Greetings -
Scriptures are from the King James Bible.
Photos by Sandra - Copyright 2011
Recently, I have focused more on how I need to change relative to having the mind of Christ and conforming to His glorious image. In particular, I had concerns about the unrighteousness of someone dear to me. Our Lord shared with me something like, "When you make some attitude changes, you'll notice some changes in him." Well, I've been working more, in earnest, on doing that, folks. And you know what?! I've noticed some changes in that dear one in my life. One day recently this unrighteous man was here in my home. He said to me something like, "The spirit of the Lord is in this place." I was more than a bit surprised to hear him say that. Glory to GOD.
This a.m. in my intimacy time with our Lord, He shared with me that sometimes we frustrate the grace of GOD. He desires that we not do such because it's an insult to Him and it impedes us in our service to the Lord.
Galatians 2:21
For I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.
We are commissioned by our Lord to have pure hearts and to be holy as He is holy. Those are Holy Bible mandates - not suggestions.
1 Timothy 5:22
...keep thyself pure.
Ephesians 1:4
According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:
1 Corinthians 10:21
Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord's table, and of the table of devils.
Revelation 22:7
Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book.
Revelation 22:14, 15
Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.
For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.
Revelation 3:16
So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.
Revelation 2:5
Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.
Revelation 2:10
...be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.
Ephesians 1:7
In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;
Prayer:
Lord, increasingly, Christianity has taken credibility hits. Some of it is our fault, Lord. Please reveal to us where we fall short so that we can put concentration on the areas where we aren't meeting Your holy expectations.
Your anointing flows powerfully and Your actions manifest to the uttermost when channeled through holy hearts. Holiness changes climates, Lord, and has major impact on hearts, minds, and bodies. The Acts 17:6 says, "...These that have turned the world upside down are come hither also;" I'm convinced, Lord, that the "these" were holy people... Help us, please Lord, to wholly follow You so that, increasingly, yokes can be destroyed in accordance with Your words in Isaiah 10:27, "...and the yoke shall be destroyed because of the anointing."
Thank You, Lord - Amen
I received an inquiry as to whether the photos shown here on this blog are available for sale. The answer is yes. The photos here are posted on PHOTO FLOURISH at www.photoflourish.blogspot.com under the separate tab titled, "SOME PHOTO FLOURISH FAVORITES."
Note: 2
Coming soon on PHOTO FLOURISH - Key rings
Example:
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| Photo and words here S. Hicks Copyright 2011 |
http://photoflourish.blogspot.com/p/key-rings.html
FRUSTRATED GRACE?
ReplyDeleteAhh, holiness, seemingly a much avoided topic in most of the church today - somewhat like repentance, sin and other non-seeker friendly terms. HOWEVER, they are God friendly and true and necessary. Thanks for tackling this topic and not slipping over it, my friend. If we desire to become more like Jesus then this comes with the territory of walking in His footsteps... allowing His Holy spirit to teach, correct and purge us....Thank you Lord Jesus!
ReplyDeleteHi Marijo -
ReplyDeleteYes, my dear sister in Christ, holiness indeed!
May we press toward it firm until the end...
Lord, You alone are worthy of all worship, praise and honor.
I agree that the early followers took their faith very seriously and yielded and turned the world upside down. I love that last photo and never tire of hearing whatever it is, it is not bigger than God. Merry Christmas, my friend.
ReplyDeleteAs always, Sandra, very well-spoken words. Yes, Christianity has taken some hits lately, and Lord knows that we are imperfect vessels of His message sometimes.
ReplyDeleteBut, as you pointed out, the Lord is serious about working on these *cracked pots* of ours - (notice that I did NOT say we "crackpots" - LOL).
Holiness is not to be taken lightly - God desires to be a refining fire in our lives, burning out the dross of sin, and replacing it with His righteousness. May we be patient under His discipline, if necessary - and bold under His guidance as we reach out to a world that is desperately enslaved, and in some dire need of being released from the yoke of sin.
Wishing you a very Merry CHRISTmas, my dear sister. Your friendship is a real treasure to me.
GOD BLESS!
AMEN Sandra!!! WOW!!! Powerful, anointed words and wonderful passages of scripture!
ReplyDeleteMy apologies Sandra, for not having been over to visit sooner since you came and visited me... and left a precious Word! I was deeply blessed as I am each time I come and read what you have to share. I tried to go back and find my last visit here and scrolled through so many well written Words! I only wish I had more hours in a day and energy. It has been a busy time of preparation and we just had a delightful Christmas program from babies to teens to adults, in a skit on salvation by the teens and then the entire Christmas story, with a real baby Jesus!... It was precious and much to do! And then and for some time before I have been fighting some health issues so once again when it was over, I got a miserable cold, and for being in Mexico, the climate change seems a bit colder. It only makes me think of the poor that have less; less of a home and less blankets. I was not able to give out blankets as I have in the past, even my own is ind. when I need a larger one for when I turn over(lol)!
I love your beautiful photography work and key rings with the Word! Great idea and use of your gift!
Yes, Sandra, how we need to focus on having the mind of Christ and are commanded to be holy and pure. Much work in our sanctification depends on us changing. I appreciate the example that you shared with someone dear, it hits home for me. But I am sure in your case, one would sense the spirit of the Lord in you and around you.
Forgive me for not visiting sooner and know that I prayed for you as I read your words to me and as I visit here today. Wishing you a blessed and merry celebration of CHRIST this Christmas and all year, right? He is the REAL PRESENCE and GIFT we desire to give to others... May God continue to shine brightly on you and through you and your messages, messenger of God! Thank You, Lord for Sandra and the anointing that You have given her continue to flow in her and through her affecting others, causing scales to fall off and chains to be broken in Jesus Name...
Many blessing dear Sandra, Love, hope, peace and JOY be yours,
Peggy
Hi Sandra,
ReplyDeleteIt is a powerful testimony to the world when they see Christians changed and living according to the Word. However when we live just like the rest of the world, they notice that too and think "Why should I come to Jesus?"
Great post and God bless,
Ken
Greetings -
ReplyDeleteThank you all for your comments. Your contributions are valued indeed.