This Little Light of Mine, I'm Gonna Let it Shine

                   This Little Light of Mine, I’m Gonna Let it Shine

                 Hello and welcome to My Little House of Prayer. I am your host Dayla Smith. I am so very glad that you could join me today. Let’s open in prayer. We are still discussing 1 Corinthians chapter 13 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;6 Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;7 Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.8 Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.9 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.10 But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.11 When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.12 For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.13 And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.

                    I believe that in verse 6, it tells us how to walk in His love towards others from the standpoint of treating others as you would have them treat you. Not, “do unto others before they do unto you.” I have so many testimonies that I could share with you concerning the many experiences that I’ve had in my walk. You know this life gives us one opportunity after another to show forth the love of God. To be a light in a dark world. To be different; set apart. 

                 You know, every time I read Matthew 5:1-18 I hear the song, ~This Little Light of Mine~ (Sing the chorus). Now, let’s read through this slowly. 5 And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him:2 And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying,3 Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.4 Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.5 Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.6 Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.7 Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.8 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.9 Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.13 Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.17 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.

                      This is a list of how to behave towards one another. We are to seize every opportunity to be an example, a living epistle, of the Lord Jesus Christ our Savior. There is always an opportunity to be the ray of sunlight in the Lord Jesus Christ in someone’s deep, dark tunnel. Sometimes, just a smile will change the rest of a person’s day. I have had so many experiences in allowing the Lord to use me to influence the rest of someone’s day and hopefully the rest of their life.  

               Let’s look at Micah 6:8 He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God? The Lord clearly states right here, as well as in the laws located in His Torah Truths, how we are to walk out our walk with Him. How to please Him.                 

                  I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again, we cannot give what we don’t already have. Every day we wake up, He has prepared many opportunities for us to exalt His wonderful Name. But, we cannot begin to recognize those opportunities until we get into His presence. The first five commandments are about our relationship to the Lord. Then, the last five commandments are about our relationship towards others. So, you see, The Lord clearly shows us that first we need to seek Him before we can take advantage of the opportunities to have a proper effect on others. 

                Look at 1 John 4:7-10   7 Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.8 He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.9 In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.10 Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. 

                 We are to be an epistle of the Name of the LORD. How He has changed and made us who we are today. Then, we are to share this great news with others in order to encourage others that what He has done for us, He is more than faithful to do it for them also. Because He definitely is no respecter of person. 

                  King David said in Psalm 27:8-14   8 When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, Lord, will I seek.9 Hide not thy face far from me; put not thy servant away in anger: thou hast been my help; leave me not, neither forsake me, O God of my salvation.10 When my father and my mother forsake me, then the Lord will take me up.11 Teach me thy way, O Lord, and lead me in a plain path, because of mine enemies.12 Deliver me not over unto the will of mine enemies: for false witnesses are risen up against me, and such as breathe out cruelty.13 I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.14 Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord.

                   How do I seek His face early? This is my testimony. This is how I walk with the Lord. Your walk should be your own. You can follow my example as I follow His example. But, please make your walk with the Lord your own. There is no perfect way to walk with Him. He is the one who is perfect. And, He is the one who will work a perfect work in each and every one of us until the day He comes to take us home. 

               I like to wake up just when the sun begins to rise. First words out of my mouth are, “Good morning LORD. Thank you for waking me up today.” Why? Because it is another day with many opportunities to praise His Name. I make my coffee and invite Him to have a cup of coffee with me. No, He has never physically shown up as a person and drank a physical cup of coffee with me. But, I am inviting His presence to come and be with me. I pull out my bible, and sit and pray. That is when a conversation will begin. And, He always speaks His word. I just received a revelation that I will be sharing quite soon. You’ll want to tune in for that one. After I pray and read my bible, I am able to go into the rest of my day.

              Also, I love to put on instrumental worship music. It creates an atmosphere in our minds to welcome in His presence.  Isaiah 26:3 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. Do you want peace in your mind? Your thoughtlife concerning the Lord will bring His peace to your mind. As well as, His instruction for your day that day. 

              My favorite site to go to is dappy t keys on you tube. Check it out. If you like it, hit the subscribe and/or the like button. I also have created a playlist on you tube so that my day is completely filled with praise and worship. You see, I seek His presence all day, every day. I don’t want to go anywhere or do anything without Him. 

                According to verse 6, we are to rejoice in Truth. What Truth? His Truth. His Torah Truth. The truth spoken to ourselves, as much as, spoken to someone else. Jesus said in John 14:6  Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

John 8:32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. And Paul said in 2 Corinthians 3:17 Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.

                    You know Pontius Pilate was faced with the question, “What is truth?” Today’s world says that truth is whatever we each decide what is true.  With this thought in mind and Where the Word of God says that they did what was right in their mind, we could be liars and believers of lies. Someone murders someone, and according to this idea of “you have your truth and I have my truth,” the murderer could say that he did not murder that person and that’s the truth. Do you see just how much error there is in this thinking. I just shake my head at the stupidity of our ways of thinking. Jesus is Truth. His word is Truth. If we want truth, and are to rejoice in the Truth, we must seek it out. Jesus tells us that if we seek, we will find.

              And, what are we needing freedom from? The penalties of sin. Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Do we want His true freedom, or do we just want a get out of jail free card. Sorry to bust our bubble, but there is no get out of jail free cards. Salvation in Christ Jesus is the only way we can be truly free. Owning up to our iniquities and sins, and asking Him to forgive us of our sin, transgressions, and iniquities. Thanking Him for His wonderful forgiveness. Then, repenting, changing our choice making decisions. We are to rejoice in the LORD’s Truth’s which are found all over His written Word. Old and New Testament. 

                   We are not to rejoice in iniquity. What is iniquity? In the Webster’s Dictionary it means wickedness; great injustice. In the Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance it means: injustice, moral wrongfulness, unjust, unrighteous, wrong, treacherous, heathen. So, in other words, we are not to get happy or pleased with an injustice. We are not to participate in an injustice. We are not to deal with others treacherously. When we behave like the heathens do, we are nothing more than heathens ourselves. Then, we are lying to ourselves and others. How is anyone going to desire and see their need for His Salvation if we are not walking in His uprightness? His Holiness? His righteousness?

                   If you do not know the Lord Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior, would you like to get to know this Jesus Christ of Nazareth; who lived, died, and rose again on the third day for the salvation of mankind?  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 decisions. 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.

                               If you have made the decision to give your life to Jesus, let me be one of the first to welcome you to the body of Christ. All of heaven is greatly rejoicing over your decision today. Please let me know of your decision today. I want to pray for you. If this message has brought up any questions or spoke to you in some way, or if you have any prayer requests; please let me know by commenting below, private messaging me, or you can email me at my1littleafmp@aol.com. I would greatly love to hear from you. Remember I love you with the Love of the Lord but Jesus will always love you more.

(close in prayer)

             Also,  Here is the schedule and info of the itinerary for My Little House of Prayer. The podcast and blog will be up on Tuesdays - Podcast is located on podbean, fmplayer, and iheart radio under My Little House of Prayer. 

Blog will also be up on Tuesday. The link to the blog is hopundertheblood.blogspot.com 

Youtube  will be up on thursdays. You  can find it under My Little House of Prayer. 

Bible study is live on Facebook and will go live at 6:30pm. The page is under the title My Little House of prayer. 

             I would greatly love to hear your input, thoughts and ideas. This can be done by commenting below, private messaging me, or you can email me at mylittleafmp@aol.com. Also, feel free to share, follow, and like. If you like the site on youtube feel free to subscribe to the site. 

Please Everyone, Let's Stay Calm

                     Please Everyone, Let’s Stay Calm and Focus

                        Hello and welcome to My Little House of Prayer. I am your host Dayla Smith. I am so very glad that you could join me today. Let’s open in prayer. I am so very excited over the great things the Lord is doing today. Here is the schedule and info of the itinerary for My Little House of Prayer. The podcast and blog will be up on Tuesdays - Podcast is located on podbean, fmplayer, and iheart radio under My Little House of Prayer. 

Blog will also be up on Tuesday. The link to the blog is hopundertheblood.blogspot.com 

Youtube  will be up on thursdays. You  can find it under My Little House of Prayer. 

Bible study is live on Facebook and will go live at 6:30pm. The page is under the title My Little House of prayer. 

             I would greatly love to hear your input, thoughts and ideas. This can be done by commenting below, private messaging me, or you can email me at mylittleafmp@aol.com. Also, feel free to share, follow, and like. If you like the site on youtube feel free to subscribe to the site. 

                  So now without further adieu, Let’s go to 1 Corinthians chapter 13 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;6 Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;7 Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.8 Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.9 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.10 But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.11 When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.12 For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.13 And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.

                     We are still looking at this chapter in detail. Why? To learn how to walk in unison with the Lord. How to see our world through His eyes. To be able to discern how to be a conduit in the Father’s hand to change someone else’s life like he has done for each and everyone of us. Let’s look at Genesis 3:1-7   3 Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?2 And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden:3 But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die.4 And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die:5 For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.6 And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.7 And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons.

               Why would I choose this passage of scripture? Because, in verse 5 of 1 Corinthians chapter 13, it says that love thinks no evil. In other words, love does not focus on evil. So, let’s look at the word evil for a minute. In the Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance the word evil in the Greek means worthless, depraved, injurious, bad, harm, ill, noisome, or wicked, hurtful, diseased, vicious,mischief, malice, grievous, harm, lewd, or malicious. In the Webster Dictionary it means wicked; causing or threatening distress or harm; a sin.

                   I want to look at this conversation Eve has with the serpent. She is walking in the garden. I think she must have been near the trees that were forbidden to eat from. The serpent was moving around seeking whom he may devour. He sees Eve. Then, decides to plant his malicious, wicked; fit in whatever definition of evil in this verse you like, into her thought. He got her to focus on his lies instead of what the LORD had told them. He played coy with her. He gets her to question the LORD’s divine headship over them. He creates distrust of the Lord’s concern for her and Adam. He kept weaving lies into her will until she acted out her thoughts that the LORD was not a just judge. To get them both to come out of the LORD’s covering. What ultimately happened next was such a travesty to all mankind. That one serious mistake has had its effects on all of mankind for generations. 

                    We like to place our focus on just Eve. Why? Because the Lord had created her to be a spiritual fence of protection for Adam. But we can’t just look at Adam, The head, her protector and leader, either. They both bought the lie. They both sold their deeds. And, in the end, were cast out of the Garden. Sin will take us further than we want to go, keep us longer than we want to stay, and make us pay way more than we want to pay. 

                    When we look at our culture today, things are no different than they were in the garden of Eden when the serpent paid them a visit. It’s still the same game plan, just a different gown. Keep in mind, the enemy has had enough time to study us and learn what makes us tick. What buttons to push. What to send to set off triggers of sin. The LORD is still the same yesterday, today, and forever. He changes not. He is a man of His word and His word never returns to Him void. If He says it, it is already done. So, with this in mind, this begs the question, “ What and where is our focus?” That fruit on the tree of knowledge of good and evil sure looked appetizing. It says so right here in Genesis 3:6. Flesh does not like or trust authority. It never likes being told no. But, if we stop and really think about it, those in authority have the experience of what does and does not work. If they are in our lives, they are there to defend and protect us.  

                  Now, am I saying for us to place our focus and trust in a man. Absolutely not!!! All of creation is finite, imperfect. But, the LORD is perfect. We are to put all of our trust and focus on Him. That is why we are to pray for everyone in a position of leadership. Do you see how undone the world as a whole has become? Even nature is so very angry. Just yesterday it was on the national news that a pod of orcas were attacking a boat that injured one of them. Look at the riots all over the world. Even science has gone out of control. As long as we sit on our blessed assurance, remain quiet, and do not stand in our place as it says in 2 Chronicles 7:14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

                         Land here means nation. I don’t know about you, but our world needs the Balm of Gilead, the Son of righteousness with healing in His wings. It is just so angry. And, that anger is screaming out for revenge. We must be the opposite. We must walk in faith. He is where our focus needs to be. Then, everything will fall into place. There are a lot of us fighting with anger issues. I have learned through experience that these anger issues can stem from emotionally charged memories. Is this making any sense to anyone? 

                  You see, the first thought or idea that has been the place where our anger comes from, is where the root of the problem lies. This is because we have made a choice to focus on that thought or idea. As we place our focus on a particular thought or idea, we can choose to make that thought or idea Lord, or look to the Lord to be the problem solver concerning it. We can choose either to overcome it or be defeated by it. Our choice. 

                     Joshua 24:14-15   14 Now therefore fear the Lord, and serve him in sincerity and in truth: and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the flood, and in Egypt; and serve ye the Lord.15 And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.

                   Please look at verse 14. Fear the Lord and serve Him in sincerity and in truth. Now let’s look at John 4:24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. Isn’t this interesting? These two scriptures sound exactly alike. That is because they are exactly alike. Notice that this is located in the Old and New Testament. Isn’t this powerful? Even about where we are to place our focus if we truly want to be overcomers in today’s society. What are we worshiping? Our evil thoughts, or His righteousness? Trying to get even with anyone and everyone who hurt you or is going to hurt you. You see, our self preservation really lies in the Father’s hands. If He is the author of life. Our creator. A man of His Word. Then, why would He do anything else but ultimately ordering our outcome in our favor. All over the bible He says that He is the author of life and blessing. Why would He be anything else? It is our thoughtlife and behavior that decides that He is a curse to us. Adam and Eve made the mistake of making that decision in the Garden of Eden. 

                   You see, they never took into account who they were talking to. God’s Word never said that any other animal in the garden spoke. Just this snake. So, if animals weren’t talking, who was making the serpent talk? What was He saying? His end game was given away by his questions. But, we are all guilty of this. Not really noticing who was behind that evil towards you. Not taking into account the endgame of that evil interaction. And, how do we overcome this trap and lie of the enemy? Romans 12:17-21   17 Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.20 Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

                    Yes this is easier said than done. This is why it takes prayer and faith for us to accomplish this feat. By getting in His Word and allowing Him to encourage us as we let His Word take root in our thoughtlife. Not the evil questions and thoughts of Satan. The only question that gives us the victory if we choose righteously is this. Who is Lord over your life?

                   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 decisions. 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.

                               If you have made the decision to give your life to Jesus, let me be one of the first to welcome you to the body of Christ. All of heaven is greatly rejoicing over your decision today. Please let me know of your decision today. I want to pray for you. If this message has brought up any questions or spoke to you in some way, or if you have any prayer requests; please let me know by commenting below, private messaging me, or you can email me at my1littleafmp@aol.com. I would greatly love to hear from you. Remember I love you with the Love of the Lord but Jesus will always love you more.

(close in prayer)

Why Can't We All Just Get Along

                      Why Can’t We All Just Get Along

                   Hello and welcome to My Little House of Prayer. I am your host Dayla Smith. I am so very glad that you could join me today. We are still breaking down 1 Corinthians chapter 13. 1 Corinthians 13 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;6 Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;7 Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.8 Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.9 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.10 But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.11 When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.12 For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.13 And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.

                 We are looking at the words at the end of verse 5 is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil. Have any of you taken a long hard look at society as a whole these days? As a Christian, I try to keep my focus on the Lord. To look at people and nature through the LORD’s eyes. This in turn causes me to walk in the peace and joy of the Lord. Today people are offended by this attitude. I look around me and people are just angry. They have no hope. No one to turn to that can bring them hope. 

                 But, may I say this? There is one we can turn to. He is our blessed hope. Nothing is impossible with Him. If His word says it, then it is truth. Not just a conditional fact. Jesus Christ of Nazareth says in John 8:32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. Free of what? Facts of the impossible. Free from despair, hopelessness, illness, lack in our daily provision. You see, i strongly relate to Psalm 37:25-27   25 I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.26 He is ever merciful, and lendeth; and his seed is blessed.27 Depart from evil, and do good; and dwell for evermore. 

                This freedom can only be found in the Holy Bible. Why else would the world we live in today consider it a dangerous book that needs to be done away with. James 2:19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.

You see, people can know the Word all they want and not be saved. That is why faith without works is dead. We all have to put our money where our mouth is, so to speak. How else will we cause others to desire what we have and experience their own kind of freedom in His Holy Word? 

                We not only have to know the word, but also live according to it. Satan and his cohorts know the power in His Word. He knows that once it is spoken, it will not return to Him void according to Isaiah 55:11 So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. The LORD has given us the same power to speak life or death. He has also given us the same choice of which words do we want to speak. 

                        One of the greatest tools in the enemies toolbox is the art of distraction. Of where to get our attention set on. Most of it is set on self-preservation. It is ingrained in our nature like every other living creature on this planet to protect ourselves. This is not a bad thing as long as we remember who is the only one who can redeem all things. Jesus Christ of Nazareth.

                 You know we can easily be so offended that we believe the whole world is against us. Before I met Jesus Christ of Nazareth, I was so angry and bitter at the world. I walked around waiting for someone to attack me. No one was going to belittle me or even take advantage of me. I had control of my environment. No one else. I earned the nickname “Slugger” among my High School peers. My motto was not to get mad, but to get even. Keep in mind the absolute lie. To feel the need to get even, you have to have gotten angry. Hahahahahahahaha. I left a wake of people I hurt because of my anger. Some were completely innocent pawns of ones who wanted to see my reaction. It became not so funny. Then, I went through some years angry. I later got married to a man who also had anger issues. But, my anger topped his. He was actually afraid of me. Then, I was so angry and depressed that I became hopeless. That is when Jesus made His presence known to me. I was, is and never will be the same after that day. He put His mark on me that day and I accepted. He gave me hope. A reason to live. Then, He began to heal me of the anger and depression. 

               I had to acknowledge that I had an anger issue and a bitter root. I had to repent of it and denounce any association with it. Well, the day came when the Lord was ready to remove that bitter root. I was like a crazy woman. I argued with the people around me and the Lord. The Lord mostly. We got to my house to drop me off. That is when I jumped out of the car like someone was chasing after me. For

Those who want to experience the supernatural, sell out to the Lord Jesus Christ of Nazareth. I promise you that this walk is completely supernatural. I ran into my house, slammed the door behind me, locked the door, closed the blinds, and ran into my bathroom where I went into the fetal position while trying to hide from the Lord’s presence. He walked into my bathroom and said, “Child I Am the door. You can’t lock me out. Now, let me have your anger and bitterness. I want to heal you. But, you have to let me do it. I won’t force you into anything. No matter how bad I want to help you. You have to give me your permission to bless you.

               That is when I went into my living room and laid down on a plywood board on my couch. “I cried out, Abba it hurts.” It was about 3 in the afternoon when I fell into a deep sleep. I awoke at 9pm, disoriented and the feeling that I was different somehow. That somehow was the LORD. He put me in a deep state of sleep and surgically removed the bitter root from my soul. I was so disoriented that when I woke up, I thought that I was in my bed under my covers. I was not. No covers. No bed. Just a hard plywood board. 

                    I was different. I was able to learn about His agape love. How to live it. It has not been an easy journey. But, it is much easier without the bitter root in my soul and the Lord Jesus Christ by my side. He leads and guides me in my walk with Him. He eventually healed my emotionally charged memories that held the seed of anger. He is still healing me as I walk with Him. What a blessing.

                   I had an experience years later. A woman I knew, decided to come visit me. She was on a mission. She too was angry like me. She could not understand some of the decisions I had made. You see, when the Lord heals you in the way that He had, there is no longer any room for resentment or unforgiveness. And remember, if you do not forgive, the Father will not forgive you. Which means that if we don’t forgive, we will not make heaven our home. I had forgiven someone we both had reason not to. I had decided that if I wanted to make heaven my home, I must forgive people. People have taken from me what I did not give to them. The Lord showed up in my living room while I was worshiping Him and cleaning my house. I want my house to be a holy place the Lord is excited to dwell in. He said’ “That is way too much power to give a person. Yes they have taken what you did not give to them. Why would you hand over to them your salvation also?” I thought about it. And frankly, I got angry with myself for falling for that lie. That I could hold on to this little piece of anger and still make heaven my home. So, I forgave them. 

                 I am still forgiving people who wrong me. Even though they don’t deserve it as far as my finite human brain can see it. I had been asking the Lord to help me see people as He sees them. And He has. That day, this person came to see me with one of her friends. The friend was supposed to have her back in this argument of forgiveness. We spent an entire two hours of her accusing me of having rose-colored glasses on. I kept telling her why I had chosen forgiveness. Her friend knew what Christ said about forgiveness and couldn’t help but agree with me and the Word of God. At one point, the friend realized that the person would not make heaven her home if she held onto unforgiveness. She began to tell that person that she needed to hear me out. That is when the person realized that they were not going to change my mind. And, they weren’t ready to forgive yet. I hope and pray every day that they eventually will forgive.

               I went back into the house of a friend that I was visiting. I sat down at the table shaking violently. Neither one of us said a word to each other. She could see that I was troubled by the visit of the other person. She waited patiently without saying a word. All I kept thinking was, “ She said that I have rose-colored glasses on Lord. Am I wrong. Do I really have rose-colored glasses on?” That is when the Lord spoke to me so loudly that my friend heard the noise of His voice. Her eyes grew so wide that I thought they were going to pop out of her head. “What did He just say to you?! I heard something. Tell me what He said!” I told her what I heard. It was an exclamation with power in it. He said,” You do! You have my glasses on! I Am the rose of Sharon and the Lily of the valley! You see people with My eyes!” I'll tell you what. I was never so encouraged.

                      At this moment, I was so encouraged to really look at people through His eyes. To begin to pray that I might see past the smoke screen and walls that people try to put up so that we do not see where all the pain and anguish comes from. I have so many testimonies that have taken place since that day. When I leave my home, I picture myself going out into the Lord’s mission field. I ask Him to give me His wisdom that will speak life and hope in His people’s lives. 

                I always ask people how they are doing. But, when I can tell that they are giving me what I want to hear, I look them in the eye and say, “I really am asking you how you are doing today. Don’t give me a flippant answer that is not the whole truth. I really do want to know.” I always leave telling them, “May you have a blessed day.” You can’t believe how great an effect one A.R.K. (act of random kindness) can have on people. Just a smile to begin with can go a long way.  

                   One day, I was at the register to check out at Wal-Mart. This particular cashier was always quiet and very unhappy. Well this particular day, as usual I asked how she was doing. She tried to give me the usual answer of “I’m fine”. But then, she grabbed her chest. I asked her if I could pray with her right then. Her eyes got wide with the fear of losing her job as she looked around. I boldly told her, “ I am opening this conversion. I am the one asking you. Anyone tries to report this, here is my name. I will fight for you by letting them know if they want my business they better not penalize you. Cautiously she began to tell me what was going on and we prayed together. The person behind me agreed with us as we said amen together. After that the cashiers are calling out to me to come to their register. It is so precious to me. How walking in tandem with the Lord Jesus Christ and guided by His precious Holy Spirit can have so great an effect on people. 

                 Another example, when I find myself in the hospital, I like to call on this scripture. Genesis 50:19-21   19 And Joseph said unto them, Fear not: for am I in the place of God?20 But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.21 Now therefore fear ye not: I will nourish you, and your little ones. And he comforted them, and spake kindly unto them. At shift change, some of the nurses and CNA’s would come into my room. They would come in and be a bit curt and rough. I would already be praying for them. The Lord would reveal to me what was causing this. You see, He doesn’t like band-aids. He likes to get to the root of the problem. I would start talking to them kindly. Pointing out and asking questions about their day and whatever was going on in their lives. Their attitudes and the atmosphere in the room would turn to peace. The Lord would not only work in my life, but theirs, also. And, like Wal-Mart, they know me. They cannot wait to see me. 

                         You see, we can all react to each other in anger, opening the door for only more death, hate, and darkness. Or, we can allow the Lord to use us to be the bringers of peace into someone else’s life. Matthew 10:1-14   10 And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease.2 Now the names of the twelve apostles are these; The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother;3 Philip, and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the publican; James the son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus;4 Simon the Canaanite, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him.5 These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not:6 But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.7 And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand.8 Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.9 Provide neither gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses,10 Nor scrip for your journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves: for the workman is worthy of his meat.11 And into whatsoever city or town ye shall enter, enquire who in it is worthy; and there abide till ye go thence.12 And when ye come into an house, salute it.13 And if the house be worthy, let your peace come upon it: but if it be not worthy, let your peace return to you.14 And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet.

               We are called to walk in the peace of the Lord. We are to bring His peace with us wherever we go. We are to be His love, light, and life wherever we go. We also have to protect that peace. Not to allow Death, hate and Darkness to take over our thought life. Not everyone is willing to accept the Lord’s free gift of salvation then and there. We are called to plant, water, and reap His harvest. Give them the truth we know. Then, leave them in the Father’s hands who can love them perfectly.          

                   So, 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 decisions. 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.

                               If you have made the decision to give your life to Jesus, let me be one of the first to welcome you to the body of Christ. All of heaven is greatly rejoicing over your decision today. Please let me know of your decision today. I want to pray for you. If this message has brought up any questions or spoke to you in some way, or if you have any prayer requests; please let me know by commenting below, private messaging me, or you can email me at my1littleafmp@aol.com. I would greatly love to hear from you. Remember I love you with the Love of the Lord but Jesus will always love you more.

(close in prayer)