Tag Archives: Rest

Finding GOD Today

Posted by D.L.Fuller on

Here is here

There is a veil which separates us from the reality and truth of GOD, it is the carnal mind. The carnal mind holds us captive to our five senses and our experiences in this natural world. However, we can transcend the limitations of the natural world to experience the things of the spirit if we allow the truth of GOD to influence our awareness. I am not speaking here about hallucinations or having a vivid imagination. I am referring to experiencing the eternal things of GOD which this physical world is just a shadow of. It really doesn’t have to be this deep metaphysical concept. Just think of the things which are invisible to the natural eye with out the use of a microscope, telescope, or light manipulation. There are things in the air around us all the time which are beyond the threshold of natural perception.

I have not had a vision like John on the isle of Patmos when he was given the book of Revelations. I have not seen a spectacle like the three disciples did when YESHUA was transfigured before them, as He was described in Matthew 17:2, “And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light.” What I have experienced is answered prayer which was to specific and timely to be called a coincidence. I have experienced enlightenment of the Spirit, understanding and wisdom gained without being taught by another man. I have experienced newness of life and deliverance from sin by the resurrection life of Christ springing up inside me. I know I have been made free indeed. I have had servants of GOD give me a word of knowledge relating to specific things in my life of which they had no way of being aware of without the intervention of GOD. I have experienced the presence of GOD in a tangible way that I can only describe as my soul being held in a peace and joy which brought a stillness which gave me rest, rejuvenation, and strength like cool water, shade, and a nice breeze on a scorching desert journey. I have had that presence accompany me as I journey through life in a much more personal way than the glory cloud which accompanied the children of Israel in the wilderness. In my experience, as well as the children of Israel’s, the accompanying body was the presence of GOD. The difference is that I have embraced the truth of GOD’s love in the manifestation of His presence which allows me to hold the experience in a more intimate way, even though the pillar of fire and the glory cloud which accompanied them was actually visible to the eye.

The love of GOD opens the heart to His enduring reality. Often, if you are not looking for something, you will not see it even though it is present. Your lack of focus on something can obscure it from your sight. The truth of GOD, when held with a focus on His love, brings a lot of things into focus which have always been present though seemingly invisible. I cannot tell you how many testimonies I have heard from those now awakened to GOD’s love now able to see His hand working in their past. The reality of GOD’s love frees you from the rapid pace of this world, which is driven by burning lust and winds of distraction, to a rhythm slow enough to appreciate the abundance of GOD’s presence in every moment. This is the reality behind these statements of YESHUA;

“28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.” (Matthew 11:28-29 KJV)

“9 I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. 10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” (John 10:9-10 KJV)

Don’t be deceived. If you have not surrendered to the obedience of GOD’s word, you have not truly accepted the reality of His love. Your disobedience testifies that you don’t fully trust Him. You are still trying to live by your own methods instead of surrendering to the fact that you didn’t give yourself life, so you alone can’t sustain your life. How can you trust what you do not know? How can you know what you are not seeking? How can you seek what you do not desire? This is where the deception of the devil is revealed. The great deceiver convinces us that our desire is for natural things, which yields fleeting pleasures which keeps us chasing. This misdirected focus and chasing becomes the source of blindness and bondage. There are moments when the deception fades and people see they are lost due to a broken heart, emptiness found in something pursued, or tragedy, causing them to pause from their busyness and contemplate their life. Times like now.

If you have not already, it is time to turn your focus to GOD. Time to stop and ask GOD to reveal His love to you. Time to ask Him to help you process your pain and disappointments with life. Time to ask Him to rescue your heart. Time to surrender control of your life to the one who created you for His love. If GOD didn’t allow us to see the kind of mess we make outside of His guidance, we would never turn to Him. The turmoil we see in the world today is the result of men loving darkness more than light and following lies rather than truth. It would be even worse if not for the mercies of GOD. There is a refuge for our souls in GOD. In the turmoil of today there is still a peace and rest available in His presence. Begin each day by asking GOD to reveal Himself in the moments around you and allow the truth of His love to create expectation and hope. Never doubt that GOD loves you and gave Himself in the person of Christ to win your heart and your trust. GOD’s love for you is always present and real whether you sense it or not. Know that whenever you inhale, His love is present in that breath. Let your inhale be a “Thank You” and your exhale an “Amen.” As we grow in the awareness of GOD’s abiding presence, our lives become a continuous ceremony of worship.

Obtaining 2020 Vision

Posted by D.L.Fuller on

light curve

Vision is often interpreted in reference to seeing the future. Vision has such broad application. It could be a picture of something in its entirety, or just a picture of the most relevant part of something. I think these two examples make up the focus of the vision we must live by each day. The greater vision is of our Heavenly Father on the throne, carrying out His will for our good and His glory. This overarching vision gives us the assurance we need to have peace, joy, hope, and confidence in the tomorrows we cannot see. A clear vision of what is most relevant in our lives is the focus on the current moment. YESHUA taught that we are not to take thought of tomorrow because we have the greater vision giving us liberty to focus on just today.

The Lord is giving us 2020 vision by showing us how to use our eyes. People often strain their eyes by trying to see things they were never meant to see. You cannot see around a curve. The earth is round and tomorrow unfolds as light comes to us from around the curve. YAHWEH illuminates the day at hand. As I hear people profess today that we are in uncertain times, I contrast that to all the proclamations of Vision that I heard toward the end of 2019 and at the start of the year. It is clear to see the disconnect between what was expected and what the Lord is doing. GOD is truly fulfilling what was in the heart of so many regarding better vision, but just not in the way many expected. He has slowed things down to help us stop and focus on now. Much of our stumbling comes from looking too far ahead versus focusing on where we are currently and our very next step. The most powerful influence you have on your future is the seed you sow today. GOD has given you faith, strength, and a measure of grace sufficient for living victoriously today. If you will just be mindful of the direction He is given you for your steps today, you will find the measure of joy and peace for today exceeding abundant. You will also find there is plenty of light today to see what GOD is doing in your life right now. This is the vision we need for 2020 and beyond.

 

Uncertain People Experience Uncertain Times

Posted by D.L.Fuller on

Uncertain 2

My hope and my confidence for now and the future are in Christ the Lord. To many intellectuals, this may seem foolish, however it is the very reason I do not live in uncertain times. It is written, “The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple.” (Psalms 19:9) It is the convictions of the many who now live, and not the current times which are uncertain. Have you been fully persuaded of the testimony of Christ? Are you certain that living according to His word is the path of life? It is time to decide what you will be; either a vessel of light ruled by truth and love unto GOD, or a vessel of darkness ruled by selfishness and fear after the devil. Your belief will determine your state of mind and your actions. It’s time to be either hot or cold. It’s time to be certain. It’s time to decide.

Meditate in Psalms 91

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+91&version=NKJV

 

How to Live in A Society Of Broken Hearts

Posted by D.L.Fuller on

walking on broken glass

Life on earth is traumatic. Sin creates debt, and the hearts of everyone have been heavily taxed. There is a saying, “Hurt people, hurt others.” We have all been impacted by the rejection, hate, envy, covetousness, strife, and contentions flowing from all the broken hearts. The lifestyles of extremism in the world today are a symptom of this brokenness. The failed attempts to self-medicate and to compensate for the weary heart is evident in the cries for more…more…more. Ecclesiastes 4:1-2:

“So I returned, and considered all the oppressions that are done under the sun: and behold the tears of such as were oppressed, and they had no comforter; and on the side of their oppressors there was power; but they had no comforter. Wherefore I praised the dead which are already dead more than the living which are yet alive.”

The grace of GOD has provided a balm for our hearts, a peaceful and soothing ointment poured from above, the Comforter. YSHUA the Christ said, “Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.” (John 16:7) The Holy Spirit, also known as the Comforter, has been sent from Heaven to console us. The Comforter consoles us by fortifying our faith and hope, through bringing us to a deeper knowing of the Father’s love. Our hearts were made for the infinite love of the Father. The re-introduction of this holy knowledge to our hearts brings healing and restoration. This restoration of the heart gives us a greater capacity to be patient, hopeful, kind, merciful, compassionate, and empathetic. I have found when I become lacking in any of these virtues, it is only a sign that I am in need of more time in communion with the Holy Spirit. I commune with the Holy Spirit in prayer, in meditation, and in studying the Word. Lately I have found meditation to be one of the most effective ways to restore my well-being. YAHWEH tells us in Psalm 46:10,

“Be still, and know that I am GOD: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.”

In the age in which we live, there is always a lot going on around us to keep our minds occupied and running. Even when we are physically still, our minds are often far from at rest. I love the 10th verse of Psalm 46 because it gives special instruction on how we are to be still. We are told to holt all things and focus our consciousness on the knowledge of GOD. When I meditate, I rid myself of all other thoughts, and focus in on the awareness of who and what GOD is to me as my Father. I focus on His face in the person of YESHUA. I focus on His beauty as seen through His glorious creations. I focus on His loving essence revealed through His laws, precepts, and counsel. It is here that I find a rest like no other place. If I do not prioritize this time and seek it with intentionality, I will never slow down long enough to give my mind, soul, and heart time to rejuvenate.

The drive for bigger and better things, greater success and acceptance, and more sensory stimulation, is just displaced desire for the comfort that only GOD can provide. The ministry of the Holy Spirit can be seen most clearly in the nurturing care of a loving mother. Her main focus is the well-being of everyone in the family. Proverbs 4:23 says,

“Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.”

The sin, along with many of the other faults in our lives, will continue to plague us until our broken hearts are renewed. Yeshua says in Matthew 11:28,

“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”

This rest is the promise of comfort that comes through the ministry of the Holy Spirit.

What are you hungry for?

Posted by D.L.Fuller on

Often times when a woman is pregnant, she gets strong cravings for particular things to eat. These cravings are believed to be linked to nutrients her body needs to support the baby she is carrying. The more she understands the root of the cravings, the better she is able to make selections to adequately nurture the life with in her. There is a similar dynamic that occurs in the life of everyone in regards to their cravings and desires. We really need to understand the root of our desires to ensure we make choices  that result in promoting life within us.

Many religious orders encourage the practice of ignoring desires in order to live spiritually but I have come to understand that all desires are rooted in a spiritual need. A characteristic of true spiritual living is having an understanding of the true root of our desires. Just resisting or ignoring desire does not lead to a peaceful existence and neither does simply indulging. People often try to satisfy spiritual cravings with physical things. This is an issue because physical things can never fill the need created by a spiritual deficiency. In fact, trying to fill a spiritual need with physical things will always lead to over indulgence, because no amount of a physical thing will satisfy a spiritual need. If you wanna a picture of what I am saying, just look around at all the areas of addiction today. In our day we have drug addicts, sex addicts, pornography addicts, food addicts, shopping addicts, gaming addicts and working addicts to name a few. These are so common, if you are not one of the addicts just mentioned, you have a family member or close friend that is. All of these appetite disorders are rooted in spiritual deficiency.

The Samaritan woman that met Yeshua at the well had five previous husbands and was currently involved with a man that was not her husband. This sounds to me like a person with a need yet having some serious issues trying to get that need met. Obviously men were not the solution to the need she had, yet it appears she was on her way to a sixth husband. When you don’t understand the root of your desires, that is, the real root behind the desire, it is easy to get into some vicious cycles. Yeshua told the Samaritan woman, “If you knew the gift of God and who you were talking too, you would have asked him to fill the thirst you have been trying to fill all these years and he would have given you living waters that would have truly satisfied you.” That is my paraphrase and translation, for the actual account, read the book of John chapter 4. Yeshua went on to tell the Samaritan woman that the water he offers becomes a well of life with in you which springs up to satisfy thirst forever. There are many people in relationships today that are destined to fail because each is looking to the other to satisfy thirst that can only be filled by Yeshua the Savior, also known as Jesus Christ. The living waters that Yeshua offers can break the cycle of addiction and set your appetites in order.

We are spiritual beings, created with an infinite capacity for the knowledge of GOD and it is only when we are in relationship with GOD and learning of Him daily that we are satisfied. Any disconnect in that relationship automatically creates a void that will surface in the flesh as an appetite for something. The Disciples would often badger Yeshua telling Him he needed to eat something and He would tell them, “I have meat that you know not of.” He was full spiritually! While in physical form, whenever Yeshua felt any appetites arising, He would set himself apart and spend some time communing in the Spirit. We need the Holy Spirit with in us giving light so we can discern the root of the motivations that drive us from time to time.

Physical things are only a shadow of the spiritual things we really need. YES…we need companionship, food, and recreation but we need them in the context of spirit and truth. Our Creator intended for us to have pleasure but in the context of life not death. One of my mentors, Edwin Louis Cole once said, “Boundaries are to protect life, not to limit pleasure.” A lot of the perversions we see today stems from man’s attempt to solve his own problems; destructive self-medication.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. (Prov 3:5-6)

The one that created you knows what is best for you. Trust Him with your life and He will lead you to freedom and fulfillment instead of bondage and disappointment. Make a determination today, to reconnect with GOD through submission to the Word. Yeshua saves.

Psalm 145:14-19

14 The Lord upholds all who fall,
And raises up all who are bowed down.
15 The eyes of all look expectantly to You,
And You give them their food in due season.
16 You open Your hand
And satisfy the desire of every living thing.

17 The Lord is righteous in all His ways,
Gracious in all His works.
18 The Lord is near to all who call upon Him,
To all who call upon Him in truth.
19 He will fulfill the desire of those who fear Him;
He also will hear their cry and save them.

When the Going Gets Tough…Rest

Posted by D.L.Fuller on

lion in the breeze 3

The commandments of God are an expression of His confidence in us. He would never demand anything of us that He did not first equip us for. He gives the command and He also gives the power and instructions to fulfill the command. Our part is to obey and trust Him with the whole process. He knows us better than we know ourselves. Never lose confidence in His goodness, for He will never give us more than we can bear. When we feel overwhelmed, it is an indication that we are more focused on the whole task ahead, instead of just focusing on what’s called for in the present moment. Yeshua instructs us to take His yoke upon us and then we will find rest. As long as we move at His pace, we barely feel the weight, but when we try to move ahead of Him, that is when we get a taste of all He is bearing for us. When we feel overwhelmed it is our queue to check our pace and get back in step with God.

Matt 11:28-30

Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”