We Are Not Defeated!

“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?” (Romans 8:35)

The book of Romans contains some of the best news you and I will ever hear, and in the closing passage of Romans 8, Paul reflects on the real meaning of our lives on earth, and how nothing can separate us from God’s love. We have all had to face hardships in many forms, and there are times when it causes us to feel like we have been abandoned. But in order to rise above adversity, we have to face misfortune that threatens to knock us down. Only through God’s power and strength, can we climb and soar above our problems. When we are overwhelmed and feel abandoned, we have the greatest potential to soar, for when we are fragile God is strong.

“No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.” (Romans 8:37)

We can live through sickness and through health, happiness or sorrow, or any pressures and anxiety that we may have with joyful confidence~ knowing and anticipating, with appreciation, what He has planned for us. We must be inspired to deepen our relationship and dependence on God instead of relying on ourselves to figure it all out. One of the greatest and most comforting promises in all Scripture is the assurance of eternal life, and our eternal life begins when we rely on Christ and join God's family; Jesus is the truth we have been seeking all along! Regardless of the hardships we face in this life, we can live with the expectation of eternal life, and living with Christ forever.

“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:38)

·         Neither death nor life~whether we live or die; nothing can separate us from God’s love…He won’t ever let us go…

·         Neither angels nor demons~even though they are still creations of God, He has already won His victory over their spiritual powers…

·         Neither the present or the future~passing from present to future on this earth has no bearing on our eternal life, and can’t separate us from God’s love in Christ…

·         Neither height nor depth~God is not limited by the highest or lowest depths of the earth; there is no where we can go where His love can’t reach us…

In Christ we are super conquerors, and the bottom line is that He has given us eternal life; His love expresses itself to us forever. There is nothing that can separate us from the God of our salvation; we will not be defeated!

“If God is for us, who can be against us?” 

Linking up on Spiritual Sunday and Sharing His Beauty

Greener Pastures

“Happiness isn't something that depends on our surroundings...It's something we make inside ourselves.” Corrie Ten Boom

Just how happy are you with the place you are in right now? Are you always wishing for more or waiting to start living your life to the fullest before you are truly happy? I think that many of us think that there is always something better just around the corner; “if only I had so and so”, “if only I had a different job”, or “if only I had more money”, etc…the list goes on and on. We may even feel that we have missed opportunities and joys that can never be recovered. Often we fall short, and even if we arrive at a desired location, on arrival, we still feel that there is more. This is referred to as the “Greener Pasture Syndrome”; a feeling of deficiency, envy, and persistent desire. And if we feel we are not in the right place, we may find ourselves in a bottomless pit. It can seem like a lifelong task to find out where we really belong, and how we are going to reach that perfect place in our lives.

…happiness is just right around the corner…we are almost there but just need one more thing…

“God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect.” (Hebrews 11:40)

The problem is that many times our happiness is based on the false idea that we are missing something, that we need something more. But God desires for us to walk in His plan; He has not left us by ourselves but has called for us to remain in that place where He has brought us. Now, I don’t think that this means we shouldn’t have goals or not want to do our best, but no matter where we have been or where we are right now, it’s all about being content and grounded with what we have and where He has us.  He wants us to be where we are right now because He has a purpose and when we walk in His will He will prosper us and make sure our needs are met. He has a plan for us to follow from this day forward that is absolutely perfect, and If God wants us where we are right now, there are no greener pastures!

"Wherever you are, be all there! Live to the hilt of every situation you believe to be the will of God."--Jim Elliot

Even when things are looking bad, there are still so many positives in our lives, so instead of focusing on what our lives are missing, we have to be grateful for what we do have. We should never look back with regrets, or always be looking for greener grass on the other side. Preoccupation with previous mistakes or desires for more, more, more will only contribute to future failures. We can’t let the past deprive us of present blessings. We should follow the example of the Apostle Paul: “Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:13-14)

“In his kindness God called you to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation.” (1 Peter 5:10)

Following  Charlotte and Joan on: 

An Angel in Disguise

“At once an angel from heaven was at his side, strengthening him” (Luke 22:43)

Imagine if you will that the next stranger you come across might actually be an angel sent especially for you. How might you react differently to them? I'm a firm believer that God is always putting people into our lives to help direct us and get us through lonely and difficult times. He puts these angels into our lives to help grow us and make us better people, because sometimes our own efforts fall short of what we need. That is when angels appear. Haven’t you had someone special who made a difference in your life? Someone who encouraged you, nurtured you, and inspired you? God sends the right people at the right moment when we least expect it to encourage and strengthen us. Angels in disguise; they are the people around us whose love, joyfulness, goodness, and light brighten our life. Angels sent from God. It happens all the time. More often than we realize.

 

“Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it.” Hebrews 13:2

Just as God sends people into our lives to encourage us, you never know when a visitor will be sent your way to give you the opportunity to administer to, physically, mentally, financially, or even spiritually. Take a moment to think about how you treated everyone you came in contact with just for today. How many times have you passed up the opportunity to help someone who spilled their groceries on the way to their car, how did you treat the rude waitress who was unkind to you in a restaurant, or how many times have you stopped for someone whose car is broken down on the side of the road? Do we turn away these opportunities to love and serve because we are afraid, or because we just don’t want to interrupt our schedule and take the time to help? Treating others with hospitality and love that goes over and above is what God commanded us to do; every day we should try to get the attention of someone we meet and make an attempt to make one person’s day a little brighter.

 

 

“Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full-pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back” (Luke 6:38)

Two of the most dominant forces in our lives are kindness and encouragement. Not only for the person who gets it...but also for the one who gives it. And if you have a hard time accepting kind-heartedness, inspiration, and praise, it’s mighty hard to give it! God’s angels may come to us disguised, so each day we need to practice receiving and extending love to all people because you never know who you will encounter. You never know that the person standing in front of you could be an angel!

Celebrate You!

              I rejoice and celebrate my life…my life is good!

 

When is the last time you patted yourself on the back or celebrated who you are? I think for many of us, negative thoughts and doubts about who we are, what we have done, or what we haven’t done, can cloud the image we have of ourselves and hold us back from living out loud and recognizing our distinctive personalities. We may even hide in the shadows and find it hard to step outside of our comfort zone.

 

But God created only one you…

…precious in His sight, and we do not have to try harder, be better, be perfect, or be anything that we are not.  Absolutely no one can take our place! We are worth celebrating because God created each of us as a unique masterpiece, and with each passing day we should we should gain a new appreciation and rejoice for who He made us to be. Celebration is a high form of praise and gratitude to God for the beauty of His creation, and we need to seize the day and believe that God has something special for us to bring new hope, purpose, meaning and direction to our lives.

“I will praise you; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvelous are your works; and that my soul knows right well.” (Psalm 139:14)

 

Knowing we are original and exclusive should humble us and make us realize how much God loves us. It’s up to each one of us to make time each day to celebrate our many positive characteristics and boundless potential, and remind ourselves how far He has brought us and where He is leading us. We need to rejoice in our triumphs, our development, and our accomplishments. The Lord has us right where we are meant to be and we should never shade the light that comes from our faith and trust in Him.

“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light.” (1 Peter 2:9)

The beauty of being able to celebrate and love ourselves is that it enables us to do what we can, with what we have, where we are, and just be enough! We can start with spreading our joyful spirit and smiling as often as we can, live our life with a purpose, utilize our full potential, and rejoice in who God made us to be.

Celebrate all that is in your life. Rejoice in all that is good.
Celebrate you!

Choosing Wisdom

 

“But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.” (James 3:17)

I have been thinking a lot lately about how we get to choose the lives we want to live (maybe not what actually happens!), and that we have choices on how we react and choose our responses.  How do you react when trouble comes or when good times come? Do you act in wisdom or foolishness, emotion or anger? Every moment of every day, you are making choices that either support your well-being or negate it. God gave us wisdom to experience life and the everyday “stuff” that we have to react to. When we see others around us losing their cool, we can choose to react differently because foolishness leads to disorder and chaos, but making wise choices leads to joyous and satisfying outcomes. Wisdom lives inside how we choose, and there is no getting away from the fact that we will have to deal with something as long as we are alive on this earth and in this world.

“Blessed is the one who finds wisdom, and the one who gets understanding, for the gain from her is better than gain from silver and her profit better than gold. She is more precious than jewels, and nothing you desire can compare with her. Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. ...” (Proverbs 3:13-18)

We can turn to God’s Word for help with every challenge, healing for every hurt, and comfort for every burden. When we consider God’s goodness, wisdom, and knowledge—we find great comfort and encouragement! God’s wisdom as Creator is designed into all things, skillfully visible so that we have the joyful privilege of discovering it. If we have the wisdom from above (God's wisdom), things usually turn out much more smoothly. To have wisdom that comes from God we must ask it from God, and when we ask, we must ask faithfully and without any doubt.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Proverbs 3:5-6 was one of my first memorization verses, but it wasn’t until later in life that I realized trusting God, when our path in life grows muddy, is not an easy task! Weariness, busyness and hurt can cause us to trip and even fall, and we wonder how we will ever get up again. However, I also (even later) learned that when we trust God with our lives even when at times it makes no sense, we receive wisdom and the ability to know the difference, the ability to discern right from wrong, good from bad, sound judgment, etc. The wisdom of depending on God will bring results in our lives that can surprise us! And then when it comes to all the stuff in life, we'll be ready when the really big decisions come that often define the course of our lives.

Tit for Tat

“Patience withholds: It withholds vengeance, revenge, and retaliation, and endures instead. It endures ill treatment. It refuses to be angry, and it desires the offender’s good.” (Elizabeth George)

 "Tit for tat" or depend on God for the result?

One of the most difficult things to deal with is the hurt that others inflict upon us. When a friend or family member hurts us more deeply than even our enemies ever could, we are often tempted to tear them down or verbally get back at them. We may assume that if we “turn the other cheek” we are letting them off the hook to go about their merry ways while we suffer from their actions. Our hearts hold on to hurtful memories with a tight grip, and many times we conjure up ways to seek revenge or retaliate.

But…seeking revenge makes you as bad as the person who wronged you!

Having a revengeful, tit for tat attitude, makes you no different than the one who hurt you; payback does not justify your actions and nothing good can come from it. That doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t hold others accountable for their actions or words, it just means that we make the decision to let go of our resentment and in humility, seek God’s wisdom. We must give our burdens to Him and allow Him to carry them for us, knowing that we don't have to seek revenge on our enemies because God will take his vengeance on them.

“Don't repay evil for evil. Don't retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will bless you for it.” (1 Peter 3:9)

Revenge brings about a hateful spiritual influence in our minds, and like a small root that grows into a big tree, revenge and bitterness can overshadow our hearts and minds and consume us. It doesn’t really change anything; it merely makes you feel better for the moment. God wants us to rise above getting back at those who hurt us, and instead respond with forgiveness and love. He wants us to be full of compassion and clothe ourselves with the garment of kindness; kindness does not mind other people's business but stays loose and relaxed and does not seek retaliation, or use revenge tactics.  People will continue to hurt us in our lifetime, and we can either be resentful and angry, or we can begin to keep our minds on our loving relationship with God, knowing and trusting in what is good.

“Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against one of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself.” (Leviticus 19:18)


Linking up with Joan and Spiritual Sunday

Stop and Count Your Blessings

“Always be joyful; never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16)

How often do we thank God for the everyday things in our lives? When I started counting my everyday blessings a few months ago, I began to take stock of something to be thankful for every day.  It has been a wonderful journey of stopping and thanking God for blessings that I used to overlook or take for granted; the very things that deserved my gratitude! Even on a day where everything seems to go wrong, there is always something to thank God for........

• A God whose love never fails

• Family and friends who have been our companions in life

• Our sense of sight and hearing that allows us to hear and see the colors in life

• The sun, moon, and stars for bringing light and beauty into our world

• Music to lift our spirits and sing and dance

• Laughter to cultivate our life with joy

“Whatever is good and perfect comes down to us from God our Father who created all the lights in the heavens.” (James 1:17)

The best way to count your blessings is to live with a thankful heart in every moment! And our blessings and thankful hearts should not be stored up and hidden away. The good things that God gives us should be shared and used to serve others.  Blessings are a sign of God’s grace and they are given to us so that we might produce more fruit and be used in the way God wants. All year around in every hour of every day God is richly blessing us. No matter what struggles or pain crosses our path we can always find something to give praise for if we take the time to remember and look. When we don’t count (make ourselves aware of) our blessings they disappear and we don’t think about them or we forget them.  Every day we need to remind ourselves of the many gifts God has given to us and keep them active in our minds.        

“Enter His gates with thanksgiving, and His courts with praise! Give thanks to Him; bless His name! (Psalm 107:1)

A blessing is defined as anything that gives happiness; a favor or gift bestowed by God that brings us joy. Since they bring us joy we should make a daily habit to record them and treasure them. The smallest things can bring laughter and joy, and we are the luckiest people in the world to have so many reasons to celebrate every day of our lives. I am so thankful for a God whose love never fails and who opens my eyes to my every day blessings! I just recorded gift/blessing # 1,000, and I am excited to continue to experience and record what blessings God has in store for me today and every day!