SMALL STRAWS IN A SOFT WIND by MARSHA BURNS
Sometimes you forget about My grace. You have My full acceptance and favor when you belong to Me. And, I will help you and empower you to go through difficulties that arise. Rely on Me to guide you through the maze of confusion and bring you to a place of supernatural strength, says the Lord. You are precious to Me.
2 Corinthians 12:9 And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
Jan. 3, 18
Leaven or heaven?
My children, men attempt to sow seeds of confusion and doubt into My flock. This has been the case for all time. Understand, My children, you live in a fallen creation. You are sin. Only through receiving My finished work on the cross, can I begin My work in your sanctification. You cannot sanctify yourself. Only with My Holy Spirit on the inside of you can you do anything pleasing to Me, for without My Holy Spirit, you are just simply empty flesh.
My works have been laid out for you ahead of time by My Holy Spirit for you to do. You are not the director or facilitator of these works, no, but My Holy Spirit. Many try to confuse My flock by telling them their good works will lead them to salvation. This is a lie from the pit.
Sin is within each child of My creation, My loves. Only through My Holy Spirit am I able to change one’s heart. I do not excuse sin, My children, you will suffer its consequences. But, do not believe the lies of the enemy when he tells you that your good behavior is your ticket to eternal life. Remember, in your flesh, you are sin.
You are to crucify your flesh daily, which simply means, pray for the indwelling of My Holy Spirit. So many teach My children to focus on their sin, in turn, that takes their eyes off of Me. Can you see this deception, My children? Focusing on sin means focusing on oneself. It means you’re still in bondage to sin, if that’s what you’re focusing on.
If there is sin in your life that you’re struggling with, lay it at My feet daily. I have already won the victory against all sin, so why do so many keep returning their focus to it? Focus on Me, My Children, and by the power of My mighty Holy Spirit I will change the desires of your hearts. Attempting to change in your own power is futile. You cannot change yourselves, My children, not in any way that is meaningful to Me. Searching your own heart with the standard set forth by man is meaningless. Allow Me to search your heart. Allow Me to make the changes. Open the door of your heart to Me and I promise I will not leave you where I found you. I promise to sanctify you. I promise to circumcise your heart.
I am blind to anything you do through your flesh, My children. I can only see what you do when you are walking filled with My Holy Spirit. This is why I say to rest in My finished work. My true Gospel of repentance means receiving your need for a Savior. Receive Me and receive salvation. Allow Me to fill you with My Holy Spirit, and the race to the finish begins (sanctification).
If you have fallen off of My path, return to Me. The biggest lie of the enemy is that you have in some way the ability to earn salvation. You cannot earn a free gift to be received. This lie feeds on the pride of men and removes My victory from the equation. Understand, My children, that I require holiness, a holiness that can never be achieved by a flesh body. Only through the workings of My Holy Spirit on the inside of you can you be made holy, not through the actions of your own flesh. Focusing on behavior takes your focus off of Me. When you put your focus on Me, you will be changed from the inside out. Things of this world that once appealed to you will fade away. You will be subject to My heart change. You will see that who you used to be is no longer.
This is to encourage you, My children, for the burden of your heart is heavy if you are carrying it alone. You must not carry a burden at all. My work is perfectly finished. Choose to walk forward in that finished work. Allow your heart to become a perfect vessel for My love. Do not allow the teachings of men to burden you. Receive the freedom that comes with knowing My work is perfect and complete. If you are attempting in your own strength to add to it, you make it worthless and for nothing.
Learn the difference between salvation and sanctification. When the enemy is allowed to confuse these in your minds, he’s winning a race that I’ve already won. Do not allow him to confuse you, My children. If you are feeling a heavy burden, turn to Me. Your willingness to allow Me to work in you and through you is actually My gift to you. Is your pride standing in My way?
I love you, My children. Yahushua ha’Mashiaḥ
Barb Songer