Who's Afraid of the Big Bad Wolf?

Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as He is, so are we in this world. There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love. We love Him because He first loved us. ~1 John 4:17-19

It is our thoughts which stir up fear, due to a desire to avoid or suppress something undesirable. Fear creates an uneasiness of mind and if left unattended wreaks havoc physically (our body, relationships) and eternally. We have not studied fear as a focus topic since 2010, this is fresh information to benefit our current subject.

Fear:

Definition: an awareness of my lack of control or certainty about a given situation and the possibility of an undesirable outcome, leading to a fight, flight or freeze response in my mind, will, emotions and or body.

We all have to face fearful elements in life; the manner in which we face them is our point here. CS Lewis stated: "Perfect love, we know casteth out fear. But so do several other things- ignorance, alcohol, passion, presumption, and stupidity. It is very desirable that we should all advance to that perfection of love in which we shall fear no longer, but it is very undesirable, until we have reached that stage, that we should allow any inferior agent to cast out fear."

We cope with life, we manage our emotions, habits, jobs and relationships. We attempt to control the things which tempt us to exit our "comfort zone". Because when we are in the zone, there is no fear to speak of. At least nothing so uncomfortable we cannot manage. These coping mechanisms can be destructive, or might I suggest sinful. It is the destructive fears stemming from unrepentant sin in our life, which will be our main focus.

For most individuals the result of fear is either to respond in an aggressive or passive manner. We have discussed those in the past, along with the effects of fear (check archives).
Fear usually falls into one of the following categories and at times several:

1) Fear of loss/needs not being met

      a. Relationships end/being alone

      b. Financial loss/job, spouse, economy

      c. Personal health, attractiveness, meaning
2) Fear of Death, Dying, Judgment
      a. The manner in which we pass away & or our remains
      b. Spiritual state of life after death
      c. Family, assets, reputation/ physical matters left behind
3) Fear of others
      a. Losing their good opinion
      b. People judging or gossiping
      c. Confronting others regarding sin


The great thing about fear is how God can use it for good, as He tells us in Romans 8. In the Old Testament it is often written regarding what was meant for evil God will use for good. The way God uses fear is to start a dialogue with us. We all know fear is trying to tell us something. It tells us something about our self for sure, but Satan wants something deeper: to deceive us regarding God. He would LOVE to lead us away from the clarity and simple-ness of His truth. After all, if he could get the angels to follow him……

Could I get you to consider all this? Maybe even join with God's conversation instead of the demonic one that has been screaming throughout the world. Would it make better sense to sit with God, His word and ask: What is my fear trying to tell me Lord? If you will join us in this, see if you can't tie it, or them, back to one of the categories above and then ask for help, His power and grace to repent and be reconciled to His perfect love. And where He leads you, to ask others for forgiveness confessing where you have sinned against God toward them.

I pray for any and all who sit with this, that you will receive the gift of repentance and that the person or people you are lead to encounter will have already forgiven you long before you ever asked, that the Lord may begin to find joy in His body, as we become one: reconciled and unified unto our Holy God. I know we will not be perfect, but we can continue to be perfected as we walk out this life with each other.

I thank Him for His good plans for us all- may we never doubt His faithfulness!
Because He first loved us,


Kisses C

© 2015 by Candace Huffmaster

 Kaleidoscope Butterfly, Inc ®

Letting Go Is Hard To Do

The hardest thing for me to let go of sometimes are the things I am studying and praying about.  It is difficult at times for me to release, when I know that tomorrow I will uncover another truth.  What I am confident in is one thing, we must care for today....today.  Tomorrow will care for itself as well. If we are going to relax and enjoy our days we must flee some things to pursue other things.  When we sit on things too long they loose their "best" ratings.  One obvious example is the manna which God showered down from the heavens.

All of us, each and every day are in pursuit of happiness; that is hope.  But real hope and happiness does not have its origin in worldly things where it can be trapped; it encompasses and gives life to those things, which otherwise would be hollow instead of hallow.  These thoughts raised up a curious chain of idea's which began with this:

People want to give; but they do not want to be taken advantage of.

If we desire to give and our motivation is to give someone the advantage of receiving our gift, then there should be no rub in the passing.  This means that we have to look at where the friction might take place.  We will not retrace our topics on view points and gifts today.  If you have not been with us during those discussions click on the link enclosed through-out this post.

God's word explains that we should give when we are empowered to do so.  He also shares with us several view points to encourage us as we discern all the actions and emotions taking place.  When we give freely from the wealth which He has hidden within us, we shine brightly and spotlight charity, revealing His presence in their time of need.  He came to give others THE advantage.  He gives without hypocrisy, without expectation of reciprocity because He needs nothing and gives what cannot be obtained through man's means.

The rub only comes if someone must pry our fingers from what ever is being extended, in order to take possession and leave our presence.  Sometimes we are remiss to recall the stance of the giver: they have no authority or rights to whatever is given away.  It no longer belongs to the them, once it passes into the possession of the receiver.  The other person is now the owner and the use or lack there of is for at their discretion.  If an invitation is extended we may join in with their experience and celebrate.

Sometimes the giver feels a slight...rub, as if something is not as satisfying as it should be.  Our reward should be the satisfaction of giving another an advantage. In so doing we exemplify the priceless advantage which Christ gave us.  His advantage was like a rare, one of a kind, irreplaceable gemstone which came straight from the compassionate heart of the Magnificent Giver.  James 1:17 states it best, in my opinion:

Every good thing bestowed and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow.

When we stand by waiting for acknowledgement or an exchange of some type we are expecting some type of closure before we can stamp the experience "satisfied". Obviously, this means the blister is being produced due to the obstacle of our own need for due satisfaction; underneath it all we were in pursuit of our own happiness.

Paul wisely addressed this issue in verse 6 and 9 of the same chapter:
"But godliness actually is a means of great gain when accompanied by contentment".
But those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful desires which plunge men into ruin and destruction.

When we read the first verse it feels smooth to the senses, peaceful.....But the second is filled with obstacles, bumping and tenderness, depression and disappointment.

Paul comes to a close by telling Timothy to share these instructions with others in Christ for the building up of His image and not the "branding" of the man's image.  This is another common struggle we have with the ancient world.  Something are simply human nature and human nature is not the nature of Christ (verse 17-19):

Instruct those who are rich in this present world:

•  Not to be conceited or to fix their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy.
• to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share ~ storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is life indeed.

I will end today, asking for you to think about times when you have felt like you wanted to give, but held back due to thoughts of being taken advantage of. Think about times when you gave but felt slighted, maybe a bit bitter.....you kind of felt that rub.  As Paul wrote to Timothy, I write this to each of us; just fill the blank with your name: 

"O, _________________, guard what has been entrusted to you, avoiding worldly empty chatter ~ the opposing arguments of what is falsely called knowledge ~ which some have professed....and in this gone astray from the faith."

"Grace be with you....."

Kisses,
Candace

Copyrights Reserved ©Candace Huffmaster 2014

Kaleidoscope Butterfly, Inc.®

From That Which You Have

You can only give from that which you have; think about it.  In order to give a gift you must purchase it, make it or give an IOU because you don’t yet possess it to give.  God tells us that we are able to love Him only because He first loved us.  If we had not been loved by God, with Agape love, we would not have had this love in our possession to give.  We discussed it a few weeks ago:  This is Love, not that we first loved God but that He first loved us. 
 

People struggle all the time with not having the ability to give what they perceive as a “good gift”.  Who doesn’t want to give the best gift, that’s the whole purpose of “the gift” right?  At what point did we cross the thresh hold of having guilt because we cannot give material possessions and yet we do not feel convicted as we withholding what God commands us to give each other each and every moment of every day? 

In case, if it isn’t obvious, I was alluding to love. It cost nothing, yet the price you pay is your self.  It is gives liberty, but if you cannot freely give it you are in bondage. You can live within it for eternity, but you have no exclusive rights of ownership and it is very hard to live without it.  You can never out give it, out last it, demand more than it is willing to give freely because it is the outpouring of our generous, merciful, righteous, holy and pure God.  He gave us the object of His undying love.  He sacrificed His love for those who didn’t know love, us, so that we could know love and indeed love and become lovely.  What a God we have; I can’t put Him justly into words.
 

I want us to look at the Friday’s scripture from 2 Timothy 1:7:  For God has not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.  Some translations say “a spirit of fear” but I believe the KJV most correctly translated it to be “the spirit of fear” because it moves on to state “the spirit” which He did give us: the Holy Spirit which is power, love and a sound mind due to peace, hope and joy.
 

In order not to get too long winded here, we will leave off with the definition of the Greek word didomi.  Translated we best understand it as the word gift.  Here is Strong’s definition:

Didomi  / did'-o-mee

1. to give
2. to give something to someone
1. of one's own accord to give one something, to his advantage
1. to bestow a gift
2. to grant, give to one asking, let have
3. to supply, furnish, necessary things
4. to give over, deliver
1. to reach out, extend, present
2. of a writing
3. to give over to one's care, entrust, commit
1. something to be administered
2. to give or commit to someone something to be religiously observed
5. to give what is due or obligatory, to pay: wages or reward
6. to furnish, endue
3. to give
1. to cause, profuse, give forth from one's self
1. to give, hand out lots
2. to appoint to an office
3. to cause to come forth, i.e. as the sea, death and Hell are said to give up the dead who have been engulfed or received by them
4. to give one to someone as his own
1. as an object of his saving care
2. to give one to someone, to follow him as a leader and master
3. to give one to someone to care for his interests
4. to give one to someone to whom he already belonged, to return
4. to grant or permit one
1. to commission

I pray that each of us receive this gift and allow God  through Christ, empowered by His life giving spirit properly and fully disclose all His many facets as we sojourn together toward Him.  Tomorrow we will do deeper in this one verse. 

May we all understand and be grateful that every day, no matter what things appear to be, we ARE blessed by the Lord God Almighty himself.

Shalom,

Kisses ~C

For more information the clickable blue links within the text above are as follows:

 1 - Magnificent Box
2- This is Love
3- Taking Our Frustrations Out on Objects
4- Does A Bully Even Understand?

©Candace Huffmaster 2012, All Copy Rights Reserved

Kaleidoscope Butterfly, Inc™

Does A Bully Understand?

  For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. ~ 2 Timothy 1:7
 

The spirit of God is a power force to be reckoned with.  When human power wants to tango, so to speak, with the righteousness of God which indwells in His children, I must believe they do not understand or they would be too afraid to arrogantly, tauntingly, unconscionably puff up as they do. 

But what preserves and propels our ability to pity them as we should, and not fear or be angered by their actions is the power of the Holy Spirit; His indwelling love and sound mind.  Amen!

I am meeting  with a new mission group today so I will finish this when I return later.  I have much to share with you on this verse.  For now - meditate on the power of God we have received and the might which is bestowed through Christ in the dynamic presence of His most holy spirit.

Selah,
Kisses,
Candace

Definition of Greek word Pneuma from which we derive the word used here: spirit

1. the third person of the triune God, the Holy Spirit, coequal, coeternal with the Father and the Son
2. sometimes referred to in a way which emphasises his personality and character (the \Holy\ Spirit)
3. sometimes referred to in a way which emphasises his work and power (the Spirit of \Truth\)
4. never referred to as a depersonalised force
5. the spirit, i.e. the vital principal by which the body is animated
6. the rational spirit, the power by which the human being feels, thinks, decides
7. the soul
8. a spirit, i.e. a simple essence, devoid of all or at least all grosser matter, and possessed of the power of knowing, desiring, deciding, and acting
9. a life giving spirit
10. a human soul that has left the body
11. a spirit higher than man but lower than God, i.e. an angel
    1. used of demons, or evil spirits, who were conceived as inhabiting the bodies of men
    2. the spiritual nature of Christ, higher than the highest angels and equal to God, the divine nature of Christ
12. the disposition or influence which fills and governs the soul of any one
    
    1. the efficient source of any power, affection, emotion, desire, etc.
13. a movement of air (a gentle blast)
14. of the wind, hence the wind itself
15. breath of nostrils or mouth

^{©Candace Huffmaster, 2012  All Copy Rights Reserved}

^{Kaleidoscope Butterfly, Inc™}

I Will Meet You Right There; Don't Leave!

Today I was reading through old posts on fear since that is our topic for awhile.  I found a nugget from 2010 which was a great reminder for me personally.  I know you might laugh, seeing as I write these.  You would think that since I know AND truly believe all this, with everything that I am comprised of, that I would be different.....but I'm just not so different - Believe me!

The post was from our Emerge site which is for those caring for other,which I will link below. As I was reading through it I started thinking about how each of us come to Christ at different points of understanding and maturity and He doesn't care. All He cares about is that we desire to come. 

I started thinking about how He tells us to believe He will come when we desire Him to come.  Also, that we have to believe all He tells us in relationship to the end of times or we might not be there when He comes.  We can compare it to meeting a friend at a specific location.  When we get there first, sometimes we think we got things confused.  We might try to phone, text or sit patiently.  However, as time passes and they don't show up we go through all sorts of thoughts and take different actions don't we.

When we have friends that are consistent and trustworthy our actions are different.  We know something must have happened, we get concerned for their welfare.  The messages have a different tone don't they.  This is the way we should be every day as we wait on Christ to return.  We mustn't doubt, because He will be here.  We might not know the hour or day, but we must be where we are supposed to be so that He won't leave thinking we are inconsistent and not trustworthy.

As for the other posts it relates in this way:  As we are waiting, there are many people in need of knowing that the "last train to Clarksville" will be pulling out and we need to be on board.  Be careful how you treat others along the way, and remember when people are attempting to help you take it easy on them too.  You never know what they have been going through before you met up with them. 

If you are in Christ, remember that you have been given much and much is expected.  BUT that much isn't something YOU can pull yourself up by your bootstraps and give.  God gives you the much and He gives you the holy spirit to employ for the work at hand.  This is what maturing in Christ does for us, we have more to give because we enable HIM within us. 

God is delighted in you no matter where you are; no matter what state your in His train will be rolling through and He's calling your name to hop on board.  He'll help you with all the rest.  Come on it's a joy ride with sweet rest and great companion =D

My love to you all,
Candace

Enjoy "The Last Train To Clarksville"!

 Link for post on  KB's Emerge page:  If He Shrinks Back
I also posted on KBJourney the same day Meet Ya Right There...

^{©Candace Huffmaster, 2012  All Copy Rights Reserved}

^{Kaleidoscope Butterfly, Inc™}

In His Image We Were Made

This is the day that the Lord has made, so let’s rejoice in it!!

He is such a Good God…Great really.  What could possibly bring us to any other destination than rejoicing?  Consider, think on, hold in your heart these thoughts:

• If the Lord our God, who is all mighty, be for us then what could possibly come against us with any success to the point of harming us? 
• Also: Just as close as you hold this thought in your mind and heart, God, who loved you before you existed in the flesh, knew of you.  He knew the number of your days and what you would be facing each and every moment of them. And he has been holding you in His heart, remembering YOU…..

So what in this world, in the heavens, or below is there which you should fear?

Can you ever come to a place of understanding God by taking the Fear bypass?

His word tell us to know and believe his truth.  His own words gave some direction for our travels: the one who fears is not (or cannot be) perfected in Love.  Therefore doesn’t it make sense that the Fear bypass will only take us “around the perimeter” of Love, but not into the heart of it?

To fear the Lord is not what we perceive it to be (I know this is a gross generalization).  What this speaks of is an understanding of how mighty and victorious He is; how all consuming of Righteousness, purity and holiness He is.

To understand this is so overwhelming to our finite minds we dummy it down to create Him in ways we can comprehend.  This is the sin of idolatry – creating Him into an image of man (or something we can fit nicely into our apple basket).

When His word tells us to be transformed by the renewing of our mind, it means thinking new, different thoughts.  This would take His mind to achieve, otherwise, we are still comparing man’s thoughts to man’s thoughts – which will not obtain an original God thought (the needed orange in our basket). 
This is why it is so important for us to “believe” that the bible is God’s word through humans.  It is also why He demands that we not add to it or take away from it.  Again, this would be idolatry.

When He tells us not to conform to this world but to be transformed – we are to understand that piece by piece we are to put down our man made ways and replace them one by one with a God made way.  God made us in His image, through His understanding.  So we cannot be everything He designed us to be by making God in our image – kinda’ stupid simple when the rubber hits the road don’t ya think?

To think of the end destination comparatively to where we are now and the distance we must travel will make even the most challenge loving, self persistent individual shrink back in fear of this daunting adventure.  This is why God tells us up front that the one who shrinks back, He takes no pleasure in.

But do not make God human in His statement.  He did NOT say, “If you do  not do it my way, I won’t like you nor will I have anything to do with you because you are an idiot for not doing what I said.”

What He DID say was this, “It will not bring me to a point of celebration and joy, because my hearts desire is to slather you with ALL my good pleasure, to the point it is chasing you down to overtake you.  And you are funning away from all the help I have in store for you – DON”T Do THAT!  I want GOOD things for you and not things which will harm you!!

Instead of allowing all the false imaginations to hijack you before you even pull onto the road, remember God never expected you to be on the road by your sheer grit –or to have to figure it out all by your smart self.  This would have never given Him what He wanted….relationships.  After all, He is the one who originated the thought, it is not good for man to be alone. He created us not for sacrifice but for a body to call His own.  Just like He created Eve for Adam – something to call His very own, and she him.  I bet what God was thinking as He said, “That’s Good” is, Now that’s good – they would have never known how good, wonderful and perfect life can be without a relationship – and I want them to know only an awesome, loving, take your breath away good life – so they will have something to rejoice about each and every new day I bring them to and through!

That is why I know, understand and believe that He is a Great God….Really! =D

So today, knowing all this, I leave you with a pray of love; which I request to cover each of you as you seek to understand, by way of knowing, the great true love he has for you.  And a question for you to answer to the best of your ability:

Why is integrity so important?

By way of the one who is faithful and the true witness – with Love in my heart and mind as I hold each of you near and dear:
Kisses,
Candace

© 2007 by Candace Huffmaster, All Rights Reserved

Is That Your Final Answer?

All of the Deeply Series is discovering the deep seated beliefs we have anchored in our soul.  This is the reason that we preface the groups with this overview:

Deeply is all about the decisions that we have to make if we are going to believe that God is who He says He is.  If we do believe this we will create a healthy fear in the Lord.

This does not mean that we are against discussing doubts, fears, ambiguity, frustration and everything that might seem to oppose what we are working toward.  Remember we include Trip, Fall, Fly in all that we do.  We are not here to impose legalism, denomonationalism (is that even a word) or pluralism.  We are here to create relationships: give compassion, empathy, understanding, wisdom, discernment, silence with an embracing arm, listening ear and Christ centered efforts.

Our purpose is always to expose our false reality in a way to create a catalyst for honest righteous changes in our lives - starting with our thinking to work out in our relationships Ultimately to honor God through a life which is flourishing in the sight of everyone.

So what is stopping this from happening in YOUR life?  We each must answer this question?  Is it even something you desire is the first question?  If not, why?  What do you feel would be a negative toward you?  What ever it is stems from a fear.  Can you isolate the fear to take a look at it?

Since we are always in a process - and thus process oriented ( or should be, you know my pet peeve with goal orientation) lets look at the process finding some of the chairs we have given out allowing those poaching thoughts to stick around and become beliefs.

Understanding that what ever is sitting in that chair is a real object to us it will play the part of our subject.  The actions we take to keep it in that seat undisturbed is what we believe.  Are you still with me so far?

Before we offer this object a chair we go through a process of gathering proof to prove to our self that our final answer is "yes, this subject will be given a chair.  It is now in the deep seat section orchestrating our thoughts. 

There is a parallel lane on this highway of proof to proven that we travel.  This lane is grief to grieving.  Avoidance keeps us on this road way.  What are we avoiding? Discomfort!  We all know that growth requires stretching ourselves.  We watch this day in and day out with children as their bodies stretch high and fill out.  We know all about growth pains, but they're not that big of a deal, right?  So why do we avoid it in maturing, increasing intellectually, relationally?  Why do we perceive obstacles as negative?  Remember the wall in "The Last Lecture"  it is only there to see how determined you are.  That is a great thing!

Here are a couple of interesting tid-bits:

When looking up some etymology of English words decide came from the formation of words meaning to decide and the ion added forming our word decision means suspicion, suspend, conversion, convert, compulsion, compel.

We are the object in another arena - we are the object in a battle taking place between truth and deception.  There is a seat with your name and it is just for you in each orchestra pit.  Will you suspend your decision long enough to gather all the facts?

What if we believe in God's promises long enough to see that He will prove the theories are incomplete?  What if we simply get more afraid of the illusion of the oncoming pain, discomfort, grief and abandon His faithfulness right when we would have had the proof we needed?  Remember He promised to never leave us nor to forsake us. 

Aren't we even the least bit fearful of calling God a liar by the seat we take -the seat we give to belief through the actions we believe and call truth? 

Think about it.
Write about it.
Share it with me / us here or in group Friday.

My prayer is that we will make the decision to decide that we believe in what is holy, lovely and pure then to be truth, be light and BE truly beautiful in all we say do and walk out.

(By the way - that is what one of our t-shirts are having printed on them - Be truth , Be light, believe - and the other is Be True Beauty ~ be beauty in chaos)  Let you all know when they are finished!

Kisses in Christ,
Candace

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

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

The Little Ms.

We have been speaking about characteristics of crisis and the fool. We have been considering the different scenarios or experiences we have personally had when we cross paths with such individuals. We also discussed that at times in our life we can be Crisis or Fool, however, there is a vast difference between a mistake when we lack understanding verses simply not caring about the effect we have on those around us.


Today we will be considering several passages from Proverbs and then looking at 1 Samuel 25 to read a real life account of what happens when you marry Mr. Fool. So climb aboard and strap in we’re going on his ride again!

Proverbs 8:1 (NAS) Does not wisdom call, and understanding lift up her voice?

I am making an introduction today of Ms. Wisdom,( and no, I didn’t pick the gender the definition did that =D) all her words filled with discernment, discretion, loving reproofs, equality, compassion and love. She is peace loving with the heart of a teacher who is always carefully watching over those less wise. She is trustworthy, filled with integrity and loves the Lord her God with all that she is comprised of, her house stands firm because all that she desires is deeply rooted in God. She is very special so we researched her a bit more to find out that Understanding is her middle name. Without Understanding all that she is would never be able to reach those she desires to teach – Understanding is her action, it gives her volume, speed, perseverance.

Here is where we can find her in our cities, country side, roadways as we journey avoiding collisions with Mr. Crisis or the blind, foolish, naive travelers along our paths:

-On top of the heights
-Beside the way
-Where the paths meet
-Beside the gates
-At the openings to the city
-At the entrance of the doors
God was obviously referring to Ms. Wisdom in this passage from Jeremiah 6:16, 17:

Thus says the Lord, “Stand by the ways and see and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is, and walk in it; and you shall find rest for your souls. But they said, “We will not walk in it. And I set watchmen over you saying, “Listen to the sound of the trumpet!” But they said, “We will not listen”.

In Proverbs 10 we are told that to the fool doing wickedness is simply a sport. But it goes on to state that they live in fear – and not the fear of God. So they are correct, what they fear WILL come upon them. Remember what we were told in Habakkuk – know this and RUN, there is a reason that Ms. Wisdom does not do more than stand at the wayside and lift up her voice – if she goes where he goes she will be caught up in all his chaos and ruin. This is not God’s will for you – NEVER!

This is what the Proverbs states the situation will looks like for the Mr. Crisis and Mr. Fool:

-The years of the wicked will be shortened
-The expectation of the wicked perishes (hope deferred)
-Iniquity will be the ruin of his work
-He will be shaken and will not live in the good land of the Lord
-His perverted tongue will be cut out.

Why is this their outcome? Because of the following things:

-They use false weights and God finds this an abomination
-Their pride causes dishonor

It is their own falseness that will destroy them, their own riches they have built up will not be able to save them when God’s wrath comes twisting in….so even when they bribe you to stay or manipulate you with fear, don’t accept it…RUN!
Listen to Ms. Wisdom she is there to show you the way….follow her wise instruction, as Abigail did. Here is her story, I find it very uplifting.

Now, there was a man in Maon whose business was in Carmel. He was a very rich man. He had 3,000 sheep and 1,000 goats. And he was shearing his sheep in Carmel. This man’s name was Nabal, and his wife’s name was Abigail. She was sensible and beautiful, but he was harsh and mean. He was a descendant of Caleb.
While David was in the desert, he heard that Nabal was shearing his sheep. So David sent ten young men and told them, “Go to Carmel, visit Nabal, and greet him for me. Say to him, ‘May you live long! May you, your home, and all you have prosper! I hear that your sheepshearers are with you. Your shepherds have been with us, and we have not mistreated them. Nothing of theirs has been missing as long as they’ve been in Carmel. Ask your young men, and let them tell you. Be kind to my young men, since we have come on a special occasion. Please give us and your son David anything you can spare.’ ” When David’s young men came to Nabal, they repeated all of this to him for David, and then they waited.

“Who is David?” Nabal answered David’s servants. “Who is Jesse’s son? So many servants nowadays are leaving their masters. Should I take my bread, my water, and my meat that I butchered for my shearers and give them to men coming from who knows where?”

David’s young men returned and told him all this.

“Each of you put on your swords!” David told his men. And everyone, including David, put on his sword. About four hundred men went with David, while two hundred men stayed with the supplies.

One of the young men told Abigail, Nabal’s wife, “David sent messengers from the desert to greet our master, who yelled at them. Those men were very good to us. They didn’t mistreat us, and we found that nothing was missing wherever we went with them when we were in the fields. They were a wall protecting us day and night as long as we were watching the sheep near them. Now, consider what you should do because our master and his whole household are doomed. And he’s such a worthless man that it’s useless to talk to him.”

So Abigail quickly took 200 loaves of bread, 2 full wineskins, 5 butchered sheep, a bushel of roasted grain, 100 bunches of raisins, and 200 fig cakes and loaded them on donkeys. “Go on ahead,” she told her young men, “and I’ll follow you.” But she didn’t tell her husband Nabal about it.

She was riding on her donkey down a hidden mountain path when she met David and his men coming toward her. David had thought, “I guarded this man’s stuff in the desert for nothing! Not one of his possessions was missing. Yet, he has paid me back with evil when I was good to him. May God punish me if I leave even one of his men alive in the morning.”

When Abigail saw David, she quickly got down from her donkey. She immediately bowed down in front of David with her face touching the ground. After she bowed at his feet, she said, “Sir, let me be held responsible for this wrong. Please let me speak with you. Please listen to my words. You shouldn’t take this worthless person Nabal seriously. He is like his name. His name is Nabal [Godless Fool], and he’s foolish. But I didn’t see the young men you sent.

“The Lord has kept you from spilling innocent blood and from getting a victory by your own efforts. Now,
sir, I solemnly swear, as the Lord and you live, may your enemies and those who are trying to harm you end up like Nabal. Here is a gift I am bringing to you. May it be given to the young men who are in your service. Please forgive my offense. The Lord will certainly give you, sir, a lasting dynasty, because you are fighting the Lord’s battles. May evil never be found in you as long as you live. Even though someone pursued you and sought your life, your life is wrapped in the bundle of life which comes from the Lord your God. But he will dispose of the lives of your enemies like stones thrown from a sling. When the Lord does all the good he promised and makes you ruler of Israel, you shouldn’t have a troubled conscience because you spilled blood for no good reason and claimed your own victory. When the Lord has given you success, remember me.”

David said to Abigail, “Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, who sent you today to meet me. May your good judgment be blessed. Also, may you be blessed for keeping me from slaughtering people today and from getting a victory by my own efforts. But I solemnly swear—as the Lord God of Israel, who has kept me from harming you, lives—if you hadn’t come to meet me quickly, Nabal certainly wouldn’t have had one of his men left at dawn.”

Then David accepted what she brought him and told her, “Go home in peace. I’ve listened to what you’ve said and granted your request.”

When Abigail came to Nabal, he was holding a banquet in his home. It was like a king’s banquet. He was in a good mood and very drunk, so she didn’t tell him anything until dawn. But in the morning, when the effects of the wine had worn off, his wife told him what had happened. Nabal’s heart failed, and he could not move.About ten days later the Lord made him even more sick, and Nabal died.

When David heard Nabal was dead, he said, “Blessed be the Lord, who defended me against the insults of Nabal and kept me from doing wrong. The Lord has turned Nabal’s own wickedness back on him.”

Then David sent men on his behalf to propose marriage to Abigail. When David’s servants came to Abigail at Carmel, they told her, “David has sent us to you so that we can take you to him to be his wife.”

She bowed down with her face touching the ground. “I am ready to serve,” she said. “I am ready to wash the feet of my master’s servants.” Then Abigail quickly got up and rode on a donkey with five of her female servants following her. So she went with David’s messengers and became his wife.

David also married Ahinoam of Jezreel. Both she and Abigail were his wives. Saul had given his daughter Michal, David’s wife, to Palti, Laish’s son, who was from Gallim.

So for all of you that might be married to a character like Nabal, remember not to shut your ears to Ms. Wisdom, not to defer your hope in the Lord, not to seek revenge, not to act as the Godless Fool leaning on your own understanding….but I pray for us that in ALL our ways we will acknowledge Him, so that He will make our paths straight.

I ask you to consider this verse and make this request personally as I have for years: Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the Lord and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your body and refreshment to your bones. Honor the Lord from your wealth, and from the first of all your produce; so your barns will be filled with plenty and your vats will overflow with new wine.

In the power and victory of Jesus Christ our Lord – let it be done to us as is His good pleasure ~ Amen, Hallelujah, Shalom,
Kisses,
Candace

Stop It!!

I thought you might want to have a light day of reflection since we have been hitting some heavier topics.  When ever I type "Stop It" in an article I always remember this clip.  I hope you all have a good giggle.  It helps us realize what false imaginations are capable of doing and the reason God lovingly instructs us to cast them down.  This would be a great place to reflect over the phobia materials within "Deeply" if you would like more material today.

I love each and everyone of you and pray that together we "Stop It" so that we are a strong witness to His righteousness today, tomorrow and so on.......

Kisses,
Candace

Afraid of Love, or Afraid of Not BEING Loved?

Philippians 4 1-9


So, brothers and sisters, I love you and miss you. You are my joy and my crown. Therefore, dear friends, keep your relationship with the Lord firm! I encourage both Euodia and Syntyche to have the attitude the Lord wants them to have. Yes, I also ask you, Syzugus, my true partner, to help these women. They fought beside me to spread the Good News along with Clement and the rest of my coworkers, whose names are in the Book of Life.


Always be joyful in the Lord! I’ll say it again: Be joyful! Let everyone know how considerate you are. The Lord is near. Never worry about anything. But in every situation let God know what you need in prayers and requests while giving thanks. Then God’s peace, which goes beyond anything we can imagine, will guard your thoughts and emotions through Christ Jesus.


Finally, brothers and sisters, keep your thoughts on whatever is right or deserves praise: things that are true, honorable, fair, pure, acceptable, or commendable. Practice what you’ve learned and received from me, what you heard and saw me do. Then the God who gives this peace will be with you.

I love the way Paul speaks the truth in love. He is encouraging his fellow believers and those he has been sent to lead and cover. He opens with how much he loves them all….right where they are, as they are. He speaks of a desire for them, to be with them and how he wears that relationship with pride / honor.

Look at what he says next, keep your focus on God first. He does not say focus on what “I” am saying, how much “I” love you and you own “me” something (usually respect due to how we have mentored or cared for someone) He keeps all eyes focused on Christ. He encourages them to seek this relationship first.

Paul goes on to speak highly of the work of others as He is making these requests. He is not touting what he alone has done; he is expressing how they are one body.

It is my opinion that a large factor of how conflict either gets resolved or propelled into a drama is within the next few scriptures. We take our focus off Christ and get into the problem and short comings of people in our midst. We start to desire to “fix” the other person, “Tinker” with how and why they do not see things as we do. We get anxious, irritated, defensive, justified, self righteous…..angry.

Fear is what we have been talking about along with Trust over the past few months. Counseling programs have a diagram that shows “anger” being the tip of an iceberg with all those emotions felt being unresolved beneath the surface of the water. I would like to propose a thought. What if anger is the surface of the water and “Fear” is the cap of the iceberg.

What if we would visualize Christ walking on that fluid surface of anger coming toward us….wearing our cap of fear? We are to grow up into our head which is Christ. He does not wear a hat labeled fear. In fact God promised that there is no fear in love. He also said that pure love casts out all fear.

We cannot wear 2 hats on one head. I think in the south we state it another way…2 horses one backside. Paul closed these encouraging words “then the God who gives this peace will be with you”. Will you receive it? Paul showed us how in these scriptures.

If Christ is our foundation - that means He is literally the road way, because the ground we walk on which uphold us. "Stay with me here" - Christ himself said he is "the way" "the truth" and "the life". So write and think about the surface you are walking on. Look beneath that surface even if for a moment and take a quick peak. See if your way has truth under it. Now look up and see if the destination seems to be heading you toward life. Friday I want to hear about your discoveries - together we will journey on!

I pray for us all that others will see how considerate we are. I pray that the peace and joy of the Lord is our today and that we rejoice. I pray that we grow in relationship with Christ today all the while giving thanks that we are one body upheld by His righteousness. I pray that those who have hurt us or threatened us in anyway be forgiven because I do not believe they knew what they were doing. I pray that Christ meet them right where they are and bring them understanding so that restoration may take place. I pray that God’s peace, which goes beyond anything we can imagine, will guard our thoughts and emotions through Christ Jesus. I thank God that He is showing us thoughts that are Holy, Lovely and Pure so that we can be holy….because He is holy.

I trust that all this is done, because of Christ our Lord, the abilities of our God and the empowerment of the Holy Spirit working within us this day.

Please Pray this with me, as One in Christ Jesus -
Kisses,
Candace

©Candace Huffmaster 2007 All Rights Reserved

Fear is our Privacy Fence....It is on Our Property Line

We are going to be journaling about boundaries and phobias this week.  We all are survivors, not victims!  Each day we choose what we will think and how we will allow our minds to spin the events comprised within our moments.

Christ asked us to choose life, light, holiness.  But it is our choice all others can do is make a request.  And we say God does not allow us to have our own way - He is the one that said it was a good idea and then set the world and eternity up to respect it.

I love you all and pray that the veil be lifted from our minds, heart and visible surrounding.  Persevere as if Today is the only day you have to show this world what you are fighting for.  I know your intent will be on the "good fight".

I ask for you to see everywhere God is blessing you today - then write about it; share it with everyone that will give you opportunity.

Kisses,
Candace

Fears That Keep Us From His Presence

By Os Hillman

"Then all the people of the region of the Gerasenes asked Jesus to leave them, because they were overcome with fear. So He got into the boat and left." - Luke 8:37

Jesus did many miracles when He lived on earth. One of those miracles involved the deliverance of a demon-possessed man. The people of the community witnessed this awesome demonstration of God's power when Jesus commanded the demon spirit to come out of the man and go into the herd of nearby pigs. The man was healed and sat at Jesus' feet.

You would expect the people who witnessed this to embrace Jesus as one performing good deeds and to honor Him. The opposite was true. Instead, they were overcome with fear. Why? Many of us respond the same way to Jesus when He does an out-of-the-ordinary act among His people. We are fearful because we have never personally experienced this before. So, we draw wrong judgments. The result is that Jesus removes Himself from us.

The Lord is able to do far exceeding above what we think. Jesus does not remain in the places where there is fear of His goodness. It is often subconscious fears that prevent us from going to a deeper level with Him. The people in Gerasenes could not benefit from Jesus' presence because of their fears.

Have you feared Jesus because of what He might require of you? Have you feared that He might ask of you something you are not prepared to give? Do not let your fears drive Him from your presence. His motive is always love for His children. You can trust Him.

Seeking Wise Counsel

Since we have been speaking on the topic of "Livin' the Dream", today we will be pondering the scripture that God gives us in regard to seeking wise counsel.  In proverbs - which is our "go-to" scripture for wisdom and discernment it states: A strong man knows how to use his strength, but a person with knowledge is even more powerful.  After all, with the right strategy you can wage war, and with many advisers there is victory.  So, how do we make sense of the times when those we "believe" to be Godly counsel are "seemingly" throwing wrecking balls at what we are building????


Remember we are to "count the cost" before we build things.  This process is explained in Ecclesiastes where we are told about the time for all things under the sun.  We have a time of gathering information before we run off like Peter and start blabbering senseless - albeit passionately honest thoughts.  I certainly am not saying that we are not correct - I AM stating that it might not be the time, we might not have a clear vision for their thought.  People need to "SEE" what we see. 

When things are a "new idea" people have nothing to base it on.  We all know and believe that God is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow - we state that over and over again.  But we also state over and over again where He is telling us you will be amazed because I am going to do "a new thing". 

Do not differ you hope - differ your discouragement and cling to your hope. Seek His voice as you listen to their opinions to help you "count the cost", but NEVER differ His plans for theirs.  As I state in the opening of Deeply, Honestly, Passionately, Freely programs: 

Today, be still and listen to where God is leading you.  Write it down for all to see that it IS God - just like He instructed Habakkuk.  He is not speaking to just one or two of us - unless we are the only ones listening and desiring to allow Him to transform us.  I don't believe that to be the case - what about you?

My prayer is for all of us to see his face today - listen for what He says and then thank Him for giving us a piece of eternity to accomplish -  "Just being in the moments of today".

With Love,
Candace

This devotion by Os reflects a bit more on this topic:

Do You Know God's Calling On Your Life? An excellent tool is available to help you discover the strengths, interests, gifts, and skills God wired into you to fulfill your calling. Excellent for adults as well as young adults and teens. Learn More



Discerning the Work of God
TGIF Today God Is First Volume 1 by Os Hillman

"Remember Tobiah and Sanballat, O my God, because of what they have done; remember also the prophetess Noadiah and the rest of the prophets who have been trying to intimidate me." - Nehemiah 6:14

Nehemiah set out to rebuild the wall at Jerusalem that had been destroyed. Nehemiah held a position in the Persian Empire that would be comparable to Chief of Staff in our government. Nehemiah wept over the destruction of the city wall and repented for the sins of his generation and the generations before him that had led to the fall of Jerusalem. Nehemiah responded to the news by seeking approval from his superior to take time off to rebuild the wall. Tobiah and Sanballat met Nehemiah's action with resistance, as did Noadiah the prophetess and other prophets. These were the religious and political leaders of his day. They became distractions to his work and opposed him.
Whenever God does a new work, it is often met with resistance by those in the established religious community, and sometimes among those from whom we would expect support. Jesus met the same resistance when He began His public ministry. This same phenomenon happens today. When God begins a new work that cannot be easily explained based upon prior experiences, many make the mistake of assuming it not to be of God. The very people who should embrace and encourage the work become the source of skepticism and opposition. God tells us that His ways are not our ways. He does things in ways beyond our limited understanding.

Before you are tempted to criticize or oppose something that looks different from your past experience, ask God for wisdom and discernment. Examine why you might be tempted to oppose it. The Lord cannot be put in a box. He delights in doing things in ways that may not fit our former paradigms.

Everyone’s journey is as unique as they are, no one can tell you how to journey your path except the creator of your path. We are looking to the creature, instead of the creator. The creature is to aid, not to answer. As I heard the whisper one day, “the answer is the sojourning,  the question an endless plight, be still and know that I am God and I love you, deeply, honestly, passionately so that you will know freedom and can love freely just as I would for me, always in all ways.

Pieces of Peace

My peace I leave you - Not as this world has but the peace of my Father.  If you knew my Father you would know me - You have seen me, you have seen my Father.  God first loved the world and gave His only begotten Son ~ God is Love. Love is the highest calling...............

If we believe all the above pieces of scripture - how does Fear even have opportunity to enter into our thoughts???  Satan and his angels fell, they now spend their whole existence trying to make us believe we too are going to fall.  Those angels made a choice,  their choice was to enter into this spiritual battle with God. 

God created us to be pieces of His peace - right here on this plane.  He told us His story, who's we are to be "if we choose to accept Him".  Today as we are thinking deeply about the roads we have traveled and the thoughts we were thinking along the way, won't you take a step outside?  Go outside the walls of your home or work even if just for one moment.  Go outside the walls of your own thoughts if just for one moment.  Look up into this magnificent space above us.  Realize if just for this one moment that you are connected to all life.  All that you see - you are a piece of it and it of you because it is part of the God of the universe and you are a piece of all that is. 

No matter how we might try we cannot disconnect from life.  Even in death God says we still exist.  Today, think life, think love, think bigger than any problem you have had, will have or face during your waking hours today.  They are but passing moments and you have made it through so much - that alone should prove to you that you CAN make it - Just don't quit, give up or lay down.  Take a rest - sure! But praise God in your rest and He will raise you up with more courage, power and vision of victory through Love.

I also added a devotional by Os Hillman - addressing forgiveness - I know you will understand the reasoning. 

If you can't get outside -or the day is not as pretty where you are - watch this video from U2 - Magnificent.  I hope it encourages you to find your voice and raise it to our Lord God Almighty ~and go ahead sing out with that original voice God gave you for him to enjoy (don't worry if no one else enjoys it =D)

My love to you all today and forever,

Candace

Learning the Art of Forgiveness
TGIF Today God Is First Volume 2 by Os Hillman
Tuesday, March 01 2011



"Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us" (Luke 11:4).

"I'm sorry for speaking to you harshly last night," I said. Then the Holy Spirit reminded me to add the second and most important part of my admission. "Will you forgive me?" Without this request we have only partially repented of our sin. It is important to humble ourselves before those we sin against. This is repentance. If we only say we are sorry we are only stating remorse for our actions.

Jesus modeled this in the Lords Prayer: "Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us" (Luke 11:4). When I owned my advertising agency I once filed a lawsuit against a client who refused to pay a $140,000 bill. However, the Lord instructed me that because I had also sinned in the situation, I was to drop the suit. My next move was to talk to my former client. I tried phoning him, but he wouldn't return my calls. Finally, I reached his secretary and said, "I want you to take this message down and give it to your boss, word for word - no changes: 'I have sinned against you. I know that I don't deserve your forgiveness, but I ask your forgiveness for filing the lawsuit against you. You are no longer obligated to pay the balance you owe me if you don't feel you owe it.'"

I could hear the secretary begin to cry on the other end of the line. She couldn't believe what she was hearing. About an hour later, my former client called. We hadn't spoken for six months. We reconciled the relationship.

The next few years were incredibly difficult because of the financial setback I suffered, but God provided for my needs. Looking back, I realize that this was my Judas Test. I passed the test when I let go of my resentment and asked to be forgiven, and God was glorified in the situation.

God is Not About YOUR Success - by Os Hillman

"I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. The man who loves his life will lose it, while the man who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life" (John 12:24-26).

God is all about your death so that HIS success can be realized through you! This is why the Church is having such little impact - there are too many believers who have not yet died to their old nature so that Christ can live fully through them. When believers come to the end of themselves they will lose their lives to Him and live through the power of the Holy Spirit and begin to see the reality of a living gospel that impacts lives, workplaces, cities and nations.

"Much of modern Christian enterprise is 'Ishmael.' Born not of God, but of an inordinate desire to do God's will in our own way - the one thing our Lord never did," said Oswald Chambers. The psalmist describes what it means to live in our own strength:

"Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain. In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat - for he grants sleep to those he loves" (Ps 127:1-2).

How does one die so that Christ can be our all and all? It usually takes a crisis of significant proportions for most people to relinquish the control of their lives. It means we come to the end of ourselves and our striving to control the events in our lives and we finally come to the place where we can say, "Lord, I surrender. Please take full control of my life."

Have you come to this place with God in your life? Let go and let God make you a success His way.

After reading this devotional by Os – I was reminded of something in my journal back in 2003 or 4. After reading it I thought I would share it. I understand much of it now – but do not want to change any words because this is a journey and a process. Where ever you are know that God is always watching over you, teaching you, growing you. His desire for you is abundant love….no matter what it looks like from our eyes and mind ‘this day”. I am on the other side of where I was; much like Alice and her looking glass. God has truly grown me to understand what He told me so long ago: The sojourn is the answer; the questions an endless plight….Be still and know that I am God…and I love you: deeply, honestly, passionately, freely – always in all ways.

God let my spirit help me understand your will. I love you and I know you are with me. Please talk to me. What am I feeling? This talks to me so: Beautiful, wondrous is what you are to me. I love you still you have always been mine I am always here for you. I am your lord and you are my child I embrace you as you embrace me. You have always been mine, now you only see me this world cannot have you Candy you are mine and I will and have saved you.

Where did it all go? That was weird! You know me Father; you know my heart because it is yours. Your heart is strong, your mercy great. Let it all go. You are not about this world. Let me take you there. Follow. You have peace because you live in me. I dwell in you. You are save and at home. I will nurture you and I am embracing you. You are part of a big home. That will never end. You have been on a journey to learn. I am about to let you be…. Be what? What you are to be. There is one thing…. What is the one thing? Follow me. I hear you; I desire you…. I will follow. Are you sure? That frightens me… what are you asking? That is the one thing. How can you be afraid if you are ready? There is no fear in love. Would I ever hurt you? This world will hurt you; not me! You are safe in me. Give it time. It will come. Don’t be cautious with me, your discernment is for this world not for my kingdom. You have been broken; you tried to fix it…. there are still a few things. Father, stop the business, let me be only busy for your purposes. I don’t care about this world. I don’t want comfort that is of this world; I want to live and breathe your comfort. Have I always been with you, I mean, as you have always been? Have we all always been? What is this we are playing out? What is our purpose? Is it “the solution to our will”? If that is the case, I just want to say I don’t want to have a will separate from your will - I want to only see you. I have known some “great” men here… I have yearned for their love. I get it now; I was to yearn for you first. And I realize that if it had not have happened this way I would not have developed as you needed me.

Why wind? Why fragrance? Why sunshine? They are all beauty you desire. The wind embracing and refreshing you; the touch of the sun on your flesh; the beautiful smells which engulf and propel you…..it is just simple things I can do to bring my love into and around you. I do not want to type what I am thinking….. Will you help me with this one? Why does it still hurt so? Why do I long so? I know….they are beautiful memories. If things could have been different they would have been different but they are not; I understand. I made my choices. I did not follow my heart. But I did do what I thought was right. It was not what was going to make you internally happy though…. Just physically; right? You did not trust me. You were not walking with me. You were led by fear. Satan is fear. Fear is not a guide - only wisdom and insight are from me. Love you still….. I will always be here for you. The relationships here on earth are only temporary. In my kingdom they will not be as they are here and all will be well. For now I have other things in store for you. You will find happiness…. in me… always! I will not let you be incomplete; you know that. I love you. Enjoy! You have much, you are loved, and you are comfortable.

I do love you father. I always have. Thank you……
Kisses,
C

Fear Not, by Os Hillman

"For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline." 2 Timothy 1:7

God calls each of us to engage in spiritual warfare at times. Whenever satan wants to come against one of God's children, he does so by trying to intimidate through fear. Goliath's formidable size and arrogant boasting intimidated Saul and Israel's army. And because God's anointing had fallen from Saul, he was unable to respond with courage to Goliath's charge. Fear paralyzes and torments. That is why Saul could not respond.

The anointing had fallen on David, who was just a young boy, but mighty in spirit. David did not cower at the size or shouts of the giant Goliath. He saw Goliath through the eyes of God, who saw him as a mere speck. David had righteous indignation for an affront to the armies of the living God.

David did not weigh the risk of failure because his faith was resting totally in God. That is another important factor in overcoming fear-complete trust in God. When the Lord began training me to confront fear, the training grounds were a groundless lawsuit, intimidation's, and calamity that confronted my very existence. Learning that these were merely tactics of the enemy, designed to instill fear, allowed me to stand firm in God's power to overcome.

Do not fear sudden calamity if you are walking uprightly before God. It may be setting the stage for a great victory that will bring praise and honor to your heavenly Father. These battles are training grounds for greater victories to come

Yesterday we were speaking in group about fear verses faith.  I thought this would be a great support for thinking a bit more on those topics.  If you still have our study on "The Wind and a Stone"  it would be helpful to read it again over the next couple of days.  If you do not have it e-mail me and I will send you a copy.  Also go into the search or archives on the site and type in fear we have covered different points to help us lean on God's views instead of our sight many times.  (God's view is another key word search you can use)

I pray that we all live by our faith and trust in God's sovereignty and not by our limited eye sight; always and in all ways,

In Christ,
Candace

Going Without Jesus - By Os Hillman

"...they were unaware of it." Luke 2:43

Mary and Joseph traveled to Jerusalem for the Feast of the Passover. Jesus was 12 years old. They were evidently very distracted by the excitement and business of the Feast. In fact, Mary and Joseph began their return trip to Nazareth only to realize well into the trip that Jesus was not with them. It would be three days before they would be reunited with their 12-year-old son. It caused quite a scare in Mary and Joseph, and they reprimanded Jesus for "wandering" off.


As a parent, I find this story truly amazing. How can parents of the Son of God not know their son is not in their presence? Yet this story illustrates how each of us can become so busy that we continue to operate not realizing that Jesus is no longer with us. Obviously, there was very little fellowship taking place between Jesus and His parents during the trip.

Are you experiencing daily, even moment-by-moment, fellowship with Jesus? If not, you will wake up one day and realize Jesus is not with you in your endeavors. It may, like Mary and Joseph, create a certain fear in you that you may have lost a very important relationship. Doing business without Jesus' presence leaves us powerless and prone to live in fear. Jesus said He would never leave or forsake His children. However, we can walk away from His fellowship by refusing to be with Him. Do not let this happen to you. He longs to have daily fellowship with you because He loves you

I pray for us all today, that we seek Him with all that we are, strive to lay down our selfish ambitions so that He may have fellowship with us and others around us, live out this day energized by the power of His love which casts out all fear and woos others into His embrace.
 
With the Love of our Christ,
Candace