A Deeply Planted Source of Blessing

   My morning reading included the passage below from Colossians 2:7-8.
The image He then gave me was of standing on His feet with my back to Him and His arms around me. Roots were growing into Him from my feet. Winds of circumstance and deceptive human argument were blowing about us, but they were not affecting me. As He moved, I, of course, moved with Him. I could not be separated from Him and certainly had no desire to be.
   I then remembered a book I read long ago that profoundly influenced me. It was called Poustinia*...a coming away with God, separating oneself in a sort of quiet 'desert' experience in which one is built up and deeply rooted in Him.  In doing so, one eventually grows into the kind of strong, firmly planted tree which invites others in to rest....to experience the Shalom which only He can provide. You become a Planting for His solace, comfort, and the sort of rest which can be found even in the busiest times of one's life....rest amidst the whirlwind.....

*Poustinia by Catherine Doherty

Colossians 2:7-8Amplified Bible (AMP)

7 Have the roots [of your being] firmly and deeply planted [in Him, fixed and founded in Him], being continually built up in Him, becoming increasingly more confirmed and established in the faith, just as you were taught, and abounding and overflowing in it with thanksgiving.

8 See to it that no one carries you off as spoil or makes you yourselves captive by his so-called philosophy and intellectualism and vain deceit (idle fancies and plain nonsense), following human tradition (men’s ideas of the material rather than the spiritual world), just crude notions following the rudimentary and elemental teachings of the universe and disregarding [the teachings of] Christ (the Messiah).

Amplified Bible (AMP)

Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation

Tender Light

I love the Amplified Bible's extended translation of the word Faith:
"That leaning of the entire human personality on Him in absolute trust and confidence in His power, wisdom and goodness."  I envision myself physically leaning against Him, and He encircles me with His arm, tenderly leaning down and kissing the top of my head. I look up into His face, and His countenance is alight with love. I remember the Aaronic blessing which says, "The Lord make His face to shine upon You...May He lift up the light of His countenance upon you and give you His peace (Shalom)."   What greater blessing could we receive?

Loving Trusting Him

This morning I was struck by the poignancy of this statement by Beth Moore* and can testify to the truth of it:  "I not only love God and trust Him, I love trusting Him. It is a constant reminder of a perpetual miracle in my life."

*Praying God's Word Day by Day,  June 7

Pressing Forward

"...for He had healed many people, and all the sick kept pressing forward to touch Him."  --Mark 3:10

Would that all of us on this earth would do the same...press forward to touch Him, aware of our desperate need and knowing that He is the answer to it.

Showers of Blessing

Thank You for showers of blessing. You are Soft Rain on tilled earth, on fertile ground in which You, Yourself, have planted seed. How gracious is Your hand in all the earth. I lie down in the soft grass beneath this tree of life by the water's edge and rest, contented, in Your Holy Presence. No matter what may come (and I do believe 'it's' coming) I am Yours. I entrust myself and my family to You completely. You are worthy of my trust, my worship, my grateful heart. May all those whose lives You've intertwined with mine come to know the sweet contentment and complete Shalom of an intimate relationship with You....forever.

A Less Distant Sound

Listening:
"Stay focused. Listen, with your ears attuned, as if for a distant sound. My Voice will get louder as if I am coming closer, but I am in the same place. It is you who are getting nearer, lifted from the earth as you listen and hear My Voice, My Shepherd's Voice, calling you: 'Come where it is safe. Come to My arms, My Everlasting Arms. Tuck yourself near to My Robe and press in. My arm will encircle you there. Look out at the world from that position, only after you have looked up at Me, into My Face, and seen the tender, deep love I have for you."

Sparrows

Listening:
"Yes, you are Mine and always will be. Do not fear or be afraid. I hold you in the palm of My hand, like little sparrows....tenderly brushing your feathers..."

Inside Looking Out

Listening:
"Can't write with your eyes closed, can you? If you could, that would be the perfect combination. When you close your eyes, the world fades and I Am Present. You dwell inside My love. You understand John 15 better now? I don't love you IF you keep My commands. I love you. Now keep My commands to bear much fruit and experience more of My love, to commune more deeply with Me, to dwell inside My love.....not outside looking up, but inside  looking out. From inside looking out, you can see people and circumstances as I see them, from My perspective. In this way you will become more effective, more and more fruitful. You will glorify me more every day. Your prayers, your actions, your thoughts, your words will bear fruit, great fruit. The life is in the Vine. Let My life surge through you."

Unchained

"God sends His Word forth, and it never returns void, unchaining the soul of every person with the courage to believe it."   --Beth Moore

Although I was reluctant to start this blog, I now discover a burning in my heart to see people set free into the arms (and by the hand) of Him Who loves them best. If this little offering on my part can assist in that process, then I lift it up wholeheartedly. Father, attune my ear to faithfully communicate Your heart....

Baruch Atah Adonai

Baruch Atah Adonai, Elohenu Melech Ha Olam Shehechianu, V'Higianu Lazman Hazeh.
Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the Universe, Who has sustained us, Who preserved our lives, and Who has enabled us to reach this day.

Moving in the Same Current

As I was recently learning 'a better way to pray' from Andrew Wommack, God responded:
"I see you trying to learn how to pray more effectively. Andrew is correct that you don't need to 'work up a sweat' begging Me for something I am reluctant to do. You are praying what I want prayed...agreeing with My Will, affirming the truth of My Word.  We are moving in a stream together, not struggling in opposing currents."

Shalom

"Listening first...good. Honoring My suffering for you...good. Never taking it for granted as a distant, small thing...good. Trusting in Me for your salvation...good. Repenting...good. Turning into the light of My face...good. Hating sin...good. Loving and serving Me...very good. Putting your whole trust in My grace and love...extremely good. Living, moving, and having your being in Me....that's Shalom."