True Treasure

Garden of Abiding” by Meghan Williams of Dyed4you Art

Mark 10:21 (TPT) Jesus fixed his gaze upon the man, with tender love, and said to him, “Yet there is still one thing in you lacking. Go, sell all that you have and give the money to the poor. Then all of your treasure will be in heaven. After you’ve done this, come back and walk with me.”

Isaiah 33:5-6 (AMP) The Lord is exalted, for He dwells on high; He has filled Zion with justice and righteousness. And He will be the security and stability of your times, A treasure of salvation, wisdom, and knowledge; The fear of the Lord is your treasure.”

A person’s true treasure is the kingdom of heaven—the heart of God, our Adonai. He calls us to lay down all the things, relationships, preconceived ideas, and beliefs that keep us from running wholeheartedly after Him. He desires us to be like little children. A visual I have is when a person a child loves and delights in walks into the room; that child lays down whatever they are doing and runs to be with that person. God’s deepest desire is for us to be childlike and run to be with Him and join Him in whatever He does. Continue reading “True Treasure”

Do Versus Be (Luke 10:38-42)

Come to the River” by Meghan Williams of Dyed4you Art

This is a series of Prophetic Nuggets from “Daily Downloads from Heaven” by Meghan Williams that are connected by scripture / theme. It is a series of six Prophetic Nuggets based on a story of Mary and Martha in Luke 10.

Luke 10:38-42 (TPT) As Jesus and the disciples continued on their journey, they came to a village where a woman welcomed Jesus into her home. Her name was Martha and she had a sister named Mary. Mary sat down attentively before the Master, absorbing every revelation he shared. But Martha became exasperated by finishing the numerous household chores in preparation for her guests, so she interrupted Jesus and said, “Lord, don’t you think it’s unfair that my sister left me to do all the work by myself? You should tell her to get up and help me.” The Lord answered her, “Martha, my beloved Martha. Why are you upset and troubled, pulled away by all these many distractions? Are they really that important? Mary has discovered the one thing most important by choosing to sit at my feet. She is undistracted, and I won’t take this privilege from her.”

Continue reading “Do Versus Be (Luke 10:38-42)”

True Rest

“Wings of the Spirit” by Meghan Williams of Dyed4you Art

Hebrews 4:1 (TPT) Now God has offered to us the same promise of entering into his realm of resting in confident faith. So we must be extremely careful to ensure that we all embrace the fullness of that promise and not fail to experience it.

When the children of Israel were delivered from the bondage of Egypt, God promised that His Presence would go with them and give them rest (Exodus 33:14). In Hebrew, the word “rest” in this Scripture is nuwach which has the concept of settling down, dwelling, and remaining. No longer would they be strangers in the land of their affliction nor would they be strangers in this new land where their father Abraham was a sojourner; God was bringing them to a place they could call home and the place that He would abide with them.

In Hebrews 4, Paul alludes to this concept in light of the redemption that Christ has brought us. He warns the redeemed not to follow in the pattern of those who wandered in the wilderness and miss out on the rest that Christ has purchased for us. But what does this rest in Christ look like? A clue can be found in the two types of rest that Paul alludes to. 

Not only does Paul mention a nuwach type of rest (being settled, dwelling, and remaining in a place) but also another Hebrew word for rest, shabath. Shabath implies a sense of completion; God began the process of creation on the first day, and it was on the seventh day that He stopped creating because His work was complete. Nothing else need be added, so God could sit down and appreciate all that He had done.

We are being called to find our resting place in Christ. Just as the Israelites were redeemed and removed from Egypt, we too have been redeemed from the power of sin and bondage through the Cross. God is saying, “It is finished! It is complete! And your Promised Land of rest in the Everlasting Arms is accessible now in the land of the living!” When God promised the Israelites rest, technically the battle for the Promised Land was still in sight for them; but they allowed their fear over those looming battles to prevent them from attaining God’s promise. From their perspective, their redemption and fight for freedom wasn’t complete. 

Therefore, we must be careful to resist the urge to let the battle against the flesh keep us from entering into our resting place in God. For the beautiful part of our redemption is that God comes into His rest with us as well. Just as the throne of God and His dwelling Presence went with the Israelites in the wilderness and into the Land, so God’s abiding Presence keeps us at every step. The battles ahead are already won. The only effort required on our part is to listen to the direction of the Holy Spirit. It is our redeemer who will do all the work and all of the fighting on our behalf. It is God alone who is responsible for bringing us into our completeness and fullness of Christ.

Exodus 33:14 (NKJV) And He said, “My Presence will go [with you], and I will give you rest.”

[ “True Rest” originally posted on Waiting in the Wings, reposted in its entirety with permission.]

Do Versus Be (Luke 10:38-42)

“A Place to Tarry” by Meghan Williams of Dyed4you Art

This is a series of Prophetic Nuggets from “Daily Downloads from Heaven” by Meghan Williams that are connected by scripture / theme. It is a series of six Prophetic Nuggets based on a story of Mary and Martha in Luke 10.

Luke 10:38-42 (TPT) As Jesus and the disciples continued on their journey, they came to a village where a woman welcomed Jesus into her home. Her name was Martha and she had a sister named Mary. Mary sat down attentively before the Master, absorbing every revelation he shared. But Martha became exasperated by finishing the numerous household chores in preparation for her guests, so she interrupted Jesus and said, “Lord, don’t you think it’s unfair that my sister left me to do all the work by myself? You should tell her to get up and help me.” The Lord answered her, “Martha, my beloved Martha. Why are you upset and troubled, pulled away by all these many distractions? Are they really that important? Mary has discovered the one thing most important by choosing to sit at my feet. She is undistracted, and I won’t take this privilege from her.”

The first Prophetic Nugget is called “Welcome Me.”

Luke 10:38-39 (TPT) As Jesus and the disciples continued on their journey, they came to a village where a woman welcomed Jesus into her home. Her name was Martha and she had a sister named Mary…

Beloved, the first step to intimacy is creating room for it to occur. Just as a couple cannot experience intimacy if they never spend time alone together or are constantly allowing interruptions to disturb them, so we cannot experience an intimate relationship if you do not make room for Me.

Welcome Me, beloved. Invite Me to tarry with you just as I’ve invited you to dwell with Me. In life you have many choices of where to spend your time. Choose Me. Welcome Me. Then keep welcoming Me. It is not a one-time occurrence, but rather an ongoing relationship. So create the space, make room, and abide with Me.

The second Prophetic Nugget is called “A Journey of Discovery.”

Luke 10:39 (TPT) Mary sat down attentively before the Master, absorbing every revelation he shared.

Beloved, find your place at My feet. Cuddle in close, and abide with Me. You cannot rush “quality time,” for it occurs in the plethora of moments intentionally devoted to one another. Those key moments are experienced, but cannot be forced or manufactured. 

Devote yourself to Me. Devote time and attention to cultivating relationship with Me. Spend time in the Word reading about Me. Choose to know Me as I have chosen to know you. I invite you to a journey of discovery as you spend your time with Me. 

The third Prophetic Nugget is called “Place of Overflow.”

Luke 10:40 (TPT) But Martha became exasperated by finishing the numerous household chores in preparation for her guests, so she interrupted Jesus and said, “Lord, don’t you think it’s unfair that my sister left me to do all the work by myself? You should tell her to get up and help me.”

Beloved, whatever you do, do with love. For the heart of the giver matters as much as the act itself. Sow what you sow with joy. Serve as you serve with love. Be generous from your place of overflow. 

If you have no overflow to pour from, be intentional to pause and find a place of rest. Be refreshed in My presence. Refuse to allow yourself to be like an earthen vessel that becomes cracked and dried. Saturate yourself in Me. Then give generously from your surplus.

The fourth Prophetic Nugget is called “Currency of Time.”

Luke 10:41 (TPT) The Lord answered her, “Martha, my beloved Martha. Why are you upset and troubled, pulled away by all these many distractions? Are they really that important?

Beloved, pause to ponder what keeps you from Me. Are they things that are truly important? And if not, what need or desire are they filling? Is it one I can fulfill? There is no shame in having activities in your life, for I AM with you even as you “go and do”; however, it’s easy to be drawn away from the things that truly matter by fruitless, time-killing activities, or things of high urgency, but low importance. 

Each moment of your life is a gift, and only I know the number of your days. So spend your currency of time wisely and intentionally. Moments of silly fun can be beautifully refreshing, and yet if that is the fullness of your life, it’s like dining on cotton candy alone. It lacks in substance and sustenance. So choose wisely, for the days are short, and time “wasted” on Me is never wasted. So press in, beloved, and find your life in Me.

The fifth Prophetic Nugget is called “Choose the Better Part.”

Luke 10:42 (TPT) Mary has discovered the one thing most important by choosing to sit at my feet…

Beloved, dwell with Me. For to taste the sweet nectar of intimacy requires first partaking in the fruit. Make our time together a priority. Even if all you have available are stolen moments – find them. In doing so, you demonstrate your priorities. Refuse to let the busyness of life keep you away, for there will always be something or someone calling for your time.

Choose the better part: time with Me. For in My presence you find necessary refreshing for your soul. Indeed My love will look forward to you, and that joy then brings you strength. Indeed time with Me is vital to your well-being, so make it a priority. I AM calling, beloved. Come and dwell with Me.

The sixth Prophetic Nugget is called “Tarry with Me.”

Luke 10:42 (TPT) Mary has discovered the one thing most important by choosing to sit at my feet. She is undistracted, and I won’t take this privilege from her.”

Beloved, I AM not one to play cruel games. I will not draw you in to suddenly spurn you, nor cause you to trust only to desert or humiliate you. I AM faithful and I AM true. When you choose Me, I stand with you, and I will not turn away nor turn you away.

So tarry with Me. Give Me your undivided attention. Let Me love on you and we can share the deep things of the heart. If you want to be with Me, I will make sure you are able to be. For you are never too much for Me. You’re exactly as I’ve made you – beautiful in every way, and you’ve captivated My heart. So tarry with Me.

New Season, New Life Emerging

“Season of Bounty” by Meghan Williams of Dyed4you Art

Song of Solomon 2:10-12 (VOICE) My love responded and said to me, [Him] “Arise, my dearest, my beauty, and come away with me. Don’t you see? The winter is done. The rains and clouds have come and gone. The flowers are unfolding in the fields; the birds are warming up their songs, The cooing of the turtledove is heard throughout the land.”

Behold, you have entered into a new season, beloved. You feel it in your bones and know it in your heart, and yet you are tempted to hesitate because your gaze is fixed on seasons past. Yes, you have known the pain of what it is like to step outside of My timing and My will when you step ahead of Me. You have witnessed that depending upon your own strength and understanding does not bear fruit or profit you. But look at your past with grace and mercy, for from that place of weakness you also discovered true strength and the Source of your life. The winter seasons have passed and they have resulted in a deep abiding joy and a life-giving flow of My Holy Spirit within you. Indeed, I say that you are a tree that is bearing good fruit.

As you step into this new season, remember that you are an extension of Me. I have created you for good works that will glorify the Father in heaven. Be comforted and be encouraged, beloved; refuse to be intimidated into stepping back. For I know you well and would not call you to step forward into this new season unless I deemed it time. Therefore, trust in Me, continue to abide in Me and be lead by My Spirit. You will know that My hand is in this new season and new direction, for what I move you to do by My Spirit and what I set into your hands will surely prosper and flourish. For blessing I will bless you, and multiplying I will multiply these new seeds of purpose and destiny within you. 

Ecclesiastes 3:11 (VOICE) and I know God has made everything beautiful for its time. God has also placed in our minds a sense of eternity; we look back on the past and ponder over the future, yet we cannot understand the doings of God.

[ “New Season, New Life Emerging” originally posted on Waiting in the Wings, reposted in its entirety with permission.]

In His Image

“Bezel El (Shadow of God)” by Meghan Williams of Dyed4you Art

Genesis 1:27 (NKJV) So God created man in His [own] image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.

In the opening of Genesis, we are told that humanity has been made in the image or shadow of God—in Hebrew, tselem (Strong’s H6754). Something that I have frequently meditated on is what this term tselem means. This meditation most often happens when I’m going through trials and tribulations. During these times when my soul is grieved, and I’m searching for the righteous path through the chaos of life, I will hear my Heavenly Father’s still small voice saying, “Come back into My shadow.” I‘ve come to understand that He means this is several ways. 

Firstly, He is reminding me that it is only under His shade—tsêl (Strong’s 6738)that we have any hope of finding real comfort and peace. Sometimes if we are not careful, life’s difficulties can chase us out of our hiding place in God instead of remaining in Him. Nothing in the world can refresh and sustain us better than our Source. In the heat of trials, when I pause to listen for His voice, I can tell that I have unintentionally moved out of His shadow. It is like standing outside on an incredibly hot day and completely avoiding the shade of a nearby tree. While the shade doesn’t compare to air conditioning, I would be a fool not to abide there when left with no other choice. Plus, there is sweet fruit from the tree that revives and sustains me.

Secondly, I know that by calling me to come back into His shadow, the Father is also referring to His image. One can say that, during troubles, we are tempted to lose our mind—or lose the mind of Christ. We can quickly forget who we are and the vows we have made to His covenant. Trials always require a response from us, but what will our response be? Will we let the trials disconnect us from our Source, leaving us with only the resources of our flesh? Or will we continue to abide and bear the fruits of the Spirit while under pressure—love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control? We have a choice in difficulties even when we may feel like we don’t.

When trials come—and as our Savior told us, they certain will come—they become an opportunity for God to build His character into us. The more we yield to the process and are mindful of the point of the difficulties, the more we will have access to the life-giving flow of the Holy Spirit. And the more of God’s Spirit that we are able to receive, the more we are able to accurately hear His voice and reflect His image in the earth—in both good times and bad.

Galatians 5:22-24 (TPT) But the fruit produced by the Holy Spirit within you is divine love in all its varied expressions:

joy that overflows,
peace that subdues,
patience that endures,
kindness in action,
a life full of virtue,
faith that prevails,
gentleness of heart, and
strength of spirit.

Never set the law above these qualities, for they are meant to be limitless.

Catch the Rhythm

Beloved, there can be a fine line between living your life in a state of striving and operating from a place of rest. The difference between striving and rest comes when you try to create a rhythm in life as opposed to quieting yourself and simply finding it. I created all life to exist in the flow and rhythm of my Spirit. From the waters of creation, My Spirit has guided all things to flow according to My will. It knows My perfect pattern and plan by which all life can flourish and prosper. Continue reading “Catch the Rhythm”