Tag Archive | god’s love

Enemies Don’t Stand A Chance

Apr2

abuse-clipart-verbalabuseWhen people mistreat you, what’s the first thing you do? If we’re honest with ourselves, most of us immediately get angry and want revenge. Anger tends to linger until you are so full of rage that the situation is the only thing you can think about. If festering is allowed, it will affect your mind, thoughts, and temperament. This in turn, could easily lead to depression and sickness.

If we allow anger to fester, it is giving the person total control over your life. They don’t deserve that control and you don’t deserve the pain and suffering they’ve caused. So, how do we turn these situations around?

I know most people are going to cringe when I say this…but…PRAY FOR YOUR ENEMY! I know, I know, I know…how dare I say that, right?!?!?

We all have things happen that we don’t understand or things that make us so angry where you just want to punch them out. And yes, that’s not very Christian to think but hey, we are human and there are many times in our lives that we either think or feel un-Christianly. Let’s get real, we are human and those are human traits. Even Jesus got angry in the temple and against heresy. Having those feelings are normal. However, how we react to the feelings determines your future path. Do you give into those feelings or do you follow God’s way of doing things? Now that is the real question, isn’t it?

As we discussed previously, we will encounter trials in this world. We will come up against evil in the craziest of times. That is a part of life. But God gives us such a profound outlook as to how we are to deal with the pain and anger. Let’s see…

Matthew 5:43-45: “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy. But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.…”

Romans 12:19-21: “Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”

From these passages, you get a real feel for what God says. He tells us to love and pray for our enemies. He knows that isn’t the typical humanly response. So why does He tell us to do it? Because He wants to take care of it for you. He wants us to focus on Him and not the unfair situation. PERIOD!!!!

See, our true battle isn’t the situation or the person. Our true battle lies in how we react to the unfair situation and what we will focus upon. We must strive to keep our eyes on the Lord at all times. If we can do that, then it gives God free reign to help us in all situations. So today, I ask that you begin praying and doing good towards your enemies and watch God resolve the issues into your favor!

HAMG-IN-THERE

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God of Hope

Mar31

Calm the StormAround the world, believers are facing some of the most difficult times they have ever encountered. They are struggling through adversity from every angle. Physically, financially, spiritually, mentally and emotionally shaken to their very core. It has been the worst of times for most. Yet through it all, they have reasons to dig their heels in and hold on for dear life; knowing that the stormy seas can’t last forever nor defeat them.

The devil knows that his time is short. He is doing everything in his power to make you give up. He wants to make sure that you don’t make it to the other side. He doesn’t want you to see your victory, your healing or your prosperity. He knows that if he can make you change your course, then he can put some distance between you and your God-given future. But, the devil is a liar! (John 8:44)

don't give up1God has seen you holding on for dear life. He has seen the storms raging against you. He has seen every tear shed and heard every word you’ve spoken. He knows that you are at the end of your rope. Yet, God also knows that through all of your pain and suffering, there is light at the end of the tunnel. The devil has had his time and the bell is ringing to its end. God is about to reverse the curse in your life and make such an impact; that every single one of your enemies will flee.

There is an old saying, “don’t get your hopes up”. Well, that too is a lie.

Our God is the God of hope. He wishes to fill you with such joy and peace that the Holy Spirit will be overflowing with hope. (Romans 15:13) But God doesn’t stop there. He says “your hope will never leave you ashamed.” (Romans 5:5)

So, expect the unexpected. Expect God’s promises to come to pass in your life today. Hope beyond fear. Fill your mind with God’s goodness and love. For when God’s mighty hand comes upon your life, you will be standing tall. Your testimony will be so great, people will want to know what has happened. They will want to know how your life suddenly changed.

Keep embracing HOPE. Keep dreaming BIG dreams.

You are about to encounter God’s goodness like never before!

suddenlygod of breakthrough

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People Pleasers

Mar25

There are so many demands and peer pressure in our world today.  If I asked you, “Who are you?” would you answer with your job title?  Would you answer with the sport you play?  Would you answer the way your friends or family see you?  What would you say?

More time than not, you would answer this question quickly and with some sort of a title.  But do you really know who you are and what truly makes you happy?

I ask this question because there are way too many people trying to be something they are not.  They want to fit in with the crowd.  They want to look like someone else.  They want to be popular.  But, the problem with this is that most are unhappy deep within themselves.  I can tell you from experience that it never is all its cracked up to be nor can you please everyone.

As Christians, we tend to be “yes” people.  Yes, I’ll help you.  Yes, I’ll be there.  Yes, I can do that project.  And so on.  Unfortunately, most of us take on too many obligations which create pressure and stress within our own lives; losing the very essence of who we are.

When we try to please people around us, we tend to make them happy while making ourselves miserable.  The key here is to learn how to make ourselves happy first.  This is not selfish, by no means.  When we make ourselves happy and be who we really are, then that happiness overflows onto the people around us; creating a wonderful, loving environment that has more impact on others than just trying to fit in.

Let’s see what the Bible says about who we are:

  • We’re a child of the Most High God (John 1:12)
  • We are joint heirs with Christ (Romans 8:17)
  • We are a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17)
  • You’re a friend of Jesus Christ (John 15:15)
  • You have been chosen by God (Ephesians 1:4)
  • God looks at the heart of a man, not his outward appearance (Samuel 16:7)
  • The king greatly desires your beauty (Psalm 45:11)
  • You are a sweet aroma to God (2 Corinthians 2:15)

If God sees us as a beautiful child then don’t you think the best thing we can do is love ourselves in a meaningful, humble way.  I’m not talking about having an ego and thinking you’re all high and mighty.  What I’m talking about is, loving the person you are, loving yourself just as you are, and knowing that you are beautiful just the way you are.

It doesn’t matter if you don’t wear what everyone else is wearing or you’re not driving the best car or you don’t have the biggest home on the block…what matters is that you are happy from deep within your mind, body and soul.

There are always going to be naysayers or people who want you to be something you are not.  In Romans 12:12, we are specifically told “not to conform to this world…”  For when you are walking in God’s love and loving yourself, it will spill over onto others.  It will bring such peace and joy within your life; you’ll wonder why you haven’t done it before.  In Colossians 3:15 we are told to “be led by peace in making decisions”.  That is so much more important than doing things out of obligations.

Things don’t need to feel like a chore when you help someone.  If it comes from a deep passion within yourself, it will catapult the love you feel onto those around you.  This calm, stable and relaxing state of mind is the ultimate, rewarding experience.  People will notice the change.  People will realize that they too can enjoy life fully and will want to know how you do it.  That’s what it is all about…helping others from this standpoint of peace and leading by example.  It is more powerful than you realize.  Making a difference comes from the love inside of you; knowing who you truly are in Christ and allowing it to flow into others.  We all have received our very own special gifts and abilities (1 Peter 4:10) and we need to walk in these given talents.  It is a very rewarding experience.

SO…TODAY IS A NEW DAY!

EMBRACE YOURSELF!  For when you do, you will become an amazing person that will make a huge difference in the world around you.  For there is no better place to be than walking in your DIVINE DESTINY, being the person you are meant to be.  Believe it!  Live it!  There is no one else like you so stop trying to be like everyone else.

CELEBRATE YOUR UNIQUENESS…YOU ARE VERY SPECIAL!  YOU ARE ONE OF A KIND!

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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