From Acorn To Oaks, From Ashes To Beauty, The Planting Of The Lord

Introducing Wendy Thomas

Before you read this weeks love letter, I would like to take the time to introduce you to my friend Wendy Thomas. She is an amazing teacher and minister of the Word. She lives in England and has a ministry to the downtrodden and hurting. Her greatest desire is for others to truly know and have a revelation of the Father’s heart love. Out of this desire and call on her life, she has published a Bible study/devotional series called Knowing God As Father. I have developed a deep and abiding relationship with Wendy over the last two years. She has become a trusted and cherished friend whom, I know without a doubt, she hears God in a very personal and profound that shares the heart of the Father. I have asked her to contribute at least once a month to Journals.

It has always been my desire to multiply myself. I will be co-authoring some letters with Wendy for a couple of months, at which time she will be submitting her own. Wendy already walks in the gift of journaling God’s heart is now stepping out to do so in a Journals of the Heart format. I know she will be a blessing to you and it would be so kind for those of you who are registered at Journals to leave her some feedback in the comment section provided at the end of each letter, teaching or devotion.

Oaks Of Righteousness

My dear child, come and see through My eyes. Come see what I see. What do I see? I see you through My son, Jesus, and you are clothed in His righteousness. I know you get disappointed in yourself from time to time and feel you have failed; but, I NEVER see you as failing for I see you in My Son. You have no righteousness of your own but only what He gives you. This is all you need. As you stand complete in Him, My glory surrounds you and draws others to Me. I look at you and My heart beats with joy and I rejoice over you. In fact, I am so happy I can’t help but sing songs of love over you (Zephaniah 3:17). Listen to the song I am singing and you will know how much I love you. You will know without a doubt how precious you are to Me. Let Me quiet you with My love and be at peace knowing how profoundly you are loved…knowing how safe and secure you are with Me.

Therefore, with great confidence, take time to hear My thoughts on who you are. You will no longer be ashamed in any way, shape or form. Stand tall, strong and secure for your roots go down deep into My love (Ephesians 3:17-18). Learn to know the height depth and breadth of My love in your own daily experiences. Let My love sink deep into your heart like spring rain on hungry soil. In doing this, you will be more secure and can come into agreement with My assessment of You.

Beloved, don’t listen to the other voices you have heard throughout your life telling you that you aren’t quite good enough, but instead, choose to listen only to My voice, for I alone speak the truth. You are fearfully and wonderfully made and I delight in you (Psalms 139). You are My precious child and I love you with a never ending, everlasting love. As an oak tree stands tall, strong and immovable, so shall you. You will be able to stand in all circumstances as you learn to drink deeply of Me and My love for you. You will grow in and out of season to produce much fruit. Your leaves will be a shelter to others as they feel My love flowing through you to them. Nothing will overcome you for I am with you and give you victory in every circumstance. All you have to do is believe…all you have to do is stand and let Me be all you need to flourish. Stand steadfast and see My victory for the battle belongs to Me. When you are secure in My love you can face anything and succeed. With Me all things are possible. Others will see and be amazed at the mighty work I am doing and will do in your life. You are My oak of righteousness and will forever declare it to be so. Prepare to be amazed.

The Planting Of The Lord

Beloved, do you not know that I chose the place where and when you would be born (Psalms 139)? Your times have always been in My hand and you were in My thoughts from the beginning of creation. Just as plants are put in exactly the right place with all the conditions necessary for them to grow and bloom, so I planted you in the right place, at the right time, and in the right circumstances to help you grow…grow into the person and giver of Life I have always called you to be.

This may not always be in easy circumstances or where you would have chosen to be; but, there is one thing for sure, My ways are higher than your ways and My thoughts higher than your thoughts. I am a master at working all things together for good. I know and always will know exactly what is needed for you to grow and bear fruit.

Stop kicking against and complaining about any of your circumstances but instead look for My hand at work in the midst of them. I will always be with you and help you through no matter what happens to you. Have I not told you that in this world you will have trouble? Everyone does. It is the response which matters most. Response has the power to open and close doors…build or tear down walls. Selah (mediate and think on this).

What matters most though is this, I will be with you in every storm and provide the way out where there seems to be no way. As you learn to be flexible and bend in the storms of life, you will stay strong and be left standing. A young tree tied too tightly to the stake does not learn to bend in the wind and becomes rigid. When loosed from its stake the tree can break at the slightest wind. It is the wind which brings flexibility and strength to the tree. Selah.

Beloved child, together we can do all things, for nothing is impossible with Me. I will not give you more than you can bear. I am your rock…your shelter and I will keep you safe in the storms of life and not let you be overwhelmed. Will you accept this offer of My heart? Will you let Me live My life of mercy and grace to you and through you?

Just as trees need sun and rain to grow, so do you. You need times of ease and difficulty to promote strong, healthy growth. How would you know you could overcome if there was nothing to overcome? How would you have faith if there was nothing to have faith for?

Beloved, I will give you My peace in the midst of the difficulties if only you will rest in My arms and trust Me to show the way ahead. As people see you at peace they will wonder and ask how you can be so calm and assured in the midst of such an uncertain world. This will give you opportunity to tell them of Me. Your life will give substance to the saying “the proof is in the pudding”. You will truly be a demonstration of My splendor and attract others to Me. You truly are an oak of righteousness standing strong and secure by streams of living water. You display My splendor as you move and live and have your being in Me. You can do all things in Me and are far stronger than you think. Together we will overcome all adverse situations. So, do not be afraid but, be full of courage and see what I will accomplish.

The Divine Exchange

Beloved, at the cross where My son, Jesus, died is where the divine exchange occurred and still occurs each time one comes to Me through Him. I am in the exchange business. It is what I do. I take evil and work it for good. I take what is scarlet and make it white as snow. I take pits and make them into large places. It is what I love to do. I dress you in robes of righteousness instead of your filthy rags of sin and death. I take all death from you and give you Life…life more abundant.

As you give your life to Me, you pass from death into eternal life. Your life becomes full of hope from the very moment you find Me. This happens first at your salvation and from then on out it happens moment to moment as you give all to Me…as you give all knowing I am never dismayed by your weakness or afraid to exchange treasure in exchange for your wood, hay and stubble. Why? Because at salvation I am in control and I only want the best for you.

Beloved, My plans for you are for good and not for evil and to give you hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11). You are no longer covered with the ashes of shame and degradation, but instead, you shine with the beauty of a life redeemed. My Glory covers you and your face shines like the face of Moses after He had been in My presence.

Spending time with Me and beholding Me will always cause you to shine with My glory, for you become like that which you behold. So be careful what you look at and think about. Be sure and keep your eyes on Me. Focus on whatever is pure, lovely and of good repute. Think only on these things and your mind will be transformed. You will without a doubt be renewed.

As you wait on Me, you will rise on wings like an eagle to see your strength be renewed. Instead of mourning, I will give you a dancing, joyous heart. My joy is not dependant on circumstances but on knowing you are unconditionally loved by Me…knowing that nothing will ever separate you from My love. I turn despair into songs of praise as you see Me working all things together for good.

Remember this, nothing is impossible with Me. I make a way where there seems to be no way. Behold, I do a new thing and make a way in the wilderness. Give Me any and every dark despairing place in your life and I will transform them as I illuminate them with My light. I will show you the way ahead and give you light for your path and paths of those you love. I will not let you stumble or fall as I uphold you with My right hand. Keep your hand in mine and you will be secure, firmly established, rooted and grounded in My love. You will, in all practicality be like a giant oak tree displaying My splendour in a steadfast way throughout all the issues and occurrences of life. I declare your life to be a life transformed by Me…a life which gives hope to all who observe your walk with Me and My care for you.

Trees By A River

Beloved, I have dressed you in robes of righteousness and your life is hidden in Christ. Because of this righteousness, I watch over every thing concerning you. Because you love Me, I work all things in your life together for the ultimate good. This does not mean everything is easy; but, it does mean that everything is under My control. All will help you grow and be fruitful as you work through the processes of life.

I gave you My Holy Spirit. The fruit of the Holy Spirit will manifest in your life. I will use everything that happens to you to cultivate this fruit. The fruit of the spirit will give you an abundant life…the type of life I Have promised you in My Word. I want you to experience life to the fullest…experience it in all its abundance. As trees by a river are watered by its continuous flowing stream, so too will I water you. I want you to drink deeply of My love…drink deeply on a regular basis. Don’t let one ounce of fresh revelation and truth pass by you. Be with Me moment by moment and you will receive moment by moment.

Remember, My love is what nourishes you and establishes you, so let your roots go deep into My love so you can not be shaken. Everything you need can be found in My love which you can experience by clinging to the bank of My heart, regardless of what you do.

Trees by a natural river have their needs met as the continuous flow of the river brings new and fresh nutrients without ceasing. If the river is flowing, new life is always being deposited. They receive all the nutrients needed to prosper in both good and bad times. Living, moving and having your being in Me…living, moving and having your being in My love supplies your every need. Therefore, stay in the river. There is no better or safer place to be.

Beloved, the fruit of the Holy Spirit is love joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5:22). Can you imagine a life full of this fruit? I can. In fact, I see your life that way already. To Me, it already is. It is your inheritance…your birthright to have this kind of life regardless.

Beloved, a life of fruitfulness is what I want for you and what you can have. A fruit filled life of abundance is your portion in Me and I will ensure it to be what your life is like as you trust in Me and follow My guidance. I will bring into your life everything to make this fruit manifest and grow. You will feed many while being nourished yourself with all you need. I, Myself, will fulfill all your needs. Your life will be a sign and a wonder to all who see as they see you full of joy and fruitful through all of life’s seasons.

As many needy people see Me pour out My love on you and nurture you, they too will long to experience My love. Many will be added to My family because of you, so be excited. This isn’t a short term promise. It is for eternity. Trust in Me and I will be all that you need and you will truly have life in abundance. You will be as a tree planted by streams of living water fruitful in all you do. Why? Because I say so.

Wake Up, Look Up, Be Amazed And Look Forward To The New Thing

Beloved, although I never change and I Am the same yesterday, tomorrow and today, I am constantly doing a new thing in your life (Hebrews 13:8). Nothing remains the same and if you are staying the same you are really going backwards! You need to constantly be discovering and experiencing more of My love for you and the closeness we can have. I love you the same as I love My son, Jesus, and I am changing you into His likeness You can have the same relationship with Me that Jesus has…everything He has is yours. You are joint heirs with Him.

Today is a new day for a new thing, and as a result, I want to establish you in new and profound ways so that you are like an oak tree that grows from a tiny acorn into a massive tower of strength…so you can be a refuge in the storm to many. Don’t despise the days of small beginnings. Even a mighty oak grows from a tiny acorn…even faith as small as a mustard seed can move mountains. Isn’t it amazing what I do with so seemingly little? How I love to create, enlarge and grow amazing things from the least expected source.

Child, I know at times you may feel small and insignificant and can do so at any given moment. Don’t let any moment or situation cause you to despise where you are. Instead, remember this. I see you as you will be…a mighty oak of righteousness rooted by the streams of living water that is being supplied with all things needed for instruction and godliness. As you become rooted and established in My love, you will grow tall, strong and secure throughout any storm.

Wake up…look up…be amazed and look forward to the new things that I am doing in your life. Remember, whatever difficulties you face, they will indeed transition for all things eventually pass but I shall always remain. Everything is for a season. There is no need to worry for I establish the seasons and there is a time for everything under the sun. Learn to know the times and discern which season you are in. You wouldn’t wear a raincoat in high summer or shorts in frigid weather.

Therefore, you need to know what I am doing in your life and the season you are in. All seasons are needed for growth to occur so don’t worry when times are hard. A new season of plenty will soon be on its way. You see, just as too much food turns your body to fat, too much ease prevents your growth. It is in the wilderness places that you are drawn to Me for there you have no resources of your own. In your weakness I can and will show My strength. I Am mighty to save and will show Myself strong on your behalf. So, wake up…look up…be amazed and look forward to the future for I have so much in store for you. You will see and experience new depths of My love, for you will be rooted and established as an oak of righteousness which flourishes with fruitfulness. Lift your arms…lift your branches and display My splendor. The time has come.

Planting Of The Lord Prayer Of Declaration And Supplication

Reflect And Journal

THE SPIRIT of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed and qualified me to preach the Gospel of good tidings to the meek, the poor, and afflicted; He has sent me to bind up and heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the [physical and spiritual] captives and the opening of the prison and of the eyes to those who are bound,

To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord [the year of His favor] and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn,

To grant [consolation and joy] to those who mourn in Zion–to give them an ornament (a garland or diadem) of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, the garment [expressive] of praise instead of a heavy, burdened, and failing spirit–that they may be called oaks of righteousness [lofty, strong, and magnificent, distinguished for uprightness, justice, and right standing with God], the planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified. (Isaiah 61:1-3 Amplified)

1. What song is God your father singing over you? Listen and write it down.

2. Do you listen to the voices from your past or other people? If so, what is God saying and who will you agree with?

3. What are some of the wrong words you have agreed with in the past and have a tendency to focus on whenever something goes wrong or you make a mistake. For instance, if your parents or someone who was supposed to care about your wellbeing spoke words of accusation every time you made a mistake…those words can come into play for the rest of your life each and every time you make a mistake. Those accusatory words were not from God. It is time to renounce them as lies and receive God’s truth. In the process be sure and forgive those who came against or demeaned you in any way. Forgiveness is the key to blessing.

4. Do you agree with Father God that you are fearfully and wonderfully made? If not ask God to help you see yourself as He sees you. It is a request He loves to answer.

5. How do you feel when you realize God chose when and where you would be born? Talk to him about that. Repent of anytime you have disdained your life in some fashion or other. If you have ever disagreed with God and thought your life worthless or that it hasn’t mattered take time to ask for forgiveness. Rededicate your life to Him for His purposes and His love.

6. Can you see God’s hand in your life in difficult times? Ask him to show you where He is at work.

7. What does it mean to you personally to be an oak of righteousness? Do you see yourself that way? Take some time to just talk to Him about it…express your doubts…you misgivings about your own self. He already knows what you think anyway. Might as well tell Him so you can clear the air. Agree with His assessment of you…which by the way will always be good. It is always best to believe the good report and not the evil one. Just look at Joshua. His life and accomplishments are proof enough. Yes, you are just as awesome as he was…for all God’s might men and women were just that…men and women just like us. How comforting.

8. What do you need to give to God that’s negative so you can receive his positive?

9. Do you still feel shame? Shame is feeling something is wrong with you rather than you having done something wrong. Ask God to speak the truth about you.

10. Are there any dark or despairing places in your life? If so give them to God.

11. Can you see the fruit of the spirit in your life? Which area referenced in the above Scripture needs the most development in your life? Is it patience, self-control…etc.

12. Which area do you struggle with the most? Take some time to drink from God’ Word in reference to this subject. Are you impatient with people? Are you one who tends to worry? What does God say about each subject? You must get His mind on things so you will have something to fill your heart with when you cast out worry and so on.

13. Are you living life in abundance? Ask God to show you what you might be missing out on…where you are missing His very best. He reveals all you need to know in order give you an abundant life in all circumstances.

14. What needs do you have? Be specific and ask God to meet them.

15. How do you feel about facing new things (change) in the light of God being the same yesterday, today and tomorrow?

16. What personal struggle…personal way of doing and being would you like to see changed the most…see become like Christ Himself? What do you think would be the greatest outcome of this change in relation to your own personal connection to Father and to those you interact with on a daily basis?

17. What does it mean to be joint heirs with Christ? How does that make you feel? Take time to tell God how it makes you feel to have Him not only as God but as Daddy (not based on what a natural father might have or have not been but on His Word).

18. What season are you in? Ask God to tell you. Once you know, you will better be able to process the circumstance you are in without guilt, shame, presumption and so on. You are where you. The awesome thing about it though is this…no matter where or what season, He is with you just being the SAME as He always has been– gracious, merciful, loving, enduring, steadfast, hopeful, revelatory, provisionary, creative, faithful to the end and in a complete state of ravished adoration over and for you.

Written By Wendy Thomas And Co-authored by Brenda Craig under the unction of the Holy Spirit

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