His Spirit Blogs

“God created humankind in his image…male and female he created them. “ Genesis 1:27

We are bombarded with many images in our day to day existence on this earth. They come at us from all sides—a continuous stream. We see the sky, the clouds, the waterfall; the precious little face of a child, the bird in flight just to name a few. If asked to describe what we see, it seems our words cannot do them justice.

The question is have you seen God? You might answer, “No one can see God!” Well then, have you seen Jesus? Again your answer might be “No. How can I see Jesus?” Well, I want to tell you I have seen Jesus—in the face of a baby reaching out to hold her parents hands and then closing her eyes in prayer.

Many paintings have been made of the face of Jesus. He may or may not look like those paintings. But, I want to tell you it really doesn’t matter, because when you look in the eyes of a believer you have seen Jesus. God created humankind, male and female, in His image, therefore all humankind—you and me–are the image of God.

Our sin distorts and makes it impossible for others to see Jesus in us. When Adam and Eve disobeyed God in the Garden of Eden they became unable to see the beauty of each other from the inside. All they saw was their nakedness. Now, I’m not saying that once you become a believer and obey God’s word you can walk around in the nude! What I am saying is it doesn’t matter what the outside of you looks like, for everything is beautiful in the sight of the Lord. The glow from within will be all someone will be able to see.

We are made white as snow by the washing of the blood of Jesus. He sacrificed his humanity because of the love God has for us. God made us in His own image. God suggested that “we make humankind in our own image.” (Genesis1:26) The words “we” and “our” suggest that someone else was with Him. That someone else was Jesus and the Holy Spirit. God spoke to Moses and the Prophets. Jesus was born and lived, died, and rose again. The Holy Spirit continues God’s work in us for Jesus and he would not leave us comfortless, but would send the Comforter known otherwise as the Holy Spirit. The Father, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit are all part of the Godhead that lives and reigns in you and me and comes to life when we turn from our wicked ways, asking forgiveness of our sin, and obey God’s word. Then the image of God can be seen through your words and actions.

Think about the times you have seen God. Then commit yourself to live the life in which others may see the image of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in you.

When we all get to heaven we will see Jesus, meanwhile we can see his image in each other here on earth.

Dear Lord, make me the person you created me to be. May I live that others may see Your image in me. In Jesus’s name I pray. AMEN

Genesis 1:26, 27   Ephesians 4:24   Colossians 3:10   Mark 10:6

 Matthew 19:4

“How very good and pleasant it is when kindred live together in unity!”

Psalm 133:1 NRSV

A few years ago news of a passenger plane coming down in the Hudson River in New York City shocked the nation—the world. Pictures were shown on televisions across the country of a plane floating in the cold water and passengers standing on its wings. Unbelievable! But, it was true!

The pilot was deemed a hero for bringing that plane down safely. He could very well have crashed right smack in the city. But, he maneuvered this huge plane, filled to capacity, down where no one outside the plane would be affected—and where there was help near-by. It surely was a miracle!

The second miracle was that everyone survived. This could not have happened if all those people had not worked together. If they had not stayed calm and helped one another out the door of the plane onto its wings, which is where the camera showed them standing, waiting to be rescued.

Unity seems to be a lost art in today’s world, at least, every day unity. Why is it that we come together during tragedies such as the plane crash I have just described—or something like the Twin Towers in New York City being destroyed by terrorists—or school shootings like Sandy Hook and the Parkland school—or fire, tornadoes, hurricanes, mudslides—why is it these are the times when unity comes about? Why can we not enjoy unity and harmony on a daily basis?

Paul addressed this unity in the letters he wrote to the churches that had been formed under his watch. The seven churches referred to in Revelation (2&3) were also on the hook for their disunity. They—and we—have forgotten our first love, which transcends all humanity. One day we will all have to stand before the judgment seat of Almighty God and give an account of who we are and what we have done. At that time there is no sense of lying or misrepresenting your words and actions. Because God already knows it all.

Unity doesn’t mean joining in a mob or gang or protest march and everyone believes and acts the same. It is not about agreeing with everyone else’s ideas. It is, however, having a sense of responsibility for each other. Which, incidentally, is how everyone survived in the plane crash I described earlier. But, responsibility is also becoming a lost art.

Unity, responsibility, and connection are foreign to many people. We must remember the importance of maintaining the connection with our fellow man to ensure a thriving community. In the Bible, God encourages us to take care of each other while obeying the Word of God.

Don’t wait for a tragedy to happen to bring you into unity with those around you. Strife and stress are the enemies of unity. They are instruments of the Enemy, but they can be overcome by the power of the Holy Spirit who lives within you. And you can tap into that power by reading the Word of God, keeping the communication lines open between you and God through your daily prayer, and reaching out and touching someone in perfect harmony.

Dear Lord, give me a revelation of unity—a deep revelation of how vital unity is—that will change my perspective. In Jesus’ name I pray. AMEN

Genesis 13:8   I Corinthians 1:10   Colossians 3:14   Romans 13:8

“…divine power to destroy strongholds.” 2 Corinthians 10: 4b

There are many strongholds that keep us prisoner, not allowing us to live life abundantly. You may not be aware of strongholds that keep you captive. Some are very subtle and you have grown use to them being there—they have become a way of life for you and not realizing that you are being robbed, you have allowed them to define who you are. But, don’t you see you have been “fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14) by the Lord God.

It was the stronghold of fear that kept the Hebrews from entering the Promised Land. Only Joshua and Caleb stood firm in the Lord, therefore, they took on the leadership to lead these rag-tag Hebrews to the fulfillment of their journey.

Joshua was filled with the wisdom of the Holy Spirit. He heard God’s voice saying to him “Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1: 9) Fear is a mighty stronghold, with it the Enemy has you paralyzed.

There are many other strongholds. Paul addresses them in the 4^th chapter of Ephesians—they are anger, pride, evil talk, bitterness, gossip, silly and vulgar talk, greed, fornication, lies, drunkenness, holding a grudge, etc. In other words, anything opposing God’s will, which is disobedience to His word, is a stronghold. It separates you from all that is good and holds you hostage to an unfulfilled life. But, these rebellious thoughts can be captured and overcome by turning to God through Jesus Christ.

Paul says in Ephesians 6 that you should put on the whole armor of God and clothe yourself with your new self. (Ephesians 4:24) So be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his power. (Ephesians 6:10) The war is not in the world, but in the Spirit. Evil can take your mind captive and make you think it is right. Grab hold of the golden ring, which is the Word of God, and never let go. Do not allow the lies of the Enemy overtake you. “Be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10) Do not fear, for I am with you, do not be afraid for I am your God (Isaiah 41:10) and, “Those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up like eagles, they shall run and not grow weary…” (Isaiah 40:31) These are words that God is whispering to your heart. Those who have ears let them hear.

Just as the walls that surrounded Jericho fell because of Joshua’s faith which he had also instilled in the Hebrews (Joshua 6), you too, will be able to break down the walls of the strongholds that are keeping you from all that you have been created to be.  Leaning on the Lord allows all the walls of your stronghold to come tumbling down.  Freedom is on the horizon for you.

Put on your new self and stand firm for God has said, “I will never leave you or forsake you (Hebrews 13:5). Wherever you are, He is—call upon Him—step out being clothed in the full armor of God. (Ephesians 6:10—20)

Dear Lord, keep me from succumbing to the strongholds that seek to keep me from You for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. In Jesus’ name I pray. AMEN

2 Corinthians 10:3-5   Ephesians 6:13   Jeremiah 1:10   Hebrews 13:5

Hello Church,

I feel that something very significant needs to be said, even though, we may not want to hear it. I think everyone is able to acknowledge its existence. We need to get our heads out of the sand…we are not Ostriches.

Whether we like it or not we are in a battle—a spiritual battle. Paul writes in Ephesians, “…our fight is not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, and against spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” (Ephesians 6:12 MEV) Indeed, Satan has taken a foothold on all of creation.

One thing is very evident, we need to gather together in prayer to the One who holds the keys to heaven. Surely you can see the battle taking place. The question is which side are you going to be on? To not acknowledge the gravity of the situation is to be on the side of evil. All you need to do is look around you. People are shooting each other; they are coming together in mobs because of their frustration; our government is divided and would rather be seen as right than do the job they were elected to do, they fight like a bunch of children who haven’t grown up yet; and maybe worst of all, Satan has infiltrated the church causing divisions within them. Divided we fall, but united we stand.

The word Satan is not heard in very many churches today. We need to be aware of his presence. Do not give him room to work his wiles. He will charm you and court you and con you, but DO NOT fall for it. More is needed than to sit in the pew on Sunday. We need—I’ll say it once again—to gather together in prayer. We need to stop being ashamed of being seen praying in public. We need to teach our children the power of prayer at an early age. What a shame, for some that has already been lost.

Do not be afraid and do not be discouraged. Put on the full armor of God—live according to the truth; make sure your heart is right with God; spread peace not unrest; stand firm in your faith; guard your mind with the Word of God and in your hand carry the mightiest sword of all the Holy Bible. Then wrap it all together by praying in the Spirit for yourself, your family, and the world.

Remember these words spoken to Solomon conditioning him against the evil that is to come and giving him the prescription for surviving…God said,” If my people, who are called by My name, will humble themselves and pray, and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14 MEV)

GET BEHIND ME, SATAN!

Thank you for listening…now let’s get busy and do something about this!

“…he chose their seed…even you above all people, as it is today.” Deuteronomy 10:15 KJV

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I have been reading the stories of the great men and women who came before. The stories of Abraham, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Deborah, Ruth, Esther, Sarah, Anna, etc. I began to think about the fruit they produced. This fruit also produced fruit and continues to produce fruit to this very day. The seed of Abraham and all the others continues to live today. God didn’t create for a time, but for all time!

For instance, the seed that caused me to grow came from my father. My father’s seed came from my grandfather and his from my great-grandfather. It didn’t begin with the name of Seaman [put your family name in here] that seed was passed down from generation to generation and will continue to do so for the rest of time, as we know it. Hopefully it will produce more good fruit than bad. But, all of us have a few “skeletons in the closet” as we like to say.

I remember when my Dad, who was a farmer, prepared the seed for planting. He picked out a seed that didn’t look right and threw it aside. The reason being was that seed would not produce good fruit and might even effect the good seeds around it. The same is true of people. We need to be cognizant of those around us. We need to choose our friends and close associates wisely. We cannot expect to win someone to the ways of goodness, for almost certainly the bad will overcome. That is why my father threw what he determined was a bad seed aside.

The seed of Abraham and the other chosen ones is still reproducing to this day. But it is not a given that you will live in the goodness of that seed. You must choose…choose your friends, your life partners, and the surroundings in which you live wisely. Remember, it is by your fruits that you shall be known, not by the words that come out of your mouth. If you have to tell someone you are a Christian, then you are not.

Take time to know someone before making a choice. But most of all, take time to become acquainted with God and His Word. For if you “Delight yourself in the Lord, He will give you the desires of your heart.” (Psalm 37:4) And, “Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust him and he will help you.” (Psalm 37:5)

What you need to decide is whether you want to produce good seed or bad.

Thank you Lord for helping me understand my legacy. Father, help me make my choices wisely. In Jesus’ name I pray. AMEN

With God all things are possible—without Him you are left to fend for yourself against the evil that has infiltrated the world.

“For you are my hope, O Lord God.” Psalm 71:5 MEV

Hope entails waiting and waiting, patience and patience takes faith, and faith is an established conviction concerning things unseen. The writer of Hebrews put it this way, “Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see.” (Heb.11:1) Paul concludes his chapter on love with these words, “Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love…” (I Cor. 13:13)

Hope has a past, a present, and a future. You hoped for… You hope for… And you are hoping for… [You fill in the blanks] When we have our feet planted firmly on the ground we are immovable and unstoppable no matter how hard the winds blow or how high the waves become. This doesn’t happen just because you are stubborn or stuck in your ways. This happens only when you are grounded in the Lord. The Psalmist writes, “Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” (Psalm 37:4) MEV

When you are well grounded in the Lord and the truth of His word, your hope is built on Him. Matthew recorded in his Gospel the words that Jesus spoke to the crowds that had gathered on the Mt. of Beatitudes. His voice floated out over the people who had followed him and wanted to learn from him. He told them how to build on a solid foundation. You see if we build a life without a solid foundation it cannot stand against the storms that are bound to come. But if our foundation is solid—if it is built on the word of God—it will not only stand, but will thrive in spite of the storms of life. He told this to the people in terms they could relate to—a house built on sand cannot stand, but a house built on solid rock will be secure. (Matthew 7:24-27) Through all the trials of life, faith built on the “solid rock” gives the believer hope.

Edward Mote wrote these words in 1834. “My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness. I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly lean on Jesus’ name. On Christ the solid rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand; all other ground is sinking sand.”

“You will be secure, because there is hope, you will look about you and take your rest in safety.” Job 11:18

Dear Lord, “Come and show me your mercy, as you do for all who love your name. Guide my steps by your word, so I will not be overcome by evil.” (Psalm 119:132, 133) In Jesus’ name I pray. AMEN

“Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion.” Ephesians 6:18 N L T

My husband was preparing himself for surgery. I was nervous about whether or not he would have problems dealing with the effects of the anesthesia. The words of some were beginning to sink into my psyche. They were telling me horror stories of those who were elderly and didn’t survive. I was definitely in a weakened state and needed someone to hold me up in prayer and my husband, as well. On the outside I appeared strong, but on the inside I was weak.

There were many subtle attacks made by the evil one who was having a field day while our spirits were down. Small things began to happen, nothing earth-shaking, but nevertheless, upsetting. (1) The garage door stopped working and we couldn’t get our car out—so we had to cancel our eye appointment in Tarpon Spring. (2) The ice cube dispenser was stopped up—not a big deal, but in the middle of everything else, it felt like it. (3) The computer lost its WIFI and my husband had to figure out what to do. [What would I do without him?] (4) We lost the garage door remote and had to order another. Later we found it in the pocket of a vest my husband had been wearing—we had a good laugh.

Throughout this whole ordeal we immersed ourselves in prayer, giving glory to God for every moment. Satan thought he had us but we refused to let fear control us. After all, God is our protector—He has our back. Prayer was, is, and always will be the greatest Weapon against anything ole-sloo-foot wants to throw at us.

Paul’s concern for the church is emphasized in his letters. (By “the church” I’m referring to believers). In his letter to the believers in Ephesus, he emphasizes unity of man to God and man to man [mankind=man & woman] in which there are disciplines to follow (4:1-16). He also writes about purity (4:17-31); forgiveness (4:32); and walking in the fullness of the Holy Spirit (5:1-21). With this, relationships must be in order (5:22-6:9). Then we must put on every piece of God’s armor to resist the enemy in times of evil. (6:13).

Whether we like to hear it or not, doesn’t change the fact that we are involved in spiritual warfare. Satan has every believer in his cross hairs. We must not step away from our communication with God. In the morning at noon time, in the evening remember to have a little talk with the Lord—and then stop talking and listen to His words. Before you read your daily Word ask the Holy Spirit to help you understand and discern what it is you need to know to accomplish His will for your life.

Del and I were able to overcome the darts that were thrown at us because we remembered that God was in control and believed in Jesus and trusted that even though things look dark for a while, the light would soon appear again. How did we know this? By reading God’s Word and diligent prayer.

Pray for yourselves, but also pray for all believers for we are in the midst of a spiritual war. Our prayer keeps our connection—our relationship with God secure.

DO NOT BE AFRAID. BE STRONG. BE COURAGEOUS

“Pray in the Spirit always with all kinds of prayer and supplication. To that end be alert with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints.”

Ephesians 6:18 M E V

Dear Lord, hear my prayer. I want to stay close by your side where there is safety and peace. In Jesus’ name I pray. AMEN

“…If I perish, I perish.” Esther 4:16 (NIV)

Self-preservation can be the biggest stumbling block to a fruitful and fulfilled life. This is a learned behavior that develops over time through our life experiences. Perhaps, you were orphaned as a child; was bounced around from foster home to foster home; or simply was the oldest child who felt they had taken second place because of a sibling who required more attention than you. Or maybe you were the youngest sibling who was made to look up to your older brothers and sisters. There are many scenarios that could cause your spirit to fight for a place of recognition.

Esther, a Jew living under the rule of the Persians, was one who had learned the rule of self-preservation. She was an orphan who was living in the house of her uncle. As such, she had to maintain a lifestyle that didn’t bring attention to herself. But, the King of Persia had deposed the Queen for not doing what he asked, and was looking for a new Queen—he noticed Esther’s beauty—so much for being inconspicuous. But, she was well adept to her own self-preservation, so when the King summoned her to be his wife, she met his every wish. She was under his rule.  You might ask “What was a Jewish woman doing as the Queen of Persia“? Well, God had a plan.

If it hadn’t been for Esther’s vision and acceptance of God’s plan, not only she, but the whole Jewish nation may have perished. But, Esther grit her teeth, and stood up straight, and marched in to see the King unannounced [a person was subject to death if they went in to the presence of the King without his knowing you were coming] and successfully saved her people. However, she did this only after 3 days of prayer and fasting asking for God’s wisdom and direction. She also called upon her uncle and the Jews in the region to join her in prayer and fasting. Only in relationship with God and man can great things happen. Because she knew she was going against the King’s edict, Esther’s last statement before going before him was, “If I perish, I perish.” (Esther 4:16)

The fact is we cannot save ourselves—no matter how many good works we do or how many church services we attend. In the end there is no such thing as self-preservation. God made you and He said it was good. Sometimes there is much suffering that occurs before we realize the goodness, but you must not give up!

God has a purpose for you—only through prayer and fasting can it be realized. And whatever you hear God calling you to do, He will not send you to do it alone—He will be with you.

When you read the story of Esther in your Bible, you will see that because of her vison, her people were saved from destruction and she from a life of hiding her identity.

Dear Lord, help me to be who you have created me to be. Lead me in your righteousness. In Jesus’ name I pray. AMEN

Oh the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with mockers. But they delight in the law of the Lord, meditating on it day and night.  Psalm 1:1-2 (NLT)

Joyful are those who obey his laws and search for him with all their hearts. They do not compromise with evil, and they walk only in his paths.  Psalm 119:2-3 (NLT)

Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.” Proverbs 29:18 (KJV)

“Come from the four winds O breathe, and breathe on these slain, that they may live…they lived, and stood upon their feet, an exceedingly great army.” Ezekiel 37:9, 10)

Last week we witnessed a phenomenon! Who ever heard of waking up in the middle of a cold night to go outside (in my bathrobe) to look up at the sky? But, that’s exactly what my husband and I did! And we saw it happening right before our eyes—the moon was almost completely covered and it was red like blood. There were millions of stars twinkling as though with joy! You can read about this in God’s word. What does God want us to understand?

Perhaps, this–in an evil world following the will of God is not easy, but in the end it will be the only thing that will save you.

The activity in the heavens which we witnessed, must serve as a warning to all who do not know the Lord, and to those who do, but may be growing weary in well-doing. You may be shaken by human tragedy, earthquakes, tornadoes, tsunami, extreme cold, wars, uprising, and separations. You may be sick and tired of a government that seems more bent on having its own way than serving the people they were called to serve. But, in all of this the eventuality is, God will be victorious and those who remain true to Him will be called up to be a part of His Great Army. When God breathes life into you, you will live and be victorious—to God be the glory. The moon may be covered with blood but you will not, because the light of Jesus Christ will be living in you.

Finally in the last days God will destroy every religious, political, and educational institution that humanity has built apart from God. So hang on to your faith for the ride is about to become even bumpier. The wind and waves will become stronger and higher. In order that you will not go down with the ship—hang on to the One who can save you. No matter how bad it gets, how dismal the future from your vantage point looks, your God will come and save you.

There will be another blood moon. And maybe this time we will look up and see, in the darkness of the heavens, a light shining brighter and brighter may be the Lord Jesus Christ coming to save all those who have not abandoned their faith for some brief comfort in the world.

God’s army approaches…will you be ready to be a part of it?

Dear Lord, through it all I believe you will never leave me. Forgive me, I repent of my unfaithfulness. In Jesus’ name I pray. AMEN

Rev. 6:12    Joel 2:10    Matt. 24:29    Rev. 16:18

“And there is a time for every event under heaven.” Ecclesiastes 3:1

When is the time to love? And what is love? The Preacher writes in Ecclesiastes 3:8 that there is “a time to love and a time to hate…” He goes on to write, “He has planted eternity in the human heart…” (Vs. 11) but, we cannot see into it, so what do we do with the time we have now? Again, the Preacher writes, “people should eat and drink and enjoy the fruits of our labor, for these are the gifts of God.” (Vs 13)

All these things are true. But, it is the believer’s responsibility to live the time that has been allotted them in a responsible and obedient way. Time and love are eternal truths. They are aspects of a life that takes many turns, it has many ups and downs, but always these two—one pertaining to quantity, the other to quality. One without the other leads to a life of meaninglessness.

Time is endless and it is also illusive. You cannot stop time. You cannot reverse time. We wonder where the time went or wish we could have that time back, neither is possible. The truth is, yesterday is gone, tomorrow may never be, all we have is this moment—it is called the present.

God’s Word is all about time. It tells about the time the universe was created…”In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” (Genesis 1:1) Every day for six days He created it all and called it good. Then on the seventh day He rested. Those seven days have repeated themselves for over 4000 years and will continue as long as God has planned. God’s timing is not our timing, therefore, even though we may have calculated the end of time, it is something we cannot know. Meanwhile, we are to love our neighbor as ourselves and love God with all our heart, mind, and soul. (Lev. 19:18 & Deut. 6:5)

Love. This word is so misused in today’s world…we love our cars, houses, jobs, pets…yes they are all important to us and fill our lives with comfort, but love is more than “things.”  To love as God commands is all-encompassing, it emanates His love for us, which never ends no matter what horrific deed we have performed—even in the name of love.

Paul writes to the Church at Corinth, “If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal…” (I Corinthians 13:1) He indicates in his writing that without love we are nothing!

This is what love is not:-

Love is not rude, self-seeking, easily angered, keeps no account of wrongs, takes no pleasure in evil…

 Now he tells us what love is:-

“Love is patient, love is kind….rejoices in the truth…It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails.

(I Corinthians 13:4-8)

If you look at this passage carefully and compare it to what God told Moses to say to the Israelites in Leviticus 19:18, you will see it is the same. It is also the same as John’s statement of “God is love.” (I John 7:16) And, if as believers we understand this truth, we are to love others and ourselves likewise, forever and always.

Time and love are eternal truths that begin and end with God. One day God “will make all things new.” (Rev. 21:5) He is the beginning and the end—He holds time in one hand and love in the other. To the believer they cannot be separated and are always a part of us. Take the time God has allotted you and live it in love.

Dear Lord, make this day a blessing to you, others, and myself. In Jesus’ name I pray. AMEN

Ecclesiastes 3:1, 17   Ecclesiastes 8:6   Leviticus 19:18

(C) Rev. Betty A Beach-Connell, 2019