Stay fearless! Keep believing in God!

"...Your threat means nothing to us. If you throw us in the fire, the God we serve can rescue us from your roaring furnace and anything else you might cook up, O king. But even if he doesn’t, it wouldn’t make a bit of difference, O king. We still wouldn’t serve your gods or worship the gold statue you set up.”

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Fear not of any words, threats, or deeds that come to you by man.  Instead, fully place your trust in God: stay fearless, keep believing, and know that God is your redeemer and protector. 

You will be blessed!!

The Message (MSG)

Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson

Face your battles

“…. go after your enemies… Don’t be timid.  Be strong! Be confident!...” Joshua 10:18-19, 25 – The MSG

When hard times, or hard people, come against you, have no fear, because God won’t let his precious child face or fight the battle alone.  He is with you and He will lead you to victory.  So, put your faith in God, stay strong, be confident, and don’t back down in fear.  Remember, you have the mighty hand of God carrying you, protecting you, and fighting your battles for you – defeat is of no option for you - your victory is sure to come.

You have been handpicked ~ You have been redeemed

"... He chose us [actually picked us out for Himself as His own] in Christ before the foundation of the world... For He foreordained us (destined us, planned in love for us) to be adopted (revealed) as His own children through Jesus Christ...In Him we have redemption (deliverance and salvation) through His blood, the remission (forgiveness) of our offenses (shortcoming, and trespasses), in accordance with the riches and the generosity of His own gracious favor, Which He lavished upon us in every kind of wisdom and understanding (practical insight and prudence)..." Ephesians 1: 4-8 AMPC

Erase any and all the things the world has told you, and fill your mind, heart, body, and soul with these verses.  Read and re-read them until they sink way down deep into your soul.  Ask God to help glorify these verses through and within you, and ask Him to reveal just how important, beautiful, successful, and amazing you truly are.  

My friend, you are redeemed, you are forgiven, you are hand picked, and you are the apple of God's eyes.  Whatever else you've been told can be removed from your mind.  How?  Focus on God, and focus on His Word.  I guarantee, the more you fill your mind with Him, the more beautiful your life becomes - inside and out.

The most violent storms in life

“Meanwhile, the sea was getting rough and rising high because of a great and violent wind… they were afraid (terrified).  But Jesus said to them, It is I, be not afraid! [I am; stop being frightened!] [Exod. 3:14].” John 6:20 AMP

It is the biggest storms in life that show us who Jesus really is – more visibly than ever before. So, view the storms in your life as divine opportunities to see and know Jesus more closely and clearly than ever before.  As well, view the storms in your life as a blessing, because, you, my friend, are about to receive gifts and miracles of His Spirit which are going to shine ever-so-brightly through your hard times.

 

Secret motives

"So do not make any hasty or premature judgments before the time when the Lord comes [again], for He will both bring to light the secret things that are [now hidden] in darkness and disclose and expose the [secret] aims (motives and purposes) of hearts. Then every man will receive his [due] commendation from God." 1 Corinthians 4:5 AMP

Be constantly on guard of the secrets and motives, good or bad, in which you have hidden in your heart, because, in due time, your secrets and motives will be revealed, and you will reap  consequences accordingly.  Therefore, make sure to keep your heart full of motives and secrets that uplift, bless, and are in line with God's Word, and, in turn, you will be uplifted and blessed by the One - Jesus Christ.  And, boy oh boy, when He uplifts and blesses, life turns into an amazing journey.

Follow the commands of God - He is trying to bless you!

"... for the Lord our God is [uncompromisingly] righteous and rigidly just in all His works which He does [keeping His word]..." Daniel 9:14

No matter if you heed the promptings, words, commands and/or directions, of God, He will always do what He says He is going to do.  Ignoring any of His promptings, words, commands and/or directions, simply make your life more complicated, sometimes to the point of hitting rock-bottom. 

Therefore, be on board with God in all things, and in all your ways, because He lives through, in, and around you, to bless you, not harm you.  My friend, God wants to give you, and bless you with, the best life possible here on Earth.  He is not to be ignored - He is only trying to protect you - LET HIM!  

So, listen to and follow God in all your ways, in everything you do, and the fulfillment of life in abundance will be yours to LIVE!! 

Praise God - Be Blessed.

The end of self

The end of me equals the beginning of Him ~ God Almighty

Consider Jesus

"He considered the contempt and abuse and shame [borne for] the Christ (the Messiah Who was to come) to be greater wealth than all the treasure of Egypt, for he looked forward and away to the reward (recompense)." Hebrews 11:26 AMPC

When you are tempted to sin; when you are tempted to fall into the world for what you think is a certain ease (although it is only a moment of ease, eventually leading to a long term heartache), remember the determination of Moses, and, like him, consider Jesus.  Jesus prevails over all worldly ease and quick satisfactions.  So, if you can focus on Him, not on the moment, then your decisions will be God-blessed, God-beneficial, and will bear God-bearing fruit of which you will never be ale to receive from the world.

Considering Jesus equals actions, thoughts, and decisions that reach into your eternal destiny, which is being seated in Heaven at the right hand of Jesus Christ himself.

Unspoken words

“But Mary was keeping within herself all these things (sayings), weighing and pondering them in her heart.” Luke 2:19 AMP

Hence, some things are better left unspoken until a later time.

 

Many are called...

“For many are called (invited and summoned), but few are chosen.” Matthew 22:14 AMP

To find out if you’ve been called on by God, all you have to do is analyze your intentions.  Do you have intentions of joy, peace, abundance, love, prosperity, giving, forgiveness, mercy, grace, and faith for your future?  Or, are you thinking thoughts of dread, worry, selfish desire, guilt, sin, resentment, pain, and sickness?  If you are finding yourself thinking the latter of the intentions, then it is time to re-analyze.

Sadly, some of us have filled our minds with so much darkness, and ungodly intentions that we’ve become blind to the call of God.  So, it’s time to let the Light come in – it is time to push the darkness out.  Friend, you are His chosen child and you can start fresh; ask God to come into your heart and forgive you your sins - He will - He wants to!

Yes, God forgives you, He loves you, He wants what is the best for you, and He has an amazing call for you.  So, answer Him and hang up on the world, because your life now, and in eternity, depend on it.

Blessings in disguise

+Blessings in disguise

"…yet our God turned the curse into a blessing.”  Nehemiah 13:2

Whatever seemingly seems to be cursing (plaguing, ailing) you right now is not what it seems!!

Remember, the Word of God is truth; God never lies! Therefore, if you are a believer in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and remain steadfast and faithful to Him, then this so-called, curse, will soon be your triumphant blessing in disguise.

Picture from: http://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&docid=UbmqAsUfyUf24M&tbnid=LjvXuldBxUlqiM:&ved=0CAQQjB0&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pinterest.com%2Fmombball2%2Fi-do-count-my-blessings%2F&ei=NODaU-TtGYnsoATdhICIDw&bvm=bv.72197243,d.cGU&psig=AFQjCNEZIvK816FaRdHtcIKLn-9GHncXjQ&ust=1406939402062520

Speak to that rock!

“… Speak to that rock that’s right in front of them and it will give water…” Numbers 20:7-8, The Message

When problems (rocks) come across your path in life, don’t back down, don’t run away, and don’t fear, instead, stand firm and speak directly to that rock trying to stop you.  The moment you do, God starts smashing it, and whether it be piece by piece or all at once, that rock has no chance with you ~ one way or another, victory is yours!!

Image copied from http://www.egcc.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/speak-to-the-rock.jpg

 

Relinquish the control.

“… And their life shall be like a well-watered garden and they shall not sorrow or anguish anymore at all.” Jeremiah 31:12 AMP

Although we have given our lives to Christ, I still think we sometimes forget who is in control – we try to take over, and that is when things begin to spiral downward. 

Have you found yourself trying to control too much, then it is time to turn back to God and relinquish the control back over to Him! Let yourself, once again, rest in His leadership; He knows what to do, where to go, how to act, what to say, and when to turn away – our flesh doesn’t.  So, surrender to God with all that you are and all that you have, and let His words pour over your life… Your life shall be like a well-watered garden, and you shall not sorrow or anguish anymore at all.  Praise be to God!

Yes, praise our glorious God!  His is so good!

The full armor of Light

“…Let us then drop (fling away) the works and deeds of darkness and put on the [full] armor of light.” Romans 13:12 AMP

Thoughts and actions of anger, resentment, un-forgiveness, depression, darkness, frustration, and self-pity are keys to darkness – death.  However, thoughts and actions of love, joy, peace, patience… the fruits of the Spirit are keys to God's light - LIFE.  

So, you decide, life or death?  Either choice is up to you.

Purging out the evil

"And I will purge out and separate from among you the rebels and those who transgress against Me..." Ezekiel 20:38

Don't worry, once you've dedicated your life to Christ and have accepted Him into your heart; receiving His salvation, love, grace, and mercy; then, those around you that are full of, and create, evil, anger, dishonor - in essence, darkness - will end up in one of two categories: 

Saved by God's amazing grace - changed, reborn, and full of Jesus,which enhances and strengthens the world around you ; or, removed from your life because their sinful choices have taken them on a path away from God, which takes them far away from you, because the devil and all of his helpers know that when there is one standing strong for Jesus, then him and his group stand not a chance anywhere near.

Be patient, be strong in faith, and know that with God no one stands a chance of taking the joy and blessings out of your life!

It's all about choices

“Everything is permissible for me – but not everything is beneficial.  Everything is ‘permissible for me’ – but I will not be mastered by anything.”  1 Cor. 6:12 (NIV 1984)

It is all about choices!  We all have them to make, however, we all often to not make them for the right reasons.  Our choices, whether it is faith, food, fun, health, family, work, finances, etc., need to be made with these two questions in mind:  ‘Do I have peace about this?’ And, ‘Would God approve?’.  If both questions are answered with a no, then some deep, powerful prayer is definitely necessary; if answered with a yes, then the choice should be pretty easy for you to make.

A new mind and heart and a new spirit!

"...repent and turn from all your transgressions, lest iniquity be your ruin and so shall they not be a stumbling block to you... make you a new mind and heart and a new spirit... and live! "Ezekiel 18:20, 20-32 AMP

Turning away from God and His Word equals death!  

BUT, turning to God, repenting for your sins and wrongdoings; changing your mind, heart, and spirit through prayer, reading His Word, and choosing to live out the fruits of His Spirit, (love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, faithfulness, kindness, and self-control), equals LIFE - life that actually makes life worth living.  

Oh, how my heart goes to those that haven't given their lives to Christ; life with Him is so amazing, loving, joyful, blessed, and full of vigor.  So, if you you haven't made the decision to ask Him to come into your heart, and forgive you for all your sins - please do, please hurry, and please don't ever look back!

Eat and drink for the glory of God

"And they all drank the same spiritual (supernaturally given) drink. For they drank from a spiritual Rock which followed them [produced by the sole power of God Himself without natural instrumentality], and the Rock was Christ. [Exod. 17:6; Num. 20:11.] 

So then, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you may do, do all for the honor and glory of God."

1 Corinthians 10:4,31

So let me ask, when you eat and drink, whose glory do you do it unto? God or yours? Friends, it is time we let Christ be our personal meal planner.

I believe, and know, that if we think of Him every time we take a bite, we will begin to make healthier choices, have more energy, find our bodies healing from our sicknesses, and will influence those around us to be healthier. So, let's give it a try because there is no doubt that we will find ourselves better off (inside and out) if we do.

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What does Holy mean?

What does Holy mean?

“Holy means that God is alive on God’s terms, alive in a way that exceeds our experience and imagination.  Holy refers to life burning with an intense purity that transforms everything it touches into itself.” 
- Eugene H. Patterson, The Message

God is HOLY!

 

Continually healed and freed!

“For she kept saying, If I only touch His garments, I shall be restored… And He said to her, Daughter your faith… has restored you… Go in (into) peace and be continually healed and freed.” Mark 5:28,34 AMP

Faith in God heals! Faith in God restores! Faith in God protects! Friends, God can overcome seemingly hopeless situations; faith in God far outweighs any faith in the flesh; yes, faith in God can withstand and conquer the most dire of circumstances! Therefore, keep believing in God, hoping on God, praying to God, and, most importantly, keep the faith in God at all times and in all situations.  I believe and know that if you do, you will experience life altering healings and miracles.

Praise God.

Don't be afraid to fall!

"... but he who believes in Him [who adheres to, trusts in, and relies on Him] shall not be put to shame nor be disappointed in his expectations." [Isa. 28:16.] Romans 9:33

As a child of the Most High God, you can be confident in knowing that when you take faith-filled steps of faith, you will not be put to shame.  So, if you have a calling in your heart, start taking steps toward it.  And, remember, even if it may seem like you are going to be the laughing stock of the bunch at first, when all is said and done, you will be the one standing - and next to you will be Jesus Christ Himself!!

Firm and unshaken to the end

"For we have become fellows with Christ (the Messiah) and share in all He has for us, if only we hold our first newborn confidence and original assured expectation  [in virtue of which we are believers] firm and unshaken to the end." Hebrews 3:14 AMPC

Never lose faith, for what is God's is yours if you remain confident and faithful in Him. However, if faith is lost, so is His outpouring of blessings over your life. So, stand strong in Him, and know that every good and God-given blessing is yours, and He will pour them over you in His timing and in His way.   

Yes, for those filled with confidence and faith in the One and Only, life is real good... real good!!

Riches, honor, and life

"The reward of humility and the reverent and worshipful fear of the Lord is riches, and honor, and life." Proverbs 22:4

Humility and fear of the Lord are not weaknesses, they are power, protection, and honor to those that abide by them.  Therefore, pride, sinful actions and behaviors are the weaknesses; they are destruction to those that abide by them.

Stay on the high road of life - God's road - and to you will come riches, honor, and life that God promises!  Praise God - hallelujah!

The power of the tongue

“Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and they who indulge in it shall eat the fruit of it [for death or life].” Proverbs 18:21

What are you speaking? What type of words to you say? What kind of conversations do you engage in?  Start listening to yourself and I’ll bet that most of the problems, issues, misunderstandings, and thought processes are due to idiotic, useless, and idle words that we speak on a day to day basis.

Let’s begin to change and/or improve the way we speak so that the words we say lift up, help, and influence others. I truly believe the quality of our lives will change dramatically for the better.

Stumbling blocks

"... for [wealth] has been the stumbling block of their iniquity... they turned into pride of it the images of their abominations (idols)..." Ezekiel 7:19-20

Wealth, prosperity, fame, fortune, and the like, can be just as addicting as any drug; once you get a little, you want more, and once you get more, it is still not enough; you begin to pursue them in desperate measure, trampling anyone, and everyone, who tries to get in your way, including God. We need to be on guard toward our pursuits, dreams, desires, and prayers, so that our fleshly wants don't get ahead of us; thus, making sure to know where our priorities lie.

Where are your priorities?  Is your money, as well as, your dreams, prayers, hopes, and desires, in line with the Word of God?  If not, then back off a bit on the pursuits, and press in to God, otherwise the outcome you are so busy fighting for may be exactly the opposite of what you are hoping.  

Make sure God is the center of everything you want, so that your hopes and prayers not only comes to pass, but come to pass in extraordinary measures; over and above anything you could dare hope for or imagine.

Living an enthusiastic life

“… (the Messiah, the Anointed One), Who gave Himself on behalf that He might redeem us (purchase our freedom) from all iniquity and purify for Himself a people… eager and enthusiastic about [living a life that is good and filled with] beneficial deeds. [Deut. 14:2; Ps. 130:8; Ezek. 37:23] Titus 2:14 AMPC

Do you know how important you are?  Do you really know?  If not, let these words minister to your soul: Jesus died just for you!!  Yes, for you!  And, I know that if more of us would believe how truly important we are, and also realize Whose we are and Who was sacrificed on our behalf, then we would have more of a pep in our step, an inward joy that sparkles on the outside, and be examples that glorify our living God.  We would live lives filled with doing good, and being good – a joy-filled, enthusiastic life that speaks to the world, “I am God’s child and I am loved!”.

 

Between you and God

“…I told no one what God had put in my heart to do… “ +Nehemiah 2:12

Sometimes our best intentions and plans are better left between ourselves and God.