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Spring Fever

Mar27

ClosetI know, I know…way to early for Spring cleaning.  That’s what I thought too.  However, after writing the last few postings, I started to feel very weighed down in life.  It encompassed every area; physically, mentally, and spiritually.  I couldn’t understand what was going on and why I was being attacked so heavily.

If you have ever been in a deep spiritual battle, you know how difficult it can be to keep your mind focused in prayer.  You will start off well and then find that your mind sways to different topics or you’ll start thinking about what you need to accomplish for the day; and so forth.

Well, that is exactly what happened to me.  While I was seeking God’s guidance over the situation, He gave me a completely different answer than what I might expect.  I sure wasn’t ready for what God had in mind.

He asked me to go on a cleansing frenzy.  He showed me that while I was re-focusing my thought life, I also needed to cleanse my surroundings.  The next thing I knew, I was trying on every piece of clothing, every pair of shoes and every coat I owned.  Whatever didn’t fit, ended up going BYE BYE!

And, THAT’S WHEN IT HIT ME LIKE A TON OF BRICKS!

With all the difficulties we face in our lives, we tend to hold onto stuff.  It’s kind of like a security blanket that is attached with so many emotions.  God showed me that it was time to not just let go of the past mentally, but, also physically.  Now, before I go any further…I had cleaned out before but this was the biggest undertaking I ever encountered.  Not only did I go through my clothes, shoes, and coats; I also went through my purses, magazines, papers, books, knick knacks, pictures, and furnishings.  Basically, everything I owned.  GOD WAS ASKING FOR A TOTAL MAKEOVER!

I couldn’t understand why God felt this was so important.  But, what He showed me was that all these “things” were weighing me down heavily and it was time to let go of it all.  Now, let me just say, it was not easy by no means.  There were things that I was emotionally attached to, things that I wanted to keep.

Jumping for JoyBut, guess what?  God had other plans.  Let’s just say that Proverbs 3:5 continuously played in my mind…“trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding”.

Basically, what God is saying to us all is that He has a specific purpose for everyone of us this year.  I don’t completely understand the logic nor will I pretend to.  However, I do know that if God should ask you to let go of some things that are no longer serving you, please do it without hesitation.  Because I can tell you that it is worth it in the end.

For what I found was that the more I let go, the lighter I felt.  I found a youthful, pep in my step.  Yet, even a deeper outcome sprang forth…my personal relationship with God was magnified tremendously.

So, JUMP FOR JOY for all things are new!  I pray that God will open your eyes to what might be holding you back.  For this is a new year with new opportunities.  EMBRACE THE NEW!  (See Philippians 3:13) God Bless!

Anger and The Art of Forgiveness

Mar22

AngerHave you ever found yourself so angry that you began to shake violently or you want to hit or throw something? Anger can be violent and very disruptive to your life, as well as, those around you.

For when we hold built up anger against others or ourselves, it lingers and tends to grow into a full-blown pity party and you seem to fly off the handle at the little things in life.

Let’s see what scripture has to say:

  • Ephesians 4:31 “Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice”.
  • Proverbs 15:1 “A soft answer turns away wrath but a harsh word stirs up anger”.
  • Proverbs 16:32 “Whoever is slow to anger is better than the mighty…”.

Let those scriptures sink in. Repeat them. They sure say a lot, don’t they? But why would it be so important for God to tell us these things within the Bible?

Sing Out Loud

Because, He knows that this is not a simple task for us. Our human nature tends to hold onto grudges. We like to think that if we treat the individual differently, they will feel our pain or if they can sense our anger towards them, they’ll get the point. However, nothing could be further from the truth.

When we have a quick temper or say something that we shouldn’t, then it tends to fester as guilt and becomes a vicious cycle. When we hold onto pain, anger and unforgiveness; all it does is cause sickness and unhappiness within our own lives. We are clearly told in Colossians 3:13, that we should “Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you so you must forgive others.”

Now, we all know that we are not perfect and we certainly make mistakes. There was only one perfect person that ever existed and that was Jesus. So, the best thing we can do is learn how to control anger and learn the art of forgiveness, His way. It is imperative that we make HIM a big part of the equation. It is completely for our benefit, not for anyone else.

The absolute best thing you can do when you find yourself angry or unwilling to forgive is to STOP YOUR THOUGHTS AND HOLD YOUR TONGUE. Immediately, ask God to help you overcome the situation, release it to Him for transformation and ask for Him to fill you with peace that surpasses all understanding. It is also best to hold your tongue rather than to regret your words later. For it is written that the power of the tongue brings life or death.(Proverbs 18:21)

Word of Caution…the more you attempt to release things to God, the more negative thoughts you will encounter.  Do not allow yourself to relive the situation over and over again. Just keep stopping the thoughts, ask God to take them off your shoulders and to be filled with His indescribable peace.

Forgiveness

Stand against your opposition by giving it to God and filling your mouth with praises for Him! You will notice that the burdens begin to lift and your anger, pain and frustration will subside. Things will begin to roll off your back and you won’t sweat the small stuff either.

God is bigger than any problem you face, that I can guarantee you!

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Grab Hold Of Your Future

Mar21

Let Go (2014_03_10 01_21_18 UTC)Life has a funny way of constantly reminding you of the things you’ve done wrong. You can be in the middle of a fantastic day, when out of nowhere, a reminder of your past comes along. As soon as it pops into your head, you have a choice to make. You can either mull it over and relive it, or you can ask for God’s forgiveness and release it to Him.

No matter who you are, where you came from, or what you’ve done…IT DOES NOT DEFINE YOU NOW! Your past is just that…your past. When you repented and accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior, your past no longer exists and He sees your sins no more. (Hebrews 10:17) You don’t have to live in shame, guilt, anger, or regret. Thanks to Jesus’s finished work, you are a new creature in Christ and only the best days are ahead of you.

So the next time a little reminder comes along, stop it in its path. Release whatever it is to God and let Jesus’ rest come upon you. He will never leave you, nor forsake you. Let Him fill you with unspeakable peace that only He can provide. Accept His loving mercy and kindness today.

REPEAT AFTER ME:

Lord Jesus, thank you for loving me so much. Thank you for forgiving me of my sins and making me a new creature. Today, I release all of my past hurts, anger, guilt, shame, and pain. Fill me with your amazing peace as I begin to step forward into the incredible life you have for me. Today, I will walk boldly and confidently knowing that my past is forgiven. Thank you for your mercy, grace, love and kindness. In Jesus’ mighty name, I pray. Amen.

Now…

THANK GOD FOR HIS GOODNESS AND HAVE A WONDERFUL DAY!

Be Thankful (2014_03_10 01_21_18 UTC)

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The “I CAN’T” Syndrome

Mar19

Everyday people are tormenting themselves by thinking:

I Can’t change
I Can’t believe
I Can’t get over this sickness
I Can’t go on
I Can’t forgive
I Can’t pay my bills
I Can’t get a job and so on.

What we must realize is that this mentality and attitude sets us up to fail, to quit, and to live a negative, defeated life.  It is a very poisonous mindset that we must overcome in order to see victory within our lives.

The Bible has so many wonderful scriptures that deal with this mindset.  When you start thinking “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13) or “Oh Lord my God, I cried to You and You healed me.” (Psalm 30:2); you will begin to notice changes in your life.

The most important thing we can do, is stand firm in His word and have faith that he will change our circumstances.  For in Ephesians 3:20 it says “He is able to do exceedingly abundantly above and beyond all we can ask or think“, so why in the world would we allow the dreaded “I Can’t” Syndrome rule in our lives.  “I Can’t” shouldn’t be in our vocabulary.

We serve a BIG GOD and he wants us to have more than enough to spare and share.  Why do you think one of God’s names in the Bible is El Shaddai?  It means more than enough!  I don’t think that would be coincidental, do you?

The best thing we can do to over come this negative mindset is set our eyes above.  “For my God shall supply ALL your needs according to His riches.” (Philippians 4:19)  There is absolutely no question that God has you covered, no matter what the circumstance looks like.  We are VICTORIOUS and CONQUERORS through Christ!

So, Stand Up and Shake It Off

SAY…I CAN!  Watch Me!

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