Chains off!

On the very night when Herod was about to bring him forward, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and guards in front of the door were watching over the prison. And behold, an angel of the Lord suddenly appeared and a light shone in the cell; and he struck Peter’s side and woke him up, saying, “Get up quickly.” And his chains fell off his hands.  (Acts 12:6-7, NASB)

Have you been struck lately? Well, what kinda’ question is that?

When I think of chains, most of the time I think of restraint; an instrument causing restriction; something limiting me.

Sometimes restriction is for our own safety, perhaps even for training or a waiting period.

A prisoner is held in chains for fear he will run from the law; put behind iron bars so that they won't escape. But what if you are innocent and wrongly accused?

Those same chains and cell still keep you unless you are released by the same law that convicted you.

As a child of God we are often asking God to free us from chains, difficult situations that have bound or trapped us. But what if God has freed us and we are still detained.

Life is full of exciting roads to travel but sometimes we are afraid to put our feet on new pavement. FEAR itself can keep us, speaks to us, convinces us we will never be free to move forward.

Has the Lord spoken to you about a new road?  Have you come to a crossroad and are afraid to make a turn? Perhaps its fear of the unknown? Does your heart quiver because you do know that something new is coming but you have never threaded those waters before?

Chains are important.

If you have a new pet, a dog for example and you are trying to train him, you will probably use a chain. You restrict him for his own protection. We don't want this creature to escape or end up in danger.  You keep him bound so he won’t harm himself, even worse bite someone.

But, who would keep the dog tied forever? Does not this poor four legged ball of fur need freedom to run and play and explore? Once trained, he is now free. He knows his boundaries.

You are on the waters and your boat needs to anchor. You are enjoying a quiet time, maybe fishing. Soon the clouds come in and you are in the midst of a storm. It’s time to go, but you can’t seem to pull the anchor out of the crevice that has obstructed it. Don’t you do everything in your power to be free? Cut the rope if possible or just chuck the rest of the anchor overboard. But you must go! The anchors purpose is no longer needed.

Amusement parks use chains and ropes to control the lines. They bring order to the masses who want to go on the new thrilling ride. Once you arrive, those chains mean nothing to you anymore. They no longer serve a purpose. You have arrived and the ride is about to begin. Buckle up, here we go!

What if we have been restricted for a short time by God for my own good? He has been training us and soon he is about to launch us into areas of the unfamiliar? Will I refuse and hold dear to my familiar chains? Sadly, sometimes that does happen.

We must decide that it’s time to move forward.

We must get on our feet and embrace the new journey.

Peter was in jail not because of any wrong he had done. He experienced an incredible encounter with an angel from the Lord. The Scripture reads that Peter was commanded to stand up after the angel struck him; in other words, he woke him up and got his attention.

As he obeyed, the chains fell off his hands! Hallelujah! No longer a prisoner; the innocent man was set free. The ministry that the Lord had given him was unfolding!

I don’t know why he startled him that way. But, as he obeyed, THEN the CHAINS fell off.

I think the Lord is about to strike some of us.

He is going to rouse us out of our slumber.

He is going to get our attention and when we respond THEN THE CHAINS WILL FALL OFF!

The preparation is over.

It’s time to move.

We have been trained; we have endured storms, and the ride is just a few steps away.

We are about to tread new waters.

The road is new and I shout out “I am not afraid.”

Chains off—Ride begins!


God bless you!~Liz

Holy, Holy, Holy

I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine. (2 Timothy 4:1-2)

Dreams are kinda’ funny.

Sometimes they don’t make sense.

Other times God’s speaks through them (Joel 2:28).

Late last night, more like early morning I had a dream.

In my dream I was called to lead worship at a wedding. It seemed that all my music was missing and no matter how hard I tried (in my dream) I could not produce a song set. Printers printed the wrong music; my packets were incorrect and it was moments before we were to begin worshipping the Lord. It seemed no one had the correct music!

My friend leaned over to me and said “if you don’t start singing I will”.

It was like the very breath of God –it filled me. I turned to the team and said, “forget what you’ve prepared, forget the songs selected”. In a moment’s time we began to sing the old song, “I exalt thee” and the entire auditorium erupted. I remember a time of spontaneous worship and all present were honoring our God! It was explosive! Lord you alone are worthy!

Preparing is good; actually we are good stewards to manage our responsibilities well. But, when called to bring Glory to God, be ready!

There are songs of praise and worship anchored to my heart. Some are written by men inspired by the Holy Spirit and other songs are songs birthed by the Holy Spirit as he sees fit.

I love spontaneous praise above all!

Oh, let everything that has breath praise the Lord!


Praise ye the Lord. Praise God in his sanctuary: praise him in the firmament of his power.

Praise him for his mighty acts: praise him according to his excellent greatness.

Praise him with the sound of the trumpet: praise him with the psaltery and harp.

Praise him with the timbrel and dance: praise him with stringed instruments and organs.

Praise him upon the loud cymbals: praise him upon the high sounding cymbals.

Let every thing that hath breath praise the Lord. Praise ye the Lord. (Psalm 150)


Dreams can be silly. Some don’t make sense.

This dream reminded my I’ve been made to worship the King!

God bless you!~Liz

Image: Orange County Fellowship Sunday Worship

The Harvest

Galatians 6:9-10
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not

give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.

Yesterday I gathered from my garden beautiful cherry tomatoes in red and orange. Along with cucumbers and fresh basil, my salad was scrumptious!

There was such an excitement to have on my dinner table literally fresh produce that emerged from tiny seeds. A little water nightly, plenty of sun and good dirt produced such joy in my heart!

I leaned over to my husband and said, "now I understand the joy of the farmer". What satisfaction!

The process at times seemed tiring. You can even call it a ritual. Night after night doing the same thing.

There is a joy the first time you see the seed sprout. Then there is additional excitement when the flowers bloom promising fruit.

If I were to give up then, I would not see the fruit of my labor.

Truly apart from the Lord who showers us with rain and sunshine there would not be a harvest.

The Word of God always has practical reminders of every day life to encourage us to remain and stand firm even in the midst of difficulty lest we miss the flower and thus the fruit.

If I tired and gave up when it seemed that the sprout was taking too long to bring forth the flower, I would have missed the fruit.

The joy is coming to the Table and sitting around those you love and share the blessings.

The disciples enjoyed their time with the Lord. They did not see what was coming. It seemed that all was lost.

But as the seed went into the good soil, through challenges and disappointments, they remained and yielded fruit; even us that now serve the Lord.

Oh what JOY! Wait for the Harvest!

Galatians 6:9-10
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.

God bless you!~Liz

Roaring Lion

A recent video that was circulated in the news caused me to rethink the verse that says,

Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8

According to the report, the attendants of the vehicle were bickering. Over what, we don't know. 

As they lowered their guard their real enemy was lurking where they could not see it, but it surely saw them.

That graphic video was horrifying. He pounced with a vengeance to their demise. And the two were no more.

We have one enemy that looks to destroy, divide and diminish the effects of the Kingdom of God. 

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. John 10:10

God bless you!~Liz

Emotions

"A righteous man has regard for the life of his animal, But even the compassion of the wicked is cruel." Proverbs 12:10

Today is one of those days where my physical body is a mess. I’m swollen, achy, blood sugars through the ceiling. Therefore my emotions are a little on edge. A warning to all :)

My phone reminded me today that five years ago I lost my kitty cat Bunny. She lived with me for 22 years.
Yes, I’m one of those who remember these kind of dates.

So, I flip through my digital photo library and of course I break out in a sob at the remembrance of the last week she was with me.

My emotional sentiments triggered other memories.

I probably have written this before –I HATE death!

Death, an event that rips hearts, devastates families, causes us to second guess our existence –shall I continue?

I HATE death!

I think of my family members that I have lost.  Life goes by pretty quickly.

I HATE death!

Jesus too hates death. So much so that he was willing to bring an end to the separation between me and the Father.

Who will go? Who will rescue those that I have made in my image? Who will humble themselves? Who?

I wonder if all creation stopped until the answer came.

Was God asking for a volunteer? Who is worthy?

Wait, why does anyone have to go?

I HATE death!

Death already had entered the Garden.

Death already had disrupted the relationship between God Almighty and me.

I imagine myself watching. God spoke and all creation is amazed. He will go. He will send his only begotten Son Jesus to walk among men.

I HATE death.

Jesus died on a cross to restore LIFE to those who had died to sin.

In the midst of my emotional recollections today, I also remember the joy I experienced when I heard my mom say yes to Jesus! I heard the same echo from my father-in-law Avelino, my cousin Hector, my cousin Jason, my uncle Chiro, my uncle Victor! Hallelujah!

Oh, yes I HATE DEATH!

The gift of eternal life is available to ALL! Where do you stand with Jesus? Have you received the free gift of eternal life? Have you repented of your sins? Have you?

I HATE death! But I LOVE LIFE!

I want the whole world to know, Jesus SAVES! He rescues us from darkness and brings us near to him.

For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly.  For one will hardly die for a righteous man; though perhaps for the good man someone would dare even to die.  But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:6-8


Wow, ok. Maybe my pen was taken over by my emotions. I warned you. :) Well so be it, Amen!!

A righteous man has regard for his animal; I love my Bunny.

Cats don’t need a savior, but people do.

A Righteous Man loved me! He died that I would have eternal life. I love what Jesus has done for me! Yes, I won’t second guess my existence. I’ve been redeemed. I’ve been made to worship the Lord on High!

Interested in knowing more about Jesus? Write me.

Already know Jesus—forward to a friend!

I worship the Lord weekly at the Orange County Gospel Fellowship! Stop by and visit. www.orangecountyfellowship.org

God bless you~Liz

The Cup

The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let the one who hears say, “Come!” Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life. (Revelation 22:17)

“And they lived happily ever after” – the ending to a great story.

Just like that he appeared and in a quick glance He won her over. 

There was nothing special that she could see but the attraction was undeniable.

After exposing her heart and letting it be drawn to him she found herself unable to resist his Voice.

"Come to the garden and sit for a while."

“Are you thirsty my love?” Time elapsed and their relationship grew stronger.

“Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.” (John 7:38)

In many parts of the world when two become one in marriage, the bridal cup is shared. The cup and its various meanings point to a time shared between two. It’s the “toast", the language derived from Britain. Known as “brindar” in Spain and Italy; “trinquer” in France or “ich bring dir’s” in German meaning “I bring it to you”

So the groom brings the cup to his bride. It’s the loving cup shared by the two.

“And they lived happily ever after.”

Always lurking in the garden are hidden forces that try to bring destruction to the marriage. “Did God really say?” This is the beginning of the dangerous dialogue that brought the demise of mankind. It’s the Groom that offers the cup. It’s the Groom after giving thanks that says, “Drink from it, all of you.” (Matthew 26:27)

“To have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do us part” – a snippet from vows made by two who promise to love and be together as they walk through life's journey.

“In sickness and in health, till death do us part”, says the Bride.

Troubles comes.
Sickness invades.
Dissolution sets in.

The Groom reminds us, “In sickness and in health – till death do us part.”

Unfaithfulness slithers in.
Betrayal becomes our friend.
Shame lingers.

The Groom reminds us, – “Till death do us part.”

The one that invites us to share the cup is the one that also promises “rivers of living water”

Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” (John 4:14b)

He is the one that sticks closer than a brother. He doesn’t plan on leaving us. (Proverbs 18:24b)

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

Trouble is coming, my Bride; actually it has arrived!

So Judas came to the garden, guiding a detachment of soldiers and some officials from the chief priests and the Pharisees. They were carrying torches, lanterns and weapons. (John 18:3)

Jesus answered, “I told you that I am he. If you are looking for me, then let these men go.” This happened so that the words he had spoken would be fulfilled: “I have not lost one of those you gave me.” (John 18:8-9)

Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jewish leaders. But now my kingdom is from another place.”(John 18:36)

“Till death do us part.”

My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you?  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. (John 14:2-3)

"Till death do us part."

“Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: ‘The Son of Man must be delivered over to the hands of sinners, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.’ ” (Luke 24:5b-7)

Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. (John 20:21-22)

The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let the one who hears say, “Come!” Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life. (Revelation 22:17)

So many shadows of God’s love for us are everywhere.

He doesn’t leave us. 
He doesn’t condemn us.

He is the Loving Groom who chases after his Bride, the Church.

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

“And they lived happily ever after” – the ending to a great story.

God bless you!~Liz

“The History of Toasting” http://www.weddingzone.net/px-tr011.htm

A Very Small Member

“The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.” (James 3:6)

It can happen at any time.  In a quick swift move the vocal cords are taken over and you are no longer speaking of your own accord. 

Sounds like a sci-fi movie! 

Ever found yourself saying something you regretted?  Perhaps we’ve spoken a little too quickly, when a few more seconds of silence would have kept our mouth from sinning.

Yep, this is real stuff.

Well, it was a long tentacle that moved swiftly and almost choked its victim.  It swiftly took control of the human and began to speak through him.  The tongue and vocal chords now at the disposal of this alien creature; every word at its command!

Yep, I was watching a movie again and the Lord ministered to me.  This time on the big screen was no other than Independence Day and all its creatures.

The Bible says that the tongue is a very small member of our bodies but can spew great deadly boasts and sin.  “The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.” (James 3:6)

Even Peter was corrected for the sinful use of his tongue.  “Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.” (Matthew 16:33)  Wow, his mind and his tongue.

Sometimes we even say, “The devil made me do it.”  But, that is not true!  We are in control of our own tongues.  Even deeper, is the heart that fills up and then speaks.  “For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.” (Matthew 12:34b)

At a gathering earlier today, my friend gave me some good council.  She said that sometimes we allow Satan to interject thoughts and I would have to say words too, that bring harm not to those we are speaking to—but to us!  We align ourselves with fallen and faltered thinking and then react. 

I am not one who is under the tentacle of an alien.  Better still, I do not have to succumb to the way the world operates.  The Bible says that I can take every thought captive and make it obedient to Christ. (2 Corinthians 10:5)  Submitted to Christ —so that I won’t sin again him.

Cat’s got your tongue? Well, sometimes silence is good.  “Even fools are thought wise if they keep silent, and discerning if they hold their tongues.” (Proverbs 17:28)

When I turn over every member of my body to the Lord Jesus and wait on Him, I am able to overcome! 

At the moment when my tongue and thoughts are submitted; when I am lead by the Holy Spirit and obey—it truly is an independence day; a day of freedom from every demonic tentacle that is trying to bring me down.  

Freedom is here—and I receive it!

“And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.”  (Colossians 2:15)

God bless you!~Liz