"PLUMBLINES AND RIGHTEOUSNESS AND THEIR PAINFUL OPPOSITES"

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By Mary Lindow

I am by far not an expert on the subject of plumb lines and righteousness, so take what I say in the light of one who at time gropes like a child in the dark, ever reaching for
the hand of the ONE to lead me into a safe place filled with His Hope, His Mercy, His Light and Life. 


WE LIVE IN A CORRUPT WORLD

And therefore, have the effects and affects of that corruption ever influencing, ever tainting and ever wooing the flesh. 



Plumb line (Definition): a tool that consists of a small, heavy object attached to a string or rope and that is used especially to see if something (such as a wall) is
perfectly vertical or in alignment) A plumb line is a simple but accurate tool used for determining whether or not something is perfectly vertical i.e. upright

The Lord also used, and uses, a “plumbline,” His Word, to determine how upright His people truly are in His sight. How upright they think they are, or how upright they
proclaim themselves to be, means nothing to God.

“Behold, I WILL set a plumbline in the midst of My people”Amos 7:7

A Plumb line set out by the Hand of God is one that we can anchor our hearts to. It will always, always, ALWAYS, direct us to the truth in a matter; even if it requires pain,
loss, persecution and perhaps death in areas we feel we may well have rights to. It will also be a shield, a balm, a comfort and a teacher to those who will yield to the
directive positioning of the Master.

“I will make justice the measuring line and righteousness the plumb line;” Isaiah 28:17


LIFE – DISTRESS - AND PERSECUTION

I have found that in my life, distress and persecution do not feel like God’s care being poured out on me. My heart is not immediately drawn to thanksgiving and
gratefulness for the faithfulness of God on display as I cling to the battered pieces that look like potential “rafts” of hope, only to find out that many of them have gaping
holes or slow leaks in them. Rather, it feels like yet another hurt is being permanently woven into my tattered and war-torn soul. It seems as if another mound of questions
are piling up and just waiting for an answer and a true solid REAL anchor of hope.


I CAN REALLY CONNECT TO THE WRITER OF PSALM 42

He said “Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me?” It’s at those very times that the words of the Savior are so important. When we are
down and in turmoil. But, how do we connect the dots between what we know is true about God’s faithfulness and what our hearts feel? When flipped and flung around by
the waves, weary from crying and when no answer seems at hand, what is the answer? When my circumstances show many foes and tyrants rising up against me and my
heart is prone to wander and fear, what hope is there of peace? When my feelings start controlling my thoughts, how can I rest in God’s promises?

AT THIS POINT… I HEAR THE “GASPS” …
…And perhaps shocked comments of a few who are amazed that someone who appears to walk so fervently and intimately with the Lord would have such difficulties!
Well! Guess what?

I do struggle, I do hurt, and yes I do doubt when I have been side swiped or “rammed” by skilled cons and those who, although may have the
appearance of godliness and offered friendship or fellowship, end up having private and evil agendas behind their well placed and planned schemes. And boy oh boy! Those
skilled players know the wicked art of wounding the heart and causing people to reel in pain!


BUT…. THERE IS ONE WHO FULLY SEES IT ALL

The main skill in the issue of dealing with life as a spiritual person, is to know how to handle yourself when things not only crush and grind your heart, but what to do with the
anguish and toll of their aftermath.

We have to get ourselves into a place where we hear clearly again. We need have to address ourselves, preach to ourselves, and ask questions about ourselves. We must
say to our soul: ‘Why art thou cast down’–Why are you so anxious and lacking in peace? We must urge ourselves, and say ‘Hope thou in God’–instead of remaining in this
paralyzed, aching state!”


AND THEN WE MUST TAKE IT A STEP FURTHER.

We must go on to remind ourselves just “Who “God is, and what God is and what God has done, and what God has promised that he Himself said that He would do. Having
done that we can stand up and sing out strongly, defying the torment of the soul, and resist other people’s wicked tongues and arrogance, and refuse to go along with the
devil and the whole world, and say: ‘Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God.”

The hope and promise of the fairness of God’s justice when dealing with the hurtful things and presumptions of others gives me the confidence to know that God will never
turn away from me in my need.

No matter how they seem to prosper in the short term, wicked men and women will ultimately pay for their sins, in this life or the next. Jesus died to meet my greatest
hardships and sorrows for me, and I need to preach this to myself every day. His power is greater than my weariness and suffering. The comforting and instruction that
comes from simply running to feed upon His word instead of the toxic poison of the replaying of trauma reminds me that what Jesus has done is strong enough for my soul
to rejoice in and to be set into a place where it can rest and regroup, gaining a healthy perspective about what to give out to others and what is simply…

…. To be enjoyed by the Lord Himself.


THE NATURAL IMPULSES OF MANKIND ARE SINFUL AND DECEITFUL,

And human willpower alone will never be able to change this. We need God’s help to truly change our hearts. REMEMBER. You cannot change the heart of
anyone else either. If you try to…. …you will feel the bite of stinging venom or be laughed out of a room. Only the power of the conviction of the Holy Spirit can permeate
and get around the jam-packed hardhearted egos of the self sufficient and bitter.

Jeremiah 17:9 says that the human heart is deceitful in all things and is even beyond cure.

We must be cautious and wise in reproving and warning such types of people about their bad behaviors and wicked actions where there seems to be no appearance or hope
of change and where there is danger of experiencing great and heart wrecking retaliation and slander. These types trample the warnings and urging for repentance and
humbling of the heart under their feet, and turn again and slash at you, despising the warnings that are “tearfully and fearfully” given, and often hurt the persons who give
them, either by words or deeds.

“Don’t waste what is holy on people who are unholy.
Don’t throw your pearls to pigs!
They will trample the pearls, then turn and attack you.”
Matthew 7:6


GIVE ME THE FACTS MA’AM JUST THE FACTS”

I remember that phrase from a TV show called “Dragnet”. The detective would not allow the details of the case to be skewed by any assumptions or pontificating from those
he interviewed. He stoically and firmly demanded only the facts.

And so, Here are the “facts” about the heart of a good man or woman

1.) The good man or woman: Brings good things out of the good stored up in his/her heart.

And the facts about an evil man or woman.

2.) The evil man/woman brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his/her heart.
For out of the overflow of his or her heart his or her mouth speaks. Luke 6:45


THE FRAILTY, BRIEFNESS, AND INSECURITY OF LIFE

The frailty, briefness, and insecurity of life, should hold down the vanity and presumptuous confidence of all of our projects and boasting about future greatness and
bragging rights!

We are always to depend on the will and leading of God. Our times are not in our own hands, but are instead in the timing of God. Our heads may be filled with cares and
plans for ourselves, or our families, or our friends; but Divine intervention often throws our plans into bewilderment.

All we have in mind, and all we do, should be with a humble and deep dependence on God. It is foolish, and it is hurtful, to boast of trendy “latest happening” things and
prospective projects, and it will bring great disappointment and will prove destructive to relationships and meaningful help to others in the end.

1 John 2:16 “For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure,
a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions.
These are not from the Father, but are from this world.”


LISTEN KINDLY - BEFORE SPEAKING YOUR THOUGHTS

People don’t need a lecture on the meaning of suffering or to have a barrage of scriptures “machine-gunned” at them as a reprimand for sharing their moment of grief or
struggle! Especially when their hearts are breaking, weary of the battle and if they are fatigued. Job could have done without some of the self-righteous answers that came
from his “well-meaning” friends. All of the answers could have even been true, but Job didn’t need to hear any of them. He needed their love, not their value judgments. In
fact, it appears as if God judged THEM for trying to offer simple solutions to things that were beyond their comprehension. They had never walked in the loss he was in
anguish over.



WHEN WE SUFFER UNJUSTLY WE HAVE A MAJOR CHOICE TO MAKE.

How will we respond? We can feel sorry for ourselves (and understandably so, for a while), become bitter and cynical, get drawn into a war of words, or even become mixed
up in a major conflict. On the other hand, we can take our suffering to the cross and allow our pain to draw us into a deeper place of understanding of what Jesus went
though in his sufferings. This does not remove the pain, but does help us to know what to do with our hurt. This is the ‘fellowship of his sufferings’ (Philippians 3:10), one of
the gateways to closeness with God and the release of his power in our lives.

The weight of heartbreak shared with a loving friend cuts it in half. When the burden is shared with many friends, we can cope with almost anything. We never feel more
revitalized than when a friend loves us enough to walk with us in our pain. Not lecture us. The apostle Paul wrote these words to the church in Corinth:

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort,
who comforts us in all our troubles,
so that we can comfort those in any trouble
with the comfort we ourselves have received from God”
(1 Corinthians 1.3-4).



SOMETIMES GOD GETS INVOLVED WITH DIRECT MIRACLES,

…Giving supernatural strength to those in need. But for the most part, he depends on us, his people, to do his work in the world.
We love each other, work for healing, and suffer with those who suffer.

The next time you see a friend who is suffering, Jesus may just invite you to be the warm embrace! We comfort each other with the comfort we have received in Christ. And
when we do, we become the Body of Christ and he receives the glory!


THE BIBLE IS CLEAR

We are to bear one another’s burdens.
We are to comfort others as Christ has given comfort to us.
Your hard time becomes my hard time. We join hands in the journey.

When you succeed, I succeed.
When you suffer, I suffer.
But we do it together. We share it together.
And we do it, not so much in our wisdom or our words, but in our availability, our understanding, and through our presence.



THAT’S WHAT FELLOWSHIP IS ALL ABOUT,

But not “bland” fellowship. It is CHRISTIAN fellowship. It is the business of burden bearing. Authentic CHRISTIAN fellowship says that when you need me . . . I’ll be there.
Support in suffering is at the core of what it means to share life together in Christ.

The word for “comfort” is the same root word as the name Jesus used to describe one of the functions of the Holy Spirit in our lives (Paraclete). “I will be a comforter, one
who comes alongside to give help.” And so as God comes alongside you, now you are able to come alongside another. As the Comforter is at work within you, so you also
can be of comfort to those around you.



WE ARE CALLED TO BEAR ONE ANOTHER’S BURDENS.

To mourn with those who mourn. To be a follower of Jesus means to come alongside people who are hurting and find ways to help them walk even through the valley of the
shadow of death.

We are called…

… To do this.

As the word of God and care of God is shared with the intention of stirring, plowing up hardened hearts, creating a place for repentance and challenging saints to hope again,
I know and believe that as we learn again as believers, to care, to truly listen and to hope fully again, that the sweet and heavy weight of HIS Glory will be made known and
will manifest in unfettered and uncontrolled waves of worship and spontaneous adoration of the King of Heaven. 



He really does know what He wants. 

Let’s focus on bowing low and seeking His heart, and plans in what matters to Him.

Indeed… HE is the Plumb line. 



Duplication and sharing of this message is welcomed as long as the complete message and website information for Mary Lindow is included.
Thank You. Copyright © 2011 ” THE MESSENGER ” ~ Mary Lindow
www.marylindow.com

“WE PREPARE HIM A PLACE”

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By Mary Lindow

"I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
Your works are wonderful, I know that full well."
Psalm 139:14

WE ARE STRANGE AND EXQUISITE CREATURES.
We can ache for God tremendously; yet find ourselves getting nervous if God gets too close! After all, the closer God gets, the more we hear the call to be “unpolluted”.

It is both exciting and frightening to hear that call!


A STORY
“Once upon a time there was a little plant that was small and whose growth was stunted, for it lived under the shade of a giant oak tree.

The little plant valued the shade that covered it and highly enjoyed and lavished the quiet rest that it’s majestic friend provided. Yet there was a greater blessing prepared for this little plant.

One day a lumberjack entered the forest with a sharp ax and cut down the giant oak! The little plant began to weep, crying out, “My shelter has been taken away”. Now every fierce wind will blow on me, and every storm will seek to uproot me!”

The guardian angel of the little plant responded, “NO! Now the sun will shine and showers will fall on you more abundantly than ever before! Now your stunted form will spring up into loveliness, and your flowers, which could never have grown to full perfection in the shade, will laugh in the sunshine. Many will say, look how that plant has grown. How gloriously beautiful it has become by removing that which was it’s shade and comfort!


THE TRAINING OF A SPIRITUAL COMRADE
We need to see that the Lord wisely trains his soldiers by calling them to difficult travels and service. He strengthens them through wildernesses and mountains. God knows that spiritually armed Soldiers can only be developed in battle and are not developed in times of calm. We can only become true seasoned soldiers of Christ when we train and serve in the preparation time of the inhospitable surroundings.


TRUST FOR A SEASON!
It's all about trusting God in the end. Oh yes it is!
We often ask in the heat of difficult battles whether they are mental battles, spiritual battles, and financial battles…
”Will He REALLY refresh us in this time of struggle?”
His Loving Word says so.

“For I satisfy the weary ones
And refresh everyone who languishes."
Jer. 31:25


THE LORD IS PRODUCING STAMINA…
…WHETHER WE LIKE IT OR NOT!
“Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial;
For once he has been approved,
He will receive the crown of life,
Which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.”
James 1:12

THE FATHER IS URGING US TO RUN TO HIM, TO CRY TO HIM!
He is there! Even in this fog of struggle, loss, anxiety, or seeming success! He wants us to be desperate for Him and is training us to rely on His voice. To make our decisions based on His plan for the whole earth!

TIE YOURSELF TO THE HAND OF GOD!
Get a "rope of expectation"(the word of God) and tie yourself to it.
Hold on! The boding evil is nearly over!

“The night is nearly over; the day is almost here.
So let us put aside the deeds of darkness
And put on the armor of light.”
Romans 13:12

INTIMATE PLACE OF COMMUNICATION
It would be a powerful opportunity for all of us to get on our knees in an “intimate place of communication” with the Lord, and refresh our commitment to purity, and with a willing heart to yield to the bidding of the Father.

They charge like warriors; they scale walls like soldiers.
They all march in line, not swerving from their course.
Joel 2:7


LET OUR HEARTS WILLINGLY...
…Give Him Room to Move Freely in our daily actions in this Life.

We do this by clearing away or removing anything that feeds and pampers our flesh and our own concepts of the Kingdom.

WE PREPARE HIM A PLACE
At throne in our hearts from which He can reign
and activate His anointing.

"No one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs—
He wants to please his commanding officer."
2 Timothy 2:4

1 John 2:27
"As for you, the anointing you received from him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about all things and as that anointing is real, not counterfeit—just as it has taught you, remain in him."


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Duplication and sharing of this writing is welcomed provided that complete source and website information for Mary Lindow is included. Thank You Copyright © 2011 " THE MESSENGER " ~
Mary Lindow
www.marylindow.com

“I Have Anointed You Even in Times of Sorrow”

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by Mary Lindow through the Holy Spirit

As the days begin to change and the seasons take their course, so am I also beginning to adjust the path you have been treading out.

I have been keeping track of all of your sorrows,
Collecting them and all of your tears in a bottle.
I have written down your tearful sorrows in My journal
Psalm 56:8

Many have passed you by on the road of sorrow that you have had to bear, too busy to stop and comfort, too concerned about what others might think of your condition. Others are only focused on their own forms of grief and have yet to learn to comfort others in their weariness and tiredness.

I have encouraged all of you when others are happy, be happy with them!
If they are sad, share their sorrow. (Romans 12:15) Even the Samaritan, one least likely to reach out, stopped and cared for the man battered, hurt, and sorrowful left on the road.

Many who claim spiritual piety and goodness turn their heads and hearts when they see another brother or sister aching in sorrow or tragedy. Let it not be heard about you my child in the heavenly realm, that you protected your own comforts or your own position and turned away from a brother or sister in their prolonged agony.

I have been testing the hearts of many who lay claim to a willingness to do anything I ask of them, but sadly then “pass on the other side" in order to avoid involvement with what "appears to be" one who is struggling or failing. As you do to others, so in your time of need will it be done to you!

I your faithful Redeemer have heard the heart wrenching cries from your prayers and I am even now giving you strength and empowerment to stay firm and continue to believe that I will restore all to you that has been shattered, stolen, or shamed!

"It is God who gives us, along with you,
the ability to stand firm for Christ has commissioned us,
He anointed us!"
2 Corinthians 1:21

I have anointed you even in this season of sorrow!
And I will bring a fresh and pure expression of Godly living and giving into the earth through those we who see that they are being prepared as good Samaritans and who themselves are also being cared for by others who require nothing in repayment.

Many are hearing my voice calling to them to bring relief
To those who have been faithful in obeying my voice,
But have been persecuted heavily for doing so!

Obey my command quickly! Act now!
Bless them, help them heal, providing for them like I would! You will be greatly rewarded for this effort.

As you give them even a cup of cold water in my name,
you have done it for Me!
Matthew 10:42

As you have been faithful to believe that i have better plans and a better way than the schemes of men, very very soon I will wipe away your bitter tears and despair.
You have begun to understand what it is to fellowship with My sufferings!

In the days ahead, you will also share in the first fruits of harvest.

"God, who has called you into fellowship
with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful."
1 Corinthians 1:9


COME JUST A LITTLE NEARER TO MY HEART NOW ...
... THE NIGHT IS NEARLY OVER.

You will see that the time of sorrow and weeping will pass, and a breaking through into the greater plan for you is in motion. I have been into the future for I AM all that you will need.

Your one simple act of obedience sets into motion waves of my redemptive grace and pure holy cleansing. The Nations are waiting for those who will only speak out of clean motives and pure hearts. I have prepared you for this time in the earth and I will fulfill all I have planned concerning you.

Enter in by humbling yourself further by doing simple acts of mercy and selfless giving.

Remaining anointed…
… even in times of sorrow.

Duplication and sharing of this writing is welcomed provided that complete source and website information for Mary Lindow is included.
Thank You
Copyright © 2011 " THE MESSENGER " ~ Mary Lindow
www.marylindow.com

WHAT IS ON THE SPIRITUAL HORIZON?

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MARY LINDOW

While attending a gathering of believers who were hungry for a
deeper understanding of truly walking in the Lord’s presence, I
was shown a vision from the Lord while a teacher by the name of
Peter Stott from the United Kingdom was speaking in the main
session.

THE LORD SHOWED ME IN A SPIRITUAL SENSE,
A VISION …

…of the time that Elijah was hiding out under the juniper tree.
He was afraid, exhausted, and was really having a rough
conversation with God!
He had killed a bunch of false prophets with the sword, he had
commanded the rain to not fall for three years, and now, he was in
trouble with Jezebel who was coming to kill him! He was letting
God know that he had been a really good guy and had preached
and taught and obeyed God all this time, and now his life was
being threatened! He decided to tell God to just let him die. He
told God that he wasn't any better than the father's in the faith that
had gone on before him. (1 Kings 19:3-4)

THE LORD BEGAN TO SPEAK TO ME ABOUT THE WAY
ELIJAH RAN FROM RESPONSIBILITY…

…and even left his faithful friend and servant behind
to possibly suffer torture or even be killed! (I kings 19:3) This
servant had been sent before all of the depressed and angry actions
of Elijah took place, to go and look towards the sea one and seven
times. Eight times. On the seventh series of running and looking,
the servant saw a small cloud about the size of a man's hand.
Seven (7) biblically indicates the perfection of god. Eight (8)
indicates new beginnings. God truly perfected the promise of no
rain until the three years had been completed. And Elijah was
beginning a new prophetic season in the near future. One where he
would pass on his ministry to another to finish.

THIS IS WHERE THE LORD BEGAN TO GIVE ME
INSIGHT ABOUT THIS.

He impressed me with the words, "a cloud the size of a man's hand
was coming up from the sea." I asked the Lord, "what does this
mean for this season?" He impressed me with the thought that the
cloud although it appeared small, was moving towards dry land
with a purpose. The purpose of bringing a great rainstorm.

THERE WAS A MUCH-NEEDED BREAKTHROUGH FOR
REFRESHING AND REVIVAL TO COME TO A PARCHED
PEOPLE AND A DRY LAND.

And… a change was needed in the heart of God’s man.

THE HAND CONSISTS OF FIVE FINGERS.

The Lord spoke clearly about this. He said that, "although it looks
as if unity and mutual honor in the body of Christ and among
those in it who move in five fold ministry gifts, seems a long and
far way off, I will pull them together in the midst of a time when
evil spirits have taken hold of the hearts of God's people with fear,
passivity, and intentional disobedience, and will cause a great
storm to arise."

THIS WILL STIR UP A TREMENDOUS AMOUNT OF
ANGER AND SELF-JUSTIFICATION AMONG THOSE
WHO HAVE BEEN POISONED BY SELF INDULGENCE
AND APATHY TOWARDS THE VOICE OF GOD!

Just like Jezebel was enraged. But, as the church grows closer and
closer to the promised season of harvest, God will not relent until
his people see him act with such strength that they will be
repentant and be delivered from their hardened and selfish hearts.

ELIJAH HAD AN ISSUE WITH HIDING
AND PROCRASTINATING.

This took place earlier than when the 1 Kings chapter 19:3-10
events took place! He hid by the brook Cherith and was fed by
angels and ravens after declaring that no rain would fall!

And...When that word came to pass...the previous provision of
God at the brook stopped being delivered and the brook dried up
due to a terrible famine and drought. Again. Elijah ends up in yet
another setting where there was little food and other people were
despairing of life. Yet...the Lord again provides sustenance and
fresh oil in a dry and parched setting.

Even though this glorious time of refreshing occurred and he
provisions for sustenance were miraculous...
…Elijah was again challenged and affronted by the woman whom
he had ministered to! Her son after a season had become ill and
died.
In Kings 17: 18 She said to Elijah, "what do you have against me,
man of God? Did you come to remind me of my sin and kill my
son?"

ELIJAH WAS JUST GETTING IT FROM EVERYBODY
ON ALL SIDES!

He could never have a moments rest from all of the needs,
demands and cries of the people! He took the boy up to his room
and prayed to god, and the boy was raised up form the dead. A
most amazing miracle!

BUT MIRACLES DO NOT MAKE THE MAN
(OR WOMAN) OF GOD!
THE WILDERNESS DOES!

Basically, Elijah was holding God responsible for his situation and
had spent lot of time brooding and worrying over all of those
people who had been mean to him and didn't appreciate his hard
work! Elijah was also afraid that God would not protect him and
ultimately silence those that pursued him with threats and evil
intentions!

The Hebrew word for this juniper tree or bush that Elijah was
resting under is “rothem.” This was a shrub found everywhere in
southern Palestine. It had long slender branches with small leaves
and provided very poor shade or protection from the sun. And so it
goes with our man-made solutions from which we seek shelter,
refuge or solutions to our pain.

OUT OF EXHAUSTION, ELIJAH FELL ASLEEP.

God has ordained sleep and rest as necessary for our survival and
ability to function, so the Lord allowed a time of sleep before He
brought on the next phase of his provision for Elijah.

HOW AMAZING!
GOD REMEMBERS THAT WE ARE FRAIL.

He knows our make up and that we are but dust. He is fully aware
that we have material bodies that must be cared for, often, before
the spiritual part can function

(Ps. 103:14)
As a father has compassion on his children,
So the LORD has compassion on those who fear him;
For he knows how we are formed,
He remembers that we are dust.

BEFORE WE EXPECT TOO MUCH FROM OURSELVES…
…OR FROM OTHERS,

whom we are seeking to encourage with the word, let’s remember
this principle of the need FOR rest, and that sometimes the
physical needs to be cared for before spiritual events can occur.

Duplication and sharing of this writing is welcomed provided that
complete source and website information for Mary Lindow is
included.
Thank You
Copyright © 2010 " THE MESSENGER " ~ Mary Lindow
www.marylindow.com
www.globalprayerroom

“After The Fire”- A Prophetic Word

“After The Fire”- A Prophetic Word
By the Holy Spirit through Mary Lindow

OH HOW YOU FEAR THE PURIFYING FIRE OF CONVICTION!
It is as if you think that I might truly do something unloving to burn you
or disfigure you!

I am a God of fire! Yes!
But a HOLY fire! A fire that burns away wood, hay, and the chaff
Lying around in your heart. They are littering the places that
I want to bring My Glory into!

For the LORD your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God.
Deuteronomy 4:24

WHEN MY FIRE PURSUES YOU,
It drives out any voice of lust, passivity, or any other enemy of your
soul!You will come to a place where you no longer need to have the
splash of fanfare or the rumblings of the earth to know that I Am in
your presence!

Instead.
The Fire brings you to a place just like it did Moses!
He saw My Holy Fire in a bush on a hill.
I spoke to Him and told Him He was on HOLY ground!
I was a still, small voice, speaking out from inside of a fire!

LISTEN! I AM CALLING OUT TO YOU!
Be quiet! Silence the noise around you!
Get quiet with me,
Put away the busyness that you get caught up into!

After the “Fire" ... a still small voice.
1Kings19: 12

MY PASSION FIRE IS CALLING OUT TO YOU!
I have things I want to whisper into your spirit man!
I have words that will sustain you through all of the fiery trials
and tests you will inevitably pass through!

IF YOU WANT MY FIRE TO BE EVIDENT
IN YOUR SERVICE TO OTHERS,
Listen to My still small voice.
It will in turn resound like a roaring ocean
to those whom you will minister to.

O Lord of hosts,
How blessed is the man who trusts in You!”
Psalms.84:12

THE ISSUE THAT EVERYONE ON EARTH DEALS WITH DAY IN
AND DAY OUT.
Trust.
Putting your trust in things that last for only a season or a few years
can be very risky and very disappointing. I have told My people to
trust in ME with ALL of their heart and I will make their paths straight.
Yet- continually they put their trust in people, and idols made of gold,
(money) positions of power, and in themselves!

LASTING BLESSINGS CAN ONLY COME FROM TRUSTING IN ME.
The real issue is that you don’t really think that I will do what I say I
will do! So... You take it into your own hands! When you finally lay
down your need to control the universe and those all around you and
trust in me, then you will be blessed! Blessed with safety, peace of
mind and above all, blessed by My pleasure in your resting in My
plan.

“See to it that you do not refuse HIM who is speaking!”
Hebrews 12:25

Do you know how many times you have said to Me,
“Later! I will do it Later?”
You exhort others to obey quickly and yet you will drag your feet
and put Me off until you “feel” like following through!

DO NOT REFUSE ME WHEN I SPEAK TO YOU,
or when I send you to do something in My Name!
You might fear for your own reputation, but remember that a life could
be hanging in the balance! You do not have the luxury of “denying
your King!”

”You are my portion, O LORD;
I have promised to obey your words.”
Psalm 119:57

If you wish to be caught up into higher dimensions in My Spirit,
and, if you long for the deep that calls unto deep,
be faithful to ACT when I give you a command!

“In the day when I cried out, You answered me, and made me bold
with strength in my soul.”
Psalms 138:3

Duplication and sharing of this writing is welcomed as long as complete
source and website information for Mary Lindow is included. Thank You!
Copyright © 2009 " THE MESSENGER " ~ Mary Lindow
www.marylindow.com
www.globalprayerrooms.com

"THE REAL TRUTH ABOUT FAITHFUL FRIENDS"

By Mary Lindow



In our world that has gone crazy with slander, betrayal and treachery, there has never been a greater time that we need true and faithful friends.



I don’t mean the “friend” that you might greet over the backyard fence or in a bookstore coffee shop. I mean someone who understands the “staying power” of mortar to brick when tsunamis of sorrow or loss or trauma hit you full on in the face.



“True Friendship isn’t about being there when it’s convenient.

It’s about being there when it’s not.”



GENUINE FRIENDSHIP INVOLVES A SHARED “EVIDENCE” OF CARING

and concern, a desire to see one another grow and develop, and a hope for each other to succeed in all facets of life.



TRUE FRIENDSHIP INVOLVES ACTION

Doing something for someone else while expecting nothing in return; sharing thoughts and feelings without fear of judgment or discouraging criticism.



I personally, have been blessed beyond the wildest of my dreams with friends that have so lovingly walked with me through devastations, loss, illnesses and times of deep agony. They held my heart in their hands and lifted it up to the King of Mercy and healing, and would not let go until He himself brought refreshing and Hope.



Each of them has also passed through deep pain and times of near death, be it emotionally, physically spiritually or relationally. And out of all of this trauma a deep bond was forged by the Hand of the One who Himself calls us Friends.





“If one falls down, his friend can help him up.

But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!”

Ecclesiastes 4:10






TRUE FRIENDSHIP INVOLVES RELATIONSHIP.

Many people say, "Oh, he or she's a good friend of mine," yet they never take time to spend time with that "good friend." Friendship takes time: time to get to know each other, time to build shared memories, time to invest in each other's growth. 
My experiences have taught me that if someone loves things, positions, or titles more than relationship, than when times get tough, holding onto things and position are wedges that ruin friendships.



Trust is so very necessary to have true friendship. We all need someone with whom we can share our lives, thoughts, feelings, and frustrations. We need to be able to share our deepest secrets with someone, without worrying that those secrets will end up on the World Wide Web! When we fail to be trustworthy with the private and sacred secrets of our friends it can destroy a friendship in a hurry.



FAITHFULNESS AND LOYALTY ARE ESSENTIAL TO TRUE FRIENDSHIP.

Without them, we often feel betrayed, left out, and lonely. In true friendship, there is no backbiting, no judgmental thought, no turning away. 

There are often very tender and emotionally difficult times in Godly friendships, where we will be required to lovingly address a very painful and difficult situation with someone we dearly love and respect. It will cost us the risk of even perhaps causing a temporary pain to a loved friend in order to help them see where there might be a weakness of character or some deception that would otherwise ruin them.





Real and true friendship involves freedom of choice, accountability, truth, and forgiveness. Peter and Jesus give us this example: Peter, afraid for his life after Jesus is led away from the Garden of Gethsemane, denies knowing Jesus (John 18). As He is led away by His accusers, Jesus looks at Peter and says, "I knew you would deny Me, and I forgive you" (John 21).




REAL FRIENDSHIP LOOKS AT THE HEART,

NOT JUST THE "PACKAGING."



Genuine friendship loves for love's sake, not just for what it can get in return. True friendship is both challenging and exciting. It risks, it overlooks faults, and it loves unconditionally, but it also involves being truthful, even though it may hurt. A false friend will “skate over” the issue and pretend to be passive and indifferent to any situation that might put them into a place of asserting any personal emotion or investment.



Proverbs 27:6 really states this so beautifully.



“Wounds from a friend can be trusted,

But an enemy multiplies kisses.”



TRUE FRIENDSHIP REQUIRES CERTAIN ACCOUNTABILITY FACTORS.



Real friends encourage one another and forgive one another where there has been an offense. Genuine friendship supports during times of struggle.



Real friends are dependable. In true friendship, unconditional love develops. We love our friends no matter what and we always want the best for our friends.



We pour out willingly and with joy from our own personal resources and talents and gifts so that our friends might be refreshed, blessed, and given joyful times of rich celebration of sharing the blessing of the Lord that we have been so lavished upon by Him.



I HAVE BEEN LOVED SO VERY DEEPLY BY MY DEAREST OF FRIENDS.

They whisper to me in the night seasons when I cannot seem to hope or see my way, and the tell me of the love and future that the Father has for me. They give wise counsel and pour into the wounded places of broken promises, betrayals, and anxiety, the perfume of grace. I have feasted upon their kindness until I again sing and rejoice in God my Savior. They have taught me to rest and enjoy the gift of sharing in their abundance.



The taste of food and simple cups of coffee are much more savory to me in the company of a friend who can sit and sound the depths of the love the Father has for us, regardless of who might be listening to us dialog.



“Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart,

And the pleasantness of one's friend

Springs from his earnest counsel.”

Proverbs 27:9



WHEN WE INVEST INTO FRIENDSHIP,

It costs us time, personal sacrifice and energy. We give before the need becomes so great that we see our beloved friends humiliated and groping. We listen ever so intently to the voice of the Lord our God as His tells us of the prayer and help our weakened members might be facing. A friend who walks in the imitation of Christ extends the hand of mercy, grace, and help, way before the foot of their companion stumbles.



“Greater love has no one than this,

That he lay down his life for his friends.”

John 15:13



WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO LAY DOWN OUR LIVES FOR OUR FRIENDS?

I think we all know the answer and if we are willing, can hear even now the prompting of the Lord to assist one of our friends and perhaps in loving sacrifice, minimize our own importance and “perceived needs” in order that our friends would be made whole and walk again without weariness and discouragement.



"A FRIEND IS SOMEONE WHO KNOWS THE SONG IN YOUR HEART,

AND CAN SING IT BACK TO YOU…

…WHEN YOU HAVE FORGOTTEN THE WORDS."



Lip service and action in friendship are huge measuring rods to gauge the depth of care that we might have for our “so-called” friends. I have walked among the rich and among the poor and the most important determining factor of friendship in those settings is the freedom to be able to share and enjoy with them regardless of the lack or abundance of material substance. There can be bitter grasping and a sour clutching of even the smallest of morsels when someone is bound by the fear of “sharing.” Yet, even among the most beautiful and affluent of places, when friendship in Christ is the focus, earthly things pale in the light of mutual gratefulness for all the Lord has done among us as friends.



DON’T LOOK TO BE ONE WHO HAS MANY MANY “ADMIRERS”

and acquaintances. Again. True friendship in a Christ-like focus is like a family in a Royal Kingdom. It takes us into another place of intimacy and faithfulness that the World finds impossible to sustain.



“A man of many companions may come to ruin,

But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”

Proverbs 18:24



A PERSONAL MOMENT OF THANKS

I wish to say to those of you (you know who you are!) who have been so very abundantly kind and true to myself and my husband and our children, your unconditional arms of compassion and strength have been like a hedge of protection and a safe place to rest under the shadow of the wings of our King. The times when I was strong and you were weakened were a joy to me as I was able to in turn, surround you in prayer, love, and grace. This mutual “Dance of abiding in unity” and fidelity of friendship has granted to us a family that lasts for Eternity.



AS WE CONTINUE TO GROW IN MATURITY AND TRUST

in the Power of God’s redemptive love, may the world come to know that there are friendships found in the “Beloved” that create a bond between heaven and earth that no distress, no tragedy and no devastation can destroy.



Let us continue to allow the Father to grow these beautiful vines and woven cords of strength as we yield to His service offered to one another, in sacrificial honor unto the ONE who paid the ultimate price for our ability to have Friendship with Him.



“But you, dear friends,

Build yourselves up in your most holy faith

And pray in the Holy Spirit.”

Jude 1:20





Duplication and sharing of this message is welcomed provided that complete message and website information for Mary Lindow is included. Thank you. Copyright © 2008

“THE MESSENGER " ~ Mary Lindow

www.marylindow.com