IT'S TIME TO MOVE FORWARD

Philippians 3:13b-14 MKJV
..... but one thing I do, forgetting the things behind and reaching forward to the things before,I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

I have made a lot of mistakes in my life so regret has been something I have asked the Lord to help me overcome. All of us have done things in the past that we are not proud of, and if given the opportunity to go back, would do things very differently. However, the reality is that we can't change the past no matter how badly we want to. 

Dwelling on past mistakes or failures is a trick of the enemy to keep us stuck in the past. We should learn from the past, but not live in the past. God wants us to trust in His unconditional love and faithfulness so that we are able to move forward.
1 John 1:9 GW
God is faithful and reliable. If we confess our sins, he forgives them and cleanses us from everything we've done wrong.

When we admit our sins to God He forgives them and forgets them. God does not hold our past against us. Through Christ Jesus we have God's grace and mercy renewed every day, giving us as many fresh starts as we need! It is up to us to choose our future in and with Him. Ask the Lord to help you forgive yourself and let the past go. It's time to move forward because you are VALUABLE!

Be Refreshed!

AMAZINGLY AND WONDERFULLY MADE

I will give thanks to you because I have been so amazingly and miraculously made. Your works are miraculous, and my soul is fully aware of this.
Psalms 139:14 GW

Are you aware of the miraculous way God designed us as human-beings? It is truly awe inspiring! Take a moment to reflect on how intricate and complex the human body is with its different systems and functionality. It is amazing that these systems function without our thinking about them. Even the the way our bodies can be trained to move is astonishing!  In like manner, the way the human brain processes information  is just as amazing. God has gifted human-beings with the ability to think, reason, make discoveries, and the potential to use imagination to invent and accomplish great things! Our potential is vast!

I believe every person is born into the earth with great potential.  Purpose to stay close to God and allow Him to show you how to unlock and access the great potential He has placed inside of you. Yes, you are amazingly and miraculously made, and you are VALUABLE!

 Be Refreshed!

A NEW SEASON OF COURAGE

Joshua 1:9 GW

"I have commanded you, 'Be strong and courageous! Don't tremble or be terrified, because the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.'"

Last year I published my first inspirational book, VALUABLE. In a nutshell, VALUABLE is a  resource that provides a biblical foundation for developing healthy self-esteem. The premise of the book is that in God's eyes you are valuable because He sees you as a:
Victorious Accepted Loved Understood Affirmed Blessed Liberated Expression of His Grace. The initial launch and book signing was exciting, but I had no idea of the additional work involved in getting it out there. However, with a lot of help from family and friends, it has gotten into the hands of a lot of people. 
The response has been very positive. In fact after receiving numerous comments and much prayer, I felt my next step of ministry was start a class based on the book. The decision to have a class was made last summer. However, the courage to actually set a date to begin, came much later. Procrastination set in.

Often we have great ideas, goals and dreams, even God inspired ones that won't see the light of day due to a lack of courage to pursue them. Procrastination, fear of failure and or rejection, short circuit the drive to move forward into our God given value and destiny.

I have decided in this new season, to take courage and trust God more than I ever have before. My new class, VALUABLE Lessons and Dialogue, begins January 11, 2014. Yes I am nervous but I know it's what I am supposed to do. I have to trust God with the outcome.

In 2014, I encourage you to be courageous and  purpose to go after what you know God has for you!

Be refreshed! 

BLESSED FROM THE BEGINNING

Genesis 1:27-28 GW  So God created humans in his image. In the image of God he created them. He created them male and female. God blessed them and said, "Be fertile, increase in number, fill the earth, and be its master. Rule the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, and all the animals that crawl on the earth."

Genesis 5:2 GW  He created them male and female. He blessed them and called them humans when he created them.

According to scripture, from the beginning, God's intent was for His people to live blessed. He spoke blessing into the very DNA of man when He created them (male and female).

However, because of the fall of mankind as recorded in Genesis chapter 2 & 3, the blessed and worry free life originally purposed by God for man changed dramatically. Everything became a struggle. 
Yet, God in His wisdom already had a plan in place to ultimately restore fallen humanity through His beloved Son Jesus. Still before Jesus came in the flesh as a man, God made provision for His people to live blessed lives. Deuteronomy 11

The wonderful thing about God's blessing, is that it not only pertains to material gain, but extends far beyond to include man's spirit, soul and body.

Ephesians 1:3 GW  Praise the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! Through Christ, God has blessed us with every spiritual blessing that heaven has to offer.

God has provided tremendous blessings for us in the heavenly realm and in the earth. He does not withhold any good thing from those who love Him, while willing to trust and obey His Word.

Choose to receive and live the blessed abundant life Jesus came to give. John 10:10

Be Refreshed!

NOTHING IS WASTED

Every so often, I am reminded by the Holy Spirit that "nothing is wasted". This is significant because the Lord hears, sees, and remembers His people. Since we are very VALUABLE to Him, no tear cried; heartache felt or trial experienced in the past, present, or future is for nothing. God will utilize all of these things to bring glory to His name. He faithfully rewards those who love Him and obey while persevering through every situation.

Believe it or not, we are halfway through 2013. Continue to persevere and embrace your value. Allow yourself to dream big! Expect the godly desires of your heart to begin manifesting before the end of the year. However, I encourage you (myself included) to seek the face of God by spending time in praise, worship and prayer; not just seek His hand to get more things. Then we will have confidence that when we ask, the Lord will help us apprehend the things He has placed in our hearts to not only benefit ourselves, but others as well. Let's stay in faith believing He will show us each step to take as we move forward.

Be Refreshed!

CHOOSE WISELY

Genesis 1:27 GW So God created humans in his image. In the image of God he created them. He created them male and female.

Genesis 2:7 KJV  And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.

God created man/human-beings in His image. He formed the body of man from the dust of the earth, but man didn't become alive, conscious and aware with the ability to speak until God breathed into his body. The King James version states that man became a living soul. The soul involves the mind/intellect-the ability to think and reason; the will- making choices and decisions; and emotions- how and what we feel.  

Our ability to speak, reason and make choices sets us apart from God's other creations. However, there are always consequences when we exert our will to make choices. If we yield to positive godly influences we will make wise choices being in position to enjoy God's best for us. On the other hand, if we yield to negative ungodly influences our actions will be foolish and create unnecessary hardship not only for ourselves, but unfortunately those connected to us.
(Read Genesis 2:3-3:24)

Choosing to obey the Lord is always a wise decision!

Be Refreshed!

What Makes Us Tick ?

On our continued journey to developing and maintaining a positive self-image, we need to understand our nature as human beings; in other words, know what makes us tick.

We all have needs. As discussed in my book VALUABLE, a well known psychologist, Abraham Maslow, had a theory called “Hierarchy of Needs”.   This theory consists of five levels of human needs from one being the lowest, to five as the highest. In his model, physical needs serve as the base with the other category of needs building upon the satisfaction of prior needs.

In this hierarchy, the needs second to the highest, are esteem. These needs consist of: self-esteem, personal worth, social recognition and accomplishment. Feeling appreciated and valued is something all people want to experience and need. Unfortunately, the methods used, depending on what they are to meet this need, can cause more damage than the need going unmet by others. Even so, as air, food, and water are necessary to sustain the physical body, self-esteem is necessary to one’s mental well-being; but where does it come from? How do we attain and hang on to our self-esteem? The answer for some is total reliance on human willpower, natural ability, and external accomplishments. However, as we navigate through life, there are situations we encounter that are too big to handle with sheer willpower in our own strength.

I don't believe God ever intended for us to face these situations nor live life apart from Him. I have come to realize that, despite great human potential, exceptional ability and determination, we definitely need God’s help to actually reach our full potential.Everything that makes us healthy functioning humans, including our potential, desires etc., God our Creator placed in us to become our best selves. I am so glad He knows and understands exactly what we need and is willing to meet those needs when we ask Him. Let Him meet your needs today!

Be Refreshed! 

Discovering Your Value Part 2

Proverbs 12:18 GNB
Thoughtless words can wound as deeply as any sword, but wisely spoken words can heal.


Typically, when reading this scripture the assumption is that it pertains to the words that we speak to and about others. However, on the journey to discovering our value, it is worthwhile to take inventory of the words we speak not only to other people, but to ourselves as well. 

Words, whether orally or written are powerful! They create images in the mind, evoke strong emotions, and attach memories to good and bad experiences, past and present. Words guide the course of our lives in a positive or negative direction. They can build up or tear down; hurt or bring healing; instill hope, faith or fear.     (James 3: 2, 5-6) 


What are you saying and thinking about yourself? Are you building yourself up with your words or tearing yourself down? Are you speaking words of faith or fear?

Self-talk words convey the thoughts and opinions you have of yourself which equate to your self-perception. Our self-perception whether positive or negative affects the way we interact with others which in turn influences the way others see and treat us. So, as it is important to speak positive words to others, it is also important to speak life and blessing over yourself.

Remember,you have been fearfully and wonderfully made created in the image of God. (Psalms 139:14, Genesis 1:26-27)  He has nothing but good things to say about you, so get in the Word and find out for yourself. You are VALUABLE!

Be Refreshed

DISCOVERING YOUR VALUE PT. 1

In an earlier blog I wrote that we have seasons when we experience a great deal of problems. These problems are packaged in different ways. They can involve finances, health, career and relationships.  

Dealing with life's issues and problems can be challenging. It is difficult to feel good about yourself when it seems like you just can't get it right. The mistakes of the past still linger.

During those times it is important to know that your issues past and present do not diminish your value. No matter where you are in life, God sees you as a:
Victorious Accepted Loved Understood Affirmed Blessed Liberated Expression of His Grace. You are VALUABLE. 

Whether or not you do everything right does not not cause God to love you any more or any less. Know that you are valuable because God loves you and has spoken well of you. Get to know Him  and discover your value through His Word.

Be Refreshed

What Is Your Level Of Trust?

 At the beginning of 2013, I wrote about the significant role obedience to God would play this year in our experiencing His manifested blessings in our lives.

However, the Holy Spirit revealed that it is very difficult to obey someone you don't really trust. Then the trial of Job came to mind.

There are different thoughts regarding the cause of Job’s trials. One is that he opened the door to the devil (Satan) through fear. (Job 3:25 ESV)  For the thing that I fear comes upon me, and what I dread befalls me. From this verse it is clear that although Job worshipped God, he definitely had issues with fear. Another is that God brought Job to Satan’s attention. (Job 1:8 ESV)  And the LORD said to Satan, "Have you considered my servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, who fears God and turns away from evil?"

From this passage God did indeed invite Satan’s scrutiny of Job, but as commendation to Job’s right standing with Him being unlike the other people of his time. God considered Job to be blameless because his lifestyle was one of reverence to Him.

Satan’s argument was that Job only worshipped God because things were going extremely well in his life and family. Satan contended that Job would turn away from God if all the blessing and prosperity were taken away. As a result Job encountered seriously trials. Yet, despite all of them Job asserted and maintained His trust in God. (Job 13:15a CEV)  God may kill me, but still I will trust him…. Job was not privy to the conversation God and Satan had. He was unaware that Satan contrived his misery. The only one Job was aware of was God. Job knew that God was sovereign. If you read Job’s account for yourself, you will find that Job rides an emotional roller-coaster. (I think we have all been there at some point in our walk with the Lord.) Still, through all of the horrendous events, Job’s stand was to trust God regardless of what his wife and friends thought.

To me, the point of our looking into Job’s life, is to be inspired to develop an unshakeable faith and trust in our Heavenly Father no matter what challenges we face. As demonstrated at the end of the book of Job, God rewards those who put their trust in Him. This is a recurring theme in the Bible. Satan’s purpose is to harm us, but God’s plan and purpose is for us to be well and prosper. So, what is your level of trust? Are you willing to completely trust in God’s sovereignty and absolute goodness in spite of what you see, think or feel?

I pray that you are.

Be refreshed 

Blessings for the Obedient

This is a new year and I believe the people of God have an opportunity to walk in His blessings as never before, despite the social and economic crises all around in the world. 

 

While some may see the number as 13 representing something negative, for followers of Christ Jesus, 2013 can be a year of double blessing. But what will it take to experience God’s goodness/blessing being doubled in our lives? It will take determined obedience.

 Psalm 37: 18-25

 18 Those who obey the LORD are daily in his care, and what he has given them will be theirs forever.
19 They won't be in trouble when times are bad, and they will have plenty when food is scarce.
20 Wicked people are enemies of the LORD and will vanish like smoke from a field on fire.
21 An evil person borrows and never pays back; a good person is generous and never stops giving.
22 Everyone the LORD blesses will receive the land; everyone the LORD curses will be destroyed.
23 If you do what the LORD wants, he will make certain each step you take is sure.
24 The LORD will hold your hand, and if you stumble, you still won't fall.
25 As long as I can remember, good people have never been left helpless, and their children have never gone begging for food.

Psalm 37 reveals many things. It reveals that God takes care of those daily who obey Him regardless of what is happening in the earth; it reveals that the character of the obedient displays goodness, integrity and generosity; it reveals that God orders the steps of His obedient ones and even if they stumble, they will not crash and burn. God also makes provision for the children of those who are obedient.

These are awesome promises of God!

Let this year be a year of drawing close to the Lord through prayer, praise/worship and obedience to His Word. Then watch Him accomplish great things in our lives as only He can.

That’s my plan. What is yours?

Be encouraged and refreshed!

 

 

 

 

 

Decidely Different

 

Each person born into the earth is unique despite simililarities. Our fingerprints, personalities and way we process information are decidedly different. When examined closely, even identical twins have marked physical differences.

 

Being unique also extends to God's purpose for us in life. He has a specific path for every person.  God is a stickler for details because He knows that one size does not all. That being the case, God has created an ISDP(Individualized Spiritual Development Plan) for each of us. Those determined to discover and follow the plan, will be amazed by the destiny He has in store now in this life, along with the unspeakable glory in the life to come.

 

 



VALUABLE

There are seasons in life when the unpleasant stuff of life seems to happen with alarming frequency.

Continual bombardment of pressure and pain can erode a person’s confidence.
I know what that feels like.
With the many hardships I encountered, depression settled in causing me to doubt my ability to accomplish tasks I had done well for years.

As the Lord encouraged me, I now encourage you. Remember that your problems do not define you.
Negative experiences in life--- whether abused, rejected or financially bankrupt, do not determine your worth and value.

Know that you are valuable because God loves you and has spoken well of you.
His view of you is absolutely astounding... so get to know Him through His Word.

The more you know Him, the better you come to know and appreciate yourself.

Be Refreshed!

Coming soon….

 

 

 

 

 

Accepted

Acts 10:34-35 GNB 

Peter began to speak: "I now realize that it is true that God treats everyone on the same basis.

Those who fear him and do what is right are acceptable to him, no matter what race they belong to.

No one wants to feel left out, rejected, or abandoned.

Every person born in this world desires a sense of belonging. Whether by peers, people we admire or organizations deemed important, most of us want to belong to something greater than ourselves.

However, if left unmet in positive ways, the desire to be accepted can become unhealthy leading to unwise decisions and associations.

I am so glad that God is not concerned about our sex race hair texture socio economic status, or denomination. He is an equal opportunity Saviour. All are welcome!

God accepts all who have a heart for Him and commit to do what is right, according to His Word.  

So don’t feel that you need to be a part of any clique to be acceptable. Know that God, Creator of the universe, calls you His very own.

Be Refreshed!

VICTORIOUS

Romans 8:35-37 (GW)  What will separate us from the love Christ has for us? Can trouble, distress, persecution, hunger, nakedness, danger, or violent death separate us from his love?...... The one who loves us gives us an overwhelming victory in all these difficulties.

Do you consider yourself to be a victorious person?

A victorious person is one who overcomes adversity, having a conquering attitude even when failure seems imminent.

Does that definition fit your profile on a regular basis?

I know that during periods of intense hardship, it is easy to become discouraged and if not careful, develop a defeatist mentality.

Actually, Romans 8:35 brings to light some very real issues of hunger, violence, distress and danger that many people contend with daily.  

We see distress in many areas including the home and finances.

Violence has begun to spill over into unexpected places. Who in the US ever expected a simple family outing at the movies to have  tragic results as the one in Colorado a few weeks ago?

Yet we can take courage in spite of problems, difficulties and dangers because nothing we face is greater than the love Christ has toward us. His love sustains us against all odds. In fact, we have tremendous victory in and through Him. 

Believers in Christ are victorious over the world by exercising faith in Him (I John 5:4), despite the negative even frightening things seen and experienced. 

The way to maintain a victorious lifestyle is to connect to God through prayer and His Word daily. Keep your focus on Jesus the Christ in every situation remembering that He always gives you the victory!

Be Refreshed

Celebrate the Mercy of God

1 Peter 1:2-7 GW(God’s Word Translation)

(2) God the Father knew you long ago and chose you to live holy lives with the Spirit's help so that you are obedient to Jesus Christ and are sprinkled with his blood. May good will and peace fill your lives!
(3) Praise the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! God has given us a new birth because of his great mercy. We have been born into a new life that has a confidence which is alive because Jesus Christ has come back to life.
(4) We have been born into a new life which has an inheritance that can't be destroyed or corrupted and can't fade away. That inheritance is kept in heaven for you,
(5) since you are guarded by God's power through faith for a salvation that is ready to be revealed at the end of time.
(6) You are extremely happy about these things, even though you have to suffer different kinds of trouble for a little while now.
(7) The purpose of these troubles is to test your faith as fire tests how genuine gold is. Your faith is more precious than gold, and by passing the test, it gives praise, glory, and honor to God. This will happen when Jesus Christ appears again.

This time for Christians is a special one. Yesterday was Ash Wednesday marking the beginning of Lent,which consists of the 40 days before our Lord Jesus the Christ was crucified. His sacrificial death provided redemption for humanity from the fallen sinful condition that resulted from disobedience to God in the Garden of Eden.

As we take a solemn look at our lives remembering the great price that Jesus paid for us, we can still celebrate the new birth we have because of God’s mercy and love that ever abounds toward us. Continuing in faith, we can have joy as we encounter tests and trials recognizing their purpose and knowing the Holy Spirit will help us through each one.

Be refreshed in His presence today.

Unexpected Answers to Prayer

I like taking early morning walks because they provide a way for me to get needed exercise and alone time with the Lord. There is just something soothing and ejoyable about talking to the Lord as squirrles scamper, birds fly and leaves on magestic trees rustle with the gentle breeze.

Another thing I thoroughly enjoy when taking these walks is finding change. Whether a penny, nickel or other coin,I get a kick out of spotting and picking up coins.

This morning I initially found a rusted penny. As I continued, there was a dime and four more pennies. Of course I was real tickled with my find and thanked the Lord for it. On my way back, I thought it would be nice to find 25cents. Now,I was thinking about a quarter but found more pennies instead. I was still pleasantly surprised and grateful because it had been a long time since I found that much at one time.

While I know that finding change is not a big deal in and of itself, I feel it is a way the Lord let's me know He cares for me and is not only able but, also willing to answer my prayers no matter how simple or complex. However, He is not obligated to answer them the way I think or perhaps want them to be answered.
As God He is not only sovereign,He is good and really does know what is best.

~Live Blessed and Free!~

TRUST

Proverbs 3:5-8 GNB
(5) Trust in the LORD with all your heart. Never rely on what you think you know.
(6) Remember the LORD in everything you do, and he will show you the right way.
(7) Never let yourself think that you are wiser than you are; simply obey the LORD and refuse to do wrong.
(8) If you do, it will be like good medicine, healing your wounds and easing your pains.

The word trust is small with large implications.
Some form of it is often in the name of financial institutions, companies, and other businesses. For example, a billboard may read Fidelity Mortgage,or Trust Savings Bank. You may even see a truck with Trust Towing Service written on the sides.
Whatever the service industry,the bottom line is that they want our patronage and hope their name will instill assurance of their ability to supply good service.

Webster’s II New Riverside Dictionary definitions for trust include Firm reliance in the honesty,dependability,strength or character of someone or something; one in which faith or confidence is placed.

I believe as a country we have discovered that the very institutions we placed our trust in,have failed and although well intentioned, sometimes the people we love have and will let us down.
Let’s face it,we too have and most likely will fall short of our own expectations as well as those of others.

Proverbs 3:5&6 encourages us to place our trust in the one person who can never fail. Including the Lord in all areas of our lives allows us access to His clear direction in which we receive next steps for moving forward.

However, it requires us to let our guards down and realize that no matter how much we think we know,we do not know enough nor do we have all the answers.

The simplicity of choosing to live a life of obedience to God provides peace, healing and satisfaction of the soul that money can never buy.

Live Blessed and Free!

CLARITY

I went to a local park early one morning and sat on a worn, wooden grey bench in front of a pond. The air was fresh and the water peaceful and still. It was so still,that I could see the reflection of a few homes and trees from a nearby neighborhood crisp and clear as in a mirrored image.
Then without warning, two geese began to play splashing about in the pond causing ripples distorting the crisp images I had seen just moments before.

When I looked back at the neighborhood,the homes and trees were still intact. Even the reflections remained but were now blurred and unsteady.
As the water stilled, the reflected images came into focus growing sharp once again.

Life can be like that pond. One moment all is well with not a worry in sight. Then out of no where, the unexpected happens causing ripples which distort our perception causing anxiety and fear to surface.

When those ripples come instead of stressing out, close your eyes, take some slow deep breaths and wait for the water to still.
Your perspective will return and you will regain the clarity needed to move forward.

~Live Blessed and Free~

The Intentional Place of Prayer

In 2010, we as God’s people will have to be intentional especially where prayer is concerned.

The Lord has been merciful in previous years and has kept us in the midst of our microwave mentality. We may spend 5 minutes in what we think is prayer,doing all the talking. Sometimes it seems what we call prayer is merely a gripe session or just asking for stuff.

While God is extremely gracious and allows us to vent, meaningful and purposeful communication with God has to include time to listen.
Just mothers and fathers love spending time with their children talking and listening, our Heavenly Father also looks forward to time with us talking and listening.

Ephesians 1:4-5 GNB says, Even before the world was made, God had already chosen us to be his through our union with Christ, so that we would be holy and without fault before him.Because of his love God had already decided that through Jesus Christ he would make us his children---this was his pleasure and purpose.

We are reminded in John 15:4&5 we as branches have to stay connected to the true vine who is Jesus, if we are to be effective and really fruitful. It is made clear that without Him we can not produce anything that is truly valuable.
It is by living in Him that we get things accomplished.

Look at the following scripture verses:
John 15:7 CEV Stay joined to me and let my teachings become part of you. Then you can pray for whatever you want, and your prayer will be answered.

John 15:8 GW) You give glory to my Father when you produce a lot of fruit and therefore show that you are my disciples.

Our minds along with our spirit need to be actively engaged to remember our abiding place in Christ Jesus. It is from that place in Him that we are in His will and bear much fruit having our prayers answered. While not exclusively, I believe from this passage of scripture, answered prayer is like fruit and God is glorified by it, and we demonstrate that we are disciples of Jesus.

The way to stay joined or connected to Jesus is found in John 15:9-10,12 God's Word translation.

9. "I have loved you the same way the Father has loved me. So live in my love.
10.If you obey my commandments, you will live in my love. I have obeyed my Father's commandments, and in that way I live in his love.
12.Love each other as I have loved you. This is what I'm commanding you to do.

Love keeps us connected, fulfills the law and is the fuel of faith. Gal 5:6 tells us that faith works by love.

All of this can be a bit overwhelming, but the Father Himself worked out all the details for us.

(Ephesians 1:13 GNB) And you also became God's people when you heard the true message, the Good News that brought you salvation. You believed in Christ, and God put his stamp of ownership on you by giving you the Holy Spirit he had promised.

We have God the Holy Spirit living in us! He prays with us, for us and through us according to the will of God the Father.

(Romans 8:26 GW) At the same time the Spirit also helps us in our weakness, because we don't know how to pray for what we need. But the Spirit intercedes along with our groans that cannot be expressed in words.

(Romans 8:27 GW) The one who searches our hearts knows what the Spirit has in mind. The Spirit intercedes for God's people the way God wants him to.

Prayer is the place of our abiding/living in Christ Jesus. It is the communion and fellowship of the Holy Spirit leading us in the way to speak and respond to God.
Because the Holy Spirit secures our remaining in Christ, we have confidence that God hears our prayers and answers.

Now let’s take some time to praise God,worship and PRAY.