TWI #79--Shine!

The Word Illustrated #79
© Pamyla Floyd
9/23/2011

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

Shine

There are a lot of things that easily puts a smile on our faces; the warmth of the early morning sun, the smile of a child, seeing people who are in love. I could go on and on. These are just a few of the things that make us ‘shine’. But what if the day is dreary, the child continually cries and instead of returning a smile, people are scowling at us? If we really have the joy of the Lord on the inside of us, none of these will keep us from returning a smile.

Its what’s on the inside, that internal force that causes us to shine, no matter where we are, who we are around, or the circumstances we find ourselves in. Matthew 5:16 says to let your light so shine before men, so they would see your good works and glorify God in heaven. Satan bombards us with various trials and situations intended to steal our joy, but Jesus has conquered the world, so that through Him, we would be more than conquerors. We are called to stand, and if we ask, He will give us the strength to do so.

We can do all things through Christ which strengthens us, and there is nothing or anyone that can pluck us from the Lord’s hand, John 10:28. But to shine, that means to not focus on our own situations and circumstances and continue to run this race that has been set before us. Each of us must get to the point in our walk, where the childish things are put away. We must grow and mature and become more selfless and less selfish. We can reach out and make a difference in the lives of others, even when we are in pain.

Someone needs to hear the testimony of how the Lord is bringing you through a trying time. Someone needs to know that what they are facing is only temporary, that God has not forgotten them, and that joy comes in the morning. I was talking with my co pastor about the storms of life one day, and she pointed out that sometimes our blessings are wrapped up in storm clouds! Wow what a revelation! I have not looked at storms the same. We all have a word of encouragement to share. Shine!

As long as you have breath in your body and are awakened to see another day, you have the chance to stand in the gap and bless someone. I resolved to serve the Lord all the days of my life. That includes the times when things are not so sunny in my own life. I will not let temporary circumstances, turn the course of my life, away from the Lord. With all that you have in you, just shine for the Lord. Our God is faithful and He is just. The promises God made you are not voided, because they have not come to pass yet; nor were they ismissed because disaster struck. He is not slack concerning His promises. II Peter 3:9a

He knows where we are at all times, abd He knows what we have need of. He loves and cares for each of us, and is NOT a respecter of persons. Would you learn anything, grow or be able to help someone else if everything went your way? None of us would be of much good if we lived a life like this. Let’s take the focus off of ourselves and Shine! Give of yourself no matter where you are. You are sure to be surprised at what He has, with your name on it.

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:
The LORD upholdeth all that fall, and raiseth up all those that be bowed down.
The eyes of all wait upon thee; and thou givest them their meat in due season—Psalms 145:14-15

That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God—I Corinthians 2:5


*Note* the image is of a 3D dog standing tall and proud next to the word Shine. Both are on a reflective surface.

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TWI #78 -- Merciful

The Word Illustrated #78
© Pamyla Floyd
9/14/2011

The LORD is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all his works—Psalms 145:9

Merciful God

You and I, need to know within ourselves; not just have head knowledge, but know deep within the crevices of our hearts that no matter who says what, no matter what twists and turns come our way, that our God is faithful, just, and true to His word. He loves us with a love that surpasses all that we know and understand. He cares so much about us, that He tells us to cast our cares on him. He promised to never leave nor forsake us. If we face job loss on a beautiful sunny day, does the day turn stormy, windy, rainy and cold, or are we able through Christ to see it as it really is? According to the word of God, we shall have what we say. We have to choose carefully what we let come out of our mouths.

Change in our relationship with Him happens because we moved. Whether the move takes place in our hearts, our thinking, or a physical walk away from Him, we are the ones who carved the wedge and placed it between ourselves and Him. We move when we stop saying what God says,stop living as He says etc. God is in control and He is the author and finisher of our faith. There is nothing that goes on with us, that catches Him by surprise. So, if we lose our job, it is not because He wants us to suffer or because He wants us poor. Maybe He wants to take us to new heights and now we have the knowledge needed to handle the new position. He knows what we have need before we ask. Are we asking? Do we always know what we need? I know that I don’t.

He doesn’t want us living in lack, hungry, sick, broke, busted and disgusted. He takes pleasure in the prosperity of His servants--Psalms 35:27. Our God, the great I AM, can do a ‘suddenly’ in our lives and command the blessing to break forth at any time. It has already been commanded, but it is waiting for us to catch up. Are you ready? Please understand that although your body may be hurting, or your finances may not fruitfully multiplying; because of the promises of God, we can stand on His word and claim what He says is already ours.

I can hear some of you already saying, “But I trust the Lord, I study the word, I do as He says, I don’t see so and so having it so easy”. It is not going to be easy. There are saints who don’t know the word of God, and those who know it, but choose not to live by it. satan has no problem with them, because they are already living defeated lives. They are like the disciples in John 6:66, who went back, and walked with Jesus no more. But, to you the faithful to God, who know and stand on His word, who pray and seek Him, you are a threat to the kingdom of darkness. he comes at you so hard, because he wants to shut you down. He keeps putting distorted images in front of you, trying to sow seeds of doubt and unbelief in your life. Keep fighting the good fight of faith. Keep meditating on the word You will see the salvation of the Lord, faithful is our God almighty.

Keep standing, keep praying, praising, thanking and blessing His name! Resolve above all to stand, and if you ask, He will give you the strength to do so! Now, after all that you have gone through, is your day ruined? Can you thank Him for what He is about to ‘suddenly’ do in your life? Your future’s so bright, you have to wear shades!

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

*Note* The image is of a beautiful golden and orange sunrise over the expanding ocean. This was originally named Madrid Morning

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TWI #77 -- What do you see?

The Word Illustrated #77
© Pamyla Floyd
08/22/2011

What do you see?

Father in the name of Jesus we come with thanksgiving and praise to your name! We thank you for being our healer, our provider, our strength, our peace, and our joy. We praise you for all that you are, and for all that you have done, in Jesus name. AMEN

For all the land which thou seest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed for ever -- Genesis 13:15

I know that I have said it many times before, but all of us regardless of who we are, will face undesirable situations and circumstances in our walk. No one ever said it was going to be easy, peachy and trouble free. If you are one of the few who believed this, then please let me apologize. Whether the challenge is in our relationships, finances, our health or other areas, we must have faith in God, and believe that He will see us through. God told Abram that He would give him all the land that he saw, both to him and to his seed forever. I received an awesome revelation concerning this scripture. In my daily prayer time, I had been seeking the Lord about the things we see (our land).

You see, it really doesn’t matter what is going on around us. What matters is our reaction or default. Our outcome greatly depends on what we say or do. First we must believe that God is, and because He exists, He is who He says he is. Next, we need to know his word. It is through His word that we come to know Him, and to know that the word of God is our sword. Everything else changes, but God’s word never changes. Now because we know that His word never changes, we also know that we can stand on His word. What promises are you standing on?

We have to have faith that sees past our circumstances. So if you have faith, what do you see? Some of you may be faced with health challenges. Do you see yourself stuck in that place and getting worse, or do you see yourself happy, healed and whole? If your relationships are in disarray, do you see them staying that way, or can you see them reconciled, and successful to all involved? What do you see? We mustn’t forget that Jesus is our advocate, and intercedes on our behalf.

He took our place on the cross, so that we could ‘see’ beyond our circumstances, and over into the Promised Land. Because of what he did, we have a hope and a future. He could have come down, but love kept Him there. We have an adversary who is relentless, using lies and deception, to make us fall away from the truth. What is the truth? The truth is that Jesus promised to never leave nor forsake us, that there are more who stand with us, than those who are against us; that we are joint heirs with Christ, and that we are the seed of Abraham, and that we win!

Does knowing all of this makes things easier? No. But we are told to work out our salvation. Remember satan was in heaven at one time, so he knows how God loves us, and that he has wonderful plans for us. If we don’t know what God says about us, we will be defeated every time. Following are some ways to change our view and begin seeing differently.

Know. Meditate. Think. Stand
1. We have to know what the word of God says for ourselves ¬- So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God—Romans 10:17

2. We have to meditate on the word - This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success – Joshua 1:8

3. Our thinking needs to line up with the word of God - As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he? Proverbs 23:7a

4. We stand on what we know to be true - Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand – Ephesians 6:13

If we are hearing the right things (the word of God) our faith increases. If we are thinking (meditating) on the right things, we will see them come to life. By the same token, if we meditate on the wrong things, we will see them come to life. For the thing which I greatly feared is come upon me, and that which I was afraid of is come unto me-- Job 3:25. Now what do you see?

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 scriptures to stand on, please email me: thewordillustrated at yahoo dot com

*Note* The image is of a full and lush tree. One side is red, and the other side is gold. What do you see?

TWI #75--characteristics of a Godly man

I originally wrote this piece on April 29, 2002, and thought that it might still bless today. It was meant for the women, but men benefit from it as well.
_________________________________________
Hello and God bless. I wanted to list some characteristics of godly men. Too often we as women complain and bad mouth the men of God but are we really looking at them in a godly manner or how the world says? Ladies, we have to be transformed by the renewing of our minds (Romans 12:2).

Believe me, they are out there, and if we continue to view relationships and criteria of a person’s character by the standards we used before we became saved, well, we will continue to get the same results Amen!
Please read carefully, praying and asking God to send His Holy Spirit to guide and un blind eyes and open hearts to her the things of God.

I hope you enjoy this writing, and please be sure to follow up on the scriptures. They will be helpful and give insight into what God’s standards are, and not man’s.

1—He loves the Lord, He is saved—Deuteronomy 6:5—some men refuse to say Jesus’ name!

2—He respects and honors you as a woman—Ruth 3:14—He doesn’t try to give false impressions of what is really going on

3—He cheerfully honors God with his first fruits (tithes and offerings)-- Hebrews 11:4—He trusts in God, not the lottery

4—He reverences God and his relationship with Him—Psalms 145:5—He knows where his help comes from

5—He walks away from temptation—Genesis 39:9—He is not easily swayed by all that glitters

6—He is a man of prayer—Philippians 4:6—If nothing else, can he cover you in prayer?

7—His speech is not offensive—Colossians 4:6—“b” or hoe aren’t words of endearment to him

8—He has confidence in God—Psalms 147:11—He knows where his help and strength comes from

9—He has a job or is ACTIVELY seeking one—II Thessalonians 3:10-He isn’t sitting around only waiting on a job in the field he studied for to come open, before he will go to work

10—He does not try to make you go against God’s will or your moral values—Acts 5:1-10—self explanatory

11—He doesn’t run from his responsibilities—John 1:3—debts, child support, work etc

12—He honors not only his parents, but yours also—Deuteronomy 21:18—A man who hates your or his own mother are to be avoided at all costs!

13—He leans on the Lord when going through the storms of life—Philippians 1:8—If he starts to revert back to drinking etc, to calm his nerves/help him focus run fast!

14—His lifestyle reflects that of a man after the heart of God—I John 3:18—he isn’t a Sunday Saint only

15—He is a friend to you—Proverbs 12:2—self explanatory

16—He is tactful—Colossians 4:6—no matter the environment or situation, he is careful in how he handles himself

17—He allows god to influence his life, not others—James 1:8—self explanatory

18—His kindness is genuine—Luke 10:33—he doesn’t expect ‘favors’ in return for something he has done for you

19—He is humble—Philippians 4:11--pride aside he humbles himself to the authority of Christ

20—He is not gullible—I John 4:1—not ignorant of the devil's devices

21—He is communicative—I Tim 6:18—Although he may not be much of a talker, you shouldn’t feel like you are ‘pulling teeth’ to get him to talk to you

22—He takes pride in his appearance—Ecclesiastes 9:8—Wheather he has 5 or 50 pair of pants, he is always clean, pressed and neat, and so is his hair

23—He is even tempered—proverbs 29:22—This man is not hard to recognize

24—He is a man of his word—proverbs 6:19—He does what he says, or let’s you know if he can’t. He won’t keep you guessing about his intentions

25—He is trustworthy—Proverbs 11:13- You won’t hear others, the intimate details that you shared with him

26—He doesn’t hold grudges—Ephesians 4:26—The past is in the past with this man

27—He is not carnal minded—Romans 8:7—He doesn’t accept SOME of the things that God has mandated, and reject others. In other words, he won’t manipulate scripture to fit his lifestyle, wants, desires or “needs”

28—He loves you with the love of Christ—Romans 12:10—If your friendship stays on that level, he is still your brother in Christ and treats you with love and respect

29—He is forgiving—Luke 17:3—He knows that he has been forgiven by Christ and ministers effectively the practice of forgiveness

30—He is content—Philippians 4:11-12—This man recognizes that his needs are taken care of, and that he wants and desires of his heart do not cause him to run after the Joneses. He knows that increase comes from the Lord!

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

Note: The image is of an male angel

The Word Illustrated #75 -- A servant's heart

The Word Illustrated #75
© Pamyla Floyd
07/28/2011

A servant’s heart

For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me -- Matthew 25:35-36

Jesus never hesitated to serve His disciples, or thought Himself more highly than others who served along side Him. He beautifully illustrated this, when He washed the disciples feet -- John 13:5. This is a tender act of servitude toward others. A true servant does not seek recognition or the praise of others. They simply want to help (serve), and would rather work ‘behind the scenes’.

They are most satisfied, when others are able to enjoy the fruit of their labor. They prefer to go unnoticed, and are often perplexed, when the act of helping is praised. Although theirs is a ministry of ‘Helps’; it is more a part of who they are, rather than a ministry position. These individuals often speak to and spend time with those others choose to ignore.

When they go grocery shopping, they buy enough to share with others. If they find a deal, their thoughts go to someone else who could benefit from their find. Generally, they do not worry about what others think of them. They only want to do what is right, and pleasing to God. In the flesh, they question why they are the way they are, sulk and will hesitate to serve. This happens when the deceiver slips through the crack in their armour. he tricks them into focusing on themselves and their situation, rather than helping others. he also tricks them into thinking that they should have more than they do.

Their power verse is Galatians 6:9 -- And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. Once they confess their sin, and repent to the Lord, they can move forward again unhindered. The servants know their calling, and will do what is right, even if it puts them in a less favorable light with others. We are told to be doers and not hearers only, who deceive themselves James 1:22. The word of God is very clear.

The life of a servant is a witness to others. They are so unusual, that they automatically draw attention to themselves, without meaning to. They are watched closely by others. The way you live, how you give, the way you speak to and treat others, is always being scrutinized. When faced with trials and tribulations, others want to know how you handle things, even those in the body of Christ. They want to know if we are willing to only love and serve the Lord when things are going well.

They really want to know if we believe what we say and do, or if it is just for show. The servant knows how to walk by faith, and not by sight, because he/she knows that what we see are only temporal. More than that, they know that if they are to walk in faith, then they cannot straddle the fence. The opposite of faith is doubt and unbelief. They know that they MUST still move forward with singleness of heart in their service to God, because in the grand scheme of things, all things work together for the good of them that love God, those who are the called according to His purpose.


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:
After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded --John 13:5

Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves -- Philippians 2:3


Note: The image is an illustration of a hand holding a beating heart.

The Word Illustrated #74 -- A Growing love

click to enlarge

The Word Illustrated #74
© Pamyla Floyd
07/13/2011

A growing love

O love the LORD, all ye his saints: for the LORD preserveth the faithful, and plentifully rewardeth the proud doer

My dog Blu and I were together for nine and a half years. When I first got him he was just shy of being 6 weeks old. He was the runt of his litter and was so small, that he could fit inside my jacket pocket. As the months went by, he steadily picked up a pound a month that first year. He was a whiny little baby, who was always scrambling to get close to me. When it thundered outside, or something frightened him, I laid him on my chest, so that the sound of my beating heart would relax him.

As he got older, he became too big to even hide in my large duffel bag. You see, he not only went to work with me, but he went with me on vacations, to the store, and to the homes of family members as well. We were always together. When I had to start leaving him at home, he didn’t like it, and let me know. In the mornings, as I readied myself for work, he would grab my socks, run and hide them. I began coming up with games to distract him, and I would run out of the house when he wasn’t looking. Twice he left nice little ‘packages’ under my pillow!

But, if I got a cold and did not feel my best, he would lie at my feet. When I moved, he moved and stood at attention, awaiting my command. If Iwas looking for my keys and said “Blu, where are my keys” he would steer his eyes in the direction they were in. When my mother passed away, he feeling my grief, and would lean against me, using all of his weight. During that time, he walked so close underfoot, that I tripped and fell. When I slept, he would lay on my legs. Ouch!

The whole time we were together, He was willing and eager to please me. He loved for me to talk to him, and was eager to learn. He even knew his left from his right. The love Blu showed me, surprised me at times; especially after a scolding. God used him to reveal to me, what my relationship with Him should look. I should be eager to spend time with Him (in the word), want to talk to Him (through prayer), follow His commands (being obedient) and lean on Him (at all times). Blu didn't care whether I had a piece of cheese, some fish, (his favorite), his ball or was empty handed. He always met me with great expectancy and joy. I never felt slighted, ignored or put off. He was glad that I was there.

Through our friendship, I learned how to fall in love with Jesus. Proverbs 18:24 describes Jesus as the friend that sticks closer than a brother. We can all improve our relationship with Him, by getting to know Him, for who He is. I’m not the only one, who knows how it feels to be 'loved' for what we can give or do for someone. By the same token, we all long to be accepted and loved for ‘who’ we are. In that regard, the Lord is the same way, and He longs to have a more loving relationship with each of us.

I thank God for the time I was allowed to have with Blu. He was a loyal friend who added value to my life. He was a tan Alaskan malamute, Siberian husky mix with powder blue eyes, and a black streak on his back. He would get into the driver seat when I got out of the car, and was so huge, that he looked like a person sitting there. When I was a little girl, I dreamt of having a dog like him. God honored my heart desire, and through a co worker, gave him to me at no cost. In the last couple of years, out of the blue, (no pun intended, of course!) people have offered me the same type of dog. These people had never known Blu. God is so good!

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:
The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee -- Jeremiah 31:3

And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God -- James 2:23

Note: The image is a collage memorial with pictures of Blu, my faithful friend who loved me, no matter what.

The Word Illustrated #73--Getting to breakthrough

Others may ridicule and see you as a clown
The Word Illustrated #73
© Pamyla Floyd
07/05/2011

Getting to breakthrough

We each need to get into a relationship with the Lord and walk closely with Him. Whether it is a word from the Lord, a specific promise, or living as He commanded, we need to know where our help comes from when trouble arises. We are to fight the good fight of faith. If we don’t, we will give up, cave in and quit; never learning to fully trust and stand on His word.

It’s worth it, to take time out to find supporting scriptures, to stand on. It’s worth it to take the time to study, read, and meditate on that word. It’s also worth it, to SAY out loud what God says. Why? Because, faith comes by hearing. Times become hard, situations get sticky, and there will be things that we do not want to deal with, but we can do all things through Christ which strengthen us.

The opposition we face shows up as accusation/ridicule, temptation, and loss. These are designed to crush us, but, we have to know who it is that makes us. Murmuring and complaining is not pleasing to God, these words are filled with doubt and unbelief. “This is too hard”, “I give up”, “I can’t handle it” go against His word. These statements SEEM to take the pressure off, but, they give satan the permission needed, to stand before the throne of God and accuse us day and night – Revelations 12:10

Jesus is our hope against hope, and because of what He did on the cross, we can take hold of and walk in every promise of God. We are told to work out our salvation, which is not going to be easy! Did you know that you are: joint heirs with Christ, the seed of Abraham, and that you have the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit and all of heaven on your side?

Whether the challenges are in our health, finances, relationships or other areas of our lives; we must stay in faith. We have to make sure that what goes in us; what we believe, and what we say, line up with what comes out of our mouths. Our faith is the only thing that moves God.

So what if your world is turned upside down – stand. So what if others laugh and walk away – stand. No matter who leaves, Jesus promised to ALWAYS be with us. Friends, satan comes to kill, steal, and destroy. he doesn’t fight fair and will pull out all the stops. There is no need to be surprised when divers temptations come; no matter what form they come in -- stand. Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand -- Ephesians 6:13.

The loss of job, home, finances, family and friends can be devastating, but remember, it is our faith that pleases God and that in His timing, we will find ourselves whole in every area concerning us. Our reaction is the key that unlocks the door for things to move in His direction or another. What are you saying? Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest – Joshua 1:9

As our ears become tuned to His voice, the more we want to see His will, be made manifest in our lives. In the blink of an eye, He can change everything. It is His will for us to prosper, even as our soul prosper. You need to know that He is no respecter of persons. Your experiences and what you have learned will not only help you down the road, but they will also help someone else.

What seemed like an eternity in the desert, was only a pruning, meant to build and strengthen us. There were attitudes, behaviors, and habits that needed to be striped out. You are now walking under an open heaven, and doors that were not there before, suddenly appear; waiting for you to pass through them. When you know the truth, you are fee. The transition is so smooth, that you don’t remember moving from that place to this. How awesome is our God!

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

*Note* The illustration is of a sad, reluctant clown.