The Loop and the Loop Hole

To review, I am closing this out  Jeremiah 17: 10, 11. It is very hard to trust God when we have been very wounded by trusting broken people. God understand broken things act and react in broken ways. His loop hole in this insane hamster wheel, is to make us unbroken in His wholeness. The heart is deceitful above all things,and desperately sick;who can understand it?

“I the LORD search the heart and test the mind,to give every man according to his ways,according to the fruit of his deeds.”Like the partridge that gathers a brood that she did not hatch,so is he who gets riches but not by justice;in the midst of his days they will leave him,and at his end he will be a fool.

Below is where we started, it is important to come full circle:

If God said it is not good to be alone, why are committed relationships so gut wrenching in comparison to our extra-curricular relations. Why do we make meaningful promises with a good intent and yet so flippantly forsake our own words. We are aware that we are pummeling hopes, dreams, commitments and compromising our loved ones abilities to painstakingly not retaliate in an evil way. But more significantly, they must continually attempt to trust in God and love well.God's desire is for us to run under His wing.......will we?

God is not a masochist; He knows we cannot uphold relationship commitments by sheer grit.   We are made in His image; and we are ABLE to do this …..Because He lives.  Don’t miss this: If we could do it without God, then He would not get to be intimate with people.  Not physically, because He doesn't have a body like ours. He created a loop hole though; He lives in this world now INSIDE us!  Again, don’t miss this:  It is not US who won’t leave people destitute.  It is God within us; we simply must allow His will to mature us.

Our weak willed spirit cringes at the thought of having to put up with all the icky, sticky, goo of close relationships. God said He wants to wrap us under wing...some people would think that is terribly suffocating! I had someone say to me once, “ I won’t leave you ........destitute.”   It appeared that they felt this should be something to trust, as if it could possibly sow up the deep wound they caused and numb my pain/suffering.  I said to myself, “Do they not realize destitute means left forsaken. 

We have discussed many times that we can only do our part – this is the reason God tells us, “Be at peace as far as it depends on YOU.”   No one can repair or reconcile a relationship without a reciprocating “you” involved; agreed?  If someone does not desire peace “with others” then they only desire comfort for them self.  The reason we get confused at times, is because some of the things others receive comfort from happens when they comfort us.  Maybe this is the reason for all the proverbs in regard to the deceptions of our feelings.   

Comfort is the nemesis to maturity, especially in our maturity within Christ’s body. God desires to lavish His love on everyone.  But as we see, not everyone wants to receive real love.  Who knows all the reasons why they find it terribly uncomfortable to stay close, really let others in.  Sometimes they find it too hard to keep distance and leave.   It does hurt and it even harms them, us and anyone else entangled. And, it deeply grieves the Holy Spirit, but they find all this easier than allowing the power of the Holy Spirit to work for them...And God keeps trying anyway.

We cannot force peace because then it is not kindness, it is controlling.   Do not allow yourself to be verbally bullied either, you are a peacemaker; not a mute point.   If you are attempting to relate with immaturity (or call it whatever you wish) it will repeatedly verbally and sometime physically desire to push you out the door, so to speak.  We do not have to take part in destroying relationships, but to not speak the truth in love also destroys intimacy.  

And lastly, remember:  With God as your witness, in all you say and do…..simultaneously you are His witness that He is alive and well in YOU!    This is why where Christ is there is liberty, so honor your commitments – Don’t leave God forsaken!

In Love with Christ,

Kisses,Candace

 Copyrights Reserved ©Candace Huffmaster 2014

Kaleidoscope Butterfly, Inc.®

Faith, Love, Hope

John 3:16, 20,21  For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life. ~ For everyone who does evil hates the light and does not come to the light lest his deeds should be exposed. ~ But he who practices the truth comes to the light that his deeds may be manifested as having been wrought in God.

We must: work in faith, labor in love and be steadfast in hope because of the Lord Jesus Christ and our security in the presence of God, our Father.

We must be fully convinced that these beliefs of our mercy and grace through Christ was His choice and His choosing so that we were Able to receive the full gospel (meaning empowered and alive because of the Holy Spirit).  Otherwise all this is no more than mere words as any other story being told. 

It is the Holy Spirit which gives us the full conviction ~ which also proves what kind of people we are.  It is for this reason we have the mercy and grace in order to withstand the number of our days ~ in order that we might grow into the person He divinely desired and created us TO be.  But the choice to receive is as free as the gift of life we equally received.

This day what does your soul choose - Life or Death?  Be aware that you may choose eternal life and be saved - but live the moments of your day as if you have chosen death.  What a grievous life is that choice lived. 

I thank God for His benevolent pity for the misery brought about by our sin and His pitying love which came before His saving grace.  His mercy continues on with us because His grace does not alleviate the consequences of our sin.

I pray that we all allow God's grace to remove the quilt and power of sin upon our life so that our misery is alleviated, in order that we may have joy, feel compassion and exercise mercy toward others in their time of need.

I hope your new year has started well,
In peace,
Candace

Do Not Lean on Your Own Understanding - Stand Upright on His

It is vitally important to understand how God works verses how man thinks. We avoid suffering at all cost. We feel entitled to have what we perceive "everyone else" has. We do not understand why we have to do without when we see others that are no better than we are getting "good things". I wish I could say,as a generalization, that we are comforted in these situations knowing that Christ and many others did not receive here on earth what they deserved. But sometimes we get cynical and think God must be punishing us, if He wasn't mad at us we would be getting everything we want. (Kinda like spoiled brats don't ya think?)

The truth is, just what we thought about yesterday. There is a reason things happen like they do. A really GOOD reason. When things like this happen, remember we are the lights in the pits of earthly lives. Think about this: What if God allows you to go without because He trusts you to show someone that is weak or lost that those "things" "positions" what ever it might be, are not the most important thing. They are not worth loosing moments, hours, days, years of peace and joy. Or worse yet loosing your eternity in heaven with Him.

God calls us His Delight. He does not call us His Dark and Doomed. I pray that we can have His heart, Hear His words and Feel His Spirit as it fills our continence. They I pray that we all our Little Light to Shine in the pits of this fallen world. Share his mercy today and you enjoy His grace.....

Write about it, below is a Psalm by King David be mused =D
With Love -Kisses
Candace

Psalm 62 (GWT)
For the choir director; according to Jeduthun; a psalm by David.
My soul waits calmly for God alone.
My salvation comes from him.
He alone is my rock and my savior—my stronghold.
I cannot be severely shaken.
How long will all of you attack a person?
How long will you try to murder him,
as though he were a leaning wall or a sagging fence?
They plan to force him out of his high position.
They are happy to lie.
They bless with their mouths,
but in their hearts they curse.
Selah
Wait calmly for God alone, my soul,
because my hope comes from him.
He alone is my rock and my savior—my stronghold.
I cannot be shaken.
My salvation and my glory depend on God.
God is the rock of my strength, my refuge.
Trust him at all times, you people.
Pour out your hearts in his presence.
God is our refuge.
Selah
Common people are only a whisper in the wind.
Important people are only a delusion.
When all of them are weighed on a scale, they amount to nothing.
They are less than a whisper in the wind.
Do not count on extortion to make you rich.
Do not hope to gain anything through robbery.
When riches increase, do not depend on them.
God has spoken once.
I have heard it said twice:
“Power belongs to God.
Mercy belongs to you, O Lord.
You reward a person based on what he has done.”

Ministry in Word

The Essence and Benefits of Repentance

悔改的本质和好处

1 Return, O Israel, to the LORD your God. Your sins have been your downfall! 2 Take words with you and return to the LORD. Say to him: "Forgive all our sins and receive us graciously, that we may offer the fruit of our lips. 3 Assyria cannot save us; we will not mount war-horses. We will never again say 'Our gods' to what our own hands have made, for in you the fatherless find compassion." 4 "I will heal their waywardness and love them freely, for my anger has turned away from them. 5 I will be like the dew to Israel; he will blossom like a lily. Like a cedar of Lebanon he will send down his roots; 6 his young shoots will grow. His splendor will be like an olive tree, his fragrance like a cedar of Lebanon. 7 Men will dwell again in his shade. He will flourish like the grain. He will blossom like a vine, and his fame will be like the wine from Lebanon. 8 O Ephraim, what more have I to do with idols? I will answer him and care for him. I am like a green pine tree; your fruitfulness comes from me." 9 Who is wise? He will realize these things. Who is discerning? He will understand them. The ways of the LORD are right; the righteous walk in them, but the rebellious stumble in them.

1 以色列啊，你要归向耶和华─你的 神；你是因自己的罪孽跌倒了。2 当归向耶和华，用言语祷告他说：求你除净罪孽，悦纳善行；这样，我们就把嘴唇的祭代替牛犊献上。3 我们不向亚述求救，不骑埃及的马，也不再对我们手所造的说：你是我们的 神。因为孤儿在你─耶和华那里得蒙怜悯。4 我必医治他们背道的病，甘心爱他们；因为我的怒气向他们转消。5 我必向以色列如甘露；他必如百合花开放，如利巴嫩的树木扎根。6 他的枝条必延长；他的荣华如橄榄树；他的香气如利巴嫩的香柏树。7 曾住在他荫下的必归回，发旺如五谷，开花如葡萄树。他的香气如利巴嫩的酒。8 以法莲必说：我与偶像还有甚麽关涉呢？我─耶和华回答他，也必顾念他。我如青翠的松树；你的果子从我而得。9 谁是智慧人，可以明白这些事；谁是通达人，可以知道这一切。因为，耶和华的道是正直的；义人必在其中行走，罪人却在其上跌倒。

Hosea 14:1-9
何西阿書14:1-9

Introduction
引言

As the prophet Hosea earnestly called the people of Israel to return to Yahweh their God, he is also calling the peoples of the world to return to Yahweh, who is also our God. God is the Creator of everything and He gives rise to every nation. All peoples share a common origin and all nations are blessed by God through Abraham (Gen 12:2-3). We must let God deal with our sins so that we may return to Him. Hosea explains what this process of returning to the LORD is all about in chapter 14 of the Old Testament biblical book bearing his name.

当日先知何西阿热烈地呼唤以色列人归向耶和华他们的神，今天他也在呼唤世上的民族归向耶和华，他也是我们的神。神是万物的创造者，他又使每个国家兴起。所有民族都有一个共同的起源，所有国家都是神藉着亚伯拉罕赐福〔创12:2-3〕。我们必须让神处理我们的罪好让我们可以归向他。何西阿在以他为名的旧约圣经书卷第14章中解释归向耶和华这过程是怎麽一回事。

I. Repentance involves confession, returning to the Lord, asking for forgiveness, and having faith in God alone (14:1-3)

一、 悔改牵涉到认罪、归向耶和华、请求饶恕和单单信靠神〔14:1-3〕

Hosea says that the first step of repentance is to “take words with you and return to the LORD” (14:2). The repentance process starts with the conviction of our sins by the Holy Spirit. When we are made aware of our sins by such conviction, we must go to the LORD with words of confession, for that shows how our understaning of and agreement with His conviction.

何西阿说悔改的第一步就是「归向耶和华，用言语祷告他」〔14:2〕。圣灵指出我们的罪就开始了悔改的过程。当我们这样被提醒知罪的时候，我们必须到耶和华面前承认我们的罪，因为这样做显出我们了解并同意他所定我们的罪。

The next step of repentance is to ask the LORD for forgiveness of “all our sins”, that is the list of transgressions included in our words of confession in the last step. This is to prepare us for our petition for God “to receive us graciously”. Graciously is the only way God will receive us because our salvation is all of grace bestowed on us through the sacrifice of His Son Jesus and our faith in Him. It is “not from ourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast” (Eph 2:8-9). Instead of boasting we will “offer the fruit of our lips”, our praises and thanksgiving to God for His mercy (14:2).

悔改的下一步就是求耶和华「除净罪孽」，就是包含在上一步我们所承认全部的过犯。这是为了准备我们求神「悦纳善行」。喜悦地接纳我们是神接纳我们的唯一方法，因为我们得救是本于他儿子耶稣的牺牲所赐给我们的恩典及我们对他的信心。这并「不是出於自己，乃是神所赐的；也不是出於行为，免得有人自夸。」〔弗2:8-9〕我们要献上「嘴唇的祭」来代替自夸，就是赞美和感谢他的怜悯〔14:2〕。

The final step of repentance is to trust in the LORD alone from now on. We declare our dependency and allegiance to our Lord, confessing that worldly power cannot save us, just like Assyria could not save Israel, and our own strength (represented by war horses) will not save us either. We also declare that we will no longer idolize man-made things, knowing that only in God will we find compassion for our needs (the orphans.) (14:3)

悔改的最後一步就是从今以後单单信靠耶和华。我们声明我们对主的依靠和效忠，承认世上的强权不能拯救我们就如亚述国不能救以色列一样，而我们凭己力〔以战马代表〕也不能自救。我们也声称我们不再以人造之物作偶像，知道我们只有在神那里才能获得对我们的需要〔孤儿〕的同情〔14:3〕。

Is your understanding of repentance including these elements from Hosea 14:1-3, that is,detailed confession to God, unmerited forgiveness from God, faith in God alone?

你对悔改的了解是否包括何西阿书14:1-3内的这些要素呢，就是对神详细的认罪、不配得的神的赦免和对神单一的信心？

II. Repentance brings God’s blessings as a result of a right relationship with God (14:4-7)

二、 悔改带来因着与神正确关系的祝福〔14:4-7〕

Having repented and justified by Christ’s blood, we are saved from God’s wrath (Ro 5:9). God has turned away His anger from us upon our repentance and has brought us two great blessings: healing of our waywardness and loving us freely (14:4).

悔改并因基督的血称义後我们藉着他免去神的忿怒〔罗5:9〕。在我们悔改时神的怒气向我们转消了并为我们带来两大福气：医治我们背道的病，甘心爱我们〔14:4〕。

Our sinful nature includes a tendency to backslide from our faith. We cannot resist the worldly temptation in our own strength. But God says that He will heal this spiritual sickness of ours so that we can fight the spiritual battle and win. How does God heal us? He does so by giving us “a new heart and put a new spirit” in us and He will remove  from us our heart of stone and give us a heart of flesh. And He will put His Spirit in us and move us to follow His decrees and be careful to keep His laws (Eze 36:26-27).

我们的罪性带有背道的倾向，我们靠自己的力量不能抵抗世间的试探。但是神说他要医治我们这个属灵的病让我们可以打属灵的仗而得胜。神如何医治我们呢？他医治的方法就是要赐给我们「一个新心，将新灵放在」我们里面，又从我们的肉体中除掉石心，赐给我们肉心。他必将他的灵放在我们里面，使我们顺从他的律例，谨守遵行他的典章〔结36:26-27〕。

The healing should cure our backsliding, and if it does not, God says He will love us freely. His love is given to all because God so loved the world that He gave his one and only Son so that whoever believes in him shall not perish but has eternal life (Jn 3:16). This love requires no personal merit because He loves us freely. It does not matter how we feel, the fact is God loves us freely. He loves us so much that He gave us his one and only Son, therefore He loves us enough to receive us as we are but also conforms us into his Son’s image by disciplining us. It is said that God disciplines those He loves (Heb 12:6).

这治疗应该会医好我们背道的病，如果仍未好神说他甘心爱我们。神赐他的爱给所有的人因为他爱世人，甚至将他的独生子赐给他们，叫一切信他的，不至灭亡，反得永生〔约3:16〕。这份爱不要求个人的功绩因为他甘心爱我们。不论我们感觉如何，事实上神甘心爱我们。他爱我们，甚至将他的独生子赐给我们，所以他也因为爱我们所以他照我们本相接纳我们，但同时以管教我们来使我们成为他儿子的形象。圣经有说神所爱的人他必管教〔来12:6〕。

Having the right relationship with God also leads to an abundant spiritual life because God’s love and righteousness nourish us as dew to the lily and as the mighty cedar of Lebanon sending down its roots we ground ourselves on His teaching. We spread God’s fragrance to the world while we stand firm on His Word.

与神的正确关系也引至一个丰富的属灵生命，因为神的爱与义养育我们如甘露滋润百合花，又如壮大的利巴嫩香柏树扎根我们扎根在他的教导上。我们站稳在他的话语上向世界播放神的香气。

What kinds of blessings are resulted from your right relationship with God? How has He healed your waywardness, and how has He loved you freely? How has your “sending down roots” helped your spiritual life?

你与神的正确关系给你带来什麽样的福气呢？他如何医治你背道之病和他如何甘心地爱你呢？你的「扎根」如何帮助你的属灵生命呢？

III. Repentance leads to a fruitful life with wisdom and discernment (14:8-9)
三、 悔改引至一个有智慧又通达的结果子的生命〔14:8-9〕

In our sins we may fear man or demon. After our repentance we regard the LORD Almighty as holy and He is the one that we fear (Isa 8:13). “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding” (Pr 9:10). Then through such reverence of God we gain wisdom and discernment, because we delight in the law of the LORD and meditate on His law day and night. As a result we are like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields it fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever we do prospers. (Ps 1:2-3) Remember that our fruitfulness comes from the LORD (14:8). This describes the sanctified life of a believer who lives in awe and love of God, full of wisdom and understanding, with continual spiritual growth.

我们在罪中可能会惧怕人或邪灵。我们悔改後就尊万军之耶和华为圣，以他为我们所当怕的，所当畏惧的〔赛8:13〕。「敬畏耶和华是智慧的开端；认识至圣者便是聪明。」〔箴9:10〕藉着对神这般的敬畏我们得着智慧和通达的心，因为我们喜爱耶和华的律法，昼夜思想。如此我们就像一棵树栽在溪水旁，按时候结果子，叶子也不枯乾。凡我们所做的尽都顺利。〔诗1:2-3〕这形容一个活在神的敬畏和爱中，满有智慧和聪明，有不断的属灵成长的成圣生活。

How has your repentance led to a life of wisdom and discernment?
你的悔改如何引至一个有智慧又通达的生命呢？

Conclusion
结语


A sincere repentance includes our confession of sins convicted by the Holy Spirit, asking for God’s forgiveness of our offenses against Him, returning to Him with a single-minded faith in Him.

真挚的悔改包括我们承认圣灵所定的罪，求神宽恕我们对他的冒犯，以专一对他的信心归向他。

After repentance we may backslide but we can take hold of God’s promise that He has healed us of our waywardness so we can depend on Him to live victoriously. We can come to the LORD for forgiveness just as we are for He will love us freely. With our continual cleansing by His forgiving mercy, we can live a fruitful spiritual life empowered by the LORD.

在悔改後我们可能背道，但是我们可以凭着神已经医治我们背道的病的应许来靠他过得胜的生活。我们可以以本相来求耶和华饶恕因为他甘心爱我们。凭着他宽恕的怜悯不断洁净我们，我们可以过一个以耶和华为动力的满有果子的属灵生活。

Repentance brings reverence of God into our heart. This sprouts a life of godly wisdom and understanding. With us in Christ and Christ in us, the LORD prospers the work of our hands.

悔改带对神的敬畏进我们心中，这样就萌生一个敬虔智慧和聪明的生命。我们在基督里和基督在我们里，耶和华使我们所做的尽都顺利。

Tom and Tehwan Tso
仲谋与德菀

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

“信心的果效， 就是灵魂的救恩” 彼得前书1：9

The Faithfulness of God - TGIF Devotional- by Os Hillman

"The Lord is faithful to all His promises and loving toward all He has made. The Lord upholds all those who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down." Psalm 145:13b-14

Have you ever had a relationship with someone who was faithful? You knew you could depend on that person to do what he said. You learned that his word was completely trustworthy. If he said he would call you, he would. If he said he'd be somewhere at a certain time, he'd be there. In fact, if he was late, you began to wonder if he had an accident because it was so contrary to his nature. It's great to have friends who are faithful.

God is faithful. He is faithful to fulfill every promise in His Word. Sometimes we think God isn't faithful because it appears He has not fulfilled a desire that we have. Sometimes we think He is not faithful because of a crisis event that seems to say God isn't faithful. We must remember that God is more concerned about accomplishing His ultimate purpose in the life of every believer than giving us the desires of our heart. Sometimes this results in hardship.

The Bible is full of accounts of God's faithfulness that was often accompanied by hardship. He brought Joseph out of slavery to be greatly used in a nation. He delivered the people from Egypt and brought them into the Promised Land. He gave Abraham the son of promise late in his life. He delivered David from his enemies and made him a king. In story upon story, we learn of God's faithfulness. Are you a faithful man or woman? The workplace needs faithful men and women. Take an inventory of your life today and ask God if you have been faithful with what He has entrusted to you.

Today before I opened this devotional I was trying to prioritize my responsibilities for the day.  I prayed that the mercy and grace of God cover me.  I know I will make mistakes and I know that if others don't understand what is going on with the organization and all the situations that God has us supporting so that women, children and businesses do not fall into temptation, crisis etc they might easily get offended thinking they are being put off, overlooked or not cared about. 

God basically told me to test his faithfulness to cover me...the organization and hearts of everyone He desires for us to help.  So I am.  He tells us to give what is due others, to serve as thought we are serving Him and to love above all else.  That is my prayer for all of us to day.  Also not to worry, because it will not add joy or another minute to our lives. 

With the love of Christ I ask this for us all.....above all else.
Kisses,
Candace

This is a Romans 8 Kind of Week ..and it isn't only Wednesday!

It is weeks like this when I see God's sense of humor and hear him encouraging me to take a deep breath, and remember...He knows what is going on in / around us.

So at this moment when my computer "seems" to be crashing, relationships "appear" to be disconnected, and my flesh "feels" like it is flailing - I pull close to God and curl up with Romans 8 and take a REALLY deep breath.  I will not grab the carrots that my mind is enticing me with.  I will believe God and persevere.

In line with what God has told us in the beginning of His Story to us, I ask you to meditate on the scriptures below today.   I thank God that all is well.  I thank him with a humble heart for the mercy and grace to get to the other side of Today with wholeness, peace ...and yes, even joy!

My prayers are with you all,
In love,
Candace

Romans 8:20- (NAS)
For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself also will be set free from its slavery to corruption into the freedom of the glory of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation groans and suffers the pains of childbirth together until now. And not only this, but also we ourselves, having the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our body. For in hope we have been saved, but hope that is seen is not hope; for who hopes for what he already sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, with perseverance we wait eagerly for it.

Sometime to Give Someone a Break is Not Enough...Put Yourself Out There and Give 'em Your Hand

Before we move from Genesis 1:9 I want to be sure we look at these verses from Matthew 21.  Today, simply read these and think about them, pray about them.  I hope each of you have a wonderful Saturday. I pray that each of us think about what our motives are in the things we say and do.  I pray that even if just for today we can look at ALL the people around us as a child that God loves and is trying desperately to help get through this life.  If you are having a great day - praise God.  If you are thinking you have it all together and looking down on another person....be careful, it might be you some day.
My love to each of you...let's give someone more than a break today...let's give 'em a hand up.
Kisses,
Candace

What do you think about this? A man had two sons. He went to the first and said, ‘Son, go to work in the vineyard today.’ 29“His son replied, ‘I don’t want to!’ But later he changed his mind and went. 30“The father went to the other son and told him the same thing. He replied, ‘I will, sir,’ but he didn’t go.
31“Which of the two sons did what the father wanted?” “The first,” they answered.
Jesus said to them, “I can guarantee this truth: Tax collectors and prostitutes are going into the kingdom of God ahead of you. 32John came to you and showed you the way that God wants you to live, but you didn’t believe him. The tax collectors and prostitutes believed him. But even after you had seen that, you didn’t change your minds and believe him.

A Story About a Vineyard—Mark 12:1-12; Luke 20:9-19
33“Listen to another illustration. A landowner planted a vineyard. He put a wall around it, made a winepress, and built a watchtower. Then he leased it to vineyard workers and went on a trip.
34“When the grapes were getting ripe, he sent his servants to the workers to collect his share of the produce. 35The workers took his servants and beat one, killed another, and stoned a third to death. 36So the landowner sent more servants. But the workers treated them the same way. 37“Finally, he sent his son to them. He thought, ‘They will respect my son.’ 38“When the workers saw his son, they said to one another, ‘This is the heir. Let’s kill him and get his inheritance.’ 39So they grabbed him, threw him out of the vineyard, and killed him. 40“Now, when the owner of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those workers?” 41They answered, “He will destroy those evil people. Then he will lease the vineyard to other workers who will give him his share of the produce when it is ready.”

42Jesus asked them, “Have you never read in the Scriptures:

‘The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. The Lord is responsible for this,and it is amazing for us to see’? 43That is why I can guarantee that the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people who will produce what God wants. 44Anyone who falls on this stone will be broken. If the stone falls on anyone, it will crush that person.”

Welcome...We are Very Glad to be With You.

Last night was amazing to me. God woos me along this journey in such mighty ways. I appreciate each of you. This morning I was starting my day as much like every other morning of what I have come to understand as “my life”, opening myself up to discuss yesterdays and seek God’s direction.

To My Fellow Sojourner,

As I sit here looking back at where I started, not so much the very beginning but the day I first looked at myself in that rear view mirror, trying so desperately to see my way clearly. I’ve walked across the miles: seen the smiles, the turned backs, the arms that would not embrace as well as the ones that opened wide telling me to trust them and give as they themselves were hiding behind a facade. I’ve felt and remembered the pain; pain I had never imagined and bondage no one can escape on their own.
I have read many travelers’ experiences and opinions on “how to” however the same thread runs through each of our tales. Today is only a point in time and all time has been closed. It is now about fulfillment of the days.

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. Many times we are looking to the creature, instead of the creator. The creature is to aid, not to answer. As I heard Him 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.

These are precious moments I’ve lived, the good, the bad, and the ugly, (Clint Eastwood days), some turbulent times, some peaceful times and some exuberant times. I am not a writer as I have previously said; I am just another sojourner on a quest. I am putting all this out here, because He asks us to be real and to share. I know He will find the success He desires to reach whoever wants to know Him. If it is only one person, I am happy to know He has reached you, and that we share this experience together throughout eternity.

Whoever you are talk, sing, share and love… not because you’re perfect at it but because you can—for Him.

With love and kisses,
Candace

Today, I praise Him, I give Him thanks. There are just around 100 of us now. This does not include the wonderful people involved in the intercessory area, between 15 and 20. There are now individuals set to train as well as be trained for outreach. Some days it is very overwhelming for me to grasp the ways God has propelled and orchestrated his love for each of us to know He is Real.

This is what He wants us to understand:

My arm is what reaches through the chaos to show them the truly beautiful pathways to life. When they stand at the wayside and wait, I WILL be there, I AM always there, they simply lean on their own understanding (knowledge, sight, emotions and theories) to struggle their way along. I know not to lead them onto that path, the evil is waiting, crouching around every corner to head them back to his pit. I want them to be in peace so that they will change their mind and get away from what is waging war with fullness of life. I AM.. tell them that. I AM here, I AM an ever ready help in their time of trouble. All they have to do is believe it. I Will do the rest. I Will supply the vision, I Will supply the strength, I Will cover them with My Glory and They Will succeed.

I pray that the sacrifices that are made are glorifying to Him. This is what He has desired a relationship, a body to call His own. this is a fragrant aroma in His sight.
Look in the archives to go further. Topic: moments, journey, sight

Enjoy THIS day that the Lord "has made" - Just as He has Made YOU....and He calls you "beautiful".

What could be MORE beautiful than that?
Kisses,
C

Do We Even Like Knock-Off's?

Today I am adding another verse as well as some definitions.  Stick with me, I know this will seem random as we add to the puzzle we are working here. 

Hebrews 4: 9 Therefore let us be diligent to enter that rest, so that no one will fall, through following the same example of disobedience.

We stopped yesterday with Hebrews 9:5 using GWT this verse states: Above the arc were angels of glory with their wings overshadowing the throne of mercy.  Cherubium are "angels of glory"

Hebrews 4:7 spoke of God setting another "day" and it being "today" - Day is derived from a Greek work Hemero meaning the interval between sunrise and sunset, as distinguished from and contrasted with the night.
Today is derived from the Greek word semeron meaning this day, or what has happened today.

Now to connect some other things we know about spiritual light and darkness: God tells us all things are common to man.  He asks us what does light hav in common with darkness. In 2 Cor. 6:14 He tell us not to be bound together with unbelievers- for what fellowship has light with darkness. In 11:14 He speaks of Satan disguising himself as an angel of light.  Other verses on light refer to us being darkness but are now light as well as light consisiting of goodness, righteousness and truth.  He tells us "all things being visible when exposed by light", also that we are being called out of darkness into glorious light.

We obviously cannot cover all this today.  God plants seeds.  Althought they are metaphorical when planted they become visable within our creative capacities.  They eventually become real...mighty miracles which bring glory to Christ, which glorifies our God.

So lets revisit being in-between.  Yesterday we were pondering being the movement in-between and we defined what the word means.  Today we discovered that Hemero or day means in-between sunrise and sunset, as distinguished from and contrasted with the night. We know we are to be following Christ, therefor  Him being bright light when it falls over us it would cast a perfect shadow.  When we are under him our shadow will not fade.  What happens when the sun starts to set to shadows?  They diminish don't they?  Sometimes do you think it is possible we are following what we think is the Son, however there doesn't seem to be much light? 

This is where our new verse drops in so perfectly!  If the son we are following is a knock-off we will fall...there will be no light and no one to help us.  He is an example of disobedience - He and those around him do not care about us.  They care about "self".

I pray that the eyes of your hear are enlightened, and that you hear what the spirit of God is telling you this day.  I pray that when you are down there is One to help you up.  I pray that you feel the love He offers in the many that love Him and strive to wrap you in their care "today".

Kisses in Christ,
Candace

Shifting Shadows..Are they real?

We are focusing on Shadows for the next few day.  Colossians 2:17 states:
"These are a shadow of the things to come, but the body that casts the shadow belongs to Christ."

There are so many avenues we can go in with this topic.  We spoke about who we are listening to.  Now I would like to broach the subject of accountability on our part.  We know that individuals have free will.  God chose this and said it was good.  So people have the right to do things their way and say what they desire to speak.  People do it all day long ....all the time.  We have to chose if we think it is truth or not.

There is a greek word Neoeo which means to perceive or observe. One of Kaleidoscope Butterfly's purpose statements is to give others the information needed to "have a conscious life, understanding words and giving proper knowledge to suspect, suppose, surmise with understanding". Listed below is a poem as well as scripture. Think on these things, we will start there tomorrow.

With a holy kiss, in Christ,
Candace


My Shadow

Let me write something pretty for you, Lord,
Let me raise my voice high.
Stir my spirit to praise you, glorifying my King.
The valley I did travel, the journey many years long,
At times I had no vision, the walls too close to see,
No feeling of compassion along my dusty road.
Hear this, my lonely traveler, My words shall persevere!
They are pounding on the pavement as feet running to be at your side.
Patience… please stop running; you are abandoning all your help!
My plan was set in motion when your first tear hit my hand.
I am your way, my sojourner; your road is up ahead.
Make plans after you’ve listened; not while you are trying to understand.
Willful dispositions, glide on the surface like glass,
The reflections are all around us; the image of each man.
My image is why you were created as my father said it was to be,
Mighty men with wasted power ‘til my reflection is what is seen.
Trials and tribulations focus the eyes to see,
Whose reflection is in the mirror?
Judging what is to be…
Focus placed on the superficial, mirrors life gone by,
In the valley of destruction, shadows still reflect
Until challenge breaks the mirror, casting fragments out of reach.
Moving forward now takes decisions,
The eye and mind unite within ,
The heart discerns the image…
Showing a reflection of the true man.
Look past the day you’re traveling,
To the hands holding back the storm,
No valley will overtake you,
No journey will be too long.
I am the Man, and you, my shadow,
I walk through the valley first,
I rose and now you’re with me,
No matter what we’re passing through.
I cast my shadow with purpose,
Made from blocking harsh light,
Harm can only come to the person,
I am that person, your Christ.
The reflection is not tangible, nor the shadow that has been set,
This is just as the spirit, transcendent of the flesh,
Reality is a lesson, the mind a tool to tame.
The learned are My inspiration… My leaders among all men.

By Candace Huffmaster ©

Psalms 103 (GWT)Praise the LORD, my soul! Praise his holy name, all that is within me. Praise the LORD, my soul, and never forget all the good he has done:

He is the one who forgives all your sins, the one who heals all your diseases, the one who rescues your life from the pit, the one who crowns you with mercy and compassion, the one who fills your life with blessings
so that you become young again like an eagle.

The LORD does what is right and fair for all who are oppressed. He let Moses know his ways. He let the Israelites know the things he had done. The LORD is compassionate, merciful, patient, and always ready to forgive.
He will not always accuse us of wrong or be angry {with us} forever. He has not treated us as we deserve for our sins or paid us back for our wrongs. As high as the heavens are above the earth— that is how vast his mercy is toward those who fear him. As far as the east is from the west— that is how far he has removed our rebellious acts from himself. As a father has compassion for his children, so the LORD has compassion for those who fear him. He certainly knows what we are made of. He bears in mind that we are dust. Human life is as short-lived as grass. It blossoms like a flower in the field. When the wind blows over the flower, it disappears, and there is no longer any sign of it. But from everlasting to everlasting, the LORD’s mercy is on those who fear him. His righteousness belongs to their children and grandchildren, to those who are faithful to his promise, to those who remember to follow his guiding principles. The LORD has set his throne in heaven. His kingdom rules everything.

Praise the LORD, all his angels, you mighty beings who carry out his orders and are ready to obey his spoken orders. Praise the LORD, all his armies,his servants who carry out his will. Praise the LORD, all his creatures in all the places of his empire. Praise the LORD, my soul!

Luke 1: 74-79 He promised to rescue us from our enemies' power so that we could serve him without fear by being holy and honorable as long as we live. "You, child, will be called a prophet of the Most High. You will go ahead of the Lord to prepare his way. You will make his people know that they can be saved through the forgiveness of their sins. A new day will dawn on us from above because our God is loving and merciful. He will give light to those who live in the dark and in death's shadow. He will guide us into the way of peace."

"Good Grief"

Who of us is not trying to start off this year on the best foot possible.  We all do!  A new year is new hope, just as our hope should be new each and every day.  God is so gracious, he give us new mercies and grace each and every day.  How do we forget that?  But we all know there are days when even that we can find a way to whine about.

It is my prayer that we mature to the point we will go to God before we act on our own thoughts. Please pray that with me today for us all.
We were saved so that He abides within us, He does go everywhere with us. We must silence his voice in order to not hear it. Think about the scripture that implores us to "not grieve the Holy Spirit". We say we are trapped in a life we do not desire at times, think about how the Holy Spirit must feel trying to train us up. Yet we look around us all day long thinking how much others still need to grow - even there, we are grieving the Holy Spirit....we have so much to learn; let's try to lift each other up so it is not so difficult each day.

On a scale of 1-10 let's strive to make 2010 all 10"s.....moment by moment, day by day!

My love and prayers over each of you.

Candace

The Life of Power to Follow

Jesus answered him, ’Where I am going you cannot follow Me now, but you shall follow Me afterward’ —John 13:36

"And when He had spoken this, He said to him, ’Follow Me’ " (John 21:19). Three years earlier Jesus had said, "Follow Me" (Matthew 4:19), and Peter followed with no hesitation. The irresistible attraction of Jesus was upon him and he did not need the Holy Spirit to help him do it. Later he came to the place where he denied Jesus, and his heart broke. Then he received the Holy Spirit and Jesus said again, "Follow Me" (John 21:19). Now no one is in front of Peter except the Lord Jesus Christ. The first "Follow Me" was nothing mysterious; it was an external following. Jesus is now asking for an internal sacrifice and yielding (see John 21:18 ).
Between these two times Peter denied Jesus with oaths and curses (see Matthew 26:69-75). But then he came completely to the end of himself and all of his self-sufficiency. There was no part of himself he would ever rely on again. In his state of destitution, he was finally ready to receive all that the risen Lord had for him. ". . . He breathed on them, and said to them, ’Receive the Holy Spirit’ " (John 20:22 ). No matter what changes God has performed in you, never rely on them. Build only on a Person, the Lord Jesus Christ, and on the Spirit He gives.

All our promises and resolutions end in denial because we have no power to accomplish them. When we come to the end of ourselves, not just mentally but completely, we are able to "receive the Holy Spirit." "Receive the Holy Spirit "— the idea is that of invasion. There is now only One who directs the course of your life, the Lord Jesus Christ. By Oswald Chambers