Growing up into the full measure of Christ (Including preaching the Gospel, healing the sick and setting the captives free) & Embracing our New Identity in Him
vs “4 Bring joy to the soul of your servant,
for to you, Lord, do I lift up my soul.” WEB
I am in awe of how God can infuse joy into the toughest situations.
John 16:33 King James Version (KJV)
“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.”
Key to the Kingdom: Frame things from the perspective of God and the Kingdom and not the perspective of man. For example, if we consider the story of the martyrdom of Stephen, viewed from a strictly human perspective, things don’t get much worse…. than to be condemned, judged, mocked and stoned to death. From a Kingdom perspective, we see a legacy and a source of hope for every martyr that followed him since. That even in this, our eyes can be so fixed on the Lord and His Kingdom as to be almost oblivious to the outward man that is dying.
2 Corinthians 4:15-18 King James Version (KJV)
“15 For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God.
16 For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.
17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;
18 While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.”
Chronicles 16:33 NASB Then the trees of the forest will sing for joy before the Lord; For He is coming to judge the earth.
Even the trees of the forest will sing for joy, which means to me they are capable of joy. WOW
Hebrews 12:2 NASB fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfected of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Jesus went to the cross and He DESPISED the shame for the JOY that was set before Him. How much more do I want to experience that type of joy that is not dependent on anything but Him.
Yes ‘looking not at the things that are seen ‘ is the challenge for me at this time . The answer is in my crying out to Him that my focus be single…on His coming Kingdom ,the eternal things for which we are being prepared. I want to be ‘almost oblivious to the outward man that is dying’ as you said Lisa. KC
Vs1 Lord, bend down to listen to my prayer/ I am in deep trouble. I’m broken and humbled, and I desperately need your help. 2. Guard my life, for I’m your faithful friend, your loyal servant for life, my God, my hero: come and rescue me! The Passion Translation. I was wondering in vs 2 in the KJV where he says “I am holy” so looked it up in different versions. I like this one and there are several others that are helpful in explaining that. I do like “my God, my hero” Who better to have for a hero than God. He alone is worthy.
Wendy
vs 7. God is our very present help (Psalm 46). I know it seems like a really obvious thing, but in application, God is often the last source we turn to with genuine expectation. If we aer honest, we often exhaust every human means before sincerely seeking God.
“46 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.2 Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; 3 Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah.”
vs 16. There is really nothing we can do in our own human strength and capacity. This is such a reminder to cry out to Him for His strength and capacity. “I can do all things in Christ which strengthens me” is a banner over my life.
Good morning. Happy to be here with you all. It’s going to be a wonderful day.We are excited to go for a drive to Ingersoll to drop off our Income tax to our accountant. Hahaha It’s the little things.😊
Wendy
Revelation 7 King James Version (KJV)
7 And after these things I saw four angels standing on the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on any tree.
2 And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God: and he cried with a loud voice to the four angels, to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea,
3 Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads.
4 And I heard the number of them which were sealed: and there were sealed an hundred and forty and four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel.
5 Of the tribe of Juda were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Reuben were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Gad were sealed twelve thousand.
6 Of the tribe of Aser were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Nephthalim were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Manasses were sealed twelve thousand.
7 Of the tribe of Simeon were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Levi were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Issachar were sealed twelve thousand.
8 Of the tribe of Zabulon were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Joseph were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Benjamin were sealed twelve thousand.
9 After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands;
10 And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb.
11 And all the angels stood round about the throne, and about the elders and the four beasts, and fell before the throne on their faces, and worshipped God,
12 Saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen.
13 And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they?
14 And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.
15 Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them.
16 They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat.
17 For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.
Rev 7. this is the verse I remember from Howard Katz. Some will be fed and led by the Lamb. Others will be given the responsibility of leading others. Part of the degrees of responsibility and rewards that happen in the new heaven and earth based on our lives lived now. Such a beautiful picture. God dwelling among us, no hunger, no thirst, no sunburns… all tears wiped away. Begs the question. What is the great tribulation? Did that happen after Pentecost, is it happening today as many are being martyred even now?
‘ that the wind should not blow upon the earth’ is what popped out at me. Is this a picture of the Holy Spirit being poured out on all flesh being held back until a certain time?…and that these four angels seemed to have an assignment to hurt the earth and the sea.vs 2 Thoughts? KC
vs 3. So interesting that there seems to be a competition for our heads in a way. The enemy wants his mark to be on our foreheads and God has indicated He will mark the righteous ones here. Who is my head seems to be the big question. Do I submit to Jesus as Lord or to the Enemy/Self?
1 Corinthians 11:2-4 World English Bible (WEB)
2 Now I praise you, brothers, that you remember me in all things, and hold firm the traditions, even as I delivered them to you. 3 But I would have you know that the head of every man is Christ, and the head of the woman is man, and the head of Christ is God. 4 Every man praying or prophesying, having his head covered, dishonors his head.”
As a little side note, out of 1 Corinthians, I read this today different . When a man covers his head, he is actually covering Christ.. the head he dishonours is actually Christ.
I love this last verse 17 For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.
I reach into this now, for today.
Wendy
9 All nations whom thou hast made shall come and worship before thee, O Lord; and shall glorify thy name.
I know there are more verses like this with a promise concerning the nations and I often turn to them for encouragment in this time of the nations seemingly in an ‘uproar’. Like David ..until the time of fulfillment of this scripture..worshipping Him and turning my attention to all His attributes of mercy ,compassion,long suffering and grace keep my faith alive in all the unseen marvellous things of spirit that are taking place right now…despite what the earth is going through.KC
Blessing little J. Those symptoms are not welcome in your house or your body. You have the life of Jesus flowing through you. Ministering His healing power and agreeing with your Mom.
Wendy
Revelation 8 New Living Translation (NLT)
8 When the Lamb broke the seventh seal on the scroll, there was silence throughout heaven for about half an hour. 2 I saw the seven angels who stand before God, and they were given seven trumpets.
3 Then another angel with a gold incense burner came and stood at the altar. And a great amount of incense was given to him to mix with the prayers of God’s people as an offering on the gold altar before the throne. 4 The smoke of the incense, mixed with the prayers of God’s holy people, ascended up to God from the altar where the angel had poured them out. 5 Then the angel filled the incense burner with fire from the altar and threw it down upon the earth; and thunder crashed, lightning flashed, and there was a terrible earthquake.
6 Then the seven angels with the seven trumpets prepared to blow their mighty blasts.
7 The first angel blew his trumpet, and hail and fire mixed with blood were thrown down on the earth. One-third of the earth was set on fire, one-third of the trees were burned, and all the green grass was burned.
8 Then the second angel blew his trumpet, and a great mountain of fire was thrown into the sea. One-third of the water in the sea became blood, 9 one-third of all things living in the sea died, and one-third of all the ships on the sea were destroyed.
10 Then the third angel blew his trumpet, and a great star fell from the sky, burning like a torch. It fell on one-third of the rivers and on the springs of water. 11 The name of the star was Bitterness. It made one-third of the water bitter, and many people died from drinking the bitter water.
12 Then the fourth angel blew his trumpet, and one-third of the sun was struck, and one-third of the moon, and one-third of the stars, and they became dark. And one-third of the day was dark, and also one-third of the night.
13 Then I looked, and I heard a single eagle crying loudly as it flew through the air, “Terror, terror, terror to all who belong to this world because of what will happen when the last three angels blow their trumpets.”
Ok I’m seeing more clearly now that this Book with seals is not what I was thinking. I was thinking it was the Word of God and the seals being broken off were a releasing of glorious and good things. However apparently the seventh seal containing seven trumpets herald in the judgements and sufferings of the church.
I’ve been thinking more of late that there are parallel things happening.. great darkness coming on the earth but increasing light and glory in the spirit realm as the Kingdom approaches. KC
That would be quite something, silence in heaven for half an hour!!! It’s also interesting that the prayers of God’s holy ones were mixed with the incense and poured on the altar to Him. Then the angel threw down the incense burner after he filled it with fire from the altar and threw it down to earth causing a great earthquake. I wonder if that was caused because of the prayers of Hid people? Thoughts for Monday maybe??
Blessings and love for the next couple of days. Happy Mother’s Day to you both Karen and Lisa. ❤️🙌
Healing and Discipleship 
Psalm 86 King James Version (KJV)
86 Bow down thine ear, O Lord, hear me: for I am poor and needy.
2 Preserve my soul; for I am holy: O thou my God, save thy servant that trusteth in thee.
3 Be merciful unto me, O Lord: for I cry unto thee daily.
4 Rejoice the soul of thy servant: for unto thee, O Lord, do I lift up my soul.
5 For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee.
6 Give ear, O Lord, unto my prayer; and attend to the voice of my supplications.
7 In the day of my trouble I will call upon thee: for thou wilt answer me.
8 Among the gods there is none like unto thee, O Lord; neither are there any works like unto thy works.
9 All nations whom thou hast made shall come and worship before thee, O Lord; and shall glorify thy name.
10 For thou art great, and doest wondrous things: thou art God alone.
11 Teach me thy way, O Lord; I will walk in thy truth: unite my heart to fear thy name.
12 I will praise thee, O Lord my God, with all my heart: and I will glorify thy name for evermore.
13 For great is thy mercy toward me: and thou hast delivered my soul from the lowest hell.
14 O God, the proud are risen against me, and the assemblies of violent men have sought after my soul; and have not set thee before them.
15 But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, long suffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth.
16 O turn unto me, and have mercy upon me; give thy strength unto thy servant, and save the son of thine handmaid.
17 Shew me a token for good; that they which hate me may see it, and be ashamed: because thou, Lord, hast holpen me, and comforted me.
vs “4 Bring joy to the soul of your servant,
for to you, Lord, do I lift up my soul.” WEB
I am in awe of how God can infuse joy into the toughest situations.
John 16:33 King James Version (KJV)
“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.”
Key to the Kingdom: Frame things from the perspective of God and the Kingdom and not the perspective of man. For example, if we consider the story of the martyrdom of Stephen, viewed from a strictly human perspective, things don’t get much worse…. than to be condemned, judged, mocked and stoned to death. From a Kingdom perspective, we see a legacy and a source of hope for every martyr that followed him since. That even in this, our eyes can be so fixed on the Lord and His Kingdom as to be almost oblivious to the outward man that is dying.
2 Corinthians 4:15-18 King James Version (KJV)
“15 For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God.
16 For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.
17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;
18 While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.”
Chronicles 16:33 NASB Then the trees of the forest will sing for joy before the Lord; For He is coming to judge the earth.
Even the trees of the forest will sing for joy, which means to me they are capable of joy. WOW
Hebrews 12:2 NASB fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfected of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Jesus went to the cross and He DESPISED the shame for the JOY that was set before Him. How much more do I want to experience that type of joy that is not dependent on anything but Him.
Wendy
Amen!
3 Be merciful unto me, O Lord: for I cry unto thee daily.
Amp 3 Be gracious and merciful to me, O Lord,
For to You I cry out all the day long.
I choose and cry out that this would be my reality.
Rob
Amen. WR
All of Psalm 86 is awash with Davids Love, gratitude and Worship with requests interspersed. Let that be our worshipful prayer day by day.
Rob
Yes and Amen! WR
Yes ‘looking not at the things that are seen ‘ is the challenge for me at this time . The answer is in my crying out to Him that my focus be single…on His coming Kingdom ,the eternal things for which we are being prepared. I want to be ‘almost oblivious to the outward man that is dying’ as you said Lisa. KC
Vs1 Lord, bend down to listen to my prayer/ I am in deep trouble. I’m broken and humbled, and I desperately need your help. 2. Guard my life, for I’m your faithful friend, your loyal servant for life, my God, my hero: come and rescue me! The Passion Translation. I was wondering in vs 2 in the KJV where he says “I am holy” so looked it up in different versions. I like this one and there are several others that are helpful in explaining that. I do like “my God, my hero” Who better to have for a hero than God. He alone is worthy.
Wendy
Amen!
vs 7. God is our very present help (Psalm 46). I know it seems like a really obvious thing, but in application, God is often the last source we turn to with genuine expectation. If we aer honest, we often exhaust every human means before sincerely seeking God.
“46 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.2 Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; 3 Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah.”
so very true!!!
Rob
Yes …Open my eyes Lord to see more clearly the ‘help’ you ARE bringing presently so that I may be of good cheer! KC
Vs15 But thou, O Lord, art a god full of compassion, and gracious,long suffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth.
I am thankful everyday that He is like this, it gives me so much hope and joy for myself and for the world.
Wendy
Amen!!!
Rob
vs 16. There is really nothing we can do in our own human strength and capacity. This is such a reminder to cry out to Him for His strength and capacity. “I can do all things in Christ which strengthens me” is a banner over my life.
Yes for me too Lisa. It is one of my daily go to verses as I am constantly reminded that I can do nothing except through Him.
Wendy
Good morning !
KC
Good morning. Happy to be here with you all. It’s going to be a wonderful day.We are excited to go for a drive to Ingersoll to drop off our Income tax to our accountant. Hahaha It’s the little things.😊
Wendy
Revelation 7 King James Version (KJV)
7 And after these things I saw four angels standing on the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on any tree.
2 And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God: and he cried with a loud voice to the four angels, to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea,
3 Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads.
4 And I heard the number of them which were sealed: and there were sealed an hundred and forty and four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel.
5 Of the tribe of Juda were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Reuben were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Gad were sealed twelve thousand.
6 Of the tribe of Aser were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Nephthalim were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Manasses were sealed twelve thousand.
7 Of the tribe of Simeon were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Levi were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Issachar were sealed twelve thousand.
8 Of the tribe of Zabulon were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Joseph were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Benjamin were sealed twelve thousand.
9 After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands;
10 And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb.
11 And all the angels stood round about the throne, and about the elders and the four beasts, and fell before the throne on their faces, and worshipped God,
12 Saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen.
13 And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they?
14 And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.
15 Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them.
16 They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat.
17 For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.
Rev 7. this is the verse I remember from Howard Katz. Some will be fed and led by the Lamb. Others will be given the responsibility of leading others. Part of the degrees of responsibility and rewards that happen in the new heaven and earth based on our lives lived now. Such a beautiful picture. God dwelling among us, no hunger, no thirst, no sunburns… all tears wiped away. Begs the question. What is the great tribulation? Did that happen after Pentecost, is it happening today as many are being martyred even now?
vs 1.. such an interesting visual.. Angels holding back the wind. We have mighty allies in this battle indeed.
‘ that the wind should not blow upon the earth’ is what popped out at me. Is this a picture of the Holy Spirit being poured out on all flesh being held back until a certain time?…and that these four angels seemed to have an assignment to hurt the earth and the sea.vs 2 Thoughts? KC
Wind often refers to the Holy Spirit in scripture so just wondering what these verses are talking about.KC
vs 3. So interesting that there seems to be a competition for our heads in a way. The enemy wants his mark to be on our foreheads and God has indicated He will mark the righteous ones here. Who is my head seems to be the big question. Do I submit to Jesus as Lord or to the Enemy/Self?
1 Corinthians 11:2-4 World English Bible (WEB)
2 Now I praise you, brothers, that you remember me in all things, and hold firm the traditions, even as I delivered them to you. 3 But I would have you know that the head of every man is Christ, and the head of the woman is man, and the head of Christ is God. 4 Every man praying or prophesying, having his head covered, dishonors his head.”
As a little side note, out of 1 Corinthians, I read this today different . When a man covers his head, he is actually covering Christ.. the head he dishonours is actually Christ.
https://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=G2596&t=KJV The original language supports this possibility. Basically, whoever stifles Christ as head dishonours Christ….. Much deeper than wearing a hat.. possibly both are true.
Its probably where the tradition of men taking off their hats, to show respect comes from.KC
I love this last verse 17 For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.
I reach into this now, for today.
Wendy
9 All nations whom thou hast made shall come and worship before thee, O Lord; and shall glorify thy name.
I know there are more verses like this with a promise concerning the nations and I often turn to them for encouragment in this time of the nations seemingly in an ‘uproar’. Like David ..until the time of fulfillment of this scripture..worshipping Him and turning my attention to all His attributes of mercy ,compassion,long suffering and grace keep my faith alive in all the unseen marvellous things of spirit that are taking place right now…despite what the earth is going through.KC
Please pray for our son J. He has a painful tummyache. Jesus paid for it to be gone. I am going to step away to minister to him.
Praying!KC
Blessing little J. Those symptoms are not welcome in your house or your body. You have the life of Jesus flowing through you. Ministering His healing power and agreeing with your Mom.
Wendy
Revelation 8 New Living Translation (NLT)
8 When the Lamb broke the seventh seal on the scroll, there was silence throughout heaven for about half an hour. 2 I saw the seven angels who stand before God, and they were given seven trumpets.
3 Then another angel with a gold incense burner came and stood at the altar. And a great amount of incense was given to him to mix with the prayers of God’s people as an offering on the gold altar before the throne. 4 The smoke of the incense, mixed with the prayers of God’s holy people, ascended up to God from the altar where the angel had poured them out. 5 Then the angel filled the incense burner with fire from the altar and threw it down upon the earth; and thunder crashed, lightning flashed, and there was a terrible earthquake.
6 Then the seven angels with the seven trumpets prepared to blow their mighty blasts.
7 The first angel blew his trumpet, and hail and fire mixed with blood were thrown down on the earth. One-third of the earth was set on fire, one-third of the trees were burned, and all the green grass was burned.
8 Then the second angel blew his trumpet, and a great mountain of fire was thrown into the sea. One-third of the water in the sea became blood, 9 one-third of all things living in the sea died, and one-third of all the ships on the sea were destroyed.
10 Then the third angel blew his trumpet, and a great star fell from the sky, burning like a torch. It fell on one-third of the rivers and on the springs of water. 11 The name of the star was Bitterness. It made one-third of the water bitter, and many people died from drinking the bitter water.
12 Then the fourth angel blew his trumpet, and one-third of the sun was struck, and one-third of the moon, and one-third of the stars, and they became dark. And one-third of the day was dark, and also one-third of the night.
13 Then I looked, and I heard a single eagle crying loudly as it flew through the air, “Terror, terror, terror to all who belong to this world because of what will happen when the last three angels blow their trumpets.”
Ok I’m seeing more clearly now that this Book with seals is not what I was thinking. I was thinking it was the Word of God and the seals being broken off were a releasing of glorious and good things. However apparently the seventh seal containing seven trumpets herald in the judgements and sufferings of the church.
I’ve been thinking more of late that there are parallel things happening.. great darkness coming on the earth but increasing light and glory in the spirit realm as the Kingdom approaches. KC
Yes, maybe?? WR
That would be quite something, silence in heaven for half an hour!!! It’s also interesting that the prayers of God’s holy ones were mixed with the incense and poured on the altar to Him. Then the angel threw down the incense burner after he filled it with fire from the altar and threw it down to earth causing a great earthquake. I wonder if that was caused because of the prayers of Hid people? Thoughts for Monday maybe??
Blessings and love for the next couple of days. Happy Mother’s Day to you both Karen and Lisa. ❤️🙌