Ephesians 1:11-14 In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, in order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession--to the praise of his glory.
I love reading Ephesians, especially the first two chapters. We have so many blessings available to us.
We were chosen by God before the foundation of the world. Before we were even conceived, God knew everything about us-how we would live, what we would think, what we would feel, and most of all, He has a very specific purpose in mind for each of us. Talk about personal!! That's the kind of God I serve. He is personal. He cares about every aspect of my life.
Also, we were sealed with the Holy Spirit. When a person accepts Jesus Christ into his or her life, the Holy Spirit begins to dwell inside that person. We do not receive the Holy Spirit when we begin speaking in tongues or demonstrating some other spiritual gift. I love the gifts, but every person who is saved has the Holy Spirit living on the inside. There are deeper experiences we can have with the Holy Spirit such as developing the gifts.
The Holy Spirit is a guarantee of our inheritance and what an inheritance it is!! We can have eternal life, but we can also have abundant life. I can walk in victory while I am living on this planet. That does not mean I won't go through hard times, but I have the Holy Spirit to guide me through those hard times in order to be victorious.
The last part of verse 14 says we are God's possession, for the praise of His glory. Our purpose is to glorify God. I want to fulfill that in my life, and I can. You can too.
No matter what walk of life you are on, God created you to bring glory to Him. Live the life He gave you surrendering everything to Him. He will take care of you and everything that concerns Him.
Let's live for the praise of His glory.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Friday, January 23, 2009
Spiritual Blessings
In my last post, I discussed Ephesians 1:3-5. In this post, I will be discussing Ephesians 1:7-9 to find some specific blessings that God has for those who love Him. These blessings are available to anyone who is saved, but we have to learn to take these blessings. Also, these spiritual blessings are not for us to just keep to ourselves. We are to share what we have and what we learn with others. The more we give out, the more we will receive. I love God's ways!!!
Ephesians 1:7-9, In Him, we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace that He lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding. And He made known to us the mystery of His will according to His good pleasure, which He purposed in Christ.
First and most importantly, we have forgivenss of sins. Hallelujah for that one!! I had to have my sins covered with the precious blood of Jesus. Romans 3:23 says that all have sinned and come short of the glory of God. Everyone needs this salvation. We cannot have eternal life without Jesus. I am so thankful for the pain and suffering that Jesus went through so that I could have the priviledge of abundant life-not only in heaven but here on earth. Praise God for His marvelous grace.
He also promises us wisdom and understanding. This is to understand spiritual things, but if we are in a situation we do not know how to handle, we can go to Him and He will give us the wisdom we need to handle it. James 1:5, If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. If we ask, God will give it to us. When He gives us the wisdom and understanding that we need, we must be willing to obey His instructions.
Proverbs 3:1, My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart.
The book of Proverbs is a great guide for wisdom. It offers great teaching on wisdom in many different situations we might encounter in our every day life.
God is so awesome! He cares about every aspect of our life. He has blessed us with every spiritual blessing. We do not have to live in defeat.
Ephesians 1:7-9, In Him, we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace that He lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding. And He made known to us the mystery of His will according to His good pleasure, which He purposed in Christ.
First and most importantly, we have forgivenss of sins. Hallelujah for that one!! I had to have my sins covered with the precious blood of Jesus. Romans 3:23 says that all have sinned and come short of the glory of God. Everyone needs this salvation. We cannot have eternal life without Jesus. I am so thankful for the pain and suffering that Jesus went through so that I could have the priviledge of abundant life-not only in heaven but here on earth. Praise God for His marvelous grace.
He also promises us wisdom and understanding. This is to understand spiritual things, but if we are in a situation we do not know how to handle, we can go to Him and He will give us the wisdom we need to handle it. James 1:5, If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. If we ask, God will give it to us. When He gives us the wisdom and understanding that we need, we must be willing to obey His instructions.
Proverbs 3:1, My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart.
The book of Proverbs is a great guide for wisdom. It offers great teaching on wisdom in many different situations we might encounter in our every day life.
God is so awesome! He cares about every aspect of our life. He has blessed us with every spiritual blessing. We do not have to live in defeat.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Blessed With Every Spiritual Blessing
I love the book of Ephesians. I have taught on this book in Sunday School and Bible Study at my church. If you are feeling depressed, this is a good book to read. The Apostle Paul talks about who we are in Christ and the spiritual blessings that God has given us. These blessings are ours, but it is up to us to walk in them.
Ephesians 1:3-5, Praise to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. For He chose us in Him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in His sight. In love, He predestined us to be adopted as His sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with His pleasure and will...
WE HAVE BEEN BLESSED WITH EVERY SPIRITUAL BLESSING IN CHRIST!!! Think about that. All these blessings are ours, but will we take them? How do we take them?
Look at the next part, He chose us to be holy and blameless in His sight. We have to surrender to our God and be obedient. Only an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ brings this. His love is unconditional and salvation is a free gift from God, but God's promises have conditions. Allow the Holy Spirit to work in your heart and life to help you become holy and blameless. (Every one who has received Jesus Christ into his or her heart and life has the Holy Spirit dwelling on the inside. There are different outpourings of the Holy Spirit that we experience, but the Holy Spirit of God dwells on the inside of every believer.) Becoming blameless and holy does not mean we will never make a mistake, but it means we have allowed Christ into every part of our heart and life. We surrender our weak areas to Him and allow Him to work in us.
We have been adopted. When we accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior of our lives, we are adopted by God the Father. It was and is His good pleasure to do so.
In my next post, I will discuss some more of our spiritual blessings that we can find in Chapter 1 of Ephesians.
Ephesians 1:3-5, Praise to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. For He chose us in Him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in His sight. In love, He predestined us to be adopted as His sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with His pleasure and will...
WE HAVE BEEN BLESSED WITH EVERY SPIRITUAL BLESSING IN CHRIST!!! Think about that. All these blessings are ours, but will we take them? How do we take them?
Look at the next part, He chose us to be holy and blameless in His sight. We have to surrender to our God and be obedient. Only an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ brings this. His love is unconditional and salvation is a free gift from God, but God's promises have conditions. Allow the Holy Spirit to work in your heart and life to help you become holy and blameless. (Every one who has received Jesus Christ into his or her heart and life has the Holy Spirit dwelling on the inside. There are different outpourings of the Holy Spirit that we experience, but the Holy Spirit of God dwells on the inside of every believer.) Becoming blameless and holy does not mean we will never make a mistake, but it means we have allowed Christ into every part of our heart and life. We surrender our weak areas to Him and allow Him to work in us.
We have been adopted. When we accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior of our lives, we are adopted by God the Father. It was and is His good pleasure to do so.
In my next post, I will discuss some more of our spiritual blessings that we can find in Chapter 1 of Ephesians.
Saturday, January 17, 2009
The More I Seek You
This is absolutely a beautiful worship song. Please listen and enjoy!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U3GijrnfStk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U3GijrnfStk
Friday, January 16, 2009
Jesus Calling
I just got a new devotional entittled "Jesus Calling". I am loving it already.
Today's devotional talks about how we have a tendency to rehearse our troubles. Ouch!!! I find myself either dreading something before it happens, or I find myself going over things that have already happened. This has robbed me of so much joy and peace. We are meant to go through our sufferings as they actually occur not as we rehearse them or dread them before they even happen.
Joshua 1:5, No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will never leave you or forsake you.
Joshua 1:9, Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.
Matthew 11:28-30, Come to me all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.
God never meant for us to go around all weighed down, dreading what lies ahead. Even in my journey away from food addiction, I have had to learn to rest in Jesus and not try to figure out the what if's. What if I fall again? What if I go back to the way I was before? What if....
Beth Moore said it well in one of her sessions on the bible study, "Esther, It's Tough Being A Woman." She said If _____ then God!!!! No matter what happens, we serve a faithful God.
Yes, Jesus is calling. He is calling us to a peace like we have never known before that is not dependent upon our circumstances or our positions in life. His peace and His love are like no other.
Today's devotional talks about how we have a tendency to rehearse our troubles. Ouch!!! I find myself either dreading something before it happens, or I find myself going over things that have already happened. This has robbed me of so much joy and peace. We are meant to go through our sufferings as they actually occur not as we rehearse them or dread them before they even happen.
Joshua 1:5, No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will never leave you or forsake you.
Joshua 1:9, Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.
Matthew 11:28-30, Come to me all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.
God never meant for us to go around all weighed down, dreading what lies ahead. Even in my journey away from food addiction, I have had to learn to rest in Jesus and not try to figure out the what if's. What if I fall again? What if I go back to the way I was before? What if....
Beth Moore said it well in one of her sessions on the bible study, "Esther, It's Tough Being A Woman." She said If _____ then God!!!! No matter what happens, we serve a faithful God.
Yes, Jesus is calling. He is calling us to a peace like we have never known before that is not dependent upon our circumstances or our positions in life. His peace and His love are like no other.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Barriers To Contentment
In Weeks 4 and 5 of Freedom From Emotional Eating, the issues of discontentment and anger are discussed. I have already posted on each of these subjects, but I felt the need to expand on these subjects. I called this entry Barriers to Contentment.
Philippians 4: 11-13, .I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
We have to find our place in Christ in order to be content in every circumstance, and we can reach this place through the power of the Holy Spirit or the Word of God would not command us to. How did Paul do this? He drew on Christ's power for strength. We must do this too because we cannot be content on our own . It is against our human nature.
We find true contentment in looking to Christ and then looking at what we do have instead of what we don't have.
Let's look at some mindsets that can keep us from being content (I got these from Freedom From Emotional Eating, and I added some things I feel the Lord gave me.)
1. Expecting someone to make you happy.
Whether it's a friend, co-worker, spouse, pastor, or any spiritual leader, we must stop making them responsible for our happiness. These people cannot make you happy. They will fail you at one point or another.
Stop blaming other people for your dissatisfaction. If you are dissatisfied, look inward. Something needs to be surrendered to the cross of Christ. As Barb Raveling said in Freedom From Emotional Eating, "We need to give up our have-to-have attitude." We must be willing to live for our God no matter what circumstances He has placed us in.
There's nothing wrong with asking God to change circumstances, but if He doesn't, don't be bitter. God is all-sufficient. I am not saying this with any malice because I still struggle from time to time with this. I have to be reminded that Jesus is the only one who can bring complete fulfillment.
Looking for other people to make you happy sets these other people up as an idol in your life. God told Moses in Exodus 20 that He would have no other gods before Him.
2. I Don't Think I Should Have To Suffer
"I should not have to put up with this..."
"I should not be inconvenienced like this.."
"I should not have to wait..."
We need to get our minds off ourselves. Philippians 2:3-4. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.
When we put the needs of others ahead of our own needs, God will meet ours.
I truly believe these mindsets cause emotional eating and other problems. If our focus is not on Christ, by our nature, we will look for something to fill us.
3) Having Unrealistic Expectations of Others
If you are a perfectionist, you get irritated at those who are not. If you are well organized, you get irritated at those who are not. If you are always on time or even early, you get irritated at those who come in late to church or some other function. You may even get angry when someone doesn't agree with you. You may get angry when people don't do things the way you would have.
We have to learn to give people to God for change. Then we have to learn to let go of those things that may just be a personality clash. Everyone is not just like you. God made us all to be different.
Matthew 7:1-5, Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.
Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye.
4) Your Self-Esteem Is Dependent Upon The Approval Of Others
If you depend upon the approval of others for contentment, you will get angry or upset when criticized or if someone does something to embarrass you. If you NEED people to think well of you, this needs to be surrendered to Christ. We only need His approval.
Reality time: People are not going to approve of everything you do. You are going to mess up in front of people. Your children and your family are going to mess up.
No one is going to think well of us all the time.
Genesis 1:27 tells us that we are created in God's image. Genessis 1:31 tells us that everything He created is good. Psalm 139: 1-6, 13-14 tells us that we are fearfully and wonderfully made.
Romans 8:1 tells us that there is no condemnation to those who are in Christ. I John 3:1-2 tells us that we are His. We are being made like Him. He is purifying us.
We are the righteousness of God in Jesus Christ. If we are saved, He approves of us. If we are right with Him, the opinions of other people are not to be our focus.
As Sons and Daughters of the Most High God, let's remember who we are in Christ, and let go of our approval addiction as well as our food addiction. We have an awesome God and none of these things I have discussed are impossible in Him.
Romans 5:1-5, Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.
Philippians 4: 11-13, .I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
We have to find our place in Christ in order to be content in every circumstance, and we can reach this place through the power of the Holy Spirit or the Word of God would not command us to. How did Paul do this? He drew on Christ's power for strength. We must do this too because we cannot be content on our own . It is against our human nature.
We find true contentment in looking to Christ and then looking at what we do have instead of what we don't have.
Let's look at some mindsets that can keep us from being content (I got these from Freedom From Emotional Eating, and I added some things I feel the Lord gave me.)
1. Expecting someone to make you happy.
Whether it's a friend, co-worker, spouse, pastor, or any spiritual leader, we must stop making them responsible for our happiness. These people cannot make you happy. They will fail you at one point or another.
Stop blaming other people for your dissatisfaction. If you are dissatisfied, look inward. Something needs to be surrendered to the cross of Christ. As Barb Raveling said in Freedom From Emotional Eating, "We need to give up our have-to-have attitude." We must be willing to live for our God no matter what circumstances He has placed us in.
There's nothing wrong with asking God to change circumstances, but if He doesn't, don't be bitter. God is all-sufficient. I am not saying this with any malice because I still struggle from time to time with this. I have to be reminded that Jesus is the only one who can bring complete fulfillment.
Looking for other people to make you happy sets these other people up as an idol in your life. God told Moses in Exodus 20 that He would have no other gods before Him.
2. I Don't Think I Should Have To Suffer
"I should not have to put up with this..."
"I should not be inconvenienced like this.."
"I should not have to wait..."
We need to get our minds off ourselves. Philippians 2:3-4. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.
When we put the needs of others ahead of our own needs, God will meet ours.
I truly believe these mindsets cause emotional eating and other problems. If our focus is not on Christ, by our nature, we will look for something to fill us.
3) Having Unrealistic Expectations of Others
If you are a perfectionist, you get irritated at those who are not. If you are well organized, you get irritated at those who are not. If you are always on time or even early, you get irritated at those who come in late to church or some other function. You may even get angry when someone doesn't agree with you. You may get angry when people don't do things the way you would have.
We have to learn to give people to God for change. Then we have to learn to let go of those things that may just be a personality clash. Everyone is not just like you. God made us all to be different.
Matthew 7:1-5, Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.
Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye.
4) Your Self-Esteem Is Dependent Upon The Approval Of Others
If you depend upon the approval of others for contentment, you will get angry or upset when criticized or if someone does something to embarrass you. If you NEED people to think well of you, this needs to be surrendered to Christ. We only need His approval.
Reality time: People are not going to approve of everything you do. You are going to mess up in front of people. Your children and your family are going to mess up.
No one is going to think well of us all the time.
Genesis 1:27 tells us that we are created in God's image. Genessis 1:31 tells us that everything He created is good. Psalm 139: 1-6, 13-14 tells us that we are fearfully and wonderfully made.
Romans 8:1 tells us that there is no condemnation to those who are in Christ. I John 3:1-2 tells us that we are His. We are being made like Him. He is purifying us.
We are the righteousness of God in Jesus Christ. If we are saved, He approves of us. If we are right with Him, the opinions of other people are not to be our focus.
As Sons and Daughters of the Most High God, let's remember who we are in Christ, and let go of our approval addiction as well as our food addiction. We have an awesome God and none of these things I have discussed are impossible in Him.
Romans 5:1-5, Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Our Part (Conclusion)
I am thankful that any readers are being patient with me as I share the things that have blessed my heart and soul. I stopped yesterday with Step 5 in Our Part.
Father, in the name of Jesus, let this post bring glory to You alone, and help someone to draw closer to You. I pray that your annointing falls upon this blog. Not because of me, but because of your goodness and grace. In Jesus name, Amen!!
The following are excerpts from "Nurture" by Lisa Bevere.
"Step 6 Asset
"An asset is somebody or something that is useful. You are a vital part of this victory. you are an asset to this world. There is a gift deep within you only you can give.
"Step 7 Approach
"To approach is to move closer to somebody or something. There is no quicker way to move closer to God than to declare who and where He is. We can approach His throne with confidence. Hebrews 4:15-16, This high priests of ours understands weaknesses for He faced all of these same testings we do, yet He did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive His mercy and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.
"Step 8 Ask
"Ask is to make a request for something. Healthy daughters are not afraid to ask for what they need. God invites us to ask. Actually, He urges us repeatedly to ask Him for whatever we need.
In my spirit, I hear this entreaty from heaven, Ask daughters, ask! The goodness of God invites us all to taste and see that He is in fact good.
"Matthew 6:8, Your father knows exactly what you need even before you ask Him.
"Matthew 7:8, For everyone who asks receives. Everyone who seeks finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.
"John 15:7-8, But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want and it will be granted! When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples. This brings great glory to my Father."
Step 9 Act
To act is the action of carrying something out. There is nothing left but to do. You are writing one aspect of heaven's involvement on earth each and every day. The story is not over. The race is not complete. Run well, daughter. You are watched for, loved, and well able."
I appreciate any readers bearing with me as I shared this. Whatever we are overcoming, whether it is food addiction, sexual addiction, gossip, negativity, etc., we need to take these steps discussed in the last few posts. We need to awake, arise, attire, be aware, be an asset, have a godly attitude, approach, ask, and act. When we draw near to our God, that is how these bondages will fall off. Like Lisa said, the race is not over. The story is not finished. I am concluding with this scripture.
Hebrews 12:1-Therefore since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfector of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Father, in the name of Jesus, let this post bring glory to You alone, and help someone to draw closer to You. I pray that your annointing falls upon this blog. Not because of me, but because of your goodness and grace. In Jesus name, Amen!!
The following are excerpts from "Nurture" by Lisa Bevere.
"Step 6 Asset
"An asset is somebody or something that is useful. You are a vital part of this victory. you are an asset to this world. There is a gift deep within you only you can give.
"Step 7 Approach
"To approach is to move closer to somebody or something. There is no quicker way to move closer to God than to declare who and where He is. We can approach His throne with confidence. Hebrews 4:15-16, This high priests of ours understands weaknesses for He faced all of these same testings we do, yet He did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive His mercy and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.
"Step 8 Ask
"Ask is to make a request for something. Healthy daughters are not afraid to ask for what they need. God invites us to ask. Actually, He urges us repeatedly to ask Him for whatever we need.
In my spirit, I hear this entreaty from heaven, Ask daughters, ask! The goodness of God invites us all to taste and see that He is in fact good.
"Matthew 6:8, Your father knows exactly what you need even before you ask Him.
"Matthew 7:8, For everyone who asks receives. Everyone who seeks finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.
"John 15:7-8, But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want and it will be granted! When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples. This brings great glory to my Father."
Step 9 Act
To act is the action of carrying something out. There is nothing left but to do. You are writing one aspect of heaven's involvement on earth each and every day. The story is not over. The race is not complete. Run well, daughter. You are watched for, loved, and well able."
I appreciate any readers bearing with me as I shared this. Whatever we are overcoming, whether it is food addiction, sexual addiction, gossip, negativity, etc., we need to take these steps discussed in the last few posts. We need to awake, arise, attire, be aware, be an asset, have a godly attitude, approach, ask, and act. When we draw near to our God, that is how these bondages will fall off. Like Lisa said, the race is not over. The story is not finished. I am concluding with this scripture.
Hebrews 12:1-Therefore since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfector of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Our Part (Continued)
Yesterday, I went over Step 1 Awake and Step 2 Arise from Lisa Bevere's Book, "Nurture". Today, I want to go over some of the other steps.
Father, in the name of Jesus, I pray that you will annoint this blog and use it for Your glory. I can do nothing on my own. I thank You that You chose to use me in some small way to help someone else. To You alone be the glory. Amen.
The following are excerpts from "Nurture":
Step 3-Attire
Romans 13:12, So remove your dark deeds like dirty clothes, and put on the shining armor of right living.
To dress, you have to undress. Once sin is confessed, consider it removed. We then attire ourselves in light. This means we exchange a sin-darkness-unbelief consciousness for a faith-light-belief consciousness. Do you know why I remained in darkness so long after being born again? I was captive to unbelief. This leads to the next step.
Step 4-Aware
We must live in the Spirit with an awareness of God. He is good. He is willing. He is present. He is love. He is holy. He is true. He is faithful. I believed that God was, but forgot that God is.
When you truly get the revelation of His goodness, mercy, and love, you can't help but live in a constant and ever-increasing awareness of His light, love, and beauty.
Step 5-Attitude
Psalm 57:8, Wake up, my heart, wake up, O lyre and harp. I will wake the dawn with my song.
You have the opportunity to set your attitude first thing in the morning. Rather than waiting for life to happen to you, hasten toward life by laying hold of your attitude.
Psalm 17:15, As for me, I will see Your face in righteousness; I shall be satisfied when I awake in your likeness.
There is no doubt that God is righteous and David is in the process of transformation into God's likeness. Just like David, you are being transformed daily and renewed from the inside out.
The world is not happening to us. We are happening to it. The light is far more powerful than the darkness and its time we acted as if this was true. We need to lose the Christian escape-the-world mentality and be those who overcome this world.
Romans 8:37-39, No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ who loved us. And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God's love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today, nor our worries about tomorrow- not even the powers of hell can separate us from God's love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below- indeed nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord."
I want to conclude by saying that God is calling me to step out of my comfort zone and be willing to uncomfortable at times. It is so He can use me for His purpose. God is more concerned about using me for His glory than He is about my comfort. It's not about me. It's not about you. It's not about being comfortable. It's about letting our attitudes show that we love God and we know that the world does not have to affect us, but we can affect this world in a mighty way; however, we have to awake, arise, attire, be aware, and have a godly attitude.
When we attire, it's important to put on the whole armor of God. Ephesians 6:10-17, Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers of this dark world and against spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore, put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground and after you have done everything to stand, stand firm then with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place and your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.
We are not just conquerors, we are more than conquerors. Hallelujah!!
I will post some more on this tomorrow. God bless.
Father, in the name of Jesus, I pray that you will annoint this blog and use it for Your glory. I can do nothing on my own. I thank You that You chose to use me in some small way to help someone else. To You alone be the glory. Amen.
The following are excerpts from "Nurture":
Step 3-Attire
Romans 13:12, So remove your dark deeds like dirty clothes, and put on the shining armor of right living.
To dress, you have to undress. Once sin is confessed, consider it removed. We then attire ourselves in light. This means we exchange a sin-darkness-unbelief consciousness for a faith-light-belief consciousness. Do you know why I remained in darkness so long after being born again? I was captive to unbelief. This leads to the next step.
Step 4-Aware
We must live in the Spirit with an awareness of God. He is good. He is willing. He is present. He is love. He is holy. He is true. He is faithful. I believed that God was, but forgot that God is.
When you truly get the revelation of His goodness, mercy, and love, you can't help but live in a constant and ever-increasing awareness of His light, love, and beauty.
Step 5-Attitude
Psalm 57:8, Wake up, my heart, wake up, O lyre and harp. I will wake the dawn with my song.
You have the opportunity to set your attitude first thing in the morning. Rather than waiting for life to happen to you, hasten toward life by laying hold of your attitude.
Psalm 17:15, As for me, I will see Your face in righteousness; I shall be satisfied when I awake in your likeness.
There is no doubt that God is righteous and David is in the process of transformation into God's likeness. Just like David, you are being transformed daily and renewed from the inside out.
The world is not happening to us. We are happening to it. The light is far more powerful than the darkness and its time we acted as if this was true. We need to lose the Christian escape-the-world mentality and be those who overcome this world.
Romans 8:37-39, No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ who loved us. And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God's love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today, nor our worries about tomorrow- not even the powers of hell can separate us from God's love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below- indeed nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord."
I want to conclude by saying that God is calling me to step out of my comfort zone and be willing to uncomfortable at times. It is so He can use me for His purpose. God is more concerned about using me for His glory than He is about my comfort. It's not about me. It's not about you. It's not about being comfortable. It's about letting our attitudes show that we love God and we know that the world does not have to affect us, but we can affect this world in a mighty way; however, we have to awake, arise, attire, be aware, and have a godly attitude.
When we attire, it's important to put on the whole armor of God. Ephesians 6:10-17, Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers of this dark world and against spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore, put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground and after you have done everything to stand, stand firm then with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place and your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.
We are not just conquerors, we are more than conquerors. Hallelujah!!
I will post some more on this tomorrow. God bless.
Friday, January 9, 2009
Your Part
I had recently finshed a book called "Nurture" by Lisa Bevere. The entire book was awesome, but the last chapter really spoke to me, or should I say, God spoke to me through that chapter.
The book is about women stirring up the gift of nurturing. Many times women have been abused or neglected in some way which destroys their nurturing instinct, but God can heal this.
God has given me victory over overeating and sexual immorality, but I must do my part. Don't misunderstand, salvation is through grace alone, and God's love is unconditional; however, victory over strongholds requires us doing our part. We cannot accomplish victory without Jesus, and He died so we could have it, but we have to take it up.
The following are excerpts from "Nurture". I hope this blesses you as much as it did me.
"The following points of action are ones only you can initiate. No one can pray you through this process. Yes, someone can pray the conditions would be right, but when all the information is given...it is you who must make your move. It is time to complete the truth with action.
Are you ready to step into your destiny?
Step 1: Awake
Waking is how we naturally begin each day, so it stands to reason we must awake spiritually to this new day as well. Romans 13:11-12, This is all the more urgent for you know how late it is; time is running out. Wake up, for our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. The night is almost gone ; the day of salvation will soon be here.
Once we are awake, we must move to our next step because it does us no good to remain in bed.
Step 2: Arise
Once awake, we need to arise. If we don't, we run the risk of falling back asleep. Ephesians 5:14, Awake, O sleeper, rise up from the dead , and Christ will give you light.
When we arise, we change our position. God awakens us so we can rise above what has been and move into what will be."
I will stop here and continue with these steps in my next post. I think the two steps awake and arise need require some thought. It is time for God's daughters to awake and arise so we can walk in victory. More importantly, it is time for God's daughters to awake and arise so we can help others. I have been wounded, but I have been healed. There are so many more who need healing emotionally. There are so many people bound tight in their strongholds. God wants to use each one of us to help these. We cannot help others if we are asleep spiritually, and we cannot help others if we will not arise once we are awake.
Romans 8:37, No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.
The book is about women stirring up the gift of nurturing. Many times women have been abused or neglected in some way which destroys their nurturing instinct, but God can heal this.
God has given me victory over overeating and sexual immorality, but I must do my part. Don't misunderstand, salvation is through grace alone, and God's love is unconditional; however, victory over strongholds requires us doing our part. We cannot accomplish victory without Jesus, and He died so we could have it, but we have to take it up.
The following are excerpts from "Nurture". I hope this blesses you as much as it did me.
"The following points of action are ones only you can initiate. No one can pray you through this process. Yes, someone can pray the conditions would be right, but when all the information is given...it is you who must make your move. It is time to complete the truth with action.
Are you ready to step into your destiny?
Step 1: Awake
Waking is how we naturally begin each day, so it stands to reason we must awake spiritually to this new day as well. Romans 13:11-12, This is all the more urgent for you know how late it is; time is running out. Wake up, for our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. The night is almost gone ; the day of salvation will soon be here.
Once we are awake, we must move to our next step because it does us no good to remain in bed.
Step 2: Arise
Once awake, we need to arise. If we don't, we run the risk of falling back asleep. Ephesians 5:14, Awake, O sleeper, rise up from the dead , and Christ will give you light.
When we arise, we change our position. God awakens us so we can rise above what has been and move into what will be."
I will stop here and continue with these steps in my next post. I think the two steps awake and arise need require some thought. It is time for God's daughters to awake and arise so we can walk in victory. More importantly, it is time for God's daughters to awake and arise so we can help others. I have been wounded, but I have been healed. There are so many more who need healing emotionally. There are so many people bound tight in their strongholds. God wants to use each one of us to help these. We cannot help others if we are asleep spiritually, and we cannot help others if we will not arise once we are awake.
Romans 8:37, No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.
Monday, January 5, 2009
Discontentment
Day 30 of The Lord's Table talked about discontenment breeding bondage to sin. Beth Moore says that discontentment is a stronghold waiting to happen. I have found this to be so true in my life. Anytime I have walked in discontentment, I have looked for ways to be satisfied, and I have in times past looked in other areas besides Jesus Christ and His holy word.
I have learned (the hard way, of course) that the only true satisfaction is in an intimate relationship with God. True fulfillment only exists in that relationship. God made us with that void that only He can fill.
Food does not bring satisfaction. Sexual impurity does not bring satisfaction. Gossip, fault-finding, speaking negatively, and hurting other people does not bring satisfaction. Only Jesus Christ fills the longing inside of me.
Philippians 4:11-13, I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or want. I can do all things through Him who gives me strength.
Many times we misquote that last verse. Don't get me wrong, we can use it when we need to feel confident in who we are in Christ, but we must also remember that Paul wrote that within the text of talking about difficult circumstances. I can be content even when I don't have everything I want. I can be content in any situation because I can do all things through Christ.
When our focus is on Jesus, we can be content no matter what the circumstances. I am so thankful that my joy and peace do not have to depend on my circumstances. My God is so good!!
Matthew 5:6, Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
The longing we have deep inside of us is for righteousness whether we know it or not. If we look to God, He will fill it. Hallelujah!!
I have learned (the hard way, of course) that the only true satisfaction is in an intimate relationship with God. True fulfillment only exists in that relationship. God made us with that void that only He can fill.
Food does not bring satisfaction. Sexual impurity does not bring satisfaction. Gossip, fault-finding, speaking negatively, and hurting other people does not bring satisfaction. Only Jesus Christ fills the longing inside of me.
Philippians 4:11-13, I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or want. I can do all things through Him who gives me strength.
Many times we misquote that last verse. Don't get me wrong, we can use it when we need to feel confident in who we are in Christ, but we must also remember that Paul wrote that within the text of talking about difficult circumstances. I can be content even when I don't have everything I want. I can be content in any situation because I can do all things through Christ.
When our focus is on Jesus, we can be content no matter what the circumstances. I am so thankful that my joy and peace do not have to depend on my circumstances. My God is so good!!
Matthew 5:6, Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
The longing we have deep inside of us is for righteousness whether we know it or not. If we look to God, He will fill it. Hallelujah!!
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Anger
In Week 5 of Freedom From Emotional Eating, the subject of anger is discussed. God showed me that I had some anger issues that I had not dealt with.
When I went to food for emotional comfort, I suppressed alot of anger I had toward certain people. As God has delivered me from going to food for emotional comfort, the ugly monster of uncontrolled anger has risen up in my life. I found that I had been angry at some people who had mistreated me or my family, and the scary part was, it had been there for a long time.
By God's grace, I am dealing with my feelings of hurt and anger toward others. I am thankful that God revealed this to me. Many times, I don't see what is hurting me and keeping me from a stronger and more intimate relationship with my Lord. Thank God for the Holy Spirit and His delivering power. Without it, I would be most miserable.
The following are some excerpts from Week 5, Day 1 of Freedom From Emotional Eating:
When our eyes are on the faults of others, they are not on God. Do you ever worry about what the other person is getting away with? I think it helps to remember that the person we're angry with is God's responsibility. Someday he or she will have to answer to God for his or her actions. God does not call the people we are angry with to answer to us. (What a revelation that was to me!) If God is merciful, who are we to be unmerciful? We desperately need to forgive. God requires it of us.
This study has really inspired me to allow God to bring out any hidden sin in my life, including anger and unforgiveness. These are as dangerous as a loaded and cocked gun. Forgiveness doesn't make the other person right, it makes me free. (I am quoting from someone else, but this is so true.)
James 1:19-20, My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for a man's anger does not bring about the righteous life God desires.
I can only be slow to anger by yielding completely to the Holy Spirit, and I desire this above everything else. I want anything gone that hinders an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ.
When I went to food for emotional comfort, I suppressed alot of anger I had toward certain people. As God has delivered me from going to food for emotional comfort, the ugly monster of uncontrolled anger has risen up in my life. I found that I had been angry at some people who had mistreated me or my family, and the scary part was, it had been there for a long time.
By God's grace, I am dealing with my feelings of hurt and anger toward others. I am thankful that God revealed this to me. Many times, I don't see what is hurting me and keeping me from a stronger and more intimate relationship with my Lord. Thank God for the Holy Spirit and His delivering power. Without it, I would be most miserable.
The following are some excerpts from Week 5, Day 1 of Freedom From Emotional Eating:
When our eyes are on the faults of others, they are not on God. Do you ever worry about what the other person is getting away with? I think it helps to remember that the person we're angry with is God's responsibility. Someday he or she will have to answer to God for his or her actions. God does not call the people we are angry with to answer to us. (What a revelation that was to me!) If God is merciful, who are we to be unmerciful? We desperately need to forgive. God requires it of us.
This study has really inspired me to allow God to bring out any hidden sin in my life, including anger and unforgiveness. These are as dangerous as a loaded and cocked gun. Forgiveness doesn't make the other person right, it makes me free. (I am quoting from someone else, but this is so true.)
James 1:19-20, My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for a man's anger does not bring about the righteous life God desires.
I can only be slow to anger by yielding completely to the Holy Spirit, and I desire this above everything else. I want anything gone that hinders an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ.
Thursday, January 1, 2009
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