My New King

I've been rescued from the Kingdom of Darkness
I now pledge my allegiance to a new King.
A Righteous, Holy, perfect and loving King
A King that brings only good
A King that is generous and kind.

The old king was a tyrant.

The old king hated me
The old king lorded his power over me
oppressed me
belittled me
and used fear to keep me submissive and weak.
He does this to all of his citizens.
He is a liar.
He made big and bold promises in order to trap me, but once I surrendered myself to him, he immediately accused me,
bringing guilt and shame.
His rules brings hopelessness and despair.
It is a life that is no life.

It is death.

His citizens are the walking dead.
Empty
Lifeless
hopeless
pressed down under the extreme weight of his tyrannical rule.

But I've been set free!

And My new King loves me!
I'm free!

I've been given life that is full
complete
satisfying
I've been given hope that does not disappoint.
I've been given love that is free,
flowing
and abundant.

I've been given  power--
an All-surpassing power
to rule with the King.

I've been given an extravagent supply of gifts with the promise of more,
with NO END in sight.
His gifts are FAR BEYOND my capacity to imagine or understand

He gives and gives and gives.

Every word that comes out of His mouth is true.
I know I've said it before, but I'll say it again
He loves me,
And He is my friend.
I trust this King,
and I gladly and willingly give my life to serve Him.
For serving Him brings utter joy
and the deepest satisfaction
I am satisfied in ways I never even imagined.

It is so good!!!!!!!!

If You're Waiting

If you're waiting for a blessing from God, be the blessing someone else is waiting for. 
If you're waiting for healing, be an instrument of healing someone else for someone.
If you're waiting for provision, be the provision someone else is waiting for.
If you're waiting for a big breakthrough, be apart of someone else's breakthrough.
If you're waiting for an answer to prayer, be the answer to someone else's prayer
If you're waiting to hear from God, speak the words of God to someone who needs to hear from Him.
If you want to be forgiven, give the blessing of forgiveness to someone.
If you want others to be gracious and patient with you, be gracious and patient with others.
If you really truly want to be loved and accepted  unconditionally, love and accept others unconditionally.

Don't delay. Do it today.

Do You Want a New Life?

Do you want a new life?
Jesus will give you life.
A  life of joy
A life of peace
A life of freedom
A life of beauty
A life of love
A life of healing
Just ask Him
He delights in giving new life
to all who ask.

Just ask Him.
and follow Him.
The life you've been looking for is in Jesus--alone.

Life

Vibrant, movement, wiggling, squirming, dancing, jumping, skipping, blood pumping, circulating, overflowing, heartbeat, warmth, refreshing, healing, freedom, giggles, joy, purpose, feeling, satisfied down to the core, content, at peace, complete, my soul is at rest, excitement, anticipation...

Jesus is the source of life
apart from him there is no life
In Him life has no end
it overflows
like a rushing waterfall
yet its a most gentle and refreshing flow
It calls me
He calls me
to himself
that I might be healed
refreshed
that my thirst might be quenched
that I might be satisfied
cleansed
that I might be filled
with His inexhaustible life
 So that many others may drink
and be brought to life
there is no growth without life
there is no rest in our hearts without life
there is no hope without life
there is no beauty without life
Jesus isn't a source of life
He is the One and only source
All others who claim to give this life are posers and fakers
They are wolves in sheep clothing
They promise life but they bring death
no growth
no joy
just inner turmoil
they heap burdens of performance upon us
or feed the beast within us
the sin that I cannot seem to overcome
they want to destroyus
Yes, they look like angels of light
and their promises are tempting
but their mouths are full of lies
and their bite is full of poison
turn away from them

Come with me
whoever is thirsty
Come
Let Him take the free gift of the water of life

Our hearts long to be with you Yahweh
though our minds may not understand this longing
And many promise to fulfill this longing
and no one succeeds
Our heart only aches all the more
at the disappointment

Taste and see that Yahweh is good
Happy is the man who trusts Him

40 Days of Discovery- Day 30

Only 10 days left...  It's been quite a journey!

I've been seeking God about the matter of needs vs. wants.  I've heard over and over that God meets our needs not necessarily our wants.  As I wrote in a previous post, I'm asking the Holy Spirit to redefine "need".  I haven't given myself permission to enjoy some things in life.  I am very frugal, and simple.  Yet, I love beauty--beautiful art, beautiful music, beautiful homes, beautiful hairstyles, beautiful clothes, etc.,etc.  Somehow, because the world prostitutes beauty, I've not allowed myself to enjoy more beauty in my life.  Because there are children starving and dying around the world, does that mean I can't enjoy life?  I've started feeling a bit guilty about spending money on luxuries since I could give that money to help the poor.  That's not God's way.

The Holy Spirit is revealing the truth.  He's teaching me that I don't have to choose between feeding the poor and enjoying his gifts.  He's El-Shaddai, the inexhaustible source of EVERY good and perfect gift.  So He has enough to take care of ALL  of His children and care for the poor.  As I think of Israel, God told them continually to care for the poor, but He also promised that they would live in abundance.  They were to enjoy the land of milk and honey.  God prepared this place for them.

The problem is that we like to worship the gifts, instead of the Gift-giver.  It doesn't matter if it's a spiritual gift, or a physical gift.  We so quickly make life all about getting the gift, and keeping the gift.  Our eyes become fixed on the gift or gifts, and our hearts become devoted to it.  There's also this flesh to contend with.  It continually rises up so that it may be pleased.  Eating is a necessity.  A desire created by God to nourish our bodies.  It's good to eat.  And God gave us taste buds, and He gave food flavor, and scents so that we can enjoy the process of nourishing our bodies.  Yet, when our flesh masters us in the area of eating, we're unable to say "no" to food that we shouldn't eat or when we've had too much.  This is a sin.  We become a slave to anything that masters us.  And anything that masters us, apart of God, will destroy us.  God came to give us never-ending, abundant life.

1 corinthians 10

 ²³ “I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”—but not everything is constructive. ²⁴ No one should seek their own good, but the good of others. 

1 Corinthians 6

 ¹² “I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”—but I will not be mastered by anything. 

A  person who has the right perspective can give all that He's been given freely and generously 1) He knows where the gifts came from, and there is plenty more that the Father willingly gives to His children.  God's children will never do without anything that is needed.  Again, need has to be defined.  As one of God's children, I'm learning to defer my understanding to my Father who is perfect in His wisdom.  Sometimes, I need manna. Sometimes, I need to enjoy some fried crawfish!   2) It is an offering back to our God.  If we really understood the beauty and majesty of our God, we would willingly give back to Him every gift as an act of praise to Him.  Oh, Lord, open my eyes that I might see.

I think this struggle of enjoying God's gift, and being a generous giver, may be a constant struggle for me.  In some ways, I think that's good, because it means I'm  paying attention. On the other hand, I really want to live this out in peace--resting in His grace.  Actually, I can rest in His grace even as I strive to live this out.  I will fail, erroring in one direction or the other.  Yet, I desire to please Him.  He knows this.  And I am confident that His grace is fully sufficient for me.  I thank you for that, my God.

I was reading today about Amy Carmichael.  I was so encouraged to read that often she struggled in prayer, and she was a woman of GREAT PRAYER.  She struggled that her motives may not be pure.  (None are, really) She sometimes resisted asking the Father, feeling like the request was wrong to ask.  And yet, in one instance the Holy Spirit rebuked her for desiring something and not asking.  But she quickly learned the lessons that the Spirit taught.  Once she knew that God was guiding her to ask  for something, she persisted in asking until it was received.  Often she asked that God would confirm if a desire was from Him, with a sign.

Perhaps I'm making this too complicated.  I tend to do that.  Perhaps it's as simple as going to our Father with our needs (real or perceived) and desires, and releasing it into His hands.  Simply, trusting.  Asking that He would confirm our asking so we know whether we should persist in asking.  And then wait on Him to guide us to the answer.  So easily said.  So difficult at times to live out.  help me Holy Spirit!  Help me.

It is much simpler to live out as I live my life in a continual dialogue with Him.  I know that He led me to ask for a dishwasher, for it really wasn't even something on my radar.  And then after asking, He granted my request.  And I give praise to my God who supplies ALL things for His children.!!!!

1 Timothy 6

¹⁷ Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. ¹⁸ Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.

40 Days of Discovery - Day 21

Did lots of creative writing this morning.  I'll post some of it in another posting.

This morning my pastor said something that simply spoke to my heart:

It is God's desire that we would live in the present world like we will live in the world to come. 

You might have to ponder and pray over  that for a while. 

I was confronted again with my "poverty mentality".  Oh how I want to live like a daughter of the King.  Because I AM the daughter of THE KING!  Holy Spirit, teach me how to live in this truth.  Help me to believe.

40 Days of Discovery- Day 19

   Ephesians 3:20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, [21] to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

If God is able to do immeasurable more than I ask (exceedingly, abundantly more!), why do I ask so little of Him?  My sights are too often too low.

Father help me to ask you for greater things--higher things--those things which fulfill your immense plans and purposes for our lives.  Help me to trust you more.  More than I ever have.  Let me rest soundly in your loving care.  Help me to have full confidence that YOU WILL TAKE care of us--of every need.  Help me Lord. Help me.

Just recently, the Holy Spirit has given me a special gift.  His gifts are amazing, and often surprising.  They are given when we least expect them, and I've decided to receive every gift He wants to give me.  I know I cannot manipulate Him into giving me gifts.  I am absolutely in awe, that my Lord loves me so much as to give me another gift.  He's blessed me so lavishly already.  I have so, so much, and here He comes with arm full of gifts again.  Let me tell you, I'm like a kid on Christmas morning.  I'm so enjoying His gifts to me.  Each one is so perfect for me, so special, so beautiful...  Jesus, thank you for making it possible for me to be in the family of God.  Thank you for sending me your Spirit, and thank you for ALL of the gifts.  Amen. and Amen.

Oh by the way, just in case your wondering...

I've been given the gift of a greater sense of God's presence and power.  I can literally feel His presence--physically.  I've also been given the gift of tongues.  I feel like a two year old trying to talk, and I guess I am.  This is all so new and unexpected.  So unexpected.

In the Storm

This morning I was reading Matthew 7:18-27.  While reading and thinking about friends who are in the midst of some difficult circumstances, I was inspired by the Holy Spirit to write these words.  I pray that you are comforted, and encouraged as you read.

Jesus got in the boat, and is disciples followed Him

Into a furious storm

How often does that happen?  We follow Jesus into the storm, and not away from it.

And Jesus slept in perfect peace. He knew he was in the perfect care of His Father.
That's how he wants us to be in a furious storm.  When our lives are falling apart.  When there is one thing, then another.  It's like a hurricane, and like the disciples, we become Frantic! 
saying...

"Lord SAVE us!"
"I think I'm going to drown!"
"Help!"
"Where are you?"
"Do you even care?" 

And He responds.

Oh you of little faith.  Why are you so afraid?  Why, my child?  Why do you not believe my promises?  Why do you not trust me?  Why?

Then He causes the storm to cease.  Everything becomes calm again.  And we are again amazed by the God who controls the very storms of lives.   
He brings us into the storm, and at His word, He brings us out.

Oh Lord, help me to trust you and to rest in you in the midst of the storm.  In the midst...  You are there beside me, in the midst of the storm.  Every wind and wave is under your complete control and I will not drown.  I trust you.  I trust your every word.  Oh God help my unbelief.  Make me lie down in your green pastures.  May your rod and staff comfort me.  As I walk through this difficult place, may your perfect peace cast out ALL FEAR and ALL ANXIETIES.  
So I lie down beside you in this boat, on the stormy sea.  As the winds and waves threaten to destroy me, I snuggle up next to you.  As people all around me scream, in a panic telling me what I ought to do, I look to you alone.  Embrace me that I might rest.  That I may know your perfect protection.  And the storms will become strangely dim as I listen to your loving voice lulling me to sleep.  Amen.  

2012, It's Time!

Can you hear the cries?

Cries for mercy
cries for deliverance
cries for healing
cries for hope...

Can you see the hopelessness in the eyes
                                                   of Mother who can't feed her children?
                                                   of  prisoners of abuse, addiction, fear...

Can you feel the beating heart of the forgotten?
                                        Those persecuted for their belief in Jesus?
                                        Children whose parents have died of aids?
                                        Widows who've had their property taken away?
                                         Little girls in hidden places forced to do things
                                                                                  that a little girl should never know?


Can you hear their prayers for help?

What if you are the answer to their prayers?  What if you are the one who a person or a people group is waiting for in order to hear the message of freedom?  of healing? of hope?

Will you accept this mission?

What if you are the one God has chosen to heal the sick, feed the hungry, set the captives free...

What if...

All of your life you've been being prepared for this moment.  Even as you were formed in the womb.  Every incident, accident, and planned event was carefully orchestrated by Elohim to bring you to this place.


Will you forgo your own agenda for the rest of your life, laying it down at the feet of our Supreme Commander?  He has a special mission for you!

Will you say yes?

Don't worry, He has thoroughly equipped you for EVERY good work and He promises to empower you and be near you every step of the way.  As you work along side of the King of the Universe, you will be satisfied with His precious presence and be allowed to know Him intimately.  How generous our God is to give us the honor and privilege of joining Him in His most sacred and beautiful work--rescuing and redeeming all mankind.

So what are you waiting for?

YOUR HEART LONGS FOR MORE. 

YOU WERE MADE FOR  MORE.

It's 2012!  It's time!

May your year be full of the presence of Yahweh and may you live your life for His perfect purposes.

Some Things Take Time

 

I originally wrote this the day before thanksgiving.

It's the day before thanksgiving and I have begun my cooking marathon.  By the time we sit down to our meal tomorrow, I will have baked potatoes, a turkey, rolls and cornbread dressing.  I will have slowly simmered a turkey back in order to release the flavors and nutrients, creating a full-bodied broth.  I will have chilled my pie crust dough, homemade cranberry sauce, and a homemade dressing. Chilling helps everything to gel, and gives the various flavors time to marry.  I will have soaked my turkey overnight in a brine (water filled with seasoning).  The result will be a flavorful moist turkey.  (It was quite yummy) 

As I sit here listening to my pots bubble on the stove, I was thinking of how it takes time to create a great meal.  A once a year meal!  I can't do this regularly.  But I was thinking that in order for us to have a great meal for our souls, it takes time.  Often, I want my time with God to be quick, microwaved, or stir-fried and quickly consumed so that I can get back to life.  So many needs are calling.  Then I wonder why I'm not fully satisfied.

If I want to get past the surface level of understanding of scripture, I must be willing to pay a price.  It takes time to go deep, to find treasures the lay hidden deep below the surface.  I must be willing to think deeply, to ponder, taking my time, letting the Spirit of God take His word into my inner most parts.  Letting it marinate.  I'm learning the blessing of allowing God's word go down deep , to my very bones.  I want His truth to be the air that I breathe.  I want His thoughts to be my thoughts.

This takes time.

It takes early mornings or late nights so that I won't be interrupted.  Sometimes it means sneaking away from the hustle and bustle of my household.  It means chores go undone, e-mails go unanswered and phone calls don't get made.    But, you see, I must sit at the feet of Jesus, allowing Him to fill me to the fullest measure with Himself.  And that, my friend, takes time.

May you deeply ponder His majesty and grace in your life.  And may your lips be filled with praises for His generous gifts to you.

In the midst of the hustle and bustle of the season, don't miss out on God's greatest gift to us--His presence.  

O come, O come Emmanuel into our hearts.  Change us forever. Fill us with the life that is truly life.  Loosen our hand's grip on earthly things so that we may grasp the hem of your garment, and be made whole.  Amen.

  Merry Christmas!

What's on Your Mind?

We've been reading Ninety Minutes in Heaven by Don Piper.  As we read today, the Holy Spirit gave us a very practical illustration of a truth that He continues to sear into the core of my being.  We become what we continually think about.  Don talks about a man who became blind.  That blind man was bitter, and angry because of all the things he couldn't do anymore.  But that man had a friend who challenged him to make a list of all the things he could do.  So the man did it--reluctantly.  It completely transformed the man! Suddenly, the man realized that there were thousands of things he could do, and he resolved to spend the rest of his life doing those things.  He moved from bitterness, to thankfulness.

We, too, can transcend the problems and imperfections of this earth, by focusing our minds on Heavenly things, by choosing to dwell on the blessings which flow out of Heaven's gates to earth, by keeping our eyes gazing upward, seeing glimpses of Heavenly treasures, and enjoying the pleasure, beauty and rest that we find in God Himself.  Out of Him flows every good thing.    Praising this magnificent King and thanking Him for His lavish gifts brings us to His gates, allowing us to enter His courts.

Simply stated, praise God and thank Him for everything in your life, good, and bad, small and large.  If we do not do this small thing, we cannot expect to enjoy the delights of His very presence.

There will always be a hundred million things that we don't have in this life.  There will be pain, suffering, and disappointments, but we have the opportunity to choose how we will respond.  Aren't you thankful that we can choose?  I tell my children all of the time, "You choose your attitude."  And aren't you glad that when we choose thankfulness and praise, that we are blessed with sweet heavenly treasures that transcend all human understanding?

I challenge you.  Get out a sheet of paper.  Make a list of everything that you are thankful for--small and large. Nothing is insignificant.   Fill up the front.  Turn over to the back and fill up the back side.  List every positive quality in that person that gets on your last nerve.  As you fill up the paper with your thanks, God will fill up the treasure chest of your heart with peace, contentment, joy and confidence in this God who loves you so dearly.  As my youngest son said to me after completing this activity, "You feel rich!"  It's a promise directly from the Heavenly Throne.

And when you realize how much you've been blessed, you'll want to bless others with the gifts you've received.

Phil 4: 6-9 [6] Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. [7] And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

    PHP 4:8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things. [9] Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me--put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

The Little Pebble and the Majestic Waterfall Part 4

After the Water Fall's grand and majestic entrance, it spoke to all who were gathered there to meet it.  As it spoke, every creature stood in solemn silence each hanging on its every word and feeling a personal intimate connection with the Water Fall.  This was because the Water Fall spoke to each creature tenderly in its own heart's language.

This is what the pebble heard.

"I am so glad that you are here.  It has been my heart's desire to have you here with me forever.  You will live with me enjoying my protection and the glorious riches of my gifts.  All that you desire is yours. You have done well, Little Pebble.  I am pleased with you.  Now you will live in this glorious paradise with me forever along with all who have lived obediently before me.  I will be your King and you will be my servants, ruling in my glorious kingdom forever.  This is your reward."

Every creature bowed in humble adoration to the King, with hearts that were filled with thanksgiving.  Then with one voice every creature began to sing a song to the Great Water Fall.  It was a song sung with such earnestness, with such joy, with complete and utter abandonment.  Each creature was compelled to give the best that it had to offer, singing with every available instrument, and in complete harmony and unity with one another.  There was no competition among them.  Each one willingly stepped aside in order to allow the other to express its own uniquely beautiful offering of love and devotion to the Water Fall.    And the Water Fall was worthy of hearing each distinct expression of gratitude.  Every single note. Oh what a glorious sound it was!  This new song had a myriad of languages, melodies, styles, rhythms, parts, harmonies and melodies that human ears have yet to hear.  There are no earthly comparisons, except to say that there was a small part of every song ever sung in that one song.

And there they lived forever, completely loved, completely satisfied and in  perfect peace in the Glorious presence of the Majestic Water Fall.

The End.

The Pebble and the Majestic Water Fall part 3

Finally, one day the pebble saw it.  It was a most glorious sight.  It was a grand and glorious palace.  A palace fit for one of great majesty and power.  A dwelling place for a Great King!  There was only one problem.  The palace wasn't complete.

The pebble wondered about this.  How could a palace so grand as this be started and not completed?  The pebble decided to ask the Great Water Fall about this.

"Oh Great Water Fall, who is this beautiful Palace for?"

"It is my Palace."

This disheartened the pebble very much, since the palace was not complete.

"Do not be downcast my little  pebble.  You will help me complete my palace.  Remember I promised you that you would do something beautiful for me.?"

Of course, the pebble thought that was an impossible task, but this was the Great Water Fall speaking. It was this same Water Fall that had taken a rough, ugly, seemingly useless pebble and made it into a sight to behold.  Actually, the pebble didn't really know how beautiful it had become.

While the pebble was giving itsself a headache trying to figure out how it could help complete the castle, one of the Great Water Fall's servants picked it up.

"This is just what we need over  here."  And with one quick and fluid movement, the  pebble was  placed along side of other brilliantly shimmering  jewels in the palace itself.

"Oh, no!"  The pebble thought.  "I cannot be here.  I am too ugly.  This palace is for the Majestic Water Fall.  He should only have the best."

His servant replied, "That is why you've been chosen.  You are among the  pure, radiant stones that have been made beautiful by the Great Water Fall Himself.   He prepared you to be a living stone in His dwelling place.  And because the Great Water Fall has crafted you Himself, you are a sight to behold, like these other living stones."

The pebble was confused and speechless--again.  But then the pebble remembered the Great Water Fall's promise.

"I will make you a beautiful gift--a worthy offering that I may enjoy forever."

So the little pebble pondered this.  It thought about all that it had endured, even remembering the day it discovered that it was beautiful.  It looked all around itself at the other stones--jewels actually.  Each one was glistening in the sun.  Each one was a small part of the Great Water Fall's Marvelous palace.  As the pebble, absorbed all of these sights, it began to wonder.  Could I too be like these other jewels?  Just as this thought had entered its mind, one of the Water Falls's servants approached it with a mirror. And it saw itself.  Actually it did not recognize itself for it had never seen anything so uniquely brilliant.  It was as if it saw a glimpse of the Great Water Fall itself.  The pebble gasped.

This was far better than it could have ever imagined.  Oh, what joy filled the little pebble!  Oh, how proud it was to have a gift to give the Great Water Fall.  Oh, how elated it was to do something beautiful for the One it loved!

It was about that time that something extra wonderful happened.  The pebble began to hear every melodious harmony of what sounded like thousands of birds.  It could see little water creatures gleefully dancing through the water towards the Palace.  It could hear the echo throughout the Palace, "The King is arriving!  The King is coming!"

The winds began to swirl all around the palace, with joyous laughter, "He's here! He's here!  Behold the King!"

Then all at once, the water surged into that palace like a Great Tidal wave,  terribly frightening but simultaneously more beautiful and glorious than anything the pebble had beheld.  It was the Majestic Water Fall, but somehow the Water Fall was different.  I mean... the pebble recognized the Water Fall, but it was as if it was seeing the Water Fall clearly for the first time.  The little pebble, now a radiant jewel, never knew that it had only seen a faint reflection of the Majestic Water Fall before.  Now it saw the Water Fall face to face in the FULLNESS  of its glory!

This is where words fall miserably short, for there are no words to describe what the  pebble saw.  It was as if all that was good, glorious, brilliant, radiant, pure and marvelous had come to rest in one place, only with an intensity that was actually unbearable, yet at the same time completely satisfying.  The pebble felt complete, whole, and in a perfect sate of contentment.  It was as if it had waited for this moment its entire life.  In fact, it had waited for this moment its entire life, yet it did not know it was waiting for this moment..

One more part left:  The conclusion of the story coming soon!

The Little Pebble and the Majestic Water Fall Part 2

Suddenly, a mighty wave lunged from the river, towards the little pebble.  The first instinct of the pebble was to cringe with fear at this great wave, but then it remembered that the Water Fall loved it.  So it took a deep breath and let the wave take it into the river.  The pebble found the wave was surprisingly gentle.

That little pebble was filled with so many emotions.  Fear, exhilaration, surprise... These experiences were all so new and unknown to the pebble that it really had no idea what to expect next.  It didn't know what to do, and every time fear seized it and threatened to take it under, the little waves would tickle its cracks and crevices whispering, "Cooperate with me.  Do not fight me.  I will make you into something beautiful."  And so the pebble would finally relax, letting the currents take it to all sorts of strange places.  As it did, it enjoyed a myriad of delights.

Now I must not mislead you into thinking that all of the pebbles experiences were delightful.  Oh no!  There were many difficulties along the way.  A few times the pebble was way-laid by little islands in the river, leaving it feeling impatient and disappointed at its lack of progress.  Other times forceful rapids threw the pebble here and there, bruising and beating the little pebble senseless.  It was during those times that the pebble thought it would never survive this adventure in the river.  There was even a time when an evil bird tried to snatch that pebble right out of the river, but the Great Water Fall rescued it with its mighty waves, sending the bird away disgusted for not being able to pick up such a seemingly easy little prize. 

I guess now seems like a good time to tell you that this pebble was changing.  All of the plights that the pebble endured during the  journey were changing the pebble.  It's rugged edges were becoming smooth.  It's dirt, of course, was washed away and it was being reshaped.  It even gleamed in the sun, which was why the bird tried to snatch it from the river.

The pebble also experienced lazy, restful days when the water danced around it playfully.  The pebble loved days like this.  It enjoyed the view around it and even took time to look at the water creatures, marveling in their beauty.  It was on one of these days that the pebble discovered its change.  As the little riplets of water danced around it, they began to sing.

"Look into the water little pebble.  See your reflection."

That seemed like a puzzling request, yet the pebble did as it was told.  Lo and behold!  What a surprising view met it! It did not recognize itsself.  It was beautiful!  The Great Water Fall had done what it had promised.  It had made it into something beautiful.  Yes, now it was becoming a worthy offering for the Water Fall.

There was still much more the pebble had to endure, for the Great WaterFall had not finished with the pebble, but now that the pebble had seen the Water Fall's work, it gladly submitted itsself to the Water Fall's power.  (Most of the time)  The Water Fall could be trusted.  It loved the little pebble more than even the pebble realized.

Stay tuned for more.  Please read the story to your kids, or grand kids.  I'd love to get feedback.  Does the story make sense?  Is anything confusing?   What do you or your children enjoy about the story? 

The Little Pebble and the Majestic Waterfall part 1

This is the first of several posts of a story I've written, inspired by the Holy Spirit, tentatively called The Little Pebble and the Majestic Waterfall.  This may end up being my next book.  Stay tuned.

There was once a little pebble, simple and ordinary and rough around the edges.  It was a tiny pebble and actually quite ugly.  This pebble lived beside a Great Majestic Waterfall.  Oh what a beautiful, and magnificient waterfall it was.  That waterfall thundered day and night singing its glorious song.  Oh, how the pebble marveled in hearing that sublime melody.  Oh how that pebble loved that glorious Water Fall.  So one day that little pebble decided it wanted to do something beautiful for the waterfall to show its love and devotion.  But what could it do?It could not sing and if it could, its tiny voice would never be heard over the thunderous voice of the Mighty WaterFall.  This little pebble thought and thought and thought until it hurt all over.  It couldn't come up with even  idea on how it could  show its love and devotion to the waterfall.  So it began to weep pitifully.  Suddenly through its sobbing cries it heard the Mighty Waterfall ask a question as it sang.

"Why are you crying?"

The pebble stopped immediately.  Was the WaterFall talking to it--the little pebble?  Couldn't be.  So the pebble didn't reply.  Again the Water Fall replied,

"Why are you crying?"

The pebble froze.  Its heart began to race.  It looked left, and then right.  The waterfall had spoken to--it.  "What do I do now?" the pebble thought.  A wise and noble bird sitting in a nearby tree responded, "Answer Him.  Answer to Great Water Fall, little pebble."

So it did.

"Oh, Great Water Fall, I am crying because I have nothing to give you.  I want to show  you my love and devotion, but what can I give one so great as you?"  The Great Water Fall laughed  thunderously with such joy and glee that it actually frightened and shamed the little pebble.   "I knew it," thought the pebble to itsself.  I was foolish to think I could ever give the Great Water Fall anything worthy of Him.

"Nonsense!" the Water Fall bellowed.  The pebble was startled.  "I have been deeply desiring a gift from you little pebble.  You have something beautiful to give."

"Me?"  said the Pebble completely puzzled.  "What do I have?"

"I want you little pebble.  You are my prized possession."

The pebble was speechless.  After thinking to ittself, for what seemed like hours (but it was actually only a few minutes), the little pebble replied.  "So.... you want me?" the pebbled asked timidly.

"Yes."

"You want me?" the pebble asked again, this time feeling a bit more confident.

"Absolutely!"

"You want me!"  the pebble shouted with joy and gladness of heart.  He had something to give the Great Water Fall.  Oh how the little pebble beamed with happiness.  The Great Water Fall had seen it and even desired it.

Then unexpectedly the Great Water Fall quieted down to a faint whisper.  "Little Pebble, would you give yourself to me, for you are a gift I greatly desire?"  I love you, little pebble and I want to do great and wonderful things with you--things which you could never imagine."

In that moment of quietness, the pebble deeply connected with the Water Fall in a new way.  It had experienced the love of the Water Fall.  It had not known that it could be loved.  It was only a pebble.  It have never known love.  It had seen what it thought was love, but it had never experienced it--until now.  Well, I really cannot fully explain how the pebble felt at that moment, but I will try.   That pebble felt, whole, brand new and more alive.  Yes, that pebble felt--ALIVE!

"Oh, yes, Great Water Fall!  I want to give myself to you!"

"Jump in the river" whispered the Water Fall.

Well, you've never seen a pebble more determined to get to the river.  That pebble had really never moved very much.  I mean...it moved a bit here and there, but it was usually because the wind had blown it or some creature had dislodged it from its position.  That poor pebble tried with all of its might to move itself to the river, which was only  a few feet away.  It struggled and strained, and managed to barely move.  It persisted, trying and trying and trying until it was utterly exhausted.   The little pebble began to slip into utter despair.  It felt completely helpless and hopeless.

"Little pebble," said the Water Fall tenderly, "will you give yourself completely to  me..."

The pebbled interrupted, "I've already tried, and I can't!"  Oh what sorrow the pebble felt.   To be so close to experiencing life's greatest joy, only to have it snatched from its grasp was more than the pebble could bear.

"Little pebble, I wasn't finished.  If you will cease striving, I will help you.  I, myself, will bring you to the water, and I will do something beautiful for you.  I will make you a beautiful gift--a worthy offering that I may enjoy forever."

"Ok,"  the pebble replied unassuredly.  " I don't understand what you ask of me, but I will give myself to you.  It is obvious that I cannot do this without help."

Suddenly, the Water Fall rumbled, laughing a deep hearty laugh with such joy that it tickled the pebble.

"Be still and watch what I will do!"

Blessings on Your Life

All these blessings will be upon you and be your constant companion IF YOU OBEY Yahweh (the unchanging, ever-present, self-existing one; the one who reveals Himself to His people) :

You will be blessed wherever you are, whether in the city or in the country.

You will be blessed to bear many children.

And all of your work will produce MUCH  fruit.  Your business will flourish, and your ministry will be effective.

You will always have plenty of food to eat.  Every need will be met with abundance.

It matters not if you are coming or going, blessing will always be near.

Those who rise up against you in order to harm you will be defeated before your very eyes.  Yes, they will come to you in confidence and strength, but they will run from you like roaches scattering when the light turns on!

Your investment and savings will be blessed.  Every venture, and business idea will be successful.

The Lord will set you apart from others as special.  You have a special purpose—a holy calling.  But you must:

Obey ALL of the Lord’s commands.  You must walk in His ways.  His ways are not the ways of man.

Then all people on the earth will see that you are a child of the Most Holy.  They will be afraid to do you harm.  YET you will find favor with them because they think so highly of you. 

You will have ABUNDANT PROSPERITY!  You will overflow with every good thing.  The Lord will open the gates of Heaven and pour out so much blessing that you don’t have the capacity to hold it all.  Everyone you encounter will benefit from your overflow.   You will be a channel of blessing to your extended family, your community, the nation and even the world!

He will send EVERY needed resource in order for your work to prosper.  He will provide the right environment for you to succeed.  All of your efforts will be productive and effective.  (The curse of sin has no power over your work.  Hallelujah!)

You will have so much that you can give freely to many who are in need, and never have need yourself to borrow from others.  You will provided exactly what you need AT THE RIGHT TIME! No Loans!  No Credit cards!  No Debt!  Ever!

You will be a leader, not a follower.  You will set the trend for others to follow.

But you must focus your thoughts on giving your full and complete devotion to none other than God—carefully listening to His voice and following all His instructions exactly.  (Don’t worry about whether it makes sense.)  

If you do, You will always be at the top and never at the bottom!

Pay attention.  Focus.  Don’t get off track.  Don’t be distracted by the world’s promises of pleasure, immediate gratification, or its promise of popularity or quick success.  Don’t follow any of their methods of using debt, deception, using people for their own selfish gain, devaluing the work of others in order to make the largest profit margin, or abusing the environment.  Don’t use their marketing schemes that appeal to man’s sinful cravings, stirring up desires in people in order to get more sales.  Don’t do it!  Resist greed, wastefulness, and overspending.  

Pursue God.  Not the blessings.  For God, Himself is the blessing, the treasure, the inheritance.  In Him we have ALL that we desire and need.

WAIT ON HIS BLESSINGS, for His blessings always come without regret. They always come at the proper time. His blessings, truly satisfy.

A modern day paraphrase of Deut 28: 1-14 (with a few other scriptures added)