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!