Category: Christian Living

Following the Footsteps of the Master

You don’t hear of washing feet much anymore, but that humble act can transform us and make us realize again, we are but servants of the Most High God and to each other.

I remember going to Rome back in the early 80’s on the train with some friends.

We ended up at The Vatican and toured through there, and it is so old and so much to see, and it is hard to take it all in.

There was something that I noticed . I don’t believe in worshipping saints or praying to them.  But while in line there was a statue of a patron saint, the exact one I don’t recall but it escapes me, but what I did recall was that all the people who walked by that statue rubbed its feet, some kissed and others used a rosary, and many did the cross movement thing they do on their chest.

What noticed oddly, that the metal statues’ feet were rubbed away, because so many people had rubbed the statues’ feet.

SEM-23-9-12-rubbing-toesThey had rubbed for so many centuries that it distorted what were the feet.  I thought, how many people had touched that statue and had enough faith to rub the feet of a patron saint in hopes that saint might hear them?

It came to my mind tonight how often we have such great and precious promises, and we have the option to minister to one another’s feet, not after some dead saint, but a person who is alive that represents Christ to this world.

How beautiful are the feet of them that bring great news and great tidings!

I have washed the feet of the saints and it was a beautiful and humble act, because I made myself familiar with those feet who bring good news and good tidings to where their feet take them.

It was those feet I identified with — and the good news of the Salvation in Christ they carry.

All alone in Christ I place my trust and hope.  Not in rubbing a statue in history, but the Christ who created history and is alive and well in His people the Church!

I identify my life with REAL people who go into their world and make a REAL difference.

You don’t hear of washing feet much anymore, but that humble act can transform us and make us realize again, we are but servants of the Most High God and to each other.

Nowadays instead of humility, you see those who vie for that attention to rub shoulders with those who have a reputation and put their confidence in what are human vessels of popularity, which can be the sin of idolatry.

Anyone or anything we put before The LORD is an idol.  We can put husband or wife before God, or children and we can put certain people who are popular before God.

No man deserves worship except THE SON OF MAN, JESUS CHRIST.  Christ will always lead us in humility to wash and serve the saints’ feet; or those we identify with.

Not a statue, and idol, organization, a Church or person but washing and serving the saints of God whom CHRIST is living in forever more.

Jesus told Thomas to look at the nail scars, to prove that He was the Christ the Son of the living God, and Jesus acknowledged Thomas unbelief.

Thank God, when we struggle with unbelief, that He shows us in His Mercy and Grace, His Kindness is toward us and those who love Him from a pure heart even when we are weak.

In all humility and honesty, I have learned over the years of service to Christ and His body, that the more I learn, the less I know.

God always wants us to go deeper no matter how old we are, there is much more to learn. (Matthew 21:16)

Discipleship is supposed to be an ongoing process in our life and in a body of believers.  If the body has become stagnant and you do not see the need for discipleship or to seek out new believers, there is a danger with such people and such Churches.

In any body of water there must be an entrance and exit and constant flow of water for a healthy ongoing body.

Never was the early Church to remain the same.  There are many reasons for going to Church — or an assembly.

In The Book of Acts, the Church was always changing and growing, and that is the way it is to be now, not stagnant, with only a few dedicated people who are going through the motions.

Has your life and Church become stagnant?

Is there fresh life flow coming from there — or a stagnant stench of the flesh with no fresh life flow?

God wants to awaken and revive The Church.  And guess what?  Judgment must first come to The House of God.

Once we received Jesus as LORD, that was not the end beloved.  We must understand that we met and found our Savior and LORD!  Now He wants us to know Him intimately.

The LORD wants us to desire Him in a healthy relationship and fellowship — and not just words and acts to pretend before the other people, by going through the motions.

If we have a relationship , so that we continually learn about our precious Lord and Savior, we have only just begun our journey with Him.

If we received His free gift of Salvation that isn’t the end of growth, it is only the beginning!

Never in this life and experience do we ever attain that we have no more need for growth.

One of the main agendas of the enemy is to keep us too busy in competition with our idols!  The enemy is sure to send all sorts of distractions and hindrances to keep us from our life source and then we are headed for becoming stagnant instead of finding Him daily in the secret place of His presence of refreshing.

For truly times of refreshing come from The Presence of The LORD.

As the days become more wicked, TAKE TIME — not Make Time — for prayer and intimacy with God.  If you have to shave off all your obligations for a while to find him again, then do it.

Dear reader, each of us are so diverse in many ways.  We start off thinking we really know ourselves, our purpose, our plans, our zeal, and what “we” will do in and for the church! We especially act out the play in the presence of others.

God is not looking for what you do in front of those you’re impressed with or those impressed with you.

Being gifted has nothing to do with the outward appearance, mannerism, or attitude.

Do we remember how the disciples were arguing over who would be the greatest in The Kingdom?

They were vying for attention as to who would be the greatest in The Kingdom — and it is still happening today beloved.  And everyone is flip flopping in the stench of stagnation with no true growth that comes from a stream in and a stream out.

Service and servanthood are always Christ’s way of acting out His teaching to us His disciples.  And He was the one who showed us how it was done.

Then as disciples, our ongoing learning is the lessons of discipline in the continual walk of Service and Faith.

In HIS Grace and Mercy,
~ Sherry Edwards Mackey

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Being Attractive

Regardless of our path in life, “we attract something to us!”  But that attraction can carry with it a heavy cost!  It can bring a blessing or cursing.

Regardless of our path in life, “we attract something to us!”  But that attraction can carry with it a heavy cost!  It can bring a blessing or cursing.

“I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you today that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing.  Therefore choose life, so that you and your descendants may live, and that you may love the LORD your God, obey Him, and hold fast to Him.  For He is your life, and He will prolong your life in the land that the LORD swore to give to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.”   Deuteronomy 30:19-20 BSB

Our lives are like a door.  Picture yourself as a door and realize that we should keep that door closed and locked, because we don’t want just anyone to gain access into every part of our lives.

Our life has many internal doors within that have consequences, and we all have a door with skeletons in our closets; a place where things of our past are kept that we would rather not have.

Our outer body is wasting away day by day, but regardless it is our home on this earth, but it has a very real door that we decide when to open it.

We must also be careful how we adorn our outer body/ door and how we present ourselves to our sphere of influence.  Sometimes a presentation can speak louder than words, and it can make or break us in any situation.

Try to visualize and see people as doors.  I am doing that a lot lately, because I know behind every door can be many things both good and evil.

You can love the external part of your life and others too, but we must be careful.  If we look close enough there will be indicators of what spirit is at work.

Not just anyone has faith, and the way things are nowadays, we must try diligently to become and remain sensitive to The Holy Spirit.

God’s Word is creative and powerful and sharper than a two-edged sword.  When we come into agreement with God’s Word and live by it, it will help create and bring God’s order and help into situations that need godly answers.

You can learn a lot about people by how they speak their words.  Most people live and die living a superficial life.

Many have gone the wide way that leads to destruction and living by the flesh, or the outer man never gets deep internally.

The outer life is so temporary, and we should never make decisions based on the flesh.  The place within us that is meant to be occupied by God, many try to stuff that place with imitations, but it never ultimately brings peace.

People who are lost find this life will be as good as it gets.  However, there is pleasure with sin for a season, but the cost is eternity.  But like Paul, if this life is as good as it gets, I would be of all most miserable.

Believers, God’s Word has every answer we need in this life, but we must decide if we will base ourselves by God’s Word or the flesh. Nothing good dwells in the flesh but when we receive Jesus Christ as our Savior, His Word is eternal, and heaven and earth will pass away, but God’s Word will NEVER pass away.

His Word is forever settled in heaven! Do you need a matter settled?  Seek God in His Word!

None of us have been perfect in our lives and in trying to live like we do, is to be a hypocrite.  That is not the witness I want to have.

When it comes to life and how to minister to the lost sinner, we need to look at our perfect example of outreach, which is Jesus Christ.

For those who have been forgiven of much, love much!  (Luke 7:47)

Our sphere of influence is found everywhere we go and everywhere our feet take us. (Joshua 1:3)  However, we must be readied by our own personal time with Jesus.

Spending time with God in prayer and in the Word is not an option.  If we are not sensitive in the Spirit realm, we cannot help anyone.

We must be disciplined to be a true disciple, and communication with the Holy Spirit is a two-way conversation.

Both prayer and getting quiet enough to listen to The Holy Spirit.  For only then can the Holy Spirit lead and guide us into all truth. (John 16:13)

Jesus Christ attracted a lot of people, both good, bad, and bad spirits.  Jesus went to where the hurt people were, and people were also attracted to Him.

There are some very hurt people that we come across, and to live as if we have attained perfection in the flesh is to lie.

We are supposed to press in towards the mark of the high calling in Christ. (Philippians 3:14-15) However, we are to meet people where they are.

I find that Jesus’ example wasn’t to wait on them to come to the synagogue, but He went out to find the lost sheep.

There are a lot of people who wouldn’t darken the door of a Church, because our methods are not as Jesus’ methods. He came to seek and save the lost.

Paul stated, “I became all things to all men that I might save some.”  That doesn’t mean Jesus and Paul did what the people did, they did not sin and partake in sin, but reached out to them that they might win them. (1 Corinthians 9:22)

We are to take up our Cross and follow Christ, but living in God’s Kingdom on this earth is a process, because our flesh isn’t glorified and will never be in the realm of the flesh.

Also, our soul is complex, it’s the part of us that makes us unique.  The soul is made up of the mind, will, intellect and emotions.  These things are where the battle truly lies, in the mind.

The battlefield of the mind is something we learn to choose as we allow our mind to become the mind of Christ.

However, it is a daily process as well that we can grow into as we grow in grace through consuming the Word of God daily.

Salvation is not going to an altar or wherever you speak the words, and you say you’re saved and even get baptized.

That could be part of a true conversion, but we must speak plainly; If a person is truly converted and saved there will eventually be evidence of the change outwardly.

The proof of our new beginning in Christ is that we learn to follow Him and that means discipleship in disciplined training and having a consistent prayer and Bible study life. Faith without works is dead.

Even in the church there are all types of Christians having all sorts of past that affect their presence and futures.

Being new in Christ for example, we hear the words that say the new has come and the old is gone! T hat is true for the Spirit and soul, but the soul and the flesh of a person is always under construction in this life.

 

In HIS Grace and Mercy,
~ Sherry Edwards Mackey

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Approval and God’s Recommendation

The one thing that is settled in my life is that I belong to Christ and regardless of what may come, my past, present and future are up to God.

The one thing that is settled in my life is that I belong to Christ and regardless of what may come, my past, present and future are up to God.

He is the Author and Finisher of my Faith, and He will keep me in perfect and constant peace because my mind is stayed on him.

As an author, God is writing your story of how you will and have glorified Him amid untold obstacles and despairing even for life itself.

“You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.”   Isaiah 26:3

So don’t respond to those who don’t see your worth.  Don’t face a person seeking their approval or even their love.

Not all have Faith, and many are jealous.  Pray for them.

The one who sees within is the one who approves of you, so you have an inside job to learn to be still and quiet going only on His lead.

“Be still in the presence of the LORD and wait patiently for him to act. Don’t worry about evil people who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes.”   Psalm 37:7

“Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in Him.”   Psalm 62:5-6

Let the people talk, let them whisper and say whatever, because it only makes our heels dig deeper, which pushes Jesus higher!  We decrease — and He increases!

Press in and continue to press forward regardless of those who don’t approve of you.

You are approved by God and He is the Author and Finisher of our Faith.

There are those who are in the midst of the assembly who judge and say you don’t qualify. 

There are many who would discredit you, and judge, but didn’t they do that to Jesus when He lived on the earth?  You are in good company!

What reputation are you looking for?

Be honest, who are you trying to please or make an impression on?

Because if our motives are not pure it is a dead work.  We are supposed to be dead to the flesh and arise in the newness of life.

“Therefore, we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in the newness of life.”   Romans 6:4

When we are dead to this world’s system and religion’s view, it produces growth in spiritual fortitude.

Fortitude enables people to endure adversity through prayer, keeping the Faith, working hands on in helping others to steady their feet and to help bring balance even if no one approves of them.

When we have God’s Approval, who cares what others say when we have a close walk with our Lord Jesus Christ?

He should be our total focus and we need to ask Him what He thinks, because what He thinks has eternal value and he has our best interests at heart.

We have got to count it all loss, for the exceeding greatness of His Power in us!

Let people think and say what they may!  YOU be free to be who you are!

Maybe people will think we are too much, too radical and they want to tone us down.  I can only do what I see The Father do.  So, who cares what people think or say, I talk to him anyway.

Currently, with all sorts of devices, when you learn to talk to God everywhere you go, people may think you have Bluetooth on and are having a conversation with another person.

I am talking about having a greater awareness of God everywhere we go, so we should be aware of everything we do in secret and in public, because God sees it all and The LORD loves when we learn to walk in The Spirit and pray without ceasing.

It is glorious to learn how to walk in the Spirit, and with that great awareness of his presence without pretense.

The more I seek HIM the more I find HIM, and I wouldn’t trade anything in this world for what I have with The LORD!

I walk down the aisles with Him in continual fellowship and there are people everywhere.  It is when you are out and about in your sphere of influence is where your divine appointments are made by God.

You will feel that inner prompting to connect to someone in your heart.  The Holy Spirit leads with the flow and being prompted by loving them, so that we can share that Love that covers a multitude of sin and iniquity.

If you are going to be effective in Christ, part of the deal will be suffering rejection.

God gives everyone a free will and choice.  Even God won’t go against someone’s choice.  So, we scatter seeds, but we know God will give the increase in His season.

Scattering seeds is powerful so don’t decline due to rejection, because someone may receive them.

Beloved, I have long passed a point of NO return. He is my source, my strength, my quest; I am enamored with him, and I cannot get enough.

He is my everything and I have dedicated my life to ministry to Him first!  He takes pleasure from us and enjoys our time in intimacy.

I have learned over the years to be mindful of God’s Guidance and Direction, because there is always work to do, but if God has not led you to it you will burn out.

That is why you must pray for God’s Will and Direction in all things.  Just because there is a need doesn’t mean we meet that need.  We must be led by The Spirit in all ways.

It is a great honor in humility that He longs to dwell with us and communicate.  We should live for every inspired word both in the Word of God and in prayer and to hear His voice so clear!

I pray that maybe someone who reads this, will be inspired and sparked into a flame that never grows dim again.

LORD, store your lovingkindness within, so that repentance and assurance abounds through us.  We will be sure to give God all the Glory, Honor, and Praise — in Jesus’ Name!
 

In HIS Grace and Mercy,
~ Sherry Edwards Mackey

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Expressions of the Heart

Praying in The Spirit is to acknowledge that Jesus is with you 24/7 — and you have developed a greater awareness of His Presence.

hearts

Praying in The Spirit is to acknowledge that Jesus is with you 24/7 — and you have developed a greater awareness of His Presence, and He woos and wins you away with Him to sit at His Feet and to be still — and know He is God.

Practicing His Presence, is like a medical doctor practices medicine.  When we begin to practice His Presence daily, we are being taught by The Holy Spirit as we go about our day.  It is, on the job training.

Practicing His Presence, is when we have learned well where our hope comes from and his power to keep us and correct us.

This is my quest, to know Him as He is known!

I will remain in Him in Prayer, Worship and Word — and wherever I go, I talk to God out loud.

Maybe people think I am nuts, or too radical, but once you have tasted tasted The Realm of the Spirit and you partake of the good Word of God — and are changed by it — no one can talk you out of it, because it was between Him and you!

So let people talk.  Let them say whatever!  It only makes our heels dig deeper, which pushes Jesus higher!

We decrease and He increases!

What reputation are you looking for?  Be honest, who are trying to please or make an impression on?

Because, if our motive isn’t pure before God — that is a dead work.

We are supposed to be dead to the flesh and arise to newness of life.  When you are dead to the world’s view and religion’s view, death to these things produces growth in spiritual fortitude.

Who cares what they say when we have a close walk with our Yeshua?

He should be our total focus, and we need to ask Him what He Thinks, because what He Thinks of us, is eternal, and he has our best interests at heart.

We’ve got to count it all loss for the exceeding greatness of His Power in us!

So what?  Let them think what they may and you be free to be who you are!

Maybe people think I am too much, too radical and they want to tone me down.  I can only do what I see [hear] The Father say.

So who cares what people think or say?  I talk to him anyway.  They may think I have Bluetooth on and am conversing with another person — but I am talking all the time with The LORD.

Just as if He took my hand and is leading me, it is glorious to walk in The Spirit with that great awareness of His Presence — without pretense!

The more I seek Him, the more I find Him, and I wouldn’t trade anything in this world for what I have with The LORD!

I am walking through the aisles with Him in continual fellowship, and there are people everywhere.

Where’s your Divine Appointment made by God?  You will feel that inner prompting to connect to someone.

Go with the flow, and begin by loving them, for love covers a multitude of sin and iniquity!

“My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus Christ, my righteousness;
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
But wholly lean on Jesus’ name.

On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand.,
All other ground is sinking sand.”
Edward Mote (1797-1874)

If you are going to be effective in Christ, part of the deal will be suffering rejection.

God gives everyone a free will and choice.  Even God won’t go against someones choice so we scatter seeds — but we know God will give the increase in His season.

I know in whom I have believed, and He is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all I can ask or think, according to the power that works in me.

Beloved, I have long passed a point of no return.

He is my source, my strength, my quest.  I am enamored with him and I cannot get enough.

He is my everything and I have dedicated my life to full time ministry, but that means ministry to Him is first!

He takes pleasure from us and enjoys our time in intimacy.

He’s my husband, lover, and best friend and I hope and pray that I may always spread his message in life and in death.  That even from the grave I will have left my mark on humanity.

He is all to me — and how can I say no to him?

It is a great honor in humility, that He longs to dwell with me and communicate, and I live for each Word and to hear His Voice so clear, and I pray that maybe someone who reads this, will be sparked into a flame that never grows dim again.

Oh how I love Him so….

LORD store your lovingkindness within so that Repentance and Assurance abounds through us.

We will be sure to give you all the Honor, Praise and Glory in Jesus’ Name, I Decree and Declare these things according to Your Words — in Jesus’ Name!

In HIS Grace and Mercy,
~ Sherry Edwards Mackey

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