Author: Tammy Phillips

by Tammy Phillips
October 1, 2020

 Let the redeemed of the LORD say [so], Whom He has redeemed from the hand of the enemy, (Psalm 107:2 NKJV)

On October 11,2020, I attended a peaceful protest on Nashville “Public” Square.  It was called Let Us Worship,  also been called a “super spreader event.  It was just that…
#SuperSpreadingJesus
#SuperSpreadingHope
#SuperSpreadingHealing
I heard on the news that I could receive a citation from the city of Nashville for participating.    I have had a few people question why I participated and why no masks.  (I carried a mask to this event and would have worn it out of respect, if others chose to wear a mask.)   Here is my why…

1. “For I know that my Redeemer lives.” (Job 19:25 NKJV).
   

Jesus paid for you and me. He redeemed us and bought us back.  He paid for our freedom with his life and blood.  We, as a Christian nation, have been silent and apathetic for far too long.  I know my Redeemer and I want everyone else to know him.

2. “Let the redeemed of the LORD say [so], Whom He has redeemed from the hand of the enemy, (Psalm 107:2 NKJV)

Our Bible clearly says let the redeemed say so.  I believe my attendance and this peaceful protest was me boldly standing up for my Lord.  Jesus says, “Therefore whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before My Father who is in heaven. (Matthew 10:32 NKJV) I want God to know that I was not ashamed of Him.  This was not a concert.  This was worship.  It was going before the throne of God with other brother and sisters in Christ and worshipping God.  We prayed and petitioned our Father for our state, every state, and this nation.  This for me was a business meeting with the Church before God.

3. “The heart of the righteous studies how to answer, But the mouth of the wicked pours forth evil.” (Proverbs 15:28 NKJV)

I have been praying about how to answer, “Why no masks?” I can only speak for myself. If I believed the masks worked, I would wear them all the time. ( I do follow the rules in stores, restaurants, doctors offices, and hospitals, etc.)   I know that when Jesus gave His life for us on the cross.  It was to SAVE us per John 3:17.   The Greek word saved is sozo.  It means to keep safe and sound; to deliver, protect, preserve, be made whole and complete; to rescue from danger or destruction; heal, restore to health, to save a suffering one from perishing one suffering from disease.   I believe Jesus is my Savior and Lord in all things.  He is my protection.   He is not just a ticket to heaven and eternal life to me. 

4. But God will redeem my soul from the power of the grave, For He shall receive me. Selah (Psalm 49:15 NKJV)

I am not scared, nor fearful of dying.   God has redeemed my soul, my mind and my body from the power of the grave. I will die a physical death if Jesus does not come back, but my spirit will live forever with my God.  I finally get what Paul said in Philippians 1:21, “For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”  Jesus bought our life and our freedom back.  I am tired of living in COVID jail.  Our rights are slowly being taken away from us and we are allowing it.  No more!  We have the right to freely worship. 

5. “Therefore, God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name, which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, (Philippians 2:9-10 NKJV)

The word corona means crown.  I will not bow my knee to this disease.  I will not be in fear of it. I will not crown it and make it bigger than it is.  My Jesus is the only crown I will bow to.  The corona virus has to bow its name to the name of Jesus.  As well as every other disease, when we take the authority that Jesus passed to us as His disciples.  

 “He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.  “And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; “they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.” (Mark 16:16-18 NKJV)

6. “But now, thus says the LORD, who created you…And He who formed you… “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called [you] by your name; You are Mine.  When you pass through the waters, I will b] with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you.  For I am the LORD your God, The Holy One of Israel, your Savior. (Isaiah 43:1-3 NKJV).

I enCOURAGE you to trust Jesus as you Savior and Lord.  Trust Him alone.  Do not fear.   Walk in the freedom he paid for.   Amen.  #RESOLUTE2020

 

by Tammy Phillips
October 15, 2020

He sent from above, he took me, he drew me out of many waters. 17 He delivered me from my strong enemy, and from them which hated me: for they were too strong for me. 18 They prevented me in the day of my calamity: but the LORD was my stay. (Psalm 18:16-18 KJV)

David wrote and sang the Psalm 18 song after the Lord delivered him from the hands of all his enemies and arch enemy, Saul.  Things had been really bad for ole David.   Picture him sitting on a rock by a river with his cowboy hat on strumming his guitar, writing the lyrics to this song.  (Here is what Psalm 18:16-18 might look like as a country song using KJV, NKJV, NLT, NIV, CSB and TIV, Tammy’s Interpretive version)

Sing along with King David and me.

He sent from above, He took me.
He reached down from heaven and rescued me.
He reached down from on high and took hold of me.

He drew me out of many waters.
He pulled me out of deep waters.

He delivered me from my strong enemy.
He rescued me from my powerful enemies.
He snatched me from my haters.

They were too strong for me

They prevented me in the day of my calamity.
They confronted me in the day of my disaster.
They attacked me at a moment when I was in distress.

But the LORD was my stay.

I have been in the deep waters of depression, hurt, lack, sickness, and sadness.  I know you have too.  The enemy has pursued me.  He has tried to destroy or steal my life, my family and my children.  I have and continue to fight the good fight of faith against the enemy and his cohorts.  Through it all I have turned my face to the LORD and have found that He is faithful.  He has saved every time, in every circumstance and from every evil.  If I was writing the next lyrics to the song, it would go like this…

But the Lord was my stay.
My Support
My Protector

The Lord is who I leaned on
The Lord is who I relied on
The Lord is who I could trust

The Lord is my Stay.

I enCOURAGE you to sing Psalm 18 to the Lord.  It will elevate your spirit and encourage your soul.  Worship and praise will lift you out of the deep, dark places.  Verse 19 of the song : “He also brought me out into a broad place;  He delivered me because He delights in me.” 

 “I will call upon the LORD, [who is worthy] to be praised; So, shall I be saved from my enemies”. (Psalm 18:3 NKJV)

 

 

 

 

by Tammy Phillips
October 14, 2020

Somedays there is just nothing to say, but God!

But God shall be with you (Genesis 48:21)
But God meant it for good, not evil (Genesis 50:20)
But God led (Exodus 13:18)
But God said to me (1 Chronicles 28:3)
But God will redeem my soul (Psalm 49:15)
But God is the strength of my heart, and my portion forever (Psalm 73:26)
But God overthrows the wicked (Proverbs 21:12)
But God only forgives sins (Mark 2:7)
But God knows your heart (Luke 16:15)
But God raised him from the dead: (Acts 13:30)
But God commends his love toward us (Romans 5:8)
But God chose the foolish things of the world to confound the wise (1 Corinthians 1:27)
But God chose the weak things of the world to confound the mighty (1 Corinthians 1:27)
But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit (1 Corinthians 2:10)
But God gave the increase (1 Corinthians 3:6)
But God hath called us to peace (1 Corinthians 7:15)
But God is faithful (1 Corinthians 10:13)
But God gave the inheritance to Abraham by promise (Galatians 3:18)
But God who is rich in mercy, for with His great love, He loved us (Ephesians 2:4)
But God has given us his Holy Spirit (1 Thessalonians 4:8)
But the LORD shall endure forever (Psalm 9:7)
But the LORD was my stay. (Psalm 18:18)
But the LORD upholds the righteous. (Psalm 37:17)
But the LORD is my defense and the rock of my refuge. (Psalm 94:22)
But the LORD made the heavens (Psalm 96:5)
But the LORD helped me (Psalm 118:13)
But the LORD directs my steps (Proverbs 16:9)
But the LORD shall be an everlasting light and your God, your glory. (Isaiah 60:19)
But the LORD is the true God, He is the living God, and an everlasting king (Jeremiah 10:10)
But the LORD is with me as a mighty terrible One (Jeremiah 20:11 KJV)
But the LORD will be the hope of his people (Joel 3:16 KJV)
But the LORD is faithful, who will establish you, and keep you from evil.
(2 Thessalonians 3:3 KJV)

I enCOURAGE you each day to find God’s word for you.  However, when you cannot quite find the right word, just boldly say, “BUT GOD!”  Name above all names covers it all.

by Tammy Phillips
October 13, 2020

 “And don’t forget to do good [and be kind] and to share with those in need. These are the sacrifices that please God”. -Hebrews 13:16 NLT

On Kris’ birthday a peaceful protest occurred in downtown Nashville on Public Square.  It was called #LetUsWorship.  Nashville was its forty third stop. I wanted to attend, but it was Kris’ birthday.   I mentioned to him about going because I knew he had to work to do.   In no way did I want to dishonor him on his day, nor make him fill less loved.  As a follower of Christ, his words to me were, “I told you that I am not taking on God.”  He knows God is my number one.  I am so thankful for his unwavering support of anything that God calls me to do.

Last minute, I volunteered to partner with the event, serve on the prayer team and support the local coordinator.  I arrived early to help but could never connect with the ground coordinator. I found a spot, out of the way, on the shallow courthouse steps that formed the base of the make-shift stage.  It was the perfect place to participate in the event and watch people arrive.  I prayed and watched. 

One hour before the event, I was politely asked to move at sound check because videographers would use this space and three feet in front of the steps to do their jobs.  I obliged, moved aside and stood up against a fence.  Soon after, a young woman dressed in a purple sweater and a woman in athletic apparel including tennis shoes plopped in on “my spot.”  Immediately, they were asked to move, too.  Purple sweater announced that older woman was “handicapped.”  They had told me that they had not planned well because old woman had a bum knee.  What they did not know was that my knee was in the process of being healed, but I never said a word.  I also did not suggest that maybe they should occupy one of the many park benches surrounding public square.  Like me, they wanted to be front, but not center.  Purple encouraged older to disobey the stagehands request, stay seated and not to move.  Older told purple to keep the three feet space clear so that they would not be made to move. They took authority of that space.  I crucified my flesh and said nothing.  You better believe I wanted to say: “Get out of my seat! I have been here for an hour. Listen and obey.”  Neither of them was acting Christ like, I decided that maybe I should.  I “put on Christ.”   I resolved to be kind, do good, and keep my mouth shut.  Praised God, I did. 

Oddly enough, Purple did not even know who Sean Feucht, the worship leader, was.  I pointed him out to her.  They quietly sat by and observed as worship began.  To my knowledge, they did not sing, say, or pray; they watched.  We worshipped.  We prayed for our city, state, and nation.  When Sean invited people to follow Jesus who was one of the first people to step out and run to the call?  PURPLE!    Thank God, I chose the High Road this time!  I got to watch the coolest miracle of God happen right before my eyes.  Holy Spirit had wooed another soul back to Him!

I enCOURAGE you to be kind and do good.  Share with those in need.  It pleases our Dad.  Kris reminded me about ministering to the one WHO IS SITTING BESIDE YOU?

*Let me confess, within 24 hours of this event, I was unkind to someone for no reason other than being tired. No excuse! Gratefully, they ignored my ugly.  I have confessed my sin to God and them. I know that I am forgiven and that is why I need Jesus.  Thank God, He is not done with me nor you yet!

 

by Tammy Phillips
October 12, 2020

“But whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace to this house.’ (Luke 10:5 NKJV)

Sometimes God’s whisper into our spirit is so gentle that we hear it, but we do not completely get it.  Look at the God Whispers in reference to Luke 10:5 over the last two weeks:

1. I came across this verse the week of September 28^th, after a friend opened her mountain home to a group of us to go and pray. I regretted not speaking this verse over her home. 
2. A little later, the same sister who opened her home to us spoke the same verse to me.(I never shared my regrets to her, until now.)
3. October 11^th, I was praying with a warrior at church about two tumultuous situations. Honestly, not even knowing how to pray. Holy Spirit brought this scripture to mind so we could speak peace into those homes! Peace into the broken places.
4. October 11^th, a young woman came up with her entire family for prayer at church. Her request? Peace!  We spoke peace to her house.
5. I was thinking about this verse again this morning.I was reminded of our U.S. Congress and some friends that are waring there.   I finally got it!  I hear you, Lord.  Your Peace is the answer every time.  I speak, “Peace to the House of Representatives and to the U.S. Senate.  I speak peace to the Tennessee General Assembly!  Prince of Peace you are welcome!”

Peace is the answer! Jesus is the answer!  Jesus is the Prince of Peace!  Peace is the Hebrew word shalom.  It is everything.  It means whole; health; complete; safe; sound; prosperity; wellness; quiet.  Jesus said: “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” (John 14:27 KJV)

Peace described in this verse is the Greek word eirēne, meaning, tranquil state exempt from rage and war, harmony, good order, security, safety, prosperity, rest plus being set as one again, wholeness.  Peace is peace.

The Hebrews used it as a blessing: “Peace be to you!” (Judges 6:23 and Daniel 10:19) Over 16 times writers in the New testament greets the reader with “Grace and peace be to you!”

I enCOURAGE you with these words, “May the Prince of Peace have free reign in your house! “PEACE BE TO YOUR HOUSE!” PEACE BE TO YOU! Wholeness! Completeness! Health! Safety! Security!  Soundness!  Prosperity!  Wellness! Quiet! Harmony! Good order!  Be set as one again!  Peace to this house!”

“Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord!” (2 Peter 1:2 NKJV)

by Tammy Phillips
October 11, 2020

And the Lord said to Moses, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” (Exodus 33:14 NKJV)

As I told you yesterday, I had committed to do the APSU Scholarship 5K Virtual Run.  I did not really want to do it, but I had given my word.  I resolved to honor my commitment.   I decided I would spend the minutes praying for Austin Peay State University, the Peay-ple (students, faculty and staff) for the Peay president and various other things.  In other words, I invited the Presence of God, Holy Spirit to run the race with me.  

The course I chose was around a gorgeous lake in our neighborhood.  The loop was right at a half-mile.  Eight rounds and a little bit and I would accomplish my goal.  I began the Virtual 5k before the sun peaked above the horizon.  I started at a pretty fast pace to achieve my goal.  I realized after a few laps that I was not going to be able to keep that pace and that I needed to take slow down and take a pause.  This revelation happened as the sun began to reveal itself.  God masterfully painted the sky in my favorite colors. The masterpiece in the east changed each time I reached the west end of the loop.   He taught me that it was ok to take a pause and catch my breath.  It is ok to rest in the race of life. We have all heard, “Life is a marathon, not a sprint.  Train for endurance not speed. Pace yourself accordingly.”   

How comforting are the words of the Lord in Exodus 33:14, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”  He is with us and He gives us pause, the rest.  Where are you at in your marathon?

Overcoming sickness?
“My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”

Fighting Cancer?
“My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”

Battling sleepless nights?
“My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”

In the midst of a sudden passing of a loved one or friend?
“My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”

Writing a big paper or presenting a project at work?
“My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”

Lost dream job and  looking for  new path?
“My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”

Dredging your way through school?
“My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”

Buying groceries and preparing a meal?
“My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”

Struggling to make ends meet?
“My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”

Running a race that you do not want to run?
“My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”

I encourage you to take comfort in that the Presence of the Lord will go with you.  He will give you rest. There is nothing we can to do, go through, attempt to accomplish nor anywhere you can go that the Lord’s Presence will not go with you.  He is running right with alongside. He keeps His word.  He will give you pause and let you catch your breath.

 

 

by Tammy Phillips
October 10, 2020

“…Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith… (Hebrews 12:1-2 NKJV)

By definition, I “ran” my second 5k of the year, earlier this week.  Kris ran it in 28:13 minutes!  My goal was for my average pace to beat his completion time.  I won 22:48 mi/min!  LOL!

Let me make this clear, the very last thing that I wanted to talk to you about on a rainy, fall, Saturday morning is running.  I would have preferred to be snuggled in my big chair reading a book. However, I could not “run” away from the subject.  I have always thought of myself as very competitive, but not as a runner.  However, I have come to realize we all runners in life.  Hope this sheds light on what it means to run. 

Here are a few definitions from Websters Dictionary1828…  

RUN:

• To move or pass in almost any manner
• To move rapidly, by leaps or long quick steps
• To use the legs in moving; to step
• To move in a hurry
• To flow in any manner, slowly or rapidly
• To be liquid or fluid, as in water
• To be fusible, to melt. As in fire 
• To flow, as words, language or periods.
• To have a course or direction.
• To pass in thought, speech or practice;
• To have a track or course.
• To have a certain direction.
• To grow exuberantly.
• To dart; to shoot; as a meteor in the sky.
• To drive; to force.
• To crush; to overthrow; to overbear.(http://webstersdictionary1828.com/Dictionary/run)

The Blue Letter Bible’s definition of run:  to walk hastily; to exert oneself, strive hard; to spend one’s strength in performing or attaining something (https://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=G5143&t=KJV)

Peteni Kuzwayo is editor of Run For Wealth, a blog established with the mission of helping people “Run A Fulfilling Life Race”.  Kuzwayo has run over 20 Marathons, 10 Ultra-marathons and 4 Comrades Marathons. He is also the Nike Run Club Coach in JHB, South Africa.  According to an article by Kuzwayo ,  “Why Runners Are More Likely To Be Successful” who set goals; value time; are highly disciplined;  know how to overcome obstacles;  build networks and relationships; are part of  a team where you can  learn from the strongest and be encouraged; understand that failure is a transition to success. (https://www.lifehack.org/articles/communication/11-reasons-why-runners-are-more-likely-successful.html)

Sounds like Peteni might have gotten a few success tips from God’s Instruction Manual when writing his article.  Whether we are running a 5k, a marathon or competing on the course of life:

“…Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith… (Hebrews 12:1-2 NKJV)

“Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. And everyone who competes [for the prize] is temperate in all things. Now they [do it] to obtain a perishable crown, but we [for] an imperishable [crown].  Therefore, I run thus: not with uncertainty. (1 Corinthians 9:24-26 NKJV)

We are told to run at least two different time in the passages above.  After picking apart the scriptures, this is how I see we are to run:

• Run the race set before you.
• Run with endurance and patience.
• Run exercising self-control in all things.
• Run as one trained.
• Run looking at Jesus.
• Run like Jesus, the Finisher.
• Run with purpose in every step.
• Run with confidence.
• Run with determination
• Run resolutely.
• Run bravely.
• Run with a goal.
• Run to finish.
• Run to take down.
• Run to win the prize.

I enCOURAGE you to RUN!  Take one step at a time, one foot in front of another. 

by Tammy Phillips
October 9, 2020

I was raised in Athens, Georgia, meaning there is only one college football team, the University of Georgia Bulldogs!  I have cheered for them since I was five.  I was trained to raise both arms high above my shoulders towards heaven, signifying touch down or victory.   It meant our team had overcome the enemy, scored or won.    I think we taught our boys the same sign from the crib.  Sadly, it was not for the red team of God, nor for the ‘dawgs, but for the orange team. 

I regret that I did not know until recently that this action was first, mentioned in the Bible.  It is a sign of reverence to God.  We can find two interesting definitions of praise In Psalm 111:1, “Praise ye the LORD. I will praise the LORD with [my] whole heart, in the assembly of the upright, and in the congregation.”

The first “praise” in Psalm 111:1 is the Hebrew word, “hallel,” which means to shine; to make a show, to boast; to be clamorously foolish; to rave; to celebrate; glory, to act mad.

The second “praise” in this verse is the Hebrew word, “yadah,” meaning to hold out the hand; throw at; to revere with extended hands.  When we raise our hands in praise, I see it as we are raising our arms with the overcoming victory sign towards heaven.  

How many of us act crazy and throw our hands in “praise” when out team scores, but have never dared raise our hands in the congregation to offer God praise?    We will not miss a game of our favorite team.  We fill stadiums in proud, praise of our idols, but what about God? As for me, I am mad at baseball!  I still like football, but I love God.  He gets my praise first, now.  You know, Satan stole this idea from God’s playbook.

The same thing happened with the “V” sign, a sign made by pointing the first two fingers up in a V-shape, with palm of the hand facing outward.  It is used as a symbol of victory or peace. The enemy used a simple twist of hand with palm facing inward to turn a positive symbol negative. 

“The use of ‘V’ as a symbolic message and rallying emblem of defiant resistance to tyranny was first proposed by Victor de Laveleye.  De Laveleye worked for the BBC during the war. In his broadcast on January 14, 1941, he proposed what became the ‘V’ campaign.  And seven months later, Winston Churchill followed.  In a speech, Churchill announced an effort to actively promote the V campaign throughout Europe. ‘The V sign is the symbol of the unconquerable will of the occupied territories and a portent of the fate awaiting Nazi tyranny,’ he said. ‘So long as the people continue to refuse all collaboration with the invader, it is sure his cause will perish, and that Europe will be liberated.’  The V campaign was heavily publicized by the BBC and was popular throughout Europe. And it soon became a symbol for all Western European resistance during the conflict, with Vs painted on walls and over Nazi posters. It was an unlikely stroke of genius that united and inspired.”   (https://www.sundaypost.com/fp/on-this-day-in-1941-v-for-victory-sent-a-clear-message-to-the-nazis/)

In. WWII, the enemy, Germany, could not remove all the occupied campaign signs so they copied, stole and adopted the V sign as a German symbol. 

A retrofit and reconstruction of Churchills words to accommodate our current Christian stance: 

The V sign or peace sign is the symbol of the unconquerable spirit of the territories that we occupy as children of the Almighty God and a portent of the fate awaiting the enemies of God.  As long as we refuse all collaboration with Satan and his cohorts, it is sure his cause will perish!  Prison doors will be opened to the bound, the brokenhearted will be healed, and the captives will be liberated! The Prince of Peace reigns and overcame, delivering healing, wholeness, and completeness!  He said: “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”(John 14:27 KJV)

I enCOURAGE you that when new terrors arise, when death and disease threaten, victoriously, say Jesus!   When troubles come and we are inwardly tossed by temptation and obstacles, choose our Father’s loving arms.  When Satan attempts to disturb, distract, divert, disquiet, disconcert, disorder, delude and discombobulate our souls, remember, Christ is the Prince of Peace! Be resolute! Throw up your arms in victory!  Raise the V!  

But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ…my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord. (1 Corinthians 15:57-58 NKJV)

by Tammy Phillips
October 8, 2020

Every Scripture is God-breathed (given by His inspiration) and profitable for instruction, for reproof and conviction of sin, for correction of error and discipline in obedience, [and] for training in righteousness (in holy living, in conformity to God’s will in thought, purpose, and action), So that the man of God may be perfect, complete and proficient, well fitted and thoroughly equipped for every good work.  2 Timothy 3:16-17:

This scripture says that God breathed the word, so the man of God may be complete. The secrets to our success, completion and our perfection are in the Bible, His Instruction Manual.  It is a priceless, treasure of wealth and love.

Upon starting a new job, an employer usually gifts, an employee handbook or manual.  It includes everything one needs to know about the company.  It contains what is expected, how to perform the job, benefits and retirement plans.  Wouldn’t we read it before we ever started the new job?  Would we use as a guide to complete our tasks?  Or, would we think, “Got this! Know what to do.”  Would we leave the manual lying around the office untouched or take it home and leave it by the bedside? Only pick it up in case of emergencies?  God gave us His word when we joined His company.  It gives life directions, describes an unbelievable benefits package and the greatest retirement plan!  

God inspired about forty authors to write our manual. It includes sixty-six books and letters that were written over a period of about 1500 years. Holy Spirit spent time and effort into telling us all we need to know, start to finish.  Our responsibility is to study and dive in headfirst to learn about “our Company,” our Creator, CEO, and our Perfect Love.

When we read the King James Bible, the language can be a bit challenging and difficult to understand. Holy Spirit will teach, if we ask.  Other translations of the Word make it easier to comprehend.  I enjoy studying the King James alongside the Amplified Version (It “amplifies” words, bringing greater meaning to the scripture.) The online Blue Letter Bible (www.blueletterbible.org) is a great tool to use, with the click of a button we can receive the original Hebrew and Greek insights to words. The only way to fully know our God, discover his plans and purposes for life is to enter the Bible.

Begin small.  It is about commitment.  I started by dedicating fifteen minutes a day to read one devotion with scripture.  As I got hungrier, I added other devotionals and resources. Those devotionals lead me to other verses and now I follow where Holy Spirit leads.  It just like running.  We do not start with marathons.  We take one step at a time, training our way to the marathon.

The Bible is surprising, funny, sad, uplifting, enlightening, amazing and medicine to the soul.  I start every day in God’s word.  It orders my day. If do not begin with the Bible, it is like missing a dose of medicine to me.   My day will probably be a little off.  Think of it this way.  We do not usually go all day nor days without eating physical food. We starve our spirit when we go without eating the spiritual food of God’s word.   Jesus said in Matthew 4:4, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.”

The word of God is life.  Want life enjoyed and in abundance?  Leap in, dig deep and fill up. We also do not get in a car for a long trip and depart with an empty tank.  We set out with a full tank and if it is a long journey, we fill up along the way.  How can we successfully journey through life without filling up on God?  God and His Word are one! Want to know God? Get to know His Word.  “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”- John 1:1   Want direction in life? Plug into God’s Word and let Him light up your path. “Thy word [is] a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” Psalm 119:105

I enCOURAGE and challenge you to commit to reading His word daily. The   you find will transform your life and bring salvation!   He promises, “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go.” (Psalm 32:8) As a member of the Company of God, He desires relationship with you.  Seek him, you will find Him.   

 

 

 

by Tammy Phillips
October 7, 2020

“Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.”  (1 Corinthians 2:9 NKJV)

Who likes surprises?  Do you like gifts?  My sweet hubby’s birthday is October 11.  He loves gifts.  Last night, he jokingly asked Parker, “have you gotten my gift yet?” He even has a song,

“All I want for my birthday…”  When Kris gets a package, he shakes it and immediately guesses what’s in it.  He is often right. We have learned to disguise the boxes.  Truth be known, I love to give gifts.

However, our Father is the best gift giver.  1 Corinthians 2:9 tells us that we have not seen, nor heard, nor even thought about what God has prepared for those who love Him.  God is so loving that He gave us His very own son, Jesus.  He gave us life eternal.  Hidden in His word are many more gifts.   And, “God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God. (1 Corinthians 2:10 NKJV) Yes, God reveals, takes off the cover, unveils the hidden, deep things via the Spirit.  Not only does present us with the unimaginable, He sends Holy Spirit to help us unwrap them!

When is the last time you wrote a love letter, sent a card, or a gift expressing your love for someone? God inspired men to write His love story to us in the form of the Bible.  It is one of the greatest gifts that He granted us.  In the pages of the Bible are the living, breathing words of God, the deep things of God.   He endued us Holy Spirit to show us Himself and His secrets tucked away in scripture.  Who knows what a person thinks except their own spirit?   Same thing with God.  Nobody knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God.

“Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God.” (1 Corinthians 2:12 NKJV)

We have received and take hold of  Holy Spirit so that we may know what has freely given to us.  What have we received? The gifts that we have not seen, nor heard or even thought about.  Amazing, Amazing things!  Here are a few things we have received:

• Jesus. -John 3:16
• Salvation -John 3:17
• Remission of sins. – Acts 10:43
• Forgiveness of sins – Acts 26:18
• Eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. -Romans 6:23
• The Holy Spirit – John 20:22
• All things. – Matthew 21:22
• Every good gift and every perfect gift -James 1:17
• All the days of our life. Psalm 139:13-16
• Every day. -Psalm 118:24
• Victory. -1 Corinthians 15:57
• The Blessing of Abraham – Galatians 3:14 KJV
• The adoption of sons. – Galatians 4:5 KJV
• The crown of life. – James 1:12 KJV
• The reward of the inheritance. – Colossians 3:24 KJV
• The engrafted word, which is able to save your souls. – James 1:21
• A crown of glory that does not fade away. – 1 Peter 5:4 KJV
• Abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness – Romans 5:17 13
• To Eat and drink and enjoy the good of all his labor -Ecclesiastes 3:13

I enCOURAGE you to open your Bible every day.  Sit at the feet of Jesus and discover what precious gift he has awaiting you.  Unwrap it, open it up, enjoy it, thank him for it and then give it away. 

Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift! (2 Corinthians 9:15 NKJV)