Parables

    "You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you." Isaiah 26:3

        Night before last, I dreamt of a parable where there I was lost and going all sorts of directions. I eventually met an older woman who found me and brought me back to where I needed to be. I even remember a note on her vehicle saying "find Lisa she could be anywhere"! Unfortunately, I woke up before the dream finished.

 

        Last night, I was reading my bible devotion and it was on the parables of Jesus in Matthew 13. "This is why I speak to them in parables: “Though seeing, they do not see;     though hearing, they do not hear or understand. In them is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah: “‘You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving." Matthew 13: 13-14

        Later on, I was speaking with a friend and she mentioned all the parables in her life. I didn't mention anything to her about my parable dream and found it very interesting how she just threw out that information about herself.

        After that I was watching a movie "The Testament" with my best friend. IT WAS ON THE SAME PARABLES THAT MY DEVOTION WAS!! Okay God, I definitely see a pattern going on here. Not sure what You are trying to get through to me but I am open to receive any word that You have for me. Only God understands how clueless I am with hints, even parables.  I may not be "wise" enough yet to figure out these parables for myself YET, but I am tenacious enough to keep digging and figure out what the meaning of it may be.

        With a small amount of thought while typing out this blog, I see that even though God is letting me wander around in what I see as aimless direction, He is sending out the right people that will steer me in the direction that I need to be with my ministry. I'm not lost, I am saved. I'm not aimlessly wandering around, I am learning through devotions, Bible study and people God sends my way.

        I am loved and protected by God and taught by the word of God...What else do I have to worry about? When worries start to overwhelm you, imagine lifting up your eyes and seeing Jesus standing over you. I do not want to be one of the people that Jesus looks at and says "OH Yea of Little faith!" I do not want to fail God, so I strive to learn much about Him and His Son, Jesus Christ. Of everything I have recently learned, it is that: Nothing is too hard or too big for Him to handle.

        Father God, You are always near, but today I am asking you to come close to me. Like the man who asked to be close to the eagle, then the eagle flew to the man's shoulder; Father I ask that you show me how near you are to me. Here are my burdens, please take them from me. I am tired and my body is weary. Remove my fears of the physical and replace anything weighing me down and keeping me from Your relentless love. Come close to me as I come close to you. Guard me against evil forces trying to bring me down. Please show me you are with me and are protecting me. Please, draw closer. In the precious name of Jesus Christ, Amen

Getting through the healing

        I understand that everything takes time and patience and even a time of healing. I am currently going through all of that and I am wondering what for and for how long. As a new Christian, I have lots of questions. Some of these questions already have answers, others I am still waiting on. Since surrendering to God, I honestly thought that I wouldn't have to wait so long to get started on whatever ministry He may have for me. Afterall, I hear people say all the time that God has a big ministry for me. So where is it and what is it? This is where I find myself neck deep in the patience and time of healing. After all, I have put my body and soul through a lot of physical and spiritual abuse. 

        I completely understand that I have to heal and get rid of the demons that used to hang onto me and sucking the life out of me. Unfortunately, not all demons will flee my body willingly after being saved. I had to repent and rebuke a LOT of demons during my deliverance counseling and there was a couple of sessions where they retaliated some physical harm upon my body. Some of you reading this may not agree with deliverance counseling, but how many of you have ever done some deep witchcraft? I'm guessing not many of you have even considered it, I am happy for you. I did, because I was good at it and it is NOT of God. 

        "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."

James 1:2-4

        Since being saved, I have patiently waited through this time of healing to still sit here and ponder what God's purpose or plan for me might be. I can only pray that I will have the faith to get through this time and not lose my fire for God. Maybe my faith is being tested. I'm almost certain that God is testing my faith and patience at the same time. He does not want me running ahead of Him unprepared for what He has planned of me, nor does He want me running headfirst into a snare that may be set by the enemy. He knows I am still weak to my addictions, hence the term recovering addict. I never thought I would be a recovering addict, because I never considered myself an addict. I thought I was handling my "addictions" pretty darn good and could quit any time I wanted to. Fact is, I suck at quitting things that are bad for me, so God literally took my addictions from me and is secluding me for my time of healing. I don't mind the seclusion, it's the dealing with cravings that are torture. 

        It's also not fun dealing with all the negative thoughts that enter my head, like: Am I ever going to be used by God? I hope I'm not going to be healed till death and not used by God! Even if I may need all that healing, I want to feel like I am being useful to the Kingdom. Through my counseling, I have learned that the negative thoughts are NOT FROM GOD BUT THE ENEMY! I may not be strong enough to sling a sword around, but I have a mouth big enough to speak truth against the enemy...as soon as I am equipped with the memory of the verses I will need to remember while speaking truth. 

        The one thing I have learned is that I get my answers while I am writing or listening to music. My answers from God may not be immediate, but I do get my answers.

        Father God, ruler of the universe, I thank you for saving me and for this time of healing. I thank you that you answer me, even though I do not hear your voice. I thank you so much for pulling me away from my addictions and doing the bidding of the enemy. Father, I thank you that you are the ONE I can rely on not to change. I thank you for having strict rules and loving arms. Father, I ask that you continue to work on me and through me. I ask that you keep me filled with patience as you fill me more with the Holy Spirit and knowledge that I will need when it comes my time to fight. I thank you for what you have done and what you will do. In Jesus Name, Amen

I Win, I Lose!!

"An argument started among the disciples as to which of them would be the greatest. Jesus, knowing their thoughts, took a little child and had him stand beside him. Then he said to them, “Whoever welcomes this little child in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. For it is the one who is least among you all who is the greatest.” Luke 9:46-48

    

    When I was younger my brother and I were in T-ball.  During one game he made a hit and ended up on 2nd base. I was up next and made a hit and my brother went around for the winning score. He was celebrated for making the winning run, but I received no acknowledgement for MAKING the hit that got him around the bases. This has stuck with me most of my life because I was so competitive about being first that I didn't realize his name alphabetically came first. Instant downer when I was not even ten years old.   

     I've always had a competitive nature. I HATE Losing!! I enjoy times when someone tries to push me off track, only for me to come from behind and win anyway. When I was on the swim team at the age of 15, I raced against 17-19 year old swimmers and enjoyed beating them! In a way that is good, but on the other hand, it has put such a competitive spirit in me that even when there is not anything to feel competitive over, I am still competing!  

    "That’s why I don’t think there’s any comparison between the present hard times and the coming good times. The created world itself can hardly wait for what’s coming next. Everything in creation is being more or less held back. God reins it in until both creation and all the creatures are ready and can be released at the same moment into the glorious times ahead. Meanwhile, the joyful anticipation deepens." Romans 8:18-21

    The downside is that a competitive spirit in Christians prevents them from being of service  to others because the focus is on themself and not God.  When I put my focus on myself, I become very critical of myself and will continue to put myself down until I have completely lost sight of my goal. When I lose sight of my goal, that is when I let my problems and people causing me problems to live rent free in my head, when there should only be Jesus or God in my head. That is when I lose my value or self worth. If only that I had waited for God's response and timing, my situation could have been resolved easier. Jesus is not competing for space in your head or heart, nor mine.  God can wait on you, but is more prone to hold one back so the focus is on Him and what He can bring.

    "Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful." 2 Timothy 2:23-24

    In 2 Timothy 2:24, we are all instructed not to be quarrelsome (aka competitive) but be kind to everyone and teachable. The easiest solution to jumping into foolish and stupid arguments is to stay off Facebook! If there is a quarrel going on while the teacher is teaching, the people in the quarrel will not get full understanding of the point the teacher is trying to make simply because they are focused on the problem and not the solution that THE Teacher is giving. Not sure about you, but I am easily distracted, and a fight or quarrel around me will definitely keep me from learning anything. When I write blogs, I am in a quiet area if possible.  Or I make my area quiet by putting on headphones with Christian or Classical music.

    The Father and Jesus, just wants us to be calm through the times when you would rather argue and be kind and teachable instead of fighting about everything, walking away mad and learning nothing. Keeping calm and not reacting has always been a very difficult for thing for me to do, BUT I am learning, with God's help.

    Father, create in me a kind and listening heart. Keep me on your path and teach me how to walk and talk more like Jesus would have me do. I repent of the times where I argued and hated you instead of just being calm and realizing YOU had it under control the whole time.  Thank you for giving me another chance to be with you in Heaven.  Thank you for Jesus, who was mistreated to death here on earth, but loves us anyway. Thank you for working with me on keeping my mouth shut and keeping my focus more on your teachings. In Jesus Name, Amen

Don't Tempt ME!

 "Don’t let anyone under pressure to give in to evil say, “God is trying to trip me up.” God is impervious to evil and puts evil in no one’s way. The temptation to give in to evil comes from us and only us. We have no one to blame but the leering, seducing flare-up of our own lust. Lust gets pregnant and has a baby: sin! Sin grows up to adulthood and becomes a real killer." James 1:13

The word "temptation" is mentioned 16 times in the King James Bible. The word "tempt" is used 14 times, "tempted" 25 times, "tempting" 7 times, "tempter" twice, and "tempteth" once. For a grand total of 65 times!!!The first mention of "temptation" is in Genesis 22:1 KJV "And it came to pass after these things, that God did tempt Abraham, and said unto him, Abraham: and he said, Behold, here I am.", and the last is in 1 Corinthians 10:9 "We should not test Christ, as some of them did—and were killed by snakes". 

In Genesis, Adam and Eve was tempted by Satan with an apple as a test of their faith to God. Later in Genesis, Abraham was also tempted, but by GOD himself to have a test of faith involving his son and a knife.  In the middle of the Bible, Jesus HIMSELF was tempted directly by Satan in the desert for 40 days. The last temptation in 1 Corinthians, people were warned NOT to test Christ like the Israelites did or die by snakes. I don't know about you, but I prefer to never deal with snakes, the real ones or the satanic ones.

Temptation is age-old and ever-present. It's all about those moments where you know the right choice, but the wrong one feels so enticing. In the Bible, temptation is defined as an enticement to act against God's will. The Bible identifies three sources of temptation: the devil, the flesh, and the world. For Christians, it's a test of faith and character, often resisted through prayer, scripture and accountability. It is less about never facing temptation and more about building the strength to overcome it.

Currently in the world (spiritual and physical), EVERYTHING and EVERYONE seems to be a temptation. I would give examples, but all you have to do is turn on the TV, Radio or open your eyes! It’s not the 50’s anymore people, I don’t like it anymore than you do, but this world is going to crap and unless you are from under a rock, highly secluded or practically live with a Bible in your face; you WILL be tempted!

I will even admit that my dreams have begun to warn me of specific temptations that are on the way for myself. The majority of my temptations are the flesh, Drugs/alcohol and the devil himself wreaking havoc on my body. Granted, that last one is not technically a temptation, but it is when those body pains cause me to talk or scream out like a sailor.

My only solution for any form of temptation is to just bury myself in the Bible, pray without seizing and lots of Praise music….Satan HATES all of that!

Here is a song that my Co-PilotAI wrote...its actually pretty good

Whispers in the Shadows

Verse 1: In the stillness of the night, A whisper calls my name, Promises of fleeting pleasures, A never-ending game.

Chorus: Temptation's shadow, dancing on the wall, trying to make me stumble, trying to make me fall. But I’m holding to the light, breaking through the night, with every step, I fight, to make it right.

Verse 2: The path is winding, steep and narrow, Doubts around each bend, but with Jesus as my arrow, I won't break, I won't bend.

Chorus: Temptation's shadow, dancing on the wall, trying to make me stumble, trying to make me fall. But I’m holding to the light, breaking through the night, with with every step, I fight, to make it right.

Bridge: In the heart of the storm, I'll find my calm, In the depths of the battle, I’ll find  my psalm. For the truth is a shield, and a love is my song, with Jesus as my guide,   I’ll keep pressing on

Chorus: Temptation's shadow, dancing on the wall, trying to make me stumble, trying to make me fall. But I’m holding to the light, breaking through the night, with with every step, I fight, to make it right.

Outro: The night will fade, the dawn will rise, Hope and strength within my eyes.  Temptation’s shadow, no longer in control, For I've found my peace,  I've found my soul.

Hold On

    "Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don’t try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way." James 1:2-4 

    From personal experience, I can testify that being a Christian is tough at times and is very easy at other times.  In the tough times, you wonder if you will ever make it through the test of life and faith being put on you or around you.  I have found myself literally fighting demons in my sleep only to wake up with sore ribs or pain in every extremity of my body.  Yes, I know there is a medical explanation for most of what goes on with the body. I am quite convinced as of June 2024, that when my body was feeling like a train wreck victim and doctors could not come up with any explanation...that my friend is caused by demonic forces sent to test or kill me. I really don't care how crazy and out of any realm of reality it may seem, but spiritual battles sometimes ooze beyond the spiritual into the physical.  

     Just when you thought all those test in high school was really tough, here comes God setting up a test of faith for you and your new Christianity. I didn't have problems learning the curriculum of my classes in school, it was the test I had the problems with.  I would freeze up, have brain farts and forget how to work my hands to write anything down. After taking several deep breaths and saying a "God help me" prayer and managed to get a pretty good grade on the test (4.0GPA! )

    So why do we as Christians make such a big deal when God test us?  I mean think of poor Job, that man lost his family, got big ole sores all over his body, had the whole town telling him to just cuss God out and die. Even though Job was all messed up, when he was in the valley of his deepest darkest time, God saw him and was watching closely. Job held his faith with God and was restored. Job knew that no matter what problem or pain was coming his way, all he had to do was HOLD onto God and God would see him through. Here is a sample from the Book of Job if you don't believe me.

    "One day when the angels came to report to God, Satan also showed up. God singled out Satan, saying, “And what have you been up to?” Satan answered God, “Oh, going here and there, checking things out.” Then God said to Satan, “Have you noticed my friend Job? There’s no one quite like him, is there—honest and true to his word, totally devoted to God and hating evil? He still has a firm grip on his integrity! You tried to trick me into destroying him, but it didn’t work.” Job 2:1-3       

    Even the Israelites had problems, they spent 40 years in the desert running around in circles and complained about EVERYTHING! God tolerated their complaining, punished them like a child when they needed it, and even killed off an entire generation before He allowed them to receive the promised land.  Even after all of that, they still complained and God still loves and protects them. God saw them through the tough times, even currently and they are still God's favored people. I personally believe the Gentiles hold a close tie with the Israelites during all this craziness going on now in the world. In God's eyes we are all His people called by HIS NAME! 

     God makes the mountain top aka the easy time for healing, rest, restoration of body and soul and when needed, restoration of material necessities (houses, land, etc.). God is the great physician and is worth everything good and bad that we are currently sitting in.  All we have to do is Hold on and don't lose faith.

    God is looking out for all of His people, in times of floods, hurricanes, tornadoes and whatever disaster you can think of.  God LOVES us THAT much. Even through the pain of loss of the one or many....God is there face to face for the ones taken to heaven AND He is there for the ones left behind to deal with the loss...hold them tightly in a God hug. Nothing that we go through is too tough that Jesus isn't there to take that burden and help you through the valley of despair.

    “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly." Matthew 28-30

    God Almighty, King of my Universe, I thank you and praise you for being right here with me and others as we sometimes have to crawl on hands and knees to remember that YOU have been through the worst of it all and love us Unconditionally and Eternally. I ask that you be with the ones going through the hard times and remind us all that you are just a simple plea of help away.  You are so Good God, and I personally thank you for my test of faith. Remind others and myself, that the rough times are just a test and there is such a relief  and peace when the trials are over. Father, thank you for what you have done and what you will do. I praise you in the rain, In Jesus Precious Name, Amen

                                

HOLD ON BY KATY NICHOLE

Mountain Movin' Mustard Seed

  “He replied, “Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”  Matthew 17:20

The actual size of a mustard seed is only 3mm!  In Matthew 17:20, Jesus just threw out a demon after the disciples had been trying for awhile to cast this demon out.  I can just imagine the disciples  standing around with their jaws open as they asked, “Why couldn’t we do that?”  Jesus only reply was “If your faith was as small as a mustard seed you could move mountains!”

Throughout the whole time Jesus walked this earth healing others, he says over and over “Your faith has healed you”  My favorite story on faith is not just the mustard seed, but about the Centurion in Luke 7.  A Centurion soldier wanted Jesus to heal his sick slave.  The Centurion met Jesus out in the yard, “Lord, I am not worthy for you to be in my house, but if you just say the word my servant will be healed”  Here is two grown men standing in front of everyone…there is Jesus…then this big Centurion soldier.  The soldier is the commander of armies and Jesus is the commander of the Heavens…..and this soldier knew it!  “Lord just say the word and my servant will be healed”.  Can you imagine the smile that grew on Jesus face?  Jesus turned to everyone following him and said “I say to you, not even in Israel have I found such great faith.”

How many times have we prayed for loved ones or friends that were sick?  How many of those times was faith applied to the prayers that the sick person would be healed…even miraculously?  I have no doubt that even today the sick can be healed by faith in the name of Jesus.  I have no doubt that someone can find out about a terminal illness and by faith filled prayer that illness miraculously disappears.  I have seen and heard of it many times….JUST THIS YEAR!

“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:2

Thank you Jesus for being the perfecter of our faith, for giving the unworthy a chance to be saved and hang out in heaven with YOU.  We are so very far from even remotely being worthy of what Jesus did for us.  In times of joy and happiness; fix your eyes on Jesus.  In times of depression, frustration, and anger; fix your eyes on Jesus.  In times of health or bed ridden sickness; fix your eyes on Jesus.  Continually live by faith in Jesus.  He is the unfailing, loving Christ.  The very Christ who is worthy of mountain movin’ mustard seed faith!

“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” Galatians 2:20

Lord, thank you for choosing the hard road out so I can take an easier way into Heaven.  I don't have to see Your miracles to have the faith that you can still heal.  Lord, I put my faith in You for my everything.  Thank you for rescuing me from who I was and continually shaping me into the one you want me to be.  In Jesus Name…Amen