Yesterday was hard.
Over the last month I have watched my husband fight through the worst kind of pain as he battles stage four colon cancer.
He had pain suddenly attack him, and was in and out of the hospital four times in the last month. They worked tirelessly to try and get his pain under control. He was on every kind of pain medication they have. They loaded him up, yet still couldn't get the pain under control.
Finally, last week he was sent home with a 50 mcg fentanyl patch and pills to manage the pain. That seemed to keep it under control, but the effects of narcotics change a person. Pain changes a person.
After a few days he realized that the pain seemed to have subsided and he lowered the patch to a 25 mcg dose. He kept that on for a day and still had no pain. He decided to get rid of the patch completely and see how he felt. He took it off and stopped the pills, he had NO PAIN! Thank you Jesus!
He has been on heavy duty opioids for the last month, both through iv's, patches and pills. While a month isn't super long, we still expected some minor withdrawal symptoms. I was not expecting it to be as bad as it was.
Yesterday was the worst of the withdrawal. My husband was so emotional and completely overwhelmed. He had so much anxiety, panic and fear. He had chills, trouble breathing, throwing up and was completely tormented.
I write all this for one reason though. The worst thing for him was the fear he had of being alone. He was scared. He didn't want me to leave him, otherwise he was overwhelmed by the terror. He wanted me right by his side.
I did my best to comfort him. I prayed with him, read bible verses and encouraged him. I told him that this was not going to last, and that he would feel back to himself very soon. He said he felt trapped inside his body. I have never seen him have so much anxiety.
It struck me really hard when I saw how scared he was of being alone. It was complete fear, that to me, was unreasonable because he wasn't really alone. It really made me think. The devil is such a liar, trying to scare Dustin with fear of loneliness, even though it was so far from the truth.
The Bible says that our God will never leave us or forsake us. (Deut. 31:6)
I don't think I have valued that scripture as much as I should. It's one of those verses that is casually quoted so often that it can lose its meaning.
The truth is, as believers, we are never alone. We always have the companionship of the Comforter, the Holy Spirit. Just because we don't acknowledge him often doesn't mean he isn't there. Many of us have taken him for granted.
Yesterday, I caught a teeny, tiny glimpse of the pure horror people encounter when they die without Jesus.
Think about the person you love more than anyone in the world. Is it your spouse? Your kid? Your parent? Imagine that person slipping into eternity, never to be seen by you again. Imagine if they never saw another soul for all of eternity.
Imagine how terrified they would be to face the horrors of hell ALONE. Completely separated from every human and worst of all, Jesus. The person you love would be so scared and you wouldn't be able to comfort them or help them, nobody would.
God is love. Perfect love casts out fear. I was able to hug and comfort my husband, speaking God's word to him and praying for him. The Holy Spirit was right there with us, comforting both of us.
Imagine if Dustin didn't have that? Imagine if he truly was alone, slipping into eternity completely and utterly hopeless and alone to be tormented forever. Without God there is no love, therefore fear cannot be expelled.
Hell is a place full of fear and no help. It's a hopeless place of terror and eternal loneliness. There will be no companionship or comfort in hell.
We need to get a grip on this reality. People slip off into eternity every minute of every day and many of them are going to a place where they will be terrified and tormented for the rest of eternity.
Dustin and I talked about this yesterday. We were both sobered by the reality that so many people die without Jesus. They die alone, and spend eternity scared and tortured.
All the struggles and what we have gone through suddenly slipped away from my mind. I became consumed with gratitude for what Jesus has done to save us from hell and the grave. There aren't enough words to describe how thankful I am that Dustin knows Jesus. There is nothing in this world that is more important that knowing him.
Your salvation is not something you can do alongside other people. Your salvation is between you and God. It is a decision you must make to follow him- alone. Nobody gets to come with you. They have to decide alone too.
If you don't know Jesus, but you want to, its very simple. He loves you. He died for you. He rose again on the third day for you. He took the punishment of hell for you. Will you accept him? Will you say yes to his sacrifice? Will you let him save you?
If the answer is yes, just talk to him. Tell him to come into your heart and life. Turn away from your old life and follow him. It's not complicated. It is not a religious program. Its a relationship with someone who loves you more than anything.
You will never be alone again, not for all eternity.
Pray this prayer,
"Jesus, thank you for dying for me. Thank you for taking the punishment for my sin. I accept you as my Lord, and the Savior of my spirit, soul and body. Come into my life and make me new. I turn away from my old life and follow you from this day on. Amen."
“The harvest is great, but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields.” Matthew 9:38
Faithful in the Small
How many of you are believing God to prosper you? Maybe you are believing for a new house? How about a new vehicle? Maybe you want a promotion at work? A new job?
As human beings we don't like the idea of stagnation. We want to continuously move forward. If someone told you that in ten years your life would be exactly the same as it is now, most of you would not be happy. You are not wrong to feel that way. We are made for growth.
Some religious people would say that God doesn't prosper us with material things, but that is not what the Word says. Go see for yourself in Deuteronomy 28:1-14 what God promised Abraham. We are heirs according to that same promise.
It is God's will for us to prosper and be in health (3 John 1:2.) We should expect increase and improvement in every way, every day.
"Well I have been believing for something for a long time and it hasn't happened."
The chances are that you have stagnated because you have not been faithful with what you have. Even if it is just a little. Especially if it is just a little.
Several years ago, I began thinking and dreaming about moving into a new house. I had a constant obsession with looking at houses, scrolling through new listings, and even attending open houses. I was not ready for a new house in any way, but it was brewing in my spirit.
There was a point where our finances were such a mess that we were on the verge of foreclosure. Every bill was past due and we owed money to everyone. It was awful. Financial pressure is one of the most miserable trials.
One day I was praying and asking God what the issue was.
I heard Him clearly respond, "Your pipes are clogged."
At first I didn't understand, but then I realized what He meant. His way of prospering us is through the seed we sow. If we aren't sowing any seed, then we are getting all backed up, and His harvest provision cannot flow through us the way it should.
I've heard it this way, "If He can get it through you, He will get it to you."
That means that if He can trust us to sow into His kingdom through our tithes and offerings, then He can act on our behalf and bless us, because we are operating in faith. It takes faith to give your money away, especially when you really need it. Faith is the currency of heaven. If you want to see things start happening, start stepping out in faith. Finances are a great place to start.
We began faithfully tithing, even if it meant no money was left for groceries. God always provided and we began prospering.
Back to the house story. The house we lived in was constantly having problems. The ac units would break, the roof would leak (several times, in several places) the plumbing would clog, the hot water heater broke, the fridge broke, the washer broke. There were never ending issues.
How many of you know how hard it is to take care of something when you don't like it? When you get a car off the showroom floor, you are a lot more inspired to keep it nice than you would be for an old beater.
It would have been really easy to just let it all go or do a quick fix to the issues.
We never did that.
We knew that if we wanted something better, then we would have to be faithful, even with a house that was falling apart. We maintained that house as though it were our dream house. We had to prove ourselves faithful, even in the small.
I remember cleaning and telling God how much I didn't want to do it. It's funny because He gave me reassurance that I was doing the right thing and it made it much easier to complete my tasks. I knew there was a purpose bigger than the feeling of that moment.
The time finally came for us to consider a move. We had done lots of things in preparation for a new house. We paid debt off, worked on credit scores and got our bills down to a bare minimum. We felt the nudge in our sprits to move forward and put our house on the market.
We listed the house for a lot of money. We knew it was above market value, but we weren't going to compromise.
Do you know that we got a full price, cash offer within a week?
Not only that, but they didn't want an appraisal, which would have meant we wouldn't have gotten our asking price. To make it even better, we had a five thousand dollar lien on the property, which we would have to pay at closing, but the buyer offered to pay it for us. We still don't know why he did that. Only Jesus.
All that hard work and misery paid off. The Lord brought the perfect buyers and the hard work we put into maintaining that house was worth every minute.
If you are faithful with your little bit of money, God will give you more.
If you are faithful with your current position at work, God will promote you.
If you are faithful with your piece of junk car, God will provide a new one.
If you are faithful with your little house, God will give you a bigger one.
If you are asking for something better, the first thing you need to do is make sure you are giving the current thing your very best.
After we closed on our house, we bought our dream house. We got this house for less than the appraised value, have a lower interest rate than our previous loan, and we were able to remodel and furnish the house to be exactly what we wanted. Not to mention it is 1000 square ft bigger than the old house and in the absolute best neighborhood! If we live our lives according to His Word, it will never fail us.
I say all this to brag on God. His Word is true and it will work for you. He is faithful. Let's be faithful like He is.
He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much. Luke 16:10
As human beings we don't like the idea of stagnation. We want to continuously move forward. If someone told you that in ten years your life would be exactly the same as it is now, most of you would not be happy. You are not wrong to feel that way. We are made for growth.
Some religious people would say that God doesn't prosper us with material things, but that is not what the Word says. Go see for yourself in Deuteronomy 28:1-14 what God promised Abraham. We are heirs according to that same promise.
It is God's will for us to prosper and be in health (3 John 1:2.) We should expect increase and improvement in every way, every day.
"Well I have been believing for something for a long time and it hasn't happened."
The chances are that you have stagnated because you have not been faithful with what you have. Even if it is just a little. Especially if it is just a little.
Several years ago, I began thinking and dreaming about moving into a new house. I had a constant obsession with looking at houses, scrolling through new listings, and even attending open houses. I was not ready for a new house in any way, but it was brewing in my spirit.
There was a point where our finances were such a mess that we were on the verge of foreclosure. Every bill was past due and we owed money to everyone. It was awful. Financial pressure is one of the most miserable trials.
One day I was praying and asking God what the issue was.
I heard Him clearly respond, "Your pipes are clogged."
At first I didn't understand, but then I realized what He meant. His way of prospering us is through the seed we sow. If we aren't sowing any seed, then we are getting all backed up, and His harvest provision cannot flow through us the way it should.
I've heard it this way, "If He can get it through you, He will get it to you."
That means that if He can trust us to sow into His kingdom through our tithes and offerings, then He can act on our behalf and bless us, because we are operating in faith. It takes faith to give your money away, especially when you really need it. Faith is the currency of heaven. If you want to see things start happening, start stepping out in faith. Finances are a great place to start.
We began faithfully tithing, even if it meant no money was left for groceries. God always provided and we began prospering.
Back to the house story. The house we lived in was constantly having problems. The ac units would break, the roof would leak (several times, in several places) the plumbing would clog, the hot water heater broke, the fridge broke, the washer broke. There were never ending issues.
How many of you know how hard it is to take care of something when you don't like it? When you get a car off the showroom floor, you are a lot more inspired to keep it nice than you would be for an old beater.
It would have been really easy to just let it all go or do a quick fix to the issues.
We never did that.
We knew that if we wanted something better, then we would have to be faithful, even with a house that was falling apart. We maintained that house as though it were our dream house. We had to prove ourselves faithful, even in the small.
I remember cleaning and telling God how much I didn't want to do it. It's funny because He gave me reassurance that I was doing the right thing and it made it much easier to complete my tasks. I knew there was a purpose bigger than the feeling of that moment.
The time finally came for us to consider a move. We had done lots of things in preparation for a new house. We paid debt off, worked on credit scores and got our bills down to a bare minimum. We felt the nudge in our sprits to move forward and put our house on the market.
We listed the house for a lot of money. We knew it was above market value, but we weren't going to compromise.
Do you know that we got a full price, cash offer within a week?
Not only that, but they didn't want an appraisal, which would have meant we wouldn't have gotten our asking price. To make it even better, we had a five thousand dollar lien on the property, which we would have to pay at closing, but the buyer offered to pay it for us. We still don't know why he did that. Only Jesus.
All that hard work and misery paid off. The Lord brought the perfect buyers and the hard work we put into maintaining that house was worth every minute.
If you are faithful with your little bit of money, God will give you more.
If you are faithful with your current position at work, God will promote you.
If you are faithful with your piece of junk car, God will provide a new one.
If you are faithful with your little house, God will give you a bigger one.
If you are asking for something better, the first thing you need to do is make sure you are giving the current thing your very best.
After we closed on our house, we bought our dream house. We got this house for less than the appraised value, have a lower interest rate than our previous loan, and we were able to remodel and furnish the house to be exactly what we wanted. Not to mention it is 1000 square ft bigger than the old house and in the absolute best neighborhood! If we live our lives according to His Word, it will never fail us.
I say all this to brag on God. His Word is true and it will work for you. He is faithful. Let's be faithful like He is.
He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much. Luke 16:10
Prison Diaries- Lowell Correctional
Last night Jessie and I went to Lowell Correctional in Ocala to minister to the women in the Annex. We went with one message, Jesus. Many were saved, healed and delivered last night as we brought the Word and laid hands on them. Each time we go the size of our meeting doubles from the previous visit.
One lady came up for nerve pain in her legs. Several of the bones had been broken in an accident and she hadn't been the same since. She wanted to be healed. When I laid hands on her and commanded the pain to leave in Jesus name, I told her to walk and see if the pain was gone. She did, and said, "it's better." She was excited but I told her that by the time we left last night it would be gone all the way. A little while after I asked anyone to come up who had unforgiveness. She came up again and told me that she needs to forgive her sister Janet. This inmate confessed that she burned Janet's house down- down to the ground... Sometimes it's hard not to awkward laugh because this is not the kind of stuff you hear everyday. We prayed, she forgave Janet (to me it seems Janet is the one who probably struggles with unforgiveness towards a sister who burned her house down, but anyway..) As soon as we got done praying I said, "Okay now walk, is the pain gone?" It was!! She walked pain free and was so excited! I told her that unforgiveness was the reason she didn't receive a complete manifestation of her healing the first time we prayed and now that block was gone, she was healed! It's truly amazing how God is able to work when people are hungry to receive.
Another lady came up who had injured her hand playing sports, she said the pain left as I was praying for someone else.
Jessie prayed for an inmate who just got off death row in May and now is instead serving a life sentence in the general population of the prison. She had been saved on death row, but received the baptism of the Holy Spirit last night and spoke in tongues. She was among the many who signed up to receive a copy of my discipleship book, Rise Above, that we will bring more copies of next meeting.
Another inmate came up to Jessie concerned about her salvation because she had been taught by other ministers that her sin was going to send her to hell, even though she had been born again. She is a lesbian and was told that she was going straight to hell because of that. Jessie explained to her that she is not going to hell for that sin if she is born again. She smiled with a huge sense of relief. Jessie went on to further explain that it is God does not speak to us through fear and condemnation and just to work on the discipleship book we gave her and strengthen her relationship with God and he would speak to her about this issue with love, not fear of hell. You see, it is not our job to change people's hearts. We must simply deliver the truth in love and let God do the heart work. This girl needs love. We know from past conversations with her that every man in her life has hurt her in horrible ways and the last thing she needs is to think of God as just another person who is going to hurt and punish her. These situations are so sensitive and while we never condone sin in a person's life, we must be gentle in the approach and let God do the inside work.
Another girl came to the front for prayer but looked lost. I asked her what she wanted me to pray for and I realized she didn't really know what she needed. I said "do you know you need something, but you don't know what?" This happens a lot. She said yes. I knew she needed deliverance and laid hands on her and rebuked the spirits. When we were done she looked up at me almost in a trance, but seconds later started sobbing a huge cry of relief. That girl walked out of there a totally different person. So amazing. Praise God!
Last time we were there I prayed for a woman to be delivered and when she looked up at me here eyes were black and also looked as though she was in a trance. She was set free and threw her hands in the air with excitement. If you don't believe in demons, you would change your mind after visiting a prison. These are just a few of the stories. I wish you could be there. I wish you could see. God has a deep love for the least of these. We can't forget about them.
“Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone. Anyone who believes and is baptized will be saved. But anyone who refuses to believe will be condemned. These miraculous signs will accompany those who believe: They will cast out demons in my name, and they will speak in new languages. They will be able to handle snakes with safety, and if they drink anything poisonous, it won’t hurt them. They will be able to place their hands on the sick, and they will be healed.” Mark 16:15-18
XXOO Courtney
One lady came up for nerve pain in her legs. Several of the bones had been broken in an accident and she hadn't been the same since. She wanted to be healed. When I laid hands on her and commanded the pain to leave in Jesus name, I told her to walk and see if the pain was gone. She did, and said, "it's better." She was excited but I told her that by the time we left last night it would be gone all the way. A little while after I asked anyone to come up who had unforgiveness. She came up again and told me that she needs to forgive her sister Janet. This inmate confessed that she burned Janet's house down- down to the ground... Sometimes it's hard not to awkward laugh because this is not the kind of stuff you hear everyday. We prayed, she forgave Janet (to me it seems Janet is the one who probably struggles with unforgiveness towards a sister who burned her house down, but anyway..) As soon as we got done praying I said, "Okay now walk, is the pain gone?" It was!! She walked pain free and was so excited! I told her that unforgiveness was the reason she didn't receive a complete manifestation of her healing the first time we prayed and now that block was gone, she was healed! It's truly amazing how God is able to work when people are hungry to receive.
Another lady came up who had injured her hand playing sports, she said the pain left as I was praying for someone else.
Jessie prayed for an inmate who just got off death row in May and now is instead serving a life sentence in the general population of the prison. She had been saved on death row, but received the baptism of the Holy Spirit last night and spoke in tongues. She was among the many who signed up to receive a copy of my discipleship book, Rise Above, that we will bring more copies of next meeting.
Another inmate came up to Jessie concerned about her salvation because she had been taught by other ministers that her sin was going to send her to hell, even though she had been born again. She is a lesbian and was told that she was going straight to hell because of that. Jessie explained to her that she is not going to hell for that sin if she is born again. She smiled with a huge sense of relief. Jessie went on to further explain that it is God does not speak to us through fear and condemnation and just to work on the discipleship book we gave her and strengthen her relationship with God and he would speak to her about this issue with love, not fear of hell. You see, it is not our job to change people's hearts. We must simply deliver the truth in love and let God do the heart work. This girl needs love. We know from past conversations with her that every man in her life has hurt her in horrible ways and the last thing she needs is to think of God as just another person who is going to hurt and punish her. These situations are so sensitive and while we never condone sin in a person's life, we must be gentle in the approach and let God do the inside work.
Another girl came to the front for prayer but looked lost. I asked her what she wanted me to pray for and I realized she didn't really know what she needed. I said "do you know you need something, but you don't know what?" This happens a lot. She said yes. I knew she needed deliverance and laid hands on her and rebuked the spirits. When we were done she looked up at me almost in a trance, but seconds later started sobbing a huge cry of relief. That girl walked out of there a totally different person. So amazing. Praise God!
Last time we were there I prayed for a woman to be delivered and when she looked up at me here eyes were black and also looked as though she was in a trance. She was set free and threw her hands in the air with excitement. If you don't believe in demons, you would change your mind after visiting a prison. These are just a few of the stories. I wish you could be there. I wish you could see. God has a deep love for the least of these. We can't forget about them.
“Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone. Anyone who believes and is baptized will be saved. But anyone who refuses to believe will be condemned. These miraculous signs will accompany those who believe: They will cast out demons in my name, and they will speak in new languages. They will be able to handle snakes with safety, and if they drink anything poisonous, it won’t hurt them. They will be able to place their hands on the sick, and they will be healed.” Mark 16:15-18
XXOO Courtney
Let Your Kids Be Bored
We live in busy times. Full days of school, activities, sports, time with friends and church. My favorite movie quote (from my favorite movie, Sound of Music) rings very true these days...
"Activity suggests a life filled with purpose." -Captain VonTrapp
Being busy makes us feel important. It makes us feel as though our lives have value. People are terrified of boredom. They fill their schedules so full that downtime is a treat and rare occasion. For whatever reason we push this same mentality onto our children. We put them in activities that they could care less about when they are way too young to handle such a crazy schedule and then wonder why they drive us crazy by the time summer comes and schedules clear.
Having a busy schedule is not good for kids. Boredom promotes creativity. It allows time for exploring themselves. It sparks their imagination and helps them identify what they are truly passionate about.
Every summer when our oldest gets done with school there is a transition period. Transitioning from being at school where everything is planned and scheduled, she is told when and where to be, and monitored every second, to being home, without a schedule and very few pre-planned activities.
The other day we "celebrated" our first day of event-free schedules by staying home, working on house projects and mostly staying in pajamas. With our younger two this is nothing new so they were off to do their own thing when I discovered the oldest in her room crying. I went in to ask what was wrong and she finally admitted she had nothing to do and was bored. I am sure you Moms can relate to my initial feelings of wanting to just give her something to do, or worse reacting like, "really? Crying about THAT?" but I pushed my feelings aside and told her what most adults should probably hear as well. I said "Listen Bre, we all have different gifts that God has put inside of us. We are all good at different things and we all need to figure out what those things are so that we can spend our time working on them." She seemed to really be listening so I continued, "Being bored is a really good way to figure out what you are really passionate about. Why don't you go up to your room and pray. Ask the Lord to give you some ideas and help you figure out what your gifts and talents are, write down the ideas, and if there is something I can do to help you with them we will go from there. The Bible says if we ask Him for wisdom he will give it to us (James 1:5)" She agreed, stopped crying and went up to her room. When she came back down a few minutes later she had a few things written down. She seemed a lot less discouraged and began working on a couple art projects. This was such a practical way to show her how the Word of God can work for her! It's also amazing how much easier children can hear from God without constantly questioning if that was really him. We have a journey still in front of us but it was a great starting point.
Since that day all three kids have played together from sun up to sun down. Restaurant, house and ice cream shop are among the activities, but most importantly they are just being carefree kids! Just as it is sometimes painful to establish any new habits with your children, allowing them to be bored is just another one of those habits. In our house we avoid electronics as a way to fill that void, and encourage reading, art projects and going outside. I remember as a kid spending a lot of time in my room or outside with my brothers. We rarely had scheduled activities and almost never watched TV. This helped me figure out who I was a lot quicker and I have always been really confident with who I am (to a fault at times! LOL.) I am glad I had that time of self discovery and I want to give my kids that same opportunity.
Let your kids be bored this summer. You might find that it won't just be your kids who discover themselves, but you as well!
Overcoming Trials
Without trials there is no proof that the Word of God works. Overcoming trials is the manifestation of your faith. Rejoice!
“Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.”
James 1:2-3 NLT
Abraham is considered the father of the faith. He lived before Jesus had come and was under the old covenant. He didn't have the Holy Spirit living inside him, nor did he have the power that we now have when we are baptized in the Holy Spirit, yet he simply believed what God said. It is because of his faith that we are now heirs of all the promises listed in Deuteronomy 28:1-14.
If Abraham believed God and walked in faith without the Holy Spirit and without the Bible imagine how much easier it is for us! How can we complain?!
“by which, when you read, you may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ), which in other ages was not made known to the sons of men, as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to His holy apostles and prophets: that the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ through the gospel,”
Ephesians 3:4-6 NKJV
We have the Bible that tells us the dead can be raised, he didn't. Yet he was willing to sacrifice his only promised son Isaac, believing God would raise him from the dead! Once again he proved his trust in God's word.
We have the power of God living inside of us because of Jesus and the gift of the Holy Spirit!
Right now my family is going through a trial which, in the natural, doesn't look so good. BUT we serve a SUPERnatural God, so we give no place to fear. This is sometimes a daily battle, as we live in a fallen world, completely driven by fear and worst-case-scenerio. Staying in the Word is not optional, our peace depends on it!
Every trial is an opportunity for God to show himself strong in your life. It's a chance for new strength.
Have the God kind of faith. Does God worry? Does God fear? Does God get concerned that your situation is beyond his expertise? No way!! Then why are you?!?! Faith is a fruit of the spirit (Galatians 5:22)
There is only ONE faith, God's faith! That is what you have!
“one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.”
Ephesians 4:5-6 NKJV
God already gave us faith (Romans 12:3,6)
When you are in faith sometimes it comes across as uncompassionate, insensitive, people may think you don't even care. They might even think you are delusional or in denial about the "reality." The carnal mind can't comprehend faith. Only a mind renewed in the word can grasp this concept. Satan is carnal, faith confuses him.
Fear creates worry, faith produces results. Would you rather have sympathy or solution?
To accomplish all that God has for you it is going to require the supernatural. Faith won't be optional in the places where he wants to take you!
Be encouraged if you are going through trials, this gives your faith an opportunity to grow and you have nothing to fear, Jesus promises victory!
“And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope.”
Romans 5:3-4 NKJV
The Reason I don't have any problems
I have never had my three year old stress out over whether or not I would provide snacks for him. My five year old has never gone on google to check her symptoms if she isn't feeling well. Our nine year old has never had to question if there would be enough gas in the tank for us to take her to school.
Is that strange?
No.
Children never worry about anything, and if they do worry about something we reassure them that it will be okay. They believe us.
There is a reason why people miss being a kid and not having any problems. Yet the funny thing is that when they were kids, there were just as many problems in the world.
The problem is not the problems but rather that we have let them become OUR problems.
The bible tells us that unless we become like a child we will never inherit the kingdom of heaven. Why is this? Children are faithful little creatures. When you tell them something they believe you. It's simple. They don't have any problems because they know that we, their parents will take care of all their problems.
God wants us to trust him to fix our problems. He tells us in his Word that by his wounds we are healed. He tells us that he became poor so that we through his poverty, we could become rich. He tells us that he has good plans for us. Plans for a hope and a future. He tells us that this is a free gift. He tells us that grace has provided for it.
He gave us everything we could possibly ever need or want by grace. Undeserved favor. We can't earn it. No matter how hard we try.
The only way to receive everything that he has provided by grace is to take it by faith. We have to use our faith to be healed. We have to use our faith to prosper. We have to use our faith to overcome our circumstances.
You cannot be in faith and in worry at the same time. Worry is fear and it's the polar opposite of faith. If you need something from God, he has already provided it for you. Your job is simply to rest in the finished work. Like a child.
"Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief." Hebrews 4:11 KJV
The only "work" you should be doing is the disciplined work of getting rid of unbelief so you can stay in a state of rest (faith.) Keeping fear and doubt out of your mind is your only job. And it is not an easy job because we live in a fallen world. A world that revolves around fear. God gave us his Word which can renew your mind to the truth. His Word is the only way to break the cycle of fear and doubt, that if left unchecked, will run your life.
Am I saying that you won't ever have any problems? No, not at all. I could list quite a few things in my own life right now that I could be worrying about. I have chosen not to do that. I have rolled my problems over to the Master problem-solver instead. If I get tempted to be anxious then I get in the Word and remind myself who I am. I am royalty. The God of the universe is my Father. He wants to take care of all my problems, but he can't do it if I won't give them to him. Remember, it is by faith that we inherit the promises. Faith rests and lets him do the work.
I challenge you to renew your mind to this truth. We are so used to "working" that it almost feels irresponsible to let go and give him your problems. We are so accustomed to solving our own problems that we feel our whole world will crash down if we don't take care of it ourselves. That is what the enemy wants you to believe because a burned out Christian is an ineffective Christian.
It's time to start seeing your break through! So tell me, what do you need from God?
XOXO
Is that strange?
No.
Children never worry about anything, and if they do worry about something we reassure them that it will be okay. They believe us.
There is a reason why people miss being a kid and not having any problems. Yet the funny thing is that when they were kids, there were just as many problems in the world.
The problem is not the problems but rather that we have let them become OUR problems.
The bible tells us that unless we become like a child we will never inherit the kingdom of heaven. Why is this? Children are faithful little creatures. When you tell them something they believe you. It's simple. They don't have any problems because they know that we, their parents will take care of all their problems.
God wants us to trust him to fix our problems. He tells us in his Word that by his wounds we are healed. He tells us that he became poor so that we through his poverty, we could become rich. He tells us that he has good plans for us. Plans for a hope and a future. He tells us that this is a free gift. He tells us that grace has provided for it.
He gave us everything we could possibly ever need or want by grace. Undeserved favor. We can't earn it. No matter how hard we try.
The only way to receive everything that he has provided by grace is to take it by faith. We have to use our faith to be healed. We have to use our faith to prosper. We have to use our faith to overcome our circumstances.
You cannot be in faith and in worry at the same time. Worry is fear and it's the polar opposite of faith. If you need something from God, he has already provided it for you. Your job is simply to rest in the finished work. Like a child.
"Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief." Hebrews 4:11 KJV
The only "work" you should be doing is the disciplined work of getting rid of unbelief so you can stay in a state of rest (faith.) Keeping fear and doubt out of your mind is your only job. And it is not an easy job because we live in a fallen world. A world that revolves around fear. God gave us his Word which can renew your mind to the truth. His Word is the only way to break the cycle of fear and doubt, that if left unchecked, will run your life.
Am I saying that you won't ever have any problems? No, not at all. I could list quite a few things in my own life right now that I could be worrying about. I have chosen not to do that. I have rolled my problems over to the Master problem-solver instead. If I get tempted to be anxious then I get in the Word and remind myself who I am. I am royalty. The God of the universe is my Father. He wants to take care of all my problems, but he can't do it if I won't give them to him. Remember, it is by faith that we inherit the promises. Faith rests and lets him do the work.
I challenge you to renew your mind to this truth. We are so used to "working" that it almost feels irresponsible to let go and give him your problems. We are so accustomed to solving our own problems that we feel our whole world will crash down if we don't take care of it ourselves. That is what the enemy wants you to believe because a burned out Christian is an ineffective Christian.
It's time to start seeing your break through! So tell me, what do you need from God?
XOXO
In Prison Today
Coming home has never felt quite as good as it did today. Being able to say yes when my little boy asked me to snuggle has never made me happier.
Today I prayed with several women who wouldn't get to raise their own children. One mom in particular asked for prayer for her two boys and little girl who are now in the foster care system, with people she doesn't know. She cried as we prayed and gave the care of them over to Jesus and asking him to be their guardian since their mom no longer could. She was empowered and found peace knowing that even though she had to be away from them to fix herself, she could still effectively pray for them and God will move in mighty ways on their behalf.
The women I met today were broken. They were hurting and empty. They were in desperate need of help. When I looked at them I saw lost faces that were just searching for an answer. A hope.
We ministered a message of redemption, love and freedom and their faces lit up. True freedom is found in Christ, I don't care if you live in prison or the fanciest house on the planet. Those women soaked up every word into their thirsty souls. Jesus is the well that never runs dry! Many of them left with a new excitement after learning that the promises in the Word are for them too, even in prison. Where sin has run in their lives, his grace runs deeper.
I got a new understanding of what Jesus meant when he said the harvest is plenty but the laborers are few. We were completely outnumbered by those women. There is just not enough time. Each one of them need and desperately want discipleship, yet it isn't available to them.
Then He said to them, "The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few; therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest." Luke 10:2
We need more laborers. While it is not possible for every single person to go minister in prison, there are still ways to get involved. My book, Rise Above is designed for discipleship and teaching people how to walk in their authority in Christ to overcome any situation and accomplish all God has for them, no matter the circumstance. Our goal is to get a copy into each hand that wants one.
I wish you all could be there to experience the overwhelming gratitude they showed us, the tears streaming down their faces, their new excitement and their new found hope. If you would like to help us spread the good news then consider a partnership with this ministry. Each inmate is $10 so just click the "donate" button on the right then select the "recurring" option. This allows us to cover our costs and purchase the books for them, as the prison does not provide any funding for this sort of thing.
Please be in agreement with us that God will provide everything we need to saturate the inside of those prison walls with the message of FREEDOM in Jesus!
XOXOXOX
Know Your Authority!
We had such a good night last night at our Women with Vision meeting! If you are a lady in the Orlando area and you are looking for some powerful, straight from the Word teaching then you need to come join us!
Last night we talked about knowing our authority as believers and our rights in Christ. This revelation truly set me free in so many ways and gave me the ability to boldly approach my problems knowing that the God of the universe has got my back! Here are the notes from last night, I pray they inspire, transform and empower you in your calling!
Last night we talked about knowing our authority as believers and our rights in Christ. This revelation truly set me free in so many ways and gave me the ability to boldly approach my problems knowing that the God of the universe has got my back! Here are the notes from last night, I pray they inspire, transform and empower you in your calling!
Faith works by love (Galatians 5:6) Not our love to him because we fail him daily. But his love for us. When we get an understanding of that love then our faith is super charged.
One of the laws of faith is authority. We must understand our authority in Christ if we ever want to take hold of the promises of God.
You ARE a redeemed people. You ARE healed. It's who you are. Anything other than that is a violation in your body and life. God has given US the authority and power to overcome the enemy.
“Behold! I have given you authority and power to trample upon serpents and scorpions, and [physical and mental strength and ability] over all the power that the enemy [possesses]; and nothing shall in any way harm you.”
Luke 10:19 AMP
http://bible.com/8/luk.10.19.amp
Luke 10:19 AMP
http://bible.com/8/luk.10.19.amp
Jesus is not going to force himself on you. He gave you a free will so that you can freely choose him.
“Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears and listens to and heeds My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will eat with him, and he [will eat] with Me.”
Revelation 3:20 AMP
http://bible.com/8/rev.3.20.amp
Revelation 3:20 AMP
http://bible.com/8/rev.3.20.amp
“I am the Door; anyone who enters in through Me will be saved (will live). He will come in and he will go out [freely], and will find pasture.”
John 10:9 AMP
http://bible.com/8/jhn.10.9.amp
John 10:9 AMP
http://bible.com/8/jhn.10.9.amp
Freely. Not forced. He loves you too much to force you to love him back.
Whereas Satan does not come in with an invitation, he comes and checks all the doors and if he finds one open he will go in it. Uninvited.
“The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows).”
John 10:10 AMP
http://bible.com/8/jhn.10.10.amp
John 10:10 AMP
http://bible.com/8/jhn.10.10.amp
The thief is the devil. He comes in like a robber. We must be on guard and keep him out. How can we do that? Knowing our authority.
Satan is the god of this world.(2 Corinthians 4:4, 1 John 5:19)If we are trained up in the world instead of the word then we are basically trained in the enemies territory.
Nobody goes to war not knowing what they are defending. They know what belongs to them so they can defend it. Sadly most Christians don't know what belongs to them and because of that they are not able to withstand the enemy.
When you are told a lie long enough, it becomes truth to you. That is the only power Satan has. Lies. Jesus didn't tell us he would resist the devil for us, he told US to resist him! His work is done! The devil is defeated but now it's our job to use the authority given us to keep him OUT!
We don't need to look at society for truth, we need to look at Gods word.
Satan does NOT want you to find out your authority. He will do anything to keep you from finding out your rights in Christ.
Satan does NOT want you to find out your authority. He will do anything to keep you from finding out your rights in Christ.
“Just as you sent me into the world, I am sending them into the world.”
John 17:18 NLT
http://bible.com/116/jhn.17.18.nlt
John 17:18 NLT
http://bible.com/116/jhn.17.18.nlt
He told us to speak to our mountains. He didn't say he would do it for us. He already made the ultimate sacrifice in sending Jesus. He finished it all!
We need to stop seeing ourselves as defeated and victims and recognize the mighty soldiers we are because of Christ in us.
Stop continuously acknowledging your weaknesses and ONLY acknowledge his strength. Acknowledging your weapons, not your inadequacies.
Stop feeling sorry for yourself. That's pride. When God promises us all these benefits we need to believe him! They belong to us!
What are you according to the word?
I am the head and not the tail
I am above only
I am blessed in the city and in the country
I am fearfully and wonderfully made
I am seated with him in heavenly places
I am healed
I am prosperous
I am filled with joy
I am above only
I am blessed in the city and in the country
I am fearfully and wonderfully made
I am seated with him in heavenly places
I am healed
I am prosperous
I am filled with joy
Until you recognize and acknowledge who you are in your mind(transform your mind) you won't see it physically manifest.
Join us in our meetings Thursday nights, 7pm in Lake Mary.
268 Volterra Way
Lake Mary, Fl
XXOXO
We need to stop idolizing our children
Do not be deceived by all my social media pictures I post of my kids. Don't think that just because I am a stay at home mom that my children are the center of my universe. Just because I quit my day job to trade it for the mom job does not mean that my kids are the most important thing in the entire world.
Insert your *gasp in horror* right here.
Let me say first that I love my kids with all my heart. I thoroughly research every decision I make about them and almost all my time is spent caring for them. I am a true believer in the fact that if you are going to have children then they should be raised by you.
There is a disturbing trend that I have noticed when it comes to motherhood. One that leaves the mom unfulfilled, frustrated and even depressed. It's not doing the kids any good either.
We are idolizing our children.
While children are a blessing, and a gift from God, raising them is not the sole purpose that God put you on this earth.
Yes, I know that it may shock you, but God has a purpose for you beyond your just your kids. Raising little ones is such a tiny percentage of both their lives and ours. They should be a blessing, but they will end up driving you crazy if they are not taking the proper and God given role in your life.
The first thing that we need to understand is that God did not design children to come first. God is first, then your spouse, THEN your children. Spending time in the Word of God is the best way we can grow in our relationship with him, it needs to be a priority. This also means that we should be nurturing and improving our relationship with our spouse before our children. If you don't spend time laying a firm foundation in your marriage then your entire family will crumble to the ground. Kids do not come before your spouse. Don't get mad at me, the bible says it. I'm just the messenger.
Some ways you can put your spouse first are:
The other point we need to consider is that when we spend all our time and energy on our kids and their millions of activities, we are doing them a disservice. Kids need to be bored. They need to have time to play and get creative. If we are over scheduling them then they will not have this crucial time and it will effect their development. They learn through creative play, yet these days there is such a child centered mentality that we worry if they have a single moment of boredom then it will ruin their childhood.
You know what my kids do when they are bored. Clean. No, not for money. There are extra things they can do if they want to earn money, but they have regular tasks that they do as members of this household (even the 3 year old.) I sure wish someone paid me every time I cleaned my house, but the truth is that ain't happening! We don't want to raise spoiled and entitled brats.
God has big plans for you. Plans beyond just your kids. Yes, your kids will be part of that plan, but we shouldn't limit ourselves. We need to be spending disciplined time in the Word to grow into the purpose that he has put us on earth to accomplish. God comes before your spouse and your kids.
"I just don't have time to spend time in the Word because my kids just take up so much of my time!"
I get it, but you need to schedule everything around your relationship with God. Your kids are under your command and if they are not "allowing" you to spend time in the Word then you need to get your house under control. Set aside time every day that you can pray, read your bible, or listen to a good podcast.
You only get one life to live! Put your kids in the proper ranking order in your household and watch your life flourish!
XOXO
Insert your *gasp in horror* right here.
Let me say first that I love my kids with all my heart. I thoroughly research every decision I make about them and almost all my time is spent caring for them. I am a true believer in the fact that if you are going to have children then they should be raised by you.
There is a disturbing trend that I have noticed when it comes to motherhood. One that leaves the mom unfulfilled, frustrated and even depressed. It's not doing the kids any good either.
We are idolizing our children.
While children are a blessing, and a gift from God, raising them is not the sole purpose that God put you on this earth.
Yes, I know that it may shock you, but God has a purpose for you beyond your just your kids. Raising little ones is such a tiny percentage of both their lives and ours. They should be a blessing, but they will end up driving you crazy if they are not taking the proper and God given role in your life.
The first thing that we need to understand is that God did not design children to come first. God is first, then your spouse, THEN your children. Spending time in the Word of God is the best way we can grow in our relationship with him, it needs to be a priority. This also means that we should be nurturing and improving our relationship with our spouse before our children. If you don't spend time laying a firm foundation in your marriage then your entire family will crumble to the ground. Kids do not come before your spouse. Don't get mad at me, the bible says it. I'm just the messenger.
Some ways you can put your spouse first are:
- Going on dates regularly
- Putting the kids to bed early so you have alone time with your spouse before bed
- Making the kids have a "quiet time" or nap during the day so you can spend a little while connecting with your spouse
- Bottom line is that your kids should not run the house, you and your spouse should.
The other point we need to consider is that when we spend all our time and energy on our kids and their millions of activities, we are doing them a disservice. Kids need to be bored. They need to have time to play and get creative. If we are over scheduling them then they will not have this crucial time and it will effect their development. They learn through creative play, yet these days there is such a child centered mentality that we worry if they have a single moment of boredom then it will ruin their childhood.
You know what my kids do when they are bored. Clean. No, not for money. There are extra things they can do if they want to earn money, but they have regular tasks that they do as members of this household (even the 3 year old.) I sure wish someone paid me every time I cleaned my house, but the truth is that ain't happening! We don't want to raise spoiled and entitled brats.
God has big plans for you. Plans beyond just your kids. Yes, your kids will be part of that plan, but we shouldn't limit ourselves. We need to be spending disciplined time in the Word to grow into the purpose that he has put us on earth to accomplish. God comes before your spouse and your kids.
"I just don't have time to spend time in the Word because my kids just take up so much of my time!"
I get it, but you need to schedule everything around your relationship with God. Your kids are under your command and if they are not "allowing" you to spend time in the Word then you need to get your house under control. Set aside time every day that you can pray, read your bible, or listen to a good podcast.
You only get one life to live! Put your kids in the proper ranking order in your household and watch your life flourish!
XOXO
I'm Going to Jail!
Everything God gives us is a seed. Your words are seeds. Your thoughts are seeds. Your money is a seed. When you plant seeds, no matter what kind, you will reap a harvest depending on what you have sewn. Sew words of life, reap life giving abundant plants. Sew negative words, reap dead fruitless crops. Negative thinking will make you depressed. Positive thinking and meditating on God's Word will make you full of joy. Sew financial seeds into God's kingdom, reap your own financial harvest.
Dustin and I have seen so much financial blessing through following the simple principles in God's word. There is no way we should be able to live the life that we do. It's purely God's blessing. A while ago God spoke to me and told me, "Your job is to take care of my people, My job is to take care of you." That took the pressure off me. That meant I was free to give and sew financial seed into his kingdom, knowing that he will always provide for my needs AND wants. There is more scripture on finances than almost anything else in the New Testament because Jesus knew that often people's hearts are more attached to their money than anything else. Even their relationship with Him.
If you want to see financial blessing come and overtake you, start planting. (Luke 6:38, Deuteronomy 28:2, Proverbs 11:24-25, Malachi 3:10, 2 Corinthians 9:10)
Everything we have on this earth will fade away to nothing, but when you are sewing into people, and establishing God's kingdom it stays with you for eternity.
I ask you friends to consider partnering with me. My first batch of books is on it's way to Lowell Women's Prison to be used for curriculum in discipleship classes for inmate Moms. These women are hungry for truth and my book is set up to help establish a good foundation in the Word, teaching them their authority to RISE ABOVE their circumstances, no matter how bad.
Sponsorship are $10 per inmate (book) and a minimum of 30 inmates need sponsored every month. Please consider a one time sponsorship, or select the "recurring" button to be a monthly sponsor. "Donate" button is on the right of this page.
I am excited to share the testimonies of these women, and also to hear how he has blessed YOU for your obedience in furthering his kingdom!
XOXO
Dustin and I have seen so much financial blessing through following the simple principles in God's word. There is no way we should be able to live the life that we do. It's purely God's blessing. A while ago God spoke to me and told me, "Your job is to take care of my people, My job is to take care of you." That took the pressure off me. That meant I was free to give and sew financial seed into his kingdom, knowing that he will always provide for my needs AND wants. There is more scripture on finances than almost anything else in the New Testament because Jesus knew that often people's hearts are more attached to their money than anything else. Even their relationship with Him.
If you want to see financial blessing come and overtake you, start planting. (Luke 6:38, Deuteronomy 28:2, Proverbs 11:24-25, Malachi 3:10, 2 Corinthians 9:10)
Everything we have on this earth will fade away to nothing, but when you are sewing into people, and establishing God's kingdom it stays with you for eternity.
I ask you friends to consider partnering with me. My first batch of books is on it's way to Lowell Women's Prison to be used for curriculum in discipleship classes for inmate Moms. These women are hungry for truth and my book is set up to help establish a good foundation in the Word, teaching them their authority to RISE ABOVE their circumstances, no matter how bad.
Sponsorship are $10 per inmate (book) and a minimum of 30 inmates need sponsored every month. Please consider a one time sponsorship, or select the "recurring" button to be a monthly sponsor. "Donate" button is on the right of this page.
I am excited to share the testimonies of these women, and also to hear how he has blessed YOU for your obedience in furthering his kingdom!
XOXO
A New Kitchen for $300!
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| Before/After |
We bought our house about 7 years ago, and one thing I have always wanted to change was the kitchen. When you have 3 growing, hungry kids you pretty much live in this part of the house, so you want it to be nice! We finally decided to bite the bullet and invest some time (and a little money) into this busy part of the house. I was surprised to find out that there are some HUGE changes you can make on a small budget. The first thing that needed to go was the cabinets.
BEFORE :(
We all know cabinets are not cheap so we opted to paint ours. We made our way over to Home Depot and bought a Rustoleum Cabinet Transformations kit. This kit comes with everything you need to refinish your cabinets and the best part is that you don't have to do any sanding or priming! The kit will run you about $85.
New cabinets for less than $100? Count me in!
Next step is putting hardware on those bad boys. You wouldn't believe what a difference hardware will make on your cabinets. I will warn you though, this was the most expensive part of the transformation. The hardware cost about $120 for all cabinets and drawers. This is not something I would skip, it is well worth the money and takes the whole kitchen up a notch! Do a little research and find hardware that fits your style. Chunkier hardware gives a more custom look and makes those new cabinets pop!
Last but not least, backsplash! Right now is a great time to remodel your kitchen because subway tiles are IN and the price is LOW. You can get a case for around $18 each, we used just over 3 cases in our kitchen. Even after buying grout and other supplies we were still out of there for less than $100.
Hubby had never done tile before so this was a learning experience, but after a few YouTube videos we were knocking it out! The hardest part was cutting around the outlets, but I did the measuring and he cut. We finished the backsplash in two days, and neither one of us had ever done it before! You will need a water saw for this (we borrowed one from a friend.)
AFTER :)
If your kitchen just needs cosmetic help then there is no need to break the bank. Get yourself on Pinterest and look for inspiration using as much of your current stuff as you can. We actually intended to get new counter tops, had them on order, but as soon as the cabinets were done I didn't hate the counters anymore. We decided to keep the ones we have and save ourselves a pretty penny. Also look for small touches that can give your kitchen an updated look. We used a darker gray grout on the backsplash to give it a little edge. The end result is amazing! I feel like I am walking through a showroom kitchen every time I go to the fridge.
Not only did we complete this project for around $320, we added thousands of dollars to the value of our house. If you are willing to do the work yourself you will be amazed how economical a new kitchen can be!
We would love to see your kitchen projects! How did you upgrade on a dime?
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| Before/After |
The Joy Killer
Do you want to know the number one thing that will suck the happiness right out of you?
Comparison.
We live in a society that is more covetous than ever, and social media plays a huge part in the dissatisfaction. People live way above their means to keep up with the Jones' and work jobs they hate to keep them afloat. What would happen if we started worrying more about what our unique God-given purpose was, instead of our neighbors new car or our high school friend's latest vacation?
The reality is that comparing yourself to anyone else is wrong. Whether it be someone's house, job, body or vacation, the truth is that even if you had it, you would just want the next thing that came around. There is nothing in this world that can truly satisfy besides the plan that God has for you. He is not holding back any good thing from us, his plans are better than we can even imagine!
Maybe you are not the envious type, but instead you look down on other people. This is just as bad as wishing you had the things that others did. You are still comparing yourself.
When we compare, we are robbing ourselves. If you are envious of others it is pointless because God wants to give you the desires of your heart. There is no need to want what others have. On the flip side there is also danger in thinking that we are better than other people because then we are not holding ourselves to God's standard, we are holding ourselves to the standard of those around us.
Just to give you an example, it might seem silly, but it will help you get the point. I am really picky about what I feed my kids. I check labels and buy almost everything organic. The last couple years when I was teaching and saw what most kids pack for their school lunches I was horrified. I couldn't believe how bad these kids were eating. It was all processed "food" and full of sugar. I started to get a little slack about the amount of sugar my kids were eating because "it wasn't as bad as most kids." This was having a negative effect on them because I was not holding them to a higher standard, I was just comparing their eating habits to every other kid. It was wrong. I am by no means perfect when it comes to their diet, but I no longer compare what they eat to other kids. I do what is best for them without worrying about what other people do.
For we dare not class ourselves or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves. But they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise. 2 Corinthians 10:12
When we think we are better than other people it takes away the drive and desire to grow. It lowers our standards.
There is nothing more freeing than letting go of the need to be like anyone else. The only person we should be comparing ourselves to is Jesus. He is our standard, nothing else. He wants to give you a life that is better than you ever dreamed of, but the first step is to stop comparing and start answering his call!
XXOO
Feed My Sheep
A couple of years ago, my husband and I were going through some tough financial times. Things were really tight, but I knew that this state we were in was not God's will. His will is for us to prosper. We are his own special people, and all of the blessings of Deuteronomy 28 belong to us through Jesus. I remember one day I was praying, seeking guidance and I clearly hear Him tell me, "It is not your job to take care of yourself, that is My job. Your job is to take care of others." This set me free!
It is so easy for many of us to say that we love God, and that we are followers of Jesus, yet we fail to do the things he has commanded us. The perfect example is found in John 21 when Jesus supernaturally provided Peter with a net full of fish after a night of catching absolutely nothing. Later in the chapter Jesus asks Peter if he loves Him. Peter says yes three times and each time Jesus responds saying, "then feed my sheep." Jesus provided for Peter so that he could provide for others.
Faith without works is dead. Saying that we love God means that we need to follow his commandments. He does not bless us and provide for us only to make us comfortable and happy, he provides so that we can "feed his sheep." So many Christians begin to tap in to all the wonderful benefits of the cross, but then they do nothing for the One who gave them all of those things.
If we just enjoy all the benefits of the cross and then keep it all for ourselves then we are selfish.
The way that Jesus asked Peter to prove his love is the same way we are supposed to prove our love. God takes care of us, we take care of others.
What exactly does it mean to "feed his sheep?"
It is our responsibility to serve others in any way we can. This could mean literally feeding people, it could also mean feeding them spiritually by encouraging, coaching, or ministering or praying for them. If you have nobody you can "feed" then you can give of your finances to ministers you trust, who are currently spreading the gospel and doing work of the kingdom. There is always something you can do.
We need to live a life of service. After all, Jesus took our place and suffered all the punishment so that we could live a life of health, peace and prosperity, the least we can do is dedicate our lives to his kingdom!
Every day when we wake up we should be asking God what we can do for him today. Always be open to respond to the call when he needs you. Live a life of giving and service towards others, even if they don't deserve it. Remember, you didn't deserve it either and Jesus did it for you!
Since Dustin and I have made the decision to serve others with our resources we have seen more blessing on our lives than ever before. I encourage you to push yourself out of your comfort zone and watch what God does in your life, you will not regret it!
It is so easy for many of us to say that we love God, and that we are followers of Jesus, yet we fail to do the things he has commanded us. The perfect example is found in John 21 when Jesus supernaturally provided Peter with a net full of fish after a night of catching absolutely nothing. Later in the chapter Jesus asks Peter if he loves Him. Peter says yes three times and each time Jesus responds saying, "then feed my sheep." Jesus provided for Peter so that he could provide for others.
Faith without works is dead. Saying that we love God means that we need to follow his commandments. He does not bless us and provide for us only to make us comfortable and happy, he provides so that we can "feed his sheep." So many Christians begin to tap in to all the wonderful benefits of the cross, but then they do nothing for the One who gave them all of those things.
If we just enjoy all the benefits of the cross and then keep it all for ourselves then we are selfish.
The way that Jesus asked Peter to prove his love is the same way we are supposed to prove our love. God takes care of us, we take care of others.
What exactly does it mean to "feed his sheep?"
It is our responsibility to serve others in any way we can. This could mean literally feeding people, it could also mean feeding them spiritually by encouraging, coaching, or ministering or praying for them. If you have nobody you can "feed" then you can give of your finances to ministers you trust, who are currently spreading the gospel and doing work of the kingdom. There is always something you can do.
We need to live a life of service. After all, Jesus took our place and suffered all the punishment so that we could live a life of health, peace and prosperity, the least we can do is dedicate our lives to his kingdom!
Every day when we wake up we should be asking God what we can do for him today. Always be open to respond to the call when he needs you. Live a life of giving and service towards others, even if they don't deserve it. Remember, you didn't deserve it either and Jesus did it for you!
Since Dustin and I have made the decision to serve others with our resources we have seen more blessing on our lives than ever before. I encourage you to push yourself out of your comfort zone and watch what God does in your life, you will not regret it!
Dear Wives with Selfish Husbands,
At some point or another all of us wives, myself included are guilty of getting mad at our husbands for being selfish.
"I am home all day with the kids, making all the meals, doing all the shopping and then he has the nerve to leave me here anyway and go watch the game with a friend."
or
"I never get any time to do the things that I want to do, yet he wants to go play (insert sport here) and he doesn't even ask me."
or
"I work all day too, yet I am the one who has to come home and cook, clean, pay bills. So selfish."
After spending some time being miserable I realized that while indeed husbands can be selfish from time to time, I am also guilty. It is not his fault that I don't get time to myself. It is my own fault for not saying I need time to myself, and actually taking the time. He is always happy to let me have some free time. More than my selfishness or his, there is a bigger issue at hand. It's a heart issue.
Part of a good relationship is sacrifice.
When Jesus died for us we were nothing but lost, selfish, little jerks, yet because he loved us he gave up everything for our freedom. As Christians we are supposed to die to ourselves and live for him first, and sometimes this means sacrifice. He suffered being beaten, humiliated, betrayed and killed and yet we complain because our husbands don't appreciate us? "It's just not fair" we say. Well it wasn't fair that Jesus died for a bunch of sins he didn't commit, either. Life is not fair, and the sooner we realize it the happier we will be. I understand that being a mom and wife can be hard work, but we are supposed to do all our work to the Lord, not to men. He will repay us, just as Jesus was repaid for his sacrifice and now is seated at the right hand of the Father!!
I encourage you to remember that we are called to something BIG, but it starts in our home. Serve your family with joy, hang in there on the hard days, and love your "selfish" husbands.
"I am home all day with the kids, making all the meals, doing all the shopping and then he has the nerve to leave me here anyway and go watch the game with a friend."
or
"I never get any time to do the things that I want to do, yet he wants to go play (insert sport here) and he doesn't even ask me."
or
"I work all day too, yet I am the one who has to come home and cook, clean, pay bills. So selfish."
After spending some time being miserable I realized that while indeed husbands can be selfish from time to time, I am also guilty. It is not his fault that I don't get time to myself. It is my own fault for not saying I need time to myself, and actually taking the time. He is always happy to let me have some free time. More than my selfishness or his, there is a bigger issue at hand. It's a heart issue.
Part of a good relationship is sacrifice.
When Jesus died for us we were nothing but lost, selfish, little jerks, yet because he loved us he gave up everything for our freedom. As Christians we are supposed to die to ourselves and live for him first, and sometimes this means sacrifice. He suffered being beaten, humiliated, betrayed and killed and yet we complain because our husbands don't appreciate us? "It's just not fair" we say. Well it wasn't fair that Jesus died for a bunch of sins he didn't commit, either. Life is not fair, and the sooner we realize it the happier we will be. I understand that being a mom and wife can be hard work, but we are supposed to do all our work to the Lord, not to men. He will repay us, just as Jesus was repaid for his sacrifice and now is seated at the right hand of the Father!!
I encourage you to remember that we are called to something BIG, but it starts in our home. Serve your family with joy, hang in there on the hard days, and love your "selfish" husbands.
I have decided to love you, and I am not changing my mind.
I remember the weeks leading up to my wedding and the excitement that I felt. I couldn't wait to say "I do" to the man I wanted to spend the rest of my life with. There was not a doubt in my mind that he was the one for me, the one that could give me my happily ever after.
We are now getting close to celebrating our sixth wedding anniversary and we have experienced lots of things together. Loss of loved ones, birth of our babies, sleepless nights, financial ups and downs and everything in between. Through all of it there have been times when the happily ever after didn't feel so happy. There have been times when I didn't feel the butterflies and gushy emotions, but when I decided to love my husband, it was forever, not based on a feeling.
There are all kinds of emotions attached to love, but love is not an emotion it is a decision. You can't "fall out of love." You can decide to stop loving someone, but love is not a mysterious, fickle little feeling that comes and goes.
As Christians we are called to love. If we can't love our own husband or wife unconditionally then how are we going to be effective at loving anyone else? On November 8, 2009 my husband and I made the commitment to love each other until death do us part. There was no disclaimer. I am not going to change my mind. If we are going to love like Jesus loved us then we can't attach our love to the actions of our spouse. It doesn't matter what he does or doesn't do to me, if Jesus loved and died for us while we were yet sinners, then I have the power to love my husband no matter what.
Imagine how different our world would be if our love for others was not based on conditions? There is great power in knowing that it is my choice to wake up every day and love my husband. We live in a world where people allow their emotions to control their decisions when it should be the exact opposite. Do you think Jesus allowed his emotions to control his decision to die on the cross for us? We know that his emotions tried to gain control over him because the bible tells us of the distress he suffered in the garden before he was killed.
"Then He said to them, "My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch with Me." He went a little farther and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, "O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will." (Matthew 26:38-39)
The bible makes it very clear that emotionally Jesus did not want to die. He was struggling, but he submitted himself to the Father so that His will could be done. If Jesus did it, we can do it too. We can overcome our emotions and make the decision to do what is right regardless of how we feel.
We need to start making the right decisions and demanding our emotions submit to those decisions, just as Jesus did. There is a great blessing attached to unconditional love. I can testify from seeing this work in my own life. My husband and I get closer all the time and we are able to overcome any obstacle because of the decision to love each other unconditionally.
I challenge you to try this! Whether it be your spouse, your boss, a difficult family member or a stranger, make the decision to walk in love and be blessed!
We are now getting close to celebrating our sixth wedding anniversary and we have experienced lots of things together. Loss of loved ones, birth of our babies, sleepless nights, financial ups and downs and everything in between. Through all of it there have been times when the happily ever after didn't feel so happy. There have been times when I didn't feel the butterflies and gushy emotions, but when I decided to love my husband, it was forever, not based on a feeling.
There are all kinds of emotions attached to love, but love is not an emotion it is a decision. You can't "fall out of love." You can decide to stop loving someone, but love is not a mysterious, fickle little feeling that comes and goes.
As Christians we are called to love. If we can't love our own husband or wife unconditionally then how are we going to be effective at loving anyone else? On November 8, 2009 my husband and I made the commitment to love each other until death do us part. There was no disclaimer. I am not going to change my mind. If we are going to love like Jesus loved us then we can't attach our love to the actions of our spouse. It doesn't matter what he does or doesn't do to me, if Jesus loved and died for us while we were yet sinners, then I have the power to love my husband no matter what.
Imagine how different our world would be if our love for others was not based on conditions? There is great power in knowing that it is my choice to wake up every day and love my husband. We live in a world where people allow their emotions to control their decisions when it should be the exact opposite. Do you think Jesus allowed his emotions to control his decision to die on the cross for us? We know that his emotions tried to gain control over him because the bible tells us of the distress he suffered in the garden before he was killed.
"Then He said to them, "My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch with Me." He went a little farther and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, "O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will." (Matthew 26:38-39)
The bible makes it very clear that emotionally Jesus did not want to die. He was struggling, but he submitted himself to the Father so that His will could be done. If Jesus did it, we can do it too. We can overcome our emotions and make the decision to do what is right regardless of how we feel.
We need to start making the right decisions and demanding our emotions submit to those decisions, just as Jesus did. There is a great blessing attached to unconditional love. I can testify from seeing this work in my own life. My husband and I get closer all the time and we are able to overcome any obstacle because of the decision to love each other unconditionally.
I challenge you to try this! Whether it be your spouse, your boss, a difficult family member or a stranger, make the decision to walk in love and be blessed!
Actions speak louder than words.... or do they?
We have all heard the phrase "actions speak louder than words." Usually people use this little one liner when they are trying to see if someone is who they say they are, and it's not usually in a positive context. It is correct in a sense, but the bible says that "out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks." This means that whatever is in your heart is going to come out of your mouth. You can be sure that if you said something, it was first in your heart.
Have you ever had moments where you look back and thought "wow, did I really say that, it was so mean!?"
I have.
Some of the things that have come out of my mouth still bother me to this day. I am so thankful to be covered in the blood of Jesus so that I don't have to feel shame or guilt. Instead now I plant more beautiful things into my heart so that the words that come out are pure and lovely. I still say stupid things sometimes, but God knows my heart and every day I am growing. Thank God for grace!
Your words are seeds, and you can be sure that whatever you spit out will bury itself in the ground and grow.
Do you gossip? If you do then you are sewing seeds of envy and strife which the bible says leads to confusion and EVERY evil work (James 3:16.) Do you want your seeds to grow into plants of every evil work? Me neither, try using glue stick instead of chapstick, maybe it will help ;) Not really, but maybe some of us would be better off doing a little less talking. Instead, try and see people as God sees them, makes it hard to find anything bad to say.
Are you negative? Do you continuously have something negative to say about every situation? When you speak negative words it is because you have a negative heart. You have a negative heart because you do not have faith, you do not have faith because you have not renewed your mind through God's Word. Discovering who you are in Christ will make you the most positive person on the planet! How can we not be positive when the Creator of the universe has given you all His power through Jesus?! Everything good on this earth is ours through Him, yet very few see the fruit in their lives because they only plant negative seeds with their mouths. Read God's words, speak God's words, you will get God's results.
My husband and I have seen so many wonderful things happen in our marriage because we have refused to speak negatively towards each other. Anyone who knows us can tell you that while we might have an occasional disagreement, we don't have a habit of speaking negative words to each other. Neither of us have ever once brought up the "D" (divorce) word and have never called each other names. We don't point out each other's faults in order to try to prove a point, and we have both learned that it is better not to discuss anything if we are angry. This takes self control, especially for you, ladies! I can tell you though, it works! In marriage there is so much pressure to "communicate" that often people end up only communicating the negative things that won't bring any life into their marriage. Make a commitment to only say positive things to and about your spouse and you will reap a harvest of wedded bliss.
If you want to see good fruit grow in your life then you need to speak words that will bring a good harvest. God is waiting to pour out his blessings on you, but most of us block all the blessing by speaking negative words that don't agree with God's Word. Start speaking God's Words, and you will start getting God's results!
I challenge you to take this week to think before you speak, and choose words of love and life!
XOXO
Have you ever had moments where you look back and thought "wow, did I really say that, it was so mean!?"
I have.
Some of the things that have come out of my mouth still bother me to this day. I am so thankful to be covered in the blood of Jesus so that I don't have to feel shame or guilt. Instead now I plant more beautiful things into my heart so that the words that come out are pure and lovely. I still say stupid things sometimes, but God knows my heart and every day I am growing. Thank God for grace!
Your words are seeds, and you can be sure that whatever you spit out will bury itself in the ground and grow.
Do you gossip? If you do then you are sewing seeds of envy and strife which the bible says leads to confusion and EVERY evil work (James 3:16.) Do you want your seeds to grow into plants of every evil work? Me neither, try using glue stick instead of chapstick, maybe it will help ;) Not really, but maybe some of us would be better off doing a little less talking. Instead, try and see people as God sees them, makes it hard to find anything bad to say.
Are you negative? Do you continuously have something negative to say about every situation? When you speak negative words it is because you have a negative heart. You have a negative heart because you do not have faith, you do not have faith because you have not renewed your mind through God's Word. Discovering who you are in Christ will make you the most positive person on the planet! How can we not be positive when the Creator of the universe has given you all His power through Jesus?! Everything good on this earth is ours through Him, yet very few see the fruit in their lives because they only plant negative seeds with their mouths. Read God's words, speak God's words, you will get God's results.
My husband and I have seen so many wonderful things happen in our marriage because we have refused to speak negatively towards each other. Anyone who knows us can tell you that while we might have an occasional disagreement, we don't have a habit of speaking negative words to each other. Neither of us have ever once brought up the "D" (divorce) word and have never called each other names. We don't point out each other's faults in order to try to prove a point, and we have both learned that it is better not to discuss anything if we are angry. This takes self control, especially for you, ladies! I can tell you though, it works! In marriage there is so much pressure to "communicate" that often people end up only communicating the negative things that won't bring any life into their marriage. Make a commitment to only say positive things to and about your spouse and you will reap a harvest of wedded bliss.
If you want to see good fruit grow in your life then you need to speak words that will bring a good harvest. God is waiting to pour out his blessings on you, but most of us block all the blessing by speaking negative words that don't agree with God's Word. Start speaking God's Words, and you will start getting God's results!
I challenge you to take this week to think before you speak, and choose words of love and life!
XOXO
Love is Blind
"You're so pretty mommy," said my two year old little boy as he smashed my face between his little boyish hands. I hadn't showered, no makeup, hair looking crazy. "Love is blind, my sweet little boy," I told him. He ran off playing and left me pondering all things about love.
I wish I could be more like him. He doesn't judge my bad mommy moments, he doesn't care if I am still in my pajamas at noon, he only sees the good in me. He knows I feed him when he is hungry, kiss his boo boos when he falls, and love him with my whole heart. There is a reason the bible says that unless we are like a little child we will not enter the kingdom of heaven. We adults make everything so complicated. Jesus said to love, not to judge our brothers, and forgive those who do us wrong.
What if we stopped seeing all the flaws in our spouses and insisted on only recognizing the good things about them? What if we ignored that rude thing they said, and gave it to God instead? What if we praised them for the things that they are doing right, instead of nag them for their short comings? What if we stopped trying to control them, and started giving God the reigns?
What if we stopped complaining about how our kids are so difficult and started noticing the amazing little people they are growing up to be? What if we started realizing their God-given abilities and encouraged them to discover more? What if we prayed more, yelled less? What if we spent more time training them up in the way they should go so that when they are old they will not depart from it?
What if?
We would be more like Jesus.
Jesus has a blind love for us. In Christ, the bible says that we are a new creation, which means we are righteous, holy and perfect. That is what He sees. He died for all the sin, it is wiped away. He sees all of our good qualities and he encourages us in those. His Word guides us and shows us a mirror image of who we are in him so that we are no longer interested in returning to our former ways.
Does this mean that we live in a fantasy world of unicorns and butterflies and refuse to see any problems? No, but it means that because of His unconditional love, we are free to love others with the same kind of blind love.
"By this all will know that you are my disciples, that you have love for one another." John 13:35
Did you know that most people feel like they are unlovable? If there was one good thing about an overall problematic person and you were to find it, and point it out, do you know what that would do for them? It would empower them. It would make them want to be better. That is what Jesus does with us.
I challenge you to try it. Think of the most difficult person in your life and start focusing on their positive traits. Acknowledge the good things about them, mix it with prayer, and let God do the work on their hearts. If you can't think of anyone, do it on yourself. Stop thinking negative thoughts about yourself, focus on the things you like, read the Word to discover who you are in Christ, and let God turn you into the man or woman he made you to be!
I would love to hear your Love is Blind moments! Take the challenge and share your testimonies in the comments!
XXOO
I wish I could be more like him. He doesn't judge my bad mommy moments, he doesn't care if I am still in my pajamas at noon, he only sees the good in me. He knows I feed him when he is hungry, kiss his boo boos when he falls, and love him with my whole heart. There is a reason the bible says that unless we are like a little child we will not enter the kingdom of heaven. We adults make everything so complicated. Jesus said to love, not to judge our brothers, and forgive those who do us wrong.
What if we stopped seeing all the flaws in our spouses and insisted on only recognizing the good things about them? What if we ignored that rude thing they said, and gave it to God instead? What if we praised them for the things that they are doing right, instead of nag them for their short comings? What if we stopped trying to control them, and started giving God the reigns?
What if we stopped complaining about how our kids are so difficult and started noticing the amazing little people they are growing up to be? What if we started realizing their God-given abilities and encouraged them to discover more? What if we prayed more, yelled less? What if we spent more time training them up in the way they should go so that when they are old they will not depart from it?
What if?
We would be more like Jesus.
Jesus has a blind love for us. In Christ, the bible says that we are a new creation, which means we are righteous, holy and perfect. That is what He sees. He died for all the sin, it is wiped away. He sees all of our good qualities and he encourages us in those. His Word guides us and shows us a mirror image of who we are in him so that we are no longer interested in returning to our former ways.
Does this mean that we live in a fantasy world of unicorns and butterflies and refuse to see any problems? No, but it means that because of His unconditional love, we are free to love others with the same kind of blind love.
"By this all will know that you are my disciples, that you have love for one another." John 13:35
Did you know that most people feel like they are unlovable? If there was one good thing about an overall problematic person and you were to find it, and point it out, do you know what that would do for them? It would empower them. It would make them want to be better. That is what Jesus does with us.
I challenge you to try it. Think of the most difficult person in your life and start focusing on their positive traits. Acknowledge the good things about them, mix it with prayer, and let God do the work on their hearts. If you can't think of anyone, do it on yourself. Stop thinking negative thoughts about yourself, focus on the things you like, read the Word to discover who you are in Christ, and let God turn you into the man or woman he made you to be!
I would love to hear your Love is Blind moments! Take the challenge and share your testimonies in the comments!
XXOO
Why I Plan to Shelter My Children
Lately I have been shocked and disturbed when I read the headlines and see the moral decline of our society as a whole. I don't like the world that my children will grow up in. I realize that if I want them to have a good life and make an impact on this world my job as a parent is more important than ever.
When we talk about sheltering our children, people get visuals of weird cult like communes with people who dress like they live in the early 1900's. That is not what I am talking about. I firmly believe that we as Christians are the light of the world and we must go out into the world in order for that light to shine, BUT...in due time. We can't throw our kids out to the wolves with no expectation of what they will encounter or how to deal with it when they do.
Public schools are now introducing sex education to children as young as 4th grade. This is not just regular sex education, but graphic, pornographic images along with information on masturbation, abortion, how to use condoms, and the differences between oral, anal and vaginal sex. These are not subjects I want my children to learn from a curriculum void of moral values. The new common core curriculum eliminates anything relating to creation and teaches everything based off the theory of evolution. I don't want to have to spend hours when they get home undoing all the wrong information they have gotten at school. These reasons, among many other things are why my children will not attend public school.
If children don't have a solid foundation of truth, grounded and rooted in the Word of God, they will not be able to withstand the pressures of this life. We don't have very many years with them to establish this foundation and I don't want to waste time by allowing their minds to be filled with the agenda of the federal government, which is what the common core curriculum is. Not only do they get it from school, but through the use of the internet on their personal electronics, TV, and music. If their negative input is more than they positive input you are going to have a problem. It is that simple.
I love country music, it has always been my favorite, but lately I can't even let my kids listen to it! It used to be about God and Country and now it's all about getting drunk and sleeping around! It is not exactly cute when you hear your kid singing a lyric about a hangover.
Sheltering my children will allow them to establish a sure foundation so that they can go out into the world and accomplish all God has for them. Without a foundation, they will crumble and be tossed every which way like the waves in the sea.
As an adult I am finding it necessary to shelter myself! My husband laughs at me because every time a scary commercial comes on TV I cover my eyes and ears and look the other way. I know that might seem ridiculous, but when I was younger I used to love scary movies and over time I started to struggle with fear. It crept in and started setting up camp in many areas of my life. I had to stop any entrance of fear and scary movies were one of those entrances. I live a sheltered life compared to many people my age but guess what? I am happy, I am confident, I have good relationships, I don't get depressed or anxious, I am excited for my future, and I am free. If living a sheltered life doesn't work then don't wake me up because it's working for me!
Does this mean you remove yourself from the world? No. As Christians we are in this world, but we are not of this world. We are called to be salt and light to those around us (Matthew 5;13-16.) We should be a blessing wherever we go, we should help people find freedom in their lives, we should be opening ourselves up to be used by God. We should be influencing, not being influenced. This is not only what I want for myself, but what I want for my children.
What about you? Do you feel the need to get back to basics with your kids in our ever changing society?
I would love to hear from YOU!
XXOO
Is God Still Speaking?
Until recently I really didn't understand what people meant when they said God spoke to them about something. We continuously hear it preached that if we want to hear from God then we need to read the Word. "Read your bible and you will hear God speak to you," they say. I wish people would explain that more....
I can't tell you how many times I have gotten into a situation and wanted to hear God's opinion on something so I did exactly what everyone says. I got my bible and prayed for God to show me what I needed to hear. I open it to a random page, put my finger on a verse and it is something like "Jeshua begot Joiakim." Not exactly the dramatic word from God that I was trying to hear. I was doing it all wrong.
God is always talking to us. He cares about all the little stuff. He wants to be involved intimately in every detail of our life, closer than anyone else. Studying the bible is the way that we hear from God because it IS God. Jesus IS the Word. (John 1:1)
The reason we need to study the bible to hear from God is because if we don't know what the bible says we don't know God's character, or the way he works in our lives. If you don't know the truth, you can't tell right from wrong and you will have no discernment to make good choices.
Let's say you wanted to find an endangered animal in it's natural habitat, but you didn't know where to start. What would you do? You would get books and search the internet learning about it's eating habits, where it sleeps, what it looks like. You would want to know what kinds of noises it makes and what it's footprints looked like so you would know them when you saw them. You would need to know what the habits of that animal are in order to find it.
You must do the same with God. If you want to know how God speaks, the way he leads, and how he corrects then you have to know his character. You have to gather as many details as you can find. The incredible news is that it can all be found in his Word! There is no mystery. He left us the bible to study and learn all about his wonderful ways.
It is not responsible to go around saying that God told you something unless you have regularly been in the Word.
I once had someone tell me that God told them they needed to talk to me about something. When we talked they told me they could not forgive me and get over an issue that happened previously between us, and it seemed they wanted an apology. I had completely forgotten about it, and to be honest, I didn't think I did anything wrong. Whether I was right or wrong was really not the point. That wasn't God telling them to talk to me, that was their own issue of unforgiveness towards me. The bible says to forgive, even when the other person is wrong (Matthew 6:15.) If they knew the Word they would have just forgiven me and gave the issue to God. God would have gotten through to me a lot better than they did.
Christians can make God look really bad if we go around telling people "words from God" that are contrary to what his Word says!
If you want to hear God speaking to you then you must learn the bible inside and out, you must "meditate on it day and night." Jesus lives inside of us and according to the bible, we as Christians have all of his power available to us (Matthew 28:18-20.) The Word is a reflection of our spirit, a mirror. We check our physical mirror every day, often more than once a day. How often are we looking at our spiritual mirror?
I have gotten to the point now that even though I still have a lot to learn, if I need guidance on something, I don't have to open my bible randomly and blindly pick a verse that will hopefully fit my circumstance. I have learned so much that I can make decisions based on the knowledge that I have gained. When I don't know, I study, and don't stop until I find my answer. My mind is being renewed constantly through the word and I now hear God speaking what he had been speaking to me all along!
If you want to hear God more, study his word. Meditate (think) on it. Give yourself time to really contemplate it. "Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." John 8:32
XXOO
This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. Joshua 1:8
God is always talking to us. He cares about all the little stuff. He wants to be involved intimately in every detail of our life, closer than anyone else. Studying the bible is the way that we hear from God because it IS God. Jesus IS the Word. (John 1:1)
The reason we need to study the bible to hear from God is because if we don't know what the bible says we don't know God's character, or the way he works in our lives. If you don't know the truth, you can't tell right from wrong and you will have no discernment to make good choices.
Let's say you wanted to find an endangered animal in it's natural habitat, but you didn't know where to start. What would you do? You would get books and search the internet learning about it's eating habits, where it sleeps, what it looks like. You would want to know what kinds of noises it makes and what it's footprints looked like so you would know them when you saw them. You would need to know what the habits of that animal are in order to find it.
You must do the same with God. If you want to know how God speaks, the way he leads, and how he corrects then you have to know his character. You have to gather as many details as you can find. The incredible news is that it can all be found in his Word! There is no mystery. He left us the bible to study and learn all about his wonderful ways.
It is not responsible to go around saying that God told you something unless you have regularly been in the Word.
I once had someone tell me that God told them they needed to talk to me about something. When we talked they told me they could not forgive me and get over an issue that happened previously between us, and it seemed they wanted an apology. I had completely forgotten about it, and to be honest, I didn't think I did anything wrong. Whether I was right or wrong was really not the point. That wasn't God telling them to talk to me, that was their own issue of unforgiveness towards me. The bible says to forgive, even when the other person is wrong (Matthew 6:15.) If they knew the Word they would have just forgiven me and gave the issue to God. God would have gotten through to me a lot better than they did.
Christians can make God look really bad if we go around telling people "words from God" that are contrary to what his Word says!
If you want to hear God speaking to you then you must learn the bible inside and out, you must "meditate on it day and night." Jesus lives inside of us and according to the bible, we as Christians have all of his power available to us (Matthew 28:18-20.) The Word is a reflection of our spirit, a mirror. We check our physical mirror every day, often more than once a day. How often are we looking at our spiritual mirror?
I have gotten to the point now that even though I still have a lot to learn, if I need guidance on something, I don't have to open my bible randomly and blindly pick a verse that will hopefully fit my circumstance. I have learned so much that I can make decisions based on the knowledge that I have gained. When I don't know, I study, and don't stop until I find my answer. My mind is being renewed constantly through the word and I now hear God speaking what he had been speaking to me all along!
If you want to hear God more, study his word. Meditate (think) on it. Give yourself time to really contemplate it. "Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." John 8:32
XXOO
This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. Joshua 1:8
Guilt is a Liar
As Christians we know that God is always speaking to us, but we don't always know how to listen. I think the biggest problem we have as believers is that we don't understand God's character and we believe that when we need correction from God we are going to hear it in the form of condemnation and guilt. We know that we aren't supposed to feel guilty, but what we don't always realize is that we are supposed to feel convicted. Conviction and guilt couldn't be more opposite, but many times they are confused for each other. So what is the difference?
Guilt drags you down, tells you that you aren't good enough, you don't measure up.
Conviction encourages you to do better, shows you a better way, and uplifts you.
I am a teacher so during the summer I don't work. No work means that my regular stream of income is non existent. While my husband and I do prepare for summer and save up to help ease the burden, there is still a need to trust God with our finances.
I have a couple little side gigs I do from home to bring in extra income, and one of those things is market research. Every so often I have a company call me and survey me to see if I fit their credentials for studies they are doing. Sometimes it's personal care products, other times its cleaning stuff, even food or drinks. Anyway, the extra income is nice and being an opinionated person, I don't mind getting paid to tell them what I think of their products.
Today they called me and asked a series of questions. I knew what they were getting at, and I wanted to do the study so against my better judgment I told a little white lie about what kind of dish soap I use. I qualified, got my appointment and hung up the phone.
Immediately I heard God speak to me, "Why don't you trust me?"Hmmmm... How could lying about dish soap not be trusting God? I thought about this for a second and realized what it meant. Here I am trying to walk in faith for our finances and trust God to provide, yet I lie to manipulate the situation, as though God needs my help? God doesn't need me to lie for him to take care of us. If I really trusted him I wouldn't care whether or not I qualified for the study, I would be confident knowing that if I didn't get it, there would be something else on the horizon.
I prayed and asked for forgiveness and realized that I had to call back and make things right. I don't want to give the devil any entrance into my life and after all, he is the father of lies, even little tiny white ones.
I called the lady back and told her that I gave her the wrong brand of soap, that I actually use a different kind. She sounded confused and put me on hold. She came back on the phone a couple minutes later and told me that I still qualified and thanked me for calling back. All of that and I could have just been honest from the beginning! The lie was a waste, but the lesson was not.
This may seem like a silly incident, but it gave me a huge understanding of how God redirects our steps. The devil uses guilt and says things like "you hypocrite, you say you hate lying, but then you go and lie about something so small. What kind of Christian are you?" We start to believe lies about ourselves and the devil starts getting victory in our lives. He is defeated, slam the door on him!
In contrast, God convicts us gently and tells us there is a better way, just to trust him and he will work it out. No guilt, just encouragement.
What an amazing difference! I wish I would have just told the truth the first time, so that I didn't need to have the humbling experience of calling back, but I am so thankful I heard God's voice gently reminding me to trust him, that it is for my own good.
Do you feel guilty when you do something you know you shouldn't? Well you need to stop. God sent his son Jesus to die for your sins and we need to be more God conscience and less sin conscience. If we are in Christ then the bible says we are a new creation. Our past, present and future sin is covered under Jesus' blood and we should feel nothing but freedom.
After that experience today I felt so good. Even though I messed up, I was so thankful God showed me how I can trust him more. I don't want any unbelief entering in to ruin all the blessings God has planned for me!
Conviction provides a solution showing us how we can trust God more, and grow closer to him! Give me more of that!
Do you have any stories about times God convicted you and it strengthened your relationship with him? I would love to hear about it!
XXOO
Guilt drags you down, tells you that you aren't good enough, you don't measure up.
Conviction encourages you to do better, shows you a better way, and uplifts you.
I am a teacher so during the summer I don't work. No work means that my regular stream of income is non existent. While my husband and I do prepare for summer and save up to help ease the burden, there is still a need to trust God with our finances.
I have a couple little side gigs I do from home to bring in extra income, and one of those things is market research. Every so often I have a company call me and survey me to see if I fit their credentials for studies they are doing. Sometimes it's personal care products, other times its cleaning stuff, even food or drinks. Anyway, the extra income is nice and being an opinionated person, I don't mind getting paid to tell them what I think of their products.
Today they called me and asked a series of questions. I knew what they were getting at, and I wanted to do the study so against my better judgment I told a little white lie about what kind of dish soap I use. I qualified, got my appointment and hung up the phone.
Immediately I heard God speak to me, "Why don't you trust me?"Hmmmm... How could lying about dish soap not be trusting God? I thought about this for a second and realized what it meant. Here I am trying to walk in faith for our finances and trust God to provide, yet I lie to manipulate the situation, as though God needs my help? God doesn't need me to lie for him to take care of us. If I really trusted him I wouldn't care whether or not I qualified for the study, I would be confident knowing that if I didn't get it, there would be something else on the horizon.
I prayed and asked for forgiveness and realized that I had to call back and make things right. I don't want to give the devil any entrance into my life and after all, he is the father of lies, even little tiny white ones.
I called the lady back and told her that I gave her the wrong brand of soap, that I actually use a different kind. She sounded confused and put me on hold. She came back on the phone a couple minutes later and told me that I still qualified and thanked me for calling back. All of that and I could have just been honest from the beginning! The lie was a waste, but the lesson was not.
This may seem like a silly incident, but it gave me a huge understanding of how God redirects our steps. The devil uses guilt and says things like "you hypocrite, you say you hate lying, but then you go and lie about something so small. What kind of Christian are you?" We start to believe lies about ourselves and the devil starts getting victory in our lives. He is defeated, slam the door on him!
In contrast, God convicts us gently and tells us there is a better way, just to trust him and he will work it out. No guilt, just encouragement.
What an amazing difference! I wish I would have just told the truth the first time, so that I didn't need to have the humbling experience of calling back, but I am so thankful I heard God's voice gently reminding me to trust him, that it is for my own good.
Do you feel guilty when you do something you know you shouldn't? Well you need to stop. God sent his son Jesus to die for your sins and we need to be more God conscience and less sin conscience. If we are in Christ then the bible says we are a new creation. Our past, present and future sin is covered under Jesus' blood and we should feel nothing but freedom.
After that experience today I felt so good. Even though I messed up, I was so thankful God showed me how I can trust him more. I don't want any unbelief entering in to ruin all the blessings God has planned for me!
Conviction provides a solution showing us how we can trust God more, and grow closer to him! Give me more of that!
Do you have any stories about times God convicted you and it strengthened your relationship with him? I would love to hear about it!
XXOO
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