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Could we ever have imagined that we would come to a time like this? A time where moral knowledge would need to be defined or defended? I read recently, we are called to be salt not sugar. Think about that.

Proverbs 2:10 NEV

For wisdom will enter your heart, and moral knowledge will be attractive to you.

What can I share?

What do I give?

Always sow love,

Be quick to forgive!

What can I take?

What should I keep?

Your commandment of love,

That loudly speaks!

Of Your great love

and heartfelt compassion,

Generously portioned

Never to be rationed!

Boldly proclaim

And keep in full view,

Your words are life

they always ring true.

God, is not a man

That He should lie,

He is faithful and true,

Watching from heavens eye.

For the things of this world

Are passing away

Hold dear His truths,

in your heart today.

For in these times

Of bleak uncertainty,

His word alive and powerful,

Lives eternally!

What The Lord has declared

Shall never falter,

Take this truth

To His alter.

Call on His Name

declare not to be moved,

His word is His bond,

Who can reprove?

When reading the translation above, I found the word ‘moral’ very interesting. It jumped out at me. What other truth or true knowledge is there? Knowledge must be moral, right? Unless we find ourselves in prophetic times such as now, like in the book of Daniel, where the enemy is trying to change times and seasons.

It is time for God’s people, the blood bought church to stand up, speak up, and walk in our truths. We are the salt and the light.

There are many feel good gospels today, beware lest you be led away with false doctrines.

I pray we know the truth, Gods word is (His only) truth. I pray we bind these ‘moral’ truths in our hearts and in our minds.

Poem written by laurette laster © 2018 February

Psalm 119:89 NKJV

Forever, O LORD, Your word is settled in heaven.

Psalm 12:6 KJV

The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times.

God Bless you and keep you and make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you and give you Shalom.

I pray our ears are tuned to moral truth like the ringing of fine crystal when tested. May our spirits immediately recognize and grab hold of His pure word, purified and tested. Then we will not be moved.

Thank you for listening with me. Laurette

Psalm 92:2 To declare Your lovingkindness in the morning And Your faithfulness by night,

This morning when I woke up, the song, Take Us to the River, by Robin Mark, was in my heart. Before I ever opened my eyes I began to sing this song. Then I reached for my bible and began reading Isaiah 61. I was reminded of this poem I wrote in January.

Many of my poems are from certain events along the way as I traveled the road to complete redemption. I thought especially about verse 10, for He has clothed me with garments of salvation. Garments! Not one but plural. I so desire to enjoy all of my garments of salvation. But more than anything I desire to share this good news with others, from a heart of pure love. How can we enjoy true salvation if we do not share this good news?

My desire is to share with those who do not know or have not experienced The pure love of our Lord Jesus Christ. I long for them to taste and see that He is indeed good, not only good, but Very Good, Extremely Good, and Perfect. I want to share with others that nothing they have done or that has been done to them, disqualifies them from His amazing grace. I want them to experience ‘The Perfect Love’ that love that protects, covers, soothes, warms, and promotes us. I long to share from my experiences and introduce this love to others.

Perhaps like me they might just ask, “God could this be available for me too?”  Oh to experience and know the Love of God. I want them to wear their wedding garments.

I’m not worthy to wash Your feet
beside You I am assigned a front row seat.
so unworthy to latch Your sandals,
a place beside You, in spite of the scandals.

Can this be true, my heart is screaming?
Is this for real or am I dreaming?
You loved me before I ere did know You,
Oh Yes I agree all my love is due, too.

To You, My King, and Kinsman Redeemer,
This is perfect; I am Your forever dreamer.
Taking your hand I’ll run this race,
Until in Your arms and face to face.

I want to bring many along on this journey,
Show me how to get off this gurney.
No more dead works or idle displays,
Time to get serious for heaven’s sake.

 

Poem written by laurette laster © 2018 January 23

I must decrease so that He may increase, John 3:30.

Father, I pray that we who have our garments of salvation, share from what is Yours today with others. Freely we have received, freely may we give. Amen

God Bless you and keep you and make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you and give you Shalom.

thank you for listening with me. laurette

When we come under attack it is good to secure our thoughts, and our minds,  with the word of God, prayer, praise, and worship. I liken this to four sides, a plan to keep our minds, and our thoughts, safe and secure. These are how we batten down and cover our mind when the storm rages, and you know it will.

When the storm rages
And I know it will,
In Your still small voice, I hear,
Be calm! Be sure! Be still!

When the winds do howl,
crashing waves upon the rocks,
I will not fear nor be afraid;
Knowing the dangers You do block!

For when I succumb to fear
Thinking all is lost and gone,
It is then I am reminded
To whom I do belong.

You are my Shied and Buckler,
You are my Hiding Place;
You are my Strong Tower,
My peace and Saving Grace!

My Shelter and my Refuge
From all of life’s storms,
All Powerful and Mighty,
Protector from all of life’s harm.

Yes this vessel is Yours to sail,
I’ll batten down the hatches,
I’ll keep my eyes completely on You
Remembering it is You who catches.

You have no rival nor any foe
that can defeat or withstand,
this promise to Your children,
Protection by Your own hand.

Now as we prepare to sail again
reminded as danger approaches,
the storms of life will not overtake me,
I am in You, Almighty Creator of the ocean.

laurette laster © 2018 July

Hebrews 12:3 AMPC
“Just think of Him Who endured from sinners such grievous opposition and bitter hostility against Himself [reckon up and consider it all in comparison with your trials], so that you may not grow weary or exhausted, losing heart and relaxing and fainting in your minds.”

To batten down the hatch is to secure a tarpaulin cover over the hatch or opening. The batten is to keep the tarpaulin from blowing off. When bad weather was imminent, the hatches were covered with tarpaulin and the cover was lined on all four sides with wooden strips, know as battens. When we find ourselves being attacked we must batten down our tarpaulin (thoughts, mind) with The Word, Prayer, Praise, Worship. These four things will keep our minds dry, protected, and safe. I know it is difficult. The picture above that looks like a W, in the sky, was actually a sign to me during a very difficult time. I couldn’t seem to get this negative thought out of my mind. I woke up thinking about it and I went to bed thinking about it. I knew this was wrong and that I had to fight this fight over my mind and my thoughts.

During this time I was driving to work one morning around 6:30 AM and I noticed the horizon was odd. It was unlike I had ever noticed before. I kept thinking about the cloud bank on the top and the bottom with the sun glazed clouds in the middle. I drove toward this for several minutes when I thought, “that looks like a Hebrew letter.” I took out my iPhone and snapped the picture. How I wished I had taken the photo about 15 minutes earlier, before the clouds began to dissipate. It was much more defined when the sun first came up. When I had time I did what any good study does, I went to Google,  and sure enough it is very much like a Hebrew letter and it is pronounced Sh. I got it. A sign from above to sh, shush,  be quiet, hush the negative thoughts. So each time the offense came to my mind I would begin to sing a praise song, or begin praying. If I were home alone I would get my bible, stand up and begin reading the words out loud. It worked and it always will. Today I honestly cannot recall what the offense was.

Recently I have had an opportunity to again become negative or offended, but I remembered the above incident. Batten down the hatches quick, I told myself. Yes I had to go through a process. Taking every thought captive and pulling down strong holds cannot be done with a magic touch. I have discovered that it must be done in and through a process. Line upon line, precept upon precept, but we make the decision immediately to forgive and to pray over the situation. After we have made the decision to not take offence we can begin the work involved. We can stand on verses such as Hebrew 4:15, The word of God is alive, powerful able to discern the thoughts and intents of our minds. The word of God divides between soul and spirit, even judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Wow that is the batten I want covering me during my stormy seas and dangerous waters.

The hatches were openings covered by wooden slatted grates that allow for ventilation in the interior of the vessel. Hatches are found on ships and other sailing vessels and are simply the openings to allow for fresh air.

Ruach HaKodesh,

Father thank You for Your word which protects our minds and our thoughts. Your word is alive and sharp enough to cut through our carnal thoughts. May the words of our mouth and the meditation of our heart be pleasing and acceptable in Your sight, oh Lord our Rock and our redeemer. Holy Spirit it is You who is the wind in our sails. We have hope ‘This’ hope as an anchor for our souls. Guide us precious Holy Spirit and counselor, You are our guide through rough waters and the choppy seas of life. May we always be a willing vessel ready for The Master’s use. Amen

God bless you and keep you and make His face shine upon you, and be gracious to you and give you Shalom.

thank you for listening with me-laurette

Get Fit-Father Knows Best

It is time to shape up

Time to ‘Get Fit’

I’ll be off to the gym

With all of my grit.

 

No need for new clothes

Or fancy new shoes,

I need to gain muscle

Get firm, fat to lose.

 

Now while I was driving

seeking The Lord for wisdom,

Get a job, join the gym,

Came a sign from heaven, concerning my decision.

 

In my heart I was simply asking

get a job, join the gym, Lord how bout it?

God has a great sense of humor.

With this answer, now I don’t doubt it

Knowing to stop

crackers and buttered bread,

The struggle is real

And a choice I dread.

 

Discussing with another

my thoughts and intention,

When a car pulled in front

personalized plate, witty invention.

 

The tag read ‘Get Fit’

Is this my sign?

Confirmation or mere coincidence?

A word in due season, just in time

 

So when you pray

be careful what you ask

He speaks very plainly,

Here’s your sign about the task!

 

© laurette laster 2018 July

Matthew 6:8-13 The Message (MSG)

7-13 “The world is full of so-called prayer warriors who are prayer-ignorant. They’re full of formulas and programs and advice, peddling techniques for getting what you want from God. Don’t fall for that nonsense. This is your Father you are dealing with, and he knows better than you what you need. With a God like this loving you, you can pray very simply.

My husband and I were driving home after spending five days in Galveston. I was driving and Greg was half dozing. The truck was quiet and I was following the flow of the traffic.

I truly believe I am in a new season and I am to write. This has been a major shift and a huge transition from me. I got what I believe is confirmation from a good friend at church. He told me he felt that The Lord had instructed him to give me a scripture each week.

I was energized and extremely happy when he told me and shared this with me.

He on the other hand felt somewhat out of place and nervous. He told me that he knew I read my bible, and explained to me he felt a little weird about this. He let me know if I didn’t t think he heard from The Lord, to please say so.

I explained to my friend I would always desire to hear from The Lord, and was honored to receive whatever The Lord gave him, for me. The next week I met him in the hallway as we were each leaving our class. I held out my hand with a huge smile on my face and true to his word he placed a piece of paper with Revelation 21:4-5 written on it.

The first scripture I received from my friend was, Revelation 21:4-5 I couldn’t wait to see what The Lord would speak to me. So I hurried to my pew and looked it up.

What stood out to me was, Behold I make all things new, and He said to me, Write for these words are true and faithful.

I believe this was a message to me through the word of God. This word didn’t come from some mighty prophet, or did it?

Yes I believe it did. A man who is following the unction of Holy Spirit and delivers to me from the Table of The Lord. The Bread of life. There is not a better prophetic word than one right off the page of God’s Holy, Inspired book.

Most of the poems and the writings The Spirit pours out are deep and thought provoking. The poems speak of love, hope, my journey, the pain I see in another’s eyes, etc. Many are prophetic and a call to the Church. I enjoy them all and am amazed that The Lord is using me in this new way.

Every now and then He surprises me with something funny, light and humorous.

I’m someone who has always worked. I have been in leadership and management at various levels for most of my working life. This type of responsibility can be overwhelming and not conducive to writing or having quiet time to reflect and be creative. Having been someone who has worked very hard and been very busy, I can say it feels good. It is having purpose in life and having a nice income is a great perk also. I know these are God given values and I know God desires that we work and have purpose. But can our purpose change? Are we discovering different levels of life along the way? Will our true destiny and purpose take us on a different road?

What about when the tide changes? The new scenery, the shifting, the unknown? The faith it until I take it journey?

As I said I was driving. It was a quiet peaceful Sunday afternoon. We were returning home from a wonderful time at the beach, soaking up the sun, touring historical homes, ships, and exploring Galveston’s history, then ending our trip with a wonderful Church Service. Not neglecting to assemble with new brothers and sisters, and meeting together with other fellow believers.

In my mind I was thinking, what do I need to do to become more active. Wondering if I should go to work or go to the gym so I could continue to write.

Greg woke up and we began talking. I told him what I was thinking about and said I’ve been seeking The Lord about these things.

Greg doesn’t believe I am to return to the corporate world. He would never tell me I can, or I cannot. The truth is I do not believe I am supposed to either, but sometimes I still wonder, am I missing it? Greg, encourages me to seek and follow The Lord and His will for my life.

Greg said if you want to join the gym, then join the gym. Simple advice. He has been telling me this for over a year now. Remember I am the hard worker, the independent woman, the one who is adjusting to the change. In all honesty, I worry and possibly I’m a little afraid. I worry that Greg will think I am not doing my part. Maybe somewhere in the old me, that old voice says, I must ‘pull my weight’ so to speak.

Well God was listening in on our conversation. Imagine that.

No He wasn’t listening He was very much a part of our conversation. Where two or three are gathered in My Name I am there also.

A beautiful teal Mercedes Benz, with a personalized license plate pulled over right in front of me. It seemed once I noticed the tag “Get Fit” it sped off.

Greg said, “well sweetheart I think you just got your answer.” Wow! Confirmation or mere coincidence? I do not believe in coincidences.

Did you know In our original language of Hebrew there is not a word for coincidence or retirement?

Greg and I laughed so hard about this.

I’m amazed and so in love with God. God wants to be asked for His opinion. He longs to share His wisdom with His children.

The Bible says to seek God and His wisdom.

Matthew 7:7 Jesus tells us;

Ask and it will be given

Seek and you will find

Knock and it will be opened to you.

I guess drive and you will see a sign follows, huh?

I love The Lord so much. I lay all my thoughts and desires before Him, and ask that He speak to me just as I would expect an all knowing earthly father to speak to me. Many years ago I would go to my knees and call out to Him, Father I call upon You according to Jeremiah 33:3 and you know if I had an earthly father, he would answer when I call. So I believe you answer me when I call. You said You would tell me things to come.

Yet this Father, our Father, who is omnipresent, omnipotent, immutable, all powerful, all knowing speaks in such simple ways. Isn’t He funny sometimes?

What a God, what a Father and what a Friend we have in Jesus.

I truly believe it was confirmed. Behold I am doing a new thing. Write.

God Bless you and keep you and make His face shine upon you and give you Shalom! I pray you see how gracious He is to each of us.

Thank you for listening with me, Laurette

Oh and PS keep an eye out for your sign.

God tells us in Isaiah 55:8, His way’s are higher than our way’s, and His thought’s much higher than our thoughts.

I say we take to the highway of our Lord, and drive our vessels like there is no tomorrow. Isn’t it time for a road trip where the memories are wonderful and last into eternity? Spirit lead us, all the way home to You.

Hands on the wheel
it’s time to drive.
Chosen journey
where I come alive.

Choose the highway
scenic route,
pleasant weather
Clear all doubt.

Both hands on the wheel
I’m free to choose,
My destination
Win or lose.

My Atlas choice, Holy Bible
Compass and directions,
Able to map my course 
complete with needed corrections.

Choose you this day
Which way is best,
Spirit or flesh,
It is Life or death?

The flesh is carnal
And death to all,
Those  traveling with you;
Not one, but for all!

The Spirit brings life
Alive and exciting,
while traveling this road
the destination is inviting.

Giving us peace
New morning sunrises,
Traveling with Jesus
New mercy surprises.

Joy and peace
And tranquil gleanings,
Along this way
Life has new meaning.

No longer to search
for a quick turnaround,
Proceed to the route
God’s ways found.

The choice put before us,
is life or death.
Isn’t it simple?
Why this test?

So Choose we may
The Lord said, “hear”,
The answer, Choose life!
Bring an end to fear.

Poem written by laurette laster © 2018 June

Photos captured by laurette laster © 2018

Deuteronomy 30:19 ISV
I’ve set life and death before you today: both blessings and curses. Choose life, that it may be well with you—you and your children.

Isaiah 40:3-4 NLT
Listen! It’s the voice of someone shouting, “Clear the way through the wilderness for the Lord! Make a straight highway through the wasteland for our God! Fill in the valleys, and level the mountains and hills. Straighten the curves, and smooth out the rough places.”

John 6:63 NIV
The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing.

God Bless you and keep you and make His face shine upon you and give you Shalom. Nothing missing nothing broken peace. Jesus peace I give you……….

Thank you for listening with me. Laurette

Redeemed and restored

made alive and whole,

much more than a feeling,

entire new wardrobe.

It is time for your fitting. Did you know how we see or view ourselves determines to what depth we can believe God, and His word?  You have Designer Apparel awaiting, it is time for your fitting, right this way……….

I came to His feet

as a dirty peasant,

lifted in love

oh how pleasant.

Ashamed and afraid

because of my sin,

forgiven and loved

completely by Him.

 

Redeemed and restored

made alive and whole,

much more than a feeling,

entire new wardrobe.

A form fitting belt

engulfed by truth,

a righteous breastplate

is restoring my youth.

 

designer shoes

that go well with my belt,

peace equals truth

when truly heartfelt.

 

Shielded with faith

when out in the weather,

protecting all

as  my outfit comes together.

 

my hat is a helmet

and fit for a queen,

it is so that I can,

believe everything.

 

That comes with my sword

which is The Word,

for now I can see

it is no longer blurred.

If you cannot understand

what it is I am saying,

never you mind;

I am simply praying.

 

I have been clothed

Full Armor of God. I wear,

no longer filthy rags

I am under His care.

Now dressed for service

not given to peril,

no longer nervous

In my “DESIGNER APPAREL.”

 

Poem written by laurette laster © 2018 July

photos courtesy of google

Ephesians chapter 6, tells us to put on the full armor of God, so that we can take a stand and fight. What are we fighting? We are to fight the good fight, the fight of putting our faith in our Lord Jesus who is the word, with the shield of faith.

When we are fitted for service it makes a huge difference in our stance. Our uniform signifies to others often what our title is. We recognize uniforms of our military men and women and of our police or fire fighters.

These individual must go through very rigorous training and are recognized by levels they attain to, or earn and reach throughout the course.

The authority of the police officer is not because of the clothes he or she wears. No, the uniform is simply evidence of that authority. The authority must be studied, then practiced, earned and lastly learned. Through training vested in him or her, prior to being allowed to wear the uniform and be issued weapons. The work was done starting in a classroom. The uniform and the right to have and carry weapons is a benefit given to him or her,  because of the hard work and training. Through his or her diligence and hard work, they have earned the right or the privilege that goes with the uniform. He or she, has proven to their superiors and other officers that they have learned and studied and now are able to show themselves ready to handle the authority.

How much more authority do we as believers in Christ, have against the enemy, and his wiles? We have all the access to all the authority required by God to come boldly into His courts, the throne room of God, who is The Judge of all.

I pray we consider today how we see our selves. As in all ranks of service, there are levels. No one is unqualified or unfit. We simply must show up and be trained and taught. Philippians 2:13  for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.

1. Have you received your salvation and forgiveness for the remission of your sins, through the death burial and resurrection of Jesus and His shed blood? Do you confess that God, raised Jesus, from the dead and confess Jesus as your Lord and Savior?
2. Have you signed up and committed to the call?
3. Are you ready to study and learn daily?
4. Are you prepared to walk in our authority and use your weapons wisely for the good of the kingdom?
5. Are you prepared to fight? Praying always.
6. Are you trained and ready to stand and take our watch?
7. Are you redeemed and found in Christ Jesus, doing what He requires? Jesus said, “when I come will I find faith?”

God bless you and keep you, and make His face shine upon you, and give you Shalom, peace, nothing missing, nothing broken.

If He did it for me He will do it for you. Thank you for listening with me – Laurette

The LORD is my Shepherd

I shall not lack or be in want.

He makes me lie down in green pastures,

He leads beside still (quiet) waters,

He restores (refreshes) my soul

He guides me along right paths for His Name’s sake

Even though I walk through the darkest valley,

I will fear no evil,

For You are with me;

Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me

In the presence of my enemies.

You anoint my head with oil;

My cup overflows.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me

All the days of my life,

And I will dwell in the house of The LORD forever.

Psalm 23:1-6