Category: Friendship

Fire Activated

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Author: Jessica Huber

“Some plants, such as the lodgepole pine, Eucalyptus, and Banksia, have serotinous cones or fruits that are completely sealed with resin. These cones/fruits can only open to release their seeds AFTER the heat of a fire has physically melted the resin.”

Did you read that? Heat fire … trees, let’s just say they were not meant to be best friends. So why would this make sense to have a seed that can only be released after it’s exposed to heat? We look at the devastation of a forest fire, the death and destruction and would think that it stops there in the ashes. We forget what it takes sometimes for a rebuilding. The importance of the process and what needs to happen for a rejuvenated replenishment.

Truth is, there are times when growth can only rise out from the flames.

We have a God that goes so far before us, that he Intricately created little plans to protect, to secure and preserve even after a destruction.
In this case with these particular cones/ fruit.. they need the fire to release the new. This is the same for you.

Keep in mind the scripture about the birds and the lilies? If God can take care of them, then we should have no worries whether or not he can take care of us. Friends, if he can create a plan for a cone hanging on a tree he most certainly has one for us.

Some of us are still sealed up and about to walk into a fire and it’s scary, for the fear is overwhelming. Some are currently in the fire and it hurts .. the pain feels like it will never subside, but when the tears fall like melting resin.., hold on. Your not alone in the flames. Let me reference Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego? Yep, 3 went in, but there were 4 in the flames that day. It was a turning point of victory For God’s Glory!

You might just be in the middle of your turning point, but allow me to usher in and project a truth ..You’re going to need to Brace yourself to Embrace .. that the GLORY WILL COME.

Every experience or encounter whether pleasant or unpleasant serves it’s purpose.

We may ask ourselves, why are we allowed to go through terrible moments, pain, loss, and the sorrows of this life? It’s because God will take this situation and use the Heat to refine, and when the smoke fades away there will be a revealing of His power in your life. He has the ability bring about a Beauty from the pain. It is then magnified so that it doesn’t just affect you, but All who whiteness. Our pain is not in vain!

It might feel like this devastation is too much to bear, it might feel like hope is lost behind the thickness of the billowing smoke..will there ever be light?

Rest assured, Just like that cone, you were designed by Him and created for this very moment! I know it doesn’t makes sense.. fire and trees, but for you too, out of the ashes there will be a sprouting of New.

When you come out, dust off the ashes and wear that crown of beauty! Let the oil of joy Glisten upon the mourning. Walk proud as the garment of praise cascades over the spirit of despair. Stand Tall like the Oaks of Righteousness and proclaim this victory In Jesus name.

Repeat after me!
I am not alone, God’s restoration is upon me! There is purpose and reason beyond this season! Proclaim it!

Readings
Mathew 6:26-34
Daniel 3:16-28
Isaiah 61:1-3

A Mountain In My Way!

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By: Jessica Huber

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He is not going to move the mountain, if it will get in the way of something he has planned for the future.

Let’s face it, we have such a hard time with patience, we try to move that mountain on our own. We push and shove and wonder why our backs hurt, we complain about the pain. ..why is this so hard?
“Why won’t this mountain move?” “I’m waiting and waiting, “did I mention I’m getting tired of waiting?”

Does this sound like anything you’ve said before? Maybe you are saying it right now! Honestly, we have no idea what that mountain is keeping us from. Do we ever consider what is on the other side? What is it protecting us from? Maybe whatever is on the other side of the mountain is just not ready yet. The path is still getting cleared.

We have no idea what will happen within this waiting time, my guess is with God..big things, growth, opportunity, possibly a chance for redirection???

Sometimes the only thing needed in times like this is to surrender. I know it sounds weak, it sounds like giving up, as if you are doing nothing at all. Think of it as this, it’s letting go of a tug of war that you were never meant to enter. So many of us are still trying to face our struggles on our own. When All we see is the problem that’s IN THE WAY, we are missing out on Important keys to his process…. His Way.

There is still much so do within a waiting time. Quit looking at the mountain and look around. God may be using this mountain to use you, in someone else’s mountain moment.

Let’s ask ourselves this, do I believe God loves me? Do I believe God can move the mountains within my life? If so, then maybe we just need to Trust that! Trust that if this mountain isn’t budging it’s for a darn good reason! Consider this, Just maybe it’s not the mountain that God is planning on moving? Maybe He’s going to do a move within you.

Don’t be so quick to think God is not working fast enough. Use this time to talk with Him, to receive His peace. What happens when one side of the tug of war let’s go? The other side falls back. Think about that release, every time you are tempted to take this burden back into your own hands.

My God is Capable, My God is Powerful, My God is Loving, My God is All Knowing!
My God has Got This! My God has Me!

 

I pray that today whatever the struggle is, however big or small, I pray that you let it go. Quit pushing, quit pulling. I pray that You receive God’s peace and comfort. Remember He loves you. He cares for you and your loved ones. I pray that when you lift your eyes to the mountain, you remember where your help comes from.
I pray that you remember how precious His timing is and that it IS Perfect.
In The Name of JESUS I Pray… Amen and Amen.

Love = Hope, Healing & Life

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By: Jessica Huber

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Where are you today? How are you holding up? I know your tired of trying. Heck, I know you’re just about done with trying.

Are you having a hard time with letting resentment go, maybe it’s just gone on so long that you wouldn’t even know where to start. Maybe you’re not sure you even want it to be fixed at this point. Does it even matter anymore? You’ve been hurt and disappointed one too many times. The pain is overwhelming and too much to bear.

Today I want you to Rest In The Love that God has given you. I want you to wrap yourself within His Security. You are Cherished, you are Cared For and you are Not Alone. No matter what, you have a God who is for you and believe me He knows. He knows ALL sides of the situation!

Today I don’t want you to hold onto your strength. I want you to Lean on His!
I don’t want you to try.
I want you to surrender.

You have nothing left, that’s ok!
I don’t want you to give what you have , I want you to Give all that is His!
He Has Plenty for the both of you!!

The love of Christ is Enough for You And the person on the other side of this situation.

1 John 4:19
We Love because He first Loved Us.

Don’t let this struggle let you forget that!

God gave You His Love When you didn’t deserve it, in this case it might be a good time to ask, am I letting this hurt withhold God’s given Love?
Am I withholding love because I am hurting? Am I holding back because I feel this person is undeserving?
Words were spoken and they can’t be taken back. This is true but the words that we choose from this point on can Bring Life.
Please Know, That Releasing Love is exactly what Will Breathe the Life back to this relationship.
God’s Love IS the very thing that will Heal the hurt, but you Have to Release IT!
This Love does not belong to you, It IS GOD’s LOVE! It’s meant to be consumed and absorbed, never to be withheld.

Let a little Heaven touch this earth and
give His Plan a chance to work. Let His strength steady you, let His Joy Rise within, Let His Forgiveness rein in your body. Let His Love overcome!!
Let His WILL be done. Let the fight continue on …HIS terms not your own.

There is Power in a Forgiving Heart, There is Healing within a New Start.
I know you are tired, I know you’re  limitations are being taunted with ways of escape, an easy way out!
I challenge you to Ask God to stretch your Faith.
I challenge you to look through God’s eyes, far beyond the boundaries, far beyond what you THINK you can handle.

So you’re done trying, ok good, finally!
Give up! Give it to God! Give this to the one who knows NO limitations of Love,
Hang in there, this fight is not over!

Take One moment at a time, but within these moments let’s choose to BUILD instead of breakdown!
Let’s choose to INJECT LIFE into the situation instead of Burying it Alive!

Turn to The Lord for your peace and calm, go to His word for wisdom, and take it as Truth! Believe it! It’s not always going to line up with how you’re feeling, let truth override those feelings. Apply it, Let it be His Action that takes place, not the action that your flesh desires.
So Go ahead, Give Up! Give IT to God!
Let it be His Holy Presence, His Mighty Power, that surrounds and takes Charge of your Life today!

Love = Hope, Healing, and Life

Let’s Pray

Dear Lord,

I am struggling today. I’m hurting and I need you. Help me to lean on you, help me to receive your peace and calm. Lord please remind me of your presence in my relationships. Help me to turn to you when I am tempted to lash out. Release your love and override my pain. Most of all Lord Help me to reflect your love even when I am hurting. Thank you for never leaving me and for always loving me.
In Jesus Name I pray amen.

Good Fruit Doesn’t Happen Over Night

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By: Jessica Huber

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Today when we get tomatoes from the grocery store they are often hard and pale in color, the taste can be very sour. It’s because the tomatoes are rushed! They pick them before their time, just so they can withstand the travel to keep up with the Demand. It’s a quick fast world that teaches we can get what we want when we want it, just not necessarily high quality. We mass produce a bunch of undesirable junk, just so we can say it’s here for the taking. The tomatoes we get in the store will do in a pinch but they are nothing like fresh garden tomatoes, delicious  red and juicy! Definitely well worth the wait!

 
You can’t rush or force spiritual fruit either, you’ll end up with a bunch of hard hearted sour Christians that leave a bad taste in everyone’s mouth. It’s like the church saying hey we have Christians here and plenty of them! In reality if rushed or forced they don’t do any good for the Kingdom. They are not spiritually ready themselves, let alone ready to disciple those who are hungry for God.
The true message and purpose gets a pass all together  …nope don’t want any of that! The church is not a place of mass production. It’s a place of healing a place of development. If we would look at it as a “fruit market”, I’d say that we would want to make sure that the fruit that we send out into this world ideally, would be ripe and ready. Meaning that patience is a virtue. This fruit needs to be fertilized with Grace and Truth, with Kindness. With the Love and Compassion of Christ, Hand picked with His Gentleness and Sent out with Joy! That is what we should instill in our Brothers and Sisters, after all we need them if we want The Body to function as a unit.

Don’t forget to self check! Instead of focusing on what everyone else may or may not be doing right or wrong ask, what kind of fruit am I producing? What am I feeding to my fellow brothers and sisters? Especially those who are still hard and sour. Are we giving bitterness back or are we counteracting the negative by allowing the Holy Spirit to truly guid us. We need to remember the True Gardener and follow by his example. If a tree is not producing the desirable fruit then this is the evidence that the tree needs tended to. Don’t be too quick to cut it down. Dig around it, put some work into it.

Luke 13 :6-9
6And He began telling this parable: “A man had a fig tree which had been planted in his vineyard; and he came looking for fruit on it and did not find any.7“And he said to the vineyard-keeper, ‘Behold, for three years I have come looking for fruit on this fig tree without finding any. Cut it down! Why does it even use up the ground?’ 8“And he answered and said to him, ‘Let it alone, sir, for this year too, until I dig around it and put in fertilizer; 9and if it bears fruit next year, fine; but if not, cut it down.’”

Let’s not forget where good fruit comes from. It is ultimately from the workings of the Holy Spirit. It’s His stamp it’s the evidence of who we belong to.

 

John 15:4
“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.

You can not force someone to have a relationship with The Lord. That’s just not how it works, it’s not how He would want it.  But we can be sure to stay focused on Christ, read his word and make sure that the fruit that we are producing is of Him, so we can be better mentors. Get to know one another, reflect, encourage, and support through this walk. We can make sure that our own lives are being led by The Holy Spirit, allowing God to use us as his gardening tool. In other words, don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty and put a little work in as well.
This is not to dismiss or condone a life of unfruitfulness. This is a reflection on patience, humility and forbearance when it comes to our brothers and sisters. It’s important not to forget that it took a little time for some of us to go through our process. We are all still growing and refining in our daily walk with Christ.

 

May you hear the sound of His sweet voice. Let his love fill and overflow. Allow it to pour out onto others with no restraint.  God Bless This Walk, In The Name of Jesus Christ. 

 

I come to the Garden alone
While the dew is still on the roses
And the voice I hear falling on my ear
The Son of God discloses

And He walks with me and He talks with me
And He tells me I am His own
And the joy we share as we tarry there
None other has ever known

He speaks and the sound of His voice
Is so sweet the birds hush their singing
And the melody that He gave to me
Within my heart is ringing

And He walks with me and He talks with me
And He tells me I am His own
And the joy we share as we tarry there
None other has ever known

And the joy we share as we tarry there
None other has ever known
~ C. Austin Miles ~

 

Get Up!

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By: Jessica Huber

IMG_1572.JPGMark 10:51-52
51“What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus asked him.

The blind man said, “Rabbi, I want to see.”

52“Go,” said Jesus, “your faith has healed you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road.

It is the same with John 5:1-9 but the message goes just a bit further.
6 When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition for a long time, he asked him, “Do you want to get well?”

8 Then Jesus said to him, “Get up! Pick up your mat and walk.” 9 At once the man was cured; he picked up his mat and walked.

He Walked!

There is SO much here!
An extended Offer
A willingness
Faith
Healing
Following

Jesus wanted to know if the men had Faith and also if they were ready for the next step. He could have just walked up and healed them easy peasy. But He made this About Faith In Action, meaning that they had a responsibility on their part. JESUS desires a two way relationship.
When we call out to Him and Ask Him to change our circumstances, He’s Going To Do it, In one way or another. The question is Are We Ready, Is This What We Want?
First Do We Believe He can Do it ! Second Do We Want It? Do we want Him?  It’s not a one and done. He wants to continue on within our lives. He doesn’t walk away after the healing. When JESUS died for our sins he rose from the dead to LIFE! By His wounds we are healed! From transgression to transformation we rise to life! ….we walk!

The blind man didn’t gain sight and go home. He certainly didn’t go back carrying on as he did when he was blind. He Followed JESUS! The Other Man got Up and Walked! He didn’t straighten out his mat and lay back down. He didn’t say thank you …I’m sure these legs will come in handy someday .. no he got up and walked! Both men were healed and they chose to do something with their new beginning.

When He Works IN US He Does it BIG.
SEEK and you will FIND
KNOCK and The door will be OPEN to YOU Matthew 7:7

What Do You Want Him To Do With You?
The Answer is The Showing of Your Faith!
Make IT BIG!
Will it Be to See as He Sees?
To Forgive as He Forgives?
To Love as He Loves?
To Walk as He Walks?
What ever it is, just like the men, KNOW that God Can! Then understand that Christ wants you to take it on the road and use it to Follow Him! Whatever Blessing you receive, Use it to show others Who He IS.

Faith IN Action!!!

James 2:17
In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.

How long have you been in this condition?
Do you want to get well?
Open your eyes and receive!
Get up and walk!

Revelation 21:5
And He who sits on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” And He said, “Write, for these words are faithful and true.”

 

Let’s us Pray

Dear Lord,

Thank you for All that you Are! Help me to put my trust and Faith in your abilities. I want to receive the gifts and opportunities that you have planned for my life. Remove all the fear, and negative clutter that is keeping me from getting up and taking my first step. I look forward with new eyes! Help me to remember when My foot slips or when I get knocked down you are right there to help and support as we walk together. Help me to listen to your voice telling me to Get Up!
In JESUS Name Amen

turn down the volume of the world & TURN UP THE VOICE OF GOD!

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By: Jessica Huber

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The scripture says draw near to God and He will draw near to you.

What happens when we forget about His Word? What happens when we neglect our relationship with God? What happens when we draw closer to The world and we set The Word aside?

First off, we are not loved any less, let me just say that! But….
we are hampering ourselves. We set ourselves up to be played by the enemy and we become a disservice to God’s mission.

2 Timothy 3:16 says
All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness;

When we keep ourselves away from that truth, we allow ourselves to conform to the things going on around us. The world rings louder and louder. We forget the part about His Way and we start looking at other ways.

The world has plenty of opportunities or distractions to fill our own desires.
Little by little we ignore our discernment. We begin to put false gods in our sights, working towards goals to accomplish the desires of the world. We end up falling for the patterns of deception. In turn, we are tricked into building an earthbound kingdom. Some of the materials used for a kingdom such as this are doubt, worry, fear, stress, bitterness, anger, jealousy and pride. Pretty much all the things that consume us. Not only does this keep us from receiving God’s Best, it keeps us  from being  productive Warriors for God.

James 4:7
Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.

Deception is not ugly, it’s pleasing, it seems right in our own sight.
But we know that satan hides behind light. He prowls around looking for someone to devour and what better prey, what better target, than Someone who is left unarmed?

When we are away from the truth it’s much much easier to fall for the half truth, which by the way, is a full on lie. Guys these lies are soothing, they tickle the ears in a way that justifies the half truth.
If we have lost our ability to tell the difference between The Lord’s voice and the god of this worlds voice, then we might as well have never known the truth in the first place.
We have A Present God, The Holy Spirit Has been Given. He guides and leads us along God’s path.

We can be in the world, raising our families, working and living life but we must be careful not to be of the world.
Don’t let it distract you from your role within the Body of Jesus Christ. Don’t forget Who you belong to, you Are a member of a UNIT and without your presence it doesn’t function to the full potential. No matter what you are involved in, no matter where you are, there is always an opportunity to reflect and project the voice of God. That means we need to turn down the volume of the world and Turn Up The Voice of God.

Listen and Test

1 John 4:1 talks about not believing every spirit, it says test the spirits, so we know if they are from God.
You see, the enemy has a voice and he also has spirits.
The way we test the spirits are to measure them with The Word Of God. If it doesn’t match, then it’s a deception. We know that people make mistakes, we have a loving forgiving Father, but if we continue to cover our spiritual ears, we disregard His guidance. We are then the ones who hurt ourselves and the people who we could potentially be of service to.
There is no one that can be hidden from God. Not even in the darkest of times. Still we tend to push Him away when we are in the dark, We trip over what we do not know and often end up dragging others along with us .. blind leading the blind.

Get Into The Word, read what God has given. Weave it within your life. This will be what keeps you equipped to live in this world as a Follower of Christ.

1 John 5:21,
1 Dear children, keep yourselves from idols.

Jonah 2:8
“Those who regard vain idols Forsake their faithfulness

They Forsake their Own Faithfulness!
It’s a choice we make and we need to take responsibility for that.
Not something we want to forsake.

When Faith is brought to the table Miracles happen! We need to watch out for who and what we put our faith in.
Tap into that discernment, listen for the Voice of The Lord to guide. If it does not match with God’s Word  then we need to adjust the volume and Seek God’s counsel.

Now Today

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By: Jessica Huber

IMG_1537NOW…,TODAY

2 Corinthians 6:2
For he says, “In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.” I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.

Not after, not later!
Now! Today!

First!
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
Matthew 6:33

TODAY!

Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
Matthew 6:34

The reason we are not to worry about tomorrow is not because from here on out its perfect!
No, Jesus said there Will be trouble! But When we have a personal relationship with Him , we are putting our thoughts, concerns and ALL of our unknowns into His Secure Hands. The Worry is to be Replaced with Trust! Its not a Trust in the world or ourselves or any other person, that will end up in failure for sure!
It’s a Trust IN HIM, no matter what it looks like around you! The assurance is That your God Has this! The bible says He goes Before us! With this knowledge comes the gift of Faith and From that The Gift of Peace!

First of all earthly life is Not promised. Second He Knows the Plans and Has Known them before We were Born. A plan to Prosper, and not harm, a Plan for Hope and a Future.

A Future of a Promised Eternity!
There is no greater assurance than that!

So Why wait to Begin something that was set Before You existed? Why Postpone a Personal Hand Crafted Life? Why waste that Beautiful Gift of Peace?
Life here is to be lived with all your heart, soul and mind pointing Right at Him.

Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’
Matthew 22:37

There is One Way and No Better Day, Than Today!
TODAY, Accept Jesus as Your Savior and Lord Of Your Life!

Too much time and energy has been wasted on Worry and uncertainties! I hope that Today, If He knocks you will Open and let Him Step In! Seize the day while it is still called today!

Keep Sowing and Let God Do The Growing

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By: Jessica Huber 

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Mark 6
4Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his hometown and among his own relatives and in his own household.”

I’m thankful for having a God who is understanding of the hardships within a human life. I am thankful for the hope and comfort that comes from knowing that.

The scriptures say that Jesus did not do many miracles within his home town, because of the lack of Faith. This verse can be encouraging for a follower who is on Fire for God, but finds it difficult to reach loved ones.

Do you have a loved one in your heart and on your mind today? Maybe your heart aches because you know their best is yet to come. You know The Hands that are ready to hold, you know the Love that waits to cradle. You know the ONE who cherishes them. You want nothing more for them, than to accept all of this with open arms.

It is a blessing to wake up everyday with the desire to share God and His Word! Although at times it can be sad and discouraging, when the people in your own home or in your family do not take it Seriously. It affects us deeply because we know that it is serious, life or death serious.

These are the questions I’v personally asked within prayer, Am I doing something wrong? Have I not shown Who You are within the actions of my own life? Have I not loved enough? Have I not spoken up at the right times? Have I spoken too much? Why aren’t they getting it? Why don’t they have that burning desire to know You Lord? How can anyone not want this?????

Then…
Here is where His loving Counsel comes in.
The Words that Jesus spoke in Mark 6:4. show us that he understands our struggle because it was first his to deal with. With that thought in mind remember that it is STILL His. Yes, It hurts when we see so many lost and living in despair, but we must remember He created us to be disciples, we are to share the good news, but ultimately we can not control who receives.

What an understanding God we have!

So just as he is understanding to our struggle right now, we have the comfort in knowing that he has an ultimate love and understanding for the lost. He has a backstage view of their hurt, their pain, the temptations they face day in and day out. With that being said he knows exactly what they need and He knows how to prepare the soil of their heart.

It will Always be the hope that our loved ones will be safe within the arms of our Savior. We hope and pray that they will taste and see that He is good but we must remember that there is a process. Although we feel the urging of time getting shorter and shorter, we know that God can do amazing things within a short amount of time. Hello the entire universe and everything in existence came about in 6 days and he still had time to rest and reflect on how awesome it was.
Don’t Limit God!

In Luke 8, Jesus used a wonderful  example of seeds being sown. The growing conditions played a major role. When the seeds were tossed, Some fell on rocky ground, some were choked out by weeds, some were eaten up by birds and trampled by foot. But others fell on fertile soil.

The soil needs to be ready. We must remember Who Softens that soil, Who penetrates the roughness, Who nourishes with the Living Water.
GOD DOES!
And We TRUST that His timing is on an entirely different level than our own.
TRUST That It is HIS Power that will touch the Hearts of our loved ones.
HIS!
Trust Him to Cultivate!
Stay Encouraged!
Be Bold!
Stay true!
Have Faith!
Continue to Love ..Even when it is difficult!
Speak when prompted!
Be still when He says to be still!

He Doesn’t Give up.. so we shouldn’t give up, continue to share that Knowledge that leaves hearts wanting to know more!
Don’t get ahead of yourself and don’t get ahead of Him!

Keep Sowing and Let God do the Growing! 

1 Thessalonians 5:11
Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

But God!

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By: Jessica Huber 

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I read this question on a social media page the other day.

*What drink made you never want to drink again?

There were several comments of people chiming in with all different kinds of alcoholic beverages .. along with stories of horrible experiences and how sick it made them.

There was a time where I would have jumped right in!

BUT GOD! And I find myself saying this more and more lately!

But God!
God is Amazing! He is a Chain Breaking, Freedom giving, Life Saving God! He is the ultimate healer!

I saw this post and immediately my thoughts went to a completely different direction. My first thought was .. and without hesitation I might add…The Living Water of Jesus Christ .. After I tried that I never wanted to drink anything else.
I am from a family where drinking was always our way. Always our way to celebrate, our way to deal with disappointment, depression, it was our way of fun and excitement, to let loose to have confidence as well as an answer to stress relief. You name it alcohol was always invited.

This became my way for so long. Until I had that One Drink that Changed Everything!
Now My WAY IS JESUS
THE WAY The Truth and The Life!

It is true that sometimes a negative experience will drive us away from something harmful. But for how long and to what extent? My point is that the goodness of God did this for me in more ways than one bad, or even several bad experiences could have.
For example, I lived through my cousin being killed by a drunk driver, I watched my family grieve and have their lives torn apart. I lived day after day wishing it were me, trying to make it through and comprehend a life with out my best friend. Yet, still I did not quit drinking… I took a break only for a brief time. I vowed never to drink and drive, but I still found myself stepping into vehicles with people behind the wheel who were under the influence. That negative experience should have been enough, after all it was the worst pain to this day that Iv ever felt. Nope, it became my excuse to drink more. My answer to the question could have been many different drinks that I have consumed over time, truth is I’v been sick more than I’d like to admit and still went right back to that kind of poison. I’v had moments of shame and regret that still bring tears to my eyes… and I have to listen for His voice.. saying you are forgiven my love!

The worst drink, the worst experience could never override What God DID in my life!

The Power and Love Of Jesus Christ is more than enough to break through. More than any nasty tasting drink more than any terrible hangover or tragic trauma! He Alone Was the answer for me!

The Drink that He offered was the drink that made me want to quit drinking.
The Living Water of Jesus Christ!

If there is something that has a strong hold on you today.. or if you unsure of your stability.. I would like to offer an invitation to drink from The Eternal Well.
If you do not know JESUS CHRIST as your Lord and personal savior, then there is no better time than right Now. I don’t care if it’s alcohol, shopping, drugs or food, I don’t care if it’s needed attention from people.. what ever it is that allows you to reach for ______________ fill in the blank. If you reach for This before you reach for God then I’m here to tell you.. God is Greater and We need Him! We can not do it on or own or in our own way. He knows How to fill that empty spot! This fullness will not end in shame or regret, it won’t end in self loathing, it won’t end in disappointment or a spiraling cycle. Instead He Gives LIFE, HOPE, FREEDOM, LOVE, JOY, PURPOSE, and so much more!
Will you be free from troubles in this world? The answer is an absolute no, but you will be free from the burden of them. You have a God that says ..are You weary, are you hurt, are you struggling? Come here, let’s swap, give me your burdens and I will give you rest, strength and hope. You have the opportunity to fill the blank with Him! I’m weak …BUT GOD! I’m tired.. BUT GOD! I’m sad and lonely.. BUT GOD! I’m scared.. BUT GOD! I hurt.. BUT GOD! BUT GOD IS GREATER!!

Romans 5:8 8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

John 4:10
Jesus answered and said to her, “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, ‘Give Me a drink,’ you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water.”

John 4:14
but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him shall never thirst; but the water that I will give him will become in him a well of water springing up to eternal life.”

Now is the opportunity..
Maybe you feel like you were on the path to having a relationship with him and you’ve allowed the world to have a little too much space in your heart, now is the time to re dedicate. Maybe you really never gave it a thought at all or maybe it’s something you’ve said you will do… somday. Well are you tired of being tired?
Let Him be the one to fill your blank space!

Prayer:

Lord Jesus,
for too long I’ve kept you out of my life. I am tired of doing things my own way. I know that I am a sinner and that I cannot save myself. I am taking this step to repent and turn to you. No longer will I close the door when I hear you knocking. By faith I gratefully receive your gift of salvation. Fill the emptiness in my heart, help me to trust you. Help me to understand your love, grace, your mercy and peace. Help me to receive the Knowledge, That From this point on I am Holy, Righteous and Redeemed… yes…Clean!
Thank you, Lord Jesus, for coming to earth. I believe you are the Son of God who died on the cross for my sins and rose from the dead on the third day. Thank you for bearing my sins and giving me the gift of eternal life. I believe your words are true. Come into my heart, Lord Jesus, I invite you into my life as my Lord and Savior.

Thank You Jesus! Amen!

If you have prayed this prayer in sincere faith, You ARE a New Creation In Christ Jesus! The old is gone the New has come!
Get into his word, get to know WHO your SAVIOR is! Learn about Him! Get to know Who YOU are to Him! This relationship will be the most important you will ever have!

A Lazarus Around Every Corner

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By: Jessica Huber

 

Luke 16:19-31
19“There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day. 20At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores 21and longing to eat what fell from the rich man’s table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores.

22“The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried. 23In Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side. 24So he called to him, ‘Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire.’

25“But Abraham replied, ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony. 26And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been set in place, so that those who want to go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us.’

27“He answered, ‘Then I beg you, father, send Lazarus to my family, 28for I have five brothers. Let him warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment.’

29“Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them listen to them.’

30“ ‘No, father Abraham,’ he said, ‘but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.’

31“He said to him, ‘If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.’ ”

Think about that last statement of the parable, Abraham basically says .. what’s the point? They won’t believe anyway! It’s too late! If they didn’t believe Moses and the prophets then why would they believe if he sent someone back from the dead?….hmm especially a beggar that people ignored and allowed to suffer day in and day out. Yes, what a Miracle that would have been, what a sign .. but it would soon be forgotten just as the many miracles and signs of Moses and the prophets were.

 

Wow But Jesus!
…We have to pause and just Thank God for His generosity, for providing His word to help teach us and guide us, for never giving up on us! I mean you can’t argue that God considers our thoughts and you definitely can’t argue that God gives chance after chance .. when Jesus came walking this Earth, He did the very thing that Abraham denied to do for the Rich man. He brought the dead back to life, He even used a man with The same Name as the beggar who lay at the rich man’s gate! I personally believe the connection of Jesus bringing His friend Lazarus back to life absolutely points to the importance of this parable.
God gave his only son to give us a chance. The Lord Himself died and Rose from the dead!
How many chances? How many more miracles will be ignored?

Matthew 5:6
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.

There was a Canaanite woman who came to Jesus asking for his help. Her daughter was suffering from being possessed from a demond. Jesus told her that he was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel. He said it wouldn’t be right to toss the children’s food to the dogs. Her reply was “Yes it is, Lord,” she said. “Even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master’s table.”
Jesus Commended her for her faith and healed her child.

Jump back to Lazarus… He too longed to eat what fell from the rich man’s table.

Today we Have a table set before us! Jesus Christ died and rose from the dead so that we would not have to suffer in the rich man’s shoes, begging for one little drop of water. God has given us way more than we deserve, more than enough. It’s right there, we do not have to beg or earn, we only need to desire and partake.

Jesus said “but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him shall never thirst; but the water that I will give him will become in him a well of water springing up to eternal life.”

Our wealth is In Him and we are not to be stingy.
Be kind and gracious while on this earth! If there is an opportunity to reach out to someone in need, do it, that is how God’s love shines through. Show compassion, If even the dogs can look at a person and see that they are in need of help then you can see it too! This world is very self driven, don’t Forget, who ever is First will be last and whoever is Last will be first In God’s Kingdom! Love your brothers don’t look down on them, No matter where they are in their walk!
Lift, Encourage and Support.
Do it while you can! This isn’t Groundhog Day! Even if God sets another opportunity in your path, tomorrow is not promised, why save for tomorrow what you can do today. Love, Forgive, Share!

If You haven’t accepted Jesus as Your Lord and Savior, What are YOU waiting for? Proof and Signs? The proof and signs are All Around, we choose to have Eyes to see! Instead of asking for proof ask Him into your heart, ask him to use YOU! Then You Will See PROOF, proof OF What Gods Love Truly looks like.
This is the goodness the rich man failed to experience and share while he lived.

For us, there is a Lazarus around every corner .. yes some are hungry for food to fill their bellies but the food that fills the soul will last for an eternity… disciples are not just the people we read about in the Bible. WE Are the chance for someone to hear of Salvation. We are The disciples of NOW! People are starving to death and I mean right into an Eternal Death. Tell Them about JESUS! Tell them what He has done for them, tell them that The Lord is not slow about His promises as some count slowness, but is patient toward them, not wishing for any to perish but for ALL to come to repentance.


The rich man was concerned about warning his family and brothers and we should be too! The difference is it’s not too late for us and Someone WAS brought back to life for us! The opportunity is now. Don’t ignore the signs going on around you, because the signs are ticking ticking, Our God has been more than generous with His CHANCES. TODAY if You Hear His Voice do not harden your heart, accept Him as Lord of your Life, consume the word that has been provided and Invite someone to the table.