Take Root and Write

Waving the White Flag of Surrender

In American culture and in our humanness, we believe we will be the winner. It could be a simple discussion with someone who has an opposite view, cheering our child’s soccer team, or leaving a stop light. Ultimately, we know there will be a winner and a looser, and we will not lose.

My walk with God is like that. He shows me a place of necessary growth. Instantly, my pride begins to argue that I really don’t need to change. A tussle with the Lord begins . . . until I get tired of struggling and I wave my white flag of surrender.

I lost the scuffle. I am the loser, I think. Yet, the reality is that when God wins, I win. My white flag waving isn’t the beginning of a prison sentence; it’s the beginning of my freedom in Christ.

Throughout history, waving some type of white flag has represented surrender. Raised empty hands above one’s head, paper adhered to the front of a helmet, a torn t-shirt or handkerchief tied to a stick, or a sheet attached to a pole are all examples of white flag symbols of surrender.

Whether it is a full war or a small disagreement, the white flag allows the weaker side to yield to negotiation and expect protection as seen in the ancient rules of war in the Old Testament, (Deuteronomy 20:19-20) through the modern days of The Hague and Geneva Conventions.

Surrendering can be a single act or a process.

By definition, waving of the white flag is a noun - a single one time event resulting in acknowledgement of defeat. As a verb, surrender is a continuous yielding.

Trusting God is a lifetime process. In Psalms, David’s voice is an unremitting sound of internal struggle to the One he knows will defend and protect him. For David, this is not a one time event of waving the white flag of surrender but a continual choosing to yield his faith to his God.

In this process, David is not a defeated prisoner, but a man who can walk in the freedom of God’s protection and rescue.

“Trust in the LORD and do good;
dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.
Delight yourself in the LORD
and he will give you the desires of your heart.
Commit your way to the LORD;
trust in him and he will do this” (Psalm 37: 3-5)

“He will do this” becomes clear as the psalm continues, telling David and countless generations how God is going to protect and defend against our enemies as we trust him, delight ourselves in him, and commit our ways to him.

Each week, a man in my church waves a white hankie during worship service. Hand raised high, he waves that hankie with the fervency of a cheerleader at a playoff game.

When I asked someone about why he waved the hankie, they answered that it was joyful gratitude for his grandpa giving his life to Christ. His grandpa had been an alcoholic, but when he gave his life to Christ, his grandpa was healed of that deadly disease. He now lives his life in Christ.

Every day, I have opportunities to wave the white flag, rejoicing in all the Lord has done for me. Yet, sometimes instead of rejoicing, I wrestle with the Lord, wrestle against new opportunities for growth.

I forget that God wants to protect me from harm, defend me from enemies, and free me from the situations that will defeat me.

As a reminder, I stuck a white hankie in my Bible. When I struggle to trust the Lord, I pull it out, and wave my white flag as an act of surrender.  

 

Donna Helzer’s greatest joy is sharing the journey of discovery and trusting God’s wisdom in the midst of life’s challenges.  Whether over coffee, in a note, or blogging, scripture applied to life keeps Donna going.

Proverbs 3

 

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight." (Proverbs 3:5-7) 

 

Trusting the Lord isn’t always easy, especially when a dreaded phoned call comes in the middle of the night or when someone with a tear-stained face rings your door bell. When facing emotional or tragic situations, sometimes the only thing we can do is trust God.

 

We immediately want to ask why and want to know what happened. We think our heart will feel better if we know the answers, but we are to “lean not on your own understanding.” God knows we will want to understand but sometimes, we aren't immediately able to.  He knows we try to make sense of senseless situations.  He knows the harder we try to bend our thinking like a pretzel, we will still never understand certain situations.  Why is it tough to trust the Lord with our shattered heart?

 

I believe it is connected to two things: our humanness and our relationship with God.  First, our initial response is to want to understand the hurt and then do something to fix it.  Second, we are presented with a choice and need to choose to trust Him with everything, which takes time to learn.

 

Receiving tragic news is always difficult because our emotions are touched.  We grieve, cry and ask many questions, yet choosing to trust God with all of it helps us to continue to move forward as we heal. 

 

~ ~ ~ 

 

Donna Helzer’s greatest joy is sharing the journey of discovery and trusting God’s wisdom in the midst of life’s challenges.  Whether over coffee, in a note, or blogging, scripture applied to life keeps Donna going.

Building Our House

When Elijah heard the sound of a gentle whisper, he knew it was God’s voice. He understood that God reveals Himself in powerful and miraculous ways. However, God also reveals Himself in a quiet, peaceful place within our heart (I Kings 19:11-13). All of us experience difficult problems, suffering, and indecision. Sometimes, we need to be quiet in order to hear Gods voice. Meditating on God’s goodness quiets the heart and mind and opens the door to His regal voice.

“Be still, and know that I am God! (Psalms 46:1 NLT).

Pondering:

Sometimes I feel empty inside. I want to hear Gods voice, why is He silent?

Coaching:

When God is silence, meditation and prayer helps us call to mind possibilities through the guidance of His Spirit. We ponder potentials while drawing a parallel to our own life. We connect the acts of thinking calmly, seriously, and cautiously, in order to absorb, realize, and engage in His honorable principles as we meditate on thoughts and ideas about the purpose of our suffering. In actually, God’s silence can be an answer. When we think that God does not care, try to imagine what God went through seeing His son suffer through humiliation, and then crucifixtion on the cross for our sins. Jesus was innocent. God cares and understands our suffering because no one has suffered more than, Jesus.

We pray about accomplishing our goals through contemplation with God. If God is silent, perhaps He is waiting on us to decide on our principles and perspectives according to His Word. While we may not admit it to ourselves, most of us operate outside God's will in various areas. Suffering is part of a journey to bring us closer to Him. Difficulties allow the opportunity to begin the process of complete dependency on God. Partial dependency on Him opens the door to delaying our growth, therefore delaying our life purpose.

We all have secret places and desires; things that no one else knows, apart from God. If we surrender, complete control to God He reveals our soul-purpose at the very center of our knowing with His quiet voice. He wants us to meditate on Him in times of trouble in order to teach us something about ourselves. The Holy Spirit helps us surrender to a higher knowledge as He builds our inner-house for eternity. All we have to do is ask for the building permit.

“By wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established; and by knowledge the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches. (Proverbs 24:3-4 NASB).   

There are compartments within the heart and mind waiting for precious and pleasant riches found in the house-of-wisdom. Every experience both positive and negative, are preparations for building our eternal house. But, there are precepts God wants us to discover on earth in order to serve Him and others here and in eternity.

Tools for Building Our House:

·        Wisdom, discretion, knowledge, and wise planning (Proverbs 2:1-11; 3:21-24)

·        Perceptiveness is extremely important (Proverbs 5:1-2; 8:11-12)

·        Direction and plans (Proverbs 11:11-14; 12:7-8; 20:18; 24:6)

·        Faith, trust, and confidence in God (Col 1:21-24; Hebrews 11)

·        Guidance (Job 37:10-13)

         Guidance in Hebrew literally means piloting our life like repositioning the tackle in steering a sailboat. God is the wind moving us; our job, is learning to realign the tackle (Job 37:12).

An iniquitous person meditates on self-pity and other wrong things (Proverbs 24:2). A wise person contemplates God and His great spiritual truths. Reflection is going over a chief concern in one’s mind. The constant recollection of God’s past deeds in the Scriptures helps guide us through reflection into a higher knowledge in the present that produces confidence in God. He speaks to us with a still small voice, and through His word.

Challenge:

I challenge you to ask yourself… “Do I exist in a disquieted, anxious place? Am I praying, meditating and studying the Scriptures in order to hear Gods voice?”

If we permit Him, He will quiet our hearts and minds as His Spirit delivers the tools we need to build our house.

 

Stronger Than Storms

 

Throughout the centuries, philosophers have pondered overwhelming questions that fascinate and intrigue us concerning life. For instance, why are we here? How do the characteristics of good or evil befall some and not others? Depending on whom you trust to ask, the answers will tilt one way or the other. Making right choices concerning "big decisions" inevitably set in motion a conduit, a road of consequences, based on the foundation of those decisions.

The Bible as a source of truth awakens a vibrant, forceful, and energetic foundation of insight for those who dare search for answers. All truth exists within the Scriptures. Herein lies wisdom, insight, and divine order, made available for guidance and purpose, where love is a force of strength, a shield for battle, and a path of joy. 

"Love is patient love is kind and is not jealous, love does not brag and is not arrogant" (I Corinthians 13:4 NASB).

Pondering:

How do we know if a vocation, a relationship, or a potential spouse is the right one?

Slow Fade

 

 

“Make sure that the light you think you have is not actually darkness. If you are filled with light, with no dark corners, then your whole life will be radiant, as though a floodlight were filling you with light” (Luke 11:35-36 NLT).

 
When we slowly fade from focusing on our spiritual goals, we can effortlessly lack the vision needed to obtain our life purpose. Satan is a trickster who erroneously schemes in darkness to distort the truth regarding light and dark attitudes and interfering with our perception. The eyes-of-the-soul is a key concept in Scripture referring to light and darkness in our thoughts and actions. But, how can we discover our destiny if our souls' eyes grow faint and weaken from lack of vision?

Jesus re fers to Himself as the light (John 1:7-9) of life and teaches us how to recognize both sides of our duality - and how to avoid counterfeit deception.

 Pondering:

How is it possible to have a positive attitude one minute and for no reason, my thoughts begin to turn dark, negative thoughts?

 Coaching:

Our body is subject to the variable substances we consume, such as too much fat, salt, and of course my personal favorite, chocolate. These things can trigger an ill-at-ease sensation when not balanced with good nutrition. Like our physical body, we are at high risk when provoked by the substance of our thoughts. A duality exists in all of us-- as if twins with opposite natures; one good, with the other weighing heavy as our sin nature.

If we are not on alert, our sin-natures overrides our thoughts and distorts the enlightenment that Jesus taught, trapping us under a dark influence.

Over-sensitive thoughts slant our perception, but to be deficient in sensitivity supports a lack of caring, and feeds the blinding, dark side of our duality. Our eyes are like a gate igniting an understanding of God’s light (Luke 11). Jesus emphasizes the eyes as the entrance into a deeper part of us. He invites us to take in light through first seeing and evaluating rather than judging.

In doing this, we not only see, but also hear clearlu through spiritual perception. This ignites the soul with revelation bathing us in the warmth of enlightenment. Our eyes are the first tentacle to receive stimulus and impressions forming the beginning of perception. Our choice of either positive or negative thoughts, ignite the action, and eventually, the importation of our ultimate outcome.

Jesus taught us to be conscious of the type of perception we embrace (Luke 11). He gives us dexterity to become skillful survivors in unfair circumstance, an imperative in order to endure with clarification instead of deception. If we habitually misjudge our observations or the intentions of other’s we set in motion a distorted version of reality and our souls light darkens and wilts.

Building discernment concerning out-of-perspective or over sensitivity through processes is found in studying the light of the Scripture. Jesus Christ is described as the “Sun of righteousness” (Malachi 4:2; Luke 2:32; John 1:7-9) Jesus is the sun the illumination of life. The inspired Word of God teaches us to acknowledge wrong attitudes.

·       Our sight may be contaminated

·       Our vision may be extinguish as we walk in darkness

·       Our lack of insight may prevent access to light or distort reality

·       Our ability to see may be obscure betraying our purpose

 Scriptures Referring to Spiritual Light:

 (1 Kings 11:36; Isaiah 58:8; Esther 8:16; Psalms 97:11).

 Our perceived purpose may be radically misleading through soul blindness. Our true-life purpose dwells in the eyes-of-our-soul, filtering information into our mind through light-filled perception by studying the Scripture, prayer, and inevitably enlightenment.

We will never know our destiny until we take off the filter of darkness and denial and open up to His light, elevating from the slow fade into darkness.

Let's Get Real about Wisdom

 “A wise man thinks ahead; a fool doesn’t and even brags about it! (Proverbs13:16 TLB).

 

Pondering:

Words have been hurtful between my husband and I most of our marriage. How can we heal from the habit?

 Coaching:

Unkind words strike at the heart as if beaten too smithereens. When we receive a barrage of callous words, it is hard not to clobber that person with a few choice words of our own. However, thoughtless and insensitive words carve deep wounds, shaping a dry wall of indifference.

Sometimes, silence is a blessing. However, unresponsive silence can also etch damage into a heart, by sending a loud message that the listener does not care. On the other hand, reacting with hurtful words reveals the responder is not hearing our message.

God looks at our problems quite differently than we do. He always listens, acts, and responses with unfathomable love when we suffer how He respond has a definitive, authoritative, and decisive purpose we often do not understand.

When a hailstorm of words hurt us, God wants us to respond like Christ leaving the situation in His hands. Sounds easy, right? Well, it is not. But, the Holy Spirit teaches us a deeper understanding thorough listening spiritually, seeing words as physical expressions of thought. He give us vision by focusing on what the heart is trying to say, by becoming sensitive to the tenor of a voice, or the mask of hurting eyes. God grants emotional and spiritual maturity through intuition; helping us understand words and silence, like when to speak and when to listen.

Reacting childishly, when challenged, indicates an underdeveloped emotional age. However, maturing emotionally and spiritually is a decision that it is hard work. The Holy Spirit does the spiritual work, but we are responsible for the discipline to continue walking the path of emotional growth and learning to listen to the insight of God’s Word.

God’s children are heirs to a predestined, distinctive, and an exclusive life-purpose but only if we allow Him to work within in order to instill and develop sensibility when embarking on a compatible life. Emotional and spiritual growth starts with a seed of desire. The Holy Spirit plants the seed, we water and feed through routine discipline, while He provides nutrients, warmth and enlightenment.

Getting real is about purging blame and prideful arrogance. Getting real is opening our sightless eyes and deafened ears to understanding God’s Word. With a willing spirit, truth reveals and unbinds relationships freeing us from satanic influences chaining us in emotional turmoil and immaturity. A great study on the word “Word” is (Psalms 119) in this beautiful Psalm God teaches us to listen carefully although, there are many hidden nuggets within (Psalms119) that once discovered will help us grow uncompromisingly passionate about getting real.

    “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you” (Psalms119:11 NLT).

 Getting Real On Purpose: 

(Book of Proverbs, Proverbs 13, Psalms 119,)

·       Being spontaneous is not always the best way to approach every situation.

·       Self-discipline achieves its intuitive goals.

·       Faith frees intimacy, builds companionship, and a productive life

·       Loving words deepen emotional and spiritual relationships

 In Relationships: (Proverbs 13)

·       Stubbornness blinds objectively

·       Pride and arrogance are sightless

·       Self-importance is without clean vision

 In Love: (John 3:16)

·       Love has a voice

·       Love listens

·       Love understands silent

If our plans cause us to use people and love things, rather than use things and love people, we are allowing Satan’s influence.

 Challenge:

Let’s get real about being wise, and use Christ as an example to learn from, model from and ultimately become as much as we can like Him, the wisest human that ever lived.

 

The Purpose of Deception

 

We all have moments when we cannot take one more thing and escaping into deception seems to soothe our physical and mental fatigue. This happens when we try to solve everything ourselves. Unfortunately, no matter how appealing the pretense, there is a consequence for living in denial of truth. No one can handle the tiring weight of life’s pressures alone.

But God transmits a soothing river of love that streams into the soul overflowing with peace and wisdom if, we take care of the directional flow of our life purpose. His love is collective; however, we have to accept His offer.

Pondering:

Sometimes we feel so deceived. Why do we fall for deception, when we are not doing it on purpose?

Coaching:

Deception can be extremely appealing. We hurt and are hurtful because we are human. The negative part of us is as dominate as the positive. Therefore, if we tend to hold onto hurt and pain our soul becomes a dry bed filled with old bones. This prevents the good and pleasant love of God from flowing within, and consequently, dams-up our soul.

Love is never easy. Sometimes we cannot hear our conscience. When our soul becomes spiritually hearing-impaired, deception can be extremely comforting if we do not pay attention to this satanic trap.

The Balance of Justice

Dear Child,  

Everyone does not experience the same life. Fairness is a worldly philosophy; justice is what I offer. Every person has been designed by Me - there is no other way to enter into human life.

Some are born into wealth, while other are born into the streets of the slums. Some are blessed with Christian parents that teach them about Me from a child, others are orphaned or neglected never hearing about Me as a child. Some seem to have a easy life, everything always going their way, but others struggle to survive the cruelty in the world. 

Life on earth is NOT fair. It never has been since the day Adam and Eve were sent out of the garden of Eden. Sin drove them out, and death replaced the tree of life. Pain, sorrow, enmity, woundedness, toil, and all curses of evil became part of human life. Nothing was fair evermore.

But, all was not lost. I am a just God, a God of mercy, promise and hope. I could not leave mankind in eternal death, so we provided a way - a balance of Justice. My scales do not measure as justice of the world. Before My throne no man apart from Christ will be found just.

Justice is only found through the substitutionary perfect life and debt satisfying death, burial and resurrection payment of Jesus Christ. Do you want to know justice? You will need to know Jesus. The more you know Jesus the greater justice you will understand in life.

 

Lindy Abbott 2011

A Heavenly Resolve

Have you ever sat quietly watching the wind move through trees? As if choreographed, some branches delicately dance a ballet, some outer limbs whirl riotously like rock stars, and a few waltz as one. For a moment, we can barely see movement, but knowing the wind is there. Then with no warning, a spiraling current of air single-mindedly lifts again tossing them into a dance on the wind.

Sometimes, the Holy Spirit moves us in a heavenly dance much like the wind in a mighty tree. It is up to us to learn the Spirits movements.

 Pondering:

I cannot imagine a life fully controlled by the Holy Spirit. I am not knowledgeable about spiritual things, but I have always wondered how the Holy Spirit works. Does our life-purpose become clear to everyone who prays for it, even people who are new Christians?

“He will be an instrument for noble purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work” (2 Timothy 2:21, NIV).

Aligning Your Step

Dear Child,  

Do you know where you are going? Life offers so many paths to take. Can you tell which one is right for you? 

So many people never think about where they will end up; they simply want to enjoy the current steps they take. Others can't seem to aim anywhere, being tossed around by the hurtful circumstances from the past. I even, with sorrow, watch others working so hard, using all of their strength, time, money, and talents to get to temporary goals and destinations that are mirages in eternity.

You make a decision. Your direction is a personal choice, even if you feel you are just spinning on the not-so merry-go-round of life. Simply following the crowd, or doing what society calls norm, is open to freewill. When you are young, still a son or a daughter of your home, your parents often tell you which steps you will be allowed to make. In essence, they choose for you. 

But everyone comes of age, entering personal accountability, and you own the responsibility for where you are headed. Are you going to be moved along in the crowd, like a shell in the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the winds of the world? 

Do you not know my mercy has lengthened the days for you to choose My way? With certainty, the day of choice will come to an end. Will you align yourself with Me before it is too late? If you lack wisdom to choose, ask of Me. I give to all generously and without reproach. The reverent fear of knowing I am Jehovah is the beginning of wisdom. 

I am telling you to walk by faith, not by sight, for not everything you see with your eye is what will remain in the end of days. By personal faith in believing all I say, your steps will take you to eternal life with Me, where your life may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. When you align your steps with Me, you will experience all joy!

Lindy Abbott 2011

Honey and Light

 Dear Child,

Read My Word. I say this not to make you feel guilty if you have not been reading the Bible daily. Though I do want to encourage you to do what is best and what is right. Do you you want to live right in My eyes? Then, read My Word.

Its precepts are like sweet honey to your soul and a lantern to light your path as you walk, so that you will not stumble or head the wrong way. Delight in what I say - My Word is your lifeline that keeps you from drowning in the sinful world. Read the Word with a desire to know Me, as you do, I will come in focus and be clearly known.

Years spent in schooling does not compare to simple time in My Word at My feet. My Holy Spirit is your personal tutor, teaching you and showing you just what you need to know. His lessons are specifically prepared for you. He will help you see as I see and fill your heart with compassionate understanding for others. 

Daily spend time in My Holy Bible .It will touch your soul so that you are able to love others without end. You are My love, and I want My love to spill over to all you come in contact with today.

Read My Word.

Lindy Abbott 2011

Quenching the Thirst

 
If there were a hole in the roof, it would be a good idea to fix it immediately so the rain does not come in. If a freezing, winter breeze blue in under the door we would find a way to eliminate it in order to stay warm. If there were a spiritual hole in our heart, it would also be a good idea to repair it before it wears thin, threatening to freeze our life purpose.

The Beatitudes -- Jesus' instructions for us from the Gospel -- know how to fix holes in our heart. They teach us how to live on earth and leave behind an equity legacy; one that yields great rewards in eternity. Finding our earthly purpose by following God's teaching grants us passage in eternity as leaders and rulers with Jesus.

"Blesses are the meek, for they will inherit the earth." Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness for they; will be filled (Matthew 5:5-6).

Pondering:

Becoming meek and thirsting for righteousness sounds great, but how do we achieve those qualities or understand what it all means? How do we begin after salvation to be more like Jesus? How do we begin after salvation to be more like Jesus in a world that darkens daily?  This is something I cannot do on my own.

Words Like a Gentle Shower

 Dear Child,

Hold your tongue. Be careful - your tongue is very powerful. Surrender your right to speak and express yourself to me. The Bible, My Word, is the filter for all you want to say. Consider the power of words. One rashly spoken phrase can scar a person for decades or be your public testimony for years. Repent of unconsidered words. Submit to Me your tongue and I will tame it. Ask Me, and I will guard your mouth.

Chose words wisely. Rant, raving and accusing are not My way. I am lovingly firm for when I speak my words are showered with forgiveness and grace. I speak timely, only what you need for life and the present day. Don't waste your words. If you do, you water down all you say. Like the overwhelming flood of a tsunami, your comments will hurt, exhaust and drown others. Be a gentle spring shower, saying what is needed and necessary for the hearer.

There is a season to speak and a season to be quiet. Be sensitive to My Holy Spirit to know the season you are in. Listen for my instructions, I will guide you in everything you write or say.

Lindy Abbott 2011

 

My Heart's Desire

Dear Child,  

I desire to have a relationship with you.as Adam and Eve once had in the Garden of Eden.  Sin separated you from Me. But I have provided the way for you to be reconciled to Me. 

Jesus was born as a man to die. Jesus grew in maturity and stature as a young Jewish man. He was obedient every day of His life, sinless from the womb. Sin came to Him but He did not choose it. At My perfect time, He willingly laid down His life. He became sin, your sin. Jesus, the Sacrifice Lamb offered up to fulfill the requirements of the Law. He paid the penalty of sin by being a blameless blood sacrifice. His blood purchased the sin debt  for every person in the world. Anyone who believes this to be true, by faith, has their sin debt paid in full!

Jesus, in  righteousness and obedience, was found blameless in My sight. He did not need to suffer the pentalty of death -- these were your wages of sin. He died for you! Let Me say that again, receive this personally, Jesus died for you! The choice is always yours - to believe or not believe -to accept Jesus as your Messiah or to deny Him. Choose carefully, your eternal life depends on it. Choose to believe in Jesus and spend eternity with Me in Heaven - this is the desire of My heart for you.

Lindy Abbott 2011

It is Never too Late - Part 2

 

 

Anchored deep within human genetics is a sin nature with the single goal to influence our every decision. Yet, our daily choices influence each path we tread. It is a balancing act to choose the right path, and sometimes, this choice between right and wrong, can overwhelm our life.

But, it is never too late to surrender ourselves to God and trust Him with out problems, just as the first part of this series reviewed in the last column. Our Father identifies with fragile and vulnerable believers in a world where spiritual warfare cleverly campaigns in opposition to God's purpose. If we decide to work on downsizing our sin nature, the Holy Spirit ministers to willing hearts by initiating a new love for unlikable individuals. He instills extra patience such as faith, and trust, and we begin walking toward the light.

As hope grows, wisdom embarks on cultivating a trust in God's design, and inevitability a diminutive seed of desire forms in us to accomplish God's will. This seed of faith continues to grow forever. His will is to sanction a communion with His own children. He wants to compose in us the gift of mercy, like a sweet symphony playing in our soul. This is the beginning of a pure heart. And as we grow more pure, we cross a threshold into enlightenment through the Holy Spirit.

Light, Bright, White Snow

Dear Child,  

Snow is so joyful. It is light, bright, white and unique. No two flakes are the same. Some are tiny, barely visable, before they melt away. Others are large, fluffy, clustered in groups. You are so unique to me. I want you to be whiter than snow.

Sins in your life causes a dark stain on your soul. When you  live in darkness, your sin is barely visible, but it never melts away. When you come into the light, your sins seemingly become large, like they are clustered in groups. I don't want you to walk in bright places to embarrass you. I want you to know you have sin so that you desire to be cleaned.

The blood of Jesus, shed on the cross is the only way for you to become clean, washed whiter than snow. Snow turns liquid or even icy hard when the sun shines brightly. Your heart will become cold and hard if you allow the bright truth of Jesus to shine on your sin, but you refuse to confess and turn.

Freshly fallen snow is so beautiful! So uplifting and refreshing on the long winter days. For some, it has the ability to melt sadness away.

To Me the blood Jesus shed for you is so beautiful! For anyone who comes to recieve, His blood can cover all sins. His atoning blood cleanses you completely. Do you long to be lifted up and refreshed? Do you want to know joy? Daily, confess your sins, and walk in His righteousness. Walk with Me each day in Jesus to be whiter than snow.

Lindy Abbott 2011

Never too Late to Surrender - Part 1

  
Regardless of our age, it is never too late to feast on passions, ambitions or dreams that we left behind. Even if the road we travel in life is all that we know -- and think it is unalterable -- God provides opportunities for us to return to the delights of our heart in order to discover our life's purpose. He even created an innate desire in us to develop and mature, despite our equally innate habit to make mistakes.

While it is okay to take detours, it is important to understand that meanderings are a part of life and that we learn from our wrong turns. However, our inherent insight is not equipped to discern God's plan alone. Only the Holy Spirit can provide the corridor to a wondrously mysterious avenue leading us into a deeper spiritual perception. The best road for our life-purpose is complete surrender to God and if we turn in that direction, it is never too late to feast ... on Him.  

"Blessed are the poor in spirit for they shall see the kingdom of God. Blessed are those who morn, for they  shall be comforted" (Matthew 5: 3-4 NASB).

Bold, Offensive, Controversial

Dear Child,  

Most people don't like to cause disturbances, drawing negative attention to themselves.Often when you speak the truth you will cause disturbances. The truth is hard to hear when you don't want to believe it or when it goes against they way you already believe.

Jesus, the Messiah, frequently caused disturbances. Religious leaders of the Jews did not want to believe what He spoke was truth. They held tightly to being a decedent of Abraham, whom God blessed with a covenant, promising a Seed to save the Jews. They did not want to believe Jesus could be the Seed prophesied over thousands of years.

I want everyone to believe in Jesus and the words He spoke while on earth. All who believe Jesus are My children. Anyone who does not believe is a child of the father of the world, Satan.

Some may say these words are bold, offensive, controversial. Truth sheds light so that deeds may be clearly seen. Everyone practicing evil hates the light, and does not want the light, because their evil deeds will be explosed. I did not send Jesus, My Son, into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.

Whoever believes in Jesus is not condemned; but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotton Son of God! And this is the condemnation that the light has come into the world and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. Jesus is the light.

Boldly embrace this truth. Embrace Me.

 

 

Lindy Abbott 2011

Step By Step

 Dear Child,

Seek Me and you will find the Truth. I will guide you step by step. To know Me you will have to let go of preconcieved conclusions and even evalute through Truth the things you have been taught. Never hesitate to test out the validity of what you believe. Study diligently to be certain.

Your first step will be to read the Bible for yourself. Really open the cover, and turn page by page reading through a book. The Bible has 66 different books. Pick one and read it from beginning to end. Pray for Me to show you the Truth as you read.You can start with the first book of Genesis or choose one like the book of John. Matthew, Mark, Luke and John are called the Gospels because the tell the "good news" of Jesus.

I will help you to follow the light I give to anyone who seeks to really know Me, the One and Only God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Isn't it time for you to discover and decide what you believe? 

I love you, dear one. I will be with you step by step when you choose to seriously search out truths, like if Jesus is the Messiah. Only you can determine what you with do with your discovery of Truth. Know that Jesus is interceding for you at My right hand, praying for your eyes to be opened.

 

Lindy Abbott 2011

Who Needs A Savior

 Dear Child,

Everyone needs a Savior, a person to rescue them from the power, penalty and persistance of sin. Jesus came for all people of the world, that through believing in His Words, they could be saved. I know sin is not a commonly used word today, not even in churches. You need to understand sin to be saved.

Everyone who was created human from the time of Adam and Eve sin. Have you ever disobeyed your parents or your boss? Have you lied or shrewdly hid the whole truth? Have you wanted something that another person had so much your grew jealous with envy? Have you ever dressed inappropritately or with lust in your heart longed for someone whom you were not married? Have you stolen an object, someone's innocence, or an idea pretending you created it?

If you answered yes to any or all of these questions, you have sinned. To sin is to disobey the way I ask you to live. When you sin, you lose your ability to be with Me. This hurts Me, because I long to spend time with you and to bless you in every goodness.

Until you taste having a relationship with Me, it is hard to feel or even imagine what you are missing.

I want you to know Me. I am faithful, loving, giving, graceful and holy. You need Jesus to save you from all of your sins you have ever committed so that we can have sweet fellowship. Believe Me. Confess your sins. Ask for Jesus to save you. Come to know Me as your Father God. I am waiting for you. Turn to Me.

 

Lindy Abbott 2010

Missed Expectations

 Holidays, birthday, anniversaries are always times that can set you up for missed expectations. Instead of letting a root of bitterness seed, lay your expectations down at the feet of the cross. In Christ you have received more than you could have ever expected and what you never deserved. The gift of salvation and your adoption into My family is filled with riches you could never uncover in your lifetime.

Watch times of potential disappointment, when 'you expected it, but it never came'. Or  many times you took it for granted, until you felt the pain of losing what was never really yours to begin with. Did you even realize you never even thought to pray? You were so sure. Certain it would be yours.

You may find Me at times to be not what you expected. I am a jealous God. I know your heart, but you need to be tested. You need to know - was having it more important than having Me. I want you to purify your love, to single out your devotion, to narrow down your desire - to be only for Me. I will not share your heart with another. I love you too much. I want you to be Mine! And I want to be yours.

Lindy Abbott 2010

Precious Treasures

Dear Child,

People are more precious than presents, decorations, and baked treats which simply perish with time. All things in life will never last into eternity, but people will live forever into eternity.

My inheritance you received is incorruptible; it does not fade away; and it is reserved in heaven for you. Those who suffer and are grieved by various trails need to know they can rejoice greatly. Even in the midst of horrible pain, genuine faith in Jesus as their Lord and Savior, will enable them to look toward life in heaven, which will last all of eternity.

This faith is more precious than gold or any gift under a tree that perishes. Faith that is tested through fire purifies and will be found full of praise, honor and glory. Faith is knowing things that are yet unseen to be Truth. You believe, yet you have never seen Jesus. Yet in believing you rejoice with inexpressible joy, which is full of glory.

Share with those who are suffering, knowing gifts and parties are nice, but the true gift, the genuine gift, needed at Christmas is not in a wrapped up in a bow. Being reconciled to Me, you will know peace regardless of life's sufferings. Share this precious mystery that was hidden from ages and generations, but now is available for everyone to know that their hearts may be encouraged, knitted together in love, and able to attain all the riches of knowing Me.

I treasure you, precious child! You are complete in Me.

Lindy Abbott 2010

Holiday Hurts

Dear Child,

Holidays are painful times for some people. The sad reality of a fallen and depraved world is that for many of my children Christmas, like other holidays, is not merry.

My faithful child, you know the peace and grace from Me and My Son your Lord Jesus Christ. You share wonderful love for your family and friends, and, all of this is good!  But also, be attuned to others who may be hurting. Particularly those who do not seem to have your faith and hope. In a longing to celebrate and focus on your own memorable family traditions, it is easy to not perceive those about you that are hurting.

These precious souls need to know the hope I have prepared for them, which you heard in the Word of the truth of the Gospel. The good tidings that needs to be heard during Christmas is the living hope through the life, death, burial and resurrection of Jesus, which is for all people.

So, as you walk throughout the holidays, be aware of those who look tired, frazzled, angry, or withdrawn. Take the time to draw near to them. Listen for Me to tell you what is needed.

Remember, I am always with you. If you pause from what you "need to do" you can hear My still small voice telling you what is really needed for those who have holiday hurts.

 

Lindy Abbott 2010

The Messiah Has Come

Dear Child,

I have prayed for you to know the Truth.  When you believe the Truth, it will set you free.

The Messiah has come and His name is Jesus. He was born to a Jewish couple, both in  the lineage of King David. Mary, His mother, was a devote  virgin Jew. An angel told her she would conceive a child miraculously by the Holy Spirit. And she believed. Joseph, His father, was also told by an Angel to raise the child as though he was his own son. He also believed.

Jesus has been and always will be My one and only begotten Son.

 In the beginning Jesus, fully God, created the heavens and earth. When sin entered the good world, through Satan , We knew Divine intervention was necessary to save the world from his destruction. The day would come for God to humble Himself and take the form of a human child. Redemption would come to all the world through My love for all My children.

I love you, and you to always believe this truth: Jesus is the Messiah, the Savior, the Divine intervention necessary for you to have a personal relationship with Me.

 

Lindy Abbott 2010

Rejoice in Life and Death

Dear Child,

I tell you to rejoice in everything, in both what you perceive to be trials or victories. I particularly want you to rejoice at the life of a newborn. In very much the same way, I want you to rejoice at the death of a brother or sister in Christ.

Don't mistake this for me telling you not to grieve. Grieving is a very natural process I created for you to go through to deal with all of the emotions of loss. In your time of grieving, let it be seasoned with joy.

What I am saying, though, is to realize that just as a baby is born into life at birth, a child of Mine is born into afterlife at death. Oh, the rejoicing that takes place in the heavens when a baby is born, when a person is born again by spiritual birth to be a saint and when my son or daughter is born into everlasting life!

Oh, the bitter sting of death does not rob my children of life eternally with Me. Jesus is the doorway to eternal afterlife in heaven. I was not created by man nor was Jesus. He and I are God; we always were and always will be.

Pluralism is a lie. Man-created gods do not to lead to everlasting life or any form of reincarnation repeating various levels of life. These teaching are Satan's lies. As many as he can draw into false religions, he allures away from Me and My Truth. Man cannot create God, nor can man create the rules by which God functions.

My ways are higher than your ways. I am not a puppet at any person's command to be used to control people, to take their money, to penalize them for not following a person. I am Spirit - not flesh and blood. The only time in all of history that I dwelt among people as flesh and blood was during the life of Jesus. Anyone claiming to be God is a liar. Anyone teaching another way to eternal heaven than what I have spoken through the Holy Bible is a liar.

Do not be confused, tossed to and fro, convinced to believe a different gospel or another doctrine! Rejoice in the new life of a baby infant! Rejoice in the new life of a soul once lost, experiencing regeneration of being born again from above! Rejoice when a saint breathes his last earthy breath and enters into paradise with Me! In all these rejoice!

Lindy Abbott 2010

Tossed

Dear Child,

I want you to no longer be tossed and carried about with every wind on how you ought to be a Christian. I remind you often, and want you to never forget, "there is nothing new under the sun." Since the time of Satan in the garden with Eve, trickery will be used to decieve you.

You don't have to go look for trouble. . .Satan makes certain that his minions are daily bringing trouble into your life and stirs up sinful desires within your heart. He is schooling people who want to be worshipped, who want fame, who want wealth and admiration, and who want power. His demons lie in wait for the perfect time to decieve you.

When you are strong in My presence, love and grace, protected by your faith focused on Me, he will not waste his efforts targeting you. But when you relax, coast, get carried away by the glitter and excitement of his carnal world, filled with carnival-food-relationships and roller-coaster-lifestyles, you will be tossed around in his winds.

In the garden he didn't come right up to Eve and challenge her to take a bite of what I forbade. No. He engaged her in light conversation. . .seemingly harmless questions of promises of hope to be more, to experience a life better, and to know more beyond her present existence. See how, in cunning craftiness, he drew her into his web of lies with little doubts of Truth, little selfish dreams, little hopes of greatness!

Center your existence, your daily thoughts, your passion for life on Me, and the counterfiet trinkets he offers will be obvious. You'll be anchored when your focus is on Me as I focus on you, forever faithful. Then you'll no longer be tossed. 

Lindy Abbott 2010

 

Listen

 Dear Child,

Listen. . .a simple little word, but a discipline that takes a lifetime to learn. People who don't like to talk appear to listen, but the opposite of talk is not listen. Listen requires a selfless desire to know and care about others. Have you ever experienced talking to someone and they look past you? They let you stand in front of them "babbling" your heart, but their eyes are roaming the area to wave, speak or find. They may not speak a word, but they also have not heard a word.

When you speak to Me, I listen. I don't only take in the words, I listen to the heart-meaning behind, between and within every word you utter, even the words you think, but never speak. You are created in My image with an unlimited capacity to listen as I listen. So often it seems too difficult or impossible because what concerns you, what you think, what you feel becomes more important than to hear.

Sadly, I frequently experience  what it is like to never be heard. I speak, but how often do you listen to Me. I have so many words of life, edification, direction, insight and pure love for you. . .but I wait. . . I wait. . . for you to be still, to open the ears of your soul to listen. I redeemed you not so that you could have access to heaven when you die. I redeemed you to restore your relationship with Me for now and for eternity.

This is the gospel of reconciliation and restoration that I want you to share and bring to all people, in your neighborhood, city, state, country and beyond. Don't look at people as numbers, stats, goals to reach in a warped sense of "doing Kingdom work for Me." Offer My salvation to others--a restored relationship, a rebirth to be my precious child, as I originally created.

As you live, Me with  you and you with Me in sweet and continual fellowship. Others will see without you speaking one word to "get them saved", and they will draw near, desireing to listen and be heard.

Be about My work, the work of Your Father. . .listen. . .with all  your mind, emotions, and spirit-- by listening you will be able to touch a heart of another if you utter not a word.

I love you, dear one, more than you know.

Lindy Abbott 2010

A Word

 

 Dear Child,

All words that minister to the soul comes from Me. You want. You try. You make. But until you come to Me, you will have nothing of value to say or write. Words are plentiful. They enterain, pacify, and even motivate people to do, but most words will never touch the spirit within unless they were given as seeds from Me.

The words I give when planted in the hearts of others have the power to spring forth to life. Within them are the seeds of life. You are the sower but not the maker of the seed. You may water but you do not create the rain. You may shed light but you are not the Son.

My Words, like seeds, will not always produce fruit. Some stony hearts reject the message immediately. Be careful as a sower to not get disturbed or hurt by those who quickly brush away the seeds. They are rejecting Me and My message, not you. Remember who you are. You are my chosen vessel to carry My Words to other people.

The few words I speak to you are in need of your human touch so that others can hear the concentrated message. I could have used angels to speak for Me. I could have recorded my words to be amplified audibly for all to hear. I choose to use men and women who allowed themselves to be  molded and purified. Often this process in painful. Yet you endured, lovingly longing to be of use to Me, to bring Me glory.

I rejoice over you, and love using you.

Lindy Abbott 2010

Preparation for Victory

 
 

 

"In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, oh Lord, will keep me safe" (Psalms 4:8 NLT).

God hears the prayers of His own. David called out to the Lord in distress knowing the Lord who rescues would hear his cry for help. The wicked do not fear God; therefore, they are already defeated and condemned.

David's son Absalom broke his heart as if plunging a sword straight through his father's heart. Why? Because Absalom was wicked. Like David, sometimes those close to us can be unreliable and cross hurtful barriers with words or actions.

When this happens, we feel deeply wounded. When someone pierces our heart, resting in Jesus unlocks the opportunity to understand the mind of God; resting in Him brings our will into line with God's purpose. It is humbling and reassuring to realize God's mercy extends to us (Psalms 4:1-8) and that the Lord has set apart the redeemed for Himself.

Therefore, God always listens and always answers when we call on Him (Psalms 4:3). Sometimes the answer is no, conceivable the answer is wait, the answer may be yes. Whatever His decision, it is always the right answer if our request is in God's will and we are willing to trust and rest in Him as He prepares us for victory.

Pondering:

I try to fight the good fight but someone or something seems to pierce my heart continually. Why can't I just live a normal life for Christ doing good work without all the drama and pain?

"But know that the Lord has set apart the godly man for Himself; the Lord hears when I call to Him" (Psalms 4:3 NASB).

Coaching:

David was a righteous King, yet he lived a life of continual drama. He was not perfect; just a human being with defects like the rest of us. He made both good decisions and bad, but either way he received the consequence for each decision. However, David found a secret that encouraged him to endure all things; he studied the scriptures and realized there is a peaceful rest in trusting and praising God, no matter the situation.

Desiring to make right or wrong decisions knowingly is equal-to the outcome of those decisions. However, there are times when we have done nothing wrong, yet life tosses us like an angry undercurrent pulling us down drenching us in heartache. Is it realistic that God's people will rest in His peace and strength no matter what the circumstance? Without a doubt, if we believe in Christ and grow in the knowledge of God through the power of the Holy Spirit, the consequence is that He will protect and strengthen us in all things.

What happens to those of us who began strong in the power of the Holy Spirit, but later weaken in our spiritual life? In all probability, we are trying to perfect the work the Holy Spirit began by our own effort instead of resting in Christ through the power of His Spirit. Sometimes we do not recognizing His power given to us.

Through faith, diligently searching the scriptures, and volition, we begin to recognize spiritual power coming alive within us. There is a moment in every Christian life when we realize God's living power within us. We experience His power by witnessing a direction or purpose that results in life-changes for us and in the lives of others that did not seem possible. There are moments of little miracles we often do not remember. It is important to journal how God answers our prayers mainly because we forget the little things God does for us. If defeat overwhelms us, it is time to prepare for victory in all things.

Preparation for Victory

• Pray & Praise God during trials (James 1:2-5; 1 John 5:13-16)
• Prepare your heart (James 1:19-25)
• Plan to obey God's will (2 Chronicles 6:14)
• Peacefully rest in God (Psalms 4:8)
• Pave your will to align with God's plan (James 4:6-17)
• Practice sensitivity in discovering your purpose (Romans 9:11)

Everyone has the same Biblical information yet not all believe or act on it. Disobedience always brings defeat. Our faith expresses itself by understanding temptation, by preparing a faith that counts, and by praying in God's will.

"When the event you prayed for occurs, your prayer has always contributed to it. When the opposite event occurs your prayer has never been ignored it has been considered and refused for your ultimate good and the good of the whole universe" (C.S. Lewis).

Challenge:

I challenge you to let go and rest in God like David did. We have the opportunity to bring our will in line with God's purpose for us. If we rest in Him we are blessed by touching the mind of God as He sets in motion our purpose through Preparation for Victory.

 

Liberty

 Dear Child,

You were born to live in liberty. I created you with a free will, the ability to choose for yourself. My desire was never for you to have an earthy King or authority over you. I, alone, wanted to be your Lord. But in weakness and looking to the ways of the world, you longed for earthly authority. You seek help from people in power and with resources to come to your need.

Remember Me. I am the source of everything. No one has anything unless it was allowed by Me. I open the floodgates and decide when to let them run dry. A person can have all the riches the world has to offer and live in total oppression. My way is through freedom; Truth will set you free.

Liberty is a hollow shell unless it grants freedom to the soul. Do not confuse My liberty for a license to sin. I cannot use an unclean vessel. My precious child, the world is teaching so many varying messages in the church, even in My name. Everything you hear is not My Truth.

Liberty can be confused with personal pleasure, free speech, and entertainment. The Holy Spirit within you, strengthns you to become mature seeking My Word. It will restrain you from tolerating or embracing sin. Love your enemy and your neighbor, but do not love sin.

Your deepest deisres are transforming into My heart's deepest pleasures. Your will is moving increasingly in perfect step with My will. Be careful, dear child. Do not be lead astray by those opening the gate to sinful pleasures in the name of tolerance or evangalism. Seek Me. In My presense, I will show you what freedom really means in Me.

Lindy Abbott 2010

Living in the Present

 

Dear Child,

Live in the present moment with Me.  While each of my children can recall a first encounter with Me, a time when My provision and salvation by grace was accepted, this recollection will not sustain you throughout your life. By faith, you chose your eternal destination once and for all in a singular point of time.  This decision is essential. Without this initial encounter, solidifying our relationship, there would be no possibility for daily present moments.

The never ending joy of life is to live in the present moments with Me. It is the way you're empowered and filled with the Holy Spirit. Just as the Israelites had to learn that  yesterday's manna was not sustenance for the days that followed, you can not  feast upon moments in time with Me you recall from the past. You must live with Me in the present moment to experience the abundance of life.

Many people will go on and on about a testimony of the past and how I once, or even twice, touched their life in a supernatural way. With joy they share how that became a milestone, a pinnacle point of their life. They look back to what once was. While milestones of faith are important  points of spiritual history, they should also be a stepping stones to growth. My relationship with you doesn't stop in the past.

How pale those memories can be in light of fresh encounters with Me. I desire for you to know Me continually, moment by moment and in the present. I am not a mere memory or event of the past. I am the living, speaking, vibrant God of now.

When you speak or write about Me, about what I have done or taught you once along the way, you are teaching doctrine, facts, and information. You stir the mind of others. But it is quite different when you live in the present with Me and testify to what I am currently doing. The freshness of the Holy Spirit pours out and touches the spirit of others. It is the difference between a snapshot in time and live experience.

Let Me be all you need today. It is not enough for Me to have a memory of a time I once spent with you. I want to speak and live with you this day, and every day that follows. Let's live the now together.

Lindy Abbott 2010

Grace Filled Women

 

"Soon afterwords. He began going around from one city and village to another, proclaiming and preaching the kingdom of God. The twelve were with Him, and also some women who had been healed of evil spirits and sicknesses: Mary who was called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, Joanna the wife of Chuza, Herod's steward, and Susanna, and many others who were contributing to their support out of their private means" (Luke 8:1-3 NLT).

Jesus resolutely involved women in His earthly ministry. For instance, traveling with unmarried women was not received well. Christ went against political constructs of the first century in several areas while managing to still show respect for Mosaic Law. One prime example of the Lord changing the norm was His view of women as persons, not property. The women traveling with Jesus were forgiven for a great number of sins in return each developed an immense love for Jesus and His message.  Through forgiveness they emerged with eyes filled with purpose and ears opened to hear.

Pondering:

How do we receive eyes to see, or ears to hear? How are we spiritually shaped? Where does insight come from? Are they established in the body, soul, and spirit as a whole or are we spiritually shaped?

Coaching:

Jesus unlocked the immoral gate imprisoning women in a slavish life thereby, enabling them to see and hear, to visualize, and engage in a useful and rewarding life through receiving profound spiritual perception. By elevating the status of women, He expanded their identities and purpose for generations to come. Jesus walked and talked with women, responded to them, healed them, and received their emotional support. He reached something deep inside of those who loved Him.

What makes us respond is debatable. Some scholars believe that human beings are dichotomous meaning two parts body, and spirit,while others believe we are trichotomous meaning body, soul, and spirit. Some theologians believe we are dichotomous at birth and trichotomous at the moment of salvation. However we see it, we are fashioned in the image of a triune God. Our individual parts work together as conduits piloting us toward a relationship with Him and toward our predestined purpose. God created our body, soul, and spirit to function in harmony as a complete individual.

Some attributes are headquartered within our body for operational purposes. Our greatest assignment for the human body is to make ready a physical temple for His Spirit to inhabit. The soul functions as a place of conviction, volition, decision, refuge, encouragement, and enlightenment. The human mind-of-the-soul prepares the hearts' offering and waits to hear the Holy Spirit's voice within our Holy of Holies. The soul is a priests' armory of prayer and a sweet alter of worship.

 Divine inspiration dwells in the interior communion between our human spirit and the Holy Spirit for one reason, to commune with God. The Holy Spirit is ethereal therefore He occupies our Holy of Holies, our spirit residing within our temple. God's whispering voice resonates as holy music within our spirit, as if a warm wind carrying greater wisdom and knowledge were leisurely filtering from the Holy Spirit into the human spirit, filtering into the human soul; materializing as joy.

Body, Soul, & Spirit

• The Temple:  (Luke 11:33-37; 1 Corinthians 3:16-17, 4, 6:15-16, 19-20; 2 Corinthians 5:6-10, 6:16)
• The Souls-Mind:  (Proverbs 21:2, 27:19; Romans 1:21-22, 28; Hebrews 8:10; 1 Peter 1:13, 2:11)
• The Spiritual Holy of Holie's:  (Proverbs 15:13, 16:2, 17:22, 18:14, 20:27; Ecclesiastes 12:7; Matthew 26:41; James 4:5)

The Holy Spirit transforms weak flesh into a towering temple of strength in order to relieve, regenerate, and reassure His children. Our soul hungers for God while He ponders our heart watching us battle constant soul-wars. If we choose Him, He will guide our mind into a place of peace brought to light through conviction.  He will teach us to keep watch over our conscience as He escorts us toward a regenerative life. No matter our vocation there is no satisfaction within the mind-of-the-soul unless God is guiding our predestined purpose.

Like the soul the spirit can be fragile, wounded, and broken. Alone, we cannot bear the pain without the indwelling of God's Spirit. The human spirit is a place of residence for the candle of the Lord to search the intent and complexity of our thoughts, desires, and imperfections. Our spiritual condition is determined by how we respond to what the soul craves. He quickens us with words that are born of His Spirit enabling us to combat our warring soul. When we have ears to hear we stand the front line of battle, we stand still as the Holy Spirit goes to war.

Challenge:

I challenge you to see in order to visualize your soul's health. If you cannot hear the wind whispering his voice nothing will satisfy until your temple is transformed into a Grace Filled Woman.

Soul Gardening

 

"Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me" (John 15:4 NASB).

Radiant sun light and nutrients from the tree's root system feed fledgling new vines growing on robust trees, sustaining the vines and branches as they weave together in order to produce enriching fruit. However, if the branches do not receive enough sun light and the roots enough nutrients, the vine withers unable to produce.

We are the branches and Jesus is the vine rooted deeply in our soul; unless, our mind is not rooted in Christ, in that case our soul will be undernourished and remain veiled from the light of the Son. As Christians, our fruit will wither and die on the vine if we do not abide in Him. However, Jesus gave us a sustaining provision meaning if we abide in Him, He will provide all of the nutrients needed to strengthen us spiritually  to produce fruit for our life purpose.

Pondering:

I attend church however I just don't seem to grow spiritually. What can I do to awaken my soul in order to grow in Christ?

Glorious Heavens

Dear Child,

The Heavens declare My glory. When is the last time you gazed at the stars? I am not talking about a casual look up in the night sky, but an extended seeking gaze. The wise men sought the stars, so can you. So many of my children in the city, barely see the images of the night perfectly planned before the beginning of time. The lights of neon signs and busy streets diminish My handiwork.

Don't miss this piece of My magnificent story by ignoring the stars of the night. Everything I created has a purpose and ultimately brings Me glory. Everyone throughout the world is without excuse, since the gospel in written in the heavens declaring the way to Me.

Do you really think I tossed the stars up in a random order as you would sprinkle glitter over glue? Nothing I do is meaningless or a waste of energy. Do you want to see Me? Do you want to know Me? Explore the stories I have written in the heavenly skies.

Do not be afraid. I alone created the stars and formed constellations, and it is good! Stars do not possess power to rule your life, as some think, in a twisted perversion of what is intended for good. Stars do testify, as a prophet calling out in the wilderness night, "Prepare your heart. Prepare for the coming of the Lord." Their light shines brightest in the darkness; a preacher for all to hear and see; a message for  those who have eyes to see.

The wise men were led to Jesus by the stars. Do you think I placed them in the sky for just these men, and for just one night? As I placed them, I thought of you. I love you and want you to know it is good to take time to know the stars. By faith they will confirm what I have written on your heart - I am real, I am just, I am holy, I am love. Yes, the Heavens declare My glory for you to see!

Lindy Abbott 2010

By My Stripes

Dear Child,

I know your pain. I bore all sin in My Own body on the cross. I felt it all. So when I tell you that by my stripes you will be healed, I know with certainty what I am talking about. Precious one, I am so sorry you had to hurt, but I want you to understand I hurt with you. I cry with you. I mourn with you.

You don't have to carry this injury any more. The gates of hell will not prevail over you. No weapon formed against you shall prosper. With Me, you will prevail.

Don't live in the pain or in the past. I died so that you might die to sin and live to righteousness. By My wounds you were healed. By faith accept what I have done for you, believing what I tell you is true.

I was pierced through for all transgressions. I was bruised for your iniquities. The punishment of sin fell upon Me, so that you can know peace deep within. Step out in faith. The question is never "can you be healed?." Certainly you can! The doubt is not concerning what I will do, My part is already done. What is left to be seen is your response. Trust Me, by the scourging I willingly took, you are healed.

As you continue to walk in obedience, you will reckon all to be so, all that is yours.

Lindy Abbott 2010

I Am In Control

Dear Child,

It can be humbling to learn the world doesn't need you to function. While you are significant and so important to Me, you need to understand that I am in control. Nothing happens without My knowledge. Nothing affects you unless it first is filters through My hands of all-knowing love.

You will never be able to change the direction I blow the wind, or set the time I rise the sun or determine the colors I choose to place in the sky. So much of your life is totally out of your control. It is beyond your human capacity to do what I alone can do.

You are not Me, not God, nor will you ever be. False religions teach people to accept and imagine they are one with "god" even evolving into and becoming "god". This is not new. It is the very cause of Lucifer's fall from the kingdom of heaven. Don't make his same disastrous mistake.

I created your abilities and talents and personality to be a perfect blend only you possess. Of all the people in the world, who ever has been or ever will be - you are the only person just like you! Enjoy who I made you to be, your uniqueness is completely perfect to Me.

I love you with all My heart. Do you love Me? Do you trust that I am in control?

Lindy Abbott 2010

An Invitation to Dine

"Behold I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me (Revelation 3:20 NASB).

This is a strikingly symbolic painting of Christ knocking on a wooden door with no latch on the outside. This work of art reveals a stirring picture of God's love as He pursues us even still; opening the door for the purpose of an intimate relationship is ours alone being that the latch is on the inside. The act of knocking on the door implies that God desires admittance and that he recognizes the right of the resident to let Him in. . .or not.

Pondering:

I'm a Christian but I'm afraid to release all control to God it feels wrong not to be in control of parts of my life. How can I change how I feel?

Coaching:

We change our feelings with knowledge. In ancient times guests dined with friends by ritual invitation. It was a very important part of relationships. The guests' feet were washed upon arrival to make them comfortable (John 13:3-1). Their hair was anointed with olive oil scented with spices (Luke 7:36-50).

The guests were seated on the right side of the host with the purpose of honoring them; as a drink of wine diluted with honey was served before the meal. The meal consisted of three courses, beautifully arranged on trays. Finally, a dessert of pastry and fruit was served to the delight of the guests. During the meal the host provided music, poetry readings, and other literature. When the meal was completed there was a long period devoted to discussions. (Holman Bible Dictionary, Paraphrase).

I Am The Cause

Dear Child,

See how brightly the sun shines in the sky. I am the cause. Watch how the ocean reflects its light back up to Me. Every time you come Me, I long to freshly fill your spirit enabling you to shine brightly. Reflecting My love, you shine for all to see Me.

I am the cause of your smile, the reason for your peace, the purpose for your day, the acceptance of your soul and the beauty of your outlook on life. Life originated with Me, spoken forth in My Word, materialized in physical existence. I am the cause of everything that exists; without Me nothing would be.

The needs of the world will cry out, calling your name, begging for your attention, draining your strength. Like a sponge being squeezed you will become empty and dry. Let Me cause you to be refreshed overflowing with True Living Water that never runs dry.  As the ocean seems to never end, rolling past the horizon, learn to rest in My never ending provision. Stay connected to Me, Source of everything, the cause of life.

Lindy Abbott 2010

Words Have Power

Dear Child,

People can say the most hurtful words. Do you really think they always come up with the words on their own? In the passion of the moment the enemy whispers to them the most wicked words he thinks will slay you to the core.

Be careful in the heat of the moment to filter every word spoken through Me. If the words, like a poison dipped arrow, enters the still tender wounded places of your soul, let Me tend to its removal. This will prevent you from being tempted to fling it back to cause more hurt.

Don't be like a broken recorder continually looping those killing worlds in your mind. Lay the words spoken in hast and fury at the foot of the cross. As you kneel there, forgive the one who spoke rashly. This dear soul needs healing more than you can know.

Pray for this person to receive My mercy and that I may touch her hurting heart.

Lindy Abbott 2010

Warmth to Your Soul

Dear Child,

The sun comes out to heat the day as I come to bring warmth to your soul. As the sun is to bring danger to your eyes if you look upon it with a direct gaze. This is how I can be to you, when you are living in sin. I am holy and just, a consuming fire.

Once you believe in your heart and confess with your mouth that Jesus is your Lord, you are able to draw near to Me. My grace and mercy is available to cover you in the righteousness of Jesus. When you confess your sins, I am faithful and just to forgive your sins and to cleanse you of all unrighteousness.

Turn to Me, and I will pour out My warmth to your heart. Compassion, understanding and patience are all yours. Through Me, you are ready to impact the lives of others. But, get this fact - I am all you, or they, will ever need, your daily bread, your living water.

Relax in My presence. Rest in knowing I have you in My loving arms. Let Me hold You close. I want to show you My love.

Lindy Abbott 2010

Full of Joy

Dear Child,

You came! I woke you early before the stir of activity in the day and you ran to Me. You were tempted stop when you thought of the things you needed to do but I am grateful you resisted.

My heart is full of joy. You will never imagine how much pleasure you bring to Me when you obey My voice. Like soft clay in My hand you let Me mold you into being the vessel of My choosing. I need you to be ready for pouring out my saving grace and love to others.

You can't watch the walk of others and imitate the design I place on their life. Don't think if you just copied another, or if you just performed what you have seen, you would be perfect to Me.

You are already righteous in My sight covered in the blood of Jesus. How more perfect can who you are be when you have a daily relationship with Me!

Don't you see, as you relax, surrendering to be molded to My heart's desire for you, you are all you need to be. You are pleasing to me, my daily joy!

Lindy Abbott 2010

The Spiritual Liberty of Light

 

"Where the Spirit of the Lord is; there is liberty" (2 Corinthians 3:17 NASB).

Dawn lights the beginning of each new day for those fortunate enough to catch a glimpse of it. Dawn first sees darkness clothed with bright stars surrounded by light, as the darkness fades light expands into a new day (Isaiah 9:2-3).

The Holy Spirit takes us out of darkness igniting our perception in order to catch the light of the message of Jesus Christ. Just as a caterpillar transforms into a butterfly believers transform by the light of the Spirit. The providence of spiritual enlightenment is a natural process when the Spirit indwells and filled us. The filling of God's Spirit enables us to carry out our purpose under any circumstance, however it does not mean life is without tensions. It does not mean that we are free from our internal duality.

Pondering:

I've been a Christian all of my life. How come I can't let go of bitterness? Sometimes, I feel like I'm not a very good Christian.

Coaching:

We have two opposing natures, our spiritual nature and our sin nature, these two opposing forces are in constant battle one against the other both determined to be the victor; a battled that wages in us until death. 

The Holy Spirit indwelling and filling us means we are given tools to cope, a will to stand tall, and peace in the middle of inevitable storms when trials touch our life.

Many of us were raised in Christian homes with good parents who took us to Church and taught us to live high-quality lives. Even though we are influenced by childhood, the eventually of our life choices are not based on the effect our parents had on us. We make a choice to totally surrender to Christ or to give Him a part of our heart. Depending on those carefully selected choices, we inherit their potential outcomes.

Both God and Satan are usually involved in the suffering of Christians. God's purpose is to purify and strengthen us. He wants to make us better. Satan's purpose is to pervert and weaken us. He wants to make us bitter. Some of us struggle with looking toward the light of Jesus in order to find our purpose. A few find their purpose early-on however most of us waver in our relationship with Christ by taking control of our life back from Him. The Spirit speaks but we are determined to be in control therefore, we cannot hear His voice. The message our sin nature cleverly sends in that we need to be in control, it feels natural.

When we take back control we become stuck in an endless middle ground wondering aimlessly without any control at all and without purpose. So, what is it going to be . . .better or bitter? The answer is in the choice of a willingness to give up bitterness to become better through the providential light of the Spirit. He will help us release whatever is holding us back in order to be better instead of bitter by His regenerating work of filling us with a new purpose (1 Thessalonians 4:8)

"The people who were sitting in darkness saw a great Light, and those who were sitting in the land and shadow of death, upon them a Light dawned" (Isaiah 9:2-3 NASB).

When we hold onto bitterness we take control out of God's hands placing ourselves back in darkness. When we surrender ourselves completely to His control He gives us the wisdom to understand what control really means. It means, by releasing bitterness we are unchained in order to walk in enlightenment and understanding. God's control means our life is exactly where He wants it to be; He is preparing us for our lives objectives. None of us will ever find our true resolve until we surrender bitterness and our desire to be in control to the one who controls the cosmos.

 The Road to Liberty:

• Suffering make us mature (James 1:1-15)
• Scripture study makes us mature (James 1:16-25)
• Sincerity makes us mature (James 2:1-13)
• Service makes us mature (James 2:14-26)
• Sound speech makes us mature (James 3:1-18; 1:26-27)
• Submission makes us mature (James 4:1-17)
• Simplicity makes us mature (James 5:1-6)
• Steadfastness makes us mature (James 5:7-11)
• Soul winning makes us mature (James 5:19-20)
• Supplication makes us mature (James 5:12-18)

How can we learn endurance unless our patience is tried, trials produce endurance making us better not bitter. Ultimately, God's purpose is that we become mature through suffering in order to learn how to become peaceful in the middle of trails.

Challenge:

Are you ready to visit dawns' light even when darkness surrounds the light in your life? Are you willing to shed your bitterness like a caterpillar so you can transform into a butterfly? I challenge you to walk the road of endurance through the Holy Spirit, let Him guide you toward - - The Spiritual Liberty of Light.

Spiritual Garmin

Guest Writer - Penny Franklin

Summer 2010 is here and winding down! Before school was out, the big question was, “What are you doing for the summer?” Of course we have Vacation Bible School planned, and are renewing our memberships to the zoo, aquarium, and the parks. We are also planning a few small trips, one of which will be to Grandmother’s house.

Last summer, our grandparents came to visit us; we had fun showing them our new home and all the great attractions sprinkled around New Orleans. When the time came for them to leave I walked them out to their car for our final good-byes. It was then that my mom said something really interesting. It was in response to me asking them if they needed directions getting back to the interstate that would take them home. 

Mom said, "Oh no, we're going to turn on this Garmin, select HOME, and we'll be good to go!" I didn't get the impact of what she said until I got back inside and had my morning prayer time.

Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don't know where you are going, so how can we know the way?” Jesus answered, "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life". (John 14:5-6 NIV)

Rainy Days

Dear Child,

Life depends a lot on your outlook. Rainy days are usually seen as disappointing. "Oh, no," the girl sadly pouts, "I can't ride my bike. It's raining." Many happy events planned for outside are viewed as disasters when the rain tumbles from the sky. "Why, of all days does it have to rain?" the bride utters holding back a flood of tears. When perfect plans are changed even by a simple rain shower, a sense of resentment and blame is often felt. "God, I prayed. How could you let it rain?"

Is it any wonder that I am hurt by how easily you are moved to distress by unwanted rain, but you see the poor and needy and don't shed a tear. You are not moved to crying out to me when sin is all around you, but you want me to come to your rescue when raindrops fall from the sky. Is the plans of your day more important than the hurts that come to people in the world because of unrepentant sin?

You see the rain, but do you also see the teardrop that fell from the child last night that lost her innocence while she laid in her bed. You hear the thunder roar, but do you also hear the child pleading for her father to abandon her. "Daddy, please don't leave. Daddy, please!" she desperately pleas.

I send rain to bring nourishment to the plants of the soil and the animals to be quenched in a hot dry day. The earth gets a nice fresh cleansing, and it knows I will faithfully bring the sun again to shine brightly for its needs. Are you lacking in faith of my sovereignty and provision? Are you so selfish you care more about the weather than a broken heart?

Life is a balance that does not revolve around you. Before you begin to complain pause to see My outlook. You will find the the Son is always shining brightly even on the stormiest of days. And you will develop a sensitivity to what is really important in Life.

Lindy Abbott 2010

New Times, Healthy Atitude

Guest Writer Heather Spiva

"Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver" (2 Corinthians 9:7 NIV).

I thought I was a giver and understood sacrificial giving, but then my husband’s mom lost her job and thrust us all into a type of new beginning. This circumstance changed my perspective on giving as well as who owned the sacrificial gift in the first place.

The way the economy is today it’s no wonder everyone is tentative about the future. From massive layoffs to an abundance of foreclosures, we all feel it’s a matter of time before everyone is affected somehow.

In my case, my wonderful mother-in-law was touched by the hand of unemployment. Out of work for longer than anyone ever imagined, she searched for the right occupation to replace the one she lost. But as is often the case these days, being overqualified made finding the right job more difficult and financial setbacks settled in. She needed help because her savings had dwindled, and unemployment benefits failed to cover her bills.

So what was I suppose to do during this new season of need? As family, we are supposed to jump to their aid, right? But, there was a problem: doing what I was supposed to do was a lot harder than it looked.

The Bible says to take care of those who are in need, especially family. However, I wasn’t prepared for the feelings that bubbled up from my heart into my pocketbook. It’s a whole lot harder to give freely when it’s painful. It’s much easier to give if I choose the parameters; how much money, time, or help I want to give.

Clearly identified boundaries can also aid in giving. When I know I only have to donate five hours of my time or give a one-time monetary gift to a charity, my hands aren’t tied as tightly. While these over and above gifts still stretch my comfort levels, what was even more difficult during this season was giving a gift without an end in sight.

That’s where I failed miserably. I could give, but it wasn’t with the right heart. I couldn’t give to her the way I should, as a loving her daughter-in-law and as a child-of-God. One night, through prayer and supplication, I wrestled in the mud of my situation, yet I wasn’t seeing any results. How long did I have to give? Would the prayer ever get answered? Anxiety coursed through my veins like adrenaline and I cried out to God again. I needed a healthy attitude for a new way of giving.

“God, why won’t you answer our prayer and get her job so we don’t have to help her?”

After a minute of quiet, I felt a response, “Isn’t that why I made you? To love and to give?”

“Uh, well…” I said.

“I made you to help others. That’s what your life is all about. I give to you, so you can give to others to glorify My name.”

I sighed. I knew this was the answer.

“Yeah, I know, I know. But why us? Why me? And why do we have to give for so long?”

Another long silence.

“Correct me if I’m wrong,” said God, “but wasn’t I the One who blessed you?”

“Well, yeah, I suppose so.”

“And isn’t all that I give you Mine to begin with?”

“Yeah, that’s right.”

“Then don’t worry about a thing,” and here was the crucial part, “and give to her until I tell you to stop.”

And as soon as I understood the truth -- that all of my money was God’s and I was called to help those in need-- it changed everything. It was as if I could see the situation for what it really was. Giving of my money is the same as loving my mother-in-law. If I loved God, which I do, then this was his will!

Family is all about giving and blessing one another; to love one another, whether it’s convenient or not, and whether it is giving in a new and different way than we are used to! I realized that if God loved me, then I needed to love her the same way despite the change in circumstances. Besides, if God supplies me with more than enough financially, I have no reason not to bless her in return.

It’s all a part of our journey with Christ. Through my journey, I’ve learned how to give in a whole new way! Sacrificial giving isn’t as daunting or depressing as it once was. Instead, God filled me with His love for my mother-in-law, as well as a sense of compassion and empathy. Would I not want this help if unemployment became my new reality?

Circumstances don’t always make sense. But, God and his timing always do even if we don’t understand it. If we obey God, wait for Him to intercede (and check our attitude in the process) then in time, we will all reap a harvest and a new kind of blessing. And that sounds just fine to me.

Heather Spiva is a freelance writer from Sacramento, CA. She is married and has two young boys. When she is not writing, she loves to read and garden . . .otherwise, she is sword-fighting with her sons.

Clock Stopped, Think Bigger

God is free from the boundaries of time and space unlike human consciousness living within moments of time. Therefore, He envelops the past, present, and future as well as all alternate human decisions and their corresponding consequences as combined information fused together, through the eyes of eternity.

Being all-knowing (omniscience) is one of the characteristics of God's immeasurable understanding. His perfect knowledge is beautifully expressed in (Psalms 139). He purposed an intelligent design consistent with His all-knowing and within His perfect character. His eternal purpose embraces everything that comes to pass. His foreknowledge of the entire cosmic course of events is predestined, evident throughout creation, and written on each human life. God knows us more intimately then we know ourselves. His knowing us so intimately gives us a confidence in Him that non-believers cannot touch. He designs, decrees, and declares a predestined purpose for each of us.

Pondering:

I love God and believe He has a plan for my life, I just don't know what it is yet. I seem to be floating in and out of what I thought was my purpose. Is there a way to know for sure when God is leading us toward our real purpose?

"Furthermore, because we are united with Christ, we have received an inheritance from God, for He chose us in advance, and He makes everything work out according to His plan" (Ephesians 1:11NLT).

Fair or Just?

Dear Child,

"It's not fair!" I hear your wounded heart cry. "Why did I get passed over? Why did she get the best and I get what is left over? How did this happen to me?"

Hear this, and take heed, life is not fair. It never has been for you nor will it ever be. Life is not fair for anyone.

And hear this, listen even deeper in your soul, life IS just! It always was and always will be, even to the end time of the earth. It rains on the good and the wicked. The sun rises for My children and those who choose the way of My enemy.

But never forget, I am Just!

Is it fair that one person is born in a country of wealth and opportunity and another is born in a country poor and torn by war? Is it fair that one has a loving family and another is abandoned, rejected, or has a family full of hatred and sinful living? It is not fair, but it is just.

I am the lawgiver and the judge of life.

Lindy Abbott 2010

The Times, They Are A-Changin'

If a widow has family members to take care of her, let them learn that religion begins at their own doorstep and that they should pay back with gratitude some of what they have received. This pleases God immensely. (1 Timothy 5:4 MSG)

When I heard the weak and desperate voice on my phone early May 27, I had no idea that closing and locking my house door that day was symbolic of closing and locking a chapter of my life.

When the routine outpatient procedure to insert a pacemaker turned into a seven-day hospital stay including four days in surgical ICU, my mother-in-law's life had a chapter closed as well.

 And God directed it all, beginning years ago and continuing today:

. . .when He began the huge process of softening my heart to the needs of others.

. . .when He grew an interest in me towards health and nutrition, particularly for the aging process.

. . .when He presented my mother-in-law with the opportunity to purchase a house on three acres with a private second-story suite.

. . .when He guided the last of my children to a grown-up job and led all three on the road to independence.

This is God's Word on the subject: "I know what I am doing. I have it all planned out -- plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for. When you call on me, when you come and pray to me, I'll listen." (Jeremiah 29:11-12 MSG)

Personalities to the Extreme

Every personality has its strengths and weaknesses. In fact, the weaknesses we display tend to be our strengths carried to the extreme. You many wonder how that can be; isn’t more of a good thing even better? Not necessarily.

Extreme Sanguine

Sanguine personalities have many wonderful traits. They brighten up a room and are full of fun. They are gifted conversationalists, people magnets, and spontaneous.

But, let’s look at the Extreme Sanguine. When they take their ability to brighten a room too far, they become attention seekers who must always be in the spotlight. In a classroom setting they become the “class clown” often to the dismay of their teacher.

When taken to the extreme, their natural ability to talk can prevent others from getting a word into the conversation. Their ability to draw people to them often leaves friends feeling left out or forgotten because a sanguine has so many friends vying for their attention. Lastly, their spontaneity can translate to a failure to plan ahead and being late to everything. If you are a sanguine, be aware of these extreme traits and try to temper them so you operate in your strengths.

Extreme Choleric

The choleric personality is a natural leader and problem solver. They can  assess a situation and make instant decisions. They are very practical and tend to easily cut through the “fluff” and get to the heart of the matter.

These are all great traits, but, when taken to the extreme, they become weaknesses. For example, a choleric person’s ability to lead sometimes becomes a curse of bossiness. Their problem-solving skills can become unappreciated when a friend or family member just wants a sympathetic ear instead of a lecture explaining how to fix the problem.

The practical nature of a choleric often prevents an exchange of creative ideas when he or she wants to solve a problem quickly instead of "wasting" precious time considering other options. This will drive a non-choleric spouse crazy and easily stifles the creative nature of child who doesn't share the same tendencies. Choleric Extreme needs to take time to breathe, smell the roses, and bite their tongues when others try to express themselves.

Extreme Melancholy

Melancholy personalities are sensitive, full of grace and surround themselves with beautiful things. They tend to be time conscious so are seldom late to engagements. They can catch a vision and strive to achieve it with a focus many others can only hope to display.

But, just like the other personalities, melancholies often take things to the extreme. The graceful melancholy quickly becomes critical if people around them infringe on his or her beauty, or mess up their organized surroundings. If you turn exuberant children loose in the immaculate home of a typical melancholy, this personality will have a hard time dealing with the chaos invading their world and will probably let you know it.

Because of their time-sensitive nature, they will keep everyone on schedule or kill themselves trying. They also have little patience with those who have no concept of time. Lastly, their attempts to create the vision they see in their minds often leaves them discouraged if the dream is not accomplished. They can be critical of others, as well as themselves when they feel things fall short of perfection. Because of their sensitive nature, when things don't go like they expect, they have the potential to get really down emotionally.

Extreme Phlegmatic

Everyone loves a phlegmatic. This person is easy-going, non-confrontational, and tends to go with the flow, no matter where the flow is going. They are great listeners with a diplomatic approach to just about any situation.

But, just like the other personalities, even this relaxed person can take things to the extreme. They can get so relaxed they never get anything done and you wonder if they even have a pulse. For example, bills may not get paid on time, or the trash stacks up in the kitchen because the “relaxed” phlegmatic will take care of it tomorrow.

The fact that they are non-confrontational prevents them from sharing things that need to be brought out in the open, like relational difficulties. Actually, things don’t often bother a phlegmatic personality because they will “go with the flow” and naturally adjust to any situation they face. Of course, this can cause a big blow out later that may have been avoided by addressing it sooner.

Lastly, when a phlegmatic takes listening to the extreme, they don’t talk. That can be a problem when others want to converse with the low-keyed and quiet phlegmatic.

No personality is perfect, but if we can identify the areas where we take our natural strengths to the extreme, we can be address our weak tendencies before we hurt feelings, offend others, or neglect the ones we love.

(c) 2010 Shona Neff

You are Costly

Dear Child,

Does the bean tell the farmer its worth? Does the garment tell her seamstress its price? Does the song tell the writer its market value?

Certainly not! In the same way you, My created one, can not determine your worth. Only the one who creates knows the value of the creation and is able to set the price.

You are costly! Your price was set at the cross of Jesus. He died for you, so your sins may be forgiven, and  you can have eternal life in Heaven.

Never mistake salvation as a free gift costing Me nothing. Everyone can freely receive the most costly gift of all time - salvation through the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This is the good news, the complete gospel story!

What are you worth? What is your value? Your purchase price was Jesus' death on the cross. See how valuable you are to Me?

Lindy Abbott 2010