the FireCarrier

All the people of Judah and Israel had security; everyone from Dan to Beer Sheba enjoyed the produce of their vines and fig trees throughout Solomon’s lifetime. I Kings 4:45 (NET)

I will rejoice because of the LORD; I will be happy because of the God who delivers me! Habakkuk 3:18 (NET) Draw us closer to you. Cover over us from the snares and snarls we walk into.  Refresh our lives,  enliven our hearts to seek more from you.   Let me be satisfied in what you have set before me. Open my eyes.  Unstop my ears. Soften the brittleness which encases me.   The sovereign LORD is my source of strength. Habakkuk 3:19a (NET)

Sing happily, people of Zion! Shout loudly, Israel! Celebrate and rejoice with all your heart, people of Jerusalem. The LORD has reversed the judgments against you. He has forced out your enemies. The king of Israel, the LORD, is with you. You will never fear disaster again. Zephaniah 3:14-15 (GW)

Although I afflicted you; I will afflict you no more. I will tear apart the shackles that are on you. Nahum 1: 12b, 13b I have planted my ways within you. My hands direct your pathway. Do not resist. Open yourself; receive healing. In you brokenness I can bring a harvest. Cling to what I whisper to you. Awaken and worship me. Overflow with the grace covering you.

John replied, No one can receive anything unless it has been given to him from heaven.  John 3: 27 (NET )

By this we come to know (progressively to recognize, to perceive, to understand) the [essential] love: that He laid down His [own] life for us; and we ought to lay [our] lives down for [those who are our] brothers [in Him]. 1 John 3:16 (AMP)

When they saw the star, they were thrilled with ecstatic joy. And on going into the house, they saw the Child with Mary His mother, and they fell down and worshiped Him. Then opening their treasure bags, they presented to Him gifts—gold and frankincense and myrrh. Matthew 2:10-11 (AMP) May you continue seeking Him and His ever-expanding revelation. Learn who He is and how to worship.  In your vulnerability you will learn the strength of depending upon Him. Open your bags so the gifts may be presented as unto Him.

The Lord is good, a strong refuge when trouble comes. He is close to those who trust in him. But he will sweep away his enemies in an overwhelming flood. He will pursue his foes into the darkness of night. Nahum 1:7-8 (NLT)

You meet him who rejoices in doing righteousness, Who remembers You in Your ways.  Isa 64:5 (NASU)

I will not keep silent because of Zion, and I will not keep still because of Jerusalem, until her righteousness shines like a bright light and her salvation, like a flaming torch. Nations will see your righteousness and all kings, your glory. You will be called by a new name that the LORD’s mouth will announce. You will be a glorious crown in the LORD’s hand, and a royal diadem in the palm of your God. Isaiah 62:1-3 (HCSB)

Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable—if there is any moral excellence and if there is any praise—dwell on these things. Do what you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:8-9 (HCSB)

I was the one who taught the people of Ephraim to walk. I took them by the hand. But they didn't realize that I had healed them.   I led them with cords of human kindness, with ropes of love. I removed the yokes from their necks. I bent down and fed them. Hosea 11:3-4 (GW) I too watch over you. I create the situations where you can find me; places for you to flourish. My eye is constantly upon you. My hand is ever-available.

In this season, it is a time for hope. A time to renew yourself in me. Allow me to minister to your wounds and brokenness. Allow me to introduce peace in areas where strife and contention abounds. Reach out to my creation. Reach out to those in your families, showing them the acceptance I show you. Allow me peace to evident in your life. My promises remain true. I will accomplish what I have told you. "Oh, how can I give you up, Israel? How can I let you go? How can I destroy you like Admah or demolish you like Zeboiim? My heart is torn within me, and my compassion overflows. No, I will not unleash my fierce anger. I will not completely destroy Israel, For someday the people will follow me. I, the Lord, will roar like a lion. And when I roar, my people will return trembling from the west. Like a flock of birds, they will come from Egypt. Trembling like doves, they will return from Assyria. And

Let me warn you therefore, beloved, that knowing these things beforehand, you should be on your guard, lest you be carried away by the error of lawless and wicked [persons and] fall from your own [present] firm condition [your own steadfastness of mind]. But grow in grace (undeserved favor, spiritual strength) and recognition and knowledge and understanding of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (the Messiah). To Him [be] glory (honor, majesty, and splendor) both now and to the day of eternity. Amen (so be it)! 2 Peter 3:17-18 (AMP)

I was driving home one recent evening when I asked God if there was a Word I could share with others.  When I did, it was if I heard him laugh. As I looked at the car in front of me, I could see a stethoscope hanging on the rear-view mirror. I clear heard him say,   Examine your heart. Do not be troubled, for you are mine. I will bring you the clarity you are seeking.     Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you; I do not give it to you as the world does. Do not let your hearts be distressed or lacking in courage.  John 14:27 (NET)   He does care for us as individuals. He wishes us to walk consistently in His peace and to share His ways with others. Examine your heart; Do not be troubled.

Therefore the Lord Himself shall give you a sign: Behold, the young woman who is unmarried and a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel [God with us]. Isaiah 7:14 (AMP)   Notice the signs. There are signs all about you. Everywhere you travel you can see signs. They can draw your attention to places or give you direction. Pay notice to the signs. Do not miss them or you will miss my ways. You will see my signs only if you look for them with discernment.   Do not follow the direction of every sign. Seek me and my way. I will give you the direction which is in need.