By Mary Lindow

THE WORDS “HELP ME!” ARE THE DEEPEST CRY OF EVERY HUMAN HEART. It perfectly describes the anguish of the soul, that agony in need to hear God lovingly respond with redemptive help.

He answers as the very person and the very place of help through His son Jesus Christ, providing help for the helpless, a Father to the fatherless, and Hope for the hopeless.

One of the most amazing things about of God and so very precious to the humble needs of we humans is that he is actually the very BEING, the very exact place, where we find help.

Nothing and no one else is so truly and so really, THE place and person from who help comes like he is.

Our need for help is more accurately termed “rescue” when it’s expressed in the fullest sense, and only Jesus himself can provide it!

He rescues us from our daily “sneaky and self gratifying” sins and he rescues us from our falling and our faults, and he rescues us from our helplessness and hopelessness!

JESUS ALONE IS THE PLACE OF RESCUE.

He is the ultimate single person of help and we can find no one else to fill that break in the bridge of life! There is no one else, and when we come to this place we realize we need no other fixer!

Now, this doesn’t mean that we don’t need one another as brothers and sisters in Christ and as friends. But unless those brothers and sisters and friends are walking in the light and brokenness of the Lord, they really aren’t much help anyway.

SOME PEOPLE RESIST AND PROLONG THE INEVITABLE, and will resist you when you are going through times of struggle and difficulty. There is a certain “ugly distain” in an individual who does not want to admit that they are infallible.

These individuals still feel that they can control the environment around them through their education, their income, and their attitude.

OFTEN, THESE KINDS OF INDIVIDUALS CAN CREATE PAINFUL DARKNESS in the lives of others, because instead of extending mercy and compassion, they have a lot of advice that comes out of simple textbook reading, rather than out of any real experience in dealing with their own darkness and personal places of being stuck in dysfunction.

SAD AS IT MAY SEEM, MANY PEOPLE APPLAUD THEIR OWN DYSFUNCTIONS, claiming that they are actually “just fine”, and they will pretty much verbally “whack anyone else in the head” that dares to challenge them!

THESE ARE THE FRIENDS THAT JOB HAD, AND THESE ARE NOT REAL FRIENDS. They will never understand the life of the disciple of dear Jesus, being refined in the fire, in order to come out of that fire more radiant, and expressing the hope and light of Christ without a lot of pompous preaching or fanfare.

The way to the fulfillment of all of life‘s highest peaks and deepest longings is in knowing the depths of the love of the Rescuer,

Lord Jesus Christ himself.

It’s not a quick process by the way!

HOW MUCH LIGHT DOES A PERSON NEED WHEN PRESSED UNDER by evil pressures, nightmarish reoccurring losses and disjointed, painful relationships? 

Only a very tiny pinhole of light, if it is the Light that comes from God.

ONE PINHOLE OF GODLY LIGHT

IS STRONGER THAN A UNIVERSE OF DARKNESS. 

It is enough for a surrendered and determined believer to cling to and depend on when all else has failed.

Psalm 89:15 says,

“Blessed are those who have learned to give praise and honor to you,

Who walk in the light of your presence, O LORD.”

When we focus upon the Light of God's enduring and endearing Presence, all darkness will eventually be swallowed up into the Light of His Fountain of light. His Light is victorious over the darkness. ALL OF IT.

Psalm 36:9 says,

“For with you is the fountain of life; In your light we see light.”

WE ALONE CANNOT BATTLE THE DARKNESS.

Our strength is not enough.

Accept that and know that God’s light comes to dispel darkness.

His strength and Righteous arm smashes dark deeds, enemies, and deceivers and He will bring out into the light the things men think that they have hidden or have justified away.

Psalm 90:8 says,

You spread out our sins before you—our secret sins—and see them all.

WHAT IS HAPPENING WHEN YOU FEEL BLIND AND LOST IN A DARKENED SEASON? Just as a caterpillar in a cocoon must experience a time of confinement and seeming darkness, there comes a time when it is lead out of darkness into light to stretch its newly found wings of liberty and gracefulness to soar and express Resurrection power, to those who gaze upon its beauty.

Few will fully understand the pain of this difficult process, unless they too pass through it.

Isaiah 42:16 says,

Along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; 

I will turn the darkness into light before them

And make the rough places smooth.

These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them.

SO! WHO ARE THE GENUINE WORKERS OF GOOD AND HONEST DEEDS?

Now, there are those who do acts of benevolence and kindness whose aim is to only gain personal gratification and a sense of power when they “stoop to help others” in times of distress and sorrow.  

Often times, folks with this fleshly and condescending behavior, (although claiming to have some spiritual godliness) will test those whom they share with. This can be either in monetary gifts, acts of service, spiritual gifts, or in counsel.

In basic terms, it’s set up.

You better perform up to the standard they expect!

Because it’s their reputation on the line if you fail!

(Imagine if Jesus held us all accountable to the acts of His goodness towards us!)

This is NOT a Worker of A Righteous or Good and Honest deed.

This is a form of selfish ambition, entrapment and control.

A RIGHTEOUS DEED OR ACT OF GOODNESS IS DONE WITH THE

INTENT OF IMITATING THE NATURE OF GOD’S MERCY AND KINDESS.

It does not expect performance or groveling in return.

It never holds others over the fire with a critical eye, expecting perfection.

Often we have failed and disrespected His grace.

Yet He continues in love, and Redemptive acts towards us.

Because He has, no insecurities whatsoever.

TO BE RIGHTEOUS OR “DOING WHAT IS RIGHT IN THE EYES OF GOD” MEANS TO BE:

VIRTUOUS  - MORAL - GOOD  - JUSTICE LOVING

HONORABLE  - HONEST - RESPECTABLE - DECENT

I HAVE PERSONALLY EXPERIENCED IN THE PAST AND EVEN AS RECENTLY AS THE PAST FEW WEEKS, OVERWHELMING ACTS OF KINDNESS AND PATIENCE FROM THOSE WHOM I KNOW, GOD MUST CALL HIS WORKERS OF HONORABLE AND KIND DEEDS.

THE COMMON THREAD I SEE AMONG ALL OF THESE BELOVED GIVERS OF GRACE and care is that they have all experienced a time of great loss, depravation, near death, or sorrow.

 A Ray of Hope.

A beam of light that draws you out of the darkness that attempts to tow you under in despair or fear.

I JUST LOST ONE OF MY SEVEN BROTHERS.

Sudden liver failure and organ failure. He was 63.

He was brilliant, funny and kind.

I LOST ANOTHER FRIEND A WEEK LATER. 

One moment a successful surgery, moments later a clot was formed and a stroke took place.

Gone in a moment. She was 62.

A giver, an artist and lover of God.

I HAD A VERY DEAR FAMILY MEMBER THAT I LOVE, TURN ON ME SUDDENLY and share privileged information with others who are not considered safe or wise people.

Trust was shattered!

ALL THREE OF THESE EVENTS WERE AND ARE PAINFUL!

All three events were and are out of my ability to control!

And friends, grief and loss and betrayal are very, very real, and they are very painful events in our lives.

YET, GOD SEND US OTHERS INTO OUR SPIRAL OF PAIN AND LOSS, who "get it", because not only have they been through similar events, they learned that hard won growth can come out of pain and loss, or, you can choose to grow isolated, insulated, and bitter.

Jeremiah 9:24 says,

But let him who boasts- boast about this: 

That he understands and knows Me,

That I am the LORD, who exercises kindness,

justice and righteousness on earth,

for in these I delight," declares the LORD.

WHEN TORMENT AND LYING SPIRITS DECEIVE OTHERS  and they foolishly accuse you; know that there are others whom God will place in your life that will bring sober and Godly counsel, as well as loving kindness and help.

Proverbs 27:9 says,

Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of one's friend, springs from his earnest counsel.

DO NOT STOP IN YOUR KINDNESS AND IN YOUR CARE FOR OTHERS!

The testing in this hour of the hearts of men and women will only grow more intense as the Lord examines the intentions of the hearts of those who call Him Lord.

The hoarding of comfort and help can’t ever be allowed  

in the life of a follower of Jesus.

Your comfort, is not number one!

SOMETIMES, WE PUT ASIDE OUR OWN NEEDS AND COMFORTS AND SECURITY, AND FORGE THROUGH THE DARKNESS TO BRING HOPE AND RELIEF TO THOSE BEING BATTERED BY A RELENTLESS STORM!

We speak peace to them IN the storm.

Jesus did it! So He gives us the courage and strength to do the same!

IF YOU HAVE PERSONALLY CAUSED TRAGEDY, DESTRUCTION OR SHAME to fall upon any of your Family in Christ, and have yet to openly apologize and make the situation you were a part of “right”, know that the risk of a deep darkness of the soul is reserved for those who choose to walk in self-deception and who cloak their denial in passivity.

QUICKLY WHILE YOU STILL HAVE TIME, HUMBLE YOURSELF in the sight and the light of the Lord and HE will lift you out of your darkness.

Be humble enough to apologize specifically, for the harm you have done to someone.

Own it, apologize, and ask for their forgiveness.

Then, Light will come again into your soul, and so will a flooding peace that cleanses you from shame and the claw of bitterness that demons use to torment and immobilize you with.

Philippians 2:3 says,

Don’t be selfish; don’t live to make a good impression on others.

Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourself.

DEAR BELIEVER!

THERE IS THE OPEN OFFER OF AN ABUNDANCE OF JOY FOR

WORKERS OF RIGHTEOUS AND HUMBLE, HONORABLE DEEDS!

Psalm 45:7 says,

You love righteousness and hate wickedness;

therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions

by anointing you with the oil of joy.

Psalm 33:1 says,

Sing joyfully to the LORD, you righteous

it is fitting for the upright to praise him.

NOW, I’M GOING TO SHARE A PROPHETIC WORD FROM THE LORD THAT DOES ADDRESS SOME OF THIS AND IT’S IN AN ACTIVE AND VOCAL WAY THAT THE LORD WOULD LIKE TO SPEAK TO US, TO PUT A TYPE OF SEAL ON THIS MESSAGE.

“HOLD ON! HOLD FAST! REACH OUT!”

 - A PROPHETIC WORD -

"I the Redeemer of those who cry out to Me day and night, compel you to hold on to My hand of Faithfulness and Light.

Keep your eyes on the light I provide for you in the darkness. 

Hold fast to it and I will stir the hearts of the Righteous and faithful in me, to reach out a hand of compassion and they will obey Me with acts of blessing, restoration, and supply.

They will do this willingly, for they have tasted of sorrow and know the secret of My abundant Joy!

They have gone out weeping themselves, sowing seeds when they didn’t understand, all now growing up in compassion, only to produce a harvest, abundant in Joy.

Psalm 126:6 says,

Those who weep as they walk and plant with sighs

Will return singing with joy, when they bring home the harvest.

I the Lord have tasted sorrow, loss, torment, and death.

Yet in one Redemptive act, mankind was brought the opportunity for the fullness of Joy and the open door from darkness into light, when they too, choose to call upon My salvation, cleansing, and light.

Quickly. Cleanse your hearts of any act of unkindness, false humility, and the use of a heavy hand over your brothers or sisters, or your children.

The pinhole of light...

...My Light, Is drawing you into a New Day.

For Even in darkness light dawns for the upright,

for the gracious and compassionate

and for those in right standing with God.

Psalm 112:4

Dear Believer! I encourage you to chew on this message.

Let us all bow before the Lord. Get low and sit at the feet of Jesus.

Ask Him to wash you clean of fear and weariness and feeling displaced.

This is a different type of warfare that we are experiencing right now!

It’s not one that a lot of us have experienced on this level of pressure.

Ask the Lord to show you that single pinhole of light.

From that light, God shows us He is there with us.

Be strong in the Lord

And in the POWER of His Might.

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Copyright 2022 " THE MESSENGER " ~ Mary Lindow

www.marylindow.com 

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By Mary Lindow

 "I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;

Your works are wonderful, I know that full well.  -Psalm 139:14

WE ARE STRANGE AND EXQUISITE CREATURES.

We can ache for God tremendously; yet find ourselves getting nervous if God gets too close! After all, the closer God gets, the more we hear the call to be unpolluted. It's both exciting and frightening to hear that call!

A STORY: Once upon a time there was a little plant that was small and whose growth was stunted, for it lived under the shade of a giant oak tree. The little plant valued the shade that covered it and highly enjoyed and lavished the quiet rest that its majestic friend provided. Yet there was a greater blessing prepared for this little plant.

One day a lumberjack entered the forest with a sharp ax and cut down the giant oak! The little plant began to weep, crying out, "My shelter has been taken away! Now every fierce wind will blow on me, and every storm will seek to uproot me!"

The guardian angel of the little plant responded, "NO! Now the sun will shine and showers will fall on you more abundantly than ever before! Now your stunted form will spring up into loveliness, and your flowers, which could never have grown to full perfection in the shade, will laugh in the sunshine. Many will say, look how that plant has grown. How gloriously beautiful it has become by removing that which was its shade and comfort!"

THE TRAINING OF A SPIRITUAL COMRADE

We need to see that the Lord wisely trains his soldiers by calling them to difficult travels and service. He strengthens them through wildernesses and mountains. God knows that spiritually armed Soldiers can only be developed in battle and are not developed in times of calm. We can only become true seasoned soldiers of Christ when we train and serve in the preparation time of the inhospitable surroundings.

TRUST FOR A SEASON!

It's all about trusting God in the end. Oh yes it is! We often ask in the heat of difficult battles whether they are mental battles, spiritual battles, and financial battles. "Will He REALLY refresh us in this time of struggle?"

His Loving Word says so.

"For I satisfy the weary ones

And refresh everyone who languishes." -Jer. 31:25

THE LORD IS PRODUCING STAMINA! WHETHER WE LIKE IT OR NOT! "Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; For once he has been approved, He will receive the crown of life, Which the Lord has promised to those who love Him." James 1:12

THE FATHER IS URGING US TO RUN TO HIM, TO CRY TO HIM!

He is there! Even in this fog of struggle, loss, anxiety, or seeming success! He wants us to be desperate for Him and is training us to rely on His voice.

To make our decisions based on His plan for the whole earth!

TIE YOURSELF TO THE HAND OF GOD!

Get a "rope of expectation"(the word of God) and tie yourself to it. Hold on! The boding evil is nearly over! The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness And put on the armor of light." -Romans 13:12

INTIMATE PLACE OF COMMUNICATION

It would be a powerful opportunity for all of us to get on our knees in an intimate place of communication with the Lord, and refresh our commitment to purity, and with a willing heart to yield to the bidding of the Father.

"They charge like warriors; they scale walls like soldiers.

They all march in line, not swerving from their course." -Joel 2:7

LET OUR HEARTS WILLINGLY Give Him Room to Move Freely ...

...in our daily actions in this Life.

We do this by clearing away or removing anything that feeds and pampers our flesh and our own concepts of the Kingdom.

WE PREPARE HIM A PLACE

A throne in our hearts from which He can reign and activate His anointing.

"No one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs.

He wants to please his commanding officer." -2 Timothy 2:4 1

"As for you, the anointing you received from him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about all things and as that anointing is real, not counterfeits just as it has taught you, remain in him." -John 2:27 

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By Mary Lindow through the Holy Spirit

If you ask the true "heart determined" believers in Christ today just what it is that they need now more than ever, it would be totally answered by the very raw words;

“I am in a state of real Desperation For God's Help!”

HERE IS THE SPIRITUAL INSIGHT THAT THE LORD WOULD HAVE ME SHARE WITH YOU.

In the past few years many have seemingly "gotten" all that they thought they wanted. Lots of new stuff, bigger houses, hefty stock increases, and for some, that "greatly awaited moment" of climbing the mountain to the top of the heap to be "up there with the big dogs." Their inner thoughts exclaimed, "I am now someone that folks finally appreciate and take notice of!"

AND NOW... SUDDENLY!
THE BOTTOM HAS FALLEN OUT OF MANY OF THESE EXCITING MOMENTS!

Friends are scattering, you struggle to get your bearings. Telephones and emails and fax machines fall silent. NOBODY wants to identify with YOUR pain or loss. It just MIGHT rub off on them! Or better yet, it might even expose their slippery slope at the moment!

WE ARE IN THE HOTTEST REFINERS FIRE TO DATE!

People are winding up in anger, disbelief and frustration over this "unfair" season the Bride of Christ is in! It just isn't fair! We have been so good! We have laid down everything! 

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By Mary Lindow

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IT’S A STRANGE AND TWISTED WORLD THAT WE LIVE IN

Many well meaning people try hard to give pep talks, cheery texts and even send emails with profound  topics or inspirational contents all in the hope of giving a bit of relief from the ever increasing “noises” of an uncertain world.

“ I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world."

John 16:33

WHAT DO YOU FEAR?

This is not always an easy question to answer right away. Emotions and physical reactions to the question begin to swirl and elevate stress levels when anxiety creeps in.

And, fear is a terror that can paralyze anyone if enough of it is allowed to enter our minds. And that is exactly where it first penetrates our peace. In the Mind.

Fear

noun

Fright, fearfulness, horror, alarm, panic, agitation, trepidation, dread, consternation, dismay, distress; anxiety, worry, angst, unease, uneasiness, apprehension, nervousness, foreboding;

WHEN WE FEAR WE MAKE POOR CHOICES

If you are afraid or “fear” being misled by someone, you will limit your intimacy or openness with him or her. Many believers in need of healing emotionally from harsh or indifferent parenting tend to keep deep relationships or friendship at arm’s length in order to maintain a sense of control or privacy for themselves.

This can become a form of “selective hearing or selective listening” if the individual feels that they need to remain aloof and frosty in order to gain the respect or validation that they feel that they need to exist.

The problem with this cycle is that is creates a private  “terror” of not having a solid place of safety with a few dear and treasured people, flawed people… but those willing to also be vulnerable and open.

Psalm 27:1

“The LORD is my light and my salvation-- whom shall I fear?

The LORD is the stronghold of my life-- of whom shall I be afraid?”

Every situation, location, and relationship of our everyday lives is in some way broken. As fallen creatures, the best we can ever do in this life is to know how to live in this broken-down house/earth suit that’s our current address. And, nothing and no one but God himself, in the fullness of his time, can change where we live. So as we experience the reality of life in this house, sometimes it will leave us confused and overwhelmed.

Sometimes it will leave us hurt and angry. Sometimes people will give way to envy because the house or “life” of someone living nearby seems far less broken. Sometimes we just get weary of the stress of it all and long for a house in perfect repair.

YOU ARE NOT THE ONLY ONE

In those moments, those days, those seasons, remember that you are never on your own. The Master Builder has given us a copy of his renovation manual, the Bible. It will help us to understand why things are as broken as they are. It teaches us how to live well even in the midst of the brokenness. And it will explain the only way in which repair can ever happen.

Just never forget that the Designer himself has moved into the house with you. You’ve not been left alone. You can rest assured of his presence and his wisdom. His grace has blessed you with both of these.

However, He must be fully welcomed and invited into all of the “locked and hidden access areas” that others are not often trusted to enter into.

He who offers you such grace and guidance will never ask you to do what you are not fully capable of doing by God’s grace and ever present Spirit. He will not demand things of you that are beyond your abilities. Our Lord is tender and kind. He knows who you are and he knows where you’re living. He knows how hard it is to live in your broken-down house because in the flesh he lived here himself.

The Lord invites you to walk away from trying to figure it out on your own and he welcomes you to sit at his feet and learn the simplicities of living; things so full of meaning that you will see your world in a completely new way; things so practical that you will never live the same way again.

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.”

Philippians 2:3

TAKE A LOOK IN THE REARVIEW MIRROR FOR ONE MOMENT

Have you recently made decisions about who you will share with on any level such as giving, talking of dreams, sorrows, losses, major life events, and then afterward - pulled back only to run to either another source for additional validation or to agree with your choices or decisions? Or, have you reacted to some of the counsel or responses you have received by testing those whom you have shared with by removing your favor, kindness or former warmth from them?

These actions are often made rapidly when we are fearful or fear being wounded, and shift us into a place of survival and self-protection.

They can also isolate us from a loving, safe and healthy “corrective course” or direction away from fear and its tentacles.

FINDING THE PLACE OF SAFETY AND ACCEPTANCE

When we step into the hand of God we find the place of acceptance, and safety and an opportunity for service. It is the place of real authority, as well as of hiddenness.

God only works with those who are in His hand and those who do not keep jumping out of it, attempting to either control their own fears, but instead, often try to control others around them due to being fearful of the choices others make possibly affecting them.

Both greatly hinder the ability to trust other godly people and above all, to trust the safety of letting God do His job, while we rest in His hand.

The more we lie sheltered there, the more surely will He use us down the road. And it will be alongside others who freely share all that they have, without fear. Just as you will learn as you let go, and allow the Father to build a “Safe House” out of your life in His presence.

May the Lord do for us according to His word.

He said, "I have put My words in thy mouth, and I have covered thee in the shadow of My hand."

Charles Spurgeon spoke such a beautiful statement and I want to share it with you here.

“The shadow of God is not the occasional resort,

but the constant abiding- place, of the saint.

Under His shadow we are to feel that we are at home,

and then He will make Himself at home to us by becoming food unto our souls,

and giving spiritual refreshment to us while we rest.”

NO MORE HOOPS TO JUMP

When this is learned and treasured, you will then not withhold from or test others with rules or regulations set up to certainly fail them. We ruin great friendships or opportunities when we expect from others total vulnerability and openness and then only give part of what we have and who we are back in return.

Colossians 3:12

“Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.”

Perhaps you are waiting on Christ, desiring His company, and while you are thinking these thoughts you are asking, "Will He ever direct His full gaze upon me? Will He ever speak loving words to me? Will He ever let me sit at His feet? Will He ever permit me to lean my head upon His shoulder?"

COME AND STEP BACK INTO THE SHELTER OF HIS HAND.

Though you might shake like a leaf in a strong wind. Come! Sometimes those who come trembling are those who are aware that they are the lowest and the Creator the highest. When finally admit that our own self-esteem is less than nothing and is total vanity, then Jesus is the more good and lovely in our eyes.

Let your humility of heart, and your sense of hollowness, as a replacement for disqualifying you, be a sweet instrument for leading you to receive more of Christ.

“Before his downfall a man's heart is proud,

But humility comes before honor.”

Proverbs 18:12

The emptier I am, the more room is there for the Lord

The more I lack, the more He will give me.

The more I feel my weakness, the more shall I adore and bless Him when He makes me whole.

You’re never in a better place than when you give up on you and begin to trust in what is certain.

The life-shaping wisdom of the One who created you - in the first place.

“After all, every house has a builder,

But the builder of everything is God.”

Hebrews 3:4

Duplication and re-transmission of this writing is welcomed provided that complete source and website information for Mary Lindow is included.

Thank You!

Copyright  2013  " THE MESSENGER " ~ Mary Lindow

www.marylindow.com

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By Mary Lindow

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THE SPARROW IS A CLEVER LITTLE BIRD

In Psalm 84 David describes his longing to be with the people of God and in the actual moment that he wrote this, he was a wanderer; he was a fugitive.

He was not able to be in a place where he could have fellowship with God or other people, and this is when he wrote Psalm 84.

1 How lovely is your dwelling place,  Lord Almighty!

2 My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the Lord;

My heart and my flesh cry out
 for the living God.

Have you ever felt this way or longed for fellowship like David wrote about with the Lord? His word so clearly express what it meant to David.

Then, he remembered one of his bird watching experiences. He remembered how at one time when he was in the house of God, he looked up toward the altar and he noticed some movement. When he looked closer, he found a sparrow building her nest, so he wrote in verse 3:

“Even the sparrow has found a home,

And the swallow a nest for herself,

Where she may have her young—a place near your altar.”

“Lord Almighty, my King and my God!” he said. “I wish I could be like that sparrow.

I wish I could be like that swallow that is able to build its nest at the very altar of God.” What David is saying here is, “Can you think of anything better than to have your home in the altar of God in the sanctuary?”

This is something so very precious to me because I am always so tremendously interested in nurturing and loving my family that I cannot pass this over.

Did you notice this swallow chose the altar of God to build a nest for her family?   She could have chosen any place to build a nest, but she chose the altar of God.

Yes! The sparrow is a clever bird.

BUILDING YOUR NEST IN THE SANCTUARY

I believe that things are put here for a reason and for instruction; so I am going to suggest that if you want your family to be all that God wants it to be, build your nest, metaphorically speaking, at the altar. Build your nest in the sanctuary because in the sanctuary is the answer to every question that you have. And I hope that you understand that I am not talking about a church building! I am talking about your fellowship with God. There must also always be room in your nest to include those with broken wings, or who have been abandoned or left as orphans.

A SPARROW IS VALUABLE

One more lovely thing about the sparrow. The sparrow is a valuable bird. I am sure that some people might question this statement! But it is a valuable bird, indeed. Some may say, “But not to man”! It is Valuable to God though!

I am sure the Lord did some bird watching as he travelled to places with his dear friends, but this particular instance that He records is in the temple.

As He went into the temple one day, He saw a whole bunch of sparrows, (remember that we are talking about a small bird) with their legs tied together, and they were being sold for a sacrifice in the temple.

In Matthew, chapter 10 notice what Jesus has to say about sparrows.

As He looked at those sparrows, He said, in verse 29:

“Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing?”

That was the least expensive offering that anybody could make.

If we were to stop there, we would say what we ordinarily say, “What is a sparrow? They are not worth anything at all,” but the Lord said, in the last part of verse 29:

…and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father knowing about it.

That is how valuable they are. Not one sparrow falls to the ground without God knowing about it.

WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT WHEN YOU SEE A DEAD SPARROW?

Do you just kick it out of the way and go on?  Often we see someone much like the little dead sparrow, wounded or suffering from the cruelty of others too busy to really care about a “broken wing” or perhaps a broken heart.

So many are busy licking their own wounds and getting on with their own lives, that they are unaware of the “sparrows” that God has placed in their midst. Those who need to be invited into a place of “Sanctuary”.! Do you treat your employees like this or a friend who has been through a season of sorrow or loss?

Do you find yourself simply walking past the Wounded or “dead Sparrow”? That would be a normal reaction, but evidently when the Lord saw the sparrow that fell very differently.  He said,

“MY FATHER KNOWS ABOUT THAT SPARROW…

…And my father cares about it.”

Then notice what He says:

Matthew 10

30 And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered.

31 So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.

A SPARROW IS SO IMPORTANT TO GOD,

…that it doesn't fall to the ground without God knowing about it, and you and those whom He has placed around you to radiate truth and hope to are of more value than many sparrows.

In Matthew, chapter 6 I think that Lord has done some bird watching and might want us to do some as well!

He said:

Matthew 6:26-34 (NCV)

26 Look at the birds in the air. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, but your heavenly Father feeds them. And you know that you are worth much more than the birds.

27 You cannot add any time to your life by worrying about it.

28 “And why do you worry about clothes? Look at how the lilies in the field grow. They don’t work or make clothes for themselves.

29 But I tell you that even Solomon with his riches was not dressed as beautifully as one of these flowers.

30 I clothe the grass in the field, which is alive today but tomorrow is thrown into the fire. So you can be even surer that I will clothe you. Don’t have so little faith!

31 Don’t worry and say, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear?’

32 The people who don’t know God keep trying to get these things, and your Father in heaven knows you need them.

33 Seek first God’s kingdom and what God wants. Then all your other needs will be met as well.

34 So don’t worry about tomorrow, because tomorrow will have its own worries. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

A very well spoken and eloquent preacher said one time,

“There is never a sparrow that dies but that God goes to its funeral.”

This really touched my heart and impressed me. Not a sparrow dies, but that God goes to its funeral.

THE NEXT TIME THAT YOU SEE A SPARROW…

…Remember that God is paying attention to that little sparrow. God is interested in you and He is interested and concerned about me as well! Remember that God cares about you so much more than even that sparrow and that He wants to draw you closely into a safe place of Sanctuary with Him! A place of safety and peace, where you can rest and learn about His love for you, for your family and those dear close friends and perhaps a few lost or weary lonely souls that He has sent to you.

HE HAS MUCH TO TELL YOU REGARDING ALL OF THE PLANS THAT HE HAS FOR YOU!

“Settle into the nest…

…And Rest!”

God is waiting to speak and meet with you!

“The Lowly Sparrow”

~Author Unknown

I am only a little sparrow!

A bird of low degree!

My life is of little value.

But the dear Lord cares for me

He gave me a coat of feathers

'Tis very plain I know:

With never a speck of crimson.

For it was not made for show.

But it keeps me warm in winter,

It shields me from the rain.

Were it bordered with gold and purple

Perhaps it would make me vain

I have no barn or storehouse:

I never sow or reap:

God gives me a sparrow's portion.

But never a seed to keep.

If my meat is sometimes scanty.

Close picking makes it sweet:

I have always enough to keep me.

And life is more than meat.

I know there are many sparrows:

All over the world they're found:

But our heavenly Father knows

When one of us falls to the ground.

Though small, we are never forgotten-

Though weak, we are never afraid.

For we know that the dear Lord keeps

The lives of the creatures He made.

I fly through the thickest forest,

I light on many a spray,

I have no chart or compass,

But I never lose my way.

Duplication and re-transmission of this writing is welcomed provided that complete source and website information for Mary Lindow is included.

Thank You!

Copyright  2012 " THE MESSENGER " ~ Mary Lindow

www.marylindow.com

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By Mary Lindow

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The question is often asked, "What is the reason for the weak spiritual lives of so many Christians?"

This is an excellent question and it is amazing how little the church responds to Christ's voice, which is ever calling out! How little the church is what Christ wants her to be!

What really is the matter? What truly is needed?

Many answers will be given but there is one answer that includes them all. each believer needs the full eye-opener of a personal Christ as a spiritually internal, “living inside of me”  Lord  and as someone who was a satisfying portion.

When the Lord was here on the earth what was it that distinguished his disciples from other people? I think the answer is that Jesus took them away from their fishnets their busyness and their homes. He gathered them around himself and they knew him.

He was their Master, and he guarded them, and they in turn followed him. What is supposed to make the difference today between Christ's disciples-not those who are just hoping to get to heaven, but those who are Christ's wholehearted disciples-and other people? I think it's this. When Jesus was upon the earth, he was able to keep the disciples with him for three years day after day. Now that Jesus is in heaven, and he is able to do what he could not do when he was upon the earth - to keep in the closest fellowship with every believer throughout the entire world. Imagine this!

You might know the verse in Ephesians: 4:10

“He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might  fulfill all things.”

Why was our Lord Jesus taken up to heaven?

Away from the life of earth? He ascended to heaven because the light of the earth is confined to localities, but the light of heaven has no limits, no boundaries, and no localities. He was taken up to heaven so that in the power of God the ever present omnipresent God, that he might be able to fill every one of his followers on earth and be with every individual believer in a personal way.

This is what my heart wants to experience by faith. It is a possibility, it is a promise, it is my birthright, and I want to have it! By the grace of God, I say to Jesus, “Jesus, I will not rest until you have fully revealed your self fully to me.”

How did the disciples get their burning hearts?

Remember that day that they were on the Road to Emmaus? It was through the way in which Christ opened the Scriptures to them. He made it all look different and new, and they saw what they had never seen before! They could not help feeling how wonderful and how heavenly the teaching was!

Many Christians have discovered that the best time of the day is when they can read and pore over their Bibles, and they love nothing more than to find a new spiritual insight. Just like a person who mines diamonds rejoices when they have found a diamond these individuals delight when they get some new thought from the Bible, and they feed upon it.

Yet, even with all of their interest in God's word and with the joy that is stirred in our hearts, when we return to work or attend our daily duties, we find that there is still something missing in our lives.

From time to time…

…We must leave all the many and unique blessings that Jesus gives us,

and come to the one blessing that outshines all of them.

The blessing that Jesus makes himself known, that Jesus is willing to make himself known to us!

If I were to ask you, “Isn't this exactly what you and I need, and what many of us have been longing for?” I am sure you would answer, “Yes! This is exactly what I want!”

Listen to this poetic verse.

“Oh, the peace my Savior gives!

Peace I never knew before,

And my way has brighter grown,

Since I've learned to trust him more.”

An individual in the midst of great trouble and difficulty wrote this poem.

She stated that it brought wonderful comfort and strength to her.

However, how can a person maintain peace in his or her life? It was the presence of Christ that brought the peace; therefore, peace must be sustained through the continual presence of Jesus.

Remember that when the storm on the Sea, was threatening to swallow up the disciples, that it was the presence of Jesus himself that brought the peace.

Do you want peace and rest?

Then you must have Jesus himself.

We talk of purity, and we talk of cleansing. We also talk of deliverance from sin!

Praise God, for the deliverance and the cleansing, when the living Jesus comes and gives us power and strength. It's there that we find that we have that resurrected Christ who sits on the throne, who is making himself known to you and I. This is the secret of purity and the secret of strength.

Perhaps some of you may be now asking,

“How will Christ revealed himself to me? How will he come?” That is the secret no one can know, it is the one that Jesus keeps to himself. It will come in the power of the Holy Spirit. Remember the disciples on the road to Emmaus?

They had a sudden revelation of the living risen Christ!

The Scripture says, “Then they knew Him!” He revealed Himself, he showed Himself fully to them, and then he vanished from their site! Was that moment of Christ visiting them revealing Himself to them worth much? It was over in a minute, yet it was worth heaven, eternity, it was everything!

From that time on Christ's disciples were no longer to relate to him in an earthly way. Thank the Lord that Christ now reveals Himself to each and every one of us by the power of the Holy Spirit. Yet, how He does this is a sacred thing between Christ and each individual believer. Take this as an assurance, “their eyes were opened, and they knew Him,” and believe that this was written for you!

You might be able to say that I have experienced a sad heart at times.

When I mourned that I did not know the living Christ. And I have had times when my heart is slow to believe and have struggled with my lack of faith, and I also know this stage of a burning heart in what I experienced and the  great times of joy and blessedness.

If you can say these things you will come to a place where you have a satisfied heart.

You will have a heart that has been made glad and will last until eternity!

You will have a heart that cannot keep and hold its joy but is poured out on other believers and shared, just as the disciples ran back to the believers in Jerusalem and said, “It is true! Jesus has revealed himself! I know it! I feel it! It has been made personal and real to me, alone!”

Dear child of God.

I'm sure you are asking but how would this revelation come?

Jesus will tell you. Just come to him and say a simple childlike prayer. You need to come to Jesus yourself. What I share with you here today is finished! I have pointed you to the risen One. Now you must step into the presence of the Holy One and begin to crying out, saying, “Oh my precious Lord and Savior! I have come to you and fully abandon my dreams my will, my hopes, and my sorrows.   I have come so that I might have this blessedness with me at all times.

Dear Jesus!  I want you completely the fullness of all that You are. I want to know you personally and completely. Not just simply by hearing the experiences of others. No Lord! I want to know that I can have your blessed presence surrounding me at all times because I am your child and I have been set free from my own condemning self-hatred, religious thinking, performance-based actions, and fear of not measuring up.

Jesus! Help me! Be my portion forever!”

Is this possible? Can we always be thinking of Jesus?

Thank God you don't need to be consistently thinking of him. You may be the manager of a grocery store and your whole attention may require you to carry out the business that you have to do. While you were thinking of your business, Jesus will be thinking of you and He will come in, and if you listen to Him he will take charge of you.

When I was holding my new Grand-daughter just today, (5 months old) I was thinking about when an infant sleeps in his or her mother's or grandmother’s arms, he or she lies there helplessly. He or she hardly even knows it’s mother or grandmother, he or she does not think of her, but the mother and grandmother does think of the child. And this is the great mystery of love.

Jesus waits to come to me in the fullness of His love.

And when He is allowed possession of my heart, He gathers me into those Divine arms and tells me, “My child I am the ever faithful one, I Am the mighty one, and I will remain with you. I Am watching over you and will keep you every day.”

Oh I can hear many of you saying, “Oh, if only I could believe that, if only I could believe it is possible to have Jesus constantly taking and keeping charge me every hour and every minute!”

But you see this is exactly what He said to you. He said these words,

“For low I am with you always”.

He meant it in the fullness of His divine love, and He is longing to show himself to you and to me, as we have never seen Him before.

“Your heart says this is too good to be true,

And that is just too wonderful to be possible for you.”

Still you do admit that it is an amazing way to live!

Oh you fearful one, mistaken one, and anxious one!

I am bringing to you God's promise; it is for me and for you.

Jesus will do it! As God, He is able, and Jesus is willing and longing, having been the crucified one to keep you in perfect peace.

This is a wonderful fact…

… And it is the secret of unspeakable joy.

*****************************************

Duplication and sharing of this writing is welcomed provided that complete message and website information for Mary Lindow is included.

Thank You

Copyright © 2012 " THE MESSENGER " ~ Mary Lindow

www.marylindow.com

www.globalprayerrooms.com

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