The Glory of God found in a Tree?

http://www.duskyswondersite.com/nature/trees/

Spy Plane Footage

http://www.wimp.com/breathtakingfootage/

Past Importance

When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you. NLT Isaiah 43:2

Hold the above verse close to your heart. 

Though you tread through deep waters, God promises He will never leave you.  Though there be times when you feel you cannot make it through another trial and at times your problem feels as though nothing is changing.  God is still holding your hand and promises that you will not drown. You will not be engulfed in your sorrow. No, you will not stay in that situation. And, there are times when you want to shout, “Why cannot I talk to anyone and why cannot others see or understand what I am going through?”  

Though you have frustration and angry feelings that are followed by depression and you begin to feel the weight of the oppression, God says; be strong and walk through your fiery trial, you will not be burned up; but refined.

He further says: It is through your trials I will purify your walk so that you will have mercy on those who also walk through the fire. For, I am making you into a strong workman for my kingdom.

Do not be discouraged, but encouraged and know; I always finish what I have started.  

  

Morning Prayer

Morning Promises

Heavenly Father,

We take you at your Word and right now stand upon your Word. You said that you hear the righteous (we have the righteousness of Christ)  when they cry and that you deliver them out of all their troubles. You said that you are near those who are afflicted and have a broken heart and save those who have a humble spirit. Thank you for healing our broken heart and closing up our wounds. [Ps 34:17-19 Ps. 147:3]

We stand upon your promises Precious Lord. We stand upon your strengthening when we are sick. You are our hope, and you even heal our countenance. We do not have a worry about pestilence at darkness or destruction in the daytime, for we are safe in your care, neither will any plague come in our house. You promise your people a long life to those who are faithful. [Ps. 41:3~ Ps.43:5~Ps. 91:6,10,16.]

Thank you for forgiving all of our iniquities and healing us and sending us your word. [Ps. 103:3~Ps. 107:20]

We will not die, but live, and declare your works! [Ps. 118:17]

We speak to our soul: We bless you Lord and everything that is in us and we will bless your holy name. We will not forget all of your benefits. Thank you for healing us. Thank you for saving our lives from destruction. Thank you for giving us your love, kindness and mercies. [Ps. 103:1-4]

We choose to listen to you, for we know if we listen to you we will have health and life. We will have good reports. We choose to speak good words; your words. We choose to allow your joy to work inside of our hearts, because we know it is medicine. [Pr. 4:10~3:8~15:30~16:24~17:22]

We know that you have taught us that in humility and obedience that your anointing brings deliverance.  Thank you Father; for setting us free. [Is. 10:27]

Thank you for opening up our eyes so we can see and allowing us to hear your truth. Thank you for giving us such energy and joy! We depend upon you totally Father, for our strength.  We are learning patience and we receive renewed vigor; even like eagles, we will run and not get tired and walk and not faint. [Is.32:3~35:5~32:3~35:6~38:16~40:29~40:31~41:10]

Thank you Heavenly Father for your promises this morning. We will think upon them throughout our day. 

In Jesus we pray. 

Amen.

Live Earthquake Map

This map is excellent and as you can see, it renews itself every so often. There are links to see where other activities are happening as well.


http://quakes.globalincidentmap.com/

Another Cuppa

"He who has no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down and without walls." Proverbs 25:28 amp.

I recently learned about an old farm house that had enough fruit trees, springs and rolling pastures to make any green minded eco-farmer drool with delight.

Unfortunately, with the rotted beams and roof  leak driving the surrounding soil to rush into the floors and this caused the walls and floors to buckle like a "fun house."

As we consider the above verse; we can take note how our bodies are a temple of the Holy Spirit. Are we respecting our temple where the Holy Spirit dwells inside of us; or are we careless with our bodies like the old farm house in disrepair? When we avoid dealing with one area in our life, we begin to have problems because everything branches out into the other sections of our body; like that old house. The owners refused to maintain the house and everything started to rot. The walls and floors buckle, the dirt rushes inside; as the water continues to pour from the roof.

The house rotted because someone did not care enough to fix the first sign of a problem. After this uncaring spirit decided to wave his stewardship, one problem evolved into wood rot and dirt. The house is collapsing because of neglect.

This little cuppa coffee might be for you to think about this morning. Should there be an area in your life that needs to be dealt with, do not hesitate! Better to deal with the problem now while there is time; before it spreads throughout your whole mind and body,  like that old house.

God has His special messagers and warriors just waiting for you to come.

Have a good day!

A Cup of Kindness goes along way.

                     Never under estimate the Power of God
by Unknown Author.

One day, when I was a freshman in high school, I saw a kid from my class was walking home from school. His name was Kyle. It looked like he was carrying all of his books. I thought to myself, 'Why would anyone bring home all his books on a Friday? He must really be a *bleep*. I had quite a weekend planned (parties and a football game with my friends tomorrow afternoon), so I shrugged my shoulders and went on. As I was walking, I saw a bunch of kids running toward him. They ran at him, knocking all his books out of his arms and tripping him so he landed in the dirt. His glasses went flying, and I saw them land in the grass about ten feet from him. He looked up, and I saw this terrible sadness in his eyes. My heart went out to him. So, I jogged over to him as he crawled around looking for his glasses, and I saw a tear in his eye.

As I handed him his glasses, I said, 'Those guys are jerks.' They really should get lives. ' He looked at me and said, 'Hey thanks!' There was a big smile on his face. It was one of those smiles that showed real gratitude. I helped him pick up his books, and asked him where he lived. As it turned out, he lived near me, so I asked him why I had never seen him before.

He said he had gone to private school before now. I would have never hung out with a private school kid before. We talked all the way home, and I carried some of his books. He turned out to be a pretty cool kid. I asked him if he wanted to play a little football with my friends. He said yes. We hung out all weekend and the more I got to know Kyle, the more I liked him, and my friends thought the same of him.

Monday morning came, and there was Kyle with the huge stack of books again. I stopped him and said, 'Boy, you are gonna really build  some serious muscles with this pile of books everyday! He just laughed and handed me half the books.

Over the next four years, Kyle and I became the best friends. When we were seniors we began to think about college. Kyle decided on Georgetown and I was going to Duke. I knew that we would always be friends, that the miles would never be a problem. He was going to be a doctor and I was going for business on a football scholarship. Kyle became valedictorian of our class. I teased him all the time about being a *bleep*.

He had to prepare a speech for graduation. I was so glad it wasn't me having to get up there and speak! Graduation day came , and I saw Kyle. He looked great. He was one of those guys that really found himself during high school. He filled out and actually looked good in glasses. He had more dates than I had and all the girls loved him. Boy, sometimes I was jealous! Today was one of those days!

I could see that he was nervous about his speech. So, I smacked him on the back and said, 'Hey, big guy, you'll be great!' He looked at me with one of those looks (the really grateful one) and smiled. 'Thanks,' he said. As he started his speech, he cleared his throat and began:

'Graduation is a time to thank those who helped you make it through those tough years. Your parents, your teachers, your siblings, maybe a coach...but mostly your friends...I am here to tell all of you that being a friend to someone is the best gift you can give them. I am going to tell you a story...' I just looked at my friend with disbelief as he told of the first day we met. He had planned to kill himself over the weekend. He talked of how he had cleaned out his locker so his Mom wouldn't have to do it later and was carrying his stuff home.

He looked hard at me and gave me a little smile. 'Thankfully, I was saved. My friend saved me from doing the unspeakable.'

I heard the gasp go through the crowd as this handsome, popular boy told us all about his weakest moment. I saw his Mom and dad looking at me and smiling that same grateful smile. Not until that moment did I realize it's depth. Never underestimate the power of your actions. With one small gesture you can change a person's life. For better or for worse. God puts us all in each others lives to impact one another in some way. Look for God in others.

Still by Hillsong

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z3wwWFsSlNQ

Be Encouraged!

Morning Hello, 

I feel I am supposed to encourage those who are going through so many disheartening things. It seems everyone I know, is trudging up hill; through a rocky muddy path and if I could wave a magic wand to make it all go away I would. But we know that isn't the way our Father works. We have to trudge through our lessons to be learned. Remember, He is building a strong army.

I don't care what you have done in your past or where you are at in your life; you are mightily loved! There isn't one thing that cannot be dealt with and overcome with the power of Jesus Christ! Resurrection power! Don't give up! Some of us give up way too soon, when the answers to our prayers are forthcoming in the next day or next week. The minute we fall upon our knees, we fall into His arms!

Love you all!

I Saw The Lord by Dallas Holm

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pIP2hHAQh44

Dallas Holm singing "I'll Rise Again."

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WkIJfLfzZ0w

Happy St Patrick's Day!

Read a little bit about this brave saint that spread the good news in Ireland.

http://www.cbn.com/spirituallife/churchandministry/churchhistory/patricius_the_true_story_of_st_patrick.asx

52 Reasons why we have everything going for us!

Have you ever read the promises of God for a believer in Christ?

1. God corrects us like our Father

2. When we endure temptation, we receive a “crown of life.”

3. We receive His mercy

4. We are loved by Jesus the way God the Father loves Him.

5. We are given rest

6. All His promises are “in him are yea, and in him Amen unto the Glory of God by us.”

7. His promises are exceeding great and precious so we can be a part of his divine nature.

8. Weeping happens in the evening, but joy comes in the morning.

9. Although we become afflicted, God delivers us out of them all.

10. The Lord will strengthen you when you are sick.

11. He will never forsake us or leave us.

12. He is preparing a place for us.

13. Everything that happens to us, works for our good.

14. His gift of grace is more than sufficient

15. We have been washed in the blood

16. We will dwell in the land

17. All things are possible to them who believe

18. What things that you desire when you pray, believe you have them and you shall have them.

19. If you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you can move mountains.

20. Because we believe in his name, we are the sons of God.

21. We have eternal life.

22. Those that believe in Jesus shall never hunger or thirst again.

23. Believers do the work of Jesus and even greater works.

24. Gives grace to the humble.

25. Delivers us out of trouble

26. Our barns are filled with plenty

27. When you give, it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again. Lu. 6:38

28. God is close to those who have a broken heart. He will save you.

29. Gracious and merciful

30. He delights in mercy

31. There is a party in heaven every time one sinner repents.

32. We have the gift of the Holy Spirit

33. Sins are blotted out.

34. Our names are written in the Book of Life.

35. If you seek the Lord with all that you have, you will find him.

36. We are heirs of the Kingdom.

37. If we humble ourselves, pray, turn from our wicked ways, God will hear and heal our land.

38. Ask, and it shall be given. Seek and you will find. Knock and the door will open.

39. You grow with the fruit of the Spirit.

40. You are given spiritual gifts.

41. God always makes a way of escape when we are tempted.

42. We can resist the enemy and he will flee.

43. Overcomers will sit with Jesus Christ

44. We have glory, honor and peace

45. Our labor is not in vain

46. When you bring tithes in the storehouse, God says “Prove me, I will open up the windows of heaven , and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.” Mal 3:10

47. Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and all these things shall be added to you.

48. We are given a new heart.

49. We become a new creature in Christ.

50. We have salvation in Christ

51. Our sins have been forgiven

52. We are set free

I could go on and on forever. There are so many promises in the Bible for them who believe.

Try Google - “The Promises in the Bible.”  I know you will find hundreds more, or look in the concordance of your Bible under promises.

Have a great evening and God Bless you!

We have everything going for us!

"What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?" Romans 8:31 

There isn't anything in your life, that you cannot overcome! No matter; whether your problem seems to be too big or too small, God is for you! He is the one who is our deliverer. Can you believe that? You must! The Bible is your unique instruction book filled with wisdom and truth and has all the answers. The more you pray, read and study; the more you will see the whole picture in your life. When you look back, you will be able to see God's hand in your life. Even in those dark times when you feel you made the wrong turn in your life, God will use to refine you into His perfect  example of His Bride.  Give him all of your heart today, holding nothing back and be filled with His Joy!  

Dr. Billy Graham: Three things we cannot do without

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=03T2uLXio28

Rev. Billy Graham's "Message To America" ~ 95th Birthday

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YoHPB5OeZ0M

The Spirit of Haughtiness #2

The Spirit of Haughtiness #2

“The proud looks of man shall be brought low, and the haughtiness of men shall be humbled, and the Lord alone shall be exalted in that day. For there shall be a day of the Lord of hosts against all that is proud and haughty and against all that is lifted up, and it shall be brought low.” Isaiah 2:11, 12 amp

There will come a day when God the Creator alone will be the one who is exalted right here on earth. All who have refused to humble themselves and have rejected Jesus as their Savior will fall upon their knees and bow to the one who sits on the throne.

A Spirit of Haughtiness or Pride will journey with us for as long as we eat their plate of lies. Once we know the truth, we have no more excuses. Our over exalted sense of self importance is what robs us of the freedom of love and joy we so desperately crave in our lives. In fact, self pride will rob us from the very life we cherish. Everything the world attempts to fill our heads with is the opposite of what God would have you to do.

Just to repeat a little bit of my first article:

God says: Humble yourselves

The World says:  Never apologize or humble yourself because it will make you look weak.

God says: If you humble yourself and repent, I will lift you up. I will honor you.

Our World says: “Everyone is acting like this and doing this, why should you be any different?”

God says: a man’s pride shall bring him low: but honor shall uphold the HUMBLE in spirit.

When we allow ourselves to believe we are better than others, we have just given homage to a Haughty Spirit and that is Idolatry. We are serving another god and that god has become us.

Pray, and ask God to lift the blinders from your eyes and see yourself in His truth.

Without any doubt, those with a Haughty Spirit will trip themselves up; and fall into the pit they have dug for themselves, by their own shovel of pride and disobedience.

We have all felt rushes of self satisfaction when we have accomplished a task. I believe that can be an encouragement from God. Encouragement is extremely important so we can have that confidence we need to live a successful life. We all love to get pats on our backs. We drive home from work, grinning from ear to ear. It was a good day!

After we have set our feet back on the ground; it is important to be on our guard; and not allow this confidence to escalate, by opening the door allowing the puffed up spirit to come into our lives. Yes, Christians especially; have to be very careful about this too. We can fall into having a religious mindset like the Pharisee’s did if we are not being aware of our thought life.  Jesus detested their hypocritical nature. The only thing they were concerned about was appearing as holier-than-thou, yet; their hearts were far from God.

The angel Lucifer who once lived in heaven and lead the songs for worship, decided he was so beautiful and so grand, that he felt he could over throw our Father God. He was kicked out of heaven taking 1/3 of the angels with him.

New Living Translation

"Son of man, sing this funeral song for the king of Tyre. Give him this message from the Sovereign LORD: "You were the model of perfection, full of wisdom and exquisite in beauty” Ezekiel 28: 12

Vs 13 “You were in Eden, the garden of God; every precious stone adorned you: carnelian, chrysolite and emerald, topaz, onyx and jasper, lapis lazuli, turquoise and beryl. Your settings and mountings were made of gold; on the day you were created they were prepared.”

 Vs 14 “You were anointed as a guardian cherub, for so I ordained you. You were on the holy mount of God; you walked among the fiery stones.”

Vs 15 “You were blameless in your ways from the day you were created till wickedness was found in you.”

Lucifer had everything going for himself, but he made the decision to follow after his pride. He turned upon the one who created him and believed he was more powerful and more capable than God. We see Lucifer’s handiwork all over the earth today, warping, lying, perverting, seducing and doing everything he can to defame God’s name. Isn’t it pathetic that in today’s movies we hear: God’s name taken in vain and Jesus Christ spoken in blasphemous vulgarities and the writers do not even realize the depth of their penalties? We never hear “oh Buddha! Or, oh Isis! Or, Hari Krishna!.”  The truth is: The name of Jesus Christ is above every other name and powerful. When the enemy uses the world to pull down God’s name and His Church, he is coming against the King of Kings himself.  Lucifer and all those spirits are in a complete and useless pursuit of war against God and his people.

What do they have? They cannot use the power of the name of Jesus, while we can. So, they try to destroy it. They once knew the secrets of heaven and tasted the good things of God and they turned their backs upon a life in God’s holiness. The clock is ticking and they know their time is short. They cannot win in this war; if we obey God’s instructions and humble ourselves and stay humble! We have the Word of God as our advisor!

Check your attitudes, check your hearts and check what your thinking processes are fixed upon.  Always be aware of how the enemy works and do not listen to every wind of doctrine. Sift everything by the Word of God and when in doubt, seek counsel in someone that has integrity and someone you respect.

God Bless You.

We are Saved by His Mercy! Listen!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-idLFQD_Za4  

The Spirit of Haughtiness

Pride

“A man’s pride will bring him low, but he who is a humble spirit shall obtain honor.” Proverbs 29:23 Amp.

New Living Translation

“Pride ends in humiliation, while humility brings honor”

Pride! If we are not careful; there are times, when we all find ourselves wrestling with an over exalted sense of self-importance; that begins to weigh heavily inside of our hearts. Little do we realize, that a lying spirit; just whispered to our soul.    

Webster’s definition has this to say about Pride:

Pride, n. 

1. The quality or state of being proud; inordinate self-esteem; an unreasonable conceit of one's own superiority in talents, beauty, wealth, rank, etc., which manifests itself in lofty airs, distance, reserve, and often in contempt of others.

Those that walk in pride he is able to abase. Dan. iv. 37.

Pride that dines on vanity sups on contempt. Franklin.

2. A sense of one's own worth, and abhorrence of what is beneath or unworthy of one; lofty self-respect; noble self-esteem; elevation of character; dignified bearing; proud delight; -- in a good sense.

Thus to relieve the wretched was his pride. Goldsmith.

A people which takes no pride in the noble achievements of remote ancestors will never achieve anything worthy to be remembered with pride by remote descendants. Macaulay.

3. Proud or disdainful behavior or treatment; insolence or arrogance of demeanor; haughty bearing and conduct; insolent exultation; disdain.

Let not the foot of pride come against me. Ps. xxxvi. 11.

That hardly we escaped the pride of France. Shak.

4. That of which one is proud; that which excites boasting or self-gratulation; the occasion or ground of self-esteem, or of arrogant and presumptuous confidence, as beauty, ornament, noble character, children, etc.

Lofty trees yclad with summer's pride. Spenser.

I will cut off the pride of the Philistines. Zech. ix. 6.

A bold peasantry, their country's pride. Goldsmith.

5. Show; ostentation; glory.

Pride, pomp, and circumstance of glorious war. Shak.

6. Highest pitch; elevation reached; loftiness; prime; glory; as, to be in the pride of one's life.

A falcon, towering in her pride of place. Shak.

7. Consciousness of power; fullness of animal spirits; mettle; wantonness; hence, lust; sexual desire; esp., an excitement of sexual appetite in a female beast. [Obs.]

Pride of India, or Pride of China. (Bot.) See Margosa. -- Pride of the desert (Zoöl.), the camel.

Syn. -- Self-exaltation; conceit; hauteur; haughtiness; lordliness; loftiness. -- Pride, Vanity. Pride is a high or an excessive esteem of one's self for some real or imagined superiority, as rank, wealth, talents, character, etc. Vanity is the love of being admired, praised, exalted, etc., by others. Vanity is an ostentation of pride; but one may have great pride without displaying it. Vanity, which is etymologically “emptiness,” is applied especially to the exhibition of pride in superficialities, as beauty, dress, wealth, etc.

Sooner or later, we will have to accept either what God says as valid and true or man’s mere wisdom of the world.

The world says: “Do not apologize, because it is a sign of weakness.”

The world says: “Never humble yourself; for it will make you look weak and small.”

We have heard: Small is not good. Big is always better. More is better. Greed manifests itself through pride. 

The truth is: In reality, more is never enough.

God says: “Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.”

KJV  James 4:10

He says: “If you humble yourself, you will receive honor!”  God promises; that you will be lifted up!

What is the Fruit of Pride?

1. Fear

       a. The Fear of Man.

·         Caring what man thinks when you speak the truth.

·         Caring what man thinks when you do what is right.

·         Fearful of rejection.

               

        b. Believing a Lie

·         Choosing to believe yourself to be better than others.

·         Selfish exaltation to the point of fearing you will lose

·         Choosing the lie over the truth

       

        c. Not trusting in God or His Word

·         Knowing the truth, yet rejecting it over man’s “wisdom.”

·         Doubt and Unbelief

The Bible tells us that:

New International Version

“Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is kept safe.” Proverbs 29:25

Fear immobilizes and paralyzes those who choose to walk with The spirit of fear, instead of the confidence of the Lord. The spirit of fear works with a lying spirit while many times; they will promote the spirit of haughtiness (pride).

We all know people who will actually lie to keep their pride or “save face.”  I ask you, “does this really make any sense?”

Think of how television’s manipulation is being controlled by a spirit of haughtiness. This is part of the snare to keep you from being completely free in the Lord.

The opposite of a spirit of fear is love & faith.

Remember: Pride, Fear and Lying = being SNARED

Love and faith = Liberty and Freedom in the Lord!

Pride and Fear = imprisonment behind invisible bars.

As a believer begins to grow his life will reflect the intense love that is inside of his heart. He knows he will never be able to pay God for the redemption he received by faith in Christ. Because of this, we are given a new heart in Christ and are able to give His love away.  

Remember, a Tree of Pride produces: Fear, believing a lie and lacking in faith and not trusting in God.

Example: It is a lying spirit working with a spirit of fear that will whisper such things as:

·       

   “What will people think if I go to church?  What if I lose all my friends?” = Fear of people and rejection

·          “I come from a better family than she does, I will get the job.”=Self exaltation

·         “I will make the team, because I am better.” = Self exaltation

·          “I can do it all myself” = Over confidence in yourself

Can you see the fear and lacking in faith that open’s the door for the pride?

King James Bible

For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

2Timothy 1:7

If God has not given us a spirit of fear, who did?

Is it something that is manufactured in our minds when we were young, by the choices we have made in our lives? Could it be ignorantly believing lies as we lived? Where did the fear and the pride enter into our lives?  Perhaps it was because of the way we were raised in our environment? Is it really what the Psychologists and Psychiatrists all claim?  

Yes and no. That will be in another article.

Timothy says that God has given us power, love and a sound mind. This tells me that fear does not come from God.

Fear works in opposition of God’s Love. Fear works in opposition of the faith that has been given to you. Fear will place doubt in your mind and that is exactly what the enemy had planned.

Remember the verse:  New International Version

“my people are destroyed from lack of knowledge. "Because you have rejected knowledge, I also reject you as my priests; because you have ignored the law of your God, I also will ignore your children.” Hosea 4:6

Sounds scary doesn’t it?

I would like to ask you a question. How real is God to you? Is He real enough for you to dig into the Bible and find out for yourself whether what I am saying is true?

Do not take my word for it. Ask God and dig for yourself. I will help you in any way I can.

I believe we all have a choice; we can nurture the things of God in our hearts or the things of the Oppressor (spirit of darkness). Just as God has many angelic messengers and workers quite busy bringing in the new kingdom; there are also the fallen ones who work against God’s goodness. They tempt the believers and do everything they can to bring lies that promote fear, pride and doubt.

Those that do not believe are right where the enemy wants them.

The fruit bearing seeds of The Spirit of Haughtiness are a proud people.

They will mock and scorn those who they dislike. The Bible further states they develop:

Lofty looks

 Bragging and boastful tongue

 Stiff-necked-stubborn and obstinate.

 Be wrathful

 Given to gossip

 Contentious  

 Egotistic

 Self-righteous

 Feelings of Exaltations

 Be holier-than-thou (a religious spirit)

 Vanity

Arrogance

Dictatorial – controlling, overbearing, domineering

Insolent

Self-assertion – superiority, froward  

(If you desire Scripture references for this list, contact me and I will give them to you.)

Thank you for having the patience for reading this study. There will be many sequels to this study. I hope you will join me.

God Bless You.