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Category Archives: God

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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Forgiveness is Not a Natural Thing for Most People

05 Wednesday Jul 2017

Posted by in behavior, Deliverance, God, Healing, Religion and Spirituality, Spirituality

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I was watching Longmire reruns when I heard this line, “Forgiveness is not a natural thing for most people.” That is true. When we get rejected or laughed at or betrayed it is not the first thought that comes to mind.

We are human after all. The first thought is more like:

  • I’m gonna get you for that
  • I will never forgive you
  • It’s over 
  • I will never trust you ever again 
  • I can’t wait to get my revenge

No wonder Jesus had so much to say about forgiveness. 

Have you ever met someone who refuses to forgive someone? They are angry, they are bitter, and they are stuck. You know, they repeat the same old story about how somebody wronged them every time you see them. They refuse to let it go. They gossip, they cut others down, and they stir up drama – all to get the focus off themselves. They blame everybody for everything. It’s sad really. You know they are miserable.

I have known people who harden their hearts and develop a root of bitterness. Roots grow deep. Once this happens they lose their joy and hope. You can’t tell them anything because they don’t want to hear it. They poison the lives of those they touch. They bring strife, division, and even hatred.

Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord: looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled; – Hebrews 12:14-15 NKJV

So what should we do? 

  1. Repent of any unforgiveness in our hearts. Ask the Holy Spirit to bring to mind those we have not yet forgiven.
  2. Forgive them and forgive yourself for holding on to it. 
  3. Pray for the person you had a resentment against. Yes, pray for them. Ask God to bless them. Then you will be free of it. 
  4. Trust God to deal with it. “Vengeance is mine says the Lord, I will repay.” Let God take care of it. Trust Him to make it right.

What they did may be wrong. But so you really want to be stuck there forever? Do you really want to be tied to that wrong forever? God can’t deal with them or make it right until you let it go. 

“For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.

But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” – Matthew 6:14-15

Greater Days Are Coming for You

25 Sunday Jun 2017

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

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Greater days are coming for you. God promised. Yes, really. I don’t know about you, but sometimes this world just weighs me down. Work, clean, eat, sleep, rinse, and repeat. I love my family and my Church – I just need a revival!

No wonder God says to set your mind on things above. If you think about this world and all the terrorism, wars, hate, etc. it is down right depressing. It won’t always be this way. Better days are coming. God promised to come right into the middle of our mess and lighten up our world. God is with us – Emmanuel. I remember Him saying, “I will be their God and they will be my people.”  All things are possible with God.  He will not leave us as orphans. We can call out to Him, “Abba Father” – to me that means “Daddy, help me!”

Some days I just praise Him in the middle of my mess. I don’t know all the answers, I don’t have to.   There is such freedom in not having to know all the answers.  God loves us – despite all the imperfections we see in ourselves and others. God’s vision is much greater than ours.

It’s not our love for Him – it’s HIS LOVE FOR US that holds us close. We can never pray enough, be good enough, or do everything right. He already knows that. He never expected perfection. He’s our Daddy – our Papa God. And only God is perfect. He created us to LOVE Him! God wanted someone to love – and that is YOU!

So today, Lord, let us open our hearts and revive our spirits to know that You love us no matter what. Let the rivers of living waters well up within us and revive our souls. Lord, better days are coming, You promised and we trust You!

God’s Word for You:

“But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded.” – 2 Chronicles 15:7 NIV

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” – Galatians 6:9 NIV

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” – Matthew 11:28

 

My Prayer for You:

Dear Lord,

Please renew our vision. Help us to see beyond this world and into your Kingdom. Strengthen us with your Holy Spirit and let us bring light and love to this broken world. Let us be the salt of the Earth and the light of the world, in Jesus Name.

 

Good, Good Father

16 Inspirational Father’s Day Quotes

17 Saturday Jun 2017

Posted by in God, Hope, Music, Quotes, Religion and Spirituality, Spirituality, Videos

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What do you think of when you hear the word Father? That word has so many meanings today. Our families really don’t look the same anymore. Let’s face it, many kids are not growing up with their father.

Today 1 in 4 children under the age of 18 — a total of about 17.2 million — are being raised without a father and almost half 40% live below the poverty line.  (US Census Bureau, Household Relationship and Living Arrangements of Children Under 18 Years, by Age and Sex: 2016)

From Fathers.com:

More Data on the Extent of Fatherlessness

  • An estimated 24.7 million children (33%) live absent their biological father.
    Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Current Population Survey, “Living Arrangements of Children under 18 Years/1 and Marital Status of Parents by Age, Sex, Race, and Hispanic Origin/2 and Selected Characteristics  of the Child for all Children 2010.” Table C3. Internet Release Date November, 2010.
  • Of students in grades 1 through 12, 39 percent (17.7 million) live in homes absent their biological fathers.
    Source: Nord, Christine Winquist, and Jerry West. Fathers’ and Mothers’ Involvement in their Children’s Schools by Family Type and Resident Status. Table 1. (NCES 2001-032). Washington, DC: U.S. Dept of Education, National Center of Education Statistics, 2001.
  • 57.6% of black children, 31.2% of Hispanic children, and 20.7% of white children are living absent their biological fathers.
    Source: Family Structure and Children’s Living Arrangements 2012. Current Population Report. U.S.  Census Bureau July 1, 2012.
  • According to 72.2 % of the U.S. population, fatherlessness is the most significant family or social problem facing America.
    Source: National Center for Fathering, Fathering in America Poll, January, 1999.

 

There is an opportunity here. Every kid needs a male figure to look up to, to model, and learn from. We desperately need Spiritual Fathers for these kids.  We need men who will step up and step in to a child’s life to make a difference.  How will our sons learn honor and how to protect? How will our daughters learn how valuable they are?

Thank you Lord for providing for the fatherless kids, thank you Lord for the men who will step up and show our boys how to be men and our girls how to be women. And God please bless those men who do.

father to the fatherless

At that time the followers came to Jesus. They said, “Who is the greatest in the holy nation of heaven?” Jesus took a little child and put him among them. He said, “For sure, I tell you, unless you have a change of heart and become like a little child, you will not get into the holy nation of heaven. Whoever is without pride as this little child is the greatest in the holy nation of heaven. Whoever receives a little child because of Me receives Me. But whoever is the reason for one of these little children who believe in Me to fall into sin, it would be better for him to have a large rock put around his neck and to be thrown into the sea. – Matthew 18:1-6 NLV

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16 Inspirational Father’s Day Quotes 

  1. “A good father is one of the most unsung, unpraised, unnoticed, and yet one of the most valuable assets in our society.” – Billy Graham
  2. “”The heart of a father is the masterpiece of nature.” – Antoine-François Prévost
  3. “To be a father requires patience, love and giving up the ‘all about me’ attitude.” Catherine Pulsifer
  4. “I encourage all fathers to focus on the intangibles, because those are the gifts that make the difference.” Asha Patrick
  5. “Becoming a good father is not automatic – it takes time and effort. We must be willing to invest in this job – our most important, second to being a husband – as any other career we might pursue.” Dr. John C. Maxwell
  6. “I have repeatedly stated and emphatically declared that the key to the restoration and preservation of a sane and healthy society is the salvaging of the male, especially as a responsible father.” Myles Munroe
  7. “Any man can be a Father it takes someone special to be a Dad.”  – Author Unknown
  8. “When I was a boy of fourteen, my father was so ignorant I could hardly stand to have the old man around. But when I got to be twenty-one, I was astonished at how much he had learned in seven years.” – Mark Twain
  9. “By profession I am a soldier and take pride in that fact. But I am prouder – infinitely prouder — to be a father. A soldier destroys in order to build; the father only builds, never destroys.” – Douglas MacArthur
  10. “It takes a strong man to accept somebody else’s children and step up to the plate another man left on the table.” – Ray Johnson
  11. “I want to congratulate all the men out there who are working diligently to be good fathers whether they are stepfathers, or biological fathers, or just spiritual fathers.” – TD Jakes
  12. “I have repeatedly stated and emphatically declared that the key to the restoration and preservation of a sane and healthy society is the salvaging of the male, especially as a responsible father.” – Myles Munroe
  13. “The Lord is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear him.” -Psalm 103:13 (NLT)
  14. “When you’re young, you think your dad is Superman. Then you grow up, and you realize he’s just a regular guy who wears a cape.” – Dave Atell
  15. “It is easier for a father to have children than for children to have a real father.” – Pope John XXIII
  16. The father of godly children has cause for joy. What a pleasure to have children who are wise.” – Proverbs 23:24 (NLT)

Father

 

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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What to Do When Life is Frustrating

26 Wednesday Apr 2017

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

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It was one of those days. You know. You wake up too early, before the alarm. Can’t  get back to sleep. Ugggh. Go to work and find out what you did wrong this week. Dumb mistakes.  Double ugggh. Thinking to yourself, “How did I screw that up?  I can’t believe I did that.” Then you lose your phone at work. Yeah, been one of those days. Hopefully it will turn up tomorrow.

Am I happy – no. Am I joyful – no. Let’s be real. Some days just suck. But what do you do with that frustration feeling? Call me crazy – I looked up verses on frustration. I know I can’t be the only one  having a bad day.

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7 Verses on What to Do When You Are Frustrated

  1. Jesus answered them, “Do you finally believe? In fact, you’re about to make a run for it—saving your own skins and abandoning me. But I’m not abandoned. The Father is with me. I’ve told you all this so that trusting me, you will be unshakable and assured, deeply at peace. In this godless world you will continue to experience difficulties. But take heart! I’ve conquered the world.” – John 31-33 MSG

  2. “Haven’t I commanded you? Strength! Courage! Don’t be timid; don’t get discouraged. God, your God, is with you every step you take.” – Joshua 1:9 MSG

  3. “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” – Matthew 11:28 MSG

  4.  “I’m not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don’t get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I’ve got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I’m off and running, and I’m not turning back. So let’s keep focused on that goal, those of us who want everything God has for us. If any of you have something else in mind, something less than total commitment, God will clear your blurred vision—you’ll see it yet! Now that we’re on the right track, let’s stay on it.” – Philippians 3:12-16 MSG

  5. When God, who is the best shepherd of all, comes out in the open with his rule, he’ll see that you’ve done it right and commend you lavishly. And you who are younger must follow your leaders. But all of you, leaders and followers alike, are to be down to earth with each other, for— God has had it with the proud, But takes delight in just plain people. So be content with who you are, and don’t put on airs. God’s strong hand is on you; he’ll promote you at the right time. Live carefree before God; he is most careful with you. ” – “1 Peter 5:4-7 MSG

  6. “But you, Israel, are my servant. You’re Jacob, my first choice, descendants of my good friend Abraham. I pulled you in from all over the world, called you in from every dark corner of the earth, Telling you, ‘You’re my servant, serving on my side. I’ve picked you. I haven’t dropped you.’ Don’t panic. I’m with you. There’s no need to fear for I’m your God. I’ll give you strength. I’ll help you. I’ll hold you steady, keep a firm grip on you.” – Isaiah 41:8-10 MSGimg_0626

  7. “This is God’s Word on the subject: “As soon as Babylon’s seventy years are up and not a day before, I’ll show up and take care of you as I promised and bring you back home. I know what I’m doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for. “When you call on me, when you come and pray to me, I’ll listen. “When you come looking for me, you’ll find me. “Yes, when you get serious about finding me and want it more than anything else, I’ll make sure you won’t be disappointed.” God’s Decree. “I’ll turn things around for you. I’ll bring you back from all the countries into which I drove you”—God’s Decree—“bring you home to the place from which I sent you off into exile. You can count on it.” – Jeremiah 29:10-14 MSG



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

The Wisdom in Avoiding Extremes

26 Sunday Mar 2017

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

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I admit it. I struggle with extremes. It’s that alll or nothing mentality. You either love me or you hate me. I’m a hopeless sinner or a forgiven saint. It’s all flesh, I know. But I struggle. Sometimes my emotions get the best of me. I act before I think. I jump in with both feet first with no consideration of the consequences. Sometimes that works, and other times I find myself drowning.

I don’t want to be reckless, or a wandering gypsy my whole life. I look back and I am amazed I am still here. I know there is a God – I am still breathing! I’m amazed at all that the Lord has brought me out of – depression, despair, violence, etc. My whole life has been covered with His mercy and grace. Every time I fell, He gently picked me up and led me out of the desert. He led me beside quiet waters. Now what do I do, lol? God give me wisdom.

What about you?

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God’s Word for You:

Ecclesiastes 7:16-20 Do not be excessively righteous like those given to self-conceit, and do not be overly wise pretentious—why should you bring yourself to ruin? Do not be excessively or willfully wicked and do not be a fool. Why should you die before your time? It is good that you take hold of one thing righteousness and also not let go of the other wisdom; for the one who fears and worships God with awe-filled reverence will come forth with both of them. Wisdom strengthens the wise man more than ten rulers who are in a city. Indeed, there is not a righteous man on earth who always does good and who never sins.

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Proverbs 4:5-9 “Get skillful and godly wisdom! Acquire understanding actively seek spiritual discernment, mature comprehension, and logical interpretation! Do not forget nor turn away from the words of my mouth. “Do not turn away from her Wisdom and she will guard and protect you; Love her, and she will watch over you. “The beginning of wisdom is: Get skillful and godly wisdom it is preeminent! And with all your acquiring, get understanding actively seek spiritual discernment, mature comprehension, and logical interpretation. “Prize wisdom and exalt her, and she will exalt you; She will honor you if you embrace her. “She will place on your head a garland of grace; She will present you with a crown of beauty and glory.”

Proverbs 16-3

James 1:5-6 If any of you lacks wisdom to guide him through a decision or circumstance, he is to ask of our benevolent God, who gives to everyone generously and without rebuke or blame, and it will be given to him. But he must ask for wisdom in faith, without doubting God’s willingness to help, for the one who doubts is like a billowing surge of the sea that is blown about and tossed by the wind. 

My Prayer for You:

Dear Lord,

Help us with this wisdom stuff. Let us not be thrown about with the waves of our emotions. Feelings are so fickle Lord. Give us discernment to run every thought through your Word to see if it is true or not. Help us to reject the words that are not true and hold on to the promises You have given us. Lord, give us wisdom about the right way to go. Help us to stop and think. Help us to stop and wait for You to lead, in Jesus Name.


10 Spiritual Battle Quotes for Real Warriors

11 Saturday Mar 2017

Posted by in God, Quotes, Religion and Spirituality, Spiritual warfare, Spirituality

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10 Spiritual Battle Quotes for Real Warriors


  1. “The loyalty of the Soldier is proved in battle.” – Martin Luther

  2. “Spiritual warfare is very real. There is a furious, fierce, and ferocious battle raging in the realm of the spirit between the forces of God and the forces of evil. Warfare happens every day, all the time. Whether you believe it or not, you are in a battlefield. You are in warfare.” – Pedro Okoro

  3. “Our tent is pitched not in a paradise, but on a field of battle.” LE Maxwell

  4. “The nature of the enemy’s warfare in your life is to cause you to become discouraged and to cast away your confidence. Not that you would necessarily discard your salvation, but you could give up your hope of God’s deliverance. The enemy wants to numb you into a coping kind of Christianity that has given up hope of seeing God’s resurrection power.” – Bob Sorge

  5. “Revival is no more a miracle than a crop of wheat. Revival comes from heaven when heroic souls enter the conflict determined to win or die—or if need be, to win and die! “The kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force.”” – Charles Finney

  6. “If you are paralyzed by your past, if Satan is destroying your gifts and your calling by his incessant replaying of old tapes, you’re actually being hit by a double whammy. The original damage in the past is one thing – but now you’re letting yourself be hurt and sidetracked again by the memory of what happened… We should not be ignorant of Satan’s devices, and these ugly memories are one of the main weapons in his arsenal.” – Jim Cymbala

  7. “Over the years, I have come to realize that the greatest trap in our life is not success, popularity, or power, but self-rejection. Success, popularity, and power can indeed present a great temptation, but their seductive quality often comes from the way they are part of the much larger temptation to self-rejection. When we have come to believe in the voices that call us worthless and unlovable, then success, popularity, and power are easily perceived as attractive solutions. The real trap, however, is self-rejection. As soon as someone accuses me or criticizes me, as soon as I am rejected, left alone, or abandoned, I find myself thinking, “Well, that proves once again that I am a nobody.” … [My dark side says,] I am no good… I deserve to be pushed aside, forgotten, rejected, and abandoned. Self-rejection is the greatest enemy of the spiritual life because it contradicts the sacred voice that calls us the “Beloved.” Being the Beloved constitutes the core truth of our existence.” – Henry JM Nouwen

  8. “Temptation is not his (Satan’s) strongest weapon. Despair is.” – Dennis Garvin

  9. “I believe that the attacks on your life have much more to do with who you might be in the future than who you have been in the past.” – Lisa Bevere

  10. “God isn’t asking you to fight the devil. He is asking you to simply uphold or sustain the victory won by Jesus at Calvary and enforce his authority over the devil. You’re like the traffic warden who raises his hand and the vehicles stop. They don’t stop because he can physically bring the vehicles to a halt, but because he is representing and upholding the authority of the state.” – Pedro Okoro

 

The Whole Armor of God

” Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.  Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age,against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.  Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness,  and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.  And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;  praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints— and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel,  for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.”

 – Ephesians 6:10-20 NKJV