Fire Alarm 1-9-05

Sunday, January 9, 2005 -- Morning by Morning Good morning, Lord Jesus. I welcome Your Holy Spirit to draw me near to our Father through You. ... Father, we are Your children -- created in Your image for relationship with You. Sometimes we are obedient, sometimes we are rebellious; but we are always Your children. Your Word tells us, "for in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith" -- Galatians 3.26. "See what love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God. The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know Him" -- 1 John 3.1. In my spirit I see a school playground covered with children scattered in every direction. Many are laughing and playing, having fun with each other. Some are lurking around to play mean tricks on others. Still, some are standing or sitting off alone to themselves. Suddenly, an alarm goes off and every one stops in their tracks, stunned by the shock for a moment. Some are frightened or anxious for just a moment. Then they realize this is a fire drill, and they begin to come into order and line up behind their teachers. The teachers listen for the directions from the principal. The order begins to bring a peace as they wait for instructions. "This is a picture of My children, My church. They are scattered; many are divided. Some are living in the joy of obedience, some creating trouble and strife in disobedience. Some gather together in friendship and community, others stand off to themselves -- rejected and hurt or prideful and rebellious. Yet the alarm will sound and they will be come. I am releasing instruction through My teachers, and My teachers are looking to Me. I am the Principal Who overcomes the principalities of fear and anxiety, of chaos and disorder, of division and strife. Learn now how to respond, learn now how to find your places in the order of My Kingdom that you may be ready when I sound the alarm." Yes, Lord. Give us a teachable and humble spirit. Thank You for the blessing of the practice alarms and drills of the struggles of life. They prepare us to overcome the real fires of destruction when they come. Increase our discernment to recognize Your call and wisdom to know what to do and where to go. Give us eyes to see those who are isolated and alone that we may welcome them in to find their place in You. Bring us into the unity in submission to You. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen. Be encouraged this day! In the Love of Jesus, Tommy Hays Friends, please come if you can and pray if you can't for the prayer revival in our city of Lexington at Lafayette Church of the Nazarene this week. It is a call to repentance, holiness and prayer led by evangelist Elaine Pettit. May revival break out in our hearts, in our cities, and throughout all the earth. There is no revival without repentance and faith. To subscribe/unsubscribe/reply please send a note to me at Messiah Ministries -- "preparing the way of the Lord" -- MessiahMin@aol.com God bless you!