Dream - Graduating University

Last night I had a dream.   24th August 2016

I was in a room with a group of people and the girl that led me to the Lord was there and at one point I was sitting next to her.  We were in a church setting and she was sipping on coffee, relaxed, and saying something like she was enjoying being in a place of freedom, and she was happy.

Then I remember that I was also there to celebrate my graduating University.  At first I had to calculate that I was not leaving high school; thinking of my age, I finished high school at 17, then 3 years university means 20 years old - and in the dream - that was a reflection of my age.  My mum was with me and I looked at her and said thank you for paying my tuition fees as I know it would have cost a lot.  I was still in that same church environment that I was in with my friend.

That was pretty much all I can remember but I do reflect firstly that I have had a number of school and graduation dreams over the years; from primary school to high school.  Then I remember I was graduating high school and going to university, and this one was not that long ago really, probably in the last few years.  Now, in this dream, I have graduated university.

I note that I don’t feel that I have done anything spectacular in my walk recently to have this dream of graduating, nor any of the other dreams, but maybe it is significant for something new that is coming. Something new to learn, and now I am graduating from school and coming into some real life situations?

Yesterday I did recognise a prayer I said:  I said ‘Holy Spirit, teach me about You and to flow in You and be in You’.  I recognise that there can be so much more in my relationship with Him. Maybe it is because I want more and deeper and am coming into a new confidence, but in Him, not me!

I also had a lovely connect group with some girls and there was one girl there who was very sweet and my attitude was, I can learn something from her.

The other thing is, often my Dad or his house, or my mum or my sister are in my dreams.  I have seen that my dad often reflects Father God, my mum – Jesus and my sister, the Holy Spirit.

Saying to my mum, thanks for paying my tuition fee, I know it cost a lot, was like me saying to Jesus, thank you for paying the price for me. I know it cost you everything.

I also note that this September, I believe, is when I first went to church to listen to a testimony and was so touched by God that He got my heart then.  I didn't formally go forward for prayer and be baptised until the following June, 1997.  But, this September testimony in 1996 was extremely significant for me.  So reflecting now, that is 20 years. Praise God for keeping me.

I find my dreams so interesting and descriptive at times, especially when links are being revealed, pictures and analogies. 

There is nothing for me to do in this other than be thankful that God has kept me these years.  I believe that there is something new coming, and this 20 years in the Lord is quite significant. And to give thanks to Jesus for paying the price for me, I love that about this dream.

So, yes, thankful, blessed, hopeful.  God is good!

Orphan hearted and a sinner

For a long time in my life I was 'love poor'.

I had an orphan type spirit, I actually thought I was an orphan and spoke that over my life often as a child, wondering what had I done wrong to feel so unloved and left out.

My only answer was that I had been born.

I walked around like this for many years, but would manage to put on good show that I had it altogether. I actually told myself when very young, that I will just have to look after myself. I never asked for anything as I didn't want to be a burden.

So when I was saved, it was the knowledge of God's love for me that initially drew me - it was His love. That God loved me, that someone loves me.

It was not my sin or need of forgiveness, just His love for me; the me who thought I was unloved and my life wasn't worth anything.  The little girl who thought that at least my cat loves me! 

I do know that God was with me from young and that He knew of me. I grew up saying my prayers, reverent fear, and I remember saying to God one night in bed that I wanted to do things the right way according to Him. But I did not know His love.

So after the revelation of His love in 1997, it took me a while to understand Jesus, His Son.  I didn't get it at first, although I dearly wanted to. I had questions, Who would die for me? Why? I had no value in myself and was t looking from God's perspective and truth.

But the truth is God did send His only Son that whoever believes in Him would have eternal life. And I realised, His love was a double blessing, for not only did He love me, He died for me. I had to come to the understanding that I needed a Saviour not just for love, but so my sins and my separation from Him could be taken care of. That I would be made alive by His Spirit.

I had to understand that at all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God, that at the core, as I compared myself to God and His ways, there was nothing good in me. Now, any good I do is all for and to the glory of God who has worked in me.

Every person needs this life transforming moment with God - a new heart and a born again spirit - the gift and the freedom in repentance.

What is Repentance - turning from my own way to following Jesus wholeheartedly. Which simply means to know His will and do His will, which is fulfilled by LOVE!  This re-uniting is called SALVATION!

Fly Together

This is a twist on a previous post using the two pictures earlier this month...

 

FB post.

 

I wanted to share this picture that I found on a FB group I subscribe to, which included the words 'Fly together'.

 

I love this picture for marriages, the body of Christ, ministries, the callings of God....

 

Encourage each other. Seek Peace together....

Eph 4
I therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, beg you to walk worthily of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and humility, with patience, bearing with one another in love; being eager to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body, and one Spirit, even as you also were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all, and through all, and in us all. But to each one of us was the grace given according to the measure of the gift of Christ.Therefore he says, “When he ascended on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts to men.”Now this, “He ascended”, what is it but that he also first descended into the lower parts of the earth? He who descended is the one who also ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things.

 

He gave some to be apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, shepherds and teachers; for the perfecting of the saints, to the work of serving, to the building up of the body of Christ; until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a full grown man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; that we may no longer be children, tossed back and forth and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in craftiness, after the wiles of error; but speaking truth in love, we may grow up in all things into him, who is the head, Christ; from whom all the body, being fitted and knit together through that which every joint supplies, according to the working in measure of each individual part, makes the body increase to the building up of itself in love.

 

I also added the picture of eagle's as some may relate to that picture as well. Both are pretty cool and speak of something beautiful.

 

 

 

 

Yes, Fly together!

 

 

 

Gentleness

Gentle! Being gentle is good.

There is both a strength and softness in being gentle.

Jesus has many wonderful facets, and one of them is being gentle!

When we need some gentleness, Jesus can give it.

We can also find it in a kind and caring heart of a friend or loved one.

We all need gentleness, and to be gentle as well.

Gentle is good

#morningthoughts

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Jesus: King of Kings

The other night I had a dream. A person known to me was wearing a pair of brown ankle boots. She was struggling to walk in them and her left leg was being dragged behind her.  The person gave me the boots to try on to see if I wanted them, as in the natural we sometimes exchange shoes. I tried them on but although they seemed to fit length wise the shoes were really heavy. They were really wide inside, didn't feel nice and although similar the shoes were actually a little different, not even complete with material missing, not matching and even the laces seemed odd.

 

I knew the shoes were no good, not for me and I could see why she had trouble walking in them. I then saw a glimpse of the brand name on the ankle area, which was a brand that use to make shoes and I don't know if they still do?

 

The brand name was 'Roc

 

The message I saw was she was trying to walk on the Rock without the K. The Roc's didn't fit, were heavy and made her walk very tough. This person is in what I would call a religious system that inhibits the full knowledge and reverence of Christ as King and Lord over all.

 

When I woke I said to a friend that the K for Rock was missing and that we are told stand on the Rock of the revelation who Jesus Christ is. Then my friend said K for King.

 

I thought yes. Jesus is the Christ the Son of God. Amen. And He is also Jesus Christ our King. The revelation of Peter is key! To understand He is Lord and King above all is key!

 

So, He is Lord and King, Redeemer, Love, the Christ who takes away the sins of the world and if we have seen Him, we have seen God. To know Him is to know God. That Our Father has revealed Himself in Christ and made Him Lord over all. God is Lord over all. He is preeminent!

 

We are to stand on the full revelation of Jesus Christ our ROCK. All He has done and wants for us 'as a partial understanding' will hinder our walk, our standing, our identity and even salvation itself.

So, we can pray and encourage each other to know Jesus better. To really acknowledge who He is. That people would know Him as the Christ, the Son of the living God, Christ our King! People who don't yet know Him, people who are stuck in religious systems that blind their sight in the truth..... And for our brothers and sisters, to encourage and build each other in Christ, and to encourage each other in to the fullness we have which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

 

Matthew 16:13-20

When Jesus came into the coasts of Cæsarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am? And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets. He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-jona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock (the revelation of who Jesus is) I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

 

Jesus King of Kings - Scripture references

Little Leadings

A friend posted something the other day. It was how the Lord led him and it reminded me of something that the Lord led me with the other week.

On Thursdays I get to hang out with some very inspiring people and I am honored to be able to take them through a couple of modules for a program they are in.

I had been wanting some one on one time. That morning I felt promoted by the Lord to take all my notes for the 12 sessions for the courses. I usually only take what I need.

I left the folder in the car and when I was about to start the second course one of the administrators asked if I had time to do a one on one with one of the guys so he could finish that part of the course. Therefore, it so happened that I brought my notes and was able to go to the particular lesson with preparation because the Lord had prompted me that morning.

So I did 3 courses that day which included a one on one, my prayer answered and I was prepared.

God is good.   Listen for His voice and those inner promptings.

He often prepare us before hand!

God's LOVE

I decided last minute to go to a meeting here on the coast, oh am I so pleased I did.  God is so good!

 

I know it's a beautiful day but I didn't feel this till I sat inside the building for a while; such heart and revelation, I get a sense that spiritually, spring time is coming. ‪#‎greaterdepth‬. ‪#‎love‬

Love for the Father's Love. Loving Him loving me.

 

 

 

Since the above post on FB I have been thinking on the Father's love and at times receiving waves of His love and knowing that it is Him revealing His love to me.

 

The other day I was praying with a friend and I felt such peace and His presence.

 

Another time I was thinking about praying for others and I was seeing a picture of myself as a vessel to operate in the flow of God's love to people.  I could sense His presence again.

 

Today, I was reading about Jacob in the OT in Genesis and his journey and travels.

I have been reading about the altar's that are set up and given a name, and in Jacob's life events there were quite a few altar's and names given to specify certain events that had taken place.

 

One specifically, was where he set up an altar after he had come back to the promised land of Canaan. The Lord God declared that Jacob would receive the land and his offspring would inhabit the earth - which was the same declaration of the promise to Abraham, Jacob's Grandfather.

 

I was reading that although Jacob was originally named a deceiver, and I read through the situations he got himself into and out of, God still declared that He was with Jacob.  Later God changed his name to Israel.

 

So what did Jacob call this altar?   El Elohe Israil  which means - God, the God of Israel.

 

As I read the 'For thought and contemplation' section at the bottom of my daily reading it says:

 

Have you ever stopped everything and said this one thing to God - your name?  What is your name? Ego? Fear? Resentment? Self-pity?  A new name doesn't come until we say the old one.  In other words, confession is catharsis.

 

I thought about what still affects me.  Sometimes jealousy I think.  I have often felt like I missed out, even from a child.  So I guess there could be self-pity as well.

 

But even though I was thinking about my shortcomings and handing then over to God.  I know I have come a long way, and always guard myself and my thoughts from this old way of thinking, and in all of this pondering, I asked God "what is my name?"

 

As I was writing on the piece of paper, I wrote what flowed from my spirit which was ....

 

 Bernie - loved of God.

 

God really does love me and He is showing and confirming His love to me and wants me to operate in this love.  I believe I am understanding the 'greater depths' as I put in my post above.

 

Just yesterday I was speaking with some new Christians about sin and a lot of the scriptures referred to love.

 

Basically if we walk in love we won't sin or want to sin, and not walking in love produces sin.

 

So there was a discussion and encouragement to walk in love with people and for people to know that they are loved, unconditionally.  I think that it is sometimes difficult for people to grasp the love of God.  Part of this is to understand the love of God in Christ Jesus, our Saviour, Lord and King.  Part of this is to receive His love.  His love is not necessarily like the authority figures we have had in our lives - as they are not at times a very good indicator.

My prayer is that the Lord will start to reveal His love through me.  To touch people, love people and open people's hearts to His love with healing, and for them to be free and walk in all the fullness that is theirs in Christ Jesus.

 

Wow, to know that God would name me - 'loved of God'.  I like that name and am going to keep it!

What wonderful name has he called you - I bet it is something similar!!

 

 

 

 

Knowing you are loved by God does so much for your identity.

Our real identity comes from being a child of God and being loved by Him

 

 

 

 

Yes, I am truly loved.

 

 

Abraham builds an Altar

I'm reading more about Abram's journey and the promises given to him by God. Abram obeys God and leaves the land of Ur. Walking by faith to a place the Lord wants to give him and his descendants. God speaks saying 'this is the land' and Abram builds an altar there. But then due to a famine in the land Abram goes on to Egypt. Now I am not sure if he was suppose to do that? It seemed like the right idea? But, he had to lie about his wife. She went into the palace probably in preparation to be presented to Pharaoh. But God starts to send plagues upon Pharaoh to protect Sarai. When Pharaoh finds out Sarai is Abrams wife, he sends Abram and Sarai back out, and Pharaoh allows Abram to keep the wealth that he gave to him when he thought that Ab and Sar were siblings. Abram and all with him, journey back to where? To where the first altar was built, where God said 'I will give you this land' and here Abram calls on the name of the Lord again.

 

I think in this how God was in control. Even though they were in Egypt in odd circumstances, God's redemptive plan was still alive and His promise to Abram was going to take place.

 

I think about where I had journeyed off, sincerely wanting the will of God for my life, but then realizing where I was, wasn't such a good idea, and as I sought Christ and obeyed, I once again felt like my feet were in the right place. I learnt and gained things in the process even though that direction wasn't the right one for me.

 

I give glory to God, for although I am holding onto Him, He is more so, holding onto me, and I know that He will guide me to the promised land for His purposes. Sometimes people can think ahh, I've mucked it, it's over and out, but I say 'But God' But God!!!

 

Seek Him and ask for His directions. And as you move forward obey Him. Make good choices, operate in the right spirit. Walk and abide in Faith.

There's a Season and a Reason

 

I was thinking about this earlier today whilst walking.

That God takes us through seasons and in it, He's working out the reason.

(Not that He doesn't know the reason, but it's effect is being worked out in us).

To teach us, shape us, change us, grow us, to remove things, to instil things, to prepare things. He aligns people, uses circumstances, and we can trust Him with and in the process.

 

“To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:”  Eccl 3:1a

 

#Jesus  #growth  #trust   #Hispurposes   #life

 

 

Picture taken at Burleigh Beach

01  July  2016

FAITH

Quote:
The trial of Abraham's faith was that he
simply and fully obeyed the call of God.

 

Abraham went out by faith not knowing where he was going. He dwelled in the land of promise like a foreign country and.......
Heb 11:10 For he (Abraham) looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.

 

This prompted me to think how sometimes we / I really want to know the big picture. God, where am I going what am I doing? And it is OK to ask. It is good to ask and to get insight, as we are encouraged to hear from God for direction.

 

But in this, I have to be at times reminded to trust, be faithful, be patient.

 

Even when Abraham got to the land of promise he dwelt there by faith.

 

I too am encouraged to dwell, live, walk by faith. To keep my eyes on Him. To live fully in my present position as I move onward in call and purpose. To be FAITHfilled obeying His direction and directive as I keep the perspective of eternity in my heart. And to remember in the process, to enter HIS rest.

 

He is LOVE.   Enter that REST

Jesus Christ - the author and finisher of our FAITH,
Who for the joy set before Him, endured the cross, despising the shame
and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Hebrews 12:2

Leave your baggage behind

During a group worship time this week I saw this picture.

It was of a person carrying an old suitcase. The person walks to the kerb and in a short moment a bus comes along. The person, 'leaves that old case on the kerb', gets on the bus with a looking forward not looking back. The doors shut, and the bus pulls away on to the next destination.

It was a picture where people can at times carry a bag holding things of the past and still be defined by them; shame, things that created pain, memory of sin, etc.

So, to me it was an encouragement for people in their journey with Jesus to leave those things behind. I love the word in Isaiah..."don't remember the former things, don't consider the things of old, behold I do a new thing" (Is 43:18).

Sometimes it seems hard to not pick up the old stuff again, and sometimes, to even let it go in the first place. But trust God's word when He says you are a new creation. Let Him do the work in you.

So if you are carrying some stuff, step into the freedom that is yours in Christ. Leave that old case there on the kerb.... don't look back and don't go pick it up again.

And for some help, some lyrics of an old song came to my thoughts as I wrote this..
If the enemy starts to remind you of your past (don't listen), you just remind him of his future.

(Carman - Revival in the Land).   :)

 

Encouragement - I am unlocking you!

Word of encouragement from Leon Bites.   06/2016

I heard the Spirit of the Lord say,

 

‘There is unlocked potential in you and promises spoken over you that have been unfulfilled. But see now ...that I am taking the keys and unlocking the dusty chest to release these things. You are going to form new skills and abilities that you never knew you had, even in areas that you struggle in, and promises once spoken over you are going to come to pass.’

 

This is a journey that He wants to take with you.

 

That you would sit with him when He opens the chest, to find the hidden potential together. And that you would co-work with God, to move and grow in these previously unknown abilities and know the promises that are going to be fulfilled.

 

For, just like a parent, God enjoys and loves seeing you thrive and do well with what you have. He wants to share in the joy with you as you rediscover yourself, and see blessings come into your life......Lion Bites

 

..................................................................................................................................................................

This was an encouragement that I saw on my FB page and it spoke to me.  I can see the Lord doing things in my life now, and thankfully I am responding like I have not done in the past.  I am responding with FAITH, and with obedience more than fear.

 

I have been asked to facilitate and share with new Christians and people who have gone through tremendous tough times the foundational studies in God.  This is all wonderful but I have always felt like...

 

Moses:        'Lord, I can't speak'.

 

Jeramiah:    'Ah, Lord God! Behold, I cannot speak, for I am a youth'

 

even though Jeremiah used the reason for I am a youth I have only just now seen that reason.  All I could see were my reasons... reason's why I can't speak.  Why I am not qualified.

 

But God said to  Jeremiah:

 

"Do not say, 'I am a youth' (or I am this or that), For you shall go to all to whom I send you. And whatever I command you, you shall speak.  Do not be afraid of their faces, For I am with you to deliver you," says the Lord

 

But God said to  Joshua:

 

"Be strong and of good courage, Only be strong and of good courage, and finally...

Have I not commanded you, "Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go".

 

 

It must be the Lord as I am walking through the fear and stepping out in FAITH.  I prepare the lesson and each time I drive to the ministry centre I am praying, Lord, today, give me the anointing to teach, to speak, to comprehend and share what I know is in my heart and spirit.  Holy Spirit, speak through me the words that the class needs to hear and be encouraged with.

 

Last week, although I have notes as a guide it was important to asked myself, what do I know that is real to me on this topic, so that insight flows from my heart to the heart of those here.

 

So, at the end, as we were packing up I heard one of the guys say 'that was mad' but meaning GOOD.  And I thought, thank you God, thank you.  Thank you Holy Spirit.

 

I was reminded of a time (approx. yr 2002) when I was listening to a visiting speaker and in his sharing a scripture, I knew that God was speaking to me as I felt the fire of God from the top of my head to the tip of my toe and it sat on me for a short while.  I was emotionally moved and thought, God, what are you trying to tell me, and I believe that God was encouraging me way back then but it really has taken me all this time to really trust and put aside my own view of inadequacies.

 

1 Cor 2:1-5

And I, brethren, when I came to you, did not come with excellence of speech or of wisdom declaring to you the testimony of God, For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.  I was with you in weakness, in fear, and in much trembling.  And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.

 

I still am not sure what God is doing as I am not a natural teacher, but often God will use people where they are not necessarily 'natural' in, for His 'supernatural' purposes.  But, to be confident in who my God is and to know that I am a vessel.  To not be afraid of the faces, and to do my best, and if I fail... it is OK.  It is OK.  To trust God.  He is working.  He is doing something.  I know this is God leading me to this moment.  To let Go and Trust God.

 

Amen.

 

 

Miracles

You, every one of you are God the Father's special miracles. His miracle working power has given you life where there was no light or life in or of yourself.

 

He formed you and then (in Christ) He transforms you.

 

 

 

 

 

I wrote the above on my FB page and had the hashtag   #believe

 

Here I will elaborate further...

 

The scripture that I was going to add to #believe was Rom 10:13

 

For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved

 

It is very important, although a miracle - our birth - who we are - we being thought of before time by God, and our form and frame fashioned by Him, the miracle of a new birth still awaits us.

 

Salvation in Christ.

 

Yes, He formed you and then (in Christ - the new birth) He transforms you.

 

Like the picture below

 His miracle working power has given you life where there was no light or life in or of yourself.

 

 

 

 OPEN YOUR HEART AND RECEIVE JESUS

 

 Amen

 

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Jesus the Christ

So Jesus goes from Galilee to Judea. In the middle of the celebrated feast He goes into the temple and teaches.

 

He says, 'if any man thirst, let Him come to me and drink. He that believeth on Me, as the scripture has said, out of His belly shall flow rivers of living water. (here He was talking about receiving the Holy Spirit which would be given once He was glorified).

 

The response by those listening was...
He is the Prophet
Some said, this is the Christ
But some doubted and said, shall the Christ come out of Galilee? Has not the scriptures said, That Christ cometh of the seed of David, and out of the town of Bethlehem where David was?

 

Did they recognized something in Him; His teaching with authority and the miracles? But did they discounted it only because they didn't realize he was as the prophets had declared - The seed of David and out of the town of Bethlehem.

 

I wonder what their response would have been if they realized that the very One they were looking for was standing right in front of them?

 

I found this comment on a website and talking about the probability of only 8 prophecies about Jesus be fulfilled, with the answer as 1 in 1017...  That's 1 in 100, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000.

“The fact is, the birth, crucifixion, and bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ are celebrated worldwide by folk of every race, language, and colour, every year. And believing in Jesus, they have been delivered from the most evil, disastrous, frustrating, debilitating habits and life forms possible. The real problem with Jesus Christ is not that folk can't believe in Him—but that they won't believe in Him.” My friend, in all honesty, what are the chances you've not been altogether objective about the nature of the baby born in Bethlehem? What if the baby was God? What if He is God? What if you are to submit your life to Him?

 

 

Seeing Life through the Lens of Jesus Christ

I was just now thinking how really blessed I am. And this doesn't come because I have not had any trials or issues... but as this quote puts it....

 

Seeing life through the lens of Jesus Christ.
Some of us wear glasses. It seems that the older I become, the more my lenses seem to change. No matter what pair of glasses any of us may wear, the lenses are designed to help us to see more clearly. The metaphor of a lens is also appropriately used to help us figure out how we a...re to see life. In a nutshell, it’s why we’re spending a year studying Jesus. He is the lens through which we are to see life.

 

So, it is my 'life's journey' (not a year) to learn of Jesus, His heart and ways. Walk together, do life together, and in learning of Him and His ways I know that His perspective will take seed in my heart and become mine. I only want to see life through His eyes.

 

These thoughts started with me thinking about how blessed I am with my job. God knows the circumstances and how it fits into my life. Just recently my hours have dropped but I see that I can use the time to prepare for classes that I am now involved in.

 

God knows the future!

Let Peace Rule

I was listening to a message on Col 3:15

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.

It is pointed out that in this context he is helping the Colossians to live in unity and ensure peace within their fellowship. To get along with each other. To put off things which mar your communication and put on mercy, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;

Forbearing and forgiving one another ...as Christ has forgiven you; so, let the peace of God rule in your hearts; members together, peace in your hearts for each other.

I always saw peace rule in your hearts as individual, and our help for guidance (peace through the Holy Spirit - an umpire), which it is, but within the above context - the preacher is encouraging the dwelling together in unity and in love. Let peace rule!

Be together and dwell together.... having:
The peace of Christ in our fellowship
The word of Christ in our fellowship
The Lordship of Christ in our fellowship

I just shared it with my friend and she said
in joyfulness..... 'oh, its a ONE ANOTHER verse'. 

(Simon Manchester - St Thomas Anglican Church, North Sydney)

T

The

T

We Are In The New

Imagine this...

John the Baptist is standing in the Jordan. He has been sent by God to water baptize people in preparation for the coming of a new Kingdom. He knows that he will witness the coming of the Messiah.

One day he sees Jesus coming to him and he knows in his heart (revelation) that this is the Lamb of God (the sacrifice) who will take away the sin of the world. No one else could do it.

Jesus and John talk; John is hesitant to baptize the Messiah, well aware of his own need to be baptized and cleansed by Jesus.

So John baptizes Jesus to fulfill all righteousness, and as God has told John to watch, he sees the Spirit, the Holy Spirit descending from heaven and remaining on Jesus, revealing in certainty that Jesus, who stands before him, is the Christ!

And in that moment, John says....he knows... that Jesus is the One. The Christ who has ALL authority; authority to save people from their sins, and power to baptise with the Holy Spirit. And there, John, in knowing, gives witness that Jesus IS the Son of God.

And John's journey here is near it's end.

The handing over of a prophet under the old covenant to He that was prophesied of, as Saviour to bring in the New.  The beginning of the 3 year journey to Calvary. A journey of love. Signs and miracles following Him. A witness to His being the Messiah. A Saviour, a Friend. The only One who could set the captives (that's you and me) free. Free by way of the cross, His death for our sin. And to think, that as you believe in your heart, by a divine act of God, the Holy Spirit comes to live in you. The Spirit birthed in power in you, make this all a reality; yes, you are free!

You are His. Forgiven. Restored to God. Free. Death defeated by the Righteousness of One, the Christ. That which had been prophesied years before.

So, as believers we have the very Spirit of God; the same Spirit at creation that hovered over the waters; the same Spirit at the Jordan the day Jesus came forth, remaining on Him and raising Him from the dead. The same Spirit poured out at Pentecost.

His very Spirit is living in you and me.

His very Spirit baptizing you into resurrection life.

Wow!!! Imagine! The works He did; The witness, the salvations, the healings, the lives changed, the one's, the two's, the hundreds, the thousands. Think about His disciples; the prayers and the worship to God. The works, the witness, the salvations - God working through them. Nothing has changed, He is still the same; same heart, same power, same mission.

Believers..... His blood, His body, His Spirit!

The same Gospel, call and mission.

His desire is that none perish, and all come to repentance in Christ the Son. Restored to the Father.

To all who worship in spirit and truth!

To God be the Glory

.Amen

The Bible Made Alive

The Bible Made Alive
By Bernie Tarkka  20th April 2016

Being made alive in Christ by the Holy Spirit has made the bible my choicest book.

 

Early in Christ, I remember the day I watched a video on the book of Matthew and there was a point in the video where Jesus was walking along whilst talking and smiling! I was shocked. I am processing and in wonder at the same time...'Wow, Jesus is smiling, He is smiling!' That was a game changer for me.

 

At that point I was renting a room from a friend and she would leave me notes about little house things such as we need to buy this or that, and I realised... that I was reading the notes and bible in the voice and tone of how I was spoken to as a child (by a particular person whom I hold no animosity to). It was hard, agressive, negative often and not very encouraging and that I never seemed to do anything right. Like I was always being told off.  After I watched the video I remember being so aware that my processing of things written to me had been filtered through an old way of being spoken to.

 

The next memory was probably from later that evening when I was reading the bible and it was like the words were dancing on the page.

 

Now the lie had been exposed; that Jesus is smiling when he speaks, the words were coming to me in a whole different light. Although I enjoyed reading the bible before, this revelation brought something new to my reading and I was saying to myself in awe, WOW, the words are dancing on the page, LOOK, the words are dancing on the page. It was like love and grace came and kissed me and made these words alive.

Someone has written a book called 'Alter Your Perception Transform Your Reality, Smiling Jesus, the book, by Leon Cautillo and a description reads:

Invent a more joyous life by transforming your perception of Jesus Christ by pondering the possibility that Jesus was happy and joyous. Jesus was indeed an all loving, happy messenger honoring the greatest interpretation of the idea "God". His message was simple, live, seeking greater and greater joy each and everyday.

And although there are some tough topics in the bible, remember that it's heart is about Love, Redemption.  Love sent in the form of Jesus Christ to save the lost.  We are all lost, even from birth due to the nature that was inherited from our ancestors Adam and Eve. We do not need to be taught to sin, the fruit is already there. No one is righteous not even one is a truth in a bible.  But when I think of Jesus, His love, His sacrifice ... I just love this book that speaks of Him and I love the Holy Spirit that witnesses to Him and His call for Salvation to His Kingdom for all who believe.

 

The Bible
“This Book is the mind of God, the state of man, the way of salvation, the doom of sinners, and the happiness of believers. Its doctrines are holy, its precepts are binding; its histories are true, and its decisions are immutable.

Read it to be wise, believe it to be safe, practice it to be holy. It contains light to direct you, food to support you, and comfort to cheer you. It is the traveler’s map, the pilgrim’s staff, the pilot’s compass, the soldier’s sword, and the Christian’s character. Here paradise is restored, heaven opened, and the gates of hell disclosed. Christ is its grand subject, our good its design, and the glory of God its end. It should fill the memory, rule the heart, and guide the feet. Read it slowly, frequently, prayerfully. It is a mine of wealth, a paradise of glory, and a river of pleasure. Follow its precepts and it will lead you to Calvary, to the empty tomb, to a resurrected life in Christ; yes, to glory itself, for eternity.

 

Source unknown

 

Intimacy with God - Father's Day 2015

When I came to the Lord, the very first revelation I was overwhelmed with was that God loves me. I remember the moment when the light went on.. I spoke to myself and said - 'Someone loves me, GOD loves me'.

I tended to accept this idea that I was always down the list on people's hearts and agenda's and thought that was OK, as that was where I accepted myself to belong.

A recent J.Prince post about kids who grow up feeling they are not accepted prompted me to write this. I am overwhelmed when God starts to squeeze me, tight, with His love, and all that He is.

So, In this season, I feel God has tenderly brought more healing, healing I didn't even realise I needed. Even deeper than before, confirming His love to me.

So, on to the Fathers day message at church....

Point 1.
God chooses us. He chose us. For me, I really felt orphan-like as a kid. Over the years and restated on Sunday, God has reminded me that I was always wanted by Him. That He planned me. I was not a mistake! None of us are mistakes in God's eyes, each one is known by Him.

Point 2.
He listens to us.
The lie I lived was one of being unheard, and in being born, I tended to think my life was created to be like one of those extras in a movie, you know, the back ground space filler that is not there to say anything. I was reminded again, that God cares about what I have to say. That I mean something to Him. And it was an encouragement to ALWAYS continue to commune and converse with Him.

Point 3.
He pursues us.
I thought I would cope with this one, but actually can't elaborate,...o oh, more tears, but I managed to keep it together!

Point 4.
He loves us. Yes, He really does. The pastor quotes his favorite scripture... This very scripture is the one I wrote out in calligraphy style and framed it to put on my wall, when I was first saved......

For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. ..... Be persuaded that this is so. Meditate on this.

Then the closing song.... Your a Good Good Father. I am singing along when the words ...
Oh its love so undeniable
I can hardly think as You call me
Deeper still, as You call me
Deeper still, as You call me
Deeper still, into love love love.

Oh dear, I am overwhelmed! God IS calling me deeper; calling me deeper, deeper still into love love love. Well, with face in my hands, I can sing no more, tears flow, there is an exchange going on, knowing that I am having a moment with God. How overwhelming is God the Fathers love toward us. There is always room for deeper still, deeper still, into HIS love love love.

Now, to the J.P post...

Meditate On
…And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to GRASP how wide and long and high and deep is the LOVE of CHRIST, and to KNOW this LOVE that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
Ephesians 3:17–19, NIV
Be Rooted In Jesus’ Love
Can you imagine a young child growing up and always wondering in his heart, “Am I pleasing to Daddy? Am I pleasing to Mummy? Do Daddy and Mummy accept me?”

This child will grow up emotionally warped if he does not have the security and assurance of his parents’ love and acceptance.
Beloved, that is why Jesus wants you rooted, established and anchored in His unwavering love for you. He demonstrated His love for you when He became your sin on the cross so that you could become His righteousness. And when you meditate on and are rooted in His love for you, you will be filled with the fullness of God. How can you not be successful then?
Joseph Prince

When the morning finished, I had literally cried at least half the way through the preaching, maybe more. I reached over to the lady sitting next to me, one who I had recently met through home group, and with a smile I said 'I made it!!'. ie. I didn't completely break down during the service and cause a scene!

God's LOVE! God is a God of wholeness. He transforms and He reaches in deep. He knows the places that need His touch.

Yes, Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God.

That is Intimacy, That is Belonging. That is Love.

Worshiping Our Creator

On Sunday I was blessed to go to 3 churches.

As I woke this morning I was thinking about the Worship experience which I had at one church in particular and was also pondering on ‘other’ thoughts about worship that I had been having recently.

My thoughts recently were, unless it is due to my age, that I have questioned my getting in touch with God during a worship time when there is so many ‘things happening’.  I don't want it to be an emotional response to what is being used to help provide an atmosphere, I want it to be because I am in touch with God.

I appreciate wonderful singing, great musicians, wonderful lyrics and being able to express my heart to God with my brothers and sisters in Christ.  I want to worship with my whole spirit, soul, and body!

SO

The surprise visit was to a Christian fellowship that was in a big hall.