He Carried Me

As we are wrapping up falling  in love with Jesus all over as autumn will fade and winter emerges, the beach is perfect because our weather was hot until the last couple of weeks. It is something to look forward to on the slow and lazy afternoons or in the bitter cold. It makes me want to  take a walk there in the evening.

Truth is I have walked there many times, perhaps not on the shores of Galilee hand in hand with Jesus, as the wind whips His long dark hair and a beautiful smile crosses His face as He leans into it and clasps both my hands and draws me closer, but I have walked with Him. Through happiness, and sorrow, He was and is still my joy.

And we have all seen the Footprints In The Sand poem, I wrote my own a while back, probably some thirty years of more. What I didn’t know then as I embarked on a lifetime of faith is how many times, I would walk with Him, even envision Him with me, or most importantly not even really realize how much of the time how much of the time He was carrying me.

He carried me through a lot of physical pain, more than I care to admit. A lot of mental anguish, verbal abuse, jealousy. I was even told that once. I couldn’t imagine it. Jealous of me? Or jealous about Jesus? Why, others knew Him too? I admit being trusting and perhaps a bit naive, I wanted to believe Jesus would just change things for me. Oh, and He did. But people, He won’t change, they have to want to. He will not force them, they have a free will.

Old religious trappings, fear, oppression. Generations of self  doubt, low expectations. No wonder, I was different. He carried me through the health challenges, the faith ones,  and the overcoming fear ones. I have never walked alone, even if I had times I felt like it. The enemy would deceive in any way to get us to that place of doubt.

Looking back, I wonder a little how much I was actually walking or was He really carrying me. Were there times I was on His shoulders? Delighted at being more than a conqueror through Jesus who loved me or was it even more like that He carried me close to His heart or even as  I slept after heartbreak or hurting?

The truth is we carry way more that we have to, we should just lay it at His feet and not pick it up. Why do I cry and break the alabaster box of oil? The costly oil of my mourning, I am not anointing Him for burial again, but He is anointing me continually with the beauty of His love, His peace and presence.

Why am I at His feet in tears and get back up and think I have to keep carrying a load that is as heavy as His cross. I hear people say to take it up and follow Him, that we are disciples. Yes, in a way. But He knew we could not bear what He could or else why even die. He knew we needed Him as Lord, and to carry us if necessary.

He carried us and all our crosses as were we crucified with Him. No wonder I love the one who loved me first. I will be proud and glad to walk with Him and now I can do that better, knowing He is there if I need Him to carry me. It is amazing, I wrote a poem in the 80’s called  ” I Carried You ” and now here I am over thirty years later writing, He Carried Me. And He has.

I promised a blogger friend I would publish it. It appears I have misplaced it but I will find it. It is about knowing Jesus and I can remember some.

I walked alone along the beach, two sets of tracks, there no longer are.

” Lord, where are you? ” Is my desperate plea.

One set of prints, no longer two.

And He says to me, ” I carried you. ”

Adrianna Calvo / pexels

I Never Knew You

I was thinking of what to write about with Halloween approaching. I have warned people about a lot of practices that are harmful. God is not about fear even though the word is used. Often it is in reverence or awe and we are not to fear men but God in this respect.

And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Matthew 10:28

I’m not sure people take that literally or even believe there is one, but there is. Although our God who is a consuming fire, created it for the devil and fallen angels. He sent Jesus to give mankind every chance to believe and be saved. There will be many false religions and false prophets, people who will deceive in the last days.

Many of the people being accused are not, and many who are not could be. You see what I mean. God even shortens time in Revelation when the Great Tribulation is ongoing. People will beg to die and cannot. He uses the phrase that even the very elect could be in danger, that no one would saved. Yes, it is that bad.

No matter where you are or what you have been taught, about Christians or Jesus. Please think again. Don’t judge ministries or people, ask Jesus to show you His love and give you His Spirit to discern. People are calling evil good and good evil already. Each day we have a choice to choose life or death, blessings or curses.

As I said, God is not about fear. He is love. He loved us enough to send Jesus. He loves us enough to have sent the Holy Spirit to teach us. I am concerned about the time we are living in. I hear way too many reports of suicide. Last month, a man killed his wife and four children, a woman her  6 yr. old son and herself. There is hope, teachers, pastors and teens, no one appears immune. Drugs are rampant. Deception is everywhere.

Laws are passed and those in power do what they think is right, and they make mistakes.  God doesn’t. You are here for a reason. If you believe and help even one other person to avoid hell, then your life was worth it. We have all had our so called hells in life but this one lasts for all eternity, that is not worth the risk of not knowing Jesus as Lord and Savior. Is it?

Forget the tricks and treats of Halloween, the ghost stories and what not. What is the scariest thing anyone could ever hear is this. ” I never knew you: depart from me, you that work iniquity.” Jesus, Judgement Day Matthew 7:23

https://biblehub.com/akjv/matthew/7.htm a good read

There will be a bema judgement for believers and a Great White Throne for others, even if they profess Christ and do not know Him truly. Lot of people say they are Christians because they are not Jews or Muslims, but do you really know the one who loved you enough to die for you?

No matter what you believe or don’t believe, think or don’t think, your politics or persuasions or what people may say about you. Please consider receiving Jesus and eternal life. Remember, even if people kill you, they don’t decide your eternity. He does! And you can. Don’t harden your heart over some misguided notions of Christ or the inability to forgive someone, or any number of reasons. I pray He speaks to your heart today.

And it is my sincere prayer, that you never hear the Lamb of God, Jesus Christ, say these words. ” I never knew you: depart from me, you that work iniquity.”

Wesner Rodriguez / Pexels / Canva

0riginal in color.

Crying For Love

Babies cry when they are hungry or need a change, and you know what, so do we as believers. Sometimes, we cry because we are hungry for the Lord and His love, and we may not even be realizing that. We really should hunger and thirst after His righteousness, because only He really satisfies the soul, And then again we are crying for a change, a change of circumstances, a change of heart, or attitude even mind, and not just someone else’s, our own.

After a lifetime of trying, I know I can’t change people. I can encourage, persuade, or irritate them, by talking about Jesus so much, but He is the only answer I have. And we should look to and love the one who loves us most. He paid an extraordinary price for our souls, so why allow the enemy of it to torment it with fears and worries, we can read about how we are attacked, whether through illness or money woes, Jesus is there, are we leaning into the one who loves us.

And sometimes babies cry for no reason, sure they want to be held and snuggled, but they have to be put down to nap or to sleep, the Lord cradles us the same way and lavishes with love, but when he puts us down for our rest, His rest, and calms us are we still yelling? We don’t really let go of Him and He never really lets go of those who love Him, but we are to grow in grace and not live life as still a babe in Him, especially, a tempermental one.

That’s what is ironic about the Word. We are to have childlike faith but grow up and not just stay on the sincere milk of it but go after the meat, the healing the deliverance, the faith that moves circumstances and people, and makes a difference in the lives of others.

And even with that we will have to let that sincere  milk drop into and from our mouths, His words are honey, sweet. We taste His goodness and should speak it in daily thanks. We long for our souls to be nourished and satisfied. We eat healthy and that doesn’t always do it, we have our dark chocolate, and that doesn’t do it, not even a binge on ice cream.

Alcohol or drugs and phony relationships won’t dry your tears. Jesus understands every heart and every temptation. He is perception while the enemy of the soul works in deception. Our problem is reception, what are we receiving? Nonsense or nourishment, quality or quantity?

Our souls cry out to God and as our Father, He takes pity on us. But Jesus came and bore our sorrows, so it would please Him for us to believe His love and seek Him in intimate prayer and worship, to bathe in the light of His love, drink in excess of His Spirit, to rest with Him and eat at the table He has prepared for us.

He has set before a choice of life or  death, blessings and curses, and we can choose. Child like or childish? He has brought us to His banqueting table, away from the children’s one, though God calls us children we are growing in grace, and His banner is ever before us, the wedding canopy, the chuppah, and His banner is love. Why cry for love when we as believer have it?

Merhdad Haghigi

Scared To Death?

You know I had to write a few posts for that scary time of year called Halloween.  People say a lot of things that are silly, and while I do believe we should watch our mouths, I don’t want to put fear in you, myself. However, we are to pay attention to our vocabulary and line it up with the Word of God.

We are not really dying to go are we? Or freezing to death? Our feet might hurt and enjoy a pedicure or soak, but they are not killing us. We don’t really want anyone to be the death of us.  Do we? Of course not.  I could challenge us to make a list of the forgive me for saying it, mindless things we say. Things we never pay attention to, but should.

Jesus made it clear in John 10:10 that He wanted us to have life, He is the life giver, life saver and He gives eternal life. It is the enemy who comes to steal, kill and destroy. And he will come for the Word of God sown in you and get it you are not watching, and if you don’t believe it or understand it.

Jesus defeated the one who had the power of death. Let’s take a look.

Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For in Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life has set you free from the law of sin and death. Romans 8:1,2.

Jesus isn’t condemning  us but others and devil sure will. And we do it ourselves, why help him when he is defeated? Let’s not defeat ourselves with all these little things we say that acknowledges death and in some cases even summons it with bitter enough words. Anger is a dangerous thing. It leads to violence. We want abundant and eternal life.

But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, now crowned with glory and honor because He suffered death, so that by the grace of God He might taste death for everyone. Hebrews 2:9.

Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, He Himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death He might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil. Hebrews 2:14

I just love that verse, and Jesus once told the disciples that there were those who would not taste death before seeing Him come into His kingdom. And they did see Him raised, ascend, and John lived to write Revelation, He saw Him in heaven, and there will be those alive and remaining in Him, when He returns.

It is one thing to just be alive, not very old or to have been born in this generation, but to remain we have to remain in His love. He wants to find faith when He comes, and to do that we do not need to speak so loosely about death. You don’t have to just expect it, He is coming.

Why did He do it? To deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. Hebrews 2:15. Hate isn’t really  the opposite of love, fear is. His perfect love is all casts it out. So let’s not be turned back into bondage or slavery that keeps is yoked to a cycle of death but step into His cycle of life and life more abundantly, we don’t ever have to be scared to death.

 

I Really Did Love You

 

As a reader,and writer, and believer I  especially know the love of Jesus, I was thinking what a shame that people don’t speak up to those they love, why I dislike some of those romance movies I see. Not just in marriage or family, but to the Lord and allowing Him to say that to them. Being bold and confident enough to give and receive real love. eternal love.

I wrote about the words He says to those that are turned into hell, the people who He never really knew in a personal relationship. And that includes some people who just think they know Him. ” Depart from me. ” He calls them workers of iniquity and says He never knew them.

Be sure He is the Son of God, He knows all about you just like His Father. You can neither lie or hide from Him, He is everywhere you will ever be. And He know your weaknesses and strengths, and He completes and compensates for both, He enjoys your asking His help and giving it.

I am not positive a repeat after me prayer is enough. Oh, we have all heard the sinners prayer recited, perhaps even said it. I remember being in tears at eleven embracing a friend at the altar when I heard about Jesus, I have never been the same, I know that love. I know emotion may not prove a person’s heart but you will know them by their fruit. And by His love, and I once heard an older minister say, words locate you.

Just because you are not around people don’t mean they don’t love you. I don’t see relatives but I know they care, at least in their own way, not necessarily God’s agape, and others I really don’t know, who don’t really know me, perhaps that I am not even a second cousin. You have to spend time with people to know them, and the funny thing is you can spend time and still not know them. And then there are people you may never know who are praying for you. Someone, somewhere, loves you because God is in their heart and prayers, even if they don’t know you personally.

I think that is what Jesus us talking about here. Going to church doesn’t make you love Him, reading the Bible doesn’t, or a least not in the sense of cultivating a personal and loving relationship with the Lord. So is He a casual acquaintance or lifelong love?

Like someone who may really love a person and be either a good wife or husband and avoid commitment, let what people say or think hinder them or just plain fear, are you walking around about the decision to love Jesus like a silly romance movie? Should I or shouldn’t I?  This isn’t something that is trite or casual, it is a matter of eternity.

Do you know that you need Him and He wants to love you? Do you know you need Him and want to love Him? Do you already know and love Him and want a deeper relationship, then tell Him. Don’t keep Him waiting. He wants to spend forever with you and I never want to not tell you about His love. I never want you to hear those horrible words that those who don’t know Him will hear.

I never add to Scripture, but when He says that, it may just be possible that His heart will still ache before an eternity with believers, He may even think,  ” I really did love you. ” And that too would be sad, when you could have a happy ending.

Gromotovaya/  pexels / AdobeSpark

Trick or Treat?

Well, here we are again at time of year in the fall, before Thanksgiving, people are out collecting treats with their children. But is it a trick of the enemy? For years, Christians have debated whether or not to celebrate Halloween or the All Saint’s Day. Should it be that complicated?

While I definitely would oppose the Mexican day of the of the dead and even other things, Jesus brought the devil to nothing. Of course, he still has power if you don’t know and use your authority as a believer. But having fun and treats, is fine. Like magic tricks we know are not real that are entertaining, but practicing magic is another thing, stay away from it.

I do believe you should use wisdom. Costumes should be appropriate. I believe in teaching children not to be afraid but also not to frighten them. I don’t like the fascination people have with death. Why would you want to be a walking dead person? It can open doors to the enemy, fascinations can become preoccupations. The Pharisees were told by Jesus, they looked good on the inside but were inside like dead men’s bones.

He even told the disciples to let the dead bury the dead, and Jesus avoided using the word. He usually said asleep, finally, He had to explain about Lazarus, He waited, He knew He would raise him, He called him by name. God, Himself in the form of His Son, or else He would have called others, like when He rose. That is power. A lot more power than the enemy.

Jesus is about abundant life and He is joy, so enjoy your treats and use the opportunity to witness about His love, just be sure you realize the enemy is subtle and don’t be talked into false practices, it can be a temptation to some and don’t be pressured by peers, choose your friends wisely and your parties. The spirit of Anti-Christ would have a one religion world, and the time draws close for the Lord’s return. Seances and horror scopes might appear fun but are inviting the enemy. So are tarot cards, you must use wisdom, caution but not fear, and let the Holy Spirit discern.

There is good and bad in just about everything. the Bible is full of awful stories. People who made bad choices and some who were just caught up in the webs of others influence and immorality. I like some movies, there are elements of good and evil, you can solve a murder without the gore, but that has become leading entertainment, and so called reality shows that are not reality for most of us.

We want Him to find faith in the earth, faith in Him and His finished work. He defeats the enemy at every turn and wants us to. So have a safe and pleasant Halloween, in Christ, no tricks, just some laughs and candy. He treats us to grace and peace and offers eternal life.

Anastasia Lobanskya / pexels

 

Falling Into Faith

I used to have rake leaves a lot in Atlanta. I had an old oak that was probably about two hundred years old or more. I know because a neighbor had one cut down and it was dated at a hundred seventy five, this one was bigger. It probably had Confederate soldiers standing under it. I know General Sherman burned houses a few blocks away, ours was built in the 1920’s or so. I like learning about history, division has alway been the goal, the Civil War is a pattern of Israel being divided north and south as well.

History lesson aside, I raked leaves a lot. Bag after bag would line the walkway and street waiting for trash day. You cannot burn them in the city without a permit. So, it was no surprise when I started learning about angels and reading books about faith that I wanted the kind that got results. And I did get results although I didn’t always see them. I know because of the spiritual attacks. And because He loves me and He promised to answer.

I read a story in one of my books, I can’t remember which one, about a lady raking leaves. When she looked back at long line of trash bags, she realized her wedding ring was gone. whether or not she wore gloves, I don’t recall. Sometimes, I did and sometimes you had to take them off. Anyway, her ring was gone and she stared in disbelief at a line of bags. She would have to search each one. She had to have her ring back.

A neighbor noticed her and asked what was wrong, the lady told her and the neighbor proceeded to pray, as she walked past each bag, finally, a way down the line. The lady watched her neighbor punch the bag and leaves fall out, and to her joy and amazement, she pick up the ring. Isn’t that great? The Lord told her right where to find it. That’s the kind of faith we all need.

And just now, I remembered another story of a man with a broken pocket watch, it was a long time ago, when people actually wore them, I believe he was a minister, and he simply touched the watch that had stopped and simply said, “Father, this shouldn’t be. ” And the watch started ticking. People depended on them in those days, not a cell phone. That is one of the things that I believe causes strong faith to falter or not even come to fruition, the level of distraction in our society. Not that I disapprove but we can rely too much on technology.

We have all lost things. Jesus is the finder of the lost. Isn’t He? I was reminded of the stories for a reason. faith should be simple, it should get results. There are so many more important things than a ring or watch, not that they aren’t, there is a lot of significance and sentiment attached. But what about the depleted savings accounts, or more important still, the sick child in the night, wouldn’t it be nice to be able to say, “Father, that shouldn’t be. ” And see results. We should be able to.

Or to find a solution in a pile of problems, like ring in bag of many bags of leaves. A small thing in mess of overwhelming proportions. Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word, Romans 10:17, but it is not merely hearing, but a hearing of His Holy Spirit in us. That is how a lady found a ring for her friend and a watch started for a minister.

It is how we are saved, healed or delivered from evil. It is how we walk, not by sight but by the faith we place in Him as Lord. I hope you find this encouraging. He is more sheltering than the old oak. He even wants us to be like oaks, strong and rooted deeply in His love. And you know there was always concern that old oak would fall on the house, but it never did, because angels watched us. And one day after living there many years, I noticed an outline at the base, it looked like a wing and a face, and it had been there all along, as I raked leaves. Faith and answers are there all along too, just keep falling in love with Jesus.

freestocks / This post was featured at LMM, thanks Mary.

Anita Ojeda

 

 

 

Are You Afraid Of The Light? / Sunday Bonus

How often will children not want to go to sleep, and use the afraid of the dark excuse? Grown ups can be the same way. I’m not saying there aren’t legitimate concerns, but you can discern real fear from just wanting to stay up late. especially, if a room is dark but for a television. That’s a natural sort of thing. There is also spiritual darkness, why I would protect younger children from certain shows and explain my beliefs to older ones.

But some people aren’t afraid of the dark. It is a hiding place of sorts for them, but they can’t hide from God. Forget Santa, He sees you sleeping, knows when you’re awake and if you have been bad or good to the extreme, yet, sent His beloved Son to die or those sins and save you from them. Don’t think so, read Psalm 139 and John 3:16,17.

Some people aren’t afraid of the dark, rather the light. And here’s why.

If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me, and the light become night around me”— even the darkness is not dark to You, but the night shines like the day, for darkness is as light to You. Psalm 139:11, 12

He reveals the deep and hidden things; He knows what lies in darkness, and light dwells with Him. Daniel 2:22

In Him was life, and the life was the Light of men. John 1:4

The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. John 1:5

And this is the verdict: The Light has come into the world, but men loved the darkness rather than the Light, because their deeds were evil. John 3:19

I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life. John 8:12

While I am in the world, I am the light of the world. John 9:5

I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in Me should remain in darkness. John 12:46

But everything exposed by the light becomes visible– and everything that is illuminated becomes a light. Ephesians 5:13

This is the message we have heard from Him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. 1 John 1:5

He wants us to believe in Him and not be afraid of either the dark or light, and He is the one to turn to.

Jesus answered, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. ” John 14:6

Myicahel Tamburini / pexels

 

 

Being Well Loved

I had the Lord speak the phrase love well to my spirit once, I was having a difficult time and He chose to love me well and I choose to love others well. I can’t say I have all way done everything right but He has. He loves us well, a poetry friend recently wrote that Jesus is like a thousand flowers blooming over us, not an exact quote.

I say He is like fragrant roses, and He perfumes the air and the very breath around us with Hi love. But in order to receive that satisfaction in our souls we have to love Him well too. While loving us well can bring healing and peace, even deliverance, how do we love Him well, simply by loving Him.

We can spend time in His Word, in prayer and praise, or just thanking Him during the day. Not just saying grace but living it out. Thank you Lord for your unfailing love , for listening to me, for every little way you make my life better. The ways I see and even the ways  I don’t.

Your peace passes understanding. You are in my heart. You love me well so I can love you well. The phrase is in the Bible, the well loved, Gaius. it just means to be much loved. And you can be loved and not spoiled, God’s way. I will give you a few verses, and I can promise you that no one, not even the best parent, loves you more than Jesus.

Jesus answered: Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind. Matthew 23:37

In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace that He lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding. Ephesians 1:7,8

See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know Him. Ephesian 3:1

Let love be your guide. Christ loved us and offered His life for us as a sacrifice that pleases God. Ephesians 5:2

Show love in everything you do. 1 Corinthians 16:14

And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds., Hebrews 10:24

Beloved, we should love one another, because love is from God; and everyone loving has been born from God and knows God. 1  John 4:7

A new commandment I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so also you must love one another. 1 John 4:21

And we have this commandment from Him: Whoever loves God must love his brother as well. 1 John 4:24

But the one who loves God is known by God. 1 Corinthians 8:3

Mercy, peace and love be yours in abundance. Jude 1:2

This is how we love well and how He loves us well.

Masha Rotari / pexels

Better Off Without Jesus? No Way!

Oh, I hope that got you to thinking! Better off without Him? I started to go with that line I borrowed but it might sound like I am serious and of course, I’m not. That’s a scary thought. It is just that when you come to know Jesus as Lord, you will soon realize that you are under spiritual attack. You receive grace, and grace upon grace, John 1:16

The more you grow in faith and as a believer in grace, the more the ” birds ” or demonic influences will want to get in your tree that the mustard seed produces. It takes Jesus to shoo them off and it takes us, remaining in faith and His Word and using it, and His name.

People who don’t know Christ, might appear to be better off, and not have as many problems. But they won’t have eternal life. Better to count trials as joy and make it to heaven. We all get tired of them, that is why we need support from other believers, not in bitterness or jealousy or even in unbelief of spiritual gifts or warfare. There is way too much division, but way more grace and enough of Jesus to go around.

There are enough sinners who need saving, backsliders who need to come home to the Father, people who are just unsure of their salvation in general. The enemy operates in the chaos and confusion around you. Sometimes, it is not you at all, but the enemy wearing you out, and he uses people to do it, even family. Remember, when we are weary, we need to go to Jesus. It’s not the enemy’s place to wear you out but he will try. God is not using him, but he will use your situations to draws you.

Better off without Jesus? You may not have had any problems as an unbeliever. I have been blessed but I have had my share of those devices, and they are not always one at a time. When I have had them pile up, I have had that thought like,  ” What did I get myself into? ” I got saved so young, I never had a time I didn’t know HIm. Quitting is an option, but not an option with Jesus, what would I do without HIm? It is more of a temptation, and with suicidal pastors and believers, it concerns me, that people are giving up on life and even on the Lord. There is no shame to quit something or get help, no matter what anyone says. Another enemy lie. I have had to quit some things that were not going well, even let go of people I could not help.

I pray the Lord will give us grace and the Spirit of discernment and His return is near. Believe me, no one is better of without Jesus! Even if it sometimes, looks that way, the deception isn’t real, His love is, His peace is and healing and deliverance is. I pray He pours the oil of joy into our hearts and His peace. Let’s speak it over each other, and drown out the enemy lies.

Now, the parable of the sower is in Mark 4 and Matthew 17, the latter explains it better. The sower sows the word, the enemy comes after it, immediately to dig it out of your heart. there are various types of ground and we want to be good ground, and in faith rooted and grounded, deeply in His love.

The ways he comes are listed as well not like this but health, finances and ridicule or persecution. You will even get it from Christians, so don’t give up, get back on your knees if you need to or if you can’t just believe His love, you are better off with Him, safe in Jesus our Lord.

Thomas / pexels