Desert Visions

"A voice of one crying in the desert..." (Luke 3). I find myself crying out here in this desert land as well for those who are the lost and for myself.

As I read John the Baptist's words.. some personal application came to the forefront: " Prepare (in your own heart and life) the way for the LORD."

How can we do this? By coming to the place where we live in Truth.. where we recognize that our Eternal welfare is at stake, and there is no profit or sense in deluding ourselves any longer. We need to look squarely into our own souls, see and admit our need for GOD to come and be GOD in and of our lives.

"Make straight paths for Him.." When Truth is applied to my inner self... there is nothing to block my salvation, sanctification, deliverance, and healing. I have made a decision to be honest about my state and to invite the LORD to come into those places and do His Redemptive work. I surrender ALL to Him.

"Every valley shall be filled in.." Every place in me that has been 'laid low' from my sin and shame... will be ministered to. Jesus says: "Blessed are the poor in spirit, and blessed are those who mourn. They shall inherit... His kingdom and His comfort." Jesus Christ IS the lifter of our bowed heads and souls.. He is the GOD who restores!

"Every mountain and hill laid low.." There is no room for Pride or Self when the SON of GOD comes in. IN order for Him to work, we must put aside all personal ambitions and will. He must REIGN in us and work out HIS will for our ultimate good and so we may be a holy people made for Him and His Glory!

"The crooked roads shall be made straight and the rough paths smooth.." Everything that exists in me that is bent or crooked and does not align with the Word.. will be dealt with over time out of love and necessity. Nothing that is of the 'world, the flesh, or the devil' can remain. He makes the crooked straight and those rough places in us... smooth.

"All Mankind will see GOD's Salvation.." All those around us can see when GOD is at work in us. We are transformed and it is not temporary. When GOD does a work it LASTS for always... There is no self-effort involved... it is not the latest fad or resolution. Ii is GOD and it is Permanent. The Glory is His for we do not know how to create ourselves.

John, you, and I are in mourning over those we love and desire to see come Home to Jesus... like John proclaimed their coming cannot have any other motivations than TRUE REPENTANCE from a pure heart.

No one can 'bargain or take advantage of GOD's Son."

Today.. I will once again... along with you.. lift my loved ones and the lost in our city and nation.

We can never stop 'Crying out' on their behalf!