be shaken.

27 “Then people will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.

28 “When these things begin to happen, stand with confidence! The time when you will be set free is near.”

29 Then Jesus used this story as an illustration. “Look at the fig tree or any other tree. 30 As soon as leaves grow on them, you know without being told that summer is near. 31 In the same way, when you see these things happen, you know that the kingdom of God is near.

32 “I can guarantee this truth: This generation will not disappear until all this takes place. 33 The earth and the heavens will disappear, but my words will never disappear.
 
 I pray that you not cling to your fears today but that in all things you look at how God is blessing you in some way.  Look for HIS hand in all things, stand your ground do not be moved due to the enemies encamped around you trying to steal your blessings and let the storm pass by.  He is the gentle voice beyond the storm.......wait and listen for Him to say, this is my child of integrity....look they held fast and you could not move them.
 
In Christ, I pray your faith not fail today,
Candace