A Secret Revealed

Have you ever searched the multiple layers of God's Word and been thrilled to discover what has previously been a hidden truth?

I lay awake one night unsatisfied, because I had been seeking first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, yet still seeing through a glass darkly.

I had listened throughout the week to sermons, teachings, Bible truths and it seemed I was never going to do master all the wonderful things I have learned. 

"Lord I need to pray this, and do this thing, and do this other, and do that one too," I thought. "I need more Bread of Heaven to equip me!"

The Lord impressed on my heart: The secret things that belong to me, but I have given you manna for one day at a time.

"Okay Lord, what's my manna for today?" I asked, ready for my marching orders.

One single word echoed in my spirit. "Love."

Love! That's it. Love fulfills all the law, covers a multitude of sins, and when we  operate in love it activates faith (Gal. 5:6). 

What a secret revealed. It is so simple. Love is what we are wired for.

When we act in love, Jesus is recreating His image in us. And when we see Him, we shall be like Him, according to I John 3:2.

Lord let Your love and your Word transform me into Your image, not one dependent on a hundred thou shalts and shalt nots, but a light reflecting Your glory because I have chosen to walk in Your Love toward others.

Harriett Ford is a writer of faith-based books. 

A Den of Thieves in My Temple?!!

A Den of Thieves in My Temple? 

Jesus said, "It is written, My house will be a house of prayer, but you have made it a den of thieves!" (NIV). He then grabbed a whip and drove out the money changers.

Doesn't this just break your heart? What a cruel disappointment for the Son of God, who had such passionate zeal for His Father's house.  

Lord, I want my living temple to be a place where You enjoy dwelling. Not a place where You have to grab a whip.

I don't want a den of thieves in my heart who can rob me of our fellowship.

Help me to keep it swept and clean every day, so it is a comfortable place for You Who are the essence of love, and mercy.

I know that thieves like unforgiveness cannot remain, no matter how great the offense.

Please show me also the  little foxes which can destroy the fruit of the spirit. Small irritations, cross words, frustrations I may have forgotten.  If I do not forgive these offenses, why should You forgive mine?

If there are thieves I have allowed to remain, please help me drive them out. I long for sweet fellowship with You.

I want the temple of the Holy Spirit, which is my body, to be a place of joyful worship, just as You desired that temple in Jerusalem to be--a place where You feel at home. 

Amen

Harriett Ford is a writer of faith-based suspense novels, a Bible Study book on healing, and a collection of 38 interviews with people who have experienced life-changing encounters with the Living God. Visit her at hlfordbelieves.com or Harriettford.blogspot.com

I Never Knew You

I Never Knew You - Harriett Ford And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. Matt 7:23 KJV A place for miracles? It's listed in I Corinthians as one of the gifts of the spirit. Clearly the Lord Jesus has not ceased to heal and deliver. We also see many televangelists proclaim they are healing the sick and casting out demons. The passage in Matthew 7: 21-23 used to scare me. How could anyone who did miracles in the name of the Lord be lost eternally? Could I be deceived by such a person, Lord? "By their fruit you shall know them." The Hebrew word "yada" means to share love that bears fruit. It is first found in Genesis regarding Adam and Eve. When Jesus told those who claimed they worked miracles and cast out demons in His name, "I never knew (yada) you, ye workers of iniquity," He was saying that he never saw them bear the fruit of sharing intimacy with Him. Instead they practiced iniquity, which means to be unjust and unequal in our dealings with others. The workers of iniquity are those who eat up God's people like bread, Psalm 14:4, speak peace when mischief is in their hearts (Psalm 28:3), and lay snares for the saints (Psalm 141:9). The money Judas received for betraying Jesus is called "the reward of iniquity" (Acts 1:18). Judas was among the twelve whom Jesus sent out to preach, heal the sick, and cast out demons in (Luke 9). Yet even after this, Judas worked iniquity. Help Lord. Call me back to abiding in You when the thorns and thistles of earthly cares sometimes choke out the Word's productivity in me. Let me share the intimacy of love with You, and be a fruitful branch. Harriett is an author and speaker. Contact