Thursday, December 31, 2015

Little Talks with Jesus: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart…" (Deu...

Little Talks with Jesus: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart…" (Deu...: If we can keep the first two commandments, Jesus says we keep all the commandments. The first thing we need to understand is that the wor...

"Love the Lord your God with all your heart…" (Deuteronomy 6:5; Luke 10:27)

If we can keep the first two commandments, Jesus says we keep all the commandments. The first thing we need to understand is that the word Love used here is not the understanding we westerners mean when we say love.

This is Agape, or the God kind of love. This love is described in both 1 Corinthians 13, and Galatians 5:22-23.

Look at Galatians 5:22-23 (NET) "The fruit of the Spirit is love; joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law."

This is how God treats us and it is how we are to treat others as we are filled and led by His Holy Spirit.

Let’s put it in the vernacular: Give each other some slack! This includes God and ourselves.

I find the hardest person to give some slack to is myself. I also realized I have a hard time giving God the same.

The word says that, “they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” (Isaiah 40:31 NKJV)

This is the by-product of being patient with God. I can tell when I am not “loving God“ this way. I get tired, weary and want to give up.

I am so thankful that He never gives up on me.

Thank You Jesus for Your everlasting love and that nothing can ever separate us from Your love. Amen!

Blessings on your day! 

Karen


Sunday, December 27, 2015

Little Talks with Jesus: Jesus calmed the storm (Matthew 8:23-27)

Little Talks with Jesus: Jesus calmed the storm (Matthew 8:23-27): Have you ever noticed storms never bothered Jesus? (Matthew 8:23-26 AMP) “When He got into the boat, His disciples followed Him. And ...

Jesus calmed the storm (Matthew 8:23-27)

Have you ever noticed storms never bothered Jesus?

(Matthew 8:23-26 AMP) “When He got into the boat, His disciples followed Him. And suddenly a violent storm arose on the sea, so that the boat was being covered by the waves; but Jesus was sleeping. And the disciples went and woke Him, saying, “Lord, save us, we are going to die!” He said to them, “Why are you afraid, you men of little faith?”

Then He got up and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was [at once] a great and wonderful calm [a perfect peacefulness]. The men wondered in amazement, saying, “What kind of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey Him?”

Then another time (Matthew 14: 22-27 AMP):“Immediately He (Jesus) directed the disciples to get into the boat and go ahead of Him to the other side [of the Sea of Galilee], while He sent the crowds away.  After He had dismissed the crowds, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. When it was evening, He was there alone.  But the boat [by this time] was already a long distance from land, tossed and battered by the waves; for the wind was against them.  And in the fourth watch of the night (3:00-6:00 a.m.) Jesus came to them, walking on the sea.”

Jesus is never surprised or intimidated about our storms. He just spoke to storms and walked on them.

However; we do seem to allow them to bother us. Let’s continue with Matthew 14: 27-33. When the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out in fear. But immediately He spoke to them, saying, “Take courage, it is I! Do not be afraid!”

Peter replied to Him, “Lord, if it is [really] You, command me to come to You on the water.” 
He said, “Come!” So Peter got out of the boat, and walked on the water and came toward Jesus.  But when he saw [the effects of] the wind, he was frightened, and he began to sink, and he cried out, “Lord, save me!”

Immediately Jesus extended His hand and caught him, saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” 

And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased.  Then those in the boat worshiped Him [with awe-inspired reverence], saying, “Truly, You are the Son of God!”

We all go through storms. The question is; when the storms come, where is our focus? As long as Peter kept his focus on Jesus he remained safe. The moment Peter looked at the storm he began to sink.

I found a key change over the Christmas holidays for Proverbs 3:5-6 (AMP) which says, “Trust in and rely confidently on the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight or understanding. In all your ways know and acknowledge and recognize Him, And He will make your paths straight and smooth [removing obstacles that block your way].”

Learning to trust Jesus in our storms can be difficult because we continually focus on the storm, the verdict, the diagnosis, another person causing the problem, etc. I want to encourage you to keep your focus on Jesus, not your situation. Call out to Him as Peter did. Hear Him say, "Come!" Then trust Him to take your hand and walk with you through the storm.

He loves you and He is trustworthy.

It is a good idea to seek Him before you run into storms. Then your relationship of trust will have begun growing and you will know where to turn.  Otherwise it’s like trying to catch the boat in the middle of the storm not knowing where to look.

Blessings on your day!

Karen


Sunday, December 20, 2015

Friday, December 18, 2015

Little Talks with Jesus: A merry heart does good like a medicine (Proverbs ...

Little Talks with Jesus: A merry heart does good like a medicine (Proverbs ...: “A happy heart is good medicine and a joyful mind causes healing, but a broken spirit dries up the bones.” (Proverbs 17: 22 AMP) Duri...

A merry heart does good like a medicine (Proverbs 17:22).

“A happy heart is good medicine and a joyful mind causes healing, but a broken spirit dries up the bones.” (Proverbs 17: 22 AMP)

During this Christmas season many people suffer from depression because of illnesses, the death of a loved one and many other reasons.

As I was meditating on this hoping to give a promising word from God, He reminded me of an article I read several years ago. I do not remember the name or the author of the article, but it was the story of a man who had cancer and was given four weeks to live. His doctors told him to go home and prepare to die.

He was bedridden and depressed. One day he decided that if he were going to die he wanted to go out laughing.

He made a decision. He loved watching Laurel and Hardy movies and the Three Stooggies.  So, he bought all of these he could find. Anytime he was not sleeping, he was watching these programs and laughing out loud.. He filled his mind with laughter. At the end of four weeks the man walked out of his house healed.

The article did not say whether the man was a believer or not. However; I have learned that God’s word is true and it works for believers and non-believer, just like the law of gravity.

This man made a vital choice. It is based on Philippians 4:8 (AMP), “Finally, believers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable and worthy of respect, whatever is right and confirmed by God’s word, whatever is pure and wholesome, whatever is lovely and brings peace, whatever is admirable and of good repute; if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think continually on these things [center your mind on them, and implant them in your heart].”

As you spend time with the Lord today I would like to encourage you to sit in His presence. Ask Him to wrap His loving arms around you. Then meditate on His goodness, His blessings and the very fact that He loves you more than you can even imagine. You are accepted in Christ. Lay in His arms as a lover lies in the arms of his beloved. Continually tell yourself that God really loves you, just as you are. You are accepted not because of what you can or have done, but because God has chosen to love you. Take some time today to rejoice, laugh and enjoy this day that the Lord has made. It is His gift to you. Amen!

Blessings on your day!


Karen

Thursday, December 17, 2015

Satan, the father of lies (John 8:44)


“Why do you misunderstand what I say? It is because you are unable to hear what I am saying. ... there is no truth in him (the devil). When he speaks a falsehood, he speaks what is natural to him, for he is a liar [himself] and the father of lies and of all that is false.” (John 8:43-44 AMP)

Sometimes it is hard for us to learn to believe and receive from God because of Satan’s lies.

This morning the Lord told me that we have been taught to be beggars in His Kingdom instead of His son’s and daughter’s.

The Word tells us that His son’s are never forsaken nor will their children have to beg for bread.  (Psalm 37:25) Yet, we pray as beggars; “Please God, please God won’t You please do something? Please heal so and so.” We cry, plead and beg and become greatly disappointed when He does not do what we ask.

When our children come to us asking for something they ask believing that if we have it, we will give it to them. “If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!” (Luke 11:13)

The Word tells us that we are the children of the Living God, joint heirs with Jesus Christ. We are princes and princeses of the King of kings and have been given authority, dominion, and power through His Spirit, to “…come boldly to the throne of grace (not crawling on hands and knees), that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16 NKJV)

When we pray we are to ask, believing that we have received and we will have what we ask. (Mark 11:24) Do not waver or be double-minded (James 1:8) in asking. If you come this way you will not receive anything. If God said it, it is His will and His promise.  “For however many promises God has made, they all find their “Yes” in connection with Him; that is why it is through Him that we say the “Amen” (So be it) when we give glory to God." (2 Corinthians 1:20 CJB)

Satan’s lies: Satan has tired to convince us that we have to beg and plead and hope God will intervene on our behalf. Pray but don’t expect anything. Give but don’t expect anything. Sow into the Kingdom, but do not expect God to bless us. It is our humble duty to give, stay poor and humble. We are just sorry old worms deserving nothing. If we repent enough, pray enough, give enough maybe some how God will show us mercy.

There is no grace in this type of thinking. With this Christianity becomes like all other religions-work for your salvation. This is false humility and comes from pride.

However; the Word of God tells us that He is a loving God: He is merciful; and He rewards  those who diligently seek Him; God loves a cheerful giver; He blesses the works of our hands; His love endures forever; Jesus came that we should have life abundantly (John 10:10); He hopes above all things that we prosper, be in health and our soul to prosper (3 John 2); God is a good God; He is our provider, our healer and never leaves us. He is all we will ever need!

The Bible teaches us how awesome He is, but we think it is more holy to keep telling Him how wretched we are even though He tells us He made us in His image and likeness. He also tells us that everything He created was very good. So when we are constantly telling Him how awful we are we have called Him a liar. Repent of this and receive the new birth and become the new creation in Christ that Jesus gave His life for us to become.

We can so easily be forgiven. Once we recognize and confess our sin, forgive and receive forgiveness we are clean before our Lord because we have come to Him through Jesus Christ who paid the complete price for our sins. We have asked in faith/confidence trusting that God is Who He says He is and will do what He says He will do when we receive Him as our Lord and Savior. (1 John 1:9)

Adam chose to believe the serpent and lost his place of authority and dominion on earth. Jesus came to restore us to our rightful place as children of the Living God, representing God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit on planet earth. However; it is not automatic. Just as with Adam, the choice is always ours. The question is, “Who will you believe? Who will you choose?”

Meditate on this. Seek Jesus. If you have asked Him to be your Savior, I encourage you to make Him Lord, the supreme authority in your life. He loves you and always desires the very best for you. Amen!

Blessings on your day!

Karen


Little Talks with Jesus: The Perfect Christmas (Luke 2: 6-14)

Little Talks with Jesus: The Perfect Christmas (Luke 2: 6-14): As Christmas fast approaches and the hustle and bustle of shopping, baking, planning and all the things needing to be taking care of ca...

The Perfect Christmas (Luke 2: 6-14)


As Christmas fast approaches and the hustle and bustle of shopping, baking, planning and all the things needing to be taking care of can become overwhelming as we try to prepare for the perfect Christmas. 

Now imagine yourself delivering your first child in a smelly, dirty barn with no doctors or nurses, no bed, no sanitation facilities, not even running water. Your husband is there ready to help in the delivery.

“Does he have a clue what to do?” you ask yourself. “For that matter, do I?

You finally deliver your baby and thank God it was an easy delivery with no complications. Exhausted, you drift off to sleep when you are awakened by some smelly shepherds wanted to see your baby. You wonder how they even knew there was a new born baby.

Then the shepherds tell you a wonderful story of an angel telling them about your baby. They called Him the Savior, the Christ, the Lord.

Then the whole heaven filled with heavenly host praising God and saying “Glory to God in the Highest and on earth, peace, and good will to all men.” (Luke 2: 8-11)

What began with fear, changed to wonder, and suddenly peace filled the whole barn.

Having a baby in a barn doesn’t sound much like the perfect Christmas, but it was God’s perfect plan.

As you go through this Christmas season and fear, frustration, anxiety and exhaustion threaten to take over, I would like to encourage you to remember why we celebrate Christmas. Take a deep breath and ask for the peace of God to fill you anew. It did not begin with pretty ribbons and bows, lighted trees and fancy gifts. It was this humble beginning that changed life forever for believers.

To quote an old phrase, “Jesus is the reason for the season.”

Rejoice! We have been given the best gift we could ever give or receive, the Son of God, Emmanuel; God with us. Amen!

Blessings on your day!

Karen

Wednesday, December 9, 2015

Little Talks with Jesus: “If My people, who are called by My name…” (2 Chro...

Little Talks with Jesus: “If My people, who are called by My name…” (2 Chro...: Our country is in a crisis! Do you consider yourself a Christian, a Jew, or a believer in Messiah, then Jehovah God is talking t...

“If My people, who are called by My name…” (2 Chronicles 7:14)

Our country is in a crisis!

Do you consider yourself a Christian, a Jew, or a believer in Messiah, then Jehovah God is talking to you and me.

“If My people, who are called by My name, shall humble themselves, pray, seek, crave, and require of necessity My face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14 AMP)

Notice this scripture does not say if the heathen, unsaved, the wicked, unbelievers will turn to God, He will heal our land. He is talking to us. We have not walked in love and forgiveness. We have sat in judgment, held onto our self righteousness and thought much better of our selves than we ought. We allow unclean TV, media and music with wicked lyrics to blast over our airwaves.

The state of our country is a spiritual matter and only if we humble ourselves before God, will He heal our land. This is not something we can do ourselves.

I admit to having had trouble praying for our leaders. Most of the time I wanted to pray, “Lord, get them out of office! They are ruining our country.”

I speak for myself and many I know who have grown complacent in voting for someone who believes in the great God Jehovah and willing to stand up for the values that separate us from most other countries. 

We need to pray for leaders who are courageous enough to say, “No!" when something is wrong! And who are willing to walk the talk. The moral and religious values of our leaders matter greatly. One leads by conviction. We can lift our leaders before the throne of God and ask for their salvation, courage to stand firm on the word, and are willing live a life of integrity.  

Finally, we have to be willing to turn from our own wicked ways. Seek God with all of our heart because our very lives and nation depend on it.

This is not the most encouraging post, but if we will yield ourselves to God, the outcome can surpass all of our expectations, and light will overtake the darkness. For God is able to do far more than we can ask or even think. (Ephesians 3:20) Amen!

Blessings on your day!

Karen



Monday, December 7, 2015

“Behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son…” (Luke 1:31 KJV)

Sunday our pastor spoke on Luke 1:28-38, beginning with the angel instructing Mary to “Fear Not.” 

The angel proceeded to tell her in verse 31, “behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name Jesus.”

Mary’s final words to the angel were, “be it unto me according to thy word.”

We’ve heard this story many times during Christmas. So as the pastor taught on this passage I was reminded of a word the Lord gave me several years ago.

He told me that we are called to become pregnant with His word. As we grow in the knowledge of Christ it is as if the Word is growing within our inner being, our womb. We conceive the presence of God within us.

Once the Word has come to fruition within us we are to birth or bring forth this Word into the world. This is the great commission found in Matthew 28:19-20.

Will you say with me, “Be it unto me as You have said?”

As we approach this Christmas season, I want to encourage you to meditate on the Word that became flesh and dwelt among us. Jesus still desires to dwell among us. As His followers, we are the carriers of His Word. 

Remember; Fear Not, He is with each of us.

Will you join me in birthing the Word, Jesus our Lord and Savior into the world taking Jesus each place we go, not only during this Christmas season, but through out our lives? Amen!

Blessings on your day!

Karen

Friday, December 4, 2015

Little Talks with Jesus: Jesus, the light of the world! (John 8:12)

Little Talks with Jesus: Jesus, the light of the world! (John 8:12): In John 8:12 ( ESV ) Jesus tells us, “ I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will not walk in darkness, but will have the ligh...

Thursday, December 3, 2015

Jesus, the light of the world! (John 8:12)

In John 8:12 (ESV) Jesus tells us, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

Recently I read where scientists believe all life begins with light.

It is amazing. The Bible told us this long ago.

John 1:4 makes this clear. “In him was life; and the life was the light of men.

Notice Habakkuk 3:4, His splendor was like the sunrise; rays flashed from His hand, where His power was hidden.”

“Rays flashed from His hand, where His power was hidden.” indicates an open hand of power, direction, dominion, and fellowship.

God’s illuminating brilliance produces happiness and joy that beams from His open hands and side with power, direction, dominion, and fellowship, and He offers this to all who would believe in Him.

When Jesus’ hands, feet and side were pierced, He split the darkness with His brilliance, illuminating His light.

(James 1:17) “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.”

When we belong to Jesus we are commanded to “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)

 “And the light shines in darkness; and the darkness comprehends it not.” (John 1:5 KJV)

It doesn’t take much to see the great darkness covering the earth. 

We are to be the light that shines in this darkness with hope, joy and offering salvation to all who would receive Jesus. Don’t be upset when the world does not understand you when you walk in the characteristic of Christ. It is because the world is filled with darkness, so we are given the mandate to allow Christ to shine through us.
  
This goodness can be something as simple as being honest when the cashier accidentally puts something in your bags you did not purchase. When you take it back they will not understand why you would do such a thing. Walking in integrity, honesty, showing the characteristics of Christ sheds light in places you may never realize.

Ask Jesus to shine through you as you go into the world. Amen!

Blessings on your day!


Karen

Little Talks with Jesus: Forgiveness, a key to having a right relationship ...

Little Talks with Jesus: Forgiveness, a key to having a right relationship ...: “Whenever you stand up to pray, you must forgive what others have done to you. Then your Father in heaven will forgive your sins.” (Mark ...

Wednesday, December 2, 2015

Little Talks with Jesus: Forgiveness, a key to having a right relationship ...

Little Talks with Jesus: Forgiveness, a key to having a right relationship ...: “Whenever you stand up to pray, you must forgive what others have done to you. Then your Father in heaven will forgive your sins.” (Mark ...

Forgiveness, a key to having a right relationship with God (Mark 11:25)

“Whenever you stand up to pray, you must forgive what others have done to you. Then your Father in heaven will forgive your sins.” (Mark 11:25 CEV)

Sometimes the hardest thing to do is to forgive. In this we have to look to Jesus for help. According to Mark 11:26, it is a vital element of our receiving forgiveness from Father.

Whether the forgiveness is for something small or great it blocks our communication with God.

“You must forgive what others have done to you. Then your Father in heaven will forgive your sins.”

Our Heavenly Father wants to forgive us, but He will not go against His word. John 15:7 tells us that “If you remain in Me and My words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.”

In order to be Kingdom minded we live by the Kings commands, His way of doing things. God will never go against His word, but He will move heaven and earth to make it happen when we come to Him on His terms. 

Matthew 5:23-24  tells us that even our offerings are not accepted until we forgive.

In Matthew 18:21-35 Jesus is teaching a parable on the Kingdom of Heaven. He tells of a man who owed a great debt and pleaded with the king for mercy. The king grants him mercy. However; this man goes out and refuses to show mercy to one who owes him little. When the king hears of this he brings the man back and hands him over to the tormentors until he pays all that is due. The only thing due is his forgiveness of the man who owes him little.

Not only does unforgiveness hinder our prayers and relationship with our heavenly Father, it also acquires torment.

Forgiveness is not ignoring or trying to forget what happened to you, it is a sin. According to 1 John 1:9 the way we get rid of sin and its torment is to confess it before God. Then we are able to forgive others and be cleansed from all unrighteousness. Our relationship with our heavenly Father is restored.

Owe nothing to anyone except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law. (Romans 13:8 NIV)

You are not in this alone. Ask Jesus to forgive them through you. “I (you) can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (you).” (Philippians 4:13 NKJV)

Jesus demonstrated this on the cross when, “Jesus prayed, ‘Father, forgive them; they don’t know what they’re doing.” (Luke 23:34 MSG)

Spend time with the Lord today seeking people and situations in your life that needs forgiveness and receive Father’s forgiveness today. Amen!

Blessings on your day!

Karen

Monday, November 30, 2015

“Enter His gates with thanksgiving…” Psalm 100:4

“Enter His gates with thanksgiving…” Psalm 100:4


Preparing our table for communion includes preparing our hearts.


During this past Thanksgiving I became so busy with getting things together for a family Thanksgiving I did not take the time to prepare my heart. In so doing I noticed an emptiness after the crowd left. 

Not understanding what had happened I sought the Lord. In His mercy He reminded me that I had missed the whole idea of Thanksgiving, not only to be thankful, but to give thanks to God for all the many blessings He gives me each and every day.  I have since repented of this, and I pray I never forget to give thanks to God and others each day. It opens up the gates of heaven.

James 1:17 (VOICE) “Every good gift bestowed, every perfect gift received comes to us from above, courtesy of the Father of lights. He is consistent. He won’t change His mind or play tricks in the shadows.”


As I meditate on the fact that every good thing in my life is a gift from my heavenly Father, I begin to count my blessings, as the old hymn says, name them one by one - the love of my family, home, provisions, sunshine, grass, trees, birds, fresh air, etc. Then, I remember the love that never ends and is freely given to this one, who felt like a failure, love that has healed a wounded soul, love that offers me eternal life. And it is all because Jesus went to the cross for you and me. He paid for my sins and yours. We just have to ask Him into our lives and ask Him to forgive us.


It only takes a moment to prepare my heart with thanksgiving for the presence of a Holy God.


Today I celebrate this holy time of communion with my beloved knowing that by accepting His love and sacrifice on the cross, He is mine and I am His. Amen!


Blessings on your day!

Karen

Thursday, November 19, 2015

Little Talks with Jesus: “According to your faith be it done unto you” (Mat...

Little Talks with Jesus: “According to your faith be it done unto you” (Mat...: Heaven’s economy works by two things, faith in the word and obedience which is acting on the word. “Then He (Jesus) touched their e...

“According to your faith be it done unto you” (Matthew 9:29)

Heaven’s economy works by two things, faith in the word and obedience which is acting on the word.

“Then He (Jesus) touched their eyes, saying, 'According to your faith and trust and reliance [on the power invested in Me] be it done to you; '"(Matthew 9:29 (AMP)

Faith is a religious term which means to believe God when He says something. This is far deeper than believing in God’s word.  Faith is; trusting in who Jesus is, His authority, His love and desire to give you His best. Obedience is acting on that word.

For the two blind men to be healed, in Matthew 9:29, they had to #1. Come to Jesus. When we come to Jesus admitting we need His help, this is humbling ourselves before God.

#2. Then, they believed Jesus could and would heal them.

These blind men had heard of Jesus so they sought Him for their healing. Notice, they sought Him. We must find Jesus before He can do anything for us.

Seeking Jesus as our Savior and healer, believing He is the only One who can heal us or take care of our situation is putting actions to our faith. There is no plan B.

(Mark 9:23 AMP) “Jesus said to him, “[You say to Me,] ‘If You can?’ All things are possible for the one who believes and trusts [in Me]!”

Look at I John 5:14-15 (AMP). “This is the [remarkable degree of] confidence which we [as believers are entitled to] have before Him: that if we ask anything according to His will, (His word) He hears us. And if we know [for a fact, as indeed we do] that He hears and listens to us in whatever we ask, we [also] know [with settled and absolute knowledge] that we have [granted to us] the requests which we have asked from Him.”

Whatever you are facing today come to Jesus in faith, believing He will do what He says He will do. Then ask Him for what you need, believing He hears your prayers and will answer them. Allow Him to do it His way and in His time. Trust Him as He works all things out for your good and His glory. (Romans 8:28) Amen!

Blessings on your day!

Karen




Wednesday, November 18, 2015

Little Talks with Jesus: “This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoic...

Little Talks with Jesus: “This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoic...: We are given the choice each day to be sad or glad. We choose whether we live or die. This choice is not based upon the circumstances, th...

“This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” (Psalm 118:24)

We are given the choice each day to be sad or glad. We choose whether we live or die. This choice is not based upon the circumstances, the weather, or even how we feel. It is made before we get out of bed. It is made with our mouth.

In Deuteronomy 30:19 God makes it clear that it is our choice. “I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live;” Then in Proverbs 18:21 we are told that, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.”

What’s on your menu today? Will you declare, “I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the Lord?” (Proverbs 118:7) Will you choose life?

Blessings on your day!

Karen


Tuesday, November 17, 2015

Little Talks with Jesus: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the...

Little Talks with Jesus: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the...: Not too long ago we were in a spiritual battle for a house for our son. It seemed that at every turn there was a road block. The Lord...

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race” (2 Timothy 4:7)

Not too long ago we were in a spiritual battle for a house for our son. It seemed that at every turn there was a road block.

The Lord had brought us to this house and I knew it was the one we needed. I had prayed for this house for several years.

Through frustrations and road blocks we continued the battle. I spent as much time in prayer as working with the realtor and the bank. God walked us through each phase with victory at each step. It was a long hard battle for almost 6 months.

Then one morning I awoke to this verse “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race.” (2 Timothy 4:7) I knew the battle was over. Hallelujah!

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. All that awaits me now is the crown of righteousness which the Lord, “the Righteous Judge,” will award to me on that Day — and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for him to appear. (2 Timothy 4:7-8 CJB)

Spiritual warfare is war. It can not be won in the natural. (2 Corinthians 10:4) “For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;”

You may ask, “Is vying for a house spiritual warfare?”

Yes. Any trials you face as a child of God is because the thief is trying to steal, kill, or destroy things in your life. (John 10:10)

So, how do we fight this battle? (Matthew 18:18 AMP) “I assure you and most solemnly say to you, whatever you bind [forbid, declare to be improper and unlawful] on earth shall have [already] been bound in heaven, and whatever you loose [permit, declare lawful] on earth shall have [already] been loosed in heaven.”

We do it by decreeing and declaring the word of God into our situation, just as Jesus did with the devil on the back side of the dessert. His word is powerful and sharper than a two-edged sword.

Stay focused on God’s word, His promises. Keep a watch over your mouth because life and death is in the power of your tongue. Praise Him in all things and worship God through it all.

In your time with the Lord today focus and meditate on His promises. Build up your faith in His Word. Commit whatever you are facing to God and ask Him to walk with you through it. He says He will and He can not lie.

Then praise and thank Him for His marvelous gifts, His promises which He gives without repentance. He never takes back His gifts. Amen!

Blessings on your day!

Karen






Wednesday, November 11, 2015

Little Talks with Jesus: The Lord is my shepherd (Psalm 23)

Little Talks with Jesus: The Lord is my shepherd (Psalm 23): This morning the Lord woke me to this Psalm encouraging me to read it in other translations. This one is from the Contemporary English Ve...

The Lord is my shepherd (Psalm 23)

This morning the Lord woke me to this Psalm encouraging me to read it in other translations. This one is from the Contemporary English Version. I encourage you to read it out loud.

“You, LORD (JESUS), are my shepherd. I will never be in need. You let me rest in fields of green grass. You lead me to streams of peaceful water, and you refresh my life.

You are true to Your name, and You lead me along the right paths. I may walk through valleys as dark as death, but I won’t be afraid. You are with me, and Your shepherd’s rod makes me feel safe.

You treat me to a feast, while my enemies watch. You honor me as your guest, and you fill my cup until it overflows. Your kindness and love will always be with me each day of my life, and I will live forever in Your house, Lord.

It is all about learning to put our total trust is Jesus knowing His ability and will is to take care of us.

Proverbs 3:5-6 (CEV) instructs us, “With all your heart you must trust the Lord and not (trust) your own judgment. Always allow Him to lead you and He will clear the road for you to follow.”

We have been taught, “If you want something done right, do it yourself.” When we do this we are trying to make ourselves our god.

To learn to trust God in every area of our life takes renewing our minds to God’s ways of doing things. We do this by following Matthew 6:33, more than anything else seek God and His presence first. Listen for His instruction. This is His righteousness. Then the other things will come to us when we do what He says no matter how strange it may sound.

Recently I was seeking Him on a matter I thought needed an immediate answer. He replied with, “Wait upon the Lord.” I had peace in Christ and I let it go. When and if I need to respond on this matter, I am trusting He will let me know and then I will act on it.

As you join in communion with Christ today, rejoice in His love and care. No matter what happens or how hopeless things may seem, allow Jesus to walk with you through your darkness or shadow that looks like death. It is only a shadow when Christ is with you. Amen!

Blessings on your day!

Karen

Monday, November 9, 2015

Little Talks with Jesus: They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and the...

Little Talks with Jesus: They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and the...: We have been studying about how life and death is in the power of our tongue from Deuteronomy 30:19-20 and Proverbs 18:21. As I was m...

They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony (Rev. 12:11)

We have been studying about how life and death is in the power of our tongue from Deuteronomy 30:19-20 and Proverbs 18:21.

As I was meditating on our study I kept hearing Revelation 12:11 (AMP). “And they overcame and conquered him (the enemy) because of the blood of the Lamb and because of the word of their testimony, for they did not love their life and renounce their faith even when faced with death.”

We overcome and conquer the enemy by speaking the Word, the logos, the written word of God. As we decree and declare the word of God over us, our family and our situation, we are testifying, proclaiming and prophesying the Word of God over us. This is a prayer of faith. (Job 22:28)

(Deuteronomy 30: 19-20 AMP) “I (God) call heaven and earth as witnesses against you today, that I have set before you life and death, the blessing and the curse; therefore, you shall choose life in order that you may live, you and your descendants, by loving the Lord your God, by obeying His voice, and by holding closely to Him; for He is your life [your good life, your abundant life, your fulfillment] and the length of your days, that you may live …”

Jesus is the Word of God. He is life. Therefore; to choose life, we choose to speak His words just as Jesus spoke only what He heard the Father say.

Proverbs 18:21, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.”

In other words, you get what you say, even if it takes a while to come about. Listen to yourself! It may surprise you to hear what you are really saying.

Then we seal it by faith with the blood of Jesus. If this sounds strange to you, just say something like, "I seal this word with the blood of Jesus." 

You may ask, why would you do this? We learned from the first Passover in Exodus that when the believers put the blood of the lamb over the doorpost and lentils of their houses God rebuked the devour-er. 

Our bodies are His temple. Jesus gave us that same authority to speak into being when He gave us His name. 

(John 14:14) “If you ask (call forth of) Me anything in My name, I will do it.”

Finally, we take a stand on the word. We refuse to renounce our faith or speak against the word (death or curse words) even when faced with death or hardship, or when things do not look like we’ve conquered the situation, the sickness or disease. 

Let it soak in. This is powerful! This is the Word of God! 

James 3:4-6 NIV) shows us how to steer our life. "Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts…sets the whole course of one’s life ...”

Thank Jesus today in your time of communion for being the powerful word of God. Declare that you will only speak life, His life words from this day forward.

Blessings on your day!

Karen

Tuesday, November 3, 2015

Little Talks with Jesus: Be still and know that I am God (Psalm 46:10)

Little Talks with Jesus: Be still and know that I am God (Psalm 46:10): Have you ever had one of those days where you just seem “out of sink?” Nothing is wrong, but there seems to be something lacking. Tod...

Be still and know that I am God (Psalm 46:10)

Have you ever had one of those days where you just seem “out of sink?” Nothing is wrong, but there seems to be something lacking.

Today was one of those days for me.

As I sought the Lord, I heard, “Be still.”

Even though I had spent time with the Lord this morning, I sensed the Lord encouraging me to come and be with Him, so I turned on some quiet worship music and sat with the Lord.

It was a comforting, peaceful time. I did not hear a word or scripture from Him. So I praised Him in my spirit.

The rest of the scripture says, “I will be exalted among the heathens (unbelievers), I will be exalted in the earth.”

Isn’t it amazing that by our being still before the Lord allows Him to be exalted among unbelievers and through out the earth?

In the natural this makes no since. However; God’s ways are not man’s ways. They are higher. Only God knows how being still before Him exalts Him. It is our job to follow His leading.

I encourage you to take some time to sit still in the presence of the Lord. Sometimes He will have a word for you and sometimes like today you find peace in His presence. God likes to spend time with His children. He likes to spend time with you. Amen!

Blessings on your day!

Karen


Monday, November 2, 2015

Little Talks with Jesus: Bless the Lord, O my soul. (Psalm 103:1)

Little Talks with Jesus: Bless the Lord, O my soul. (Psalm 103:1): Have you ever wondered how to bless the Lord?  I believe I have found an answer. Sunday I taught the lesson from Acts 12. The sto...

Bless the Lord, O my soul. (Psalm 103:1)

Have you ever wondered how to bless the Lord? 

I believe I have found an answer.

Sunday I taught the lesson from Acts 12. The story takes place following Passover, during the Feast of Unleavened Bread.

After showing the class Matzo (unleavened bread), I quoted the prayer Jesus said over the Last Supper when He took the bread and blessed it.

According to Jewish tradition He would have prayed “Praised (or blessed) are You, Lord our God, Sovereign (or Creator) of the universe, who brings forth bread from the earth." 

This was a prophetic prayer referring to how God would raise the Messiah from the dead.

This morning the Lord pointed out to me that Jesus did not bless the bread. He blessed the giver of the bread. This had never occurred to me.

I believe that to bless the Lord means to give Him praise and thanksgiving for the things He has done. In doing so, we are acknowledging God for who He is and giving Him honor, praise and thanksgiving for all He has done for us.

Psalm 92:1 begins with, “It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord, and sing praises unto Your name, O most High.”

Many of the Psalms begin by exalting the name of God and extolling what He has done.

Let us bless the Lord today for raising Jesus the Christ from the dead. He lives! Amen!

Blessings on your day!

Karen

Friday, October 30, 2015

Little Talks with Jesus: His Mercies Endure Forever (2 Chronicles 5:13)

Little Talks with Jesus: His Mercies Endure Forever (2 Chronicles 5:13): Find Jesus and you will find His mercy. The Lord has placed a person on my heart who has been involved in drug addiction, alcohol, ma...

His Mercies Endure Forever (2 Chronicles 5:13)

Find Jesus and you will find His mercy.


The Lord has placed a person on my heart who has been involved in drug addiction, alcohol, maybe prostitution and other things. 


This is a great source of stress, frustration, anger,  fear and heartache for his parents.


As I sought the Lord, He showed me His great mercy that endures for ever. 


While listening for the Holy Spirit's guidance, Jesus gave me this word for him, “I am not angry with you. I am not disappointed in you. I still love you. I want you to come to Me and allow Me to love you and heal your soul.”


Growing up in a domination that preached Hell, fire and damnation, I believed that I was a sinner beyond redemption. If I could not get it right I believed Jesus would not forgive me and that God was waiting to send me to Hell. 


 I had to have a major paradigm shift in order to begin thinking that Jesus truly loved me and was wanting to set me free from all this condemning  thinking.


The lies I had heard preached all these years caused guilt, shame and fear. However; the Word clearly says otherwise. Jesus died for my sins. The moment I accepted Him as my Lord and Savior, I was forgiven, changed into His new creation. I have been born again. This time I was born into the family of God. I am God's beloved child. 


When the Word tells us that if we believe in our heart and confess with our mouth that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God our Father, we are saved (forgiven, healed, delivered, He will never leave us, set free from the law of sin and death) and He means it. 


Every time I see in the Word that Jesus bore my sins, I believe Jesus accomplished it on the cross. I confess Christ’s forgiveness with my mouth, and with taking communion I proclaim His death and all He accomplished on the cross until He comes again. 


This means I am forgiven and set free, restored to a right relationship with my heavenly Father to the glory of God. 


My loving heavenly Father is not sitting on His throne with a whip ready to beat me each time I miss the mark. He loves me and guides me on the level I am ready to believe. He meets me where I am. His mercies (love, kindness and forgiveness) endures forever. His mercy is available to all who come to Christ.


If you struggle with these condemning thoughts of guilt, and shame, come to Jesus. According to Romans 8:1 there is no condemnation for those who belong to Jesus and walk in His ways.


If you have Jesus in your heart, rejoice! Praise Him and thank Him for setting you free. You are forgiven. Glory to God! Amen.

Blessings on your day!

Karen


Wednesday, October 28, 2015

Little Talks with Jesus: This is the day the Lord has made. (Psalm 118:24)

Little Talks with Jesus: This is the day the Lord has made. (Psalm 118:24): “This [day in which God has saved me] is the day which the Lord has made; Let us rejoice and be glad in it.” (Psalm 118:24 AMP) For H...

This is the day the Lord has made. (Psalm 118:24)

“This [day in which God has saved me] is the day which the Lord has made; Let us rejoice and be glad in it.” (Psalm 118:24 AMP)

For He says,At the acceptable time (the time of grace) I listened to you, and I helped you on the day of salvation.” Behold, now is “the acceptable time,” behold, now is “the day of salvation.” (2 Corinthians 2:6 AMP)

When we are in Christ, each day is a new day to discover something new about our Savior and the salvation He is offering us. We do not have to die to receive all of the salvation Christ provided for us. Once we accept Christ as our Savior, we become God's eternal child. Jesus came to give us abundant life and it begins the moment we accept Christ.

According to http://www.theopedia.com/salvation, Salvation [1] refers to the act of God's grace in delivering His people from bondage to sin and condemnation, transferring them to the kingdom of His beloved Son (Col. 1:13), and giving them eternal life (Romans 6:23)—all on the basis of what Christ accomplished in His atoning sacrifice. The Bible says we are saved by grace through faith; and that not of ourselves, it is the gift of God (Ephesians 2:8).

We just have to accept His gift to be set free from any bondage we are under; depression, poverty, sickness, whatever you need. Jesus is the deliverer. Ask!

The Greek word soteria means salvation."… [And salvation] includes past, present, and the future. As Christians, we were saved from the penalty of sin when God brought us to faith in Christ; we are presently being saved from the power of sin as we confess our sins and believe they are forgiven through Christ.

This is the day the Lord has made. It is our day of salvation, deliverance from the effects of sin. (Deuteronomy 28:16-67) and blessing us with all spiritual blessings. (Deuteronomy 28:1-15)  Hallelujah! I choose to rejoice and be glad in it. Today is a glorious day!

I partake of communion with my Savior because today is the day of salvation. Amen!

Blessings on your day!

Karen