Being Vunerable

Venerability . . . oh, how we fight against being vulnerable with one another . . . why?!

I used to hide behind masks myself – believe me – I had a mask for almost every situation! “never let anyone know what I was really feeling”, that was my way of approaching life . . . yes, even as a Christian, even in Ministry! I would be sharing with others about the Love of Christ and living in victory, but be torn apart inside . . . never letting others know what was REALLY going on in my own shattered world! NOT ANY MORE!!!!  The Lord has shown me that there is a reason His Word tells us to “bear one another’s burdens”! Galatians 6:2

How can we truly be healed, if we do not allow others to minister to our wounds?!

How can we grow, if we do not allow the weeds to be pulled, the branches to be pruned and the roots to be fed and watered?!

I ask again . . . why?! Now, I answer . . . PRIDE, plain and simple . . . one of satan’s nasty tools that he loves to use to keep us from reaching our potential as becoming the beautiful whole sanctified Bride of Christ . . . (lust of the eyes, lust of the flesh and the pride of life; 1 John 2:16), his tricks never change! But why are we so quick to fall for his silly little dangling carrots in front of us?! For years I did, but NO MORE!!! I now make the conscious effort to choose to be vulnerable – to be open, even IF people make their own choice to think differently of me – that is their problem. I will forgive them.

So, here I am, with NO mask, sharing my heart . . . things have been REALLY chaotic to say the least, for a while now . . . took care of one side of it . . . now more ‘stuff’ has come up, and WOW! Mercy, I’m listening to a song just now that is talking about ‘the bottom falling out’ – how appropriate – BUT GOD! He has it ALL in His Hands! It is the trusting in Him through it that causes me to remind myself to “Breathe, girl!” (honestly, I do forget sometimes, and have to remind myself when I find myself really lightheaded!)  And I look at those I love, and sometimes find my thoughts going “who IS this person? why are they talking this way? what is going on? where is all this coming from?” Of course, I KNOW we do NOT wrestle against flesh but against principalities and powers . . . etc. Ephesians 6:12  and that I just have to crawl up on Abba Father’s lap and rest in Him, drawing upon Holy Spirit’s never ending PEACE that passes ALL understanding and press on ahead . . . but, being REAL here . . . the spirit is willing, the flesh is weak (sometimes)…. remember, I’ve left the masks behind!

I am choosing to press ahead . . . for God does NOT lie and His Word promises that He is Faithful to complete that which He started!!!! Philippians 1:6

Masks down, head bowed, on my knees, tears gently falling, heart shaking, asking for brothers and sisters to surround with loving prayers and arms of love; words of encouragement . . . words of corrections, if you see anything that needs correcting, I am open – I do NOT want anything to hinder my growth! I desire to remain a handmaiden that He can use for His glory, for the furthering of His Kingdom . . . nothing else! I never want to be a stumbling block to anyone in any way! Not ever, especially not in my vulnerability, but I refuse to wear masks ever again . . . I must continue to allow my Precious Lord to mold and shape me into ALL that He desires me to be! I long to be the spotless Bride that He longs to return for! I want no blemishes, no wrinkles, no scars!!! If there be ANY thing that is NOT right – I want it GONE!!!! Oh, Jesus, You alone know the depths of anguish within my being . . . I feel as though somehow I have failed you, but I am not responsible for those around me, we are each responsible for our own walk . . . help me to remain steadfast and true to you and to them through every step of this journey . . . in love and honor and respect.

I love how you just answered me, Lord . . . WOW!

“It’s all yours. All your life, no one will be able to hold out against you. In the same way I was with Moses, I’ll be with you. I won’t give up on you; I won’t leave you. Strength! Courage! You are going to lead this people to inherit the land that I promised to give their ancestors. Give it everything you have, heart and soul. Make sure you carry out The Revelation that Moses commanded you, every bit of it. Don’t get off track, either left or right, so as to make sure you get to where you’re going. And don’t for a minute let this Book of The Revelation be out of mind. Ponder and meditate on it day and night, making sure you practice everything written in it. Then you’ll get where you’re going; then you’ll succeed. Haven’t I commanded you? Strength! Courage! Don’t be timid; don’t get discouraged. God, your God, is with you every step you take.” Joshua 1:7-9 The Message

Now THAT sets me to rejoicing!!!!! 

image from oslchurch.com

© klh 4-Given Ministries

Waiting for the Other Shoe to Fall?

Oh my GOODNESS!!! What a HORRIFIC few days . . . tests, trials,Hurricane Force Winds blowing our way from the enemy camp, attacks on all sides . . .

image from http://www.ino.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/fshoe.jpg

PRAISE GOD!
We MUST be doing something right!

“Why in the world are you saying that?” (you ask) Because If these kinds of attacks keep happening one after the other, boom, boom, boom . . . we have to be on the precipice of something wonderful for the Kingdom of God and we have riled up the troops of enemy!

You know . . . he can ‘see’ the path we are on, and he knows where it is leading. When he sees the stance we take, and hears the plans we have voiced/set in motion, and knows what victories those same plans have brought others in The Kingdom of God – he begins to SHAKE . . . and (I can almost see it) I believe even froth at the mouth! Perhaps spewing out in anger, “No! Not another one!”, then turning to  his cohorts, “You must stop them, they cannot proceed, you must NOT allow them to move forward with their plans!!!!”

Yes, these past few days (weeks) have been very rough (painful), and yes, there have been some tears . . . but I have taken every single struggle, every single dart the enemy has thrown my way (every stone/arrow/lightening bolt/shoe dropped/etc) before my King’s Throne! I have crawled up on My Daddy’s Lap and cried . . . He SEES, He KNOWS, He IS in CONTROL over every circumstance and HE REIGNS SUPREME OVER ALL!!!

Then . . . NOW . . . I tell that ole’ devil . . .

you….ARE….DEFEATED! 1 John 4:4

you …. ARE …. under MY FEET!!!!! (because Christ is in us and we are in Him) Mark 12:36

you . . . can throw whatever you want, but you STILL LOSE!!!!! It is written, it WAS SAID, and it is still true . . . John 19:30 . . . the “IT” was EVERYTHING (sin, sickness, wickedness, etc.)

IT IS FINISHED!!!!! 

This has REALLY helped me through . . .

© klh 4-Given Ministries

Grieving Together

We find ourselves the nation on our knees today after yesterday‘s horrible shooting in Sutherland Texas. It is a small town not too far from where I live. I don’t know anyone from that church but they are still my brothers and sisters. I do however know many who have gone down there to minister to those who are affected by this disaster, this tragedy, this horrific thing that should not of happened. Our heart aches, our tears flow freely yet there’s a part of us that knows beyond any shadow of any doubt that these precious ones who went from praising the Lord in their church home to praising Jesus in Person in their heavenly home with their Heavenly Father! Yes, that that does bring some comfort to our souls, yet the more mourning process is still heavy on our hearts. Yes Christians do grieve, Christian still mourn, Christian still cry. Remember, even our Lord Jesus Christ mourned and wept at the graveside of his dear friend Lazarus …

We drop to our knees, allow our tears to flow, ur hearts to cry out our anguish before the Throne, then we get up and be one His arms extended. We become His voice of love, speaking words of Hope and comfort and compassion. We start to help rebuild one moment, one step, one hug at a time. Through His LOVE. 

WE…the body of Christ need to act with one heart, linking arms together….we are planning on bringing down Thanksgiving meals to the community, continued prayer and counseling….please join with us in praying for their faith to remain unshattered and for their healing to be quick; for the Lord to somehow turn this tragedy around into a glorious triumph for His Glory and the good of this precious tight-knit community. 

Grieving Together

We find ourselves the nation on our knees today after yesterday‘s horrible shooting in Sutherland Texas. It is a small town not too far from where I live. I don’t know anyone from that church but they are still my brothers and sisters. I do however know many who have gone down there to minister to those who are affected by this disaster, this tragedy, this horrific thing that should not of happened. Our heart aches, our tears flow freely yet there’s a part of us that knows beyond any shadow of any doubt that these precious ones who went from praising the Lord in their church home to praising Jesus in Person in their heavenly home with their Heavenly Father! Yes, that that does bring some comfort to our souls, yet the more mourning process is still heavy on our hearts. Yes Christians do grieve, Christian still mourn, Christian still cry. Remember, even our Lord Jesus Christ mourned and wept at the graveside of his dear friend Lazarus …

We drop to our knees, allow our tears to flow, ur hearts to cry out our anguish before the Throne, then we get up and be one His arms extended. We become His voice of love, speaking words of Hope and comfort and compassion. We start to help rebuild one moment, one step, one hug at a time. Through His LOVE. 

WE…the body of Christ need to act with one heart, linking arms together….we are planning on bringing down Thanksgiving meals to the community, continued prayer and counseling….please join with us in praying for their faith to remain unshattered and for their healing to be quick; for the Lord to somehow turn this tragedy around into a glorious triumph for His Glory and the good of this precious tight-knit community. 

#Don’t Worry Just Pray!!!

 • We are not beggars, we are BELIEVERS.
• We don’t pout, we PRAY.
• We don’t worry, we WORSHIP.
• We don’t complain about hardship, we CONFESS our victory.
• We don’t give up, we GRAB ONTO GRACE. 
• We don’t doubt, we DARE TO LIVE by what we know.
• We don’t retreat, we REBUKE AND REBUILD.
• Above all, we know WHO IS FOR US, WITH US, IN US, AND NEVER AGAINST US. HIS NAME IS JESUS. 

As Christians and as The Church of Jesus Christ, we know what to do. #DontWorryJustPray – Grace Gonzalez

August 27 near Houston · (used by permission, Grace, I thank you for your strong spirit, and I bless you, in the Name of Jesus for the encouragement, grace and love you pour out to others each and every day! Thank you for allowing me to help spread this prayer message of HOPE!)

Perfectly Fitted Together

God has a plan and a purpose behind every word He allowed to be penned . . . an illustration for us to gasp a hold of . . . to meditate upon . . . to allow to sink deep down inside of our spirit and to change the way we think, act and treat one another in our Christian lives!

image from slide share

Let us take a deeper look into the this passage mentioned in the photo, and specific emphasis on phrases within. This is a message to us ALL. We are the brethren! There is to be NO division between us – NONE.

See that “DOVETAIL” work there? Have you ever realized the STRENGTH behind that kind of fitted together?! It is the Greek word, Strong’s # 2675 katartizó translated “perfectly joined together” which, in depth, means  – like shown in this illustration – a detailed, “properly adjusted, exactly fit to work together, adjusted exactly ‘down’ to fully function!” (just a partial snip-it from the full definition).

Dear ones, we are to be one in Christ Jesus! We are to be LIKE MINDED!  God is calling us forth to become new wine skins He can use to hold and pour forth the New Wine He is getting ready to pour out upon this world for His Divine purposes . . . but He can only do it with those that are ready to walk TOGETHER in ONENESS of heart and mind. Those who are willing to put down their prejudices, pride, wants, desires, their “me, me, me” attitudes, and allow God to fit us together as He desires and function together as He sees fit!

There is a song, often used at weddings, but most appropriate for this message as well. I would like to share some of the words here:

Make us one, make us one
Make us one, undivided body
Make us one, make us one
For the sake of Your name make us one

Make us love, make us love
Make us love so the world will know we love You
Make us love, make us love
For the sake of Your name make us love

Read more: Twila Paris – Make Us One Lyrics | MetroLyrics

Click to view the YouTube Video 

Abba Father, open our ears to HEAR, open our spirit eyes to SEE, open our HEARTS to fully grasp and understand what You are getting ready to do . . . what You are asking us to lay down at this time in our lives and HOW to fully embrace one another in Your love and go forth as ONE with You and become the Bride You have asked us to be – ready to BE what You desire us to be for Your Kingdom, in Jesus Name, amen!!!

© klh 4-Given Ministries

Perfect Contentment

When I saw this photo, memories came flooding back into my innermost being of sheer, contentment . . . times spent up in the mountains (I grew up in California) and absolutely LOVED the those mountain hikes.

from pinterest.com

Cool, fresh mountain air permeating my being, refreshing my lungs, seemingly pumping my heart with newness of life. Of course it wasn’t, but it felt like it. The crispness of the water, oh, how I loved every single moment of it. The twill of the birds singing, the whisper of the leaves as they rustled in the light movement of the breeze. I could spend hours sitting on the rocks in contemplation of the beauty of it all….sheer….wonderful….

CONTENTMENT!

There are many times in the busy “ness” (or “mess”) of our lives that we wish we could stop everything and escape into a place where we could sit somewhere quiet and gaze into a crystal clear lake or pond like this, look at the reflection of the surroundings and contemplate what we see . . . instead of what actually IS around us at present . . . things that must be done, chaos, bills, noise, relationships, obligations, medical issues, etc. it seems impossible to even consider being able to reach such a place of contentment . . . BUT . . . notice this whole time I’ve been talking about contentment in the ‘natural’. It is a nice thing, truly a very nice thing, and I treasure the memories! Don’t get me wrong. In fact, if offered a vacation to go back to one of those places, you bet I’d jump on it! However, I have a secret I wish to share with you that is far greater than this natural contentment of a mountain scene like described here in my memories! It is one that is OBTAINABLE for us today, right here, whenever you desire!!! …and it is a PERFECT CONTENTMENT!!!!!

“Okay, already!” I can hear you from this side of the page, “Tell me where it is!!!”

It is found only ONE place . . . in your close intimate times of worship with the Lord!!! Yes! When you shut yourself away and focus all your attention on Him – you totally immerse yourself in His presence – worship Him in spirit in truth – from the depth of your being. Surround yourself with the essence of His glory!

You don’t know how? You have never done that before? It is not that hard, once you have done it, you find it easier and easier to do – it can become the most enjoyable part of your day!!! In fact, it has become such a part of my life that my office space in my home has become a sanctuary of His presence – people often comment that they can “feel” the difference when they step through the door! Even when I am working on things, I sometimes have difficulty focusing on what I’m working on because I find myself a wee bit lost in His presence and having to shake myself back into the earthly realm to get earthly work accomplished (much to my chagrin). You see, dear ones, there is NOTHING like the glorious presence of God Almighty! There is pure love, pure grace pure anointing, pure power, pure & PERFECT CONTENTMENT! It is there we receive everything we need for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3),  peace (Psalm 119:165), guidance & direction (Psalm 119:105), protection (Psalm 91), hope (Jeremiah 29:11) and so much more!

I try to have worship music always going in the background . . . when not working I use something I can sing along with – when I’m working I use instrumental so the atmosphere is permeated with praise offered up before the Throne of God . . . it keeps my spirit in the mode of worship at all times . . .  my preference is ‘Soaking Worship Music’ like we use at our local Tabernacle House of Prayer based upon David’s Tabernacle – 24/7 worship offered up to the Lord – keeping the fire on the altar day and night – honoring God at all times for Who He IS. I have found that the more consistent I am in my own personal worship (and with our corporate worship times) the deeper I go into His presence, the richer my relationship becomes with my Lord and the easier it is for me to HEAR Holy Spirit when He speaks to my heart! the richer my contentment in Him becomes!!!!

I invite you to enter in . . . to find your place in His Perfect Contentment that He has for you!!!!!

© klh 4-Given Ministries

“One Who Knows The Heart”

The Greek Word is (Strong’s # 2589) pronounced “kardiognostes” (notice how similar this word is to our ‘heart doctors’ today? Cardiologist? hmmm) . . . and it is the word used in Acts 15:8 Peter was speaking to the Jerusalem Council in regards to their belief that the gentile believers should be circumcised.

He went on to share how greatly God had moved among these gentile believers, how the Almighty God had made absolutely NO distinction, NO difference whatsoever between them simply because of their NOT being of Jewish heritage . . . ONLY based upon their FAITH and acceptance of Jesus Christ!

W O W

image from http://blogs.christianpost.com/weekly-wisdom/9-17-12-receiving-gods-love-12003/

Do you realize that WE still tend to be like that council in Jerusalem today? Yes, us! We walk in judgment of those we see that perhaps do not ‘look’ like us. Or that do not go to churches like we do, worship like we do.

Let me tell you of some amazing, eye-opening things that the Lord has been doing here in San Antonio (and around the world) that have caused me to truly become one who has been crying out to the Lord to give me eyes to see others hearts as He does . . . I truly want to be “one who sees and knows the hearts of others!”

I have seen people young, old and everywhere in between dancing, singing, weeping, pouring out their hearts before the Lord, praying for others, ministering to others – regardless of the color of their skin, the way they were dressed, or the condition of their health . . . they just LOVED on them!!! Whether their style of worship was rap, rock, gospel, a banjo, drums, an iPad playing, a keyboard, tambourine, old-style hymns, new free-flowing spirit songs from their hearts to the Lord – it mattered not – it was all done to the Glory of their Lord and Savior – TRUE WORSHIP!

Souls brought into the Kingdom of God . . .

Holy Spirit showed up MIGHTILY . . .

People set FREE from addictions, bondage’s, fears that had held them for years . . .

People from all backgrounds standing side by side, worshiping the Lord in UNITY!

Dear ones . . . it is happening NOW! And it will continue to grow as we continue to individually seek the face of God, as we continually get in the Word ourselves, seeking His Heart of LOVE and then begin with His eyes to SEE into the hearts of others and truly love others as He intended us to do!

Yesterday I heard a young man (18) rap of his struggle and his total dependence upon God for ALL things . . . it filled my spirit to overflowing . . . my eyes are filling even now at the remembrance of it – we (plural) ARE the Bride of Christ and ONLY when we are in full UNITY can we along with the Holy Spirit say “Come Lord Jesus, Come” . . . . Revelation 22:17

image from believersactblog

While I Was Away from Blogging

Illness, Despair, Hitting rock bottom – but NEVER giving up the hope I have in Jesus Christ!

Believing in His promises – KNOWING He will never leave me nor forsake me!

from 1safeharborisjesus.wordpress.com

KNOWING that my body IS healed and that it WILL come in line – whether in this lifetime or in my heavenly body – I knew not – but I continue to believe in His promise to me!

Visions – Revelations – whispers into my innermost being . . . still in the process of discovering the very depth of His incredible LOVE for me – my BELOVED – my JOY – and what all of what He has shown me, and continues to reveal to me means . . . and when and how to begin to share with you . . . it will come . . . it is powerful . . . I miss writing, but have been unable up to this point. It was horrible, I could hardly form sentences, think, could not type, could not read . . . could not even sing or play my musical instrument in worship . . . all was internal from my spirit to God’s heart . . . and from His Spirit to mine . . . deep and intense and rich in LOVE.

The song that got me through . . .

Twisted Words Lead to False Belief

image from http://www.visualnews.com/2015/10/05/lex-wilsons-3d-typography-will-make-you-think/

My heart is so heavy, Lord,
as people twist Your Words
Words meant to bring Healing & Hope
now being used as as vicious swords
against the Body You are building

We are called to walk in unity
as we follow after You
Yet the twisting of Your Words
even if only but a few
are rendering a gaping wound

 

The love we have for these precious ones
that have been led away
from the fullness of Your Truth
as the enemy has made them sway
We, with tears, cry out to You
and on our knees, we pray
for You to continue to woo them back
and in Your family stay

Oh, Abba, even back with Eve
the enemy twisted Your Words to deceive
Again, in the wilderness, he twisted Your Word
in tempting Jesus, our Lord
But Jesus, firm in You, stood the ground
and to You remained true

Father, some are not that strong in You,
Have not recognized YOUR voice
and when the enemy came in
they made the wrong choice
to follow after the twisted words
taken out of context
and try to take others along with them
is their sole intent

Keep Your children protected, Lord
from being lead astray
by the lies, deceit, and twisted words
that others have begun to say!

---

Lord, Your Word tells us that YOUR sheep KNOW Your voice! Just like, in life, as we spend time with others, we can recognize  their voice even in a crowded room, in passing and on the phone – we can only truly recognize Your voice as we stay in committed relationship with You! Spending time WITH You in worship, in prayer, in studying the Bible (within the context, not pulling things out here and there), and in quiet reflection, listening to Holy Spirit speaking into our hearts.

Those that are not quite there yet, in that relationship, Abba, I pray protection over their hearts and minds. Those that are, Abba, I pray love and mercy over the hurt and anger that wishes to arise (from our flesh) against those that have been misled. Oh, Lord, only You can correct these situations. Only You can reveal Truth. Only You can heal the wounds. We place our trust in You, alone, Abba, and we pour out our hearts in worship before You our King! Amen