The way we perceive ourselves is different than the way others see us. Our understanding of ourselves, others and GOD is narrow and undoubtedly wrong. Ephesians 1:18, "having the eyes of your hearts enlightened..." Have you ever spent a lot of time planning, preparing, and then giving something special to someone, only to be taken back a little as they didn't see the "total value" of the love that went with it? Perhaps we don't really comprehend the greatness of "Truth" and GOD'S love as we resort to our weak and distorted mind to view only a portion of things. Do we think of our inheritance of HIS great riches as "streets of gold" or "staircases of diamonds"? Or do we think of HIS great riches as being one with GOD, to know HIS thoughts, power over evil spirits, enlarged and exalted conceptions of GOD and realizing Heaven is where GOD is! Do we really have the understanding that our eternal life begins now? Do we accept the immeasurable greatness of HIS power to be IN HEAVEN NOW?
Psalm 139: 23-24 Isaiah 43:1 GOD IS GOD!
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While other kids were wearing cowboy hats and cowboy boots, I was wearing Indian headbands with feathers. I was fascinated by the Indian ways; their approach to life and how they sent "smoke signals" to communicate. One day I decided to talk with GOD by sending "smoke signals". I built a "humongous" fire and went to get my mother's big bath towel for my blanket (you are to put it over the fire then pull it away, creating a puff of smoke). No one told me that the Indians soaked their blankets in water before putting them over the fire. "Swoosh" the blanket went up in fire like a gas balloon. In life, we make mistakes, some on purpose, some from selfishness and some through ignorance. Philippians 1:6, "Being confident of this...HE which has begun a good work in you will complete it..." When GOD starts something HE does not abandon it. Our transformation is where HE gives HIS Grace into our hearts, instills Faith measure by measure and gives us the fullness of the HOLY SPIRIT to complete us in HIS Love. What did I learn? We can hear and speak to GOD without SENDING SMOKE SIGNALS.
Psalm 139: 23-24 Isaiah 43:1 GOD IS GOD! How many of us have let GOOD MEMORIES fade because of our subsequent actions and sins? We feel "tarnished" and have "tarnished" others, while our actions have left us feeling inadequate and unable to meet the challenges before us. If we run, we do not find safety but bondage to our fears. Nothing before or after can take away "the moments of good memories", they are still special moments! Do we dwell on our failures or do we choose to think about those who lifted us up during those times? Do we let "those special memories" be destroyed because of the sin in our lives? Do we focus on how much we have offended others or upon their forgiveness? Maybe today we can follow Mary's example; Luke 2:19, "But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart." Do not destroy the Treasures of your heart. You see, GOOD MEMORIES ARE STILL GOOD MEMORIES.
Psalm 139: 23-24 Isaiah 43:1 GOD IS GOD! Philippians 3:13-14, "...But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead. I press on toward...the call of GOD in CHRIST JESUS." The Apostle Paul achieved "uncommon" GODLY success because he was "focused" and did not try to perform multiple tasks simultaneously. He did not mingle the world and Christianity; he did not seek to obtain wealth and salvation too; Paul knew, a man will accomplish little if he is distracted by the multiplicity of objectives. He knew he could do a lot of things at one time, but none would receive his concentrated effort to be the best he could do. Maybe Paul knew, "when we try to do a little of everything, nothing gets done to our very best". MULTITASKING?
Psalm 139: 23-24 Isaiah 43:1 GOD IS GOD! After an excruciating day of "three-a-day's" for the upcoming football season, we were told to "run the hill". Most of the team begrudgingly began a "half-way effort" up the hill, when all of a sudden a boy who wasn't very good at the sport (and everyone thought would be "cut" from the team that afternoon) ran to the front, began pounding his fists on his chest as tears streamed from his eyes, and shouted, "YOU JUST GOTTA LOVE IT"! He was first up the hill and back down again as he collapsed on the field. He "did all things without grumbling or questioning..." (James 2:14). Sometimes when everything is closing in, when I question everything that is trying to tear me down, and I think I can't take another step; I go into the woods, begin to run, pound my fists on my chest, look to the HEAVENS and shout, "YOU JUST GOTTA LOVE IT!" Oh yes, "the young man who wasn't going to make the team? He did! YOU JUST GOTTA LOVE IT!
Psalm 139: 23-24 Isaiah 43:1 GOD IS GOD! James 4:1, "What causes quarrels and wars among you? ... is it not that your passions are at war within you?" When we continue to let ugly thoughts "linger" within us, those thoughts cause disagreements in all areas of our lives. In all probability it affects everyone we come in contact with, because it affects us. Dwelling upon sinful thoughts makes us an enemy to GOD and a friend of the devil. That is not a good place to be. Some people will tell us that we are known by our actions; when in reality we are known by our thoughts. Our thoughts are conveyed by that certain look, rolling of the eyes, words, or absolute no reaction at all. So think about "things that are honorable, pure and lovely"; your thoughts will change your life. I just "thought" I'd GIVE YOU SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT!
Psalm 139: 23-24 Isaiah 43:1 GOD IS GOD! SONDAY mornings as a child were unique. Even if everyone did not go to Church, there was something very special. Stores were closed and people would walk. They greeted each other (rich to poor and poor to rich) with reverence and respect. It was like everyone was "inspecting" or "preparing" themselves just to be part of such a sacred time. "A time when they would ask themselves, who shall come in the presence of GOD? Do they do what is right and speak the truth in their hearts? Do they slander or do evil? (Psalm 15:1-5). A time when they were innocent and pure through HIS love; IT WAS JUST A TIME TA'.
Psalm 139: 23-24 Isaiah 43:1 GOD IS GOD! We have had the times when we say, "what's the use", and become frustrated with trying to have what Preachers preach and others say we should have (when they don't have it either). It is because we don't ENJOY GOD. The receiving of pleasure or satisfaction from the source; and to have and use for your own benefit is the definition of ENJOY. What we ENJOY is where we find refuge, strength and security. Do we seek worldly sources or GOD for our enjoyment? We cannot scold ourselves into loving GOD, it will never be warm and passionate. So what do we do when our heart is not in it and our mind doesn't believe the love of GOD? First, recognize that it is demonic forces that are discouraging and lying to you about GOD. Even though you heart may be in disbelief, you are still born with the inner knowing that GOD IS GOD who keeps HIS promises. When we intentionally start giving thanks, praising GOD (listen to ourselves praising HIM) and exulting HIM we begin to hear and experience the revelation of our own thanks and praise concerning the Truth. Knowing that our thanks and worship greatly honors GOD in the spiritual world before the vast audience of angels, saints and even the demonic beings, GOD draws near (James 4:8). Doing this we find ourselves worshiping GOD in Spirit and Truth and we begin to receive pleasure and satisfaction. Yes, we begin to ENJOY GOD through Praise and thanksgiving then HE gives refuge, strength and security. ENJOY!
Psalm 139: 23-24 Isaiah 43:1 GOD IS GOD! |
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December 2015
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