I'll Huff and I'll Puff

      I’ll Huff and I’ll Puff

(Open in Prayer)

                        Hello and welcome to My Little House of Prayer. I am so glad that you could join me today. Well, winter is coming upon us. And with it, bad, unpredictable weather. Where I am there have been threats of tornados. But much worse than those, strong winds. The downdrafts can literally throw down a house. But, the worst was the blue northern that we just went through. And for those in the southern states, we aren’t equipped for that kind of weather. But, these are some things I’ve learned along the way. 

                 It was at this moment the Lord spoke to my heart. Satan and his cohorts are like the big bad wolf in the story of the three little pigs, which reminds me of this scripture,1 Peter 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: and, Matthew 7:24-27  24 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:25 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.26 And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand:27 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it. 

                  One little pig built his house out of straw. Another little pig built his house out of sticks. And another, out of bricks.  The big bad wolf went to each house saying, “Let me in. If not, I’ll huff and I’ll puff and I’ll blow your house down.” To which the three little pigs replied “Not by the hairs of my chinny chin chin.” Now, the first two houses were not stable enough to weather the wolf’s storm. But, the brick home was more than sufficient to not only withstand his huffing and puffing. But also provide rescue to his brothers. Doesn’t this sound like the seeds parable Jesus taught?Matthew 13:1-9  13 The same day went Jesus out of the house, and sat by the sea side.2 And great multitudes were gathered together unto him, so that he went into a ship, and sat; and the whole multitude stood on the shore.3 And he spake many things unto them in parables, saying, Behold, a sower went forth to sow;4 And when he sowed, some seeds fell by the way side, and the fowls came and devoured them up:5 Some fell upon stony places, where they had not much earth: and forthwith they sprung up, because they had no deepness of earth:6 And when the sun was up, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they withered away.7 And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprung up, and choked them:8 But other fell into good ground, and brought forth fruit, some an hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold.9 Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.

                     

                   Jesus taught the disciples that sometimes He wants us to chase the storm. Other times, He wants us to stand still in the storm. Now, this can be any kind of storm in our lives. And if we are rooted and grounded in the anchor of our souls, we can withstand the storms of life. And when the enemy comes to the door of our hearts and says, “Child of God, let me in.” We can reply faithfully, “No. Not by the blood of my precious Lord, Jesus Christ of Nazareth.” And, then he can threaten all he wants to. He can huff and puff. But, he can not blow our house down. There is so much information I could share with you in these parables. But, we would both drown in it. Hahahaha. 

                 Let’s look at Proverbs 27:12 A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself; but the simple pass on, and are punished. And, 2 Timothy 1:7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

                  Bear with me. I have some testimonies to give. In 1995, we had a hurricane headed our way. But, the Lord told me that I could take authority against it. That the same power He had, He has given to the children of God. So, I took authority against it. Well, the night before, I was attending a bible study. And, the brother in Christ and I got into it. He argued with me that it was coming. I used one scripture after another on the authority that the Lord has given us. He kept saying, “I’m telling you sister, it is coming whether you like it or not.” I finished by telling him that the Lord was sending a ball of wind and was going to push it out away from the population. That night on national news, even the weather man was shocked. A ball of cold air, out of nowhere, in the shape of a fist came and pushed it back out to sea and dropped it down to just a storm. Hahahahaha.

                     There are times the Lord says to run. Then, there are times that the Lord says to stand still. At least a month before hurricane Lilly was to come, the Lord had me do a Jericho march at the edge of my property for seven days. On the first day, I was to pour anointing oil at the edge of the property. On the seventh day, the Lord instructed me to hang a red ribbon from the gable of my house. Then, when the prediction of her arrival time came, I was told to run north. We left with some friends to go to their son's home. The Lord does nothing per chance. We were not there for our safety, but for theirs. They were not walking with the Lord, but He wanted to reach out to them. We taught the children to anoint the house. We prayed with them. My friend was fearful. That is when I let her know that she didn’t need to be afraid. A huge pine tree fell. It did not fall on the home. But,

it fell at the back door. At that moment, they saw the power of God. Everyone had so many testimonies come out of that storm. When it was over, we arrived back home. This is where it is interesting and powerful. When I arrived at my home, there were down trees and wires everywhere. But, not even a leaf fell on my property. The destruction was all around my property, but stopped right at the property line. I believe that if I had not been obedient, this scenario would have ended a lot different.

                       Since then, there have been many a storm. And through a life of constant prayer, the Lord has always been able to prepare me. You know, today our world is so uncertain. Fear wants to scream in our ears and come into our hearts. During the Year 1999, we had the Y2K scare. Those with money were able to take stock. But, fear will make you do things foolishly. Remember, even canned goods have a shelf life. So, in the long run, if you don’t run out of your stock, it will go bad. For those of us who don’t have extra cash on hand and live from check to check, we couldn’t stock our homes. So, where does that leave us? Total dependance on the Lord. I went to Him immediately and asked how I can be prepared? He talked to me about Israel living in Egypt during the 10 plagues. He led and guided them on how to prepare for each plague. He also told me that they had friends and families in Egypt. Just because the 10 plagues did not come to them, did not mean that they didn’t have friends and families who did not listen to obey. It is grievous to watch your friends and families go through morethan they need to. He told me that just like he was there for the children of Israel, He will be there for each and everyone of His children now. 

                   That is a word for someone out there right now. He says He knows that the times are fearful. But, keep looking to Him, the restorer of our faith. He promises to be there for you. To never leave you nor forsake you. He will always help you, as long as you look to Him in prayer and obey His voice. 1 Samuel 15:22 And Samuel said, Hath the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams. As long as we are willing to obey, we can avoid the enemy’s traps.

                        Since I have moved into my home, I have a sister in Christ come to live with me until she can find her own home. She is trying to save up the money to move wherever the Lord wants her to live. In the meantime, she is in a constant battle. She gets desperate, as we all do. Look at Sarah in the bible. She tried to help God out by giving her handmaid to Abram to have a child. That blew up in their faces. When the Lord says He is going to do something, you can take it to the bank. He wants to do it. Why? To show Himself strong. 2 Chronicles 16:9 For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him. Herein thou hast done foolishly: therefore from henceforth thou shalt have wars. 

                  Well, since she has moved in, there have been many a storm. The first one that was to arrive, the report was there was going to be strong winds and tornadoes. She became afraid. I reminded her of the promises in Psalm 91. I reminded her that she and I were children of the King. That the Lord built this house to be a ministry. That if He built it, He would protect it. I told her to go to bed and not worry. To pray instead. Thanking the Lord for all that He has done, and will do in her future. Remind herself in prayer of who He is. (This is worship) What did Jesus do in the boat with the disciples? He slept. And, He took authority over the storms. He also told them that while they were with Him, they were walking under the shadow of His authority and had the same power that He had to take authority over the storms. Are you beginning to see a trend here? 

                    Well this Christmas week we had a very strong blue northern to come through. Two weeks before it came through, a brother in Christ called me letting me know to prepare. Well, this allowed me to not become anxious. I just began to prepare. Well, because I was so calm, my friend did not think the storm was going to be bad. She decided that she was going out of town and going shopping the day of its arrival. She became angry with me because I was demanding her to come home. When she finally arrived, she saw the necessity. She looked at me when I was thanking her for coming home because I began to worry about her safety and said, “It’s not going to be all that bad.” Then, I had to tell her what I was praying against but it was supposed to happen. She apologized. We forgave each other. Then, we finished preparing. We had all that we needed to survive. My home was toasty warm. We were able to cook and clean and go through our day normally. My plants survived. My pets survived. My pipes survived. And above all, we survived. The electricity went off for 4 hrs., but because the Lord had me seal up the house and prepare it, we remained warm. The Lord was definitely with us.

                   The Lord woke me up at 6am the week of. A prayer warrior and I got together on what the Lord revealed to us about the storm and how to take authority over it. Remember the prayer I shared with you concerning the storm? That night, the wind began to blow. It blew so hard at my house that it shook. Did that scare us? No. Because we spoke to that big bad wolf and told Him, “No. Not by the precious blood of our sweet Savior. The Lord Jesus Christ of Nazareth!” Revelation 12:11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.

                  These are just a few of the many examples of the Lord’s protective hand in my life. Do any of you have any testimonies of His protective hand in your life? I sure would love to hear your testimonies. Did you know that your testimonies are so powerful that they are even prophetic? When you begin to worship the Lord, you will begin to testify. When you begin to testify, you will begin to prophesy. This is one of many ways to pray. I do this often. I have even been caught doing it often. When I used to clean houses, I had the freedom to pray while I worked. Often I would get caught praying. This one particular home, the man of the house would often lose things. I would often pray for him to find them and he would. Well, one day his daughter came in and began to nitpick about the cleanliness of His house. He stood up to her and said ,”Hush your mouth! That girl is a blessing to my home! She prays for us. If I lose something, she will begin to pray. Sometimes, she doesn’t get a word out before the Lord answers her and I find what I’ve lost. So, leave her alone.” How powerful is that? We can be a blessing to a lost home through a life of prayer. 

                       You know, I read this scripture as a new believer. I tried to share it with all of my friends and family. They said that this was not possible. But, the Lord showed me how it was possible. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18  16 Rejoice evermore.17 Pray without ceasing.18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. To do these things is possible. It is a constant awareness that He is not God out there. But, He is God right here, right now. This is how we stay under the shadow of the Almighty. This is how we learn to sleep in His boat. This is where we hear His voice. This is how we walk in His authority and perfect will. 

                              If you do not know the Lord Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior. If you want a relationship with the Lord in the many ways that I have just described to you, let me introduce you to Him. It is really simple. First you must acknowledge that you are a sinner in need of a savior according to the mirror of the law of the Lord. Ask Him for His forgiveness for all of your sins and call them out to Him. Thank Him for His forgiveness. Then, forgive those who have sinned or transgressed against you. Then, repent. Repent means to change your mind concerning sinful habits. Change your choice making. Let Him influence your choice making decisions as you get in His Holy Word. Ask Him to be Lord over your life. I want to pray this prayer with you. But, this is just an outline. The real work begins after I pray with you because it is a very personal walk with the Lord Jesus Christ of Nazareth. 

                    Lord Jesus, I confess my sins and ask for your forgiveness. Please come into my heart as my Lord and Savior. Take complete control of my life and help me to walk in Your footsteps daily by the power of the Holy Spirit. Thank you Lord for saving me and for answering my prayer. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

                      I sure hope that you enjoyed today’s message. That you will not walk into the new year in fear. That you now know that you have the authority to tell the big bad wolf to get out of your way. That you know now, that when the enemy messes with a child of God, he is messing with the apple of His eye. I hope that you had a very merry Christmas. I am hoping you will have an awesome new year in Christ Jesus. Feel free to email me at my1littleafmp@aol.com. I would love to hear of your testimonies and prayer requests. And if you have made the decision to follow after Christ, please let me know. I want to rejoice and pray with you. I want to let you know that all of heaven is rejoicing over you right now. Including the Lord Jesus Christ.  Remember, I love you with the love of the Lord. But, Jesus will always love you more.

Oh, What Gladsome Tidings

 What Gladsome Tidings Be

(Open in prayer)

                  Hello and welcome to my Little House of Prayer. I am your host Dayla Smith. I thank you for bearing with me. But, I just felt the Lord impress upon me to present this wonderful message of hope to you. The world today is chaotic. People are chaotic. Nature is chaotic. Chaos can bring confusion and lack of hope. Ergo, the world becomes weary and depressed. But, if you are a child of the Most High God and Jesus Christ is Lord of your life, there is hope and rest for our souls. I have a poem I share with everyone on facebook every year for Christmas. But this year, the Lord said to share it in the blog, podcast, and the bible study. But, I need to give you the testimony that inspired this poem. 

            It might have been the Christmas of 2010. I’m not sure. But, my daughter walked in the living room and told me, “Mom, this is the worst Christmas ever!” As I pondered this, the Lord spoke to my heart, “No. No. This is not nearly the worst Christmas ever.” Then, I penned this poem.

                                   The Worst Christmas Ever

As I was passing by,

I heard someone say,

“This is the worst Christmas ever!!!!”

How many times 

Have we felt this in our hearts

When asked to give something of ourselves unselfishly?

Especially at this time of year.

Then, I prayed.

This is what came to my heart.

Over two-thousand years ago,

A Father’s heart broke.

A Father had the worst Christmas ever.

His precious piece of Him,

Created by Him,

Was sent as a perfect gift

To the world.

His son. 

His only son. 

His gift was beaten,

Made fun of

Ridiculed,

Stripped, 

And nailed to a tree to die.

This was a Father’s worst Christmas ever.

The Father’s name:

Jehovah

The Son’s name:

Jesus Christ of Nazareth!

John 3:16

16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

                                                                        Dayla Smith

                       Sometimes, we get caught up in the things that we forget the true reason we celebrate Christmas. When I was lost in a life of sin and not walking with the Lord, I absolutely hated Christmas. It always left me unsatisfied and lonely. I could never understand why. After I decided to follow after Christ, He totally reshaped my approach to Christmas. I no longer feel unsatisfied. I no longer am left feeling absolutely alone in the world. I have everything I need in Christ. He and I are very involved with each other. 

                     As you heard in an earlier post, the Holy Ghost had me bake a total of about 30 breads. One for each of our church members. With a Christmas card to go with it. But, inside the card, I had to write, “Oh, come let us break bread together.” This came after my dear sister in Christ asked me why I chose to do this and these words flew out of my mouth. Then, a few days later, we were looking at the calendar for the dates of upcoming doctor appointments. That is when I noticed that Christmas day was on Sunday and it was the last Sunday of the month. Communion Sunday. What better way to break bread than to partake in His communion as we celebrate His birthday. The beginning of the full manifestation of His perfect plan. The birth of Christ.

               So, how do we combat the hopelessness that the world is screaming at us. Prayer. Focusing on the gospel. And serving. Prayer will always lead you to the Gospel of Christ. It is in prayer that you learn to hear the voice of God. It is in prayer and the Gospel that will lead you when and where to serve. Even in a ministry. Our minds can only focus on one thing at a time. So, when we are praying, we have our focus on the one and only hope in our lives. Jesus Christ and His Gospel of peace. Hallelujah! Try it! I dare you. No, I double dare you. To sit at His feet and wait for Him to lead and guide you into all truth. John 8:32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. Prayer is the most powerful tool we have that the Lord has placed in our arsenal. That is why the enemy fights us so hard not to pray. He does this via distractions, unworthiness, or his best argument - “You don’t know how to pray.” 

                 I love to use this example, when it comes to knowing how to pray. Luke 18:10-14  10 Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican.11 The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.12 I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.13 And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.

                 As you see, the sinner’s prayer was simple, honest, and sincere. The Pharisee's prayer was long and boastful. Psalm 116:4-8

4 Then called I upon the name of the Lord; O Lord, I beseech thee, deliver my soul.5 Gracious is the Lord, and righteous; yea, our God is merciful.6 The Lord preserveth the simple: I was brought low, and he helped me.7 Return unto thy rest, O my soul; for the Lord hath dealt bountifully with thee.8 For thou hast delivered my soul from death, mine eyes from tears, and my feet from falling. 

             You see, the Lord wants a true, real relationship with each and everyone of us. He doesn’t want platitudes. Eloquent speech. Or, long drawn out, trying to impress Him prayers. Let me inform you of something. He is already impressed with us. Zechariah 2:8 For thus saith the Lord of hosts; After the glory hath he sent me unto the nations which spoiled you: for he that toucheth you toucheth the apple of his eye. We are His children. So, the most powerful prayer is a prayer from our hearts. 

                Earlier I said that prayer will lead us to focus on the Gospel of Peace. Why, because the enemy is always trying to distract us with the cares of this world. Remember, I said earlier, that the world is chaotic. And that with the chaos brings confusion and lack of hope. But, the gospel brings peace to a troubled heart. John 14 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.2 In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.4 And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know. 

Philippians 4:6-7  6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

John 16:33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

Isaiah 26:3 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.

               So, as you can see, prayer will lead you to focus on the Gospel. When you focus on the Lord’s Word, He will give you peace. When this happens, He will lead you to serve. I have a dear sister in Christ that received a touch from the Lord as she set out to do a new ministry the Lord led her to do. Brenda, would you mind testifying about it? 

              Thank you so very much, Brenda. Conveniently, the Lord has led her to do this at the start of this Christmas season. How? Through a life of prayer, focusing on the Word of God. How powerful is this?! To be able to have a living example of a life in Christ.  

               Remember the poor shepherds who were watching their flocks by night. Luke 2:8-14  8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.18 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.19 But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them. 

                       When I read this, I asked the question, “What was so special about those shepherds that the angel of the Lord was sent to them?” I read through this whole scene and found it! They had to be praying. Pondering on His torah truths. The world was in total chaos under the rule of evil rulers of that time. Just like us, they must have been looking at the heavens praying for protection over their flocks, over themselves, for their friends and families, etc….. I could just see them deep in thought. Deep in prayer. Then, what happens? An angel of the Lord came to them with great news. What was the great news? The Gospel of Christ. Oh, what glad tidings. There was a Savior born in Bethlehem. A Savior for the world. Someone to remove all the chaos from the hearts of men. Then, what happened? They were sent. Sent where? To see the wonderful miracle that was made manifest. Then, what happened next? They went into all the world proclaiming what they had seen and heard. Doesn’t that sound like the great commission? Matthew 28:19-20  19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

                So, when chaos and confusion come to bring fear, doubt, and unbelief to our hearts. When the enemy tries to whisper in our ears that this is the worst Christmas ever. Or, loneliness comes knocking on your door to say to you that you are so alone. Pray, focus on the Word of the Lord, and serve. Do this with a cheerful heart. Not pretending to be cheerful. But finding cheer from the rest of the Lord that He has placed in each and everyone of our hearts. Because, what did He tell the disciples? I Am coming back for those who endure to the end. Who have run their race with Me as their prize. I’m coming back for all who have believed with great faith and made Me Lord over their lives. I used to have this magnet. I loved it. It said, “Wise men still seek Him.” 

                   If you do not know the Lord Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior. Let me introduce you to Him. It is really simple. First you must acknowledge that you are a sinner in need of a savior according to the mirror of the law of the Lord. Ask Him for His forgiveness for all of your sins and call them out to Him. Thank Him for His forgiveness. Then, forgive those who have sinned or transgressed against you. Then, repent. Repent means to change your mind concerning sinful habits. Change your choice making. Let Him influence your choice making decisions as you get in His Holy Word. Ask Him to be Lord over your life. I want to pray this prayer with you. But, this is just an outline. The real work begins after I pray with you because it is a very personal walk with the Lord Jesus Christ of Nazareth. 

                    Lord Jesus, I confess my sins and ask for your forgiveness. Please come into my heart as my Lord and Savior. Take complete control of my life and help me to walk in Your footsteps daily by the power of the Holy Spirit. Thank you Lord for saving me and for answering my prayer. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

                     

                        For those who have made the decision to follow after Christ, I want to welcome you to the family of God. Please let me know of your decision by commenting, or emailing me at my1littleafmp@aol.com I would love to rejoice with you as all of heaven is rejoicing over your decision. You can also let me know of any prayer requests you may have by emailing me at the email address. Remember, I love you with the love of the Lord. But, Jesus will always love you more.

Shhh!! I Got This

 Shhhhh!! I Got This.

(Open in prayer)

                   Hello and welcome to My Little House of Prayer. I am your host Dayla Smith. I am so glad that you could join me today. What an honor and a privilege that the Lord made provision for me to be back up and working for him. I can’t tell you how elated I am. And, also that you guys and gals would be so ever patient with me. Accidents happen. I told my sweet friend that I was more concerned about her than about the computer. That you can replace things, but you can’t replace people. The Lord proved this point. I was able to purchase this computer and amazingly, it had no effect on my budget. I told her that there was another amazing thing that took place. Months ago, the Lord told me that I needed to look into getting a new computer. Well my charger broke on the day of Black Friday! How do you like that?! So, I was able to get a really great deal on this computer. Hahahaha So, I want to take this moment to thank you for waiting on me. I do not take this ministry lightly. Ministries belong to the Lord who created us and them. We are to treat those ministries with the same respect and reverence that we do our Lord and Savior. So, with tears I prayed for all of you. With tears I waited for the Lord to literally rectify the situation. And boy did He ever. Thank you all for praying for me as you waited ever so patiently for me. 

                    So, without further adieu, I have a message titled, “Shhhhh! I Got This.” I know. It is a strange title. I believe the Lord uses scarey strange situations to show us something about our own selves. Let me share what happened to some people I know. By this time we all laughed about it. I had a friend that was given medication prescribed by her doctor. Well, these two people went to visit someone who had fallen. They were supposed to be able to help her get up. Hahahahahaha. Just before they arrived, this friend decided to take the prescription. She did not know that she was allergic to it. Well, as a little space of time passed, she started reacting to it. Her legs were really wobbly. And, she was acting strange. Like she was weak everywhere. Well, they had to call in help to get the woman off the floor. After the woman was helped up off the floor and into a chair, she began to try to feed this woman. Well, needless to say, it was not a blood sugar problem. They got into the car and the other woman offered to drive. She refused. She put the car in reverse and put the pedal to the metal, which caused the friend to scream and demand her to step on the brakes.The woman says,”I am.” But the car is still in reverse. The friend begins to demand to drive. At this point, the woman says something is wrong with the car. The friend says, “Noooo! It’s the driver!” All of the sudden, the woman looks at her friend and says,” Shhhhhhhh. I got this.” in a whisper. She puts the car in drive and puts the pedal to the metal again and they shoot to the stop sign with the friend screaming, “Let me out! I’ll walk home!”

Woman: Shhhh. I got this.

Friend: Nooooo! You ain’t got this! Let me out! I’ll walk home!

     The woman is driving and begins to get easily distracted and begins to dig on the floorboard for something. How many of us know that you cannot dig on your floorboard and drive?

Friend: What are you looking for?!

Woman: The radio knob.

Friend: There is no radio knob on the floor! Besides that you don’t have a radio knob! You are with a satellite company!

Woman: Shhhhh. I got this.

Friend: Nooooo! You ain’t got this. I want out of this car unless you 

             want me to drive.

        They are almost home when the woman is still digging on the floorboard when the car begins to veer right. It narrowly misses railing as it heads almost into a deep ditch. While the friend was arguing with the woman that she didn’t have this and wanted to drive, then the friend let out a shriek.

Friend: Jesus, I’m coming hooooome!

Woman: Shhhhh. I got this.

                  Then the woman looks up as the friend has jumped out of the car to walk home. The woman agrees to let the friend drive them home if she will just get back in the car and let her get them out of the ditch. Hahahahahahaha Incredibly the friend agrees. But as the woman begins to keep on driving, the friend flings open the car door to jump out. So, the woman finally agrees that she doesn’t have this and lets the friend drive them home. Even today though, she still thought she had that. Hahahahahaha. 

                  I know some of you would say, “Why would she get back in the car to begin with at that point?” Friendships have a strange understanding of each other. That’s why we like to say, “So and so is my ride or die.” Well these 2 friends took that to another whole new level. As I pondered this comedy, I felt the Lord take it in another direction. 

                  Let’s face it this world is crazy. We all have to live in it. We all have our burdens to bear. Or do we really? Matthew 11:29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. The Lord has shown me time and again how I choose to carry burdens that were not meant for me to carry. It has truly been a journey. Learning what the difference is between His burden and the world’s burden. The world’s burden will steal, kill, and destroy us if we let it. The Lord’s burden is life and blessing. You know things happen in our lives. We will go to the altar and pray about it. We like to say that we have left it there. But, do we really? We will go to our pastors or brothers and sisters in Christ to pray with us. We like to think that we have faith that the situation is in the Father’s care and keeping. But do we really? Do we allow the Lord to have it, or do we tell Him like the woman with her friend, “Shhhh. I got this?” If we really let the Lord have those situations and circumstances, then we will walk in His complete rest concerning them. 

            Faith is the rest of the Lord. Hebrews 4:9-16  9 There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God10 For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his.11 Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.13 Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.14 Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

                Rest in verse 9 of this chapter in Hebrews, in the Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance, the word in Greek is sabbatismos from a derivative of sabbatism, i.e. figuratively the repose of Christianity, as a type of heaven. Also, sabbaton of the Hebrew origin. The Sabbath, i.e. sabbaoth, a day of weekly repose from secular avocations. By extension a week, i.e. the interval between two sabbath; like wise the plural in all the above applications.

                   So, we are to have the kind of faith that rests. A kind of heaven. I have a brother in Christ who is always saying, Why wait until we get to heaven to experience heaven, when we should be experiencing heaven now. Here on the earth. Jesus made a point blank question, and I believe He is still asking this question. Luke 18:8 I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?  

                Will we still be walking in His rest, His faith? I began to learn how to let the Lord “have this” early in my walk. My life and how I responded to it was in shambles. I was in shambles when I first began to walk with the Lord and let the Holy Spirit teach me how to walk in sync with them. Now, I am still learning. I do not have it all together even now. I am and will always be a work in progress till the day Jesus comes. In the beginning of my walk, Christians were telling me to be still and know that He is Lord. Well, that was easier said than done. What did they mean by “Be still and know that He is Lord?” 

               Let’s look at  Psalm 46:10 Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth. Still in the Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance in the Hebrew language, the word is rapa (ray-pah). Here it means to abate, cease, consume, idle, leave, let alone, let go, stay. It can also mean to cure, heal, cause to heal, physician, repair, thoroughly, make whole. Know in the Hebrew language, the word is yada (Yaw-dah). It has a whole lot of meanings. It means properly to ascertain. It can be used in a great variety of senses, figurative, literal, euphemistic, and inferential (including observation, care, recognition, and causatively instruction, designation, and punishment), acknowledge, acquaintance, acquainted with, advise, answer, appoint, assuredly, be aware, unawares, cannot, certainly, for a certainty, comprehend, consider, could they, cunning declare, be diligent, discern, can discern, cause to discern, discover, endued with, familiar friend, famous, feel, can have, be ignorant, instruct, kinsfolk, kinsman, know, cause to know, let know, make know, knowledge, come to give knowledge, have knowledge, take knowledge, be known, make known, make to be known, make self known, be learned, lie by man, mark, perceive, privy to, prognosticator, regard, have respect, skillful, shew, can skill, man of skill, be sure, of a surety,teach, tell, can tell, understand, have understanding, will be, wist, wit, and wot.

                Let me help you out here. In the ancient Hebrew dialect, one letter can mean a number of things. Remember, I told you that in the very beginning, they wrote mostly in word pictures. Jesus was a Jew. Our Christian foundation begins with Jesus, a Jew, who spoke in ancient Hebrew. So if we want to truly understand the Word of God, we must go back to our very foundation. There is so much to learn. 

                    So to be still, is basically to rest in the knowledge that “He has this''. Hahahaha To understand that we can trust totally in Him. There are no if’s, maybe’s, or probably’s. It is a done deal with Him. Remember the Story of Lazarus? John 11:1-44  11 Now a certain man was sick, named Lazarus, of Bethany, the town of Mary and her sister Martha.2 (It was that Mary which anointed the Lord with ointment, and wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick.)3 Therefore his sisters sent unto him, saying, Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick.4 When Jesus heard that, he said, This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby.5 Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus.6 When he had heard therefore that he was sick, he abode two days still in the same place where he was.7 Then after that saith he to his disciples, Let us go into Judaea again.8 His disciples say unto him, Master, the Jews of late sought to stone thee; and goest thou thither again? In other words, the disciples said, “ Master, there are people who want to kill you. Are you sure you want to go there?” 9 Jesus answered, Are there not twelve hours in the day? If any man walk in the day, he stumbleth not, because he seeth the light of this world.10 But if a man walk in the night, he stumbleth, because there is no light in him.11 These things said he: and after that he saith unto them, Our friend Lazarus sleepeth; but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep.12 Then said his disciples, Lord, if he sleep, he shall do well. How many of us would have thought that the Lord was talking in a literal context? “Lord, you don't have to risk your life if he is sleeping.” 13 Howbeit Jesus spake of his death: but they thought that he had spoken of taking of rest in sleep.14 Then said Jesus unto them plainly, Lazarus is dead.15 And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, to the intent ye may believe; nevertheless let us go unto him. Notice that Jesus did not rebuke them. He just informed them of the plain truth. 16 Then said Thomas, which is called Didymus, unto his fellow disciples, Let us also go, that we may die with him. Poor Thomas. This wasn’t the only time he had a lack of faith. As you can recall. He also doubted when the disciples told him they had seen Jesus Christ after He had risen. 17 Then when Jesus came, he found that he had lain in the grave four days already.18 Now Bethany was nigh unto Jerusalem, about fifteen furlongs off:19 And many of the Jews came to Martha and Mary, to comfort them concerning their brother.20 Then Martha, as soon as she heard that Jesus was coming, went and met him: but Mary sat still in the house.21 Then said Martha unto Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.22 But I know, that even now, whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give it thee. Lord, I don’t understand why my brother had to die, but I know that if you ask your Father, He will give it to you. (Faith)23 Jesus saith unto her, Thy brother shall rise again.24 Martha saith unto him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day. Lord, I understand that on the great resurrection day my brother will rise. 25 Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:26 And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?27 She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world.28 And when she had so said, she went her way, and called Mary her sister secretly, saying, The Master is come, and calleth for thee.29 As soon as she heard that, she arose quickly, and came unto him.30 Now Jesus was not yet come into the town, but was in that place where Martha met him.31 The Jews then which were with her in the house, and comforted her, when they saw Mary, that she rose up hastily and went out, followed her, saying, She goeth unto the grave to weep there.32 Then when Mary was come where Jesus was, and saw him, she fell down at his feet, saying unto him, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.33 When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews also weeping which came with her, he groaned in the spirit, and was troubled.34 And said, Where have ye laid him? They said unto him, Lord, come and see.35 Jesus wept.36 Then said the Jews, Behold how he loved him!37 And some of them said, Could not this man, which opened the eyes of the blind, have caused that even this man should not have died?38 Jesus therefore again groaning in himself cometh to the grave. It was a cave, and a stone lay upon it.39 Jesus said, Take ye away the stone. Martha, the sister of him that was dead, saith unto him, Lord, by this time he stinketh: for he hath been dead four days.40 Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?41 Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid. And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me.42 And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me.43 And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth.44 And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go. 

               I want to focus on the conversation between Jesus and Martha. Martha started out in faith without the understanding. Jesus encouraged her faith. But then, He says to remove the stone. Fear and doubt gripped Martha’s heart. And, out of the abundance of her heart her mouth spoke doubt. Jesus kept having to rebuke fear, doubt, and unbelief all around Him. 

1.Master, there are people there who want to kill you. Are sure this is 

   the way you want to go.

2. Lord, you don’t have to risk your life if he is asleep.

3. Let us also go that we may die with Him.

4. Lord, I don’t understand why you didn’t come when I thought you 

    should. Before my brother died.

5. Poor Mary is so grief stricken that she is going to his grave to 

    mourn. Let us go with her. (You know misery loves company.)

6. Could not this man, who has done so many miracles already, 

    healed her brother.

7. Lord, by now he stinks. He is more than dead.

            I believe that there are seven days in a week. After each of these responses, the Lord was saying, “Shhhhh! I got this.” I believe that He says this to each and every one of us every day of the week. “Shhhh! I got this.” We have to learn to completely trust that He truly has us in His care and keeping. Everything that concerns us. We must have faith in Him. Learn that when we bring all of our cares, desires, sins, etc….. That we can leave them in His more than capable hands. That He truly does have this. This is called faith. Where we learn to rest in the Lord.

                    If you do not know the Lord Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior. Let me introduce you to Him. It is really simple. First you must acknowledge that you are a sinner in need of a savior according to the mirror of the law of the Lord. Ask Him for His forgiveness for all of your sins and call them out to Him. Thank Him for His forgiveness. Then, forgive those who have sinned or transgressed against you. Then, repent. Repent means to change your mind concerning sinful habits. Change your choice making. Let Him influence your choice making decisions as you get in His Holy Word. Ask Him to be Lord over your life. I want to pray this prayer with you. But, this is just an outline. The real work begins after I pray with you because it is a very personal walk with the Lord Jesus Christ of Nazareth. 

                    Lord Jesus, I confess my sins and ask for your forgiveness. Please come into my heart as my Lord and Savior. Take complete control of my life and help me to walk in Your footsteps daily by the power of the Holy Spirit. Thank you Lord for saving me and for answering my prayer. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

                Please let me know of your decision to follow after Christ by commenting or emailing me at my1littleafmp@aol.com Let me be the first to welcome you to the family of God. All of heaven is rejoicing right now over your decision today. I am also. And, for the rest of you, please let me know if this message has blessed you in some way. I know there was a lot of information. Remember I love you with the love of the Lord. But, Jesus will always love you more. May you have a blessed week.

(end in prayer)