THE VOICE OF GOD

Greetings -

Scriptures are from the King James Bible.

As I sat in the spiritual garden place, I heard the voice of Almighty GOD.  It so delighted and cheered me.  Oh! There is no voice like the voice of GOD. 

Job 37:2
Hear attentively the noise of his voice, and the sound that goeth out of his mouth.

Job 37:4
After it a voice roareth: he thundereth with the voice of his excellency;...

Job 37:5
God thundereth marvellously with his voice; great things doeth he, which we cannot comprehend. 

Jeremiah 10:13
When he uttereth his voice, there is a multitude of waters in the heavens, and he causeth the vapours to ascend from the ends of the earth; he maketh lightnings with rain, and bringeth forth the wind out of his treasures.

Ezekial 43:2
And, behold, the glory of the God of Israel came from the way of the east: and his voice was like a noise of many waters: and the earth shined with his glory.

Hebrews 12:26
Whose voice then shook the earth:...

Revelation 3:20
...if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him,... 

When I got still in the "garden," this is what I heard our Lord's voice say - not just to me but to whosoever will:

My child, I am GOD eternally and there is truly nothing too hard for Me.  Does not My Word say that in Jeremiah 32:17?  Satan "fully loaded" is no match for Me.  When he shoots his best shots, I always have something far better to  conquer his puny actions.  Yes, next to Me and My power, Satan is puny - a mere blip on My radar.  I have not one ounce of fear of the devil. 

Satan does attack My people with fear but that can be conquered when My people cleave to Me with pure hearts and clean hands.  You cannot successfully fight Satan unless you abide in Me.  He can devour those who yield to his pressures.  But there is NO way that Satan can conquer the righteous.  

I hide My face from sin.  I delight in looking upon holiness.  A new day has dawned.  It is for those who have chosen a lifestyle of holiness.  For such, new battle instructions from Me shall be provided.  Holy vessels are able to fight powerfully against the forces of evil.  Their presence will cause Satan to fear the damage that will occur as My holy people wrestle against the powers of darkness, and conquer.  My warriors and soldiers will do spiritual warfare with love for people but firmness and sternness must sometimes be used, as led by My Spirit.  The holiness from them will resonate and resound with sure confidence that greater is He that is within...than he that is in the world.  Evidence will appear to prove that truth walkers are fully loaded with Holy Ghost fortified weaponry.  The most ardent GOD doubters will know with certainty that I AM greater than all.  How will they know?!  I will undeniably show them.

My love flows strong and sure but my judgment surfaces to assure that I am displeased when I am lightly esteemed and disrespected.  That is My character.  And you know that I am no respecter of persons.  GOD is not mocked, so says My word in
Galatians 6:7.

I will wipe the tears from your eyes.  I will make you glad.  I will make you happy in this life and certainly beyond.  My kingdom come - now.  Walk in the awareness that you possess My kingdom - now.  It is not for you to wait until you arrive here in heaven with Me.  Walk in kingdom awareness - now.  You are here, in My Spirit - now.  My Word does say in Matthew 6:10, "Thy kingdom come.  Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven."  And Daniel 7:22 says, "Until the Ancient of days came, and judgment was given to the saints of the most High: and the time came that the saints possessed the kingdom."  The time is NOW!

Keep yourself pure.  1 John 2:15-17 says, "Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world.  If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in  him.  For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.  And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever."  

There are major scale rewards for those who choose LIFE.  You cannot begin to comprehend how bountifully I will deal with you, but know that My Words shall come to pass for you and all others who draw nigh to Me.  Ephesians 3:20 "Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,"

I will not fail you or forsake you.  That's My promise.  We have a holy covenant and you are sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, as are all who live fully for Me.  Possess the land, precious one, with the love, power, and authority that I have so generously placed within you.    

Love Your Lord,
from the garden place
(smiles and laughter)   

Sandra 

Written Tuesday May 31, 2011 
   
- FYI - You're invited to obtain my e-books. Also, I invite you to read my free offerings. Here is the link for additional information. http://www.sandrasbookdepot.blogspot.com/

You don't need e-readers to read e-books; they can also be read online.

ANNOUNCEMENT



Photo compliments of Sandra


Greetings and HAPPY Friday!

Psalm 33:1
Rejoice in the Lord, O ye righteous: for praise is comely for the upright.

Today I returned to blogging after being off for about seven days.  I discovered that I cannot leave comments on my own blog nor can I leave comments on some of the blogs of others.  I successfully placed a few comments.

I went to the "Help" area of Blogger and learned that Blogger is aware of the subject problem, as others have posted about the matter.

WHATEVER IT IS, IT'S NOT BIGGER THAN GOD!

Thank you to all who have left comments on my blog.  Your visits and comments are deeply appreciated.

Bunches of love to you,
Sandra  

Note: Please read my post directly below this one titled, "CENTER STAGE."  Thank you

CENTER STAGE

Greetings -

Scriptures are from the King James Bible.

John 19:18
Where they crucified him and two other with him, on either side one, and Jesus in the midst.

This post emphasizes JESUS, the Middle Man.  When we have pure hearts, there is certain confidence that JESUS is in the midst.  The Word of GOD assures us of that potent truth.

No obstacle exists that can keep our Lord from being center stage as the resurrected Middle Man.  He was centered on that cross and triumphed gloriously as He, the Victor, rose again to be in the midst.

Doors were shut.  What did JESUS do?  He walked through the shut doors.  John 20:26 says, "And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you."
We too can walk through shut doors because JESUS is in the midst.

Oh! Glory!  We are not alone.  We have not been forsaken.  We live because He lives.  He makes us glad beause He abides in the midst.

Psalm 45:6
God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early.

Luke 24:36
And as they thus spake, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.

Daniel 3:25
He answered and said, Lo, I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they have no hurt; and the form of the fourth, is like the Son of God.

Matthew 18:20
For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.

Zephaniah 3:17
The Lord thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing.

Sandra

Photo compliments of Sandra

Written Friday May 27, 2011

Please click this link http://www.photogplaza.blogspot.com/ to view photos.

Thank you for your indulgence.

WHO ARE THE BRAVE?

Greetings -

Scriptures are from the King James Bible.

Does JESUS expect us to be brave as we walk with, and for Him?  I believe the answer is yes.  JESUS is brave and fearless.  Our charge is to have the mind of Christ and to conform to His image.  There is much that represents our Lord's image.  The focus of this post is bravery.

Opposition against Christ has intensified.  The Word of GOD in 3 John 4 says, "I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth."  Truth walkers have our Lord's full protection.  Jeremiah 1:19 states, "And they shall fight against thee; but they shall not prevail against thee; for I am with thee, saith the Lord, to deliver thee." 

Luke 6:22,23
Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man's sake.  Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy:...   

John 16:33
...In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

James 5:11
...we count them happy which endure.

It is indeed possible to leap for joy, to rejoice and to be happy, regardless of opposition.  It is possible because the Word of our Lord says that it is possible.  Whatever it is, it is NOT bigger than GOD.

In 2 Kings 6, it mentions the opposition sending horses and chariots.  Then it mentions where GOD allowed Elisha and his servant to see horses and chariots of fire.  The enemy had chariots.  GOD had/has chariots of fire!  The enemy had a great host.  In 2 Kings 6:16, Elisha said, "...Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them."  And in the book of Exodus, the magicians had rods but it says in Exodus 7:12 "...Aaron's rod swallowed up their rods."  

The Acts 5:39
But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God.

We sometimes give unreasonable attention to Satan and his opposition.  One of his main schemes is to get us to focus on what he is doing to oppose us.  The best remedy to bravely and effectively overcome opposition is to focus on what GOD is doing and what we do through and with Him.  Undue focus on Satan feeds his craving for attention.  We should re-direct our energies to counting it all joy, and other Bible based answers to resist the devil.  

And we need to bravely guard our hearts from false brethren - the wolves in sheep's clothing who profess that they know GOD but in works they deny Him - Titus 1:16.  Some of them can prove to be worse in opposition than bona fide sinners. We are not to fear ANY opposition but to beware, as the Word of GOD commands.  Philippians 3:2 "...beware of evil workers,..."  Rest assured that our Lord will deal with them as is stated in Colossians 3:25 "...he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done; and there is no respect of persons."   

Sandra

Written Thursday May 19, 2011

Copyright 2011

Below is a piece that I wrote titled, "Who Are the Brave?"

WHO ARE THE BRAVE?

A few years ago, my mind took me back to televised footage of an act during the civil rights era in our country.  It was 1957 relative to the Little Rock Nine black students in Arkansas.  The coordinator, Daisy Bates, forgot to get a message to one of the nine, Elizabeth Eckford.  Daisy’s memory lapse meant that Elizabeth didn’t know where to meet Daisy and the other students so that they could arrive together to integrate Central High School.  Elizabeth arrived alone in the midst of a huge crowd of angry, hateful and potentially violent white people who were vehemently against integration.  Some in the crowd screamed for Elizabeth to be lynched.  Other angry words and threatening gestures were directed towards her.

Elizabeth was the only black person out there.  A white woman, Grace Lorch, courageously came forward and guided Elizabeth away from the mob.  Grace got on a bus with Elizabeth and accompanied her home safely.  She alone stepped out to help Elizabeth.  Grace’s brave unselfish act resonated with power.  Clearly, she risked her own safety to aid Elizabeth.  Years later, my heart responds with gratitude, when I recollect the courage of Grace.  I deeply respect that her bravery spoke volumes.

Who can forget the strength of character demonstrated by Nelson Mandela who remained detained in prison for about 25 years?  And why was he detained?  Mandela, with valor, rose up with his fellow comrades, to protest oppression of people in his country.  He held an intense hatred for injustice which placed him on Robben Island to be held by corrupt leaders in South Africa.  He had a lion heart with eagle vision.  He was given opportunity to be released earlier if he would agree to compromise his principles.  He refused, and years later, walked out of prison on terms that represented his firm stance for justice.  He bravely declined early release under the terms of the corrupt oppressors.  I call that courage on elevated levels!

Mandela was universally applauded for his soul strength and for his tenacious spirit.   He was admired also for his class conduct to forgive his enemies and to appoint some of them to work for South African causes.  Mandela endured years of deprivation, and mistreatment yet surfaced on free land as a humble man.  He became the president of South Africa, and a widely loved and respected world leader.

Now here we are today – our present world.  Those that step out to do wrong are plentiful.  But who are the brave?  Have the brave now become a rare breed?  How many of us today will step out to risk our lives for strangers?  How many will make waves because, at times, it is duly necessary?  How many will do the right things, and risk loss of popularity to go against the grain?

How many people will bravely endure ridicule with confidence that the evil never get the last laugh?  How many will walk alone, if necessary, with heads held high because power accompanies right standing?  How many will stare down evil, and execute justice?  How many people will sacrifice to gain priceless benefits that monetary compensation cannot satisfy?  How many will sacrifice, suffer, and struggle for the greatest good?

Our world has been able to positively progress because of courageous people.  Courageous souls make unselfish sacrifices and pay prices that indelibly impact lives.  I salute the brave for their noble endeavors.

The truly brave know that when all is said and done, the courageous win in ways that are immeasurable.  Courageous actions save lives, alter destinies, create legacies, exact change, demand reform, and historically inspire.

Increasingly, may others aspire, with motivated zeal, to emulate the courage of the valiant.

Who are the new breed brave?!

Sandra 

September 17, 2006

© Copyright 2006

Revised Tuesday July 6, 2010

© Copyright 2010

Revised Friday May 19, 2011

Copyright 2011

FLYING IN THE GODLY SKY - UNITED

     Fervent Christians, Peter, Larry and Todd are flying home to Washington, D.C. from Tampa, Florida. They had attended the “Kingdom Come” conference at The Lighthouse Sanctuary.
    The conference content was loaded with biblical examples. There was heavy emphasis placed on the need to have pure hearts in prayer.
     The speakers stressed the importance of daily Bible focused prayer.
     As the three friends wait in the airport to board their flight home, they review what they learned at the conference.
     Peter notes, “I was hesitant to attend the conference because my budget didn’t agree with the expenses for the trip. But the Lord interrupted my thought processes and told me to ‘walk by faith not by sight.’”
     His friends nod in agreement.
     Peter continues, “I’m so glad that I obeyed the Lord because that conference dissolved doubts and destroyed yokes that were hindering me.”
     “I know what you mean,” agrees Todd.
     Nearby, three college friends, Eric, Jay and Don, on spring break, overhear the Christian friends talking about the Lord.
     Eric is slightly tipsy as he has had a couple of drinks. He nudges Don, “Man, we have here some Jesus nuts.”
     The college friends all laugh.
     Peter, Larry and Todd hear but choose to ignore the students.
     The announcement is broadcast to board the flight.
     It just so happens that the six men, the Christian friends, and the college friends, are to board the same plane where it’s discovered that they were assigned seat placements directly opposite. Peter, Larry and Todd sit three in a row while directly across the aisle, three in a row, sit Eric, Jay and Don.
     Jay moans when he becomes aware of the seating arrangements opposite Peter, Larry and Todd.
     His partners aren’t happy campers either.
     They look at each other.
     “Oh well,” offers Don, “At least it’s a short flight.”
     “Yeah,” agrees Jay.
     Eric’s face shows a look of mischievousness.
     He gleefully exclaims, “Why don’t we have some fun with the resident Jesus nuts.”
     Jay and Don readily agree.
     Peter is in the aisle seat that is closest to Jay.
     Mockingly, where Peter can notice, Jay makes the sign of a cross.
     Peter smiles warmly and points up.
     Not the reaction that Jay expected.
     Eric, observing, nudges Jay to do it again.
     Jay gladly repeats his mocking action.
     Peter, with eye sparkling joy, points up twice.
     Don pipes in, softly singing “Amazing Grace.” He then bursts out in laughter, as do his friends.
     Peter takes out his Bible and begins to read
Psalm 91.
     Todd is already reading Psalm 37.
     Larry has his eyes closed serene in quiet prayer.
     Suddenly, the plane lurches and rocks violently.
     Peter’s Bible flies into Jay’s lap.
     When Jay looks down, the Bible is open to the book of Revelation.
     When Eric sees that, he gets stone sober.
     Jay screams, “What the ____?!”
     The plane shakes, dips, and descends quite low.
     Major turbulence ensues.
     Flight attendants announce again, for reinforcement, safety measures.
     Alarmed, the pilot sends word, “Are there any Christians on the plane?!”
     Terrified, Eric, Jay, and Don, with widened shock-filled eyes, simultaneously point across the aisle.
     Eric had jokingly called Peter, Larry and Todd “Jesus nuts.”
     Well, the mixed “nuts” aren’t flying in GOD’S sky for nothing. Indeed, they are flying in the Godly sky, united.
     Peter, Larry and Todd are already in prayer mode.
     Peter unfastens his seat belt, leaps up, steadied by the Lord, he holds tightly to the armrest of his seat.
     The flight attendants “somehow” recognize that this is a holy moment, and so make no attempts to instruct Peter to sit down and to fasten his seatbelt.
     Full of the Holy Ghost, the first thing Peter utters is, “For the closet Christians on board, you’d better repent and come out of the closet.”
     A frightened little boy looks up at his mother and asks, “Mommy, are you coming out?!”
     His mother is petrified but she knows enough to come out as charged.
     “Yes, baby, mommy is coming out.”
     The little boy is noticeably relieved.
     In the midst of the tempest, and the uncertainty about survival, passengers begin to call their loved ones.
     Desperate wails are heard throughout the plane.
     Fervent loud prayers go up to the only One who can quell the danger.
     Eric has gone into shock.
     Jay and Don hold hands and sob.
     Peter proceeds, “Carnal Christians on board, you do NOT have enough spiritual ammunition to effectively fight off the Devil. Repent or you cannot profit.”
     A carnal Christian, in the rear of the plane, his alcoholic beverage spilled on him, begins to quiver with conviction.
     Some others gripped by carnality bow their heads in desperate prayers.
     The media gets word of the in-air danger.
     Channel Seven news anchor, Kim Striker announces, “Flight 737 in route from Tampa, Florida to National Airport near Washington, D.C., is in a perilous state.” She goes on to provide as much information as is currently on hand.
     News crews rush to National Airport.
     Meanwhile back on the plane, Peter calls out, “Backsliders, the Lord is married to you - return or woe to your souls.”
     People from different sections of the plane begin to cry out to GOD.
     The plane continues unsteadily.
     Peter speaks to “whosoever will” to recite the sinner’s prayer.
     People are terrified. Many do say the sinner’s prayer.
     Men sit and sob, as do women and children.
     The Christians on board glow and go to their Father GOD with faith-filled prayers.
     Some people in first class have flashbacks of their selfishness and greed. They are in huge panic mode.
     A few in that section are fervent Christians; they reach out to minister to those who are clearly not ready for judgment day.
     Don, who earlier had mockingly sang, “Amazing Grace” now cries out, “Lord, please have mercy!”
     Alongside Peter, secured in their seats, Larry and Todd are in fierce silent prayer.
     Peter begins to fervently pray loudly, “Holy Father, in the name of Jesus, this is Your plane up in Your sky. Lord, You are God and I know that You rule over all! We who are Christians, Father, know that whether we live, we live unto the Lord, and whether we die, we die unto the Lord but You know that there are people on this plane who aren’t in soul places where they are heaven bound. Peter looks at Don. “Lord, please have mercy on the unprepared souls on board this, Your vessel. I take authority over this turbulence and rebuke it in the name of Jesus. I bring before You, Lord, Your words from the gospel of Mark 4:39, “Peace be still.”
     Immediately, the turbulence ceases, and there is great calm - Mark 4:39.
     Peter and others lift their hands in praise to the most high GOD who, in His sovereignty, made the elements obey.
     The entire plane occupancy breaks out in hearty applause.
     Profuse thanks are given to Peter and his friends.
     Peter, Larry and Todd direct people to the Lord because the friends are fully aware that GOD, in His mercy, delivered the peace.
     The pilots yell from the cockpit, “Hallelujah!”
     Eric, Jay and Don, sheepish in countenance, apologize to Peter, Larry and Todd.
     The friends warmly accept.
     Minutes later, the plane lands at National where the media and loved ones await.
     As the passengers appear, loved ones rush to greet them. Hugs and kisses are on abundant display.
     The media personnel keep a polite distance.
     After about 10 minutes, reporter Dwight Goldstein approaches to seek passenger interviews.
     One passenger yells as he walks by, “GOD landed us safely.” He declines to be interviewed.
     Another passenger points out Peter who is walking away with his friends.
     They aren’t interested in glory. It all belongs to GOD.
     The passenger fills Goldstein in about Peter’s prayer and how immediately after, the plane became steady.
     Goldstein rushes over to Peter.
     Peter feels led by the Lord to share of GOD’s rescue in the air.
     Peter stands at the mike with a brilliant glow that surrounds him. He speaks, “To GOD be the glory; He graciously answered my prayer, “Peace be still.”
     Goldstein asks, “What makes you believe that it was GOD.”
     Peter joyfully responds, “Because I know Him and I am from Him; He abides in me and I abide in Him.”
     Goldstein smiles, “It’s incredible that you survived that severe turbulence.”
     “We serve an incredible GOD, sir,” Peter shares.
     Goldstein thanks Peter and notices Eric.
     Eric walks up to Goldstein and speaks these words as he gestures to Peter, Larry and Todd, “I called these men ‘Jesus nuts.’ Well, I go on record to say that they did NOT crack; I did. Before this flight, I’d been around those who professed Christianity but they cheated, lied, cursed and engaged in other disorderly conduct. On this flight, I witnessed, for the first time, true worshippers of GOD who exhibited a glow that I couldn’t comprehend. I watched a man of GOD, Peter; stand steadily in the aisle on an airplane that was in the midst of major turbulence. He stood there in a fully persuasive authoritative commanding posture as he addressed us passengers, and prayed to GOD. Immediately after his prayer, the turbulence ceased. Not once throughout the entire ordeal, did any of these three Christian men display fear. What we passengers observed was their complete confidence in GOD. Indeed, I marvel as do others who were witnesses on that plane.”
     Eric steps away, overcome by emotion. He walks over to shake the hands of Peter, Larry and Todd. Others who were on board do so, as well.
     Goldstein is moved by the statements of Eric and the gratitude displayed by the passengers toward Peter, Larry and Todd. He’s further impressed by the humility demonstrated by the three Christian men.
     After their harrowing episode, a few of the carnal Christians forsook their lukewarm attitudes and some of the backsliders returned eagerly to the Lord.
     More than a few who recited the sinner’s prayer sought out Peter, Larry and Todd for guidance on how to learn more about the Lord.
     Eric and Don confessed Christ as Savior and became faithful followers.
     As for Jay, once he “recovered” from his shock in the air, he resumed his evil antics.
     Peter, Larry and Todd flew the Godly sky, united. They fully know that God rules over ALL.
     Psalm 103:19The Lord hath prepared his throne in the heavens; and his kingdom ruleth over all.
     James 5:16
…The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.     Romans 14:8
For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord’s.
     The Acts 16:30
…Sirs, what must I do to be saved?
     The Acts 2:28
…Repent, and be baptized…in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins,…

Copyright 2012 - Sandra Renee Hicks

Written September 28, 2010

This story is in my e-book, Zest and Gusto in Christian Short Stories.

- FYI - You're invited to obtain my e-books. Also, I invite you to read my free offerings. Here is the link for additional information. http://www.sandrasbookdepot.blogspot.com/

You don't need e-readers to read e-books; they can also be read online.

FLYING IN THE GODLY SKY - UNITED - PART ONE

Greetings -

Recently, there have been numerous incidents, and scares in the airline industry.  Some of those incidents have happened in the air with passengers aboard airplanes.

Today, Monday May 16, 2011, I read this headline on http://www.breakingnews.com/:

"Cathay Pacific Airbus 330 makes emergency landing in Singapore."  The engine had caught fire.

The article reported that passengers prayed, "God, save our flight!  Give us your protection!"  It further reported that the prayers got louder and louder.

Today after reading the subject article, our Lord prompted me to re-post the topic below that was written as a fiction piece.  Indeed some fiction has truth in its content.

FLYING IN THE GODLY SKY - UNITED

Fervent Christians, Peter, Larry and Todd are flying home to Washington, D.C. from Tampa, Florida.  They had attended the “Kingdom Come” conference at The Lighthouse Sanctuary.  The conference content was loaded with biblical examples.  There was heavy emphasis placed on the need to have pure hearts in prayer.  The speakers stressed the importance of daily Bible focused prayer.

As the three friends wait in the airport to board their flight home, they review what they learned at the conference.

Peter notes, “I was hesitant to attend the conference because my budget did not agree with the expenses for the trip.  But the Lord interrupted my thought processes and told me to "walk by faith not by sight.”

His friends nod in agreement.

Peter continues, “I am so glad that I obeyed the Lord because that conference dissolved doubts and destroyed yokes that were hindering me.”

“I know what you mean,” agrees Todd.

Nearby, three college friends, Eric, Jay and Don, on spring break, overhear the Christian friends talking about the Lord.

Eric is slightly tipsy as he has had a couple of drinks.  He nudges Don, “Man, we have here some JESUS nuts.”

The college friends all laugh.

Peter, Larry and Todd hear but choose to ignore the students.

The announcement is broadcast to board the flight.

It just so happens that the six men, the Christian friends, and the college friends, are to board the same plane where it is discovered that they were assigned seat placements directly opposite.  Peter, Larry and Todd sit three in a row while directly across the aisle, three in a row; sit Eric, Jay and Don.

When Jay becomes aware of the seating arrangements opposite Peter, Larry and Todd, he moans.  His partners are not happy campers either.  They look at one another.

“Oh well,” offers Don, “At least it's a short flight.”

“Yeah,” agrees Jay.

A look of mischievousness comes over Eric’s face.

“Why don’t we have some fun with the resident JESUS nuts,” he gleefully exclaims.

Jay and Don readily agree.

Peter is in the aisle seat that is closest to Jay.

Mockingly, Jay makes the sign of a cross where Peter can notice.

Peter smiles and points up.

Not the reaction that Jay expected.

Eric, observing, nudges Jay to do it again.

Jay does.

Peter points up twice.

Don pipes in, softly singing “Amazing Grace.”  He then bursts out in laughter, as do his friends.

Peter takes out his Bible and begins to read Psalm 91.

Todd is already reading Psalm 37.

Larry has his eyes closed serene in quiet prayer.

Suddenly, the plane lurches and rocks violently.

Peter’s Bible flies into Jay’s lap.  When Jay looks down, the Bible is open to the book of Revelation.

When Eric saw that, he got stone sober.

Jay screams, “What the ____?!”

The plane shakes, dips, and descends quite low.  Major turbulence ensues.

Flight attendants announce again, for reinforcement, safety measures.

Alarmed, the pilot sends word, “Are there any Christians on the plane?!”

Terrified, Eric, Jay, and Don, with widened shock-filled eyes, simultaneously point across the aisle.

To be continued….

Sandra

Copyright 2010

- FYI - You're invited to obtain my e-books. Also, I invite you to read my free offerings. Here is the link for additional information. http://www.sandrasbookdepot.blogspot.com/

You don't need e-readers to read e-books; they can also be read online.

BOLDNESS

Greetings -

Note: This was written on May 13, 2011, and revised on October 13, 2012. 

Scriptures are from the King James Bible.

It is becoming increasingly obvious that Satan is becoming bolder. 

This week in the news: 

- A man stripped naked in the New York City subway as he yelled profane language.

- A young man attended church, sat in the back, and after collection walked to the table and took $200.00.  He said to the congregation, "Don't make this hard."  He walked out with his ill-gotten gain. 

- An 80 year old woman robbed a visibly pregnant woman.

- A woman was seen in public holding the severed head of a dog.

- In another country, in a market, a man severed the head of a woman. 

Yes, Satan is becoming bolder and more vicious.  Are enough Christians becoming bolder in holiness and in witnessing for our Lord?  The short answer is "No."  Are too many Christians publicly quiet while Satan is becoming publicly louder?  The short answer is "Yes."  

The only way that we can be stronger than our enemies is to be holy in our thoughts, communications and deeds.  We need to steadfastly sow to the Spirit of the Living GOD.  Psalm 105:24 states, "And he increased his people greatly; and made them stronger than their enemies."

The entertainer, James Brown, sang a song with these lyrics included: "Talking loud and saying nothing."  Today, more and more, that is what is going on in worldly conversations.  We, the people of GOD, are charged to talk loud and say something.  Recently, I heard a pastor say, "If we will get behind the Word, Satan will get behind us."  

We need to become bolder in our walks with our Lord.  Proverbs 28:1 says, "...the righteous are bold as a lion."  And Proverbs 30:30 says, "A lion which is strongest among beasts and turneth not away for any;"

Our love for GOD should be bolder.

Our witnessing about JESUS should be bolder.

Our holy stances should be bolder.

Our faith in GOD should be bolder.

Satan is making a whole lot more noise.  How much noise are we making?  Are Satan's children, largely, bolder than GOD'S people?  

Love is core but we must send forth more righteous boldness, as led by the Holy Spirit.  Yes, some Christians are already in "bold mode" but not nearly enough are witnessing of the love, peace, joy, and judgments of Almighty GOD and our Savior JESUS Christ.  

So many people are gripped by the bondage of Satan.  They are in the world as fools because, typically, they don't know how to get free.  We didn't know either until our Lord sent His words to us through messengers that shared His gospel. 

When I observed the report of the man who stripped naked in the New York City subway, my heart went out to him.  Satan has him and so many others.  JESUS, please help the numerous people who are Satan's servants.  And help us who are called by Your name to live of Your gospel and to share that You can make people free.  We have a holy mandate to inform, and to warn that, yes, You are a Lord of love but with Your love comes full gospel truth.  That truth includes messages about Your love and messages about Your punishment for evil.  Exodus 23:7 says, "...for I will not justify the wicked."  Please Lord, lead people to repentance so that they can escape the lake of fire - Revelation 21:8.  Thank You, Lord - Amen.

###

Years ago, when I lived in a homeless shelter, some folks there mistook me for a punk because I'm a Christian.  I told them, "I'm not here to punk anybody and I'm not here to be punked."  Glory to GOD that when I left there months later, some of those same folks had deep respect for my walk with our Lord.  In fact, some became teary eyed and sentimental when I left there.

Saints of the John the Baptist style particularly appeal to me.  Yes, as the Spirit leads, I'm a live wire that unleases fire from the sword of my mouth.  High praises to God that that's Holy Bible truth.  

Revelation 11:5
...fire proceedeth out of their mouth,...  

Hebrews 4:12
For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword,...

John the Baptist uttered words such as, "...O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come: Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance,..." - Luke 3:7, 8. And John 5:35 says about him, "He was a burning and a shining light:" 

Oh yes, that type thrills me to the core.  Thank You, Jesus for such warrior saints!

###

Psalm 98:4
Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all the earth: make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise.

Joshua 6:16
...Joshua said unto the people, Shout; for the Lord hath given you the city.

Ezra 3:13
...for the people shouted with a loud shout, and the noise was heard afar off.

Psalm 5:11
But let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, because thou defendest them: let them also that love thy name be joyful in thee.

Psalm 47:1
O clap your hands, all ye people; shout unto God with the voice of triumph..

Luke 1:42
And she spake out with a loud voice,... 

Luke 17:15
...and with a loud voice glorified God,

Luke 19:37
...the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with  a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen;

The Acts 14:10
Said with a loud voice,...

Revelation 5:2
And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice,... 

Revelation 5:12
Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing.

Revelation 6:10
And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth?

Revelation 10:3
And cried with a loud voice, as when a lion roareth:...

Revelation 12:10
And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.

Revelation 14:7
Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him: for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth,...

Revelation 14:15
And another angel came out of the temple, crying with a loud voice to him that sat on the cloud, Thrust in thy sickle, and reap: for the time is come for thee to reap; for the harvest of the earth is ripe.

Revelation 19:17
And I saw an angel standing in the sun; and he cried with a loud voice, saying to all the fowls that fly in the midst of heaven, Come and gather yourselves together unto the supper of the great God.

1 Samuel 4:5
And when the ark of the covenant of the Lord came into the camp, all Israel shouted with a great shout, so that the earth rang again. 

WATCH AND PRAY

Greetings -

Scriptures are from the King James Bible.

Luke 9:44
Let these sayings sink down into your ears:

Matthew 26:39
And he went a little farther, and fell on his face, and prayed,...

Psalm 63:1
O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee:... 

1 Corinthians 14:25
...and so falling down on his face he will worship God,...

Romans 14:11
For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.

Philippians 2:10
That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,...

Luke 9:29
And as he prayed, the fashion of his countenance was altered, and his raiment was white and glistering.

Ephesians 3:14
For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Luke 9:32
...and when they were awake, they saw his glory,...

WATCH AND PRAY

There is a prayer deficit.  Also, there is more prayer for requests to consume on lusts rather than prayers that yearn for the heart and desires of God. The effectual fervent prayers of the righteous avail much according to the Word of God in James 5:16.  Are we praying enough, and are we praying the right prayers?  Have our prayers become mundane and dry?  If so, why?  The Lord says that many of His people have left their first love – HIM.  Many have never known Him as first love but have treated Him as some sort of “lucky charm” which is an offense to who He is – God Almighty!

Prayers from the righteous are critical for us to thrive in godly endeavors.  The Word of God commands us to watch and pray.  We cannot know God without prayer and other means of daily intimacy with Him.  Our Father does not appreciate selfishly rushed, and dull prayers.  The Lord is holy and awesome.  We owe Him quality periods of regular devotion in postures of worship and adoration for the great God that He is.  One excellent biblical example is Daniel who prayed on his knees three times a day (Daniel 6:10) .

Our prayers are vitally necessary to bind and to loose.  Satan is in revolution mode because he knows that time for him is shorter.  Many Christians are talking about revival.  For such a time as this, revival is not enough!  We members of the body of Christ need to be about holy revolution because the mission of Satan is to destroy so that the gospel of God will not progress.  We have orders from our Lord to possess the land and to take the kingdom (Daniel 7).

Fervent prayers from the righteous can undue damage caused by Satan.  Prayer can prevent calamities, pull down strongholds, destroy the works of the devil, overthrow plans, change hearts, deliver souls, alert to danger, and bring the counsel of the heathen to nought.  Too much is happening on our watch because we are not watching!  Of a certainty, Satan and his people are watching and know that not enough of us are in watch formation.  That is why he has more leverage than he should.

God is not pleased with much of the lax conduct of some of His people.  We desire moves of God while He desires that we move to Him.  Prayers from the holy stir God to action.  Earnest prayers in righteousness bring sovereign results.

Prayer:

Lord, please help us to live holy lives, to pray holy prayers, and to be holy as You are holy - so says Your holy Word.

Thank You, Lord - Amen.

Sandra

© Copyright 2009

- FYI - You're invited to obtain my e-books. Also, I invite you to read my free offerings. Here is the link for additional information. http://www.sandrasbookdepot.blogspot.com/

You don't need e-readers to read e-books; they can also be read online.

ELECTION

Greetings -

Scriptures are from the King James Bible. 

Most of us have observed and participated in political elections.   We know something about how the election "machine" operates.  In the U.S., there are two main political parties, 100 U.S. Senators, and 435 U.S. Congress people.  We have governors, mayors, council members and numerous other elected officials.  There are the confirmation proceedings, the pundits, the movers, the shakers, the campaign contributors, and an abundance of media coverage with its array of political scientists, consultants, and commentators.

We can certainly appreciate that we have the freedom to observe, discuss, decide and cast our votes.  But the most important election process is - to be elected by the most high GOD.  Our Lord is not a party loyalist.  He is sovereign GOD who is loyal to His Holy Bible and the pure truths that it contains.  He is not a Democrat, Republican or of the Tea Party persusian.  He is GOD.  He operates way above the donkey, the elephant and the tea company folks. 

The people of GOD are elected by Him to promote His holy agenda.  He is our confirmation process.  Christ our Lord knows who is on the righteous ballot.  And there are no hanging chads with Him.  His eagle eyes are on the polls.  Running mates are in their places, and the candidates are in races for LIFE! 

The numbers are in.  GOD declares the winners.  Who are they?

Those who are steadfast immovable always abounding in the work of the Lord - 1 Corinthians 15:58

Romans 9:11
(For the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth;)   

Hebrews 12:1
...let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us.

2 Peter 1:10
Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:

Matthew 10:22
...but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.

Sandra

Written Saturday May 7, 2011

Copyright 2011

GOD SPEAKS

Greetings -

Scriptures are from the King James Bible.

I don't know who this is for - JESUS told me to post it....    

Our Lord speaks:

Why the hesitancy my dear ones - why the hesitancy?  Am I not your exceeding great reward?  Am I not greater than all?  Am I not your fortress, your shield, your buckler, your ROCK?  My heart grieves from your unbelief.   

I am mightier than all of your doubts, fears, trials, and tribulations.  Remember I AM a giant slayer, a furnace deliverer, and a very present help in times of trouble.  There is nothing too hard for Me.  

I long for your total surrender to Me.  I long for you to cleave to Me.  I long for you to believe Me.  How long will you believe Satan above what I have promised you?  He works for Me.  I don't work for him.  Who do you work for?

I love you.  Lovest thou Me?  Draw nigh to Me and I will certainly draw nigh to you.  

Genesis 15:1
...I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward.

Psalm 18:2
The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.

Jeremiah 32:17
Ah Lord God! behold, thou hast made the heaven and the earth by thy great power and stretched out arm, and there is nothing too hard for thee:

Deuteronomy 10:20
Thou shalt fear the Lord thy God; him shalt thou serve, and to him shalt thou cleave,...

1 John 5:9
..the witness of God is greater:...

James 4:8
Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you...

Psalm 46:1
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

John 10:29
My Father,...is greater than all;...

John 21:17
...lovest thou me?... 

- FYI - You're invited to obtain my e-books. Also, I invite you to read my free offerings. Here is the link for additional information. http://www.sandrasbookdepot.blogspot.com/

You don't need e-readers to read e-books; they can also be read online.

FEAR NOT - WALK WITH JESUS

Greetings -

Today I entered two posts on this blog.  

On this one, my appreciation is extended to our fellow blogger and sister in Christ, dear Sharon at http://www.sharonsharinggod.blogspot.com/.  Recently, she shared, in blog land, that she had obtained a "dog tag" that read, "Fear Not."  When I expressed an interest, and inquired about where to obtain one of the dog tags, Sharon graciously gave me the necessary website http://www.bobsiemon.com/.  Thank you, Sharon!

Today my "Fear Not" was delivered.  Below is a photo of it (I replaced the necklace that came with it to one with a shorter length.)

   
Scriptures are from the King James Bible.

2 Kings 6:16
And he answered, Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them.

Numbers 14:9
Only rebel not ye against the Lord, neither fear ye the people of the land; for they are bread for us: their defence is departed from them, and the Lord is with us: fear them not.

Deuteronomy 1:21
Behold, the Lord thy God hath set the land before thee: go up and possess it, as the Lord God of thy fathers hath said unto thee; fear not, neither be discouraged. 

Below is a photo of a toe ring, which is also available from Bob Siemon's website.  These words are inscribed on the toe ring:
Walk with JESUS.  In the photo together, the jewelry says, "Fear Not - Walk with JESUS." 

John 8:12
Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.



FEAR NOT

Inscribed on ring is
WALK WITH JESUS

- FYI - You're invited to obtain my e-books. Also, I invite you to read my free offerings. Here is the link for additional information. http://www.sandrasbookdepot.blogspot.com/

You don't need e-readers to read e-books; they can also be read online.

CHOICES

Greetings -

Scriptures are from the King James Bible.

Joshua 24:15
And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve;...but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.

LIFE

Deuteronomy 30:19
...that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live.

Isaiah 7:15
...that he may know to refuse the evil, and choose the good.

Isaiah 56:4
...and choose the things that please me, and take hold of my covenant;

John 4:23
But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.

John 8:31
...If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;

John 8:32
And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

Matthew 7:21
Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.

DEATH

Leviticus 26:23, 24
And if ye will not be reformed by me by these things, but will walk contrary unto me;

Then will I also walk contrary unto you, and will punish you yet seven times for your sins.

Leviticus 26:27, 28
And if ye will not for all this hearken unto me, but walk contrary unto me;

Then I will walk contrary unto you also in fury; and I, even I, will chastise you seven times for your sins.

Leviticus 26:36, 37
...I will send a faintness into their hearts in the lands of their enemies; and the sound of a shaken leaf shall chase them; and they shall flee, as fleeing from a sword; and they shall fall when none pursueth.

And they shall fall one upon another, as it were before a sword, when none pursueth: and ye shall have no power to stand before your enemies. 

Leviticus 26:41, 42
And that I also have walked contrary unto them,...if then their uncircumcised hearts be humbled, and they then accept of the punishment of their iniquity:

Then will I remember my covenant...and I will remember the land. 

May 3, 2011

FROM BACK IN THE DAY - THE COOKIE CAPER

Greetings -

This is something that happened more than 35 years ago, but when I think of it, it still makes me smile and marvel. 

I was babysitting one of my nephews, J, when he was about seven years old.  I was not a Christian at that time.  J was at my residence; we were watching television.  I decided that we would have some cookies.  Before I went to get them, I gave J a mini lecture about the wisdom of not indulging in too many cookies.  I mentioned some health factors and several benefits of eating only a few cookies.  I told him that he could have two cookies.  

J listened quietly and patiently during my mini lecture.  When I finished, he looked at me and calmly asked, "How many are you going to have?"  His question stunned me because my intent was to have more than two cookies.  I sheepishly responded, "Two."  J didn't say anything else about the matter.  He didn't have to... - do you think that he knew that I had plans to eat more than two cookies?  I still wonder about that answer. 

I didn't say anything further to J about the matter.  What could I say?  I wasn't inclined to confess to him my intention, which was to have more than two cookies even though I had lectured him about the health factors etc.  My impression of J's question was that his attitude was - "Yeah right, auntie.  How many are you going to have?"  He didn't ask the question disrespectfully.  His  question convicted me because I knew my intent.  I got the cookies for us and we both had two of them.  

Why did I let that kid "chump" me?  It was my residence, my package of cookies, and I was grown - he was not.  Humph! - The nerve of him!  Of course, we know that he hadn't done anything wrong - I had.  J was not privy to my private thoughts that day....   

What did I do after eating two cookies with J?  A few minutes later, while J was in another room, I sneaked into the kitchen and ate some more cookies.  As I stood there, I said to myself something like "Here you are a grown woman and that child's question convicted you -now you stand in your own kitchen sneak eating cookies!"  

Since J has been an adult, I have asked him a couple of times if he remembers my cookie lecture.  He doesn't have memory of it.

Yes, people, I was busted.

Numbers 32:23 - KJV
...and be sure your sin will find you out.

Sandra

Written Sunday May 1, 2011

Copyright 2011