IN BETWEEN A ROCK AND A HARD PLACE IF YOU HAVE TO FIGHT

JUST MY THOUGHTS

Commentaries by Elena Ramirez

In-Between a Rock and a Hard Place If You Have To Fight….

So many of my readers, and friends, confide in me, that they are in a battle.  It could be with family, friends, co-workers, a boss, that’s unreasonable, an organization, a doctors report, anything.  And these things can wear one down.  They can get you to a place, where you would do something, that you would not normally do.   Your in-between that rock and hard place.  

There are times, in life, when you are in a battle.  Up against that wall.  And it could be for any reason,  that you are in this situation.  But, you feel you have to fight.  There is anger, rising, there is a sense of just having to survive, and you feel like you have to fight.  But you are also afraid.  The thing about this, you have to put it in the right perspective.  Don’t go flying off the handle, and doing yourself, more harm, or others, because you are in this mode of wanting to fight.  Or to make a point.  This is a time, and you have to know yourself.  But this is a time, when you really have to take inventory of any situation, and see, and yes, I will add to this mix, pray to know, if it is something you should face, and fight or if you should walk away, and just let it go. 

You see, we have an enemy, the devil.  And he will use your moments of anger, and pain, fear, to get you to a place, where you step out of your faith, or just your comfort zone, and will try and make you fight.  He wants you to fight.  He wants you to get hurt, or to hurt someone.  He wants to use your frustration, or angry, discomfort, to cause strife.  You have to have a perspective, in these kind of situations.  That is wisdom.  You need to know,

When to walk away, and when to fight. 

If you have to fight, Then fight the good fight of faith, for the battle is the Lords.  This takes true courage.  Remember Christ, and how he told us to turn the other cheek?  He knew the reward was in being obedient to God.  He knew, that the devil wanted him to fight.  But then we, would not have gotten the victory, of his sacrifice, if he had fought.  He fought the enemy a totally different way.  And may I add to this, remember, to keep your peace, and to know truly vengeance is the Lords.  Before you might consider, adding evil to evil. 

There again, are many things we could be challenged with, and if you think about it.  Daily living, can be a fight.  If, you make it that.   I want you to see, that whatever you are challenged with, no matter how big your adversary is, no matter how big the opposition is, you can have a victory. 

The key is though, knowing who your enemy is, and knowing, who God is.  You must not fear your enemy, you must fear God, in reverence to him, to do that which is right, in his sight. 

All through my life, I have been in battles.  And really, seriously, it has taken me most of my lifetime, to understand, I am a warrior.  A fighter.  I don't like that title. I don't like that description. Basically, it comes with a negative, connotation.  Emphasizing on the negative, it bothers me.  Yet, it is who I am. Because of my up-bringing, my experiences, and because of my spirit.  That God has placed within me. I have learned, that the many things we go through, causes us to be the person we are.  So, because, being most of my lifetime, I have been in battles.  I long to be lady like, gentle, compassionate, and able to turn from strife.  And only because Christ, is my Lord, and savior, I am able to adhere to that for the most part. But when I was young, I was forced to get into physical fights.  I remember the first fight I had ever got into, a physical fight.  I was, maybe, seven years old. And I remember, a girl my age provoking me.  I did not want to fight.  I was fearful.  I wanted to be left alone.  But, I remember, my mother telling me, if you do not face this person, and let her have it back, you will always, be ashamed, and you will always, be at her beck and call.  There will be no release, because she will know, she was victorious over you.  So, I remember, her provoking me, and I let her have it right back.  After that, I earned her respect, and that of other kids.  Unless, one felt they needed to challenge me.  Now let me emphasize this, but at first, I never started a fight.  But I need to be honest.  For as I got older, I found myself starting fights.  If someone hurt me, or if I was protecting someone, or of if I felt, like I needed to show you could not beat me.  It was on going.  And in all that, growing up, I had my nose busted, and countless, other mishaps.  

Once I was jumped, as a young teenager.  By about 5 girls.  They tore my clothes, bloodied me, and stole my transistor radio. (remember those antiquated sound systems?)


And then they bragged about it.  Here I was again, and this time, I remember praying to God.  I wanted to hide.  I wanted to get out of the environment I was in.  I wished my mother was rich.  To get me out of there.  Or I had someone to help me fight.  Like brothers and sisters.  But she was not rich.  And there were no other family members.  That I could count on.

But I remember that prayer, and I remember, I got strength.  I had to face my attackers.  I had to gain back some dignity.  If not to prove it to anyone else, but to myself.  

Now, I do not advocate physical fighting in anyway. I think now, when I am even somewhat provoked, or misunderstood, challenged, and I do not fight.  I say well whatever, and walk away.  But, there are times, when you do feel like you are in a fight.   Whether you want to be or not and you know, that you know you have to fight. 

And, there are spiritual fights.  You can even be your own worst enemy, and the battle can be in the mind.   You could feel like you have to face your accusers or those who aggressively challenge you, and you have to stand up for what is right.  Sometimes, it could just be your circumstance.  And you have to fight to survive.  

Dear ones, if you have to fight, then fight the good fight of faith.  If all you can do is, just stand, then stand.  But do it kneeling.  And that is not a contradiction, but in order to truly stand, one must learn to kneel.  Before God, humble.  The word of God, tells us, that the Battle is the Lords.  There are times, when we cannot fight a physical fight anymore.  Or we cannot use our energy to stand up to a fight.  It could even be a bad report, from a doctor.

In those times, we need to stand on the word of God. Kneeling.  DO NOT LET FEAR OVERWHELM YOU, KNOW WHAT GODS WORD SAYS.  HE CASTS OUT FEAR, FOR HIS LOVE IS PERFECT. 

Oh how important it is to seek God in his word.  To know, what the word of God says.  I think of David.  David, was blessed and favored by God.  Yet, there were many who hated him, and challenged him.  In Psalms, we see his cry to God, we see his fear.  We also see, in this process, God changing his heart, comforting him, and showing him, who HE is.  We see, David, coming to a point, where he realizes his own sins, and asks God for a clean heart.  

I have seen that in my own life.  When younger, and challenged,

with my sins, and with fights, the struggles to stay alive,

I have seen my weaknesses, and come to God.  Asking God

to renew my spirit, and cleansing me of my sins.  Trying in His way, to make it right.  

Folks, whatever it takes, we need to come to that place, of seeking God. God will use our fights, our struggles, and our situations, to cause us to seek him.  He does not want us to struggle, or to fight.  Again remember the battle is and can be in the mind.  But if you know God, and you know his word.  You can defeat the enemy, who is trying to make you stumble, or trying to make you feel defeated.  By the word of God.  

We must submit to God.  Being  in peace, in love, and in 

true humbleness, turning from that pride, that so

many of us claim, we must seek the true living God,

the Holy one, who is the same, yesterday, and tomorrow.

Life is not easy.  And there may always be challenges,

and struggles, but give them to God.  He can and will make a way.

If we are obedient, to him, and seek him truly with repentant

hearts, his promises do come forth.  I know, I have seen

them over, and over again.  I myself, have battled, things.

but I just sense him working something in me.  I don't

think I am there yet, in fact I know I am not.  But even

as I write this, I have enough victories, enough, understanding and thankfulness, to know God is able in all things.  For I am seeking, the one, who has told me, the battle is his.  And in his love,

because He is love, I receive that, and it comforts me,

and gives me peace.  He has a plan, and I will see it.

With a banner, over me, to get the victory, 

in love, I will see it.  I hope you can get to that

place, and find him, for your banner of love,

as well, to show you have won the fight, with

his help.  You are victorious.  Let us, get a new energy,

a new hope, a new strength, a new love in him to even love our enemies.  I recall the change, even like I did when I was younger,

to go on…..let us all continue to seek God, and he will get you through these battles. Let him restore your name, or your dignity.  Or your health.  Spiritual physical, mental, or attitude.  Let him, give you honor.  

If you are doing what you should be doing.  In Christ, Staying away from sin. being obedient to him, loving others instead of fighting, he will deliver you even from the fight of a temptation.  He will make a way.  He is after all, God, and all things are possible with him.  

So if you have to fight, fight the good fight of faith...After all the battle is really His. And if you release this, and let him fight.

Theres no doubt, you will win. 

God is blessing you….I hope you see this in the midst of your battle. 

I Samuel 17:47  And all this assembly shall know that the Lord saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle is the Lord, and he will give you into our hands.


I Timothy 6:12 
Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.

THE DOOR OF TRUST

JUST MY THOUGHTS

Commentaries by Elena Ramirez

The Door Of Trust....

trust |trəst|

noun

1 firm belief in the reliability, truth, ability, or strength of someone or something : r

Trust, is some thing, that we usually expect in people, to earn.  So we do not easily give our confidence and trust in someone, unless, they have earned it.  God wants you to trust in him.  Can you count your blessings, to see, that he deserves your trust?  He is not a person, who would deceive you, or lie to you, and since we are talking about that, it is a characteristic, of the enemy, the devil. 

But, even if you have not made the commitment to accept Christ

as your Lord, and savior, just yet....but do you see your blessings?  You are probably not sure, but if you have your health, you are blessed.  If you have a home, money, or  just a sound mind, you are blessed.  If you woke up this morning.....you are blessed.  That all comes from God.  Well, look at that, so you can position yourself, to trust God.  Because trust, will please God, and opens yourself to true faith.  

Well, today, I want you to see yourself, standing in the doorway of trust.  A doorway, the Lord, has prepared for you.  I really should say, I believe, God wants  you to see yourself in that doorway, since he is my source of inspiration, and since, I believe,  Christ lives and moves within me, that this is his hearts desire for you, and for me.  He is showing me this new door....So, lets go to that door, the door of trust.  He has prepared it....Do you see it?

Stop, for a moment in this doorway, ponder on these scriptures.

This is the sign, that is posted on top of the doorway.  Read them, slowly and carefully.  Purposely, take each word, and ponder on it. 

Trust in the Lord, with all thine heart; and lean not unto your own understanding.  In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths.  Be not wise in thine own eyes; fear the Lord, and depart from evil.  It shall be health to thy navel and marrow to thy bones.  Honor the Lord with all thy substance and with the firstfruits of thine increase.   So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.  My child, despise not the chastening of the Lord, neither be weary of his correction.  For whom the Lord loves he corrects; even as a father the son, whom he delights.  Happy is the person that finds wisdom and the person that gets understanding.....Proverbs 3:5-13

As you stand in this door, do you feel the Love?  You need to know, God loves you, if you see this, in the scripture.  And he is love.  Take a moment, even, where you are reading this, and take a moment, to ponder on him.  Even if you do not know him.  Let his love come to you.  Let him, bless you in this doorway.  A release, is about to be left behind, at the entrance of the doorway.  

Troubles are about to be worked out.  Worries, will disappear, and just melt.  There is a warmth, of something so releasing, so peaceful to your spirit, that you cannot help but feel the presence, of his power and might.  Working on your behalf.  Something, beautiful and good is going to free you.  For you sense the love, and there, even at that doorway, you feel safe.  You feel, confident, hopeful.  So hopeful, you want to hurry in.  But you have to linger there, a moment longer....He is speaking soothing thoughts to you.  He wants you to understand, even, though you are going through some hard times, or even if you are not, going through hard times, he wants you to trust him.  As you begin to acknowledge him, in everything, you do, and participate in acknowledging him, in your life, you will build your relationship with him.  He is a person.  Yes, praise God, he is sovereign, but he is a person.  Develop your relationship with him, by acknowledging him, in all you do.  Start speaking to him, in all your ways, in decisions, small and large, in just acknowledging his presence.  Acknowledge,  him to others.  It will bring health to you.  I am talking about physical health, spiritual health, in mind and body.  And as you honor, him, with the firstfruits of your resources, whether money, or just putting him first, in life, he will bless you.  There are some things though that he has to work out in you, before you can go on to the next door.  Some things, that do need corrected in  your life.  It could be your attitude, or your heart, that needs to be tenderized, to forgive, or to just obey, perhaps getting rid of rebellion.  Gossiping, it could be anything.  But you need to stop and ask him, what is it that he needs to change in you, as you stand in this door of trust?  He will, like at a check point, give you a thorough checking, and will reveal it to you.  Don't ever think your o.k.  or you don't need, it, because then your trust, will not be there.  That would be pride, and God hates that.  Because we all  have room to get better, or to grow in his ways.  That’s his plan, it will always cause you to come out to be the best you can be.  In trusting him.  He can turn a situation, that we would make mediocre, become so spectacular.  It could only be God.  So the glory to him, would be your testimony.  So trusting God, is so important, in this journey, at the entrance of this doorway.    

But it begins, with trust.....Do you see yourself in that doorway, the rest of the scripture, even here, will indicate, the beginning of his promises.  Now you can go into the room, he has ready for you.......A room of more of his promises.  Wisdom, is there...in this trust.  Do you understand it, and cherish it, in this new trust you have?  

As I close my commentary, "Just My Thoughts"....I want to leave you with one more thought, to consider, again, if you know, or do not know Jesus Christ as your Lord, and savior. But, back to earning trust...have you considered, that God has earned your trust?  Even if you do not see your blessings.  Because he sent his only begotten son, and that whosoever would believe in him, would not perish, but have everlasting life.  John 3:16.  That is love.  He became the sacrifice, to take away my sins.  That earns my trust, and even here I thank you Lord, for this great sacrifice of your son, for my sins.  “Yes, I do say, Lord, my God you have earned my trust”.....

BUT IT IS GOOD FOR ME TO DRAW NEAR TO GOD:  I HAVE PUT MY TRUST IN THE LORD GOD, THAT I MAY DECLARE ALL THY WORKS.  PSALM 73:28

God bless you....with love,

In Christ,

Elena Ramirez 

THE GREAT I AM IS RETURNING

Happy New Year....

As I write, and already see the hand of God, for a new beginning of the New Year, I need to immediately say, by the prompting of the Holy Spirit.  The great "I Am" is returning soon.  Twice, in the early morning, by just a day or two, I have heard, the Holy Spirit, speak, to me, to "tell

them, I AM is returning soon." Who is the "I AM"?  Well, if you recall in the book of Exodus, when Moses, met the Lord, on Mount Sinai,

in the burning bush, God identified himself, as "I AM."  And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you.  Exodus 3:14.  That name, or identification, of God, always somewhat perplexed me.  It seemed, so conclusive.  For truly it is.  God knows who he is.  He does not have to argue about it.  And neither do we if we know who he is,.  He knows, that he is the creator, of heaven and earth.  He knows, he is love.  He knows, that he sent his only son, for our sins.  That he became man, for a sacrifice, only he could carry, to defeat the enemy.  He knows the plan, and has given it to us, by his word.  So the enemy is defeated.  He knows that, and wants us to know that.  He is everything....All one has to do, is look outside, and see Gods handy work.   If you have been healed, and restored, that has come from God.  He is the great healer.  So truly, God is the great "I AM."  He knows who He is.  The thing, is do we know, truly who we are?  In him?  The world in its perception, has misplaced God, in their thinking.  A device or a tool the enemy has used, to deceive us.  Even some Christians, have by their own abilities, begun to think that any blessing or gift they have gotten, was gained by their own ability, or work.  And they get so caught up in their gift, even the gift of prophecy, that they begun, to think they know this or that.  But do they?  Is God really speaking to them?  Is their voice, truly the voice of God.  Well, lets look at that?  Is it based on the word of God?

Who gives you life?  God does.  Who gives you breath?  God does.  Health?  God does.  Who has the ability, to send you to heaven or hell?  Wow.......God does.  He is the mastermind, the creator, of our lives.  He deserves the glory, and the honor, and the praise, to relate to who he is, for in this love, this great, great  love he has in who he is, we can also be love.  We can also be, able to do far and above, what we ever thought to do, because he has given us his holy spirit.  To think, to know.  To understand.

But we have to understand, his ways, are not our ways.  When we claim his word,

we can get that perception.  But, don't let the devil deceive you.  Just because you may have

a perception of God, and his word.  Remember, this, in the fear of him.  He is sovereign.

And so, there are things, we may not understand.  Yes, he reveals the mystery of who he is.

In many ways.  But that does not always mean we will know, Gods will.  For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord.  Isaiah 55:8.  But, we must strive, to please him.  To seek him, to obey him, to trust him, with all our hearts, soul and mind.  To have faith...And more then anything to love him, and others, for he is love.  So, when we drift away from who he is we become lost, and misled.  Our thinking, when not based on God, who has given us his word,

to understand who he is, is not observed, meditated on, STUDIED.   We then position ourselves, to believe as the world does.  Look at the world, look at how Hollywood, and non-believers carry themselves.  Look at how their lives are so caught up in their own thinking, that they totally miss, the blessings of God.  We can all be like that.  I suppose, I know, because I for a time, as a young adult, walked away from God, and tried to do things my way.  Like the song....I did it my way.  I hate that song now.  Because when I did things my way....I got caught up in the worst of situations, and made many mistakes.  It is a New Year....and I see Gods hand, already on my life.  Stop and look at your life.  Have you been obedient to God?  Is there something he may have prompted you to do, or given you instruction to do, and you are not following it?  You will not progress, until you do obey, until you observe what his word says.  That just the truth of it.  Think and recall of the the people Moses led, they were by their grumbling and complaining, for forty years, they missed the promise of going to the promise land, because of their complaining.  Because of their disobedience.

Because they built an idol, out of gold, and called it God.  I don't want to miss the blessings of God.

I don't want to be disobedient, or put something before God, that would be construed as an idol.

I don't dont want to be disobedient, any more, and obedient, I will be here, even to tell you....as God instructed me, and to tell you...The great I Am is returning soon.  Are you ready?  Have you given him a place in your heart?  Are you obedient?  Time for us all to get to the word, and see...the plan of God revealed in our lives.  I don't know, if he is returning in a week, a month, a year, ten years, fifty whatever....and I would not even dare to think that I know his plans in this, as much

as I know his word.  For no one knows that date and time.  For again, he is sovereign, and his ways are not our ways.....No matter how much we get to know him, he created us in his image to have a plan....

but he is God!  To him, in his return, it may be soon.  To us, it may be just enough time to get our houses, our temples where he lives, ready, for his return.  To pray, to seek him....To love.  For truly he is love....For our faith, cannot work without love.  Are we forgiving?

But in that time, whatever he gives me, I want to be obedient.   To what he told me to tell you.....

So I tell you, again, and may continue to tell you....

The great I AM, is coming soon.  Please share this with others.  The great I AM is telling me, to tell others.  And by doing so, I know he is telling you.....So you can also be obedient.
And you can also warn someone.... for whatever reason, God is telling us.  Let us be prepared.

Happy New Year....And May God bless you, in your obedience to him.

WHEN THE WATERS ARE STILL THERE IS NO POWER (They Hate us because...)

JUST MY THOUGHTS

Commentaries by Elena Ramirez

WHEN THE WATERS ARE STILL THERE IS NO POWER  Also Known As: 


"They Hate Us Because".....

I am on a journey, this month of November.  A spiritual, and a physical journey.  So, yesterday, I took a ride with my husband, into the Colorado Rocky Mountains, and I took this picture, it is beautiful.  The waters though are quite still.  Do you see the trees and life on one side, but on the other side of the waters, the trees are stripped of their foliage?  It is symbolic, to me, that those who are with God, are living, and blessed.  Their leaf is green.  They have turned over a new leaf, in life.  Those on the other side, are not.  And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth its fruit in its season;  it’s leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he does shall prosper.  Psalms 1:3 Thank you, Lord, may this word, of "Just My Thoughts" prosper.  In the name of my Jesus.  Amen. 

And so, I thought I would use it, in my column, “Just My Thoughts.”  LOL….It is just that too, it’s Just my thoughts.  But, I believe I have the mind of Christ.  And, I am trying to be used by God, and to be a light that shines.  For, the sake of the gospel of Christ.  And I will elaborate about that in this further.  But I want to make a point.  I am seeing, something, in the Body of Christ, and in the world, of unbelievers, that I believe, God wants me to write about, and to use it in reference, to some of my experiences lately.

Job 22:15  Behold, he withholdeth the waters, and they dry up: also he sendeth them out, and they overturn the earth.    I am calling you to overturn the earth, by sending this message out.  The internet, is a great tool.  I am so limited right now.  To send out my e-mails.  So, I call on you.  (please read on)

For I see, when waters are still, they cannot be powerful.  I used to work for the United States government, and I learned a lot about dams, and how water, when it flows, can be a conduit, to bring energy.  Power, electricity,  etc.  If the water cannot flow, it will be in effective.  But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.  John 4:14.  If it does not flow to the power plant, it cannot be used.  And so, I want to make this illustration, by water, to express, symbolically, we are the water.  And if we do not flow, and get to the power plant of God, we will not be used.  To, bring light, to bring understanding, of the power of God. We will become stagnant.  We will be ineffective.  I guess, God knew, that I would make reference to that, and who would have guessed, that my experience working there, years, and years ago, would cause me to write, something, I think thus far, is the most important thing I have written, because the body of Christ, needs to open their eyes.  Spiritual eyes.  I apply this to me as well.  Because my eyes were opened, to see we in the Body of Christ, are not being effective, many of us.  And we are not flowing, as Christ would want us to. 

So, my spiritual eyes were opened.   Recently, through my internet service, I got onto a web page, there was an article, that was written,  about  a famous actor, who tore Bible pages, out of the Bible in Hotels, and threw them away.   He admitted, and felt he had to tear some pages out of the Bible, because they were offensive to Homosexuals.  That was terrible, to do that, and I just feel, and know according to Gods word, God is not mocked.  Galatians 6:7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked:  for whatsoever a man soweth, there shall he also reap.  There again, something sacrilegious....   I cannot understand, (though I know it is the devil) why people would do something like that.  But is becoming very prevalent in our world, that the things of God, and Christianity is being very mocked, and treated with no respect.  Well, I kept up with this blog, for over a couple of days, and what I found out more then ever.  Is that the world hates us, just as Christ said they would.  There is no tolerance for us.  And they hate us for a few reasons.   But what is so much, sadder, is they are openly rejecting truth.  And though, I am proposing, to reach out to others, to bring them to Christ, I cannot help and think; if we don’t let our lights shine, and get busy, and change some things, as Christians.  We will also stand in judgment of God.  And it just does something to me, to want to be used for him, to bring others to his throne.  Folks, there are so many people, who do not know our Lord.  The outcome and end result is that when they die, they will go to hell.  They are according to the word of God, the enemies of the cross.  Phillipians 4:18-20  For many walk of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ.  Whose end is destruction whose god, is their belly and whose glory is in their shame who mind earthly things.  For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Savior the Lord, Jesus Christ.  We need to think about that, with compassion.  And, especially, with the Love of God, in our hearts, for others.  The hardest of hearts, can be softened, if we just change our ways as well, and see how we are representing ourselves as Christians.  And though, I cannot identify everything we are doing wrong, Let me elaborate….on some of the things I did see, in their communications, as to the reasons, why we re not making any kind of progress as Christians.  And I will add to this, I take this to my heart, just as well. 

They Hate us Because….

1.    Because they see us act like the world.  Yet, self-righteous.   And let me clarify this, not the righteousness of God, but self-righteousness.  

    Solution:    Paul tells us a little about that.  Philippians 3:9
      And be found in him, not having my own righteousness which of the law,  
      but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is 
      of God by faith. 

Pray and think about this, but what are your motives?  Are they for your benefit, or for others?  Are your motives truly for the Kingdom of God?  Or is the evidence, showing it is because of your own selfish desires?  What do people hear and see, in your actions, conversation, etc?  Do you snub those who are not in your standards?

        

2.    They do not see the love of God flowing from our hearts, to them.

And, they do not see love to our own brothers and sisters in Christ. 

Solution:  We need to practice love.  Not judgment, but love.

And it can be hard.  But if we let Christ in, and we keep his commandments to love God with all our hearts, and then one another,

we fulfill the commandments of Christ, and then the others are fulfilled.  Take a moment, and just love, by being kind, compassionate, understanding, friendly.  A smile can break the ice, and shows your love and peace.  Extended to someone else.  You can brighten someone’s day.  Are you polite?  In my ministry, I see more people, just asking for things. Or for people to serve.  To do this, that, or the other.  Etc.   Like asking for  prayer.  But, they forget the please and thank you’s. The courtesy’s of life, that we all need.  I have gotten to the point now, when people ask me to do something, in writing or in public, And they do not say please or thank you,  I remind them, and nicely, but that I appreciate please and thank you.  And that this pleases God.  But it also brings, a sense of respect to yourself, for others to treat you well.  Just because you are a Christian you are not someone’s doormat.   

3.    They see us always asking for money, for our ministries etc, and they see right through the reasoning.  A perfect example of this, and this person, will remain anonymous, but just the other night, my husband and I were watching Christian television, and a pastor, was asking for money, using a soda pop companies logo, in parallel, to use in his example as to how much money was spent, on that product, but that we should spend that much money for the furtherance of ministry.  Well, he would have made a good point, if he had not, used that example, to make the reference, because it brought the work, and the Kingdom of God, to a commercial level, and the same level for monetary reasons.  That is putting God on the same level of us. Or that product.   Folks, God is holy.  He is God, and he is sovereign.  So, is the gospel, and the work we do for him.  In other words, God is supreme, and he does not need us, we need him.  But when we try to lower him, to our level, or to commercialize God.  The world sees right through that.  That’s why the world mocks us at Christmas, because it is all so commercialized. 

Solution: We need to keep giving, in the name of the Lord.  For, the sake, of the gospel.  Don’t let the enemy stop you, from giving.  And though, I understand ministries need money, we need to put the gospel first.  They need to see the gospel.  The seeds anyone plants or asks for, should be for the gospel to spread the good news of Jesus Christ, to help others, etc.  When communicating, about the needs of money, ministries need to know what the word of God says about money.  When ministries use the gimmick, of trying to get money, by promising, people they will get money, back.  It turns just into that, a gimmick.  Though God blesses, I have learned, he blesses, because the giver gives, with the right intentions. And that can be icing on the cake.  But the goal, is to further the Kingdom of God.  Concerning, the finances.  Finances, should be monitored, by a board, of representatives to the church, or the ministry, and knowing by God himself, he is watching, to keep people accountable.  We need to be accountable.  Keep good records, etc.  But let us continue to give, for the sake of the Kingdom.  So,let us give, for we plant seeds, and that will bring a harvest. 

For the Kingdom of God. 

4.     They intellectually mock us, because many times, we are not equipped with the word.  To bring truth.  Thus saith the Lord! Christ told us that we err not knowing the scriptures. Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God.  Matthew 22:;29

Solution: Make time, for God’s word!  Study the word, give God your first fruits, early in the morning, by reading his word.  Before you go to bed, open your Bible read it.  Memorize it.  Outline it.  Write it down for your needs.  Use your concordance, but get that word in your heart, and mind, for everything.  I love having my ministry just for that reason.  God makes learning his word, for me, practical, because there is variety, in searching for it.  Because I try to use it, when I write, to justify my “Just My Thoughts,”or for my other blogs.  etc.

5.    They see us as timid, and accepting of losing our rights as Christians, they mock us, because we do not stand up to that which is right.  We do not let our lights shine bright.  We are not bold, when we should be.  Or outspoken, when we should.  Even in little things. Forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they might be saved, to fill up their sins always for the wrath is come upon them to the uttermost.  I Thessalonians 2:16  We let them tell us, it is politically correct, not to say God bless you. When someone sneezes. Now that is extreme. 

Solution:

In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct your paths. 

Proverbs 3:5-6

6.    They see us with a double standard, in other words, we profess this or that, but we do not practice, what the word of God says.  And we get caught in our indiscretions, and sins, just like the world, and they get turned off!!  Who wants to hear someone say they are a Christian, but they are hypocrites.  They are always mocking a Christian who has fallen into sin.  History has shown us this, over and over again.  But we have to be the difference.  Christians are not perfect.  We are just forgiven. 


Solution:  Abstain from ALL appearance of evil.  I  Thessalonians 5:22

 In conclusion, they do not see the fruit of Christ, in us.  And something is wrong here, and I am not trying to judge anyone, or others, even the person, from the soda example.  But, I will say, I am learning too.  And what I see, is our message is not coming out, to be the truth of Jesus Christ.  The message, we are giving in trying to proclaim, we are Christians, is getting polluted.  By our lack of contribution, to serve others, to do what God tells us to do, and it is a reflection on us.  If we are disobedient to God, yes he forgives, but we will not be effective.  And personally, I have not been, effective lately, myself, and I don’t know if it is just the enemy trying to stop me, or it is my own actions, so I am looking at myself, just as clearly, and saying Lord, change me, create in me a clean heart, so I can be effective.  So I can see some victories.  I ask God to be for me, and to show me what I am doing wrong, if I am doing something, that does not please him.  I want to walk in love, more then ever, so I can fulfill the commandments of Christ.  I may not understand, or be able to fulfill all by the law.  But by the grace of Christ, and his word,  I will love the Lord, with all my heart soul and mind, and I love my brother, and sister etc.  I will fulfill this through Christ.  Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.  This is the first and greatest commandment.  And the second is like unto it, thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.  On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.  Did you see, that last part?  If we begin to love, even though, we don’t know all to do in the sight of God, we can be the foundation, strong.  So we, will not be weak.  So I will not be weak.  The body of Christ, is weak right now.  Churches, would be full to capacity, if everyone, who is a Christian, stepped out, and reached out, to that neighbor, acquaintance, person in need, etc.  And, be expressive, never ashamed, you are a Christian.  Wow, what a difference that would make.  So, step out of your comfort zone, for the sake of the Kingdom.  I guess a good rule of thumb, is Seek the Kingdom of God, and his righteousness, and all things will be added.  Well, seek the Kingdom of God for others as well, and they will be added.  Can you imagine, the souls that are lost, and will burn in hell?  Because they have not accepted Christ.  But if you could bring them to Christ, by being the Christian you should be, to save just one, one at a time, wow….let your light shine. Let us pray to God, and ask him to show us the error of our ways.  There is always room for improvement, and understanding, to do God's will.  Faithful is he that calleth you who also will do it.  
I Thessalonians 5:24

So as I close, and as I have shared my heart, and the things the Lord, has placed in my conscience.  I ask you to do something for me.  If you have gotten this e-mail, would you please share it with as many people you can?  Or at least just one person, who might need to hear or see this?  Please I implore you.   To bring some understanding, that God wants us to see our ways, and to change before him.  I am really counting on you, because I am very limited, in sending my e-mails.  Only ten people can get them, through this blog.  So, if you get this, I see something in you spiritually.  So please send this out, send this, so, this message could be multiplied, to someone, who needs to see this.  And we need to remember, we do not always know, who Christ will touch, for the sake of his word.  So be obedient to God, in this.  I, so, need you to shine for me, and for God, more then anything.  Because this message I wrote is for all of us, to see, to open our spiritual eyes, and to try and shine, more for the gospel, to present ourselves at least trying for the sake of Gods Kingdom.  That’s all any of us can really do.  And in his love… I may not be writing for a while, because I am on this journey right now.  But I would so appreciate your prayers. God bless you, dear one, my dear friends in Christ. You are precious in the sight of God.  Thank you, And I close by saying I love you, in our Lord.   Just my Thoughts.....What are your thoughts on this?

Judges 7;4

And the Lord said unto Gideon, The people are yet too many; bring them down unto the water, and I will try them for thee there: and it shall be, that of whom I say unto thee, This shall go with thee, the same shall go with thee; and of whomsoever I say unto thee, This shall not go with thee, the same shall not go.

A PROPHETIC WORD PUT AWAY THE DARKNESS

Just My Thoughts

Commentaries by Elena Ramirez

A Prophetic Word Put Away the Darkness....

Gods prophetic word. Given to me, for the church body, and at church, November 1, 2009

I am the Light of the world.  Put aside the deeds of darkness and put the armor of light on. For God has said let light shine out of darkness.  And has made his light shine on our hearts. Seek my Kingdom, and my righteousness, and all things will be added unto you.  I have not given you a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind.  Put away the deeds of darkness. Again I say, put away the deeds of darkness.  

Romans 13:12

The Night is far spent, the day is at hand; let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.  

I know who I am in Christ, and I say, also, to you, know who are in Christ!!

I know this was a prophetic word, God gave to me, and to give to others.  And so I share it here with you as well.  In my column "Just My Thoughts."

So boldly, and loudly, I spoke that.  At church.  And, As I write Just My Thoughts....I feel many thoughts and many emotions.  But I am focused to write, and share with you that which is on my heart, but also the heart of God.  Boldly and loudly.  I write.  But, humble.  And this is not a contradiction.  Because I know who I am in Christ, but I know who he is, and I am in reverence of my Lord.  For I am, his servant, and I want to be used by God.  My goal is to be Obedient, and with the mind of Christ, to give you a good word.  To bless and guide the reader, reading this.  So, I do not take this lightly and so I want to be balanced, and understanding of Gods will, according to his word.  

I know, I am on the threshold, of new beginnings.  I just feel it.

And I know it is planned.  As I look to the future.   As I look to

my God, my source, of everything.  For he gives life, and life,  abundantly.  I claim that. 

But I also sense and feel the enemy, wants to cause confusion.  God is not a god of confusion.  And so, as I listen for spiritual guidance, and I listen to the voices around me, and that minister to me, and where ever God leads me, I know his voice.  And who ever he may use to minister to me, I recognize, his voice.  The voice of my Lord, my God, the great I AM.  And to a voice that is not his, I turn from.  A voice, that has evidence, of disobedience to God.  I discern it.  And it makes me sad, to see anyone, or the world, walking in darkness.  

And I suppose, I am writing this, because recently, Halloween just passed.  And as I look at the world, and the many people, who I discern are lost in so many ways, I see, that they embrace this Holiday.  Now it is over, and thank God.  But I look at the fruit of what has been left from it.  There are still a lot of creepy, and scary movies.  That are still playing and going strong.  And I know how the enemy wants to plant seeds in hearts, by what we see.  So I want to be careful.  And even as I look out my office window, my neighbors, Halloween ghosts, and witches, are still evident on their front lawn.  And it just reminds me, that the enemies, goal, is to keep on, shedding darkness, in any heart, or soul he can.  I know, from my own walk with God, that it is so important to be obedient to God.  To, seek him.  Because, he is not a god of confusion, but God, almighty, who gives us a way through Christ.  I can have the mind of Christ.  Because, I am, in covenant with God.  And, I am created in his image.  I see that, in anything, I want or hope for from God.  So, I want to be careful not to get involved, in things, that are of darkness.  I guess you could even call it maturity in Christ.  Being seasoned, I don't know.  But, I so want to please God.  

I want the mind of Christ, and I know, when I am not focused, or when I am not hearing his voice.  I have to make the effort, to get close to God.  It may mean repenting, for not even knowing I may be or am sinning, but careful, to not offend God.  To not give place to the enemy in anything, but to submit to God, resist the devil, and he will flee.  I do that in prayer, and I do it in Praising God.  By reading his word, putting it in my heart, where no one can steal it.  And where I can boldly shine for him.  For, I am not ashamed of the gospel, and I am not ashamed to praise God.

When I go to church, I don't care who sees me, or what anyone thinks.  But I am there to offer praise, and draw close to God, so he will draw close to me.  I can do it anywhere, and I do, but I am so blessed when I go to church with other believers.  And we get into the spirit of worship.  I will stand up, kneel at the altar, or just be quiet.  But, it just does something for me, and to me, something so wonderful to praise God.  Loudly, and boldly.  How can I not praise and worship him, when he is so good to me?  I have to shout it out.  God is Always giving me reminders of his love.  I am so thankful to God, and let me reiterate, I am so thankful.  I have to be, expressive in this, it releases me.

So, making the effort to please God, being obedient, being in his light, shedding the darkness, and seeking his Kingdom, does remind me that he does not give us a spirit of fear, but of power love and a sound mind. I can go about my life, my day, and my business, with such a hope, and trust in him that gives me peace. And my thoughts are not distorted, or fearful, because he is God, and he is able to do all things, and through Christ I am able to do all things because he strengthens me.    My goal more then ever, is to be right with him.  Oh to be in fellowship with him!!  To live, this life, Holy before him.  To not, be tossed to and fro, but, to be steadfast in him.  Whatever he has for my life, I want it to reflect,

I am a light for him.  

Just my thoughts this morning....what are yours?