Do you not know that the blood of My precious Son was shed for you, so that you can walk with your head held high?
The veil is removed that separated you and I, so that you can come freely into My presence. Do not let satan’s fear and lies fill the space where it once hung, for it was torn down at great cost. My heart’s desire is for greater intimacy with you. Do not be afraid to come to Me, for I am faithful and just, and if you confess your sins to Me, I will forgive you and cleanse you from all unrighteousness.
Approach the holy ground of My presence, knowing that you will be fully received and are fully loved! Let Me show you My glory that you may display it to the nations. For My Son died that all might know Me. Today, take time, remain in My presence, and be transformed by more Glory!
37 But Jesus uttered a loud cry, and breathed out His last [voluntarily, sovereignly dismissing and releasing His spirit from His body in submission to His Father’s plan].
38 And the veil [of the Holy of Holies] of the temple was torn in two from [a]top to bottom.
39 When the centurion, who was standing opposite Him, saw the way He breathed His last [being fully in control],he said, “Truly this man was the Son of God!”
Mark 15:37-38 (AMP) Footnotes [a] Mark 15:38 This act of God signified that the death of Jesus ended the need for temple sacrifices and intermediaries, and opened the way for free and direct access to God.
But You, O Lord, are a shield for me,my glory [and my honor], and the One who lifts my head.
Psalm 3:3 (AMP)
18 And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord,[a] are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another.[b] For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.
This was written in December 2019 (keep that in mind as you read), but reading it this morning, I felt inspired and I hope you will be too. Allow the words to be understood, received and push you to YOUR new season. You don’t have to wait until the New Year to make a change; any day, month or hour can be used to turn things around! Be blessed. Be encouraged.
From my previous posts, you may have gathered that I have a belief. I believe in The Most High God, I’m a Christian and have been baptised. When setting up this blog, I thought that I wouldn’t let my Christianity be my main focus or that, maybe, I wouldn’t even mention it. HOWEVER, it’s very hard not to have it creeping in. As the song from The Greatest Showman goes…’This is me!’
The title of this post is from the Old Testament of the Holy Bible. The Book of Ecclesiastes happens to be another of my favourites. As well as having the knowledge that scripture is God breathed and/or inspired, it amazes me that it’s possible to one day come across a verse or chapter that speaks directly to your life, body and soul, then on another occasion you may be reading it, with a little more information from previous verses or chapters, and it will take on a completely new meaning. It is the same with life. Things happen, but when thought about in the future, it can sometimes take on a new meaning. We can usually gain a new understanding. Occasionally, we are even able to laugh, after initially crying, pulling out our hair and being distraught.
The year’s last loveliest smile – John Howard Bryant
My aim was to get this post out whilst we were still within November but, unfortunately, it wasn’t to be. Three days late isn’t too bad! Above is a beautiful autumnal scene. Autumn is the transitionary period from summer to winter, which is September to November. The view of that same area can differ greatly, depending on what time of year it’s being looked at. It will, on most occasions, be the same trees in that area, unless something drastic has happened to alter it, i.e death, disease, drought, fire or the birth or planting of a new tree, amongst other things. However, sometimes, all that glitters is not gold. At a first glance a tree may seem beautiful, but at a closer look there may be evidence of rot or wear and tear. There can even be things that cannot be seen by the naked eye. Our persona can also be affected by these same things, mentally, physically and spiritually. Our needs can or will change because of internal and external factors. The same can be said for family and friends, even strangers that we come across. We do not have a clue of exactly what each person is dealing with and also what coping mechanisms, if any, they may have. But by being given a little (or a lot of) love and attention, they can be transformed.
He can make everything beautiful in its time…
In the Book of Ecclesiastes, the third chapter tells us there is ATimeforEverything. The very first verse says ‘Thereisatimeforeverythingandaseasonforeveryactivityunderheaven’. Everyday we can take a walk and see how wonderful this earth is, that we have been blessed with. This is no matter what the weather is like or the season we’re in. Beauty can be found in Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter. Likewise in people.
In every change, in every falling leaf there is some pain, some beauty. And that’s the way new leaves grow – Amit Ray
Deciduous means tending to fall off. In Autumn, the deciduous trees or shrubs no longer need their leaves for survival in the forthcoming season, so it loses them. The leaves fall to the soil, which then enables its decomposition to provide soil bacteria and fungi. This soil bacteria then gives important nutrients to the roots. There is no longer a requirement for so much photosynthesis to take place in order for it to survive and this process provides food for other life forms, such as other organisms present in the soil below. This is a prime example of the cycle of life. The tree or shrub will then create a leaf scar, so that the water that has been collated before does not freeze over. Isn’t that amazing! I know I learnt about this stuff when I was at school but had to refresh my memory. The shrubs I have at the front of my home need not fear, they are here to stay! What a wonderful God we serve! Not everyone reading this will realise this, but my prayer is that you soon will! Before I get sidetracked, I will proceed. Yesterday I looked out of the window and the ground was covered with leaves. Prior to this, I was wondering why they were still hanging on, which is when I started reading about the cycle.
Everything has its season.
When the spring arrives, the weather begins to warm up and the sun provides the warmth they will all need to give birth to new leaves and photosynthesis will reoccur.
Give that a thought for a minute…in the midst of the beauty of God’s creation
Give that a thought for a moment…take yourself away and think about it. What is it that you require for your ‘next season’? What is it that needs to ‘fall off’ your life. What is it that would be good for you not to take through to the new year approaching? What do you need to attract and overcome? What are you waiting to give birth to?
The point is that your thoughts on a particular thing can change from day-to-day, week-to-week, month-to-month and so on, but that doesn’t matter because as you go through different things; receive different information and meet different people…it can change your view; the way you feel and think about something can alter. It doesn’t necessarily mean that your thoughts were wrong at a particular time but just that you’ve learnt more. You’ve grown. You now see things from a different perspective.
Leave yourself open to new experiences and challenges. Be willing to eat new foods, go to new places, try a course and/or meet new people. Be willing to do things that you never would have done before. Do things that YOU have always wanted to do but never had the guts to. Make changes in your personal life or work. You never know what situation is waiting for a Project Manager (YOU) to take it in hand! Let the spring of 2020 mark a year of adjustment, improvement, renewal, transformation and the manifestation of anything else that is positive. Be like a caterpillar, inside its cocoon, waiting to reveal all its glory when it emerges. For He has made EVERYTHING beautiful in it’s time. Whatever you choose to do ensure you are just the way you want to be; exactly as you were meant to be. Prepare yourself by meditation, prayer and supplication. Let 2020 find you being unapologeticallyyou…
Book of Ecclesiastes
Ecclesiastes 3 v 1-8
There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing, a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace…
Remember, in the middle of the raging sea, My voice stopped the storm.
In the middle of their slavery, My plan redeemed the Israelites.
In the middle of self-wrought destruction, I saved you.
Now I am redeeming My church, and in all the tumultuous uproar of redemption, I am with you.
Look at Me, not the threats that fly past your face in the middle of this chaos. Look at Me! I will save you and give you rest, bringing you into the land of promises that I have joyfully given to you.
Remember, you have My hope as an anchor for the soul. Now anchor your soul, so that you will not be swayed. Go forward unintimidated by what surrounds you.
Activation: We are the people of God and He alone is our refuge and fortress. Let this be a demonstration of the power of God’s love: that whenever challenged, you will declare that Jesus has given you full life, full healing, nothing broken, missing or damaged. Speak life over all your life. Wherever you feel there may be an area that has less than the full abundance, declare with the authority of Jesus that you will have full life in that area.
God Alone a Refuge from Treachery and Oppression.
To the Chief Musician; to Jeduthun [Ethan, the noted musician, founder of an official musical family]. A Psalm of David.
1 For God alone my soul waits in silence; from Him comes my salvation.
2 He alone is my rock and my salvation, my defense and my strong tower; I will not be shaken or disheartened.
Psalm 62:1-2 (AMP)
27 Only [be sure to] lead your lives in a manner [that will be] worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I do come and see you or remain absent, I will hear about you that you are standing firm in one spirit [and one purpose], with one [a]mind striving side by side [as if in combat] for the faith of the gospel.
28 And in no way be alarmed or intimidated [in anything] by your opponents, for such [constancy and fearlessness on your part] is a [clear] sign [a proof and a seal] for them of [their impending] destruction, but [a clear sign] for you of deliverance and salvation, and that too, from God.
You were not created to be static. You were not created to set yourself down in the place where you feel comfortable and stay there. For surely by now you know that the fullness of your security must be found in Me. I say this today for you must see that I have released My winds of change upon the earth. These winds will blow away the dust and cobwebs and expose what needs to be uprooted.
Furthermore, as these winds blow, they will awaken within My people the passion which has been lying dormant. The passion to pursue Me with great determination and resilience, regardless of the risk and cost.
My beloved ones, will you allow My winds of change to blow through you? Will you allow it to expose the old things which need to go while breathing life into the fresh things you are carrying?
Activation: Ask Holy Spirit to show you these heavenly winds blowing over the earth. What is it doing? How is it impacting the area you live in? How is it impacting you personally? Journal about what Holy Spirit shows you.
12 God made the earth by His power; He established the world by His wisdom And by His understanding and skill He has stretched out the heavens.
13 When He utters His voice, there is a tumult of [a]waters in the heavens, and He causes the clouds and the mist to ascend from the end of the earth; He makes lightning for the rain, And brings out the wind from His treasuries and from His storehouses.
Jeremiah 10:12-13 (AMP) Footnotes [a] Jeremiah 10:13 Some ancient people believed that the sky was a canopy over the earth and that God stored rainwater behind it. Therefore, it rained only when God opened the windows of heaven.
21 For I have kept the ways of the Lord, And have not wickedly departed from my God.
22 For all His ordinances were before me, and I did not put away His statutes from me.
23 I was [a]blameless before Him, and I kept myself free from my sin.
24 Therefore the Lord has rewarded me according to my righteousness (moral character, spiritual integrity), according to the cleanness of my hands in His sight.
Psalm 18:21-24 (AMP) Footnotes [a] Psalm 18:23 Lit complete; or having integrity; or perfect.
The soldiers stand ready for battle on both sides.
The expanse between the camp is no longer a vast area.
We march forward, My child, we march forward.
Gird your loins, cover your chest.
Pick up that shield and bang it with My sword of truth.
Keep the helmet fastened as it protects you from the fiery darts of the enemy.
Victory is ever so near, but you must stay the course!
Listen and heed My commands.
Do not get lost in thought.
Do not allow the enemy to thwart you from the pathway.
My angels stand charge.
You are safe. You are protected. You are Mine!
Activation: Just as a soldier in the military prepares for war, children of God must also prepare for battles of the mind and spirit. This requires spending daily time with Jesus. Assess the time you’re spending with Him. Make a plan and follow through today to seek His word, His face, and ask Him to remove any fears or barriers that keep you from being battle ready.
13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
Ephesians 6:13-17 (KJV)
The rest of you continue chasing the enemy and cut them down from the rear. Don’t give them a chance to get back to their towns, for the Lord your God has given you victory over them.”
To the Chief Musician; on wind instruments. A Psalm of David.
1 Listen to my words, O Lord, Consider my groaning andsighing.
2 Heed the sound of my cry for help, my King and my God, for to You I pray.
3 In the morning, O Lord, You will hear my voice;in the morning I will prepare [a prayer and a sacrifice] for You and watch and wait [for You to speak to my heart].
4For You are not a God who takes pleasure in wickedness; no evil [person] dwells with You.
5The boastful and the arrogant will not stand in Your sight;You hate all who do evil.
6You destroy those who tell lies; The Lord detests and rejects the bloodthirsty and deceitful man.
7But as for me, I will enter Your house through the abundance of Your steadfast love and tender mercy; at Your holy temple I will bow [obediently] in reverence for You.
8O Lord, lead me in Your righteousness because of my enemies; make Your way straight (direct, right) before me.
9 For there is nothingtrustworthyor reliable or truthful in what they say; their heart is destruction [just a treacherous chasm, a yawning gulf of lies].Their throat is an open grave; they [glibly] flatter with their [silken] tongue.
10 Hold them guilty, O God; let them fall by their own designs and councils!Cast them out because of the abundance of their transgressions, for they are mutinous and have rebelled against You.
11But let all who take refuge and put their trust in You rejoice, let them ever sing for joy; because You cover and shelter them, let those who love Your name be joyful and exult in You.
12 For You, O Lord, bless the righteous man [the one who is in right standing with You]; You surround him with favor as with a shield.
Stand on the promises of God. Stand on His Word. Stand on faith that God will move. For this is a moment of pressing; a time of unusual pressure but you are called to stand in this season.
Lay all the pieces of your life on the altar of God and wait for the fire of the Lord to fall on your heart (Psalm 5:3-8). Follow the Biblical map God has given you to wear the armour of God which contains truth, righteousness, and peace. Do everything He has called you to do and at the end of all this, stand. For though the devil may scheme, the Lord has already won.
Activation: Ask God to show you what each piece of His armour looks like, as you put it on. What type of material is used? What colours? What decorations? How was your amour made by God especially for you? Write down what the Lord shows or tells you and make it a regular practice to put on the armour of God and stand.
Therefore, put on the complete armor of God, so that you will be able to [successfully] resist and stand your ground in the evil day [of danger],and having done everything [that the crisis demands], to stand firm [in your place, fully prepared, immovable, victorious].
Unapologetically Marcia 