“And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” John 8:32 Satan takes a moment in time, and creates a most horrible incident, that scars and fractures, our views and beliefs, for the rest of our lives. He strategically places in our path, demonized souls – the mentally ill, some that say that they come in the name of the Lord, to steal our innocence, fill us with fear, and distort the way we view every person, every sound, every surrounding, every shape, every race, every fragrance, from that day forward. We cower consciously for months or years, subconsciously for decades, trying to walk past the anxieties we may not understand. We displace the anger and hurt onto the innocent, often onto those people we love the most, justifying our behavior with false truths, and attempting Biblical justification, but knowing deep inside, our actions were wrong, yet not knowing how to stop, and feeling deeper and deeper guilt, because of it. We blame God for not being there, we run from the very presence that can bring us healing. We run from others, we run from ourselves, we run from every possible circumstance, that could possibly bring us pain. We run and run and run, until we are unable to take, another step. It’s at that moment, when we can run no farther, when we cry out to others for answers, when we cry out to God for help, that Jesus can draw close. It’s in that time that we can see, that He was with us, all the time, crying with our pain, holding us as we wept in the night, waiting for us to call upon Him, to heal the brokenness we can no longer endure. In that breaking moment, when Satan’s shackles are broken away, when our mind is refreshed, and our vision restored, that healing comes, wave by wave, washing, cleansing, renewing. Prejudice is lost, fear is captured, hatred is banished, anger subdued, life restored. Come Lord Jesus. Written - 9-29-2000
Tag Archives: Jesus
A Moment In Time
19 AugA HEART OF FREEDOM
7 Aug
And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands. Acts 12:7
I have had the privilege of becoming friends through Christ with many inmates. I find their faith strong, their dedication immeasurable and their Christian love pure. Their desire to have all that God has for them is so powerful – I feel inadequate to mentor and encourage them. I find myself envying the time they have to study God’s word and sing His praises.
What a perfect God cherished testimony. Here are people with lives completely restricted; only allowed to move about if shackled, and yet they have a found a heart of peace and a spirit of freedom that I could only pray to have. They are bound completely on the outside – yet completely free through Jesus on the inside. They have replaced anger with joy, strife with study, cursing with prayer and praise. Many still have decades to complete before I will meet them face to face, I look forward to that day when we can share the joy of Jesus over a cup of coffee. They have so much to teach me.
I pray for their safety, peace and joy and I receive letters from them stating that they are praying daily for me. They express as much concern for my well being as I have about theirs. Once Jesus steps into the heart of any person, the chains of life begin to fall away. Some remove them a little at a time and some miraculously loose them all, in one fell swoop.
I’ve learned through my many years with Jesus that everything in life is shadowed and paralleled. I too am restricted to a regimented schedule – by work, family obligations and church events. I’m shackled by stress, obligation, bills, illness and weariness. Their incarceration is tangible and they have risen above it. My incarceration is self-imposed and enforced with self-set unrealistic expectations. I strive daily to rise above my circumstances, not always with true success. So, Jesus, which of us is truly bound?
Lord, give me the courage to say “No” to time that unnecessarily takes me away from you. Teach me to set boundaries and set a Jesus appointment in every day – at least twice a day please! Help me to remember the true reason I’m here – to share the treasure of YOU with all that I meet. And always keep my heart open to learn from a new friend, no matter the path they have walked.
Written 6-15-07
WHEN GREAT MEN FALL
5 Aug
“And whosoever shall offend one of these little ones that believe in me, it is better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he were cast into the sea.” Mark 9:42 (KJV)
“Oh, what a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive,” Sir Walter Scott.
Heartbreaking. Lives destroyed, families lost, everything gone. How many times does the news report on the fall of great men? Cities, states, and countries crumble with the fall of corrupt political leaders. Companies close with the fall of unscrupulous officers. Most devastating are the falls of pastors, evangelists or great religious leaders – taking down the faith and confidence of their congregations or followers. Churches split, people walk away from the very beliefs that they drew strength from, never to return. People become lost.
Falling men don’t have to be leaders, celebrities, pastors or figures of authority to cause the lives of others to be affected and destroyed. Any man who has made a lifelong commitment to touching the lives of others, however big or small, can be the reason others lose their faith and trust in men. A husband who chooses to quit work and leaves the responsibilities of caring for his family to his wife – as he sits and watches TV all day or plays for hours on the computer. It could be a father who drowns his disappointments with drugs or alcohol, leaving his children and wife to fend for themselves. It could be a good friend who betrays that friendship with deception and lies. It could be a mentor who falls to temptation, either destroying the lives he’s dedicating to help grown strong or turning away from them at a critical moment in their lives, leaving them alone and afraid. It could be a school teacher or a Bible study teacher. How do you think they will feel about men in general when the very man who God placed in their lives to love and protect them causes them hurt and pain?
Truths turn to lies. Laughter turns to tears. Hope turns to despair. Trust turns to disappointment and distance. Friendships are disrupted and not sought out again. Families destroyed. Strong futures lay ruin. What happened? How did temptation and pride override common sense and a strong moral system and lay waste the promises of a strong and fruitful life? Lust. Greed. Pride. Addictions. Lasciviousness.
“Never happen to me,” you say? What did they say not long ago? “Not me” . . . “I would never” . . . so easy to say, and an open invitation for the enemy of our soul to take the challenge to find that weakness and chip away at it.
It is never a sudden decision, usually a little give and take over a period of time. Things that were once so black and white become less definitive. Priorities change. Family and friends loose importance. Everyone else in their world becomes collateral damage.
Can the fallen be restored? Of course, if they have the desire. Restoration can only come through a humble heart and a deep relationship through Jesus. All other attempts are just vanities – a vapor in the wind – without substance.
The real question is, can they restore all those whose lives were damaged and changed because of the fall. Can trust ever be completely returned to the hearts of all who know them? I don’t think so. Those lives have blown away like sand in the wind – you may be able to collect some of them back, maybe even most of them – but so many will be lost forever to the hurt that can only be healed through Jesus.
Dear Lord, let me always remember that my words and actions are being watched by far more people than I could ever imagine. Help me to understand that if I should ever fall, I would be responsible for every person that may stray from you because of my actions. Help me to always remain humble. In Your Precious Name. Amen.
Written 2-23-09
PARADISE
14 Jul
“And I heard a great voice out of Heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.” Rev. 21:3
Recently I’ve been making weekly overnight trips for work. I drive 3 hours in, work 8 and then off to rest. A friend has arranged for me to use her guesthouse on these trips, what a blessing. This house is perfectly decorated, country comfortable. Everything perfectly matches, from the curtains to the coffee cups. It’s like walking into a paradise in the midst of a big bustling city.
You can see the love and care spent in providing every comfort, from aesthetics to bed pillows. Drinking glasses are perfectly lined. Plates and bowls set in order. Every utensil is in its assigned spot. Pictures of things that take you to a different place and time are placed just so, giving the feeling of home. It’s just exactly what I’ve always hoped to have.
I ate my take-out meal and headed for the luxury of a bubble bath, a precious commodity for any working mom. Off I slipped to bed for a completely undisturbed sleep. AAAAHHHH!!!!
I woke early and brewed my morning coffee. I sipped and listened for the signs and sounds of morning. I had no idea that silence could be so loud.
There were no roosters crowing, no husband snoring, no dogs harmonizing. There were no shoes to step over, no children squabbling over the bathroom, no cat curled in my spot on the sofa. There was no peanut butter on the counter, no jelly on the floor sticking to the bottom of my feet. The radios weren’t playing and the washing machine wasn’t running. There were no sounds of life. No laughter, no anger – no joy, no frustration. It was a beautiful, empty shell.
I packed up all my traveling gear and prepared to leave. I went back through, room by room, to make sure I’d left this paradise in the same condition as when I’d arrived. Picture perfect!
Picture perfect! Hhhhmmm? Isn’t that what we can be? We walk out of our homes perfectly attired; matching outfit, shoes and accessories – carefully primped and combed, not a hair out of place. We even spray our favorite fragrance to make a perfectly, well-rounded picture of – of what?
So often we see people who seem so perfect on the outside, but inside they are going mad with the echoes of silence. Some are tortured by the voices of the past, some by the enemy of their souls, telling them to give up their future – they’ll never be “perfect” enough. They overcompensate with exterior perfection to try to fill the hole left inside – by the absence of Jesus.
How many times do we walk past those who seem to have it “all together” and reach out to those in obvious need? How many of those “perfect people” long for someone to stop long enough to tell them how to fill their emptiness? Do we only look at the outward perfection and miss the eyes that search for answers? Do we share a greeting and not listen for the cries of help in their passing replies?
Jesus, help me to hear those cries. Help me to see the emptiness you are ready to fill. Let me never assume that a perfect house equals a home – but that every vessel created by You can only be perfected when Your Holy Spirit fills it. Come Lord Jesus.
Written 8-31-05
You Held Me
15 Feb
“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil: for thou art with me;
thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.” Psalm 23:4
You held me Lord, when life took my strength away.
You whispered words of encouragement when I sat alone.
You taught me the way to peace, rising above my circumstances.
You gave me hope when things were dark and distant.
You sat with me and called my name as I slept and slept and slept.
In my weakness You are strong, and Your very presence strengthens me.
It has been a very long journey, but with You at my side, I fear no evil.
There are no words to sufficiently express my gratitude.
This poem was written during an Art Challenge when we were asked to write a poem about our last 12 month spiritual journey. I had spent the last 12 months home bound with illness. I hope you can relate to, and claim the words, the poem above. God Bless You.
There You Are Jesus!
19 Jul
“I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.” Galatians 2:20
What happens when innocence is lost? Like a fresh new flower, ripped from the plant, first we wilt, then harden, then we crumble and are blown away.
I love movies, especially children’s movies. One of my favorite is Peter Pan, the version where Robin Williams plays Peter. At the beginning of the movie, he doesn’t realize that he’s Peter. He’s lost his innocence. He’d lost touch with what things in life are truly important. He believes the tale of Peter Pan is something made up and passed down in stories from generation to generation.
Movies, as they are, overlook the logical (that’s what I love about them) and Robin Williams ends up in Neverland with the Lost Boys. The Lost Boys try desperately to convince him of who he is and teach him how to be a child again. Everything in Neverland is completely dependent upon imagination. They wouldn’t even have food, drink or sustenance without a good, active imagination.
The Lost Boys are finally successful at helping Peter find his innocence again and let go of the stresses and frustrations of schedules, bills and responsibilities of the real world. At one point in the movie, one of the Lost Boys walks up to Robin Williams, looks deep into his eyes and says, “Oh, there you are Peter.” A revelation of innocence returned.
This sequence always reminds me of my Christian faith. So many times we’re caught up in the stress and frustrations of schedules and appointments and trying to please so many in so little time, that we loose the miracle and the innocence of working in ministry. Our innocence is dependent upon our faith. Sometimes we allow the enemy to convince us that by striving we work the good work, when in fact, it is by faith and the leading of the Holy Spirit that we accomplish everything that God has called us to do; without the loss of innocence.
I look hopefully to the time when I can casually enjoy all of those around me, without worrying about where I should be, lest I fall behind (again!!). I look forward to the day when I will be filled with faith to the point of complete peace and serenity. When someone, perhaps a child, will look deep into my eyes and say, “Oh, there you are Jesus.” When the Jesus in me will shine past my many earthly flaws.
Jesus, may I always hear and obey your voice. That the innocence, birthed in faith, will always be the most obvious attribute in my life.
** Moments With The Master
By Linda J. Humes
Written 7/16/2000
Sore On My Palm
19 Jul
But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. Isaiah 53:5 (KJV)
To say that we have had windstorms this year is a gross understatement. We are getting to know our neighbor’s eating habits from the trash we’ve had to pick up in our yard – the hazard of being the last house before the cyclone fence!
Our poor trees took a beating and their branches covered an acre of yard. So few trees, so many branches; I suspect some are visitors from neighboring yards accompanying the trash.
I grabbed a big bucket and went about collecting branches. The smaller ones fit nicely into the bucket, but the longer ones had to be broken. Most snapped in half easily, but one branch hadn’t dried out completely and gave me quite a challenge. When it finally gave it snapped in my hand and dug into my palm – yikes, that smarts!
I babied that hand for days, the loose skin fell away and it left behind a perfectly round purple mark in the center of my palm. As I reviewed it one day it took my breath away. For just a moment I was looking into the hand of my Savior, a hole clean through and bloodied. A sacrifice, just for me.
I fussed at my simple gouge; the soldiers drove nails through His hands and feet. I jump at the smallest bump, He was hung on a cross; his side pierced. How dare me to feel sorry for myself over a scratch when He gave His life without complaint so that I could receive eternal life.
The mark stayed on my palm for weeks, a daily reminder of how much God loves me. Scars are reminders of choices made, good or bad, and always come with lasting memories. I wish the mark had not gone away. Like the cross hanging around my neck, I desire the simple daily reminders of who I am in Christ; someone just like you, a child of Christ.
Thank you Lord for making me ever aware of what You have done for me. I could never repay You. Don’t allow me to get so caught up in everyday life to forget that everything I have, every breath I breathe, every step I take, is made possible by You. I praise You.
Written by Linda J Humes
Written 6-8-2010
Martyred
18 Jul 
Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me and for the gospel will save it. What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul? Mark 8:34-36 (NIV)
Recently I’ve had a bout with sciatica. I’d heard of it before, but never realized the pain that accompanied it. It isn’t one of those “if I turn just right the pain will go away” kinds of pains, it’s one of those “no matter what I do I can barely breathe” kind of pains.
Day three was the most intense and I was collecting exercise and stretching advice from as many folks as I could. All of the exercises helped the pain subside, some, but first thing each morning, crawling out of bed, the pain was always the worse.
Standing was the least painful, sitting was the worse, lying down took strategy . . . still haven’t quite mastered it. I was trying to do my morning reading and devotionals and found myself walking in circles in the living room, trying to read my Bible as pain free as possible. At one point I started yelling at Satan to let go of my body and take his pain away from me. After a while I was praying for healing to my God. I reminded Him of His scriptures and His stripes. Then I heard His still small voice, “this pain is nothing compared to what many saints endure for My sake.”
Oh, my, the tortured and martyred Missionaries for Christ. In a foreign land, tortured and kept in prisons with little food and water; often killed. I have a home, a soft bed, a comfortable chair to sit in, food in the cupboard and clean water in the tap. I have so much and I complain about pain.
It’s 1 am of day 5 and it’s hard to sleep. Yes, the pain is uncomfortable, but with every pinch I think about one of those Saints. Outside the wind is blowing, I’m safe inside, but I’m thinking about the conditions surrounding those Saints. How could I have missed thinking about those Saints?
I don’t know, as in Job, whether God is using this affliction to test me. I do know that it has made me aware of something that I had unintentionally closed my eyes to – the Missionaries that are tortured and martyred for Christ. How did they endure the pain? Was it like Stephen who felt nothing as he looked upward into the face of God as he was being stoned to death? Or was it like Jesus who was beaten, tortured, and hung on the cross in excruciating pain, crying out to the Father, asking why He had been forsaken?
I do know this, with my awareness comes my prayers. I may not know their individual names or locations, but my Father does. God, I pray for your children, beaten and tortured for proclaiming You and teaching Your word. I also pray for the souls of those that bring them harm for they know not what they do.
Jesus, let me NEVER forget.
Faces of Hopelessness
11 Jul
For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith. Galatians 5:5 (KJV)
At Christmas our ministry sends Christmas cards to the 100+ active inmates and the many released inmates and families. Arizona Department of Corrections moves inmates frequently between yards and has recently made the decision not to forward mail to inmates that have been moved to different yards. Thankfully, ADOC provides an inmate database for friends and families to monitor their loved ones.
When I receive the cards back I pull out my spreadsheet and mark moves and releases. Making these changes started out to be fairly mechanical, but it didn’t finish that way. Not at all.
Each time I pulled up an inmate’s page a photo displayed haunting photos. Picture after picture displayed; angry and aggressive pictures, pictures of men with eyes swollen shut, stitches, lips split; and pictures of men who eyes said:
“How did I get here?”
“What do I do?”
“I’m scared.”
“Help me!”
They were the faces of hopelessness. Faces wondering if anyone cared, if anyone saw, if anyone heard.
I have always prayed over every card and letter sent to these inmates, praying that Jesus would hold them, draw them close, give them peace. Jesus, the only answer in a place of fear and hopelessness, the only peace when there is confusion and insanity all around.
Every inmate was sent a Bible, and if they wanted, several study books to learn more about Jesus. Several of the inmates started “God Squads” in their pods to encourage, learn and find hope. A little light in the darkness. A little hope to displace the hopelessness.
Lord, let me always speak Your words when writing to your children, that they will always see and hear You in the worse of circumstances. Amen.
By Linda J. Humes
Written 12/29/2009
**The Road To Emmaus”
RESTING WITH MARY
21 Aug
“But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.” LUKE 10:42
—
Forever in my mind rests the sweet fragrance of a summer rose,
the cool soft pedals caress the tips of my fingers,
the perfectly formed flower nestles gently in my memory
– ready to rise at a moments request.
—
Though the rose is gone
– the memory,
ever much as sweet,
cannot be taken away.
—
Then stands the Rose of Sharon
– a tender fragrance rising sweetly in my soul.
A cool, soft caress that soothes my weary mind
and removes the torments of the day,
nestled gently and preciously inside this child,
where He cannot be taken away.
—
The words of the Master hide safely in my heart,
prepared to flow forth in the time of need.
Lying safely in the arms of the Spirit,
residing tenderly within this child.
—
Though the wooden structure of the Church
may be destroyed,
and every book burned,
inside this child rests a temple
with God’s Word that cannot be taken away.
—
And though this body may be taken,
– what victory, what joy –
for that which rests inside my heart and soul
will be brought to life in that Holy City,
when I meet Jesus, face to face.
—
Linda J. Humes 