A Heart Enlightened

My heart has been enlightened to things I never knew. I see life and my relationship with God in a whole new light. I've learned to simply open my heart and mind to the guidance of The Holy Spirit. The last few years of my life have been very tragic. Only by God's abounding grace am I even alive. I've was bound in chains of no escape. Now I understand Christ actually sets the spirit free no matter what our situation. By faith I've the blessed assurance of eternal life. Though the world persecutes me, they also persecuted Jesus. However no weapon formed against me shall prosper. Should my castles crumble to the ground, God will build me up. Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world. I cannot walk in darkness for Jesus is my shining light. When all seems cold and lonely there is warmth and sunshine from heavenly places. I've found a companion and friend mink lashes who is ever near me.

In my opinion "religion" is causing many to miss out on a personal and intimate relationship with Jesus Christ. Many people go to church because it's the thing to do; a family tradition or to look good in the community. To me Christianity is not about religion or denomination. Religion is an organized set of beliefs. Yet by walking in the Spirit I'm taken to a higher level. Every realm goes higher with The Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

I can never find true peace again in a church that is not open to the Holy Spirit. What makes a real church? Is it a big beautiful building? NO! To me, a real church is a group of believers led and directed by the Holy Spirit. Though God's house is certainly to be honored and made holy, it's not about the building. A real church has no spiritual walls, but strives daily to walk in obedience, unity and love. Obedience is worth more than sacrifice. A real church is built on a solid foundation. Jesus must always be the very rock of that foundation.

As I said life has been very hard. Physical, emotional, and even financial pain is sometimes almost overwhelming. Though by solid medical documentation and even so far as dna analysis and human pathology, my health has been taken away from me. The Bible says we can speak life into any situation. God's words are life to those who seek them. I keep them ever in my heart for by the mighty stripes of Jesus we ARE healed. We must envision things as we wish them to be, not as they appear to be now.

In the physical realm of my surroundings I am considered a prisoner of poverty. Yet there IS no lack in Christ Jesus. I'm heiress to the greatest King that ever lived. Jesus still lives and sits at the right hand of the Father. Finding favor with God is worth more than silver or gold. Life's purest and greatest treasures reside within my very being.

If I align my heart to the will of God, He will grant me my greatest desires. I must be saturated with the Holy Word. No matter what happens, I will ever praise The Lord. The Spirit will show me my place in His creation. God has a plan especially for my life. I was created for a special mission here on earth only I was meant to accomplish. If I leave it undone, I will grieve Jesus.

I'll no longer listen to people who try to discourage me from achieving my hopes and dreams. Some think because I'm sick I should give up on the passions of my heart. I refuse to do that for nothing is impossible with God. He uses the weak, sick and downtrodden to be mighty in His work. I see beyond all the pain and adversity in my life. I will feast with Him and expect great and mighty things, ALWAYS careful to give Him the praise, honor and glory. For He is the focus, not us. I am just an humble servant; a willing vessel.

I may be just a "nobody" by worldly standards but I know someone who loves me so much He gave His life for me. Had I been the only person to ever live He would have still went to that cross so that I would defeat death. For you see, being a Christian isn't about dying, but living. For as I was crucified with Christ I also have been raised with Him. He is my strength. His kingdom is at hand. I am an heiress to the King; a royal priesthood. I stand on God's word for His promises are true. He cannot lie.

God comes to those who love him through "revelation". I must be sure it is the Holy Spirit speaking to me and not a vision or a dream I've conjured up in my mind. God will never lead me to do anything which goes against His will. If I'm ever in doubt about something I will pray and wait upon Him.

Like most people, I've made many mistakes in my life. I've done things I wish I could change. I may not be able to change them but I am covered by the precious blood of Calvary. There is no condemnation for those who walk in Christ. Once I ask Jesus to forgive me He takes my sins and casts them into the deepest part of the ocean, never again to be remembered. Thus I had to realize by me not forgiving myself I am actually insulting God. That was the reason He went to the cross. That's why He took those lashes across His back. He not only bore my sins; He bore my pain and sickness. I must have faith and trust Him for He is a mighty and awesome God. In Him there is no fear.

Never again will I get caught up in religion. What I am caught up in is the love of Jesus and one day I'll be caught up into the clouds of glory and reign with Him on high. No longer will I simply trust everyone who professes to be a Christian. Sadly, there are many false prophets out there who entice others and try to lead them astray in the name of Jesus. I will test them. God gives His children the spirit of discernment. We'll be able to know if someone is of God. Jesus said, "my sheep will know my voice".

I know it is okay for me to be real with God. He doesn't get angry with me for sharing my true feelings when I don't understand something. He said, test me, try me, prove me thus saith the Lord of Hosts. He will prove Himself unto me without fail.

I am going to believe in God and also in the talents and abilities He gave me. If I sit around and never act upon what He has told me to do then I can only blame myself for dying dreams. Even though it is hard for me to do things sometimes, He will help me overcome this physical pain and go forward. I have learned to seek Him, trust Him, and never walk in fear nor condemnation, but in confidence.

Jesus is my shining light. He abides ever in my heart. He will not leave me alone. When I feel so low even the valleys seem to be above me, I know my Lord will lift me to where the eagles fly. I shall soar in freedom. I do not live under the curse. It has been broken. I am free because of Calvary, the cross and the suffering Christ went through. I cannot even imagine the pain He bore. He would have died that day just for me alone yet he took on the sins of the whole world. He shed every drop of His precious blood for me and for us all. When the Father raised Him from the dead prophecy was fulfilled and we became victorious.

I've learned I must turn over those I care so much about to God. I have family and friends I used to worry about. I realize I cannot save anyone. Only God can do that. Yet fervent prayers of the righteous availeth much. If I'm walking in obedience Jesus takes my requests directly to the Father. They make it into the Throne Room. I know those I love are safe in the hands of God. My prayers have power.

Another things God taught me is forgiveness. The last year has caused us a lot of grief. There are some people I considered to be a friend and I respected them as a person. I've always been genuinely concerned about them and had their best interest at heart. I speak not as a "concerned citizen", but as a real friend. Unfortunately, Satan comes to steal, kill and destroy. These few people have deliberately tried to inflict even more pain into our lives; It caused many tears and sleepless nights. God says forgive them as He forgave those big Roman soldiers who hung Him to a cross. What undying love. Thus, I can honestly say, I have no malice toward anyone on this earth. I pray every night for both friend and foe. I truly mean it when I ask blessings into their lives.

When I think of salvation, I will try to be an example of God's love; a light set upon the hillside. Yet the Holy Spirit must be the one to put hearts under conviction. People are not robots. They all have a free will. God will not force Himself on anyone. They must accept Jesus as Lord and Saviour because it is their decision. I can witness and pray. The rest is in God's hands.

I thank the Lord for every sunrise I share. I praise Him for every sun that sets into the horizon. I humbly bow before my creator for each breath he gives me. What a blessing to be a child of the only true God. I will serve Him forever. Though at times, I feel like Brother Job is reliving in me I will never curse my God. I love Him with all my heart and the heart is what God sees. My greatest desire is to uplift His name and to be His glory.

I do ask for prayer from all who believe in the power of God. Both my husband and I are fighting to survive this horrendous illness and be a voice and help to others. As I said, we must see things in the spiritual realm as being whole, healthy, loving, caring, harmonious, strong, prosperous and a shining light to others.

I am so glad I've been put in a holy place; truly a place to meet God. A receptive heart and The Holy Spirit has made me a stronger person in Christ Jesus. I study the word and actually meditate upon it. When we truly thirst for knowledge, God will reveal Himself to us. He has given me springs of living water. My cup runneth over with grace and love. I pray God will use me in a mighty way for His glory. Praise The Lord!