Tag Archives: Growth

Holy Habitation

The Effectual Fellowship of Believers

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“I thank my God always, making mention of you in my prayers, because I hear of your love and of the faith which you have toward the Lord Jesus and toward all the saints; and I pray that the fellowship of your faith may become effective through the knowledge of every good thing which is in you for Christ’s sake. For I have come to have much joy and comfort in your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you, brother.” – Philemon 1:4-7 NASB1995

There’s a lesson here that instructs us in the ways of an effective and growing fellowship of believers. It translates to such through each effective and growing member of the group who fellowship together in Christ. Looking at its wisdom, as I evaluate my own practices and value as a Christ follower tasked to encourage those with whom I fellowship, I am called to higher ground: to keep growing strong in the practices of our common faith. To be light as He is light.

The first thing that stands out to me is

** “making mention of you in my prayers.”

As a strong member of a strong fellowship, we pray for one another. We often think of prayer as fervency, and fervent prayer is vital. However, I am finding in this world we live in that there is so much to pray over, it can be overwhelming. We should be fervent in prayer, focusing on pressing needs, seeking God’s will in our way of praying for those needs. But one thing I have noticed of late is Paul‘s practice of mentioning churches and individuals before God. He keeps them lifted up before the one who knows their needs and meets them where they are.

In practicing this method of prayer, I have found that as I pray, mentioning each organization or person to the Lord, through my mind flashes their needs. In mentioning them, I lay the whole of who they are and the needs I know of at the feet the Lord. Laying it at His feet in faith, I trust His sovereignty over their lives. “Mentioning” is part of the effective, fervent prayer of the righteous.

** “hear of your love”

How’s our love walk with those around us? Love proves our relationship with God and strengthens our relationship with one another. Love is vital to unity, and unity is important to God. Without the unity and fellowship that love brings, the effective service of the church will be hindered.

People are looking for love. Our ability to walk in love is a large part of what makes us a light in the world. It is vital that we know what love is, how to practice it, and daily grow stronger in the way we love those around us.

** “and of the faith which you have toward the Lord Jesus and toward all the saints”

Our faith to believe the Faith and practice its instruction for life is vital. The way we live our Faith is another thing people see. Why should they believe if they don’t see the faith we profess practiced in our daily lives. We must be Who and what we say we believe. Along with living godly lives that proves our faith to believe, we need to be aligned with people of faith that we can trust. And we need to prove trustworthy.

** “and I pray that the fellowship of your faith may become effective through the knowledge of every good thing which is in you for Christ’s sake.”

God places in each of us skills and giftedness that He can use to help His Body, the Church, function well together. Some have a heart to encourage the body and skill to apply God’s Word to our daily living. Some have a heart that leans heavily towards sharing the gospel with those who need to hear it. We are all called to encourage one another and spread the Word of saving grace, but some are especially gifted at it.

Others have a servant heart especially able to see and quick to jump to the physical needs. Leadership, administration, giving, preaching, teaching, and more. What is your gift? We are all needed for a well functioning fellowship of believers.

Leaders in the church, are you alert to the gifts and calling of each individual in your pews, inviting them to use their areas of strength to help the church function and bring stability to the body? Or are they sitting, bored on the pews? Stewardship includes right and good use of the giftedness of God’s people.

“that the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.” – 1:6 KJV Find ways to use the gift of God’s grace in you for the up building and stability of the body of Christ, beloved. It is the reason God put it in you, and why He put you where He has you established for His glory.

** “I have come to have much joy and comfort in your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you.”

This world can greatly weary the heart of Christ followers. For my lifetime, I would have to say “especially” here in this thought. This world can greatly weary the heart of Christ followers: ESPECIALLY in these days when the things going on around us seem worse than ever in my lifetime, my heart gets weary. We need the encouragement of a loving fellowship that helps us maintain focus on God, His ways, the hope we have in Him, and the joy we have in one another as we grow together in Christ. As long as we stay focused and actively apply the Faith we are in, we will do well as Kingdom people amid a fallen world.

Solomon said it this way in Ecclesiastes: “Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor. For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion. But woe to the one who falls when there is not another to lift him up. Furthermore, if two lie down together they keep warm, but how can one be warm alone? And if one can overpower him who is alone, two can resist him. A cord of three strands is not quickly torn apart.” – 4:9-12 NASB1995

We’re stronger together.

He also wrote the Proverb, “Iron sharpens iron, So one man sharpens another.” – Proverbs 27:17 NASB1995

We’re sharpened when we encourage one another in the Word, will, and way of God; made mentally, socially, spiritually, and economically stronger, more alert and cognizant of our position in the Kingdom Life God desires for us when we walk together through this earthly life.

And Paul advises “Brethren, even if anyone is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, so that you too will not be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ. For if anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. But each one must examine his own work, and then he will have reason for boasting in regard to himself alone, and not in regard to another. For each one will bear his own load.” – Galatians 6:1-5 NASB1995

We are called to help one another recognize ungodly paths and habits we fall into. We sharpen each other, as iron sharpens a double edged sword. But we alone will stand before God for the choices we make.

“… Therefore, brethren, be all the more diligent to make certain about His calling and choosing you; for as long as you practice these things, you will never stumble; for in this way the entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be abundantly supplied to you. Therefore, I will always be ready to remind you of these things, even though you already know them, and have been established in the truth which is present with you. I consider it right, as long as I am in this earthly dwelling, to stir you up by way of reminder,” – 2 Peter 1:1-13 NASB1995

My posts may seem repetitive, covering similar material, calling us (me first) to pay attention to what God’s Word is telling us, but it is because I am the heart of The Encourager. It is God’s gift in me. I enjoy applying what scripture says to life today, breaking it down to its individual parts and, hopefully expressing it clearly for the one who needs it today.

I’ve long left the mindset of caring about numbers. If only one is helped to come up higher and press forward in Christ, my job is done. It is a long lived practice, to stir people up by way of reminder.

“[And I pray] that the participation in and sharing of your faith may produce and promote full recognition and appreciation and understanding and precise knowledge of every good [thing] that is ours in [our identification with] Christ Jesus [and unto His glory].” – 1:6 AMPC

May God bless us as we live as one in Him.

Holy Habitation

Sound Judgment

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“…For through the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has allotted to each a measure of faith.” – Romans 12:1-3

Reviewing my memory verses today, this stands out to me. It brings to mind the call of God in my life for this season. The place He has me walking and serving Him. It brings to heart the things that He has set my mind to understand and to accomplish for Him and His glory. It reminds me, again, that these things are too big for me. I cannot do it. My only hope and only help is God. God is the way and I must surrender, remember, and trust Him in it.

At the same time, things of daily life responsibilities that overwhelm me come to heart. Then I remember God’s instruction in my Colossians passage. I am to “…walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, FOR THE ATTAINING OF ALL STEADFASTNESS AND PATIENCE….” Colossians 1:9-12 NASB1995

This journey cannot all be done today by me. God could make all happen in an instant, if He wanted. But He has set me on a journey to “attain all steadfastness and patience”. This steadfastness and patience couples with a heart of joyous thanksgiving to the Father, who uses it to qualify us to share in the inheritance of the saints in Light.

Attain means “To gain as an objective; achieve. To come to or arrive at, as through movement, growth, or the passage of time. To succeed in a directed effort, process, or progression.”

That says to me that I must be intentional about steadfastness and patience in the journey. I must deliberately choose to be joyful and thankful to God for every opportunity He gives to achieve these needful qualities of the proven character He is building in me.

“And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” – Romans 5:3-5 NASB1995

“Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” – James 1:2-4 NASB1995

Grant me wisdom for this journey, Father, as You accomplish Your purpose in me. In the working of Your Spirit, grant steadfastness and patience to bear forth perseverance while You build in me the character of Christlikeness with hope, making me perfect and complete in Christ. In Jesus, amen.

Holy Habitation

Take Heed to the Ministry

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“Say to Archippus, “Take heed to the ministry which you have received in the Lord, that you may fulfill it.”” – ‭‭Colossians‬ ‭4‬:‭17‬ ‭NASB1995‬‬

This verse was written specifically to Archippus. I’ve not researched him to see if we know anything about him, but we are not told specifics of him or his ministry here. All we see and know is it was important enough for Paul to write this word of encouragement, spurring Archippus on. This good word often catches my heart as from God to me, helping me consider my ways so as to finish the course in the things He has me doing.

Today, I read this encouragement in light of the focus to walk circumspectly, redeeming the time in wisdom, which is in accordance with the will of God (Eph. 5:15-17, NKJV), being filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that we will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects (Col. 1:9-12, NASB). The call to fulfill our ministry leads me to ask, in a generalized sense, what Colossians reveals to us as the will of God for us in ministering in His name. Rereading Colossians, here’s some things I found to consider.

“… Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I do my share on behalf of His body, which is the church, in filling up what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions. …We proclaim Him, admonishing every man and teaching every man with all wisdom, so that we may present every man complete in Christ. For this purpose also I labor, striving according to His power, which mightily works within me.”‬ ‭(1‬:‭23‬-‭24‬, ‭28‬-‭29‬)

Like Paul, each one of us is called to suffer for the Gospel in fulfilling the afflictions of Christ. We may not all be called to be preachers, teachers, and evangelists; but we are all called to “sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence” (1 Peter 3:15). One way of suffering our flesh as Jesus did comes as we deny fear and any other hindrance that comes to obedience to God in sharing the Gospel message and God’s grace to us.

“Therefore as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, having been firmly rooted and now being built up in Him and established in your faith, just as you were instructed, and overflowing with gratitude.”‬ ‭(2‬:‭7‬)

We are the hands and feet of God on earth. As we abide in Him and He in us, we are responsible to fulfill the afflictions of Christ as we daily take up our cross in self-denial to walk in the will and way of God. We continue Christ’s work of revealing the truth of the Father in our actions, reactions, and interactions as we deny fleshly impulses so that we may live in Christlikeness. We are not to represent ourselves and our own desires. We represent God, His will and His way.

One thing I have learned in my years of seeking after and serving God is that many people of the world know we are to be Christlike – though they don’t fully understand what that is. If I forget for one moment the Person of Christ that is to flow through me, they remember, and they catch every slip up, majoring on our humanness to the detriment of our godly example. And the Church of Christ gets the reputation of the hypocrisy the world sees.

In our daily living: “Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God. Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.” (‭3‬:‭16‬-‭17‬)

In the workplace and places of community service or home care: “Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve.” (3‬:‭23‬-‭24‬)

Our walk of faith requires watchfulness for the purpose of maintaining a righteous life testimony. Praying for ourselves and for those of our fellowship is vital. We are called to devote ourselves to prayer, “keeping alert in it with an attitude of thanksgiving.” A specific hint as to how we are to pray is found in Paul’s encouragement to pray “that God will open up to us a door for the word, so that we may speak forth the mystery of Christ,” that we “may make it clear in the way I ought to speak.” (4:2-4)

Another hint in our praying for one another is seen in the example of Epaphras. There we learn to pray that we “may stand perfect and fully assured in all the will of God.” (4‬:‭12‬-‭13‬)‬‬

We are to conduct ourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity. Thus, we pray to be found faithful. (4:5)

Our speech is to be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that we will know how you should respond to each person.‬ Praying for God’s thoughts to direct and dictate our words is a good plan. (‭4‬:‭6‬)‬‬

Grace is God’s merciful love, set to build up in truth and empower in righteousness, not tear down in discord and destroy in corruption. A study of salt reveals a work of love that purifies, protects, preserves, and cleanses. This is the purpose and goal of our speech and a good hint as to how we are to pray.

Like the Jesus who is called Justus, we are to prove to be an encouragement to one another, and especially to those called to preach, teach, and evangelize, as they are on the frontlines, and often harshly judged. (‬‭4‬:‭11‬)‬‬

With these things in heart, I pray we each will be found faithful to take heed to the ministry which we have received in the Lord, that we may fulfill it. May we take up our cross daily and follow Jesus, The Christ. In Your name, Lord, make it so.

Holy Habitation, Prayer

Today’s Prayer Thought: 1/19/24

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Grief can darken our understanding of the ways of God and the truth of His care for us. This darkness is dangerous for our relationship with God and can pull us out of His will as the dullness of the light in us makes us feel our inability to be light for others. Recognizing the darkness, refusing its rule over life, and trusting God’s light to reveal to us our path to healing is vital in times of grief that brings the veil of shadow to our hearts. I pray God’s light for our need so we can truly be His light in the land of our living.

Job 17:7-16 NASB1995

Holy Habitation

Indeed, Has God Said

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“but from the fruit of the tree which is in the middle of the garden, God has said, ‘You shall not eat from it or touch it, or you will die.’ ” – Genesis 3:3 NASB1995

This is something that always catches my attention, because God did not tell Adam he couldn’t touch the tree or its fruit. Only not to eat its fruit (Genesis 2:16-17). This leaves me with the impression that Adam is the one who told Eve this rule. I can envision Adam, probably not having any understanding of death at this point, jerking Eve’s hand back as she reaches for a fruit from that fated tree, shouting, “No! God said to not eat from this tree. Don’t even touch it or you’ll die!” Eve, repeating what she was told, hints to the probability that she did not ask the Father about it for herself.

If Adam is the one who told Eve, and not God, I can see where that might have made her the easier prey for the serpent to approach. Seeing her with the fruit, having even eaten of it with no obvious consequences, would then have broken down Adam’s defenses.

When we embellish God’s word with incorrect emphasis, we open ourselves up to false understanding and become false teachers in the sharing of it. And when we fail to confirm what someone else tells us by going to God and His word for ourselves, we fall to sin in the practice of falsehood.

“So take care how you listen; for whoever has, to him more shall be given; and whoever does not have, even what he thinks he has shall be taken away from him.” – ‭‭Luke‬ ‭8‬:‭18‬ ‭NASB1995‬‬

Holy Habitation

Prosper the New Year

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Does God give you a verse or scripture passage each year as a focus for spiritual growth?

I’ve had this practice for many years. It has greatly helped my growth in Christ. I start in October asking Him to reveal the area of focus He has for me in the new year. It’s amazing how scripture jumps out to catch my attention and inspire my heart for growth, followed by a year of complimentary passages that instruct my heart in my focal area. And I cannot tell you the number of times that group Bible study materials I’m drawn to each year wind up giving insights on my areas of focus.

This past year was the best year to date. I see great progress in my focus on Philippians 2:1-8 and growing in “intentional selflessness“. That focus does not permit laziness in study or practice. 😂 It does not permit giving self to fear or selfish desires. I am made new through this focus that has made such strides in delivering me from self-focus and self-centeredness. It kept me from curling up in a ball from grief, doing nothing of significance, hiding from the world, and ignoring the needs of others.

The year my husband died (last quarter of 2022), my focus was Psalm 23 AMPC and “Be Intentional”. I am so grateful for how that focus made for a glorious last year with him and prepared me for his death, spurring me on after his death to get needful things done with intentional effort. Psalm 23, and many other focal passages from past years, still come to me as instruction for life’s challenges.

This coming year I am excited to get into Ephesians 5:15-17 and “walk circumspectly” (phrase from the NKJV).

If you have not developed this practice for deliberate focus in spiritual growth, I highly recommend it. Be sure to include memorizing the passage and keep a journal, so you can review your findings and insights as you read through the Word of God. Go forth and have a happy, inspired, spiritually prosperous 2024!

Holy Habitation

Called to Light

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We are called to walk in God’s Light and to be light in the earth. The true light pours forth from God, to us, and through us back to God and out to others. The light Jesus calls us to be moves in the will and way of God, desiring to please Him above self-will and man-pleasing.

The light we are called to produces

  • the fruit of The Word of God living and active in us,
  • the fruit of repentance,
  • the fruit of righteousness,
  • the fruit of good works,
  • the fruit of the Spirit of God,
  • the fruit of God’s Kingdom on earth,
    which is the bearing forth of Christlikeness.

If these things are not living, active, and growing in us, the light in us is the false light of darkness.

A profession of knowing Jesus, while not having this light visibly working in us is darkness – it is useless and accomplishes nothing good or of eternal value. “Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil. So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.” -‬ Ephesians ‭5‬:‭15‬-‭17‬ ‭NASB1995‬‬

Holy Habitation

Forgiveness is Waiting

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John 3:13-21

“Then He said to the disciples, “It is impossible that no offenses should come, but woe to him through whom they do come! It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones. Take heed to yourselves. If your brother sins against you, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him. And if he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times in a day returns to you, saying, ‘I repent,’ you shall forgive him.”” Luke 17:1-4 NKJV

God’s forgiveness is there, waiting to be received. We who belong to Him, having received His gift of forgiveness, are called to forgive in likeness to Him. To do so, we must understand and fully receive God’s forgiveness.

Isaiah 43:25 reveals to us that God chooses forgiveness for His own sake. Choosing forgiveness before repentance is seen is a choice that protects from the tendency to give up on a desired relationship. It protects the one who chooses forgiveness from being hindered from moving forward, being hurt mentally and spiritually by bitterness, anger, hate, and other such maladies that take hold to destroy life, filling hearts with inability to trust and give unconditional love.

We who are called by His name are responsible before God to forgive those who offend us in the likeness of His forgiveness given to us. However, God’s forgiveness for us is not ours to possess until we reach out through repentance to receive it. Until we actively receive God’s gift of forgiveness, provided by His grace, we will not possess the relationship with Him that He desires with us.

Jesus died in the place of us sinners to provide us The Way to receive God’s forgiveness. His provision is ours once we reach out from repentant hearts to The Father, through Him who is the propitiation (full payment) owed by us because of our sin. God provided The Way for us to enter healed and full, eternal relationship with Him as we believe The Truth of The Christ, and receive The Life eternal and made new that only He provides for us.

We show ourselves recipients of that new life as we live the life He calls us to with every breath He graciously supplies. For the remainder of our earthly dwelling, we are to walk out the salvation we are freely given, maintaining a healthy relationship with God that glorifies Him and reveals His love to others.

If you’ve not received the greatest gift ever given, reach out and take it with a believing heart that recognizes it’s sinful ways that stand against this holy God, requiring God’s forgiveness. Reach to Him, ready to receive His grace with a heart that is determined to live for Him, knowing He is holding His gift out, ready to give. Then reach out to a Christ-centered friend and seek to be baptized into Christ, joining His fold in a fellowship that teaches truth from the full gospel of Christ, where Christian fellowship and encouragement for growth is found.

Baptism into Christ is a vital step of obedience in one’s salvation experience and is not to be taken lightly. Like marriage vows done as God intended, it is a joining in union with Him, fully entering the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ. Buried with Him in water baptism, we are raised to receive and walk in newness of life, fully committing oneself to walk forevermore in full relationship with God, determined to live life as one belonging to Him. When we step out of those waters, we leave the eternal grave and our old, flesh-driven life behind to walk in the new, Spirit-filled and directed life God calls us to live according to His wisdom found in His Word. As a new slate, clean and fresh, we now live a life written out for us to possess in a way that honors Him as Savior, God, Father, and King.

Get into God’s Word every day, starting with the New Testament. Reading it is important, but it is also vital to find someone who can teach you how to study God’s Word for the fullest benefit of understanding. Stay in the New Testament until you have a firm grasp of the covenant agreement you are called to, and walk in His ways for the remainder of your days.

The Old Testament is important to understand as well, but it is best understood in light of the full truth found in the New Covenant. This is the call to new life given through the gift of forgiveness found in Christ. God bless you as you make full use of the gift found in Christ, and fully established in us as we grow strong in God’s word.

Holy Habitation, Prayer

Morning Prayer: 12/17/23

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Jude 1:14-25 NKJV

“… These are inveterate {chronic} murmurers (grumblers) who complain [of their lot in life], going after their own desires [controlled by their passions]; their talk is boastful and arrogant, [and they claim to] admire men’s persons and pay people flattering compliments to gain advantage. But you must remember, beloved, the predictions which were made by the apostles (the special messengers) of our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One). They told you beforehand, In the last days (in the end time) there will be scoffers [who seek to gratify their own unholy desires], following after their own ungodly passions. It is these who are [agitators] setting up distinctions and causing divisions–merely sensual [creatures, carnal, worldly-minded people], devoid of the [Holy] Spirit and destitute of any higher spiritual life. ….” – Jude 1:14-25 AMPC

Inveterate (murmurers) – Firmly and long established; deep-rooted. Persisting in an ingrained habit; habitual: synonym: chronic.

Father, I don’t think I’m a grumbler – especially not habitually so. But if I, in any way or depth, am given over to grumbling and complaining, reveal this evil in me and deliver me from its grasp.

I do see that I tend to fall to the sin of giving compliments, not falsely – what I speak, I say out of true evaluation, but with the wrong motives of trying to get into another’s good graces, or trying to prove something they believe about me to be incorrect. This, too, is not out of a lie. The things the ones I think of in this do believe of me is a lie. But working to please them in proving them wrong is prideful. So forgive me this sin, O God, and prove righteousness and truth in me in ways they can rightly see. I rest my defense into Your capable Hands, for You see and know the truth of every heart.

Father, let me not be found an instigator of division, but use me to bring peace that unites from a position of righteous understanding. In Jesus I pray, amen.

Holy Habitation

Wise Instruction

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”He also spoke this parable: “A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard, and he came seeking fruit on it and found none. Then he said to the keeper of his vineyard, ‘Look, for three years I have come seeking fruit on this fig tree and find none. Cut it down; why does it use up the ground?’ But he answered and said to him, ‘Sir, let it alone this year also, until I dig around it and fertilize it. And if it bears fruit, well. But if not, after that you can cut it down.’ ”“ – Luke 13:6-9 NKJV

We planted two trees in our front yard at our home of 32 years. The one to the right, as one looks at the house, soon grew big and tall and shaded the yard. The one to the left, after numerous years, was barely bigger than when we first planted it. As I was giving up on it and about ready to change it out, God used this passage to speak wisdom and instruction to me. I followed the instructions in the scripture, and the tree began to grow. After a couple of years, it was almost as big as the first one. It did not take long for it to catch up after that.

There are two truths to capture here. First, there is great wisdom for our day in the Scriptures, if we will but hear, take counsel, believe, and obey. And second, for growth to happen, living things require the proper care and nourishment. For the Christian, the food and water needed is found in God’s Word, and in the fellowship of believers.

Is your spiritual growth stunted? Get with the people of God who can help you know how to study, and let God take His bread and living water to the root of the problem.

Holy Habitation, Prayer

Morning Prayer: 12/12/23

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“In the meantime, when an innumerable multitude of people had gathered together, so that they trampled one another, He began to say to His disciples first of all, “Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. For there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, nor hidden that will not be known. Therefore whatever you have spoken in the dark will be heard in the light, and what you have spoken in the ear in inner rooms will be proclaimed on the housetops.””
‭‭Luke‬ ‭12‬:‭1‬-‭3‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Father, forgive me any gossip, slander, unkind, down trodding, etc., speech spoken at any time. Make me alert to such and quick to repent and apologize. Reveal to me anything that I need to make amends for and grant me wisdom in how to do so.

I love You. Help me rightly and truly love in Your name by word, deed, and thought. Let that which is in me be that which can flow forth to the glory of Your name as a loving testament revealing You in me. In Jesus, amen.

Holy Habitation, Prayer

Morning Prayer: 12/6/23

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See also 1 Peter 3:13-17; John 1:4-5, 10:10

Wow! Father, I love when You refuse to allow me to give myself to fleshly fears and self-centered cares. You truly are giving me purpose in making this trip with my daughter. You’re speaking to my heart about not allowing fear to rob me of the blessing of fulfilling Your purpose as I choose to live life to the full. It’s been made clear that she wants time with me and this is opportunity to gift that to her – and to myself. I long to see my granddaughter and family, and to meet my new great grand and his dad, my new grandson in love. This is my chance to do that.

You have opened doors for me. I must not let my flesh, the ills and difficulties of this world, and satanic fear rob me. I must cling to faith’s trust in You as You are clearly calling me to do through Your Word to my heart today. Grant me to remember Your words to me and put fear thoughts and self-centered comforts behind me. In Jesus, amen.

Holy Habitation, Prayer

Morning Prayer: 12/4/23

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Acts 26:16-18 NASB1995

“And He said, “If you will give earnest heed to the voice of the Lord your God, and do what is right in His sight, and give ear to His commandments, and keep all His statutes, I will put none of the diseases on you which I have put on the Egyptians; for I, the Lord, am your healer.”” – Exodus 15:26 NASB1995

You are! You are my first, most vital need and necessity. I can do nothing apart from You of any eternal worth or value. With You working in and through me, nothing shall be impossible, for I can do all things through the strength of Your supply.

You are my hope, my help, my provision, my treasure. Every good and perfect is from You, the Father of Lights, in Whom there is no variation or shifting of shadow. I trust You, looking to You for my every good. Make Yourself known as You show Yourself strong in me.

You are my life. You cleanse and sanctify me in holiness. You heal me by Your Word from a sin nature in my flesh and bring me surely into righteousness and truth through my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I bow!

Thank You for saving me and making me whole as You make me wholly Yours. In Jesus name, amen.

Holy Habitation, Prayer

Morning Prayer: 12/1/23

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In reading this passage today, Father, I see something different. I always read it as our love for one another. Now I see it as our love for You.

This is speaking of coming into perfected love, in which there is no fear. As we grow in love for You in our knowledge and discernment of You, we then are able to approve the things that are excellent. It is in loving You that we are enabled to desire the things You deem excellent. That focus equips us to walk love out into life in ways that are sincere and without offense. That love for You makes fertile soil in hearts made ready, able to produce in us the fruit of righteousness in Christ to the glory and praise of our God.

It’s in growing understanding of You and Your desire for us to walk with You that works in us an increasing love for You, that enables us to love others well as part of bearing Your fruit into life. Here am I, O God. May my love abound still more and more to the glory and praise of Your great name. In Jesus, amen.

Holy Habitation, Prayer

Morning Prayer: 11/17/23

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“Then Isaac sowed in that land, and reaped in the same year a hundredfold; and the Lord blessed him. The man began to prosper, and continued prospering until he became very prosperous;” – Genesis 26:12-13 NKJV

Prosper us, Father, in our relationships – beginning and majoring in our relationship with You as First and Foremost, our most vital need and necessity. Increase us in fruit bearing that glorifies and honors You, bringing increase to Your Kingdom. As stewards of the manifold gifts of Your grace to us, prosper us in fulfilling Your purpose and plan. You give sufficient and beyond so that we have sufficient for every good deed. Grant us wisdom to know the good that rightly uses Your good gifts to us. May we walk as pleases You in all our ways, being found faithful and ready at Your coming, when we meet You face to face. In Jesus, amen.

“Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.” – ‭‭III John‬ ‭1‬:‭2‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

2 Corinthians 9:8; Luke 6:38; John 15:1-8; 3 John 1:2

Holy Habitation

God’s Living, Life Giving Word

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“For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” – Hebrews 4:12 NASB1995

Thinking on this verse this morning, I couldn’t remember exactly how it’s worded, so I looked it up. As I think on it, I realize – maybe not for the first time – the significance of its parameters.

The Word of God is living and active. It’s timeless: useful to God for directing and instructing, inspiring and strengthening our lives now as much as it did those it was originally spoken to. God can highlight any portion of it to our hearts, giving wisdom for our now situations. It is as relevant and vital to life now as it was in the days it was lived out. It has the capacity to lift us out of death and depression, giving us all that is needful for an abundant life that glorifies and honors God, accomplishing His purpose with wisdom and grace. So how does it work? This verse tells us.

The Word of God is sharper than any two-edged sword. It cuts to the quick of life as God’s Spirit highlights it to our hearts for our good, to inspire, teach, direct, reprove, and train in righteousness. It pierces our lives as far as the division of…

Soul and spirit: the soul is our mind – the way we think; our will – the desires and inclinations that dictate choice; and our emotions; all making us the unique individuals we are. Our spirit is that part of us that is eternal. It cannot be separated from that which makes us who we are and will live on after our flesh shell dies. The question is, where? There is an eternal destination we are responsible to choose before our physical flesh dies. We will either be with God for all eternity, or we will be doomed to separation from Him, given over to the hell that separation brings us to.

Joints and marrow: joints make full, functioning mobility possible. Without the joints, the body cannot move far quickly, nor accomplish much. Marrow is the factory for red blood cells, which are the oxygen carriers of our bodies. Oxygen is necessary for life. The breath of life cannot flow through our bodies without well functioning marrow. God’s Word keeps our spiritual and physical lives healthy and full of Life, able to function at full strength.

Rightly judging the thoughts and intentions of the heart. Without right thoughts within us, even our best intentions will fall short of God’s glory, which makes even our good to be sin in God’s economy. We cannot recognize when our good intentions are being misled and fed by wrong thinking and selfish motives without the instruction of God found in His Word.

We cannot live righteously on the earth apart from God. We learn of God and His ways through His Word. God transforms us to be and function at our best capacity, with adequate life-breath and full function, as we let His Word penetrate our lives and make us wholly holy, as He is holy.

I pray you find time everyday to be in God’s Word. It is our life breath. Since, in Christ, we live in the New Covenant found in the New Testament, this is the reading plan I recommend. Read 5 times through the New Testament in this fashion:

  • John through Revelation
  • Matthew, skip to Acts through Revelation
  • Mark, skip to Acts through Revelation
  • Luke, skip to Acts through Revelation
  • Matthew through Revelation
  • Then read Genesis through Revelation.
  • Repeat over and over again. The Word of God never gets old or obsolete. And there is always and forever greater depth of understanding to glean.

When a verse or passage makes your heart jump, don’t just read on as if nothing happened.

  • Pause over it.
  • Note the full context of the passage. Who? What? Where? When? And why?
  • Pray over it, asking for wisdom and understanding in its application to your life.
  • Make note of it.
  • Follow the references that are listed with it and note any of them that speak to your heart and need.
  • Look up definitions of words that stand out – both in a good language dictionary and a detailed Bible Word dictionary.
  • Note any insights found.
  • Memorize the verse or passage.
  • Write the verse or passage on a piece of paper. Put it in your pocket. Reread and meditate on these things throughout your day, asking God for His good seed to take root in the soil of a heart made ready to apply its truths to your life.

May the Lord bless you, through the reading of His Word, to have a glorious life.

“He is on the path of life who heeds instruction, But he who ignores reproof goes astray.” – Proverbs 10:17 NASB1995

Holy Habitation, Prayer

Morning Prayer: 11/13/23

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“Of this church I was made a minister according to the stewardship from God bestowed on me for your benefit, so that I might fully carry out the preaching of the word of God, that is, the mystery which has been hidden from the past ages and generations, but has now been manifested to His saints, to whom God willed to make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. We proclaim Him, admonishing every man and teaching every man with all wisdom, so that we may present every man complete in Christ. For this purpose also I labor, striving according to His power, which mightily works within me.” – Colossians 1:25-29 NASB1995

Thank You, Father, for making a way for us to be clothed again in Your glory, through Christ Jesus our Lord. In Christ, we were made to die to the Law through the body of Christ, so that we might be joined to Him who was raised from the dead, in order that we might bear fruit for God. Therefore, if we live, we live for the Lord, or if we die, we die for the Lord. Whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s. This we profess and this we trust as we walk out our salvation in the land of our living; this place of habitation You set us in.

Whether, then, we eat or drink or whatever we do, empower us to do all to the glory of God, that Your glory may rest on and shine through us as Your light to a lost and dead world. Whatever we do in word or deed, may we be faithful to do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to You, our Father God. For it is in Jesus we pray, amen.

Romans 7:4; Romans 14:8; 1 Corinthians 10:31; Colossians 3:17

Holy Habitation, Prayer

Morning Prayer: 11/10/23

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Acts 24:25 NKJV

Am I in fear? I don’t want to refuse to hear truth because of a fear that keeps me from accepting it. I don’t want to doubt the truth of my relationship to You, making Your authority and work in me weak and useless. I don’t want to run from and refuse Your discipline, for You discipline those You love and You scourge every son whom You receive. I cannot bear the fruit of righteousness, the fruit of Your Spirit, when fear rules and reigns, keeping me from repentance and from walking in Your truths.

Here am I, O God. Make Yourself and Your truth known to, in, and through me. Reveal truth, Father. Confirm and establish for me the works of my hands. In Jesus, amen.

Holy Habitation, Prayer

Morning Prayer: 11/9/23

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Mark 14

“Then He came and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, “Simon, are you sleeping? Could you not watch one hour? Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”” – Mark 14:37-38 NKJV

Father, thank You for pausing me here this morning, leading me to consider these words. As I do, it dawns on me that Jesus just told these with Him that they would fall away and deny Him. If ever they needed to be praying, it was then. He was warning them of what was coming to Him and that one of their number would betray Him. If ever they needed to be praying, it was then.

Father God, You call us to Yourself, giving us assignment in living and serving You. Living for You is bigger than our flesh can accomplish without Your work in us and cannot be done apart from You. The wisdom of this world, our very flesh, and demonic influences stand against us, set to draw us into falsehood and sin. If ever we need to be praying and seeking Your Face, it is now.

Here am I, O God. Teach me to pray fervently, just as Jesus did. In Jesus, amen.

Holy Habitation

Defining “This Generation”

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Mark 13

The Literal Bible app defines the use of “this generation”, as used in this verse, to mean “of all the people of a given period.” The question I see in need of understanding is, “What is ‘the given period’ addressed here?”

Now, before I go further, let me clarify here, I am not a Theologian. And I am not an expert on biblical, end-time prophecy. I am a disciple of Christ, seeking Him for understanding. This is my understanding at this point in my spiritual growth; and I am still growing.

As Jesus said, only Father God knows the day or hour of the fullness of times. We are tasked with recognizing the signs and symptoms of the times and epochs in which we live, and to make sure we are found watchful, faithful, and ready when He comes. For us to do that, we must be practicing students of His Word, disciples of Christ, seeking God’s wise council that we may understand truth and walk in it.

Now let’s look at this passage, and I’ll share my understanding of these things. May the heart of the Father lead us to His truth.

““But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars of heaven will fall, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken. Then they will see the Son of Man coming in the clouds with great power and glory. And then He will send His angels, and gather together His elect from the four winds, from the farthest part of earth to the farthest part of heaven.

“Now learn this parable from the fig tree: When its branch has already become tender, and puts forth leaves, you know that summer is near. So you also, when you see these things happening, know that it is near—at the doors! Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all these things take place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.

“But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Take heed, watch and pray; for you do not know when the time is. It is like a man going to a far country, who left his house and gave authority to his servants, and to each his work, and commanded the doorkeeper to watch. Watch therefore, for you do not know when the master of the house is coming—in the evening, at midnight, at the crowing of the rooster, or in the morning— lest, coming suddenly, he find you sleeping. And what I say to you, I say to all: Watch!”” – Mark 13:24-37

Verse 32 says, “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.”

In this passage, Jesus says that He does not know the timetable for the completion of these things, so that tells me the “generation” spoken of is not necessarily meaning that generation to whom He is speaking, for that would be designating a timeline which He claims no knowledge of. The “generation” spoken of, in my estimation then, would be the people destined to watch and wait for His coming: those people who live from that moment of His speaking, through to the time set by God. Has that time come and gone yet? Look back in Mark 13 to verse 14:

““So when you see the ‘abomination of desolation,’ spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing where it ought not” (let the reader understand), “then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains.”” – Mark 13:14 (Daniel 11-12)

This would appear to be the last of the signs we are told to watch for by Jesus. Since Jesus speaks of an event He has not seen fulfilled, we know that nothing before His words fit the parameters of this prophetic marker. I have not seen this fulfilled yet, in life, nor have I heard of it in historic account.

Some who say that the ascension of Christ was it fail to read and understand Paul’s warning to those who were being troubled by some who said that the rapture of the saints had already happened, and those left behind at that time missed the boat:

“Now, brethren, concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, we ask you, not to be soon shaken in mind or troubled, either by spirit or by word or by letter, as if from us, as though the day of Christ had come. Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition, who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God.” – II Thessalonians 2:1-4 NKJV

Paul’s word put to rest the thought of Christ’s ascension being the expected rapture event.

Some say this passage speaks of a spirit of evil that will possess the heart of men. If that’s it, we are certainly there. But the wording here would appear to be referencing a literal person, personifying the deepest levels of evil, who will profess himself to be God incarnate, having come again and being the one for whom we watch. If this is the case, I have not seen this yet.

Thus, I, for one, still watch and wait expectantly. And I continue to pray for lost souls to come to Christ before it is too late.

Come quickly, Lord Jesus, for the days are evil. But please, draw our beloveds in and hold off until the last one who will say, “I do” to You says so. I trust Your patience, knowing that You wish none to perish, but all to come to repentance. For as long as You tarry, Your patience still waits and works to draw the last sheep home.

Make us faithful in the wait, Lord, to fearlessly and shamelessly share Your gospel truth at every opportunity. Jesus is the way, truth and life, the only Name by which we must be saved. Open eyes, ears, hearts, minds, and wills to know truth and surrender to You while there is still time. In Jesus, amen.

Holy Habitation, Prayer

Morning Prayer: 11/6/23

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Father, I so greatly appreciate being able to look at the many uses and benefits of salt. It greatly increases understanding of what saltiness looks like on Your people. We are called to be salt in the earth and use gracious speech, seasoned with salt. Salt adds flavor and lessens bitterness, soothes the burning sting, lessons heat and puts out fire, preserves, cleanses and purifies, removes stains, provides pest control, tests for rottenness, clarifies view, has a strengthening effect, and more.

Father, may my speech be filled with just the right amount of salt for every occasion. Make my life salty to the glory of Your name and fulfillment of Your purpose in me. In Jesus, amen.

Holy Habitation, Prayer

Morning Prayer: 10/27/23

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Psalm 27:5; 31:20

Thank You, Father, that You desire a loving, open, full, complete, and trusting relationship with us, so much so that You gave Your Son to achieve it. Thank You that as we seek You wholeheartedly, You give us Your Spirit Teacher to make Yourself known to us, disclosing Yourself and Your Word to our understanding. I praise You that, in Christ, You open the chambers of Your secret place, where we can meet heart to heart, a place no one can take from us. There, through Your Living Word, You instruct us in the way in which we must go, and grant us grace sufficient for our successful journey through this life, taking us safely to the fullness of Your Presence.

Thank You that as we earnestly seek You, You grant us understanding of how to walk out our salvation as pleases You, and You undergird us as Your bondservant-child, making us stand to the glory of Your name and the fulfillment of Your purpose. Nothing is to difficult for You. I bow in faith’s trust, and rise in belief’s loving obedience. Glory to Your Name, in Jesus, amen.

Holy Habitation, Prayer

Morning Prayer: 10/22/23

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“For it was an act worthy [of God] and fitting [to the divine nature] that He, for Whose sake and by Whom all things have their existence, in bringing many sons into glory, should make the Pioneer of their salvation perfect [should bring to maturity the human experience necessary to be perfectly equipped for His office as High Priest] through suffering.” – Hebrews 2:10 AMPC

Thank You, Lord, for doing life in human experience to the full so You are adequately equipped to encourage, strengthen, and help us in our struggles. Thank You that You understand human flesh and how to overcome, setting the example that helps us know truth so we can walk free indeed. Thank You for being with us and for us. May we be faithful in walking through life with and for You. In Jesus, amen.

Holy Habitation, Prayer

Morning Prayer: 10/14/23

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As I have studied Your Word, I have come to understand that the thing that caused You to sweat blood drops was knowing that You would, for the first time EVER, experience the turned back of God who could not look on our sins born on Your shoulders on that cross, thus, saving us from eternal damnation. You saved us who know Your sacrificial gift, have received it and are walking out the salvation You provided, from ever having to know God’s turned back. For this, my eternal soul saved in Christ and walked out in love for You, I thankfully praise You. In Christ, amen.

Holy Habitation, Prayer

Morning Prayer: 10/9/23

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Thank You for the privilege of allowing me to know You as Abba, my loving, life giving, caring Father. Thank You for teaching Your daughter to trust Your love, which disciplines me for my eternal good and Your here and now and everlasting glory. May I be found faithful to turn quickly to Your truth and walk away from sin to the path of Your will done Your way. It is my greatest desire to follow and serve You. Grant me eyes to see, ears to hear, a mind to know, and a believing, understanding heart that gives way to a willing Spirit of obedience. In Jesus, Amen.

“And He said to them, When you pray, say: Our Father Who is in heaven, hallowed be Your name, Your kingdom come. Your will be done [held holy and revered] on earth as it is in heaven.” – Luke 11:2 AMPC

Hebrews 12:1-29 NKJV

Holy Habitation

The Viable Seed is Enough

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‭‭Luke‬ ‭17‬:‭5‬-‭6‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

If you have the smallest seed of faith in God, you have enough faith. The size of one’s faith is not the issue. It’s viability, soil, and focus is.

Is your faith living and growing in a way that bears the fruit of it? Is your faith planted in the the soil of a heart tilled, cultivated, fed, and watered by God? Is faith focused on the healing or thing desired, or on the Healer – on the God who can be believed and trusted? Is your desire on the thing you want, or on the One who so greatly desires you that He gave His only begotten Son, so whoever believes in Him with trusting faith may be saved for all eternity with Him who desires it? Is the intent of your heart in your request so you can have your desire and use it on your lust? Or is your desire to please and honor God in accordance with His will, design, and purpose?

Sometimes God leaves us in our place of need because it is the only thing that causes us to seek Him. Sometimes we remain in our point of need because we refuse to leave the sinful things that put us there. Sometimes He leaves us in our need because He has a purpose to be fulfilled in and through us, purposes our need opens opportunities for us to fulfill.

God’s desire is for us to seek Him whole heartedly; and in our seeking, to find Him; and in our finding Him, to KNOW Him – discovering Him faithful and true; and in our knowing Him, to live Him – faithful and true; and in our living Him, to make Him known.

Your faith is not too small. If you truly have faith in the One who is faithful and true, He will feed and water and tend that seed of faith until it is strong and productive of His glory and Crown. Focus on Him whose desire is for you and see the great things He will do in and through you because you have found Him to be your true need and desire. Seek His face more than His hand and you will find both. That is His promise and plan. For those who seek Him wholeheartedly will find Him. We will not be disappointed or put to shame when we seek to please the One in whom we have believed and trusted.

‭‭Luke‬ ‭17‬:‭6‬ ‭(see AMP‬); Jeremiah‬ ‭29‬:‭11‬-‭14‬ ‭; ‭‭Mark‬ ‭12‬:‭30‬; ‭‭Romans‬ ‭6‬:‭16‬-‭18; ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭6‬:‭24‬-‭34‬; James‬ ‭4‬:‭1‬-‭10; ‭‭Romans‬ ‭10‬:‭8‬-‭13‬ ‭

Holy Habitation

We are The Temple

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– But Am “I” Faithfully Building God a Sanctuary?

This is a “food for thought” post. Bare with me for a little ground work:

““Have the people of Israel build me a holy sanctuary so I can live among them.” – NLT

“Let them make Me a sanctuary, that I may dwell among them. [Heb. 8:1, 2; 10:1.]” – AMPC

“Salvation is God’s grand design for recovering His original plan: God tabernacling with man!” …According to the Word of God, the plan is working!” Jack Hayford

“Now the main point in what has been said is this: we have such a high priest, who has taken His seat at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens, a minister in the sanctuary and in the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, not man.” – Hebrews 8:1-2 NASB1995

“Do you not know that you are a temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? If any man destroys the temple of God, God will destroy him, for the temple of God is holy, and that is what you are.” – 1 Corinthians 3:16-17 NASB1995

“For the Law, since it has only a shadow of the good things to come and not the very form of things, can never, by the same sacrifices which they offer continually year by year, make perfect those who draw near.” – Hebrews 10:1 NASB1995

We are the tabernacle (temple) of God who desires to DWELL among us. The question is, are we living it? Are we living in such a way that our God is finding SANCTUARY in His Temple? Are we a dwelling place for Him, set up and made ready for His comfort, supply, and security? Does He find a restful sanctuary in us? To aid our thought, let’s get Merriam-Websters help.

Dwell – to remain for a time; to live as a resident; exist in; lie in; to keep the attention directed —used with on or upon; to speak or write insistently —used with on or upon.

Synonym: Abide – to bear patiently : TOLERATE; to endure without yielding : WITHSTAND; to wait for : AWAIT; to accept without objection; to remain stable or fixed in a state; to continue in a place : SOJOURN.

Sanctuary – a consecrated place: such as the ancient Hebrew temple at Jerusalem or its holy of holies; the most sacred part of a religious building (such as the part of a Christian church in which the altar is placed); the room in which general worship services are held. A place of refuge and protection.

Synonym: Refuge – shelter or protection from danger or distress; a place that provides shelter or protection; something to which one has recourse in difficulty.

“The re- in refuge means basically “back” or “backward” rather than “again;” thus, a refugee is someone who is “fleeing backward”. Refuge tends to appear with certain other words: you generally “seek refuge”, “take refuge”, or “find refuge”. Religion may be a refuge from the woes of your life; a beautiful park may be a refuge from the noise of the city; and your bedroom may be a refuge from the madness of your family.” Merriam-Webster dictionary

I would add: A sanctuary is a safe place; a quiet place; a peaceful place; a restful place. A place where dwelling there is desired; a desirable abode – place of abiding. A storehouse that meets my needs. The place I most want to be.

God Himself is our Sanctuary, our Refuge, our Dwelling place, our Secret Place; our Hiding Place; a place where every supply is found for us to prepare for and live out of, so we can go and live Him in the earth, then return to find our refuge and rest, and to restock for the next outing.

As one with Him in Christ, does God find a sanctuary in which to dwell within and through us? Are we a place where He can find quiet, peace, joy, rejoicing, repose, and refreshing? Are we a place where He can rest, hide His treasures, and store His supply for safekeeping and good use? Can He dwell here and work out of us as a secure, well stocked, home base? Are we a peaceful place, rested in Him so He can find His rest in us?

I feel secure in God, knowing He loves me unconditionally. Though He will definitely sweep, mop, and dust me out, He will never leave nor forsake me. Does He find unconditional love and acceptance in me that will never desert Him? Am I at peace in His Presence, accepting of His Who; at peace with His living in, with, and out of me?

I find no fault in Him. He is a comfortable place for me as He keeps Himself Holy. Do I cooperate with Him as He makes Himself comfortable in me, making me Holy as He is Holy? Do I want to be?

As I am with Him and He with me, can others experience this Holy Sanctum with my God and me when they come near? Do they find peace and acceptance, encouragement and inspiration that inspires them to tabernacle with God?

Enjoy this day, this journey, Brothers and Sisters, wholeheartedly trusting “…that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 1:6 NASB1995

Now, let’s construct a Tabernacle Sanctuary for our God, shall we!

Holy Habitation, Prayer

Morning Prayer: 8/5/23

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Thank You, Holy Presence, for being with me and in me. Thank You, Patēr, for granting me to house and know Your Holy Presence. Fill me up and spill me out. Continue to work in me this trust and assurance that powers me in these days. You truly are my first, most vital, and only true need and necessity. Thank You for allowing me to know and experience this truth. In Jesus, amen.

Holy Habitation

The Selfless Act of Despising

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Since my husband died, I find that I sleep better with gentle noise in the background. An easy to listen to narration of scripture is best. Listening to scripture the other night, this passage caught my attention:

“Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” – Hebrews 12:1-3 NASB1995

I asked God to help me remember to look at this the next morning and note what He was saying to me. He brought it to mind this morning when I was praising Him for growing me in greater understanding of intentional selflessness, asking Him to help me remember all He is teaching me, because I felt like I was forgetting something important. That’s when the ghost of this passage rising up in my remembrance sent me searching it out.

This truth about Jesus, taking up His chosen cross, bearing our sin and need on His shoulders, “despising” the shame of it, is the greatest act of intentional selflessness.

As God’s people, we are called to take up our cross daily and follow Christ’s example. Taking up our cross requires we deny our own will, way, desires, and purposes, even our own comfort and safety, to take up God’s will, way, desires, and purposes in accomplishing His goals and meeting the need of others. It is done in faith’s total trust that one’s own safety, security, and good, one’s very life, is best when placed securely in the capable hands of God.

By taking up our cross daily, we despise the shame of dishonoring God and denying the need of those we serve (Genesis 39:6-21).

Thank You, Father, for bringing this back to my mind and engraving it on my heart. Make me faithful as a Spirit led steward of Your manifold graces, despising the shame that may come to the cross born. In Jesus, amen.

1 Peter 4:1-11 NASB1995

Holy Habitation, Prayer

Morning Prayer: 6/21/23

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1 John 4:7-9 NASB1995

Father, increase love in me. What I am about to pray is scary to pray, because such praying brings one to pruning and testing ground. But I want the growth that makes stronger Christlikeness. So . . .

There are people in situations that I find hard to pour love into. You know where those areas are even better than I. Grow me strong in love so I do not let demeanor and circumstance stop the flow. In Jesus, amen.