When we refuse to give up our evil practices and stubborn ways...

"... They refused to give up their evil practices and stubborn ways.  Therefore the Lord was very angry with Israel and said, "...I will no longer drive out any of the nations Joshua left when he died.  I will use them to test Israel and see whether they will keep the way of the Lord and walk in it as their forefathers did."

Judges 2:19,20-22

When we continually ignore the commands of the Lord, he has no choice but to let go and let us walk in our own stubborn ways.  We must remember that the Lord is polite and will not force us to do anything we do not want to do, including following him or following ourselves - our selfish ways.  So, let's not blame God when the world comes against us and darkness is winning. For we have made the choices for such consequences to be happening.  Instead let's repent, turn back to God and seek him and all his compassion. He loves us so much and is filled with so much mercy, he will turn his face back on us; he will shine his glory down; he will defeat the enemies against us; our lives will be bright again.  Yes, God is so good! And, although we make terrible choices against him, he forgives us when we repent.  He loves us, friends, he truly loves us.  Therefore, whatever the messes may be, turn to the Lord and give him back all the control.  

When you put God first, he puts you first!!

"Worship the Lord your God and his blessing will be on your food and water.  I will take away sickness from among you, and none will miscarry or be barren in your land. I will give you a full lifespan... I will make all of your enemies turn their backs and run... Little by little I will drive them out before you, until you have increased enough to take possession of the land.  I will establish your borders... I will hand over to you the people who live in the land and drive them out before you..."

Exodus 23: 25-31

When you put God first, he puts you first!!  

Yes, when you worship God, and Him only, he runs down the enemies before you and leads you into lands of victory.

Challenges

Challenges – face them or run? 

Run?

No WAY!!

In a challenging situation, don’t turn and run – face it head on repeating these words I’ve taken from God’s Word, James, Chapter 1:

Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you.  Under pressure, your faith life is forced into the open and shows its true colors.  Don’t try to get out of anything prematurely.  If you don’t know what you are doing, pray.  God loves to help and he won’t condescend you when you do ask.  So, ask boldly, believingly, without a second thought.  And remember, anyone who meets a testing challenge head-on and manages to stick with it is mighty fortunate.  For such persons loyally in love with God is rewarded with life and more life.

America - Wake up!

https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwiFu8ztlenPAhVBj1QKHc9xBQAQjR
wIBw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fm.delphiforums.com%2Fjustd%2Fmessages%2
F32123%2F22981&psig=AFQjCNGwOhRIiNDG7WnqwVaJGMBXDuFGDQ&ust=1477045450503394

The healing power of God's love

“Then said the Lord to me, Go again, love [the same] woman [Gomer] who is… an adulteress, even as the Lord loves the children of Israel, though they turn to other gods…” Hosea 3:1 AMP

Although it can be quite difficult and challenging to do, as children of the Most High, we are called to love the unlovable.  Love them enough to make a difference in their lives; love them enough to break down and destroy the pain that they have let build up inside of them.

You and I have been blessed with the healing power of God’s love, and now we need to share it to others.  So, don’t turn your back, don’t ignore, and don’t avoid someone who is in need of love – you may be the one person that changes their outlook on life; you may be the one person that shows them what love really is.

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.

Sometimes moving on is the best option.

“Later, a great many people from the Gerasene countryside got together and asked Jesus to leave – too much change, too fast, and they were scared.  So Jesus got back in the boat and set off…” Luke 8:37-39 MSG

There will be people that won’t accept us in this life, not because of who we are, or what we do, but because of their own fears and insecurities.  So, like Jesus, when this happens, the best thing we can do is quietly and kindly turn and walk away; leave and let them be.

http://www.bing.com/images/search?view=detailV2&ccid=MWMRpkKm&id=EA7995D3DBDD04637CDAA641C16AA233E0FEDE72&thid=OIP.MWMRpkKmqUvJxOuXKAof7gEsEp&q=quietly+turn+and+walk+away+when+they+don%27t+accept+you&simid=607993252680568771&selectedIndex=5&ajaxhist=0

He will never leave you

"... for even though I sent them off into exile, I will gather them back to their own land, leave not one soul behind... I'll no longer turn away... Decree of God, the Master."  Ezekiel 39:25-29 MSG

Whether you believe it or not, God is with you always.  He will never again leave you or forsake you (Deuteronomy 31:6).  So whatever you are going through now, no matter how alone you feel, God is with you fully.  And know this: all of God's children hurts, trials, and tribulations turn out for His glory - no ifs, ands, or buts about it!!  Keep the faith - Trust God.

http://www.bing.com/images/search?view=detailV2&ccid=bElO%2f2u7&id=AC89D27366D3F6552FF169881AFE128404B4D3C7&q=God+will+never+leave+you&simid=608031396157915976&selectedIndex=2&ajaxhist=0



Always follow the way of righteousness

"This person who lives upright and well shall live a full and true life.

So turn around!  Turn your backs on rebellious living so that sin won't drag you down.  Clean house... Get a new heart! Get a new spirit!... Make a clean break!  Live!"  Ezekiel 18:8-9, 30-32 MSG

Choose to live; choose righteousness over sin... the benefits are eternal and the consequences are blessed.

http://www.bing.com/images/search?view=detailV2&ccid=JeblQmCt&id=4AC69A8970E9DD3BF53E7AB983DB8E2E5E796489&q=choose+right+living+over+sin&simid=608021586439573468&selectedIndex=10&ajaxhist=0

Run to God

“… but if you come back to me and do what I tell you, I’ll gather up all these scattered peoples from wherever they ended up and put them back in the place I chose to mark with my Name.” Nehemiah 1:7-9

It is never too late to turn back to God.  His promises are true and never-ending, and they still stand open just for you.  He loves you unconditionally and He’s waiting for you with open arms… run to him!

Image copied from http://www.faithmama.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/run-to-god.jpg

God won't walk out on you.

1 Samuel 12:20-22The Message (MSG)

^20-22 Samuel said to them, “Don’t be fearful. It’s true that you have done something very wrong. All the same, don’t turn your back on God. Worship and serve him heart and soul! Don’t chase after ghost-gods. There’s nothing to them. They can’t help you. They’re nothing but ghost-gods! God, simply because of who he is, is not going to walk off and leave his people. God took delight in making you into his very own people.

No matter what you've done, God still loves you!  How could He not love you, He created you?!  He wrote every day of your life before you were ever born.  Your life is not a waste, your life is not over, and your life is not meaningless.  No, your life is just beginning and you have an amazing future ahead of you.  So, let Him in - repent, forgive, and open your heart.   God is here to stay - He will never leave you, and one you thing you can always be certain of: you can count on Him forever, to eternity and beyond!

https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwjXq6-gmdfNAhUU6WMKHcS5A08QjRwIBw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fquotesgram.com%2Fnever-leave-you-quotes%2F&psig=AFQjCNFVlfwr-w7-Mi1ge_kTKU01b7iKtw&ust=1467631943275747

The Message (MSG) Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson

Don't give in to sin!

"Do not give that which is holy (the sacred thing) to the dogs, and do not throw your pearls before hogs, lest they trample upon them with their feet and turn and tear you into pieces." Matthew 7:6 AMP

Being the fleshly beings we are, when we truly desire something in our lives, and we want it to happen yesterday, we can easily come to a point where we give in and do what we feel we got to do to get it - even if it means falling into sin to get it.  We begin to think things like: This is my only chance; I've worked so hard for this moment; God knows my heart; and the list goes on and on. However, unless we take a big bold step of faith, and walk away from giving into sin, even if it hurts, then we've done committed the sin, and, guaranteed, there will be big prices to pay for it.  

Friends, when an opportunity of a lifetime comes your way, but you have to commit small (or big) sins to take it, then it really isn't an opportunity of a lifetime at all - it is an opportunity of death (destruction, bad endings, loss, and darkness).  Therefore, take the high road and walk away from an opportunity where sin is involved, and you can rest assure that God has a better one for you.  Plus, after He sees the strength you just showed by walking away, the one He has for you will be even greater than you ever thought of, hoped for, or imagined!!

Trust God, and walk away from falling into sin to get what you want!!

Be a light for God

“… and those who turn many to righteousness (to uprightness and right standing with God) [shall give forth light] like the stars forever and ever.” Daniel 12:3 AMP

Live your life in a way that when others look at you, they see, feel, or sense a difference about you; a light about you, a warmth about you!! Yes, open your heart and life to God, and let Him take over.  Let Him take your life and turn it into a shining light for the world to see.

Gosh, our world is so filled with darkness and fear!  So, be different! Be God’s loving child and help change someone’s life today.

 

Follow the Spirit

“… wherever the Spirit would go they went, and they turned not when they went.” Ezekiel 1:12

Follow God’s spirit no matter which way He goes; He knows where He’s going, He Knows where to take you, and He knows how to get you there safely.

As humans, we easily get side-tracked, so attention to Him at all times is of vital necessity. Don’t get lost in the world, stay on God’s tail at all times!  How? By staying focused on His Word, reading and praying over His Word, listening to and following His promptings in your heart, and by taking big, bold, steps of faith!  Consequently, if you let yourself lose Him, the harshness, destruction, and darkness of the word will drag you down, the blessings that were once yours become lost in the crowd, and you become fleshly prey for Satan as he waits for the perfect timing to swallow you up.  So, make sure your focus is on the right One at all times, in all situations, for every need, want, prayer, and desire ~ your life depends on it!!