Tag Archives: Lost

Prophecy Is A Living Word

8 Dec

“He who receives a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward. And he who receives a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man’s reward. And whoever gives one of these little ones only a cup of cold water in the name of a disciple, assuredly, I say to you, he shall by no means lose his reward.” Matthew 10:41-42 KJV

As I was in prayer this morning I was thinking about the prophetic words that I had been given over my Christian walk. Some I have copies of, some I have brief notes of what I could remember, and some are just a brief memory of something spoken a very long time ago.

During my recent move I came upon the front pages of my very first Bible, the one that disintegrated after a few years from being read and read and read and only having a paper cover with a glued binding. I thought I had kept the entire Bible, but I only found the front pages. The treasures of those years were encapsulated there; the date I dedicated my life to following Christ, the date I was baptized, the date I received the Holy Spirit, and four notes about prophetic words that I had been given during that period of time. What a precious gift of a time far past and quite faded in my memory.

I transferred the information into my big study Bible – the one with all the underlining, notes in the margins, sticky notes peeking out of the pages, the 10 book marks of special passages, the folded prayers stuffed between, and the pictures of my kids with prayers written on the back. Yes, that Bible. We all have one of those. That one thing that we always know where it is, just in case of a fire, because that will always be the one thing to surely to go out the door.

As I was talking to the Lord this morning I was pondering those old prophetic messages and the subject they discussed that I haven’t continued with over the last 10+ years. I wondered whether I had lost the chance for those words, spoken 30 years ago, to every possibly come to be now. Had I lost my chance with the passage of time. Had I lost my chance with tarnished skills? Had I let God down by not heeding what He had encouraged? Then Hebrews 4:12 came to me:

”For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12 KJV

I asked God if the Prophetic Word was only for a season, or if I was truly receiving His word and His thoughts with the full intent of my heart, would it for a lifetime? For my lifetime? Or is it only for specific settings, for instance the setting it was given in, or does it adjust itself to whatever setting God has sent me into? I know that the words of the Prophet are given to them then the Holy Spirit fills their mouths with the words meant for the receiver. I know that the words of God are never null and void, but will accomplish the task given, IF the receiver will step forward in faith.

“So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.” Isaiah 55:11 KJV

It came to me that God’s Word, spoken by the prophets, are Living Words, intended to come into fruition. As long as the receiver will continue to believe those words spoken over them – they will remain alive. I am so thankful that we have a God who cares about us so deeply that He never tires of us asking and questioning and wanting to know the full truth of all that He has for us – if we will only ask.

“Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.” Jeremiah 33:3 KJV

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Written 12-8-2021

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Forsaking the Call

5 Apr

But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.   Matthew 18:6

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There are times in every person’s life when difficult decisions have to be made, knowing that those decisions will affect the lives of many others. When we are called to the faith we are to prefer others above ourselves and accommodate others, knowing that God will accommodate us.

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Most recently I have observed brothers of the faith making decisions that were intended to destroy the character of another strong Christian. False truths and innuendo have been stated and spread to cover the true reason behind the attack – financial gain and career advancement.

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I was contemplating a way to expose the ploy and show the true colors of those involved, but I hear the voice of God very clearly . . . “vengeance is mine.”

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It is bad enough that friendships have been destroyed and jobs have been lost for others to gain power and finance. It’s terrible that integrity has been tarnished and respect destroyed. Now, when they least expect it, God’s anger and punishment will fall. What sacrifice this? Will there be restoration? Will trust ever be regained? Will opportunities be lost forever?

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As believers, we are called to a higher standard of integrity, a higher obligation NOT to walk in worldly ways. When taking on the mantle of Pastor, that obligation massively multiplies. People are watching. Christians are disdained in general for the faults of a few. Shame falls on the family of God.

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Lord, let me always be aware of the people and circumstances around me that I might not make a choice what would push others farther away from You. I never want to experience your vengeance; only your grace and love.

 

 

Written 10/26/2010

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DEAD BRANCHES

19 Nov

 

”But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.” Matthew 18:6 (KJV)

 

Many years ago we experienced a winter far colder than any other I had experienced. Lakes frozen over, streets frozen over, chunks of ice were inches thick on the electrical and telephone wires all over town. People couldn’t drive their cars up the steep streets of Prescott, AZ. Police officers were turning lines of cars around in an attempt to reduce further accidents. It was COLD!

 On a warm afternoon, several months later, I was enjoying a quiet moment on my front porch. There was a light breeze blowing and suddenly a large branch fell out of our tree in the front yard. The tree was beautiful green and full with leaves. There wasn’t any sign of dead branches, until this one fell.

 I wandered over and looked up into the tree. It looked green and healthy. I looked from a different angle; green and . . . oh, wait, what was the brown in the middle? I brought over a ladder and looked closer – dead branches. There were a number of dead branches broken loose from the tree, being held in place by the new growth, waiting for a wind to set them loose. I suspect that these branches were broken loose by the heavy ice that had rested there in the months before. I pulled a few of the branches out and left those that were out of easy reach.

 It made me think about new Christians and how they have broken and wounded spirits that are hiding in their newly born lives. Lives full of enthusiasm and desire to grow with Jesus, covering over the brokenness and wounds that first drew them to Jesus. They look fresh and beautiful on the outside, hiding the pain inside.

 So many times we rejoice with their salvation and ignore the task set before us to help them grow. We often think they’ll find their own way to their faith and the truth. We might “toss” a scripture their way if they ask a specific question or two, but don’t get too involved in explaining what it means. After a while they become discouraged and disappear.

These “Babies” need someone to come along and embrace them, pray with them, teach them to let go and allow the pain and wounds to drop away through the healing of Jesus. Like us, they are called to be fountains of living water. They are to grow and be pruned by the Master, just like we were. They will be shaken clean by the winds of trial. Their roots will grow strong with dedicated study, prayer and intercession. But, only if we will teach them how.

 What sort of witness are we if we spend our time preening ourselves and not guiding them along the way? Do we allow them to be tossed by the winds of doctrine, or do we show them how to receive the wind of the Spirit and the healing Word of God? Do we allow them to wander and be confused by tempting spirits, or do we teach them to discern and recognize the truth? Do we brush away the dead branches we can easily see and leave the deepest, furthest away to remain? Or do we dedicate our works to intercession and instruction, so that they can recognize the things in their lives that they have the authority to cleanse away themselves. Do we care?

 God, help me to never forget how confused and lost I was when I first came to You. Help me to remember the outstretched hands and dedicated prayers that lead me to a strong knowledge of You. Help me remember how strong the pull was to give up and walk away when things just didn’t make sense, and the joy of breaking through with a well guided word and a moment of encouragement. Help me to be the example to help others find true relationship with You.

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By Linda J. Humes

Written 10-1-2012

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WHICH WAY

6 Oct

“. . . and God said . . . “ Genesis


My compass spins – 

 North, South, West, East,

 Back and forth,

 Forward and Back.


 I turn this way and that,

 Trying to find True North.

 Which way Lord?


I step left – 

 The road falls away.

I step right – 

 The wall is so high.

Which way Lord,

 I’m so tired?


My compass spins – 

 The world spins around me.

 Echoes of light shoot past,

 Echoes of the past speed through my mind.

 Which way Lord?


God, I’m so weary – 

 I can’t hear Your voice.

 I’m bombarded with the noise of daily life.

 How do I know which voice is you?

 I’m spinning,

 I’m spinning.


A gentle hand stops my feet,

 Sweet music fills my ears,

 The voice of God shouts forth,

 Through the words of the prophet.

 Be still, Be still, Be still.


There is THE voice – 

 Still and small,

 “Face your compass toward me,” it says.

 “Face your compass toward me.”


“Tell my children I wait for them – 

 To plant their feet, 

 To plant My Word.

 Tell my Children.”


True North!!

 

 

Written 2-8-2007

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God’s Perfect Gift

10 Sep

 

I am the rose of Sharon, and the lily of the valleys.  Song of Solomon 2:1 KJV

 

You came up,

 out of the desert,

 as a pure white rose,

 born in a wilderness,

 breathtakingly fragrant.


You stood for all that was true,

 in a land without water,

 in a world wroth with sin,

 forged in pain.


People searched you out,

 grasping at your petals,

 a sweet scent to hold on to,

 until only the stem remained,

 circled about with thorns.


When it seemed to all,

 that nothing was left,

 You bloomed again,

 as the Phoenix bird,

 rising from the ashes,

 lifted high above the crowd,

 on an unfinished wooden cross.


In your final flower,

 the new petals fell,

 each bearing the name,

 of sin and pain,

 all that was removed,

 from our condemned lives.


The petals falling,

 willingly given,

 to redeem the lost,

 every provision considered,

 every provision met.


First fell shame,

 for not recognizing,

 who You were,

 then guilt,

 for the pain You endured.


There was sickness,

 depression, fear,

 sins of the past,

 broken in travel,

 to the generations,

 of the future.


On and on they fell,

 one by one,

 stripping away hopelessness,

 giving new life,

 in the sight of eternity.


As the last petal fell,

 Your Father, our Father,

 gasped,

 shaking the earth with His pain,

 dimming the light from the sky.


There You hung,

 looking no more,

 than a dry broken twig,

 soon to be buried,

 in the bowels of the earth.


Yet, inside that twig,

 lay a seed,

 a new life,

 taking root in the earth,

 preparing to grow,

 preparing to bloom,

 as Aaron’s rod,

 a sign to the nations,

 of God’s perfect love,

 in the gift of,

the Rose.

 

Written 11-14-98

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INFERNO

7 Jul

That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:   -1 Peter 1:7


Here I stand,

Safe in the hand of God,

Kissed by a gentle breeze,

Cooled by the living water,

Of the Spirit.


All around me rages an inferno,

To my right, to my left,

Directly in my path.


The bowels of hell,

Threatening death,

Always testing my faith,

But held away,

By my closest friend, my savior.


Here I stand,

And here I will stay,

Until I hear the voice of God,

Directing my steps,

To reach the lost,

With His precious love.

 

 

Written 11-10-2000

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Jerusalem Lieth Waste

30 Jun

Nehemiah 1 – 2 – 3

Jerusalem lieth waste,
Her children are scattered,
Her children’s children wander aimlessly,
Searching for any sign of hope.

The fountains have lost their beauty,
The waters are bitter.

The walls of the city have no gates,
Where the gates once were, there are no doors,
All have fallen away,
None have taken the time to restore and repair.

Into the valley they travel,
Past the dunghill, the remnant of past life,
Past the pool where the animals find rest.

Between two mountains they are tossed about,
A mountain of good, secure but foreign;
A mountain of evil, exciting and lurid.

In the valley they wait,
Walking to and fro, from mountain to mountain,
Tasting of the ambiance of each,
Looking for one who will care enough,
To restore them.

At the walls stand a handful of Saints,
Each trying to decide whether to help,
Or to let others live as they will.

Should they reach out to another’s child,
Chance the rebuke and scorn,
Can they make a difference,
Or become a passing trend,
Soon forgotten.

Rebuilding the walls will take so much time,
Establishing the gates difficult,
Placing doors means people to watch them,
People that discern good and evil,
People of integrity that will not compromise.

Jerusalem lieth waste,
Her children’s children have not been taught,
Her children’s children’s wounds have not been tended,
Her children’s children wander aimlessly,
Searching for hope.

A handful of Saints make a decision,
This restoration will take many years,
This restoration will be painful,
This restoration will make a difference,
This restoration will set a standard.

I pick up the first stone and set it in place,
Then another and another,
I hear the laughter and the scorn,
It feeds my intensity.

As the walls strengthen and the doors are set,
The children wander back;
They find security, soundness, protection;
They find safety, boundaries, goals;
They find hope,
They find peace.

 

Written 2-7-2001

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A SOLDIER

16 Sep

Praying Soldier

For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness. [20] And again, The Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain.     1 Corinthians 3:19-20  KJV

I have a picture of a young black man in fieldworker’s clothes holding a small baby.  At the bottom of the picture is a caption “I Cannot Do Great Things, But I Can Do Small Things in a Great Way”.  The Lord brought me to that picture over and over today.  But, how Lord, how can I do small things in a great way?  How can I make any size difference in God’s Kingdom?

The Bible says that all portions of the Body are essential to the whole body.  No one position has greater worth, no one portion has lesser worth.  All are called to a position, to serve in a position they have been prepared for.  I can do small things in a great way.

I have been called to be a soldier.  I’m not a General, I’m not a Captain, I’m not a Lieutenant – I’m a soldier.  I will not lead the troops into battle, but I will fight to preserve the Kingdom, I will devote all my abilities to protect the General, the Captain and the Lieutenant.  They will never have to worry about looking back for I will be there – and if I fall, my brother/sister will step forward into my place.  We will move always forward in battle to make a safe place for those we have yet to meet – those who have not yet heard the truth – those who have yet to come to the Lord.

What can I do as a soldier?  How do I battle?  How can I do small things in a great way?  How?

I am a soldier.  I wage war with the words I speak.  I can wage war against evil or I can send turmoil among the troops I walk with – all by the words I choose to share.  I can speak life or I can speak death.  I can spread comfort and healing or I can spread gossip and dissent.  I can do small things in a great way?  It’s my choice.

As a soldier in the Kingdom I have the tremendous responsibility to protect those above me when they are at their most vulnerable.  I can scan the horizon while the General prepares the way for those that will follow.  I can be the strength to hold his arms, the inspiration for his words, the confidence that allows him to rest.

As a soldier in the Body I can pray a cover of protection over my Pastor and my Church.  I can intercede when the spirit of confusion moves into the assembly.  I can watch the body while the Pastor is concentrating on delivery of the message – critical to the hearts, prepared and hungry, in the assembly.  I can intercede when confusion and fear overcome the musician or soloist.  I can set the shield against the attack of the enemy.  And, if I feel overwhelmed, I can engage my brothers/sisters to join with me in battle.  For it is my job, as a soldier, to pray for a safe haven for the searching to come into.  It is my job to pray a cover of protection over those called to provide the atmosphere for the message for those whose hearts have been tendered by Jesus.  It is my job to intercede when the enemy attempts to steal away the anointing – so carefully placed.  I cannot do great things, but I can do small things in a great way – I can pray.

I can hear the faint whisper of a name and pray.  I can see the faint image of a face and immediately begin to intercede.  I can be a thousand miles away at the time, or ten thousand miles, it matters not.  I can wage a warring battle for a soul in need – even when I have no clue as to the situation at hand.  I am not big, but I am mighty.  I am not brilliant, but the wisdom of the ages rests within me.  I have no material wealth, but I will inherit a jeweled, golden mansion.  I am quiet and meek in this world, but determined and confident in spirit.  I am not great – I cannot do great things – but I can do small things in a great way.  I am a soldier for God.

But  –  What if I choose to fail?  What if I choose to step away and let you carry your burden as well as mine?  And what if you choose to leave it to someone else – and so on – and so on – then who will prepare the way for the lost?

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