Category: Abundant Living

Hope? Really? Yes!

God uses all varieties of people, experiences, times and conditions as circumstances for one purpose:

Meditation Thought: “Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.” (Romans 12:12)

We cannot possibly understand the workings of life, the workings of the universe. But we need not be at the mercy of every passing event, with no recourse, with no influence. For God has created us to work in us, through us, and around us to be a crucial part of His plan for the universe.

We must respond in harmony with His workings, however, if we are to be of great influence in them, and if we are to accomplish His work as He desires as our loving and proud Father.

And so ‘rejoice in your hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer’ is the key to living the resurrected life. We have been shown the way – graphically, as well as in the words of the centuries through God’s chosen people: prophets, kings, shepherds, a carpenter… God uses all varieties of people, experiences, times and conditions as circumstances for one purpose: to reconcile the world to Himself. How?
By hope in Him.
By faith in Him.
By communion with Him.

Praise be to Him!

Choose Every ‘This Moment’

Every moment you choose again. Choose Love. Choose Life. This moment, and every “this moment”.

Meditation Thought: “Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God… God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.” (1 John 4:15,16b)

Cast away from your life all that is not love and truth. The knowledge of the Word shall keep you on your proper course: the course where the Father does His works in love through you.

You have been given a choice:
– to choose God,
– ignore God, or
– oppose God.
Every moment you choose again.

Every moment you choose to take the cross in pain and rise in glory, or to plod on and on, discouraged and confused, or even bringing wrath and bitterness to your soul as you oppose Love.

Choose Love. Choose Life. This moment, and every “this moment”. You will have no regrets. The tears of night turn to joy in the morning.

Evidence surrounds you that effort produces results, persistence produces results, that those who choose positions that are based on Truth, and love, beauty and kindness, go down in history as venerated and not hated.

Would eternity not be even more intense in the expression of Truth and Love?

If you have difficulty in doing what you know you ought to do, remember that God is in you and you are in God; therefore you cannot fail when you move to do what you ought to do, and furthermore, your blessings will be great.

Life progresses from tiny to large, from seed to fruit, from labor to rest.

You must look if you are to see, and you must see if you are to understand. If you want to truly understand, move close: move so close that at least your spirit is able to move inside that which you observe: and, consistent with the purpose which you have chosen, namely, doing the Father’s will in love, let your spirit guide your mind, your words, your deeds, and the Spirit which dwells in you, just waiting for your call upon His power, will move heaven and earth to do your bidding.

Grow & Thrive

In giving is the growing; in seeking is the growing; in trusting is the growing.

Meditation Thought: “…let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth. This is how we know that we belong to the truth and how we set our hearts at rest in his presence: If our hearts condemn us, we know that God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything. Dear friends, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God and receive from him anything we ask, because we keep his commands and do what pleases him.” (1 John 3:18-22)

Sprout, sprout! Only put out a tentative little growth by your own choice, and great movement of growth will take place. Such a little movement of faith is needed on your part, for all of the rest of the maturing process comes naturally.

To the extent you seek to express your faith in deed and truth, to that extent do you grow.

To the extent that you live out the commandments expressed by the Father and more fully and accurately interpreted for you by Jesus, to that extent do you thrive and grow.

As a plant will thrive if it seeks the direction of the sun and seeks the depth of the earth to find moisture, so shall you thrive if you seek truth in the commandments, and seek to fulfill the commandments with your deeds.

Plants do not grow by stagnant inner concentration, but by thrusting both upward and downward, and so it is with you.

Seek to find the Light of God and the depth of love in fellowship with others. Both are necessary for your proper growth: too much neglect of fellowship and you grow top heavy; too much neglect of God and you cannot find enough to nourish the fellowship.

If you are to grow to the maturity of blooming, you must absorb both the Light and the nutrients found in fellowship and ministry to each other.
In giving is the growing.
In seeking is the growing.
In trusting is the growing.
To neglect these is to shrivel and die missing the purpose for which the seed was made, was planted, was given a place where all that was needed for growth was there.

Do not despair when you must seek the Light with pain of difficult turning from your present direction; do not despair when you find hardness and resistance as you seek the depth of loving relationships and ministry.

To make greater effort is to strengthen you – to make you even more the best you can be.

It may not be a pleasant way, nor the way you would choose for proper growth – but it is the only way.

The Light is constant and you must turn to it.

The consistency of the human experience is varied – there is sandy soil and clay as hard as brick. The only way for you to get your roots set firmly where they should be to find the nutrients you need is to persist in pushing through each layer of resistance by your roots of love.

If little plants crack boulders, cannot your love crack the hard ground of resistance of envy, bitterness, jealousy, and apathy? Of course it can – for the strength from the Light pouring into your spiritual ‘tap’, making it strong, thrusts down to your roots of love and causes them to grow: slowly or rapidly, visibly or invisibly, they grow – and in doing so, aerate the soil that others may grow too.

A Lover, Giver, Healer

Hate flees from love.
Selfishness flees from grace.
Sin flees from mercy.
Doubt flees from faith.

Meditation Thought: “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being changed into his likeness from one degree of glory to another; for this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.” (2 Corinthians 3:17-18(

When a man turns to the Lord there is freedom from doubt, from guilt, from selfish, barbaric instincts. There is the freedom to become like that which we see: The Lord. We are not bound by the restrictions of our human condition, of that which is feasible only by the efforts of men.

We behold a new vision – live by a new hope, and become a new creature: not be our own will and power, but by God’s will and power.

The glory of the Lord
Shines into our contrite hear.
Our dark intentions, our despairing
Souls become transformed:
The warmth of Love,
The light of Truth penetrate:
Healing, purifying, beautifying.

As we are changed into His likeness
We once again reflect His image,
As He made us.
The ravage of the rebellious years
Is removed – remembered no more.

As a father’s glory is enhanced
By his child’s true reflection
Of his father,
So the glory of the Lord
Is enhanced
By our reflection of Him.

We reflect Him when His Spirit
Is within us,
Giving us His qualities
In such abundance
That all alien forces take flight:
Hate flees from love.
Selfishness flees from grace.
Sin flees from mercy.
Doubt flees from faith.

His righteousness
Takes possession of us.
Not the righteousness
Of a Pharisee is this,
But the righteousness
Of a Christ:
The righteousness of
A lover, a giver, a healer.

Only Joy

What setback can resist the power of the Lord who created heaven and earth?

Meditation Thought: “My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.” (Psalm 121:2)

Is there anything we can’t do if the One who made heaven and earth is our partner, is helping us? If we are working on His project, His attention is riveted on it, and He is delighted to aid us to bring it to completion. It seems ridiculous to refer to God as the helper, when His power is so much greater than any power we possess – and yet technically, He is the helper, for the project is started by us. God may try various methods to tempt us to decide to launch the project, but it never gets started unless we make a commitment. Once we do, if we remember where our best help is for getting the project complete, we can move confidently, buoyantly, effectively and happily, feeling a sense of rightness and accomplishment and gratitude to God for leading us into the project.

Setbacks? Of course – but what setback can resist the power of the Lord who created heaven and earth? We get so involved in routine, in pettiness, in the status quo that we are inclined to ignore the glorious fact that God has great things to do through all ages, and only with the willingness of someone to do them, will they be accomplished.

How quickly would the whole status of our lives on this earth change if even a small percentage of the population looked to God for His proposed project to be revealed, and upon perceiving that project, responded: “Here am I, Lord – send me?” God’s projects – all coordinated, all to the one purpose: reconciling all to Him who is love. Is there one soul who would suffer from the completion of that work? Only joy could be the result of God’s will fulfilled!

How Things Work

The world calls this “miracle”, God calls it “standard operating procedure”.

Meditation Thought: “As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me.” (John 15:4)

(Message perceived to be from Jesus.)


As the root thrusts deeper in search of life-giving water, so must you thrust your life deeper into Mine. You cannot live, let alone bear delicious, outstanding fruit, if you do not have the nourishment to grow it.

You must come to know Me as if you were one of My disciples who could see Me, hear Me, touch Me. The Holy Spirit will be your sight, your hearing, your touch. As My words penetrate into you, you must be receptive to their nourishing power, using that power as I teach you through the Holy Spirit. I have promised that whoever believes in Me will do the works that I do. Believe the healing works into reality. You are My eyes, My ears, My hands to the world. Let Me activate them by turning your will, your brain and your heart to Me to activate for you. In this manner do I live in you and you live in Me, and the Father dwells in both of us. His creative power is released anew – the world calls this “miracle”, God calls it “standard operating procedure”. The process was intended to run smoothly, but through free will misused, sin clogged it. I will clean out the dirt of sin and allow the process to run smoothly again – if you will move out of the way so that I can get to the machinery of the process.

The Vocabulary of Heaven

Will you put aside false pride, self-consciousness, self-interest, preoccupation with small matters, and allow me to expand your vision, your vista, your vitality?

Meditation Thought: “Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.” (1 Peter 3:8-9)

“You reap what you sow. This is the result of My giving you freedom of choice, that you may be truly My children, and not merely My creations.

Oh, My child: open up your spirit, your mind, your emotions, exposing them to everything to which I lead you. For I would teach you through all things: through words, through people, through circumstances – all perceived through the wisdom of the indwelling Spirit – so that what the world terms miracles, but what is natural according to My eternal will, may be accomplished.

You have been given all of the equipment needed to make a ‘heaven on earth’, to have ‘the Kingdom within’: you have been created in love, to be loved, and to give love. You have been given a measure of faith, you have been given a sound mind, you have been given a spirit which can seek My Spirit and draw it into you. You have been given a body – a marvel of intricate parts, you have been given feelings, that you may be more than a robot, you have been given a physical world to appreciate, you have been given hope, for I am your hope and have sought to tell you so.

Never will I spurn My children’s seeking of Me. How I love you! Did I not suffer in every possible way that you might have life abundantly? Did I not suffer that you might be spared?

Every thought, every word, every action that you create in the image of He who took on the form of man, but who is Spirit, is sheer power: power to move mountains, to move the hearts of men, to stir their souls – to rescue the perishing.

Learn the language which is the tongue of heaven: its vocabulary consists of words of love, of hope, of comfort, of forgiveness. Do not mix in with this heavenly language the words of the world or of your own ego – they will mar it, will grate upon My ears, your ears and the ears of the world. It is as if the world has been exposed to a beautiful concert – and then someone hits a sour note and spoils the beauty of the moment.

So stand firm in the speaking of the pure language of love, despite all of the provocations to which you are exposed.

Seek to be strong by the ingesting of My Word to strengthen your mind, the embracing of My Spirit through the invitation and climate congenial for It’s dwelling, and through constant, conscious prayer and supplication.

Conceive of all that is loving, good, righteous, desirable, and merciful – and make these elements the basis of your life on earth, and your life in the spirit.

Truly, faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God – and faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things unseen.

I shall give you the desires of your heart when your heart is beating in tandem with My Spirit’s coursing through your spirit, prompting to My will, and according to My Word.

You do not comprehend at this moment all I am expressing to you: nevertheless, you must be exposed to it, that I may teach you in full knowledge and wisdom and discernment as time goes by.

Seek to learn all that you can, seek to do good – and the results will be as natural as the acorn growing into a mighty oak. Though this is a miraculous work, it is also natural and the purpose for which the acorn was created.

Seek to be aware of the seemingly unrelated parts of life, and as you observe each part, seeking to know it in full, you will also become aware of spiritual threads connecting all parts – each part affects the other: to work harmony and health to all, or to wreak havoc. I seek you to heal, to harmonize. Will you heed My call?

Will you put aside false pride, self-consciousness, self-interest, preoccupation with small matters, and allow me to expand your vision, your vista, your vitality?

I seek to lead you into beautiful maturity of spirit: will you follow Me?

I promise you peace, joy, and love: yes, there will be conflict too – but always victory, always hope in the challenge – always a further strengthening of our relationship along with course we run together.

You are close to discovering the deep meaning of the words of the saints which you have been reading, of the feelings which at times puzzle you, unformed thoughts which swirl in your mind, but have not come yet t rest in a pattern which you can understand.

Fear not, for lo, I am with you always.”

In-depth Consulting

When circumstances present themselves which call for creative thinking and creative actions, then I need to have an in-depth consultation with My Father.

Meditation Thought: “My Father is always at his work to this very day, and I too am working.” (John 5:17)

Only through the Spirit am I able to discern what my Father desires: not by rules can I determine this, no matter how well they may guide me in the routine. When circumstances present themselves which call for creative thinking and creative actions, then I need to have an in-depth consultation with My Father. His knowledge, wisdom and power are to be passed on to me at that time.

This is what Jesus came to demonstrate: we can claim much of our inheritance as children of God right now. It is crucial to trust Him, to our very greatest ability to do so, at every moment. He is re-forming us as more pure expressions of His own character: this character of purity, love, goodness, mercy, understanding, creative abilities and unlimited power.

Impulse vs. Best Possible Life

It is not “I” who do this – but the “I’m willing, Lord” that does all this.

Meditation Thought:  “My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to accomplish his work.” (John 4:34)

My body cannot live without food, my spirit cannot live without the Presence of the Father. It is my mind which instructs my body to partake of food. It is my mind which chooses to allow the Father to enter into my spirit. It is my mind which says “yes” or “no” to the proportions the Father places before me.

Wouldn’t it seem wise to go along with whatever was desired by the One who created me? He must be knowledgeable to do that. And He must know me well – know what will help me thrive and grow, and what will thwart healthy growth.

I must not yield to impulse, but seek to go along with the Father’s plans if I am to have the best possible life.

In the happy frame of mind made possible by a clear conscience, and in the enthusiasm of being a part of a creative activity, I do as the Father requests – and the joy of being in harmony with what I know is right is my food – it is what sustains me, gives me strength and health, vitality and a sense of overcoming – of moving aside any obstacles and producing a great work. It is not “I” who do this – but the “I’m willing, Lord” that does all this.

Extraordinary Results

You cannot diminish your treasure of Myself through sharing – you diminish it only by ignoring it, which has the effect of not possessing it at all.

Meditation Thought: “And he told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart.” (Luke 18:1)

“Look to Me – look to Me – not to circumstances, or to people, or to possessions, or to your own understanding.

I am the source of all good, all wisdom and knowledge, all righteousness and mercy, all the power that you will ever need – to overcome all obstacles, to reach our goals, to help others to know Me.

Realize that when you seek Me you will find Me: do not have doubts, or wait for ‘lightening in the sky’ revelations.

All I require is an earnest desire to know Me, to love Me, and to obey Me. Once you have this desire and are truly attempting to fulfill it, allow yourself to get caught up in an excitement and trust of forging ahead toward the bringing of the kingdom ever more surely into your life.

You are aware of the essential principles of spiritual search and spiritual life. Apply them. Rely on them. Enjoy the living wonder of them. This is the secret of Jesus’ joy, Peter’s joy, Paul’s joy – the joy of millions who have chosen the Way of the cross.

Obedience and discipline are often difficult – but to adhere to these ‘rules of conduct’ will bring rewards which will multiply and compound to the extent that not only will they bring joy to you, but will be the very base of enabling others to come to know the Way and to choose to follow it.

Do not strain to follow the Way, relying on your own works. Simply follow the principles, experimenting with every new bit of knowledge gleaned along the journey, attempting to apply it specifically to your own person and situation – always remaining in the Light of My Presence through ingesting the Word, through communication in prayer, through loving, unselfish ministry, through faith in My character and My promises and My faithfulness to keeping these promises to those who have gone before you in history.

Do not fear – or more accurately, when fear thrusts itself into your life, send it quickly far away through your trust in Me as stronger than any other power, and trust that I shall use this power to guide, protect, enhance and bring good for My beloved, obedient and dependent, responsive child.

In order for you to have extraordinary results you must make extraordinary effort, use extraordinary strength, have extraordinary wisdom and knowledge. It is obvious where these are to become available to you. It is obvious that when they are made available you should take advantage of them. I shall do all in My power to place My power where it can be attached to your movements. But you must make the final connection by choosing to attach your faith and trust and love, your thoughts, your words and your deeds to My proffered power. You can do this only through following the example of the once I sent to teach you the necessary steps to making a firm connection with My power:
– Know the Word
– Turn to Me in prayer
– Do as I ask: willingly if possible – reluctantly if necessary.

Where your treasure is there is your heart also. If I am the treasure of your life, you are rich indeed, and your heart shall rejoice, for no one can steal your treasure; you cannot lose it; it will not rust away – it is eternal, ever-present, everything you long for a treasure to be.

Your treasure is of the most pleasure to you as it is shared – this doubles your joy, for to give is the very essence of your inheritance from Me.

Never is your treasure diminished when it is Myself: the more of My love you give away, the more love I produce. You cannot diminish your treasure of Myself through sharing – you diminish it only by ignoring it, which has the effect of not possessing it at all.

Who would choose to not possess treasure? Who would choose to lose a treasure once possessed?

You have been given all authority in heaven and on earth to claim your treasure and to possess it. You need only to exercise your authority.

You now realize that the authority is yours; you now know how to use it.

If you determine to ‘abide by the rules’ and to apply them properly through diligence, through discipline, through unselfish attitudes and a mind seeking Truth, a heart seeking love, and a spirit seeking the Spirit, the results truly will be extraordinary.”

Prayer of response: Lord, thank you for this teaching and this vision. Please enable me to fulfill the vision: enable me to do extraordinary things with my life – not to impress people, but to please You, and in pleasing you, bring joy to my heart. In Jesus’ Precious Name I pray. Amen.