Tag Archives: Spirit

MOAB IS MY WASHPOT

24 Nov

Psalm 60 and Psalm 108

—

I have been set between two warring factions,

Each is dear to my heart.

—

I stand between the two and push each back,

Trying in the physical to do that,

Which only the spiritual can change.

—

The anger and violence that explodes is frightening,

It cannot continue – it must not.

—

One faction leaves in rage,

Tainting the lives of those left behind.

—

I grieve.

I grieve in travail that seemingly,

Cannot be quenched.

—

I pray and clean my house,

I pray and stand in faith,

I pray and wait for my miracle,

It is taking so long.

—

“Moab is my washpot,” says God,

my thorn, of incestuous birth,

and my cleansing bowl.

—

Moab is my washpot,

A chosen outsider that I love,

With all of my heart.

—

I long to draw him close,

Yet he has pushed me far away.

—

I kneel before God,

Cleansing my past,

Cleansing my generations,

Cleansing the ground on which I stand,

Cleansing the future for my family to come.

—

As I prepare a new path,

A new home, a new way,

The heaviness of anger and grief lift.

—

When my loved one returns,

Peace will overcome turmoil,

Love will overcome rage.

—

There will be much pain to be healed,

There will be times of testing,

Times of patience,

Times of re-washing and cleansing,

Times of reconciliation.

—

I bless God for the times that Moab rose up,

For we had a mere existence,

An acceptance of the way things were,

Things that were not right.

—

Without Moab, things might never have changed,

Now God can work His will,

In drawing us together,

The way we should have always been,

But couldn’t find the way.

—

Thank you God, for the trial of Moab.

 

 

—

Written 2-8-2001

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GENTLE SPIRIT

19 Nov

But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel: Acts 9:15

—

Oh, Jesus,

work through this vessel.

Spread peace through this church,

settle your children.

Precious Jesus,

precious Jesus.

 

Close you eyes church,

listen with your spirits,

listen with your souls.

Do you hear it?

Do you feel it?

Gentle Spirit blow.

 

Feel the cool breeze,

flowing between the saints.

Feel the billow of His robe

caressing you cheek as He passes by.

 

Reach out to Him,

reach out.

He hesitates a moment,

He turns and touches the tips

of Your outstretched fingers.

Only a moment,

the gentlest touch.

 

What Heaven.

What joy.

What peace.

 

Blow, gentle Spirit.

Touch your children.

Precious Jesus,

precious Jesus.

—

Written July 15, 1993

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GENTLE

19 Nov

 

“And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.”  Mark 4:39

The Holy Spirit, what delightful sensations.

 

Like standing enveloped in a dense morning fog, the sound of the world is nearby, but the cool, moist blanket keeps you at peace and detached.

 

Like being snuggled inside a warm woolen blanket; covered head to toe.

 

Protected from the sharp bitter cold; warmly – softly held.

 

Like floating in a cool river on a dry, warm day.  The harsh, sharp noises filtered and replaced by the sound of rushing water.

 

And yet, like electricity surging from every point in your body, shooting to the center and then out through the top.

 

Sending you boldly, without fear, to complete the task at hand.

 

Oh, Holy Spirit. Gentle us today.

 

—

Written 5/25/92

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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.

—

By Linda J. Humes

Written 10-1-2012

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To Know

2 Nov

As thou knowest not what is the way of the spirit, nor how the bones do grow in the womb of her that is with child: even so thou knowest not the works of God who maketh all.    Ecc 11:5

The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.    John 3:8

—

At the breath of dawn

I raise my life to You.

—

I feel your warmth,

caressing the weary lines

that etch and pull

at the curves of my face.

—

Your light tenderly penetrates

the closed lids

of my eyes,

beckoning me to see,

far past the visible realm.

—

I raise myself up,

straight and tall,

pleading to you for the strength

I once had

of my own ability.

—

My own strength fails,

as it always has,

but Your strength overcomes

my weakness

as I step out for You.

—

I remain in sweet communion,

our spirits touch through

the gift of Your precious Spirit.

—

I absorb and regenerate

from the power of joining with You.

—

Your anointing oil pours

from the cup of Your desires

to the hope of my will.

—

I see what you have called me to,

but understand not.

—

I touch the oil that flows

down my garments

and wonder “Why”?

—

The oil glistens on my fingertips

as I take it to its appointed work.

—

I question and doubt,

every step of the way,

at why I was chosen for this work;

whether I could truly

make a difference.

—

As I reach the appointed place,

I reach out and touch the life

I’ve been sent to heal.

—

The anointing and the Spirit become one,

coursing through this vessel.

—

The Spirit speaks forth

as virtue flows out

through these fingertips

and into another called of God.

—

After the evening passes

and the shadows of doubt diminish

I return to the dawn

to seek You once again.

—

I so desire to know You,

to understand the plans

You’ve set in motion,

a plan that only you

can comprehend.

—

Forgive me, Lord,

in the dusk of doubt.

—

Help me to know that

my greatest mission

is to carry forth the touch

You have put in my hand,

And to take the steps,

You have placed in my feet.

—

Help me to realize that

all I need to know,

all I need to understand,

is that every move I make

is completely in Your will.

—

Written 6-17-99

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FALLEN FRUIT

7 Oct

 

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23

—

Stepping up to an office,

Stationed by God,

I stand in the valley of change.

—

Casting down yesterday’s garments,

Putting on the mantle of righteousness,

Sending out the proclamation,

The ways of the past are cut off,

Tomorrow we walk anew.

—

Many are the voices of comfort,

That come against me.

My shield drops in disappointment.

—

The arrows of discontent,

And false accusation wound me,

Causing my fruit to be pierced,

And fall down around my feet.

—

Then, I recognize the voice,

Not the voice of the brethren,

Only the vessel,

Confused for a season.

It is the voice of the enemy.

—

I cast off hurt as I raise my shield.

Many fruit have fallen,

My branches are broken and splintered,

But next to the wounds are buds of hope,

Watered by the words of the spirit,

Preparing the branches for an abundance,

Of new fruit.

—

Written 2-7-2001

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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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Troubled Water

23 Sep

(4) For an angel went down at a certain season into the pool, and troubled the water: whosoever then first after the troubling of the water stepped in was made whole of whatsoever disease he had. (7) The impotent man answered him, Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool: but while I am coming, another steppeth down before me.   John 5:4&7

I can feel it -

 the shaking,

 the stirring,

 inside.


The angels 

 have troubled the water,

 deep within me.


Who will help me,

 draw close to the pool,

 where pure love,

 can heal?


Where the Glory of God,

 lights the dark recesses

 of doubt.


If I move quickly,

 toward the call of God,

 the desperate corners,

 I find to hide in,

 will be purged and cleansed,

 and my Spirit,

 will be set free,

 to soar above the circumstances,

 my soul calls hopeless.


Who will take the chance,

 of entering into my world,

 and carry me down,

 to the healing pool,

 where Spirit and soul,

 come together?


Who will lay their life open,

 to care - to hurt - to lift?


Could it be you?

 

Written 1-20-99

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WHAT EVIL THIS?

15 Sep

” . . . Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time.”     Revelation 12:12 (KJV)

Did you ever notice how an act of kindness is noticed, smiled upon, and quickly dismissed as we walk into the familiarity of our daily lives? The news programs rarely give more than a 60 second blurb on the event, and it never receives a second glance. Yet, when evil visits, it permeates our body and soul, rendering us shattered and helpless.

As I left work yesterday I chose to drive through Arizona State University on my way to my room. I do this now and again because I enjoy the old buildings along University Drive, and seeing the new buildings that pop up between. As usual, the road was under construction (for years it seems) and I was able to spend a goodly time contemplating the events of the week. Only the day before was the Virginia Tech massacre where 33 precious lives were lost to a student gunman.

Before I even reached the campus heavy dark smoke began billowing up – 3 fire trucks, with sirens blaring, were trying to maneuver between the creeping traffic – all headed toward campus. Along the sidewalk students laughed, teased and walked toward their dorms – dressed in various expressions of who they wanted us to believe they were – dodging the occasional skateboard Romeo. I wondered if that was what it was like just before the gunfire started in Virginia.

The fire ended up being about a block north of campus; couldn’t tell if it was a building or a car – but wondered what went through the minds of the firemen when the alarm went off for an emergency near the university.

The people in the cars near by seemed more frustrated at the delays than contemplative or concerned. Was Virginia too far away for them to feel the pain of mourning students and family? Aren’t they aware that evil passes from the soul of one man to yet another without hindrance of time or distance? My God, please forgive us.

Overhead I saw a passenger plane preparing to descend and I remembered the days when the airport was closed and no planes were allowed in the air because of the evil that descended on New York. The pain of that evil rose up and met the pain of the evil from Virginia; the pain grew as the sirens whaled, searching for the nearby fire – red and blue lights flashing.

In a week the news stations will drop the story of Virginia Tech and will go on to the local stories of death and torture. Affected families will search for comfort and answers – some will blame God for man’s free will choice. Some will pray. I believe that is where I will be.

God, please let us never forget that the only way to dispel evil is to fill man with your precious Spirit. Bring us the opportunity to love on your unloved, that they might find You – before evil plants his feet in the soul of the shattered.

 

Written 4-18-07

 

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BREATH OF GOD

7 Aug

“Then said he unto me, Prophesy unto the wind, prophesy, son of man, and say to the wind, Thus saith the Lord God; Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe upon these slain, that they may live.”   Ezekiel 37:9

While training to become a foster parent we were required to take CPR training. We learned the ABC’s of CPR, the step-by-step procedures of saving a life. The first step was to tip the head back, chin up, and make sure that the Airway isn’t obstructed. Second was to Breathe into the unconscious person, watching for the rise and fall of the chest. Third was the Compressions, encouraging the heart to begin beating, pushing the blood to the brain and extremities. A.B.C. Clear airway, breathe (count), breath (count), compress, compress, compress, compress. Correct timing and accurate movement can be the critical elements of sustaining life until the ambulance arrives and takes over.

While in worship one day it occurred to me that God has designed a Spiritual CPR for His children to follow. Divine steps that bring us into the throne-room of God.

Similar to clearing the airway, we tilt our face upward toward God, speaking our prayers and singing our worship. We clear our thoughts from the trials and temptations of daily life and focus completely on Him. Abba, Father, we cry out; Holy and Anointed One. We give You praise.

Then comes the breath of life; the Holy Spirit breathing the precious anointing into our lives. Like waves of the ocean, as we stand in worship, He breathes over us, refreshing, renewing, healing, preparing, speaking; wave after precious wave. Closer and closer we draw to the throne-room of God. Filled with the cleansing breath of truth. Filled with the cleansing breath of wisdom. Breathing in, breathing out, the life of God within us.

Then the foundation; the Word of God, pumping into us the strength of life with the flow of faith brought by the Blood of Christ, covering our past, our daily frailties, our mistakes of tomorrow. Challenging us with parables, psalms and proverbs. Building, pumping, encouraging, pumping, feeding, pumping. The very truths we base our lives upon.

Clear – breathe – breathe – compress – compress – compress – live.

Prayer – worship – indwelling of the Spirit – the Word of God – life.

Prayer – worship – indwelling of the Spirit – the Word of God – stronger life.

What if we choose to walk away when someone needs immediate CPR? What if we wait for another to come along and do the life-saving steps that are needed? The longer the person remains unhelped, the greater the risk of death, multiplying in risk by the second.

Unlike physical CPR, the Christian must take the steps toward Spiritual CPR themselves. Steps that will give them a confident, joy-filled, eternal life in Christ. No one else can take the steps for you. No one else can breathe in the anointing for you.

What if we walk away when God calls us to relationship with Him? What if we don’t cry out to Him in prayer and worship? What if we quench the Spirit, discouraging His life-filling breath? What if we refuse to fill our heart, our mind, our soul, with His Word? What if?

Dear God, remind me daily of the eternal death that awaits those who walk away from you. Help me to help them to take the steps toward life – forever.

 

 

Written 6-24-04

 

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