HEAVENLY FATHER TRULY DOES PROVIDE AND PROTECT
There was once a new young tree in a garden full of taller, mature trees. This was the first year the little tree had received a nice covering of leaves, and it was quite comfortable with the leaves it had. So, when fall came and its leaves started to turn yellow the little tree was SCARED! In its fear, it looked around at the other trees and saw that their leaves were also changing color, so the little tree relaxed a little. BUT, then it lost a leaf! The little tree panicked and held on to the rest of its leaves tightly. It looked around again at the other trees and saw that their leaves were falling off too -phew! The little tree thought for a second "Why were the bigger trees letting their leaves get away? They won't be protected from the wind anymore, and what about the sun? How will they give shade without leaves? The little tree decided it was going to keep its leaves, even if they were now turning brown. The leaves were dead now, but the little tree held on, feeling safe hiding under the shelter of the leaves. Snow fell, and the leaves became heavy, but he still HELD ON.
Soon the weather started to turn warmer and light rains replaced the snowfall. Ah, thios was much better, he told himself. Then he noticed the other trees had little green buds on them, and some were starting to flower! He looked at himself and saw that he did not have any signs of change. Pretty soon the other trees had glorious leaves on them, and some had fruit hanging amon their branches. Now the little tree was jealous!
So, He asked God, "HEY, why id you give the other trees new leaves and fruit, but you did not give me anything?" God said: "My dear little tree, I gave you the SAME sunshine, I gave you the SAME rain, and I gave you the SAME love as the other trees in the garden."
The little tree said, "But GOD look at me! I am ugly! Why did they get new leaves, and I did not? It's NOT fair!" God replied: "Well, my child, you did not get new leaves because yo did not let go of the dead ones. You see, the older trees have been through the seasons before. They know that when they let a dead leaf go, I will replace it with a new one when spring comes. Not only that, but I usually give them MORE than they had before! They sometimes struggle with LETTING GO, just like you. And, that struggle does not go away when you grow older either. You just have to know that there is a reason why you can't keep your dead leaves. Don't allow FEAR and PRIDE to trick you into keeping the things of your past. Besides, you have to admit that it was difficult to hang on to those dead leaves in the winter! It is easier to LET GO and LET ME worry about the new leaves. That is a lesson ALL new trees have to learn."
The little tree said: "Are you saying that I can be just as beautiful and glorious as the other trees?"
God said: "You are already just as beaufiful as they are to ME. I do not love you any less because of your old leaves. I see what you can be, not what you look like now. BUT, if you truly want to grow, be patient, let go of your leaves as they die, and I WILL DO THE REST. I LOVE YOU! Clean your conscience from dead works to serve the living God...(Hebrews 9:14)
Dear Jesus thank you for your love.
A STRANGER AT MY OWN HOME
There is an ugly stranger in my house and is forcing me to play a game in my own house. All the rules are in his favor and I keep loosing and wanting to quit but the ugly stranger wouldn't let me go. Finally, I called the police (a higher authority in the name of Jesus Christ as I was taught when I was a little girl) and they came and escorted the stranger OUT. Now, the house is mine again and I am free to love, to worship the one and only sovereign God, and celebrate His kindness, goodness and righteousness. I am protected under the shadow of His wings. BUT - wait! The stranger came back and is knocking at the door trying to regain entry again. I recognized his voice and this time I did not let him in. By the authority I have in Christ, I now command every familiar spirit and every enemy of the Lord Jesus that is influencing me to leave my presence. Jesus is the ultimate authority in my life and when I call upon the name of the Lord Jesus he immediately escort the enemy of my soul out of my life. I am committed to do my heavenly Father' will and obey His plans for me from this day forward. How about you? Mistakes are made every day BUT we do not have to let strangers come back to encourage us to live in our past. Jesus will renew your mind, your house, and will give you His peace.
MOVE IN SPITE OF YOUR FEARS
In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. On earth, He made the seas and mountains. He created animals of different shapes and colors. He also created men and women and He gave them everything they need to live happily. Then, God saw that the people whom He created were fighting with one another, and forgetting their God who made them. So He chose a righteous man with a strong faith to guide the people onto the right path and bring them close to God.
The Lord reminds us that when all else fails and others desert us, He forever remains faithful and true to His children whom He loves! (2Tim 4:16-18). I will be posting different stories on this section and may the Lord helps you understand the message. :o)
THE LORD'S BASEBALL GAME
Bob and the Lord stood by to observe a baseball game. The Lord's team was playing Satan's team. The Lord's team was at bat, the score was tied zero to zero, and it was the bottom of the 9th inning with two outs. They continued to watch as a batter stepped up to the plate whose name was Love. Love swung at the first pitch and hit a single, because Love never fails.
The next batter was named Faith, who also got a single because Faith works with Love.
The next batter up was named Godly wisdom. Satan wound up and threw the first pitch. Godly Wisdom looked it over and let it pass: Ball one. Three more pitches and Godly Wisdom walked, because Godly wisdom never swings at what Satan throws. The bases were loaded.
The Lord then turned to Bob and told him He was now going to bring in His star player. Up to the plate stepped Grace. Bob said, "He sure doesn't look like much!" Satan's whole team relaxed when they saw Grace. Thinking he had won the game, Satan wound up and fired his first pitch. To the shock of everyone, Grace hit the ball harder than anyone had ever seen. But Satan was not worried; his center fielder let very few get by. He went up for the ball, but it went right through his glove, hit him on the head and sent him crashing on the ground; then it continued over the fence for a home run! The Lord's team won.
The Lord then asked Bob if he knew why Love, Faith, and Godly Wisdom could get on base but could not win the game. Bob answered that he did not know why. The Lord explained, "If your love, faith and wisdom had won the game you would think you had done it by yourself.
Love, faith and wisdom will get you on base, but only My Grace can get you home. My Grace is the one thing Satan cannot steal. - Are You on Base or are You Home?