Blessings to you family and friends in the matchless name of Jesus Christ.

It has been awhile since I've written with Heartstrings. However, to take a pause is a good thing. Only by sitting with my Bible on my lap, for how ever long it takes to settle my heart, am I able to carry on. So, here I am.

Did you ever play the game '"Ready or Not" with someone? You know you only have so much time to find a hiding place before you hear the words, "Here I come!"

Although not a game, it seems I am hearing that cry echo in my heart daily. Even above other voices, ideas and unfiltered noise in the passing. I believe God's Spirit is getting me ready for the great call. And, have you noticed even unbelievers are asking questions like, "What is going on in this world?" Can you give them an answer?

Everyone wants a hiding place. We have looked for solutions to our questions and still vaguely feel secure. We are people living in sin. All have fallen short of the glory of God. Romans 3:23. 

As I remembered Martha scurrying around her home trying to prepare things for a special dinner with the Lord as guest; frantic and complaining, dissatisfied and comparing; wanting more help. While all the while her sister Mary sits comfortably at the feet of Jesus; seeming blind to the needs in the kitchen.  What did Jesus tell Martha? I will let you search for that.

Then, the parable of the Virgins waiting for the call of the Groom. Not knowing the hour or even the day, some were prepared and waiting while the others put that lower on the list of their priorities. Did the Bridegroom call? I will let you search for that too. 

Everyone is either playing the game in sin or resting in the blessed hope of their salvation. Every person has sought for the solution. Every person has made a choice. There is still time at this moment. But, how much time will you have? 

Where are you hiding today? In the good works you are doing? In your religion? How about in your philosophy? What about in your morality? Do any of those bring abundant life for you? Or are you still out there opening closet doors, lifting lid off of a dusty chest in the attic? Crawling under a bed? Funny, but you think you might have found a good hiding place but, you have not.

The One calling out "Here I come!" will be close enough for you to tremble. Yet, He will pass by as though He didn't recognize your supposed shelter. 

My heart aches today thinking of all the ones in my own family that have made themselves to be hiding in safety while the minutes pass on the face of the clock. They are only being fooled. Convinced that what they are doing, thinking or believing will get them into the abundance of eternity with God. Still walking the wide road leading them further away from eternal life.

The only way is by exposing your heart and repenting of sins; believing Jesus is truly the Son of God and surrendering you whole life to Him. He has a wonderful plan, if only you desire to be found.

As long as possible, I have spent time in a cramped place with my knees to my chest and hardly room to breath. What do I mean? Well, all the rules, the supposed solutions, my self importance, my own self righteous attitudes; they have kept me in the dark, hiding. 

Jesus is The Way, The Truth and The Life! Praise the Lord I am found! No more hiding, no more faking that I am well and everything is good. As I spent time in the dark listening to the Liar, Satan, I began believing my own lies. With no way out except to step out from my own solutions and submit completely to the Lord of Life.

Sometimes, the "opportunity" comes when I have to be still. I have not been feeling well but taking the best way naturally to get over this little bout of sickness. The lesson in this ... is that my response is what brings the healing or not. My faith is in Christ. He is my Jehovah Rapha! So I hold His Word on my lap even if my eyes won't focus, I sense His presence.

What opportunity has come your way? Are you in a place of waiting in hope for answers? Or have you given up, declaring God does not hear your prayers? Do you still take the time to keep oil in your lamp? 

Are you taking the time to sit at the feet of Jesus and learn of Him? Beyond the call to be busy are you responding to the call to worship?

The world we live in is real sick isn't it? From day to day we don't know what will happen next. I so want you to be ready! No matter what comes, that your heart will not fear but boldly claim the Gospel of Jesus Christ until your last day. If you have a voice, speak out. If you have hands, serve as unto Him. If you have feet, walk in shoes fit to give the Gospel of peace with the wounded all the way to healing in Jesus. 

Put on Christ. Don't be afraid to stand out in the crowd. Draw near to Him and He will draw near to you, right now. While the opportunity presents itself. I can only pray for you. I will rest in His Love that He desires your heart, soul, mind and strength. Your love completely set upon Him. 

Exalt the Lord and do take time to look the scriptures up. I didn't feel I was supposed to share those today but, let you take that position of trust and faith. His Spirit will teach you and lead you. In the matchless name of Jesus Christ, listen for His call..."Here I come!"

Abundance is...I am ready!