Are You Prepared?

Well, are you? Perhaps, you have been married or planning a wedding and you know that anticipation, the joy of celebrating what is not only supposed to be a lifelong commitment to love but an eternal one.

A lot goes into a a wedding, why there are such people as wedding planners, and parents of the bridge and groom and others do their part. God has wedding planned, He was and is spiritually wedded to Israel, and we as the church, made up of both men and women, of course, a figuratively, the ” bride ” of Christ. This does not mean that He did not create marriage for one man and woman, it doesn’t. It is a spiritual term.

God created men and women with both strength and love, boldness, and compassion, the authority of a father but the love of a mother. He set boundaries, it is people who too often blur the lines and perceive what was meant for our good to be construed as hate. People who bother to instruct and discipline children, like God, love and care for them. Condemnation and being left to their own devices will often leave them feeling hated, but feelings are not always true.

I recall walking the aisle to receive Christ at eleven, I was in tears and embraced a friend, a boy, I had known since kindergarten, beneath a large mural of Christ. It had broken my heart to hear of His love and sacrifice for me, I also felt a little fear of that picture but now I know it was just an awesome respect that has lasted a lifetime, I need not fear Him, that comes from the enemy to keep us from Him.

I did not marry that friend, but it is a good picture to carry around in my heart of giving my heart to Jesus. How much more special is the wedding of husband and wife, especially, if the two are truly joined in holy matrimony by God. And I know, there love even beyond that pure bridal love that is more than a match made in heaven but one that exists in those precious souls that He has saved and awaits to receive at the Marriage Supper.

Father, Son, Spirit, all calling the bride or kallah in Hebrew, are your lamps filled, are you wearing the robe of righteousness that is required formal attire? I don’t see any reason that angels are not setting the places, He could return at any moment. Amos 4:12 says to prepare to meet thy God. Are you prepared to meet the bridegroom?

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Spring Proverbs

Well, since we are entering spring and had a few Psalms posted yesterday, why not some Proverbs? These are from the New Living Version but Bible Hub will let you compare.

She ( wisdom ) will place a lovely wreath on your head; she will present you with a beautiful crown. Proverbs 4:9

The way of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, which shines ever brighter until the full light of day. Proverbs 4:18

Let your wife be a fountain of blessing for you. Rejoice in the wife of your youth. Proverbs 5:18

My gifts are better than gold, even the purest gold, my wages better than sterling silver! Proverbs 18:19

Wisdom will multiply your days and add years to your life. Proverbs 9:11

When the king smiles, there is life; His favor refreshes like a spring rain. Proverbs 16:15

Wise words are like deep waters; wisdom flows from the wise like a bubbling brook. Proverbs 18:4

Wise words satisfy like a good meal; the right words bring satisfaction. Proverbs 18:20

The king’s heart is like a stream of water directed by the LORD; He guides it wherever He pleases. Proverbs 21:1

A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver. Proverbs 25:11

Good news from far away is like cold water to the thirsty. Proverbs 25:25

The heartfelt counsel of a friend is as sweet as perfume and incense. Proverbs 27:9

I hope you like these, I sure do. And I capitalized the H in He concerning kings,  Solomon may have meant earthly ones but ours in heavenly.

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Psalms For Spring

We all know the beauty of the Psalms and what better way to enjoy the beginning of spring than to pick a few of them. Like flowers, they bloom in our hearts, and like field of wheat that produces a harvest so do they. We expect blessing from the Word, and just maybe, here are a few unexpected ones.

He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers. Psalm 1:3

 God, my shepherd! I don’t need a thing.
You have bedded me down in lush meadows,
you find me quiet pools to drink from. True to your word,
you let me catch my breath and send me in the right direction.

Psalm 23:1-3 Message Bible

You visit the earth and water it; you greatly enrich it; the river of God is full of water; you provide their grain, for so you have prepared it. Psalm 65:9

Let the mountains bear prosperity for the people, and the hills, in righteousness! Psalm 72:3

May He be like rain that falls on the mown grass, like showers that water the earth! Psalm 72:6

You have fixed all the boundaries of the earth; you have made summer and winter. Psalm 74:17 ( spring and fall )

Faithfulness springs up from the ground, and righteousness looks down from the sky. Psalm 85:11

You make springs gush forth in the valleys; they flow between the hills. Psalm 104:10

I know there are others you might enjoy or better still just read them all.

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Unexpected Blessings

We all like to think about blessings, the showers of blessing we need. The mercy drops round us are falling but for the showers  we plead, the old hymn says. We can all be thankful for the blessing we see, but what about the ones we don’t or don’t even realize are there in the Spirit waiting for us to receive them.  These are unexpected blessings.

Perhaps, there is a blessing in disguise waiting for us. Maybe, we were looking to one side of a problem when we should have been looking at another.  When I was in the hospital being treated for one problem, there was another and another but God brought me through it and now the first problem is a problem, and the ones that the enemy would have piled on are being routed as well. It might not appear to be a blessing but the strength I found in my faith, sown in long ago cropped up as an unexpected blessing.

Maybe, you though losing someone in your life was such a bad thing to happen, what is He is sending someone better for you to date, or marry? Even just new friends if old ones have forsaken you, it might not be so bad after all but a blessing in disguise. I know I have wanted certain people to like some of my interests, they just don’t  but somebody else does.

We are heading on into spring and around here when the afternoon heats up, the storms can blow and do a lot of damage but there are also those steamy downpours and the trickles of gentle drops pattering on the roof or window, the showers of blessing we need. And those are the blessings we need but what about the unexpected ones, we might have study or did a bit deeper for those.

There are some things we are expecting God to do but it is likely He is doing even better. We limit Him too often, we can’t keep God in a Bible or a box or even to ourselves. Why? He’s just too vast, which is why we cannot limit a limitless God of infinite resources. I think we should expect unexpected blessings.

Your victory brings him great honor, and you have clothed him with splendor and majesty. You have endowed him with eternal blessings and given him the joy of your presence. Psalm 21:5,6

It is the LORD’s blessing that brings wealth, and no effort can substitute for it. Proverbs 10:22 NET

I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you. I tell you the truth, slaves are not greater than their master. Nor is the messenger more important than the one who sends the message. Now that you know these things, God will bless you for doing them. John 13:15- 17 New Living

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A Breath Of Spring

Well, here it is again, spring. And I, for one, could use a breath of it. Last year,  ( 2022 ) I could not even get out to enjoy the sun for long and now I can sit and watch the clouds, enjoy a warm breeze, though a snippet of cold weather will make it’s way back. I have been watching flower shows and reading about plants. I just don’t have flowers like I used to.

The hummingbirds will be back in May and I’m looking forward to that, The roses cropped from last year will raise their heads and hearts in praise. The cardinal may even return to nest in them, and lay tiny eggs that will hatch and the babies, little balls of brownish fluff will fly away in eight days. There are always robins, bluebirds, doves and lots of sparrows.

I am partial to them too because they are so small and fragile, yet God knows them all and is there to catch them when thy fall or perhaps, even before. He is that good! I know God breathed the stars into existence and have to wonder if He didn’t do the same for all creation, the multi-colored butterflies with delicate and delightful wings, and busily buzzing bees that are floating, though actually, too heavy to fly, pollenating plants, even the blue skies with wisps of clouds that look like angel feathers.

There used to be a  bank of lavender thrift that overflowed the grass just down the road. It looked like purple pond that has overflowed its banks. The ponds lie solemn and still and the creeks trick across rocks and wear away the roughness. Spring, itself, overflows with the creative and restorative powers of God. It is a time of renewal and rebirth, in a sense.

What has been sown long ago begins to bloom and blossom, be it flowers or faith. What we must realize is not simply the season that we so enjoy before the summer daze start to sizzle in the south but the remembrance if His sacrifice and grace, the suffering of a loving savior that causes renewal and resurrection. And I believe He is renewing us now, even in the midst or all the conflict in the world and within our own souls. Draw near to Him and enjoy a breath of spring.

I am a rose of Sharon, a lily of the valleys. Song of Solomon 2:1

God breathed stars in Psalm 33:6, and all His words, 2 Timothy 3:16. Isaiah 7:18 mentions that he whistles for bees. The debate on whether they are too heavy to fly is still a debate and it does have to do with their wings, that make the buzz and how they rotate and lift, but believers know that they were created and while breaking no laws of physics per se, they are, in effect, too heavy, but God made them aerodynamic.

And we know the beauty of Ecclesiastes 3, that to everything, there is a season. What season are you in or I. We may not even be sure but He is, it is spring with the Lord, no matter the season, and time to breathe in His love and drink His living water of joy.

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From Pinterest / It connects to more posts.

A Vessel Of Honor

While this is not a vessel of gold or some priceless artifact, it represents a vessel being held in high esteem. That is what a chosen vessel or a vessel of honor is. Something special, valuable, worth a lot to the owner.

The vessel of honor, be it a vase or compote, a piece of silver, has a place all it’s own. Like two matching hand blown pieces of glass that a friend purchased for her mantle, the two I have that have cherubic artwork on them and a matching pitcher or the golden amber flower baskets in a popular pattern from the 1970’s, I would find places of honor to display them like a work of art.

I even have a plum colored vase now that hold flowers on my dresser. It is etched with frosted glass and white angels and compliments a few other pieces I have of that color, including a large, rounded flower vase, mother has a gold one and a Communion Cup with the Lord’s Supper on it. I would love to have the plate. Another pair of vases that mother has was given to her back in the 1980’s by a ninety year old lady from church, I know they are probably predate the 1950’s at the very least.

The point is that vessels of honor, which can hold wine or fruit is comparable to the believer as the vessel for the Holy Spirit to dwell. I don’t think we all even know or realize the potential God chose us for and place within us, He has made us His masterpiece, Ephesians 2:10. Surely, He has a place for us, we are always on display.

But God’s truth stands firm like a foundation stone with this inscription: “The LORD knows those who are His,” and “All who belong to the LORD must turn away from evil.” In a wealthy home some utensils are made of gold and silver, and some are made of wood and clay. The expensive utensils are used for special occasions, and the cheap ones are for everyday use. If you keep yourself pure, you will be a special utensil for honorable use. Your life will be clean, and you will be ready for the Master to use you for every good work.  2 Timothy 2:19,- 21

Many of the people in this chapter believed a resurrection had already taken place, much like the Pretorist theory that the Rapture or catching away of the church has already occurred. The Lord does know His. And while the days of the Great Tribulation must be shortened by Him or else no one would survive, could it possible, that even now, He may be shortening our time here as He draws ever close. It’s something to ponder. It really is important to keep our souls pure and remain a chosen vessel.

And 1 Thessalonians 4:4 takes it in the physical realm, God prefers marriage as opposed to relationships one after another. We are to take control of ourselves and be sanctified in Him and not immoral.  1 Peter 3:7 teaches men to leave to their wives and respect them as a weaker vessel, not a lesser one. Though I know some women that are as strong as men, most are not. They were not  designed to be as strong in physical strength.

Women in olden days often died early or in childbirth, working much too hard and too many hours. The weaker vessel is one that should be respected for her courage and stamina, her love and patience. She is an equal as God is not a respecter of persons. Submission is not subservience or abuse.

So what do you think? How do you see yourself? Like God does, a chosen vessel or vessel of honor set apart for His glory, still just an earthen vessel or clay port or are you going to have to think that through and realize that as a believer, the greater one dwells in you?

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Chosen Vessels

Just what is a vessel? It actually has several meanings. It is a container or as a cask, bottle, kettle, cup, or bowl for holding something. That something could be water, wine or oil. All three are used as metaphors for the Holy Spirit. So that makes us a vessel, a chosen vessel.

Remember, how Jesus told the disciples that they didn’t choose Him, He chose them, John 15:16? He also said that many are called a few are chosen, Matthew 22:14. Ephesians 1:4 says we were chosen before the foundation of the world, so why is it that few are chosen? Here’s the answer, the Bible will interpret itself.

Many have the word, but it dwells in them poorly; it has no power over them. The soul prospers, when we are full of the Scriptures and of the grace of Christ. Colossians 3:12

This is how some vessels are when they should be walking as theses verses say.

They stumble because they do not obey God’s word, and so they meet the fate that was planned for them. But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for He called you out of the darkness into His wonderful light. 1 Peter 2:8,9

Ephesians 1:11 also states that God appointed Jesus to choose us, according to His will. So He wants us to filled with His Spirit, the water, the ” new wine ” of His spiritual gifts, and the oil that He wants us to have and endless supply of, like the widow who was about to bake her last cake of bread for herself and hers son, when she offered it to Elijah, the oil miraculously lasted, as did the meal. No wonder, I like cornbread!

The vessel or even pots as they were often clay, but also made from other things, as the vessels in the temple were gold. There were likely vessels of silver, perhaps iron, or glass. And they held other things like the meal, perhaps the vegetables or fruit, grains. Oil and grains, even water and wine are drink offerings.

Jesus was a chosen vessel. He poured Himself out for us body and soul as the ultimate offering. Even broken vessels were mended with a mixture that included Lamb’s blood.

And if you are wondering about the second meaning of the word vessel, well, Jesus was all over that too. It is a boat. Jesus was often traveling by boat, though He could walk on water. He even called Peter out. Like Peter, we can falter with out eyes on the storm, we may not all be disciples in the sense of the word but we, as believers are all in the same boat, and we want to be chosen vessels.

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…from my mother’s Pinterest board…

Earthen Vessels

Most people never think of being created or how God formed Adam and Eve from the bust and breathed into them a  living soul. And people have being  created ever since. We are earthen vessels on the potter’s wheel. formed and fashioned by the Father,  redeemed by the Son and taught by the Spirit.

We often feel as if we go round and round in life. Some days are like a sparring match, others like wandering in the wilderness and then there are times of breakthrough watching the walls you have walked around crumble before you. A Jericho moment, a jubilee, a triumphant and victorious celebration.

But being on the wheel isn’t always fun, we are often being sculpted, shaped, scraped or even cut down to size. Clay may be added or taken away before we are kindled or fired. And even the earthen vessel who is complete in Christ, Ephesians 2:10, can become chipped or cracked, even broken. Sometimes, we may feel like we have even come unglued while on the mend. The Lord is still there.

I was amazed to hear how vessels were repaired in the ancient times with a mixture that include lamb’s blood. There were not stores on every corner and no way to order something online. We can get so caught up in our lives and even oppressed as believes that we lose sight of the simplicity of God’s love, He sent His Son. If we are ever to be chosen vessels, vessels of honor or more than earthen vessels that are so often empty, we must respect His sacrifice and this is the season for healing, resurrection, deliverance as spring and Easter or Resurrection day approaches. Shouldn’t believers be mended all the more with communion , both personally and the Eucharist. Are we not vessels free from sin by the Lamb’s blood, and His body given for us?

I will do more posts on the topic as we approach a holiday that is very holy and sacred to believers. Isn’t it time to get of the wheel, stop running from God and to Him, let Him finish what He started and become an earthly vessel, filled with His Spirit and for His glory, a chosen vessel, and a vessel of honor.

Remember that you have made me like clay; and will you return me to the dust? Job 10:9

You turn things upside down! Is the potter no better than his clay? Can something that has been made say about its maker, “He didn’t make me”? Can a piece of pottery say about the potter, “He doesn’t understand”? Isaiah 29:6 God’s Word Translation

Does a clay pot dare argue with its maker, a pot that is like all the others? Does the clay ask the potter what he is doing? Does the pot complain that its maker has no skill? Isaiah 54:9 Good News

But now, O LORD, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work of your hand. Isaiah. 64:8

The word that came to Jeremiah from the LORD: “Arise, and go down to the potter’s house, and there I will let you hear my words.” So I went down to the potter’s house, and there he was working at his wheel. And the vessel he was making of clay was spoiled in the potter’s hand, and he reworked it into another vessel, as it seemed good to the potter to do. Jeremiah 18:1-3

After all, the man who makes the pots has the right to use the clay as he wishes, and to make two pots from the same lump of clay, one for special occasions and the other for ordinary use. Romans 5:21 Good News

Yet we who have this spiritual treasure are like common clay pots, in order to show that the supreme power belongs to God, not to us. 2 Corinthians 4:7 Good News

As the the people of Israel complained, so we do we. We don’t want to accuse God of not know what He is doing. He is often working on us, it is we who have it upside down and backward. Psalm 139 is proof of how much He thinks about His creation, His earthen vessels.

For He knows our frame; He is mindful that we are dust. Psalm 103:14

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Sweep Away The Blues

It’s March, spring is around the corner and I know cleaning is for a lot of us. I’ll try to get a few things done. I have to take it slower. With the spring comes a renewal and hope a rebirth if you will.

We all appear to wake up, perk up and take notice of the wonderful world around us and remember our Creator. We will begin to soak in more sun and daylight, and sweep away the blues, and blahs of winter. Though it has not snowed here, it might spit a few flakes this month. Though it has been cold, we have had warm days and storms, even tornadoes. Spring is around the corner.

While it is nice to power wash, sweep the lingering leaves and plant flowers and start to enjoy spring again, many of us might have trouble sweeping away the blues. So many of us are still facing down spiritual attacks, I have been praying for people with serious conditions, it is easy to tire from fighting the good fight of faith.

So what can we do? I see so many who have let their love grow cold like the winter winds. Let’s be a blessing where we can to whom we can. While we can’t bless everyone in what they do, because a lot of it is sinful and some things are just not in line with the Word, we can still offer prayers and encouragement to sweep the blues away.

Laughter can conceal a heavy heart, but when the laughter ends, the grief remains. Proverbs 14:13

A glad heart makes a cheerful face, but by sorrow of heart the spirit is crushed. Proverbs 15:13

A person’s spirit can endure sickness, but who can bear a broken spirit? Proverbs 18:14

Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God. Psalms 43:5

To all who mourn in Israel, he will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair. In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks that the LORD has planted for his own glory. Isaiah 61:3 New Living

Moreover, when you fast, do not be like the hypocrites, with a sad  countenance. Matthew 6:5

Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe in Me as well. John 14:1

These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may be in you and your joy may be full. John 15:11

Truly, truly, I say to you, you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice. You will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn into joy. John 16:20

There are many verses that will help you sweep away the blues, but if you need help don’t be afraid to ask.

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Home Is Where The Heart Is…

I had a few more posts on homes and houses to study this month. I know we have all heard this saying and how many times have we wished we could either go home to a place we loved or were loved. I know when I was in the hospital, I wanted to go home.

While working might makes us wish were were home, there are many situations that can cause depression, even isolation or fear. Being deployed, away on business, having to go into assisted living, among others. Our homes should be a source of sanctuary and joy, a peaceful place of contentment in Christ as He is our most welcome guest.

While home may be where the heart is, it is where Jesus is as believers in Him. And He is at the door, on the mercy seat, actually He is the door. He has graciously invited us to His Father’s house, and a Marriage Supper.

Let’s look at some verses about hearts and homes.

For now I have chosen and consecrated this house that my name may be there forever. My eyes and my heart will be there for all time. 2 Chronicles 7:16 English Standard

I will ponder the way that is blameless. Oh when will you come to me? I will walk with integrity of heart within my house. Psalm 101:2 ESV English Standard

Whoever troubles his own household will inherit the wind, and the fool will be servant to the wise of heart. Proverbs 11:29 English Standard

Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be. Matthew 6:21 New Living

In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. John 14:2 New King James

He ( the jailer ) brought them into his house and set a meal before them, and he and his entire household rejoiced because they all believed in God. Acts 16:24 New Living

Then Christ will make His home in your hearts as you trust in Him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. Ephesians 3:17 New Living

Job lamented long before the line about not going home again. but you know what? You can, the prodigal son did and not because he loved his father so much, but because he was hungry. Are we hungering for the Father’s love? You can go home, because home is where the heart is.

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