Passing The Test - By Os Hillman

The Lord has torn the kingdom out of your hands and given it to one of your neighbors - to David. - 1 Samuel 28:17b

When God anoints a person, a pattern of testing appears to take place at specific times in the leader's life. God often takes each leader through four major tests to determine if that person will achieve God's ultimate call on his or her life. The person's response to these tests is the deciding factor in whether they can advance to the next level of responsibility in God's Kingdom.

Control - Control is one of the first tests. Saul spent most of his time as king trying to prevent others from getting what he had. Saul never got to the place with God in which he was a grateful recipient of God's goodness to him. Saul was a religious controller. This control led to disobedience and ultimately being rejected by God because Saul no longer was a vessel God could use.


Bitterness - Every major character in the Bible was hurt by another person at one time or another. Jesus was hurt deeply when Judas, a trusted follower, betrayed Him. Despite knowing this was going to happen, Jesus responded by washing Judas' feet. Every anointed leader will have a Judas experience at one time or another. God watches us to see how we will respond to this test. Will we take up an offense? Will we retaliate? It is one of the most difficult tests to pass.

Power - Power is the opposite of servanthood. Jesus had all authority in Heaven and earth, so satan tempted Jesus at the top of the mountain to use His power to remove Himself from a difficult circumstance. How will we use the power and influence God has entrusted to us? Do we seek to gain more power? There is a common phrase in the investment community, "He who has the gold rules." Jesus modeled the opposite. He was the ultimate servant leader.

Greed - This is a difficult one. Money has the ability to have great influence for either good or bad. When it is a focus in our life, it becomes a tool of destruction. When it is a by-product, it can become a great blessing. Many leaders started out well - only to be derailed once prosperity became a part of their life. There are thousands who can blossom spiritually in adversity; only a few can thrive spiritually under prosperity.

As leaders, we must be aware when we are being tested. You can be confident that each one of these tests will be thrown your way if God calls you for His purposes. Will you pass these tests? Ask for God's grace today to walk through these tests victoriously.

~Go to our main web page and click on the TGIF for more devotions and information on Os's organization.

Poetry and Praise

Silent Whispers

Silent whispers fill the air

a listening ear will always hear

the voice is clear,

it speaks with intent

to lift their eyes,

to see his ways,

to meet their need

at the appropriate time

 

Answers they seek

for hours…. days

for months they speak,

their years slip away

their hope cast down,

their heart begins to freeze

their lives become cold ….

empty isolation… seems real

yet they are never alone…

no matter how it feels

 

He hears them ask

He sees them seek

for hours, day..

they listen and speak

they turn their ways,

to follow the voice

to see this wisdom,

to seek this truth

 

They struggle and cry

they demand and denounce

their months become years,

their passions ignite

their voices they lift

their eyes start to glare

their hands once raised in praise

are now contorted in fear

 

A stranger walks past

with no agenda or need

Just the person of Christ

Walking throughout  His days

He would never disturb

this lonely troubled soul

Yet He is pulled by a pain

to stop silently and ask

Why does he cry?

He seems writhed in toil.

I remember that life

How I plead for release

You came to my rescue

You delivered my soul

You love this man

as much as you love me

Please have your hearts desire

I will stand for his cause

I know your cause is love….

for true beauty to reign

For zoe life to be given

and for the gift to be received

 

Prepare my heart in your presence

prepare the course and way

He is the child of your creation

wield your power and might

You created his freedom

respectfully help him to yield

You know all of these moments

you have seen throughout the years

You knew we both would be here

and I know your choices are divine

So have all that you hope for

live here in my stead

Use my feet to go to him

reach him in his need

Use your heart within me

to obtain your righteous intent

My trust is in your mercy

My strength held firmly within your grace

My courage from the peace you offer

My freedom through what I believe

 

In stillness I wait to hear you

in faith I listen to receive

Quietly..whispers enter our chamber

truth and justice fill the air

The tone is loving and caring

the voice convicting and sure

My voice now clearly speaking..

I lift my eye to see!

In view is this great cloud of witnesses

charging to be at his side

Singing: My God your words are righteous

holy, lovely and pure

They are a lamp unto them

a blanket to cover their chill

We ask today that he hear you

to see you as we also see

To be broken free from deception

To live lifted above all and freed

For all things there is a season

Let his season finally thaw

Let him walk into your presence

receiving his room with a view

Never again to be lonely

and to have rest for his weary soul.

By Candace Huffmaster

2010 © all rights reserved

Go To Our Main Site and Join in the Journey

We are one body.
Click on the comments and share yours.  Let's be proactive in supporting each other. If you desire to have people directed your way as well, let us know and we will open this up for your forums too.

One Body - One Head - Unity in All Ways...

Let's make it happen; while it is still called TODAY!

With Love,
Candace

Good Work or God Work?

That You May Marvel

from Experiencing God Day by Day devotional



"The Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father do; for whatever He does, the Son also does in like manner. For the Father loves the Son, and shows Him all things that He Himself does; and He will show Him greater works than these, that you may marvel." (John 5:19-20)




Jesus, realizing that His role was that of a servant, never sought to initiate activity for the Father (Matt. 20:28). The servant never sets the agenda—the master does. The servant must be so alert to what the master is doing that whenever the master begins to move in a direction the servant quickly joins him. Even the Son of God did not assume He knew the best thing to do in a situation. Instead, He looked to see the Father’s activity and then joined Him. Jesus knew His Father so well that He was keenly sensitive to divine activity around Him, immediately recognizing His Father at work.



It is possible for us to be so busy trying to bring God into our activity that we don’t even notice Him at work around us. He seeks to redirect our attention so that we might join Him, but we tend to be self-centered, evaluating everything by how it affects us. We must learn to view events around us from God’s perspective. Then we will see our world very differently. When God brings someone across our path, we will look to see if God is convicting that person of his need for salvation. Perhaps God is comforting someone in her sorrow. God might be encouraging your friend as she faces a challenge. We will then adjust our lives to join God as He works in that person’s life. We ought to live each day with tremendous anticipation as we look to see where God is working around us. As our eyes are opened to His activity, we will marvel at His great works. -By Blackaby

When I read this the first thing I think is "So when things are not flowing I must have stepped out of God's work and into MY work". I wish it were as simple as that. It is as if we are in a thick rain forest of distraction trying desperately to discern where God is and God is not. Our world is so filled with people who know how to walk the walk and hide the agenda. Yet if we stick close enough, for long enough their true intentions will finally be revealed. Isn't that what God promised? Light will shine into darkness and show it for what it is. But how dark is that darkness? We desire to put it on a scale from 1 to 10. That is why we are in the rain forest isn't it? We see how lush it is. We are drawn to its color, sound it is very surreal from the exterior. We know that there is a high possibility that IT has to offer the experience we have been looking for. So let us ponder, what if...we ARE looking for God in the rain forest and not simply a vain experience to grow "our person". What if..we think the reason it is so surreal is due to the supernatural outpour of God's essence? Wouldn't that be the most wooing of all? Isn't that what we desire to experience? And there it is again...that is a self experience. If you have ever listened to more than 5 of Joyce Meyer's segments you will hear her drone "What about me, What about me, What about me!" The reason we have to laugh is because it is real...some times it is a nervous laugh =D. Okay, let's try this one more time..What if, we see it think it surreal so surely we will find God there? Well, maybe what we should have been asking is why am I not with God before I get there? God is everywhere...He is not in an experience..he is the experience.

Further down in John 5:22-25 which I will close with and pick up here tomorrow it states:

"The Father doesn't judge anyone. He has entrusted judgment entirely to the Son so that everyone will honor the Son as they honor the Father. Whoever doesn't honor the Son doesn't honor the Father who sent him. I can guarantee this truth: Those who listen to what I say and believe in the one who sent me will have eternal life. They won't be judged because they have already passed from death to life. "I can guarantee this truth: A time is coming (and is now here) when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God and those who respond to it will live. The Father is the source of life, and he has enabled the Son to be the source of life too. "He has also given the Son authority to pass judgment because he is the Son of Man. Don't be surprised at what I've just said. A time is coming when all the dead will hear his voice, and they will come out of their tombs. Those who have done good will come back to life and live. But those who have done evil will come back to life and will be judged.

I thank God that He doesn't judge anyone and that the Son has promised we are saved from what we do not understand. I thank God he has mercy on us and give us the grace to stick in every time we miss it. I pray for us all to extend this Kindness in God's love to everyone, knowing all things are common to us. And this was even the work of God so that none of us could boast.

With the Love of our Christ covering each of you,
Candace

Conversations With My Dad

Poetry - The Mark

Press onward and move ahead,
Speed not important, no falter in step,
Make your mark (with my right hand),
Engrave your presence with truth in your touch,
The skill of your craft, beauty becomes their mark.




No force will oppose you and all evil must flee,
The thirsty will remain with you, all on bended knee.
My words will heal, and my presence will make them whole,
Then they will learn and ground will be gained,
The seeds will now sprout; their life may now begin.
Light the path as you are leaving, so they too may come,
There is more living to nurture all along the way.




Each person has a task, a plan, and a team,
We move where we are needed, focused on our task.
No job finds completion ’til the end of our days.
Rise up refreshed tomorrow to start again,
Grow with each experience, embracing the love you’ve touched.
Be happy in the knowledge that, truly, we are one,
And the one seed you planted maybe enjoyed by someone else.
You, too, will reap from the work of our Lord,
His love, although taken, will never return void.


If today you are lonely, whom do you seek?
Whose face are you after? Whose hope do you chase?


Our Lord is abundant and stands in your path,
To love you and heal you if you will simply call on his name,
Make request that he help you to understand your disgrace.
He speaks to your dilemmas and strips their power away,
So now you can withstand the length of your day.
He marks you for protection no matter what you face,
So firm you can stand and denounce all other fates.
One crippled, now walking; one mute, can finally speak,
The blind one now has vision; may there be nothing to stumble your gait.


Your ear now listening for the cries of your sheep,
You are there to Shepherd my precious little lambs.
Keep watch with my provision, it’s an all important task,
We will not lose one… No, not one will be harmed,
Because I love my father and his love dwells in me,
And you, through our Spirit, are obedient to me.


By Candace Huffmaster ©

Seeking Serenity

If we ever forget what we are to be seeking, there is a very simple and straightforward way to bring it back to the plumb line. Look at the spelling of the work seeking. If you really look at the spelling you will never have to ask again. S E E K I N G....SEE KING. All we have to do is keep our eyes on the KING.

God has said to people throughout history if you have ears to hear what the Spirit is saying we should listen while it is still called today. I don't know about you, but I think this shows how much He cares. He gives us the free will to choose if we want to hear, listen, look and see.

Revelation 1:7(GWTN) states Look! He is coming in the clouds. Every eye will see him, even those who pierced him. Every tribe on earth will mourn because of him. This is true. Amen

Christ told his disciples this in Matthew 13 :13-17 (GWTN)
"Therefore I speak to them in parables; because while seeing they do not see, and while hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand. 14 "In their case the prophecy of Isaiah is being fulfilled, which says, `YOU WILL KEEP ON HEARING, BUT WILL NOT UNDERSTAND; YOU WILL KEEP ON SEEING, BUT WILL NOT PERCEIVE; FOR THE HEART OF THIS PEOPLE HAS BECOME DULL, WITH THEIR EARS THEY SCARCELY HEAR, AND THEY HAVE CLOSED THEIR EYES, OTHERWISE THEY WOULD SEE WITH THEIR EYES, HEAR WITH THEIR EARS, AND UNDERSTAND WITH THEIR HEART AND RETURN, AND I WOULD HEAL THEM.' "But blessed are your eyes, because they see; and your ears, because they hear. "For truly I say to you that many prophets and righteous men desired to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it.

Today I am leaving you with this poem. It states what my prayer is in the closing lines. If you agree let's lift this up to Him in one unified voice "While it is Still Called Today!"

Be well my friends and family, in Christ,
Candace


Seeking Serenity


I blank my mind to peer into yours,
Seeking serenity, believing in truth.
My faith is boundless, only through you
My mere words will perish; yours will stand true.

Through patience and stillness, calmness will flow.
Seeking so feverishly, desiring you as my strength,
In search of a purpose, but who is ever pleased?
Perfection they ask; perfect for whom?
This world is unpleased, damning and lost.
Feeling not good enough, I’m broken to my knees.

Crying, I whisper, “What’s it all for?”
Questions keep flooding, ‘til I hear myself scream,
“God, please, if you’re out there,
Please listen, I’m on my knees!”
Answers, I need answers,
I don’t know where to go…
To people who are ignorant of things they claimed to know?

What will I do? I feel hopeless… unloved.
I am so sick and lonely, weighed down with despair,
In silence, I’m sobbing, there are no words left.
My heart is still pumping,
How? I do not know.
It’s hurting and empty, shouldn’t it quit?
Sheer exhaustion and no power, I murmur, God take me now.
I know I’ve never said it, but I realize you are here.
No one else is with me… you’re the only thing left.
I remember your son Jesus; when his life was at stake,
So I know you can help me, quickly take me away.

My breath is now shallow and I’m half expecting my last.
Would he answer? I was waiting,
In fear holding onto what air was left,
Releasing simultaneously moaning… Jesus, listen to me!
If you’re out there then speak for me.
They will surely listen to the words you have to say,
It is my voice that has no volume,
Isn’t that reason they can’t hear?
Child, I am here with you; just as you knew and believed,
Waiting for you to ask me to care for all your life,
This was your final lesson you believed but mostly your thoughts
Now, all is forgotten so your mind has been transformed
You can now release the burdens, live your life refreshed and free.
When you speak you now have volume, our prayer is for them to receive.

By Candace Huffmaster ©

Poetry from Conversations with My Dad

Conversations With My Dad

Poetry - Time and Seasons

Open your eyes and see as I see,
Look where I turn, be one with my world,
Your breath is my wind: the seeds scattered, job done.
My presence in your faith will water their ground,
Be all I am… trust, do not stop,
Keep watch in the distance and know all is done,
Today has a future but was done in the past,
So time doesn’t matter… for all matter will pass.
Remember those passing and always be in prayer,
My spirit is with them, with you, and the air.
What once seemed impossible is now known through light,
So travel, my angel, come home, it’s your flight.
By Candace Huffmaster ©


Today, don't look at what your best moment has been....that is in the past. Don't look at what mistakes you made....they are only stepping stones to getting it right. Remember, all striving is chasing after the wind unless your sights are set as flint on the Kingdom of God. When that is what we are chasing after, He is faithful to add all else to that: in abundance, to the full....till it overflows in Glory for His name sake.

With love in Christ,
Candace

Conversations With My Dad

Journal Entry: Vision of a Mountain

I desire to glorify you, Oh Lord, in all I say and do

Let my steps and words be confident, through you.

My heart I lay open, to rest in your palms,

       for healing and preparation, for guidance and repair.

When finished, you touch me, all protection in place

Obediently I go forward with trust and good will,

       knowing your presence is here with me still.

The provision will last me and when all is done,

My shelter is waiting with you at the door,

     to start the whole process of giving me more.

The days all go quickly, time is not the same

Moments are mountains to some that I see.

The miracle, you grant me, of showing your face

To those who know struggles or when life weakens their faith.

I speak to the mountain and start moving on,

“They say are you crazy?”, “I’m not going your way!”

I say, “What mountain?”, “I told it to move!”

They shake their head, “stupid!” ‘Just go your way!”.

I tell them “My Father is preparing my path”.

“When they travel foot hills my path is laid low”

Away, they start moving, I ask them to wait

     to consider an outcome which could be their fate.

We both have a highway; a path we are on

We neither have knowledge of what is on the road

Did we create the system; a design from start to end?

I know not what is beyond the turn on my way

Or who will be out there and what their intent is

I only know the creator and his love for me.

His provision is perfect - no matter the day.

In fact, he so loved you before you knew me.

He asked me to help you; he knew your name.

We all have our choices and he respects yours.

He wanted to tell you, there is danger ahead.

I want to be here, if you want to see …..

    the path of great beginnings, of faith, hope and love

To quiet your questions….. just walk out of faith

The mountain will vanish; till then just hold strong

     to the promise of provision, content in His love.

By Candace Huffmaster ©

Read 2 Corinthians 11 and 12

Faith Is Our Tour Guide Today.

We have been sharing our trip through this life.  If it was a guided tour, and you will see that it should be, her name would be Faith.  I hope you enjoy your trip today....Faith knows what she is talking about.

(God's Word translation) 1Timothy 1:18 Timothy, my child, I’m giving you this order about the prophecies that are still coming to you: Use these prophecies in faith and with a clear conscience to fight this noble war. 19 Some have refused to let their faith guide their conscience and their faith has been destroyed like a wrecked ship.  20 Among these people are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan in order to teach them not to dishonor God.

There is much to consider in these verses.  Last week I asked us to consider what we see as we project our minds into the future.  In a very simplistic form that is all prophecies or revelation is.  It is a time when God speaks to us with harmonious clarity and we get it.  He has always stated that "there is nothing new under the sun" as well as the fact that "all things are common to man".  For instance Solomon, the wisest of all men stated in Ecclesiastes 3 the following:

                "Meaningless! Meaningless!” “Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless!”

Could this be what Paul was warning Timothy about?  It sound like Solomon had not allowed his faith to guide his concsience, maybe?  Was he fighting the noble war..or amidst the trama of a shipwreck? 

There will always be times when we have it going on; we are in harmony with "The Almighty God of the Universe" together we know we are "fighting the good fight" and victorious.  However in the near future we find ourselves amidst the same storm we were fighting and rescuing other poor unfortunate souls only to be hanging on for dear life ourselves. 

I find comfort in these words from our wise and yet oh-so- human ancestor Solomon :

"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven:  a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain, a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace."

Paul finished this thought by telling Timothy he was warning him of the looming shipwrecks for him to be aware of what needs to take place - not to point a finger and say "look at them!"

Therefore, I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and ball who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time, for which I was appointed a preacher and an apostle—I am speaking the truth in Christ and not lying— a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.

I pray that we all give thanks for all people, for leaders and authority figures.  I pray that we lift up the struggles that all men have and be pray for them before they enter into battles with the supplications that they not be tossed about as a ship on the sea.  Let us pray for that we lead lives that are not argumentative, quarlelsom or nitpicky, but peaceable as much as it depends on us.  I pray that we set our minds on things that are Holy, Lovely and Pure..becasue He is holy and righteous. 
May He be glorified in all we say, do and desire,
With Love,
Candace