#98  From A Stone To A Pen

The more I meditated on David and Goliath, one of my favorite Bible stores. the more I recognized solid faith in action.  David could have taken one pebble only to defeat Goliath.  He knew how to hit his target with a blow where it would produce the effect he desired.  He had no fear.  David had no doubt.  Yet David collected not one, or two, or three, but five stones.  

Obviously David was a thinker.  His mind moved into the future with the precision of a lazar beam.  He knew a man does not enter a battle unprepared.  Nor does a man enter a battle ill equipped.  He made a wise decision not to wear armor that did not fit.  Another wise decision was his preparation for the possible retaliation of Goliath's four sons.  Goliath plus four makes five...David was a thinker...preparing...armed...using the gift he had been given not only on the key day of battle.  

For years behind the scenes David slung a stone with that slingshot, each time perfecting more and more his skill.  Consequently, if the sons attacked, he would not be alarmed or even distracted.  He would simply start swinging that sling shot with accuracy...repeatedly.  Confidence was not lacking because his previous time of practise cause David to see his skill was becoming more refined, more accurate, he could sling a stone further and further hitting the mark repeatedly.  

Do you wonder what his thoughts were as he realized he was improving all the time...yet he was surrounded with sheep that don't talk.  Did he think he was about to face yet another ferocious life threatening animal that would require great strength and skill?  Did he face fear just thinking about it?  Did his hearing improve also as he listened for sounds coming from behind... as well as within sight?  

When he was called from the field was his heart pumping like no other time?  Was adrenalin surging in preparation though he knew not why?  Was he looking, listening, from all directions as his spirit was on so-called 'red alert'?  Was there a blend of fear and excitement as he neared his unintended target?  Did he feel like if he blinked again he would see something he'd never seen before?  Was he expectant, jubilant, tense, concerned, stressed, or did he walk with purpose in his step...every step bringing him closer to the Palace?  A Palace he could not see but he knew within he had reached the mountain's summit.  Do you think he was yawning...procrastinating...complacent...or did he walk like a man of God whose trust in God gave Him great confidence.  His obedience increased his confidence as well.  Until the moment arrived and it was a moment of 'no turning back'.  

Do you think when he looked at Goliath he had thoughts of doing an about turn, and fast?  I think not.  His mindset was to replay past victories, as he collected those five stones.  He then used his imagination to see himself killing Goliath; but that is not the place he parked.  He then imagined receiving all three harvests which surely made him feel... taller than Goliath!  To never pay taxes, marry the King's daughter, and be second in command was quite an upgrade from caring for the sheep day and night.  

Only you know battles you have fought and won in the past...so-called 'giants' you killed.  You may not be in the pasture tending sheep; but you just may be a Pastor tending sheep with two legs instead of four.  Sheep who talk. Sheep who do not listen well.  Sheep who are not learners.  Sheep who backstab.  Sheep who wound the Shepherd whose heart is to protect and love them...  Sheep who are obviously ignorant in many areas, yet fail to reach for help.  

They at times are more an enemy than 'family friendly'.  Yet a man with a Shepherd's heart...never quits.  He has excelled in forgiving, countless times, without keeping count.  Sounds like Jesus.  If your Pastor was Jesus in his fleshly body would you treat him differently?  Would you be more attentive, more respectful, more obedient, more punctual, more focused, more positive, more quick to show honour, more giving, more thankful, more loving?  How about less outspoken, less flesh visible, less boisterous, less compromising, less words, less critical, less negative? If it were Jesus in your shoes what changes would He implement first, in obedience to His Father?  

Anything He reveals by the power of the Holy Spirit will be that which is hindering you in some way, from fulfilling His call on your life.  He removes that which is destroying you.  Will you let Him lead you  accordingly?  Is hour heart in agreement with your mouth when you say, "Thy will be done Lord."?  David could have dug his heels in after killing the bear and said, "I quit...enough is enough!"  Quitting is not enhancing progress.  No defeated individual is full of joy and energy.  So for those who are in that scenario, wake up to the truth that you have not envisioned all God has planned for you.  Circumstances are the opposite of what God promised but God does not change.  

The same God that prepared David is preparing you for a glorious future.  As you obey the voice of the Holy Spirit you will know what weapon to choose and will already be skilled at using it.  Your trust will be not in circumstances that are subject to change.  Rather, trusting God is a habit you enforced for decades and if any habit is a good habit, it is the habit of 'Trusting God".  He is 100% trustworthy.  So let's check the fit of your armour...refocus to the positive...stand up straight like a King expecting to receive his Queen and move forward in faith because faith is what pleases God.  Bottom line...it will require faith to please God.  Is your faith intact?  Are you hearing the voice of the Holy Spirit?  Are you expectant?  Do your eyes dance with anticipation as you make a conscious effort to walk into your future...Christ-centered future?  This is where you believe, conceive, proclaim, expect, and rejoice prior to manifestation because faith says it is yours, it will happen to the glory of God.  

Locate your position; get your check list out; meditate on the Word of God; ask lots of questions to self and to the Holy Spirit; expect answers; be a receiver; dogmatically drawing answers toward you like an invisible magnet; praise and worship is always part of the equation; the icing on the cake can easily be Psalm 112...every verse read and proclaimed daily.  When your day of battle arrives, just as David succeeded with God's help; you will know that you know, well in advance that "Success" is what you produced... that others may succeed...to the glory of God.  I know, because it happened to me.  My book "THE AGONIZED HEART...No More" is manifestation of my success over a Goliath in my life.  

Goliath is not always a person...I battled mind altering 'fear' to the point of losing my identity!  God restored and my life has been fear'less' for over a decade, to the glory of God.  No matter how big your so called Goliath is, you can also be an overcomer in Christ.  My weapon was not one or five stones...it was a pen.  PS.45:1 "...My tongue is the pen of a ready writer."  I am the vessel, the Holy Spirit is symbolized by the ink that flows through the pen.  From a pen to a computer and finally published in a book proving nothing is to hard for God.  Teaching how to recognize and abandon abusive relationships whether it be a mate, relative, neighbor, clerk, etc.  Also, how you teach people how to treat you...

What is your weapon of choice? Keep refining your skill and know that in due season you shall reap ... if you faint not. Galatians 6:9.  In one day your whole life can change with an invitation to the Palace.  Stay focused, diligent, faithful, pure, knowing your labor done as unto the Lord is not in vain...ever.  If anyone keeps accurate records...it is God. He's got your number...you are 'Next' so allow the Holy Spirit to prepare you moment by moment because "World Class" requires much more than some good habits.    

Written By:  Linda Lou Jones
Psalm 45:1..."My tongue is the pen of a ready writer." 

My New Book:  CreateSpace.com/4291444 

           #96    EXPECTANCY IS A BIRTHING AGENT 

IF WE ONLY KNEW HOW REALLY BIG GOD IS ...AND HOW MUCH HE WANTS US TO PROSPER...(YES, I SAID THAT WONDERFUL WORD 'PROSPER') IN EVERY... AREA OF OUR LIVES. OH HOW GLORIOUS IT WOULD BE TO SEE HIS HAND AT WORK ON OUR BEHALF BECAUSE AS WE REMOVE THE LIMITS AND RECEIVE ALL HE HAS FOR US WE IN TURN BECOME BIGGER TOO.  

ENLARGED WITH HIS GOODNESS, HIS MERCY, HIS LOVE, HIS GRACE, HIS PEACE, HIS LOVE, HIS JOY, THERE IS NO END TO ALL HE HAS AND IT EXTENDS TO THE MATERIAL WORLD TOO.  GOD IS INTO MULTIPLICATION AND GOD LIKES NEW...  THAT IS WHY WE DO TOO.  IT IS NOT A SIN.  IT IS NOT SELFISH.  IT IS NOT CARNAL. 

IT IS GOD WHO CREATED NOT JUST A HANDFUL OF STARS...SO WE SHOULD ALLOW OUR CREATIVE ABILITIES TO INCREASE AS WE DRAW FROM THE HOLY SPIRIT MORE AND MORE AND MORE.  BEING EXPECTANT SIMULTANEOUSLY.  EXPECTANT TO RECEIVE AND IMPART TO OTHERS.  AS WE POUR OUT, GOD KEEPS POURING IN MORE.  THE MORE WE THINK BIG...THINK LARGE...THINK LARGER...THE MORE WE SEE HOW BIG GOD IS AND HOW LITTLE OUR THINKING HAS BEEN... THE MORE WE LEARN TO STEP UP TO THE PLATE AND ENLARGE AS WE TRUST GOD FOR NEW EXPERIENCES, REVELATIONS, GLORIOUS MOMENTS WITH HIM THAT BIRTH INTIMACY ONLY HE CAN POUR INTO US.

BOTTOM LINE: GOD HAS MUCH MORE...OF GOD...FOR EACH OF US.  DO WE BELIEVE IT?  WILL WE RECEIVE ALL HE HAS FOR US?  IT TAKES FAITH.  WE CAN NOT PLEASE GOD WITHOUT FAITH.  LET'S ASK GOD TO REVEAL HIMSELF IN NEW WAYS TODAY AS WE WALK WITH HIM STEP BY STEP AND BE VERY EXPECTANT TO BE INCREDIBLY BLESSED.  NOT IN A PREDICTABLE WAY BECAUSE HE WANTS TO DO SOMETHING NEW...REMEMBER...GOD IS INTO 'NEW'.  IT IS A NEW DAY.  LIKE THE SONG SAYS, IT'S A NEW SEASON.  A SEASON OF POWER AND PROSPERITY...COMING TO ME.  

WITH THAT IN MIND HAVE A SUPER GREAT DAY WITH GOD...AS JESUS REVEALS HIMSELF TO YOU VIA THE HOLY SPIRIT WHOM HE SENT WHEN HE ASCENDED.  TALK TO THE HOLY SPIRIT BECAUSE HE IS TALKING TO YOU.   GET TO KNOW HIS VOICE BETTER AND KNOW THAT HE LOVES BEING ASKED QUESTIONS.  BESIDES...HIS ANSWERS ARE ALWAYS TRUTHFUL.  NO SLITHER IN HIM.  HE IS...THE REAL DEAL.  GLORY TO GOD.  AND I HOPE YOU SHARE SOMETHING 'NEW' YOU RECEIVED AS THE GOD OF THIS UNIVERSE REVEALED HIMSELF TO YOU IN A NEW WAY TODAY.  HE IS ABLE...WILL YOU BELIEVE AND RECEIVE? EXPECTANCY IS A BIRTHING AGENT!

Written By:  Linda Lou Jones

                    Psalm 45;1 "...my tongue is the pen of a ready writer."

                    Glory to God  6.13.13

#95 EXPECTANCY

OH THE JOY OF SEEING A BLANK PAGE

THAT IS A WRITER'S DREAM

INSPIRING THOUGHTS WITHIN AS LETTERS FORM WORDS

AND SOON THE PAGE IS NO LONGER BLANK

RATHER IT BECOMES A PICTURE IN YOUR MIND

AS YOU READ LINE AFTER LINE

LIKE YOU ARE DOING RIGHT NOW

SO MY CHALLENGE IS FOR YOU

TO START WRITING TOO

SEE, ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS START

IT IS LIKE TURNING THE FAUCET ON

AND MORE WORDS WILL COME 

BECAUSE OF EXPECTANCY

ONCE YOU START AND PRACTISE

THEN YOU CAN START A POEM

OR A STORY OR A CHAPTER

THE OPIONS ARE NUMEROUS

THE DECISION IS YOURS

SO I CHALLENGE YOU TO

KEEP IT MOVING...JUST

KEEP IT MOVING

AND SEE WHAT GOD WILL DO

BECAUSE YOU FOLLOWED

AN INSTRUCTION...

HE HAS A PLAN FOR YOU TOO

I STARTED WITH ONE POEM

AND WITH ONE TWEET

AND IT GREW AND GREW 

AND GREW TO 90,000

SO I NOW SAY:

GOD BLESS YOU!!!

YOU CAN...DO IT...TOO 

THIS IS JUST A LITTLE

MOTIVATOR...

FOR 

YOU

Written By: Linda Lou Jones

To prove:

It does not have to be perfect,

Politically correct, or anything else...

Just 

'Done'

And 'Fun'. 

The ball is in your court:

N E X T...  :)))

#94.  We Can TRUST God

We can trust God 24/7

Do we

Why not

Can God trust us 24/7

Does He...Why...Why not

What must we do

To qualify to be trusted

Can trust be built

Can trust be broken

Can trust be restored

Is trust important to you

How important

Who do you trust

Who trusts you

Why

Do you value trust

Do you earn trust

Do you cherish trust

Do you reward trust

Do you trust many or few

In life 

One must qualify

For everything

If you qualify for trust

Teach others how

They need your help

Trust is a precious commodity

Yet rare, rare, very rare

You paid your dues

To qualify

"TEACH"

Written By: Linda Lou Jones

PS.45:1 "My tongue is the pen

of a ready writer.

4.15.13

#93. TRUE BLUE...TO THE CORE

One Question:  What ever happened to the “True Blue…To The Core”?  Meaning: those that will speak only Truth…without fail.  Honesty is like an unchanging anchor in their life that causes them to be outstanding in any crowd, without fail.  How do I know?

Because I know someone who is “True Blue To The Core” and has been for decades. Consequently, any darkness that gets near this person is easily exposed.  The brighter the light, the more difficult it is for darkness to hide. Think about it…there can be dark corners in a room with a light on, but in the life of a believer who keeps depositing the Word of God a displacement occurs.  Light removes darkness.  It happens within first, proving that spending time depositing God’s word within… is never time wasted.  Rather it is ‘displacement time’.  Law of displacement.

If the Word of God has been deposited within daily, repeatedly, even when not understanding it yet faithfully reading, listening, good things are happening on the inside.  Of that you can be sure because the Word of God is not like any other ‘words’.  Each word is alive.  Depositing living water within is what occurs through the reading of God’s Word.  The more the Word is read the more darkness gets exposed.  Changes happen within first, prior to the outward manifestation.  It is the Word of God at work, and The Word Works!  Just whetting your appetite for the Word because that is the area the enemy tries hardest to defeat believers.

So why aren’t there more believers who are “True Blue To The Core”?  Why are there so many believers who refuse to be totally honest?!! Why is a mask worn when there is a problem, rather than admitting being offended?  Why say instead…too busy for you now…?   Why are excuses given, rather than being upfront, honest, and dealing with issues?  It is not until there is a disagreement…that you have opportunity to adapt.  That is when you find out if you are handling adversity effectively because the result will be agreement. 

Do you?  Why are there so few that are willing to do so…is it fear of rejection, fear of losing control if the inner anger starts to be released and truth comes out? Is there a volcano of pain stuffed within that once the lid comes off it can no longer be contained?  Thus, fear of losing control…yet not recognizing the decision to house such pain is controlling self.) 

Is there a problem dealing with emotions effectively?  Is it easier to handle issues with emails than in person, or by phone?  Are the phone and computer used as a barrier of protection…so to speak?  If so, there are a lot more issues within that need to be dealt with because whatever the current issue is, that was only the straw that broke the camel’s back, so to speak.   What is being stockpiled within?  Is it unresolved issues, is it offense, is it anger extreme, is it hurt, is it pain, is it rejection, is it all of the above…or none?

Whatever it is, you know better than anyone so one by one, ask the Holy Spirit to help you walk out the darkness in each situation until every wound is healed.  Then you are not only healed, cleansed, made stronger, but set free to be a believer who is “True Blue To The Core”.  This is simply part of the daily walk with the Lord Jesus Christ as we do encounter difficulties because we are in a spiritual battle.  Yet if we do not keep our spirit in good condition we will be like soldiers in God’s Army full of wounds, bandages, and much pain, infection, because unhealed wounds easily spread. 

They cause not only pain; but more words can be released such as gossip, or a tongue lashing occurs against the person you got offended at. Easier to criticize someone to another, (and God hates sowing discord among the brethren…) than it is to humble self and start facing facts and issues within. Especially when the person who the offense is at, apologized, though offense was not intended.  To continue to a have broken relationship is undeniable fruit, not how Jesus calls the body of Christ to function.

When the root of bitterness, unforgiveness is not dealt with effectively, the fruit will be obvious to others as bad fruit.  Kind of a dangerous place to be for anyone around you because you become like a dog that is wounded and such a dog will even bite its owner… who only means good, no harm!  Hurting dogs bite people, and hurting people hurt people.  If Jesus harbored pain from wounds he received when he walked on earth in his earthly body…how would love flow out to others when he spoke?  Love flowed because forgiveness flowed fast.  Even on the cross…forgive them…for they know not what they do. He forgave, we can and must, too.  

Jesus walked in love and he is our example.  He prayed all night.  Do you think perhaps some of his prayers were for the healing of his own spirit because of how he was treated?  Jesus kept himself free of unforgiveness, revenge, poison. He “chose”…to walk in love.  If instead, Jesus withdrew and isolated himself because of hurts received…how would that help us? He makes it clear that withdrawal is not the answer for progress spiritually.  Nor is denial.

If there is a process of maturing taking place in the life of a believer this is an area where confronting will be done to resolve, maintain unity.  To be denied that opportunity, is not scriptural.  However, it is also not scriptural to give opportunity to talk it out and then not be honest; rather side step the root reason and throw up an excuse.  Excuses simply erect a so-called smoke screen to deflect from the area where offense was conceived, or a spiritual arrow hit whether intentional or not. Result is, the wound stays and good is not accomplished though an effort was made.  People can not change people, but people can change themselves with God’s help.   

If individuals truly want to be Christ like, there is a desire for unity, harmony, peace, love to flow, and forgiveness to be fast and sincere.  If we want to be like Jesus Christ can we justify not dealing with issues let alone not dealing with issues honestly?  Choosing to harbor pain is hanging on to it.  To forgive, one must be willing to let it go, release it completely, sincerely, so as to no longer be a victim. Unforgiveness, and not dealing with issues hurts each individual far more than anyone else. It is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die. Or going for marriage counseling and one party lies repeatedly.  Honesty is a must, not an option!

Prior… to becoming an overcomer in Christ, the pain has to be released and forgiveness also.  It is not complicated yet why…again I ask, why are there so few that are “True Blue To The Core”?  I pray for many more in the body of Christ to receive total healing and make a commitment to be honest, never lie, not even a white lie, as they raise the bar in their lives and become like my Mentor Dr. Mike Murdock…  “True Blue To The Core”.

The fruit in his life proves why he has completed 47 Highly Successful Years In The Ministry; Has Over 105,000 Followers on Twitter; Has Written Over 330 Books, and 6000 Songs! 

The Fruit In His Life Is The Fruit Of The Holy Spirit…to the Glory of God.  We know Jesus is our example. Our decisions decide our success. Dr. Murdock is proof that we can do this “While On This Earth So Lets Raise The Bar” And Be: “True Blue To The Core”!

I honor you Dr. Mike Murdock, and thank you for being an example of “WORLD CLASS”…  “True Blue To The Core”!  Without fail, the Holy Spirit through you, inspires me and multitude’s more and more to be “True Blue To The Core”!! THANK YOU!! (Through your teachings the Holy Spirit gave me a hunger for the Word of God and a desire to keep raising the spiritual bar!)  Thus, I ‘Honor’ You.

                                                

                                                 Glory To God.

Acts 6:3 “…seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom…”

1Peter 2:12 “…have your conversation honest…”

Phil.4:8 “…whatsoever things are honest,…”

Romans 13:13 “…walk honestly….not in strife and envying.”

Romans 12:17 “…provide things honest in the sight of all men.”

Luke 8:15 “But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.”

                                                            +++

Written By:  Linda Lou Jones

PS.45:1 “…My tongue is the pen of a ready writer.”

Glory To God

  

#91.  ONE OF THESE DAYS

One of these days

I will do something new

Something that I have wanted to do

For a very long time.

God has been revealing to me

There are areas where ideas are dormant.

Ideas are there, but need to be awakened, aroused.

So I asked the Holy Spirit to stir them up

Like a big electric mixer from within

As by the power of the Holy Ghost 

He resurrects what I need to continue

Because for sure I need His help daily.

It is one thing to be a go getter.

It is another thing to launch out with self in control.

It is yet another thing to be led by the Holy Spirit.

That is my number one choice for sure.

So I am checking deep in my well

To see what great ideas God has stirred up.

It is kind of exciting as I think about the possibilities.

Even expectantly as well.

I don't go fishing in doubt

So these ideas will surface for me.

Faith...is what it is all about.

How about you, when is the last time

You got excited about a new idea?

Something that stirred you, motivated you?

If it's been a while you might want to pray too.

It is no secret what God can do.

Stay in touch with God for sure

Because He is the Source for all your needs.

In fact, He has no limits whatsoever so believe.

If anyone knows how to give, bless, encourage

It is God and He asks you to believe and receive.

Let today be 'One Of These Days'!!

Written By: Linda Lou Jones

                      PSALM 45:1 "...My tongue is the pen of a ready writer."

                      Glory to God