Counting the Omer
When counting the Omer
A days measure counts
Leading into weeks
Forty nine required amount
Feast of Weeks mentioned
It is the name of His Feast
What is this purpose
For what do we seek
What is the Omer
Why so much instruction
Given specific details
Do not allow obstruction
The promise to write His laws
In our minds and on our hearts
By counting the Omer
When do we start
Beginning after Passover
When The Lamb was slain
But why now barley
What is the picture of grain
A verbal counting
Prepare to receive the law
Think about it, in one accord
At Sinai there was a roll call
We should stop and consider
Their obedience and sacrifice
Just how frightening
This entire experience
Feast of Weeks
By counting the days
Reaching forty nine
Just one more to say
For Pentecost arrived
Had fully come
Started by counting
Beginning with one
God has a plan
Perfect and exemplary
If we shall yet obey
Study His vast treasury
And when The Day had fully come
Waiting as Jesus commanded
Peter, the others, and Mary were there
And not a one left empty handed
The Gift Of His Spirit
Has been fully poured out
In full measure we understand
The Omer count
© laurette laster April 2019
These are Pentecost clouds. They have the appearance of steam and mist that rise up and come from rolling waves. There has been so much talk about Tsunamis. I think this is a picture of an outpouring.
At Sinai, God, handed down to the children of Israel The Law of God. At Pentecost He poured out over and into His obedient ones His goodness, writing His laws in our hearts and on our minds.
This goodness is secured only by the blood and passion poured out by Jesus Christ. Today at sundown begins the last week of Pentecost. Today is day 43 of counting the Omer. It is also Jerusalem Day. On Shavuot the Torah was given and at Pentecost Holy Spirit came as the sound of a mighty rushing wind… Are you ready?
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
Category: poetry
A Tribute to Mothers
She is like a trading ship bringing divine supplies from the merchant.
A Tribute to Mothers
The crowns of our mothers
Strength and dignity hers
Not jewels and dainty gems
Nor leather, minks, and furs
More like grit and tenacity
Mingling with her grace
It was determination in the trial
Etching the lines on her face
If I could trace those lines
Where would the roadmap lead
I would understand
I need to pick up speed
It was dogged resistance
No telling what behind that smile
But she didn’t ever quit
More than once going the extra mile
Struggles polished her inner beauty
Through it all priceless treasures secured
Oh the gold and pearls of wisdom
From the tragedies she endured
Those hands worked harder than any
Not the life she desired nor dreamed
With grace she continued onward
Silencing the fear and inward screams
“You know your mama loves you”
Sweet words I miss today
For now she lives in glory
On earth she saw her end of days
Hard work, struggles with heartache
The crowns our mothers displayed
Become half the woman she was
Well I can only pray
The crowns worn by our mothers
Transcend words and definition
You must look deep within
To understand their royal position
May not seem like dignity to others
But to those who knew them well
Their stories ebb from lessons in trials
The crowns of our Mothers, from a love they can tell
2019 Copyright © laurette laster
Happy Mother’s Day, to my mom in heaven
Through her struggles, trials, hardships, lessons, losses, wins, victories, and the many tragedies, I watched her life go from rags to riches. No earthly wealth that some would call riches. But peace with God through forgiveness, that brought an afterglow to her life. We had many supernatural experiences, more precious than diamonds, and more costly that gold. For this I am so grateful.
Due to extreme hardships her beginning was not effortless grace on a sofa of luxuries. Some would describe her as hard, or maybe callous but underneath was the heart of gold. However, I’ve yet to meet or find a more loyal, determined, tenacious, ferocious mama bear; not only to hers but others along the way. I never saw her quit.
I watched our mother work; (becoming her helper in later years), long hours, rebuild after life changing tragedy (more than once), work to repair damage caused by mistakes made, give back, help others, and train and equip employees, and mentor many women along her journey. But I never saw her quit.
She gave me the best she had; I am a better woman today for it. Because I never saw her quit.
I’m grateful I had a front row seat in the redemption story of the life of my mother, Donna B. She was not only my best friend on earth, but also my mentor, my encourager, my trainer, and disciplinarian when needed. After a few experiences I became a quick study, thankfully not a lot of discipline was needed.
Not a day goes by that I don’t miss her. When I watch others with their moms today I will smile; I don’t cry like I thought I would, I just smile and wonder what the reunion in heaven will be.
My desire to make her proud is as strong today as it was when she was here on earth. Her early years of sadness were difficult, but I witnessed the great exchange, God gifting her the oil of joy for mourning, in her latter years. Because she never quit.
I fight and win today, in the blessings God is gracing me, knowing this is for and from her losses. I am walking in the fullness of hopes and prayers she prayed, the prayers she thought went unheard. The prayers she believed wouldn’t come true or didn’t manifest. They didn’t in her life, or her mother before her, but I know I am gleaning from these precious fruits. How could I not run the race set before me? When she didn’t quit.
I am the recipient of seeds sown by the strong women who have gone before me. I glean from gardens I didn’t till or weed, eat choice foods I didn’t harvest, because she paid a price to bring recovery alive in our family. For this I am grateful. And I never saw her quit.
She wasn’t perfect to others, but she was to me.
“Because I never saw her quit.”
She tried quitting a few times but a swift warning from someone she loved and respected jarred her into reality. And then she never quit.
We have a promise from Christ; to those that overcome I will give them a seat with Me.
Here and now, but for eternity to come. Because they never quit, we persevere and never quit!
To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with Me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne. (Revelation 3:21 KJV)
“She searches out continually to possess that which is pure and righteous. She delights in the work of her hands. She gives out revelation-truth to feed others. She is like a trading ship bringing divine supplies from the merchant. Even in the night season she arises and sets food on the table for hungry ones in her house and for others.
She wraps herself in strength, might, and power in all her works. She tastes and experiences a better substance, and her shining light will not be extinguished, no matter how dark the night. She stretches out her hands to help the needy and she lays hold of the wheels of government. She is known by her extravagant generosity to the poor, for she always reaches out her hands to those in need. She is not afraid of tribulation, for all her household is covered in the dual garments of righteousness and grace. Her clothing is beautifully knit together— a purple gown of exquisite linen.
Bold power and glorious majesty are wrapped around her as she laughs with joy over the latter days. Her teachings are filled with wisdom and kindness as loving instruction pours from her lips. She watches over the ways of her household and meets every need they have.
So go ahead and give her the credit that is due, for she has become a radiant woman and all her loving works of righteousness deserve to be admired at the gateways of every city!” (Proverbs 31:13-15, 17-22, 25-27, 31 TPT)
God Whispers
The lovers of God will be glad, rejoicing in the Lord. They will be found in His glorious wrap-around presence, singing songs of praise to God. (Psalms 64:10 TPT)
God Whispers
When I don’t know what to do
I hear You whisper, ‘be still’
In that whisper I understand Your voice
I answer, “I know You will”
When my heart is scared
Again that sickening sense of dread
I am so grateful for Your whisper
Shhh; in You Father, my fears fall dead
Your whisper causes me to lean
Enter into Your personal space
I am reminded You invited me here
For an intimate encounter face to face
Your word is Your bond
My safe tower and protective hedge
Never fear just continue on
Summons me onward to the edge
Whisper again Father
As I ignore the wind and rain
For in Your very being
I find the peace to just refrain
Refrain from fear and the doubt
Remind myself You are God
And what you have began
Cannot return unto you void
It shall accomplish what You please
Prosper in what You have purposed
As long as I stay close to You
Reminded of what You purchased
So gentle like the early rains
Soft like summers breeze
When I hear Your whisper
Relax and rest just breathe
For when the time is right
Until then just press on and prepare
For eye has not seen You whisper to me
All that I have for you there
Copyright © laurette laster 2019
Trying to figure things out can get us in a rut, and unwillingness to change can leave us stuck in the rut of our own making.
If our schedules get too busy we can lose our sense of balance, now in light of covid 19, we find not going about our normal lives and routines has created different issues, throwing us off balance. What is right? What is safe? Who has the answers? Who can we believe? Can we believe what we hear?
Balance is a function of the inner ear. I’m a logical person, so when something doesn’t make sense it will throw me off balance.
It’s nice and comforting when life makes sense, right? If something is off or out of balance I need clarity and resolution. For me to keep my composure and balance, I require an intelligent conversation about the subject with someone I trust. One thing I really valued working for Concord Hospitality, was that conflict resolution and valuing people was key. It was never acceptable to walk away from issues, without both sides offered (at least attempting) understanding, why and what. Asking questions was not only allowed it was expected. So when someone doesn’t know how, or will not allow discussions for clarity this throws me off balance. If motives are pure and upright and honest, what is the problem? Right?
God desires truth in our inward man or inner being. I am reminded the inner ear is where balance functions. There is fluid in the inner ear. If I understand correctly what I read, this area resembles a level and functions the same way. If the fluid gets out of balance we can have the feeling or sensation of dizziness. As I was thinking about the function of the inner ear and comparing this to truth to the inward man, I have a clear realization. It is from this place our spiritual and emotional balance, is managed, and maintained. I see a direct correlation to balance and what The Lord is saying.
The inner ear has two main parts. The cochlea, which is the hearing portion and the semicircular canals, is the balance portion.
How can I be sure my actions are pleasing to God ? Can I be certain? Can we know and have understanding? Does the bible give us clear directions?
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard our hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7 NKJV)
We find ourselves facing trials and obstacles we’ve never endured before. We do not have to know the outcome to remain balanced and have peace now. We are assured in the scripture above, that God, has reserved a place where He can communicate with us. There is a place He has access to, a place above our limited human understanding; a place where He can and will communicate with us. This communication guards our hearts and minds, when we set aside the anxiety and talk with Him. This is covenant talk, Face to face and Holy Spirit to our spirit.
We are comforted, realizing we are in His care. During this time of uncertainty we have a God who promised to lead us and guide us. I continue to remind myself to beware of distractions and foolish arguments, while not being lulled into complacency. I’m seeking God pleasing balance concerning the issues facing us.
We are assured of this, the body of Christ must remain in prayer concerning the virus, our Nation and others, our president and the upcoming elections.
This election will make or break us America. I pray our heart is right before God. I pray Christians vote and that all votes secure a moral and God fearing future.
“for I made the decision to know nothing [that is, to forego philosophical or theological discussions regarding inconsequential things and opinions while] among you except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified [and the meaning of His redemptive, substitutionary death and His resurrection]. (1 Corinthians 2:2 Amp.)
but just as it is written [in Scripture], “things which the eye has not seen and the ear has not heard, and which have not entered the heart of man, all that God has prepared for those who love Him [who hold Him in affectionate reverence, who obey Him, and who gratefully recognize the benefits that He has bestowed].”
1 CORINTHIANS 2:2, 9 AMP
Those who love Him…As we hold firm, we will see the glory of God revealed.
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
Think on These Things
“Be cheerful with joyous celebration in every season of life. Let joy overflow, for you are united with the Anointed One!”
Philippians 4:4 TPT
Think on These Things
Lets take a magic carpet ride
Put this madness all behind
Where could we choose to go
Release that fear in your mind
We will travel high above
The fear and this dread
Take our seat and sit quietly
Think on these things instead
Whatever things are true
Whatever is noble and just
Set our mind on things above
Simply said, let go and trust
Whatever things are pure and lovely
Along with those of good report
When keeping our mind on these
We are seated in God’s court
In His presence is fullness of joy
Discover virtue and what is praiseworthy
Come let’s take our seat
Far above what is topsy-turvy
When our mind is stayed on Him
Fear has no place to enter
In prayer we fly high above
Safe in Him our thoughts can center
Let’s stop and travel back in time
When we didn’t fear or dread
Prayer will set us far above
Seated with Christ Who is The Head
Don’t take a seat and entertain
Or listen to evil reports
“What they said was impossible”
Our decisions are made in a Higher Court
We don’t need a magic carpet
We don’t look to soothe sayers
We are seated far above
Circle His throne along with Pray-ers
Then returning back to earth
Realizing we never have to fear
For it is not a magic ride we need
Simply called to pray and draw near
This carpet under my knees
Well yes, I traveled across the miles
Prayers supernaturally lifted to heaven
Oh how that makes me smile
© laurette laster April 20, 2020
On Monday April 6, 2020 while making my bed I was talking to God.
Prophetic word
On the early morning hours of Monday April 6, 2020….
Wow oh wow! Praise God!
This morning while I was making the bed, I had a word from The Lord. I heard from the Lord concerning this virus.
I was talking to The Lord; I was actually questioning my discernment, while asking God to judge my thoughts. With all the talk about the virus still spreading, many saying shelter in place until May 20th, I was talking/praying with The Lord. I said to The Lord, “Lord I’m not trying to deny the seriousness of the virus. I sure don’t want to miss You. I don’t want to be caught unaware. However Lord, I don’t sense an urgency to panic, and I do not buy into what they are saying. I don’t have a witness in my spirit that what they are saying is correct or the right action to take. Am I wrong? Lord, am I not sensing the seriousness of this? What about the vision you gave me on Tuesday morning 3/31/2020? (A humongous water spout of prayers came down from heaven hitting the USA so hard it shook loose the virus, washing it out.) I know the vision was from You. Am I missing it? Am I off?”
Almost immediately, I heard in my spirit, The Lord interjected and said, “They said it was “impossible” for Donald Trump to be elected.” The Lord interjected with ‘they said’! Wow! I fell on my knees right there beside the bed and began to laugh and say; DO IT AGAIN LORD, OH LORD, YES DO IT AGAIN.” I knew what He meant; I knew what The Lord meant. The prayers of the saints…Praise God!
If we buy into the fear, listening to and believing what ‘they say’, it hinders our ability to hear from God. The Spirit of God is truth. Truth is higher than fact.
God warns us of impending danger. He does not scare us. God does not use fear to get our attention. Wisdom and or warnings from The Lord, left unheeded, can and often do bring sudden disaster on us, causing fear. But God doesn’t blind side His people.
I have also leaned and discovered people (myself included) always know. Often using statements like, “something told me” or “I had a sick feeling” or “I knew better”. Not understanding how God speaks can leave some wondering why God didn’t warn us. He definitely does warn us. He warns, corrects, rebukes, trains, disciplines, etc. it is found in His sound doctrine the Bible.
Years ago the Lord showed me a truth that I will always remember. Fear causes our heart rate to increase, and our blood pressure to rise. Then the blood begins to pump through our body faster and faster. If I were to get bit by a venomous snake, fear would increase the speed of the venom throughout my body. If I do not panic the venom will not reach my heart.
Yes the danger is real but our God is Almighty.
If we remain calm, pray, and call on The Name of The Lord, we will survive until help arrives.
I am not suggesting we do not heed good sound advice. I am not suggesting not using precautions and continue with good hygiene (duh). I am saying God doesn’t want our country bankrupt with ungodly folks spewing what ‘they said’!
And I know God is calling His church forth.
I’m reminded of something Greg says often; don’t forget doctors are not God that is why it’s called a practice. I thank God for our medical professionals but our faith food is heaven sent.
This virus has brought out the swamp creatures. Creatures hiding in the abyss and muck, tunneled down deep in the swamp (saw this while praying during early Morning Prayer time at the church, this made me nauseous). I for one had no idea about Bill Gates and others pushing for and wanting requirements mandated for a vaccine. “WTW” Have we lost our freedoms in the United States of America? Or are we passively sitting by as they are being taken from us?
On Friday April 17th I had another word from The Lord, He said, “the Gates of hell will not prevail against My church.” We can relax. I knew The Lord was referring to Bill and Melinda Gates and this vaccine business.
Greg and I said this is like living in the twilight zone.
We know God has allowed these threats to be made known, so that Christians can vote for morality and a descent culture for our future.
We watch elected officials, hired and placed in office by our votes, elected to work for us, those who are paid by our tax dollars who over and over refuse to help the citizens.
We must pray and set our minds on things above. Wisdom from above is pure, from The Father of light.
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.”
Philippians 4:6-8 NKJV
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 be gracious to you.
Until next time, thank you for listening with me. Laurette
Along The Road To Emmaus
During the forty days after He suffered (His Passion) and died, He appeared to the apostles from time to time, and He proved to them in many ways (many infallible truths) that He was actually alive. And He talked to them about the Kingdom of God. (Acts 1:3)
Along The Road To Emmaus
When He broke bread, gave thanks, and gave to them…
Along The Road to Emmaus
How our hearts did burn within
Traveling along Emmaus road
Who is the visitor among us
How had He not been told
He didn’t seem to have a clue
About the story we shared
As if He had mere questions
Along the road we compared
All that had just happened
Was it factual and true
Continuing down Emmaus road
This Stranger in the company of two
We told all that Jesus had done
How He did preach, and teach, and heal
Powerful in word and deed
The kingdom of God, He said is near
The tomb had been found empty
The women did go and tell
Peter, John, and the others
Saw that it was vacant as well
Then He made this statement
Oh slow to see and learn
The prophets spoke these very events
Look into the scriptures and turn
He explained to us the prophecies
About Messiahs destiny
How He must suffer many things
Then enter into His glory
Sitting down to eat
He continued on to teach
The words He spoke did penetrate
Deep into our spirits did reach
Breaking bread our eyes were opened
To all He said and knew
Who was this Stranger among us, now gone
Jesus Christ that’s who
So today while you’re walking
Just going about your day
Pay close attention to the signs
That surround you along the way
He will make you come alive
To all He said He’ll do
And your heart will burn within
As He talks and converses with you
The Cross wasn’t just for show
It IS a world changing event
LOVE’S greatest transfer, opens hearts and eyes
When to His will we relent.
Poem written by laurette laster copyright © 2018 March
What would it have been like to have been there? Would I have been different? Would you have been different? How would you have responded? Would I have wondered about the Stranger? Would I have attempted to catch Him up, to explain to Him what had happened? Would I have said, “are You the only who doesn’t know about what had happened?” What would you have said?
Yes, I’m sure of it. How in their excitement, amazement, wonderment, the whirlwind of emotions, they were trying to wrap their mind around all the events that had transpired. Can we for a brief moment stop and imagine and experience the raw power of this encounter. Can we see ourselves with them? In the questions, heated debates, those who tried to explain it, the emotions flowing through their minds and even their heart, they were not sure what they thought or believed. Is it true? Did He rise? Did someone steal the body? I know what He said; we know He was a prophet, but we didn’t see Jesus…Did He really mean He would rise? Is it safe to believe what He said.
and at that moment they found themselves in the midst of a divine encounter and completely unaware.
Luke 24:13-35 NIV
On the Road to Emmaus
13 Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles[a] from Jerusalem.
14 They were talking with each other about everything that had happened.
15 As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them;
16 but they were kept from recognizing him.
17 He asked them, “What are you discussing together as you walk along?”
They stood still, their faces downcast.
18 One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, “Are you the only one visiting Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?”
19 “What things?” he asked.
“About Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied. “He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people.
20 The chief priests and our rulershanded him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him;
21 but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place.
22 In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning
23 but didn’t find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive.
24 Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but they did not see Jesus.”
25 He said to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken!
26 Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?”
27 And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning Himself.
28 As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus continued on as if he were going farther.
29 But they urged him strongly, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over.” So He went in to stay with them.
30 When He was at the table with them, He took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them.
31 Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight.
32 They asked each other “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?”
33 They got up and returned at once to Jerusalem. There they found the Eleven and those with them, assembled together
34 and saying, “It is true! The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon.”
35 Then the two told what had happened on the way, and how Jesus was recognized by them when he broke the bread.
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
The Fight
The Fight
——————————————————————
Isaiah 59:16
“He saw that there was no man–He was amazed that there was no one to intercede; so His own arm brought salvation.”
THE FIGHT
You Were The Reason Why
Rolling up His sleeves
You know those are fighting terms
He had taken all He would
Once and for all the lesson would be learned
I turned away when He made a fist
I just couldn’t bear to look
Stretching out His Arm I saw
It was the nails He took
What kind of Warrior was He
I thought He would do it right
Fisticuffs you know
Isn’t that how real men fight
His arm laid bare to show
That He had made His plan
Coming as our Redeemer
Fully God and fully man
Oh the fight was won I’d say
The day He laid down His life
Have you stopped and considered
It was Jesus Who paid the price
But wait there’s more I must tell
About a borrowed tomb
The devil thought he had won
Shocked the people felt doom and gloom
But the fight had only just begun
Because early on Sunday morn
Jesus Rose Up out of that grave
Into the gift of Salvation we have torn
The gift God delivered on Christmas
Well it is opened at the Cross
Because Jesus showed that ol devil
Proving to him Exactly Who is BOSS
That fight I couldn’t bear to watch
It was bloody and oh so brutal
He was fighting for you and me
Jesus won it all, the whole kit and caboodle
I just thought you’d like to know
The fight has already been won
When A Real Man laid bare His Arm
Salvation came by way of crucifixion of His Son
The Cross The nails the mocking
The abject posture of quitting
It was all part of Gods perfect plan
Into His tapestry He was knitting
His perfect plan stitch by stitch
Designed and perfectly orchestrated
Woven Into the pages Of Christianity
God’s Man won! Now God’s people are liberated
He fought and secured at Calvary
His Resurrection Victory has no end
Because as long as you have breath
He’ll fight for you and defend
Call on His Name while He May be found
Do not let another day slip by
Because that fight that Jesus won
You, yes you were the reason why
Copyright © 2019 laurette laster all rights reserved
Isaiah 52:10 KJV
The LORD hath made bare his holy arm in the eyes of all the nations; and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God.
———————————————————-
Isaiah 53:1 MSG
“Who believes what we’ve heard and seen? Who would have thought GOD ’s saving power would look like this?”
CEV
“Has anyone believed us or seen the mighty power of the Lord in action?”
Isaiah 53:1 CEV
NKJV
“Who has believed our report? And to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed?”
Isaiah 53:1 NKJV
——————————————————————
Isaiah 59:16
He saw that there was no man–He was amazed that there was no one to intercede; so His own arm brought salvation, and His own righteousness sustained Him.
“Their strength and weapons were not what won the land and gave them victory! You loved them and fought with your powerful arm and your shining glory.
But you saved us from our hateful enemies, and you put them to shame.”
(Psalms 44:3, 7 CEV)
In February 2019, during prayer, I saw in my spirit the image of a man preparing to fight. I was a little girl in the early 60’s and fist fights were still around and pretty common. Fair old fashioned fist fights; where quarrels became heated, threats were mouthed, and yep you know. Tempers flared, the shirts came off and everyone knew what was about to transpire. A crowd would gather around, cheering or jeering depending on their choice in the fight.
Shirts would be removed. Often the shirts were ripped off, thrown down to the ground as anger boiled over letting others know this was serious. When a man began rolling up the sleeves of his shirt, it was a sign also, a very distinct sign. Everyone knew the meaning of this sign. This act meant one thing, the fight was on. It was evident the disagreement had reached a point of no return; it had to be settled once and for all. There had to be a winner.
Witnessing men, and yes sometime women fight, was NOT something I enjoyed. Actually I cringed, hating to see men fist fight. It was all too common.
While walking with Isaiah and listening to him describe the Arm of The Lord, and how our Lord worked, His clothes torn off, revealing His back, brought forth, the crucifixion of the Cross, fighting, by laying down His sinless life in order to pay for our sins, that we may obtain Salvation through His fight, this vision birthed this poem.
Our God is a fighter. Our God is a warring God! He is our Defender.
Reading Isaiah 52:10 gave me the visual of a fight. This verse took me back to a time, helping me understand something I didn’t, and couldn’t understand then. Then I saw our Savior, Messiah, Jesus bare His Arm, or roll up His Sleeves, and yes the fight was on. Jesus settled the issue, once and for all.
He would not only fight for us, He secured our salvation. Oh The fight of Eternity. This was The Fight that was fought, The Fight for our eternal souls.
Yes… still The Greatest Fight of All Time!
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
Soothes as it Severs
Recently the Lord quickened to me; “don’t forget about those bulbs.”
Soothes as it Severs
Soothes as it severs
Lances deep in love
Comforts as it cuts
Confronts without a shove
Divides to cause unity
Pierces while it pursues
Knows my every thought
Yet never attempts to argue
Openly brings to light
Wrongs and wickedness
Desires only honesty
Never vague or impetuous
What soothes as it severs
Lancing hearts He loves
Divides and conquers
While tender like a dove
Cuts us to the core
Soul opened wide
Revealing thoughts and intents
Hiding deep inside
What scans our very being
Discerns never cheating
Cauterizes as it cuts
Never leaves us bleeding
Maybe raw and bruised
Transformed and healed
Brought face to face with God
Honestly revealed
Alive and powerful
Sharp and persistent
The Word of God
Perfect and Efficient
© laurette laster Feb. 12 2020
“God’s word is alive and powerful! It is sharper than any double-edged sword. His word can cut through our spirits and souls and through our joints and marrow, until it discovers the desires and thoughts of our hearts. Nothing is hidden from God! He sees through everything, and we will have to tell him the truth.” (Hebrews 4:12-13 CEV)
Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth. (2 Timothy 2:15)
Sharper than a double edged sword
Piercing between thought and intent
It divides and discerns
Helping us as we learn
Recently the Lord quickened to me; “don’t forget about those bulbs.”
I had forgotten. I had completely forgotten that last fall I dug up my elephant ear bulbs, storing them away for winter.
They will come back if left in the ground, but last year it was late June before the ground was warm enough, getting enough sun for the elephant ears to break ground.
I had never dug up the bulbs before so I had to do some studying.
The instructions said to cut them back to the ground. Dig up the bulbs. Place the bulbs in a plastic sack and store under a tarp or other covering out of the elements.
I did just as the instructions said. I placed the bulbs in a large empty pot, in the back of my garden shed. I set a half empty bag of mulch (still in the bag) over the two plastic bags I placed the bulbs in. I said a quick prayer and left them there. Had I done it correctly? Would they live? I was concerned.
And yes I forgot about them. I guess maybe I wasn’t as concerned about them as I thought. Or better yet maybe there was a lesson waiting for now. A word for now, for this very time, perhaps it is a lesson and a word in due season.
Early this March I was prompted by The Lord; “don’t forget about your bulbs.”. I said oh I have forgotten about them, then I made myself a note.
A couple of weeks ago on a beautiful, sunny, spring like day I went to the garden shed to retrieve the bulbs.
I didn’t have any idea what to expect. I wasn’t certain they survived. I should’ve known God had a message waiting for me, otherwise why would He have reminded me? He doesn’t talk about the dead, He is the God of the living.
Much to my amazement the bulbs not only survived, they were thriving.
They were alive and more. These bulbs were Thriving and already growing. One already had grown a leaf as you can see in the picture. No water, no light, no love, but stored away until the time of planting. We might say, like being quarantined. Or maybe like many of us, for the next wave of warmth to wash over us, until we are removed from the harsh realities of winter and COVID19, in safe keeping until planting time. But until then I know what God has placed in me, will live, and it will bloom. I also know, that what God has placed in you, will live and it will grow!
“So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But will accomplish what I please.” (Isaiah 55:11 NKJV)
It will not only survive, it is THRIVING now!
And to my amazement the wandering Jew, one I had placed in the shed, with no protection is also alive. I brought them out and planted the elephant ears, and watered the Jew, and fertilized the soil, and put it in the sun. You guessed it, this Jew has taken off also. My Jew is growing and the color has returned and life is sure. Reaching for the sun…
But one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead. I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:13-14 NKJV) and it is reaching upward to the call…
God bless you and keep you and make His face shine upon you 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
