This is a picture of what I was looking at in our back yard while talking to a friend on the phone. Kinda the emotions of how I felt today – the JUNK that holds me back, and the lie of how I see myself.
But this tree down the block, in contrast, is the truth of how God sees me. BEAUTIFUL!
And just after blogging this I was on a friend’s Facebook and found this thought. Make sure to read it top to bottom, then bottom to top. TRUTH heals all wounds and bad days!
As a BELIEVER in JESUS (Yeshua, The Messiah), what is acceptable behavior?
Do you do things in secret (in the DARK) that you wouldn’t want others to see in THE LIGHT!
Take a look at the comparative Bible passage of Ephesians 5:1-20 (MSG/NIV Comparative), in both a modern translation (The Message, MSG) and in a traditional version (New International Version, NIV). It’s quite an eye opener!
Jesus is with you all the time, whether you believe or sense His presence. What has He role-modeled in His life as an example for godly living? In any given situation, what would He do, say, or think? How might your words and actions send a mixed message of Christianity to others? How are your thoughts affecting your actions, and do they glorify God, or defame and dishonor Him?
Father God, Jesus, and Holy Spirit love you, no matter your sins. But you can grieve the heart of God by not taking seriously ALL He’s done on the cross to give you a new life, healing, and wholeness. Let’s honor The One who SAVED us from eternal death, and be an example of His True Love to others, in ALL we say, do, and think!
Ponderings from one who is convicted, and wanting to be a better witness.
Sincerely for Souls,
Please read Dr. Lance Wallnau’s prophecy FIRST & THEN my comment below. http://lancewallnau.com/2015/04/prophecy-for-april-your-battle-is-about-to-change/
My Comment:
As a minister in a Catch & Release Ministry to Isaiah 61 peoples, I have learned a lot in my own overcoming of strongholds, especially since 2012.
We are spirit, we have a soul (mind, will, and emotions), and we get around in a body. Since about 2009 I’ve really been pressing in to understanding what it really means to be in The Spirit, and to see each other after the Spirit, especially the unlovely things in ourselves and others.
The CONSECRATION of our Imagination seems to be the key to EVERYTHING. We are NOT OF THIS WORLD, so we can’t fight it, or our stronghold, in a worldly fashion. We have to have the mind of Jesus, and continually give our thoughts captive to Him, to hear His strategy for ourselves, and other people and situations we encounter.
2 Corinthians 10:3-4 Amplified Bible (AMP)
3 “For though we walk (live) in the flesh, we are not carrying on our warfare according to the flesh and using mere human weapons. 4 For the weapons of our warfare are not physical [weapons of flesh and blood], but they are mighty before God for the overthrow and destruction of strongholds,”
And,
Ephesians 6:10-20Amplified Bible (AMP)
10 “In conclusion, be strong in the Lord [be empowered through your union with Him]; draw your strength from Him [that strength which His boundless might provides]. 11 Put on God’s whole armor [the armor of a heavy-armed soldier which God supplies], that you may be able successfully to stand up against [all] the strategies and the deceits of the devil. 12 For we are not wrestling with flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against the despotisms, against the powers, against [the master spirits who are] the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spirit forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) sphere. 13 Therefore put on God’s complete armor, that you may be able to resist and stand your ground on the evil day [of danger], and, having done all [the crisis demands], to stand [firmly in your place]. 14 Stand therefore [hold your ground], having tightened the belt of truth around your loins and having put on the breastplate of integrity and of moral rectitude and right standing with God, 15 And having shod your feet in preparation [to face the enemy with the [a]firm-footed stability, the promptness, and the readiness [b]produced by the good news] of the Gospel of peace.
16 Lift up over all the [covering] shield of [c]saving faith, upon which you can quench all the flaming missiles of the wicked [one].
17 And take the helmet of salvation and the sword that the Spirit [d]wields, which is the Word of God. 18 Pray at all times (on every occasion, in every season) in the Spirit, with all [manner of] prayer and entreaty. To that end keep alert and watch with strong purpose and perseverance, interceding in behalf of all the saints (God’s consecrated people). 19 And [pray] also for me, that [freedom of] utterance may be given me, that I may open my mouth to proclaim boldly the mystery of the good news (the Gospel), 20 For which I am an ambassador in a coupling chain [in prison. Pray] that I may declare it boldly and courageously, as I ought to do.”
Blessings to us, The Victorious Overcomeres in Jesus, in this Prophetic, Intercessory, Warfare, Worship!
Sincerely for Souls,
Kathleen Wichterman
Trees of Rughteousness Ministries
An Isaiah 61 Outreach
http://www.treesright.com
kmwichterman@gmail.com
763-553-9618
Posted in Spiritual
Tagged Ephesians 6, humility, Overcoming Strongholds, spiritusl warfare
MAKE SURE TO READ THE POSTER ABOVE TOP TO BOTTOM (for Atheist’s beliefs), AND BOTTOM TO TOP (for Christian’s beliefs)
Following is a Facebook comment from a young man confused by Christianity after seeing the poster above:
DEVIN:
“I believe in a higher power. But a BOOK that a MAN wrote will not dictate my life or spirituality. Religion; It’s a control system.”
MY RESPONSE:
Hi, Devin:
Sorry for the misinformation you may have gathered about Christianity. The Bible, the book you referred to, wasn’t written by a man, per say. It was a record of many men, and their relationship with God, over the course of many thousands of years. They were inspired by Holy Spirit to write how God chose a group of people, called the Israelites, to reveal Himself to the world as a loving, yet just God.I agree that SOME people are religious, and can be controlling, but a true, intimate relationship with the only LIVING GOD, YESHUA (the Jewish/Hebrew name for Jesus) is anything BUT controlling. That’s what free-will is all about. We choose if we believe or not, but by EXPERIENCING Him as real, not by what we’ve experienced through faulty human beings, who may know of Him, but don’t really have an intimate relationship with Him.
We hear and read His words in Holy Scripture as a GUIDELINE for living, that will be in our best interest, AND FOR HIS GLORY, yet we get to make a choice to have life, by FAITH (without actually seeing, yet believing), or to choose death, following our own self-focused path of often misguided enlightenment that ends in a death without the promise of eternal salvation.
God/Jesus/Holy Spirit is three distinct personalities within ONE uncreated being. Men, called Prophets, prophesied about Jesus, thousands of years before He humbly came to earth as a baby, born of lowly birth, though heir to a kingdom NOT OF THIS WORLD. Jesus’ name is also described as Immanuel, which means “God with us,” and called Yeshua in Hebrew which is derived from “to rescue”, “to deliver,” or “to save.” He is the Messiah (http://www.gotquestions.org/what-does-Messiah-mean.html) spoken about in ancient scripture.
The key is that He became a sacrifice, on the cross of crucifixion (an agonizing horrible death practiced in the first century), for all mankind, past present, and future, to make a way for us to be with Him in eternity.
His resurrection (three days later), from that death and burial in a grave, is proof He is who He says He is. He is ALIVE! That’s what Easter was originally about, first called Passover or Resurrection Sunday. Today the celebration has been commercialized with bunnies, chicks, candy and hunting for eggs to promote retail sales. However, only true believers in Messiah understand the significance of the life example of Jesus.
To truly know Him; His love and heart for you, and His plans and purposes for your unique talents, you must read His words recorded in the longest best-selling book of antiquity, The Bible. A great resource is Don Bierle’s book “Surprised by Faith.”
Though many of us (myself included) have been hurt by over-zealous, or even hypocritical Christians in the past, that doesn’t mean God is like that. It also doesn’t mean there aren’t REAL, GENUINE lovers of Jesus who actually live what they preach.
I’m praying you give the One True God a chance, and experience authentic life-changing hope in Him.
Posted in Spiritual
Tagged atheism, atheist vs. God Believer, Christianity, Faith in God vs. Faith in Self
On a hike at Deep Portage Outdoor Educational Facility near Hackensack, MN.
Rooted and Grounded!
In Love
That’s all folks!
Posted in Spiritual
Tagged Christianity, creationism vs. evolution, Jesus is God, new age, spiritist, the cross of Christ, tree hugger
IF YOU WERE A TREE, WHAT WOULD YOU BE, AND WHY?
I’d be a Sugar Maple, for it’s range of fall color, for it’s many uses as a beautiful wood , and for it’s sweetening agent from the sap.
Following is a great SPIRITUAL ANALOGY I fully relate to as well:
The Maple Tree
“Life lessons learned through the maple syrup process is that the tree won’t give the sap unless there is a wound or a cut. The sap can only be made into syrup with fire and heat, but in the careful watchful hands of The Master, what comes from a scar can be turned into something wonderful, sweet, and satisfying.”
(Quote taken from Wilderness Fellowship Ministries (WI) Maple Syrup blog site.)
And more info. on the Sugar Maple.
I found this lovely blessing on the “Light and Sound” WordPress blog site.
It fits beautifully with what I have been posting recently, but Pamela also notes that Yeshua (JESUS) is never shaken! He is steadfast and fights for us. He is our great intercessor, and we find our confidence in Him.
May you be blessed to know Him intimately, and find freedom to fulfill your purpose and passion for His glory!
Sincerely for Souls,
Kathleen
I call your G-d given human spirit to attention.
The disciples were going across the sea as they were commanded, purposed for the other side. With Jesus on the boat and the great skill of the accompanying seamen, they had no reason to doubt their goal, it was just another trip across the sea.
The winds picked up, the waves started to swell and it wasn’t long before they were in the midst of a storm so mighty that even the men who had spent their entire lives on the sea were struck with fear in their hearts, all while Jesus slept. They didn’t want to wake Him. He had been ministering everywhere and they knew He was tired in body, but this storm was different, so they cried out to Him.
Jesus stirred from the sounds of their panic. He walked solidly in the dominion His…
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Attached is a teaching by David Wilkerson from 1996. He was a prophet WAY AHEAD OF HIS TIME. He warned us to prepare us for the tribulation to come.
10 “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities,against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith,with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. 19 Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.” (Ephesians 6:10-20)
With three rental homes between Missouri and Minnesota, we found ourselves homeless.
The house in Minnesota was our permanent dwelling for twenty years, and the other two, in Missouri, we’ve lived in, back and forth, for the past four years as we remodeled. Now they are all rented out.
Thankfully, November 2014, the week before Thanksgiving, we headed north to spend the winter at a friend’s cabin. They graciously provided us with a temporary shelter, until we could figure out the next step in the adventure of our journey called LIFE.
As ministers, we were burnt out. Between involving ourselves serving in various Christian ministries over the years, and remodeling houses for the past six, we were exhausted and disillusioned. It was time to get away.
Sleeping in, reading, watching movies, and exploring the small seniorized towns of northern Minnesota was our main activity for two months. Asking God for direction, reenergizing, healing, and clarity was our goal.
My best revelations, and answers to questions, came as I began to find an early morning routine, while it was still dark. Journaling my encounters with God, and sharing insights and encouraging articles with others on social media, helped me document and reference these life changing moments.
I’ve taken time for ME, to do the things I’ve always wanted to do, without schedules or expectations from anyone.
I’ve read and studied many books on watercolor painting, bought supplies, and experimented with several techniques. What a great creative outlet. I LOVE IT!
I’ve read several books on homesteading, sustainable living, regenerative earth stewardship (Fields of Farmers, by Joel Salatin, Polyface Farms), and the possibilities of simple dwellings as in the current Tiny House craze.
I began volunteering at the local food shelf and thrift store, once a week, just to have some social interaction and help in the small, but thriving, tourist community.
As our time in this lakeside cabin is coming to an end, I am truly rejuvenated and ready to explore the possibilities before us; maybe taking a truck camper to spend a few months in Redding, CA, motorcycle rides in the west coast mountains, a visit to see my two year old grandson in Washington, or adventures in Alaska?
“A man’s heart plans his way, but The Lord directs his steps (if you let Him).” Proverbs 16:9 NKJV – Italics mine.
I’m not 100% sure what we will be doing the rest of 2015, but as we make time to “be still and know He is God,” it will become clear.
Following is a timely devotional I read this week. It put everything in perspective, calmed my fear of the unknown, and confirmed some insights. May you find peace as you GET AWAY!
– Kathleen
Time to Get Away
Mark reports that “while it was still dark,” our Savior had a habit of heading to a “solitary place, where he prayed” (Mark 1:35). Evidently Jesus felt the need to fellowship with his heavenly Father in an undistracted setting. In like fashion, for you and me to hear where the Lord is leading us in our journey, to have the ability to commune with him without interruptions, we must get away from the “noise” of our lives, with its endless eye candy and diversions.
This is easier said than done. Almost anywhere you go these days there are televisions cackling away in a corner. From the TVs in our homes, to the multiple TV screens hanging from ceilings in restaurants, to the TV in our pockets on our cell phones, it’s difficult to escape the constant stream of entertainment. Nevertheless, we have this example of Jesus who went to a solitary place to hear from God.
Elsewhere Mark notes, “After leaving them, he went up on a mountainside to pray” (Mark 6:46). Luke writes, “Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed” (Luke 5:16). What’s more, sometimes Jesus “spent the night praying to God” (Luke 6:12). Are you seeing a pattern here? Our Elder Brother wisely leveraged quiet places to hear from God the Father and fellowship with him.
I’m not necessarily suggesting that we have to leave our homes in order to experience solitude — although retreating to the mountains, a state park or a beachside cottage would be a wonderful way to leave behind the noise of this world. That’s not always practical, however. But the isolation necessary to hear from God can exist wherever you are physically. How? By turning off your cell phone, television, radio and any other electronic device that might break your focus.
You might also consider spending time outside, especially during the dark of night or the predawn morning hours. A local park or preserve offers a great place to sit and meditate on the Lord. This time is best spent alone — no spouse, children or friends; no phone contact; no texting. Although the noise of civilization may be around you, such a setting will be much more quiet than your normal routine.
“He Is Not Silent,” a song by Out of the Grey, summarizes our situation: “He is not silent. We are not listening.” Do you really want to experience the Lord’s leading in your career transition? Then recognize that none of us will ever know what his direction is until we nurture a closer relationship with him.
Taken from Why Did I Lose My Job if God Loves Me? (A daily devotional from the YouVersion Bible App)
Song: He is Not Silent by Into the Grey
Trees of Righteousness Ministries 