Like Alice in Wonderland, I was speechless with admiration for it’s wild and sublime grandeur. A torrent of power and beauty washed over me and through me with a loud, spirit filled silence that spoke eloquently and profoundly, that God does imperially and emphatically exist. Transfixed with an exalted sense of being, my eyes dripped with tremendous tears of emotion as they gazed upon the silent vista across Silver Lake. The towering granite cliffs and the snow melt avalanche of fresh water that fills the lake is surrounded by a grand grove of majestic Sequoia trees that have weathered 2,000 years ~ Their twiggy limbs stretch up in praise of the One who created them. What a gift from our loving Father, whose great delight it is to usher His children along into a Disneyland that twirls us about to give thanks to our beloved Dad! Absolutely enchanted by Dad’s great joy in witnessing my discovery of all that He has done for me, I descended into the hypnotic romance of Plasse’s Resort. Forever after this personal experience so long ago, I became a zealot, an absolute fanatic of God’s creation. With quaking hesitation I humbly give God the glory with this simple utterance intended to glorify God Almighty. I am filled with honor for His thought of what would delight me, what would speak to me ~ to assure me with such overwhelming confidence that my Father; the Creator of all things did this for my pleasure and knowledge of Him. AMAZING! My words beg to not diminish His purpose in creating the seasons, the snow, and the scripture of nature. What a treasure to look up at what appears to be an old gothic cathedral of rocks with spires that point up ~ to the glorious happy works of God. Every tree and bush grew from a seed planted with a great purpose. The natural grace and charm of Plasse’s Resort uplifts, regenerates and washes the mind and spirit of all who visit.
IF a movie could be nominated for an OSCAR based on a message of TRUTH, or IF a movie was nominated for it's VALUE in society, then the MOVIE entitled "The Gospel of John" would win the BEST MOVIE for the century! The script was written by God. This 3 hour EPIC does not add one word to the Gospel of John. Enjoy perfection on screen. Purchase on AMAZON with commentary by the producers. Hear the Word and watch Father, Son, Holy Spirit love us --- even in our doubt, denial, rejection of the truth, He tells the truth, but do we listen? Do we accept that God is God and we are not? Mary poured out all she had because she loved Jesus, He had just raised her brother Lazurus from the dead! VISUALIZE Jesus, the Holy Spirit telling us the Truth, and yet some still do NOT believe? Must we also see miracles in order to believe? "Sir they said, 'we would like to see Jesus'." John 12:21 Excitedly Andrew and Phillip raced to tell Jesus that even Greeks wished to see Him. Without restraint of their internal jubilation about their close friend Who would soon rule the world --- Jesus knew the motive of their hearts and He had already rebuked them for their pride --- Knowing all things, compassionately He said "The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified." John 12:23 --- He knew that they just did not get the agony He was about to suffer. In love Jesus then explains "I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds." John 12:24 --- One life changing lesson in this scripture: ONLY when we die to our selfish desires, can our life increase the harvest of souls for His kingdom. "His heart was touched and He was deeply moved. Where have you buried him. Jesus wept." For one seed to produce more grain, it MUST fall to the ground and die. The blessing of a broken heart, a broken pride, a demolished dream --- is death to ourself, to a life's meaning ~ as the world teaches is meaningless. In that moment we realize what Jesus demonstrated to us. On this side of the cross, His lesson is clear --- the TRUTH will set us free to love as we are loved. Like a grain of wheat, the mission of God complete, Jesus came down into the pit, into the world to be seen, die and rise that we might believe. His death and resurrection gives us hope as He returned as He promised, in the Person of the Holy Spirit to be within us forever. Jesus knew that He would send the Holy Spirit in His absence, and that in the future, generations of people would understand through the Counselor. So without explaining what was meant in words, Jesus said "The man who loves his life will lose it, while the man who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life." John 12:25 What did this mean? Disciples then and today are baffled because to choose to die to our ways---when in our education, in our world, this makes no SENSE ---the cross, the life and death of Jesus confounds the wise! Because it takes FAITH in the purpose of Jesus to crucify our desires for recognition and importance. To fully YIELD our lives to the purpose of God, is to understand what Paul said "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me." The power in a single seed, a single life... is in the portion we allow the Holy Spirit to rule. It is ONLY in our full surrender that He is glorified through us. That is when one is willing to hate this life on earth, to die to it's own: will, goals, dreams, desires, wants, needs, plans, rights and personal reputation. Jesus said "If anyone would come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me." Whose approval do we seek? Approval and blessings from the world or from Jesus, the Son of God? Who do we listen to? What voice calling out in the desert? "I am the Good Shepherd -- I know My sheep. The hired man runs away because he does not care about the sheep. I am willing to die for them. They will listen to My voice and become one flock" One church, one body united in Jesus Christ. Are we afraid of speaking about our faith in public because we will be laughed at? "Those who speak on their own authority are trying to gain glory for themselves. But He who wants glory for the One Who sent Him is honest. There is nothing false in Him." Then Jesus told the Pharisees, the highly regarded teachers of the law of Moses "Stop judging by external standards, and judge by true standards." Today, on this side of the cross, as per His promise, the Holy Spirit resides in our body which is the temple of God. As Jesus taught in the temple, He said in a loud voice "Do you really know Me, and know where I am from?" "A branch can only bear fruit if it remains in the Vine."
Seeking the Son, finding Him in the quiet of the morning, reading His word, loving Jesus with my whole heart—but without the ability to fully comprehend His love, I sing: “Give thanks to the LORD, invoke His name; make known among the peoples His deeds! Sing praise, play music; proclaim all His wondrous deeds! Glory in His holy name; rejoice, O hearts that seek the LORD! Rely on the mighty LORD; constantly seek His face.” ~Psalm 105:1-4 ~ TRUTH IS that I AGREE with this AWE inspired thought: “You don't have a soul. You are a Soul. You have a body.” ~C. S. Lewis ~ and of course "BE STILL AND KNOW THAT I AM GOD." LISTEN to what the Spirit is saying: "Then the angel said to the women in reply, “Do not be afraid! I know that you are seeking Jesus the crucified.”’ ~Matthew 28:5 Taking time to be quiet and listen to what the Spirit is saying is to exercise self-discipline. 'It is a dangerous thing to be satisfied with ourselves.' ~~St. Teresa of Ávila
Our country was founded by intelligent men that published the first English bible for the use in American schools. President Jefferson arranged for the Marine Corp to serve as the choir at the Capitol Hill Church! The truth shall set us free indeed! One nation, under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all. God plants His own dreams in the human heart and when that dream matures, and when the time is His, and right ~ God fulfills His plan through the bumbling and the willing. Thomas Jefferson penned the constitution yet in his private life he owned slaves. We are all filled with contradictions, we all fall short, and we all need a Savior ~ "What man meant for ill, God will use for good." SALVATION cannot be sold or earned. It is not a reward that God dangles before man like a carrot before a stubborn mule. Salvation is a free gift and that is the GOOD NEWS, that is His capital idea! God in His mercy offers salvation NOT to one nation, not to one descendant, not to one culture, not to the aristocrats, republicans, or democrats, but to ALL people. We are here to represent the King of Kings - NOT the pale, gentle, meek, mild Jesus ~ but the Christ of the gospels. Jesus confidently walked and talked in the streets of Palestine, Bethlehem, and parts of Asia. He was bronzed by the sun, He was fearless and with His strong, rugged carpenter hands he tossed the tables of the money changers, He had fun at weddings, He satisfied unspoken needs, He raised the dead, gave sight to the blind and loved equally the politician, the prostitute, shepherds, fishermen and the woman at the well. Jesus called a spade a spade and He allowed the actions of hatred to crucify the character of the proud. Jesus got a kick out of walking on water and challenging the puffed up Pharisees to consider what they believed. He chases and chastizes the hearts of those who love Him that they too shall NOT judge, as they forgive as they have been forgiven. It is the jolly good business of the saved to introduce equal love to the unlovable, to the shattered, torn, and unforgiving souls of society. Jesus enjoys our earnest attempts, our fumbling and resistance to His generosity. He wants to hear our laughter, a good joke, great music and our humble confessions of missing the mark or the boat. All Capitol ideas are delivered from the mind of Christ unto us to act upon. AMEN
The Holy Spirit tells us the TRUTH --- "It was just before the Passover Feast. Jesus knew that the time had come for Him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved His own who were in the world, He now showed them the full extent of His love. The evening meal was being served, and the devil had already prompted Judas Iscariot, son of Simon, to betray Jesus. Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under His power, and that He had come from God and was returning to God; so He got up from the meal, took off His outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around His waist. After that, He poured water into a basin and began to wash His disciples feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around Him." JOHN 13:1-5 --- SOME LESSONS FOR TODAY: A) Jesus knows the motive of every heart, even the Judas in us. B) Jesus has all power. C) Jesus took off His outer clothing, unlike Adam in the garden of Eden, Jesus has nothing to hide from us, He has no shame, He has no pride. D) Jesus poured out His living water into the empty basin of all mankind and He washes us clean. Mary poured out all she had because she loved Jesus, He had just raised her brother Lazurus from the dead! VISUALIZE Jesus, the Holy Spirit telling us the Truth, and yet some still do NOT believe? Must we also see miracles in order to believe? "Sir they said, 'we would like to see Jesus'." John 12:21 Excitedly Andrew and Phillip raced to tell Jesus that even Greeks wished to see Him. Without restraint of their internal jubilation about their close friend Who would soon rule the world --- Jesus knew the motive of their hearts and He had already rebuked them for their pride --- Knowing all things, compassionately He said "The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified." John 12:23 --- In this 3 hour epic movie that does not add one word to the Gospel of John, we hear the living Word and watch Jesus gaze into the troubled faces of His disciples. He knew that they just did not get the agony He was about to suffer. In love Jesus then explains "I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds." John 12:24 --- One life changing lesson in this scripture: ONLY when we die to our selfish desires, can our life increase the harvest of souls for His kingdom. "His heart was touched and He was deeply moved. Where have you buried him. Jesus wept." For one seed to produce more grain, it MUST fall to the ground and die. The blessing of a broken heart, a broken pride, a demolished dream --- is death to ourself, a life's meaning as the world teaches. God is attracted to weakness, NOT because weakness is noble, but because the WEAK heart has more room for God. In our moment of weakness is when we realize what Jesus is saying to us. Consider the LYRICS to Amy Grant's new hit song "More than a Halleluiah" On this side of the cross, His lesson is clear --- the TRUTH of this principle was made manifest in the death of Jesus on the cross. Like a grain of wheat, the mission of God complete, Jesus came down into the pit, into the world to be seen, that we might believe. To be put to death publicly, that His death would produce many seeds, many believers, many followers. ONLY in our weakness can He be our strenth. Jesus KNOWS our weaknes, He knew the weakness of each disciple too. He uses the weak to confound the wise. Jesus knew that He would send the Holy Spirit in His absence, and that in the future, generations of people would understand through the Counselor. So without explaining what was meant in words, Jesus said "The man who loves his life will lose it, while the man who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life." John 12:25 What did this mean? Disciples then and today are baffled because to choose to die to our ways---when in our education, in our world, this makes no SENSE ---the cross, the life and death of Jesus confounds the wise! Because it takes FAITH in the purpose of Jesus to crucify our desires for recognition and importance. To fully YIELD our lives to the purpose of God, is to understand what Paul said "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me." The power in a single seed, a single life... is in the portion we allow the Holy Spirit to rule. It is ONLY in our full surrender that He is glorified through us. That is when one is willing to hate this life on earth, to die to it's own: will, goals, dreams, desires, wants, needs, plans, rights and personal reputation. Jesus said "If anyone would come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me." Whose approval do we seek? Approval and blessings from the world or from Jesus, the Son of God? Who do we listen to? What voice calling out in the desert? "I am the Good Shepherd -- I know My sheep. The hired man runs away because he does not care about the sheep. I am willing to die for them. They will listen to My voice and become one flock" One church, one body united in Jesus Christ. Are we afraid of speaking about our faith in public because we will be laughed at? "Those who speak on their own authority are trying to gain glory for themselves. But He who wants glory for the One Who sent Him is honest. There is nothing false in Him." Then Jesus told the Pharisees, the highly regarded teachers of the law of Moses "Stop judging by external standards, and judge by true standards." Today, on this side of the cross, as per His promise, the Holy Spirit resides in our body which is the temple of God. As Jesus taught in the temple, He said in a loud voice "Do you really know Me, and know where I am from?" "A branch can only bear fruit if it remains in the Vine."
What if we could receive FREE divine guidance? Would we submit to it? Would we want to remain connected and directed to "walk this way"? How would we discern if this way is the best for us? Statistics show us that 20 million Americans consult astrologers or pychics each year and over 70,000 spend $4.00 per minute on the physhic hotline each week. So it is true that people want guidance and they are seeking it from persons that are sitting ready to take money for such guidance 24 hours a day. Darwin's 'theory' of evolution changed how many think, perceive God or beliefs about divine guidance. TRUTH from God includes helpful WARNINGS. "The thief comes only to steal (seeds of truth) and kill (hope in God) and destroy (dreams); I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." How cunning of the thief to use men such as Darwin and ------to convince people who seek guidance that there is no God. However, all the words found in the bible are God breathed. "Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet's own interpretation. For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit." Darwin was NOT divinely guided to write his books, his theory is man-made. Who do you count on in times of confusion? Who is quick to listen, and forgive? Where can you go to get a free guide book? What could you tell a friend in confidence and know that you would get an apt reply? The Holy Spirit is ever present, He is quick to listen, and respond with truth as He gives you understanding of the Holy Scriptures. He will lighten your load and show you the way! God chose the authors of the Bible, who were Spirit filled and enabled to write words of truth, guidance and encouragement to His people. "We have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us. This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, expressing spiritual truths in spiritual words. The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned." Let this eroding sculpture represent a person who accepted Christ. We each shall die, our body will decay. By asking for Jesus to come into our heart, we are indwelt by the Holy Spirit, (the white dog) and the sinful nature of man, (the black dog). The dogs are always fighting over the soul that the Holy Spirit wants to use for good, and the liar wants to destroy. Which dog wins the battle? The one the person feeds the most! In order to stay on the right path, to remain connected and directed by the Holy Spirit, we must feed the Holy Spirit to maintain our close relationship. Walk with the Holy Spirit, speak to the Holy Spirit, rely on the person of the Holy Spirit to guide you in times of decision, choice, direction and trouble. WHO do you call, at what hour of the day, to ASK to receive the divine Person, the all powerful Person, the One who gives the gifts, the One who does the supernatural work in people? In order to be filled with the Holy Spirit, you must call out to Jesus Christ, the Son of God, at anytime, night or day. ASK JESUS to take residence in your heart, and He will send the Holy Spirit as your Counselor, your Comforter, to dwell in you forever. BELIEVE He is One with God the Father, the Father is in Him, and He is in you. Then get yourself a bible and read the book of John. If you have asked, and you have believed, then you will receive the Holy Spirit, and the Holy Spirit will give you understanding of what you are reading. "But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you." Before His last supper, Jesus said 'walk this way' and He also said "I have much more to say to you, more than you can now bear. But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come." Jesus always spoke the truth "I came from the Father and entered the world; now I am leaving the world and going back to the Father. I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." God and the liar speak to us through people, and through books. How do we know who is guiding us? Test and compare what you hear in the holy sciptures. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you and give you understanding. Go to a man or woman that has mature faith and get counsel. Scriptures teach us 7 ways that the Holy Spirit works through us. 1) Sometimes the Holy Spirit speaks directly to you. "The Spirit told Philip, 'Go to that chariot and stay near it'" -- Philip obeyed what the Spirit said and the result was that Philip led a guy from Ethopia to believe in Jesus. That new believer spread the gospel throughout Africa. (Acts 8:29) 2) Sometimes through prayer and fasting. Esther prayed and fasted for three days and the Holy Spirit gave her words to speak that saved the Jews. The Holy Spirit gave her comfort, patience, and courage to go before the King, to risk her life to save the Jewish people. 3) Sometimes through circumstances. "Paul and his companions traveled throughout the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been KEPT by the Holy Spirit from preaching the word in the province of Asia." (ACTS 16:6) Have you been nudged "don't go there"? You felt a tug, a pull towards a different direction? 4) Sometimes through dreams and visions. "After Paul had seen the vision, we got ready at once to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them." (ACTS 16:10) Dreams mostly occur while we are sleeping, visions are generally thought to occur while we are awake. 5) Sometimes through inner prompting. "And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there. I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me." (ACTS 20:22) Have you ever felt compelled to travel somewhere without a clear purpose? Think back and reflect that journey --- What surprise? How were you blessed? . 6) Sometimes through other believers. "After we had been there a number of days, a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. Coming over to us, he took Paul's belt, tied his own hands and feet with it and said "The Holy Spirit says, 'In this way the Jews of Jerusalem will bind the owner of this belt and will hand him over to the Gentiles." (ACTS 21:10) So when Paul was imprisoned, he was forewarned by the Holy Spirit - and from prison Paul wrote the book of Ephesians. 7) ALWAYS the Holy Spirit speaks through scriptures. "The Holy Spirit spoke the truth to your forefathers when he said through Isaiah the prophet..." The Holy Spirit is the greatest promise that every believer NOW has testimony to witness. How has the Holy Spirit illumined your mind? When did the Holy Spirit transform your confusion into understanding? In what circumstance did the Holy Spirit change your fears into faith? "Ask and it shall be given."
Let us stop sometime this month and gather up a bouquet of friends for the purpose of pure enjoyment! Why not add a Posie to that Rosie? Why not surround that Daffydill with a Marygold? Our Father used His mighty brilliance when He caused a tiny seed to bloom so vibrantly! Consider the radiance, the elegance, the absoul-ute extravagance of God's finest creations right here in the Central Valley! What a collection of lovely, what a stunning array we find in our own backyards. When we take the time to surround our petals with a variety of colorful girlfriends, we become a breath taking, head turning, question provoking garden BOUQUET! Who is in your bouquet? Pick any flower that dangles down the right side of this blog. Click it and be dazzled by the unique personality within its bloom! Discover a bevy of souls who thrive as brides of Christ ready to hug, poke, joke, and laugh! Some grew out of rocky soil, some grew threw cracks of cement, and some bloomed in a downpour of rain! Our JOY keeps us Sweet, Trials keep us Strong, Sorrows keep us Human, Failures keep us Humble, Success keeps us Glowing, But ... only friends ... Keep us Blooming!!! You are a Sparkle Peep to someone and I hope to be blessed by your laughter. HO HO HO! Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. 3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. Any prayer requests will be royally respected and brought to our King! KEEP the VISION of ALIVE and THRIVE as you live in full bloom! Each breathe allows us to fill our lungs with the oxygen that He created to give us words to speak, and voices to sing. You are His unique creation and I am blessed to have you in my bouquet. We are God's rare and beloved peeps of faith, each born with a purpose and given the gifts to fulfill His will. Lord Jesus I pray that You touch the soul of all who click into Sparkle Peeps, that You cause a burning yearning to know more of You. I ask YOU Lord Jesus to cause each weary heart to be refreshed with a personal REVIVAL of the Holy Spirit. May the Holy Spirit give us depth so we can be His breath. Thank You Lord for Anne Graham Lotz who was obedient to You when she wrote "Pursing More of Jesus". Thank You for the hearts you have given us, and for the love you deposited in us! According to Your will Lord, may the Light within each Sparkle Peep implode and become an attractive flame that draws thousands. I thank You Lord for the joy and peace we all ENJOY as a result of Your purpose and pleasure to watch us grow! I pray that my life will bring You honor and glory! AMEN
He cries in the corner where nobody sees, he is the kid with the story that no one would believe. He prays every night, dear God won't You please, could You send someone to love me ~ who will love me for me ~ not for what I have done, or what I could become ~ who will love me for me, cause nobody has shown me what love really means. Her office is shrinking a little each day ~ she's the woman whose husband has run away ~ she'll go to the gym after working the day ~ maybe if she was thinner, then he would have stayed ~ He is waiting to die as he sits all alone, he's a man in a cell who regrets what he has done ~ he utters a cry from the depths of his soul 'oh Lord, forgive me I want to go home.' Then he heard a voice, somewhere deep inside ~ and it said 'I know you murdered, I know you've lied, and I've watched you suffer all of your life ~ but now that you're listening I tell you that I will LOVE you for you ~ NOT for what you have done or what you've become ~ I will love you for you and be the LOVER you never knew of. I will love you for eternity!
Every good gift comes from God. AMEN! However, because of reports of anger, confusion, and lack of direction about how to use the various GIFTS of the Holy Spirit, Paul wrote A LETTER to the extremely GIFTED believers of Corinth. The books of the bible are marked into chapters and verses, so that we can study and follow the intent of God's will, and His valued instruction on how to be effective for His purpose, for His everlasting kingdom. Paul's letter 1 Corinthians Chapter 13:1 "And now I will show you the most excellent way." Our great commission, our great priviledge is found in Matthew 28:16 "GO and make DISCIPLES of all nations, BAPTIZING them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." We are His chosen color, we are His ribbon of faith, we are His hands that stretch out, we are His mouth that speaks out, we are His arms that wrap around the lost, the hurting, the broken. When we GO equipped by the Holy Spirit with our gift, we are told what is the MOST EXCELLENT WAY to cause people to follow Jesus. READ 1 Cor 13:4 Without the motive of the person of PURE LOVE that indwells us, our speech is just noise. Our knowledge of God and His warnings of what is to come goes un taken. And sadly our generous giving gains the kingdom of God absolutely nothing, zero, zippo, zilch! The great commission requires the greatest GIFT of all, the deposit of the Holy Spirit, Who God sent to live within us, His LOVE for all mankind. The Holy Spirit is unleashed and activated by our continual repentance, our complete surrender and dependence on His power. Regardless of what country or custom, as we are fully available, we are enabled to speak words that come from the LOVE within, and His words baptize the listening ear who accepts Christ as Savior. Or we are enabled to mysteriously impart KNOWLEDGE of what is to come, and His wisdom compels the listening soul to ask Jesus to be their Lord and rule and reign in their heart. Or we are enabled to radiate His confident FAITH, and as people watch us, we become the sparkle, the light that draws desire, thirst and hunger for Who we possess, God Himself. Or out of the immeasurable and unmistakeable LOVE that dwells within, we are moved to GIVE as generously as He has given unto us, purposefully and entirely for the glory of God. LOVE never fails, people do. The person of the Holy Spirit that dwells within is patient, He waits for us to spend time in His presence, to call on Him, to depend on Him. LOVE is kind, the Holy Spirit is quick to forgive us. LOVE does not envy anything or anybody in this world. LOVE does not boast of His power. LOVE is not proud of His accomplishments. His deeds, His mission of mercy, the purpose of LOVE is not rude. He does not demand attention to Himself. LOVE did not come down to earth, and LOVE was not deposited in us so that we can serve our pleasures or our individual passions. LOVE is not easily angered, LOVE keeps no records of wrongs. As far as the East is to the West, LOVE forgives and forgets confessed sin. LOVE does not delight in schemes or plots to harm others, but LOVE rejoices as it hears the truth of our struggles, our battles. LOVE always protects us, LOVE always trusts us to be honest with Him, LOVE always hopes that we will turn to Him and rely on Him. LOVE always pursues us with eternal perseverance. When Jesus returns all prophecies will cease, all tongues will be stilled, all knowledge will pass away. For now we know a part of His plan, but when perfection comes, when Jesus returns, the imperfect reflections of man will disappear. We shall see Him clearly, face to face. What now we know, what now we see, what now we think, what now we feel, what now we imagine in part, when we meet Jesus face to face, then we will know HIS LOVE fully. Then we will fully understand His power, His magesty, His beauty, His ways, His will, His perfection. As LOVE knows us fully now, as we are understood and embraced eternally right now, we shall be enabled to grasp His full glory! And on this day, here on earth, right now, these three, this trinity, Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit, remain with us as One: Faith, Hope, and Love, but the GREATEST of these is LOVE! --- ROMANS 5 "Therefore, since we have been justified through FAITH, we have peace with God through whom we have gained access by FAITH into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the HOPE (Jesus Christ) of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out His LOVE (Holy Spirit) into our hearts by the HOLY SPIRIT, Whom He has given us." AMEN --- 1 Timothy 1:5 "The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. Some have wandered away from these and turned to meaningless talk." You were gifted, you are indwelt, You are wrapped in His protection, you are filled with LOVE, to be in His service, as a child of God, for His glory and purpose, you are clothed in His righteousness. F.R.O.G. Fabulous Robes Of God.
Lord, grant me the strength that I may not fall into the clutches of cholesterol. At polyunsaturates i'll never mutter for the road to hell is paved with butter. Whip cream is cursed and jelly is awful yes, satan is hiding in every waffle. He appears to me as a cinnamon roll eager to fatten and clog my soul. So teach me the evils of hollandaise of ribs and pasta and mayonnaise. May I have the presence to realize that evil lurks IN-N-OUT fries. And crispy fried chicken from the south, Lord if you love me, shut my mouth Pastor Rick Warren
As we meditate on the Word of God, we come to believe that His wisdom was given out of a love so great that it is beyond our full comprehension. The book of proverbs was written to give His beloved children direction. Our loving Father warns us to avoid fools, to not fellowship with those that deny God. His word instructs us to seek understanding from the indwelt Holy Spirit and ask for His help daily. What a delight to be in His presence and spend quality time with our Father, the King of Kings, the Creator of the universe, in His good and Holy book. Let us sing the songs of Solomon, and rejoice while reading psalms, the book of John, and proverbs for wisdom. BETH MOORE is an awesome, spirit filled teacher and witness of God's word. All past guilt, fear, judgement of who we have been, all limiting thoughts have been dissolved by the Truth. Let us affix our mind on the truth, in God's word. "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. 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." Phillipians 4:8-9. Let this Truth abide within our souls. Let the violent voices of our parents, peers, or the world be turned off, that they have no more authority, no more rule, no more impact! Let us return to our childlike faith in God. Let us believe in His perfect design of our body and mind. Let us trust His awesome plan to prosper us in His love. Let us remain constantly filled by the Holy Spirit as we repent and turn away from the world and its knowledge. Let us listen to the Holy Presence within. Let us be thrilled to be used by God for His glory! Let us Sparkle for Jesus and allow His joyful radiance to shine through us as His seal of approval! Let us choose our thoughts and surrender our understanding and accept the whole Truth, from the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit. Precious in His sight, we are His beloved child, filled with His knowledge, His wisdom. We are called to love as we are loved! God sent His son Jesus to earth so that the lost could see, touch, feel, smell, hear the TRUTH. The Way was demonstrated, the Light was shown to us, then deposited in us, that we could return, as a child, void of reservations to run to the arms of Jesus. "Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord God Almighty, heaven and Earth are filled with His glory!" (Isaiah 6) IT IS PRUDENT to take heed, and call on the Holy Spirit for understanding of every day matters. To listen before acting, and make wise choices. "Does not wisdom call out? Does not understanding raise her voice? On the heights along the way, where the paths meet, she takes her stand; beside the gates leading into the city, at the entrances, she cries aloud: 'To you, O men, I call out: I raise my voice to all mankind. You who are simple, gain prudence; you who are foolish, gain understanding. Listen, for I have worthy things to say; I open my lips to speak what is right. My mouth speaks what is true, for my lips detest wickedness...Choose my instruction instead of silver, knowledge rather than choice gold, for wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her. I, wisdom, dwell together with prudence; I possess knowledge and discretion. To fear the Lord is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech. Counsel and good judgement are mine; I have understanding and power. By me kings reign and rulers make laws that are just; by me princes govern, and all nobles who rule on earth. I love those who love me, and those who seek me find me. The Lord possessed me at the beginning of His work, , before his deeds of old; I was appointed from eternity, from the beginning before the world began. When there were no oceans, I was given birth, (Was it the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit who gave birth to Wisdom at creation?)when there were no springs abounding with water; before the mountains were settled in place, before the hills, I was given birth, before He made the earth or its fields or any of the dust of the world. (Does God refer to the Holy Spirit as the person of Wisdom on whom we must rely for understanding?) I was there when he set the heavens in place, when he marked out the horizon on the face of the deep, when He established the clouds above and fixed securely the fountains of the deep, when He gave the sea its boundary so the waters would not overstep His command, and when He marked out the foundations of the earth. Then I was a craftsman at His side. I was filled with delight day after day, rejoicing always in His Presence, rejoicing in His whole world and delighting in mankind. Blessed is the man who listens to me, watching daily at my doors, waiting at my doorway. For whoever finds me finds life and receives favor from the Lord. But whoever fails to find me harms himself; all who hate me love death." PROVERBS 8 --- Oh Lord Jesus, standing in awe, we give thanks to You, for we are wonderfully made. Marvelous are Your works. Thank You for designing us with the same care and precision You used in creating the universe. You built us with specific capacity and You embroidered us with great skill in our mothers womb. We are greatful that our personality, ability and appearance fit into the picture frame that God fashioned so that He can pour out His grace, love and beauty to the praise of His glory. Let us rejoice in His faithfulness, that He gifted us with a special purpose. Thank God for calling us to wisdom, and for the ears He gave us to hear, to listen... and respond with a willing heart. It is wonderful to know that God's mercy follows us, that His wisdom goes before us, around, below and above what we think. His love dwells within, His strength holds us, and His Word is firmly planted in the fertile soil of a receptive heart. What we see in the mirror is a reflection of the Holy Spirit within. What is within our human frame, is His creation? It is soul enriching to embrace the truth of our Father's satisfaction in the talents He chose to give us. Our imperfect human nature is to think that what we can accomplish is worthy of praise. All honor and glory belong to our Father. His Holy hands created us as one of God's original masterpieces. It is our desire to worship Jesus as Lord with all that we have been given. "In Him we were chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of Him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of His will." Eph 1:11 "For Thou didst form my inward parts; Thou didst weave me in my mothers womb. I will give thanks to Thee, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; wonderful are Thy works, and my soul knows it well." Psalm 139:13 AMEN
Isaiah 8:19 "And when they say to you, 'Seek those who are mediums and wizards who whisper and mutter,' should not a people seek their God? Should they seek the dead on behalf of the living? To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, it is because there is no light in them." ~ Isaiah 9:6-7 "The people who walked in darkness have seen a great Light; those who dwelt in the land of the shadow of death, upon them a Light has shined. ~ For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His Name shall be Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." ~ Kings that rule with evil intent will not reach eternity - their forever funk shall fail ~ punishment is but for a short season under their flimsy rule. Gloom shall be replaced with gladness as we seek and heed our Wonderful Counselor. As we follow Jesus, the divine ruling King of Kings, our everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace - He will give us power to do what He counsels us to do. He will enable us to do the impossible. AMEN
Like Alice in Wonderland, I was speechless with admiration for it’s wild and sublime grandeur. A torrent of power and beauty washed over me and through me with a loud, spirit filled silence that spoke eloquently and profoundly, that God does imperially and emphatically exist. Transfixed with an exalted sense of being, my eyes dripped with tremendous tears of emotion as they gazed upon the silent vista across Silver Lake. The towering granite cliffs and the snow melt avalanche of fresh water that fills the lake is surrounded by a grand grove of majestic Sequoia trees that have weathered 2,000 years ~ 
Their twiggy limbs stretch up in praise of the One who created them. What a gift from our loving Father, whose great delight it is to usher His children along into a Disneyland that twirls us about to give thanks to our beloved Dad! Absolutely enchanted by Dad’s great joy in witnessing my discovery of all that He has done for me, I descended into the hypnotic romance of Plasse’s Resort. Forever after this personal experience so long ago, I became a zealot, an absolute fanatic of God’s creation. 
With quaking hesitation I humbly give God the glory with this simple utterance intended to glorify God Almighty. I am filled with honor for His thought of what would delight me, what would speak to me ~ to assure me with such overwhelming confidence that my Father; the Creator of all things did this for my pleasure and knowledge of Him. AMAZING! My words beg to not diminish His purpose in creating the seasons, the snow, and the scripture of nature. What a treasure to look up at what appears to be an old gothic cathedral of rocks with spires that point up ~ to the glorious happy works of God. Every tree and bush grew from a seed planted with a great purpose. The natural grace and charm of Plasse’s Resort uplifts, regenerates and washes the mind and spirit of all who visit.
