I have one large tree behind my house, just like the one in the picture above. I had a dream that I was trying to shake the tree.  I had both hands on the tree, moving back and forward, pushing with all my strength.  I understood in the dream that I was trying to remove the leaves from the tree; but, of course, not one leaf fell to the ground.  After I awoke, I thought why was I trying to shake a huge tree.   Jesus said in Mark 11:23, “Truly I tell you, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in their heart but believes that what they say will happen, it will be done for them.”  I BELIEVE I can do it.   Yes, I said to myself.  I have the determination to remove those leaves from the tree.  I have the confidence to get a ladder and remove each leaf at a time. I have the perseverance and endurance to do it. I thought for sure that I was not on the right track of the dream.    The next day, I was still thinking about shaking the tree and then I realized through the wisdom of the Holy Spirit, that Jesus said "SPEAK" or "SAY" to the mountain.  Why was I going to climb a ladder when I could speak to the mountain.   Well, the verse before Mark 11:22, says "Have faith in God”.  OH, would I be doing the work of removing the leaves from the tree.  I did not think about the verse before, I knew that it would take the power of God to remove those leaves but how.  Again, "Speak" or "Say" or "PRAY".  Yes, pray.   Jesus said in Mark 11:24, “Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours."  So, I should ask God to send a strong wind and remove all the leaves from the tree or just remove the leaves.  I do not even need to tell him how to do it.  Why spend tireless hours picking leaves from a tree, when you can ask God to do the work for you.  You see, I missed something so important.  "HAVE FAITH IN GOD" NOT yourself.   Are you trying to manage an issue or issues in your life. Have you prayed? Or are you determined to make it work?  Stop, pray to God for help.   Something to think about.  

Recently, a group of us were giving testimonies about the works of God's Hand in their lives on the Friday night prayer line.  It was Dana's time to give her testimony.  It was hard for Dana that day because someone had reminded her about her past.  The person was ranting about her life before Lord Jesus Christ and how they could remember it well.  You could hear the pain in her voice as she explained what happen earlier that day.  Dana said, "Why won't they let me forget my past.  I have changed.  You think everyone can change but me.  Why can't he forgive and forget my past?"  You see, Dana had changed through listening and praying scriptures each day, turning her life over to Lord Jesus Christ.  It was not easy at first; but she persevered through the thoughts and imaginations that exalted themselves above Lord Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5).  She began to put all those thoughts under His feet.  Yes, alcoholism, stinking thinking, words of hurt are ALL under the feet of Lord Jesus Christ. 

Well, as she was speaking, the Holy Spirit had a word for Dana from a listener on the prayer line.  "Dana", she said, "the Holy Spirit said the next time that person tells you about your history or condemns you, this is what you should say.  'TO GOD BE THE GLORY. Not to me but TO GOD BE THE GLORY'.  Tell him to stop giving you credit for changing.  Remind him that GOD changed you and you only agreed with how He sees you.   Tell him I know my redeemer lives.  Now THANK that person each time they tell you about your past for reminding you how GREAT GOD is.  Thank GOD because you were changed by the power of the Holy Spirit.  Some people are still in the same place after 50 years of unforgiveness.  Thank GOD for renewing your mind.  Bringing you out of darkness into HIS marvelous light.  Then sing, "How Great is Our God.  All will see how great, how great is our God."   

IT IS NOT WHAT A PERSON SAYS TO YOU BUT HOW YOU RECIEVE IT.  
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