Take Me, Smoke Me, Toke Me!

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 An example of the power of the Holy Spirit at work was when i stopped smoking, even having the desire to do so even when i dreamed about it or passed the cigarette butts and roaches filled with generous weed on the streets, just lying there for me smiling up at me saying, "Take me, smoke me, toke me!"  As Christians we have a distinctive character, though there are many types of characters, many types of Christians.  If i were to become contaminated, then i would lose that distinctive flavor and the effectiveness of my testimony.


Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above and comes down from the Father of Lights; with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. --[James 1:17]

i will think of what someone did for me and even though it was really out of malice aforethought thanking her is also thanking God.  If Jesus were to come tonight, i don't think i'd see her in the clouds--not that i honestly would want to--but hopefully she will wake up and get her priorities straight and repent now while she has time if she wants to be caught up in the clouds.  i know this kind of arrogance doesn't set well with God and i need to get my act together as well.  i am far from perfect!

But the Lord is with me as a mighty, awesome One.  Therefore my persecutors will stumble and will not prevail.  They will be greatly ashamed, for they will not prosper.  Their everlasting confusion will never be forgotten. ---[Jeremiah 20:11]

His presence keeps me filled with JOY and HOPE.  i want to be the one person out of then to overflow with thanks and gratitude.  i don't want to take anything from God for granted.  i've been guilty of that, and i see others who could be just as guilty; i can only pray for them because i understand them.  With God's hand they'll come around.  

Lord, bless and protect all those who like me have felt entitled to be blessed, even with our ingratitude.  May i never be jaded or cynical.  May i always be bowled over by Your goodness.  May i always be the one out of ten to be grateful to You and to be guided by You to wake up the other nine.  May You be the only One to have vengeance on those who scorn and mock me and since i really feel Your presence, even in the haunting hours of the morning stillness--the hours when i cannot sleep- [may that be the condition i'm in when You come and return.]  May i be unable to sleep.  In Jesus's name.  

amen

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