HEAVENLY INCLINED...: October 2013

Thanksgiving for the LORD's Favor

Psalms 138 (A Psalm of David)
1/ I will praise thee with my whole heart: before the gods will I sing praise unto thee.
2/ I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy loving-kindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name.
3/ In the day when I cried thou answeredst me, and strengthenedst me with strength in my soul.
4/ All the kings of the earth shall praise thee, O LORD, when they hear the words of thy mouth.
5/ Yea, they shall sing in the ways of the LORD: for great is the glory of the LORD.
6/ Though the LORD be high, yet hath he respect unto the lowly: but the proud he knoweth afar off.
7/ Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou wilt revive me: thou shalt stretch forth thine hand against the wrath of mine enemies, and thy right hand shall save me.
8/ The LORD will perfect that which concerneth me:
thy mercy, O LORD, endureth for ever: forsake not the works of thine own hands... AMEN!!!

One CANNOT earn GRACE, it is HIS own ESSENCE; a gift, still, IF one claims to be IN HIS GRACE, we ARE to, or, OUGHT to, be reflections of that GRACE! 2 CORINTHIANS 6:1, tells us not to take HIS GRACE in vain! This means, living in LOVE, morality, ethics, virtue, righteousness, and, spiritual improvement, TOWARDS, spiritual maturity, WHILE, visibly BEING as LIGHTS, beaming OF *GOD*, beckoning the world, TO THE LIGHT! Righteousness MEANS, conduct in conformity with *GOD'S* WILL, and, "Be HOLY because I AM HOLY!", therefore, indicating that knowledge, wisdom, and, effort, DO, apply TO the righteous!!! NEVER forget, we were grafted in, and, if we do not bear fruit, as a dead branch, we will be pruned out, just as were, the natural branches!!!

We are not saved by works, instead, works PROVE HIM in us: they identify HIS own...

IF I claim ONENESS with *GOD*, through CHRIST JESUS, I am DEAD TO THE WORLD, THUS, LIVING as HIM, which is, hopefully, witnessed IN, and, THROUGH, my every thought, action, and, reaction; MEANING, I am, THROUGH CONSCIOUS application OF THE WORD, HIS COMMANDS, HIS WILL, REFLECTING righteousness, not, merely, FAITH! I become, the TRULY FRUITFUL branch, of THE VINE, the TRUE member of THE BODY/THE CHURCH, CHRIST JESUS, and, TESTIFY, then, GLORIFY, BOLDLY, BY my thoughts, actions, and, reactions, HIS name, because, HE IS WORTHY, and, IN HIS LOVE, has SHOWN me, how I OUGHT to exist, to which, I eagerly, adapt, and, comply!!!

MATTHEW 5:48...
So be perfect, just as your heavenly Father is perfect

1 PETER 1:14-16...
14/ Like obedient children, do not act in compliance with the desires of your former ignorance
15/ but, as he who called you is holy, be holy yourselves in every aspect of your conduct,
16/ for it is written, "Be holy because I (am) holy."

ROMANS 12:2...
Do not conform yourselves to this age but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and pleasing and perfect.

Conduct, in conformity to *GOD'S* WILL, marks the righteous; it is NOT because of guilt, or, ancient Laws, but, because of LOVE; LOVE for *GOD*, self, then, others! CHRIST JESUS gave us Commandments to live by, of which, the first is to LOVE *GOD*, with all of your mind, heart, and, soul; the second is, to LOVE one another!

LOVE COMPELS us to LIVE IN HIM, through conduct which conforms to *GOD*; in other words, morality, ethics, doing good, and, being good, and, ever striving to improve the spirit! It is about REFLECTING THE TRUTH, for ALL to bear witness to, FOR, and, TO HIS GLORY, RADIANTLY SHINING OF HIS POWER, GRACE, and, MERCIES!!!

It IS ALL ABOUT LOVE, baby, all about LOVE!!!

MATTHEW 4: 17...From that time on, Jesus began to preach and say, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand."

JOHN 14:15..."If you love me, you will keep my commandments.

NOTE: I do not intend to preach, rather to reach; to stir up, awaken, to inspire, and, bring forth, in discussion, that which is, perhaps, dormantly existing in the heart of hearts, thus, little, or, no, sugar coatings, just THE WORD of *GOD*, the TRUTH, along with some of my thoughts. And truth is, I am reminding myself always, as I practice these reminders, in the best of my abilities, and capacities, while RELYING on THE LORD to lead me on that narrow PATH---> MATTHEW 7: 14: "For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it... TO *GOD* BE ALL GLORY...

THE LOVE OF CHRIST ELEVATES THE BEING...

CHRIST JESUS is Friend of sinners, no doubt...

Faster than the snap of a finger, are we prone to making mistakes, as we often, speak, act, and react BEFORE we think! It has happened to, and does happen, even to Saints! The answer is to bring it to THE LORD, ask for forgiveness, attempt to correct it, and TRY to remember the lesson therein, that next time, it won't be so easy to make the same mistake...

LUKE 23: 34...
32/ Now two others, both criminals, were led away with him to be executed.
33/ When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him and the criminals there, one on his right, the other on his left.

2 CORINTHIANS 4: 16-18...
16/ Therefore, we are not discouraged; rather, although our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day.

*GOD* made me the person I am THAT HE can finish HIS Handiwork in me, FOR HIS GLORY! To resign to the idea that this is all I am, and can be, is, well, it is Childish, if not a downright copout! There is ALWAYS room for growth, development, and improvement, and I BELIEVE with all my being, that since I am OF *GOD*, HE IS WORKING to perfect me; though, it IS a PROCESS, in which time is relevant to eternity, not to this hour!!!

THE LORD desires our LOVE more than anything, as HE LOVES us more than anything! HE knows that IF we LOVED HIM as we ought to, we would act according to HIS WILL, as LOVE prompts one to act in ways which are wholesome, good, just, and right!

BEHIND GRAY SKIES...

Deep into Autumn, the skies are gray, the winds are blowing, nights see temperatures in the low 30's, the Earth has been stripped of it's plushness, and everything is looking kind of lifeless, weak, and drab...

1 CORINTHIANS 4: 9-13...
9/ For as I see it, God has exhibited us apostles as the last of all, like people sentenced to death, since we have become a spectacle to the world, to angels and human beings alike.

FREEDOM TO LOVE---INCOGNITO

WHERE LOVE SHINES---INCOGNITO

People gather together where the love shines
And everyone is truly free
There's a light on the world for you and me

JOY, LOVE & UNDERSTANDING---INCOGNITO

KEEP YOUR HEAD TO THE SKY---EARTH WIND & FIRE

Master told me one day
I'd find peace in every way
But in search for the clue
Wrong things I was bound to do

SHINING STAR---EARTH WIND & FIRE

YAH BABY, YOU ARE a SHINING STAR!!!

HAPPY FEELIN'---EARTH WIND & FIRE

ONE OF THOSE 'HAD' TO SHARE...

Halloween: Separating Conviction from Condemnation

Debbie Holloway

PRAISE THE LORD IT IS FRIDAY! I have had quite the week this week, and I am thankful it is almost behind me:)))

Maturity in the Christian life is measured by only one test:

NEHEMIAH 9: 33...
In all that has come upon us you have been just, for you kept faith while we have done evil.

I may not have much stature on the scales of the world, yet, the understanding know that the scales of the world are false, tampered with, and useless in the long haul! My stature is a process, and despite my lowly state in the world of flesh, I am certain that in the world to come, I will be celebrating for my endurance, and perseverance!!!

I am an ignorant pilgrim, crossing a dark valley. And yet for a long time, looking back, I have been unable to shake off the feeling that I have been led… — Wendell Berry

Oh, how this resounds the days of my life, as I am sure it does many, if not most of ours!

This weekend, I attended a Birthday party for a 6 year old Princess! Is there anything more special than Children, especially the young ones? Such personalities, excitement, and a special sense of life they have! They are funny little people, and just warm the spirit! This particular one could be the modern Shirley Temple, she is all that, entertaining, sharp as they come, and more...

Families can provide a stronghold, though, this is not always true, as MANY today, find turmoil, dissension, and all sorts of problems therein! Sometimes we suffer the most via our Family, or from relationships which put us in particular Families! There are endless stories of the problems Family members have created for one another, which has been happening since Cain, and Abel. Even people somewhat involved with certain Families have to endure...

DANIEL 4: 27-34...
27/ the king said, "Babylon the great! Was it not I, with my great strength, who built it as a royal residence for my splendor and majesty?"
28/ While these words were still on the king's lips, a voice spoke from heaven, "It has been decreed for you, King Nebuchadnezzar, that your kingdom is taken from you!

SO much dissension in the body of CHRIST, THE CHURCH: from leaders to those gracing the pews, there is dissension, as each assumes to know more, or to be more gifted, and on the bickering goes...

The world has the power to shake us silly, to fill us with a consuming fear, and to take us away from a steady footing, though those who have TRUE FAITH, are less inclined to be rattled in these ways---they KNOW instinctively, and BELIEVE that THE LORD IS WITH them, and shall NOT forsake them...

We are called upon to INSPIRE others, to ENCOURAGE them, to provide HOPE, and to, by EXAMPLE, show them THE WAY!

The Philippines have suffered a very strong 7.2 earthquake, and the death toll is at 144, though could rise...

GENESIS 2: 15-17...
15/ The LORD God then took the man and settled him in the garden of Eden, to cultivate and care for it.

As with houses, curb appeal is big these days, regardless of the internals of said house! Some people will spend a pretty penny to have curb appeal, then dole out extra cash to fix up the internal problems therein! Money can't always make what is appealing outwardly, sound inwardly...

MATTHEW 5: 6...
Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING to our Friends, Brothers, and Sisters, and Family in Canada! Wishing you the best THANKSGIVING ever! May *GOD* continue to BLESS, and BE with you, and ALL! ENJOY!!!

PRAISE THE LORD for this beautiful Autumn day! There isn't a cloud in the sky, the sun is brilliantly smiling on the world, the temperatures are above normal, and *GOD* is in the mix!!!

Nothing in this life is about me, save for my responsibility in finding, and staying on THE PATH which leads to THE LORD *GOD* ALMIGHTY; aligning to THE WILL of *GOD*...

PHILIPPIANS 2: 5-12...
5/ Have among yourselves the same attitude that is also yours in Christ Jesus,

JOEL 2: 11-14...
11/ The LORD raises his voice at the head of his army; For immense indeed is his camp, yes, mighty, and it does his bidding. For great is the day of the LORD, and exceedingly terrible; who can bear it?

In the heart, and gist of LOVE, THE LORD desires, and COMMANDS that we are fair with one another, as HE is with us!

JAMES 1: 16-18...
16/ Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers:

A weekend of weather afflictions, sees many states in trouble this Monday! Flooding, snow storms, twisters which left 40-60 farms ruined in Iowa, then, in Nebraska, a tornado with 200 mph winds, leveled a town completely! South Dakota, and Northern Wyoming, are digging out from a drop of over 3 feet of snow, downed power lines, and more. Places like South Dakota, and Iowa, are already financially struggling. Kentucky suffered some extensive damage too, from flooding...

ROMANS 6: 16-23...
16/ Do you not know that if you present yourselves to someone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one you obey, either of sin, which leads to death, or of obedience, which leads to righteousness?

MATTHEW 7: 7-8...
7/ "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.

Thanks be to *GOD*, it is Friday! Another week cast to the past, and here we are to celebrate the good which came of it!!!

As I read through MATTHEW 5, which I do frequently, what most compels me, is the cold shoulder of many, to the instructions of THE LORD, as if this prized information, has no bearing on this time...

How to Step Out in Faith to Help Change the World
Whitney Hopler

MATTHEW 5: 14-16...
14/ You are the light of the world. A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden.
15/ Nor do they light a lamp and then put it under a bushel basket; it is set on a lampstand, where it gives light to all in the house.

HAPPY OCTOBER! For many, this month means OKTOBER-fests, for others it means Halloween, and for some it is a month to revel in the artistry of *GOD'S* handiwork, and such artistry it is! And, throughout the world, there are LOTS of Holidays/festivals in this month!!!

UNITY IN CHRIST, THE LORD was, and is, mandatory TO HIS WILL, for where there is ONENESS of spirit, IN HIS SPIRIT, there is GLORY, there is the invoking of all which is HOLY, right, just, and good, which then, provides for HIS own, exceedingly! UNITED we stand, divided we are weakened, greatly...

When you GIVE HOPE, you find HOPE, and, any time you find HOPE, be sure to GIVE it to someone else!!!

By FAITH we sleep, by FAITH we live, by FAITH we keep...lw'12

HOSEA 6:6...
For it is love that I desire, not sacrifice, and knowledge of God rather than holocausts.
(MATTHEW 9:13 & MATTHEW 12)

The world over, needs prayers, day in, day out! LET US PRAY WITHOUT CEASING! Let LOVE be the voice we lift UP to *GOD*! May HE BLESS us, and, may we allow HIM to show us THE WAY!!! PRAISE HIS MIGHTY name, and, GLORIFY HIM in thought, action, and, reaction!!!

HOLINESS: in the highest sense belongs to God (Isaiah 6:3; Revelation 15:4), and to Christians as consecrated to God's service, and in so far as they are conformed in all things to the will of God (Romans 6:19; Romans 6:22; Ephesians 1:4; Titus 1:8; 1 Peter 1:15). Personal holiness is a work of gradual development. It is carried on under many hindrances, hence the frequent admonitions to watchfulness, prayer, and perseverance (1 Corinthians 1:30; 2 Corinthians 7:1; Ephesians 4:23; Ephesians 4:24).

Thanksgiving for the LORD's Favor

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