I wrote this last year during a difficult time, and God lifted me! God is so good! Praise Him!
I have been absent for a while, going through trials and life as we all go through. I have missed blogging. I want to share the most important word to encourage you. “Dwelling,” His Holly Dwelling! His Dwelling is our refuge and strength, the place to renew, worship, repent, and overflow in His presence and love. God so loves you, and no matter what you are going through, He is for you not against you. He is not angry with you! He is full of compassion for where you are and His love abounds your current circumstances. Your faith might be tested, but His faithfulness is found in His Holly Dwelling! Be of courage He loves you!
Joshua 1:9
New International Version (NIV)
9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
The greatest example of courage is what Jesus Christ modeled for us. To lay down ones life for another. Sacrifice, the denial of self.
b : something given up or lost <the sacrifices made by parents>
New International Version (NIV)
18 No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father.”
New International Version (NIV)
24 Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.
Think about this, when you plant a seed, it actually dies before it produces life. This is the ministry and call of Jesus and from Him to us.
New International Version (NIV)
39 Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it.
This apply s to everything, think about when you get discouraged or feel like a failure and you have internal battles in your heart about what is right and what is wrong, and what you should do to change the results of your choices.Those feeling are connected to the flesh by the spirit producing conviction. The spirit knows it ‘s goal and will work on your heart until you submit to the spirit. The flesh desires pride and ownership of our hearts. the flesh wants to be first, the flesh is selfish, self righteous, greedy. The lust of self-will. The path of holiness is found by offering your life to Christ. allowing the spiritual seed of your body to die so that it will find it’s life in Christ. One day our physical bodies will die and if we die in Christ He says the dead seed of our bodies will produce life eternal. The seed of a sinful mans body glorified by God in death.
New International Version (NIV)
5 Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. 6 Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit[b] gives birth to spirit. 7 You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You[c] must be born again.’ 8 The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.”[d]
Flesh and spirit do not go together, one must replace the other. The flesh must die for the spirit to live. This is what Jesus modeled. This is why we love and respect Him above anything else. An all powerful King of the universe humbled himself, died to Himself, came to earth as a defenseless baby, so that we would know how wide, how deep His love is for us! Courage, His name is Courage, and I pray this very morning that we together will find courage to walk in love, dieing to ourselves that we might find life!
New International Version (NIV)
21 Whoever pursues righteousness and love
finds life, prosperity[a] and honor.
May the Lord fill your spirit with truth and your heart with divine love. May He stamp your heart with courage.
Courage can be purchased at our store www. fullofrosesinspirationals.com
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.
New International Version (NIV)
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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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
The story was written during a winter season when I found myself going through storms in my own life. I remember the nights with thundering lightning storms, high winds and it seemed to match what I was feeling inside about the circumstances I was going through. I am one that looks at life in such a way that it brings correlation to the life I live with Christ. For example if you were to draw a line with two sides dividing the correlations, Night and day, light and darkness, good and evil, Winter and Spring and Hell and Heaven. In the Winter things appear dead, empty, dark, cold, and sad. In the spring things appear alive, colorful, warm, and joyful. I believe God created things that way for a reason. To reveal His truth in all of life. I believe His signature of truth is revealed in everything.
Have you ever had a season of difficulties? Did they ever match the weather? Did they seem to go hand to hand? I hope I’m not alone. I never desired spring like I did during this time. Isn’t that like our hope and faith in heaven? To be with Christ with no more death, pain, sadness or even bad weather. The glorious things we have to look forward to in Christ. The amazing thing is we live on the line of the correlation in between both places Hell and Heaven. We have the living truth with us as we walk through the valley of death waiting for the sun to shine once again. As I walked through that correlation I realized that when I am going through tough times, dark times, pain and sorrow the correlation of His promises are not far away as spring is not far from winter. His promise of our reconciliation, our transformation will be like the difference between winter and spring. Our God is wonderful in the story He tells. When your life is in Him you will always know spring is coming.
I pray you were blessed and encouraged, God bless you and spring is here! The story can be purchased at our store,
Please visit our store www.fullofrosesinspirationals.com
To begin telling you my story and how the poetry began I must tell you, I believe the messages in this poetry is a direct word from God, not only to me but to you as well. You see Born Into A Cloud talks about coming to Christ and who we are in Him. Our identity as the rainbow God has called us to be. The second poem Full Of Roses is what I named this ministry because I realized It is Gods call on our lives to plant roses. Planting the truth in other believers and coming along slide of them to help them blossom in The Lord, our marching orders.
I had told you I memorized the first poem and shared it to everyone for a year until God gave me the second poem a year later. During that time I was in sales selling home security systems which led me to the living room of a pastor and his wife. The moment I walked in and sat on their couch the presence of The Lord came in. The pastor and His wife looked at each other in awe of God then the pastor’s wife looked at me and said “God has a significant call on your life”. We talked for a few, I made my sale and left.
I was confused by what she prophesied over my life. I thought about it everyday. Honestly I struggled because I didn’t understand or know what to do. So I was calling on God what seemed like every second. One night I asked God to confirm what the pastor’s wife said, I asked for a shooting star and He gave it instantly. Doubt entered almost immediately and again I struggled. The next night I asked again for another shooting star and again He gave it. Again I doubted and struggled. Someone told me there was a meteor shower that night. The third night I asked again for a shooting star and again He gave it but this time it came with a discomfort to my head, I felt an uncomfortable pressure. I believed it to be God telling me to stop doubting.
Sorry to tell you I still struggled. I was new to this thing called faith, and I surely didn’t understand having a calling. A few weeks later I decided to have a party at my house to honor God. I had used my house for the wrong kind of parties and I wanted to offer up my house to God. I Invited the singles group over and I catered a really nice afternoon gathering. There was a pool table in the garage, darts in the house, ping-pong table under the patio and horseshoes in the backyard. Everyone was having a really good time. A guy named Robert came over to me and brought my attention to a very large grey lizard on my wall that was doing push ups. Everyone gathered around to look at it, when it darted off two or three houses down out of sight. I asked Robert if he thought it lived in my wood pile, and he said ” no that thing is long gone”. We finished up a very wonderful day, prayed over my house then called it a night.
Several weeks later I was in my backyard where I spent most of my time reading the bible and praying to God. I continued to have this strong feeling I was supposed to be doing something but I didn’t know what. So I was walking around my back yard talking to God, telling him I would do whatever He wanted but I needed answers. I asked Him again about what the pastor’s wife said and so I asked Him, “do you have plans for me, I need to know”? I told God whatever it was, I would serve Him. I needed to hear from Him, I needed something. The lizard came to mind. I said to Him “yes, the lizard, bring the lizard out and I will know”. I stood there in front of the wood pile for twenty to thirty minutes believing if God wanted to, He could do it. The thoughts in my head were I had already asked God for three shooting stars, He gave them to me and the last one, the discomfort I felt. Here I was asking for another sign. I felt really stupid and shameful, so I turned around as to go back to the house when I heard a rustling of leaves coming from behind the wood pile. I felt anxious, a little shocked, maybe even a little scared. I could hear the sound getting higher, when I saw its head pop up from behind the wood pile. The lizard walked forward, started doing push ups, then looked right at me. I fell to the ground in shock and in awe of God.
The reason I am sharing this story with you is certainly not to give you the idea I think I am special or anything of the sort. The reason I am telling you is because of how important I believe testimony is. God is the same God today as He was yesterday. He still moves, heals, speaks, and does miracles. God knows our hearts, He knew mine when I asked for the miracle. He knew I wasn’t playing games with Him, He knew I was serious and the commitment I was ready to make to Him. God will reveal himself to us when we are ready, really ready to answer His call!
I think this will have to be continued. I am here for you, to encourage you, to walk along side of you and share this amazing journey we share together. God be with you, encourage you and give you the strength and faith you need!
Christian’s are true born athletes, the problem is to many sign up for the race but never reach the starting line. I believe it is mostly because they don’t feel they have the gifting to make a difference or they let their sin get in the way, either way the sleeping giants are counted out for the time being. Some start the race but get discouraged and drop out of the race, never seeming to find the heart to get back in.
Lets start with gifting and faith because the two go hand to hand. In the christian life gifts of the spirit are something that has to be searched out, worked out and even formed. It is no different than any other athlete except you have already been guaranteed a win. This reason alone gives Christians no excuse not to enter or persevere in the race.
Lets look at any other athlete like a runner for example or a boxer, both have to begin by training and getting involved with the sport. If you talk with any athlete, champions especially they will tell you that their accomplishments didn’t come overnight. They were tested at one point of their journey that could have changed everything for them if they hadn’t found the heart to push through.
Faith is what Christians should be living by. The problem is most lack faith in themselves. This is more of a reason to put their faith into action. Putting faith in God where they lack it in themselves. Stepping out in faith with God is the very thing that exercises spiritual muscles, which opens up incredible possibilities. When we reach out to serve and enter the race of faith, God meets us. Many times our gifting are not even revealed until we have been in the race for some time.
Most fighters can tell you they have been knocked out and beaten more times than they can count, yet they continue to get up and fight. In the fighting world they call it heart. True champions find the heart to get up and keep fighting. They can also tell you the challenges they faced and the times when they wanted to throw in the towel. They can also tell you how many times they were told they couldn’t do it. Somehow true champions men and women of heart found the strength to get up and continue to fight.
New International Version (NIV)
2 You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others. 3 Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4 No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer. 5 Similarly, anyone who competes as an athlete does not receive the victor’s crown except by competing according to the rules. 6 The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops. 7 Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this.
8 Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David. This is my gospel, 9 for which I am suffering even to the point of being chained like a criminal. But God’s word is not chained. 10 Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.
New International Version (NIV)
12 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
You who need to go to the starting line, go in the name of Jesus. You who need to get back in the race, go in the name of Jesus. God has enough grace for you to overcome the things you are struggling with. Life is hard no matter how you run, so run in a way to make it count. My prayers are with you. Bless you in Jesus name amen. 🙂
I know what it is like being single and my heart and prayers go out to those of you who are waiting patiently for God to bring that special person in your life. The important thing is to have your heart in the right place while you are waiting. It is easy to get discouraged, find yourself lonely and even very depressed when you long to have someone to share your life with. My hope is to encourage you. First of all you don’t have to be lonely, there are many single groups you can connect with. However you choose to connect it is important to know that God desires to have a deep intimate relationship with you. The Bible says seek first the kingdom of heaven and everything else will be added unto you. I believe this apply s to everything we desire. God wants to build a deep relationship with us that will help any future relationship when it comes.
Building a foundation in the Lord is everything. I would encourage you to take this poem and sing it to the Lord first. Everyday say this prayer to the Lord, desiring Him to come out from hiding. I believe if you will take the approach to seek out a deep relationship with God you will be overwhelmed with what takes place. After you fall in love with Christ you may or may not even need or desire anything more. I know that might be hard for you to grasp, I understand. God says He will give you your hearts desires. So I am suggesting you give Him His hearts desire and that is to build a deep relationship with Him first. I am confident if you choose this path everything will turn out greater than you can imagine.
If you already have this kind of relationship with Christ take it even deeper, there is a reason God is holding back from you your greatest desire of relationship. There is still something very important God is doing. Waiting on the Lord is not easy for any of us. Still I would encourage you to change the way you are looking at things. Find your joy in Christ and choose to believe God is putting together great things. Stand on His promises push out the lies and walk in faith He will come through.
God bless you, my prayers are with you. I said a prayer for you as I wrote this. The tides are working together God bless you. Awaiting a prayer can be purchased from our store. www.fullofrosesinspirationals.com
My website will be open soon!
If I was put on this earth for one reason It is to bring the message the sinner can walk with God! So many people struggle with the fact that if they walk with God They will Instantly feel guilty about who they are and feel bad all of the time. If I walk with God I will have to give up everything I enjoy. It kills me inside to see what is taking place in the minds of people. Usually people can tell when someone is lying to them but It is much harder to realize when you are lying to yourself. If we could see and understand our own lies that direct our decisions It would radically change our lives. I believe this is Satan’s greatest tool. Satan can keep people from the truth simply by the lies in their own heads.
What If you didn’t listen to those lies and you decided to believe God loves you right where you are? What if you chose to believe He died on the cross with you in mind, so you wouldn’t have to bare the shame of your sin. This does not mean you do not have to recognize your sin. It simply means we can give it to Him to never be remembered again. The subject of grace and love. What kind of door does this open for us? I believe it opens the door of acceptance and deep love. You see the cross is the bridge Christ built for us. A way for us to be able to cross it and stand before God in our broken state. Notice I said cross it! Put the cross to it, your sin that is.
If you never cross the bridge Christ built for you, It will be impossible for you to come to the knowledge of His acceptance and love for you. It is this encounter of truth Satan doesn’t want you to know. True love, pure love, holy love divine acceptance is the only thing that can shatter the human heart. You will never be different or want to change unless you encounter the real Jesus. Matthew 11:30 says for my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. This means the lie you can’t approach Him is exactly that a lie. Jesus loves you and wants you to know Him right where you are. I challenge you to do nothing but encounter the Jesus I know and you wont have to change, His love will change you!!!!
May the Glory of God be revealed in your life and the blinders be removed. May you enter into His unfailing love and grace. Bless you today 🙂
FULL OF ROSES INSPIRATIONALS 