You are God's temple

“Do you not discern and understand that you… are God’s temple…?” 1Corinthians 3:16 AMP

You are the Spirit of God’s dwelling - His home… WOW!! Do you know what that means?  You are beautiful,  you are blessed, you are honored, you are loved, you are full of wisdom, and you are oh so precious.  So, let me ask one question, are you treating yourself as such?

The mind of Christ

“… But we have the mind of Christ (the Messiah) and do hold the thoughts (feeling and purposes) of His heart.” [Isa. 40:13.] 1 Corinthians 2:16

It does not matter what this world has told you, or will tell you, if you are a child of God’s, (and you are), then you have His mind and His thoughts, which means, you have a mind that surpasses all worldly understanding and wisdom.  Therefore, no matter what the test results say, what the world says, or what the experts say, you are a genius, and as God’s child, your wisdom is not to be underestimated.

 

Imperfections and disabilities.

"[No] for God selected (deliberately chose) what in the world is foolish to put the wise to shame, and what the world calls weak to put the strong to shame... what in the world is lowborn and insignificant and branded and treated with contempt ... that He might depose and bring to nothing the things that are. So that no mortal man should [have pretense for glorying and] boast in the presence of God." 1 Corinthians 27-29

Your imperfections and disabilities are all reasons to praise God all the more.  The more you have, (and we all have so many), the more the world can witness God glorifying Himself through you, leaving no mortal man, no matter who they think they are, the ability deny the power of Him who lives in, and through, you.

Satan destroyed!!

Stay well versed and wise as to what is good and innocent and guileless as what is evil.   And the God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet.

Adapted from Romans 16:19-20 AMP

 

If you stay on God's narrow path, He will see to it that Satan crumbles in fear when He hears you coming.

 

Thank you for the image +http://www.agodman.com/blog/church-gods-multifarious-wisdom-made-known-enemy-subdued/

Never stop hoping!

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13

There is always – ALWAYS – hope.

Never give up hope – it’s the doorway for God to do mighty miracles in our lives

 

Passing judgement is not why we are called

“Who are you to pass judgment on and censure another…?” Romans 14:4 AMP

Good question huh?!! 

It is very important that we stay careful, caring, and humble, in our thoughts, deeds, and words, because there will come a day when we will stand in the presence of God and asked to give an account of our actions.  Let’s make our lives simple and just do what we are called to do – LOVE.  

So, leave the judging to God, and live a much more peace-filled and blessed state; in turn, we will be more open to receive the great and miraculous miracles of God.

Live life on fire for God

“Never lag in zeal and in earnest endeavor; be aglow and burning with the Spirit, serving the Lord.” Romans 12:11 AMP

Live life on fire for God, and, in turn, God will ignite your life on fire with His Spirit, which will lead you from blessing to blessing; from love to love; from life to eternity.

 

God always knows what He's doing

“Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God!  How unfathomable (inscrutable, unsearchable) are His judgments (His decisions)!  And how untraceable (mysterious, undiscoverable) are His ways (His methods, His paths)!  Romans 11:33 AMP

No, you may not understand, but God does, and He knows what He’s doing!!  So, stay in faith – God has it under control!!

 

The real function of the Law

"... For [the real function of] the Law is to make men recognize and be conscious of sin [not mere perception, but an acquaintance with sin which works toward repentance, faith, and holy character]." Romans 2:20 AMP

I love this verse.  We all fall short of the Law, (Ten Commandments, commands of the Old Testament), but thanks be to Jesus, we have redemption through His blood.  The Law isn't to condemn ourselves and feel like failures, The Law is to make us better people, and when we fall, we get right back up and do our best to do better, to change our character more and more into the likeness of Christ.  None of us are perfect, although we try so hard to be; only God is perfect, all we can do is strive to do our best to be more like Him everyday.  So, be proud of who you are, and Whose you are.  Nobody else is better than you, luckier than you, more blessed than you, more regarded than you... in Christ we are all equal.  Begin to focus on your abundances, (love, gifts, talents, possessions, etc.),  and stop focusing on your lack.  I believe, as you do, your abundances will multiply and your lack will be no more.  Praise God.

We are all equal in Christ Jesus

"[No one] for there is no distinction between Jew and Greek.  The same Lord is Lord over all [of us] and He generously bestows His riches upon all who call upon Him [in faith]." Romans 10:12 AMP

No matter what your nationality, or where you've came from, what family line you bear, the name you've been given by you parents, the color of your skin, nor the language you speak, you are God's precious child, and, if you call on Him in faith, He comes running!  Yes, it may take longer than you like, but that is only because He is making the path clear of enemies from Earth, and from the devil himself.  So, hang tight, stay bold, lift your head up high, because as a child of the Most High God, you can rest assure that God's got your back, and His glory is getting ready to shine right through the darkness for all the world to see.

God loves you unconditionally and forever.

“Who shall ever separate us from Christ’s love?  Suffering, affliction, tribulation, calamity, distress, persecution, hunger, destitution, peril, or sword?  No! We are more than conquerors through Him who loves us!!

Therefore, no matter what the challenge: death nor life; angels nor principalities; things impending and threatening; things to come; height nor depth; nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God.”  Adapted from Romans 8:35-39

No matter where you are at, what you’ve done, the decisions you’ve made, the sins you’ve committed, or what the outlook may seem to be in the natural, God loves you and He will never, ever stop!!  You are God’s child, and you can be confident that His love for you is eternal and unconditional just the way you are!

 

Life restored.

"And if the Spirit of Him Who raised up Jesus from the dead dwells in you [then] He who raised up Christ Jesus... will also restore life to your mortal (short-lived, perishable) bodies through His Spirit Who dwells in you." Romans 8:11 AMP

Rest assure that when life gets tough, knocks you way down in the dirt, and knocks the wind right out of you, God is there!  You may feel beaten down, depressed, unmotivated, and hurt; you may feel like your life has been taken from you, but know that God is at work.  The harder you fall, the more He will restore.  Therefore, reach out to God, grab hold of His Spirit, and let Him restore your life in more ways that you could ever imagine. 

Oh how God loves you!

Fruit to bear.

“… so that now you may belong to Another, to Him Who was raised from the dead in order that we may bear fruit for God.” Romans 7:4 AMP

Today is the day that you start living as the new creation God died for you to live.  You are special, you were created for a purpose, and you are called to bear fruit for God.  However, until you stop living in mental defeat, you will never experience the good life God has for you.  So, my friend, today is a new day; start living joyful, hopeful, faithful, prayerful, righteous, loving, and honorable - yes, live it!  You have fruit to bear and the Lord needs you to help change this fallen world into a place that one would honorably give their life for.

The free gift of God

"For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace... For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 14,23

You are not a slave to sin, nor do the sins you've committed define you!  You have been saved by grace!  You are God's child - you can overcome and conquer any challenge or stronghold!  So, grab hold of God's free gift of grace, and live in freedom and joy knowing that you have a special home waiting for you in eternity.

Joy and hope through the good, bad, and the ugly times of life.

“… let us rejoice and exult in our hope of experiencing and enjoying the glory of God.  Moreover, let us exult and triumph in our troubles and rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that pressure and affliction and hardship produce patient and unswerving endurance.  And endurance produces joyful and confident hope that never disappoints or deludes or shames us.” Adapted from Romans 5:3-5 AMP

As God’s children, we should make it a priority to stay joyful and hopeful during the good, bad, and ugly times of life.  Yes, much easier said than done, especially during the hard times in our lives, but no matter the situation, God is with you, and that alone should calm ones soul.  I believe that if we can look for the joy in every situation, and hope in the Lord for all things to turn out good and blessed, then there will be no situation, dire or otherwise, that will be able to keep us from the joyful, peaceful, prosperous, loving, and abundantly blessed life that God has planned for us.

 

Concealed within.

“On that day when, as my Gospel proclaims, God by Jesus Christ will judge men in regard to the things which they conceal (their hidden thoughts).” [Eccl. 12:14.] Romans 2:16 AMP

What is hidden in your heart?  What do your thoughts entail?  Whatever you may be concealing within is no secret to God.  So, make sure to focus on the good, God-like thoughts, and not too much on negative, angry thoughts. 

 

God's waiting - ask Him to clean out your heart and mind – He will, He wants to. My friend, receive Him in and let His love fill your soul; soon, your heart will begin to overflow with good and loving thoughts, leaving the dark and negative thoughts to fall by the wayside.

Just as you are.

“It is through Him that we have received grace (God’s unmerited favor)… And this includes you, called of Jesus Christ and invited [as you are] to belong to Him.” Romans 1:5-6

You are loved!  You are wanted!  You are important!  My friend, you are called by Jesus!  So, no matter where you are at in life right now; where you’ve been, what you’ve done, or what others tell you; you are a somebody -  A child-of-God’s-somebody, and you are wanted just as you are!  So hand your fear and timidity over to God and start living in victory - blessed, bold, and beautiful!

 

Shake it off.

“… when a viper… fastened itself on his hand… [Paul simply] shook off the small creature… and suffered no evil effects.” Acts 28:3,5 AMP

There are times in life that we let small little annoyances become great big deals - we make mountains out of molehills, which only end in frustration, hurt, and/or anger to our souls. The longer I live the more I realize that there is too much life to be lived, and too many other things to be focused on.  So, let’s be more like Paul, and shake off the small annoyances.  Yes, they may seem like are big at first, but I believe if we take a step back, shake it off, and let it go, we will enjoy the unsurpassed peace of God which is available to all of us who call ourselves a child of God’s.

 

Take heart

²² But [even] now I beg you to be in good spirits and take heart, for there will be no loss of life among you but only of the ship.

²³ For this [very] night there stood by my side an angel of the God to Whom I belong and Whom I serve and worship,

²⁴ And he said, Do not be frightened, Paul…

Acts 27:22-24

Like Paul, you too can be of good spirits when the storms of life come at you, because you have the Spirit surrounding you, and He will not fail you.  Yes, the storm may look like it is going to overcome you, but, remember, you have the Overcomer with you, and He will make sure that whatever the storm may bring, you will be able to conquer and defeat it.

So, take heart, for God is with you, and He is saying, “Do not be frightened, my friend.”.

Is it time to let go?

“But since they kept opposing and abusing and reviling him, he shook out his clothing [against them] and said to them, Your blood be upon your [own] heads!...” Acts 18:6 AMP

When you’ve exhausted all avenues to help another, yet they still continue to follow the wrong path, then it may be a good time to walk away and let them figure it out on their own.  Love them from afar, pray for them often, but let them go.  Remember, one way or another, they will come face to face with God, and it will be up to them on which direction they choose to proceed.

Born again

"But arise and stand upon your feet..." 

Acts 26:16 AMP

When you call yourself a born again Christian, then you, my friend, need to arise and stand!  Like Paul, on the road to Damascus, your have been hand chosen by God for a special purpose in this life.  No, you may not be able to pin-point what exactly it is, but you know you have certain gifts and talents within you that are unlike any other.  Therefore, show them off with all humility, and be not afraid of what the world will and does say about you.  You are special, you are unique, you have the Power, you are God's chosen child and He wants you to live it out.  So, arise and stand, you have a God-given life to live!

Clear, unshaken, and blameless conscience.

"Therefore I always exercise and discipline myself [mortifying my body, deadening my carnal affections, bodily appetites, and worldly desires, endeavoring in all respects] to have a clear (unshaken, blameless) conscience, void of offense toward God and toward men."  Acts 24:16 AMP

Boy, I sure wish more of us would spend time on this type of exercise and discipline -  what an amazing place the world would be to live in if we did!  Plus, a lot healthier, happier, and loving, too!

Let me ask you, Is your conscience clear and void of offense against God and man?  If not, why don't you take time to make it right; start a new trend and be an example?  Although we may not be able to change the world, I believe that if each of us make type of exercise and discipline a priority, we will be able to greatly change our personal attitudes, health, well-being, and joy, and those attributes will eventually spread to those around you, helping to change this world - one person at a time.

The Lord's will be done!

"... saying, The Lord's will be done!" Acts 21:14 AMP

There would be a lot less anxiety, anger, frustration, fear, torment, and wasted time, if we would all take any given situation in our lives that we are trying to control, raise our hands in the air, give it to God, say, "Your will be done Lord.", and then move on with the rest of our lives knowing that God will do what needs to be done.   

Hmm, maybe we should all try it more often... yes?!?!

This is your life!

"... neither do I esteem my life dear to myself, if only I may finish my course with joy and the ministry which I have obtained from [which was entrusted to me by] the Lord Jesus..." Acts 20:24 AMP

This is your life!  You aren't to live your parents lives, your friends lives, your co-workers lives, nor the environment you've been raised in lives - you are to live the life God has given you; you are to live the life God has put in your heart, entrusted to you.  So, stop trying to please everyone but God, and begin to live your God-given destiny.  Not only will you go through life with more joy, peace, ease, and love, you will go through life with a fulfillment that goes beyond anything the people in this world could ever give you.

Separate yourself.

“But when some became more and more stubborn (hardened and unbelieving) discrediting and reviling and speaking evil of the Way [of the Lord]… he separated himself from them… “ Acts 19:9 AMP

There is no reason that you need to stay in a relationship, group, or congregations that speaks evil, gossips, stirs up trouble, threatens, discriminates, lies, or just plain rude.  Like Paul, you too can separate yourself and move on with your life.  Guaranteed: you will be more richly blessed without them!

 

In Him we live

"For in Him we live and move and have our being..." Acts 17:28 AMP

In Him we live ~ Out of Him we die.

And suddenly

“And suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared… And the chains fell off his hands.” Acts 12:7 AMP

No matter how long you’ve been tied down in hurt, affliction, pain, addiction, fear, anger, sin, and the like, when Jesus sees His child in bondage, He immediately gets His teams of angels prepared.  So, get ready, because your time has come, and in the blink of an eye – suddenly - His angles are goimg to come alongside you to free you from all the darkness and pain.

Yes, my friend, you are going to get your life back, and it is going to be better than it ever was.