We've all heard it before - "the power of positive thinking".
Sow a thought and you reap an action;
sow an act and you reap a habit;
sow a habit and you reap a character;
sow a character and you reap a destiny.
- Ralph Waldo Emerson
Our destiny is tied directly to and starts with our thoughts.
If you think you'll never succeed, chances are you'll give up before you make it.
If you think you can't, chances are you won't try nearly as hard.
What does God say about our destiny?
"For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome." - Jeremiah 29:11 AMPC
If God's thoughts and plans for us are of welfare and peace, to give us a hope in our future or 'final outcome' - Why would we ever think anything different? He is fighting for us. Why would we think negatively about ourselves, our future, our life -- when we can walk with assuredness that Jesus Christ himself - the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, creator of the universe - wants GOOD things for us, and wants us to walk in His peace!
"For You did form my inward parts; You did knit me together in my mother's womb. I will confess and praise You for You are fearful and wonderful and for the awful wonder of my birth! Wonderful are Your works, and that my inner self knows right well. My frame was not hidden from You when I was being formed in secret [and] intricately and curiously wrought [as if embroidered with various colors] in the depths of the earth [a region of darkness and mystery]. Your eyes saw my unformed substance, and in Your book all the days [of my life] were written before ever they took shape, when as yet there was none of them." - Psalm 139:13-16
"Before I formed you in the womb I knew [and] approved of you [as My chosen instrument], and before you were born I separated and set you apart, consecrating you; [and] I appointed you as a prophet to the nations." - Jeremiah 1:5
He knows each and everyone of us before we were conceived. He knows the thoughts and plans He has for us - and He desires us to walk in peace knowing our future is with Him.
Do not allow place for the enemy to wreak havoc in your life. Cast down negative thoughts and things that do not glorify God.
Sow thoughts - positive thoughts, sow actions - in building His kingdom, sow habits - of personal devotion and relationship, sow character - becoming christ-like and putting on the mind of Christ, and reap the destiny God has ordained for you.
We are sons and daughters of God. It’s time we start thinking like it!
We all know we aren’t perfect. ๐ฎ (Right? ๐๐ป♀️ I mean, we do KNOW that no matter how much we strive for perfection, we aren’t quite there yet, hmm?)
Even when we, in our flesh, work SO hard at “being righteous” (that’s ‘being in right standing with God’) scripture tells us OuR righteousness is as filthy rags, yeah?
We strive to be “good” in our own ability, may hear comments from different directions, but we can’t get all bent out of shape about it —
“Surely there is not a righteous man upon earth who does good and never sins. [Isa. 53:6; Rom. 3:23.] Do not give heed to everything that is said, lest you hear your servant cursing you– For often your own heart knows that you have likewise cursed others. All this have I tried and proved by wisdom. I said, I will be wise [independently of God]–but it was far from me. That which is is far off, and that which is deep is very deep–who can find it out [true wisdom independent of the fear of God]? [Job 28:12-28; I Cor. 2:9-16.]”
Ecclesiastes 7:20-24 AMPC
https://bible.com/bible/8/ecc.7.20-24.AMPC
Let’s face it. We can’t be ‘righteous’ OR wise independently of God. (And why in the world would we ever try it??) Why chase after or seek wisdom in our own strength? Why chase after or strive for being in right standing WITH God if we don’t LEAN ON HIM for understanding of HOW to be in right standing with HIM?
We are on the receiving end of strife and get in a huff wanting to grab the tweezers and go after the splinter in our fellows eye — yet we tend to speak contentiously to others when they’ve offend us.
Hello! Can we not see for the mote in our own eye?
Where is the Love of the One who dwells in us?
“The mouth of the [uncompromisingly] righteous man is a well of life, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence. Hatred stirs up contentions, but love covers all transgressions. On the lips of him who has discernment skillful and godly Wisdom is found, but discipline and the rod are for the back of him who is without sense and understanding. Wise men store up knowledge [in mind and heart], but the mouth of the foolish is a present destruction.”
Proverbs 10:11-14 AMPC
https://bible.com/bible/8/pro.10.11-14.AMPC
Love covers a multitude of sins (offenses).
Love does. God is love. And we are to portray God’s love to all!
“Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and they who indulge in it shall eat the fruit of it [for death or life]. [Matt. 12:37.]”
Proverbs 18:21 AMPC
https://bible.com/bible/8/pro.18.21.AMPC
We are filled with God’s Spirit and all have creative Word in our mouth. I mean, after all, it was God that SPOKE this world ๐ into existence.
His Spirit dwells in us. All power is given to us.
“But now the righteousness of God has been revealed independently and altogether apart from the Law, although actually it is attested by the Law and the Prophets, Namely, the righteousness of God which comes by believing with personal trust and confident reliance on Jesus Christ (the Messiah). [And it is meant] for all who believe. For there is no distinction, Since all have sinned and are falling short of the honor and glory which God bestows and receives. [All] are justified and made upright and in right standing with God, freely and gratuitously by His grace (His unmerited favor and mercy), through the redemption which is [provided] in Christ Jesus, Whom God put forward [before the eyes of all] as a mercy seat and propitiation by His blood [the cleansing and life-giving sacrifice of atonement and reconciliation, to be received] through faith. This was to show God's righteousness, because in His divine forbearance He had passed over and ignored former sins without punishment.”
Romans 3:21-25 AMPC
https://bible.com/bible/8/rom.3.21-25.AMPC
๐ Yeah. We’ve all sinned and are falling short of the honor and glory which God bestows (and receives). Yet — we are all JUSTIFIED [(just) as (if)(I’d) never sinned] and made upright and in right standing with God FREELY and graciously through the blood-sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross! ๐๐ป
“Let no foul or polluting language, nor evil word nor unwholesome or worthless talk [ever] come out of your mouth, but only such [speech] as is good and beneficial to the spiritual progress of others, as is fitting to the need and the occasion, that it may be a blessing and give grace (God's favor) to those who hear it. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God [do not offend or vex or sadden Him], by Whom you were sealed (marked, branded as God's own, secured) for the day of redemption (of final deliverance through Christ from evil and the consequences of sin). Let all bitterness and indignation and wrath (passion, rage, bad temper) and resentment (anger, animosity) and quarreling (brawling, clamor, contention) and slander (evil-speaking, abusive or blasphemous language) be banished from you, with all malice (spite, ill will, or baseness of any kind). And become useful and helpful and kind to one another, tenderhearted (compassionate, understanding, loving-hearted), forgiving one another [readily and freely], as God in Christ forgave you.”
Ephesians 4:29-32 AMPC
https://bible.com/bible/8/eph.4.31.AMPC
Walking by His redeeming Grace, we need to guard our hearts ❤️(and mouths ๐ ) from bitterness and strife, unwholesome or worthless talk. We must be careful not to grieve the Heart of God with our bitterness, indignation, wrath, rage, temper, resentment, animosity, anger, quarreling, slander, or abusive language.
❌ That needs to be BaNiShEd from us, as well as any spite, ill-will or malice. ❌
I mean, it can’t live in us where the Spirit of God dwells!!
❤️ Christ empowers us to be kind, helpful, useful, tender hearted, compassionate, understanding, loving-hearted with the ability to FORGIVE as God has forgiven us.
Banish the enemy.
Kick๐ฆต๐ผout anything that is not of God.
Uproot the anger. Bring it to God, and leave it there!
How many of you have read “The Bait of Satan”? ๐๐ป♀️
I’ve done a lot of soul searching lately, and I try to use the scripture as my gauge when I examine my mindset and my actions. ๐ ๐ ๐ง
When we are extremely stressed, exhausted, ‘on edge’, tense, etc (in other words, not walking and dwelling in God’s divine peace or being Spirit-led) we tend to be touchy, and easily offended. ๐ณ Wait, whaaaa?
“Good sense makes a man restrain his anger, and it is his glory to overlook a transgression or an offense.”
Proverbs 19:11 AMPC
https://bible.com/bible/8/pro.19.11.AMPC
๐ก⛔️ So… in essence, if I practice ‘good sense’, I keep my anger in check, and I’ll be able to overlook transgressions, offenses, and heaven-forbid “borrowed offenses”…. ๐๐ป because I’m Kingdom-Minded. ๐✝️๐ง Above all else, my soul must be saved, and I must reach as many as I can while it is yet day. ☀️ ๐พ
“Be eager and strive earnestly to guard and keep the harmony and oneness of [and produced by] the Spirit in the binding power of peace.”
Ephesians 4:3 AMPC
https://bible.com/bible/8/eph.4.3.AMPC
We strive for guarding and keeping unity and harmony within Spirit-led believers, binding the power of peace TO us, and dispelling, resisting, and ‘loosing’ the spirit of discord and disunity FROM us.
[God Love]
“It is not conceited (arrogant and inflated with pride); it is not rude (unmannerly) and does not act unbecomingly. Love (God's love in us) does not insist on its own rights or its own way, for it is not self-seeking; it is not touchy or fretful or resentful; it takes no account of the evil done to it [it pays no attention to a suffered wrong].”
1 Corinthians 13:5 AMPC
https://bible.com/bible/8/1co.13.5.AMPC
God’s love shines through us, a pure, unadulterated, unconditional love. It’s not touchy, fretful, resentful and doesn’t keep record of wrongs. ๐️
Meaning if I’m presented with an offense from an individual, I release it, I don’t bind it to me. ๐️
Next time I am presented with an offense from this individual, I again release it, without binding it to me or recounting the previous forgiven offense.
We don’t keep scores! ๐
“A fool's wrath is quickly and openly known, but a prudent man ignores an insult.”
Proverbs 12:16 AMPC
https://bible.com/bible/8/pro.12.16.AMP
๐คก No one wants to be considered a fool, yet wrath, anger and hostility can definitely paint a person as one. A prudent (acting with or showing care and thought for the future) man ignores insult. ๐
Kingdom-minded. Prudent. Showing care/thought for the future. Above all else, my soul must be saved, and I must reach as many as I can while it is yet day. ☀️ ๐พ
Declare with me — Satan has no place in me; not in my mind, in my heart, in my life. Forgive. Release. Christ is the Victor and King of my Heart.
The “trend” of this world says “pursue what makes you happy!” and with that propaganda being pushed everywhere you turn, it’s too easy to fall into that mindset — ask me how I know. I mean, even the Declaration of Independence states:
“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness.”
I read this, and I immediately think of these scriptures.
The first, where Jesus Christ is speaking in John 10:10 “The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.”
The second, again, Jesus speaking, Luke 4:18-19 “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, Because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; He hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, And recovering of sight to the blind, To set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord.”
The third, Ecclesiastes 11:13 (AMPC) “All has been heard; the end of the matter is: Fear God [revere and worship Him, knowing that He is] and keep His commandments, for this is the whole of man [the full, original purpose of his creation, the object of God's providence, the root of character, the foundation of all happiness, the adjustment to all inharmonious circumstances and conditions under the sun] and the whole [duty] for every man.”
Our unalienable rights, pulled straight from the scriptures… God has come that we might have life, and have it more abundantly. He alone can give liberty — and the foundation of HAPPINESS is in reverencing & worshipping HIM and keeping His commandments, which is our original purpose!
Think about that.
The very foundation of ALL HAPPINESS is fulfilling our original purpose - the very reason for our creation - and that is simply reverencing [God], worshipping [God], and obeying the commandments given by…. you guessed it! GOD!
So… what are you pursuing today? This week? This month? This year?
“He who earnestly seeks after and craves righteousness, mercy, and loving-kindness will find life in addition to righteousness (uprightness and right standing with God) and honor. [Prov. 15:9; Matt. 5:6.]”
Proverbs 21:21 AMPC
Do you want Life (and life abundantly)?
Pursue righteousness (right-standing with God) and unfailing Love. 1 John 4:8 tells us that God is Love.
“But as for you, O man of God, flee from all these things; aim at and pursue righteousness (right standing with God and true goodness), godliness (which is the loving fear of God and being Christlike), faith, love, steadfastness (patience), and gentleness of heart. Fight the good fight of the faith; lay hold of the eternal life to which you were summoned and [for which] you confessed the good confession [of faith] before many witnesses.”
1 Timothy 6:11-12 AMPC
“Shun youthful lusts and flee from them, and aim at and pursue righteousness (all that is virtuous and good, right living, conformity to the will of God in thought, word, and deed); [and aim at and pursue] faith, love, [and] peace (harmony and concord with others) in fellowship with all [Christians], who call upon the Lord out of a pure heart.”
2 Timothy 2:22 AMPC
We need fellowship with like-minded people. We need each other - encouraging each other in the Lord.
When we repent of our sins and flee worldly lusts, God redeems us by His Blood.
When we surrender our life, our WILL, our desires - and earnestly pray God’s will be done in our life - our children’s lives, our family’s lives, our neighbor’s lives, a strangers life… There’s a peace that comes.
A Peace that can staunch any adversary.
Anxiety has to flee.
Boundaries are reestablished.
Coping mechanisms change.
Depression has to go.
Ego bows down.
Faith is renewed.
Grace abounds.
Heaven rejoices.
Miracles happen.
Temptation fumes as you laugh in his face.
He is the Peace that can restore broken relationships. The Peace that can break addictions. The Peace that can restore estranged parents with their children. The Peace that can give rest to the weary mind. The Peace that binds up the broken hearted. The Peace that can restore JOY.
His name is Jesus.
And he wants so much for you to turn to Him…
And if you feel for a moment your sin is to great for His forgiveness… remember this:
It’s 10:45pm and I’m sitting on the balcony of a 10th floor condo I’ve shared with my sister and brother-in-law the past 2 days. I find myself staring into the black abyss before me, searching for stars. Mind you - I’ve been inside the past little while and nearly every light (and lamp) has been on in the sitting areas, kitchen and a couple bedrooms.
I dimmed my cell phone screen on the table and flipped it face-down. I look behind me and see lights shining out the glass doors from the room I’d just left behind.
I go back, and one by one, turn down each light switch and kill the power to each lamp... And I walk forward, leaving the room behind and enter to the balcony.
It wasn’t instantaneous, but slowly, while focusing my eyes and my energy forward again into the great black abyss, I see stars appearing. Miraculously combusting in outer space? No. They had been there all along... but my eyes were so used to the empowered lights behind me in the room I’d left they simply couldn’t focus forward on the light that awaited me in the sky.
And it hit me.
How often do we allow our eyes, energy and brain to remain focused on the things we’ve left in the past... the things we’ve empowered that we’ve put behind us, that it cripples our ability to see the promise of a beautiful light ahead?
I don’t want to be so hung up on the things behind me that they overpower my future.
Come on, tell me you feel it too. Maybe it’s not something huge, maybe it’s not something you feel that is drastically life changing... but maybe it is. Maybe it’s something seemingly insignificant, that we continue to allow to backlight our life, that constantly makes us loose focus or unable to see what beauty God has laid out before us. Maybe it’s fear of the black abyss that has us crippled, rendering us unable to see the promise... and all we have to do is cut. the. power. to. those. things. behind. us.
Throw it at the foot of the cross and eliminate the paralytic blinding fear from the equation. Push forward, strain to see the light that’s shining....
After great deliberation, I have chosen “Cultivate”.
This is a year FULL of expectation and potential, and I want to cultivate all that I can to see things come to fruition.
So what is it about Cultivate that has captured my attention?
Relationships. Good Habits. Characteristics. Faith.... as I began to dig deeper, and with the inspiration of so many before me, I have specific areas of focus...
I desire to cultivate:
• Contentment
• Relationships
• Diligence
• Grace
• Forgiveness
• The Fruit ofbthw Spirit
• Hospitality
• Trust
• Generosity
• Simplicity
• Gratitude
• Humility and
• Respect
These are my focus points. I hope to share with you as I journey through the year! <3
I recently heard the lyrics of a song and it resonated within my spirit. Please take the time to read them below (and listen, if you can), I'll continue my thoughts afterward.
I’d walk by faith if I could get these feet to move
But I don’t want to live that way
I don’t want to look back someday
On a life that never stepped across the line
So why am I still standing here
Why am I still holding back from You
You’ve given me a faith that can move a mountain
But I’m still playing in the sand
Building little kingdoms that’ll never stand
I hear You call me out into deeper waters
But I settle on the shallow end
I’m so tired of standing here
What if I gave everything to You
What if I gave everything
What if I stopped holding back from You
Starting now I’m stepping out onto deeper waters
What if I gave everything
What if I stopped holding back from You
Starting now I’m stepping out onto deeper waters
I want to see some mountains move
Ready to give everything
Say goodbye to standing here
--
All too often we say we are ready for the deep waters, yet here we are, still standing in the shallow of the beach. Why is it that we hold back from stepping forward? Is it fear? And if so, fear of what? Not being acceptable? Not being "good enough"? Not knowing exactly what to say?
((Future Blog Topics!))
Whoa, whoa, whoa. Let's slow down a little.
(I love it, God totally talks to me through these little "blurbs" I post on here. So yeah, this is me and my story, what I'm going through and dealing with.)
Before we get too carried away, let's first figure out this:
What exactly am I saying when I say "deep waters"??
Glad you asked. "Deep Waters" is a place where I am completely engulfed, consumed and at the mercy of the 'current'. In this instance, the "Current" is God. I want to surrender my life completely over to HIM and HIS will.
Okay, great! Isn't that every Christians desire? Yes, I pray so! So... if I want to surrender completely to His will, let's then figure out this:
What exactly IS God's will for my life RIGHT NOW?
Again... glad you asked. I know there's some "major" things that God would have me and my husband do and/or participate in, however, I want to talk about the day to day things...
“His master said to him, Well done, you upright (honorable, admirable) and faithful servant! You have been faithful and trustworthy over a little; I will put you in charge of much. Enter into and share the joy (the delight, the blessedness) which your master enjoys.” Matthew25:21AMPC http://bible.com/8/mat.25.21.ampc
So what small things should I be observing and being faithful in?
Oh, simple. It really is quite simple.
Do you like lists? Here's a good start:
Daily Prayer.
Reading & Applying the Word of God.
Fasting.
Love.
Tithing & Offering.
Whoooooaaaaa! Wait. There's no way it could really be that simple. No? Yeah. Really, I think it can be.
If I begin with
Daily Communing with the Lover, Redeemer, Savior and Friend of my Soul,
Daily Reading His divine Word and applying it to my life...
Fasting & Pray for the needs of others,
Loving all of God's children unconditionally to the point of servanthood,
Returning the tithe to God that is already His and give in abundance from what He has financially and physically blessed me with...
I very well believe I'm on my way to walking in His Will!
These things are my focus right now. This is the small things I'm trying to be faithful in. Sure, I slip up and fail to show the Love of God at times. Life gets busy and I don't read the Word as I should... sometimes prayer time is rushed--- but I'm longing for the deep. I'm ready to see what happens when I stop holding back from HIM.
“I APPEAL to you therefore, brethren, and beg of you in view of [all] the mercies of God, to make a decisive dedication of your bodies [presenting all your members and faculties] as a living sacrifice, holy (devoted, consecrated) and well pleasing to God, which is your reasonable (rational, intelligent) service and spiritual worship.” Romans12:1AMPC http://bible.com/8/rom.12.1.ampc
We read in the scripture "make a decisive dedication of your bodies, present all of your members and faculties, as a living sacrifice". That's true worship. We cannot hold anything back. Not our time, our finances, our homes, our entertainment... if it's not pleasing God, we haven't given it to Him.
Our time & how we spend it should be holy.
Our finances and how we spend it should be Holy.
Our homes and all that occupy it should be holy.
Our entertainment should be Holy.
If it isn't good, honest, true, and pure, we shouldn't be dwelling on it.
He has done SO much for us, and in our favor, it is our reasonable, logical and ONLY service and form of worship-- to give ourselves wholly and completely to Him.
((My "small things" list may not be all inclusive, and there's SO much more to discuss, but I'll save it for another post. ๐))
So... what about you? What small thing are you finding yourself focusing on? Day-to-day. Are you being diligent? I'm tired of standing in the sand and building kingdoms that will never stay. Only what we do for Christ will last. I'm ready to see mountains move. You??? ๐
I have a huge burden on my heart. Forreal. So I want this to be a formal statement. True and honest. My sincere prayer of late.
I've been dwelling on the Living Water of God. You know, the Wellspring of Life. God himself, in Spirit form, living IN me. He mentioned it to the Lady at the Well. And what did she do? Even with her sinful past, she brought multitudes to the Master.
As I think about water, I think about how absolutely refreshing it can be on a hot summer day -- imagine with me, sitting on the pier, you dip a toe in and feel the cool water cross your feet. How refreshing it can be!
Maybe the splashing on the feet feels great. It does. But I am DRAWN to Ezekiel 47...
“And when the man that had the line in his hand went forth eastward, he measured a thousand cubits, and he brought me through the waters; the waters were to the ankles. Again he measured a thousand, and brought me through the waters; the waters were to the knees. Again he measured a thousand, and brought me through; the waters were to the loins. Afterward he measured a thousand; and it was a river that I could not pass over: for the waters were risen, waters to swim in, a river that could not be passed over. Then said he unto me, These waters issue out toward the east country, and go down into the desert, and go into the sea: which being brought forth into the sea, the waters shall be healed. And it shall come to pass, that every thing that liveth, which moveth, whithersoever the rivers shall come, shall live: and there shall be a very great multitude of fish, because these waters shall come thither: for they shall be healed; and every thing shall live whither the river cometh.” Ezekiel 47:3-5, 8-9 KJV
Maaaaaaahn. Do you see that? It's water that brings LIFE. Ankle deep is wonderful. Knee deep? Yeah, we can splash a little. Waist deep, and I'm still standing flat footed, easily controlling my own path, following my own direction....
Then a little deeper.
Its waters that cannot be passed over. Waters to swim in. No longer able to touch bottom, at the mercy of the current -- how I desire than within my heart!
Not MY will, not MY direction. Wherever the Lord leads, regardless of it is FAR out of my comfort zone, with the water to my waist. I want to go in over my head, fully submerged in the Will of my Father!
Fully committed. That's what I want.
Let's go back to the Lady at the Well for a moment... and look at what Jesus said to her (and the disciples!)
“Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again: But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life. In the mean while his disciples prayed him, saying, Master, eat. But he said unto them, I have meat to eat that ye know not of. Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.” John 4:13-14, 31-32, 34 KJV
Verse 14, namely-- God will put in us well of water springing up into everlasting life! How amazing is that?
And Verse 34, he responds to the disciples, who are concerned about what he is to eat-- "My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work." Now, I know I have read and heard this many times before, but recently, Rev. John Whittington drove this point home in a devotion at Hwy 49 Outreach Ministry in Brooklyn, MS.
Jesus literally was saying my absolute SUSTENANCE and PROVISION, is to do EXACTLY what my Father's Will is-- THIS is what will sustain me. Not my efforts, not the food you buy and trade for. More than anything, it is the WILL of HIM who SENT me!
(This whole Woman at the Well instance can preach in SO many directions, but yeah?? Do you see this??)
Our SUSTENANCE and PROVISION is found in what? DOING THE WILL OF OUR FATHER!
“And the sun stood still, and the moon stayed, until the people had avenged themselves upon their enemies. Is not this written in the book of Jasher? So the sun stood still in the midst of heaven, and hasted not to go down about a whole day. And there was no day like that before it or after it, that the Lord hearkened unto the voice of a man: for the Lord fought for Israel.” Joshua 10:13-14 KJV
We must maintain crazy faith, like Joshua, who just spoke to the sun "Sun stand still."
Why is it that we doubt the power of OUR prayer as individuals? Satan wants nothing more than to sow seeds of doubt in your mind! If he can make you believe that your prayer ISN'T enough, the battle is half way over. He knows your downfalls and short-comings, he sees when you stumble- and he desires to keep you feeling unworthy of forgiveness! He battles your worth in Christ, your "clout", and wants you to doubt the power you hold when you speak the name of Jesus. You may feel tempted to pass prayer requests on, to others, so they can "help you pray" about something, and in the back of your mind you may feel THEY may reach heaven much faster than your prayers will...
Absolutely there is power in numbers, and unity -- but it doesn't make the power Christ holds inside of us ANY less!
It's time you start believing in the power that dwells within YOU -- Christ possesses all power, inside of YOU! No, it's never "look what I did!", but it's ALL for the Glory of God and God alone!
It reminds me of a message Bishop Mike Dobbs preached years ago about "Extreme Faith". Do you have that? Do you have EXTREME faith? The moment we grasp the full power potential we hold with Christ dwelling in us, and living a holy life in OBEDIENCE to His Word, there will be NO stopping the Church! Have faith, even if it's the size of a mustard seed, it can MOVE MOUNTAINS!
Believe in the power of prayer. It is important. But mostly, beginning today, believe in the power of YOUR prayer. ๐
While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Not when we cleaned up our act, became perfect-acting christians and suddenly became "worth" dying for. No. He thought we were worth saving, and dying for, even clothed in sin.
When we fail Him now, even after coming to know Him, He stands by at every moment ready to reconcile a relationship with us. He is the perfect picture of Long-Suffering. Even when we have done wrong, he stands ready, poised, to reconcile himself to us at the mere mention of his name and repentant prayer.
How I have failed Him! Time and time again! On a daily basis! And the forgiveness He has extended to us, He expects of us! The guilt of knowing I have not been long-suffering to those in my life! Using the emotional pain or heartache I've experienced as an excuse to close the door and walk away?
My prayer for quite some time has been than the Lord create in me a clean heart, and renew a right spirit in me. Not MY spirit, and MY nature, but HIS. Let me be willing, ready, open and accepting -- and Trust God and His protection from future pain and heartache. The more I dive into Him and His Word, the more I realize how much more needs to be purged. Does this realization mean I won't mess up? No. I'm human. Is that an excuse to mess up? No. I strive for perfection. As I seek my perfector, and pray the mind of Christ, it is my hope that a holy transformation take place.
He is the One who created us, the One who died for us, and the ONE who has called us 'for a purpose.'
“Take with me your share of hardship [passing through the difficulties which you are called to endure], like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No soldier in active service gets entangled in the [ordinary business] affairs of civilian life; [he avoids them] so that he may please the one who enlisted him to serve. And if anyone competes as an athlete [in competitive games], he is not crowned [with the wreath of victory] unless he competes according to the rules. The hard-working farmer [who labors to produce crops] ought to be the first to receive his share of the crops.” 2 TIMOTHY 2:3-6 AMP
It is our purpose to fulfill the calling Christ has laid upon our lives, even if that means enduring hardships. We cannot become entangled by the cares of this word and lose sight of that purpose! We must abide by His Word, and be producers of the FRUIT of the Spirit! If I'm not bearing fruit, will I not be cut off, to be shaken away like the chaff in the wind? If I am of the Vine, won't I produce the right fruit?
I've got to become and remain attached to the Vine, blameless, and bearing Fruit, and flowing with living waters of obedience... because when I'm walking in obedience, and continue to hunger and thirst after His righteousness, He is all My soul needs, it is satisfied!
God is so forgiving, but the carnal mind doesn't forget. We continue to remind ourselves of past failures... and in the rare moments that we actually are able to put it behind us, others may bring up our short-comings or moments of flesh-flare ups.
"Instead of being crushed under the the weight of the words of those who misunderstand us or want to purposefully discourage us, let's remind ourselves of this truth over and over: "God himself holds our calling. Not people. Not circumstances."" -Amy Carroll
He has called us for a purpose.
“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end." Jeremiah 29:11 KJV
He is fighting FOR us. And HE is what I seek after.
Jesus, you're my One Desire. ❤️ And even when I am most undeserving, You desire a relationship with me.
-pw 3/23/17
(Pictures originally posted Proverbs 31 Ministries.)
We are all fearfully and wonderfully made. Crafted by the very hands that created the universe. Christ made us, a free moral agent, died for our salvation, and is not willing that any perish into damnation but all come to repentance and have eternal life.
So. We've all heard the saying... "the same water that hardens eggs softens potatoes, it's all in what you're made of that will determine how you respond when you hit hot water or the temperature starts rising."
So my thoughts this morning are this-- coming into this study, I realize--
My wounds have changed me. There's no doubt. My heart isn't as sensitive, I've guarded myself from pain, and I view people with shaded eyes, trying to figure out their motive.
Jesus, our Heavenly Father, is so gracious and merciful that he can RESTORE the broken hearted and set at liberty those that are bruised. "A bruised reed shall he. It break, and the smoking flax shall he not quench." God gave me this and I wanted to share...
Isaiah 42:3-10 3 A bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax shall he not quench: he shall bring forth judgment unto truth. 4 He shall not fail nor be discouraged, till he have set judgment in the earth: and the isles shall wait for his law. 5 Thus saith God the Lord, he that created the heavens, and stretched them out; he that spread forth the earth, and that which cometh out of it; he that giveth breath unto the people upon it, and spirit to them that walk therein: 6 I the Lord have called thee in righteousness, and will hold thine hand, and will keep thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, for a light of the Gentiles; 7 To open the blind eyes, to bring out the prisoners from the prison, and them that sit in darkness out of the prison house. 8 I am the Lord: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images. 9 Behold, the former things are come to pass, and new things do I declare: before they spring forth I tell you of them. 10 Sing unto the Lord a new song, and his praise from the end of the earth, ye that go down to the sea, and all that is therein; the isles, and the inhabitants thereof.
God brought me to salvation at a young age, and without a doubt has kept me from experiencing many pains and heartaches in life... He ignited a fire in me, as the prophet said, it's like a fire, shut up in my bones. I remember the fiery passion I had when I first came to know the Lord-- and you know what? Although I've become bruised in my spirit, like a bruised reed, the Lord is not going to just break me off and cast me aside. Nor will he quench the smoldering embers of my heart. Instead, he's gently caressing the wounds of my heart and blowing his sweet breath over the embers coaxing a flame back to life.
He is the one that gives breath and life to all the inhabitants of the earth, whether we think they are "good" or "bad", Christ died for them as well... He came to open blind eyes, set free those who are bound. The old things are behind us, and God has planned something new.
He's given us each a new song.
One of praise and not if mourning.
One of victory, not of defeat.
Our Father wants to restore the sensitivity of our hearts, and the innocence of our minds. He can remove the filters of hurt and pain, and replace it with a holy boldness, meekness and long suffering. He can restore our hearts, so that we produce all fruits of the spirit in our lives. It can become our nature, so long as we lay down who we are and who we will to be in the flesh, and take on the mind and nature of Christ.
He has called us each by name. He has redeemed us. We are HIS. What do we have to fear?
Kingdom minded, Christ Centered.
Rooted and grounded in the Word.
His Word. The very bread of life.
Zephaniah 3:17 KJV "The Lord thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing."
Zephaniah 3:17 AMP "The Lord your God is in your midst, A Warrior who saves. He will rejoice over you with joy; He will be quiet in His love [making no mention of your past sins], He will rejoice over you with shouts of joy."
He has sung His song over us, rejoicing.
Now, as new creatures, we return the honor.
❤️pw
(reflections during Finding Freedom Bible Study with Sonja Baker)
So today I had the privilege of spending some time with my younger sister on her awe-inspiring running trails. They're not your typical wooded-trails, but they're her 'running sanctuary', and to any runner, you understand the level of sacredness in "your running places".
We ran mid-day, so I missed the beauty of her sunset tradition, but there was beauty if you looked for it. Pretty blooming wildflowers scattered the wood lines, deer, coon and coyote tracks scattered the gravel and dirt roads.
As we ran, talked and laughed, we happened on a little something that captured my attention, and I had to snap a picture.
Isaiah 43:16-21
The Message (MSG)
This is what God says,
the God who builds a road right through the ocean,
who carves a path through pounding waves,
The God who summons horses and chariots and armies—
they lie down and then can’t get up;
they’re snuffed out like so many candles:
“Forget about what’s happened;
don’t keep going over old history.
Be alert, be present. I’m about to do something brand-new.
It’s bursting out! Don’t you see it?
There it is! I’m making a road through the desert,
rivers in the badlands.
Wild animals will say ‘Thank you!’
—the coyotes and the buzzards—
Because I provided water in the desert,
rivers through the sun-baked earth,
Drinking water for the people I chose,
the people I made especially for myself,
a people custom-made to praise me.
All too often, we get so hung up on what we've neglected, fallen short on, or completely messed up. God's word reminds us that He keeps no record of repented wrongs. Why do we, as human beings, think we are so much higher than God in the right that we refuse to forgive ourselves and forget?
Here, in the right now, God is turning the page of our story. He's looking at the blank canvas and the one thing He desires most to hear is - "Go ahead Lord, be it unto thy handmaiden, according to thy will."
Today, my heart cry is--
"Write my story, Father, how YOU see fit. Come alive in me, birth in my spirit what YOU would have manifest in my life. Let the fruit spring up, let your refreshing waters cool the parched soil of my soul. Let my soul and my very being magnify you. Keep my heart pure, and let your rivers flow out of me like a well spring of life. Let those around me see Christ in me, the absolute and only hope of glory! Let my life be a testament of your love, mercy and grace. Let all that I am, and all that I ever will be glorify you! It is in YOU that I live and have my being! I am fearfully and wonderfully made, wrought by the same hands that created this universe and all it's infinite wonder and beauty. Let my soul rejoice within me and sing praises to you always! Let my words and deeds bring you honor, and my thoughts exalt you above all. Let my mind stayed on You, and let me walk in peace and sweet communion throughout my day! Let my Soul be strengthened by Your Spirit, and my Will fall subject to You. Continue to mold me, make me, shape me as You would have me be, and let my life now and always bring you Glory and be a witness to those around me. I give you all praise, all glory, and all honor for all that you have done, and will do -- in your matchless, precious and eternal name, Jesus."
He's sitting, pen-in-hand, poised, awaiting your word. Will you let him write what He wills? ❤️
having or showing care and conscientiousness in one's work or duties.
Proverbs 13:4 - The soul of the sluggard desireth, and [hath] nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat.
Proverbs 10:4 - He becometh poor that dealeth [with] a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich.
Galatians 6:9 - And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
1 Corinthians 15:58 - Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.
Proverbs 22:29 - Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean [men].
2 Timothy 2:15 - Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
Proverbs 12:24 - The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful shall be under tribute.
2 Peter 3:14 - Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.
2 Peter 1:10 - Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:
Ecclesiastes 9:10 - Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do [it] with thy might; for [there is] no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.
Proverbs 11:27 - He that diligently seeketh good procureth favour: but he that seeketh mischief, it shall come unto him.
James 1:12 - Blessed [is] the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.
Proverbs 6:6-8 - 6 Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise:
7 Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler,
8 Provideth her meat in the summer, [and] gathereth her food in the harvest.
Philippians 3:14 - I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
From the kids, from the husband... and sometimes our own ever-frazzled heads!!!
There's Work. School. Doctor Appointments. Errands. Emails. Church. Personal Fitness. Orthodontists. Dentists. Football. Soccer. Cheer. Band. Gymnastics. Growing housework. Piled up dishes. Hungry Bellies... Demands, Demands, Demands.
I get it! We are BUSY MAMAS! Maybe your list is slightly shorter or more lengthy? I tell you one things -- in this fast-paced, ever-busy life, it can all get overwhelming.
This ONE THING has eliminated a few of my stressors lately -- all because a friend said "I THINK WE CAN!"
And guess what???? By Jiminy, WE DID IT!
"Meal Prep" may sound intimidating, but knowing that I have my family's dinner mapped out, planned and prepped for a solid MONTH makes me feel AMAZING!
So -- no more NECESSARY Weekday 8pm Subway and McAllister's trips after PiYo & Soccer on Mondays, PiYo, Football & Prayer Meeting on Tuesdays, Church on Wednesdays, and Soccer on Thursdays! YES!!! This had become our LIFE!!! Trying to pick and choose the healthiest of options because I was rapidly losing the progress I had made from previous dedication to clean-eating and meal-prepping. YES. There had to be a turning point, and this has been IT!!
Dinners are prepped and frozen, ready to be placed in the crock pot, or set in the oven. Guesswork ELIMINATED.
Variety? YES.
Clean Recipes? YES.
21 Day Fix Approved? YES! Breakfast Burritos
Chicken Fajitas
Chicken Tacos
Chili
Lasagna
Mini Meatloaves
Pork Chops
Pork Carnitas
Spaghetti
For two families of 4 we prepped lunches, dinners and half of our breakfasts. The other half of breakfasts, all snacks and FRESH VEGGIES are planned and will be bought and/or prepped weekly.
"BUT HOWWWWWW??? I just CAN'T!!!!"
For me, all it took was:
a friend saying - "Hey, You wanna...?"
a little time planning and gathering clean recipes I liked.
setting aside the time to prep it all in one evening.
a husband with faith in me.
We are 1/2 way through the first week of our meal plan, and the husband and kiddos have enjoyed everything they've consumed. No Fast Food. Family Meals.
You can, too.
I'm pretty excited about prepping in bulk again NEXT month!!!! (Big Shout Out to my friend Candice Simon, girl, I absolutely could not have done this without you!!) To Join Pam's Team, or request further information, please feel free to Contact her HERE.
