As we come to the close of another year, my prayer for you is that you will not leave this year the same way you came in. I truly believe our future will look different as we leave the things of the past behind, such as old mindsets, grudges, pride, and behaviors that are not pleasing to God.
The Israelites roamed around in the wilderness for forty years on what was supposed to be an eleven-day journey. Therefore, their thinking, complaining, and actions held them captive so that they roamed around in a continuous circle. Never able to move forward. What we choose to carry into the next year can hold us captive or set us free. God wants to do something new in 2024. And as we ask Him to help us change our thoughts, life, actions, and words, He will draw us closer to Him. For many, the hopes and dreams within your heart have been simmering for years. But God wants to remove what has held you captive. So that what has been hidden within your heart will overflow. People will drink from your overflowing cup of God’s love everywhere you go because your heart has been positioned in the place with Him. Behold, I will do a new thing, Now it shall spring forth; Shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. Isaiah 43:19 Thanksgiving in Heaven
Kathy VonSeggern 11/25/21 Thanksgiving in heaven, I don’t know what it’s like But I’m sure that the angels, sing with delight I’m sure there’s thanksgiving everyday of the year and oh what joy when a new loved one appears While feasting at the table, in place with the King I can only imagine the joy it brings But while still on earth, our loved ones we miss Yet peaceful in knowing, with Jesus they rest. There’s no tears in heaven, or so I’ve been told but here on the earth, many tears seem to flow Missing our loved ones, who have gone on before Someday we will see them, at heaven’s door Dedicated to my Mom Ruth Lovell. Who went home to be with the Lord on August 2, 2021 Scripture tells us that if anyone can control their tongue, they are a perfect person. It is so easy to talk about things that don't concern us. Most people have an opinion about everything. We talk about what excites our hearts and consumes our time. We also talk about others, often detrimentally. Rather than speaking life, we condemn.
Scripture tells us to love our neighbor as ourselves. The problem is we don't love ourselves. We don't love the person looking back at us in the mirror, created in God's image. We constantly degrade what God has made within ourselves and others. What is in your heart will come out of your mouth. Have you ever been around someone who hardly spoke, yet when they opened their mouth, you were surprised at the bitterness within their heart? What if the next time you look in the mirror and start to criticize what you see, you instead praise the God who made you? What if each time you are tempted to say things that are not uplifting about others, you say a prayer and begin praising God for them and asking God to draw them near to Him? What if, through speaking life over yourself and others, you experienced the love of Christ in a whole new way? If we change the way we think about those (including ourselves) made in God's image, perhaps our hearts' passion will also change. Thus, from the abundance of your heart, words of love and life will flow. James 3:2, Mark 12:30-31, Matthew 12:34, Philippians 4:6-7, Psalm 150:6-7, John 6:44-51, Romans 12:2 What would it be like if: We were as attached to God as we are to our phones? What if we talked to God as much as we text or play with our phones. Or what if all phone communication was broken as we know it? All phone lines were cut and all towers were down. What would it be like if technology as we know it today could no longer be, but our direct line to God got stronger? Is it possible that technology has become an idol in our life, taking the place of our time with God?
I have found my self at times listening to worship music on my phone and then my mind begins to roam in another direction (face book, Instagram, and other social media platforms) causing me to be distracted from my original intent of spending time with God in the quiet place where I can hear him speak. Just Him and me isn’t just Him and me when all these other distractions come into play. Even that which started out to be a good thing (listening to worship music, listening to biblical, teachings) can become an idol if you let it. It is easy to get distracted with the daily routine of life. When our time with God is no longer the passion of our heart but a daily routine. We need to take another look at the position of our heart. As Jesus and the disciples continued on their journey, they came to a village where a woman welcomed Jesus into her home. Her name was Martha and she had a sister named Mary. Mary sat down attentively before the Master, absorbing every revelation he shared. But Martha became exasperated with finishing the numerous household chores in preparation for her guests, so she interrupted Jesus and said, “Lord, don’t you think it’s unfair that my sister left me to do all the work by myself? You should tell her to get up and help me.” The Lord answered her, “Martha, my beloved Martha. Why are you upset and troubled, pulled away by all these many distractions? Mary has discovered the one thing most important by choosing to sit at my feet. She is undistracted, and I won’t take this privilege from her.” Luke 10:38-42 (TPT) The more time you spend with the person of the Holy Spirit the more you get to know Him. The more you know Him the more you love Him. It’s not about you and how much you love Him. It’s about Him, and how much you realize His love for you. It’s about posturing your heart before Him in the quiet place of rest with Him. Not being distracted by the things of this world but sitting at His feet. Holy Spirit lead us into a deeper revelation of who you are. Help us to open the communication line in our life’s between Heaven and earth, so that it sets a fire within us to worship you and you alone. I am but a pebble upon the sand A grain within the master’s hand a tiny speck within the sea In a world where there’s only one of me. What purpose is there in the master plan to place me here, within the sand with a sea of people surrounding me Oh, show me, God, what you planned to be One tiny speck from a master plan He holds me tight in His hand He sees a purpose just for me of how He planned it all to be I look for an answer amid the sound of all the people gathered round But then, in a whisper, I hear His voice My child, for me, you must make a choice A ripple effect I call you to as my word is renewed within you sit with me, lean on my chest as I reveal to you the place of rest A place where you can live today it is not so far away just trust my word and give me your heart my love for you will never part Give to me what’s in your hand so I may do as I have planned my treasured one, my precious jewel for in you is all I’ve called you to Kathleen VonSeggern Author What is man that You are mindful of him, and the son of man that You visit him? For You have made him a little lower than the angels, And You have crowned him with glory and honor. You have made him to have dominion over the works of Your hands; You have put all things under his feet, All sheep and oxen even the beasts of the field, the birds of the air, and the fish of the sea that pass through the seas. Oh Lord our Lord, How excellent is Your name in all the earth! Psalm 8:4-9 (NKJV) |