Having the Courageous Faith of a Crocus

Genesis 8:22 While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease.

As the snow piles higher we grow weary of plowing our driveways and scraping our car windows, feeling almost imprisoned with cabin fever.

And yet we have an inner hope based on God’s Word, regardless of the weather channel which keeps forecasting more snow, that spring is on its way as we see the first crocus bravely pop its head through the snow. 

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 If you are going through a winter season in your life and growing weary as circumstances pile high and you feel almost imprisoned in your current situation have the courage like the crocuses to keep pressing through. I want to encourage you today that in your life spring is also on its way. Just as sure as we reflect during Lent on Good Friday we can also be just as sure that Resurrection Sunday is on its way!

Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.

John 16:33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation:but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

CHALLENGE:

 Just as Spring only follows Winter

likewise

 Victories only follow Battles

Attitude of Gratitude

Since I’ve had some toe joint problems I can no longer wear the latest fashion in shoes. Being someone who enjoys fashion I’ve often thought “oh! if only I could wear those beautiful shoes.” Having suffered a stroke 18 months ago and unable to walk I now can be soooo thankful that I can walk again regardless of my footwear. “Lord, may we all be lifted to an attitude of gratitude today” Amen

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Philippians 4:11 for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content

What is Biblical Meekness?

Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart:and ye shall find rest unto your souls. Matthew 11:28

Regardless of how society may define meekness

 Meekness is not weakness!  

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The meek person is not self-willed – not continually concerned with self, his own ways, ideas, and wishes. He is willing to put himself in second place and submit himself to achieve what is good for others. Meekness is the opposite of self-will, self-interest, and self-assertiveness.

The Fruit of Our Lives

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Without the fruit of the spirit, there is no manifestation of My presence within. The fruit is the outward evidence of the root structure.

A light is not hid, otherwise how can it show others the way! Your light shines only as your life manifests the fruit of My spirit. This light reproves darkness, just by shining!

Invest in the root structure and the fruit will be naturally born, not by sweat or toil, but just by abiding and spending time alone with Me.

                                                       Thus saith Papa

 

Gal 5:22 -23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,

gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

 

Joy is Love’s strengthimages-2

Peace is Love’s security

Patience is Love’s endurance

Kindness is Love’s conduct

Goodness is Love’s character

Faithfulness is Love’s confidence

Gentleness is Love’s humility

Self-control is Love’s victory

 

CHALLENGE: Does your walk manifest His abiding presence in your life?

 

Hidden Manna Ministries copyright  ©  M.J.Bass 1999

Truth Will Set You Free!

Proverbs 27:6 Faithful are the wounds of a friend;but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.

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Proverbs 12:19 The lip of truth shall be established for ever:

but a lying tongue is but for a moment.