The Righteous Judge

 " O LORD, how long shall I cry, and thou wilt not hear! even cry out unto thee of violence, and thou wilt not save!... Behold ye among the heathen, and regard, and wonder marvelously: for I will work a work in your days, which ye will not believe, though it be told you." Habakkuk 1: 2&5

I hear the Father say: " I see you in the night as tears course down your cheeks. I see your heart; My heart mourns your brokenness. I know you do not see it now, but I am taking what others meant for your destruction and molding it for your good. You are reaping a harvest of sorrow from seeds which you did not sow. I will take that sorrow and repay you double. I will turn that sorrow into joy. Weeping may endure for a night, but joy, joy that flows from beneath My throne, comes in the morning.  Your heart cries out for justice; I have not abandoned you, I have not left you, you do not walk alone. I am nearer than your very breath. I AM your justice! I am the Righteous Judge, that does not ignore the cries of His children. I Am: Righteous Judge, defender, and protector. I have not forsaken you. I am continually working on your behalf. Do not fear, and do not be afraid; I AM your Righteous Judge. Though you may not understand them, My ways are always right and good. My ways will bring about the expected end that I have for you. My ways and the riches of My Justice have no sorrow added to them. My Justice brings freedom. I AM your Righteous Judge."

Created

I hear the Father say: "I have placed within you, your purpose, your calling. I am raising you up to fulfill it. You have sat on the sidelines and watched, the time for watching is over. You have been pushed aside and ignored, you have been told that you could never be. I say No More! My giftings and calling are without repentance, and I will complete the good work that I have begun in you. My Word will not return unto Me void, but it will prosper where I send it and it will accomplish My will in the Earth.

 Like a babe in the womb ready for birth, you, in Me are about to give birth to what I have created you to be. Travail in the night with tears will be your temporary portion; through these pains I am molding you, forming you, making you, preparing you to bring forth all that I have placed inside you. 

There are those that will seek to destroy what I have placed inside you. Puppets tied up in strings, instruments of unrighteousness. Fear and jealousy rule their hearts, do not join yourself to them.  Keep looking to Me, I will reveal them to you. Keep looking to Me, I am the author and finisher of your faith. I will direct you to Kingdom Connections; those whom I have ordained to help you. Though it may seem it, you will not walk and battle alone. I am your rear guard, and I hold you in My righteous right hand. I have stationed My warrior angels around you to protect you, to stand guard over you.

Do not fear the storms that will come, I am the maker of the wind and the rain. Do not fear the rocky path. Follow Me where I lead you. Step where I tell you to step. Stand where I tell you to stand. Speak when I tell you to speak. Do not rely on your own understanding, or wisdom.  You are my instrument. I have created you for such a time as this."

Strength

I hear the Father say: "You think that you are weak. But I have made you strong. You think that you do not have what it takes. But I have placed within you everything that you will ever need to prosper in whatever you set your hand to do.  You are ready to throw up your hands and quit. STOP!

 Have you forgotten that I AM your strength? Have you forgotten that I AM your Wisdom? There is not one problem that you will ever face that is too hard for Me. There is nothing new under the sun, and I have placed all wisdom inside you. To unlock this wisdom, you will be required to lay aside your doubt, your worry, your fear and depend solely upon Me. I will make a way when there seems to be no way. I AM your strong tower, abide in Me, rest in Me. I will cause waves of understanding to flow into your spirit. I have created you for success, trust ME; lean not to your own understanding."

The Bridegroom

The water pot was balanced precariously atop my head, as I made my way home. The sun was making a glorious decent; streaks of red, orange and purple lit up the horizon. Children were playing in the streets, lamps were turned up and I could see my neighbors as they sat down to evening meal. A loud gong silenced the children, and stopped me dead in my tracks. The water pot slid from my head and crashed to the ground as I began running the last few lanes to my house. I burst through the door, startling everyone inside. "He's coming! He's coming! The Bridegroom is coming! I grabbed my lamp and headed back into the street. I did not look to see who was following, I could not tarry. It was time to celebrate. Our long awaited Bridegroom had finally arrived.

 I hear the Father say: "The hour is fast approaching when the bridegroom will make His entrance. Are you ready? Are your lamps filled with oil? Are the wicks trimmed? Lay aside your religion and legalism. In my Kingdom religion and legalism are bondage. I sent My Son to free you from all bondage. I sent My Son to make you free. When the hour comes, what will you have to lay before me? Wood, hay, stubble, or works of gold and silver? Everything will be tried by fire, and only that which remains will be worthy to be laid at My feet."

" Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Matthew 6:19-21 NASB

A Walk To Remember

I hear the Father say: "Come, walk with me in the cool of the day, before the sun is high. What an adventure we will have, walking alone, you and I. See I am the God of the morning, I freshen each plant with dew.

I have so much to show you, each morning there's something new. How I long to walk with you down lanes you've never trod, what excitement we can share, what stories I have to tell. Do you hear that little bird? I called her there for you. A special song to brighten your day, a song from Me to you. Do you hear the chipmunks chatter as they scamper through the trees? I brought them here this morning, for a laugh to share with Me. Do you feel the breeze against your skin, and the rays of morning light? Those are my whispers to you, as we walk, just you and I. The cacophony of colors from the flowers along the way, are My mini rainbows, My promise of a glorious day. As we walk together each  morning you and I, you will know this truth: I Am your Father, and I made this day for you."

Drink From The Deep

I hear the waterfall, I cannot see it yet, but the majestic crashing echo's throughout the forest. Each step takes me closer. Briars and thorns cause me to wince, as they rake across my skin. Rocks and fallen branches cause my steps to slow, and I trip now and again. I stop for a rest alongside the trail, I am so thirsty, my feet are so sore.

 Determined, I resume my trek, knowing it will be worth it; just a few more steps. I round a bend in the trail, the crashing water is deafening now; it drowns out ever other sound. I am consumed with it's beauty. I slip and slide down the incline; every ache and pain forgotten. The struggle to get to this place a distant memory. 

I can feel the spray from the fall as I untie my boots. I dive into the pool; deeper, deeper. I do not want to surface. Sweet, the water is sweet, refreshing, renewing. I am held captive by the secrets beneath the fall; mysteries I never knew existed.  

 "Deep calleth unto deep at the noise of thy waterspouts: all thy waves and thy billows are gone over me." Psalm 24:7



I hear the Father say: "Come deeper, allow me to submerge you completely in My presence. As the waves continually roll and crash against the sandy shore, so my Word will be to your spirit. A tidal wave of My presence will carry you along the currents into deeper waters. Waters so deep that you will not be able to stand. I have so much that I wish to reveal to you. all things are hidden in My Word, for you. As you dive deep, mystery, upon mystery will be unlocked. Hold nothing back, allow Me complete access. Let go of every preconceived notion and idea. Let go of traditions of men. My ways are not their ways, My thoughts are not their thoughts. Time as you know it is quickly drawing to a close. Come deeper, dive into My presence. Do not be afraid. I long to reveal Myself to you in ways that you have never known before. Dive deeper. Drink from the deepest part, for there the water is the sweetest."  

Jake

I woke with a start. "Go to your kitchen and put what I tell you into a bag." I closed my eyes hoping to fall back to sleep, sure that I had dreamed the voice. I was wide awake though and sat up on the edge of the bed. Rubbing my eyes, I heard the voice again. "Go to your kitchen and put what I tell you into a bag." I didn't have to pray, I knew God had given me an assignment. I retrieved a plastic grocery bag from my stash and opened my cabinet doors wide. I looked at the contents of my cabinets, and my heart sank. A can of tuna, a box of macaroni and cheese, a couple of cans of vegetables, a loaf of bread and a can of soup. "Pitiful" I mumbled to my self as I turned to the refrigerator. A gallon of milk, a cup of yogurt, three slices of cheese, a tomato, and a carton of potato salad I had  picked up after work. I stood there shaking my head wondering why I was in my kitchen at 3am looking at my meager supply of groceries, holding a plastic bag. "Put everything in the bag." Stunned, I stood there a moment, wondering if I had heard correctly. Then I began putting all of the items, such as they were into the bag. As I placed the last item, the tomato into the bag, a heavy knock sounded at my door. "Take the bag with you, and open the door." A young man stood before me. "Good morning mam, my name is Jake. I know this is going to sound strange, but God told me to come. He said that you would help me. I haven't eaten in three days." I smiled at Jake without saying a word, and held up the bag.   


"If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. James 2:15-17"

This narrative is wholly fictional, but a wonderful example of what God can and will do through a willing vessel.

Anointing

I see the oil of anointing flowing from beneath the throne of God. Purest golden, shimmering light. Pouring to earth, saturating all who will step in and open their hearts to receive. I see the oil of anointing bathing the hurting spirit, healing the broken heart. The oil of anointing seeps into the deepest recesses, illuminating, scattering the shadows. I taste the oil on my lips and open my mouth to drink it in. It is sweetness in my mouth.  I feel the oil on my skin, smooth as silk, empowering me to worship. The oil is dripping off of my clothes onto my feet, I step deeper into the flow until I am covered with the pure oil of anointing. I am reminded of Aaron, I wonder if this is how he felt? Humbled, I fall to my knees. I cannot stand. The oil continues to pour; I lay prostrate. Overcome, I hear Him speak. 



"You have been endued with power, My strength I give to you. Go now and make disciples. Time is close at hand, the fields are white and ready for harvest. I am coming soon. Do not tarry, lay aside every petty thought, and take up My cross. Follow Me closely, obey My voice with urgency, without delay. Many are called but few are chosen. You are My chosen. Allow Me to work within You to accomplish My Fathers business, to accomplish My Father's heart; that none should perish, that all men would be saved. . You are My hands. You are my feet. Lay aside every weight. set aside every distraction. You are My minister in the Earth. I have poured out the oil of anointing into your spirit for such a time as this."      

Return; A Vision

I look to the sky, it is black as pitch. Not one star shines. There is no wind, not one animal makes a sound. I know that this midnight is none like ever before. A trumpet blast.  I am lifted off my feet and thrown to the ground. Suddenly the sky is filled with light, brilliant light, light that should render me blind. I lie there unable to breath, afraid to blink. Lightning flashes, thunder crashes, clouds aflame roll across the sky. My neighbors have now filled the streets watching this display. Many are crying, some are shouting, I am still lying on the ground, unable to move. Then I see Him! Standing center sky, amidst the flaming clouds, tears stream down my face. He raises his arms and the sky is filled with the angelic host. Their voices sound as one shouting out his presence. Holy, Holy, Holy. King of Kings and Lord of Lords. His eyes are piercing glowing embers, His hair is spun gold. His robe is the purest white. In His hand is The Sword. He raises it to the sky and takes one step. Fire spews from the clouds in shimmering streaks, the Earth begins to quake. Graves are opened, and I watch as the dead in Christ rise. They are with Him now on the clouds. I am flying, soaring! I look back and my heart shatters into a million pieces. So many are still watching. The higher I go the clearer I can see all those that did not choose Jesus; so many that said NO! 

 And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last. Revelation 22:12-13

I wake with a start. A dream. Tears flow freely down my face. Longing in my heart to go, yet broken because there are so many that are still alone. So many that are still saying NO, to Jesus. There is still time! Cry out to Him. He will save you. He will redeem you, He will wash you whiter than snow. He will take all of your mistakes and make them into a Masterpiece! Choose Him today. 

Touch Not Mine Anointed

"Why do you bite and devour one another? Why do you cast angry words like stones? Can you not see that I do not have favorites, that everyone is special and unique in My kingdom? Can you not see the hurt that you are causing? Do you not understand that you are only heaping to yourself destruction? When will My children hear? When will My children see? Why can My children not forgive? Why do My children hold fast to offenses while My blood stands ready to wash them all away? Do you not see that offense is a seed, and once planted that seed grows into the plant of bitterness, and the root of that bitterness is hate? I have commanded: Touch not Mine anointed; do My prophets no harm. Each soul that has accepted Me, is Mine. They belong to Me. I have redeemed them, I have washed them, they are Mine Anointed. I have set My seal upon them, they are clothed in My righteousness.  I have also commanded that he who is without sin, should cast the first stone. Are you blameless? Are you without fault?  I have said that it is impossible but that offenses will come. As I have forgiven you, so you must forgive others. How many times have I refused to forgive? How many times have I cast you away? How long will you cling to unforgiveness? Remember My Words: If you do not forgive men their faults, trespasses, and mistakes, neither will My Father forgive you. Turn back to me, release the debt to me; I am the righteous Judge. Return not fault for fault. Do not repay evil for evil. Rise above, sit with Me in the heavenlies."
Love Jesus

     

The Garden

Dust clouds puffed with each step that I take down the long dirt road. I passed field after field, filled to overflowing with all the good things that summer brings. Tomatoes, corn, cucumbers... Occasionally I exchange hello's with a farmer and we talk for a bit. I continue my walk and laugh at the jack rabbits as they steal their way into the gardens for an afternoon snack. I sing with the robin's and marvel at the blueness of the sky. I realize I have never ventured this far down the dirt road before. Excitement quickens my steps, and I am anxious to see what is around the bend in the road.  My joy turns to sadness as I approach a garden plot that has been abandoned. Weeds and thorns fill each row, choking out what little life is left.  The fence is in desperate need of repair, and the gate is hanging loose from it's hinges. Someone planted it, why didn't they tend it? I stepped through the gate and began pulling the weeds and thorns from around the tender plants. Determination ruled my hands as I worked. Row after row until all of the plants were free.

"I went by the field of the slothful and by the vineyard of the man void of understanding; And lo it was all grown over with thorns, and nettles had covered the face thereof, and the stone wall there of was broken down." (Proverbs 24:30-31)

"My child, your life is like a garden, and your heart is the soil. My word is the seed and each time you hear and understand, those seeds are planted deep within your heart. The Holy Spirit waters those seeds and My word begins to grow; you begin walking in what my Word says. Then the cares of this life, disappointments, and hurts are the weeds and thorns, if you allow it they too are planted in the garden of your heart. If not surrendered to Me, they will choke out the tender plants of my Word. They will choke out the life that I so long for you to live. Cast all your care upon me dear child, because I truly care for you. Allow me to replace the hurt, disappointment, and cares of this world with My love, with My wisdom, with My understanding. I will teach you all that you need to know. Surrender it all to me. You were never designed to carry it."

 

The Master Of The Wind

"I know the Master of the wind. I know the maker of the rain. He can calm the storm, make the sun shine again...I know the Master of the Wind." (c) Bill Gaither

      The wind and rain of life batter my spirit. From out of nowhere another gale force threatens to knock me off my feet. Darkness descends, and I cry out to the Light. In the darkness the storm seems so much greater, so much louder. Crashing waves one after another tips me from side to side. Alone. I feel so alone. Screaming winds, driving rain. Raging. I am sinking. I cannot stand. I am falling. Hope for rescue has disappeared. Sinking for the last time... I  hear Him whisper "Peace be still." Silence, the waves have ceased their crashing, the wind is no longer raging. Shaking, tattered and worn, I float. The current takes me to the sandy shore. Rest, blissful rest. Peace that passes all understanding floods my soul. I hear Him whisper. "Be still and know that I am God. You are not alone. I promised to never leave or forsake you. Trust me. "Do not lean to your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Me, and I will direct your path, and I will teach you how to speak to the storms. Because I have gone to my Father, you will do greater things than I did. I have given you the power to speak to the storms, I have given you the power to heal the sick, raise the dead, and cast out demons. I will pour healing oil into your wounds. I will bind up your broken heart. I will teach you, I will guide you, I will lead you. Come unto me all that labor, and I will give you rest. I will rejuvenate your spirit. I will restore your soul. Come to Me. Allow Me to be the Master of your winds."

In Your Presence

Twilight darkens the sky, the last rays of sunshine disappear beyond the horizon. Crickets begin their nightly praise, the gurgling of the brook joins the chorus. I stand among the towering trees and smell the loam of the forest. Each sound, each smell sings out Your praise. Stars begin to twinkle in the heavens and I am overcome by the beauty of Your creation.  I am surrounded by Your presence. I am sheltered, I am safe. Your presence covers me, my spirit sings. I hear Your whispers in the rustling leaves; Your bold affirmation that You walk beside me. In Your presence worry has no place, fear and anxiety must flee! You are my God! You are my protector. You are my rearguard! I choose Your presence. I choose peace.