Who the Son sets free is free indeed!
That doesn't mean that your enemy will shut his mouth, but that does mean it doesn't matter what he says!
Can I get a hallelujah?!
I've been thinking so much about this lately. Everyone goes through battles: emotional, physical, mental, etc. There's no new battle for anyone, ever, in the history of the world. The devil's the same jerk he's always been, pulling the same stunts he's always pulled. I'm so glad the Bible tells us that we have the victory through Jesus, we're more than over-comers, greater is He that's in us & no weapon formed against us will prosper! Praise God!!
Did you know that walking in victory doesn't mean your enemy will stop trying to talk to you about the battle? The devil will try to convince you that the battle is still raging, but did you also know that he's the father of lies?!
Just because the enemy tries to come back at you with something you've been set free from in the past doesn't mean you're back in that trench, it just means your enemy needs to be reminded that who the Son sets free is free indeed. Remember he's a deceiver, he's going to try & tell you that it's back. Right then & there it's your choice who you're going to believe - the devil who's lying to you & telling you that the battle is back, or Jesus Christ who not only defeated satan & took the keys from him, but who set you free to walk in abundant life & Who told you that no weapon formed against you will prosper? Which one will you believe...because you'll have the fruit of that decision.
If you wait to rejoice in your victory until the devil leaves you alone, sweet loved one, you will never get the opportunity to rejoice. You need to answer those wrong thoughts, words, symptoms, & emotions that are trying to tell you that you didn't win & you're back in the battle. Authority has been given to you & now must be taken by you! Any gift you ever get is of no good to you unless you apply it to it's purpose. God has gifted us authority, now apply it! Speak the Word, pray, repent, forgive, answer, & declare & rejoice in the victory that belongs to you!
Regardless of what you feel like right now, begin to do an act of faith over your situation... rejoice, sing, dance & watch God come into it. The step of faith might not always feel good or even real to your 5 physical senses, but the result of it will be power-packed!
Galatians 5:1 - For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.
-Amie
Showing posts with label joy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label joy. Show all posts
Friday, February 2, 2018
Tuesday, January 3, 2017
Happy New Year
Happy New Year Everyone!
There's so much to look forward to this year! Not because of what's going on in the world & not because of what's going on in your life, but because of what God says about you!
His promises are good, they are true & they are certain. Imagine that! He's not only for us, but He's capable of coming through for us! This crazy world & the people in it might let you down, even the good ones who don't mean to, but GOD NEVER WILL! What a promise!
Start your new year right & learn what God says about you & what is yours. Faith comes by the Word. Your faith can only be activated by what God says. It starts in the Bible! If we don't make time for the Bible we won't be making time for our faith to grow & nobody wants that! We all desire to grow & become better versions of ourselves. God has set up the simplest & most effective way to do that - discipline & sacrifice - but don't forget the immense reward that comes from those two things - being called a child of God & heir to all the promises that are YES & AMEN!
Now that's good news & makes for a pretty darn Happy New Year!
Wishing you all the very best & looking forward to what God is going to do in 2017.
There's so much to look forward to this year! Not because of what's going on in the world & not because of what's going on in your life, but because of what God says about you!
His promises are good, they are true & they are certain. Imagine that! He's not only for us, but He's capable of coming through for us! This crazy world & the people in it might let you down, even the good ones who don't mean to, but GOD NEVER WILL! What a promise!
Start your new year right & learn what God says about you & what is yours. Faith comes by the Word. Your faith can only be activated by what God says. It starts in the Bible! If we don't make time for the Bible we won't be making time for our faith to grow & nobody wants that! We all desire to grow & become better versions of ourselves. God has set up the simplest & most effective way to do that - discipline & sacrifice - but don't forget the immense reward that comes from those two things - being called a child of God & heir to all the promises that are YES & AMEN!
Now that's good news & makes for a pretty darn Happy New Year!
Wishing you all the very best & looking forward to what God is going to do in 2017.
Tuesday, October 18, 2016
Grace
This last Saturday was National Pregnancy & Infant Loss Awareness Day. I saw many posts on Instagram & Twitter celebrating the lives of sweet babies that were lost too soon & it was a wonderful reminder that we're all in this together & that our babies will never be forgotten.
But I gotta tell ya, this week I got something that meant so much more to me. God spoke to me & I've never felt stronger or more liberated. He told me it's time; "stop being a baby about your baby." I can't tell you what those words lit inside of me.
When God speaks His truth into your heart it doesn't just make you feel good, it gives you something to grab hold of. His Word is a lamp to our feet & a light to our path. Instead of crawling through life after being knocked down, His Word causes us to stand up, stiffen our resolve & take that next step of faith.
His Word is like no other because with it comes the grace we've needed all along to grasp the truth. People can tell you, experience can tell you, pain can tell you, so many things can tell you, but when Jesus speaks to you - grace comes.
Oh, that wonderful grace that makes it all possible. The grace that gives us power to stomp on what tries to hold us down. Don't stop until it comes to you. It doesn't matter how long it takes you, don't stop until you hear His voice full of truth & grace & love.
But I gotta tell ya, this week I got something that meant so much more to me. God spoke to me & I've never felt stronger or more liberated. He told me it's time; "stop being a baby about your baby." I can't tell you what those words lit inside of me.
When God speaks His truth into your heart it doesn't just make you feel good, it gives you something to grab hold of. His Word is a lamp to our feet & a light to our path. Instead of crawling through life after being knocked down, His Word causes us to stand up, stiffen our resolve & take that next step of faith.
His Word is like no other because with it comes the grace we've needed all along to grasp the truth. People can tell you, experience can tell you, pain can tell you, so many things can tell you, but when Jesus speaks to you - grace comes.
Oh, that wonderful grace that makes it all possible. The grace that gives us power to stomp on what tries to hold us down. Don't stop until it comes to you. It doesn't matter how long it takes you, don't stop until you hear His voice full of truth & grace & love.
Tuesday, March 8, 2016
feelings & facts
"The most treacherous thing is to live by feelings." Leonard Ravenhill
I can't tell you how many people I've told this too in the last week. It seems like feelings are trying to take over everyone lately.
Yes, feelings are real. Yes, feelings are strong. Yes, feelings are part of us, but that doesn't mean that they are always right. It doesn't matter if your whole self is screaming that something is true, it can still be wrong. The facts are our friends, whether our feelings agree with them or not.
Let me tell you some facts:
God formed you. You weren't just an accident or even a scientific happening. You were specifically formed by a loving Father who put effort into you & has a vision for who you are to be.
Psalm 139:13-16
You have a God-given purpose. You aren't on this earth to just exist, you are here to carry the Spirit & power of God to those around you. You are the temple of the Most High God, & a vessel that He wants to flow through.
1 Corinthians 6:19 & Jeremiah 29:11
You have power. It's not your own power, but it's the power of the Almighty God that lives in you. The same power that raised Jesus from the dead, the same power that heals & delivers, & the same power that tramples on serpents & scorpions.
Ephesians 3:20-21
You have peace. Meditate in His Word & on Him, and you will have peace because He said it was so.
Isaiah 26:3
The pressure of this world does not own you. It's way of thinking does not run you. That is why we must renew our minds to the Word of God. We cannot run with the truth if we do not know what it is, and by "know" I mean believe & have a firm grasp on. The tighter our hold on God & His word, the less grip this world will have on us.
We are not of this world, we live above it & we shine bright in it. Thank God that He has delivered us from the "cause & effect" laws of this world. There is no "cause" or "effect" that can change the truth of His Word in our lives.
I can't tell you how many people I've told this too in the last week. It seems like feelings are trying to take over everyone lately.
Yes, feelings are real. Yes, feelings are strong. Yes, feelings are part of us, but that doesn't mean that they are always right. It doesn't matter if your whole self is screaming that something is true, it can still be wrong. The facts are our friends, whether our feelings agree with them or not.
Let me tell you some facts:
God formed you. You weren't just an accident or even a scientific happening. You were specifically formed by a loving Father who put effort into you & has a vision for who you are to be.
Psalm 139:13-16
You have a God-given purpose. You aren't on this earth to just exist, you are here to carry the Spirit & power of God to those around you. You are the temple of the Most High God, & a vessel that He wants to flow through.
1 Corinthians 6:19 & Jeremiah 29:11
You have power. It's not your own power, but it's the power of the Almighty God that lives in you. The same power that raised Jesus from the dead, the same power that heals & delivers, & the same power that tramples on serpents & scorpions.
Ephesians 3:20-21
You have peace. Meditate in His Word & on Him, and you will have peace because He said it was so.
Isaiah 26:3
The pressure of this world does not own you. It's way of thinking does not run you. That is why we must renew our minds to the Word of God. We cannot run with the truth if we do not know what it is, and by "know" I mean believe & have a firm grasp on. The tighter our hold on God & His word, the less grip this world will have on us.
We are not of this world, we live above it & we shine bright in it. Thank God that He has delivered us from the "cause & effect" laws of this world. There is no "cause" or "effect" that can change the truth of His Word in our lives.
Monday, January 18, 2016
"comfort food"
They don't call it "comfort food" for nothing...
It's the beginning of the new year & the time when my church does "The Daniel Fast."
It's a glorious, somewhat terrifying 21 days of eating only fruits, veggies & whole grains while we purpose to spend more time with God in our daily lives. We're basically setting the tone for the new year & letting our flesh know that it's not the boss.
It's always a time that reveals a lot about your character, desires & motivations.
This year I couldn't believe how much emotional stock I put in food. Really it should not have come as a surprise looking back, but the cold-turkey dismissal of all things sweet, savory, greasy, yummy & satisfying was a shock to my system. & I came to understand some things.
1. Food releases pleasure & can bring a false sense of comfort/healing, as can entertainment, shopping, & the list goes on. The issue isn't the food, it's your heart. If you turn to food every time you're feeling emotional, you'll become an emotional eater & you'll be caught in a cycle. If however you turn to God in those moments, you become healed. That's a major difference!
2. Laziness will destroy you. Not only will it cause you to gain weight (both physical & emotional), it will keep you out of your promise land & begin to skew the truth of the Word of God in your eyes. Rather than living an active life of faith, you begin to say things like, "tithing doesn't work," or "healing isn't for today" because you don't see them happening.
Somehow in church life I got it into my brain that if I just existed in this Christian life all the good things that God promised would automatically happen for me & none of the bad things in life would ever happen to me. But the Bible says that faith without works is dead - that means I need to do something. It's not about earning God promises, it's about living a life that shows you believe Him. Faith engages God, acknowledges that He is present & then takes the step that He asks of it. Whether that step is sharing your faith, praying for the sick, believing through tragedy, dancing in worship or giving your last $10 in the offering.
Don't let life make you lazy! Don't run to anything else for comfort, it doesn't have the power to heal you. Run your race! Run to God, run with faith, it is not as hard as your flesh wants you to believe.
You don't just sit at the table & expect the food to get in your stomach! You gotta pick up the fork & chew...it's not hard to do, but it makes all the difference.
-Amie
It's the beginning of the new year & the time when my church does "The Daniel Fast."
It's a glorious, somewhat terrifying 21 days of eating only fruits, veggies & whole grains while we purpose to spend more time with God in our daily lives. We're basically setting the tone for the new year & letting our flesh know that it's not the boss.
It's always a time that reveals a lot about your character, desires & motivations.
This year I couldn't believe how much emotional stock I put in food. Really it should not have come as a surprise looking back, but the cold-turkey dismissal of all things sweet, savory, greasy, yummy & satisfying was a shock to my system. & I came to understand some things.
1. Food releases pleasure & can bring a false sense of comfort/healing, as can entertainment, shopping, & the list goes on. The issue isn't the food, it's your heart. If you turn to food every time you're feeling emotional, you'll become an emotional eater & you'll be caught in a cycle. If however you turn to God in those moments, you become healed. That's a major difference!
2. Laziness will destroy you. Not only will it cause you to gain weight (both physical & emotional), it will keep you out of your promise land & begin to skew the truth of the Word of God in your eyes. Rather than living an active life of faith, you begin to say things like, "tithing doesn't work," or "healing isn't for today" because you don't see them happening.
Somehow in church life I got it into my brain that if I just existed in this Christian life all the good things that God promised would automatically happen for me & none of the bad things in life would ever happen to me. But the Bible says that faith without works is dead - that means I need to do something. It's not about earning God promises, it's about living a life that shows you believe Him. Faith engages God, acknowledges that He is present & then takes the step that He asks of it. Whether that step is sharing your faith, praying for the sick, believing through tragedy, dancing in worship or giving your last $10 in the offering.
Don't let life make you lazy! Don't run to anything else for comfort, it doesn't have the power to heal you. Run your race! Run to God, run with faith, it is not as hard as your flesh wants you to believe.
You don't just sit at the table & expect the food to get in your stomach! You gotta pick up the fork & chew...it's not hard to do, but it makes all the difference.
-Amie
Monday, January 4, 2016
the greatest resolution
One of the greatest resolutions you can make in 2016 is not something you DO, but rather something you THINK.
What you THINK determines what & how you DO.
One of my favorite scriptures is Philippians 4:8. It's so powerful in it's simplicity.
"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."
What you THINK determines what & how you DO.
One of my favorite scriptures is Philippians 4:8. It's so powerful in it's simplicity.
"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."
I don't know about you, but I can have a lot of thoughts run through my brain that are the very opposite of the things in this verse. & that's been especially true this last year & a half.
But guess what, we have the ability (& the commission) to change the way we think! It's time to renew our minds to the Word. We can't always control the thoughts that run through our minds, but we sure can stack the deck in our favor.
(Someone's) Mama always said: garbage in, garbage out.
If you want to start to take control of your thought life, start to take control of what your eyes see & your ears hear. Spend more time in front for the Bible than in front of the TV, internet, games, or even other books.
I'm not saying you have to cut out all non-Christian material from your life, but how bad do you want it?
It's a simple "formula."
Spend time in the Word. The Word brings faith, and as faith grows so does your thought life. It is an automatic response to the living Word. Don't leave your mind to it's own thoughts, take control of the foundation. Your mind doesn't become renewed simply by catching every bad thought that runs through it, but rather by filling it with truth & giving yourself something to fight with!
It's not a one-time-flip-a-switch-cure-all, it's a lifestyle & a life-line. God didn't leave you to battle alone. He gave you the tools & the more you use the tools, the more you realize God is bigger than the enemy we face.
Tools can't build anything while they are laying on the ground. So pick them up & start renewing your mind. It'll be the best resolution you ever made.
Monday, December 7, 2015
Oh the kindness of our God.
Oh the kindness of our God.
The faithfulness He has shown is infinite. It was His goodness that brought us to repentance, His love that cleansed us, & it is His mercy that keeps us.
In our struggle and our fight, He is rest.
In our pain, He is healing.
He is joy.
He is hope.
He is every answer to every question & He is ever faithful as we work out our salvation.
From the wobbly steps of a new Christian, to the stubborn & prideful thoughts of the aged. He is there to prune. He is there to bring us into the right places, to bring us into strength & humility. He will never stop loving you, & He will never stop growing you.
Oh the kindness of the One who took our place & Who, regardless of our failures, declares that we are His beloved.
With a love that never fails, He loves us.
With a salvation that makes us completely new, He has saved us.
Oh the kindness of our God that never gives up, never lessens, never changes. He is the One who has saved us, He is the One we are trusting with our lives. He is God & we are His,
Now let us rest in the kindness of our God.
The faithfulness He has shown is infinite. It was His goodness that brought us to repentance, His love that cleansed us, & it is His mercy that keeps us.
In our struggle and our fight, He is rest.
In our pain, He is healing.
He is joy.
He is hope.
He is every answer to every question & He is ever faithful as we work out our salvation.
From the wobbly steps of a new Christian, to the stubborn & prideful thoughts of the aged. He is there to prune. He is there to bring us into the right places, to bring us into strength & humility. He will never stop loving you, & He will never stop growing you.
Oh the kindness of the One who took our place & Who, regardless of our failures, declares that we are His beloved.
With a love that never fails, He loves us.
With a salvation that makes us completely new, He has saved us.
Oh the kindness of our God that never gives up, never lessens, never changes. He is the One who has saved us, He is the One we are trusting with our lives. He is God & we are His,
Now let us rest in the kindness of our God.
Friday, November 13, 2015
short, but encouraging
Some thoughts...
When everything falls apart, your strength will not be enough.
Lean in to Jesus.
For He is your Shield & Buckler, He is round about you.
He is the One who is strong enough & His strength never fails or wears out.
He cannot become weary or tired.
He is your constant, He is your stay.
Encourage yourself in the Lord, in His promises & in His truth,
For the joy of the Lord is your strength, not the joy that's found in life.
Life changes, God does not.
When everything falls apart, your strength will not be enough.
Lean in to Jesus.
For He is your Shield & Buckler, He is round about you.
He is the One who is strong enough & His strength never fails or wears out.
He cannot become weary or tired.
He is your constant, He is your stay.
Encourage yourself in the Lord, in His promises & in His truth,
For the joy of the Lord is your strength, not the joy that's found in life.
Life changes, God does not.
Thursday, September 10, 2015
happiness
There is a happiness in His presence & no circumstance of life is able to cast a shadow on it.
It wells up inside of you & carries you forward.
The longer you remain in His presence, the deeper the well goes.
It's Him & only Him that causes me to grow.
He calls us to prayer & to His word because He knows the result. He understands the process. He has all the answers. He is the answer.
In all that life throws your way, find yourself in His presence & you'll find yourself covered.
Life affects us all, but He is our shield & our buckler. He is our foundation & our source. He is our stay when everyone else fades away.
Being a Christian doesn't make you exempt from bad things in life, but it does make you invincible. You can be hurt & knocked down, but you know your future is secure. You can go through the trials of Job & know that your end will be better than your beginning. You can go through the persecutions of Paul & know that even if they take your life, you have eternal life with the Master.
He chose you for this time in eternity, trust that He knows what He's doing & live in obedience to whatever He says. That is where your happiness is.
It wells up inside of you & carries you forward.
The longer you remain in His presence, the deeper the well goes.
It's Him & only Him that causes me to grow.
He calls us to prayer & to His word because He knows the result. He understands the process. He has all the answers. He is the answer.
In all that life throws your way, find yourself in His presence & you'll find yourself covered.
Life affects us all, but He is our shield & our buckler. He is our foundation & our source. He is our stay when everyone else fades away.
Being a Christian doesn't make you exempt from bad things in life, but it does make you invincible. You can be hurt & knocked down, but you know your future is secure. You can go through the trials of Job & know that your end will be better than your beginning. You can go through the persecutions of Paul & know that even if they take your life, you have eternal life with the Master.
He chose you for this time in eternity, trust that He knows what He's doing & live in obedience to whatever He says. That is where your happiness is.
He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High
Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress;
My God, in Him I will trust.
Psalm 91:1-2
Tuesday, August 25, 2015
Joy is on your horizon
I know sometimes it feels like it's impossible to walk, but you can put one foot in front of the other.
I have a new revelation of Jesus walking to Golgotha. He was beaten, bruised, bleeding...so much so, that someone else had to carry His cross, but still in all the agony & pain He put one foot in front of the other.
That's how I know I can make it, because He did.
You might be broken & hurting, but keep walking. Keep moving towards the cross. You'll get there. & then once you get there, lay everything down at that cross & let God consume it, and watch and see the new, abundant life that He brings you.
It seems like such a contradiction to bring your pain to the cross, but if we do not lay it down how could we ever bear it? It is not ours to bear, for He already did. He took the pain we could not heal & healed it. He took the hurt we could not bear & bore it. He did it all.
No one ever told me that I'd want to hold onto my grief. Somehow in my twisted human emotions it made me feel close to my daughter, but Jesus took that grief & turned it into joy. That's His promise. I'm not losing memories of my little girl, I'm gaining healing & the ability to remember her without sorrow in my heart. I'll always ache for her, but that aching is not painful because I know I'll see her again.
The sorrow you are facing is not your destination. Joy is on your horizon, keep putting one foot in front of the other & let the cross do it's work. He will not fail you.
I have a new revelation of Jesus walking to Golgotha. He was beaten, bruised, bleeding...so much so, that someone else had to carry His cross, but still in all the agony & pain He put one foot in front of the other.
That's how I know I can make it, because He did.
You might be broken & hurting, but keep walking. Keep moving towards the cross. You'll get there. & then once you get there, lay everything down at that cross & let God consume it, and watch and see the new, abundant life that He brings you.
It seems like such a contradiction to bring your pain to the cross, but if we do not lay it down how could we ever bear it? It is not ours to bear, for He already did. He took the pain we could not heal & healed it. He took the hurt we could not bear & bore it. He did it all.
No one ever told me that I'd want to hold onto my grief. Somehow in my twisted human emotions it made me feel close to my daughter, but Jesus took that grief & turned it into joy. That's His promise. I'm not losing memories of my little girl, I'm gaining healing & the ability to remember her without sorrow in my heart. I'll always ache for her, but that aching is not painful because I know I'll see her again.
The sorrow you are facing is not your destination. Joy is on your horizon, keep putting one foot in front of the other & let the cross do it's work. He will not fail you.
Monday, August 3, 2015
That's my hope.
His grace is sufficient for you.
That means that no matter what you have to face, the ability HE GIVES YOU is enough to win over it.
Whether or not the outcome is what you preferred, you have the ability to outlast & not just maintain, but overcome.
Paul said that he gloried in his tribulation. I'm not there yet, but I have hope that as my relationship develops with the Lord, I too will gain the kind of revelation Paul had.
That's the promise of it all. As I decrease, He increases & God's way of thinking & seeing is so much better than I could ever fathom.
Jesus didn't just die on the cross. He made an impact before, during & after the crucifixion. Regardless of your tragedy, if Christ is in you, you have the power to make an impact before, during & after it.
That's my hope. That is His faithfulness.
I know the pain will continue to heal & I know God's grace will continue to be sufficient.
That means that no matter what you have to face, the ability HE GIVES YOU is enough to win over it.
Whether or not the outcome is what you preferred, you have the ability to outlast & not just maintain, but overcome.
Paul said that he gloried in his tribulation. I'm not there yet, but I have hope that as my relationship develops with the Lord, I too will gain the kind of revelation Paul had.
That's the promise of it all. As I decrease, He increases & God's way of thinking & seeing is so much better than I could ever fathom.
Jesus didn't just die on the cross. He made an impact before, during & after the crucifixion. Regardless of your tragedy, if Christ is in you, you have the power to make an impact before, during & after it.
That's my hope. That is His faithfulness.
I know the pain will continue to heal & I know God's grace will continue to be sufficient.
Many are the afflictions of the righteous,
but the LORD delivers him out of them all. Psalm 34:19
Wednesday, June 24, 2015
< forgiveness >
Here's a fun lesson,
Being wronged in life entitles you to nothing, rather it demands that you grow.
It's a hard one to swallow, I know. BUT...
If you grow & forgive & move on, YOU become stronger. If you hold on to the wrong, IT will hold on to you & IT will become stronger.
Think about Jesus as He hung there on the cross. After all the miracles He had done, all the people He had helped & all the love He had shown...they crucified Him....they tortured Him. Some of His final words were, "Father, forgive them for they know not what they do." Not too long after those words were spoken, the suffering ended & He rose again to new life.
Today, no matter what wrong has been perpetrated against you, you have the choice to forgive & become stronger through it. Don't let someone else's actions keep you from rising up out of the ashes into resurrected life! Power comes from laying it all down & trusting that God knows what He's doing.
To forgive doesn't mean to subject yourself, rather it means to free yourself. Sometimes that freedom looks like a restored relationship & other times it's a severed one. Either way, when you forgive you no longer allow a circumstance to dominate you. We're called to be servants of God, not our situations. Simply obey, He will never lead you astray.
Being wronged in life entitles you to nothing, rather it demands that you grow.
It's a hard one to swallow, I know. BUT...
If you grow & forgive & move on, YOU become stronger. If you hold on to the wrong, IT will hold on to you & IT will become stronger.
Think about Jesus as He hung there on the cross. After all the miracles He had done, all the people He had helped & all the love He had shown...they crucified Him....they tortured Him. Some of His final words were, "Father, forgive them for they know not what they do." Not too long after those words were spoken, the suffering ended & He rose again to new life.
Today, no matter what wrong has been perpetrated against you, you have the choice to forgive & become stronger through it. Don't let someone else's actions keep you from rising up out of the ashes into resurrected life! Power comes from laying it all down & trusting that God knows what He's doing.
To forgive doesn't mean to subject yourself, rather it means to free yourself. Sometimes that freedom looks like a restored relationship & other times it's a severed one. Either way, when you forgive you no longer allow a circumstance to dominate you. We're called to be servants of God, not our situations. Simply obey, He will never lead you astray.
After this manner therefore pray
ye: Our Father which art in heaven,
Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom
come. Thy will be done in earth,
as it is in heaven. Give us
this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our
debtors.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:
For
thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
Matthew 6:9-13
Wednesday, June 17, 2015
well-oiled
Thinking about "the anointing" today!
It seems like such an epic word...& it is, but it's also very simple. Maybe it's the simplicity of it all that makes it epic!?
The word anointing in the Bible has to do with oil & lots of it! God's plan is for us to live our lives like well-oiled machines!
Without oil you're machine might run for a little bit, but eventually it'll seize up. Oil is designed to smooth out the friction & keep the parts moving. Oil keeps your machine from over heating & helps clean out impurities.
You were made to run & run well. Running well depends entirely on your oil supply. Life will try to drain you of your oil. The devil wants you to try make things work by your own strength, except we weren't built like that. We were built to rely on the oil.
It's His anointing that destroys yokes & breaks off bondage's in our lives. It's His anointing that sets us apart & enables us to accomplish what He has designed for us to accomplish. No calling was ever meant to be fulfilled without His anointing, & in fact it cannot be.
What does it mean to have the anointing? It's really the simplest of all things. It means that you have God with you. It's not some super-special-secret-code, rather it's a super-special-cultivated-relationship between you & the Father...something that everyone can have.
Acts 10:30
"how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him."
Jesus had a specific mission that He accomplished because God was with Him. Why would we try to do it any other way? His life is that perfect example of how to make through both the good & the bad. Stay close to the Father.
It's easier to keep an engine running on a regular basis than try to start one up that's been sitting around for years or fix one that's seized up. Do yourself a favor & stay oily! Ups & downs will come & go, but the oil will keep you running smoothly.
It seems like such an epic word...& it is, but it's also very simple. Maybe it's the simplicity of it all that makes it epic!?
The word anointing in the Bible has to do with oil & lots of it! God's plan is for us to live our lives like well-oiled machines!
Without oil you're machine might run for a little bit, but eventually it'll seize up. Oil is designed to smooth out the friction & keep the parts moving. Oil keeps your machine from over heating & helps clean out impurities.
You were made to run & run well. Running well depends entirely on your oil supply. Life will try to drain you of your oil. The devil wants you to try make things work by your own strength, except we weren't built like that. We were built to rely on the oil.
It's His anointing that destroys yokes & breaks off bondage's in our lives. It's His anointing that sets us apart & enables us to accomplish what He has designed for us to accomplish. No calling was ever meant to be fulfilled without His anointing, & in fact it cannot be.
What does it mean to have the anointing? It's really the simplest of all things. It means that you have God with you. It's not some super-special-secret-code, rather it's a super-special-cultivated-relationship between you & the Father...something that everyone can have.
Acts 10:30
"how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him."
Jesus had a specific mission that He accomplished because God was with Him. Why would we try to do it any other way? His life is that perfect example of how to make through both the good & the bad. Stay close to the Father.
It's easier to keep an engine running on a regular basis than try to start one up that's been sitting around for years or fix one that's seized up. Do yourself a favor & stay oily! Ups & downs will come & go, but the oil will keep you running smoothly.
Monday, June 15, 2015
where to look
What do you do when everything around you reminds you of the battle you're in?
The song "Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus" sounds off in my heart.
Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and grace.
I'll be the first to admit, it's not always easy when life is smack in front of your face jumping up & down like a crazy person & yelling "look at me, look at me!!"
But the good news my friends is that we don't have to do it in our own strength. When you feel like you can't look away from life, tell Him that! When you feel like you can't hear anything but life, tell Him that. & when you feel like you just can't muster up the faith....tell Him that.
Rest in the fact that He said His strength is made perfect in our weakness. He'll help you look to Him.
We were never made to deal with life on our own. The plan from the beginning was that He would walk & talk with us. He wants to hear when we're struggling & He wants to hear when we're winning & He wants to be involved in both.
He doesn't expect us to muster anything up in our own strength. In fact, He says the opposite,
"Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30
So come to Jesus, no matter how you feel. & by "come" I simply mean begin to tell Him where you're at & what you're feeling. Open up a dialog with Him, that simple act is walking by faith - it means you believe He is real & He is listening. Continue to walk in faith by believing that He will answer.
He will.
The song "Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus" sounds off in my heart.
Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and grace.
I'll be the first to admit, it's not always easy when life is smack in front of your face jumping up & down like a crazy person & yelling "look at me, look at me!!"
But the good news my friends is that we don't have to do it in our own strength. When you feel like you can't look away from life, tell Him that! When you feel like you can't hear anything but life, tell Him that. & when you feel like you just can't muster up the faith....tell Him that.
Rest in the fact that He said His strength is made perfect in our weakness. He'll help you look to Him.
We were never made to deal with life on our own. The plan from the beginning was that He would walk & talk with us. He wants to hear when we're struggling & He wants to hear when we're winning & He wants to be involved in both.
He doesn't expect us to muster anything up in our own strength. In fact, He says the opposite,
"Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30
So come to Jesus, no matter how you feel. & by "come" I simply mean begin to tell Him where you're at & what you're feeling. Open up a dialog with Him, that simple act is walking by faith - it means you believe He is real & He is listening. Continue to walk in faith by believing that He will answer.
He will.
Wednesday, June 3, 2015
Philippians 4:8
I just can't seem to get past this verse today.
Remember: either you control your thoughts, or they will control you.
I've included a couple of translations for you, I just love the context & content they give you.
Philippians 4:8
ESV
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
TLB
And now, brothers, as I close this letter, let me say this one more thing: Fix your thoughts on what is true and good and right. Think about things that are pure and lovely, and dwell on the fine, good things in others. Think about all you can praise God for and be glad about.
MSG
Summing it all up, friends, I’d say you’ll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse.
NKJV
Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.
Remember: either you control your thoughts, or they will control you.
I've included a couple of translations for you, I just love the context & content they give you.
Philippians 4:8
ESV
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
TLB
And now, brothers, as I close this letter, let me say this one more thing: Fix your thoughts on what is true and good and right. Think about things that are pure and lovely, and dwell on the fine, good things in others. Think about all you can praise God for and be glad about.
MSG
Summing it all up, friends, I’d say you’ll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse.
NKJV
Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.
Friday, May 29, 2015
the flowers & the weeds
There's nothing quite like the start of a new day.
It can either hold sadness or hope & it's all up to you.
New days are a funny thing. They make you feel like you've got the chance to start all over again & make something good happen...you know, until reality hits & you're dealing with all the same stuff that you've been dealing with for some time now.
But really, IT IS A BRAND NEW DAY! & you've got the choice to deal with "your stuff" with a new & refreshed attitude or a stale & worn-out attitude. Because your attitude is a choice.
I never said it was easy. Emotions can be big, but they can be beat. & if they happen to win over you for a day, guess what...you get to wake up tomorrow & show them who's really boss. You win by never giving up!
--- I was doing a bit of gardening the other day & because I had left it off too long the weeds had gained quite a lot of ground. Their roots were hard to pull out, & I needed a special tool to dig them out. At one point, I accidentally pulled out a plant & I was amazed at how easily it came out without having to dig...it's root wasn't nearly as strong as the weed. ---
What am I saying?
Keep dealing with yourself! Never stop dealing with the hard things because the longer you let them go, the harder they get to pull up.
Keep building up the good things in your life. Spend time daily with God & in His Word, pray, worship, give, communicate with godly people, etc. Take care of those good root systems & give them time to root themselves strong!
You can't only take care of the flowers in your garden & let the weeds run wild, or else soon you'll have a bunch of dead flowers in a weed garden.
Pour into your life spiritually & let God tend to your garden...the flowers & the weeds.
It can either hold sadness or hope & it's all up to you.
New days are a funny thing. They make you feel like you've got the chance to start all over again & make something good happen...you know, until reality hits & you're dealing with all the same stuff that you've been dealing with for some time now.
But really, IT IS A BRAND NEW DAY! & you've got the choice to deal with "your stuff" with a new & refreshed attitude or a stale & worn-out attitude. Because your attitude is a choice.
I never said it was easy. Emotions can be big, but they can be beat. & if they happen to win over you for a day, guess what...you get to wake up tomorrow & show them who's really boss. You win by never giving up!
--- I was doing a bit of gardening the other day & because I had left it off too long the weeds had gained quite a lot of ground. Their roots were hard to pull out, & I needed a special tool to dig them out. At one point, I accidentally pulled out a plant & I was amazed at how easily it came out without having to dig...it's root wasn't nearly as strong as the weed. ---
What am I saying?
Keep dealing with yourself! Never stop dealing with the hard things because the longer you let them go, the harder they get to pull up.
Keep building up the good things in your life. Spend time daily with God & in His Word, pray, worship, give, communicate with godly people, etc. Take care of those good root systems & give them time to root themselves strong!
You can't only take care of the flowers in your garden & let the weeds run wild, or else soon you'll have a bunch of dead flowers in a weed garden.
Pour into your life spiritually & let God tend to your garden...the flowers & the weeds.
John 15
1 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser.
2 Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away,
and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit.
3 Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you.
4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself,
unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me.
5 I am the vine; you are the branches.
Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit,
for apart from me you can do nothing.
Monday, April 27, 2015
Limits
Everyone's limit is different. My busy doesn't make your busy any more or any less. Everyone is learning to handle their own busy.
Let's give each other space to grow.
Just because you've mastered something doesn't mean someone else has. & just because you see something as a big deal doesn't mean that someone else will see it that way.
That's okay. We need to stop holding people hostage to our definitions & ask God what He says.
It's His Word that helps people deal with their busy & expand their limits, not my opinion. It's His Word that puts things into perspective, not my experience.
Let's be busier praying for people, & less busy criticizing.
It's really a win-win...praying helps them with their life & makes you feel happy. & we need more happy people in this world!
Let's give each other space to grow.
Just because you've mastered something doesn't mean someone else has. & just because you see something as a big deal doesn't mean that someone else will see it that way.
That's okay. We need to stop holding people hostage to our definitions & ask God what He says.
It's His Word that helps people deal with their busy & expand their limits, not my opinion. It's His Word that puts things into perspective, not my experience.
Let's be busier praying for people, & less busy criticizing.
It's really a win-win...praying helps them with their life & makes you feel happy. & we need more happy people in this world!
Isaiah 26:3-4
You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on You,
because he trusts in You.
Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock.
Friday, March 27, 2015
I am not alone
I am not alone in this life, in this battle, in this joy, in any moment.
Whether I feel like it or not, the TRUTH is that I am not alone.
If I have someone with me or not, I am not alone.
& you, my friend, are not alone either.
Whether I feel like it or not, the TRUTH is that I am not alone.
If I have someone with me or not, I am not alone.
Deuteronomy 31:6
Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them,
for it is the Lord your God who goes with you.
He will not leave you or forsake you.”
& you, my friend, are not alone either.
Tuesday, March 17, 2015
thoughts
I wanted to share something my Pastor said on Sunday,
"Don't stew, brew & chew on what they did (or what happened), just DO what's right & forgive."
Painful things are going to happen in our lives, but the more time we spend thinking on IT the more power we give it. Whether it was a person who hurt us, or just the circumstances of life. The sooner we begin to take that pain to God, the sooner the healing will come. Also, the more we take painful memories to God, the less power they will have over our lives.
It's a two-fold process. We can't fool ourselves into thinking that once we start moving on from a painful experience we'll never have to deal with it again. There will be times when those memories try to come back, the pain will try to come back. We can't just brush those times off, we must take them to God & let Him continue His healing.
When is it easier to pull out a weed? When the ground is hard & the roots are large or when the ground is soft & the root is small? Dealing with the little thoughts that are trying to grow roots will keep you.
The Bible tells us not only to think on things that are true and honorable and right and pure, but to FIX our thoughts on those things! Don't let your mind control your thought life. Let God's Word permeate your heart & your mind. It is life & it brings health & joy in ways nothing on this earth ever can.
"Don't stew, brew & chew on what they did (or what happened), just DO what's right & forgive."
Painful things are going to happen in our lives, but the more time we spend thinking on IT the more power we give it. Whether it was a person who hurt us, or just the circumstances of life. The sooner we begin to take that pain to God, the sooner the healing will come. Also, the more we take painful memories to God, the less power they will have over our lives.
It's a two-fold process. We can't fool ourselves into thinking that once we start moving on from a painful experience we'll never have to deal with it again. There will be times when those memories try to come back, the pain will try to come back. We can't just brush those times off, we must take them to God & let Him continue His healing.
When is it easier to pull out a weed? When the ground is hard & the roots are large or when the ground is soft & the root is small? Dealing with the little thoughts that are trying to grow roots will keep you.
The Bible tells us not only to think on things that are true and honorable and right and pure, but to FIX our thoughts on those things! Don't let your mind control your thought life. Let God's Word permeate your heart & your mind. It is life & it brings health & joy in ways nothing on this earth ever can.
Tuesday, February 24, 2015
take. hope.
Life is big & full of overwhelming things.
Psalm 55:22
Cast your burden on the LORD, and he will sustain you;
he will never permit the righteous to be moved.
Matthew 11:28-30
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart,
and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
Isaiah 26:3-4
You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.
Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD GOD is an everlasting rock.
There is nothing to big for Him to get your through & bring you out victorious. Life is not too big & overwhelming for God!
Proverbs 3:5-8
Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD, and turn away from evil.
It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones.
Take hope today in Someone who is much stronger & bigger than you. Even if you don't feel it, TAKE it! God is our hope & He has freely given Himself to us!
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