Tag Archives: Miracles

Your Glory

31 Aug

Worn Out Tires

Wherefore I ask that ye may not faint at my tribulations for you, which are your glory. Ephesians 3:13

Tribulations are not something new.  Tribulations have been around as long as man was created.  Adam and Eve faced tribulations after being removed from the Garden of Eden, after they disobeyed the instructions of God.  Tribulations can be many things, and may be completely different to each individual person.  To one person a tribulation may be a sickness, drugs, poverty, a learning disability, or something that greatly impacts their immediate everyday life.  To a nation Tribulations could be wars, natural disasters, or the potential of devastating decisions to be made.  One year, for me, it was a limited income and a car in desperate need of tires.

I went out one day and found my back tire completely flat.  After one of the boys put my spare on I headed in to work, realizing that the poor tire that had just been taken off was in no shape to go back on.  The metal bands were worn through the rubber, and nothing could be done to convince it to hold air again.

A few days later I went to the local tire shop and asked them to look at the tire, as well as the others, and assess the problem.  I knew my checkbook did not hold enough for a new tire, the spare would have to do for a while, but I wanted to know what the cost was going to be to replace all of them, as soon as I had enough money to make the purchase.  My goodness, I wasn’t prepared for the cost of tires.

They put the worse tire on the back, opposite the spare.  I told them I would be back as soon as I could to replace it.  They encouraged me to come back as soon as possible because they were concerned about it blowing out on my hour trip to or from work each day.  I also told them that as soon as I could I would replace the front tires which were in bad shape as well.

I went back a few weeks later and purchased one back tire, then a few weeks later I purchased another back tire and put the spare back into the trunk.  I told them that I would not be able to buy another tire for at least a month.  They thought, if I was very careful, that I might be able to drive on the front 2 for a month, but not any longer.  Four months later I returned and purchased the last 2.  I sat and waited in their customer area and when the car was complete I went up to the cash register to complete my transaction.  There were 4 people watching me.  I greeted them and one of them asked what I did every day when I drove my car.  I told them that when I got into my car every day I thanked the Lord for the blessing of the car and asked for grace to get to work and home again without a problem.  I asked them why they wanted to know and the same man stated, “Because there is no way that those tires should have been holding air.  We are completely shocked that you were able to drive in here!”  All of the rest nodded in agreement.  “I serve a wonderful and miraculous God,” I told them, “and I am forever grateful for what He does for me every day.”

They watched me leave the building and get into my car.  I thanked God for the blessing of my car, and I thanked Him for the miracle that kept me on the road until I had the money to replace those old worn out tires.  The tribulation became my “glory” because I never gave up.  John Wesley said that your glory is “Not fainting” when things become tough.  Glory means beauty, ornament, distinction and pride.  Our standing in faith, taking everything to prayer:  “Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;” Ephesians 6:18 (KJV), gives God a sense of pride over our trust and faithfulness.

I certainly don’t recommend living recklessly and expecting God to get you out of situations that you could have avoided.  There’s a scripture about that, it says:  Ye shall not tempt the LORD your God, as ye tempted Him in Massah.”  Deuteronomy 6:16 (KJV).  But when you have no other means of solving a problem, leaning on God through prayer and supplication will have profound and amazing results.  Our God is mighty to answer in ways that can only be done by Him.

Lord, I thank You that You are always with me, listening to my joys, fears, pain, and desires.  I thank You that when I am in situations that I cannot control, You are there to keep a watchful eye and bring miracles when they are needed.  I can never thank You enough for all you do.  I can only promise to do my best to make myself available for anything You ask me to do.  I am forever Yours.

(stock photo, not actual tire)

 ** A Journey Through Ephesians – Chapter 3, Part 5

Written by Linda J. Humes

4-17-2016

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In Times of Crisis

2 Feb

“These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”   John 16:33

—

There isn’t a person born who hasn’t faced crisis at some time in their life. Some people face crisis on a daily basis; some very rarely.

In my life I’ve experienced crisis in many, many forms. Each event was different, but had its own specific crisis impact on my future and the person I would become. Living in extreme poverty, sexual abuse, physical abuse, alcoholic husband, divorce, having a child trapped in drugs, having a child in prison, health failures, financial burdens, all of these set a tone for who I was, and by the way I dealt with each event, who I would become. I had to ask myself whether I was going to I allow the crisis to define my weakness or whether I would use the crisis to build my strength.

I have prayed many times to receive the understanding of why I went through so many difficult events. When I began to counsel people the answer became clear; I could relate to the pain of others and bring to them a testimony of hope. I don’t believe it was God’s plan for me to have to face so many difficult situations, I believe they came because of the choices of my parents, and later on, because of my own insecurities and poor resulting choices. I do believe that God took those situations and turned them into a God purpose, to help raise another out of the pit of despair.

I can testify that you can lay hands in prayer on an empty refrigerator and food will come to your door by the most unexpected means. I can testify that through prayer a seemingly lost child will return home and rededicated their life to Christ. I can testify that you can forgive a rapist and a child beater. I can testify that miracles happen every day, even in the midst of crisis, if you take a moment to look. I can testify that God answers prayer and moves mountains from your path, if that’s what it takes to solve a crisis in your life. I can testify to these, because I’ve walked those paths.

God never leaves us; He laughs with us and He cries with us. He holds us in the dark hours and sends angels to provide our needs. Sometimes the angel is you, sometimes it’s me, and sometimes it’s a complete stranger. God’s love will continue to hold us closes; as long as we let Him. When we are so angry at Him for allowing things to happen to us, He holds us close. His omnipotent, omnipresent, omniscient presence understands our confused emotions and allows us to work it through, just as we do with our own children.

Leaning on the love and understanding of God brings peace. God helps us to remain strong in faith by being who He is, faithful.

Letting go in a time of crisis is not easy. We hold fast with both hands to what we think we should keep. But, if we don’t release the left hand of yesterday and the right hand of today, we won’t be able to reach for the hand of God and His blessing for tomorrow.

What are you holding onto? Are you embroiled in a crisis at the hands of the enemy, or are you the empowerer of your own situation by not releasing the past and standing in faith of a new tomorrow? Let go!

By Linda J. Humes

Written 1-30-2011

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A NEW DAY

5 Apr

We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: 2 Peter 1:19

…

You take the darkness of night,

Through the chill of dawn,

And burst forth the morning sky,

Opening in fragrant gold,

As a beautiful yellow rose bud,

Firm yet delicate,

Opening its vulnerable petals,

To bless the waiting soul.

…

The colors race across the sky,

Painted by the wings of Angels.

The sun rises,

Orchestrating warmth and life,

Bringing hope.

…

It’s a new day!

…

And as these miracles of morning,

These miracles of life,

Explode all around,

So many pass right by,

Unaware.

…

My Spirit cries out,

“Look what God has done,

Look what He has made for you.”

They pass right by,

Unaware.

…

Let me always cling,

To the miracles of the moment,

Always aware,

Always grateful,

For the hand of God.

Written 4-2-97

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Jesus Looks Beyond

23 Nov

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Jeremiah 29:11

—

I’ve never thought much about my abilities, but my inabilities come up and sting me all the time. As I age and become more “wise” I discover that my physical abilities and stamina wan. How could I possibly make a difference in God’s Kingdom; I can’t even open my own water battle half the time.

I think of great people who have made an incredible impact on God’s people; the sacrifices they made, the changes that took place because they took a stand and reached out to hurting people. I see Mother Teresa holding dying people in Calcutta and Billy Graham standing at a podium, speaking to tens of thousands of people about God’s glory. I see A. A. Allen standing in a faith so strong that he laid hands on the hopelessly ill and they became whole. I see Kathryn Kuhlman’s faith and the lives that she touched. How could I ever make a difference in God’s Kingdom; I have nothing? God, how can I make a difference?

I spent time watching these great people on YouTube clips and it all became very clear to me. Each person we call “great” were simple people who recognized their own frailties and inabilities. They were available humble vessels who believed in the power of God to do all things. They realized that in and of themselves, they were nothing – just like me.

God, let me always remember that I am nothing more than an empty vessel, filled with the Holy Spirit. Help me to realize that although I am nothing, when yielded to your plan and guidance, miracles can happen. In my inability, God, You can build a church.

 

—

Written 1-14-2010

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A LITTLE BIT MORE

3 Nov

 I will declare your righteousness and your salvation every day, though I do not fully understand what the outcome will be.  Lord God, I will come in the power of your mighty acts, remembering your righteousness—yours alone.    Psalm 71:15-16

—

Lord, in my temptations you hold me,

Thru sorrows and tears You are there.

When all of the world is against me,

I truthfully know that You care.

 

As each day unfolds I find trials,

And burdens to heavy to bare.

I humbly come in Your presence,

And lay them before You in prayer.

 

I’m nothing without You beside me,

You teach me Your words that I share.

When falling, I pray that You’ll guide me,

And I’ll shine just a little bit more.

—

Lord, each day you give life new meaning,

My old life’s a memory gone past;

My worldly possessions lose value,

Your love is all that will last.

 

You touch me each morning with fire,

And rivers of water run thru;

I can’t even think of tomorrow,

Without knowing that I have You.

 

You’ve lifted me out of dark shadows,

And endless confusion and strife;

Your mercy and grace has renewed me,

And shown me the beauty of life.

—

Lord, now has come time to witness,

And share the beauty I’ve found;

It’s happiness, free for the asking,

Where joy and blessings abound.

 

I’ll teach with honest persuasion,

Myself, an example of praise;

Teaching Your word and Your promise,

Your miracles, works and sound faith.

 

I’ll conquer if You stand beside me,

No enemy dares to cause harm;

Your children will follow in victory,

Wrapped in Your arms safe and warm.

—

Written 1991 as a song

—

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COME YE

7 Oct

—

And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.   1 Corinthians 12:28 (KJV)

—

Sun glistens through the flowing golden honey,

Slowly – deliberately – gracefully,

It edges downward toward the earth.

The secret of the hive is revealed,

The source of perfect sweetness at the hand of God.

—

There it glistens – calling to a tender heart,

“taste and see” – “taste and see”

“the incomparable savor of God.

Come ye born to Apostle.

Come ye born to Teach.

—

Reach forth ye Shepherds and collect enough to satisfy your flock.

Help him to carry – those called as Servants.

Come ye – those called to pray the gift of Healing into this treasure.

—

Multiply the pots – those called to Miracles.

Prepare the way – those called to chart the Path.

Speak the Word of deliverance – in the tongues of angels,

That no soul will go untouched.

Raise up your voice in harmonious worship,

Preparing the Heavenlies.

—

Let the song of the Lord flow forth,

Golden – Sweet – Pure

As God’s rich nectar.

—

Fear not the gifts God has birthed inside you.

Fear not the power of the Anointing as it flows through you.

Be not concerned at the doubting words of man,

they understand not.

—

Speak the Word with a tongue touched with honey,

Pure – untainted – deliberate.

Be the untouched – untouchable Gospel,

To The WORLD.

Amen!

—

Written 6-16-07

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The Blood

19 Jul

Christ with cross

 “And he said, What hast thou done? the voice of thy brother’s blood
crieth unto me from the ground.”    (Genesis 4:10  KJV)

Blood pools at the soldier’s feet surrounding the whipping yard, spraying those nearby, spraying those ripping His flesh.  Were they ever the same?  Did His blood heal the afflictions of those who wielded the Cat of 9 tails?

When they ripped at His beard and slapped His face, when the blood transferred from God to Man, did they feel the change?  Were they startled?  Were they ashamed?

Every step along the Via de la Rosa was stained with blood.  Those who screamed “Crucify Him!” surrounded and followed after Him.  As their feet stepped on the bloody droplets, did miracles change their lives?  Did the blood burn their skin?  Did it tingle?  Did it warm them to their souls?

When Simon lifted the cross and Jesus’ blood smeared onto his face, did he still see the battered face of a condemned man, or did he see the face of God?

When the soldiers pounded the nails through Jesus’ wrists and they were sprayed by gushing blood, did they stop, even for a moment?  Did he feel the touch of anticipation in the dampness?

When Mary and John sat at the foot of the cross, praying and weeping, the precious blood of Jesus trailing down the wooden cross – dripping from His arms, dripping from His feet onto their clothing, onto their faces – did they feel the new life that was about to birth, or were they so torn by grief that they couldn’t see that each precious drop would birth a new nation, strong in miracles and power?

Did His last words pierce the sky like lightening, capturing the soul of anyone who heard?

When the soldier pierced His side, being sprayed with water and blood that flowed from Him, did he feel the hand of God?  Did he step back and recognize that this blood, this water, wasn’t the same as the hundreds of other men’s that he had seen before?  Did the water of the spirit flow over him?  Did he hear the voice of God?

When the sky turned dark and the earth trembled, did they feel God step down to carry up the soul of His precious son?

When they lifted His body down from the cross, did the last few drops touch the hands of the called?  Did they feel the burning and stirring inside of something miraculous about to happen?

Are there yet drops of His blood that have seeped deep into the soil, that by its presence makes the city Holy, not for what it is, but for who left His blood along a pre-ordained path?

Are my hands stained with His Blood when I walk from the path He called me to, like the many who strayed back then, and in their ignorance and anger, drained the miracle giving, life healing, Blood of Jesus out onto the ground?

Do I stand on hallowed ground and cry “No, it’s too hard” or like Simeon, do I pick up the cross and wrap an arm around my beaten circumstance and walk toward the word God spoke into my life?

If I had held one drop of His blood in the palm of my hand, could I have seen the eternal face of God in its reflection?

Thank you God for a sacrifice I may never truly understand the ramifications of, for a gift of which I may never realize the full preciousness.

Written 3-28-2009

By Linda J Humes

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