Song of Solomon 2:1 1  (KJV)

I am a rose of Sharon, a lily of the valleys.

A rose is a woody perennial flowering plant of the genus Rosa, in the family Rosaceae, or the flower it bears.  The rose varies in sizes and shapes, and are usually large and showy, in colors ranging from white, (my favorite)— through yellows and reds, some of which literally take ones’ breath away.

Every rose is exquisite, each one fragrant, some more than others, but…they are all connected in that they are flowers, created by the Master Himself.

So, too are His children. We all vary in stature, weight, background, and color, but we are all created by the Master Himself. We are connected by His grace and love.  And we are all part of His magnificent “garden” of love.

How do we grow?  By believing in Him, accepting Him as our LORD, and by planting His seeds of truth.

The LORD will provide the water for our growth, our roots will become stronger as we receive our surplus of nutrients from the “Rose” of all roses, the LORD Himself.

There will be thorns on some of the flowers, but their thorns can be shed, or pruned for harvest,leaving only the beauty. We see the thorns on flowers, but God only sees the beauty.

For He knows what lies within our hearts. He sees what man cannot. And, He loves us irrespective of past, current or future sins.  He knows a repentant and true heart that is filled with unconditional love for Him, and holds us up with His grace and kindness.

As a Child of God, I am thrilled and honored to be in His garden.  Each day is a new day is in His field, the opportunities to serve Him are new and rewarding,  although some may be challenging. But He will always supply that in which I need in order to make it happen, according to His will and purpose in my life.

We can continue to grow in His garden, and shed our thorns, or we can stagnate, thereby stunting our growth in Him, eventually, crumbling up, and dying on the vine.

No one loves us the way our LORD does. He wants to have us with Him for Eternity.  But ultimately, it’s our choice.

What is your choice? 

Will you continue to grow and thrive in Him and His word?  

“Father, my Creator and Master, thank You for supplying my needs according to Your Word, and for loving me as no one has or ever will, I choose You and Your garden, now and forever, in Jesus name, Amen.”

Romans 12:2 (KJV)

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what [is] that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

I often hear comments from various individuals—whether it be, friends, family, or acquaintances—that I’m a fanatic in terms of Jesus.

How is that again?  Excuse me?

Please, would you mind repeating that again?  Because, that’s truly the most complimentary thing you could ever say to me!

So please, feel free to say it again and again and again!

Jesus tells us in the Beatitudes, Matthew 5:11–12 “…we will be mocked, and persecuted for His name sake, and to be exceedingly glad, because great is our reward in heaven…” Well, as I’ve just said…I am glad, and thrilled to be considered a “fanatic of Jesus.” It’s an exclusive club, and anyone can join. All you have to do is accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, and love Him, fully, freely and truly.

Which brings me to these questions:

• How can anyone be too fanatical about Jesus?
• Didn’t He come to this world, for our sake?
• Didn’t He come to this world, to free us from sin? 
• Didn’t He come to this world, seeking us, because of His love for us? 
• And, didn’t He die willingly, freely, and without any regrets, for all of us?

So, in my own opinion…One can never become too fanatical about their love, devotion, and diligence to the LORD and His Word.

The will of God was followed by Jesus, (John 6:38-40) He fulfilled the scriptures, and did the work of His Father, (our Father,) and performed countless miracles, healed the lame, made the blind see, cleaned the lepers, ordered evil spirits out, and showed compassion to all.

And…He went to the cross for me!  For you!

He defeated death, and is the author of peace and love.  How can I not be “fanatical” about my love for Him?

It is truly a delight to do His will, and to be serving such a great God. He is all things to me, and has seen me through everything both happy and sad, “truly, His goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life where I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever more.” (Psalm 23)

So, the next time someone calls you a “fanatic” of Jesus, smile broadly, nod your head, and emphatically proclaim, “AMEN!”

“Father God, I love You with all that I am, thank You for Jesus and His blood, thank You for Your unapparelled love, and for Your grace that touches my face, heart, body, mind, and soul, each and every day of my life, You are my everything, in Jesus name, Amen.”

Psalms 16:11 (KJV) 

Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.

It’s that time of year again, and winter is knocking at our door extra early this year.  Although December 21 it the official ushering in of the season, apparently winter doesn’t realize it’s a little early, as evidenced by a huge snowfall last week, and another one on its way in two days!  Oh well..

I see things differently than I did as a child.  For example, I loved romping in the snow.  In fact, Mom had a difficult time keeping me “dry” in winter, as I was always creating snow angels, building igloos, or building snow people!  Yes, snow people, I always insisted on a female, and a male, and even snow children, in our winter wonderland backyard.

Now, having made my way into retirement years, I view snow in a realistic fashion.  Of course, it is still a thing of beauty, as it envelops our yard, while transforming trees into magical, twinkling, white magnificence,  at times, seeing a stunning red cardinal sitting atop a tree,  adding a dramatic effect to the beauty, created by our Creator.

However, that having been said…I can’t stand navigating the icy roads, or walking slowly to, and from, the car as I do errands.  So, yes… I see it differently from an adults’ view versus a childs’.

But, there is one thing that’s never changed, and that is, I see “God” in all of the seasons.

I feel, and see Him, and experience the fullness of Joy, through it all. I feel His peace, and His love, I feel alive, and I am filled with LIFE!

I see His hand in snow, sleet, and rain.  I see Him in cloudy days, I see Him in the radiant sun, I see Him in the light, I see Him in the dark.

His mercy endures in any weather, irrespective of where we live. God, is always in the realm, in which we are, in which we breathe, in which we exist.  He, is a part of us, in every season, and He, is a reality in all that we do.

As I gaze our into our backyard, and view the snow, and watch the squirrels skipping, and jumping, from branch to branch, and birds flitting from tree to tree, I see the face of God.

And I know  even though it’s freezing outside, I’m filled with the warmth of His love, and it doesn’t get any better than that!

“Father, God, I am in awe of Your magnificence, and Your Sovereign power, I see You in all I do, and all that surrounds me, thank You for Your love, Your enduring mercy, and for seeing me through all the seasons of Your love, now, and always, in Jesus name, Amen.” 

All scripture from KJV Bible

Exodus 33:14 – And he said, My presence shall go [with thee], and I will give thee rest.

Psalms 27:8 – [When thou saidst], Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, LORD, will I seek.

Jeremiah 29:13 – And ye shall seek me, and find [me], when ye shall search for me with all your heart.

“He must increase, but I must decrease.”

John 3:30 (KJV)

So I was speaking with a good friend a couple of days ago, and she was kind of “murmuring” about her life and her non stop responsibilities…it was an ongoing litany and woeful saga, that came down to one essential thing, “she is centered around herself.” She has her health, she has freedom, and she is blessed with financial rewards.  But, she simply can’t stop speaking about “herself.”  Don’t get me wrong, I love her…she has a great heart and soul, but…the endless complaints are staggering. And, that breaks my heart. Let me explain before you think I’m being harsh.

I’m not one to “gossip” or say outlandish or hurtful things to friends, or strangers for that matter, but I felt urged by the Spirit to explain some things to her. So, I outright told her, “My good friend, you need to decrease and let the LORD increase.”

She immediately stopped speaking, as if a thunderbolt struck her, and all of her business about her responsibilities ceased to exist at that moment. I could sense that thoughts were surging through her mind, heart, and soul.

And, she responded in a small voice, with one word… “How?”

Many of us are caught in a whirlwind of life, and the endless productions of such, after all we have responsibilities to handle, each one of us.  Some have more, others have some.  Which of course brings me to the Bible verse,  “to whom much is given, much will be required” (Luke 12:48)

This well known verse of “to whom much is given, much will be required” is that we are held responsible for what we have been blessed with.

If we are blessed with talents, knowledge, time,  patience, kindness, and the like, it is expected that we use these gifts in order to glorify God, and benefit others in the process.

Therefore, by operating in accordance with God and the gifts He has freely given to us, whatever they are, we must be mindful to use them, and put them into daily use.

And when we do, we will glorify God and His name.  What happens then is that we are pulling back from our “own selfish thoughts and actions” and using our time benevolently, and allowing God to INCREASE, as we decrease in our mind-set, and purpose concerning selfish deeds or tasks that always are centering on ourselves, instead of others.  That is a way to allow God to INCREASE by letting go of “vanity” and “our selfish ways. When we do that, we are “decreasing” and God is coming in lighting our path and INCREASING.  In fact, He begins to surge within us more and more.  From there on in, things begin to come into perspective and we’re able to do things in a different way, or approach things differently than we did before.

Yes, it’s wonderful to relax, and yes we all need it.  No one is saying otherwise…but, we must be careful to fulfill His purpose according to our life, and exacting measure of opportunities that the LORD has given us, and has shown us.

So, getting back to my friend, she and I had a long beautiful discussion about God, His commandments, and His expectations for His children.  And, how important it is to focus on Him and declare our love for Him, through Him, and by Him, in all we do.

She called me two days later and said, “You know what?  It’s so much easier when I do it for Christ.  It makes everything easier, even the tough stuff.  I hope to step back and let Him increase in my life.  So, thanks for the reminder!”

That made my day.  To be a vessel for the LORD delivering a message, or holding fast to His Word and putting it into action, is a blessing for me, as it is for every other Christian in this world. when they do the same, deliver the message or Word of God.

The next time you find yourself complaining about some issue, task, or situation, open up to the LORD, and let Him INCREASE so you can decrease and find peace in a world of chaos, and mayhem, after all,  as Jesus said, in John 14:27 27;   “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”

“Father, my Lord and Savior, thank You for Your love, guidance, and support in all that I do, may I continue to decrease and may You continue to Increase in my heart, and my mind, and my body, and my soul, today and always, in Jesus name, Amen.”

A dear friend of mine sent me a link to witness her sweet niece getting baptized.  It warmed my heart to see it, and hear her testimony, for she went through so much in her young life, and I am familiar with her story.  But, to hear one give testimony prior to baptism is always “new to me” and always a joy to experience.  To see a young lamb come to the LORD and give freely and openly about the reason they choose “Christ.”

Baptism is by immersion, after salvation, is done in obedience to Jesus Christ.  Baptism is necessary for Christians, and complying with Jesus Commandments is vital to an individuals growth in  their Christian walk. We are encouraged to keep Christ’s commandments through baptism: By the example of Christ.

Each person stepping forward, and making a public declaration of their love and obedience in Christ, is a gift from the Father of lights, He is always waiting, and knocking on His children’s hearts, and we get to choose if we want to open that door to let Him in.  And, when we do…oh Joy!  Hallelujah!  The life that begins from that point on is subject to all kinds of new ways to meet life in its everyday demands and trials.  Children of Christ can maintain dignity in harsh times, and can find significant peace in His name when undergoing issues in life.

Baptism is an outward show of love expressing our desire to be a Christian Soldier and therefore following Him, willingly, and openly.  We are saying, “YES” to Him and “YES” to His love…and we are saying, “I love You Jesus…thank You for Your love and Your sacrifice, Amen!

We are saying, “We are free, and born again…because of Jesus.”

I can hardly wait to see another testimony and another baptism, because as I’ve said in the beginning of this post, “it never gets old…in fact, it’s NEW each time…Amen!”

Colossians 2:12
 
Having been buried with Him in baptism, in which you were also raised up with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead.

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1 Corinthians 12:13

For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free, and we were all made to drink of one Spirit.

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Galatians 3:27

For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.

Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is mine: the soul that sinneth, it shall die.

Ezekiel 18:4 (KJV)

In Romans 6:23 it states so clearly, “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Yes, He loves us…but not the sin.  We are forgiven our sins, thanks to the grace and love of our Father, and through Christ, where we are able to be victorious, Amen.

Some individuals may say, “but God loves us all and we are forgiven, so therefore we are granted eternal salvation.”

There are stipulations and commandments that God specifies over and over in His book of love, the Bible,  and the concept of “nothing we do or say will kill our soul” is not part of the plan.

There is no other than loves us like our Father above, but as did Jesus obey His Father, here on earth while doing His ministry, so too must we obey our Father while here on earth, as part of His ongoing ministry and message.

When we repent and truly confess our sins with contrite hearts, we will be forgiven, over and over.  The key word being, “contrite” and hearts of love for Him and His commandments and doctrine.

The rest falls under acts of kindness, compassion, love for others, and selfless behavior.  After all love does cover a multitude of sins, but…it’s one of many things that bring us to walking that narrow path of righteousness.

Our souls belong to Him, our Creator and King of the Universe, the Father of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the very One and Only that is the Great I Am, the Alpha and Omega…our loving Father, and Lord of lords, King of kings.  No man can kill our soul, only God, our Creator, who breathe life into us from the very beginning, only He can.

We are alive because of Him.

We are filled with Light because of Him.

We are created because of Him.

An eternity spent with the LORD, how amazing is that thought? He doesn’t expect much from us, He gave His life for us so that we could be with Him forever…but in order for that to happen, we need to accept Him into our hearts and know without Him, we are “nothing.”

So, have you explored His beautiful love letter, the Bible, and have you accepted Him into your heart and life and mind and body?   If you haven’t I pray that you will and feel a love like none other, and in the process…live FOREVER!

“Father God, thank You for Your love, Your light, and for creating our soul, we know without You and Your ways, and Your word, we are nothing, and we know with You, and Your word and ways, we are alive, and shall be forever, I pray that others who don’t know You will find You and their salvation, in Jesus precious name Amen.” 

“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”

John 14:6 (KJV)

Matthew 6:6 (KJV)

But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.

Jesus needed time every day “alone” with His Father, to pray and spend time with Him.  Early in the morning, He would seek His Father’s face, and pray earnestly unto Him.  He always found time to go off alone and pray to His Father.

Now, if Jesus, who was in the business of saving souls, healing, and setting people free…if He had the time to spend alone with His father, every single day of His life while here on earth, don’t you feel that “we” can find time to spend alone praying, and speaking to our Father?  I’ll answer for myself with an emphatic shout of “YES!”

It’s fine to have a prayer partner, and/or a church family to fellowship with and pray with, that’s always a blessing.  But, it’s so important to be able to “pray with Him alone” each and every day.

When we speak with Him alone, and pray, we are being brought up higher and higher…and the enemy is fleeing further and further away.  Draw nigh to God and He will draw nigh to you. (James 4:8)

James 4:7 —Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

God loves us and loves spending time with us…especially, all alone, wrapped in His love, and in His Word.

Jesus spent time up in the mountains, early in the morning, before the day began, He needed to be replenished, and get direction from His Father.  Shouldn’t we do the same?

When you take this practice of “spending time with Him alone” and making Him, the most important part of your day, you will be amazed at how He will speak to you, and How He will bless you.

So, the question is this…”Have you spent time alone with Him today in prayer?  If not, may I invite you to do so?  It will be the best company and the best time you will have in your day…that’s a promise!”

“Father God, thank You for Your love, for allowing me to spend time with You, to glorify You, and to talk to You from the depths of my heart, mind and soul, I pray that those who don’t know You, begin their journey getting to know You, and may their hearts be open and their ears and eyes open in awe of You and Your love, in Jesus name, Amen!”

John 7:38
 
“He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, ‘From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water.'”

God’s unfailing love is an objective fact that has been affirmed  and reaffirmed over and over in the Scriptures. It’s true whether some individuals believe it or not. Doubts do not destroy God’s love, nor did our faith create it. Instead it originates in the very essence and nature of God, who is love, and it flows to us through our union with His beloved Son, Jesus Christ our Lord of lords, and King of kings.

His free giving love and rivers of living waters flows through those of which follow Him.  His uplifting love and compassion is ever present to those who surrender and accept Him as their Savior.

His ways are not our ways, nor are His thoughts our thoughts, He is holy and above all else…but…Our redeemer offered Himself for us, and for our freedom, and salvation.

Some may not believe.  But, I see God in everything, in all that surrounds me on any given day.

And, sadly…as I see God…there is evil that swirls about us on any given day.  But, it is our affirmation of His love and our obedience to His doctrine and gospel that allows us to withstand the fiery darts of the enemy.  When we put on the clothes of righteousness, that is to say, our weapon of defense, Christ…in terms of our armor, the gospel armor…we are protected and nothing can harm us.

Our souls are intact along with our love for the Great I Am.

Isn’t it wonderful to be a part of His royal Kingdom?

Isn’t it wonderful to be called His children?

Isn’t it wonderful to know He loves us so much?

Isn’t it wonderful to know we are His?

If you didn’t shout YES…then may I invite you to open the Bible, His love letter to us, and find out all about the most Incredible Sovereign God who loves us more than we can possibly imagine.

Go on…what are you waiting for?

“Father, thanks for Your endless love, compassion, and living water, You are our daily bread, and I can’t get enough of You or Your ways, Thank You for all You are, and all You do since the beginning of time, may I never cease to appreciate You or Your Word, in Jesus name, Amen.”

Psalm 93:4

More than the sounds of many waters, Than the mighty breakers of the sea, The LORD on high is mighty.

Psalm 66:12

You made men ride over our heads; We went through fire and through water, Yet You brought us out into a place of abundance.

Sometimes “waiting” can be a daunting and tedious task. But, it depends on what kind of “waiting” we’re actually doing.

If we’re waiting in line at a supermarket, it can be an irritating and annoying wait.

If we’re waiting to see a doctor, it can be overwhelming and intimidating.

If we’re waiting in a traffic jam, it can be beyond frustrating.

Waiting for God is a different “kind of wait.”  It’s a self proclaimed and undeniable choice of being obedient to Him.

Waiting for God and wondering what we should do, is an “anticipated kind of wait” of which we’re completely confident, that He will guide us, eventually, as to where, and what, we should or shouldn’t do.

Waiting upon God, and listening to His Word, eventually,  during our reflection, and meditation, will bring about answers, whereby the “wait will always be worth the wait.”

Sometimes, it’s a challenge to sit, and wait, even though every ounce of our being is trying to “redirect” us to move forward even before we “hear His answer” — that’s when we have to really sit still (Psalm 46:10)—  And, tilt our heads sideways to really “listen” to His voice.  We need to stop wondering, while hovering over, and in His Word, and truly start absorbing His message,  while receiving the delivery of His love, guidance, and direction.

Have you ever waited?

Have you ever waited on the LORD?

Well, then you should be acutely aware of the disparaging differences in “waiting” overall…and “waiting” on the LORD.

There is nothing sweeter than waiting for God.  Try it…and see for yourself!

“Father God, in all I do, I do it for You, may I continue to listen to Your voice alone in all I do, and may I continue to seek Your face, and Your kingdom each and every day of my life, in Jesus’ precious name, Amen.”

Psalms 130:5 – I wait for the LORD, my soul doth wait, and in his word do I hope.

Psalms 27:14 – Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.

Psalms 69:6 – Let not them that wait on thee, O Lord GOD of hosts, be ashamed for my sake: let not those that seek thee be confounded for my sake, O God of Israel.