Satan's View Point

We are following the happenings and looking at the scenes in Job 1 today which revolve around God, the sons of God and Satan.  Since I am not an expert on this matter, I felt it best to utilize a commentary by J Vernon McGee quoted from his Through the Bible series:

Heaven

Our next scene opens in heaven, and what a scene it is.  Neither Job nor any of the other people in this book knew that this took place at all.  But this scene will enable us today to understand and interpret some of the things which happen to God's people.  I don't say that it is the total explanation, but it is a part of it. 

Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan came also among them (Job 1:6)

Now this is the scene in heaven.  The sons of God, His created intelligences, come before Him.  I must confess I know very little about them.  I think they are numberless, as numberless as the sand on the seashore, which means you and I cannot count them.  And they are not human beings; they do not belong to our race.  Yet these are God's created intelligences, and the are responsible creatures.  They must come to report to God as a matter of regular routine.  That is something I suppose we would expect.  But there is also something here that is rather shocking.  We are told that "Satan came also among them."  That is a surprise.

Ant the Lord said unto Satan, Whence comest thou? Then Satan answered the Lord, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it (Job 1:7)

By the way, Satan must also make a report.  That is amazing, isn't it?  Do you think he came from hell?  No, he didn't.  Friends, hell hasn't been opened yet.  No one is in hell today.  It will not be opened up until the Millennium takes place on this earth.  Hell is the place prepared fro the Devil and his angels, but they are not there yet.  The fact of the matter is that Satan has as much access to this earth as you and I have, and more so. 
This earth is the domain of Satan.  He has not been in hell.  He says that he has been going up and down - east, west, north and south - on this earth.  Remember that Scripture calls him "...the god of this world..."(2 Cor. 4:4) and "...the prince of power of the air..."(Eph. 2:2).  So that we know that he has great access and freedom on this earth today.  We are warned by Peter, "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour" (1 Peter 5:8).  My friend, this is a warning, and this is exactly what we are told her in the Book of Job.  Satan himself said that he has the freedom to go up and down this earth. 
You remember that when Satan tempted the Lord Jesus he offered to Him the kingdoms of this earth.  The Lord Jesus never said, "You don't have them to offer. "  He simply refused the temptation.  Apparently those kingdoms are accessible to Satan, and he has that kind of freedom. 
When you look at this earth today, it does look like Satan is running things, does it not?  God is overruling all things but He has given Satan a period of freedom.  We are told that this world is which you and I live is controlled by Satan.  He must be overcome, and we can only overcome him by the blood of the Lamb.  Now this is quiet a revelation, isn't it.  And it is contrary to modern thinking. 

And the Lord said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, on that feareth God, and escheweth evil? (Job 1:8)

God gives a good report of Job.  He says he is an outstanding man.  It would seem that Satan has been trying to get at Job.  I draw that conclusion from Satan's next statement.

Then Satan answered the Lord, and said, Doth Job fear God for nought?  Hast not thou made a hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side?  Though hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land (Job 1:9-10)

Apparently Satan had been trying to get through to Job and made the discovery that he couldn't get through to him because there was a hedge about him.  He tells the Lord, "You have put a hedge around him, and I can't touch him."
I believe that there is a hedge about every believer today, and I do not think that Satan can touch you unless God permits it.  And if God permits it, it will be for His purpose.  That is what this book teaches us.

But put forth thine hand now, and touch all that he hath, and he will curse thee to thy face (Job 1:11).

Now Satan casts this slur upon Job.  I think he despises mankind.  He suggests that Job is really a timeservant to God.  And Satan has no use for you or me.  He says we are timeservants and that if God took down that hedge and took everything from us, we would curse God.
Mind you, there are a lot of people in the world who would curse God.  There is no question about that.  All one needs to do is listen to men on the street her in Southern Cal.  I hear God cursed nearly every day. 
One day I walked by a construction sit4e where on of the foremen was attempting to make some sort of an adjustment.  It didn't work and the piece fell down.  My, he began to curse God.  Now he may go to church on Sunday and carry a big Bible under his arm - I don't know about that.  But I do know this, he cursed God.  We hear that constantly today.  Men are not rightly related to God, my friend. 
This man Job had a hedge around him, and when Satan found he couldn't touch him, he said, "I'd like to get to him." Satan hates mankind.  Why in the world anyone wants to serve Satan is more than I know, because he despises us.  I wouldn't want a master like that, I want a master who will love me and be sympathetic toward me.  And that is the kind of Master I DO have.

And the Lord said unto Satan, Behold, all that he hath is in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thine hand.  So Satan went forth from the presence of the Lord (Job 1:12).

We learn here that sometimes God permits Satan to take away from us those things that we lean on.  I know that when our little security blanket is taken away from us we feel so helpless, incapable, and lost in this world.  Many of us cry out to God at such a time.
Notice that God is going to permit Satan to take all Job's possessions from him.  Believe me, Satan would destroy us if he could.  He has slandered both God and Job, inferring that God is not worthy to be served and loved for Himself alone, but that He must pay Job to love Him. Satan is the enemy of God and man.
               _______________________________________________________________

Today, think about some of our topics on loosing our peace because of the things we cannot control.  Think about what that states about our faith in God verses our ability to handle things in our own strength. 

I thank God that we live in the times when His spirit is within us and we are one with Him unlike Job who I respect immensely for doing all he did to uphold the commandments in his own strength allowing the hedge of protection to stay in place.  I thank God for His mercy and grace for the way He stayed with Job through all this.  I pray that when you are feeling attacked that you too feel His loving kindness upon you, rise up from within you and see the enemy flee. 

When you have done all to stand, remain standing,
Kisses,
Candace

Praise in Pros for our Lord’s Prayer

Conversations with My Dad:
What a glorious, magnificent, joy filled day Dad!
My heart, mind and soul entwined in your spirit indeed
You are the first, the everlasting
And I am your child, set free

Seeking always your kingdom
Before I search for anything else
Your face, your words, your friendship
Is my truest and deepest desire

You loved me and called me – to hold me
To heal me from all this life’s fate
Now that my Savior has risen
All days ahead are well

Teach us to know your good pleasure
Keep us as we test what we know
Stir us to lean in to your lessons
To strengthen even to the marrow of our bones

Join us together to blanket
The universe with your incorruptible Love
Save them from the disasters surrounding them
We’ll reach in so that you may reach through

Bind us together in your spirit
Break all the bondage which decays
You are Zoe life everlasting
Not of us ~ they are delivered by your hand

Send in the armies of angels
Provide where there once was lack
All things, in you, come together
All things are whole, strong and sound

Release your breath for the helpers
Release the provision for all needs
Release those held down and broken
As their redeemer is seen in the redeemed

You are Hosanna in the highest
Yet you choose to dwell in mere men
Out of darkness you have empowered us
Leaving us here ~ yet not leaving us at all

You promise to never forsake us
We must choose to seek your face
Your face is constantly around us
In those who do not hide in the masquerade

Expose the common misconceptions
Heal their eyes to see
Melt their façade in our presence
You promise to defeat EVERY foe

Let us have mercy on their condition
Scared and exposed they must hide
They do not believe in the Savior
So they must find a way to survive

Lead them not into temptation
But deliver them into your peace
Your presence now available through Jesus
Behind Him is their safe place from harm

Thank you for the strength of your body
The knowledge of your incomprehensible mind
The might of YHWH our Father
The power of Elohim bringing joy
The divine entrance of all by El Shaddai

All Glory falls to you, our redeemer
The Lover of our very soul
You sustain and transform us
All for the cause of “true love”

In Christ Jesus name
All things here are accomplished
On earth as it is in the heavens above.
Hallelujah - Shalom
~Candace Huffmaster

Today I ask that you all find a time to fill your heart with these words, raise your voice speaking them our loud, and believe in Him to accomplish all things in always ~simply because He love us.

Thank you for being One with us all,  today and forever, as we do the work of the Father ~All over the world, and "to infinity and beyond" as Buzz Lightyear would say.

Kisses,
C

Are We Stones Comprising The Pathway, Or An Awkward One That Make Someone Trip?

As I was reading the devotion for this morning, different scriptures kept popping into my mind.  The verses in 1 Corinthians 10 where we are being implored to learn from the experiences of the God’s people as they were being led by Moses. “They drank from the spiritual rock that went with them, and that rock was Christ.” and “We shouldn’t put the Lord to the test as some of them did.” 

Think about when Christ was in the desert being tempted.  Satan suggested that Christ turn the stone into bread.  Christ knew he had to trust the love of God, not test Him.  He followed that by stating God’s word, “Man cannot live on bread alone but from every word that precedes from the mouth of God”.

I have often pondered and conversed with God about the reason Moses didn’t get to enter the promised land but only see if from afar.  God wanted him to exemplify that we are to converse through relationship, love.  Striking that rock was a complex reaction.  It was based on Moses’ frustration with the people so he was lashing out.  He wanted to demonstrate power….his power or Gods?”  Christ is our rock, through Him we are delivered, rescued, saved eternally for relationship.  What if symbolized Moses striking Christ himself?  If it appears that we are forcing God to give us what He was wanting to freely give us, I can only imagine how that must make God feel.  There is no liberty or joy in that.  God tells us where there is Christ there is liberty.  I think that Moses conversing with the rock, relating the dilemma and his concerns would have been pretty cool.  That being said, I cannot begin to wrap my mind around all the pressures that Moses must have been under.  So I am going to just thank God for getting him through it all and allowing Moses to see the promise even if from a distance.  Moses must have been elated knowing God had delivered them so he could get finally get some rest.

I pray that we not tolerate insecurity and pride, but that we allow His spirit to transform us as we walk through out the emotional reactions we subject ourselves, others and HIs kingdom to.  May God  be glorified as we trust in Him to provide as He sees fit and in His timing.  Let us exemplify this rock as our alter place where we lay our ways of accomplishing things down and do it the way God has requested, so that His life may pour out and all may come to the knowledge of His saving grace.

Enjoy this day….it is a gift directly from His hand.  And you didn’t even have to force Him to give it to you, did you?

Kisses,

Candace

Management By Force

– by So Hillman TGIF

"Take the staff, and you and your brother Aaron gather the assembly together. Speak to that rock before their eyes and it will pour out its water. You will bring water out of the rock for the community so they and their livestock can drink." - Numbers 20:8

Moses and the people had been traveling for days without water. The people were thirsty. They were complaining and grumbling about their plight, and Moses became the object of their complaining. Moses sought the Lord for wisdom on how to handle the situation. The Lord instructed him to speak to the rock and water would flow. This would be a sign that God was still in control, that Moses was still the leader, and that God was their provider.

When it came time to speak to the rock, Moses' disgust with the people became so great that instead of speaking to the rock, he angrily addressed the people and then struck the rock twice. The water came out, in spite of Moses' disobedience. But the Lord was not pleased with Moses.

This was a time for Moses to operate at a higher level. No longer was he called to touch things with his staff to perform miracles; it was a time for him to speak to the problem. His very words would have changed the situation. Moses' staff represented two things-his physical work as a shepherd of sheep and his spiritual work as a shepherd of the people. God was calling him to move into a new dimension of using his staff. Up to now, Moses had always been commanded by God to touch something to perform the miracle. Now it was time to speak God's word to the problem.

However, Moses made the mistake many of us make. He used his instrument with force to accomplish something for God. He took something God wanted to be used in a righteous manner and used it in an unrighteous manner. He used force to solve the problem. This disobedience cost Moses his right to see the Promised Land.
Have you ever been tempted to use your power, skill, and ability to force a situation to happen, perhaps even out of anger? God is calling us to use prayer to move the face of mountains. The force of our ability is not satisfactory. God is calling each of us to a new dimension of walking with Him. Pray that God will give you the grace to wait on Him and not take matters into your own hands. Then you will not be in jeopardy of failing to move into the Promised Land in your life.

Our Job Is Always "Cultivating and Keeping"

Abad is a Hebrew word with a meaning of cultivating as in the labor of working land, tilling the soil; plowing. It means to cause to work, to make fatigued, to make weary. It also means to serve as a slave; to be made to serve; to be made to worship or honored, to cause to worship. This service can be directed toward things, people or God. When speaking of slaves it means to compel or impress into service. If it is for God it will not seem like service it will be an exhilarating experience not seeming like bondage at all. This is when our free will compels us to become “bond slaves” to Christ; we stay because our life is so good we cannot imagine leaving His work.
This is why Adam was placed in the Garden of Eden to be about his fathers work as a bond slave. He was placed there to live in freedom within the good life of plenty. Now let’s look at where we derived the word “keep” from: It was translated from the Hebrew word Shamar meaning to hedge around something (as with thorns); to keep, to guard. In Ecc 12:3 it is referring to a house. It means as a watchman, at time this watchman is a prophet. It means to protect, to abstain oneself, to observe. This is also applied to Gods commands and the Sabbath. It means to regard, to attend, to take heed, beware, revere. Ultimately it means to exercise “great care” as the keeper. (We will see this employed when Adam was escorted beyond the gates of Eden by the Cherubim in a few days.)

So let’s put a bow on this today. God put Adam in the garden so that he would be His bondservant exercising “great care” as the keeper of everything. His service was directed toward things, people and God in order that He might lead all things toward “the way of Zoe life”.

In the devotion I read to start my day (you can go to tabs at top of page click on TGIF to read this devotion) Os was speaking of Josiah. What a great example of how a man was perfectly placed within in a situation by God in order to direct everyone’s attention toward “the way”. In the New Testament Paul uses the “The Way” to describe the gospel. We know that Christ is “the way” back through the gates into Eden.

With all this being said…BIG finish here. Observe yourself and your environment. God has planted you to beware of all that is going on in your land. Take heed to protect it there are things you will have to abstain from in order to give “great care” as the keeper of your garden. You will have to work it, till it and it may make you fatigued at times but keep it up you will be exhilarated and it will not seem like bondage at all. Remember the thorn of crowns placed on Christ’s head. Let that remind us to protect our thoughts and life by faith so that we can see “the way” with clarity.

My love to each of you and a prayer that you not utilize your own strength to do this task, but rely on the super God places on your natural enabling you to do ALL things through Him.

Candace

The Epic of I AM

Genesis 1:13-16 (NAS) Then God said, "Let there be lights in the expanse of the heavens to separate the day from the night, and let them be for signs and for seasons and for days and years; and let them be for lights in the expanse of the heavens to give light on the earth"; and it was so. God made the two great lights, the greater light to govern the day, and the lesser light to govern the night; He made the stars also.



Matthew 24:29-30(NAS)"But immediately after the tribulation of those days THE SUN WILL BE DARKENED, AND THE MOON WILL NOT GIVE ITS LIGHT, AND THE STARS WILL FALL from the sky, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. "And then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the SON OF MAN COMING ON THE CLOUDS OF THE SKY with power and great glory.

God is so very good and loving. He has such skill in telling His story. I pray that you reflect on your character within His epic and review some of our study of Genesis today.

With the Love of Christ,

Candace

Before You......

There is a difference between having a conversation with God and debating with God...
Let's use an example of a parent and child to stress where we are going with this:
  Child, "Dad I need to talk with you.  I am thinking of moving to where the economy is a bit better and there are more jobs in my area of expertise."  "I know you have done this many times so I would like to know what you think; you know my skill set as well as this industry."
  Dad, "I thought you might be thinking of this so I looked around and a company told me they will be opening up a new location right here.  The merger should be finalized in a couple of weeks.  I planted the idea of you coming on board with the men I was speaking with. They are going to talk with the branch manager."  
 Child," Well I appreciate that Dad, however, I really think I just want a change of scenery." "I just want to move and think the closing of our location is the perfect opportunity." 
 Dad, "I know it seems like that son, however, I have been looking all around the US for other businesses that are stable enough for you to consider moving; as well as all the expenses that go in to that move."  "It just is not good timing, you will face undue hardship if you go now."  "Before you set your mind, please take the time to consider these things."

In our passages we have been looking at how the spirit of God goes before us.  We know that His word tells us to consult with Him in all our ways so that our spirit may prosper and our souls may find rest. 

Jeremiah 1:5 “Before I formed you in the womb,I knew you.Before you were born,I set you apart for my holy purpose.I appointed you to be a prophet to the nations.”

Matthew 5:12 Rejoice and be glad because you have a great reward in heaven!The prophets who lived before you were persecuted in these ways.

Matthew 6:8 Don’t be like them. Your Father knows what you need before you ask him.

God is working on something...something larger than we can wrap our human pixels of comprehension around.  There was much more I wanted to say today...but I hear Him saying Shhhh.  Be silent....Be still.

So...of course this made me remember  a time years ago when He said this to me.

I have no idea what it is ....but I know He does, I will go find it now.  Be Still and Know He is God - That is my prayer for us all today.....Back in a minute with the close of this post.....

Linger and Listen

Shhhhhh…
What a marvelous day, my love,
Feel the warmth of my love,
Rest in the fragrance that circles my home.

Linger…
Here at my side and partake
Of the gifts I so richly provide.
Your love for me grows as you trust in my ways.


Listen…
My love to my heart as it speaks,
To you my dear, longing to please me,
My love runs so deep; you can never run out.

Peace….
You partake and peace you release,
Because in you I do dwell,
Your light shines to all,
Whether it’s day bright or dark night.

Silence…
You hear when the voice is not true
And no memories do you now have.
Share in my delight of the spirit in flight.
By Candace Huffmaster ©

What is In-between?

In thinking about shifting shadows, I went back into some of my older journals and found a questions I had asked God to help me understand.  This is a great time to ask you a simple question.  When you ask God a question do you expect an answer?  Do you expect it immediately?  I hope I am not out here alone when I share my anwers to these.  When I was a child, I did not know to ask Him anything.  I knew He was God and that our family believed in Him and that Christ was our savior.  I never even questioned that - it was not an option.  Not that I ever desired one, I simply believed and liked the safety that I felt in knowing that.  As I got older, I did have questions.  I knew that our Sunday school teachers and ministers would take the time to answer them.  I also had my bible which I could discover how God thought as well as what He instructed.  When I was in my twenties I actually started talking to God, telling him my thoughts, desires and shattered hope (mostly the shattered stuff).  I would tell Him of my confussion and tell Him what I wanted to be different...but did I really expect Him to answer?  Honestly I do not know.  He was more of an ominous journal I think.  With that being said I hope He has those journals locked in the vault since all our words are recorded for eternity.  Surely there is a confidentiality clause!  Anyway, back to topic -

This was a process through the years of relating to God.  People do not become best friends over night.  We take steps, share things, learn to trust ...or not.  God has nothing but time, and whether or not we know it, He is in control of the time we have here.  He promised not to cut it short.  He desires for us to have a fully mature relationship with Him.  He has GREAT boundaries that are for our growth.  So with that I will tell you what I wrote years ago.  I did not understand it then, He has taken about 3 years to get me to this point of understanding; which of course is only part of it.

"There is but light and dark, we are the movement inbetween"

Defined, in-between means, lying between two extremes in time or space or state; an intermediate.

Think about all the scriptures speaking of light and dark.  God saw light was good.  God seperated light from darkness. We are under the heavenly lights, we move within the light and dark.   He brings light into darkness.  How dark is that darkness?  Darkness will overwhelm me, and the light will be my night. The one forming light and creating darkness. 

These are only a few.  So where are we in the light and darkness?  Another verse to throw into this mix is Hebrews 9:5 (KJ) "And over it the cherubims of glory shadowing the mercyseat; of which we cannot now speak particularly."

In this passage they were not going to go there..but we are.  Take the time to look up some of these points, sit with God - whether you think He will answer of not - and ponder some of these things.  I pray you go for the "Ask".  I belive you will hear His voice resonate deep within the midst of your soul.  That is where the gift was placed...the gift of truth, counsel, wisdom; this is the Holiest of Holiess where His spirit calls Home.

With Love and Light in Christ,

Candace

There is good and there is GOOD

That You May Marvel

from Experiencing God Day by Day devotional

"The Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father do; for whatever He does, the Son also does in like manner. For the Father loves the Son, and shows Him all things that He Himself does; and He will show Him greater works than these, that you may marvel." (John 5:19-20)




Jesus, realizing that His role was that of a servant, never sought to initiate activity for the Father (Matt. 20:28). The servant never sets the agenda—the master does. The servant must be so alert to what the master is doing that whenever the master begins to move in a direction the servant quickly joins him. Even the Son of God did not assume He knew the best thing to do in a situation. Instead, He looked to see the Father’s activity and then joined Him. Jesus knew His Father so well that He was keenly sensitive to divine activity around Him, immediately recognizing His Father at work.



It is possible for us to be so busy trying to bring God into our activity that we don’t even notice Him at work around us. He seeks to redirect our attention so that we might join Him, but we tend to be self-centered, evaluating everything by how it affects us. We must learn to view events around us from God’s perspective. Then we will see our world very differently. When God brings someone across our path, we will look to see if God is convicting that person of his need for salvation. Perhaps God is comforting someone in her sorrow. God might be encouraging your friend as she faces a challenge. We will then adjust our lives to join God as He works in that person’s life. We ought to live each day with tremendous anticipation as we look to see where God is working around us. As our eyes are opened to His activity, we will marvel at His great works. -By Blackaby


When I read this the first thought was "So when things are not flowing I must have stepped out of God's work and into MY work". I wish it were as simple as that. It is as if we are in a thick rain forest of distraction trying desperately to discern where God is and God is not. Our world is so filled with people who know how to walk the walk and hide the agenda. Yet if we stick close enough, for long enough their true intentions will finally be revealed. Isn't that what God promised? Light will shine into darkness and show it for what it is. But how dark is that darkness? We desire to put it on a scale from 1 to 10. This distorts our perception, dark is dark and light is light.  There is no scale, except on our eyes.  That is why we are in the rain forest isn't it? We see how lush it is. We are drawn to its color, sound, it is very surreal from the exterior. We know that there is a high possibility that IT has to offer the experience we have been looking for, the place we are to be. So let us ponder, what if...we ARE looking for God in the rain forest and not simply a vain experience to grow "our person". What if..we think the reason it is so surreal is due to the supernatural outpour of God's essence? Wouldn't that be the most wooing of all? Isn't that what we desire to experience? And there it is again...that is a self experience. If you have ever listened to more than 5 of Joyce Meyer's segments you will hear her drone "What about me, What about me, What about me!" The reason we have to laugh is because it is real...some times it is a nervous laugh =D. Okay, let's try this one more time..What if... we see it, think it is surreal so surely we will find God there? Well, maybe what we should have been asking is why am I not with God before I get there? God is everywhere...He is not in an experience..he is the experience.

Further down in John 5:22-25 which I will close with and pick up here tomorrow it states:

"The Father doesn't judge anyone. He has entrusted judgment entirely to the Son so that everyone will honor the Son as they honor the Father. Whoever doesn't honor the Son doesn't honor the Father who sent him. I can guarantee this truth: Those who listen to what I say and believe in the one who sent me will have eternal life. They won't be judged because they have already passed from death to life. "I can guarantee this truth: A time is coming (and is now here) when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God and those who respond to it will live. The Father is the source of life, and he has enabled the Son to be the source of life too. "He has also given the Son authority to pass judgment because he is the Son of Man. Don't be surprised at what I've just said. A time is coming when all the dead will hear his voice, and they will come out of their tombs. Those who have done good will come back to life and live. But those who have done evil will come back to life and will be judged.

I thank God that He doesn't judge anyone and that the Son has promised we are saved from what we do not understand. I thank God he has mercy on us and give us the grace to stick in every time we miss it. I pray for us all to extend this Kindness in God's love to everyone, knowing all things are common to us. And this was even the work of God so that none of us could boast.

With the Love of our Christ covering each of you,
Candace

The True Wizard of Oz

Isaiah 53: 1-3 (GWTW)
Who has believed our message? To whom has the LORD’s power been revealed? 2 He grew up in his presence like a young tree, like a root out of dry ground. He had no form or majesty that would make us look at him. He had nothing in his appearance that would make us desire him. 3 He was despised and rejected by people. He was a man of sorrows, familiar with suffering. He was despised like one from whom people turn their faces, and we didn’t consider him to be worth anything.


We looked yesterday at why Dorothy, Tinman, Scarecrow and Lion were seeking out the Wizard of Oz.  They were following this road encouraging each other because he could fill them up in area's they felt they were lacking.  We all know that he had no magical powers and that none were needed.  The fabulous four were fabulous all the while. 

As with what we have been looking through over the past year, I see the truth in what God what showing me as I searched the roadways of my life through His eyes.  "The answer is the sojourning; the question and endless plight"  Today I want to look at the Wizard and ask this quesiton "What was He THINKING!"

Seriously, who in their right mind puts themself in that type of position.  Who really has anything to say better than the next person - and best questions EVER...Why in the world would you listen to him?????   Isn't that the reason he knew he had to hide?  He knew he had nothing to say any better than the next person.  Look at the kingdom he had built.  He knew it was a farce, he was a farce.  The poor guy got so parinoid that he had to close himself off from everyone layer, by layer, by layer.  He had to move from wise people so that his secret would not be discovered.  This is where our scripture for today enters.

If even Christ did not lead us to himself but to something beyond himself, shouldn't that be our first clue when seeking wisdom from someone.  Who are they showing you?  God or themself?  If they are the image you see beware!  It states that he had no form or majesty that would make us look at him.  He never tries to "take the glory".  He desire for us to "give him the glory". 

That is love, doing something for someone else and not looking for the self gratification in any form.  It is purely because you care.  Seek that type of help, widsom, and support.  It will lead to to the "true wizard of Oz"

I pray that you all find what you are seeking...and that what you are seeking is the Kingdom of God.  I pray that you find whom you are in Christ along the yellow brick road and share with others all the way.

In Christ,
Candace

Fear of Bridges...isn't That a Mind Thing?

Gephyrophobia: An abnormal and persistent fear of crossing bridges. Sufferers of this phobia experience undue anxiety even though they realize their fear is irrational. Their fear may result partly from the fear of enclosure (claustrophobia) or the fear of heights (acrophobia). Phobic drivers may worry about being in an accident in busy traffic or losing control of their vehicles. High bridges over waterways and gorges can be especially intimidating, as can be very long or very narrow bridges.

Fear of bridges is a relatively common phobia although most people with it do not know they have something called "gephyrophobia." However, the derivation of the word "gephyrophobia" is perfectly straightforward (if you know Greek); it is derived from the Greek words "gephyra" (bridge) and "phobos" (fear). - definition property of WebMD, LLC.

Yesterday we entered a new addition to our topic of our journey; bridges.  We were speaking of the mental land we are living in and coming to the bridge which allows safe travel to another place.  If you remember a few weeks ago when we were discussing view points.  We looked at how our thoughts are "things" which propel us into action.  This catalyst is powered and sustained through our determination.  The length and duration of the charge is determined by the purity of our faith.  Just like any pertol when it has debris or is inappropriately mixed there are side effects.

If our beliefs are to be pure, in order for us to  travel the distance as well as not break down, we must look through our thoughts and intentions. Hebrews 4:12 states "God's word judges a person's thoughts and intentions and that no creature can hide from God.  Everything is uncovered and exposed for Him to see.  We must answer to Him".

We are the engineer of the landscapes of our mind.  Do we build islands?  Do we construct bridges? Do we protect our land from harm? Our Bridge, we added yesterday, stated "we must get rid of everything that slows us down, especially sin that distracts us. We must run the race that lies ahead of us and never give up."

Christ said He did not come to judge, that we are to judge ourself.  This means that we are accountable for our own thoughts.  He opens the doors of opportunity through knowledge and experience, but He will not take away our right to choose for ourself.  He was very clear that is it our responsibility to get rid of what slows us down...especially sin the distracts us.  We have to make a decision and put some muscle to move in order to run the race and never give up!

There are times when we feel promted to speak truth which may go against the "grain of thought" of the masses, it tends to be a bit scarry for most of us. If I am going to be real honest with you, then I would have to admit that I have had many fearful thoughts which I allowed to stopped me in my tracks before I could even speak the truth. Does that mean I have gephyrophobia? I would like to say, "It's not so serious"; because, until now,  those thoughts had never reach beyond my own head.  The purpose of which is a think tank for creative collaboration, therefore not affecting me. However, in reality, those same things have held my physical body back from action before; isn't that the same outcome?

In one of the poems I wrote years ago God was trying to settle a few of my "bridges of fear".  He asked me some very pertinent questions which I lovingly ask you to write about for our next meeting.

 If today you are lonely, whom do you seek? Whose face are you after? Whose hope do you chase?

For anyone who is not yet part of one of our groups. I ask you to do this anyway. You can always e-mail, post a comment (anonymously if you feel better) or call us; we desire to welcome each of you right where you are!

I pray that we all know His love, because there is no fear in His love,
Kisses,
Candace

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The Mark

Press onward and move ahead,
Speed not important, no falter in step,
Make your mark (with my right hand),
Engrave your presence with truth in your touch,
The skill of your craft, beauty becomes their mark.

No force will oppose you and all evil must flee,
The thirsty will remain with you, all on bended knee.
My words will heal, and my presence will make them whole,
Then they will learn and ground will be gained,
The seeds will now sprout; their life may now begin.
Light the path as you are leaving, so they too may come,
There is more living to nurture all along the way.

Each person has a task, a plan, and a team,
We move where we are needed, focused on our task.
No job finds completion ’til the end of our days.
Rise up refreshed tomorrow to start again,
Grow with each experience, embracing the love you’ve touched.
Be happy in the knowledge that, truly, we are one,
And the one seed you planted maybe enjoyed by someone else.
You, too, will reap from the work of our Lord,
His love, although taken, will never return void.

If today you are lonely, whom do you seek?
Whose face are you after? Whose hope do you chase?

Our Lord is abundant and stands in your path,
To love you and heal you if you will simply call on his name,
Make request that he help you to understand your disgrace.
He speaks to your dilemmas and strips their power away,
So now you can withstand the length of your day.
He marks you for protection no matter what you face,
So firm you can stand and denounce all other fates.
One crippled, now walking; one mute, can finally speak,
The blind one now has vision; may there be nothing to stumble your gait.

Your ear now listening for the cries of your sheep,
You are there to Shepherd my precious little lambs.
Keep watch with my provision, it’s an all important task,
We will not lose one… No, not one will be harmed,
Because I love my father and his love dwells in me,
And you, through our Spirit, are obedient to me.

By Candace Huffmaster ©

Faith Is Our Tour Guide Today.

We have been sharing our trip through this life. If it was a guided tour, and you will see that it should be, her name would be Faith. I hope you enjoy your trip today....Faith knows what she is talking about.

Go to http://www.kbemerge/ for today's full article.

Christ I Know; Who are You?

The Discipline of Dismay

As they followed they were afraid —Mark 10:32

At the beginning of our life with Jesus Christ, we were sure we knew all there was to know about following Him. It was a delight to forsake everything else and to throw ourselves before Him in a fearless statement of love. But now we are not quite so sure. Jesus is far ahead of us and is beginning to seem different and unfamiliar— "Jesus was going before them; and they were amazed" (Mark 10:32 ).

There is an aspect of Jesus that chills even a disciple’s heart to its depth and makes his entire spiritual life gasp for air. This unusual Person with His face set "like a flint" (Isaiah 50:7 ) is walking with great determination ahead of me, and He strikes terror right through me. He no longer seems to be my Counselor and Friend and has a point of view about which I know nothing. All I can do is stand and stare at Him in amazement. At first I was confident that I understood Him, but now I am not so sure. I begin to realize that there is a distance between Jesus and me and I can no longer be intimate with Him. I have no idea where He is going, and the goal has become strangely distant.

Jesus Christ had to understand fully every sin and sorrow that human beings could experience, and that is what makes Him seem unfamiliar. When we see this aspect of Him, we realize we really don’t know Him. We don’t recognize even one characteristic of His life, and we don’t know how to begin to follow Him. He is far ahead of us, a Leader who seems totally unfamiliar, and we have no friendship with Him.
The discipline of dismay is an essential lesson which a disciple must learn. The danger is that we tend to look back on our times of obedience and on our past sacrifices to God in an effort to keep our enthusiasm for Him strong (see Isaiah 1:10-11 ). But when the darkness of dismay comes, endure until it is over, because out of it will come the ability to follow Jesus truly, which brings inexpressibly wonderful joy. By Oswald Chambers

Today I thought I would share another poem with you all. This one is so fitting for Oswalds devotion.

Proper Prospective by the Water’s Edge
– Reflections of a still heart

Be still my child; know that I am God
Come here, walk with me, reach for my hand
I have been calling you to be by my side
Still waters to calm you run through your path
All tensions drift, as you hold firm my hand

Rest deep as the waters, which have no beginning or end
Twisting and turning, rolling inward and flowing out
Time is a continuum, plunging deep while running out
Years into seconds, to turn back the hand of time
A wish from the sorrowful, there is a lesson to learn
To return a wave, requires an earth movement; which is no simple task
For man it is impossible through his lifeless hand
My hand, however, has strength yours cannot comprehend

To stop the world from turning, just watch and understand
I think and it happens, because love knows no bounds
When flowing like water, it quenches the driest of sand
Time is the shoreline, the boundary for us all
Its water the lifeblood running throughout each soul
Knowledge is power, the heartbeat understands
Energy is the motion to pump over and beyond
The spirit propels each vision, empowering good and halting the bad

Sit by my still waters; come near to contemplate life
Listen to the babbling of the years that you’ve passed by
Listen to all the laughter, forget all of the pain
Joy is through my spirit and peace is in my right hand

Lengthen your own shoreline to take more water in
Deepen your own tide pool, so that you may understand
Dive in with a deep breath, then kick hard to reach the top
Breath in all that freshness, as your face burst through the wet
Emerge a new life form, cleansed from your past

Walk as the righteous, upright and straight ahead
Now you can see forward, when looking behind
So wait for proper prospective, before standing to leave
Always focus your pathway, designed from my lead
By Candace Huffmaster

Which Way Do I Go.....Which Way do I Go?

If you read in the old testement you will see where the followers of God were always "waiting" on the Lord to tell them what to say, do or where to go. For some reason, we think that God only helps those that help themselves. There are things in the bible that tell us we must work as if we are working unto the Lord. But that does not imply that we are to run ahead of Him.


Think about these words from Proverbs 21 and consider that in Jeremiah God asks us to stand at the cross road, ask for the way that is good before we set out. He also asks us not to lean on our own understanding, but to consider His ways which are higher than our. Lastly, He loves us and promises that if we will just listen to Him, that He has plans for us to prosper and not to harm us. So let's trust Him!

(Gods Word translation)Proverbs 21:1 The king's heart is like streams of water. Both are under the LORD's control. He turns them in any direction he chooses. 2 A person thinks everything he does is right, but the LORD weighs hearts. 3 Doing what is right and fair is more acceptable to the LORD than offering a sacrifice. 4 A conceited look and an arrogant attitude, which are the lamps of wicked people, are sins. 5 The plans of a hard-working person lead to prosperity, but everyone who is [always] in a hurry ends up in poverty. 6 Those who gather wealth by lying are wasting time. They are looking for death. 7 The violence of wicked people will drag them away since they refuse to do what is just. 8 The way of a guilty person is crooked, but the behavior of those who are pure is moral. 9 Better to live on a corner of a roof than to share a home with a quarreling woman. 10 The mind of a wicked person desires evil and has no consideration for his neighbor. 11 When a mocker is punished, a gullible person becomes wise, and when a wise person is instructed, he gains knowledge.

I pray that God keep you today and make His face to shine upon each of you.

With Love
Candace

Parked For Now

From Daily Bread Devotionals

READ: Numbers 9:19-23

I waited patiently for the Lord; and He inclined to me, and heard my cry. —Psalm 40:1

Parking my car has been a lifelong problem for me. It really wasn’t a high priority with my driving instructor, so I never learned to back up into a parking space until many years later. He also skipped the parallel parking lesson, and I still avoid that unless there’s enough space for two or three cars.

I’ve also struggled to understand a statement I heard when I was a young Christian: “God can’t steer a parked car.” I took that as a challenge to shift my life into motion, and along the way God would guide me in the right direction. It’s an interesting thought, but it’s not always the way God works. Occasionally, God does want us to “stay parked” for a while.

At times, when Moses was in the wilderness, God kept the Israelites in one place. He led them by a cloud, and when it stayed still for many days, “the children of Israel . . . did not journey” (Num. 9:19). Waiting isn’t always easy, but sometimes God wants us to stay right where He has put us. The psalmist reminds us, “Wait on the Lord; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart” (27:14).



You may feel that you’re stuck and just spinning your wheels in your service for God. But keep your heart open to God’s leading. Then you’ll be ready to shift gears when you hear God say, “Let’s go this way.” — Cindy Hess Kasper

Praying, resting, waiting, trusting—

These are words that tell a story;

As we wait for God to lead us,

He responds, “Just seek My glory.” —Hess

God orders our stops as well as our steps.

Who Shall I Trust.....What is Truly Real?

Remember God's promises - I will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not fear I have overcome the world. I will always show you the way out.

I pray that our trust increases our faithfulness toward the person of God and that we remember others will always fail us....we are imperfect. I pray that we allow us humans room to fail as we trust God who is within His children...I thank God that He has the plan for our good and He is faithful to complete it.

With love in Christ,
Candace

Vision and Darkness

When the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell upon Abram; and behold, horror and great darkness fell upon him —Genesis 15:12

Whenever God gives a vision to a Christian, it is as if He puts him in "the shadow of His hand" (Isaiah 49:2). The saint’s duty is to be still and listen. There is a "darkness" that comes from too much light-that is the time to listen. The story of Abram and Hagar in Genesis 16 is an excellent example of listening to so-called good advice during a time of darkness, rather than waiting for God to send the light. When God gives you a vision and darkness follows, wait. God will bring the vision He has given you to reality in your life if you will wait on His timing. Never try to help God fulfill His word. Abram went through thirteen years of silence, but in those years all of his self-sufficiency was destroyed. He grew past the point of relying on his own common sense. Those years of silence were a time of discipline, not a period of God’s displeasure. There is never any need to pretend that your life is filled with joy and confidence; just wait upon God and be grounded in Him (see Isaiah 50:10-11 ).

Do I trust at all in the flesh? Or have I learned to go beyond all confidence in myself and other people of God? Do I trust in books and prayers or other joys in my life? Or have I placed my confidence in God Himself, not in His blessings? "I am Almighty God . . ."— El-Shaddai, the All-Powerful God (Genesis 17:1). The reason we are all being disciplined is that we will know God is real. As soon as God becomes real to us, people pale by comparison, becoming shadows of reality. Nothing that other saints do or say can ever upset the one who is built on God. By Oswald Chambers

I CAN do all things....but what if I don't want to?

Mason gave me his reading this morning and suggested that I pass it on, He was inspired by it and wanted to share it with everyone in hopes we too would glean from TD Jakes. It is from Strength for Every Moment.

I Can Do All Things

I can do all things through Christ who strenthens me (Philippians 4:13)

Deception is a trap and stronghold that ensnares many, especially those who are not content with their present state in life. The bible instructs us to learn to be content in whatever state we find ourselves. The apostle Paul learned that lesson well......"for I have learned in whatever state I am, therewith to be content (KJV Phil 4:11)

This is not to imply that we should be satisfied with being bound by the devil or be content with complacency and mediocrity, thus not fulfilling the call of God on our lives. Not at all. We are to work to improve ourselves while at the same time remaining totally dependent on God.
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Called By God

I heard the voice of the Lord, saying: ’Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?’ Then I said, ’Here am I! Send me’ —Isaiah 6:8

God did not direct His call to Isaiah— Isaiah overheard God saying, ". . . who will go for Us?" The call of God is not just for a select few but for everyone. Whether I hear God’s call or not depends on the condition of my ears, and exactly what I hear depends upon my spiritual attitude. "Many are called, but few are chosen" (Matthew 22:14). That is, few prove that they are the chosen ones. The chosen ones are those who have come into a relationship with God through Jesus Christ and have had their spiritual condition changed and their ears opened. Then they hear "the voice of the Lord" continually asking, ". . . who will go for Us?" However, God doesn’t single out someone and say, "Now, you go." He did not force His will on Isaiah. Isaiah was in the presence of God, and he overheard the call. His response, performed in complete freedom, could only be to say, "Here am I! Send me."

Remove the thought from your mind of expecting God to come to force you or to plead with you. When our Lord called His disciples, He did it without irresistible pressure from the outside. The quiet, yet passionate, insistence of His "Follow Me" was spoken to men whose every sense was receptive (Matthew 4:19). If we will allow the Holy Spirit to bring us face to face with God, we too will hear what Isaiah heard-"the voice of the Lord." In perfect freedom we too will say, "Here am I! Send me." - By Oswald Chamber



----I do not think it was any coincidence that God put these two voices together to speak this subject into our lives. They both were addressing God calling us to do His will. He created us, He has a plan for what He created. I hope the poem below help us reflect on this subject and see ourselves through His eyes, with His heart.
I pray that we wait patiently for God to prepare us and the path. I pray we remember it is His HIGH calling. we simply participate as He needs.

In Christ name, with love,

Candace



Connective Cog

We are but a part, a connective cog,
Positive energy or broken and exposed.
Our eyes connect, though infused by our hearts,
With goodness to help or darkness shall fall.

To look in the face of those who we meet,
The circular pathways stare back in our face.

Each person, a universe…we all exist in our own,
Created no different than the world that we know.
Who rules the planet? Your pathways meet…
The rotation and pull…does it collide or make way?
Is there lift off or desolation? Could anything exist?

One God and one vision, there’s no room for more,
Our Creator, divine, who cannot be improved.
We take our blessings then think we know more
Move out of His energy, our natural pull
Negative energy, like opposite poles,
Has to connect with the positive to realign,
Ending the force which repels, and throws down,

The universe you travel, but do you realize your path?
Is it synergy in motion or out of control?

God in His provision, made perfect your path.
Study and ask Him, He will positively pull
Your desire to travel in His universe alone.

By Candace Huffmaster ©

How Can I be Still, When I Need to Move?

During a time in my life when I was waiting on God I took the time to read many of the Psalms. It was a time of stretching my faith, pain of peoples choices, struggling with waiting on God's direction instead of running ahead of him. I needed someone to pour the tears of my troubles upon, thankfully I turned to God. I use this in galleries to share of experiences we all face in life.

"The Freedom of Wait"

Psalms 56:5 - "All Day long they twist my words and trouble my affairs; all their thoughts are against me for evil and my hurt."

When I think of the Psalms and how "human" they are, I cannot help but see my own face reflecting back at me in the many moments of mere humanity. How can we do anything but fall on our knees and thank God that we are blessed to be able to live beyond the Psalms. How fortunate are we to be able to lay the weight of our humanness at the feet of the cross, to wait expectantly for the Holy spirit that has settled down right within us to comfort, teach, lead, empower and show us the way out. There are days when I see the world from such a selfish view of how everyone is picking on me, but then I hear the Holy spirit whisper "but you know the truth and the truth has set you free - choose life and love them .....for ME".

Selah (pause and calmly think of that)!

Today -
I pray that we all trust God not our human emotions. That we allow our emotions to lead us to the feet of Christ where we will be willing to wait. I pray that we win the struggle to stay on our knees till he strengthens us to rise...in all His power, strength, courage and peace; then they victory is ours through Christ our risen reedemer.


Candace

Why Can I Not Follow You Now?

Peter said to Him, ’Lord, why can I not follow You now?’ —John 13:37

There are times when you can’t understand why you cannot do what you want to do. When God brings a time of waiting, and appears to be unresponsive, don’t fill it with busyness, just wait. The time of waiting may come to teach you the meaning of sanctification— to be set apart from sin and made holy— or it may come after the process of sanctification has begun to teach you what service means. Never run before God gives you His direction. If you have the slightest doubt, then He is not guiding. Whenever there is doubt— wait.


At first you may see clearly what God’s will is— the severance of a friendship, the breaking off of a business relationship, or something else you feel is distinctly God’s will for you to do. But never act on the impulse of that feeling. If you do, you will cause difficult situations to arise which will take years to untangle. Wait for God’s timing and He will do it without any heartache or disappointment. When it is a question of the providential will of God, wait for God to move.


Peter did not wait for God. He predicted in his own mind where the test would come, and it came where he did not expect it. "I will lay down my life for Your sake." Peter’s statement was honest but ignorant. "Jesus answered him, ’ . . . the rooster shall not crow till you have denied Me three times’ " (John 13:38). This was said with a deeper knowledge of Peter than Peter had of himself. He could not follow Jesus because he did not know himself or his own capabilities well enough. Natural devotion may be enough to attract us to Jesus, to make us feel His irresistible charm, but it will never make us disciples. Natural devotion will deny Jesus, always falling short of what it means to truly follow Him.
By Oswald Chambers

Just for Today......

In our pop culture of self help, there have been many books written on the topic of building the empire of "ME", "Looking out for #1", etc. They all teach how to manipulate others by looking a person in the eye, mirroring their body language, speaking the persons name repeatedly and using empathetic language. The absurd thing is, this works because it is what we should be doing with each other. This is one of the greatest deceptions used to prey on the intrinsic goodness and hope within people. All for what .....more stuff? How did we get this calloused?

I thank God for his truth that shines light on worldly wisdom. I think it is no surprise that all this mirrors the desire of God. He desires to hear us call His name. He desires us to be able to stand face to face with his presence, He desires us to mirror His ways and to receive and show empathy to everyone's situations. Isn't it absurd that we have a hard time doing that?

I pray that we call His name at the start of each day, stand in his presence and ask for the way, mirror His love to all that we see and share of the mercy and grace we receive.

With all my heart to each of you...through Christ our Lord

Candace

Presents Or Presence?

READ: 1 John 2:24-29
In Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore. —Psalm 16:11

Oswald Chambers once wrote: “It is not God’s promises we need, it is [God] Himself.”

At Christmastime we often say, “God’s presence is more important than presents.” But the amount of time and effort we spend on shopping for gifts may indicate otherwise.
In certain parts of the world, people give gifts on December 6. By doing so, they have the rest of the month to focus on Jesus and the wonder of His birth, God’s perfect gift to us.

When we say we want God’s presence more than presents from others, perhaps we’re being truthful. But how many of us can honestly say that we want God’s presence more than His presents?

Often we want gifts from God more than we want God Himself. We want health, wealth, knowledge, a better job, a better place to live. God may indeed want to give us these things, but we can’t have them apart from Him. As David said, “In Your presence is fullness of joy” (Ps. 16:11). Presents may make us happy for a time; earthly gifts from God may make us happy temporarily, but fullness of joy comes only when we remain in a right relationship with God.
So, what would Christmas be like if we truly celebrated God’s presence? — Julie Ackerman Link

Lord, we want to remember You and Your coming in special ways this Christmas. Give us creativity and thoughtfulness in our planning. Help us to focus on Your presence and not on what we hope to give or receive.

God’s presence with us is one of His greatest presents to us.