PRESS ON

Press on! I’m sure you can imagine what I was going through when I wrote this poem. I could actually write a sequel to It this very moment. I want to encourage you and if you haven’t read my post Rainbow Symbolism Of Promise I encourage you to do so. I am going to expand on that post in this post because I believe it was a powerful revelation to our walks with God.

Romans 5

Expanded Bible (EXB)

Right with God

5 [^LTherefore,] Since we have been ·made right with God [declared righteous; justified] by our faith, we have^[a] peace with God. This happened through our Lord Jesus Christ, ² ·who through our faith^[b] has brought us into that blessing of [^Lthrough whom we have access by faith to] God’s grace ·that we now enjoy [^Lin which we stand/live]. And we ·are happy [rejoice; boast] because of the hope we have ·of sharing [or of experiencing; ^Lof] God’s glory. ³ [^LNot only this, but] We also ·have joy [rejoice; boast] ·with our troubles [through suffering/trials/persecution], because we know that ·these troubles [suffering; trials; persecution] produce ·patience [endurance]. ⁴ And ·patience [endurance] produces [tested and proven] character, and [tested and proven] character produces hope. ⁵ And this hope will never ·disappoint us [let us down; or put us to shame; dishonor us; ^Chonor and shame were among the most important values in first century culture], because God has ·poured out his love to fill our hearts [or flooded our hearts with his love]. He gave us his love through the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to us.

⁶ [^LFor] When we were ·unable to help ourselves [^Lstill helpless/weak], at the ·right [or appointed] time, Christ died for ·us sinners [^Lthe ungodly/wicked]. ⁷ ·Very few people will [or Rarely/Scarcely will anyone] die for a ·righteous [just; pious] person. Although perhaps for a ·good [truly good; noble] person someone might possibly die [^Cthe “righteous” person may be someone who is outwardly religious, while the “good” person is genuinely generous and loving]. ⁸ But God ·shows [demonstrates; proves] his ·great [^Lown] love for us in this way: Christ died for us while we were still sinners.

⁹ And since we have now been ·made right with God [declared righteous; justified] by ·the blood of Christ’s death [^Lhis blood], ·we will surely also [^Lhow much more shall we…!] be saved through Christ from ·God’s anger [final punishment; ^Lthe wrath]. ¹⁰ [^LFor if] While we were God’s enemies, ·he made us his friends [^Lwe were reconciled to God] through the death of his Son. ·Surely [^LHow much more…?], ·now that we are his friends [^Lhaving been reconciled], he will save us through his Son’s life. ¹¹ And not only that, but now we ·are also very happy [also rejoice/boast] in God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we ·are now God’s friends again [have now received reconciliation].

As we go through many trials in our walks especially the testing of our faith which is the trials I am addressing. We must understand we have been set apart for Gods purpose. As I described In my last post Gods presence is upon us like a cloud. In our hearts He is like a consuming fire, glowing metal, a rainbow in the clouds. His spirit is constantly working to burn out our sinful nature making room for His spirit which is the rainbow in the clouds. We are ashes presented to God daily, which He receives and replaces with His beauty. Beauty for ashes! We should have a heart of conviction and if you do, that is His inner work that takes place from reading His word and encountering His truth. His truth becomes the consuming fire within us, casting out self-righteousness and living in conviction. We no longer judge others or try to remove the speck out of the eyes of others instead we remove the plank from our own eyes. If we are not having this experience we should be seeking God deeply for His spirit of truth. When we live in self-righteousness we will think more highly of ourselves and hold strict judgement towards others which places judgement from God on our sin and pushes out the grace God has poured out on us.

So the trails are producing change through pressure that is strengthening us for what is ahead. The longer we resist the change God is calling us to, the longer we will struggle in the current trial if the trial is for the testing of our faith. Sometimes we run from the trial which is only to find us face to face with a similar trial aimed to produce the heart surgery God scheduled. We are called to press on in our trials because they have a purpose producing perseverance. Tested proven character which produces hope and this hope will never disappoint us. Through Christ we are now friends with God. So don’t seem it strange that you are going through theses trials, your brothers and sisters are experiencing the same kind of trials.

The question has come up do I believe God is causing these trials? Trials come by many reasons, some we bring on ourselves. Some are attacks from the enemy satin, some by God for the testing of our faith and some by tragedy,  regardless where they come from we have the promise that God will take our weakness and turn it to strength so don’t lose hope or live in hopelessness Christ is with us. God knows your deepest need and He is with you. I am addressing mostly in this post the testing of our faith.

brothers and sisters I am so blessed we can join hands in our trials. Inspire and encourage one another. As Iron sharpens Iron, and one man sharpens another. Bless you In the name of Christ, I pray you are strengthened and moved to press on in hope. May Christ bless your heart!

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THROUGH WHAT HE SUFFERED

Saints there is so much God has put on my heart to say to you. I can tell you I am excited for us! God gave me a vision that touched my heart in the deepest way. He showed me what I told you from the beginning, we are not going to become just a spreading fire but catch a blaze.

The vision He gave me was of a rose garden, I’m sure you are not surprised :). He showed me my purpose for this blog. I am to tend to the roses He sends. I am to nurture, care for, trim and love these roses. Gentleness He placed on me to be the key to His heart. You must know the love of the Gardener before you can truly blossom. God is about to bless us! Before I get into the message I also want to tell you I am not doing this to sell you stuff. I will do this regardless if I sell a thing. I feel at times I must do my part to tell you about the store so God can do what God chooses to do with it. I am living in faith to my best ability. I don’t want you to be confused why I am here. I am here for you! The store is only for those God puts it on their heart. It is to allow God to position me to help even more people. It is my heart to serve you and whoever else He calls me to.

Hebrews 5:7

7 During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with fervent cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. 8 Son though he was, he learned obedience from what he suffered 9 and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him 10 and was designated by God to be high priest in the order of Melchizedek.

I am going to ask you to join me in a challenge this week. This is where the trimming of the roses comes in. Understand I will be doing this with you. First I want you to pray and ask God what he wants you to give Him. What area of change? What area of sin to work on? It could be anger, pornography ,bad language you get where I am going with this. As you begin each day, try to pray first thing in the morning about whatever it is that you are working on. As you go through the week if you struggle and fall short I want you to be quick to pray receiving His love and forgiveness. Before you can break any stronghold it has to be done through grace and love. Continue the same steps until you are free. I will be praying for you and I ask everyone to pray for this group as we step out in obedience.He learned obedience from what he suffered. Once you know what He has truly done for you, you will be willing to suffer some for Him.

Galatians 3:13

13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a pole.”[h] 14 He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit.

You must know His love before you can break the power of the strongholds. If you carry the law in your heart it will not have the power to free you. The only thing that can free you is the grace and love of Christ. His true love in your heart will set you free. Notice in His word He doesn’t say the law will set you free. Instead it says the truth will set you free. Christ has fulfilled the law for us.

God is preparing the saints that will hear His voice. The sheep that will come to the call of the Shepard. Here is His call to you.

The Servant of the Lord

Isaiah

42 “Here is my servant, whom I uphold,
my chosen one in whom I delight;
I will put my Spirit on him,
and he will bring justice to the nations.
2 He will not shout or cry out,
or raise his voice in the streets.
3 A bruised reed he will not break,
and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out.
In faithfulness he will bring forth justice;
4 he will not falter or be discouraged
till he establishes justice on earth.
In his teaching the islands will put their hope.”

5 This is what God the Lord says—
the Creator of the heavens, who stretches them out,
who spreads out the earth with all that springs from it,
who gives breath to its people,
and life to those who walk on it:
6 “I, the Lord, have called you in righteousness;
I will take hold of your hand.
I will keep you and will make you
to be a covenant for the people
and a light for the Gentiles,
7 to open eyes that are blind,
to free captives from prison
and to release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness.

8 “I am the Lord; that is my name!
I will not yield my glory to another
or my praise to idols.
9 See, the former things have taken place,
and new things I declare;
before they spring into being
I announce them to you.”

Thank you, and be blessed. www.fullofrosesinspirationals.com

FAITH

Faith, what we as Christians strive for. When times are not working as we planed, it is much harder not to question God. The scope of things are much bigger than you and I can understand. God has a bigger plan. Fifteen years ago, God launched me into ministry. After seven years of preaching to hundreds. The ministry got cut short and I was sent in a different direction.

I went through a testing period of about five years. What was taking place in me for those five years? I believe I was being prepared for something much greater. God seems to have no since of time like you and I. God knows us better than we know ourselves. When you give your life in service to God and His purposes, no matter where it takes you, we must hold on to faith. Faith is the rudder steering our course, the wind upon our sails.

God hasn’t abandoned us. As Moses climbed the mountain, the mountain was covered in clouds the bible says, which means Moses had to climb at least half the way without seeing. It must have been quite the journey. Once He reached the top He saw the glory of God. Which was described as glowing metal, a rainbow in the clouds. God has made us to be rainbows in the clouds, as in my first poem. We are the ones God has asked to climb the mountain of faith, isn’t that wonderful? We get the blessing of climbing without seeing, to be the Shepard of the flock God has put us in charge of.

We are called to climb the mountain covered in clouds, and with our faith lead the way. Not one of us do this perfect and it seems we stumble more than we climb, yet Christ gets us there. We might even ask Christ where is there? He would answer, “to the glory of God!” Saints we are on our way, don’t loose faith. Stand strong, for He is faithful. His plan is bigger than our plan. Remain in Him, push out the lies that want to get in the way of your path, hold strong and lead up the mountain by your faith. See the Glory of God.

God bless you, be the rainbow in the clouds, trust Him, you will get to the top.  Faith can be purchased at our store. http://www.fullofrosesinspirationals.com

OUR WEAKNESS CAN BE OUR GREATEST STRENGTH

As I look back on my Christian journey, thinking about who I use to be, compared to who I am now, I am amazed. I, like you, am a work in progress. It is good at times to look back and see what God has done. When I first gave my life to Christ, I was so caught up in the world that if I was honest, I would tell you how much I feared it. As a man discovering who I was, along with the world claiming my identity, I found myself lost, not knowing how I fit into this world or my purpose for being here. You know what I am talking about, it began in our childhood. When we were teased, chosen last for a team, rejected among the popular groups, and you were left feeling less than, or you experienced the complete opposite.

I will stay on the rejected first. Regardless of the reason you and I were rejected at one time in our lives or many times, we know the feeling. These experiences can have a very negative impact on who were are as people. If you were abused or had a handicap of any sort you know what it means to feel less than. I found myself falling into perfectionism at a very early age, not realizing it. The problem with that is, I held such a high expectation of myself, never allowing myself to succeed or find excellence. Instead I had a false Identity built on lies straight from Hell. I believe the lies alone had the power to imprison me from my true potential.

Let me give you some examples of the lies I was believing when I found Christ. First of all, I hated who I was, I hated the fear I had inside, so I created a tough image to hide it, without realizing I was doing it. I held on to guilt from my past, some which was mine and some that wasn’t. The rejection I had experienced caused me to react to things in ways that kept me chained. I thought negative about myself so I would choose things that were not good for me but rather kept me feeling safe, or I wouldn’t choose things that I should have chosen due to fear.

I was a very weak person. When I found Christ I began to change, first when I started believing Gods truth and pushing out the lies. Second when I started trusting Him and walking In faith. Dealing with my fears, like when God led me to do poetry readings at Barns And Nobles. I was terrified to speak in front of crowds but I knew it was what God wanted, so I did it. For a year straight I humiliated myself trusting God, and the power of my fear for the most part broke. Now I write on a blog knowing I am not the best writer and I can’t spell all that well, though again I am trusting God and being vulnerable. If I hadn’t taken the chance with trusting God I would never have seen the truth I am In Him. I would still be afraid to speak in public, I wouldn’t have taken the chance to share my walk with you.

1 Corinthians 1:27

New International Version (NIV)

²⁷ But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.

You see If you are struggling with things about your past or who you are, God can and will heal you, If you will allow Him to. It requires believing His word and trusting the Potter which is Christ, with the Clay you are in His hands of love. God promises to take your weaknesses and turn them to strength.

Those who grew up the opposite, You were chosen first, you were in the popular group or even those God has healed and now uses powerfully, face the danger of the other side of the coin. Trusting in your own strength and abilities, which leads to pride and arrogance, and the lack of realizing your real need for Jesus. I have and still do at times deal with relying on my own strength and pride. As long as you walk close to the Lord and recognize your need in Him, He will walk you through it. The important thing is to have our hearts open to God, submitting to His inner work and living by His word. We need to find the heart to surrender to Christ so that He can shape us into our true identity which is only found in Him. Whether your weakness is pride and strength in your abilities or you believe lies of who you are. Place them before Christ so He can take your weakness and turn it to strength.

I have exciting news, our store is now open. www.fullofrosesinspirationals.com

If this ministry has blessed you and you would like to be a part in it reaching others, we are so excited to join hands with you. If God places it on your heart to sow into this ministry, not only will you have heart felt worship through the framed inspirational pictures with words ,you will help our ministry expand to others, it will also feed the hungry because a percentage of each sale goes to

http://www.graceresources.org/.

Thank you so much for your prayers and partners to spread the word of God to people in fresh new inspiring ways. God bless you and be strengthened in all you do. 🙂

CONFIRMING

Boy don’t we all know this one. Falling short of Gods glory. Failing Jesus or the ones we love. At times it can seem as If we never knew Him or know Him. When we deny Him or His words. When flesh takes over and you leave a trail behind you that leaves others to question If you are really His. How do you think all of those who asked peter if He was with Christ, felt later seeing him preach knowing he denied Christ three times? I’m sure they didn’t have much faith in him at all. So did peter stop doing the will of the Lord? At first he did. He went and hid himself away from everyone. He was broken most likely beating himself up.

Some of us harden our hearts and turn away from God until he calls us back to Him. The important thing is to see where we have gone wrong and repent. Our repentance may not be seen at first, it will take time to allow others to see that we are a work in progress.  God restores and God forgives never quit or buy into the lie that you should quit. It is when you walk close and serve the Lord that change comes. If you quit you might as well lie down and die because your purpose and heart will die inside if you accept defeat.

God wants you to serve but he also wants you to become like Him. This is a challenging process. Trust God and submit to His will. God bless, this blog is for me 🙂 Confirming can be purchased from our store.
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