Sneaky Thief

The Sneaky Thief

It has been awhile since I have seen with the eyes of the Spirit. I feel rather sad to admit that, but it is the truth. A few days ago, as I travelling into Worcester from a farming community, I witnessed a very agile young man climb the equivalent of a two-story truck in order to retrieve some green apples. In actuality, he was stealing them. As the truck driver drove on, completely unaware of his uninvited visitor, the young man proceeded to throw the apples out on to the street corners to the passersby who readily accepted them and asked for more. At first, I was a bit flummoxed by it all. I thought:  my goodness that’s a rather dangerous, albeit bold move, and all for some green apples.

How is he going to get down? was my next thought. The drivers in South Africa, at least in my understanding, are notoriously bad about not considering a stop sign, a stop sign; it is more of a hesitation, pregnant pause, or perhaps even not that.  And even the best drivers of those big wheelers find it difficult to come to a complete stop, without lurching back. In fact, that is what a complete stop represents-one has to stop, and the forward motion is contradicted by a backwards lurch. I begin to wonder what would be the outcome of the surreptitious thief.

When I first related the story to a friend of mine, a white South Afrikaner, she put into words my initial thought: only in Africa would something like this happen. But, let me end the story. Miraculously, the driver stopped  at the stop sign, all without lurching back, and the agile young man got out of the truck, all while holding a bag of apples with which he had absconded. Amazing!

At first, my thoughts were simply- he’s blatant enough, and really pretty foolish, to try such a stunt.  But later at night, I began to reflect that the supernatural had to really have occurred for the young man to leave the site without injury or incident.

First of all, the truck driver stopped – almost unheard of in South Africa. Second, of all, he stopped at the stop sign, not beyond it. Third of all, he stopped completely still and no lurching. Fourth of all, he stopped long enough so that although the young man had problems getting all of his stolen loot, the apples, in his bag , (they were literally dropping them back into the cart in his haste to exit the moving vehicle), he somehow managed to get his stolen wares clumsily into his bag and was still able to descend the two- story truck, climb down its sides, all without injury.

 The miracioulous. Then the supernatural.

Part II

 Wait a minute.  What if God showed me this whole farcical scene so that I could pray? So, I began to take my spiritual authority and declared just as he, the thief, had surreptitiously entered that truck, that God would use this self-same stealth weapon, this thief, to surreptitiously enter closed- nations. God would use this young man to steal souls’ from the devil’s kingdom. I begin to declare God’s will and purposes for his life. You might wonder why you haven’t been doing this before. I have been seeing things in the natural, which admittedly is rather sad.

 Back when I did my DTs in 1998, I was given the worst DTS of all times- I had to pick up used condoms, unopened bottles of beer, cigarettes, and other horridly disgusting items. During that season, Holy Spirit instructed to pray over every lip, every body part that had touched those items. Including dirty diapers. Somewhere between those beginning years in missions to this last stint, I had a bit of spiritual anemia- I forgot that God has a calling and purpose on people’s lives even while they’re being used by the enemy mightily.

I am sure that my frustration with the way South Africa does not work blinded my ability to see that God’ has a plan and destiny for the ne’er-do-wells, vagrants, and the infidels that camp out on the streets. But I bless God that He opened my eyes again, and I felt the strength of the anointing, power, and authority as I prayed for this young man. And I am certain that I will see that thief in heaven. He will no longer be known as the thief of green apples, but the thief of millions of souls, in Jesus name.

God's Questions

When did I stop being enough?
Obedience without love
quickly becomes disgruntled compliance
You wanted to hear Heaven's conversations
It's my mantle of authority.
My perception that many fear- not you

Holy Ghost boldness does that
not brashness

You and others are my hands and feet
I am who I am

Why am I not enough?
I have not had to see others
I have been hidden away with you

Shipful

For many, a ship represents several ideas such as  a lucky business venture, or good news from afar. To some, it signifies romance or even the arrival information, but when the Lord told me that I was a ship, it was something more profound. I heard the same words describing me as a ship through the mouths of different people, at different times, and  different locales. For that reason, I have taken this image seriously.

The Word of the Lord came to me: I AM  A SHIP GOING ACROSS THE ATLANTIC. THE SLAVE SHIPS WERE FORCED ACROSS THE WATERS INTO THE AMERICAS. NOW, HE IS SENDING ME BACK.  I have made stops at port of calls to fill up the hull of my boat with knowledge and compassion. All the years of study were to prepare me for such a time as this to build His schools.

The boat is impelled by oars, literally propelled by physical effort and strength. The boat is also impelled by the wind; clearly, the wind is the wind of the Holy Spirit. It is not by might,  or power but by My Spirit says the Lord (Zechariah 4:6). In truth, it is my obedience plus the anointing that brings the increase.

While in this present Youth With A Mission school, I have learned more about relationship and team building.  For a ship is worked by mariners, sailors, not sailor. I must have a crew of stakeholders, brothers and sisters in Christ, who work alongside me. Someone must swab the deck, clean the hull, stock the fire, etc.

Like a ship, I wait for God for direction; a ship's course is frequently directed by the heavenly bodies:
"And when neither sun nor stars in many days appeared, and no small tempest lay on us, all hope that we should be saved was then taken away" (Acts 27:20).

A ship is guided from the helm by a pilot; my pilot is of course  the Holy Spirit. It is owned by an individual; Creator God is my owner. The master of my boat is Christ. Still storms, rocks, and often threaten the ship. Ships can be wrecked on the rocks and literally leave the faith. The rocks are the peril of sin as illustrated in the following verse:"Holding onto faith, and a good conscience, which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck their lives"  (I Timothy 1:19).

Quicksand consists of those sins that catch us unaware- it can be bitterness, animosity, and un-forgiveness. These things are hard to get rid of by ourselves. We must take soundings in our spirit so that we do not run aground. We can get stuck and unable to move because of the lethargy and lassitude. Deep calls to deep (Psalm 42:7); we must stay in deep with God. Jesus told the disciples to come out into the deep if they were to catch fish (Luke 5:4). Shallow water will stop the ship. Therefore, soundings are usually taken in dangerous places where the ship is likely to become stuck:

"And sounded, and found it twenty fathoms: and when they had gone a little further, they sounded again, and found it fifteen fathoms” (Acts 27:28). I must constantly ask the question: Am I moving forward with God or am stuck?

Yet, there is still good news: when a ship is damaged, it can be under-girded with cables so that it can continue its voyage to port. The undergirding or the support of friends and family is integral to the ship's progress.When waters are calm, things are going well, but on rough water, which can symbolize danger, unreliable people, and disquieting circumstances will come. Rough waters are not easily broken, but the Master of seas is Jesus, and even the winds waves obey him (Mark4:41)

Finally, a boat must remain balanced: The mast of a  ship tall, vertical or near which supports the sails. Large ships usually have several masts depending on their size. My vertical relationship with God keeps me balanced, and if that relationship is balanced, maintaining relationships with others is easier and healthier.

A boat represents companionship, discoveries, protection from danger, safe refuge, and help in trouble. I am clearly on a journey where I am discovering who I am. There has obviously been a change of abode as Have moved from Texas to South Africa.

Bon Voyage,

MJ

"What's in a Name?"

You’ve obviously got me confused with someone else.

I am the daughter of the King.

I have His ear and know His secrets,

When He is ready to pull down a kingdom, I am alerted.

When death is to visit a home, He whispers in my ear, “Get ready.”

Obviously, this is a case  of mistaken identity.

You mistook me for someone who slightly resembles me- perhaps the baker’s daughter

or the cobbler’s niece,

But hear me clearly tell you- I am the daughter of the King

If you didn’t recognize in the tilt of my head

as I graciously leaned forward to listen the child who had fallen

…perhaps the lilt of my voice portrayed my lineage,

what the sway of hips and graceful movement may convey,

the erect carriage and steady shoulders leave no doubt,

for those with the least discernment, it should be apparently clear

I am the daughter of the king and no man’s handmaiden

I know the sound of my Father’s steps and understand the sighs of his breath

I translate His words for foreign dignitaries and leaders of nations

I never have or will ever be common

So you see, you must have confused me with someone else

One who does not her place or value

One who does not know  her parentage

But I am not such a one

I am the daughter of the King

You cannot name me

For I am already named

Beloved

Such a name graces me as ointment and beautiful jewels

It is the name that My Father chose for me

So, since I am His

And His delight is in me

I can delight in all that He has made and made me to be

So, you must excuse as I leave these tawdry baubles behind

The emeralds, diamonds, and sapphires that my Father

Adorns me with await me in His chamber

Beauty for ashes

Joy for mourning

 A Spirit of gladness for despair

I have an appearance before the King today

He wishes to see me dance

Some new step I have envisioned to

Enthrall my Father

With quick lively leaps I enter into

His courts

Courtiers, musicians, and royalty seeking

Audience with my Father

Must wait for He sees me enter

and the joy that lights

His visage causes

All eyes to turn to me

For I am the daughter of the king

Nothing enthralls me as much

As knowing that I bring such pure

Pleasure to my Papa

I relish the time spent with Him

Running  to His throne

I am caught up in His embrace

As He rises to catch me mid-air

The daughter of the King

Safe, loved, and adored

By the only One who matters

P.S.

Now, act like it!

Father May I- Yes, You May

God asks us to believe and do big things for Him. The believing comes first, however. Like the game of Mother May I, we can either take a baby step or be bold and ask to jump over a large space. God is on the other side, telling us to jump – take a huge step of faith despite what fear tells us. Fear tells us to try little and lose little.  God wants to enlarge our territory: "Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, "Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain." And God granted his request" (1 Chronicles 4:10).

 By my God, I can leap over a wall, scale a mountain, take down a giant. I  can do all things.  God is asking us to mount the chair, then the table, and then the icebox and jump into His arms.


Even your mother forsakes you, I will not God Says. A mother may forget the child at her bosom because of deprivation, mental illness, and physical limitations, but I will never forget you. I have got to be rooted and grounded in God’s love for me. I must know the height, depth, breadth, and width of His love. I most understand it; otherwise, every time something unfortunate, unplanned, or undesired occurs, I am stuck wondering who God is and if He really cares about me intimately.


Psalm 139 says that he formed in my mother’s womb; thus, He knows everything about me. If I can not trust my  Maker, who then can I really trust?

We do not do God any favors by making excuses that it wasn’t His will. Most of the times, we are fed-up with waiting, afraid of rejection and failure, and it is just easier not to try. We might use another’s sin, our pride, or anger to bash the dream God gave us. We say things like that can’t be God: I am too old; I stutter; I am not gifted. We would rather derail ourselves than to press past our fears and hold onto God’s promise.


I know and I am right there with you. But when we do not take God at His word, it is fundamentally a trust issue- a confidence either in who  He says He is or His ability to make things happen. Somehow, I think my situation is too difficult for God. What a sack of bologna! Or just don’t feel like waiting anymore, so I let God ‘off the hook’ by releasing His promise. That most hurt His feelings because He realizes I don’t really trust Him in that area.

Well, you ask, how do I stay focused as I wait?

You don’t want to relax your stance. You have pent-up anxiety as you ready. Stay focused.  Don’t get relaxed; the race is about to begin. Get up out of the blocks, but don’t go too far. You never know when the call back to return will come. This break is not a release at-all. We  just have not started; stay focused.  God will call you back when He is ready for you. Stay limber: Jump up down and stretch out those legs.

All that jumping before was to prepare you for these hurdles that face you now. Do you hear the crowd of witnesses cheering you on?  (Hebrews 12:1). Don’t give up; no matter how bleak the outlook seems. Believe despite your feelings and past experiences. Jump high and over every obstacle that keeps you from entering into God’s best- into His rest.

May we jump all the way into God’s arms,
M.J.

Do You Love Me More Than These?

H. is not a closet gay, but a brilliant mariposa or butterfly who flies under the wings of a spirit contrary to the Spirit of God. Yet, God orchestrated our meeting. On the last day of our Bible outreach in Nicaragua, I saw a man dressed as a woman, who had obviously been injured. I wanted to minister to him, but I felt that I must first relay that information to the team leader. When I returned to the spot where I had last seen the man, he was gone.

When the team returned to the base for lunch, I shared the encounter with one of the base leaders. He told me then about H., the man who basically controlled the barrio's gay population. When I asked if H. were pretty, the leader stopped, pondered a moment, and resolutely concluded with a resounding, "No!" His facial expression and tone of voice somehow struck my funny-bone, but I stopped laughing when Holy Spirit told me I was to minister to the man. Oops!

Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of John, do you love Me more than these?" He said to Him, "Yes, Lord; You know that I love You." He said to him, "Tend My lambs."
John 21:15

Well, my laughter would turn to tears, as I and a base member, went to the man's home. I could immediately so that the man was oppressed by the devil. I began praying for him in Spanish, moved to English, and concluded in my prayer language. But, first I asked him what he believed about Jesus: "Was Jesus merely a good person or the Son of God?" He responded that he believed that Jesus was the Son of God. I then replied that "What you are saying then is that you love your sin more than Jesus."' He responded with "Si" or "Yes!' I told him that my prayer would be that he would love Jesus more and that God would make him a would greater influence for good than he had been for evil. When I returned to the base, my friend continued in earnest intercession for H. and for God's transformation. He needs a spiritual metamorphosis to become all God has of Him. I pray that his confession will be like that of the Apostle Paul's:

"Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen" (I Timothy 1:15-17).

Sometimes, it is easy to forget where God has brought us from. I can become complacent about the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit somehow believing I have improved myself. Meeting H. reminded me that if God had not reached down to lift me from the miry clay, I would have remained forever ensnared.



The barrio or neighborhood where H. resides.

 I can still see H.'s face as God daily reminds me to pray for him. I have the same question for you and me: "Do I love Jesus more than I love my _______ (you fill in the blank). Given everything God has done to redeem us, I pray that my answer and your answer is yes.

Amante de Cristo,
M.J.

" A New Song in Our Mouths"

I am your Comforter

I am your very Best Friend

I am your Beloved

I will be by your side
till the end

I am your Defender
I am your Hiding Place
I will fight for your life
till we win

I am your Dream-keeper
Your future in my Hands lie
I am Burden-bearer
Come boldly to my throne

I  am your Promise-Keeper
on me you can surely rely
I am your Prayer-Sealer
I will faithfully
and answer your  heart's cry

I placed my Glory in you
My Spirit and my grace, too
Within your earthen vessel
My Glory propels all you do


And when you awaken in glory
We'll continue
where we left off
Hand-in-hand, we stroll
through the gates
up to the throne