Freedomtrain Ministries

A Day with Jesus

Marilyn Gray — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 16:48:20 +0000

As I was soaking and resting in God’s presence and listening to worship music this morning, the Lord spoke to my heart. It was as if He was giving me a vision of His heart for you and for all people. I would like to share it with you.

“Lord, you have been so faithful and gentle. One that I can always put my trust in. I know you are calling all of us into your wonderful and joy filled life. You are wanting me to walk with you and gather up your loved ones.”

Vision: As Jesus and I are walking along a path, we both go and knock on doors to ask others to follow us. Some willfully come with very little effort. “Others are rejecting Me”, says the Lord, “so they are rejecting you as well.” My heart was broken because some of those rejecting both of us are my family. Jesus just keeps walking and those who want to follow, learn, and be taught by Him are together. Jesus gently begins to teach. He says, “it’s so simple – don’t get so complicated.” He gives us all the instructions we need. He then encourages us to give it out and pour it out to those who follow. He then walks away to rest. We all stop and choose to rest because He is our model.

Morning comes! The dew twinkles, the sun smiles, the birds stretch their wings as if they are getting ready for that new adventure. Little by little nature begins to wake up. Jesus looks over the valley and begins to pray. He declares His goodness. He gives thanks as He keeps us in His heart.

My heart declares, “Lord, there isn’t one prayer you don’t here. You know how to listen and you care so much for us. You knit our hearts together.” Jesus responds, “Every detail of your lives are put together in one large plan. Not one thing is left out. Part of the plan includes not just the smooth places in which you walk but some of those hard and tumultuous times. You will run and you will hide but know this, you are victorious and will win. Shout for joy and victory! Stand and declare the truth to all nations of My great love, power and authority.”

What a glorious day, full of hope, full of simplicity, full of vision with great expectations ahead. Jesus and I are together looking in all directions as we stand in wonder! Wow!

My encouragement to you is this: Follow Him today. Let Him guide your steps. Let Him reveal His heart for you. Stop and listen to His words. Walk side by side with Him and He will show you great and glorious things.

Mark 1:17-18
“Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.” At once they left their nets and followed him. NIV

Totally unexpected……….

Marilyn Gray — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 04:43:35 +0000

Over the last six weeks I’ve had the great experience of watching a family of birds live daily life. Momma and Papa bird would come to the nest night and day to feed and watch over their little ones. I had a bird’s eye view from my living room window. I was excited to see how life was changing for this family. At first I thought maybe there were only two little ones until one day Momma flew in with a juicy worm and no, there were four little mouths to feed.

I found myself checking the nest daily (actually several times daily) just to watch and observe. At one point when I peered in, I noticed Momma just laying on top of her eggs, rocking back and forth. It was the same motion a mother would make rocking her baby. Such love and such care!

When they thought we were too close to the nest, the parents would chirp louder to warn their children but also to say “hey, back off”. A few days ago, it appeared that everyone was getting a little testy and cramped in that small, bird-made nest. They were fighting and jockeying for position. I knew it wouldn’t be long until they would take flight. We peered in one last time and swoosh, all of a sudden they all flew out with gusto.

I was saddened to see my feathery friends go but grateful I was able to observe how the Lord takes care of his little ones. It made me understand that if He cares so much for the birds of the air, how much more does He care for you and me.

Matthew 6:26-27
“Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?” NIV

Walking forward……..

Marilyn Gray — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 15:05:23 +0000

Have you ever wondered what might lie ahead in the days, weeks, or months to come? Or looked back at the path you walked years ago and contemplated what your life might have been? I have. My personal life has been an interesting journey. Overcoming addiction and walking through cancer took me on paths that I never saw coming – never anticipated. Surprised, to say the least.

Not knowing which way to turn or even if I would live or die was scairy and heart wrenching. It all caused me to get on my knees for sure! Why did this happen? Now what do I do? Where do I go from here? I don’t understand. There were so many questions………….and I needed answers.

But in all of my trials and tribulations, I know today that God was with me every step of the way. When I walked in darkness, His light would always be ahead of me. When I wasn’t sure what path to take, He would guide me. Over the years, day by day, my faith in Him has grown and when I cry out to Him, I know He hears me.

If you aren’t sure what lies ahead, meditate on the truth in Isaiah 58:8-9:

“Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the LORD will be your rear guard. Then you will
call, and the LORD will answer; you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I.” NIV

Awake, Awake, Oh America……..

Marilyn Gray — Sun, 30 May 2010 17:10:26 +0000

Awake, Awake, Oh America. Awaken to My love. You have been asleep too long! Awaken to My love for this nation. Dig old wells that have stopped flowing. Wells of My Truth, My Liberty, My Freedom, and My purposes for this great nation.

Because you have slept too long, too many of my people have fallen away from true love and hope. My people are lost, broken, fearful, angry and orphaned. They have forsaken their first love and believed the lies of this world.

Awake, Awake oh sleeper. Stand firm on your foundation. Stand for that which is pure. Stand on My promises for this land. Awaken to My love…..for you are My people and I AM your God!

Uncertainty…….

Marilyn Gray — Sat, 22 May 2010 22:06:29 +0000

Many things are happening in our world right now. Earthquakes, oil spill, tornadoes, volcanos, and weather that no one can predict. It is a time of unpredictability and uncertainty.

We can have many reactions to these times. One of fear, one of anger, one of passivity, etc. or we can also live in trust, faith, and assurance that our God knows what He is up to.

My personal life has been one in transition as well. All areas – mentally, emotionally, physically, relationally and spiritually. Honestly, at times, I go between passivity and assurance; fear and faith.

But when it all shakes down, I always end up with the truth of God’s Word and His love for me. I can experience His peace in all my circumstances even though my emotions say something else. Will you join me?

Isaiah 26:3 “You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.” NKJV

Lion of Judah

Marilyn Gray — Tue, 04 May 2010 18:45:28 +0000

This free picture collage made with Smilebox

Funny socks…….

Marilyn Gray — Sat, 01 May 2010 02:01:36 +0000

When you first see these socks, what do you think of? Immediately when I saw them, I began to laugh. I began to remember the days when funny socks were actually in (or did they actually go out?).

So simple but yet so funny and joyful. Unique but yet something to laugh about in those “good ole’ days”.

What I love about these socks is……. it really doesn’t matter. Wear what makes you laugh. Wear what brings others joy. Today, we can get away with just about anything. If I had my choice, I would wear these whacky, colorful, unique, authentic looking socks everywhere.

We are all created unique in God’s eyes and I think these socks would make Him laugh too. Go ahead and tickle God’s funny bone!

Spring into action………..

Marilyn Gray — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 16:47:27 +0000

As I look around and see buds on trees and flowers on dormant bushes coming alive, I am reminded how precious this season is. Winter is over, spring is in the air, and I am encouraged to start new things. New projects, excitement about the days ahead, traveling throughout the country, and vacation, to name a few. Life can’t get much better than this.

But just as the butterfly travels from flower to flower, yard to yard, with unseemingly little effort, it’s imperative for me to notice how I am living. Knowing that what I do and how I live affect those around me, what are people observing? Do they see struggle, unbelief, confusion, striving, or negativity? Or, do they see someone passionate about life, ready to spring into action with peace, confident while at the same time resting along the way?

I hope the latter is true as it applies to my life……….

Faith is…………

Marilyn Gray — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 21:43:43 +0000

Many of us can say that we understand faith to be something we must have in order to live our lives to the fullest. In times of trouble and turmoil, faith must be active in order to experience peace and joy in the midst of the storms. However, there is another kind of faith that is a direct impartation of the Holy Spirit. It is that kind of faith that we can believe God for what naturally would be impossible. It is wonder-working faith.

In 2003, the Lord gave me a word about writing a book called “Jewels of Wisdom”. Knowing that it was a word from Him, I had the faith to believe that what I deemed as impossible, He sees as possible. With no writing experience, other than journaling for about 17 years, I never have seen myself as a writer. However, wanting to be obedient to Him and His word, I began this journey into writing. At times, I would stop and start. Sometimes for a long time. Every time I got distracted or off the path, I would be nudged by the Lord to keep writing. “Remember the word I spoke to you”, he would say. When I believed the lie that it was “impossible”, the Lord would encourage me to keep writing.

Here it is 2010. I am still writing and still believing. Doors are beginning to open to actually be published. Little by little, step by step, I have persevered and pressed in. I have had the faith, even at times when it waned, that the Lord is faithful to finish that which He has begun. Psalm 145:13 reads “The LORD is faithful to all his promises and loving toward all he has made.” NIV

Please don’t give up on God. Know that He is in everything you do. He wants you to succeed as much as you want to. He wants you to fulfill all that He has called you to be. We don’t see what He sees. He is timeless. Keep your faith and keep, keepin’ on.

Persevering……………

Marilyn Gray — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 00:27:43 +0000

First of all, Webster’s dictionary defines Perseverance as:

A steady persistence in a course of action

A purpose, especially in spite of difficulties, obstacles, or discouragement.

Another way to say it is:

Resolve

Determination

Urgency

Little did I know when I gave my first speech in 7^th grade on perseverance, that I would actually live a life that caused me to persevere in so many ways. Today, as I give my first speech in Toastmasters on Perseverance – almost 35 years later, I can definitely see where persevering has definitely helped me to get through many hard times.

As you reflect back on your life, can you say “I am grateful for the obstacles because they have caused me to persevere?”

Scripture reads that “suffering produces perseverance, perseverance – character, character – hope”.

I am grateful for all the obstacles that I have had to persevere through. I am not the same person today. I can truly say that my life is so fulfilling today and I am hopeful about my future.

How about you?