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God Has Done Great Things

I’ve seen forgiveness
Tears flowing as streams
I’ve watched forgiveness
Hope manifest into dreams

I’ve experienced restoration
Bitterness dissolved by love
I’ve dreamed and waited
Great things God has done

Witnessed the miraculous
Hard hearts become new
I’ve tasted the goodness of God
I pray you have too

Time is precious
More precious I’m told
Don’t put off until tomorrow
Forget to unfold

Let go of the haste
The chaos and hurry
Listen for the still small voice
Peace will overcome worry

This earth is fleeting
Old things pass away
Only what is eternal
Remains in THE DAY

© laurette laster 1/24/2022

“Your life will be clean, and you will be ready for the Master to use you for every good work.”

God died to heal our broken places. His redemption witnessed in your life is more precious than Gold. The work is hard, but hallowed. Grueling, but glorious, painful, yet powerful. The greatest part is the full assurance He is with us throughout the restoration process.

I tell others, “There is a hallelujah on the other side, but it is hell in the hallway. But whatever you do, don’t quit.”

Below is a piece of Kintsugi pottery. I received this as a Christmas gift from Greg.

If you’re not familiar with the art of Kintsugi, the story is truly fascinating. Learning about this art witnessed to me the work of redemption through Christ’ atonement.

The owner of the pottery studio wanted me to know how to identify (spot) a fake or a imitation. There are those who attempt to use paint giving the appearance of having been restored, but never being broken. He explained in great detail the difference and the process. This piece is repaired with lacquer and 23.5 karat gold. With the certificate of authenticity he included pictures of the broken pottery, (evidence).

The heavy or thicker gold is where the broken pottery piece was powdered and couldn’t be used. The places seemingly ground to dust, pulverized and hopeless Christ lavishly applies and covers with (GRACE) gold.

Allowing His precious redemption to become viable and visible we become valuable to God, vessels fit for the Master’s use.

This piece, now repaired is valuable and precious, no longer fit or intended for common use. It has been set apart, sanctified…

In our brokenness we truly understand compassion. In our restoration He can trust us for His purposes.

“But God’s truth stands firm like a foundation stone with this inscription: “The Lord knows those who are His,” and “All who belong to the Lord must turn away from evil.”

In a wealthy home some utensils are made of gold and silver, and some are made of wood and clay.

The expensive utensils are used for special occasions, and the cheap ones are for everyday use. If you keep yourself pure, you will be a special utensil for honorable use. (Sanctified)

Your life will be clean, and you will be ready for the Master to use you for every good work.”
‭‭2 Timothy‬ ‭2:19-21‬ ‭NLT‬‬

God bless you and keep you and make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you. The Lord cause His countenance to rise upon you and give you Shalom.

Until next time, thanks for listening with me. Laurette

“Blessed (praised, glorified) be the Lord, the God of Israel, Because He has visited us and brought redemption to His people, And He has raised up a horn of salvation [a mighty and valiant Savior] for us In the house of David His servant—”
‭‭Luke‬ ‭1:68-69‬ ‭AMP‬‬

A Mighty Valiant Savior

Salvations Horn

Can we review
The happenings of old
The Christmas story
How it did unfold

In the city of Bethlehem
Behold a King shall be born
A descendant of David
Salvation’s Horn

But only to those
Who with expectant heart
Came this message, as Gabriel
Announced this start

They were looking
Eagerly awaited
The consolation of Israel
As scriptures stated

When the timing was right
That star shone bright
Just then the chorus rang out
Gloria, Oh Holy night

From The God of Israel
Salvation has come
And from no other
His Arm is the Son

Salvation had come
In the way of a babe
Sight to the blind
Strength to the lame

Noel Noel
Come and see what God has done
The greatest gift ever known
Jesus, Messiah God’s perfect Son!

© laurette laster 2017

Noël comes to us from the Latin verb nasci, meaning “to be born.”

Noël is “Christmas” in French. Noel can also mean good news, coming from the French phrase bonnes nouvelles (“good news”). Noel can even mean birthday. With this meaning understood, no wonder we sing Noel at Christmas to celebrate the good news of the birth of Jesus!

In seasons of turmoil and confusion we are instructed to take, grab hold of, clasp, embrace: [a close encircling with the arms and pressure to the chest especially as a sign of affection : HUG] refuse to let go, hold fast our faith, which becomes our hope and courage, knowing our King, Valiant Savior reigns. We may not understand His timing, His ways or His why, but we can be assured when the time is right we will know and understand. (Isaiah 55:8-9)

And, in understanding we will see The Gift He planned long ago, still gives and continues to deliver. In the darkest hours His light shines the brightest. Perfectly delivers over and over, precisely at the kairos time, the Right time, the Perfect time, the opportune time…

My prayer is we embrace the change, understanding, if He brings us to it, He surely means to bring us through it and show others His amazing deliverance which is His faithfulness.

According to the scriptures.

“Glory to God in the highest [heaven], And on earth peace among men with whom He is well-pleased.”
‭‭Luke‬ ‭2:14‬ ‭AMP‬‬

Merry Christmas

God bless you and keep you and make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you. The Lord cause His countenance to rise upon you and give you Shalom.

Until next time, thanks for listening with me.

“At that time the Ḥanukkah came to be in Yerushalayim, and it was winter. And יהושע was walking in the Set-apart Place, in the porch of Shelomoh.”
‭‭Yoḥanan (John)‬ ‭10:22-23‬ ‭TS2009‬‬ (The Scriptures)

A Miracle Happened Here

A miracle happened here
Our ancestors were shown
The God of Israel
Appeared, yet unknown

A miracle from then
Time of Remembrance
God saves and Gives Light
The Light, His Entrance

A miracle happened there
God’s house had been defiled
Recapturing the Temple
The people no longer beguiled

A bloody fight
People deduce
Never to bow
Or worship Zeus

The miracle of God
Hanukkah, a time to remember
Working to rededicate
One cold December

Kislev is December
For us who study to know
A miracle happened there
Long many years ago

The miracle of oil
Flows in human temples today
If you rededicate The altar, purify
Make Jesus THE ONLY WAY

© laurette laster Hanukkah 2021

Jesus said “I AM THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD! Whoever follows Me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (John 8:12 NIV).

We know our Savior Christ Jesus was not born on December 25th, but we celebrate His miraculous conception and coming birth on this date. Hanukkah begins on the 25th of Kislev.

God has ordained seven Feasts or moedims, (Leviticus 23) set apart times that we are to remember each year. And He also commanded them Sabbath, a time to meet every seven days. God is big on remembering, so much so He created and marks His very own calendar.

Christ fulfilled the first four feasts and no doubt He will fulfill the last three. Purim and Hanukkah have been added remembering miraculous deliverances by the sovereignty of God’s salvation and deliverance, which is Yeshua.

In the gospel of John, chapter 8 and again in chapter 9, Jesus announces and identifies Himself as The Light of the world. His announcement was between The Feast of Tabernacles and Celebrating Hanukkah, which He attended.

Was identifying Himself as The Light of the world at this time a coincidence? I don’t think so.

The miracle of Hanukkah is the miracle of oil, not the long bloody 24 yr. battle won by the Maccabees. Why?

Battles will continue but darkness will never dispel The Light of God. Light dispels darkness.

Jesus said in John 2:19, destroy this temple and I will rebuild it in three days!

By His blood we are cleansed and rededicated back to God. And now we are called the light of the world.

Salvation is the greatest continuation of God’s miracle oil, anointed to burn brightly, so we can go and tell others and share the light.

A miracle happened here and continues…

God bless you and keep you and make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you. The Lord cause His countenance to rise upon you and give you Shalom.

Until next time, thank you for listening with me. Laurette

Do you hear what I hear? A time of remembrance…

The Season is Nigh

The season is nigh
The time has come
God all powerful
Three in One

The time has come
Now is near
Listen carefully
Do you hear what I hear

Time had come
His gift Divine
His only Begotten
Fullness of time

God ever merciful
Full of grace
In our unfaithfulness
He paid for our disgrace

When the time was right
Our Gift is Christ
Miracle of Oil
Eternal Light

© laurette laster 2021

Hanukkah begins on Kislev 24, tomorrow night, November 28th on the Gregorian calendar. Our Jewish brothers and sisters light the first candle of the menorah in remembrance, commemorating the miracle of oil.

Are you familiar with Hanukkah? The Hanukkah story includes so many rich deep prophetic images, The Servant Candle, the miracle of oil, taking back the temple, rededication, lighting the menorah with only enough oil for one night available, due to the shortage of purified oil. If you are not I recommend you study this.

Our celebration of Christmas and the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah have many similarities. We know the Light of the World is Christ. Our Messiah is Christ Jesus. He paid the price to rededicate our earthly body back to God, cleansed by His blood, becoming a temple for God’s presence, anointed, housing the oil, giver of life, the light, the life, the eternal promise of Christ’s redemption. Yes, I Believe! It is a miracle.

When man reaches for God we call it prayer, when God reached down to man, we call it CHRIST-MASS. A Savior was born to be our King.

“For today in the city of David a Savior is born for you, He is Christ the Messiah” (Luke 2:11).

Yes I Believe! It is still the greatest miracle ever known to mankind.

“And of His kingdom there shall be no end”

“He will be great and eminent and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David; and He will reign over the house of Jacob (Israel) forever, and of His kingdom there shall be no end.””
‭‭Luke‬ ‭1:32-33‬ ‭AMP‬‬

God bless you and keep you and make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you. The Lord cause His countenance to rise upon you and give you Shalom.

Until next time, thank you for listening with me. Laurette

Do you hear what I hear…

I pray you make time for your gratitude list

Thanks Giving

I will give you thanks as long as I live; I will raise my hands to you in prayer. (Psalm 63:4 GNT)

Turkey and Dressing
And pumpkin pie
Giblet gravy and fixings
My oh my

I love all the food
I have a traditional twist
But where shall we go
To make our gratitude list

The table of course
We gather not scatter
It is family time spent
That truly matters

Maybe your family
Is not so traditional
Whatever you do
Make it conditional

Conditioned and slathered
Covered with love
Overflowing with thankfulness
We can all have a part of

Making this world
A better place
Wouldn’t it be heartbreaking
And even a disgrace

To not set aside
A determined time
To be eternally grateful
I think it would be a crime

You can be the one
To make the change
Set a table
Invite the gang

Invite the crew
gather around
Start the list
Of blessings that abound

List at least one
Of the blessings that make you glad
You’ll find countless others
There are many yet to add

I know of one thing
That God has blessed you with
May I help you begin
Your gratitude list

I thank The Lord for you
The breath in your lungs
Now go ahead
Your turn, take the plunge

Make a list
Check it twice
I am so grateful
For this life

Filled with you my friends
That have gathered here
I wish you all
A Great-ful Thanksgiving this year.

laurette laster © 2018 Thanksgiving

“And as he entered into a certain town, there met him ten men that were lepers, who stood afar off; And lifted up their voice, saying: Jesus, master, have mercy on us. Whom when he saw, he said: Go, shew yourselves to the priests. And it came to pass, as they went, they were made clean. And one of them, when he saw that he was made clean, went back, with a loud voice glorifying God. And he fell on his face before his feet, giving thanks: and this was a Samaritan. And Jesus answering, said, Were not ten made clean? and where are the nine? There is no one found to return and give glory to God, but this stranger. And he said to him: Arise, go thy way; for thy faith hath made thee whole.”
‭‭St Luke‬ ‭17:12-19‬ ‭

God bless you and keep you and make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you. The Lord cause His countenance to rise upon you and give you Shalom.

Until next time, thank you for listening with me. Laurette

Happy Thanksgiving. This celebration is incorporated from our Puritan brothers and sisters.

The festival of Sukkot, gathering, celebrating, sharing, and tabernacling with our Lord.

Did you know the cornucopia is fashioned from the shofar?

Or that the booths at state fairs and carnivals are imitations is the sukkahs and celebrations?

As we clearly see, leaving God out it becomes twisted and marred, But, at the root the treasure to rebuild remains.

“Don’t neglect to show hospitality, for by doing this some have welcomed angels as guests without knowing it” (Hebrews 13:2).

No to Holiday Blues

The leaves have fallen, seasons change is here
Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays draw near.
Remember the reason and be fully present
Never give up, pull back, or become hesitant.

The holiday blues are sure to pass you by
If you’re determined to do this, not just try.
For try, never accomplished not one thing,
Just fills us full with regret, and leaves us wondering.

The spirit of the holidays is for pouring out love
Just as we’re shown from heaven above.
Rejoicing and sharing out of our abundance
It’s the measure of our heart – never redundant.

If you find you are lonely and start to feel blue
Look around and you’ll find someone who,
Has need of much and is lacking provision
Then simply turn and make this decision.

It is more blessed to give than it is to receive
It works different in ‘The kingdom’ for those who believe.
For when we love and do good to all people,
We become the church, not merely a building holding a steeple.

© laurette laster

Keeping things in perspective during the holidays…

The holidays can be a lonely time, especially if there has been a break in the family, or worse the death of a loved one. “It is more blessed to give” and extremely difficult, almost impossible when we are hurting, and our pain and wound is raw, and real, and fresh, and tender. We understand, Jesus Christ, taught this as a remedy, and a healing balm for broken hearts and wounded emotions, but even more our Savior walked this out for us, becoming our ensample.

Remember: Not everyone is in love; Everybody else doesn’t have it all; Every family isn’t together; Some families are dreading being together; Some will avoid family gatherings; BUT, some will find the beauty of the season and Give to those less fortunate. This is the time to Give Back and share with others, from the abundance The Lord has blessed you with. Go find someone in need and help them, you’ll never regret being the hands and feet of Jesus. Take His light into someone’s darkness and witness His glory transform their lives.

Look around, I dare you…

I double dog dare you…

“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me” (Matthew 25:40 NIV).

“Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers” (Galatians 6:10 NIV).

God bless you and keep you and make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you. The Lord cause His countenance to rise upon you and give you Shalom.

Until next time, thank you for listening with me. Laurette

There is beauty scattered all around. I pray we do not overlook the simple seasonal joys, like one single acorn next to a fallen leaf.

“They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor.”

Fallen Acorn

Once we were acorns
Secure and held tight
Then came the time
Much to my fright

Branches were jostled
Winds caused shaking
And just like that
To the ground we went quaking

Where is my crown
I steadied to see
What has happened
To you and me

Christ left His glory
Taking off His crown
He was born
Raised from hard ground

We have come
For such a time as this
Acorns must fall
To form Oaks of righteousness

Might be scary
Dark and lonely
But time will tell
Which is only

Our crowns are for Him
To lay at His feet
Once the acorns
Leave the tree

Fallen and planted
In God’s harvest field
Oaks of righteousness
Increase the yield

Gems in His crown
Fashioned in deep ground
Once we were acorns
Lost but now found

So we mustn’t fear
planting season
Buried and forgotten
Profound reason

In maturity we understand
Soon we will see
Being fruitful is beautiful
Acorns do fall from our very own tree

© laurette laster

In this picture the acorn is almost obscure, yet it is the only thing in the picture with hope of a future. Many years ago our oaks were heavy with fruit. One windy afternoon as the trees were casting off acorns I saw how it is much the same as we are released into the earth.

The psalmist describes our days were written, past tense, in The Book, His Book, His Story written long before we came.

“You saw who You created me to be before I became me! Before I’d ever seen the light of day, the number of days You planned for me were already recorded in your book”
‭‭(Psalms‬ ‭139:16‬ ‭TPT‬‬).

Acorns are attached to the tree with a covering, a crown and with the power to reproduce…

Think about it.

I pray this season you search and find your worth and value in His calling, covered in His righteousness and filled with His truth. I pray you fulfill the Hope of His calling; I pray the Hope He has in you be experienced in overwhelming waves. That dirt may be just what you need.

“I pray that the light of God will illuminate the eyes of your imagination, flooding you with light, until you experience the full revelation of the hope of his calling —that is, the wealth of God’s glorious inheritances that he finds in us, his holy ones!” (Ephesians‬ ‭1:18‬ ‭TPT‬‬).

“to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes,
the oil of joy instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.
They will be called oaks of righteousness,
a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor.

I delight greatly in the Lord; my soul rejoices in my God. For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of his righteousness, as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.”
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭61:3, 10‬ ‭NIV‬‬

God bless you and keep you and make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you. The Lord cause His countenance to rise upon you and give you Shalom.

Until next time, thank you for listening with me. Laurette