Guardians of Life

Go for a walk in the River. You won't ever be the same.

Author: Ken Cronce (Page 6 of 12)

Doing Endurance with Wisdom

February 25, 2018 /

Hey everyone, how are we doing on our baggage claims? Have we asked God to reveal it so we can lay it down at his feet and leave it there. This study has had a revealing effect. The more I dig into it the more I need to lay down. You know when you start to do a study of God’s word He reveals stuff that has been hidden or that you may not have known was there. This is all good, because it causes you to draw closer to Him.  Which leads me to the next part of running the race. We will find in James 1:4 “Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” Lets look at perseverance or in other versions it may say endurance. When running this race its not a short dash to the finish line. This is a marathon. One that lasts the rest of our lives here on earth. So endurance is a priority.

You will notice that it mentions you being mature and complete not lacking anything. Another version says of it having its perfect result. A question we may ask is when do we get to this perfect result? The answer is when we are finished running the race. Have you ever watched a race where the runners were carrying baggage with them? Or maybe a marathoner bringing a stuffed backpack while running. Well then leave the baggage and endure the race.

Remember Jesus said He was the Bread of Life and the Living Water. He is all that we need. He sent out the disciples without supplies when He wanted them to minister to the people. And yet they endured for quite a long time. Also when we focus on the word endure it gives us the thought of doing something. Yes this is another part of the race. That is the part of being a doer of the word. We are to be doing His will. If we just listen it makes us no better then anyone else. The word also says that if know and don’t do it we are sinning. I don’t know about you, but I don’t like the thought of sinning.

Ever notice in the book of James in verse 5 it talks about wisdom. And if you ask for it He will give it to you. Wisdom will help you endure the race. Wisdom gives you the guidance to navigate the course. To follow God’s design for you. Ask and He will give it generously.

All 3 of these parts are essential to the race. They work together for the good  of him who is called by His name. Continue to take some time and work on  your relationship with God. Pray and read. These are very good ways to start. Until later, keep on walking.  Please share this posting so that others may be blessed. Thanks again for reading.

Be blessed, Ken

Baggage

January 24, 2018 /

Hey all, how are you doing ? How are things going? In the last post I mentioned baggage. I hope you have found out what yours is and have let it go. Its a subject that I have thought about quite a bit lately. In my prayer time I have asked God to help me see mine and let it go. But during this last Sunday God was telling me some more. He was saying that social media and society tell us to hang on to our hurts. To remember those who have hurt us and not let go. So, my response was to say “why?” Why am I supposed to hang on to theses things?  What good does it do? Who is going to benefit from it? Well the answer is simple. Its the devil that benefits the most. Society will tell you that it empowers you. It gives you strength. It gives you purpose. Your character will be built up. Your focus will improve. All of this is nothing but a bunch of lies.

All of these “benefits” go totally against God and His word. James 4:4 tells us that being friends with the world is hostility  toward God. In Matt. 22:37- 40 we read Jesus’ answer to what is the greatest commandment. The second part of the answer tells us to LOVE your neighbor as yourself. For all the laws and prophets depend on these. How’s that for shredding their statements to pieces. Anyone who is a child of the living God Cannot do both. You either believe God and His word or you side with society and the Devil. Plain and simple. There is no in between. That is another lie of the Devil. God does not work in the so called “gray” area’s. Its either yes or no. Even in His word we hear about doing His good, pleasing or perfect will. Yet these are all still positive. We want to strive for the perfect will. Who wants to settle for the lesser? Yet we do all the time in our lives. We think that the perfect is unattainable, so we don’t even try. Thats about when the Devil says yeah your right don’t bother trying. Stop listening to him. He wants you to keep carrying that baggage with you.

I say this so that you don’t have to be over the head with the Holy Spirits 2×4. I have felt that way to many times in my life. My son said it must be made of Ash or really hard Hickory otherwise it would have been broken by now. Funny as it is, he is probably right. I am just saying let go of it and let God take care of it. Its His job and He wants to do it. He loves doing it for us. He’s just not going to do it unless we let Him.; The time is now to get on our knees and pray. Asking for forgiveness and to be cleansed from our iniquities. Now we are in a position to make change. Because at this point we need to continue on this path by submitting to God ourselves. Then watch the Devil run. For he sees that we are not alone. God is standing next to us. What a great place to be in.

All I am asking is that you take time in prayer very soon and ask God to show you your baggage. Being encouraged to leave it at the alter of His feet. Now the hard part is leaving it there. Don’t listen to the enemy of our souls. Submit to God and tell the Devil to leave. I pray for a total release of the Holy Spirit in your lives at this time. Being creates anew and without spot or blemish. Having the Light of God shining through ever so bright as you walk in His ways. Being a pathway for others to follow. That they may find Jesus and be saved. Amen.

Be blessed, Ken

Fresh

January 13, 2018 /

Well here we are in a new year and our Lord and Savior wants to move among His people. This last Sunday we had a great service of worship and Prayer. During this time God was putting forth His word through His people. Some prophecy and words of encouragement. God was telling me many of the same things just before they were spoken by others.  So here is a highlighted version of what He told me. First He spoke of “do not pick up your baggage and bring it with you.” the second part was “Its the dawning of a new day. The dawning of a new era. The last part went “I will bring fresh fire, fresh food and fresh freedom.” Its hard for me to remember it all in the manner it was given to me. So I gave you the points that stood out to me.

Baggage is a term we hear often. But it truly applies right now. We are in January and its a new year for us. Baggage is often referring to habits and old ways of doing things. It may also refer to past hurts or people who have wronged us in some way. We need to let these things go. By doing so God will take care of them for us. He wants to impart in us what He needs us to have for this time.

The dawning of a new day the dawning of a new era is an announcement for us. God is declaring His intent. Both to us and those around us. For it is as He says. Its “new.” Not the past or any part of old. God is not stuck in the past. He does not have to continue to do things in the same old way. Those are our problems. We like things done in certain ways at the same time for the same reasons. We get stuck in the rut. Being comfortable is always a good thing. It does not keep us from enjoying what God is doing anew. We often go about ways because that is how it has always gone. This is the way it is always done. My question is “why?” Drop your baggage and get ready.

Now we have the third part. And the key word is “fresh.” A fresh fire. A fresh move of the Holy Spirit. A fresh gifting, anointing and maybe even a fresh direction. The fire coming in a unexpected way. A time we don’t see or hear or are even ready for. Fresh food for us. We may be reading the same scriptures, but now we see a different application of it. It now jumps of the page at us and all we can say is wow. This word now has new meaning to us. We also want to read more because we have a new hunger. Fresh freedom is the one part that is the most different for me. We have a certain God given freedom. But this time its even more exciting. We will be enjoying His presence, His word, His truths and Him in a new way. Praying out in public without fear. Sharing His word without hesitation. Walking with our heads held up high. Not worrying about who sees us. And yet He is giving us this that He may be glorified. Its all about Him, not us. Enjoy this new era  with its freshness. Just don’t carry your baggage into it.

Be blessed, Ken

Knee-ding Time

December 2, 2017 /

Here we are enjoying a mild fall with temps about 15-20 degrees higher than normal and thinking about spending more time outside. This is interesting because God keeps talking about spending more time with Him. We can do both it just takes some adjusting our schedule. Like getting up earlier and reading the bible or spending it in prayer. And yet the bible tells us to be ever mindful. That means making a conscious effort to be with Him. Even while driving we can be praying and paying attention to what is going on around us. A good question becomes why is God seeking a greater amount of time with us. Its simple. Times are getting tougher on His children. The enemy of our souls is making a greater effort to stop the plans of God. The Devils time is running short and he wants to take out as many of God’s children as possible.

How is he doing it? By getting us to be complacent in our walk with God for one. By accepting worldly ways into the church for another. All of this leads to questions like “why don’t we see signs, miracles and wonders?” Actually we do. It’s that we aren’t looking hard enough or even in the right places. we don’t pay attention unless its big, elaborate, or loud. We want an entertainment value added to keep our interest. And don’t forget that we want to be done in an hour or so. There is no reason for a service to last over an hour.  Really, what have we become? As much as its about us, its even more about our Lord and Savior. He is the reason we live. He is the reason we have life He is our everything. Without Him we are not.

So, when the enemy attacks us we are not ready for it. We don’t know what to do. Scripture verses start to come mind like “resist the devil and he shall flee?” Why will he flee. He has nothing to be afraid of. But, when we look at the first part of that verse we see “submit yourselves therefore to God.” And that is the problem. Submitting is hard to do. We just get in the way of ourselves. Pride and arrogance come to the fore front. ” I don’t submit to anyone.” Or “I’m a Christian and the Devil has to leave me alone.” Well guess what, he doesn’t have to leave you alone and because you won’t submit and be obedient to God he is going after you with all he has. Which brings us back to the beginning of this post . Talking about spending more time with God. He is the answer for this time. No other can help us as He can. So, get off your hand made throne and get to your knees. Start a conversation with God and see what He is willing to do for you. For in Malachi ch.3 God says” return to me and I will return to you.” We need to make the first move. To get out of our own way and just say yes. Its not as hard as it seems. Then afterward you will feel better than before. Closer than before. Better prepared than before. And you just might be helping someone else at the same time.

Be blessed, Ken

Drawing

October 29, 2017 /

Here we are again talking about the good things of our Lord. Today’s service was a good time of worship and praise. Pastor’s message on forgiveness was insightful. But it’s during the time when we choose to enter into His presence that things can and often do change. I am one who wants nothing more than to do God’s will. To be obedient to Him. So, when He talks to me during service I tend to listen. Unfortunately I’m not always that way. When it’s any other day I probably have my mind on other things. He wants to talk to me, I’m just listening or putting myself into a position to listen to Him. And today He gave me words for 2 different people. Both messages had to do with pushing into a closer time with Him.

In Malachi 3:7 the Lord says to return to Him and He will return to you. We need to take the first steps. We have to show our desire for a closer walk with him. Remember he doesn’t go where He is not welcome. He is never far away, but He will not force Himself upon us. That is why we need to draw closer to Him. Show the initiative. How often do we act like we have done enough and now its God’s turn to do something. When in reality we have almost nothing and want it all done for us. In the first part of this blog I mentioned that I don’t always listen to Him. Then there are days like today when I do and He wants something of me that I just don’t want to do. It’s these times when He pulls out this big 2×4 and hits me with it. Well, at least in a spiritual sense. See I’ve “dug my heals in” on a particular matter and didn’t want to budge from it. This was the area that God decided I needed to change today. And wanting to be obedient to Him I started to change my ways. Why? I want a closer walk with Him. If I want to draw closer to Him I need to get out of my own way. These walls I’ve put up need to come down. I also want and need Him to heal me. Of some pain I have  in my right hip all the way down to my right shins. But if there is disobedience how can I expect to receive healing when I won’t receive what He wants of me.

One part of this is that I know better than to tell God no. For He said in His Word that to whom much is given, much is required. A principle of this is that when you press in and get closer to Him you will receive more. More of Him and More blessing in your life among other things. God wants to give to us. Why don’t we just put ourselves in a position to receive these things and blessings. And when it is the proper time you will have a testimony to share that can encourage those around you to get closer to Him. So, draw closer to Him. You have a lot riding on it.

Be blessed, Ken

Alternate Seeding

September 10, 2017 /

This message comes from some observations I had about a week ago. My wife Susan and I went to the Walworth County Fair on the Thursday before Labor Day. As we were walking around checking out the fair we came across an unusual display. This display was of a motorcycle that had been used for artistic purposes. The gentleman had it painted in the life of our Lord Jesus. Many different parts of His ministry were painted to draw an image of Him. From being baptized to the crucifixion and even a helmet that was done in a display of Heaven as described in the Bible.

The photos above are of this motorcycle. This is a well done display.

One other stand caught our attention was one for the Fellowship of Christian Farmers. They were giving away walking sticks. Just broom handles with a message. What they had done was drill a hole through them and place a string with beads on it. Each bead was symbolic of an aspect of the Bible. Like red for the blood of Jesus, white for purity and so on. All you had to do was listen to a story of each bead to get one of these. It only took about 5 minutes of our time. What a creative way to get the message out. Both of these venues were done in a creative way. They open doors that may not be there in the usual way.

In the Great Commission God tells us to go out and preach the good news to all the world. He didn’t say that we were limited to doing it in a manner of telling everyone verbally. The Message needs to get out. It doesn’t matter how as long as it is the truth. As long as it is accurate. These two are just some ways to do this. They started with ideas and took off from there. Do you have an idea? Is it an accurate way of telling the Gospel?  Is it truthful? We don’t need to be doing things in the same old way all the time. God gave us the ability to be creative. Why not use it. Its these kind of ways that will reach people that the same old ways may not. The seeds are getting planted. Some seeds that were planted before are now getting watered. Some may even be harvested in this way.

Don’t be afraid to be creative. Go out and preach the good news in a different way.

Be blessed Ken

 

 

 

 

 

The Waves of Preparation

August 28, 2017 /

Dear friends, here is another post based off of thoughts and observations. The other day I was going for a walk with my beautiful bride of 30 years down at the lake. That is Lake Michigan. The waters were a little rough that night. The waves were splashing up against the rocks ( see photo’s).

As I was watching this a thought came to my mind. It was about the Holy Spirit. How it comes upon us as we encounter God. The last photo shows it covering the rocks. Completely encasing the rock with its presence. But as we seek more and a closer walk it can splash against us a bit higher. As in the second photo where it splashes upward reaching a new level. Then as we continue to press in it can come upon us to an even greater level. Covering us more than before. Like the third photo where the water goes to an even greater length to cover the rock. So I ask this question, are we pressing in to the point of where the Holy Spirit can come in and cover us completely like these waves?

Just to let you know that when the Holy Spirit comes this way it has an overwhelming effect on us. It can leave us in a place of feeling drunk. Often explained as “drunk in the Spirit.” This is a place where many Christians like to get to. At this point I recommend that a person stay there and receive all that God has for you at that moment. This moment is a time of equipping, retooling, preparation and positioning. He brings you to this place for more than a good feeling. He is preparing you for more and greater works. Works that He has planned for us in advance. For the purpose of reaching the lost and guiding them to the door of salvation. For the purpose of building up the Body of which we belong to with Jesus as the head.

These pictures of water also remind me of a couple of scriptures pertaining to water. One is found in Rev.22:1-2 where it describes the river flowing down the middle of the street of the great city. How important is it when God gives this prophecy to John that He includes this vision? We need this water that flows from His throne. Which brings me to Eze.47:1-12 and the river that flows from His throne out from the temple. This river that brings life and pushes out sin (salt). The trees here bear there fruit all the time and their leaves are used for healing. If we are at this river drinking in the water that flows from the throne, we are partaking in life and life more abundant. We will also be pleasing to the eye. To the eye of God and others in search of Him who brings life.

So when the opportunity to spend this kind of time in His presence let the water of the Holy Spirit overwhelm you. Receive all that He has for you and be fully equipped for the task at hand. He is preparing His Bride. Don’t be afraid of the task because you don’t do it alone. He is with you every step of the way.

Thanks for reading these postings. Pray for me and this site of encouragement. Time is coming for me to pay for the up keep of this site.  I do enjoy sharing here what I receive from Him. For our Lord and Savior has put it upon me to build and edify His Body. So as I pray for direction, please do the same for me and for yourself.

Be blessed, Ken

A Round Table

August 17, 2017 /

Dear brothers and sisters, I hope you are all walking closely with our Lord and Savior. For I believe that we are in the last days and His return is coming soon. As I have been praying lately I tend to let my mind wonder a little bit in the vast goodness of the Lord. During one of these times I was reminded of a word our Lord gave me back in 2002 or so. It was based on Rev.22:1-2. It goes “Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations.” Wow, what a site to behold. It was at this point that He showed me that one side of the river where part of the tree of life is represents Milwaukee and the other is Chicago. So therefore, the river flows through the middle of the tree. this is where you would find Zion and the nearby surrounding areas.

God has a great plan for this area. The likes of which may be are to comprehend. But, thats ok because we are always supposed to be able to see all that He has planned. What we need to see is where obedience takes us. And that is to a place in His presence where we will get our crown and be with Him forever more. It will also take us to a table prepared for us in the presence of our enemies (Ps. 23:5). I had a thought about this table. During worship this last Sunday I had a vision of a round table. One where there is no place for anyone one of us to sit at and be at the “head” of it. Sharing this with a friend, he mentioned that what if there was a hole in the center and that is where our Lord would be. All of us sitting there eating of the bread of life. Drinking of the water of life and worshiping “the Word” as we listen to Him speak. Just think that this could happen and even greater. A place with Him that our thoughts would not be able to go to because of how limiting it is.

In closing I will leaves these reminders. That nothing is impossible for God. He is not limited in what He can and will do. And He is not bound by what we think or say. For remember that His ways are greater than our ways. His thoughts are greater than our thoughts. Lets not try to restrict God and just let God be God. When we do this we will have a closer walk with Him. When we are obedient we will not only see what happens but, also see the blessings that follow. Read and pray daily. Worship and praise Him with all your heart. Being ever mindful of Him who has given us life and a life more abundant.

Be blessed, Ken

Walking Exposed

July 22, 2017 /

Wow, it has been a long time since I’ve posted anything. But I do have a fresh word today, so here it is. ” My children, many of you have knowledge and understanding. Yet when you walk you are exposed. You only have partial protection. The enemy of your soul comes to take that which is most precious to me. Therefore affix my word to your heart. Wrap your heart in my word. For my word is impenetrable as I am impenetrable. Do this for me. Do this for yourself. The enemy comes. Are you ready for battle? I say these things that you may be prepared. My Love for you is great. Do this and live.”

The first part of this really caught my attention. The part about being exposed. When I thought about it I pictured a cartoon drawing. I have a nephew that is a very good animator, illustrator, and short film maker among other things. So I pictured him outlining one of his characters and only coloring the face and head. Thus leaving the rest of the body empty. Many of us are walking around with this head knowledge and having little to no relationship with the One who has given us life. Its not like God doesn’t care for He said that we are most precious to Him. After all, this word does start out with Him saying “my children.” And as children we need to be guided, taught, protected and encouraged.

In the next part God talks about wrapping His word around our hearts. He even said to affix it to the heart. This means to attach, cover and place His word. Two thoughts are here. One is the actual word itself and the other is Jesus Himself. In rev. 19:13 he is called “the Word of God.” So when you think about it both of these thoughts apply. Then He goes on to say that His word and Him self are impenetrable. They are one and the same. His word has not changed to fit the desires of society since it has been written. Jesus has not changed. In Malachi 3:6 says ” For I, the Lord, do not change…” Impenetrable as in the enemy cannot do anything. All his attacks against Him are useless.

The closing of this word comes with a request. “Do this for me. Do this for yourself.” So if you take a moment to ask yourself why He gives us an answer with a question. “Are you ready for battle?” The enemy is coming whether we like it or not. Satan can’t stand having God’s people prepared for battle. He can’t stand us who have a relationship with Him who Loved us first. Its even spoken of twice in this very word. “The enemy comes.” This is the very reason for a closer walk with Jesus. Eph. 6:13-17 talks of the armor of God. We need to not only wear it , but to wear it properly. To use it properly. And the best way to learn this is by walking with Jesus Christ our Savior. To “wrap” his Word and Himself around our heart. For I do believe that the time for His return is coming very quickly. Which means that things are going to change for the worst soon if not already. Attacks against His children are going to come more frequently. We need to become ready for the enemy. In James 4:7 it says ” Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” Choose a side and choose Jesus. Then you will not be alone in your battle. Jesus will be at your side when you submit to God.

I share these things so that you and I may be ready and prepared. Share this with others so they can be ready and prepared. Go about and walk with God because we are the Gospel. Let others read us and they will be truly reading about Him.

Be blessed, Ken

Expand and Overflow

May 17, 2017 /

As I am sitting here figuring out how to put this post into words, I am reminded of how close we are to the end times. Politically, socially, environmentally and spiritually things are getting crazy. we have a President that was a businessman doing things against the establishment. Everything that was right growing up has now become wrong. We have more frequent earthquakes, tornadoes, tsunamis and changes in weather that don’t always make sense. Not to mention how the “church” has changed. The people saying that we need to adapt to our society for the comfort of a select few. Even though God’s word tells us a different story. The Bible is not a book that changes as the world does. It has remained the same for centuries. The truths spoken then are just as relevant today as they were yesterday. Which now brings me to the main part of this post. Back on May 7, 2017 our Lord gave me a word and here it is. My people I have poured out on you plenty. Some of you have received much, some have received little. Those who have much share much. Those who have little share little. I say this day “expand your tents so that your storehouses may overflow.” You all have need you all need more and I am the one who will give it to you. So, I say share what you have so that you may have plenty. I hear you respond with “Lord, I have need for my family. If I give then we have less and are in need of more.” Have I not met your need? Have I not met your neighbors need? Then give and it will be given to you. The greater you share the greater you will receive. And your neighbor will have a full storehouse.

The first overall principle here is that you can’t out give God. The more you give the more you get. What you are giving isn’t yours to hoard. God gives us this so that we will give it away. Remember that He has chosen to do His work through us. A second principle here is “Love thy Neighbor.” By sharing what we have we are doing just that. So, let us ask “what are we to share?” Well it can be food, finances or even better is God’s word. All of this and even more can show God’s love to this lost and dieing world. And oh how this all goes so well with that great commission.

But what has had me thinking was the part about “expand your tents so that your storehouses may overflow.” In this the tents and the storehouses are the same. They are us. We are both of them. When we take in God’s word we are expanding our knowledge and understanding of Him. When we pray we are gaining a relationship with Him. When we are in His presence we are letting Him in. The time is now for us to grow in our love for God. We need to expand our tents so that we may have more of Him in us. At this point when we are about to burst at the seams, we are to share all that He has given us to this world around us. All the while continuing to get closer to Him to have more to share. We may be the last chance some people have to get to know our God before the end has come. Walk, talk and share. Expand and overflow. It won’t be long before Jesus returns for us. We need to make the family of God greater.

Be blessed, Ken

 

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