The Word Illustrated #65--Who do you belong to?

The Word Illustrated #65
© Pamyla Floyd
11/18/2010

Who do you belong to?

Thy people shall be my people, an thy God my God – Ruth 1:16d

That’s a good question for us to ask ourselves. If we look back at the book of Ruth, we will see two central characters namely Ruth and her sister in law Orpha. Both were from Moab (the world), and like us, had an encounter with the true and living God. After their husbands died, they along with their mother in law Naomi headed for Jerusalem.

Along the way, something interesting happened. You see, at some point, we will have to ask ourselves who we really belong to. While it was apparent that Ruth received the great I Am for herself. It is also apparent that Orpha SEEMED to accept Him as her God.

If we go to church because Granny did, or because that new person we are dating or married to does, or because it seems like the right thing to do; then we need to check out our ‘salvation’. The time to accept Christ in our lives is now! At some point we must ALL come broken in spirit, repenting, asking forgiveness of our sins. We must too must believe and confess with our own mouths that YES, Jesus is the son of God, whom He hath raised from the dead.

If we think we are saved by riding on the coat tails of others, we are sadly mistaken. Have you ever heard someone say that they USED to be a Christian? They can say that because they never had a personal relationship with Jesus. They never received Him and when they didn’t get their way, they went back into the world (Moab) where they served teh same gods as before. So, I will ask you again. Who do you belong to? If you are not sure, or want help in the prayer of salvation, please email me.

God bless,
Pamyla

If you want to know how to ask Jesus into your heart, please visit my Salvation page. If you want prayer or need help finding scriptures to stand on, please email me: thewordillustrated at yahoo dot com

Reference Scriptures:

Philippians 2:12b-- work out your own salvation with fear and trembling

Habakkuk 3:18 -- Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation

Note: The illustration is of a woman.

The Word Illustrated #64--Thank You!

The Word Illustrated #64
© Pamyla Floyd
11/08/2010

Thank You

My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; -- James 1:2

"Wakin' up in the morning seeing the sunrise, because of oyou, I Thank You Lord!" These are words from a song entitled "Be Thankful" by Natalie Cole. I heard it last week, and it has been replaying over and over again in my head. As I meditated on the words I thought about my own life and what Jesus means to me.

You knew that You would be betrayed, yet You expressed love for one another, how to inherit the kingdom of God, and how to live abundant lives in this place, which is not our home.

You wore a crown of thorns, pressed into your skull, and took 39 lashes from whips borne of leather, with sharpened metal and broken pottery woven into them. For miles You carried the cross, to which you would endure unimaginable pain, as nails were driven into your hands and feet. You hung there, in the heat, naked and beaten beyond recognizion. You were spat on, and labored to breathe; yet you still forgave us. You could have called angels to minister to you, but for love you didn't. On the third day, just as you promised, you returned. You hold the keys of hell and of death. The tomb is empty. Our faith is not in vain.

I say Thank You Lord!", triumpumphantly and with a shout that travels from the very depths of my soul. Unhibited, unashamed and with great joy, I'm thankful that I am here another day to start over again. I'm thankful that I have another chance to make things right with failed relationships. I'm thankful that I can read Your word; praise and worship you in total freedom.

It is well with my soul. You are the author and finisher of my faith and I will run this race with patience. Thank you Lord, for all you have done! I know know what real life is. It is because of you that I’m free. When you don’t know what else to say, just say “Thank you!”

God bless,
Pamyla

If you want to know how to ask Jesus into your heart, please visit my Salvation page. If you want prayer or need help finding scriptures to stand on, please email me: thewordillustrated at yahoo dot com

Reference Scriptures:

Colossians 3:15 -- And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful

Matthew 10:28 -- And fear not them which kill the body, but, are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell

Note: The illustration is of the crown of thorns that was placed on our Lord

The Word Illustrated #63--Unspeakable Joy

The Word Illustrated #63
© Pamyla Floyd
11/03/2010

Unspeakable joy

And the disciples were filled with joy, and with the Holy Ghost -- Acts 13:52

Happiness is something that comes and goes. We can be happy about a new job, a new pair of shoes or an upcoming event in our lives. We can be happy one minute and not so happy the next. It is fleeting and comes and goes.

Joy on the other hand, comes from deep within. We can have joy even when things are not going well in our lives. This joy comes from who Jesus is and who we are in Him. When we know that our sins are not covered by the blood of animals sacrificed, but that the blood of Jesus that cleanses and redeems, we can be assured that our joy is complete in Him.

Because of our relationship with Christ, we can still have joy when we are faced with job loss, relationship troubles, and everything else satan throws our way. There is no devil in hell, no curse, no psychic no thing or no one who can take our joy away. We are complete in Christ who is the author and finisher of our faith; we are made whole in Him, and can move forward without fear!

Get the word in you! Read it, meditate on it, and read it again. In the movie, The Book of Eli, the character Eli had the last remaining bible and was charged with its care. When the enemy took the bible from him, it seemed that all was lost. But because the word was in him, he was able to complete his task. I suggest that you rent the movie. If you have seen it already, you might want to see it again.

God bless,
Pamyla

If you want to know how to ask Jesus into your heart, please visit my Salvation page. If you want prayer or need help finding scriptures to stand on, please email me: thewordillustrated at yahoo dot com

Reference Scriptures:

II Corinthians 10:5 – Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalted itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

Philippians 4:4 -- Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice

Note: The illustration is of man smiling with great joy

The Word Illustrated #62--Rejoice

The Word Illustrated #62
© Pamyla Floyd
10/21/2010

Rejoice – the time of fulfillment is now!

Colossians 3:23 -- And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;

In the name of Jesus we come Father; thanking you for all that you have done in our lives. WE thank you for a roof over our heads, for food on our tables, in the cupboards, for transportation, clothing, family, and friends and for overflowing abundance in all areas of our lives especially spiritually. Thank you for allowing us to serve you single heartedly, not under compulsion, nor for gifts that we may receive, but because of who you are.

Thank you for hearing our prayers, as they move toward you as fireballs through the heavens bursting with a sweet fragrance spillilng into your nostrils. We thank you Lord for allowing us to by your power and might; to give out of our own need, unselfishly, willingly and lovingly to our brothers and sisters as if unto you.

Thank you for blessing these saints. These intercessors, these vessels of faith and of promise and thank you for causing their ministries to excel under your mighty hand, for you have said that in due season if we faint not, we will be exalted. Father they have been faithful to you, they have planted seeds and I come standing in the gap asking that you remember the work of your servants.

Remember how they labored in counsel when sleep was at their doorway, please remember how they gave food they themselves needed. Lord, remember how they transported others when they were riding on fumes. Remember them for their faithfulness as they gave mentally, spiritually and physically as well.

Father bless them in ways so that all would know that only you could have don such a thing. Many are standing in expectancy of unanswered prayers. Lord open the floodgates right now this day. Show yourself mightily in their lives, so that even those who they might have been deemed unapproachable, speak of your goodness...let them even confess the Lord Jesus and want to know you for themselves.

Allow these your beacons of light Lord to lack no thing. Allow miracles to follow them, flowing through them and let their words, spoken in your will come to pass. Father for their faithfulness and obedience in tithing; let them be drenched with a double portion even 100 fold measure of blessings upon blessings and thank you for meeting them right where they are this very day.

In Jesus name we thank you
AMEN

God bless,
Pamyla

If you want to know how to ask Jesus into your heart, please visit my Salvation page. If you want prayer or need help finding scriptures to stand on, please email me: thewordillustrated at yahoo dot com

Reference Scriptures:

II Corinthians 15:7 – Be ye strong therefore, and let not your hands be weak: for your work shall be rewarded

I Thessolonians 5:18 -- In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you

Note: The illustration is of an male angel I call Endurance Angel. If you were to look more closely you could see scars. If you look deeper you can see a strength that stands on the word of God no matter the circumstances, situations or obstacles that come our way

The Word Illustrated #61--count it all joy!

The Word Illustrated #61
© Pamyla Floyd
9/23/2010

Count it all Joy

My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; -- James 1:2

A song to the Lord:

Lord I don't understand what, why and surely not how. But I know that things are quickly moving. Moving out of place, into nothing that makes sense.

Days drag on, my heart beats strong, for what it does endure. Temptations come but why now, so enticing so strong, unpure. My mind wonders of it’s meaning. I count it all you.

Things I had not thought about in ages, things I never thought about before. Now as I step forward in faith, there are things lurking behind each and every door.

"Come back" they cry, "you don't have to do without, I have life for you". 'They' watch as we grow in God’s grace. 'They' want to take His place.

Like a tree in the middle of the desert lone; the leaves are green, pure and strong. Knowing what's behind, there is no hesitation to run toward what lies before. I count it all joy.

No fear because it is not of Him, no worries because they were never of Him. No doubt nor unbelief, because faith is the way. He supplies all my needs, and in Him I am....whole this very day. I count it all joy.

As a wanderer, struggling against desert storms that would wisk me away. I lean on Him the one in whom I can depend. In Him is life, for he is the way. I am not alone, not even in a storm. It is His voice I hear, that leads the way.

I can smile when others leave me, rejoice when they do not want to be near me. God is my refuge in Him will I trust. He is my shelter, my strongtower.

His love is unwavering, in Him I am complete. I can hold my head high, live life full, satisfied; there is no hunger, He is my meat. He loves me without no judgment and to me He will never lie. I'll love Him and serve Him always, even unto the day I die. I count it all joy.

God bless,
Pamyla

If you want to know how to ask Jesus into your heart, please visit my Salvation page. If you want prayer or need help finding scriptures to stand on, please email me: thewordillustrated at yahoo dot com

Reference Scriptures:

Isiah 54:17 -- No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD

Matthew 10:28 -- And fear not them which kill the body, but, are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell

Note: the animations is of a flourishing green tree in the middle of the desert

The Word Illustrated #60--The ineffective prophet

The Word Illustrated #60
© Pamyla Floyd
9/9/2010

The ineffective prophet

To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: -- I Corinthians 12:10

Many in the body of Christ are with gifts they use for the glory of God. Some are born with their gifts; others are given gifts in life. In I Corinthians 14:1, we are encouraged to follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that we prophesy. The gifts and callings of God are not withdrawn, but they can become ineffective.

When we step out of the will of God, we are telling Him that we can handle our lives better than He. The prophet out of order will:

• Take advantage of others because of their gifting
• Take (steal) what he/she feels they are entitled to
• Use their gift to glorify themselves rather than God or edify the church
• Engage in activities against the flesh, because they feel that they can

When in a rebellious state, any word given becomes cancerous to the person/church that it goes out to. The prophet’s vision is clouded, and they cannot differentiate whether they are actually hearing from the Spirit of the Lord, or seeing through their vain imagination. The receiver is left in a state of confusion, because the word does not bear witness with their spirit. They do not confirm anything that the Lord has already told them, they are words that fall to the ground null and void. Confusion is of the devil, and is he is pulling the strings, putting their life where he wants it, in his hands.

Prophets are people set apart; they have to hear and move, by the voice of the Lord, and not by the influence of man. If not girded with the amour of God, they experience doubt and unbelief. Next, depression sets in, paranoia begins to take over, and they continually look over their shoulders like a criminal on the run. Not only is their sanity threatened, but their very lives are on the line at this point! satan comes to kill, steal and destroy, and he seduces with acceptance and the promise of friends. he wants to and will silence for good any prophet whose ears he can shut from hearing the voice of the Lord their God.

Now the health of the ineffective prophet is under attack as he moves to take your life. If this is you, and you have been living a life outside of God’s standards, I suggest that you confess your sins, ask forgiveness and begin taking the steps to get back in right fellowship and service. I also suggest that you team up with a trustworthy intercessor with whom you can openly pray with. Remember, you are a priest and a prophet, and that you can do all things through Christ which strengthens you! I’m glad to see you back.

God bless,
Pamyla

If you want to know how to ask Jesus into your heart, or want help in leading someone to Christ, please visit my Salvation page. If you want prayer or need help finding scriptures to stand on, please email me: thewordillustrated at yahoo dot com

Reference Scriptures:
Proverbs 18:6 -- A man's gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men –
Romans 11:29 -- For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance

Note: The illustration is of a man holding onto the wing of an airplane with an exclamation point over his head. He is tied onto the wing by a rope

The Word Illustrated #59--Patience

The Word Illustrated #59
© Pamyla Floyd
9/4/2010
Revised from: Feb 28, 2002

Patience

And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also; knowing that tribulation worketh patience Romans 5:3

I can attest this scripture to be true. During times of tribulation, we have the added bonus of a more intimate relationship with the Lord. I had no other choice, but to sit at His feet while He worked with me, on me and thru me. As we go through, our patience is refined by way of the persecution, trials and tribulations of life.

How can we ever grow, develop and mature if we don't experience storms. No one likes going through, but even when all is breaking loose around us, we can find peace that surpasses all understanding through Jesus Christ. I Peter 5:7 says to cast ALL of our cares upon Him, for he cares for us. All means all! When we hold onto things that disturb our peace, our rest, our health we are not in the will of God. We MUST keep our eyes on the prize and press toward the high calling of Jesus Christ.

WE already know what we left behind, need we go back? Ok then, no more standing still. Life is not about yelling and screaming to get our way, or blowing up when we hear things we don't like. Impatience will show up as immaturity or disguise itself as abusive. It is not easy to detect and deal with, but what sweet victory when it is recognized and surrendered to our loving savior.

I had to learn to stop talking so much. Before I thought, I spoke. Patience meant nothing to me, it was just a word. I'm not proud of that part of me, but I am grateful that it is in my past now. Jesus helped me overcome the thing that was destroying my life, and all of my relationships along with it. There is life and death in the power of the tongue, and I used mine to cause death. I have to be honest about it. WE all have something or some things that need to be purged from our lives.

There comes a time in everyone’s life where some thing holds us captive in such a way, that it literally takes our breath away. We become afraid to breathe out. .WE are continually broken before the Lord and deliverance comes quickly if we acknowledge, release and allow the work to begin. When we are put in a position where all we can do is to cling tightly to those things we know to be true and sure, it is then that patience has a chance to have her good work in us.

Surrender now. It is still daylight and much life is left to be lived the right way.

God bless,
Pamyla

If you want to know how to ask Jesus into your heart, or need help in leading someone to Christ, please visit my Salvation page. If you want prayer or need help finding scriptures to stand on, please email me: thewordillustrated at yahoo dot com

Reference Scriptures:

And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me -- II Corinthians 12:9

My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;-- James 1:2

Note: The image is of a marionette doll with various tags hanging around her such as rent, car note, childcare etc