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Meditation Thought: “The prayer of a righteous man has great power in its effects.” James 5:16

The prayer of a righteous man can be compared to a well-oiled machine, running in perfect condition, producing maximum capacity.

There are all kinds of possibilities of performance – but the very best results are obtained when the righteousness of God is being manifested as righteousness on His child… in His children.

The Father’s children go many places, contacting many people. If we exhibit the traits of the Father, if we are doing the tasks the Father has assigned to us, then we are spreading the influence and actions of the father, and changing all whom we meet to become aware of the existence of our Father. We honor Him as we do this. He blesses us as we do this. Others are blessed as we do this. We have cooperated with great Power, and participated in directing great Power. We are needed by this great Power: this fact gives us confidence that we are valuable – at the same time, it humbles us to compare what we are to what this Power is.

We need to be strong in our belief  – both in the goodness of our Power and in the value of our worth – but we need to be weak enough that we can be bent into any shape needed to do the job at hand. We may feel much stress at times when we must be conformed to certain shapes – but always our Power source places pressure at the proper points to do the job but gently enough not to break us at the pressure points.

Prayer of response: Lord, by an act of my will, I choose to be your tool. Use me where you will; shape me how you will. Enable me to trust you always – for all of life’s experiences confirm a pattern – changing, always changing – yet with an ultimate purpose. I know that you desire to accomplish certain tasks through me: Lord, I desire to do these according to your desire. Teach me Thy ways, that I may not have run or labored in vain. In Jesus Precious Name I pray. Amen.

 

Meditation Thought: “…let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name.” Hebrews 13:15

“Continually” offer a sacrifice of praise: if I am praising God, I can’t be praising myself. If I am praising Him, I am doing the Father’s will, I am imitating the Son, I am being filled with the Spirit. If I am doing all of this, I am also producing fruit according to His commandment.

If I am centering my mind to praise God, I am centering my mind on God’s will, and if I am doing his will, I am doing His works. If I am doing His works, I am producing His fruits which feed the hungry – including myself – I am feeding us a banquet of our hearts desires, of all that satiates our appetites for: peace, joy, love, understanding, excitement, hope, anticipation.

Verse 16 states “Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.”

“Praise, do good, share”: of these attitudes does the Kingdom consist.

Prayer of Response: Oh, Father, in Jesus’ name I pray Thee to renew my spirit, my mind, my heart, that I may praise, do good, and share ever more joyfully. Enable me to be so totally committed to Your will and Your word that all evil and selfish desires desert me, and only Your goodness, mercy, and righteousness remain in my spirit, my mind, my heart, my emotions, my life. Amen

Meditation Thought: … he disciplines us for our good that we may share in holiness” (Hebrews 12:10)

Discipline is the food that nourishes righteousness: righteousness is the heart of our spiritual “body”. Without righteousness, we are not behaving as children of God.

We must come to desire so strongly to be like our Father, as we come into maturity and recognize the Person who he is – the marvelous traits He possesses and hands down to His children through inheritance of His spirit that we welcome times of discipline as much as times of our Father’s indulgences toward us.

To come into the wonderful state of total trust of our lives to Him, to the peace that is a result of that trust, we muse choose to leave our “safe” shell of introspection and boldly step out to the challenges of the world without. It is through the experiences of seeking our way through the difficulties that we come to seek out the wisdom, the knowledge, the aid of our Father – and in the process of seeking what we need, we come to find the more glorious gift of His presence and companionship, His delight in our relationship becoming meaningful to us – becoming vital to us.

As we come to recognize and believe that this marvelous Person truly is our Father, and is desirous of expressing His fatherhood in ways that are not only good for us, but pleasing to us, at this point we are beginning to realize what the true significance of the cross is.

Our Father is constantly trying to penetrate our preoccupation with self and world, that He might teach us of far greater ideas, works, joys – of life on a new level, of life based on a new principle: Moving from life based on physical aspects to life based on spiritual aspects.

The vision of our spirit causes a change in our thinking process, and that changed process causes new actions – and new reactions: thus the Father’s concepts are gradually perceived by His children and implemented by them which is the reconciling of the world to the Kingdom, which is the building of the Kingdom within, which is the accomplishment – the fulfillment – of the purpose of the cross.

The darkness is penetrated by one pinpoint of light
and hope and imagination give birth to it
as a new life
Entered into our world.
It grows, matures – as it changes.
So we change by its influence.
We could have chosen
never to have given birth to this child – this light.
Never then would we have had such pain – nor joy –
Such agony – or ecstacy
Such knowledge of evil – or of good.

Meditation Thought: “Without faith it is impossible to please him. For whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.” (Hebrews 11:6)

Seek and ye shall find, knock and it shall be opened to you, ask and ye shall receive: FAITH! Faith enough to seek, to knock, to ask – that is the one requirement to enter into the Kingdom – to enter into that beautiful, peaceful garden – a portable garden, which goes with you wherever you are. You carry your haven with you as a turtle carries his own shelter.

But it will do you no good if you do not withdraw into it, using it.

You must take the time to seek, to knock, to ask. Seek the Word, ask for guidance, knock at the door of the dwelling of the Holy Spirit.

Seek – every moment – the hidden meaning, the hidden beauty, the hidden Truth, the hidden need, the hidden solution to that need.

Believe: You will not be disappointed. Persevere: many saints have gone before you to assure you of the joy of obedience to the Father, of faith in the Son, of the power of the Holy Spirit at work in you to do the Father’s will and the Father’s works, revealing the Son and bringing you into His embrace.

Dare to dream! Dare to hope! Dare to love openly!

Pray, think, act: all in loving kindness based on truth revealed by Word, by inner guidance, by outward circumstances.

The heavens reveal the glory of God.
As does the tiny seed.
God is everywhere, anywhere.
You do not see Him?
Then trust that He is near
and the next moment – the next movement – the next scene
Shall give you knowledge of His Presence.
Where there was pain,
there is peace.
Where there was despair,
there is hope.
Where there was sadness,
there is joy.
Where there was sin,
there is righteousness.
Where there was apathy and hate,
there is love.
The flow of God’s cleansing grace
Renews,
Rebuilds,
Reveals,
the Truth, the Way, the Life
For you – for all who seek the place where the Living Water flows.
That place is revealed when you turn from self and seek, and knock, and ask.

Meditation Thought: “… let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near… You have need of endurance, so that you may do the will of God and receive what is promised.” (Hebrews 10:24-25,36)

“Beauty and love are everywhere: at times they are hidden under the film of sin, of doubt, of shyness, of lack of confidence – and too much confidence in self.

As my child, it is your duty – and your pleasure – to clean away this film, revealing all that is lovely and good, wherever you are.

Take care for the moment, for the moment is the stone which is a permanent part of the structure of your life on earth and your life in heaven.

Clasp the moment to you as a precious thing: treasure it, nurture it, bringing forth the best possible harvest from it.

There are many areas in your life now which are under cultivation, and large fields from which I desire to harvest. There is unusual opportunity for you to be a means of expanding the Kingdom and adding new converts to the Body of Believers.

Stir up yourself and others to love and good works in this rare opportunity. Come – let us work together that though the laborers may be few, the harvest will be plentiful as we develop new, effective, efficient methods of ministry together.”

 

 

 

Meditation Thought: “For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are sanctified… I will put my laws on their hearts, and write them on their minds… I will remember their misdeeds no more.” (Hebrews 10:14,16,17)

Delight in your freedom! Do not move in a restricted manner as if you were still a prisoner of sin!

The requirements of you are so small to be free from sin, for your Savior has left only a tiny portion of chain for you to snap open – a little time, a little commitment, – but sincerely given –  are all that you need to release yourself and discover a universe of: love, purpose, joy, peace, excitement, fulfillment.

Remember the pattern is repeated, in both spiritual and physical realms: First the thought, then the deed, then the reward.

You have faith, you are doing the deeds, and you shall receive the rewards.

Believe – act upon your belief: God is good, you were created in love, Jesus freed you from sin, you were given special specific talents to be used for the glory of the Father, the delight of the Son, the joy of the Body, and the fulfillment of your heart’s desires.

In your life are all of the elements you need to develop these talents. Seek these elements first. Do not be distracted by the baser instincts, but seek ye first the Kingdom.

Ingest the word, pour out your very being in prayer, sacrifice to do good, welcome the Spirit and heed the still small voice within, persist in faith.

“Have I not promised that in everything I work good for those who love me and who are called according to my purpose?

Do you believe me?

If you believe, act upon your belief. This moment I give to you to change: your faith, your thoughts, your words, your deeds, your destiny.

Know that I am God, and I am good. Know that you are mine, and I am yours, and that is your salvation, your hope, your purpose, and your transformation from life in the flesh to life in the Spirit.

I love you, I desire good for you, and for all whom you love and care for. Seek the path which will best accomplish the working out of good for you – for all whose lives you touch.

The scenes vary, but our mode of travel never varies: Hand in hand, we joyfully walk and observe, that we may help those who need help, that we may rejoice with those who rejoice, that we may mourn with those who mourn, that we may rescue the perishing, that we may give hope to the desperate, that we may celebrate life: life in the Spirit and life in the flesh.

We are in the Kingdom; recognize the light of the Kingdom upon the elements of the world. Your eyes are equipped with the power of the Spirit to discern the light, and in discerning the light, you discern what is revealed by the light: Truth: total Truth. Thus you adjust all of your reactions to the perfect vision provided through the Spirit, and what appears foolish to the world – who sees imperfectly – is wise in My sight, and thus in this manner is my will done through you, to My glory.

If you truly believe I am Love, then trust Me, for by My grace are you saved, through faith. You have been given a measure of faith: Seek it out, and use it. Life will be good.”

Meditation Thought: “… I will be merciful toward their iniquities and I will remember their sins no more. (Hebrews 8:12, quoting Jeremiah 31:34)

Love conquers all, love forgives all, love is all. Concentrate on imitating my kind of love then shall you forgive iniquities and you no more remember others’ sins.

When you are guilt-free and others are guilt-free, then can I work marvelous things: the world shall rejoice at the glory of the Lord and His creation, the beautiful harmony of it, the sight, sound, taste, smell, feel of it – the world shall sense with a newly developed skill the realm of the spirit – and this realm will further enhance the physical realm.

The spiritual shall be the rainbow midst the rain of the physical. The spiritual shall be joy in all circumstances. The spiritual shall be peace in the midst of strife. The spiritual shall be love in the midst of hate.

The spiritual shall be light in the darkness.

The spiritual shall have dominion over the physical. Take heed, for what is invisible is of far greater importance than what is visible.

Do not despair, do not neglect the cultivation of the spiritual vine: it shall produce fruit far more beautiful, more nourishing and in great abundance compared to the physical fruits.

The beauty of the spiritual compared to the physical shall be as sparkling crystal compared to a bar of iron. There may appear to be more substance to the iron – but there is something beyond substance in the changing, dazzling reflection of light from the crystal.

Never limit your life to living with utilitarian iron only – but use the crystal regularly too, that you may have a balanced life: a life which is practical and helpful, and a life which is graceful and helpful.

Meditation Thought: “…every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit” (John 15:2)

Prayer: Father, in Jesus’ name I ask that Your super-natural power and grace envelop me this day – bringing a newness of growth, a more abundant crop of fruit for Your Kingdom. Amen.

The fruit of the spirit: love, peace, joy – all the other beautiful fruits – appear as do any other fruits: after much time, and much growth of the plant which produces them. Each day brings its time of growth: some are days of sunshine, some of rain, some of pruning. All work together for the good of producing a sweet, abundant crop.

Rejoice in each day, each hour: if not in feeling, in word and in deed.

Think ahead unto the night when you will review your day: keep your words gracious, your deeds loving, your faith pure, your trust firm.

Thus shall the day hasten the day of harvest, of happy recognition of the purpose accomplished.

Allow your imagination to go free, that the Spirit may use it to motivate you to greater production. Think on beauty, grace, purity, love, joy – all that pleases you as long as it is pure and in truth.

Do not judge yourself by others’ tastes – nor their tastes by yours. Variety is natural, is needful. Accept this, rejoice in this, co-operate with this.

Get out of yourself and put your spirit into the communication with other spirits: observe them, that you may help them to product good fruit – by your own example, by words of encouragement, by deeds of help, by loving kindnesses. Give and it shall be given to you, in good measure, pressed down, running over.

Meditation Thought: “and thus Abraham, having patiently endured, obtained the promise”. (Hebrews 6:14)

“Patiently endured”, not “rebelliously lashed out”, not “patiently withdrew”.

There is a time and a balance to God’s will for us. It is based on our maturity of spirit. We must learn to seek the full knowledge of God’s will: both the eternal purpose for our life, and the purpose of the moment.

All truly magnificent accomplishments are preceded by much hard work, much patience, much insight – even more so in the spiritual than in the physical realm.

We must look to the examples placed before us – in the Word and in the flesh which encourage us to “keep on keeping on”.

We must seek the energy of the Lord as well as His will and His Word. We are energized by concentrating on seeking Him in spirit daily – more often when we can, and learn to be aware of the Spirit within as we are aware of thinking out our plans, or doing our works step by step. We need to:

1. Take time to pray and seek guidance, listening quietly.
2. Be aware of God’s beauty on the physical.
3. See God in others as they relate to us, ministering, or teaching (which can be very painful!)
4. Praise God constantly, whether for having received the desires of our heart, or for not having received them, at that time patiently enduring that we may obtain the promise.

In everything we need to learn grace: in giving, in receiving, in enduring, in waiting. In all seasons we need to appreciate God working within us, within His Body and within circumstances. If we appreciate God working, then enduring patiently is not enduring with gritted teeth, but enduring with peace in our hearts and prayers on our lips.

Meditation Thought: “In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to him who was able to save him from death, and he was heard for his godly fear.” (Hebrews 5:7)

Jesus willingly laid aside the power of His position, that He might bring man back into his position as righteous child of righteous God.

In His chosen state of humility, Jesus was as vulnerable as I to the tortures of the mind, the emotions, the flesh. It is the very knowledge that He had no more strength than I have that makes it possible for me to believe that I can succeed in learning obedience and knowledge, as He did. And that to the extent that I learn the quality of obedience and knowledge that He did in the flesh, to that extent is the Father able to do His works in me and through me., to that extent does the world recognize the Truth: Jesus is our salvation, Jesus is our hope, Jesus is our power, Jesus is our joy.

Prayer of response: My Father, thank you for conceiving and giving birth to Jesus on earth. Jesus , thank you for obeying your Father’s request to save His children from their sins, and reconcile them to Himself. Holy Spirit, come dwell with me, teaching me the will of the Father, the path of obedience, giving me the power to walk it surely, that I may be a delight to my Father, to my Brother, to You, to all who know me – and yes, to myself! In Jesus’ precious name, and by Jesus’ power released by obedience unto death and salvation by my faith in this Truth, do I petition Thee, Trinity, to manifest thy glory through me as Thy wilt.