What Are YOU Trying To Prove; Tried-and-True

When someone is tempted, he shouldn't say that God is tempting him. God can't be tempted by evil, and God doesn't tempt anyone. Everyone is tempted by his own desires as they lure him away and trap him.  Then desire becomes pregnant and gives birth to sin. When sin grows up, it gives birth to death. My dear brothers and sisters, don't be fooled.  Every good present and every perfect gift comes from above, from the Father who made the sun, moon, and stars. The Father doesn't change like the shifting shadows produced by the sun and the moon. God decided to give us life through the word of truth to make us his most important creatures.  James 1:13-18

Picking up with yesterdays topic: What are YOU trying to prove.  We have to have clarity about if we are indeed "tried-and -true".  Today we are evaluating, discerning what is true. Know up front that my plum line is what God's word tells me truth is, feel free to openly disagree with anything I state.  Believe me when I say, "if not for Him, even the little that I know would not help myself or anyone else".   Do you know why I can confidently, with all humility NOT take offense when someone tellls me they don't agree with me, or that I am WRONG?  It is for this one reason, alone: 

"I do not have anything to prove, Christ alone is the proof of all things."

As anyone who knows me will tell you, one of my over used phrases is "Can we all agree that relationship is more important than proving we're right?"

So, Please don't be surprised if I learn beyond my current  understanding - I pray I do.  Don't be alarmed if my weaknesses show; I will be testing my knowledge by faith not by sight.  Always remember, when I do not appear to be humiliated by my mistakes and failures, it is because my confidence is not based on my "self".   It is not about proving anything any longer.......it is about witnessing.  There is nothing in the world to worry about for me; all pressure is removed......I'm FREE!

We all have been tempted, tested, tried for the burden of proof.  But none as was our Christ.  It is true, if we were tried we would be found guilty on many counts.  Which brings us to this junction in our studies:

What is Satan and his legions trying to prove? 

If we only want to quote the scripture and stop there, Isaiah 14 would fit the bill: You thought, “I’ll go up to heaven and set up my throne above God’s stars. I’ll sit on the mountain far away in the north where the gods assemble. I’ll go above the top of the clouds. I’ll be like the Most High.”

Let's dig a bit deeper than the obvious though. We have spoken several times now in reference to Mark sharing how Christ was immediately impelled by the Spirit, to go into the Wilderness.  He goes on to state that the reason was for Christ to be "tempted".   To clear up any misunderstandings we might have, I double checked my research on the following: tempted, tested, God, Christ, Man and Satan. 

Romans 8: 1-9, 26-30, 38,39 So those who are believers in Christ Jesus can no longer be condemned.  The standards of the Spirit who gives life through Christ Jesus, have set you free from the standards of sin and death.  It is impossible to do what God's standards demand because of the weakness our human nature has.  But God sent his Son to have a human nature as sinners have and  to pay for sin.  That way God condemned sin in our corrupt nature.  Therefore, we, who do not live by our corrupt nature but by our spiritual nature, are able to meet God's standards.  Those who live by the corrupt nature have the corrupt nature's attitude.  But, those who live by the spiritual nature have the spiritual nature's attitude.  The corrupt nature's attitude leads to death.  But the spiritual nature's attitude leads to life and peace.  This is so because the corrupt nature has a hostile attitude toward God.  It refuses to place itself under the authority of God's standards because it can't!  Those who are under the control of the corrupt nature can't please God.  But if God's Spirit lives in you, you are under the control of your spiritual nature, not your corrupt nature.

At the same time the Spirit also helps us in our weakness, because we don't know how to pray for what we need.  But the Spirit intercedes along with our groans that cannot be expressed in words.  The one who searches our hearts knows what the Spirit has in mind.  The Spirit intercedes for God's people the way God wants him to.  We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God - those whom he has called according to his plan.  This is true because he already knew his people and had already appointed them to have the same form as the image of his Son.  Therefore, his Son is the firstborn among many children.  He also called those whom he had already appointed.  He approved of those whom he had called, and he gave glory to those whom he had approved of. 

  I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God's love which Christ Jesus our Lord shows us.  We can't be separated by death or life,  by angels or rulers, by anything in the present or anything in the future, by forces or powers in the world above or in the world below, or by anything else in creation.

Let's put all these pieces together and get the "Big View".  We are told that Satan immediately to take the truth which is planted in our hearts.  We also know that he is attempting to prove to us that God is a liar, because that is the ONLY way he can deceive us. Therefore, Satan is all about "tempting" us.  God however, would NEVER tempt us!  He has nothing further to prove, it's all been proven.  It is only being fulfilled at this point.  God's will is for us to run under His blanket of Love as we live in the midst of this nightmare Satan and the fallen angels are whirling at our minds.  Christ was sufficient; his sacrifice was good; it was acceptable in All Ways for All Things.

As we sojourn we must face what our spirit is reflecting; the image or spirit we are characterizing.  If we stop fearing that we will be cast away as if we are on trial, we will realize as we are liberated from condemnation, guilt and shame what is obvious to those around us.  Remember when your eye's are roving over humanity looking for someone to devour with judgement, that God demands we judge ourselves in order to see clearly our OWN reflection.

As we stated, God does not tempt us; but He does test us.  He must test our refinement.  He is refining our character, because we are His hearts desire.  He wants to be able to walk closely with us all the moments of our days.  He is jealous for us.  When we choose to walk closely with the very spirit opposing Him it grieves Him deeply. 

There is nothing about God which needs refinement; so we are not to allow Satan to put God on trial.  That is what it means not to test the Lord our God.  He is not a common man whom a selected panel of peers and a false judge should decide His fate.

What God is impelling us to do, is to emerge from these temptations and trials holier, humbler, stronger than when we entered in.

The only problem is that without His indwelling spirit we will be proven reprobate as we break down under the burden of evil proof - it's true.

I pray that the Spirit has His will with you today, in all ways; prospering you even as your soul prospers while merging itself into the fullness of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

To Him be all the glory, forever and ever ~Amen,

Kisses,

Candace

©Candace Huffmaster 2012, All Copyrights Reserved

Kaleidoscope Butterfly, Inc™

Isaiah 66:5 Listen to the word of the LORD, all who tremble at his word. Your relatives, who hate you and exclude you for my name's sake, say, "Let the LORD show his glory; then we will see your joy." But they will be put to shame.

Going Against the Flow

The study of Job brought us so much insight into the reality of our own thoughts and how they impact our actions, as well as true faith in God.  We will now start to honestly look at our battle fields to accurately surmise the placement of our battle lines.  We want to be sure we are fighting the "good fight". 

The important thing to realize is that we are not in a battle with each other as we do this - we are here to help each other "when appropriate" - but mainly we are here to work on our own areas in the companionship of others.  So.....we sojourn!

Today, I am posting this by Os Hillman - I felt it was an apropos ending to Job and entry into Bold Beauty. I pray that you simply walk in peace and look around you today - stop looking toward everyone else today and truly notice your approach toward them, your encounter with them and reflect on how your extensions of peace are operating. 

It is "our" responsibility to enter onto another persons space with our peace extended as an offering.  And only upon invitation by that person.  Whether they accept it or not is not our battle or a good fight.  We must love!  Take your rejection to God if they refuse it, kick the dust from your shoes and pray that they receive peace from God, heavens knows they must first accept the peace Christ left or they will devour yours in greed giving nothing in return.

My love to you all,
Kisses,
Candace


"But the whole assembly talked about stoning them." Numbers 14:10a

Have you ever had to stand up against the majority for a cause that wasn't popular? God brought the Israelites out of Egypt and promised He would lead them into a land of milk and honey. The process of moving out of Egypt was difficult. They could no longer do things the old way, for the old ways didn't work in the desert. God provided for them during this journey. But there came a point in which the people forgot what God had said. Their discomfort changed their belief about God.
Whenever God is slow to answer our prayers, what we believe about God is revealed. Do we change our plans and move in a different direction when pressure mounts? Or do we continue on the path God has directed for us? Four men believed what God said and were willing to stand; however, the crowd wanted to stone them.
Then Moses and Aaron fell facedown in front of the whole Israelite assembly gathered there. Joshua son of Nun and Caleb son of Jephunneh, who were among those who had explored the land, tore their clothes and said to the entire Israelite assembly, "The land we passed through and explored is exceedingly good. If the Lord is pleased with us, He will lead us into that land, a land flowing with milk and honey, and will give it to us. Only do not rebel against the Lord. And do not be afraid of the people of the land, because we will swallow them up. Their protection is gone, but the Lord is with us. Do not be afraid of them." But the whole assembly talked about stoning them. Then the glory of the Lord appeared at the Tent of Meeting to all the Israelites (Numbers 14:5-10).
Notice Joshua and Caleb's response to the situation. They had spied the land. They believed God. They challenged the crowd. They seemed to know that if the Lord was not pleased with them they would not enter into the Promised Land. Those who grumbled did not enter the Promised Land. Only Joshua and Caleb and a new generation saw the fulfillment of God's promise.
Has God called you to stand for a cause bigger than yourself? You will have opposition to His call; sometimes it even comes from those in your own camp. But if God has called you, then you can be sure He will make a way. He has already opened the way before you. But you must walk in faith, joined with Him to take the land. "...Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go" (Joshua 1:9). ~ By Os Hillman TGIF Today God Is First Volume 1

Another Moment, Another Thought, Another Day and On It Goes

Conversations with my Dad

journal entry

Good Morning Dad - Christ - Holy Spirit.... you are so______ I don't have a word Dad so I will move to my knees at your throne.

When I talk to you, sometimes I feel like I am ignoring Jesus and the Holy Spirit.  But I know you are one.  I don't want to get caught up in this thought - but I am curious???? If you desire, whenever you desire would you enlighten me please.  

Daddy, I need time with you.  I am so very vulnerable - okay...I heard you "No, I am not vulnerable because you and you alone keep me from vulnerability!" 

Today would you like to tell them anything?  Me anything? 

Listen - be still.....

"Okay"

My presence is in you - around you

sustaining you, submerging you, merging us

whether you "emotionalize" it or not - that is what you have to know - believe - trust

Whether you feel it or not - it is, because I AM

and we are one; always in all ways

No matter what is going on, what you receive, have or do not have

I AM with you and you are not vulnerable!

But... you have to Believe

At this point if you can not believe without the manifestation of seeing it, then you will never see it

The test is "what you set your hope on"

If your hope is in a place, activity, thing or person  - when you do not obtain that goal or object as you desired / or perceived it should be, your hope goes away.

However, if your hope is in me alone and you do not obtain what ever the secondary hope was - your hope will not be affected because it was only a bonus.

I only hold back I do not stop your hope from appearing - but you must some times be enlightened through the test as to what your "true" hope is on - so that when you are in trouble you will not fear and cast away your hope - which has a great recompense and reward. "Let not your heart be troubled"  "The truth shall set you free" "What the Lord sets free is free indeed"

The reward is to hear "well done my good and faithful servant" and to know you have grown.

When that is enough for you - you are truly maturing into your image of Christ, your head.

Does that make sense?

"Share your experiences with each other, then others will know I care - I AM real and Be Freed!"

Okay~I will for you Lord

Kisses,

C

There is a story to be told....................

It is the story of what we believe

The faith of the cloud of the witnesses

Our life as one with the King

He has reigned since the beginning

He will reign for all eternity

Each day we weave our stories

through the moments of unending time

the thread of hope will not unravel

the blanket it quilts is LOVE

Journey with me and the others

tell us the moments of your life

Be One with us and the Father

Be a brother a sister to life

Walk the steps of those before us

Reach deep to be touched by their lives

Now take your hand to touch others

Walk with them till they see

How great is His love for them

How Deeply He Desires us to Be Free.

With a Deep, Honest, Passionate and Freely given Love in Him who uphold all things one breath at a time -

To Each Of You,

Kisses,

Candace

© 2006 All Rights Reserved by Candace Huffmaster

"I Spy with My Little Eye"

Can God Heal Your Vision without Lasik’s?

I can put this in a nutshell for us – Yes, because vision does not start with what is in front of you. It starts with the building blocks of yesterday. We only see what we believe is really there! Once we no longer believe what we thought we saw - we now see what we "believe is really there" and so on and so forth.  Crazy or sane?  What does God say?

We live by faith, not by sight. Yet faith comes by hearing – or so I have heard and read. I chose to believe those statements even when I had no proof yet.  And that is what my dad used to say is “proof in the pudding”.( I still don’t actually get that saying – ha-ha. )

We have had so many discussions about the science of interpreting the things in our midst and the snapshot our mind portrays as the full sight, so I will not regurgitate all that again. (I know…hold your applause).

The reason we are going here yet again is because God’s wisdom on “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind” is so multifaceted that we can’t drain His knowledge on the subject. Today, our purpose is to some handy tools of His trade as we tinker with our segmented thoughts / conversations which are running non-stop in our minds.

We have been trying to discern the promises of God on which we can build our faith. We know we have to plant them in our mind in order to counteract the misinformation which has been stored. I know you all have been diligent about doing this EVERY day – Right!

That’s awesome…so today, take out some of those “Conversations with YOUR Dad” after you read this. Write another conversation with Him. Write your thoughts if you choose. Ask Him some questions and be amazed at how He responds through situations, things you read or what others say. You might even be able to hear Him whisper the answer to you before any of those things actually take place.  If so,  He will simply use these encounters to confirm that you are indeed hearing His voice - so that you will believe.  Isn't He awesome!

To help us out,  we are going to look at one of Isaiah’s “Conversations with My Dad”. Isaiah is much better at conversing with our Dad than I am.  But I'm not going to get self conscious about that - I am just going to keep listening and believing He created us for conversation and relationship.  Why else would He have said "I do not desire sacrifice, but a body to call my own?"  All this today,  should put so many thoughts into perspective.

Remember as you are reading these verses that the Lord is talking about triumph. As you read it you might possibly have to remind yourself, segment upon segment, to have hopeful thoughts. And we are only reading it – no doubt, this is similar to some of our lives at times.

We begin in Chapter 24:1(GWT)

The Lord is going to turn the earth into a desolate wasteland. He will mar the face of the earth and scatter the people living on it. The same will happen to people and priests, male slaves and masters, female slaves and masters, buyers and sellers, lenders and borrowers, debtors and creditors.

The earth will be completely laid waste and stripped because the Lord has spoken. The earth dries up and withers. The world wastes away and withers. The great leaders of the earth waste away. The earth is polluted by those who live on it because they’ve disobeyed the Lord’s teachings, violated his laws, and rejected the everlasting promise.

That is why a curse devours the earth, and its people are punished for their guilt. That is why those who live on the earth are burned up, and only a few people are left.

New wine dries up, and grapevines waste away. All happy people groan. Joyful tambourine music stops. Noisy celebrations cease. Joyful harp music stops. People no longer drink wine when they sing. Liquor tastes bad to its drinkers. The ruined city lies desolate. The entrance to every house is barred shut. People in the streets call for wine. All joy passes away, and the earth’s happiness is banished. The city is left in ruins. Its gate is battered to pieces.

That is the way it will be on earth among the nations. They will be like an olive tree which has been shaken or like what’s left after the grape harvest. They raise their voices. They shout for joy. From the sea they sing joyfully about the Lord’s majesty. Honor the Lord in the east. Honor the name of the Lord God of Israel along the coast lands. From the ends of the earth we hear songs of praise that honor the Righteous One.

But I kept saying. “I’m wasting away! I’m wasting away!” “How horrible it is for me!” “Traitors continue to betray, and their treachery grows worse and worse.”

Disasters, pits and traps are in store for those who live on earth. Whoever flees from news of a disaster will fall into a pit. ‘Whoever climbs out of that pit will be caught in a trap. The floodgates in the sky will be opened, and the foundations of the earth will shake. The earth will be completely broken. The earth will shake back and forth violently. The earth will stagger. The earth will stumble like a drunk, and sway like a shack in the wind. Its disobedience weighs heavy on it. It will fall and not get up again.

On that day the Lord will punish heaven’s armies in heaven and earth’s kings on earth. They’ll be gathered like prisoners in a jail and locked in prison. After a long time they’ll be punished. The moon will be embarrassed. The sun will be ashamed, because the Lord of Armies will rule on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem. He will be glorious in the presence of his respected leaders.

Did you stick with Isaiah long enough to hear the Gospel? Do you know what I mean? The Gospel is the good news which follows the bad news – the Gospel is “always in all ways” the reason for our Hope. And He made a request of us – to ALWAYS be ready to give them a reason for our hope.

 So here was Isaiah’s, in Chapter 25:1-9 (GWT)

O Lord, you are my God. I will highly honor you; I will praise your name. You have done miraculous things. You have been completely reliable in carrying out your plans from long ago.

You have turned cities into ruins, fortified cities into piles of rubble, and foreigners’ palaces into cities that will never be rebuilt. That is why strong people will honor you, and cities ruled by the world’s tyrants will fear you. You have been a refuge for the poor, a refuge for the needy in their distress, a shelter from the rain, and shade from the heat. (A tyrant’s breath is like a rainstorm against a wall, like heat in a dry land.) You calm the uproar of foreigners. The song of tyrants is silenced like heat that is reduced by the shadow of a cloud.

On this mountain the Lord of Armies will prepare for all people a feast with the best foods, a banquet with aged wines, with the best foods and the finest wines. On this mountain he will remove the veil of grief covering all people and the mask covering all nations. He will swallow up death forever!

The Almighty Lord will wipe away tears from every face, and he will remove the disgrace of his people from the whole earth.

The Lord has spoken. On that day His people will say, “This is OUR God; we waited for Him and now HE will save us.”

I thank God for Isaiah; for his Love and diligence to “write for God”. I pray that we believe, write, paint, sing and profess what we believe to honor of Him. I heard Him whisper to me once’ “If it is so, so it is and soon they will see it to BE”. I request that we “see by faith”, because His son made this request available to us. I request that our “voices join together” as the ONE in the wilderness even this very moment. And I request that we “run toward what we hear” so that we will be there to usher Him in with the praise He deserves, as ALL eyes See, bend their knees and receive.

For this is Gods good and pleasing will – that none should experience his anger. Instead, that we put on faith and love as a breastplate and our hope of salvation through Christ as a helmet. Now clothed in our Glorious armor let us fight with the joy in our heart. May we pierce them with the Loving truth which brings life – not death which their weapons bring.

In Him we can DO this – honest!
In Him we are ONE and Risen INDEED!

Kisses,
Candace

Praise in Pros

Conversations With My Dad:
Journal Entry Monday March 14, 2011

Good Morning Daddy~

I thank you that all that you are is more than enough for all our needs.  I praise you for loving  us unconditionally.  The joy in my heart raises my eyes to see, that nothing can come between us due to your divine care.  Circumstance or situations will never command my will to forsake you in fear of their strength.  The only voice I will follow is your voice which rescued me.

The others are your enemy and from them you protect all.  Your body cannot be harmed ~ and I am cupped in your strong embrace.  Your mighty arm lifts me high above where they are bound.  Your Kindgdom each day comes to save us from this place.

Be alive and well in each of us this day.  You are - the Great I Am.  I Am, becuase you are.  I believe in what you have said, spoken in compassion and Love.  Your son came to deliver all.  May He live in Spirit through our souls.  He is our head and Way, your Spirit increases in strength.  Together we are the One, Leading all into your Shekinah glory and grace.

Shine bright this day my Lord.  May I help you prepare their feast.  The words that give life in full: their salvation, their provision, their peace.  Fill their minds, etch their hearts,bind around their wrists, adorn their necks ~ cover them in your Love.  Oh, the joy that will spill into our streets!

Lord God Almighty reigns.  He is alive in the moments of this day.  Look for Him as you go on your way.  Merge with Him as He serves.  He is feeding the masses in many small ways.  Sometimes He requests your voice, other times the glance of your face.  Always the prayers of your lips and the gentleness of your able hands.

Nothing He asks is too small.  Nothing He gives will fall short.  Always an ever present help.  Never forsaking their needs. 

Our God is King of Kings.  Our Lord is Lord of Lords.  His Spirit is Almighty in all ways.  Let us humble ourselves as we participate, in the delightful work of His will.  Hosannah in the Highest ~ yet a mere servant amidst human forms.  This is the King that we serve; this is the Mighty I Am.

Live strong in us; raise us up.  Perch our ears to hear you speak. Clutch our soul within your Spirits strength.  Move us in harmony and peace to achieve your grand plans.  Your vision is all that we need.  Our obedience is at your command. 

Let it be done to us one and all; as you will provide and delight.  For this day is your alone, and you give it so all might be blessed.

In Christ alone, we are with you.  Through all you are, we are One.
Amen,
Candace

City Called Deliverance

I hope you all are feeling better by now.  Not to worry we are meeting at a new time to keep us on track.  Because next Friday is "Facial Day!"  Our team of aestheticians will arrive a bit early so don't be alarmed.  I am sending the details of who is scheduled when after I find out your schedules for next week. 

Today and tomorrow I want you to think about "your thoughts".  That won't be difficult 'Cause you already do that all the time!  THIS time however, I want you to write them down.  Don't judge them simply write them.  You can write all of them, some of them, part of them....I don't care.  "JUST WRITE THEM!"

We can be like Dr Seuss - you can write them on a house, you can write them on a mouse.  You can write them on a train......

Seriously though.  We have to at least take a peak at the voices we are giving space to.  So here is a little thing I like to call "City Called Deliverance".  I hope it is a muse for you.

My love to you all and prayers for health, wholeness and joy,
Kisses,
Candace

“City Called Deliverance”




Nothing….
Empty….
Blue….
Where do I go?
What should I do?

Vague whispers surround me….
Do I hear what they say?
“I long to love you; to be by your side”
Why such a battle?
Why can’t you stay?
Where do you run to?
For what do you long?
Why can’t it be me with you?
Why is this wrong?

Inside I am screaming; longing for love
My exterior looks unaffected: complete and whole
Internally yearning, pleading for a touch
For someone who won’t hurt me,
To love me…. no matter what.

Vague whispers surround me…
Could they be true?
Questions start flooding…
Chaos fills my mind.
Do I dare risk it?
Will arms hold - while hands punch?
One more brutal moment
All pieces will fall.

Inside I am screaming longing for love
From someone who won’t hurt me
To love me…no matter what.

Vague whispers surround me…
It is clear what they say
A provision of deliverance
A gift of a new life.
“I long to love you: to be by your side”

Can I trust in this savior?
Does He truly know the way?
He says He will guard me with His Mercy and grace

Inside I am screaming……. loving for love
His promise is before me
Removing the cause of my pain
He’s a lifeline of rescue, clearing my way
Dusting the path to see thing in full
He is still waiting….Calling my name

Vague whispers surround me…..
“I long to love you: to be by your side”
He says he won’t hurt me,
In him I can trust
He promises to never leave me
“To love me…. no matter what.”

My exterior looks unaffected: complete and whole
One more brutal moment – all pieces will fall
His touch is eternally gentle,
His arm there to protect
His hands not bent to harm me
His grip won’t let me slip

Vague whispers surround me…
“To love me…no matter what.”
My defense now abandoned
I’m opened to my Lord
I trust He will love me
My shepherd, shield and sword
In Him I will be vulnerable
For there is no division or strife

Vague whispers surround me …
At times their pain is loud
My exterior seems unaffected
Internally, now whole
God holds me in these moments
The whispers, gentle and true
Wooing me into His family
A shelter for all who come in
Protecting us from the torrents
And debris whistling through the air

Vague whispers surround me….
Speaking guidance I trust
Warning us of the battlefield
Exposing the line that’s drawn

From inside I hear them screaming
Longing for love…..
From someone who won’t hurt them
To love them…no matter what.

Vague whispers surround them….
Do they hear what is said?
“I long to love you; to be by your side”
Why such a battle?
Why can’t you stay?
Where do you run to?
For what do you long?
Why can’t it be me with you?
Why is this wrong?

Vague whispers surround them…..
Will they believe it’s the truth?
Yours is the choice of which you call home
The poison is all around you, venomous bites
The flame upon those arrows, destroys upon contact

Vague whispers surround them….
Will it be clear for them to see?
Come within our walls, there is refuge here
You will not need to worry, the Creator is here
All timing is his, our wars have been won
The groaning is from the doomed
They’re struggling to hang on
Leave them and enter,
They are home by free choice
Our intent is to free you
Be released from their demise
Our door must close tightly, now you must rest
No more can they hurt you,
Make you cry, leave you cold
Our Father’s arms are around you,
His peace, now you’ll know

Vague whispers surround them…
“I long to love you; to be by your side”
With warmth from inside you, never to fade
Encircled by arms longing to embrace
So forever I will keep you, so you will know you are safe.
By Candace Huffmaster

Candace Huffmaster 2006© All Rights Reserved. 

Redeeming the Time

I am very glad that Os wrote this devotional. Os addresses this toward those that have a primary employment in secular settings. However, this topic comes up often for those of us doing evangelism as our employment. We bring a work place mentality into our evangelism. This is what we know. We plan, we organize, we schedule, we memo, we conference call, we survey, we market, we brand, and we regroup, restructure and on it goes. However, we are supposed to be doing the work of our father. This becomes the perplexity of our schedules. What do we do when the spirit is willing to stay and have compassion on the individual crying out in need and yet our next appointment is imploring us to leave? I trust what Os states in this devotion, I pray that the next appointment will lean on their relationship with the Lord until we can complete the work at hand and make it to them with God speed. I thank God for the mercy and grace He afforded us to finish what He started. Today has enough worries of its own. Our peace will get us through these moments and His love will cover the multitude of missteps made.

Read Mark 6 starting in verse 30 through to chapter 7 you will see where Christ had compassion on the individuals even though he had suggested that they go off to a quiet place to recap, regroup, make an agenda etc.  His disciples were not on the same page.  Christ was the perfect leader and set the pace for them to follow.  He did not grieve the Holy Spirit within Him.  When the spirit was willing he made his flesh align.  God then helped Christ just as he helped Philip - Christ walked across the sea to make up for the lost timing on the schedule.


To Christ be all the glory for all eternity, love,

Candace

Redeeming the Time

TGIF Today God Is First Volume 1 by Os Hillman

"Philip, however, appeared at Azotus and traveled about, preaching the gospel in all the towns until he reached Caesarea." Acts 8:40

Many times I've heard a man or woman say they cannot participate in an event, a service, or activity for God because of the time it will take away from their job. God has called each of us to be good stewards of our time and our resources. It is just as important to learn how to say yes as it is to say no, and we must be faithful to our employers if we do not have freedom to take time away. However, many times I sense that workplace believers justify a lack of obedience under the guise of stewardship.

Philip was one of the first businessmen who was given a commission to preach the gospel. He was in the city of Samaria preaching when many miracles began to take place and the crowds came to see what was happening. Then in the midst of this great move of God, the angel of God spoke to Philip and told him to leave Samaria and go to a desert road that led from Jerusalem to Gaza. Imagine how Philip must have questioned the logic of this decision when he was seeing such results in Samaria. But Philip was obedient to the angel. Along the road, he met an Ethiopian eunuch who wanted to have the Scriptures explained to him. Philip explained the Scriptures to the Ethiopian, who was the treasurer of Ethiopia under Queen Candace, and led him to the Lord, then baptized him in a nearby lake. A few moments later, Philip was supernaturally transported many miles northwest of his location to Azotus, where he preached Christ along the way toward his final destination of Caesarea.

So often we think that if we give our time outside our work life, our work will suffer. God redeemed the time for Philip by supernaturally transporting him to the next place he was to be. God always blesses those who serve Him. He can redeem lost time for those who willingly give of themselves for His purposes. Do not fall into the trap of believing that God cannot redeem the time you give for Him. If He calls you to give outside your normal work life, be assured He can make up that time. I have heard countless examples of workplace believers who experienced God's supernatural financial provision for time given for the sake of the gospel through unexpected business or unusual income that resulted after they made the commitment to take time away from their work for service to God.

God desires that we respond as Philip did in order to be used by Him in the life of another person. Listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit so that you can go and speak when He says go and speak. Do not fear the consequences of what that might mean if it requires leaving your work interests for a time. God will make it up. He always takes care of those who are obedient. He is more concerned about obedience than the bottom line.