​As I lay me down in the midst of your presence, your Holy Spirit guides my thoughts to the time you introduced yourself to me. You were always there, yet at that moment in particular you wanted your presence made known. The expectation of my heart had been satisfied though my mind could not comprehend. My soul’s deepest cry from within had come to an end. The conversation as my healer had just begun. You told me I had been going the wrong way and that I needed to hear what you had to say…that you love me…that you care…that from the beginning the path for me was prepared. You chose me…heavy laden in sin…you chose me…before the world began…to overcome, to preach, to testify of your love. No longer could you stand by and not guide me with thine eye. That was the day that you showed me your grace. That was the day that I started to seek your face. That was the day that you poured your Holy Spirit…the day that you said you were here to stay. So, what I can I do Lord Jesus to pour upon you all the love in a way that will make you say, I remember the day…I remember that praise…I remember her voice...because she made me her choice…she chose me with her whole heart. Therefore I will never depart.
​#chasinghim #praisinghim #watching #waiting #trusting

​O Lord thy God, why dost thou stand afar off? Draw near unto thy servant O’ Lord. The zeal of thine house hast eaten me up. To seek after thee and to not obtain only drives the passionate pursuit farther. O’ show me thy glory O’ Lord. Satisfy the longing for your holy presence. O’ that I might find thee O’ Lord Jesus. I hunger for you. I crave your flowing spirit. Hide me in thy presence Lord. You promised you would never leave me, neither forsake me. O to know thy precepts. Teach me to know mine end and to number my days. I am but a vapor yet you are my righteousness. Pour your spirit upon me O’ Lord my God that I may be pure and acceptable in thy sight. Lead me in a right path where your spirit dwells. Satisfy me with the privilege of being at your feet that I may praise you all the day long. How long will the passion of your love overflow within? I cannot contain it O’ God be content to rescue me. Why doth thy weary thy servant with a craving for your spirit which cannot be quenched? This love that you have poured is determined to be after your own heart. Day and night searching the heights…searching the depths…longing to be satisfied by your manifest presence…  

#learningtopray #learningtopraise #watch #praise #seek #unshakeable #humbleasadove

​ISAIAH 1:1-5
The vision of Isaiah the son of Amoz, which he saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem in the days of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah.
 Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth: for the Lord hath spoken, I have nourished and brought up children, and they have rebelled against me.
The ox knoweth his owner, and the ass his master’s crib: but Israel doth not know, my people doth not consider.
 Ah sinful nation, a people laden with iniquity, a seed of evildoers, children that are corrupters: they have forsaken the Lord, they have provoked the Holy One of Israel unto anger, they have gone away backward.
 Why should ye be stricken any more? ye will revolt more and more: the whole head is sick, and the whole heart faint.
King Uzziah, the son of Amaziah, reigned fifty two years during the time of Zechariah, who was given understandings in the visions of God. The Lord comes upon Isaiah , who is the son of a prophet, and gives him a prophetic vision. The Lord reveals himself and wants the prophet to speak a word concerning Judah and Jerusalem (The bride/capital of the promised land). This particular word is covering the reign of four kings at that time.
The Lord Jesus has stated that he has seated us in heavenly places and that our conversation is heard in heaven. So, here the Lord commands His people seated in heaven and in earth to hear what the spirit of the Lord has spoken. The Lord is speaking as our father and as one who chastens a son. The Lord is angry with a backsliding nation who he has sanctified and called after His name. He has fed with holy bread. He has given the bread of life. He has given us His Holy Spirit. He has given gifts to all men. Regardless of how the Lord has favored His chosen, he says they have rebelled. Yet, he loves us enough to not be silent to us.
Psalms 28:1
Unto thee will I cry, O Lord my rock: be not silent to me: lest, if thou be silent to me, I become like them that go down in the pit.
Therefore, the Lord is saying I still care enough to tell you how much you have angered me, but I refuse to cast you away. He asks the question, “Why should we be stricken anymore?” He is allowing things to come upon us to correct our iniquity, but in our hearts we are sometimes not convicted of our sins. We have allowed ourselves to become spoiled, and assume that because God is our father we can get around the process of accountability. We cannot allow our consciences to be seared where we cannot receive the chastening of the Lord in truth. We must fear him with a reverent fear and seek to abide in His word. He said, “Why should He chasten when we act like we don’t even recognize him in the working.” The ox knows His owner and so does the ass. Yet when something happens to us to bring forth repentance and to get us to inquire of the Lord, we blame it on the adversary. We say the enemy is warring. We don’t examine self to be sure our actions are pleasing the Lord God, who created us. For the Lord to say the head is sick is to say that we are like in the days of Noah and like the days of Sodom and Gomorrah when he said he needed to bring forth destruction because every thought of man was to mischief (See Gen 6:5)
The Lord uses Isaiah to prophesy as a young prophet. He’s just learning how to walk in the prophetic. The Lord God shows him kings, who have had humble beginnings, and who did righteousness in the sight of God, besides Ahaz. The Lord teaches us His expectations of holiness. We must not allow vanity to creep in.
Phil 2:5-8
Let his mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:
But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of servant, and was made in the likeness of men:
And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
The Lord seeketh such to reign as joint heirs with Him. He desires true worshippers that love Him the most.
​#watchandpray #seek #trust #praise #obey

​PROVERBS 18:14&19
THE SPIRIT OF A MAN WILL SUSTAIN HIS INFIRMMITY, BUT A WOUNDED SPIRIT WHO CAN BEAR?
A BROTHER OFFENDED IS HARDER TO BE WON THAN A STRONG CITY: AND THEIR CONTENTIONS ARE LIKE THE BARS OF A CASTLE.
Forgiveness is required. The Lord Jesus stated to his disciples that forgiveness of others is required for us to received the forgiveness of God. Don’t allow unforgiveness to separate you from the love of Christ. Paul confessed that he was persuaded the he would let nothing separate him from the love of Christ. That included holding things against our brethren, even if they never will see the error of their ways or how they have done us wrong.  Forgive. Give them to the Lord. Every hurt, pain, offence, misunderstanding; put it in the hands of the Lord.
It seems like we can be motivated about so many things. The spirit is willing, yet the flesh is weak. Because of zeal and spiritual willingness we can overcome all things including weakness and infirmity, but the Lord says a person who has been wounded to the very spirit is hard to be won as a brother. The Lord Jesus has disbursed his spirit of forgiveness, freely he has given and freely we ought to give. We want to be found worthy when the day of visitation comes for us.
Colossians 3:12
Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;
Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.
Above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.
Before King Hezekiah became sick, the Lord sent the prophet unto him and advised him to get his household in order. As we are living in the last days, we must be prepared to meet our father in Heaven and get our household in order. Effectively communicate one toward another and mend the brokenness that the adversary has caused with the spirit of forgiveness, and meekness. Those who may have hurt you, wounded you, misunderstood, forgive. If circumstances are not conducive then be sure to give it to the Lord Jesus and wash your hands before the Lord. The circumstance with Pontius Pilate; the people of God along with the Pharisees were determined to crucify the Lord Jesus regardless of prophesy or reasoning. Although Pontius Pilate could not find fault, he simply had to wash his hands on the matter. Stand not in the way of the sinner, not sit in the seat of the scornful (Psalm 1). Yet, the Lord Jesus still was obedient to carry his cross because that’s what his father instructed him to do. Therefore, we forgive anyway. No matter the intent of others. Do not allow yourself to be separated from the love of Christ because of the intent of others to continue on a journey of working iniquity. Seek your own salvation with both fear and trembling.
#watchandpray #seekhim #praise #trust #obey
 

 ​PROVERBS 17:6
Children’s children are the crown of men; and the glory of the children are their fathers.
He that begetteth a fool doeth it to his sorrow, and the father of a fool hath no joy.
A foolish son is a grief to his father, and bitterness to her that bare him.
Here are three wisdom keys penned by our forefather Solomon. The Lord God has dispensed gifts unto all men. Nevertheless, the Lord has stated that children are blessings unto their fathers and blessed is the man that has his quiver full.
Children are reflection of their fathers which is the glory of God. That glory shows our love, instruction, wisdom, and even the faithfulness and diligence to impart the Lord’s holy precepts.
 On the other hand, when the children don’t take heed to the word that has been taught then it is foolishness reflecting shame and sorrow. The father of a foolish son has no joy. This word goes for natural as well as spiritual parents. Children obey your parents in all things for this is well pleasing unto the Lord. This is a command with promise. The Lord states that your days will be long by doing so. We must obey the word; not just being hearers but doers also. Although, children have great expectations for father’s fathers have expectations of their children also. We have been taught the difference between good and evil and impart what we have to the newer generation just as well. Do what the Lord has taught you. Hold fast to sound counsel. What you don’t know, pray first and allow the Lord to intercede. Don’t be a fool for satan’s devices.
#wisdom #truth #VBS #praise #watchandpray #teach

​FATHER’S HAVE IT HARD SOMETIMES
 
ACTS 13:15-22
AND AFTER THE READING OF THE LAW AND THE PROPHETS THE RULERS OF THE SYNAGOGUE SENT UNTO THEM SAYING,
YE MEN AND YE BRETHREN, IF YE HAVE ANY WORD OF EXHORTATION FOR THE PEOPLE, SAY ON.
THEN PAUL STOOD UP AND BECKONING WITH THE HAND SAID, MEN OF ISRAEL, AND YE THAT FEAR GOD, GIVE AUDIENCE.
THE GOD OF THIS PEOPLE OF ISRAEL CHOSE OUR FATHERS, AND EXALTED THE PEOPLE WHEN THEY DWELT AS STRANGERS IN THE LAND OF EGYPT, AND WITH A HIGH ARM BROUGHT HE THEM OUT OF IT.
AND ABOUT THE TIME OF FORTY YEARS SUFFERED HE THEIR MANNERS IN THE WILDERNESS.
AND WHEN HE AHD REMOVED HIM, HE RAISED UP UNTO THEM DAVID TO BE THEIR KING, TO WHOM HE ALSO GAVE TESTIMONY, AND SAID, I HAVE FOUND DAVID THE SON OF JESSE, A MAN AFTER MINE OWN HEART, WHICH SHALL FULFILL ALL MY WILL.
Greetings in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, mercy and peace be multiplied. As we come together to celebrate the privilege of having been given natural and spiritual fathers, there is a word of encouragement from the Lord. In times such as these we can look to our forefather and front runner David. The word tells us that the Lord chose him as a man after God’s own heart. I must mention that fathers have it hard sometimes. They are called. They have been chosen for a role and have such high expectations by family to shield, protect, provide, instruct, communicate, love, and the list goes on. Although, by faith we have been grafted in the vine of David, it doesn’t mean that he was perfect and he didn’t make mistakes as a husband or father. King David chose multiple wives. He had several children, he was an adulterer, manipulator, conspirator, and murderer; and yet a lover of God. He experienced numerous shortcomings while learning to seek after the spirit of God. No matter the circumstance or the situation, he knew the fear of the Lord and that he was in the Lord’s hands. He cried unto the Lord and he heard his cry. The Lord favored him because his heart was upright before the Lord.  He created a standard of righteousness and recognized that our righteousness is as filthy as rags and we need to have the Spirit of God. He was a God Chaser and catcher. Therefore, as we look to King David ad other men of valor that the Lord has placed in our lives, look at what they did in the midst of their trials and circumstances. Look at how they overcame adversity. Some of us have men, young and old, who the Lord has placed in our lives as fathers for example. The Lord says in the scripture here that He chose our fathers, and exalted us. Meaning, he used them to take us higher heights in Jesus Christ. Fir sine us our fathers may not have said the right things or dotted the I’s or crossed the t’s. Yet, they are whom the Lord sent us to elevate us and get us to our expected end. The Lord stated that in these last days this generation would do a greater work. Eye hath not seen not hath ear heard but it is given by his spirit to do these works greater than our forefathers. They’ve planted, watered, and God alone has given the increase of harvest. The Lord gave testimony of David speaking of what he had found. He said he found a heart after God to do his will. Sometimes we look at all the wrong things in a person. God finds the good parts to exalt. In Nathan the Lord said in him he found no guile. Peter, he found him to be a rock; unshakeable and unmovable. The Lord long suffers with us all to bring out the goodness that he has bestowed in our earthen vessels. He looks past our faults leading, guiding, encouraging, building us up as a temple not made with man’s hands, but as the apple of his eye being shaped on the potter’s wheel. Therefore, let’s have that same heart after God that is filled with love, patience, forgiving quickly, merciful, and also understanding what the Lord’s will is to pray people through as they learn how to be the fathers that God called them to be; abounding from faith to faith and glory to glory. #HappyFather'sDay #Keeploving #keeppraying #praisehim #trusthim

​II Timothy 1:12
FOR THE WHICH CAUSE I ALSO SUFFER THESE THINGS. NEVERTHELESS, I AM NOT ASHAMED: FOR WHOM I BELIEVED, AND AM PERSUADED THAT HE IS ABLE TO KEEP THAT WHICH I HAVE COMMITTED UNTO HIM AGAINST THAT DAY.
HOLD FAST THE FORM OF SOUND WORDS, WHICH THOU HAST HEARD OF ME, IN FAITH AND LOVE WHICH IS IN CHRIST JESUS.
THAT GOOD THING WHICH WAS COMMITTED UNTO THEE KEEP BY THE HOLY GHOST WHICH DWELLETH IN US.
It is needful for a friendly reminder to stay the course and hold fast to sound counsel. The adversary has come and will come to make you think you don’t whom you do know. You must know who you are in Christ and do what the Lord Jesus has called and qualified you to do. The Lord is with you that is why the adversary sends his paratroopers to war and mock because you are believing and seeking after righteousness.
No weapon formed against us shall prosper and every tongue that shall rise against us in judgment thou shalt condemn (Isaiah 54:17). Those obey the Lord Jesus are is servants and have rewards in him. That word cannot return unto him void, but must perform His will.
Isaiah 54:4-10
FEAR NOT; FOR THOU SHALT NOT BE ASHAMED: NEITHER BE THOU CONFOUNDED; FOR THOU SHALT NOT BE PUT TO SHAME: FOR THOU SHALT FORGET THE SHAME OF THY YOUTH, AND SHALT NOT REMEMBER THE REPROACH OF THY WIDOWHOOD ANYMORE.
FOR THY MAKER IS THY HUSBAND; THE LORD OF HOSTS IS HIS NAME; AND THY REDEEMER THE HOLY ONE OF ISRAEL; THE GOD OF THE WHOLE EARTH SHALL HE BE CALLED.
FOR THE LORD HATH CALLED THEE AS A WOMAN FORSAKEN AND GRIEVED IN SPIRIT, AND A WIFE OF YOUTH, WHEN THOU WAST REFUSED, SAITH THY GOD.
FOR A SMALL MOMENT HAVE I FORSAKEN THEE; BUT WITH GREAT MERCIES WILL I GATHER THEE.
IN A LITTLE WRATH I HID MY FACE FROM THEE FOR A MOMENT, BUT WITH EVERLASTING KINDNESS WILL I HAVE MERCY ON THEE, SAITH THE LORD THY REDEEMER.
FOR THIS IS AS THE WATERS OF NOAH UNTO ME: FOR AS I HAVE SWORN THAT THE WATERS OF NOAH SHOULD NO MORE GO OVER THE EARTH; SO HAVE I SWORN THAT I WOULD NOT BE WROTH WITH THEE, OR REBUKE THEE.
FOR THE MOUNTAINS SHALL DEPART, AND THE HILLS BE REMOVED, BUT MY KINDNESS SHALL NOT DEPART FROM THEE, NEITHER SHALL THE COVENANT OF PEACE BE REMOVED, SIATH THE LORD THAT HATH MERCY ON THEE.
What is that good thing that the lord has committed unto thee? Gifts of the spirit? A business? A ministry? A spouse? A child? The Lord said it is to be kept by His Holy Ghost. Therefore, if we don’t have His Holy Spirit, we must ask and seek after his spirit to be kept in these last and evil days. The Lord says do not fear to those who desire to bring forth fruits of righteousness and have not brought forth for the appointed time has come that he will enlarge thy tent and strengthen the stakes thereof. He will turn toward you again with tender mercies and loving kindness and shall remove the shame of your youth. This is not the youth as in young age naturally but to signify spiritual maturity. These promises of the Lord accompany His spirit of repentance. He is calling His chosen to another level of holiness where His people that we ordained to salvation will be drawn out of darkness because of your holiness and purity. The people will cry out what must I do to be saved. He will restore the joy that accompanies His tender mercies and saving grace. The same God who chastens us sore restores with a stretched out arm and comforting spirit. He is a god who keepeth covenant. Seek him while he may be found. Fall upon the rock for a broken and contrite spirit. He will in no way cast away. #seekhim #studytoshowthyselfapproved #praisehim