I Know The Thought I Have For You!
Jul 9 2010

I Know The Thought I Have For You!

“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me. “– Jeremiah 29:11-13 NLT

These three verses are some of my absolute favorite verses in the entire bible. Since I got saved these verses have sustained my faith and hope throughout many trials and tribulations. I will often quote these verses to someone who is facing adversity and needs encouragement. It’s a reminder that no matter what we are going through there is no need to worry and stress out because our Lord has A GOOD PLAN that He’s working out in our lives. In His plan there is ALWAYS hope for our final outcome. He promises that if we will pray that He WILL listen and when we look for Him WITH ALL OF OUR HEART, requiring Him as a vital necessity to make it through our daily lives, we will find Him.

I love how these verses read out of the Amplified Bible. Read it out loud that your faith my increase, because faith comes by hearing the Word of God. (Romans 10:17) So speak out loud now,

“For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and NOT for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome.

Then you will call upon Me, and you will come and pray to Me, and I will hear and heed you.
Then you will seek Me, inquire for, and require Me [as a vital necessity] and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.”Our Creator and heavenly Father is telling us clearly that he thinks about our life and has a specific plan for us here on earth. Our life has a divine purpose. Look at what Psalm 139 says,

Verse 16, “You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in Your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed.”

Verse 17, “How precious are your thoughts about me, O God. They cannot be numbered! I can’t even count them; they outnumber the grains of sand! And when I wake up, you are still with me!”

We are always on His mind! His is always thinking good things about us. I believe He is thinking how He will save and deliver us from the hand of the enemy. When we’ve gone astray I believe He’s already thought of where He would put a detour on the road that we are traveling to get us back on the right path. I know He thinks of how He would love to bless and increase our resources so that we can be a blessing to others. I know He is thinking of ways to help us grow in faith, perservance, and love. I believe He’s thinking of who He can put in our path so that we can share our testimony and the Good News about Jesus Christ. Most of all I think He is always thinking of ways to reveal Himself to us, that we would recognize Him and know Him more intimately. He is always thinking of us!

His plans for our life is so much better than our own. When we try to live this life on our own apart from fellowship with Him we will always feel like something is missing. We will always need more of something to fill the void and longing in our hearts that belongs to our Creator. We will attempt to fill that void with materials things, riches, notoriety, alcohol, drugs, bad relationships, business, work, staying busy, partying, sex, having children or whatever it is that we are putting in front of God. Our ways do not produce the abundant life full of peace and hope that having a true relationship with Jesus Christ brings. In fact Proverbs 14:12 says, “There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.” We need Jesus. He is the Light of the World meant to be the lamp to guide our feet and the light for our path.

When we begin to seek the Lord with all of our hearts, calling out to Him in prayer knowing with our entire being that we need Him, we will find Him. He promises that if we will draw near to Him He WILL draw near to us. He removes the scales from our eyes so that we can see and hear from Him, so that we can understand His Word. We don’t have to walk around blindly wondering what God’s plan is for our life, all we have to do ask for direction and seek His will in His Word. We will begin to see that He has always wanted the best for us. He has always been calling us and knocking on the door of our heart. It is us that have chosen to go our own way.

When we begin to follow His plan for our lives we will have peace and hope. Our minds and hearts will be protected from overwhelming thoughts of defeat, inadequacy, anxiety, and fear as we mediate on His promises to us. Our hope will be in knowing that He is faithful and true to His Word and that He never leaves or forsakes us. He has not left us alone in this world without help and comfort. He has given us His Holy Spirit which will remind us of things that He has taught us, direction that He has given us, words of encouragement that have reassured us. Following his plan and path for our life will lead to us to an abundant life that we have always dreamed of full true hope, peace, and security.

If you are reading this and have turned away from walking with Jesus, I strongly exhort you for your own good to come back to the narrow path. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way. But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few every find it. (Matt. 7:13-14) Our Lord is not mad at you. He loves you and always has. He is patient and slow to anger. He is waiting for you to humble yourself at His feet so that He can lift you back up again.

If you have never known that God has a good and specific plan for your life and what to surrender to Him you must put your faith in His son, Jesus Christ. It is through Him that we are saved. It is through Jesus that we will have a new life and become new creations. He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. There is no other way.

In either case you need to confess your sins to God, believe in Jesus, turn and go the opposite way that you are going now. It’s time to surrender your will and plans for His. You will not be sorry. I cannot tell that you will not have trouble. Jesus said that on this earth we will have many sorrows and troubles, but that we should take heart because He has overcome the world. (John 16:33) We will overcome this world by putting our faith in Christ Jesus. He is our Deliverer and Savior!

In Christ love,


Jun 5 2010

The Way, The Truth, & The Life

Jesus said, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one can come to the Father except through me.” –John 14:9

This is one of my personal favorite verses because I believe it reveals one of Jesus strongest names, the Way, the Truth, and the Life. When we personally know Jesus as the Way, the Truth, and the Life it is a life changing revelation. This name says it all really. It gives us divine direction and clarifies any confusion as to which way is the right way to go. It confirms what and Who is really the Truth. It validates that we truly find new and eternal life in Him. When we get to digging into the Word we can see clearly why Jesus referred to Himself as the Way, the Truth, and the Life. I want to share with you what I learned about this name on my search through the Word of God.

Jesus IS the Way to…

Salvation and right standing with God.

“For there is only one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity-the man Christ Jesus.” – 1 Timothy 2:5

There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved. (Acts 4:12) The ONLY way for us to be saved from our sins and to be made right with God is by faith in Jesus Christ alone. God the Father declares ALL sinners right in His sight when they BELIEVE IN JESUS. (Galatians 2:15, Romans 3:26). He is the One all the prophets testified about, saying that everyone who believes in Him will have their sins forgiven through His name. (Acts 10:43)

Jesus IS the Way to…
Freedom from slavery to sin.

“We know that our sinful selves were crucified with Christ so that sin might lose its power in our lives. We are NO LONGER SLAVES TO SIN. For when we died with Christ we were SET FREE FROM THE POWER OF SIN.” – Romans 6:6

There are many who have been in bondage to sinful habit, attitudes, addictions, thoughts, and behavior. Through the power of the Holy Spirit and the renewing of their minds, through the Word of God, they have found freedom from their slavery to sin. I am one of those people. You see we do not need to let sin control the way we live any more. Jesus died to set us free from slavery to sin. We don’t have to give in to sinful desires that will try to attack our minds. (Romans 6:12) We must realize that we become the slave of WHATEVER WE CHOOSE to obey. We can be a slave to sin, which leads to death, or we can CHOOSE TO OBEY GOD, which leads to righteous living. (Romans 6:16) When He died, He died once to break the power of sin. But now that He lives, He lives for the glory of God. So YOU ALSO should consider yourselves to be dead to the power of sin and alive to God through Christ Jesus. (Romans 6:10-11)

Jesus IS the Truth…

That reveals the true God.

“And we know that the Son of God has come, and He has given us understanding so that we can know the true God. And now we live in fellowship with the true God because we live in fellowship with His Son, Jesus Christ. He is the only true God, and He is eternal life.” 1 John 5:20

Jesus is the Word of God made flesh. He is the Word. (John 1:1) When we sit down to read the Word of God we are actually sitting at Jesus feet fellowshipping with Him. These are times when we need to ask His Holy Spirit to make us holy by His truth and to teach us His Word which is truth. (John 17:17) Through the Word of God we will learn God’s will for our life. We will learn His character. We learn to hear and recognize God’s voice. He will show us what we are doing right and what we are doing wrong in our lives. He will use the Word to prepare and equip us to do every good work (2 Timothy 3:16-17) It is through His Word that He will teach and reveal many truths to us. And if we are truly His disciples we will remain faithful to His teachings and then we will know the truth, and the truth will set us free. (John 8:32)

Jesus IS the Life…

New life

“For you were buried with Christ when you were baptized. And with Him you were raised to new life because you trusted the mighty power of God, who raised Christ from the dead.” Colossians 2:12

Through faith in Jesus Christ we become new creations in Him. The old life is gone; a new life has begun! (2 Corinthians 5:17) His Holy Spirit begins the process of transforming us into the image of Christ. He begins working in our minds and hearts, giving us the desire and the power to do what pleases Him. (Philippians 2:13) He guides our life. When we allow ourselves to be directed by His Spirit our lives will manifest joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. (Galatians 5:22-23a)

With this new life we become His witnesses, telling people about the good and wonderful things that He has done in our lives. Our new lives become a testimony to others of God’s mercy and grace. So we become Christ’s ambassadors. He makes his appeal through us when we plead for others to come back to God. Many will see what He has done in our lives and be amazed. They too will put their trust in the Lord because they see our new life. (Acts 1:8, Psalm 40:3, 2 Corinthians 5:18-19)

Eternal Life

Jesus told her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in Me will live even after dying. Everyone who lives in Me and believes in Me will never ever die..” (John 11:25-26)

This is my personal favorite. Jesus promised that ANYONE who believes in Him and lives in Him will never die but will have eternal life with God. He has gone ahead of us to prepare a place for us. When everything is ready He will come and get us and we will be with Him forever. (John 14:2-3) There will be no more sorrows, sickness, suffering, or evil. We will be in the presence of the Almighty God and see Jesus in all His glory and majesty.

What better way is there? What better truth can there be? There is no other life that will give us what Jesus Christ has died and risen to give us.

He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life!

May 28 2010

One of His handmaiden’s journal entries

5-28-10

My Lord,

How mighty You are! NOTHING can stand in Your way. When You decide that we will go this way or that way You will not allow anyone’s rebellion or hard heart to stand in our way. You touch the hearts of the stubborn and give us favor. You make a way out of no way. You prove Your Word is true above all circumstances. You are faithful to Your Word always and forever.

I have seen you move mountains and all I had to do was believe in Your Word and have faith. I have delighted in Your Word and in Your ways. I have found my stability in You. You have rewarded me because I delight in You, because I abide in You. You have blessed me in the presence of those that waited to see us fail. You have lifted me up when I have humbled myself at Your feet. You are blessing my family so that we could be a blessing to other families.

We are leaving a legacy of faith and hope in Jesus Christ. We will tell our children and all who ask why we are so blessed, You are the One who has blessed us with wisdom, honor, and prosperity in our minds, body, soul and finances. We have given you offerings and our tithes. We have given to the poor, but most of all we constantly bring you offerings of thanksgiving and sacrifices of praise for you are worthy to be praised now and forever more.

We are thankful to You for lifting us up out of the pit of despair and for setting us on the Rock of our salvation. We shall NOT be moved because Jesus is the immovable Rock on which we stand. We will rule with Him one day. Praise, honor, and glory be to You Lord, the King of Kings.

Loving You will all my heart,

Your Handmaiden

Apr 29 2010

Ready for ANYTHING and EQUAL To Anything Through Christ

Here’s an article I wrote for WeUsed2bu Ministries.

Ready for ANYTHING and EQUAL To Anything Through Christ
On my journey with my Savior Jesus, I have discovered that He has not left me alone in this world full of sin, corruption, evil, and destruction. He is actively present in my life, helping me and bringing me comfort, hope, and security through the promises in His Word. There have been times where I have felt like I am just going to break under life’s pressures, that if one more thing happened, I was just going to lose it! But how quickly and faithful the Holy Spirit is to bring to my remembrance the promise in His Word which says,

“I CAN DO ALL THINGS THROUGH CHRIST WHO STRENGTHENS ME!” (Philippians 4:13)
I just love this promise. I do not take it lightly. This Word sustains me. I realize that I DO NOT have to crumble under the pressures of this world because I have put my faith and trust in Him to help me, to strengthen me when I just can’t any more. I have come to humbly realize that I need to actively walk in this promise, even when I am not at my breaking point, because it is not by my own strength or power that I want to live any more, but by the Spirit and His power. I am weak without Him.

Christians, our Savior has empowered us with the same power that raised Him from the dead: the power of the Holy Spirit. It is through the Holy Spirit that we can daily learn to live as overcomers in this world. (Romans 8:11) When life’s troubles or obstacles come our way, we don’t have to tremble with fear or anxiety. We don’t have to freak out and wonder what we are going to do. Instead, we can trust in His promises, run to His Word for wisdom and direction, and rely on Christ’s strength to face all things that will come against us.

The Holy Spirit is the source of this strength. He is Christ’s Spirit living and working in us, giving us the desire and the power to do what pleases Him. It is through Him that we are equipped with everything we need for doing His will in every situation. The Holy Spirit infuses us with His strength from the inside, making us sufficient to endure trials and tribulations, able to overcome temptations, and having the boldness and courage necessary to make certain changes in our lives. (Philippians 2:13, Hebrews 13:20-21)

I love how Philippians 4:13 reads out of the Amplified. Read it out loud.

“I have strength for all things in Christ Who EMPOWERS ME [I am ready for ANYTHING and EQUAL to anything through Him Who INFUSES INNER STRENGTH INTO ME; I am self-sufficient in Christ's sufficiency].”

If we will trust in the Lord with all of our hearts and lean not on our own understanding, we can live by this verse. We can apply it to every trial that we will ever face, because He has promised us that by His grace we will always be sufficient in Christ, ready for everything and equal to anything. His power works best in our weakness and He always works everything out for our good. (Proverbs 3:5, 2 Corinthians 12:9, Romans 8:28)

Sisters, we can confidently say that through Christ Jesus WE CAN…

Overcome fear, anxiety, worry, and doubt. (Philippians 4:6-7, Matthew 6:25-34)
Refuse to be slaves to sin in our lives. (Romans 6:6)
Resist the devil and his temptations. (James 4:7, 1 Corinthians 10:13)
Live holy and pure lives. (1 Peter 1:14-16)
Change and renew our minds. (Romans 12:2)
Forgive those who hurt and used us, gossiped, and spoke ill words against us. (Matthew 5:44)
Be His ambassadors in this world, sharing the Good News that Christ saves without fear of persecution, with courage and boldness. (2 Corinthians 5:20)

We can be more than conquerors through Christ Jesus Who strengthens us! Let’s learn to live and walk out Philippians 4:13 in our daily lives.


Apr 21 2010

Judging Versus Condemnation: Judging Unto Correction

It’s amazing to me how many believers try to hold on to Matthew 7:1-6 as a means of rejecting exhortation from the body of Christ. I read this article on Judging Versus Condemnation and I wanted to share it with you. I thought this was a good teaching on biblical judging unto correction.

Cross post from Fellowship of Christ International

Written by By Rev. Dr. Trudy Veerman

Web Site: A Christian Counselor


Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad…
1 King 3:9

Let us choose to us judgment: let us know among ourselves what is good. Job 34:4

The word “judging” has been wrongly interpreted by many believers in Christ. If by judgement you mean to accuse someone of wrongdoing, then follow Jesus’ example and do not judge until you are certain that you are perfectly pure.

Judge NOT, that YE be NOT judged… Matthew 7:1-6

The above speaks of judging in the flesh, with a carnal mind.

If we stop here, then you could say DON’T JUDGE, but since Jesus went on we see that we CAN judge. Let us look at the rest of what He said, “For if you judge, you will be judged by the same standard by which you judge.” Jesus says that if we are to judge, we’ll be handed back the same measure that we judged with. If your life is right with the Lord, then why would you fear the judgement on yourself? But, how do we judge one another?

Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment. John 7:24

God’s Word is sufficient for guidance regarding judging and evaluating. John 8:15-24 teaches us how to judge. Jesus himself does not even judge according to the flesh. But, if we judge according to the scriptures, we better make sure that we don’t fail ourselves in the particular area in which we judge others.

We must judge according to the Scripture, not unto condemnation, but correction. Judging is often misunderstood and misused as accusation and condemning. That is why many Christians think we should not judge. But the God-like Biblical judging is a wonderful way of opening the eyes of the one who is falling by the wayside. If nobody tells him he may get lost and he may not know how to come back. We judge others in the Love of Christ, not with harsh words and condemnation, but according to God’s Word.

Thus speaketh the LORD of hosts, saying, Execute true judgment, and shew mercy and compassions every man to his brother.
Zechariah 7:9

It should be the Word of God that the believer speaks, that will judge the person, NOT the believer’s opinion. God is the only Judge to judge unto condemnation, but when we judge each other, we must judge as to correct, not to condemn. Not with an attitude as if we know it so well, or are so good, but in the Love of Christ. Really, God has judged sin already, but also provided a Remedy.

Ye shall do no unrighteousness in judgment: thou shalt not respect the person of the poor, nor honor the person of the mighty: but in righteousness shalt thou judge thy neighbour.
Leviticus 19:15

Judging as in estimating, determining, measuring your brother’s sin according to the scriptures. Approaching him, helping and supporting to bring him back on track with the Lord. That is in simple English what Biblical Judging means. Admonishing , warning, correcting and restoring is called Nouthetic Counseling, according to Paul.

“…Thou hast rightly judged” (Luke 7:43) were Jesus words to Simon Peter.

Yea, and why even of yourselves judge ye not what is right? (Luke 12:57 )

This is how we should judge, using the scriptures as our standard:

For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12)

1 John 4:1-6 tells us to test the spirit of those addressing you. Measure what I and others say with the Bible. It is the standard provided by God.

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. (2 Timothy 3:16, 17 )

But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man. (1 Corinthians 2:15 )

Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters? Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life? If then ye have judgments of things pertaining to this life, set them to judge who are least esteemed in the church. I speak to your shame. Is it so, that there is not a wise man among you? no, not one that shall be able to judge between his brethren? (1 Corinthians 6:2-5 )

Of course there are some who don’t want to hear any warning or admonition. They would call the approach “judging” as accusation, hiding themselves behind this, as not to have their sins revealed. They would like to bring Biblical judging to a stop , or a halt, throwing back the ball to the believer who tries to bring them back to obedience unto the Lord.

Let us as brothers and sisters in Christ strive to find the TRUTH, the Word of God, that we may have eternal life. It is a blessing to be judged correctly by anyone who speaks TRUTH per God’s principles and NOT man’s.

Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom. Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. (Psalm 51:6, 7)

Whoso is wise, and will observe these things, even they shall understand the lovingkindness of the LORD. (Psalm 107:43)

MAY THE LORD ADD HIS BLESSING TO HIS WORD


Apr 5 2010

Harvest Of Right Living For Those Who Are Trained In This Way

“As you endure this divine discipline, remember that God is treating you as his own children. Who ever heard of a child who is never disciplined by its father? No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way. So take a new grip with your tired hands and strengthen your weak knees. Mark out a straight path for your feet so that those who are weak and lame will not fall but become strong.” – Hebrews 12:7, 11-13


The definition for discipline is:

1. Training expected to produce a specific character or pattern of behavior, especially training that produces moral or mental improvement.
2. Controlled behavior resulting from disciplinary training; self-control.

Over the past weeks the Holy Spirit has brought me to different scriptures in the Word showing me where our heavenly Father uses trials, testing, and hardships as divine discipline or training to produce in us godly living and Christ-like character, and also to prepare us for our callings. Even those terrible attacks that the enemy will try to use to destroy us or those bad things that happen in life that we just don’t understand, God turns for our good. He did it for Joseph, Jacob’s son, the dreamer who was sold into slavery by his own brothers.

I’ll give you the very short version of what happened to Joseph. Joseph’s brothers were jealous of him and they intended to rid themselves of him forever so they sold him into slavery. He suffered loneliness, betrayal, and sadness. While Joseph was in slavery God never left him. He gave him favor, wisdom, and prophetic dreams with the gift of interpretation. He used these giftings to lift Joseph up to a position of authority and prominence in Egypt. Many years later a famine hit the land and the only place to find grain was in Egypt. So that is where his family went to buy food. Joseph forgives his brothers and the family is reunited. In the end Joseph looked back at all that had happened to him and finally understood why God allowed everything to happen the way it did. It was so that He could use Joseph to save the lives of many, including his own family. (Genesis 50:20)

Now I want to take you to some other scriptures that our Lord brought me to and showed me specifically how He uses life’s troubles to do the following:

Humble us and to prove our character, whether we would keep His commandments or not and to teach us to rely on His Word.

Deuteronomy 8:2-3 “2 Remember how the LORD your God led you through the wilderness for these forty years, humbling you and testing you to prove your character, and to find out whether or not you would obey his commands. 3 Yes, he humbled you by letting you go hungry and then feeding you with manna, a food previously unknown to you and your ancestors. He did it to teach you that people do not live by bread alone; rather, we live by every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD.” (NLT)

To test the genuineness of our faith

1 Peter 1:6-7 “6[You should] be exceedingly glad on this account, though now for a little while you may be distressed by trials and suffer temptations, 7So that [the genuineness] of your faith may be tested, [your faith] which is infinitely more precious than the perishable gold which is tested and purified by fire. [This proving of your faith is intended] to redound to [your] praise and glory and honor when Jesus Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One) is revealed.” (Amplified Bible)

To reveal or demonstrate to us the true quality of what‘s in our hearts.

2 Chronicles 32:31 “31 However, when ambassadors arrived from Babylon to ask about the remarkable events that had taken place in the land, God withdrew from Hezekiah in order to test him and to see what was really in his heart.” (NLT)

To teach us patience endurance, maturity of character, joyful and confident hope of eternal salvation.

Romans 5:3-4 “3Moreover [let us also be full of joy now!] let us exult and triumph in our troubles and rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that pressure and affliction and hardship produce patient and unswerving endurance. 4And endurance (fortitude) develops maturity of character (approved faith and tried integrity). And character [of this sort] produces [the habit of] joyful and confident hope of eternal salvation.” (Amplified Bible)

To develop steadfastness and Christ-like character

James 1:2-4 “2Consider it wholly joyful, my brethren, whenever you are enveloped in or encounter trials of any sort or fall into various temptations. 3Be assured and understand that the trial and proving of your faith bring out endurance and steadfastness and patience. 4But let endurance and steadfastness and patience have full play and do a thorough work, so that you may be [people] perfectly and fully developed [with no defects], lacking in nothing.”

It can be difficult while we are going through these holy trials and tribulations. But we must remember that our divine God sees the future and He has always had good plans for our lives. (Jeremiah 29:11) These scriptures confirmed to me that trials and testing are meant to test the reality of our faith and produce the likeness of Christ in us. They are meant to bring out the best in us, if we will allow them to. It’s part of our remolding and refining process. So let us not lose hope when we our heavenly Father lovingly trains us up. He has assured us that EVERYTHING that happens in our lives works together and is fitting into a plan for good to and for those who love God and are called according to His design and purpose. (Romans 8:28)

As I write this I am reminded of when our Heavenly father told the prophet Jeremiah to go to the potter’s house. He said, “Go down to the potter’s shop, and I will speak to you there.” So Jeremiah did as He told him and Jeremiah found the potter working at his wheel. But the jar he was making did not turn out as he had hoped, so the potter crushed it into a lump of clay again and started over. Brothers and sisters, God is our potter and I believe the Lord is saying to us today,

“Can I not do with you as the potter does? (Jeremiah 18:6)

Let’s allow Him to continue the good work He has started in us and trust Him in the middle of the refining fire. He is here with us. We will come out unbound and with stronger faith. So keep joyfully and hopefully pressing on! (Philippians 1:6, Daniel 3:26-27)

Mar 19 2010

Pressed In On Every Side

“We are hedged in (pressed) on every side [troubled and oppressed in every way], but not cramped or crushed; we suffer embarrassments and are perplexed and unable to find a way out, but not driven to despair;

We are pursued (persecuted and hard driven), but not deserted [to stand alone]; we are struck down to the ground, but never struck out and destroyed;”2 Corinthians 4:8-9 – Amplified

The Lord reminded me of these verses this morning. I read it out of the NLT and then the Amplified. It really hit home for me. You see I am currently going through a season of intense discipline and training through many trials and temptations. (Hebrews 12)The demonic attacks are so evident. I have felt pressed in on every side by spiritual oppression in some of my closest relationships. Even my children are under attack. At times I feel crushed and overwhelmed. The problems and trials I face often times feel like too much to bear. I would be lying if I said that thoughts of giving up don’t run through my mind. But I know who I am in Christ Jesus and I WILL NOT not be driven to utter despair! I know that our Lord has NOT deserted me or my family and left us to stand alone.

I am sharing this with you because I want you to know that if you are suffering through many troubles, trials, and temptations YOU ARE NOT ALONE! Listen to what the Holy Spirit has said through Paul in 1 Corinthians 10:13.

“No test or temptation that comes your way is beyond the course of what others have had to face. All you need to remember is that God will never let you down; he’ll never let you be pushed past your limit; he’ll always be there to help you come through it.” – The Message

Here’s parts of this verse out of the Amplified.

“NO temptation or trial has come to you that is beyond human resistance..

But God is faithful [to His Word and to His compassionate nature], and He [CAN BE TRUSTED] not to let you be tempted and tried and assayed beyond your ability and strength of resistance and power to endure, but with the temptation He will [ALWAYS] also provide the way out (the means of escape to a landing place), that you may be capable and strong and powerful to bear up under it patiently.”

Did you see it? Our troubles are not new to human experience. Many others before us and many now are going through the same or very similar problems that we are facing today. Others before us have overcome by remembering how faithful God is to His promise to never leave or forsake us. (Hebrews 13:5)

In 1 Corinthians 10:13 we see that He has promised to never allow the temptations or trials that we face to be more than we can endure. He will ALWAYS provide a way of escape to overcome any temptation the enemy will put before us. He will also ALWAYS provide a way for us to go through whatever trial it is that we may have to face.

No matter what it is that we are facing we need to remember that He is our Strength and WE CAN do ALL things through Christ Jesus who strengthens us! Here is Philippians 4:13 in the Amplified. Read it. Receive it! Believe it! Confess it!

“I have strength for all things in Christ Who empowers me [I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him Who infuses inner strength into me; I am self-sufficient in Christ's sufficiency].”

The Lord has spoken to me so many words of encouragement, affirmation, and comfort over the past several weeks. His Holy Spirit has ministered to my heart and given me peace at times where I probably would have fallen apart. He has hugged me through the arms of other believers full of his love and compassion. His presence has filled my room as I slept I knew that He was there with me. His love has sustained me through this all.


He will do the same for you as he is doing for me! Do not give up hope! He is by your side. You will see His promises to you fulfilled. Just keep believing! Keep trusting! Keep seeking Him in prayer, fasting, and in His Word. Keep your eyes on Him and you will not be destroyed. Fight the good fight of faith!

I will continue to share with you the scriptures that He has brought me to in this season of my life. God bless you all and remember what our Lord has said to His disciples,

“I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world. [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.]” John 16:33 – Amplified


Feb 22 2010

Check The Spiritual Fruit

This is a cross-post from WeUsed2bu Christian Girl Advice Site . This month’s topic is Dating God’s Way. Although it’s written to the ladies the principles apply to single men too. Here’s..

Check The Spiritual Fruit..

Daughters of the Most High God, you are precious in our Heavenly Father’s eyes and He has good plans for your life, to give you a future and a hope in Him. (Jeremiah 29:11) As you draw closer to Him, you will desire His will more and more. He will begin to reveal the giftings He has imparted to you, as well as His divine and specific plan for your life. He saved you for His service, to use you to glorify our Savior. (Ephesians 2:10) Therefore, you must be very prayerful and wise in choosing your potential date or mate. The person that you choose as your mate will play a role in either hindering our Father’s plan and purpose, or edifying and encouraging you to fulfill your calling.

I think Jesus said it clearly when He said,

“Anyone who isn’t working for Me, and anyone who isn’t working with Me is actually working against Me.” (Matthew 12:30 NLT) Anyone who isn’t working with you towards fulfilling God’s will for your life is working against you. So beware of the wolves in sheep’s clothing.

Our Father has given us guidelines to follow that will help in evaluating a potential date/mate.

1st…They should be a Christian – 2 Corinthians 6:14 says, “Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers.” (NKJ) The image is that of two oxen plowing a field: One yoke is placed over them, and they work as a pair. They cannot go in opposite directions even if they wish to do so, because they are bound together. (Commentary from Discover God Study Bible)

We are on the path of righteousness, seeking God’s will for our lives. We need to bond ourselves to others who are on the same path. Can two people walk together without agreeing on the direction? (Amos 3:2)

The unbeliever does not understand the things of God nor do they desire God’s will, and usually do not agree with God’s Word. (1 Corinthians 2:14, 2 Corinthians 4:3-4) To bond or yolk ourselves to an unbeliever will inevitably result in division of our loyalty and compromise of our faith, and will harm our own purity.

(Read and meditate on 2 Corinthians 6:14-18)

2nd…They should be a doer of the Word, not just a hearer. (James 1:22-25) The Holy Spirit warns us not to associate with anyone who claims to be a believer yet indulges in sexual sin, or is greedy, or worships idols, or is abusive, or is a drunkard, or cheats people. He says that we should not even eat with such people. Instead He says that we are to remove these types of people from among us. (1 Corinthians 5:9-13)

This may seem harsh, but our Heavenly Father is warning us to separate from them because He knows that bad company corrupts good character. (1 Corinthians 15:33) These people are claiming to be believers, and He doesn’t want us to be deceived. Those who have been born into God’s family do not make a practice of sinning, because God’s life is in them. But anyone who keeps on sinning does not know Christ or understand who He is. (1 John 3:6-10)

Although we may want to do good, if we are going to be spending quality time with other believers who make a practice of sinning, then we are in danger of their sin and compromise influencing us. The Word warns us that sin is like yeast that spreads if it is not dealt with by removing it immediately. (1 Corinthians 5:6-7) We are to throw off everything that hinders our Christian walk, avoid unedifying relationships, and instead have fellowship with those who call on Him with pure hearts. (Hebrews 12:1-2, 2 Timothy 2:22)

3rd…They should manifest the fruit of the Holy Spirit in their lives. – Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. (Galatians 5:22-23)
There will be those along our journey that will claim to be Christians just to get closer to us. Some will be wolves in sheep’s clothing. Our Lord Jesus speaks of how to recognize these wolves that are not “the one” for us. He said, “BY THEIR FRUIT YOU WILL RECOGNIZE THEM.” (Matthew 7:15-20)

He is talking about their spiritual fruit, their works, and the way they act. Anyone can claim to be a believer. But Holy Spirit at work in us produces the fruits of the Spirit (mentioned above) and good works. Faith that doesn’t result in good works is dead and useless. (James 2:14-26)

So how do you check a person’s spiritual fruit? By being friends first. This will allow you to better check them out and see what they are about. Below are some practical questions that can help you evaluate a person’s spiritual fruit and maturity before beginning a dating relationship:

Are they really committed to serving God? Are they involved in any ministry work? Have you seen them ministering to others?

Are you spiritually compatible? Are they at least where you are in your spiritual maturity? Are they rooted in their faith?

What type entertainment do they enjoy? Music, movies, tv shows, books, etc.

Do you believe the same doctrine? Do they believe that faith in Jesus Christ is the only way to have salvation? Do they believe in the Holy Spirit?

What’s their character like? Can you trust them? How do they treat others, especially their immediate family? How are their work ethics?

How do they handle adversity? Do they trust God?

Have you seen them angry? Are they forgiving or do they hold grudges? Do they try to get revenge?

Are they responsible with money? Do they tithe? Do they pay their debts?

Do they have control over their sex drive? Do they honor and obey God’s instruction to remain sexually pure? Do they provoke or lead you into temptation?

This may seem like a lot, but remember that you are a daughter of the Most High God. Our Father wants the best for you. Know who you are in Christ Jesus, and desire to have a man who also knows who he is in Christ and who lives for Him. You are precious to God. Don’t settle for less than God’s best for you, sisters!


By lisacolon • Posted in dating
4
Feb 10 2010

Aim At And Strive After His Word

I wanted to do a follow up to my last posting ‘Direction for 2010’. I want to take some time to reflect on applying Matthew 6:33 to our every day lives. I really like the way the Amplified bible translates it.

“But seek (aim at and strive after) first of all His kingdom and His righteousness (His way of doing and being right), and then all these things taken together will be given you besides.”

The Holy Spirit is telling us here that every day we should strive (to exert much effort or energy; endeavor) after God’s way of doing things. He is saying clearly that our aim (determined course or direct, our effort) should be to seek His will and His way in everything we do. Our daily focus should be on what God has for us to do that day. How does He want to use us? Who does He wants us to speak to? How does He want us to handle certain situations?

When we put our focus on doing things His ways, the right way, we don’t have to worry about anything because we KNOW that He WILL take care of everything. He will work EVERY situation out for our good. No matter what the situation is. (Romans 8:28, Genesis 50:20)

To seek His way of doing things is to apply His Word to our life, living it out loud and being a doer of the Word. In order to be a doer of the Word we have to know what His Word says about whatever it is that we are facing.

If we are battling worry, fear, & anxiety His Words says,

“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7

“Humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor. 7 Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.” 1 Peter 5:6-7

“Give your burdens to the LORD, and he will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall.” Psalm 55:22

If we are angry, bitter, or harboring unforgiveness His Word says,

“Don’t sin by letting anger control you.” Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 for anger gives a foothold to the devil.” Ephesians 4:26-27

“Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. 32 Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.” Ephesians 4:31-32

“Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. 13 Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.” Colossians 3:12-13

His Word can be applied to every area of our life (raising children,managing money, marriage,business,etc.). That’s why He had His prophets and apostles write His Words down. To lead us to Christ who is the Word made flesh. Today He uses the Word through the power of the Holy Spirit to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. He empowers us to do His will. He uses the bible to prepare and equip us to do every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16-17) So if we want to know what we should do, when we need direction and wisdom we can find it in the Word of God. (James 1:5) I love what Proverbs 2:6-11 says, especially verses 9-10:

“6 For the LORD grants wisdom! From his mouth come knowledge and understanding. 7 He grants a treasure of common sense to the honest. He is a shield to those who walk with integrity. 8 He guards the paths of the just and protects those who are faithful to him. 9 Then you will understand what is right, just, and fair, and you will find the right way to go. 10 For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will fill you with joy. 11 Wise choices will watch over you. Understanding will keep you safe.”

Brothers and sisters when we know the Truth of God’s Word we find direction, hope, and freedom! If we don’t know His Word then we will be consumed by our troubles and situations, we will be destroyed because of lack of knowledge. (James 1:22, Hosea 4:6) His Word grants wisdom and it is has the answer for every situation. We just have to study this Book of Instruction continually. We need to meditate on it day and night so that we will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will we prosper and succeed in all that we do because we are seeking HIS WAY of doing and being right instead of our own way. (Joshua 1:9)

Lord we want to seek You first in every area of our life. We want to do Your will. Guide us and led us daily. Give us confirmation and affirmation through Your Word. We trust you with our daily lives. In Jesus name. Amen!


Jan 29 2010

Direction For 2010

At the beginning of this year I decided to take the first 21 days and commit them to seeking the Lord’s direction for the beginning of 2010. I was resting from ministry work and spent more quality time with my family. Of course I also reflected on 2009 and all that our Lord had done in me, through me, and in my friends and family. The past couple of years have been full of change and restructuring in my finances, friendships, and ministry partners. I have seen the Lord making my crooked paths straight and leading me the way that HE WANTS me to go. Every day I realize that I am far from perfection but in the words of the Apostle Paul,

“I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.” (Philippians 3:12-14)

In 2009 many of us saw wonderful break throughs and victories but now it is time to keep pressing forward to what lies ahead. We should not be living on the accomplishments and victories of 2009. This is a new year with brand new opportunties to help the helpless, to extend mercy, grace, and forgiveness, to love the unlovable, and to share the Good News that Jesus loves us and died for our sins. There WILL BE be new tests, struggles, and trials that we will have to overcome not by our own might, but by the Spirit of the Lord who will strengthen us, sustain us, and move us according to His will. (Zechariah 4:6, Philippians 4:13)

2010 is a new year full of new hope and expectation. We don’t have to look back or dwell o all the mistakes of 2009. It’s a new season! The old has gone and new things are coming. We should be excited knowing that our Lord has wonderful plans for each of us! We should be excited knowing without a shadow of a doubt that HE IS working everything out for our good! We should be excited as we watch how the Lord brings restoration, deliverance, and expansion of territory in our lives! (Jeremiah 29:11, Romans 8:28)

The Word that the Lord has placed on my heart since the end of 2009 for 2010 is Matthew 6:33

“But seek (aim at and strive after) first of all His kingdom and His righteousness (His way of doing and being right), and then all these things taken together will be given you besides.”

But truly this is not a Word for 2010. It is a Word for every day of our life. He wants us to seek Him first and His way of doing things, then everything else that we are worried about will be taken care of. He put it simply to me a couple of years ago. The Spirit of the Lord said to me, “Lisa, you take care of My business and I will take care of your business”. He has been faithful to keep His promise to me. I have seen Him constantly working everything out in my life for the good of our family. There is nothing that comes against me that I really need to fear because I KNOW that I am in His hands and He cares for me. All my fear and doubts are no more because I KNOW that HE IS in control. When I truly began to put my focus on seeking Him and what He wanted me to do on a daily basis, instead of doing what I thought was right do in my own eyes, my life was transformed.

Proverbs 14:12 says, “There is a path before each person that seems right, but it ends in death.”

I remember being on that path. That path is the broad road that Jesus said many take which leads to hell. (Matthew 7:13-14) Doing things our own way, being lead by our fickle and selfish emotions, and submitting to our sin-ful desires leads to destruction and turmoil in our lives as well as those around us. Our way is not the right way. If we want to know which way God wants us to go then we must seek the One who is The Way, The Truth, and The Life. Jesus is the Way. His way is found in the Word of God, the Holy Bible. It will be the lamp to our feet and a light for our path in this dark world.

I pray that each of us would committ to seeking God’s way and will for our life everyday of 2010 and for whatever remaining years we have left here before Jesus Christ comes back for His Church.

Blessings to you all in Christ Jesus name,