He is there.

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




If there is one verse that rang clearly in my spirit the year of 2010, which will come to a close this evening at midnight, it is Psalm 46:1. Just knowing that the Lord is our refuge and our strength and yes, indeed, a VERY PRESENT help in trouble has carried me through some dark times. I am sure you are nodding your head in agreement.


One of the desires of my heart is to write openly and freely. I dont have time for the fluff. I want you to know I struggle like you do..so we can be drawn together in the battle. I do not claim to know it all, to be it all, or to gain it all..absolutely not. Without reservation, I am honest about my own shortcomings--which are many--and it does not mean I have low self esteem, no. It simply means that I have a "sober" way to see myself, which is with many flaws. I am thankful for HIM in me, yes indeed. There are times I cannot "feel" His Presence, yet I know, undoubtedly that HE IS HERE and HE IS NEAR. Oh yes, that I am indeed certain of.


Sisters, and a few brothers LOL, satan's main mission is to separate us from God and eventually destroy our walk. In the dryest, most difficult times of our lives, satan comes in for the kill. He does not get us while all is going well or when we are fired up under the anointing! No way--he waits when it is the worst possible time for us. Financially, emotionally, and all the other "ally's" we can name...satan is right there.


BUT God is there, also. Sometimes we just have to repeat this to our hearts. "Satan you are a liar. My Lord and my God would NEVER leave me alone. I proclaim His Presence over me right now, and I believe IN FAITH that He is here!!"


Part of maturing in the Lord is knowing without a doubt that HE IS THERE even when we cannot feel Him, or see His Hand moving things around for us..just know HE IS THERE. Like our next breath, God is there holding us and everything all together. Maybe this little message would inspire us all today to "walk by faith..and not by sight."


Lord, help me and us to do this, just for today. Yesterday is gone, and tomorrow may never come. Today, Father, let me know deep in my "knower" that YOU are here !! AMEN!


Sis Anna B.




PS-
This photo was taken in ordinary traffic....He is there...showing forth His shine!

Happy New Year!

"Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think." Ephesians 3:20






Wow, it is only a matter of time before we will be counting down to a brand new year. For some of us, it is a welcome relief, as 2010 had great challenges. For others of us, 2010 brought such great and wonderful changes that we actually look forward to another New Year--to see what the Lord will do again and again! No matter what the year had for us, our God is working within us as His Word declares.


The photo you see up there is one my son took upon his descent into Dublin, Ireland in June of this year. This in and of itself was a miracle from God. Many of you reading this had a part in his going. The Lord provided "infinitely more" than what we asked or thought. Justin's ticket was paid in full AND he was able to buy a camera AND go with almost $1000 due to the Lord moving hearts to give! And we never asked anyone for anything. The Lord put it upon hearts (that heard about his trip through others) and they gave abundantly! Praise His Name!





The picture to the right is that of my daughter's Sweet 16, just a month ago. Trust me, this was another wonderful blessing from the Lord. I really didn't want to give her one, but through prayer, the Lord rebuked me for my attitude. Everything changed after that and how I know it was the Lord was that all the finances came through for every single detail. He did more than I was thinking or imagining that is for sure!




Then there were the tough times. Probably the saddest lost for me personally was that of my 19-year-young nephew. That is a photo of my precious sister being comforted by my niece at his funeral. Ahhh, loss too deep for words. How precious are the cries of those that mourn to the Lord? So precious He saves their tears. The death of my nephew took my sister through tumultuous changes. Her marriage almost fell apart, but GOD put it back together again! I give Him the glory--they are all back together again--as a family, and moving on despite the uphill battle. They all recognize that JESUS IS LORD, even in the most despondent moments we can ever face.




This brings me to the New Year and my own personal challenges. All I can really say, with tongue in cheek, is these words: "I made it." I didn't quite lose the weight I wanted to, but I made it. I didn't change alot of the things I promised I would, but I made it. I still have a mountain of internal struggles to combat, but I made it. And I only did so by the Lord's infinite power working in and through me. Also, lest I forget, He used His people to bring me great joy and comfort during the darkest nights of my soul.


Sisters, I look forward to 2011 with you. I pray that all of our lives would be touched by a greater measure of faith, hope, and of course the greatest gift of all, love. I anticipate fun times in our Wednesday night classes. Most of all, I cherish (already) the growth that we will all accomplish with one another--through HIS POWER working in us to do exceedingly, abundantly, above, what we could ask, think, or imagine.


God bless,

Sis Anna Barreto

Clogged Pipes

"In everything, give thanks: For this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." 1 Thessalonians 5:18

You know ladies, we can take alot for granted. I realized this for a whole week that my kitchen sink was clogged. Honestly, I am not being dramatic here. Think about your sinks--all of them. They usually function and life is nice. BUT when they clog up, it's usually a slow drain OR in my case, absolutely no drain at all.

I had to wash my dishes in the bathroom sink..(dont worry ladies, I sanitized with bleach so much that my neighbors smelled it!). Meanwhile I kept pouring down the Draino and nothing was happening. Finally, I had to make the "dreaded" call to the plumber. I say this because we all know this: they show up, they stick some long mechanishm down the drain and WALA the sink works. I am the type that likes to try every single remedy before I make that call. How about you? This is an actual photo of the feet of my plumber (to protect his identity LOL). He is A LIFESAVER !!! Come on ladies, clap with me--our sinks are IMPORTANT.

But one thing he said caught my attention: "Sink pipes are like arteries..they can get clogged up and then before you know it nothing flows through them." When I asked what could clog them up, he said any "junk going down." Hmmmmm. Sounded like the words of a devotional!!!

Dawn, our health coach, always says this before she eats something: "Will this clean me or will this CLOG me?" I have asked myself that question many times. Not saying I have it fully understood, but at least I ask.



I love Ring Dings. I think Ring Dings were made from a section of Heaven called Ring Ding Road filled with Ring Ding Angels singing the "Hallelujah" chorus while dipping cakes in chocolate... Eh hem..sorry, I got sidetracked. Dawn messed up my Ring Ding obsession. It's ok, I forgive her. I see how too much of a "good thing" is NOT GOOD AT ALL!!!

Ladies, we only have today. Let's simply bow our heads for one second..and give Him thanks. Let's give Him thanks that even though we know what to do, and we don't, He is still merciful..willing to give us yet ANOTHER chance to make it right. Thank GOD for JESUS!!

Lord Jesus, thank you that even though we have not always taken care of our temples, your mercies are still with us to see us through to healing. Today we pause to give you thanks: for our bodies, our lives, and of course, our sinks! Lord, help us to never take your blessings for granted!!Amen.

God bless us all today!

Sis Anna

Persevere

Remember that song, "I Always Feel Like Somebody's Watching Me?" Well, most of the time, if you're in a supermarket parking lot, it is me watching you. LOL. No seriously, I am a people-watcher. Don't get it twisted..I am not a pervert! I just take my time when I go shopping. I usually park, sit for a half an hour, and watch people. Try it sometime. It will make you laugh!


I once saw a couple fighting. Not physically, but verbally. Obviously this guy had upset this woman because she was going off on him. I guess she had gotten out of his car and began walking because he was begging (I mean really begging) her to come back in the car. All I heard her say was, "If you want her, go for it! I am outta here!" And then in a moment of sheer frustration he began yelling (at the top of his lungs) "I ONLY WANT YOU! I ONLY WANT YOU!!! I ONLY WANT TO SLEEP WITH YOUUUUUU!" I was like "WHAT DID HE JUST SAY?????" And she stopped and began to laugh so hard. Who else do you think was laughing? I had tears coming down my face. Only because I understand what it is like to be that upset and that foolish. Yeah, you guessed it, they ended up leaving together.


One observation caught my eye with an older woman around 65 yrs. old yesterday. She was walking with obvious difficulty with a younger woman-probably her daughter. What did I see in the cart? At least eight cases of Dr. Pepper. I wanted to jump out and say, "NOOOOO!!! Dawn taught us that soda kills the joints !!!" But did I dare say a word?? No!! Why? Not because I was scared..many of you know me, I talk to anyone that I can. I did not say anything because I have YET TO ARRIVE TO MY GOAL OF OBTAINING OPTIMUM HEALTH. If I would've ran up on that woman she would've been like, "Girl, Jenny Craig is right over there."


Ever feel that way? Ever feel like people look at you, while you are on your journey, and feel you have no foot to stand on because you are still making mistakes? People can be so fickle sometimes, especially when we are trying to make serious changes. I have come to learn that many times the reason behind this is it sheds light on the areas of their weaknesses that they know needs to be strengthened. Our making steps towards freedom reminds them of the bondages they are still in.


I watch Dawn, our coach, all the time--like that song says LOL--no really, I do. She is a strong and powerful example of a woman of perseverance and consistency. Last Sunday we had some body-builders visit our church, unbeknownst to Dawn. She came up the aisle shaking her tambourine and praising our Lord. I watched her from behind saying, "Wow, she is a machine. Them bodybuilders have nothing on her because she is clean from the inside out." (pardon the street language!)


Sisters, we are, too. We are spiritually cleansed which is the most important clean we can ever attain. But let us persevere to reverse the curse of what we may have inflicted upon these outer casings through time and ignorance. Nothing easy ever comes overnight. Forget about me and my dumb parking lot escapades: There is someone much greater watching over us for a much greater reason. His Name is the Lord. He never sleeps nor slumbers. He is cheering us on...even when no one else is. A fresh start is as close as our next breath!


"He will not let your foot slip-he who watches over you will not slumber." Psalm 121:3


Much Love,

Sis Anna B.

Foot Washing

"Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you should also wash one another's feet." John 13:14










So I heard in my absence that there was some foot washing/detoxing going on! WOW ! We are so blessed to have a sister like Dawn that cares enough to come and help cleanse us of the toxins that are built up within us from daily living. She is like our Master, Jesus, when He washed the disciples' feet. She is the hands and feet of Him who has sent her to do His Work on this earth. Dawn has found her true calling in life. There is no greater joy than finding out what it is that God would have us to do here on Earth!

Yet, there is only so far that Dawn can go. She knows that only Jesus can deliver us from the internal toxins that build up in our hearts. Yes, the Maker's Diet is all about "detoxing" the body, but Jesus, our Shepherd, desires that his sheep be free from the poisons of life's hardest days. You know what I am talking about: relationships with friends, husbands, kids, finances, jobs, physical ailments, broken hearts, broken dreams, and the list can go on for miles. Jesus knew that we would get "dirty" in this life. It is why he washed the disciples' feet. He wanted them and us to know the depth that he would stoop to help us walk with him. What a Savior!


When the Lord washes us, He can instantaneously deliver us from the deepest, darkest sins we have ever committed. Do you know what I am referring to? Yes, "those" sins that we would never share or confess to another person for fear of judgment. Jesus sees and knows all about them. Yet NONE are too filthy for him to clean. "If we shall confess our sins to him, he is sure and just to forgive and cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (emphasis mine)


The Lord will use His people to help us be cleansed as well. This is done for many reasons-mostly to humble us and to show us our dependency on His people. Come on sisters..let's be honest..how many times have we said, "I aint sayin nothin.." LOL. I know I have. But let me say this, once the Holy Ghost gets to moving..whoa, watch out. I am like a singing canary when He shows up. I will tell any and everything that is going on in my life--then afterwards, I beat myself up. Why? Pride. My pride doesn't want others knowing my struggles--UNTIL that glorious day when the issues I "let out of the bag" DISAPPEAR completely. It is because HE USED HIS PEOPLE TO SET ME FREE. Freedom comes in the presence of the Lord with one another !!! Praise God !!!

Clean feet. Clean hearts. Clean walk. Fit for the Master's use. There is no dirt too deep or poison too strong that Jesus cannot handle. Let's rejoice in his complete acceptance of who we are, where we are, and why we are.

Hats off to Dawn--or should I say "shoes off"--for her faithfulness to lead us to cleanliness, inside and out.


Keepin' it real--
love you all,

Sis Anna

The Age of Innocence

Wow, it's been AWHILE since I have written! God bless all of you, especially my "faithful" readers.. You know who you are..and I thank you for your encouragement to get me back to writing. It sure means a lot.

I was at the gym today, doing my daily workout "routine". Ha! If we want to call it that! Usually I shoot some hoops for about an hour, alone. My partner, aka my son Jordan, bailed on me a long time ago. He mumbled something about I don't play fair or whatever..hahahahaha..so I play alone. If I am not hangin out at the court, I will do cardio for an hour.

These past few days have been interesting. There is a basketball camp utilizing the courts so it is closed off to the public. But since there is a track upstairs, I am able to see all the kids as I walk. Wow! What a sight. Kids have boundless energy! I got tired watching them run up and down that court...playing against the camp counselors. They were so cute, all of them, and it put a smile on my face to catch glimpses of their interaction.




Then, all of a sudden, I found myself praying for them. I asked God to protect them from sexual predators and from harm that easily finds little ones. I reflected on my own sexual abuse at the tender age of 11, which I believe led to sexual promiscuity not too long afterwards. You know, those of us that have been abused tend to think it was no big deal because it is so "common" these days.



It is a big deal, a very big deal. It robbed us (the victims) of being able to trust. And trust is put into the heart of a child by God. I believe Matthew 19:14 shows the heart of God pertaining to children..that the Kingdom belongs to them because of their trusting hearts. We are told as believers that we need to be like children when it comes to the Kingdom of God.



And how is that? Innocently, free of the cares of this world, and trusting our Father in Heaven. When is the last time one of your kids came to you shaking their head asking you how are you going to pay the bills this month? I can remember during our toughest times my youngest son would still ask for things..and we found a way to get it for him.



What about our God? We being evil know how to give good gifts to our kids..what about our Heavenly Father? Don't let your past, especially if you were robbed of your innocence, dictate your future. If trust is an issue with God because it was taken from you, ask Him to replenish trust in your heart. He will do it--start with asking Him and then wait expectantly. It may not come tomorrow, but in time it shall come.


That is a picture of my granddaughter when she was a baby floating in the pool. She had not a care in this world..and still doesn't. She will be three soon, and she is full of life and laughter. I find myself asking God almost daily to bring out the "child" in me that was robbed years ago. He has been answering my requests. I find myself loosening up and having a good ole time these days ! I pray that this is your heart as well...be blessed my sisters !


"And he took the children in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them." Mark 10:16

XtremeFaith

The Valley of Weeping

"As they pass through the Valley of Weeping (Baca), it will become a place of refreshing springs..." Psalm 84:6


You know, I really did not know what to write about today. Sometimes, I have an instant knowing of what He would like me to write. Other times, I have to wait on Him..sometimes a lonnng time. Today, however, although I feel rather happy and fine, I felt impressed to write about the Valley of Weeping. I been there. A few times.

You know, the Valley of Baca, the original name, is a dry place on the way into Jerusalem. Don't miss that. It's on the "way into Jerusalem." In other words, it's part of the journey-the dry uncomfortable part of this walk with Jesus. You know, the word Baca is also translated as "balsam trees." Yeah, how did weeping and balsam trees come together? I have no clue. But rather than focus on that, let's put this verse into practical use of our struggles in this walk of holiness--that I can never seem to get right!

Have you EVER experienced weeping? I mean real weeping. Not the "I wish I had a million dollars" weeping. No, that is too shallow. Or the, "God get me out of this mess" weeping..no that's something we all go through from time to time, and it is ok. I am talking about weeping for reasons that we cannot even articulate. I mean the type where you're sitting there at your coffee table with your coffee/tea in your hands and the tears just fall. Not from utter joy either. No, this is something deep within your soul that can't be explained.

I have been in this place a long time, many times. It usually comes right before a HUGE victory takes place in my life. I go through dry spells where no matter WHAT anyone says, I just can't "feel" God. I hear the Word, I listen to the praise music, but His presence seems to have VANISHED from my life. Listen, family of God, if you are in this place, DO NOT LOSE HEART.

This very morning, I woke up at 4am. I said, "Lord, I do not 'feel' You, but I know you are near." And I began to speak to Him. I told Him how many times I messed up the previous day. I asked Him to renew a right spirit in my heart. I told Him to keep me from evil. And then I waited on Him. Nothing. But it was ok..because this is where He grows my faith. It is great when we first find Jesus, but as we continue in this journey, our faith will get tested by fire and refined in His presence if we are to grow.

This is why there is that Valley of Weeping. It shows our total dependence on God. I have had alot of money and I have had no money. And both times, I may have forgotten about God. Until I met the Valley of Weeping. Oh Jesus, I feel His presence now. You see, in times of distress, when our soul is on "overload" with the "what-ifs" of life, weeping is the outlet to bring release to pent up emotions that can KILL our love walk with God. And the balsam tree interjection is no mistake.

For at a time when David thought he would be THOROUGHLY DEFEATED BY HIS ENEMY, God told him to listen for the sounds of the "marching in the tops of the balsam trees"(2 Sam. 5:22-25) and for David to "move quickly" for the LORD has gone out IN FRONT OF HIM TO STRIKE DOWN HIS ENEMIES.

So the Valley of Weeping is precious to our Lord while we are there. Do not take it as any form of punishment from our God. We are so very precious to our God. This Valley is a time of preparation for severe defeat against that which holds us back from trusting our God, from total reliance upon Him for our deliverance...God wants our TOTAL commitment and He works that out through our tears. You see, once we get into this very dry place, filled with our brokenness and uncertainties, the Lord begins to see our grip on life diminish as we stretch weary arms up to Daddy. Like a dependent child, we reach for His embrace, and He comes down low to where we are. And then like the Daddy that He is...He fights our battles. In ONE SWOOP our enemies are laid out in front of us..and we cross over into Zion..Jerusalem..where the Presence of the Lord is.

Sister, Brother, keep on keeping on. Weeping may endure for a night, but His joy comes in the morning.


Xtreme

Memory Lane

A good friend of mine had a death in her family last week. I tried to get to the funeral a few times. Believe it or not, I had the wrong address and ended up in the wrong funeral home. I was trying to find a Puerto Rican family and instead I found a Hungarian family. How embarrassing. My husband and I graciously departed--and fast--from that place! We were trying so hard to find the right funeral home. We never did.

So the next day, I went out again with the correct address thinking I knew exactly where I was headed. After all, I grew up in this area so my memory should serve me well, right? WRONG. Again, I missed the funeral. I was so frustrated that I wanted to cry right there in my truck...not to mention it was about 100 degrees and it was "that time of the month". TMI TMI I know but women, you can relate..and for some reason I had on the wrong bra so all my stuff was falling out all over the place. It was NOT a good day..and I was upset. Until I realized where I was...I was taking a trip down memory lane..as God would have it. You know, I was having one of those weeks where NOTHING seemed to be working out.


Then I passed the old run down dilapitated house I used to live in with my first child, Jovanna. She was less than 2 and used to think the mice were her friends. There used to be an old "crack house" in front of where I lived, but now there is a little small church..run down..but still open to the hurting. After that street, I passed the bar that I used to chase my husband down in all the time. You know, he is saved now..and delivered from alcohol. Wow. What a miracle. A few minutes later, I passed the police station where I was locked up at for assault a few times. I could almost smell the stench of the urine-soaked cell I was in-gross. But not too long after that, the Lord came to my spiritual prison and He set me free. Another miracle. Had I already forgotten? How could I? I was serving satan's domain...and then Jesus found me. He LOOSED me from my own hell.



God had to open my eyes on one of my worst weeks ever to show me what He took me from. My tears fell like rain that day in humble gratitude. I realized that although I never made it to the intended funeral, I attended my old life's funeral. It had been put to death by the power of the Blood of Jesus Christ. And somehow in the cares and problems of life, I had lost sight of this. The Lord wanted to lovingly remind me. I am so grateful He did.



How about you? Is is time to count your blessings? Times are tough. Life sucks sometimes. But there is a God who loves us beyond ourselves and cares enough to remind us of this just when we think He isn't listening or does not care. He hears. He sees. He loves.


"...for your love for me is very great. You have rescued me from the depths of death!"
Psalm 86:13

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Does your soul sing?

"My lips will shout for joy, when I sing praises to you; my soul also, which you have redeemed."-Psalm 71:23




My goodness!!! Do you ever wake up and just feel your soul soaring with Jesus???? This is a real treat because more often than not we may wake up in a rush. Rush to get showered and dressed, rush to eat breakfast, and then shoot out of the front door,trying to squeeze God in, somewhere in-between. But then there days like today when my soul is singing to God so beautifully that it woke me up in a soft embrace with the Father. Tears were already in my eyes in total adoration of our Lord. He truly does rejoice over us with singing.




Think about this: God knows being a human is not easy. He understands the evil that tries to choke us out on a daily basis. He knows we try and keep our feet clean and that we get dirty. He knows that we fall short. So He sent Jesus to be the Great High Priest..to be touched with what touches us. He sent Jesus so we would be able to talk with someone that UNDERSTANDS this "flesh-suit" we are in.



Let your soul sing today. I don't care where you are. Are you at work? Have faith to believe that God will begin to sing to your soul..and put your weary heart to rest. Have faith to believe and watch what happens! I bet in a matter of minutes you will hear a sound of a worship song rise up..and when it does, let it catch the winds of praise in your heart and like a kite, LET THAT SONG SOAR!!!


Don't let life stop your soul from exalting our God. He loves us with an everlasting love. God is love. And He sings over His creation. Do you hear Him?



Ahhhh, like a gentle breeze blowing on a warm sunny day, is Our Lord's song over us.


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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7-cWvzIju4w

Fair Weathered Friends

"How I weep for you, my brother Jonathan! Oh, how much I loved you! And your love for me was deep, deeper than the love of women!" 2 Samuel 1:26


This verse is so precious. It's a shame that satan has gotten minds to distort this verse to be proof that a homosexual relationship existed in the Bible and was "Ok by God". So far from the truth!!! This friendship was God ordained and exemplified true "Agape" love between two great and powerful men of God, warriors no less. That word, "Agape", has been defined in some ways as being "the love that consumes."


WOW. Jonathan protected David from the murderous hands of his own father, Saul. So when Jonathan died, it sucked the life out of David. David had many, many women..but none could compare to the love of a true friend. This love they had was the consuming love of God, true and pure, free of any pretense and suppositions. They were true friends, true brothers in the Lord, even until the very end.


You know, I have many, many friends. But I have FEW true friends. Yeah, I have those email buddies, or Facebook friends..and I have my regular text crew that I hear from often. However, TRUE friends are few for me BUT they are the most invaluable, irreplaceable people I have in my life. They don't change, like the weather here in Florida does. They don't wait for a sunny day to give me a call. As a matter of a fact, NOTHING about ME prompts them to reach out to me.




You see, they are driven by a life of love. They have AGAPE written all over their hearts. They don't care if I am in a bad mood, a good mood, have money, flat broke, look nice, look a mess, smell good, smell bad, fat or skinny..well, skinny doesn't seem to come..but you get the picture! They are so SECURE in JESUS CHRIST that IF I DON'T reach out to them, you can best bet they are reaching out to me.




I have been on vacation a few weeks now. I have had some rough moments. Since my mind and soul have been quieted and not burdened with the daily hustle of life, I have had time to reflect on some deep pains. I have encountered 5 deaths in a few months time. Two of those deaths were very dear to me. One was my nephew. Another was a young lady I ministered to and spent much time with trying to disciple her in the things of God. They both committed suicide. Their deaths came and sucked the wind out of my lungs, it seemed. On a few occasions, while here in the Sunshine State, my tears fell like the rain that comes without warning.




And who did I hear from not even within hours of my dark times? My TRUE friends. I am ashamed to say I am not as faithful to them as they are to me. However, they are not moved by who I am or am not to them. They are moved by the Spirit of the Living GOD who has spoken to the depths of their souls and prompted them to reach me. Let me tell you this: they are my lifelines on this earth. They are the reasons that I have been able to climb out of pits so deep I thought the earth would close in over me. I thank God for true friends.




They don't just say, "Oh, I been prayin for ya.." No, they pray, but they also act. They remove their own desires of what they wish I would do for them, and they do for me, not realizing that their very acts of love cause deep conviction in my heart from the Lord. You see, when things are done out of love, love is a strong weapon, and it has the POWER to change people. So their loving acts make me want to be more like them, hence, more like Jesus.




These FEW friends that I have realize that I could be here today and gone tomorrow. They waste no time in letting me know they love me. They don't overdo it. They are spirit-led and so their words are received..often right on time..and just what Jesus ordered for my weary soul.




The Bible tells us to love, not with mere words, but with action. Beloved, if you have been a fair-weathered friend at times-and we all have been this-then let today be the day of change. Ask the Lord, ask Him only, to show you who to begin to show true, deep Agape love for. Then begin to pray for that person(s). And when the Spirit of God moves you to reach out to them-do it! Don't let your flesh stop you! And certainly not your pride! "Well, they didn't call me" is a poor excuse.



Unfortunately, my nephew and my sister in Christ are no longer around for me to try and get closer to. But can I confess to you my sins so I may be healed? God had put BOTH of them on my heart many, many times..and I procrastinated time and time again, thinking a better time would come. I don't wallow in self-pity about it, no way, but I have learned invaluable lessons about life. Life is a vapor, as is stated in Ecclesiastes, and is here today and gone tomorrow.




I want to reach those in life that God is prompting me to reach before it is too late. I have asked God to change me, to make me more like Jesus, to love without walls and apprehension. Most of all-to number my days..(Psalm 90). I am ever so grateful to the few true Agape friends that I have. Your love to me is better than the deepest love of men, and I mean this. I dedicate this post to you. Your love has conquered many, many of my own personal "demons" that only God knows about. But He chose YOU to love me, heal me, and put me back on His path of Righteousness..for His Name's sake...for none of us are exempt from hardship.


I thank you. And I pray to be more like the Jesus in you. Please, never change.



XtremeFaith

Perfectionism

"So be perfect, as your Heavenly Father is Perfect." Matthew 5:48




Did I ever tell you that I had an issue with perfectionism for many years? I also had OCD--obsessive compulsive disorder. Praise God, I have been delivered from them both. I chose this photo of carpet stripes to make myself laugh. Not that I laugh about any disorder--no, no, no.


I laugh about a memory I have when my kids were young. I was not able to leave my home until my carpet had vacuum stripes in it. So I used to put the kids on the porch, right where they could see mommy, and I would vacuum. I would finish and leave the vacuum at the front door until we came home. Even if I was running late, the carpets HAD to get vacuumed. Now, I know I have been set free, because I could care less about carpet stripes. And if I vacuum, it's like the miracle when Jesus turned the water into wine.


What does it mean to be like our Father, perfect? Does it mean we never slip up ever again? Does it mean that we don't have a bad thought again? If that is the case, I am doomed. I have made about ten mistakes in the last five minutes but whose counting? I almost ran the Goya truck off the road. He was going too slow, and I had to get my kid to the train station. Then I almost fell down the stairs, because I have my man's slippers on my feet, so a few cuss words almost came out. (ok, one came out---maybe two) Perfectionism is FAR from me. Trust me. I am still on the wheel, being perfected. Big difference.


The word "perfect" used in this scripture derives from the Greek word "teleios" meaning "complete", "full", or "having reached the end." In the Old Testament, this word is translated as "sound or unblemished." So where do we find our place in perfectionism? It's easy. Only in God. In God, we are full, complete, reached the end (meaning the end of us!), sound, and unblemished. God is ultimately saying, "See yourself as I, the Lord, see you." Wow.


We are to desire to be better, but He is the Potter, we are the clay. When I slipped up today, I said, "Lord, look at me. You have to help me get better." That's it. I didn't abuse myself by condemning myself to no end. What glory does that bring to God? I felt conviction, yes, but I repented and moved on. People with religious spirits will have a problem with what I just wrote. "We have to be holy, holy, holy..as God is holy." Yes, but perfectionism is not within the human capability. Holiness is. Holiness is found when we "clothe ourselves IN JESUS..His righteousness..His holiness..becomes ours." But to never make a mistake again? That is pride and arrogance for us to think that. We "perfect" ourselves by understanding we are not perfect! BUT we rest in the fact that we are COMPLETE in GOD.


Lord, I will fail you today. However, I am made "perfect" in my weaknesses. I am perfect in Christ, meaning I am whole and complete. Father, let none of my mistakes have any bearing on who I am in Jesus. Father, help me to pick myself up, dust off my mistakes, and keep moving lest I become swallowed up in self-pity and pride. I look to You, Lord, to walk with me throughout my day. I fix my eyes on Jesus, who took my imperfections, and made me whole. Amen.

Luke 7:37-47

"When a woman who had lived a sinful life in that town learned that Jesus was eating at the Pharisee's house, she brought an alabaster jar of perfume, and as she stood behind him at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them....."Do you see this woman? I came into your house. You did not give me any water for my feet, but she wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You did not give me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, has not stopped kissing my feet. You did not put oil on my head, but she has poured perfume on my feet. Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven-for she loved much. But he who has been forgiven little, loves little."


These are very moving scriptures. I love how "Dr. Luke", being the physician that he was, pointed out "a woman who had lived a sinful life.." Doesn't that bring great joy to your heart right there? The Holy Spirit prompted Luke to write this to give the reader the CLEAR message of the "type" of woman that was approaching our Jesus. She was not a clean cut chick...nope, she was a sinful woman that had lived a sinful life.

I love how scripture points out she stood behind Jesus..wow. This shows her reverence for the Master..and this should show where we want to be..with Jesus in front, and us following closely behind...letting Him lead us. And then the weeping. Oh my goodness. Sisters, this is where I wanna stop and finish up writing. Weeping. Weeping is what I call the window-wipers of the heart. And the closer we get to our Lord, the more weeping should pour forth from our spirit to His.

I cannot be in Jesus' presence without some form of tears coming out. Either tears of joy, anger, frustration, concern, or sheer passion for who He is. Either way, deep emotions come flooding out when I sit waiting on Him. He brings it up out of my heart. And my heart is not always happy and in a good mood! BUT nevertheless, the Lord is right there..allowing me to weep, and wipe his feet with my tears.

And whomever we weep with or weep for, in the Name of Jesus, He receives those tears for them as well. In the Beatitudes, we are called to show our emotions for the hurting. In doing so, we stand with them in their pain and suffering before our Lord. He receives our alabaster box of tears whether for ourselves or someone else. It's our approach to the Lord that He loves..we choose to commune our brokenness with Him. Something He is very familiar with.

When was the last time you broke your precious anointment of tears upon our Jesus? Perhaps it's time to cry out to Him in the pain of our souls, letting Him know how we feel from the inside out. He already knows. And He welcomes our presence.

Let Him dry our tears and then He will pour out His own heart upon us. Our Jesus is close to the brokenhearted. He knows every request before we ever mention it. And the best part of all of this is He has all the answers. Sometimes He doesn't answer the way we wish, but His answer is always for our best. And there are times when He simply calls us to stand and wait. But while we wait, let's not let our hearts harden. Keep the tears flowing, if not outwardly, then inwardly. Tears speak from many emotions..and they keep the heart from hardening. Our alabaster box is within us...our heart.


Here are a few verses from a song I once heard:

"Like oil upon your feet
Like wine for you to drink
Like water from my heart
I pour my love on you

If praise is like perfume
I'd lavish mine on you
Til every drop is gone
I pour my love on you.."


God bless.


XtremeFaith

"The human heart is the most deceitful of all things, and desperately wicked. Who really knows how bad it is? But I, the Lord, search all hearts and examine secret motives..."
Jeremiah 17:9-10




I like to call this verse the "clean heart principle." Let me explain what I mean...


We often throw around, "Well, my heart was clean," or "Well, I know your heart and you would not do that," or "She has a great heart." I have often been rebuked by the Holy Spirit the minute those words have left my mouth. He has said to me, "No one knows the heart, only the Father."





And many times, when I thought my "heart was clean", I found out it was dirtier than a scouring pad after a meatloaf dinner. Man. That's dirty. Let me go deeper..




One time, I thought I was "testifying" about the way the Lord has brought me and my husband out of financial distress. As I was talking, I felt like a big "poof" of air. I felt no anointing, particularly, but chalked it up to the fact that I was not talking so spiritually. Wrong. I later would find out that I spent too much time "listing" the things we lost. In other words, the Lord told me I used a backdoor method to boast. I was so broken. When I later repented to the person, she said, "Girl, I know your heart! You would not do that." OH yes I would, I did, and no, she does NOT know my heart.






I think we have thrown around the terminology so much that it has become commonplace. But if we reflect on God's Word we will see that there is only ONE that knows this dirty scouring pad completely. His Name is Jehovah. So what do we do that next time we are tempted to let those words fall out of our mouths? Here may be an example, I am not so sure, but just maybe.




"Sis, I have known you for a while. And what I know of you in character tells me that this-or that-was probably not your intentions. IF you are clean before the Lord, then all is well. But clear it up with Him!" You see, this removes the pressure from us having to say that we know something we absolutely do not know.



And FORGET ABOUT SAYING that OUR OWN HEARTS are clean before we allow God the chance to examine them. OH boy. Paul speaks about comparing ourselves with ourselves and how foolish it is. Same idea about the heart. We are wicked people, with wicked thoughts and motives whether we like to believe it or not. If that statement just made you mad, check your pride level. We all FALL SHORT of God's glory.





Often times, I thought my heart was clean. Because I was hurt, I was wronged, I was mad, sad, glad, whatever. But only in that quiet place, after deep meditation in the Lord, I have often found His hand of correction upon my life. And boy, is it humbling to be humbled.





So try this out...leave the "clean heart" business up to our Father. Stay safe. Simply ask Him, "God, search me. If there be anything wrong, weed it out of me. But teach me Lord, only to come to you to measure my motives and actions. You, Lord, will not hold back telling me the truth..it is for my own good, so I may become more like Jesus."




XtremeFaith

The Bible tells us to not let our hearts grow cold in these last days. How can we measure that? I think that when we have sensitivity in our hearts, we will know that our walk has not grown cold. You have the ability to weep when others weep and mourn when others mourn.

I saw the news yesterday about the miners that have died and others that are missing. And I wept. I wept because I saw mothers, sisters, wives, and even parishoners of a pastor that all may have died while mining. They were all on the news crying uncontrollably. My tears came down because death has its uncanny way of finding anyone at anytime. If you have ever experienced death of a loved one or someone you knew, you realize that it is no "respecter of persons." Money or no money, status or no status, death will find its way to all of us, at some time or another. I wish it wouldn't but it will, and it has to most of us.

I also saw the sad news of a newly engaged couple, gunned down not even 15 minutes from the safety of where I live. They had just returned from their engagement party and were approached for their brand new Honda. I cannot imagine why this would warrant both of them getting shot to death. Just take the car and leave them to live! Makes no sense to me that people would have to die for a material object...that from what I understand was not even taken! The thugs left the SUV right where it was, along with two dead bodies.




Many senseless acts of violence cause me to weep deeply from my spirit. For a moment, I get into a place too painful to describe. It is not hormones, nor is it a bad day for me....no, no, no. It is called the heart of the Lord needing a human body to cry through. Ever felt like God did that to you, through you? It is called travail.

Jesus wept when He found out about Lazarus..even though He knew that He would restore life back unto him. Jesus knew everything yet He still wept. He felt, deeply, the pain of Martha and Mary and it touched His heart. He knows all about our pain and He is not cold nor is He indifferent. He is right there with us. His tears fall when ours fall. Not because He is powerless but because He is our Great High Priest, touched with what touches us. He travailed with them..and then He did what He does best, He brought life back into the picture. This does not always mean we will get our loved ones back. But it does mean that Jesus is near to all who suffer in heart.

Are you in what I call a "weird" place today? Is life and all that is taking place taking its toll on you? Or are you on a mountaintop...enjoying the best time ever?? Whether in a good place, or a bad place, Jesus is right there with us. He is there to be a comfort at a moments notice when life gives us a sucker-punch without warning.

And when all is well, we should take note that He is the only reason why. We live in a fallen world, subjected to its fallen ways..but the Lord has overcome this world. We take great joy in this solace.

XtremeFaith

"For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under Heaven." Ecclesiastes 3:1

I love that Jesus spent time with children. He loved them so very much. You know kids have a way to "make" us slow down..even when we don't want to. Even if you don't have children, I am sure you have been around them enough to know that they have no "schedules" or "agendas."

Kids only know when it's "time to have fun" but never know when the fun ends. I learned this the hard way when I used to schlep four kids to Chuck E. Cheese. Til this day I believe this place was sent from Heaven. Really. Where else can your kids run like wild animals and wear themselves out while you can sit at a table and watch! I tried going down the tube once or twice but I almost got stuck, so that was the end of that. Seriously, it was a great break for me. And the kids loved it.

But what always amazed me was the fact that children have no concept of time. And when you mix a bunch of kids together they seem to get along great..except for the few that "have to have their way." For the most part, kids have no walls up, nor do they have expectations. They just wanna have fun..kinda like that song from back in the day, "Girls just wanna have fun"..well "Kids just wanna have fun."

If you're a person like myself that grew up too fast, had to be responsible way too soon, and kind of missed the innocence of "havin fun", it's never too late. My prayer for almost a year has been, "Lord, make me a kid again." And He has. I have had so much fun, I don't even know where to start. One of those moments was riding around with my son at around midnight right next to the raging river..that may be a little wild fun..but hey, it was fun! Then him and I got coffee on the way home and laughed so hard we cried. Why? Just because our laughing sounded so funny. I think it was God tickling us pink..He was answering my prayers to make me a kid again.

You see, the Kingdom of God belongs to those that come like little children. And I am sick and tired of being a stuffy, super-spiritual, gotta-have-it-altogether kinda boring Christian. Yeah, I know I have responsibilities..but trust me, I am OVERLY responsible. God wants me to have some fun..and you, too. Most of all, He does not want us ROBBING our children of THEIR fun and childhood, just because we are ALL GROWN UP. Please, if you're hard on your child, stop right now. Ask God to heal YOU so you may not rob THEM.

I did this for years to my children. Cook, clean, homework, bible studies, church, work, work, work, work..no fun. Thank GOD for my HUSBAND (who didn't have a fun childhood either)but he MADE sure the kids had a great time. I would always fuss and say, "They have work to do." Until God got a hold of me..and corrected me. I will never forget what He said to me: "Remember, these are MY children on LOAN to you." WHOA. Talk about being scared...scared straight though. It changed me for the better. I do not wanna be workin' God's kids to the bone! But the beauty of this is... I am also a child of God..no matter how old. And so are you.

I challenge you to watch kids this next week. And let their carefree spirits draw you into the freedom of peace, love, security, and acceptance that Christ wants for all of us. It's no wonder satan attacks these innocent little vessels so much..they are so pure and beautiful. And we know what the Word says..."Only the pure in heart shall see God."



Father, help me to be a child in Your arms. And help me, Dear God, to never quench the spirit of an innocent child still trying to find their way in this big, scary world. Quite the contrary, let me lead a child into your Presence. Better yet, Lord, help a child LEAD ME there. Amen.


DEDICATED TO EVERY CHILD WITHIN US..EVEN IF SHE HAS BEEN LOST, HURT, OR ABANDONED.

Raging Waters

"His feet were like burnished bronze, refined in a furnace, and His voice was like raging waters." Revelation 1:15


I have always wondered about this particular verse. I had no problem with the feet part...and I love how this verse sets aside "refined in a furnace" for us. I believe the feet represent our walk..and our walk is ALWAYS being refined in the furnace of affliction! Amen! However..the part about raging waters always made me pause..and wonder. Until this past week. Let me explain.

As we all know, flood waters have come to Jersey, overflowing one of the rivers most of us grew up around. And like never before, the Passaic River is on a rampage. For those of us that have visited the site, it is most spectacular...that word is the only one I can come up with. The way the mist hits the rocks and sprays upward..the fast moving current..and the fact that the water has surpassed its banks and flooded streets, parks, and is almost at the bridge level is far too much for our minds to understand.

But NOTHING compares to the SOUNDS of the RAGING waters going over the Falls. If it weren't for the 5-0 (police) I would take up my blankets (and 9mm--JUST kidding) and sleep outside those Falls. The sounds are too glorious to sit here and describe. You would have to experience it yourself to grasp the event. I received a "revelation" about what is written in Revelation, thank God. It was not so much what I HEARD that moved me....no...no....no. It was what the noise DID INSIDE of me that grabbed me and pulled me into such a deep place with GOD.

You see, those sounds...the cracking of water plummetting 80 feet downward displayed one thing to me: POWER. And that is what GOD showed me. His voice, when it speaks, the voice of "raging waters" exudes POWER just in its projection. OUR LORD"S VOICE OF RAGING WATERS SPEAKS OVER OUR LIVES TODAY. When the enemy comes in (...ha ha how awesome is this..)LIKE A FLOOD..the LORD will raise HIS standard against him. I believe like never before that when the LION OF THE TRIBE OF JUDAH ROARS OVER US.....EVERY SATANIC POWER IS BROKEN THAT HAS SURROUNDED US AND IT HAS TO FLEE.

I have been under several different attacks in the past few weeks...too deep to describe. I sought my help in prayer and fasting before my God. There were times I was too weak to fast..but guess what..the VOICE OF RAGING WATERS spoke to others, and they fasted on my behalf..or prayed fervently (without my asking)..and here I stand today-COMPLETELY LIBERATED. How humbling. How amazing. How priceless is that Precious Voice that roars over me. And simultaneously, as He ROARS against my enemies, He lulls my spirit to rest like a baby in its Father's arms...while singing over me (Zephaniah 3:17). I have been restored.

How about you? Do you find yourself in a current of temptation? How is living holy going for you? It is not so easy sometimes..not when this world TOTALLY contradicts everything we believe in. It can weigh us down..consider Abraham and Lot..how the Bible says they were tormented in their "righteous spirits" due to the evil of their day. What about Christianity? Have some saints hurt you by their actions, their words, their lack of sensitivity to your pain? Forgive them..as Christ forgave you..and allow the Lord to handle it.

Until then, never, ever, ever forget that HIS LOVE TUMBLES DOWN OVER EVERY ROCK IN OUR LIVES THAT THREATENS TO ANCHOR OUR SOULS TO THE BOTTOM OF THE RAGING WATERS. AFTER ALL, HE IS THE ROCK, AND THERE IS NO ROCK LIKE JESUS TO "BASH" OUR ENEMIES AND TURN THEM INTO FINE DUST.

Lord, give us a deep understanding today of how wide, how deep, and high, and how long your love washes over us.


XtremeFaith

Zealous for God

"His disciples remembered that it is written: Zeal for your house will consume me." John 2:17




One of the definitions of zeal is: "Marked by fervent partisanship for a person, cause, or ideal." I would say that is exactly how Jesus felt about His Father. He was fervent about His Father's business here on earth. Seeing how Jesus overturned the money changing tables and drove out the merchants with whips (made of cords)..I would say he was definitely zealous.

I have been zealous for my Father's Kingdom here on earth. Often times, my zeal has gotten me into trouble. In my "zeal" to see His Kingdom here on earth run the way that His Word instructs, I have often put my "zealous" foot in my mouth.

This is not to minimize or state that zeal is wrong..no way. In the right hands, with the right heart, zeal drives a person to "right the wrongs" found in Abba's Kingdom. However, love should always be the motivating factor. A rule I have learned from the Lord is to take my feelings to Him first in prayer. I seek Him. I wait on Him. And then if I get the "ok" from the Lord, I carry on.

In those times where I was in His perfect will, fruit came from the situation. In other cases, when I acted in my "flesh" and allowed my zeal to be a lashing, well, no fruit came out of it. Then I had to go back to God, confess my sins, and ask for forgiveness. Afterwards, I had to go to the person I hurt and ask them for forgiveness as well. I have learned that God is much more willing to forgive than the family of God! So I try not to do things the hard way anymore LOL!

What about you? Have you ever had a passion in your heart so fierce that it drove you to confront someone about an issue in their lives? What was the fruit of that? Whether or not a person receives your correction is not the measurement. Peace is how we measure whether what we did was from God or not. If peace (true peace from God, not manufactured peace to hush the convictions of the Holy Spirit)reigns in our hearts, then most likely, we have had the privilege to be used of the Lord.

Lord, in our desire to please you, and in our zeal to see your Kingdom come, may we examine our hearts for cleanliness. Let no ugly spirit nor any ulterior motive drive our hearts to bring forth correction. May love be what drives us to restore another back on the path of righteousness. Father, forgive us where we have hurt others in our quest for truth. May your love bind our hearts together. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

XtremeFaith

Despair

"From the ends of the earth, I cry to you for help when my heart is overwhelmed. Lead me to the Rock of towering safety." -Psalm61:2







Ladies, have you ever felt despair? I am sure we all have at one moment or another. I feel despair everytime I hear of another earthquake, which has come more than I would like in these last months. Threats of tsunamis all over the Pacific Rim had me on edge, as 3/4 of my family reside there. I had to really search out the Lord's comfort in these past few days. I am thankful that He freely gives it to us.

King David had many reasons to feel despair. His son was after him to kill him and take over his kingship but instead, his son was killed. David mourned, like any loving parent would, the death of his son. Countless situations arose in the "man after God's own heart" time and time again, but he always sought the Lord in prayer and praise. This verse begins with despair, but ends in a knowing of where to run when we feel it.

I do not like the way despair feels. I don't even like the way it sounds! It's too much like "dis-repair." What it means, though, is to lose all hope. Do you ever feel that way about a situation? Maybe your marriage, your health, your finances, your children, or just life? Please do not allow despair to settle in. Recognize it, take it before the Lord in prayer (the Rock that is higher than we are) and give Him time to work it out.

It has been my experience that God does not always answer the way I want him to, but He always, without fail, brought peace to my life. Sisters, nothing on this earth that we can buy can ever replace peace of mind, heart, and soul. I think of the tragedy that just struck the nation of Chile. With all the possessions lost, wouldn't it be safe to say that those lovely people just want "peace of mind" right now? God is there to give it to all of us in despair.

I have known despair way too many times in my life. I used to let it linger, and linger, and linger. Until I learned the "art" of meeting with God. Right now, it is 1:56 am. I was feeling despair a short while ago about many situations happening. I closed my eyes, took a deep breath in, and just meditated quietly on God. The problems are still there, but peace flooded my soul. I gave each subject to the Lord one by one. And after each one, I said, "Lord, this is too much for me. Please take it." Oh the wonders of God! He gladly exchanged my sorrow for HIS PEACE.

I wanted to share this with you, precious sister. Don't let despair linger. It is a dangerous emotion that wants to rob us completely of hope in Christ. Let's meet with our Creator, share with Him the depths of our souls, and expect Him to flood our hearts with unspeakable peace.

Do it today.


XtremeFaith

Proverbs 18:21

I like this photo. No, not the "laser gun" he is holding. And not because he is the foul-mouthed, action packed Bruce Willis. It's what the picture says:

"Keep talking. Maybe eventually you'll say something that will reverse all the other stuff you just said."

Have you ever had someone say things to you that you wish you could "forcefully" make them retract? I sure have. Words are exactly what Proverbs say they are, life or death.

I would be much more lenient to forgive a smack on the face than ugly, heated words. Once they are out of a mouth, they cannot be taken back. Have you ever said something, that in the midst of those words coming out, you felt instantly convicted to...well, to shut up! I have. And unfortunately, I did not take heed of the warning.

Somewhere in the Word of God it talks about words being like sweet morsels...good while they are "going down." This may be referring to gossip, but we can look at it as speaking out of turn. It feels "so good" while we are saying it..dishing it out..but soon, those words can come and haunt us.

I want the prayer of my heart to be this today: "Lord, let me be really quick to listen and very slow to speak." This is my prayer for all of us. Sisters, we never know what unkind words can do to a person who is on edge. Can I testify?

Around 22 years ago, there was an old friend of mine that had done something terribly wrong to me. I decided to write her a letter "about herself." Years later, we ran into one another.


I was able to apologize to her, recounting how hurt I was. And she replied to me that she considered taking her life after she read my letter. This friend kept a .22 in her purse at all times. Imagine the fear that I felt knowing that due to my own selfishness in "letting her have it", she could have reached in her purse..and that blood would have been on my hands. Even worse, my foolishness could have gotten me killed. I was not saved but the lesson still stands.

It's not worth the gratification of mere moments to cut someone down, or have "one-up" over them to have a quick, poison dipped response. Let our words be seasoned with grace and mercy...and occasionally the salt of rebuke..but carefully weighing it before the Lord. I have made many, many mistakes in this area. I like what one wise sister recently told me, as we chatted about this weakness I have. In the case when I am not sure what response is necessary, she simply said, "When in doubt, don't."



Let's trust God and leave vengeance to Him alone. Let us pray:

"Lord, there are times I want to blast someone with my tongue. I want to give them a good lashing for hurting my feelings or humiliating me. I feel the instant desire to get even and give back to them what they gave out. Father, help me to be like Jesus, who humbled Himself to the depth of humiliation like none of us ever experienced. The King of Glory endured insults, beatings, and accusations..all the way to the Cross. For me. So I could have the power...over my tongue, through the Holy Spirit. Precious Spirit, take control of my tongue. Teach me to weigh my words first, then to speak. Or just be silent. Let this be my act of worship to you today."

XtremeFaith

Perfection

"I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." Psalm 139:14

The Definition of Perfect: "Lacking nothing to the whole."

How many of us really understand the depths of these words penned by King David? How many of us can truly stand in the mirror and simply praise God that we are made by His perfect hand? I did not say that we are perfect, but what He did was perfect, and still is perfect.

Alot of us shy away from that word "perfect." I often do that, especially when it comes to looking in the mirror. Whoa. "Lord, this is too big. This is too small (not often does that come out of my mouth.) This is too low and this is too high." Then, as usual, the accuser of the brethren is there to agree with me and assist in my self-condemnation.

But the Lord uses that word perfect quite a few times in the Bible. "Every good and perfect gift is from above.."(James 1:17), "He is the Rock, His works are perfect.." (Deut. 32:4) " "The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul.." (Psalm 19:7) "You will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is fixed on thee" (Isaiah 26:3) "It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect.." (1Samuel 22:33) And then one of my favorite verses in the Bible: "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." (2 Cor. 12:9)

Look at that definition of "perfect." We lack nothing to the whole. If HE is in US and we are IN HIM, we are made perfect. Those things that may seem imperfect to us are perfected through Him and in Him...and essentially for Him. Let me encourage our hearts today..if there is any area that we feel "less than perfect in" , especially our self-image, then let's take self out of the picture. Self wants to much attention! Let's focus on the one that has perfected everything concerning us..(Psalm 138:8).

Is it a wedding coming up that you need help with? Or a diet you have failed over and over with? An emotional issue deep in your heart, weighing you down? A marriage crisis? Children gone astray? Ministry too overwhelming? Feeling less than competent? Pressures of everyday life got you filled with tension? Let's take all that and give it over to Jesus today. Take a moment, pause, breathe deep, and picture yourself with whatever ails your heart. Then see yourself physically hand this over to our Lord.

"Lord, this is too heavy for me. I have failed over and over again. I cannot seem to get the victory in this area. And Lord, I do not know how to get past this mountain in my life. I ask you, in your perfect way, to take this burden from my heart. I am fearfully and wonderfully made. I do not want another second, minute, or hour of my day being robbed from me anymore. Lord, I look to you."

XtremeFaith

Proverbs 6:16

"There are six things that the LORD hates, seven that are detestable to Him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies, and a man that stirs up dissension amongst the brethren." (emphasis mine)

When I see a scripture that talks about God hating something, my ears perk right up. I want to hate what God hates, and love what God loves. In this verse of scripture, the Lord hates the first 6 things listed, but the seventh thing is detestable to him.

Hate is defined as: to feel hostility towards, to dislike intensely, or to feel extreme aversion about something. Detestable comes from the root word, detest, which comes from the word "detestari" (latin), meaning to "call down a curse upon" or to "bear witness against." Anything God calls down a curse upon is a very serious matter.

I know in the Body of Christ, while we are all serving the Lord, times can get really tough for alot of us. We all go through trials and tribulations. But there is nothing more hurtful, in my opinion, than when the 'one that takes sweet counsel with me in the temple of God lifts up their heel against me.' These were David's words in the Psalms. As a matter of a fact, David said if it were his enemy, it would be ok..but not one that stands in God's place of worship.

None of us are perfect..and all of us have made one grudging comment or another about someone or something in the Body of Christ. "Her perfume is too loud..his pants are too short..the service is too long..the choir is too loud..her skirt is too colorful.." This is not the stuff God detests. No, it is merely flesh having a flesh fit. We ALL have been guilty of this.

There are times I have had to "vent" my feelings about a brother or sister to a SAFE sister in the Lord (or brother) that I KNOW will ultimately lead me to see that I am having a flesh fit, and most of the time, that conversation ends with my repenting and then praying for the person that I seem to have a problem with. God honors that. It is part of the ministry of reconciliation.

What God HATES is when others say destructive things about another, whether truth or fiction, with the intent to reduce that person to a value less than trash. We have to guard our ears and our tongues from hearing evil, destructive words about a person Christ died for. Again, I am not talking flesh..I am talking about an evil intent. You will know the difference between a person venting and a person destroying. Trust me, the Holy Spirit is very faithful with this.

So what's my point? Let's not get so carried away in our flesh about another brother or sister. If something is bothering us so deeply, let us go to that person and discuss it. More often than not, I have found that it was not them that had the issue, it was me. And if that brother or sister is not approachable, then confide your heart in someone safe and balanced that will lead you to pray for the other person. Don't call someone that you know will tear another person up..no!

We are the Body of Christ. Simply put, we are nothing without one another. And those that are in the Body to sow dissension, the Lord will do the work of removing that person. But we have to remember that our Lord is gracious, abounding in love, slow to anger, not willing that none would perish, but that all would be saved. Let that be our character. And let God do the separating of the wheat from the tare.

We go after principalities...not personalities.

XtremeFaith

The Whispering God

"And after the earthquake there was a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire there was a sound of a gentle whisper" 1 Kings 19:12


In a world where noise is so prevalent and seems to be the main "mode" of communication, I am pleased to know our God whispers. Isn't that neat? The God that created the roaring of the oceans, the clashing of thunder in the skies, and animals whose noises will send us running for our lives (like lions)..chose to whisper to the Prophet Elijah when he hid.



God could've yelled at Elijah..whoa..imagine God yelling? I can't imagine that only because of His great power. What would a yell sound like??!!! After all, we all know the infamous story. Elijah called down fire from Heaven, and it came. Then due to a threat from Jezebel, Elijah ran for his life. And God found him. In tenderness. In love. In peace. In restoration. Ahhhh the love of God..far too great for my words to elicit.

Growing up, there was rarely a whisper in my house. Everything was said authoritatively or yelled. When I say everything, I don't mean that there were not good times. There were plenty of those. But when we did wrong, or upset someone, yelling was the main reaction.

Not too long ago I had a very disturbing dream in which my mother was screaming at me for not doing something right. It woke me right up and reminded me of the unsettled feeling I would get. Her reactions to my mistakes certainly did not make me want to draw near to her. I wanted to run!

I had to retrain my Christian mind when I got saved. I carried this "hit you over the head when you do wrong" mentality right into my walk with God. I tried to do everything right, only to do wrong. Finally, after years of exhausting myself, I just didn't care anymore. The "work" of being right was too heavy for me. I could not read, pray, fast, worship enough in my way of doing things.

Once I gave up the performance, I saw His love wash over me like never before in my life. God revealed His character to me so deep and that character is LOVE. Don't get me wrong, love also disciplines. And I have had my share of that from the Lord...but I understand that it was due to His love not anger that he did that.

I encourage all of us today to allow the Lord to whisper his love to us, even now. Take a moment. Seek Him. Let the gentle, tender, kind, compassionate love of the Lord find you. Even in the midst of the chaos of life. I pray the peace that surpasses all understanding would fall on us today. Let the singing God, mentioned in Zephaniah, quiet all of our souls. Then take that whisper of love..and pass it on.



XtremeFaith

The King of Glory

"Who is this King of Glory? The LORD strong and mighty; The LORD mighty in battle. Lift up your heads, O you gates; Lift them up, You ancient doors; That the King of Glory may come in. Who is He? This King of Glory? The LORD Almighty--He is the King of Glory. Selah." Psalm 24:7

My goodness. That Psalm BLOWS me AWAY. I mean doesn't it do that to you?? King David had such a way with words. I love how he CAPITALIZED the LORD'S name in those verses. He did that to put emphasis on the answer to the question he had just asked. It is the LORD that is the King of Glory. David wanted us to reflect on this sooo much that he put "Selah" at the end of that verse. That means to pause and reflect on what was just said.

I need to know that the King of Glory is the LORD mighty in battle every moment of every second of every day of my life. I have so many battles, seen and unseen, that it is a great comfort to know who really fights them for me. Yeah, I think we tend to gravitate towards thinking we are such warriors. You kiddin' me? Only through Christ. The last time a demon came around me, if I could've fit under my bed, I would've hid there. But that was not 'bouts ta happen! LOL.

The LORD came upon me and was like, "Excuse me? You are PERFECTED in my love..so that fear is CAST away." WOW. In a flat second, I began to speak in the Holy Ghost and call that evil presence dismissed in the NAME above EVERY NAME..the KING of GLORY, who is the LORD. Those are those battles that are WAY too big for me. Demonic powers are not to be reckoned with, unless one is clothed with the LORD. I am so grateful it is HIS power we call upon, because in and of ourselves we have zero power. Remember those jokers that tried to cast out demons in the bible..using Jesus' name??? They got beat so bad that they were butt-naked by the time the spirits were done with them. But it's what the evil spoke to them, "Jesus we know, and Paul we know, but WHO ARE YOU?????"

OH JESUS! THANK YOU THAT WE KNOW YOU! THANK YOU THAT NO EVIL POWER CAN WITHSTAND THE KING OF GLORY! THANK YOU THAT YOU ARE MIGHTY IN BATTLE!

Sisters, I got a whole bunch going on right now. I am sure you do, too. Physical, emotional, spiritual, kids, house, husband, the dog, the cat, the mouse, the fish...and the Maker's Diet. Yeah, it's all going on. But on days like today, where I wish I could sail away on a clear blue ocean to nowhere, I am rest assured that a FORCE is backing me up in this war far greater than I can ever imagine. The LORD is His Name. He has my back. My front. My left. My right. He IS the KING OF GLORY, and HIS NAME IS JESUS.

Selah.

XtremeFaith