The other night I had a dream about a Construction site with houses in the process of being built. You know, half done. In the dream, my landlord was frustrated because he had to stop building temporarily. When I walked into this one house, I started to throw soft squishy balls into each room. Don’t ask.
After throwing them, I then found myself mopping the kitchen floor (nice beige-colored tiles) while the Landlord was watching. He was then very pleased that he was able to continue building.
As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving.
Col 2:6-7
I’m sitting here at my Kitchen table typing on my new laptop; a gift from my Husband. I’m very grateful for it because I’ve been writing all this time using my phone and my eyes are not cooperating as well anymore!
There are times when I wonder if I am getting in the way of God completing the process of growth in me and of those I love. I ask myself why does it seem as though nothing is happening at times. As if all work has stopped. Like everything is just the same every day and nothing is changing or will change. And, that maybe I should just accept that “it is, what it is.”
Then my heart tells me, “Snap out of it, Jackie, God has done great and mighty things in your life and is still working!” And, I do believe this with all my heart.
God is always working behind the scenes of our lives. I know this is true for me because He has already answered many of my prayers. Has He done it as soon as I want? No, not very often, but over the years I’ve seen that His answers always come! And, as He answers, I thank Him every time that “His way was better.”
“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord.
Isaiah 55:8 NKJV
What does the Construction site of your life look like? Is it plywood and nails on the ground without even a beam up yet? Is it half done? Has it been like that for years? Or, is it almost done, still waiting for a door to open?
Whatever stage of our walk we are in, we must allow God to clean up the rooms in our hearts, daily, or we will always stay where we are.
Our hearts are full of many rooms. Some are bright and shiny. These are the ones we like to share with others; the ones we are proud of! The ones we invite people in, even God. The truth is that we laugh and enjoy sharing our accomplishments with others, which is not a bad thing.
Then, there are the “other rooms” in our hearts. Rooms full of doubts, fears, insecurities, unbelief, and addictions/struggles.
Most people generally like to see the bright and shiny rooms. They do not enjoy seeing these “other rooms.” These rooms are for the “Landlord” to clean up.
Jesus is our LandLord, so to speak. He is the only one who can and wants to go into these rooms and “clean” out the enemies of our souls (old and painful things) so that we can become vessels for Him to live in and work through. He dislikes these rooms more than we do, but He needs our permission to enter and begin the work that only He can do. We must be willing to let Him in. He will not force His way in. It’s our “choice.”
Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Matthew 11:28 NKJV
I’m pretty sure that anyone who is struggling with an addiction, depression, fear, anxiety, etc., would agree that if they woke up this morning and it was all gone they too would say, “God has done a great thing for me!”
It may seem as though things have slowed down, but it does not mean it has completely stopped. Like in that dream, the landlord was able to continue building after I mopped up the floors.
In the Scriptures, Jesus often had people involved with the work and the building of their miracles. Here are just two examples:
Water to wine
Jesus said to them, “Fill the waterpots with water.” And they filled them up to the brim. 8. And He said to them, “Draw some out now, and take it to the master of the feast.” And they took it. John 2:7-8
The blind man healed
He answered and said, “A Man called Jesus made clay and anointed my eyes and said to me, ‘Go to the pool of Siloam and wash.’ So I went and washed, and I received sight.” John 9:11
There are many other miracles in the Scriptures that Jesus performed to show us that He is God and that He knows exactly what is going on in our hearts. We have to trust Him to do the work, the building of our faith, His way!
Some of Christ’s followers have suffered greatly. Yet, they go on to encourage others. They have joy and peace even in the midst of walking through the valley of the shadow of death. How? Because with God, there is a peace that surpasses all understanding. He’s not just a fleeting hope. He is the anchor who holds us together. He genuinely loves us, comforts us, and directs our path, which is leading straight to everlasting joy with Him one day soon!
I pray for eyes to be opened, spiritually. I pray that everyone would see the pure love that Jesus offers, while they still have time. In Him are all the answers to all of our questions. God will show us exactly the way to go. If we are listening.
I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you.
Psalms 32:8
Jackie's Journaling Journey 
Reblogged this on Zero Lift-Off and commented:
So much in this posting I could repeat just to run it all through my mind as it connected in my heart and soul very clearly resonating personal experiences with God’s Truth and handiwork in my life!
“Some of Christ’s followers have suffered greatly. Yet, they go on to encourage others. They have joy and peace even in the midst of walking through the valley of the shadow of death How? Because with God, there is a peace that surpasses all understanding. He’s not just a fleeting hope. He is the anchor who holds us together. He genuinely loves us, comforts us, and directs our paths, which is leading straight to everlasting joy with Him one day soon!”
This is one of many points or dots to connect in our learning and understanding God’s presence and will for each of us! You’re pointing to these words today embraced as being God’s absolute presence in our lives as I’ve witnessed on many occasions and that He is always there to comfort, teach and lead us unto paths of righteousness in Jesus’s name.
Yesterday as I wrote another essay I needed a photo about the Apostles and there was a photo with text that immediately caught my attention even though it wasn’t what I thought I needed at that moment, but still before I proceeded in my search I made note of this particular photo and saved it. Then today I remembered it and wanted to consider it again as to its true meaning and as I did, I looked to see what email had just appeared for my Word Press notifications; and your new posting was right there!
This is a beautiful analogy and explanation of God working in our lives as we are unfinished works or “Under Construction” being shaped as scripture tells us by the “Master Potter” as in Isaiah 64:8 “But now, O LORD, You are our Father; we are the clay, and You are the potter; we are all the work of Your hand.” So you mention this and how important it is that we Trust in the Lord with all of our heart! So I see such divine connection to all of this as I point to this! Pointing again to these specific words of great insight and purpose in our lives; and I dwell on them before I reflect and explain their significance today!
“Some of Christ’s followers have suffered greatly. Yet, they go on to encourage others. They have joy and peace even in the midst of walking through the valley of the shadow of death How? Because with God, there is a peace that surpasses all understanding. He’s not just a fleeting hope. He is the anchor who holds us together. He genuinely loves us, comforts us, and directs our paths, which is leading straight to everlasting joy with Him one day soon!”
Then there is this which has to be my all-time favorite Psalm that I keep a file on for quick reference.
Psalm 23: The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
So I see how many dots or perhaps points of God’s light and truth are being brought together here in this personal and most fulfilling way!
This all is summed up or connected in such a precious glorifying way to God, by this writing of Saint Teresa of Avila here in these words that appeared to me yesterday as too important to pass by, but I didn’t know how they would connect as they do today; in such an important obvious way.
“We always find that those who walked closest to Christ were those who had to bear the greatest trials.” ~ Teresa of Avila
“Christ has no body now but mine. He prays in me, works in me, looks through my eyes, speaks through my words, works through my hands, walks with my feet and loves with my heart.” ~ Teresa of Avila
All the Glory and Honor is Yours Lord! Amen.
Brother in Christ Jesus,
Lawrence Morra III
I leave this list of previously posted essays in which I do believe that some of the words and thoughts contained in them were derived during moments and times of divine inspiration and guidance which will connect in these newer essays and the latter one listed which I wrote yesterday! Amen.
https://lawrencemorra.com/2021/07/19/i-am-the-way-the-truth-and-the-life/
https://lawrencemorra.com/2019/11/07/he-alone-is-the-way-the-path-and-the-life-and-none-come-to-the-father-but-by-the-son/
https://lawrencemorra.com/2020/02/22/a-passing-ship/
https://lawrencemorra.com/2020/05/27/larry-god-saved-you-because-you-felt-the-evil/
http://lawrencemorra.com/2022/02/12/jim-caviezel-god-spoke-me-the-people-that-satan-fears-they-dont-want-you-to-see-this/
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All glory to God our loving Father💙
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Amen! Thank you for the posting Sister!
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May God draw many to Jesus through all blogs.
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Hi Jackie. Well let me put it this way; I happen to know the Devil is having a field day using the internet as another of his bag of tricks and may on the internet are tricked or deceived! But would we of faith in Jesus actually think for a moment that God isn’t utilizing all modes of communication to reach His children in these latter days if the Devil can? I know who has complete control of all that is happening and that can only be God; so the net result all will come out as God wills! Meanwhile, we all have choices to make each day and that is our job in serving Him alone! Amen.
Thank you Sister!
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Amen
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Reading these are an uplifting joy! Thanks, Jackie.
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Love reading these devotionals! Inspiring and uplifting. Thank you! ❤🤗🙏
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🌹
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Such an impactful message. There are storage rooms of pure mess in my house that I have caution tape all over the entrance. So true about us only showing the clean and pristine rooms. Thank you Lord for helping us to make them good, clean and perfect like Him
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Oh Diane, you are not alone. We all have places God is waiting to get to. I love you sis!👼👼👼
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Beautifully put, I pray someone is blessed
By your writing babe. Keep up the good work God is using you big time. Love you.
Mike ❤️
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Me too. I pray for God to draw anyone and everyone to Jesus!!!
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Sometimes my craft room gets really messy. I can see stuff piling up & I know that if I stay on top of it, it will be easier to deal with. But I put it off & just keep putting stuff in there because I don’t want to deal with it today. Eventually it gets so filled up & so messy that I get completely overwhelmed. I close the door & avoid it altogether. When I can stand it no longer, I tell my best friend about it. I’m mortified, but she knows me like a book & hears the desperation in my voice. Without hesitation, she comes over & helps me clean that room & I feel a huge weight lifted from my shoulders. That’s what Jesus does! He is our best friend, always there & will help us clean our rooms no matter how junk filled, dirty & messy they are. We just have to be willing to swallow our pride & embarrassment & open the door to let Him in. After the room is clean, the burden will be lifted from your shoulders and you will be free of it. Because when Jesus cleans your room, He takes your burden and sets you free! Thank you Jesus that no matter how bad, how messy, how junk filled the rooms in our hearts are, you still love us! And thank you for always being there to help us clean up that junk when we ask for your help. 🙌🏻 Love you, Lord❤️
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Amen Ni🌷🌷🌷
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This is also a reminder that once the rooms are cleaned out and we are set free to not start adding back those sins, burdens, and unholy things into those rooms. We have responsibilities as renters to upkeep these earthen vessels and rooms to keep them clean and holy. Thank you, Lord for helping us to maintain as well.
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Yes!! Amen
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Yes, and He will help us to do that too. We need to remember to always ask for His help. When we are weak, He is strong🙏🏻🙌🏻
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2 Corinthians 12:7b-10 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. Ive been holding onto this verse alot….lately!
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I love this message because I ‘rehab’ houses for a living, and many of my houses were left in the ‘sad’ state of disrepair for far too long. I would walk into my construction site excitedly- see the mess inside and walk right out in discouragement, but Thank God for the Holy Spirit- Who came inside of me and accompanied me daily until my Project was completed!!💕
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