Sueprhuman power

"...as it truly is, the Word of God, which is effectually at work in your who believe [exercising its superhuman power in those who adhere to and trust in and rely on it]." 1 Thessalonians 4:13 AMPC

God's Word is full of power, superhuman power, and those of us that believe and rely on it, are full of His power; no matter where your life is at right now, remember, God's Word isn't based on our feelings nor what is going on in the natural, but is based on our faith and our belief in Him.  So,open your arms, open your heart, and open your mind, because you, my friend, you are God's child, and as His child you you have power that goes beyond all human imagination!!  Therefore, call it out as such, and believe it in to the deepest, most inner-part of your soul.  As you do, power, strength, and might will begin to fill you, and those dark times that try to come against you, somehow won't seem so dark anymore.

Word and deed.

"Behave yourselves wisely [living prudently and with discretion] in your relations with those of the outside world (the non-Christians), making the most of the time and seizing (buying up) the opportunity. Let your speech at all times be gracious (pleasant and winsome), seasoned [as it were] with salt, [so that you may never be at a loss] to know how you ought to answer anyone [who puts a question to you]." Colossians 4:4-6 AMPC

Two questions: One, are you making the most out of every moment of your life?  Two, do you think before you speak?  

Our time here in the world is for a reason; our time here in the world is to follow the call of Jesus. So, if there are ares in our lives that bear and produce no fruit, then now is a good time to change those areas with fruit bearing deeds so that we will never have to look back and be saddened because we wish we would have lived differently... stopped focusing on certain aspects, and focused more on aspects that are God-called.

As for our speech, we could all use some extra thinking before we even speak a word.  So, join me and decide today to think before the words start flying out of your mouth.  I honestly believe that one simple word in the presence of another can either lift them up, change their lives, or give them hope they didn't have before.  No, we may not always know what our words do to others, but I'm positive of this: we will be held accountable to our words, and one way or another, (good, bad and ugly), our words will come back full circle.  In essence, make sure that what you speak to another is what you want spoken to you, because your turn will come.

Let peace be the umpire of your heart

¹⁵ And let the peace (soul harmony which comes) from Christ rule (act as umpire continually) in your hearts [deciding and settling with finality all questions that arise in your minds, in that peaceful state] to which as [members of Christ’s] one body you were also called [to live]...

Colossians 3:15-17Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC)

 

God's approval comes as peace in your heart for any matter, question, action, or thought.  Therefore, if you don't have peace in your heart, nor have ease in your mind, then right now may not be the best time for you to do what you are trying to do, say, or be.  Therefore, wait on God's peace.  When you do, the matter, question, action, or thought you've been pondering will, not only, be blessed, but will be filled with God's almighty glory

Your new, real self in Christ

The moment we decide to call ourselves children of the Most High God, is the moment we must immediately begin to pursue these characteristics written by Paul in Colossians (3:3, 8-15).  These pursuits must begin at the deepest part of our most innermost souls:

Since you have died, and your new, real life is hidden with Christ in God, put away and rid yourselves completely of all these things: anger, rage, bad feeling toward others, curses and slander, and foulmouthed abuse and shameful utterances, and lying.  Instead, put on behavior marked by tenderhearted pity and mercy, kind feeling, a lowly opinion of yourselves, gentle ways, and patience which is tireless and long suffering, and has the power to endure whatever comes with good temper.

So, even if you outwardly proclaim your salvation to the world, God knows your soul, and that is what will determine eternal life, or to eternal death - the choice is yours.  However, if your choice is for eternal life with Christ, then characteristics need to follow suite, and pursued with all might.  

Therefore, make a point to be more like Christ everyday - I guarantee your life will never be the same, and you will become like a fine wine... getting better and better everyday.

 

Our struggles are not against flesh and blood...

“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”  Ephesians 6:12 NIV

Even though it may seem that man is your worst enemy, and nothing in life is going your way, that isn’t the case, it is Satan and all of his loyal helpers coming against  you, trying to attack your soul – don’t let them. Instead, be constantly on guard by staying, and standing, strong in the Lord– in Him the devil hasn’t a chance.  Remember, whatever may come against you, God has a way for you to conquer it.  So, don’t lose focus on Who is in control - with Him, your back is always protected.

 

God has already won the battles for us.

"[God] disarmed the principalities and powers that were ranged against us and made a bold display and public example of them, in triumphing over them in Him and in it [the cross]."  Colossians 2:15 AMPC

There will always be situations and circumstances that come against us to which we really wish we could avoid; situations that torment us mentally and, sometimes, physically.  However, since avoidance isn't an option, we must remember that those powers coming against us are already defeated by God, which means that those powers are only as bad as we make them to be in our minds.  

Our mental attitude and outlook towards our circumstances is what makes our circumstances either bad or good, because whichever the circumstance or situation, God has already taken care of them for us.   Therefore, our thinking must be in line with the Word of God.  If it isn't, then we will never live the blessed, peace-filled, joy-filled life that God has graciously given us, and died for us to live.  We must be on a continual fight against darkness with the Word of God, prayer, and thanksgiving. 

So, no matter what happens, from here until the day we get to be the good Lord in Heaven, let's start focusing on God, not the situation.  When we do, I know that the Light will come in,  and the darkness and fear within will begin to quickly fade away.

Praise God!!

Wisdom, knowledge, and insight

“In Him all the treasures of [divine] wisdom (comprehensive insight into the ways and purposes of God) and [all the riches of spiritual] knowledge and enlightenment are stored up and lie hidden.” Colossians 2:3 AMPC

Wisdom, knowledge, and insight are all found in God - found anywhere else, obstacles and curves are bound to happen.  Therefore, if you want divine wisdom, insight, and answers, the first time you ask, then call on God, He will give you the knowledge you need, and/or lead you in the direction to which you will find the answer.

Live your life on purpose.

"Look carefully then how you walk!  Live purposefully and worthily and accurately, not as the unwise and witless, but as wise (sensible, intelligent people), Making the very most of the time [buying up each opportunity], because the days are evil.  Therefore do not be vague and thoughtless and foolish, but understanding and firmly grasping what the will of the Lord is." Ephesians 5:15-17 AMPC

Live your life on purpose; live your life for a purpose - Live your life unto, and for God.  Living anything less will lead nowhere, leaving you spending precious time back-pedaling, trying to make all of your fruitless deeds, and wrong-doings, right.

Seemingly dark days

"[The Father] has delivered and drawn us to Himself out of the control and the dominion of darkness and has transferred us into the kingdom of the Son of His love." Colossians 1:13 AMPC

It is unavoidable, there will be what seems like dark days, (or, weeks, months, years), that we feel the life has been sucked right out of us - the carpet pulled right out from underneath us.  However, during those seemingly dark times of our lives we must, must, must, confess and hold firm in faith that God has already redeemed us from the darkness.  Therefore, the darkness we feel we've fallen into, isn't darkness at all, instead, it is a time in our lives that will not only bring us closer to God, but will also be turning point for our lives.  Therefore, keep on moving forward, even during those seemingly dark days, stay firm in faith, grab hold of God, and know this: everything happens for a reason, nothing is a surprise to God, and although we may feel lifeless,hurt, dark, and depressed, God will turn it around for our good.  

You are loved, you are a blessing, you are blessed, you ARE God's precious child!!

The glory of Him

As Paul prayed over the people of Colossae, I would like to pray this over all of you reading this:

"That you may walk (live and conduct yourselves) in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to Him and desiring to please Him in all things, bearing fruit in every good work and steadily growing and increasing in and the knowledge of God [with fuller, deeper, and clearer insight, acquaintance, and recognition]." 

Colossians 1:10 AMPC

You are God's child, and I pray that everyday you see the glory of Him shine through, and around, you more and more.

Your every need

“Any my God will liberally supply (fill to the full) your every need according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19 AMPC

So, in essence, if you don’t have it right now, then you don’t need it right now; when it is time for you to need it, God will give it to you.

Do all things without grumbling and arguing.

^"14 Do everything without grumbling or arguing, ¹⁵ so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky. " Philippians 2:14-15 NIV

In the Amplified Version, the Word reads (something along the lines of), "Do everything without grumbling and complaining... be a bright light in this dark world...".   These verses bring me to the questions, If God were to come and show himself to you, would your life shine, or would your life be dark and dreary?  Are you proud to show God your life, or are you hoping He's not noticing right now?  Now, don't be misled, God notices everything, but sometimes, since we don't see Him, we think He doesn't, which leads us to fall into the flesh pretty easily. 

Therefore, work on making your life one that you are proud to show off for God.  Yes, it is extremely hard on occasion, but I believe the harder it is to be the light in the darkness, the more God is using your life as an example and a blessing to many who don't know Him.  Which also means, the more you fight to be shining light for God's glory, the more abundantly His good fortunes, blessings, and love, will be showered over you - and those are definitely good things which no one wants to miss.

Opponents and adversaries

"And do not [for a moment] be frightened or intimidated in anything by your opponents and adversaries, for such [constancy and fearlessness] will be a clear sign (proof and seal) to them of [their impending] destruction, but [a sure token and evidence] of your deliverance and salvation, and that from God." Philippians 1:28 AMPC

Keep being the child of God that you are.  You are bold, beautiful, courageous, and gifted; let no man, thought, or deed steal your confidence - let no man, thought, or deed steal who you were put here to be.  Be you!  

So, don't be shy, let your gifts and talents shine through.  Do what you feel God is calling you to do, and shake the dirt off your feet daily.  Keep moving forward, don't focus on the past, and let all evil and condemnation turn and run when they see you, God's child, coming their way.

He Who began a good work...

“… He Who began a good work in you will continue until the day of Jesus Christ [right up to the time of His return], developing [that good work] and perfecting and bringing it to full completion in you.” Philippians 1:6 AMPC

You are made for a purpose.  God has a plan for your life, and one way or another, you will walk out and live that purpose.  So, If you feel yourself fighting through life, maybe it is time to step back and ask God to take the lead - you just might find that you’ve been trying to go down the wrong dang road for a mighty long time.  So, let God lead the way, and let the purpose He has made you for come to pass the way it is supposed to.

The full armor of God

“Put on God’s whole armor [the armor of a heavy-armed soldier which God supplies] that you may be able to stand up against [all] the strategies and the deceits of the devil.”  Ephesians 6:11 AMPC

Before we can dress ourselves with clothing, we need to dress ourselves with the armor of God; the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, and feet fitted with readiness and peace.  If we don’t, then we will not be able to live the peace-filled, light-filled, love-filled, life that God intends for us to live.  So, unless you choose to live in strife, darkness, and unhappiness, then make a point to put on the full armor of God every day – once you do, your life will never, ever be the same.

Love that is bullet-proof

“However, let each man of you [without exception] love his wife as [being in a sense] his very own self; and let the wife see that she respects and reverences her husband [that she notices him, regards him, honors him, prefers him, venerate and esteems, him; and that she defers to him and loves and admires him exceedingly].” [1 Peter 3:2] Ephesians 5:33 AMPC

Do you want your marriage to work?  If so, and I hope so, then this verse sums up the, how to, in a nutshell.  Not married?  Then this verse is one you won’t want to forget when you do get married.  Never planning on getting married?  Then, this verse applies to how you should love those in your life.

Yep, if you want to truly love someone and make it work, then take this verse to heart – God’s words are bullet-proof.

Walk in love

Be imitators of God! How? Walk in Love.

  

How do you walk in love?  By being this kind of person: warm, devoted, unselfish, loyal, concerned, respectful, honest, sincere, pure, and kind, to everyone.  Even people that are evil?  Yes!  You don't have to make a point to become part of their lives, and it is OK to keep your distance, but pray for them,  refuse to retaliate wrong for wrong, and let God do the rest. 

My friends, Love heals,  Love brings light, Love restores,  Love helps,  Love can conquer the devil,  Love can bridge the broken,  Love can conquer all the forces of darkness,  Love is everything ~

Love is God.

Do nothing to grieve the Holy Spirit

Strip yourselves of your former nature, your old unrenewed self, and be constantly renewed in the spirit of your mind, God-like in true righteousness and holiness.  When angry, do not sin, leave no such room or foothold for the devil; let the thief steal no more from you.  Let no foul or polluting language nor evil work nor unwholesome or worthless talk ever come out of your mouth.  Let all bitterness, indignation, wrath, rage, bad temper, resentment, slander, quarreling, contention, and the like, be banished from you.  Do nothing to grieve the Holy Spirit.  Instead, become useful and helpful and kind to one another, tender-hearted, compassion, understating, loving, and forgiving one another as God in Christ has forgiven you.

Adapted from Ephesians 4:22-32 AMPC

Live a life that honors God, and, in turn, you will have a life that is honored by God.

 

Without God...

“Now to Him Who, by (in consequence of) the [action of His] power that is at work within us, is able to [carry out His purpose and] do superabundantly, far over and above all that we [dare] ask or think [infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, hopes, or dreams]…” Ephesians 3:20 AMPC

Without God, life is limited.  With God, life is limitless.

 

You will never be alone in Christ

“Therefore you are no longer outsiders (exiles, migrants, and aliens…), but you now share citizenship with the Saints (God’s own people, consecrated and set apart for Himself); and you belong to God’s [own] household.” Ephesians 2:19 AMPC

In Christ you will always belong.  You are part of His household, which means, you will never, ever, be alone, unloved, forgotten, or rejected.

My friend, God loves you so much!!

 

The handiwork of God

“For we are God’s [own] handiwork (His workmanship), recreated in Chris Jesus [born anew] that we may do the good works which God predestined (planned beforehand) for us [taking paths which He prepared ahead of time], that we should walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us to live].” Ephesians 2:10 AMPC

You are the handiwork of God, you have been hand-picked by the Creator of the universe, and you have a predestined plan awaiting for you!  Therefore, let go of all your frustrations, anger, past mistakes, fears, and regret, and let God do what needs to be done to get you on the right path.  One way or another, He will get you there, so make it simple on yourself and LET HIM!