Radiant Transparency

Like a Tree And he shall be like a tree firmly planted [and tended] by the streams of water, ready to bring forth its fruit in its season; its leaf also shall not fade  or  wither; and everything he does shall prosper [and come to maturity]. (Psalm 1:3 AMP) Most trees that have had the time to be rooted and grounded are pretty steady. They go through many seasons in life, growing each year producing leaves and fruit (flowers, nuts, etc.) the roots of the tree remain steady for 100's of years. How much better is it to be a tree planted by the rivers of living water? A tree that is planted by the water has a source of constant nourishment from the water. John 4:14 speaks of the water that Jesus gives being enough to quench our thirsts so that we thirst no more.   It doesn't have to depend on someone to water it, because its source is deep within the ground, yet easily accessible by the deep roots of the tree. The tree is steady in all seasons though the wind ma...

Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God. And God's peace [shall be yours, that tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and being content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace] which transcends all understanding shall garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6, 7 AMP) Over the past 18 months of my life I had been praying about a situation. That situation itself brought me closer to God than I have ever been before in my entire life. It showed me His strength, His grace, His mercy and brought out gifts He has placed in me. The time spent with God has also given me courage that I never dreamed I would have. It has also proven to me that no matter how other people act or what they say I am called ...

THEN THE kingdom of heaven shall be likened to ten virgins who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish (thoughtless, without forethought) and five were wise (sensible, intelligent, and prudent). For when the foolish took their lamps, they did not take any [extra] oil with them; But the wise took flasks of oil along with them [also] with their lamps. While the bridegroom lingered and was slow in coming, they all began nodding their heads, and they fell asleep. But at midnight there was a shout, Behold, the bridegroom! Go out to meet him! Then all those virgins got up and put their own lamps in order. And the foolish said to the wise, Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out. But while they were going away to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were prepared went in with him to the marriage feast; and the door was shut. Later the other virgins also came and said, Lord, Lord, open [the door] to us! But He replied, I solemnly decl...