Habakkuk 2: 2-3 And the Lord answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it. (3) For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.
“Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.” Psalm 19:14 KJV
“Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me” is an understatement.
In the book of Matthew, chapter 12, verse 37, Jesus imparts sincerity about the potency of our words, proclaiming, “For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” This serves as a compelling reminder of our speech’s profound impact on both ourselves and those in our midst. It emphasizes the weight of every utterance, as they can yield favorable or adverse consequences.
The concept is deeply rooted in the profound symbolism of the breath that we speak with, which mirrors the breath of life given to us, as described in Genesis 2:7. This connection highlights the significance and responsibility accompanying our spoken words, shaping our interactions and relationships.
Take a moment to imagine the power of speaking positively and declaring God’s promises. It has the potential to bring about transformation. Not only does it initiate healing within us and others, but it also can shift circumstances in our favor.
Seek God’s guidance to fill your heart with peace and bring restoration. His divine influence can help us control our speech and use it for positive and healing purposes.
“He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: but he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction.” Proverbs 13:3 KJV
As I stand amidst the clutter in my utility room, I’m filled with a mix of reluctance and determination. “I know I need to, but I don’t want to,” I mutter to myself. This is the part where I earnestly say, “The flesh is weak, but the spirit is willing!” As I pull everything out, I realize that what may seem like junk to me could be a treasure for someone else. My foyer, by the time I’m done dragging everything out, is going to look like a hoarder’s paradise. Dust will settle on another few inches of dust, making my apartment look like the sweeper blew up. The task of creating a path to and from rooms by digging through the clutter is a real pain! I find myself wondering how long it will take to neatly organize all of my belongings, from clothes to books and everything in between.
Chaos creates an overwhelming atmosphere. So much truth is in that!
What if I told you that chaos is a tool for God? “No, He isn’t the author of confusion.
(1 Corinthians 14:33 KJV) He works in it.
In the book of Esther, Haman’s lust for power drove him to deceive the king. All it took was the right strategy since he was the king’s righthand man, no problem! “Here is the plan. I’ll convince King Ahasuerus that the Jews are enemies.” Mordecai knew Esther was in the right place at the right time. He depended on his niece, whom he raised as his own, to intercede on their behalf. (Read the book of Esther)
Arrogance led Haman straight into the very snare he built for Mordecai. Chaos ceased in God’s time. Israel was spared.
Sure, here’s the rewritten text with corrected spelling, grammar, and punctuation:
Jesus, upon entering Bethsaida, encountered a blind man in need of a miracle. “Touch him, my Lord,” the people urged. (Mark 8:22-20) First, He touched the man’s eyes with His spit and asked, “What do you see?” The blind man looked up and replied, “I see men as trees, walking.” At first, he didn’t truly see. Have you ever had your eyes examined? Sometimes drops are put in your eyes to dilate them. It can be overwhelming to want to see clearly. The second time, Jesus placed His hands upon the man’s eyes. His vision was restored as if he had always been able to see. Chaos only lasted for a moment, then, by the touch of the Master’s hands, order was restored.
“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28 KJV
“God has the power to restore order to things that are chaotic. Before doing so, everything must be disorganized and misplaced. But there’s no need to fret, as He has already paved the way for this restoration. “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.” (Psalms 119:105 KJV)
Our natural sight betrays us. Focus on what God said He would do. “I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go. I will guide thee with mine eye.” (Psalm 32:8 KJV) His eye is our compass. It says eye. “The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light.” Single vision is a term that throws me in a loop when ordering glasses online. It taught me something valuable, though. The two lenses are created for optical correction for a single distance, meaning only one. Focus is one way, not two, three, or four. Jesus says, “But if thine eye is evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness; how great is that darkness!” Proverbs says, “Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.” To have an open vision, we mustn’t be blinded by our circumstances and believe in a physical manifestation of God’s order.
I have a remarkable uncle who is visually impaired, yet possesses the incredible ability to count money with precision. Despite his blindness, he takes pleasure in “watching” TV and experiencing “sightseeing” by vividly imagining them in his mind. When it comes to counting change, he relies on his acute memory for the unique characteristics of coins, such as their size, texture, and engravings, running his fingers over them to discern their value. His resilience and wisdom have been invaluable, teaching me the profound lesson of navigating life with unwavering faith rather than relying solely on what meets the eye.
The amber sun, with its stunning display of colors, gracefully faded as night descended, leaving behind a lingering glow that outlined the majestic mountains of Jerusalem. The disciples, visibly saddened, dropped their heads in a moment of heavy silence. Their faces reflected a mix of confusion and grief as they tried to comprehend the turn of events. Judas, one of their own, walked among them, his footsteps echoing a sense of betrayal as he had made the fateful decision to betray Jesus in exchange for thirty pieces of silver. While Peter denies Jesus, slicing the soldier’s ear off, Jesus unhesitant picks it up and heals it into place—wailing bursts from the throats of the passionately dedicated followers at the crucifixion. The earth trembled as the ground split open, seemingly reaching out to accept the blood of Jesus. The skies darkened and violent tremors shook both heaven and earth, as if nature itself was mourning the event. What happened? Slumber won with its cumbering embrace. “Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep:So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth; and thy want as an armed man.” (Proverbs 24:33-34)
At the break of dawn, as the rooster’s crow pierced the silence, a haunting realization washed over Peter. The words of Jesus, spoken to him just hours earlier, echoed in his mind with relentless clarity. “Truly I say to you, that this night before the cock crows you’ll deny me three times.” The weight of those words bore down on Peter, stirring a tumult of emotions within him as he grappled with the impending fulfillment of Jesus’ prophecy. (Matthew 26:34)
The words of Jesus flowed from their hearts as they sat in astonishment. It seemed like hopelessness had gained the advantage.
“The LORD of hosts hath sworn, saying, Surely as I have thought, so shall it come to pass; and as I have purposed, so shall it stand,” … Isaiah 14:24
How often have we found ourselves wondering how many times we have asked the Lord for guidance? I’ll admit, I’ve certainly done it countless times!
He fearlessly faced death and triumphed over the depths of hell, emerging victorious against all odds.(Read Mark 16)
“Writing is my passion! This is how I envision the aftermath of the crucifixion. The greatest thing about the Bible is that everyone’s life story is written in it. Have you denied Jesus out of pressure? Are you lost, confused, and alone? Abused, physically or mentally, whatever state we find ourselves in, Jesus’ cords, mercy, grace, and compassion will reach beneath us, pulling us out if we accept it. “In my distress I cried unto the Lord, and he heard me.” Psalm 120 KJV
The Author sat them down to explain, “This will happen. You need to be prepared.” Like so many of us, we hear, however, don’t understand what God is going to do, what He says he’s going to do.
These words are not merely tales; they serve as guiding lights to navigate life’s various challenges. No matter the circumstance you encounter, the teachings found in the Word of God offer wisdom and guidance to guide you.
I have often found myself in Gideon’s position, imploring,“If this is You, Lord, give me another sign!” When the first answer didn’t satisfy me, I would ask again. I pondered why I am this way and searched my life intently. “Where is the broken thread in the garment that would unravel the whole thing? Where within the depths of my soul is this uneven yoke?
When the loose thread of the fabric is tugged, it loosens the whole piece in the garment, revealing the intricate stitching and delicate patterns. I need to discover the origin of this unraveling, to untangle myself from the chaos and start anew, perhaps with a fresh piece of fabric and a new design.”
“Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it. (Proverbs 22:6) Teach children how they should live, guiding them to make positive choices and develop a strong sense of self-worth. When a child is consistently exposed to negative beliefs about themselves, it’s like planting a weed in their mind that gradually takes over, stifling their potential and preventing positive growth.
Weeds quickly conquer soil, taking space. Think about it. For good seeds to flourish, weeds have to be uprooted completely. Grandma loved gardening. Helping alongside her, I’d pull weeds out but lay them on the ground. “No, put them in the wheelbarrow to be hauled away.” It made plenty of sense. She explained that weeds could still take root although they were uprooted. Eventually, it would choke out the good seeds planted.
Reflecting on my spiritual journey, I have prayed for God to delve into the depths of my heart, soul, and mind. My earnest plea is for Him to remove anything within me that does not align with His will. When He begins this transformative work, it feels as though a single thread being pulled unravels my entire being. In these moments, I realize how incomplete my self-awareness truly is until I face challenges. My ultimate ambition is to emulate the qualities of Christ in every aspect of my life.
Going back to finding that single thread Matthew 9:16 says,” “No man putteth a piece of new cloth unto an old garment, for that which is put in to fill it up taketh from the garment, and the rent is made worse.” Picture your most stunning outfit and envision it torn and patched with oil-stained rags, diminishing its beauty.
“Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.” (Psalm 51:6 KJV)
“Explore the depths of my heart, O Lord, for I know it may harbor unknowing impurities. Restore my spirit, Lord, for life’s burdens have depleted it. Grant me this, Lord , so I may attain purity and sanctity within.”
Gideon grappled with the belief that he was not the chosen one to confront the Midianites. The verse “For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he” (Proverbs 23:7 KJV) weighed heavily on his mind. God seemed to unravel the misfitted pattern by pulling a loose thread, revealing the false identity that family members had planted.
“But the Lord said unto Samuel, “Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart. (1 Samuel 16:7 KJV)
As a messenger of God, I am reminded of the redeeming power of His love towards all. Let us always strive to perceive ourselves through the lens of God’s unconditional love and not through the judgmental eyes of society. I am deeply grateful for the immense mercy extended to me, and I recognize the continuous need for the Lord’s merciful presence in my life.
“Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11 KJV
Beneath my feet lay pieces of broken toys. A wheel here, a marred block there, and a few pieces from a torn doll indicated that children actively played. If those toys had feelings, I could relate to their brokenness. I’m sure all of us could!
I find immense inspiration in watching the series called The Chosen. The series beautifully depicts the imperfections of the disciples, portraying them as short-tempered, hungry, tempted, angry, argumentative, and filled with self-doubt. In a particular episode, Mary Magdalene succumbs to temptation when a demoniac begins to remind her of her troubled past. She listens intently as he cruelly recalls the depths of her past sins, causing shame to overwhelm her. Mary finds herself revisiting her old haunts and falling back into her previous destructive habits.
After Jesus sends several disciples out to look for her, Matthew and Peter finally find her sitting in an alley. They plead with her to come back. “He already fixed me once,” she replied. Matthew’s response to her is unforgettable: “He can fix you again.” The scene really struck a chord within me, making me feel like I have asked God to forgive me a thousand times. I’m tired of hurting, struggling, and taking unknowing steps that end in disaster. I’m tired of questioning why I’m always seen as the enemy when I’ve tried to help by praying, encouraging, and doing good things. Isn’t that what Christians do? I’m tired and broken, and I don’t want to hurt anymore. Brokenness isn’t pleasant in the least.
Getting back to those broken toys most would throw them in the trash. Some have dedicated themselves to restoring them. “I’ll take time to clean them thoroughly, examine parts, replace brokenness with new, mend torn pieces with needle and thread, whatever it takes.
Hours upon hours, even days, have been poured into restoration. Evidence of its battered state is no longer present, yet its uniqueness is preserved.
“God, that’s exactly what You do! Devastation rushes in with its hands, pulling, rending us, and leaving scars. You don’t throw us away as some do.” It’s true, He fixed us once, but it won’t be the last. Restoration isn’t beyond Him.
“For I will restore health unto thee, and I will heal thee of thy wounds, saith the LORD; because they called thee an Outcast, saying, This is Zion, whom no man seeketh after.” (Jeremiah 30:17 KJV) This is one of many scriptures of God’s restoring power.
Isaiah 42:9 is a promise, “Behold, the former things have come to pass, and new things I now declare; before they spring forth I tell you of them.” Seek Him with all your heart, mind, and soul. Talk, cry out to Him plow through your brokenness. He will hear and answer. Yes, beloved, it will take time; however, you will be restored. The reasons behind toy restorers are the same. “Someone saw my worth.”
I have experienced numerous challenges and setbacks in my life, but each time, I have found the strength to overcome them with the help of my faith in God. His restorative power has been a source of resilience and hope for me, allowing me to heal and grow stronger after every trial. I have been broken many times, but God has restored me every time.
With every deliberate step, I took down the cracked and weathered sidewalk, the crisp autumn air filled my lungs as I drew closer to a mesmerizing tunnel of waltzing, shimmering golden leaves. The sunlight, like a master painter, filtered through the remaining leaves, casting dancing patterns of light and shadow on the ground, creating a surreal and awe-inspiring scene.
Softly, a gentle whisper from the Voice of Truth resonated within my spirit, reassuring me, “I have not lost a single battle, nor have I forsaken the righteous. Throughout time, I have remained faithful to My Word. I cannot speak falsehoods or be unfaithful.” Every word He uttered pierced through the cloud of despair, attempting to engulf me, bringing comfort and security. “Not today, Satan, nor any other day. I reject every falsehood spoken against me and my circumstances. I declare life, restoration, joy, and peace into existence.” No, God will never lose a battle!
God said this month would be unprecedented, but He also gave us hope.
Proverbs 13:12 says, “Hope deferred maketh the heart sick: but when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life.” What does that mean anyway, “makes the heart sick”? First, we must look at what hope deferred means. It means late, delayed, postponed, tardy, overdue. The word hope means expectation. The concept of expectation refers to a firm belief or belief that a particular event or outcome will occur in the future. However, as time passes by, the harshness of life will wear us down, and we must refuse to allow it.
In Luke 21, Jesus cautions that humanity’s hearts will falter due to fear. Yet, He also implores us, “Do not lose heart” (John 16:33). We must firmly internalize the belief that we are progressing rapidly by steadfastly expressing our praise and engaging in fervent prayer. We combat by reminding the adversary that we are recipients of a steadfast promise from an unwavering God!
The scripture in Proverbs states, “When the desire comes, it is a tree of life.” Life springs forth as soon as that longing returns and hope is called to the forefront!
We often encounter the familiar expression: “The optimist sees the glass as half full, while the pessimist views the glass as half empty.” Looking at this from a spiritual perspective, we could say that we sometimes feel half-empty, as if to say, “I need to seek Him fully.” When the glass is half full, some oil is still there, but it’s not bubbling over. There is recognition of something lacking. Either way, fulfillment is needed. It can be challenging to take that first step to address the things that hinder us from entering the presence of God. I’ve been there so many times!
The void within us dissolves as the radiant light ascends to its peak. I empathize with the fact that some trials may seem insoluble; nevertheless, they will not overwhelm us if we focus on the positive aspects and take positive steps. The scripture from 2 Corinthians 12:9, in which the Lord says, “My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfectinweakness,” serves as a constant reminder for me to acknowledge and accept my vulnerabilities. It encourages me to find strength and courage in my weaknesses, knowing that it is through these challenges that the power of Christ can indeed manifest and reside within me. We can look at those around us and say, “So and so will never change, or this circumstance will not change,” but I’d rather say, “Let me see people and situations through Your eyes, God; after all, You are the Creator.”
In all circumstances, we entrust God to fulfill His purpose and to resolve any challenges that may arise. We are optimistic about the great things that lie ahead! It is important for us to let go of our own desires and concerns, allowing ourselves to be open and receptive to God’s guidance and blessings.
“But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. We are troubledon every side,yetnotdistressed; we are perplexed, butnot in despair; 2 Corinthians 4:7 -8 KJV
“Knowing we are fulfilling God’s purpose is the only thing that gives rest to the restless heart.” -Charles Calson–
As the first rays of sunlight filtered through the window this morning, I sat in quiet reverence and poured my heart into God. With a deep self-examination, I searched the depths of my being, seeking clarity and purpose. In that moment, I humbly implored Him to be my guiding light in every work so that my actions may reflect His glory and grace. “God, I want my life to have meaning.”
We often lose ourselves in the hustle of life, succumbing to frustration, pain, and the belief that we must handle everything on our own. Our eyes are affixed to the clocks on our walls and calendars, thinking, “How much longer, Lord, are my prayers going to linger?” Jesus reminds me of how often He purposely waited to come to Lazarus. (John 11:6) He delayed turning water into wine. (John 2:1-11) Sarah conceived in her old age. (Genesis 21:2) This miracle was for an appointed time.
In a dream I had a few nights ago, I found myself standing halfway up a towering mountain. As fatigue set in, I halted and expressed, “Lord, I can’t continue. I’m exhausted.” In response, He said, “Darlene, you cannot descend, nor can you linger here. The only path is upward. You must persist in climbing to reach the other side, to the fulfillment of the promise.” Tears streamed down my face as I deeply reflected on the vivid and emotional dream that had left a profound impact on me. God embraced me with His strength.
I’m sharing this with you because I understand that you, too, may sometimes feel tired and question whether you are impacting anyone. Or maybe you think God has put your prayer request in a “get to it later basket.” It’s not so. God answers speedily but He does things the right way. Satan will nag at us by reminding us of pain or failures, convincing us that we’ve messed up so badly that God is teaching us a lesson. It’s not true at all! Remember, Satan is the father of lies!
“For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us.” 2 Corinthians 1:20 KJV
I want to encourage you today to continue believing in God for what you are praying for. It will come to pass!
“This situation is bigger than me. There’s no way it will change!” This is how we see things most of the time. It’s impossible!
As I delved into Joshua and Caleb’s story in Numbers 13:25-14:10, I was captivated by the ongoing conversation with the Lord. Caleb’s unwavering desire to ascend the mountain and lay claim to the land promised by God stirred my soul. The vivid depiction of the land, overflowing with milk and honey and adorned with colossal clusters of grapes, would be a beautiful sight! But the spies painted a rich tapestry of abundance with a horrific detail. Giants occupied the land. “We saw ourselves as grasshoppers.” Take a moment to imagine this scene: a grasshopper is a tiny creature that can easily be preyed upon. “We are like grasshoppers because these giants are not just giants; they are massive,” is what they were reporting.
Caleb silenced the people. “Let’s go and take possession of the land because we can do it.” The people murmured regretfully, longing for their days in Egypt or the wilderness, wishing they had stayed there and perished. God had intended to destroy them, but Moses interceded on their behalf. Overwhelmed with conviction, I confessed, “God, I wish I hadn’t stepped out.” The situation seemed impossible to resolve.”
There is a song titled “He’ll Do It Again.”[1] We serve a mighty God whose ways are past; finding out! Isaiah 55:8-9 says, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts more than your thoughts.”
No matter how impossible things seem or how we feel, God can more than remove any obstacle standing in the way. Remember, He is a covenant-keeping God!
God has something on the other side of our circumstances awaiting us.
[1] Dawn Thomas is the copyright holder of the song; He’ll Do It Again
David tested the Lord when he counted Israel. Gad, sent by the Lord, gave him three options for punishment. David had to choose his judgment: seven years of famine, fleeing from his enemies for three months, or three days of pestilence in the land.
The most careful decision made by David was to place his trust in the hands of the Lord, as he acknowledged that “his mercies are great.” The Lord ultimately chose to spare all three individuals involved. As the angel poised to strike the people, God relented and commanded the angel, saying, “It is enough: stay your hand now.” At that moment, the angel of the Lord was positioned at the threshing place of Araunah the Jebusite, a significant location in this divine communication. (11Samuel 24:16) (Read II Samuel 24:11-17)
David, a devout follower, felt a deep sense of remorse for his transgressions and sought to make amends with God. In a show of repentance, David obtained the necessary threshing instruments, oxen, and wood to meticulously prepare the threshing floor. Upon this sacred ground, he constructed an altar, which he intended to offer up as a symbol of his repentance, knowing that it would be consumed by the purifying flames of God.
In a moment of profound humility, David openly acknowledged his sin of tempting the Lord and fervently requested to be subjected to the Lord’s merciful judgment rather than face the vengeance of his enemies.
In this still and sacred environment, situated on the threshing floor, David encountered a deeply moving spiritual epiphany. It was in this hallowed space that he once more experienced a sense of renewal and clarity, liberated from the weight of wrongdoing.
The connection to the Pharisees and Sadducees is that the threshing floor is symbolic of separating the righteous from the unrighteous. When David purchased the threshing floor, it represented his spiritual separation from those not aligned with his beliefs. It’s a metaphor for distinguishing between genuine people and those not in his kingdom.
A few days ago, as I lay in bed in a state of half-sleep, the Holy Ghost dropped: the concept of contaminated wheat in my spirit. This idea became more significant to me after listening to a sermon about the symbolic meaning of the threshing floor. The speaker explicated that in preparation for a new phase in our lives, we undergo a transformative process similar to the purification of wheat on the threshing floor, where impurities are separated from the valuable grain.
Everything and anything that does not align with God’s values and principles will be eliminated from our lives and mission. This includes negative influences, harmful behaviors, and anything that hinders our spiritual growth and our ability to positively impact the lives of others. This purification process is essential to ensure that we remain true to our purpose of leading souls toward God and living in accordance with His will.
This has caused me to think differently and search myself.
Be encouraged God does these things because He loves us so much.
WRITING GOD'S VISION----AUTHOR DARLENE JUANITA CONARD 
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