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Category Archives: faith

How to Overcome Negative Thoughts

18 Tuesday Jul 2017

Posted by in Anxiety, faith, God, Healing, Religion and Spirituality, Spirituality

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Negative thoughts. Sometimes they come like waves. I had a night like that last night. I don’t know why. Maybe because I was tired. Maybe because I was under attack by spiritual forces at work – who knows. It really doesn’t matter why.   What matters when this happens is what you do about it.

I have had struggles in this area before. I used to believe every thought that came into my head. Let me tell you – that is not healthy. I acted on bad thoughts and ended up in a world of hurt.

Today is different. I have learned that every thought that comes into my head may not be something I need to ponder on. I can choose to reject some thoughts.  Some thoughts are from the enemy of our soul. Yes – the battle is for our minds.  That is why God says to renew our minds and test every thought. That is why God tells us to think on good things.

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How did I overcome those negative thoughts? I used the Word of God. I had to reaffirm what God said is greater that what I felt at the time.  Feelings are not always real. Seriously.  When I let my feelings rise above the Word I get myself in trouble. Feelings come and go. Feelings lie. The Word of God is the Truth.

Here are the things I told myself last night to overcome the wave of negative thoughts:

  • God says I am chosen and beloved
  • God says I am worthy
  • God says I am loved
  • God says He will give me life – not death
  • God says what He made is good
  • God says He will complete the work He is doing in me
  • God says He loves me and He will protect me

change thinking

I refuse to entertain negative thinking.  When I do I end up hurting myself or others. God has plans for us, plans for a future, and good things. I will retrain my mind to dwell on the good and let go of the bad.

negative thoughts

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Every Mommy Has Her Favorite Perfume

31 Wednesday May 2017

Posted by in faith, God, Religion and Spirituality, Spirituality

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Do you have a favorite perfume? I think everyone has a favorite. I like Channel – any of them. Yes, every Mommy has her favorite perfume.

It’s funny how a simple fragrance can remind you of someone. The other day I sprayed some Channel on me and instantly remembered my mom’s perfume collection. She liked it too. I was transported back to her walk in closet with the perfumes, all her matching outfits, scarves, shoes, and jewelry. My mom used to Broker a Real Estate office so she always dressed up for work.  I miss her, she passed away a few years ago. But that perfume brought me right back there.

What about you?

Do you have a favorite perfume?

What does it remind you of?

I found that the Holy Spirit has a fragrance as well. There are times that the presence of God will come upon you and you can smell it. It’s wonderful. You feel instantly protected and safe. God brings healing and hope in those moments as well.

“Live with love as Christ loved you. He gave Himself for us, a gift on the altar to God which was as a sweet smell to God.” – Ephesians 5:2 NLV

“We thank God for the power Christ has given us. He leads us and makes us win in everything. He speaks through us wherever we go. The Good News is like a sweet smell to those who hear it.  We are a sweet smell of Christ that reaches up to God. It reaches out to those who are being saved from the punishment of sin and to those who are still lost in sin.  It is the smell of death to those who are lost in sin. It is the smell of life to those who are being saved from the punishment of sin. Who is able for such a work?  We are not like others. They preach God’s Word to make money. We are men of truth and have been sent by God. We speak God’s Word with Christ’s power. All the time God sees us.” – 2 Corinthians 2:14-17 NLV

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Learning to Rest

15 Monday May 2017

Posted by in Anxiety, faith, God, Healing, Hope, Religion and Spirituality, Spirituality

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Learning to rest. It is not always easy in this digital world. There are so many pretty things to look at. Plus you can see who is doing what any time you want. It’s insane. I miss the simpler times. The days without cell phones – when you had to leave a message on the answering machine and we could call them back when we wanted to. Our kids will never know life without cell phones. I mean really – I did not have internet when I grew up. No computer at home. Really. My kids think I’m a dinosaur.

There are times I have to unplug. Just rest and be. Go for a walk, dig in the dirt, just breathe. This life is so fast. The older I get, the faster time flies.

Can you relate?

 

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God’s Word for You:

  • “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” – Matthew 11:28-30 NKJV
  • “Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High
    will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
    I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress,
    my God, in whom I trust.” – Psalm 91:1-2 NIV
  • “The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all they had done and taught. Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” So they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place.” – Mark 6:30-32 NIV
  • “Six days you shall labor, but on the seventh day you shall rest; even during the plowing season and harvest you must rest.” – Exodus 34:21 NIV
  • “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.- Philippians 4:6-7 NIV

My Prayer for You:

Dear Lord,

Help us to let go of this world and rest in you. Bring to our minds the peace of spending time just resting in You. Let us choose to trust you with all our trials and tribulations knowing that this life is only temporary. You are the Author and Finisher of our faith. Forgive our disbelief. Our beginning and our ending is in You and what you have already done. Increase our faith, in Jesus Name.

 

 

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God Doesn’t Need a Power Cord

20 Thursday Apr 2017

Posted by in faith, God, Hope, Kingdom Authority, Music, Religion and Spirituality, Spirituality, Videos

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It was the end of another day.  Then God decided to show me something. My husband works in IT and brings his laptop to work everyday.  He carries it in a computer bag. Well last night God showed up in our ordinary everyday life!  Have you ever seen the power of God just show up?

Bob grabbed his computer bag. He reached in and grabbed his computer. It was still closed and not attached to any power source. Immediately it started playing a David Crowder song. “Oh Wanderer come home, you’re not too far” is what we heard. It’s from the song “Come As You Are.”

God doesn’t need a power cord. He can show up at any time in any way in our ordinary everyday lives. 

The power of God lives in each of us and sometimes when you touch things stuff happens.

All Bob did was touch the computer and the song started playing. The computer was not on. The computer by all rights should not have done that. But there is our God – breaking all barriers and reminding us that He can do anything. He is the power above all powers – even computers, lol!

I have blown up so many light bulbs I can’t tell you. I have turned off televisions and radios and other stuff just by touching it. Some of my pianos have taken a hike too. The power of God lives in each of us believers and it is amazing!  No wonder God wants us to lay hands on the sick – the power of God lives in us and can heal.

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” – 2 Timothy 1:7 NKJV

The power of the living God is flowing through you. The blood of Jesus is flowing through your veins. The same power that rose Jesus from the dead is in you if you have received the Holy Spirit.  Now what will we do with it?

presence

 

Here is the song God played for us last night:

 

Come as You Are
Crowder
Come out of sadness
From wherever you’ve been
Come broken hearted
Let rescue begin
Come find your mercy
Oh sinner come kneel
Earth has no sorrow
That heaven can’t heal
Earth has no sorrow
That heaven can’t heal
So lay down your burdens
Lay down your shame
All who are broken
Lift up your face
Oh wanderer come home
You’re not too far
So lay down your hurt
Lay down your heart
Come as you are
There’s hope for the hopeless
And all those who’ve strayed
Come sit at the table
Come taste the grace
There’s rest for the weary
Rest that endures
Earth has no sorrow
That heaven can’t cure
So lay down your burdens
Lay down your shame
All who are broken
Lift up your face
Oh wanderer come home
You’re not too far
Lay down your hurt lay down your heart
Come as you are
Come as you are
Fall in his arms
Come as you are
There’s joy for the morning
Oh sinner be still
Earth has no sorrow
That heaven can’t heal
Earth has no sorrow
That heaven can’t heal
So lay down your burdens
Lay down your shame
All who are broken
Lift up your face
Oh wanderer come home
You’re not too far
So lay down your hurt
Lay down your heart
Come as you are
Come as you are
Come as you are
Come as you are
Songwriters: David Crowder / Ben Glover Glover / Matt Maher
Come as You Are lyrics © Capitol Christian Music Group
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14 Quotes on Why Easter Matters

12 Wednesday Apr 2017

Posted by in faith, God, Hope, Quotes, Religion and Spirituality, Spirituality

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Easter. It’s one of the biggest Holidays if you are a believer. The day of all days! Hallelujah there is life after this one! Jesus came and died and paid the price for our sins – for our trying to live life without God and denying His existence.  I used to live my life without God and without hope. Ended up in a Hospital Ward – more than once.

For me the resurrection of Jesus means I can have a resurrection too. Easter means that my life can change from death to life with Jesus. For me it means that there is hope, I am not alone, and the God of all the Universe is on my side and will help me. Easter means that I have hope and joy and love and grace – all as a gift from God for what Jesus decided to do for us. We didn’t ask Him. While we were still sinners and not even born yet Christ died for us. I didn’t know Him yet – but He knew me and you. Easter means that God will give us a helper – the Holy Spirit to help us through this quagmire called the world. For me Easter means that this world here on planet Earth is only the beginning – there is way more fun stuff to come in Heaven. Streets of gold, pearly gates, constant praise, with no more sorrow, no more tears, no more suffering – sign me up!

HeisRisen

God’s Word for You:

“Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him, 9 knowing that Christ, having been raised from the dead, dies no more. Death no longer has dominion over Him. 10 For the death that He died, He died to sin once for all; but the life that He lives, He lives to God. 11 Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” – Romans 6:8-11 NKJV

“Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?” She said to Him, “Yes, Lord, I believe that You are the Christ, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.”” – John 11:25-27 NKJV

“But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.” – Romans 8:11

Easter

14 Quotes on Why Easter Matters

  1. “Jesus Christ did not come into this world to make bad people good; He came into this world to make dead people live.” – Lee Strobel
  2. ” God undertook the most dramatic rescue operation in cosmic history. He determined to save the human race from self-destruction, and He sent His Son Jesus Christ to salvage and redeem them. The work of man’s redemption was accomplished at the cross.” – Billy Graham
  3. “Easter says you can put truth in a grave, but it won’t stay there.”- Clarence W. Hall
  4. “The resurrection gives my life meaning and direction and the opportunity to start over no matter what my circumstances.” — Robert Flatt
  5. “For me the most radical demand of Christian faith lies in summoning the courage to say yes to the present risenness of Jesus Christ.” – ― Brennan Manning
  6. “Do not abandon yourselves to despair. We are the Easter people and hallelujah is our song.” – Pope John Paul II
  7. “Here is the amazing thing about Easter; the Resurrection Sunday for Christians is this, that Christ in the dying moments on the cross gives us the greatest illustration of forgiveness possible.” — T.D. Jakes
  8. “The cross is the lightning rod of grace that short- circuits God’s wrath to Christ so that only the light of his love remains for belivers.” – A.W. Tozer
  9. “Before the resurrection of Christ, the Holy Spirit came upon individuals only on certain occasions for special tasks. But now, after the resurrection, Christ through the Holy Spirit dwells in the heart of every believer to give us supernatural power in living our daily lives.” – Billy Graham
  10. “Our old histroy ends with the cross, our new history begins with the resurrection.” – Watchman Nee
  11. “Let every man and woman count himself immortal. Let him catch the revelation of Jesus in his resurrection. Let him say not merely, “Christ is risen,” but “I shall rise.” — Phillips Brooks
  12. “We are adopted into God’s family through the resurrection of Christ from the dead in which he paid all our obligations to sin, the law, and the devil, in whose family we once lived. Our old status lies in his tomb. A new status is ours through his resurrection.” – Sinclair B. Ferguson
  13. “The resurrection completes the inauguration of God’s kingdom. . . . It is the decisive event demonstrating thet God’s kingdom really has been launched on earth as it is in heaven. The message of Easter is that God’s new world has been unveiled in Jesus Christ and that you’re now invited to belong to it.” – N.T. Wright
  14. “The resurrection gives my life meaning and direction and the opportunity to start over no matter what my circumstances. ” – Robert Flatt

Easter 2

You Are Not an Accident

10 Monday Apr 2017

Posted by in faith, God, Hope, Religion and Spirituality, Spirituality

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Did you ever feel like an accident?

Did you ever feel like life is some cruel joke?

Did you ever feel like God made a mistake?

Those are lies from the enemy to discourage you. I know, I listened to the wrong guy for years. Yeah, in the natural and the spiritual, lol! It’s funny how when the enemy wants to discourage you he will send a critic. You know – that person who has nothing good to say about you.  The person who finds fault with everything you do or ever did. Guess what? He’s lying!  God didn’t say that about you. He says something completely opporist.

I can’t tell you what freedom I felt when I finally didn’t have to believe what everyone else said about me. He who the Son sets free is free indeed!

Here is what God really thinks of you. It was news to me too!

Psalm 139:13

Oh yes, you shaped me first inside, then out; you formed me in my mother’s womb. I thank you, High God—you’re breathtaking! Body and soul, I am marvelously made! I worship in adoration—what a creation! You know me inside and out, you know every bone in my body; You know exactly how I was made, bit by bit, how I was sculpted from nothing into something. Like an open book, you watched me grow from conception to birth; all the stages of my life were spread out before you, The days of my life all prepared before I’d even lived one day. 



Isaiah 43:1 1-4

But now, God’s Message, the God who made you in the first place, Jacob, the One who got you started, Israel: “Don’t be afraid, I’ve redeemed you. I’ve called your name. You’re mine. When you’re in over your head, I’ll be there with you. When you’re in rough waters, you will not go down. When you’re between a rock and a hard place, it won’t be a dead end— Because I am God, your personal God, The Holy of Israel, your Savior. I paid a huge price for you: all of Egypt, with rich Cush and Seba thrown in! That’s how much you mean to me! That’s how much I love you! I’d sell off the whole world to get you back, trade the creation just for you. 

 

chosen

John 15:16

“You didn’t choose me, remember; I chose you, and put you in the world to bear fruit, fruit that won’t spoil. As fruit bearers, whatever you ask the Father in relation to me, he gives you.”

You are NOT an accident. You are NOT a mistake. The Maker of the Universe has chosen YOU! He who made everything thinks you are special – the apple of His eye. He has great plans for you – good plans – plans for a great future, and not to harm you!

 

 Just Think,

You’re here not by chance, But by God’s choosing.

His hand formed you and made you the person you are.

He compares you to no one else— You are one of a kind.

You lack nothing that His grace can’t give you.

He has allowed you to be here at this time in history

To fulfill His special purpose for this generation.”

-Dayspring 2013 calendar

God loves you

There Will Finally Be Equality in Heaven

07 Tuesday Mar 2017

Posted by in faith, God, Hope, Religion and Spirituality, Spirituality

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We search for equality here on Earth. We find injustice. You can’t add a program or have Congress try to regulate it. Let’s face it, we humans treat each other awfully. Corporate America gets richer as we “worker bees” struggle more every year. The “American Dream” is a lie as more people end up deeper in debt and lose what they have spent their whole lives trying to keep. How does that song go? “Another year older and deeper in debt .”

It’s not us. It’s the system. It’s broken. It really doesn’t matter what political party you believe in. They are all corrupt in their own way. God knows, God sees. He is close to the broken-hearted. God is the Father to the fatherless and a Savior to the wounded. 

We treat our Veterans and our Elderly like throw away dolls. It’s embarrassing – and wrong. Our widows and our fatherless children are forgotten in our society. Our unborn aborted babies scream out from the ground. Our culture favors gay marriage and legalized pot. What ever happened to Christian values? It’s depressing. No wonder God said to keep your eyes on things above. 

The Good News? It won’t always be this way. Jesus is coming back for His kids. He sees the injustice. He will make the wrong things right. We will all be equal in His Kingdom. There will be no more Corporate America, no more politics,  no more  discrimination, and no more inequality. Hallelujah, praise God!

 There is [now no distinction in regard to salvation] neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you [who believe] are all one in Christ Jesus [no one can claim a spiritual superiority]. And if you belong to Christ [if you are in Him], then you are Abraham’s descendants, and [spiritual] heirs according to [God’s] promise. – Galatians 3:28-29 AMP


You Are an Arrow

26 Sunday Feb 2017

Posted by in faith, God, Motivation, Religion and Spirituality, Spirituality

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As we sit here watching Lord of the Rings, I can’t help but think those were hard days to live in. There was always an enemy knocking at your door. There was always a battle to fight. People had to fight for their protection for their families, for their land,and fight to keep what they had. 


According to the dictionary: ARROW is

  • a shaft sharpened at the front and with feathers or vanes at the back, shot from a bow as a weapon or for sport.
  • synonyms: shaft, bolt, dart
  • a mark or sign resembling an arrow, used to show direction or position; a pointer.
  • synonyms: pointer, indicator, marker, needles


Characteristics of Arrows

  1. They fly above the earth and its circumstances
  2. They destroy the enemy
  3. They must be pulled backwards under great tension
  4. They are supported by the Bow
  5. When the Master lets go they fly


God calls us His Arrows. He hold us in the palm of His hand. He points us in the right direction.  He hides us in His quiver until the time is right for battle. At just the right time He chooses us out of His quiver. Tensions increase as He loads us in His bow. Just when we think we can’t take it anymore He releases us and let’s us fly forward. He uses us to point others in the direction of His Kingdom. With the Word in our mouths we defeat enemies of God. He created us to show us His Glory!


Listen to Me, O islands and coastlands, And pay attention, you peoples from far away. 

The Lord has called Me from the womb; From the body of My mother He has named Me.

He has made My mouth like a sharp sword, In the shadow of His hand He has kept Me hidden; 

And He has made Me a sharpened arrow, In His quiver He has hidden Me. 

And the Lord said to Me, “You are My Servant, Israel, In Whom I will show My glory.” – Isaiah 49:1-3


Hope is Our Anchor

21 Tuesday Feb 2017

Posted by in faith, God, Healing, Hope, Music, Religion and Spirituality, Spirituality, Videos

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Have you ever been on a boat? There is something peaceful about being in the water. I love it. The waves, the air and the freedom is exhilarating.  Inside every boat is an anchor. When we want to stop or rest or steady our boat all we need to do is drop anchor. The anchor goes down to the bottom of the river, the sea, the lake or whatever and stops our movement. The best thing about anchors- it’s  already in the boat!

When life gets crazy and things don’t make sense – throw out that hope anchor.

When you get bad news or are worried – throw out that hope anchor.

When a friend talks trash about you or betrays your trust – throw out that hope anchor.

God will catch it and us. He is our hope of glory. He will catch us when we fall. He will heal our broken hearts – He promised!

 

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Hebrews 6:19-20 This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence behind the veil, where the forerunner has entered for us, even Jesus, having become High Priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek. 



Hebrews 6:18 We who have run for our very lives to God have every reason to grab the promised hope with both hands and never let go. It’s an unbreakable spiritual lifeline, reaching past all appearances right to the very presence of God where Jesus, running on ahead of us, has taken up his permanent post as high priest for us, in the order of Melchizedek. 


Climb that Mountain!

18 Saturday Feb 2017

Posted by in faith, God, Hope, Religion and Spirituality, Spirituality

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You remember that old song? Climb every mountain? Want to know why? God is waiting to meet you at the top of that mountain! Remember Moses? He had to climb that mountain more than once. But God met him there and he received the Word. 

Exodus 24:12-18 Then the Lord said to Moses, “Come up to Me on the mountain and be there; and I will give you tablets of stone, and the law and commandments which I have written, that you may teach them.” So Moses arose with his assistant Joshua, and Moses went up to the mountain of God. And he said to the elders, “Wait here for us until we come back to you. Indeed, Aaron and Hur are with you. If any man has a difficulty, let him go to them.” Then Moses went up into the mountain, and a cloud covered the mountain. Now the glory of the Lord rested on Mount Sinai, and the cloud covered it six days. And on the seventh day He called to Moses out of the midst of the cloud. The sight of the glory of the Lord was like a consuming fire on the top of the mountain in the eyes of the children of Israel. So Moses went into the midst of the cloud and went up into the mountain. And Moses was on the mountain forty days and forty nights. 

What about Peter and James and John? They had to climb that mountain to. Jesus walked them up the mountain.  Guess who was there waiting? God and Elijah and Moses! 

Mark 9:2-10 Now after six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John, and led them up on a high mountain apart by themselves; and He was transfigured before them. His clothes became shining, exceedingly white, like snow, such as no launderer on earth can whiten them. And Elijah appeared to them with Moses, and they were talking with Jesus. Then Peter answered and said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here; and let us make three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah”— because he did not know what to say, for they were greatly afraid. And a cloud came and overshadowed them; and a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is My beloved Son. Hear Him!” Suddenly, when they had looked around, they saw no one anymore, but only Jesus with themselves. Now as they came down from the mountain, He commanded them that they should tell no one the things they had seen, till the Son of Man had risen from the dead. So they kept this word to themselves, questioning what the rising from the dead meant. 

Don’t give up my friends. Whether it is the mountain of debt, the mountain of discouragement, or the mountain of sickness – God and His Saints are waiting to meet you there and conquer! We are more than conquerors with Christ. Jesus walks with us to the top of that mountain. Get up and get going! You have a Divine Appointment coming your way!

The best news yet! You won’t only climb that mountain – God will use your faith to MOVE IT!

Matthew 17:1-9, 20-21 Now after six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother, led them up on a high mountain by themselves; and He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light. And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Him. Then Peter answered and said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here; if You wish, let us make here three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them; and suddenly a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!” And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their faces and were greatly afraid. But Jesus came and touched them and said, “Arise, and do not be afraid.” When they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only. Now as they came down from the mountain, Jesus commanded them, saying, “Tell the vision to no one until the Son of Man is risen from the dead.”

 So Jesus said to them, “Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you. However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.” 

Be a Fountain and not a Drain

12 Sunday Feb 2017

Posted by in faith, God, Music, Religion and Spirituality, Spirituality, Videos

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Have you ever run into a positive person? Their attitudes are contagious. They see the best in everything and everyone. Their words are encouraging and hopeful. They may not know everything but they know the God who does. I love “fountain” people. They bring refreshing everywhere they go.

What about a complainer? You know that person who finds fault everywhere they go. Nothing is good enough. Something is always wrong. All they pick out are the negative things about everyone. Gossipers, fault finders, and ungrateful people. They are the “drain” people. They drain the life right out of you.

Water flows. It was made to move. The wind catches it and there are waves and crests and currents. There is nothing more beautiful than looking out at the ocean as the waves roll in.

If the Holy Spirit is the wind – and Jesus is the living water within us – which way is the water flowing today? 

I know I had to step back and distance myself from the “drain” people. That’s ok. That’s wisdom. In the past I used to “entertain” every spirit that came along. I tried to help everyone and fix everything. There was nothing more liberating in admitting I was not their Savior! I had to learn to say NO to the “drain” people and “YES” to the “fountain” people. Boundaries are good. They help me protect myself and what God has given me. Saying no to the “drain” people lets the Spirit flow in me!

 Jesus answered and said to her, “Whoever drinks of this water will thirst again,  but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life.” – John 4:13-14 NKJV

Dear Lord, help me to be a Fountain and not a Drain!

Feed My Spirit, not My Flesh Please

10 Friday Feb 2017

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We are made of body, mind, and spirit. God made us and called it very good. Then sin entered the world and it’s been a battle ever since. God knew we would need help so Jesus (God in flesh) came and paid the price for our sins. When He rose He gave us the gift of the Holy Spirit – our helper in all things. I guess He knew we would need some help with the day to day battles we have.

Here are the questions I am pondering today:

  1. Do we just feed our flesh or do we feed our spirit?

  2. Do we feed on the Word of God to strengthen His and our spirit?

  3. Are we starving the Spirit of God while we feed our flesh and our religious grandiose self?

  4. Are we listening to the Holy Spirit or ignoring Him?

“I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. ” – Galatians 5:16-18

holyspirit

Preachers are funny sometimes. I can’t watch some of them on TV. It’s all about them, what they have, and what you need to do to get what they have. Guess what? I don’t want what they have, lol! I do not want to feed my flesh with “do this”, “don’t do that,” and “then you will get this” nonsense. Like God is someone we can analyze and manipulate. He is not a magic Genie either. God doesn’t work that way! His ways are higher than ours and His thoughts are higher than ours!

“There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.

 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:

That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.

 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.

Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.

So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.

But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.” – Romans 8:1-9 NKJV

I mean really, do we even want to be around people who only want something all the time? You know the type. Or what about the ‘know it alls’?  What about the braggers? That gets annoying too. Self – ego – better than thou attitudes tell me that that person doesn’t care about God, they only care about themselves. I don’t think God likes that attitude either.

The flesh is the ego which feels an emptiness and uses the resources in its own power to try to fill it. Flesh is the “I” who tries to satisfy me with anything but God’s mercy. ” -John Piper

  • God’s mercy is the only reason I am still here.
  • God’s love is the only reason my hearts still beats.
  • God’s forgiveness is the only reason I have hope.
  • God’s faithfulness is the reason I still try.
  • God’s hope is the reason I believe.
  • It’s not my hope – it’s His hope in me that helps me lift my head.
  • It’s not my faith – it’s His faith in me that changes things.
  • It’s not my love or my duty or even my obedience – it’s His love and what He did and His obedience that changed everything!

I believe when we feed the flesh we do it backwards. It’s all about us – not God. So can these TV preachers get off the soap box and stop misleading the sheep? It makes me mad. If you pray this…If you send this amount… If you plant this seed…If you come to this church function or that church function…If you believe…If you pray this long…

Can we just stop trying to manipulate God?

jeremiah-9-23

Guess what? It’s not about you preacher man! And hallelujah it’s not about me either! It’s about God! Tell me about God’s mercy. Tell me about God’s love. Don’t lecture me about flesh. My flesh is dead anyway! Why are you talking to the dead guy? Ugggh! (Yeah, I guess I’m riled up about this…)