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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THE GIFT OF A ROSE

This poem came sometime after my poem Full Of Roses. I was actually out pruning the roses in my garden when a nice breeze blew across my face. I closed my eyes and pictured Jesus again as the rose. I then began to see myself as a rose and Jesus as my Gardner. As I felt His Holy Spirit I couldn’t help but feel incredible joy. Knowing when He prunes my branches, the love that He puts into it. We are His joy, as He walks us through the breaking of ourselves, as He cuts off dead branches making room for new. The care He puts into us, knowing it is going to be painful but also knowing the love and care He pours over us in the process.

When we allow Jesus to do His inner and outer work with us, He is like the Potter shaping His most beloved piece of work. This work is the living work He created in His likeness to share everything of Himself. The deep intimate relationship He has with us individually is so beyond amazing. I was going through so much change during that time. I was reading a book on the vine and the branches as I was literally experiencing His deep work in me. Here I was trimming the roses and His Holy spirit comes upon me, to love on me. When I think about that I am overwhelmed by it, especially knowing the moment I shared with Him, He had you in mind. Isn’t that amazing? We truly are the body of Christ. What I shared with Him that day, He is now touching your heart with the truth of His incredible love for you. It is wonderful to share the truth of God in my life with you. I hope it truly blesses you. If you don’t think you could have this kind of relationship with Him you are wrong. He waits at the door of your heart, waiting for you to open it.

Philippians 3:20

²⁰ But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, ²¹ who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.

God bless you, and may your life be filled with His presence. The gift of a rose can be purchased at www.fullofrosesinspirationals.com 

I want to let you know again, all proceeds from this ministry will go towards the leading of the Holy Spirit. Not only will you be blessed with theses beautiful pieces I have put together, but you will also help God expand His ministry. The internet doesn’t do these Framed inspiration’s Justus,  they are stunning in person.

THE LOVE OF THE FATHER

1 Corinthians 13
If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging symbol. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing. …

Love is what we were created for. Love is the choice we have been given. Everything in this life was purposed to teach us love. Anyone who rejects love finds its opposite which is hate and evil. Turning from love, is like removing all light and entering into complete darkness. Many who are lost, whose hearts have been stricken, who have lost the knowledge and purity of love by clouds of darkness, through the invasion from one who seeks to plague its truth from our lives. Everywhere you turn you can see the hypnosis plaguing our thoughts, minds, eyes and words, seeking to squeeze love from our lives. The more we become busy, stressed and preoccupied by this life, the more love will be the furthest from our minds. If we allow it, this world will dictate what is in our hearts. If we don’t stop refocus and meditate on truth, the world and its darkness will consume us. Innocent children living in a curse because those intrusted choose darkness over light.

Are we so blinded? Do we lack the courage to lead the way? Is it so hard to choose love and light though we might experience rejection. Are we so easily manipulated and numbed by our hardship? Can we not see the wrong done to us and use it as strength to change the world? Where are the courageous? Where is my lamp? Why isn’t it shining truth? Why am I still falling to the lies? Have we lost where our hope comes from? We need to be praying and turning the tides! If we light our lights together and shine them as we come together, there will be enough light to light the world. Those in darkness would be forced to see. I want to start a revolution in the hearts of Christians. I want to start a fire. If my words are burning in your heart then break out in prayer.

If we as Christians have gifts and yet have not love, we are a lamp covered by its shade. We need to be praying and I would love to see the wall of this blog covered in prayers. I want to see them for your children, your families, your work place, and your personal walks. The Holy spirit wrote this post and it is burning in me as I hope it is in you. Join me in turning up our lamps and surrendering to our King. His love has covered us all. His banner over us is love. let us join hearts together across the world lifting our hearts in praise and love to the Lamb who is worthy. Bring your lamps to this alter, turn them up with the fire of truth and love to our savior, let mercy and truth kiss our lives.

0 Love and faithfulness meet together;
righteousness and peace kiss each other.
11 Faithfulness springs forth from the earth,
and righteousness looks down from heaven.
12 The Lord will indeed give what is good,
and our land will yield its harvest.
13 Righteousness goes before him
and prepares the way for his steps.

May God burn in you today a fresh and glorious lamp shinning fourth His love. The love of the father can be purchased at  www.fullofrosesinspirationals.com

WAITING WITH AN EMPTY NET

How do we stay strong in keeping faith when we have done everything in our power to fill our empty nets? How do we see Jesus when all seems hopeless? How do we hold on to the vision when everything causes us to question if we are really doing His will?

Jesus told us to cast our nets, so why are we coming up empty? First of all we must understand Jesus is our Savior, Father and Teacher. Jesus is always establishing relationship, heart and faith. Before He fills the nets of your work, He will fill the net of your heart and spirit, which is in more need then the physical net.

John 21 (New International Version)

New International Version (NIV)

Jesus and the Miraculous Catch of Fish

21 Afterward Jesus appeared again to his disciples, by the Sea of Galilee.^[a] It happened this way: ² Simon Peter, Thomas (also known as Didymus^[b]), Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two other disciples were together. ³ “I’m going out to fish,” Simon Peter told them, and they said, “We’ll go with you.” So they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing.

⁴ Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus.

⁵ He called out to them, “Friends, haven’t you any fish?”

“No,” they answered.

⁶ He said, “Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.” When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish.

⁷ Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” As soon as Simon Peter heard him say, “It is the Lord,” he wrapped his outer garment around him (for he had taken it off) and jumped into the water. ⁸ The other disciples followed in the boat, towing the net full of fish, for they were not far from shore, about a hundred yards.^{[c] 9} When they landed, they saw a fire of burning coals there with fish on it, and some bread.

¹⁰ Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish you have just caught.” ¹¹ So Simon Peter climbed back into the boat and dragged the net ashore. It was full of large fish, 153, but even with so many the net was not torn. ¹² Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” None of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord. ¹³ Jesus came, took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish. ¹⁴ This was now the third time Jesus appeared to his disciples after he was raised from the dead.

Notice Jesus left them alone for a time, He allowed them to exhaust all their efforts before He showed up and then He didn’t reveal Himself. The men did not recognize Him. Can you see spiritually what Jesus is doing? Are the men doing anything wrong by casting their nets? Why then can they not see Him? Unfortunately we get caught in what we are trying to accomplish and lose focus of Christ.

The reason they couldn’t see Him is they lost focus. He called out to them at that point, which He could be doing with you right now. He then gave them direction. It wasn’t until the change of course and their interaction with Him that led to the nets to be filled. Jesus was teaching them. He allowed them to do it in their own strength for a period. It wasn’t until after that, He spoke to them and they were able to see Him for who He was. Also see their persistence, the bible said they fished all night. He blessed them for their persistence, but not until He filled their hearts and spirit.

God says to seek wisdom as if it were riches. Wisdom is to know Christ. He wants you to know Him fully, trust Him fully and for you to have the faith to move mountains. He tests us for the kingdom purposes. Believe in Him, Hope in Him and remain in Him. Put your focus back on Him and your nets will be filled. After they ate the fish, Jesus restored Peter, remember? Peter do you love me? Then feed my sheep. Peter now had something to feed them, a powerful, loving, trustworthy, faithful, forgiving relationship.

May Christ fill your nets and bless you beyond your dreams. Put your focus in Him. God bless you.

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ENDURANCE

No Confidence in the Flesh

3 Further, my brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord! It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again, and it is a safeguard for you. 2 Watch out for those dogs, those evildoers, those mutilators of the flesh. 3 For it is we who are the circumcision, we who serve God by his Spirit, who boast in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh— 4 though I myself have reasons for such confidence.

If someone else thinks they have reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: 5 circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; 6 as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for righteousness based on the law, faultless.

7 But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. 8 What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in[a] Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith. 10 I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.

12 Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 13 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

What is ahead? That is the question. Everything in our lives is about what is ahead. Every morning we wake up we are faced with, what is ahead? Right now as I write it is about what is ahead? The other question is how are we going to walk towards what is ahead? Are we going to walk in the flesh or His spirit? When we find ourselves walking in the flesh what then? What is your life’s purpose? What are you living for? What do you need to accomplish right now, to achieve the purpose of God in your life? These are important questions which I hope are stirring your thoughts.

We must have a goal and decide how we are going to walk towards that goal, so that when we are walking wrong we can quickly change it. If you don’t have a goal, the first thing you need to be doing is praying to God for direction. Once we have direction we need to decide how we are going to walk. Hopefully the direction we are going to walk is by the spirit of God. So that when you find yourself walking in the flesh you can quickly change it by repentance and seeking God.

What does the flesh do to slow us down? It loads you up like someone putting weights on your back or handing you one heavy box after another, then expecting you to get there just as fast as if you weren’t carrying the extra load. What are some of the things we carry that is walking in the flesh? UN-forgiveness, judgement, resentment, anger, hate, envy, pride and arrogance. Those are just some. The more weight we can throw off, the better our lives and walks with God will be. If you are handing the heavy load to someone, stop! Begin to take the load back off of them, OK?

So back to the question, what goal do you have? If you had one, did you just add to it? If you didn’t have one, do you now? You don’t have to deal with them all at once but take on what you can with Gods help. If you are carrying any of those things, it could explain why your life is struggling. I know in my personal life I have been working on a couple of these and everyday I need Gods help. The only way to walk in the spirit is to walk close to God, get into His word, worship Him, and do as He says. This isn’t about anyone else, this is about you. Your husband or wife, boyfriend or girlfriend have nothing to do with this right now. This is about you and God. How are you and I going to be victorious for God?

How serious do you see this? I am telling you times are coming and if you begin now learning how to walk in the spirit of God, you will have the endurance to accomplish all God puts before you. Once you have the endurance of God you will be able to even carry someone else load.

God be with you and give you a Godly endurance. Bless you and stay blessed.  Endurance can be purchased at our store. 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

SALT GOOD OR BAD INGREDIENT FOR CHRISTIANS?

I am realizing more and more the lack of understanding I have had on the subject, is salt a good or bad ingredient. As Christians we have been told we are the salt of the world. How many Christians really understand what this means? First of all why does the bible use salt as a description or ingredient? Well that answer is  salt added to anything preserves it from going bad. What happens when we add too much salt? What is our part to play when it comes to using the Bible described salt. What is our part and what is Gods part when using salt?

First of all I must tell you I am guilty of confusing what part of the salt ingredient I am responsible for and what part is God responsible for?

I am responsible for preserving the light, salt=light for I am the light of the world as you are. God Is responsible for truth=salt  You see If I try to become the salt of God I will add way too much salt and then I am nothing more than a salt spring. Meaning trying to push Gods word on people or trying to convict them. It is Gods job not mine. My job is to present Gods truth (His salt) as an offering. Like giving a warm piece of bread to a homeless man. As I give the bread I do it in love trusting God will become the salt in His word and I remain His lamp.

Matthew 5:13

Salt and Light

¹³ “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.

¹⁴ “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. ¹⁵ Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. ¹⁶ In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

My light or salt is my actions. Salt is my lamp of the truth I have come to know In Christ and how it shines forth through me in love.

Starting In James 3:12 the bible says

^{James 3:12} My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.

God is the only one that can produce fresh water. He is the only one that can water His word through the power of the Holy Spirit. I can not water it but I can shine a light on it in love.

Two Kinds of Wisdom

¹³ Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. ¹⁴ But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. ¹⁵ Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, nonspiritual, demonic. ¹⁶ For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.

¹⁷ But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. ¹⁸ Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.

I hope this helps you as It has helped me. Be His light, give His truth in love and grace like bread to someone starving. Don’t force them to eat it, offer it in love and keep shinning your light. May the Lord bless you and fill your heart with joy peace and love. Bless you today.

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