Tag Archives: kids

Jul14

Get A Life

Posted on July 14, 2012 by sagescenery

“For we are laborers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.” I Corinthians 3:9 KJV

Have you ever heard anyone say, “Get a life!” or “I wish they would get a life!”? We’ve all heard it, but hopefully, it hasn’t been said about us. Perhaps we’ve even said it to someone ourselves (or we’ve at least wanted to say it!). Because some people seem so preoccupied with themselves and minor details of their lives, they don’t seem to see the whole picture (or anything that’s going on around them!).

The problem with telling someone to “Get a life!” is that it’s too general.

To “get a life” you have to first, “build a life!”

Brick upon brick, stone upon stone, block upon block. To get a life, build a life. To have a home (a safe relationship with your family), build a house (a safe place for your family to dwell).

Hurricanes prove the need for a sure foundation. The Bible tells us in I Cor. 3:10 & 11 KJV, “According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.” This is what builds a fortress around your family.

Be a wise master builder; and know that Jesus is the ultimate Master-Builder of your life. He is the sure foundation. He is the One who helps you weather the storms of life.

There’s a construction site near where I live and I take my walks past the activity to see what’s going on…what progress has been made each day. Construction has been going on for about 2 years now. The 90, or so, villas take up an entire block, with the backyards facing each other on two different streets. They’re built so that two villas are attached, like they’re holding hands. Their backyards are protected because they face each other and their garage is facing the street. The front doors are on the outer sides of each villa, so that the front door faces the neighbor that the villa is not attached to, like they’re greeting their next-door neighbor. I really like them; each villa is a slightly different color with roof tiles that co-ordinate nicely.

I’ve watched this construction job site for so long, that I’ve seen completion of a majority of the homes, while others are still just being started. It’s like an assembly line of houses. My Dad was a carpenter, so it’s exciting for me to watch. Someone had a vision, land was purchased, plans were drawn up, and permits were obtained. The area was surveyed, the big machinery came in, measurements were taken, the ground was staked out, and dirt was pushed around.

Crews came in, footings were poured, cement walls went up, roofs went on, and rooms were divided by studs and dry wall. Painters came on board and painted inside and out, roof tiles were put on in the blazing hot Florida sun! Kitchen cabinets and appliances arrived; carpets or tile floors were laid down. Landscapers turned the dry dirt into a tropical green oasis. Sprinklers water the greenery.

At one point in construction, it looked as if the piles of debris would take over. Win out. Choke the life out of the plan to build, but the master builder came and had a plan for the garbage removal…and it was never seen again.

Soon families started moving into the completed villas. I saw moving trucks unloading furniture and boxes…and garages filled with stuff. Cars and vans were parked in the driveways, babies were wheeled in their carriages, and dogs were walked. Deliverymen came and went, and folks sat in their garages trying to catch a breeze. I smelled the aroma of steaks grilling on the BBQs in the backyards. I heard cell phones ringing, people talking, and music playing.

Life!

All this while the site across the street was still a barren wasteland waiting for its life to be built.

All the folks seem so happy here, but they couldn’t live here, if they didn’t build here. If it was still barren. If there wasn’t a plan. A house doesn’t just materialize. Neither does a life. There’s got to be a plan. And in order for there to be a plan, there must be a planner. A Master-Builder. A house needs some forethought, so does a life. Don’t just expect it to happen, it has to be planned.

We have to plan for it.

Are you waiting for your life to be built? Do you know someone who needs to “Get a life!”? A house needs a Master-Builder, so do we.

How do you build a life?

1. Contact the Master-Builder. He has the vision for your life. He purchased the land. He’s drawn up the plans. He’s gotten the permits. He’s surveyed the area. He’s taken the measurements. He’s ready to bring in the big machinery. He’s staked out the ground and He’s moving the dirt.

He’s got the right crew to pour the footings and build the cement walls for a sure foundation. He’s constructing the dividing walls, painting the house, and putting the roof over your head to protect you and your family from the hot sun and severe weather. God carts away the garbage and debris in our lives, never to be seen again. Ask Him to dispose of it for you, don’t let it surround you, or stay piled up on your property. It’s ugly; and not part of the beautiful landscape He has planned for your life. He’s got everything you need inside and out, all around you, and under your feet. He’s even planned for the landscape around you to be lush and green! He waters your life with His Living Waters. Read His book. Discover His plan for you.

2. Gain the support of others. Build so that your backyards face each other for protection, hold hands as you go through life. Greet your neighbors, look out for each other, a hurricane or crisis will show you how much you need them. Protect your family. Pray. Ask Jesus to place a hedge of protection around your home and your family. Let your garage door face out to the world, embrace your neighborhood, catch the cool breeze of the Holy Spirit as you sit and look at the world through His eyes. Building a house is hard work, so is building a life. Don’t leave the Master Plan to an amateur. Call in the professional…Jesus Accept His advice on how to build your life. Work at it. It’s time-consuming, but ah-h-h, the sweet satisfaction of a job well done. Stand back and look at the finished product that God has built, step by step.

3. Start now, it’s not too late, even if your land seems barren, the Master-Builder knows what to do. He knows what you need. He’s built other lives. From nothing to an abundant life. Build your child’s life now, don’t wait. Start building…brick upon brick, stone upon stone, and block upon block. And see them come alive with the Master-Builder’s perfect plan for their lives. Don’t just sit back and let it all just happen to you. Society is built on the world’s standards. You want to build an eternal foundation, not something temporary. The enemy wants the storms of life to cause you to lose your footing, shake your foundation, and tear down your protection. He wants the garbage and debris to choke you. Don’t leave the building process in the hands of a demolition crew. The enemy wants to destroy you and take you down. Go to the Master-Builder, He’s the One who can build you up. Give you a life built on the Rock!

Job 22:23 CEV “If you return to the Almighty, you will be built up.”

Jul14

Beach Blessings-Reclaim

Posted on July 14, 2012 by sagescenery

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“In that day the Lord will reach out his hand a second time to reclaim the remnant that is left of his people…” Isaiah 11:11 (The Message)

A few years ago, my husband and I went to our favorite public beach on Gasparilla Island, FL, and we were shocked at what we saw!

In the past, our walk from the parking lot to the water was a relatively short distance. Usually when we got out of our car, there were cabanas with picnic tables, and once we got on the beach and looked to our right, we saw a big shade tree, huge rocks, and boulders in front of beautiful beachfront properties. Beyond the huge rocks, was a short beach, and an inlet where mounds of beautiful shells were stacked on the shore. When we walked to our left, the beach stretched quite a ways, until we got to a bulkhead in front of a little yellow hotel.

But, now, when we got out of our car, we saw that the beach was twice as wide, from the parking lot to the water, as it had been back in the past. The sand was completely mowed down, debris was buried, and big tire track marks could be seen in the sand. Heavy machinery and equipment had been used to position a huge pipeline right across the middle of the beach, to dredge sand from the Gulf of Mexico back onto the beach. The waves were the same, but we saw a monstrous barge far out in the water working to reclaim sand and fulfill its mission to enlarge the beach.

Sand that had been lost in storms and hurricanes was reclaimed, taken back, retrieved to make a wider beach. Also, wide bridges of sand were formed over the pipeline in several areas for us to gain access to the water. The new beach space was so expansive…it made the horizon looked immense. However, the trek to the water from the parking lot, now took us much longer. And we had to carry our heavy baggage and beach “stuff” such a long way, we were exhausted. It took extra effort just to get to the water. Also, now we were farther from the shade and the picnic tables, under the cabanas.

We love shelling, but no one was shelling. We saw many more tiny broken shells and fewer big ones, because there were no nooks and crannies for shells to get caught up in. The beach was completely smooth and flat, no large mounds of beautiful shells, and no rocks or boulders. The beautiful beach houses looked a lot less private, since they were now easily seen from the beach. But, with no trees, shrubs, or sea oats to block the view from the houses to the water, the homeowners also, now had great, unobstructed views of the Gulf. The beach seemed to go on for miles, we could see all the way down the shoreline in both directions, giving us a clear view.

Everyone seemed shocked when they first arrived at the beach…it’s a BIG change. The pipeline lying across the beach divides the people into shade worshippers and sun worshippers. The pipeline itself was old and rusty; it obstructed our view of the water until we climbed over it via the sandy bridges. It was ugly and unsightly. With “KEEP OFF” warning signs scribbled on it…it looked like a wall of graffiti in a NY subway station.

But, the larger beach did attract more people!

People were exploring everywhere. Up and down the beach, over by the big machinery, on the sand bridges over the pipeline. It was so new and different, that it was exciting. Everyone wanted to check it all out. The sand bridges attracted many children, also, because great mounds of sand had been formed to climb up on, and slide down. Which they did, over and over!

What a great day in the sun!! To enjoy the wonderful, cool, and refreshing water, everyone embraced the “newness“ of the scenery, and ignored the “unsightliness” of the essential, but ugly pipeline. The pleasures of a day at the beach far outweighed the hassles involved with being there while all this reclaiming was going on.

Church, we have a mission, too! We need to periodically “reclaim” what’s lost in our lives. We need to see our lost opportunities, and the lost souls around us. We can’t just sit back and watch from a distance. We don’t go to the beach to sit in the parking lot. We don’t enjoy the Christian “walk” by being a spectator. Sometimes this world is hard to live in when all this “reclaiming of the lost” is going on, but I assure you, seeing your loved ones refreshed at the water’s edge, instead of drying up on the beach, is worth all the hassles involved in helping to get them there. Let’s ask the Lord to mow down the debris in our lives, and in others we know, so there are fewer obstacles in our paths.

Find out what obstructs their view of the water. What obstructs their view of Jesus?

Let’s scrape away the surface, dig a little deeper, move the heavy rocks away (even it takes big machinery), and desire to walk a little farther down the beach. When our view is clear, and we’re determined to touch the water, we can show others how to get to the water’s cool, refreshing presence. Jesus has provided the essential pipeline to reclaiming that which has been lost. He has built the bridge to His refreshing “Living Waters.” Show others that the way over the ugly pipeline is over the bridge He has provided. There they’ll find the refreshing water they need.

The way is straight.

The Bible says in Psalms 5:8, “Lead me. O Lord, in thy righteousness because of mine enemies; make thy way straight before thy face.” KJV

Relax, come out from your shady hiding place, and soak up the sun. Be “SON” worshippers! Be refreshed in the wave of the Holy Spirit. But, protect yourself from the harmful rays of the burning sun. When you’re at the beach, wear sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, sandals, beach shoes, a cover-up, and bring a beach umbrella. When you’re determined to splash in the Living Waters, protect yourself from the fiery darts of the enemy…pray, put on the helmet of salvation, the breastplate of righteousness, the belt of truth, the shield of faith, the shoes of peace, and bring the sword of the Spirit.

Dive into the refreshing water and be cleansed. The waves are calm, but while the barge works to reclaim lost sand, Jesus is working to reclaim lost souls. The barge is rusty, noisy, and intrusive, but its work needs to be done. Reclaim what the elements have taken…reclaim what the enemy has taken. Don’t let the lost climb up to the bridge only to slip back down. Work hard by the power of the Holy Spirit as your heavy equipment. It’s necessary. Step out of the calm, peaceful atmosphere of your church to the job of reclaiming lost souls and lost life opportunities. Keep the beach you already have, but add to it. Disciple those in your care. Teach them to reach out, too. So they can be used in God’s Kingdom to reclaim what’s lost in their lives, and in those around them. Then get to work, all day, every day, reaching, reclaiming. Touching lives for the Kingdom of God. “GO!”

Pray for anointing. Walk farther down the beach. Lots of obstacles will try to get in our way. Allow the Holy Spirit to mow them down. Make a greater effort. We can’t think about just feeding ourselves. Christians, we need to carry more supplies. Be full, so you have enough to give others. Don’t let the “KEEP OFF” attitude of the lost souls deter you. Pray, because we need more anointing, more compassion, more love, more mercy, more strength, more peace, and more discernment. We need reinforcements. Pray for a harvest of workers with similar passions. Kids, teens, adults, committed to bringing the message of Christ to their town, country, world. The Lord’s making the beach larger in this world and it’s attracting more needy and lost souls to His Kingdom. The hurting are exploring…be ready to direct them to Jesus. And, (Amen!), it’s attracting children who’ve been brought up without faith. But, now they’re searching for what they’re missing. Reclaim them, don’t let them die on the beach…they’re so close to the water!! Help them see the water in the distance and go for it. Pick up people along the way and bring them with you. What’s to stop you? What else do you need? The Lord has flattened out the area for you and made it fertile ground. He’s placed a bridge. You can see clearly now what needs to be done. The path to the refreshing water is just over the bridge. Climb up. Sometimes its hard work, but don’t let others slide back down. The sand is hard to walk on. Sometimes it seems like you’re not making much headway. But, walk on. There’s no retreating, just reclaiming. The pipeline is not made to send the sand back out to sea; the barge only knows to reclaim it from the sea bottom through the pipeline back to the beach. It doesn’t go in reverse.

Romp, play, enjoy the sun and fun, but keep your eyes on the horizon where Jesus is. Stay focused. Boats may go speeding by, planes may fly above, they’re going too fast to stop, but you’re on the beach with the lost souls, reclaiming them for Jesus. Don’t wear blinders on the beach. Don’t let anyone carry heavy burdens alone. Point to Jesus who can carry all our burdens. Don’t let people drop in the hot sand. Pick them up, don’t worry about any dirt or sand on them, Jesus can wash that away. Then, lead them to the bridge, over the pipeline, to the water’s edge. The sand is hot without something to protect your feet. The sun is bright and blinding without sunglasses. Equip them, as you’ve been equipped. Reclaim and disciple. Give them the umbrella of protection you’ve found. There’s enough room for everyone under the umbrella of the Holy Spirit. There’s enough Jesus to spread around. Give freely. Jesus will cover them with His blood and give them His white robe of righteousness. Don’t let them bake in the sun and dry up in the heat. The enemy will pick at them like vultures. Birds hover overhead just waiting for something to die. Be determined that it won’t happen to anyone you come in contact with.

Spontaneous people go to the beach ill equipped without the necessary supplies for themselves, let alone anyone else. Plan and be prepared with what you need for the trip today. Each day put on your Christian armor; the whole armor of God. Then, bring gear from your overflow to share with the ill equipped. You need to be ready to reclaim the beach, or the sand will be lost forever and the beach will be gone. Reclaim the lost. Just as the sand gets all over you, and it’s messy…sometimes the mess from the lives of others gets all over you, but the water washes it away. You’re at the beach, you’ll see people fishing: Go fishing. You’ll see people shelling: Go shelling. You’ll see people exploring: Go explore. What’s your passion? There’s a ministry opportunity just waiting for you.

The water is the place of refuge for that lost soul. And Jesus’ cool, cleansing water is what changes your lost opportunities into new and exciting dreams.

Did you bring enough towels? Give away your extras. Then wrap the lost in the loving arms of our Savior.

Jul13

Stand In The Rain

Posted on July 13, 2012 by sagescenery

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Ephesians 6: 10-20 “Be strong in the Lord, (who?) And in the power of His might. (whose might??) Put on the whole armor of God, that you might be able to stand (do what?!?) against the wiles of the devil…put on the whole armor of God that you may be able to withstand (to what?!) in the evil day, and having done all, (done how much?) To stand (to what?)…stand therefore …(why?) That I may speak boldly (speak how?)…” (*please note! The questions are mine!)

Listen to the song “Stand In The Rain” by Superchick…it inspired this message!

Sometimes it’s difficult to stand, because life pushes us down!! Because sometimes…it rains. Can’t we all name those situations in our own lives over the years when it rained in our life? We can all click them off pretty quickly…the situations that make it seem impossible to stand.

I hesitate to mention life’s issues, because I don’t want to make light of any one of the situations that can crush us.

But, it’s time to lift our heads up!!

If we close our eyes and try picturing Jesus in front of us. Barging through our obstacles, stepping into our situations, changing the atmosphere around us, and changing hearts…and then think, “Wow, all I have to do is stand! Yes, the enemy wants to crush me, but I just need to stand!!” With Jesus we can stand! Amen!

We can’t sit. Lie down. Or relax. We have to get up. Have a backbone. Be confident. Stop carrying a burden meant for the Lord. We need to just go on standing! “Plod on,” as one of my pastors always said. Keep on keeping on!

Notice the scripture in Ephesians doesn’t say “attack!” The scripture doesn’t indicate that we hit people over the head with our “sword.” We put on our armor to be strong in the Lord. And simply, stand!

Isn’t that interesting?!? What are we standing for? When will we move?

We’re waiting for instructions from the general. Why? So that we can speak boldly!! He’ll tell you when to move! He’ll tell you what to say! Right now, just stand!!

So simple! Stand!

Don’t flail around trying to get your enemy’s attention, ranting and raving to everyone. Remember the scripture about Mary, in Luke 2:19, “… when all they that heard it wondered…Mary kept all these, and pondered them in her heart.” No ranting and raving, just standing! Waiting for further instructions!!

What gets God’s attention?

Standing!!!!! It always gets God’s attention, especially if you continue to stand, even in the rain…even in the trials…even in the tribulations… even in life’s storms.

Yes, stand in the rain!! Especially, in the rain.

It’s easy to stand on the sunny days. In sunny Florida, we don’t expect rain…some people pray for it, when our grass is dry & fires are raging, but generally, we Floridians love the sun to shine. Rain means we have to stand with an umbrella, be prepared not to get wet. We have to think ahead a little, get our gear on…forget about wearing open-toed shoes, ‘cause we might get stuck in a puddle. Sometimes it’s a lot of hassle to anticipate rain or stormy weather…and let’s not even talk about hurricanes, tornadoes, & storm shutters!! Around here, we just think of that as a plan of the enemy!! And we don’t like to be deterred by the enemy, or get soaked by his lies. “Don’t let it rain on my parade!” we say.

Often, in Florida, a cloudy, rainy, cooler day is a relief. A time to recharge. We don’t let it deter us…we keep going about our business.

Spiritual rain is good;, too…if we get drenched by God’s Holy Spirit, we’re refreshed and ready to fight again. We can stand our ground, even if it’s muddy!! Even in the rain we can shine!! If we get wet, we can wipe ourselves off, and continue to stand.

Don’t collapse in the rain!! Stand! To stand means to have both feet planted firmly on the ground…on a strong foundation…dug-in-deep like a palm tree that can withstand storms and high winds. To stand means if we’re at the water’s edge, and a wave threatens to knock us over, we don’t move, we dig our feet in deep, and stand strong. And, if the enemy threatens to knock us over, we don’t move either…we dig our feet in deep, and stand strong!

To be able to stand…don’t rest from praying. Don’t whine. Don’t complain. Don’t dwell on the negative. Surround yourself with God’s people who will lift you up in prayer.

Faith means to stand. We’re standing on the truth that God is in control. Don’t bend, don’t waver! Instead ask:, “What does God say about this situation?”

Jeremiah 29:11 says, “For I know the thoughts that I have toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil to give you an expected end.”

Jeremiah 33:3 says, “Call to me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.”

Here’s a quote by Tommy Tenney in his book, Experiencing God’s Presence. “Uncertain & unable to move one step more, you are caught in the middle of what is & what can be. At the end of yourself with nothing but the promise of faith & hope in your heart, you are in a good place. You may not know whether to laugh or cry, but it doesn’t matter because it is in His hands now.”

We can find God’s will by praying, &andstanding! Then…keep praying. And…keep standing.

We pray at the foot of the cross, leave our heavy burdens there, and get in position to stand behind Jesus!

Well, when do we move?

Only when we hear his voice. Don’t go if He doesn’t say go. Stand directly behind Jesus, & only go forward at His command.

Why? Because, people should only see Jesus when we’re moving!!!!

It’s useless to have all our armor on, and then just sit down, fall down, stop, or get pushed down. Be strong! Stand…be on guard. We need to slow down from our busyness, and stand!! Stop running to & fro to others for advice. We need to be steadfast, steady, sure, & sure-footed. Let the Bible be the light to our next step, especially in the rain…where there’s less visibility!

Especially in the rain!

What keeps us standing, when others fall?

To stand, to withstand, or to take a stand, means we’re reliable. God can trust us to stand!

Stand eye-ball to eye-ball with God. Then, at the foot of the cross, stand, and see Jesus. That’s why we can stand, because from this position, we can imitate who we see. Jesus!

If left alone, we’ll fall. With Him, we stand. With others who also stand, we’re encouraged to stand and keep standing! Amen!

Let’s stand…and then break out into a song, if we wish, because we didn’t think we could stand, but we did! We rely on each other to stand, especially when it’s raining buckets on us!

Name names! Who comes to your mind when you think of someone who stands, and encourages you to stand, too? Fill in the blanks.

_______ I depend on you to stand in the rain!!

_______I depend on you to stand in the rain, too!

Tell everyone that comes to your mind, “Thank you, I know it isn’t always easy to stand in the rain. But, I appreciate you…I need you to stand, and I need you to continue encouraging me to stand,also!”

How many times over the years have we gotten bossed around by the enemy? And how many times have we had to take a stand against the wiles of the enemy! Amen!

Take a stand and say to the enemy, “No, you won’t take my health!” “No, you won’t control my finances!” “No, you can’t have my children!” “No, you won’t destroy my family!” “No, you can’t steal my life!”

We all need everyone to stand. We respect those who stand…we’re inspired by others who stand. We love those who stand! We need to stand, even in the rain, so we can teach our children & grandchildren, friends & family, to stand, also.

Where are we standing? We’re standing united behind Jesus!! Then, we can position ourselves to go with him to reach others.

God showed me the whole picture: First, look to God! Second, repent & leave all burdens at the foot of the cross! Third,receive forgiveness! Fourth, imitate the one you see-Jesus! Fifth, put on your armour! Sixth, stand behind Jesus! Then, Jesus will fight your battles with the enemy! Stay behind your commander-Jesus, to reach others! Then, teach them to stand! Encourage them to keep standing with you! That’s how you make disciples! Amen!

Standing is the right position to be in!!! There’s no running or denying Christ!! We’re standing…because we’re done wrestling with God!!!!!! Nothing’s about us, it’s all about Jesus. We can come out of the “gloomy-day” shadows. We can let Jesus into all our life’s situations, to shed His light on our issues. To brace us up, help us stand, and keep us standing! Like a palm tree is braced in readiness for a storm!! “The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree!!” Amen!

Only God dares to stand on the edge of the canyon of our lives, so we can stand without fear!

Is it hard to see through the pouring rain?

Yes, it causes discouragement, weariness… it clouds issues. We need some sunshine. We need God’s “Son” to shine! To stand in the light of Christ who saved us. We were going under, we couldn’t stand any longer, but God’s arms reached us just in the nick of time!!

It’s important to know…God does the doing, we do the standing, but not on a pedestal, we’ll fall for sure, but on the solid ground of the Word of God, and His promises.

“But,” we may say, “Many of my prayers our serious prayers.”

“Yes,” God says, “Stand!!!”

My prayers are serious prayers, and maybe yours are, too! But I’m standing! And while I’m standing…I’m praying, loving, caring, and encouraging those I’m praying for. I’m asking others to intercede with me, lifting their names constantly before the lord, and still standing, not cracking under the weight of their issues.

Remember…our issue is to stand!! God’s issue is to take care of their issues. We can be like Mary, Mother of Jesus…and hide these things in our hearts!

Many times in our lives, when we’ve chosen to stand…we can’t even begin to explain how we did it!!! By all rights, we should have gone under. But somehow, some way, we stood!! We felt like dead-weight, buckling under. It was a miracle, as we felt God pick us up, breathe life back into us, and put us into a standing position again!!

When we stand, we’re already in our armor. Put on the armor, and then don’t sit down…just stand!! Be on guard, suited up, and ready for instructions. Don’t run from the enemy…fight him with the strength of God.

Look around you, and tell me…out of all the blessed people you meet, if you knew their entire life history, that you would say they had it easy!! It’s not easy for any of us, but God’s supporting us…every time we think we’ll fall with the next hurricane-sized attack from the enemy, God picks us up again, and we find ourselves standing, in the rain, and in the storm!!

And singing in the rain, too!! It’s amazing!!

What about those without the armor?

That’s where we can really stand, and stand out. To reach out. That’s who we need to be focused on. Stand, because they’re watching us…wondering how it is that we can stand in the “rainy-stormy” situations that would destroy them. Teach them the song we sing in the rain! The new song that Jesus taught us…teach them how to “stand in the rain.”

How can the enemy defeat a united front of standing, spirit-filled believers with Christ in the lead??? Stand together. Be that united front. We’ve got our battle clothes on. We’re in our battle stance. Firm and unmoving ‘til our Lord gives the battle cry! Stand, because victory is imminent! Don’t break formation! Not even to bend down to tie your shoelace!!

Don’t bend or sway at all…just stand! We’ll see, when we’re in the correct position that Jesus will be in His divine position, leading us. He’s right there in front of us!! Where He’s so easy to see clearly, even if it’s raining!!

We should teach others to stand, but not to lean on us…this is very important!! Here’s their position. Standing & relying on God, not on us. Let’s create a mighty force. We will stand!! By the grace of God!

Here’s a recent example in my life: When my cousin was diagnosed with stage 1 uterine cancer, God said, “I am not afraid.” That means: Battle clothes on, feed on His Word, and stand with Jesus, ready for Him to fight the battle. Amen!! His will, will be accomplished!

So what did my cousin do? She stood! And is cancer free today!

We can’t accept defeat. We’re told to stand!! Another powerful lesson for me, when a close friend was so sick, I physically felt her pain, and that had never happened to me before. I just could not accept that a mother with two young children would be left helpless & hopeless, because the enemy decided her family was doing too much for the Lord! I just couldn’t stand for that!! That’s when we pray & stand the tallest, when we just can’t accept the attack of the devil, lying down!! We get up, we get in his face, and we stand!! For Jesus, and with Jesus!

We can’t fall for satan’s lies, & his tricks. So, we must stand!!

We need to surround ourselves with others that know how to stand. Not with those sleeping on their watch or collapsing with fatigue. That’s why we worship and fellowship with believers. It lifts us up. Straightens us out. Encourages us to get in an upright position in Jesus.

Learn to show someone else how to stand. Be determined. Don’t be like a stubborn child who refuses to stand when their parents tell them to…we all know what a temper tantrum looks like!

Don’t crumble, you’ll bring everyone else down.

Even when it gets breezy at times…when strong winds pick up in your life. Stand firm. Don’t get blown over. Don’t lean to one side. Stare straight ahead…that’s where Jesus is. The people next to us, and around us are counting on us to stand. It’s important!! We’re an army, God’s army!! We’re after complete victory!! Amen!

Sometimes we ask, “Lord, what am I doing? I’m not getting anywhere!!” “But,” He says, “Look, it’s raining, and you’re still standing!” Amen!!

Jul12

May I Step On Your Toes?

Posted on July 12, 2012 by sagescenery

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“Let me tell you why you are here…You’re here to be light…” Matthew 5:14-16 from The Message

“Watch what God does, then do it…God is strong and He wants you strong…” Ephesians 5:1-21 & 6:10-18 from The Message

Whether your shoes are on, or you’re walking around barefoot, stick your toes back out of the way, because the Holy Spirit is going to step on your toes. It’s inevitable. I have the sore toes to prove it.

The Holy Spirit wants to change us, and sometimes it hurts.

We’re all God’s children. We’re the light and love of Jesus that will consume the darkness. How can we do that without allowing God’s light to change our darkness first? We need to be light. Do you know what the darkness in someone’s life is like? People in darkness always have a crisis, because they can’t see. They have no light.

We must be their light. Don’t condemn them, Jesus didn’t condemn.

Tell people you’ll pray for them, or pray with them…they probably haven’t heard someone say that to them in a long time, if ever. Don’t be critical, encourage them. Be light.

Whether we’re a small light, a deep penetrating light, an illuminating light, or a glaring light depends on the differences in our personalities, but be light. We can illuminate and expel the darkness around us.

What kind of light are you? I’m a pretty steady light, but I know that in the past, I was just a flickering light going off and on, trying to stay lit by myself. Now I know that the Holy Spirit wants to help me be a brighter light.

Church, we need to be many, many lights that merge into a great force in our society. Even if we’re little lights that think our influence doesn’t go too far, all our little lights together across the world will chase the darkness.

Think of a map, lit up with every Christian in the world. How awesome! It’s like global networking, or a gigantic Charlotte’s web, connecting hearts.

I live in Florida where almost everyone is originally from somewhere else. Do you know how much influence that gives us around the world? It’s mind-boggling. How far does your influence extend? Let your light shine through to all your family members, friends and acquaintances. Visit, call, write, text, e-mail, we’re all just a prayer away.

When the darkness is gone, people will see Jesus. Eyes that have been blinded will see, ears that were deaf will hear, sickness will leave. People will believe and bow down to Jesus.

We’re not strong. We’re weak. We have issues, we have baggage, myself included. I used to think people needed to meet my pastor to be saved. Or, go to my church. I talked mostly about programs or activities. Now I know they can learn about the goodness of God through me.

We pray and ask for change on the inside. Amen. Ask for that, receive it and be better. But, here’s where the Holy Spirit is going to step on our toes. And it hurts. Tuck your toes way back out of the way and remember there isn’t anyone God doesn’t love, so it’s not a finger pointing game.

Please hear the Holy Spirit. If our inside is filled with God’s joy, we should let it come out in how we look and act (which includes what we say).

Are we trying to please man? No. We want to please God. We’re THE CHURCH. We believe in Jesus, we’re saved; we’re filled with His Holy Spirit.

WE NEED TO LOOK LIKE THE CHURCH. WE NEED TO ACT LIKE THE CHURCH. WHEREVER WE GO. WHATEVER WE DO.

Who else do we think can do the work God has given us? We’re THE CHURCH. Who else can truthfully say to those in darkness, “Life is hard, but God is good.”

It’s not about fashion. I like to look nice. It’s not about etiquette. I like to act nice.

It’s about something burning inside us that comes out and radiates all over us and spills out onto someone else. Onto the world.

Why us? Why NOT us? Why can’t we change the world? Why couldn’t God use us? Right now, in the place He’s planted us.

What’s stopping Him from using YOU? What are your obstacles? What’s keeping you from shining? Close your eyes. Visualize the obstacle. Is it finances? Is it your spouse? Is it your children or your grandchildren? Is it schooling? Is it work?

Ask the Lord to help. Talk to Him about your passions. I believe He will find a way through those obstacles, so that your passion can be used to light the world. Pray about it. Go for it. Pursue it. Do it. The Holy Spirit will help you.

Taking your child to Gymboree or to a play group can be your mission field. Going back to school or starting a new job can be your mission field. At one time, going to therapy for my shoulder was my mission field.

It’s not about “looking the part of a nice Christian lady or gentleman.” It’s about looking the part of THE CHURCH. We’re THE CHURCH. People need to listen to us. They need to hear what we hear from God, they need to see what God is showing us, they need to feel the love of God we feel in our hearts. They’re lost, they’re in darkness. We’re the Body of Christ. Bring them the Light.

How can we get their attention? And why would we want to turn them off? We need to listen to God. We need to do what God tells us to do to reach the lost at work, in our neighborhoods, at the marketplace, and in our schools.

Bring the light of Jesus with you wherever you go.

We must dress the way He tells us to dress, fix our hair the way He tells us to. We should be healthy and weigh what He tells us to weigh. If we don’t know, we can ask Him. “Lord, what is your will for me? What can I do to show Jesus’ love to those around me?” We can’t fight God about our body. We told Him He could use us, let’s let Him use all of us. If He tells me to wear glasses, so I won’t be squinting all the time, until He chooses to heal my eyes completely, I need to get glasses. If He says I lose my glasses all the time; go get contacts, so be it. If I can’t hear and have to constantly say, “What?” and He says get a hearing aid, until He heals my ears, I’ll have to make an appointment to get my ears checked.

We’re vain. Do you think I like getting older by the minute? No! But, I’m telling you, if I couldn’t control my bladder, until God chose to heal my condition, I’d wear those diaper things and be happy to have them. It’s not easy to take care of ourselves. It’s not always fun. It’s time-consuming.

But, God wants us to be witnesses for Him, so He can save souls. He put us in the world. If someone tries to witness to me and looks and acts weird, I’m sorry, I’m from New Jersey and I’m going to be suspicious. Let’s ask God how we can show them Jesus, not simply how religious we are.

Pray about it. How does God want each of us to look and act? We…who are His CHURCH? If we’re not yet the BEST we can be for God, He can help us change. Listen, I DIDN’T SAY “PERFECT”! I’m still working on all this! But, let’s be the best we can be…be the best weight, eat the best foods to fuel our body, do the best exercise we can do, wear our hair the way it looks best on us, and find the best style of clothes for ourselves.

God can empower you to reach higher, so you can reach more lost souls for Him. Extend your influence. Take the confidence God gives you in Him as His child and let it consume your whole being, so what you project to others is His Light and His Power.

People want to see the God you see.

When they’re in a crisis, they’ll look directly into your heart. Give them every reason to suspect He’s in there.

Be assertive. Look the part of the Glorious Church, the Bride of Christ. A bride’s life is about to change and she’s headed for a honeymoon. That’s how we should feel. Be radiant. Be joyful. Be the best you can be, pray, fill up on the Word of God, be constantly filled with His Holy Spirit, put on your armor, be warriors dressed for battle, joined together, marching forward against the enemy. That’s how you dress for spiritual warfare. Amen.

Being the best we can be will allow us to finally get ourselves out of the way, so the Holy Spirit can move. Be you, but be the best you, you can be. It’s not about us. We can’t be stubborn. We need to listen to God when He says, “I want you to change.” He wants us to go up to the next level in our service for Him. Do it. Believe me, it’s better. Don’t be afraid, and even if you are afraid, do it anyway. As Joyce Meyers would say, “Do It Afraid!”

He knows the plans He has for us, plans to prosper us and not to hurt us.

We don’t like change, but I believe God is positioning His Church to be a mighty force in this world. Can you feel it? Things are changing, God is moving. Have you noticed that God has been putting people in your path and your light is starting to dispel their darkness?

Show God’s love. Seeds have been planted, we need to water those seeds, and shed as much light on them as possible, so they will grow. Don’t hold back…share God’s love by shining.

Line up with God’s plan for you to reach the world. Some of you may be just starting out in your walk with the Lord, no problem, keep asking Him for more light. Some of you are at a higher level already, but I believe the Lord is ready to move you higher. Your light needs to penetrate farther.

It’s very exciting!

Church, some of the darkness may come to us and sit right down in the pew next to us. Be ready. It’s your light from Christ that will make their darkness disappear. They need to see your light shining…point the way to Jesus…the Light of the World!

As God is positioning all of us, He’ll be calling some of us to go deeper into the darkness to expel it with His light. We can’t do it without His Holy Spirit. Be immersed in His light.

What will you allow God to change in you? Don’t dwell on things that can’t be changed. At five foot two inches, don’t you think I’d like to be taller, if for no other reason than to reach upper kitchen cabinets? Don’t dwell. Get a step stool and go on. Be happy and celebrate the things about you that God loves.

Ask Him to change the things He needs to, so you can be who you are meant to be in Christ. Then, see yourself as God sees you, a child of the Almighty God!

Okay, you can uncurl your toes now!! God loves you very much.

Gracious Heavenly Father, forgive us for not seeing ourselves as You see us and for not allowing You to help us be the best we can be. Show us areas that we can change with Your help, so we’ll be confident in rising to the next level of service for You. We want to show Your love to others and tell them about Jesus. Position each of us to do an awesome job for You. We’re ready to stand up and stand out in Your Kingdom. In Jesus Name we pray. Amen.

Jul11

Posted on July 11, 2012 by sagescenery

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“…Try to shine as lights among the people of this world…” Philippians 2:15 CEV

There’s a huge, stately, old, white lighthouse on tropical Gasparilla Island in Florida. It stands on the sandy beach straight and tall. It’s bigger than life. I take many photos of it; it’s just so gorgeous. Its awesome beauty is in its stateliness, like a fine, beautiful statue; though it’s actually worn and rustic. The bright, blue sky is an ever-changing backdrop for my photos, but the lighthouse doesn’t change. Its uniqueness in the landscape always dominates the picture.

I think about that lighthouse and realize I’ve never had to use its life-saving light in a storm. Even though it has the potential to help me, standing right there in plain view. Very majestic. It’s really just an icon, a symbol to me of a safe harbor or sanctuary. It’s a safe haven I can cling to. Something I can trust.

What draws us to a lighthouse? Usually it’s found in the most beautiful settings; perhaps a rugged coastline or sandy beach with palm trees swaying in the breeze. With its remote and extreme location, sunsets and sunrises can often be enjoyed in complete solitude. The walkway encircling the lantern room atop the lighthouse offers a perfect viewing platform for the spectacular setting. Lighthouses are built to endure the ravages of the elements; they’re strong, sturdy monuments even in their exposed locations.

The giant lens of the lighthouse rotates sending beams of light extending for miles, like the spokes of a giant wheel. It’s breathtaking; like thousands of tiny prisms. They’re simply beautiful structures that offer a true service. Heroic and remarkable rescues are possible through man’s devotion to tending the light, polishing the lens, or sounding the fog signal. They warn of danger or mark safe passage into the welcoming harbor through the light, which is a beacon of safety and security.

“Perhaps it is because of this, and the imagery, that lighthouses seem to appeal to the spiritual side of people, symbolizing He who is ‘the light that shineth in darkness’ and reminding us that we are also to let our ‘lights so shine’.” (Kraig, Lighthousefriends.com).

I don’t understand how a lighthouse works, or know all the people it has saved from death with it’s penetrating light. I can zoom in with my camera lens to try to get a closer look. Or, read about its history to learn more about its function and use, but until I actually trust its light, I’m not going to know how powerfully it can help me in a storm.

I believe people see Jesus as I see that lighthouse. He’s right in plain view, standing straight and tall, like a statue. Majestic and beautiful, but with His worn and rustic Cross. He’s an icon, a symbol of safety. He’s bigger than life. We know our circumstances constantly change around us, but He’s always right there never changing. We love photos of Him. We love His light. We read about His history in His book, The Bible; we pray to get closer to Him. But until we actually trust His light, we aren’t going to see how powerfully He can help us in a storm.

Church, light the way, go up to the top of the lighthouse and shine! People need to get to that lighthouse; they need to utilize that light. They need to be warned of danger; and have their safe harbor marked by the light. Let them see your footprints in the sand. They need to know they can trust that light. Shine the lamp on their walkway. Carry His lantern wherever you go. If you don’t tell them, then Jesus is just a photo they carry with them.

What causes people to turn to a lighthouse? They need to be rescued. Even if they live in a beautiful beach setting, at times it seems like there’s a dangerously rugged coastline, instead of a sandy beach. Their location away from the Father may seem remote and extreme. Our relationship with Jesus is built to endure. His lighthouse offers solitude with a perfect viewing platform for all our sunrises and sunsets. He’s the monument that stands firm and unchanging in the exposed locations. His lens rotates in a beam of light that extends forever. A life lived for Christ is breathtaking. He offers us eternal life with Him, the Light of the World.

Allow Him to make a remarkable rescue. “Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” (Psalms 119:105, KJV) Church, devote yourself to tending the light, polishing the lens, and sounding the alarm. Warn of danger, mark safe harbor, and welcome those lost in the storm home, where they’ll be safe and secure.

Shine!

Hurricane Charley hit Gasparilla Island beaches and blew over the wooden protective structures that cover the picnic tables and provide shade for beach-goers. The lighthouse is still standing. Storms hit, but the lighthouse is still there. Look to the lighthouse; follow the light, and be safe from the storm. “Our Lord and God, you are my lamp. You turn darkness to light.” II Samuel 22:29 NIV “Your Word is a lamp that gives light wherever I walk.” Psalm 119:105 NIV

Beach Blessings-The Lighthouse

Jul10

Beach Blessings-Lost To Sea

Posted on July 10, 2012 by sagescenery

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‘If there is anything hidden about our message, it is hidden only to someone who is lost.” II Corinthians 4:3 NIV

Have you ever gone to the beach and found mounds of shells, only to go back a week later, and find that the tide has changed and all the shells are lost to sea? The shore is now almost completely devoid of shells.

We passionately pick up the few whole shells we see and lovingly rescue them. We can see how they got caught up in the seaweed as the tide came in, but amazingly they’re not lost yet. We can readily see broken ones, also, and we set out to rescue them, too. Remember, we know the “Broken-Shell-Repair-Man.” Don’t cry because they’re broken. Rejoice, because they’re not completely lost yet. Just bring them to Jesus.

There will always be rocks, dirt, debris, and obstacles in our way. Try to walk around carefully to find a way to help them not get dragged out with the raging surf. Wait for the flowing, cleansing waters to wash over them and when the tides goes out, we can see our solid ground. Our next step? Imagine the beauty, even the broken ones can have, when they’re fixed and whole again.

Save them from being lost, rescue those entangled in seaweed. Keep them from being stepped on and dried out in the sun. They’re fading. Shine Jesus’ life-giving light on their lives before it’s too late. Society has worn them down. They’re discouraged and in despair. We know the answer, we know the “Broken-Lives Repair-Man.” We’ve had His Living Water wash over us. We’ve had Him light our way. The dictionary says, “Lost” means “not to be found, ruined.” The Bible says, “…I have wandered away like a lost sheep. Please come after me…” Psalms 119:176 NIV

Seek, grab hold of, hunt down, pick up, and find. The Christian calling is this. Like a day at the beach!

God’s waiting for us to show the way to Jesus and His Holy Spirit. Gather people up, stay with them, and bring them home to Jesus, where wholeness lives. No longer broken. You can ask people how they got broken? Or Why? But, what’s the point, they probably don’t know. No one means for it to happen. No one grows up thinking, “I’d like to make a mess of my life.” It’s the enemy’s the plan, not theirs, but we know the remedy. Their seasons change, the tide turns on them, they don’t even know how or why they got broken, they just know that it hurts. They’re helpless, because only more brokenness surrounds them. It’s time for repair. Restoration. Wholeness. Useful purpose.

All we really want to know is, “Will they let Jesus fix them as only He can?”

Should we be looking for blessings in the debris? No!

Dig in, get messy, get dirty, we’re trying to rescue souls from hell. It will get hot on that beach. It’s the enemy’s job to try to scorch us, burn us, and entangle us with cares, junk, messes, and hard times. So…do it anyway, pick up the broken pieces at work, at school, at play, wherever we go. It’s not going to be all glitter and glamour.

Are we looking for beautiful shiny objects in the debris and seaweed? Are we looking for comfort and relaxation among the pointed, jagged rocks? Have we ever found a blessing while scrounging in a garbage dumpster? Not likely. Or located something precious and valuable among old, dirty, disgusting, worn-out, and broken items? Maybe some gold jewelry, money, etc? Again, not likely. And if we did, its value wasn’t readily noticeable at first. We had to pick it up, look it over, clean it up, and repair it to it’s lost beauty.

That’s what God’s does…it’s His job and He does it well. Doing God’s rescue work does bring blessings to us, because we’re obedient to His calling, but don’t look for the blessings, or even any appreciation, from the broken and messed up. Those who do, pass up God’s creations looking for the shiny, glittering, glitzy prize. That’s their reward. Ours is in Heaven.

What family members, friends, neighbors, and co-workers, will be lost forever, if not found before it’s too late? Don’t think it’s all blessing to work in Children’s Ministry? Teen Ministry? Hurting Women’s Ministry? Or the “Rise-Up-Strong-Men” Ministry.

God needs to disentangle the debris, bag up the baggage, set the issues straight. It takes time. Don’t do it to find the blessing or reward. You’ll get that from the Lord.

Has anything ever hurt us, bit us, pricked us, or stung us while we were hunting for shells on the beach? Has it stopped us? No, if we love shelling, we go on, as with anything we’re passionate about. The enemy will always try to stop us. Be unstoppable. Keep going and keep doing it. Seaweed is choking them. Things that choke us, take our breath away. Allow the Lord to breath on them again with His Holy Spirit.

God sees beauty in their brokenness. Go deeper. Find the hidden beauty buried. Remember, God saw the beauty in our brokenness.

Shells don’t just drift; they crash and break when they’re churned up constantly in the surf. The more rocky the landscape, the more broken shells. The more rocky the environment, the more broken lives. Drifting lives will eventually crash. Show them the safe haven; help them become the one that was found.

Jul10

Beach Blessings “Broken Shells-Broken Lives”

Posted on July 10, 2012 by sagescenery

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I really love the beach! I love hunting for shells. In the first 4 years after we retired to Florida, I had collected so many shells, I didn’t know what to do with them! I had them in baskets and in containers, on shelves and around mirrors; just about everywhere you could look in our house. They’re so beautiful and diverse, I see God’s divine hand in their creation! I spent hours walking up and down the shore, picking up all the most beautiful, perfect shells.

I always throw down any broken shells I find. Sometimes, I can’t tell they’re broken right away, because only half of the shell sticks up out of the sand. So I pick it up, only to see its brokenness. Eww! Then, I toss that one away!

If I only see a shell from the back, sometimes I’m fooled. I’ll turn it over and see ugly colors, or no color at all. When just a little part of it looks good, it’s of no use to me! When sand and dirt covers them, it’s hard to tell the difference between the perfect ones and the broken ones. I pick them up, look them over, pick and choose, until I have a perfect batch to bring home to put on display in my home.

The best ones are often caught up under the rocks in the water where the surf breaks. All you see through the debris and seaweed is just the tiny tip of a shell sticking out. When I’ve retrieved it, I can’t believe my eyes at what I’ve found! That’s where the biggest and best shells are, where no one else has gone before me.

My husband seeks the biggest and best shells by actually wading waist deep in the water to scoop them out with his golf ball finder. It’s difficult and time-consuming, but he always comes out victorious, he has perseverance.

Which shells get broken? The fragile, lightweight sand dollars, for instance, get churned up in the waves and it’s really hard to find them intact. The sturdy, strong shells don’t break as easily, but still a lot of them get crushed in the surf and shattered on the beach. Sometimes the shell isn’t broken at all, just surrounded by broken shell pieces, dirt, sand, and other debris. You must take the time to look at each shell individually.

The reason I don’t pick up the broken shells is that I can’t fix them. They’ll just stay broken and useless to me, because I can’t see a use for them in the condition they’re in now. There’s no future for them with me. But what if I was the “Broken Shell Repair Man?” Then? Oh, now we’re talkin’! I’d bring them all home. I’d take the time to soak them and clean them to get all the dirt and smell off them. Shells often smell like something died in them. I’d make them look shiny and new again. Then I’d find many uses for them. Wow! I’d love and want them all, so I’d need to scoop them up with a shovel, there’s so many of them and they’re so heavy. I’d have to load them up in a truck and cart them home to repair them.

But that’s not possible, I didn’t create them, so I can’t fix them.

Lately, I’ve been seeing potential in the less than perfect shells. If a shell has a hole in it, for instance, I could string several of them together and make a beautiful, colorful necklace. I wouldn’t even need a drill. So now I’m looking for shells with a defect, a little hole or opening that I can use. After collecting all the perfect ones over the years, I’m now looking for the ones that are a little different, a little unique in size or shape or color, with a different crack, mark, or blemish.

Every day and at every beach it’s different when it comes to shelling. Some days there’s nothing, other days there are mounds of shells. Sometimes they’re along the shoreline glistening in the water and sunlight. At other times, they’re stacked up by the rocks all broken, piled on top of each other, fading in the sun, washed up on the sand, and stepped on and cracked.

Brokenness happens in nature…and in the spiritual realm, also. Fragile lives get broken. The waves of life churn us up and toss us to and fro. We’re bound to get broken. Even the sturdy lives can bend in the sea of trials. Society tries to crush us; it’s difficult to stay intact. Without warning, we’re shattered.

God wants us to see what He sees when He looks at broken lives. He is the “Broken Lives Repair Man.” He can go out into the deep water and persevere to rescue those of us in deep trouble, caught up on the rocks covered with dirt and debris…when we’re cracked and people have stepped on us, and over us, our whole lives. God can fix broken lives and He can find an awesome use for each one, even when our dreams are shattered. When we don’t look good, or we don’t think we’re good enough, God is searching for broken lives to mend, and we should be looking for them, too!

People have gotten caught up in the sand, rocks, debris, and seaweed of life. They’ve been tossed up on the beach and are fading the sun. Hunt for them, get in the sunlight and look at them from every angle. Look under the debris and find them. Look at the little piece of goodness showing out from the dirt in their lives and take them to Jesus. He can fix them. Let His Living Waters wash over them and clean them up. Let the “Son” Light make them shine again. He’ll put their broken lives back together and use them in the Kingdom of God.

Sometimes a person’s life isn’t broken, but others around them are, and they get discouraged. All they need is a godly person to encourage them to do what they already know is right, even when the people around them lead broken lives. The broken people around them can’t point the way. You can step in, pick them up, and take them to the “Broken Lives Repair Man.”

Do you hear the awful crunching sound of all the broken lives being stepped on around you? Ask the Holy Spirit to make your ears sensitive to the sound. Do you see their brokenness and pain? Pick them up. You know they can’t pick themselves up. Dust them off, bring them to Jesus, so they can be made whole and be used in His Kingdom. Holy Spirit, help us to hear the magnificent sound that whole, unbroken lives make to the ears of our Lord.

As the Church, we act like they should come to us whole. How can they be whole if they don’t know the “Broken Lives Repair Man?” Something’s missing in their lives. It’s Jesus. They’re broken when they don’t know Him. They can’t fix themselves! They need only Him. Often, we get weary of all their brokenness. It seems like a heavy burden to us. Broken lives are heavy, there’s lots of baggage, lots of issues. Don’t try to fix their lives on your own, just bring them to Jesus!

Church, let’s pick them up, and bring them to the “Broken Lives Repair Man.” The One who repaired us, when we were broken. The One who continually seeks to use us even in our weaknesses. He will repair them and use them in His plan. If we’re the Church, the Body of Christ, we need to go out into the world to hunt for broken lives along all the shores. All over the world. We’re His hands, His feet, and His love. We can love, we can teach, we can disciple. Don’t pick and choose and toss someone back just because they don’t look like us or act like us, we’re not perfect either. Don’t judge. Just pick them all up.

Don’t give yourself the job of fixing them, only God can do that. You can’t fix the broken shells and you can’t fix the broken lives. But, God can. If they’re broken, see a use for them just as Jesus does, see through Jesus’ eyes. Speak truth in their lives, speak blessing, speak encouragement, and let God’s Holy Spirit change faded, broken, and shattered lives.

He’s going to repair them and make a beautiful, perfect display with all those once broken lives. It’s called, His Glorious Church.

“I am forgotten as a dead man out of mind: I am like a broken vessel.” Psalms 31:12 KJV

“The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.” Psalms 51:17 KJV

“He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.” Psalms 147:3 KJV

“A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.” Proverbs 15:13 KJV (Happiness makes you smile; sorrow can crush you.” Proverbs 15:13 CEV)

Jul10

Beach Blessings-Every Wave Changes The Landscape

Posted on July 10, 2012 by sagescenery

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I love walking along the beach! The mixture of sights, sounds, and smells overwhelms me. I feel so close to God because I’m concentrating on His magnificent Creation.

My husband and I enjoy looking for collectible shells, odd-shaped and colorful rocks, or sharks teeth while walking together along the water’s edge. We watch the tide coming in and going out, to see what’s new in the wet sand. As we walk, he turns to me to whisper, “Every wave changes the landscape.”

I simply look at him as my thoughts turn to God… “Every wave of the Holy Spirit changes the landscape of our lives.” The wave of God’s Spirit can be a forceful, roaring tidal wave during a revival. At other times, it may come as a soft mist or light wind, when God seems to be speaking only to us. Once the wave of His Spirit falls, it changes us! It changes those close to us…family, friends, and acquaintances. It changes the landscape of our homes, neighborhoods, and communities. Our cities, countries, our world…

If we let it!!

Sometimes, I’m amazed at how much I bring to the beach, just to leave it lying in a pile to set out for a walk unencumbered by it all. I want to encourage and inspire all of us to let the waves of the Holy Spirit wash over us, so we can experience His peace and awesome joy. To empower us to allow God to change the landscape of our lives with His moving tide. To let the waves get us soaking wet, by swimming and splashing in them. To let the Holy Spirit change us forever. To encourage us to drop everything, when we walk to the waves. To lay all our burdens and baggage aside, and just dive in. Then, to look up …and simply bask in the warmth of His Presence.

When I look up, at the beach, I see the pale blue canopy, polka-dotted with white puffy clouds. And, even if I close my eyes, I can still see the aquamarine water creating a silvery foam against the tawny, pebbly sand as I walk. I take a moment to deeply breathe in the salty, moist air. Seagulls are squawking and the waves are lapping against the rocks. The sensations of the beach surround me and literally compel me to lay down all my cares and worries, and just drink in the natural beauty of the world around me. And then, I suddenly realize that I’m hungry and thirsty!

That’s how we should feel about the waves of God’s Holy Spirit…hungry and thirsty!!

Perhaps it’s the wave of the Holy Spirit felt by a loving adult holding a newborn baby. Or the wave of the Holy Spirit a toddler feels while singing about Jesus. Tender hearts that respond to the love of God means landscapes that are changed forever. We can all recall other moments when the wave of the Holy Spirit washed over us! We were never the same afterward.

So, why do we resist the Holy Spirit? Are we like the little children playing on the beach? Dancing and racing back and forth between the sand and the water, the children are uncertain of the power or predictability of the waves, so while they run towards the coast, they soon scamper away from the shore line, when it seems the wave might actually reach them!

But, those standing right in the water where the waves break and crash, will get a completely refreshing experience! Let the waves get us thoroughly wet…let’s swim in it, let it engulf us! Let’s be eager to get out of our beach chairs…walk right up to the edge of the water, jump in, and let the waves wash over us. Let the waves cool us, caress us, soak us, saturate us, inspire us, empower us…as we walk in, run in, rush in, jump in, and dive under.

Let’s drop everything when we walk along the beach. We can soak up the sun, play in the sand, collect shells, take photos, and forget everything that burdens us…as we concentrate only on the waves that can change the landscape around us.

We need to drop everything also, when we’re in the presence of the Holy Spirit. We should be hungry & thirsty for every movement of the waves. Allowing God to remove all distractions, we can lay down and leave our cares, burdens, and worries, and drink in the spiritual cleansing waves. Then, we’ll hear the Lord calling us and speaking to us, while we’re basking in His warmth, welcoming the next wave of His Spirit.

Whether it’s loud and powerful, or quiet and gentle…welcome it, be immersed in it. Listen carefully…it’s renewing us. With every wave the landscape of our life changes for the better.