I received a few text messages yesterday that I would like
to share. The messages came from a dear friend who seems to be struggling
mentally and emotionally on a frequent basis. I am sharing these messages, not
to “front” her off but to share a word as the Lord has given it to me. I am
making it public because the message may be a blessing to others….Amen!
The text messages are
as follows ( I’ll have to paraphrase my responses because my cell phone does
not record responses):
Friend: In my mind, I
picture Gods hands. One by one, I place my problems and worries, my joy and
gratitude into those hands, and finally I climb in too.
Me: I climb in only to find those
hands empty of worry with space just enough to cradle me.
Friend: I just look
at it as two pair of hands can’t make a masterpiece.
Me: No, they are two hands that
cover and shield and give you the Master’s peace. Always look deeper when
dealing with the things of God.
I share this to say that the Lord has given me a word for
those of you who find yourselves stressing or in conflict. Have you ever wondered
why you seem to be in a constant state of worry and flux?
Ephesians 6:12
For our struggle is not against flesh and
blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of
this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly
places.
We must realize that we live in
a world that seeks to destroy our connection and communion with The Most High.
James 4:1 – 6
What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don't they come from your
desires that battle within you? You want something but don't get it. You kill
and covet, but you cannot have what you want. You quarrel and fight. You do not
have, because you do not ask God. When you ask, you do not receive, because you
ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.
You
adulterous people, don't you know that friendship with the world is hatred
toward God? Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of
God. Or do you think Scripture says without reason that the spirit he caused to
live in us envies intensely? But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture
says: "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble."
Now, there are some of you who
will say that I don’t know if I believe in or have fully come to accept the
notion of a heavenly being….but given enough pressure and stress you will cry
out to something for relief. If you could fix it yourself you would not be in a
state of flux.
Again, we live in a society that
tells us that we will never measure up; if you don’t believe me turn on your
television for an hour. You will hear that you’re not clean enough, you don’t
smell fresh, your teeth aren’t white, you need this and that to make your life
easier. When in reality the only thing you need in this life is to embrace the
person of Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. God needs no additives! He
needs no preservatives! In fact He’s the preserver; he keeps your immortal
soul…..
For those of you who had grandmothers who did “canning” think about how long
the food lasted and how good it tasted (PRESERVED!) or if you will allow
me to indulge myself in manipulating the English language a bit,
Pre-served….in that you get a foretaste….like the old hymn –
Blessed Assurance: Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine!
O
what a foretaste of glory divine!
Heir
of salvation, purchase of God,
born of his Spirit, washed in his
blood.
I’m not going to tell you that accepting Jesus as your Lord
and Savior is going to make the troubles disappear; the world wants you to
believe that so you will just chalk the experience up as another lie that was
given to you. What I will tell you is that the way you walk through the trouble
will be satisfying.
Philippians 4:6, 7
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and
petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of
God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds
in Christ Jesus.
Revelation3: 18 - 22
I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can
become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful
nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see. Those whom I love I
rebuke and discipline. So be earnest, and repent. Here I am! I stand at the
door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and
eat with him, and he with me. To him who overcomes, I will give the right to
sit with me on my throne, just as I overcame and sat down with my Father on his
throne. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the
churches."
If these words moved you in any way …please know that it
means that Jesus is standing at the door to your heart, put your intellect
(pride) aside for one moment and respond to your heart. Open the door and
fellowship with the Lord. Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good….
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