The LORD makes some poor and others rich; he brings some down and lifts others up. (1 Samuel 2:7 NLT)
God lifted Esther up out of obscurity to save a nation - God's supernatural blessing & favor was on her every step of the way. She was confident, obedient, & hopeful. Things would have gone drastically different had she veered from God's plan... changing the course of history as we know it! Do you want God's favor & blessing on your life? OBEY GOD which always means stepping outside your comfort zone, going against what you "feel" like doing sometimes, and even enduring extended periods of trial or waiting which are equally difficult, right?
What you don't want is for God to remove His favor & blessing and leave you to your own devices. A life without the Lord is a life not worth living! It's a life in vain!
Live with purpose! If you belong to God, you've been chosen & you know who you are!! It is your job to show the lost world a different way!!
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Monday, April 23, 2012
Breach the Dam
Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam; so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out. (Proverbs 17:14 NIV84)
3 things that will cause strife in your life: wrong words @ the wrong time, pride which says we must have the last word, & convincing others of our opinions. "Out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks" (Luke 6:45). If you have strife, pray for a heart that says, "I don't need to be heard or right all the time". Arguments rarely lead to an agreement. The enemy uses them to put wedges in our relationships. Even if the other person is wrong, you standing your ground rarely leads to a God-glorifying end.
Here are 3 constructive ways to solve conflict/strife:
1). Tell the person you care for them too much to argue with them. Plan to discuss it in a constructive way at a later time when emotions are not heated.
2) Simply agree to disagree and don't bring it up anymore.
3. Practice humility which says, " I'm not always right or have the right motives". You can still share and stand on the truth without fighting for your rights.
It is impossible to have a conflict-free life!! But you can continue to please the Lord in your conflict by choosing the right words, attitudes, actions, & reactions. Remember that only God has to know who is right and that He ultimately is the judge of people's hearts. So, zip your lips & breach that dam!!
3 things that will cause strife in your life: wrong words @ the wrong time, pride which says we must have the last word, & convincing others of our opinions. "Out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks" (Luke 6:45). If you have strife, pray for a heart that says, "I don't need to be heard or right all the time". Arguments rarely lead to an agreement. The enemy uses them to put wedges in our relationships. Even if the other person is wrong, you standing your ground rarely leads to a God-glorifying end.
Here are 3 constructive ways to solve conflict/strife:
1). Tell the person you care for them too much to argue with them. Plan to discuss it in a constructive way at a later time when emotions are not heated.
2) Simply agree to disagree and don't bring it up anymore.
3. Practice humility which says, " I'm not always right or have the right motives". You can still share and stand on the truth without fighting for your rights.
It is impossible to have a conflict-free life!! But you can continue to please the Lord in your conflict by choosing the right words, attitudes, actions, & reactions. Remember that only God has to know who is right and that He ultimately is the judge of people's hearts. So, zip your lips & breach that dam!!
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Stop Blaming Your Past!
Hebrews 4:13... "Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account."
Facing the truth about yourself is scary yet essential in your journey with the Lord. We are living in a broken world with broken people and everyone around us has been hurt, abused, or let down sometime in their past....some more than others.
But God is well aware of your pain and your past!! However, His Word tells us that we are still accountable for our own actions/reactions. If you are "In Christ", you are responsible and accountable for every word, thought, or action, no matter what has been done to you!!
We must all start taking responsibility for our actions and stop blaming our past or other people for the way we act. Use the power of God's Word to transform you into being the best you can be for God's glory!!
Facing the truth about yourself is scary yet essential in your journey with the Lord. We are living in a broken world with broken people and everyone around us has been hurt, abused, or let down sometime in their past....some more than others.
But God is well aware of your pain and your past!! However, His Word tells us that we are still accountable for our own actions/reactions. If you are "In Christ", you are responsible and accountable for every word, thought, or action, no matter what has been done to you!!
We must all start taking responsibility for our actions and stop blaming our past or other people for the way we act. Use the power of God's Word to transform you into being the best you can be for God's glory!!
Friday, February 24, 2012
Stop Tormenting Yourself!
"and everything that does not come from faith is sin."(Romans 14:23 NIV84)
Have you ever thought about the fact that worry is sin? Worry is an action that is caused from a lack of faith and according to the scripture above everything that does not come from faith is sin.
Worry even has a "dark" denotation.
Worry is defined, "to torment oneself with or suffer from disturbing thoughts; fret". Why would we want to "torment" ourselves or suffer when we have a loving God who already knows about tomorrow & is working everything out for good (maybe not the way you planned).
John MacArthur says that "Worry is the sin of distrusting the promise and providence of God, and yet it is a sin that most Christians commit perhaps more frequently than any other."
Do not confuse worry with a legitimate concern...
Worry focuses on the problem Concern focuses on the solution
Worry is generalized Concern is specific
Worry causes more problems Concern solves problems
Worry is often unfounded Concern involves a legitimate problem or challenge
If you dig to the root of worry, many times you will find selfishness. We desire for things to turn out the way we think is best which usually involves no waiting, difficulty, pain, or suffering. If we simply focus on His will and pray, it will always work out the way it's supposed to!!
I found dozens of quotes about worry from all kinds of people and they all say similar things.
"Worrying is like a rocking chair, it gives you something to do, but it gets you nowhere." (Glen Turner)
I love this one:
"For a peace of mind, resign as general manager of the universe" (Author unknown)
God created the universe and does a much better job at running it than us!!
He's everywhere at all times - we cannot fathom his realm of time & space!
He never sleeps and has your circumstances all under control!!
So, stop tormenting yourself over something that hasn't even happened!! It's a waste of precious time, energy & robs you of peace and joy. Live in the center of God's will (the only safe place to be) and stop worrying!!
Have you ever thought about the fact that worry is sin? Worry is an action that is caused from a lack of faith and according to the scripture above everything that does not come from faith is sin.
Worry even has a "dark" denotation.
Worry is defined, "to torment oneself with or suffer from disturbing thoughts; fret". Why would we want to "torment" ourselves or suffer when we have a loving God who already knows about tomorrow & is working everything out for good (maybe not the way you planned).
John MacArthur says that "Worry is the sin of distrusting the promise and providence of God, and yet it is a sin that most Christians commit perhaps more frequently than any other."
Do not confuse worry with a legitimate concern...
Worry focuses on the problem Concern focuses on the solution
Worry is generalized Concern is specific
Worry causes more problems Concern solves problems
Worry is often unfounded Concern involves a legitimate problem or challenge
If you dig to the root of worry, many times you will find selfishness. We desire for things to turn out the way we think is best which usually involves no waiting, difficulty, pain, or suffering. If we simply focus on His will and pray, it will always work out the way it's supposed to!!
I found dozens of quotes about worry from all kinds of people and they all say similar things.
"Worrying is like a rocking chair, it gives you something to do, but it gets you nowhere." (Glen Turner)
I love this one:
"For a peace of mind, resign as general manager of the universe" (Author unknown)
God created the universe and does a much better job at running it than us!!
He's everywhere at all times - we cannot fathom his realm of time & space!
He never sleeps and has your circumstances all under control!!
So, stop tormenting yourself over something that hasn't even happened!! It's a waste of precious time, energy & robs you of peace and joy. Live in the center of God's will (the only safe place to be) and stop worrying!!
Saturday, February 11, 2012
Frustrated? Let God be God
When troubles ganged up on me, a mob of sins past counting, I was so swamped by guilt I couldn't see my way clear. More guilt in my heart than hair on my head, so heavy the guilt that my heart gave out. (Psalm 40:12 MSG)
I read this Psalm from David in the message. It has a powerful message of God's provision and grace and our patience.
Don't let the only time you ask God for help be when you deserve it. When God helps at those times, we attribute God's help with our good works instead of on God's grace and mercy.
Joyce Meyer says, "when you feel frustrated , it is because you are living by your own effort." Wow! God is speaking directly to me. I'm convicted! I struggle with frustrations and need to let God be God during these times. Many times, there is nothing I can do to help the situation anyway.
Frustration is "a feeling of dissatisfaction, often accompanied by anxiety or depression, resulting from unfulfilled needs or unresolved problems." It comes from frustra meaning "in vain". Another Wow!
I guess there's no such thing as "godly frustration", is there? I even get frustrated when people are clearly disobeying God (including myself) or when my kids don't fear God enough to discontinue their mean comments toward each other.
Since I don't want to frustrate God's work in my life and in others, I need to heed God's Word and accept God's help in this area, extend grace, and remember that God can and will fulfill all my needs as well as others'.
I read this Psalm from David in the message. It has a powerful message of God's provision and grace and our patience.
Don't let the only time you ask God for help be when you deserve it. When God helps at those times, we attribute God's help with our good works instead of on God's grace and mercy.
Joyce Meyer says, "when you feel frustrated , it is because you are living by your own effort." Wow! God is speaking directly to me. I'm convicted! I struggle with frustrations and need to let God be God during these times. Many times, there is nothing I can do to help the situation anyway.
Frustration is "a feeling of dissatisfaction, often accompanied by anxiety or depression, resulting from unfulfilled needs or unresolved problems." It comes from frustra meaning "in vain". Another Wow!
I guess there's no such thing as "godly frustration", is there? I even get frustrated when people are clearly disobeying God (including myself) or when my kids don't fear God enough to discontinue their mean comments toward each other.
Since I don't want to frustrate God's work in my life and in others, I need to heed God's Word and accept God's help in this area, extend grace, and remember that God can and will fulfill all my needs as well as others'.
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Victory in Suffering
Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. (Colossians 3:2 NIV84)
God is not glorified through our suffering; He is glorified by the right attitude during our suffering. How do you have a right attitude? Look to heaven and know that God has a purpose in it specifically for you. This life on earth is not all there is.... Thank you Jesus!!
Why do we remain bitter, angry, wounded and depressed? Perhaps it's because our focus is inward, downward, and backward. We need to focus outward, upward, and forward to achieve the victory which is God's will!!
Suffering is any pain or distress. So, for many, this is part of everyday life. We have so many opportunities to obtain victory through the way we choose to think about our circumstances as we enter, travel through, and finish!! I want to finish well, don't you?
We have the freedom to live a victim-free mentality!! So drop the "woe is me" and choose the "Great is thee" and be set free!!
God is not glorified through our suffering; He is glorified by the right attitude during our suffering. How do you have a right attitude? Look to heaven and know that God has a purpose in it specifically for you. This life on earth is not all there is.... Thank you Jesus!!
Why do we remain bitter, angry, wounded and depressed? Perhaps it's because our focus is inward, downward, and backward. We need to focus outward, upward, and forward to achieve the victory which is God's will!!
Suffering is any pain or distress. So, for many, this is part of everyday life. We have so many opportunities to obtain victory through the way we choose to think about our circumstances as we enter, travel through, and finish!! I want to finish well, don't you?
We have the freedom to live a victim-free mentality!! So drop the "woe is me" and choose the "Great is thee" and be set free!!
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Pain to Passion
These words were taken from Isaiah 61:1-3:
The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me,because the Lord has anointed me
to preach good news to the poor.
He has sent me to...
1. bind up the brokenhearted,
2. to proclaim freedom for the captives 3. release from darkness for the prisoners,
4. to comfort all who mourn,
5. and provide for those who grieve
6. to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes,
7. the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and
8. a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor. (Isaiah 61:1-3 NIV84)
What a beautiful display of God's healing power!! He not only wants to heal physically & spiritually, but also emotionally. The human race is so broken in this world with abuse, abandonment, betrayal, disappointment, judgement, criticism, and the list goes on. Jesus wants to heal ALL your wounds and restore your joy!! That's good news!!
My pastor once said, "Turn your pain into passion" and do something great for God's kingdom!! That has stuck with me ever since because I was currently traveling down a painful road.
Here are few real life examples of people turning pain into passion:
1) A 24 year old, adopted at 10 from an an abusive @ neglectful home, spends her days loving on children & giving them what she didn't have.
2) A wife & mother of 2 boys uses her pain from a teenage abortion to save babies' lives everyday at a women's pregnancy center.
3) A mother of 4 serves with single moms, in a faith-based support group, who want to better their lives after her sister cut ties, moved out & back into her old lifestyle.
There are many examples, even in Hollywood, of people using their pain to help others. Could you be added to this list? God wants to do just that!!
So take off your garment of despair, mourning, and darkness, and put on gladness, beauty, praise, and God's light!!
The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me,because the Lord has anointed me
to preach good news to the poor.
He has sent me to...
1. bind up the brokenhearted,
2. to proclaim freedom for the captives 3. release from darkness for the prisoners,
4. to comfort all who mourn,
5. and provide for those who grieve
6. to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes,
7. the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and
8. a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor. (Isaiah 61:1-3 NIV84)
What a beautiful display of God's healing power!! He not only wants to heal physically & spiritually, but also emotionally. The human race is so broken in this world with abuse, abandonment, betrayal, disappointment, judgement, criticism, and the list goes on. Jesus wants to heal ALL your wounds and restore your joy!! That's good news!!
My pastor once said, "Turn your pain into passion" and do something great for God's kingdom!! That has stuck with me ever since because I was currently traveling down a painful road.
Here are few real life examples of people turning pain into passion:
1) A 24 year old, adopted at 10 from an an abusive @ neglectful home, spends her days loving on children & giving them what she didn't have.
2) A wife & mother of 2 boys uses her pain from a teenage abortion to save babies' lives everyday at a women's pregnancy center.
3) A mother of 4 serves with single moms, in a faith-based support group, who want to better their lives after her sister cut ties, moved out & back into her old lifestyle.
There are many examples, even in Hollywood, of people using their pain to help others. Could you be added to this list? God wants to do just that!!
So take off your garment of despair, mourning, and darkness, and put on gladness, beauty, praise, and God's light!!
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