Conquering Your Battle

I've spent the last couple days reading and re-reading the words of David in Psalm 56.

We've all heard that trials come, and trials go. We can either worry and fret unendingly over them, or learn from them and of course breathe a huge sigh of relief when the light at the end of the tunnel finally seems to appear. However, sometimes there are circumstances and life events that come at us and it literally feels like an attack on our soul itself. Can you relate? I'm talking about the heart wrenching, tear streaming, at the end of our rope and can't take the hurt anymore moments.

These kind of "moments" are the ones which seem to last for weeks... months... even years.

David had these moments, and he wrote about them in a few of his psalms. For me, Psalm 56 turned on the light bulb over my head on handling such moments, and it's instruction for us on handling them in a way that allows us to escape the sadness, fear, grief, and heartache... and accept help, deliverance and peace over it so we can stand up, move forward, and be thankful!

In this particular psalm, David calls out a prayer for help and deliverance. With a combination of evil doings of others, as well as his own fears and mistakes on his part, he finds himself in a mess that is consuming his heart and mind with grief. He walks himself through his problem in his prayer, and we can have breakthroughs of our own by following example.

First he vented.
David told God his problem. Nowhere in the psalm does it say he called up his buddies, ran to his mommy, ranted on Facebook, or discussed it at the office water cooler. He went to God crying... literally. He spilled his guts about what was bothering him. He explained his worries, fears, and what he was up against. He told God about how the people were running their mouth about him, twisting his words, and hoping he made mistakes they could call him out on. He even told God not to let them get away with it and to cast them down. Of course God already knew and saw what he was going through, but David acknowledged God as his confidant by turning to Him, and Him alone.

Is your workplace causing overbearing stress that overflows into your personal life? Are there relationships in your life that have your heart tangled? Maybe you're young and still in school, but hate going because of the peer pressure and bullying you experience?

When you can't stand it any longer... kneel. Talk to Him. He sees what's going on, but who doesn't feel better after they vent a scenario that has rocked your world. Prayer is communication between us and the throne, so fill Him in with how it's troubling your heart. The words don't have to be perfect. They can be through tears, shouting, or just whispers.

Next he acknowledged his faithful friend.
David didn't go into a "hey God how are you, thanks for hearing me out" before he spilled his guts about his dilemma. But he did acknowledge his listening Friend. He spoke of his awareness that God is with him, he has no need to fear or worry, and in God he can trust the situation.

Your dilemma may be so stressful, heart wrenching, or mind consuming that you forget to acknowledge Him before your rant begins, but as we talk, and clear our minds with our personal Confidant, the peace begins to fall, and it sinks in that we have nothing to fear. He is true to His word, nothing your worst enemy could say or do will be greater than the love of the Lord that can and will get you through it.

Lastly, he gives thanks.
David was still in the midst of his dilemma, but he thanked God as though it was already solved and over with. He knew the battle was still raging against him, but he began speaking as though it was over. He claimed God's word and His promises. He thanked God for delivering him out of the situation.

Your problem, whatever it is, may be compiling around you, building up like a concrete wall that seems to be unbreakable. Circumstances don't matter. He's the Creator of your adversaries, so surely you can trust in Him to handle them for you... because let's face it, His intervention will always be better than handling it on your own. So hold onto His promises to deliver you from it. Go about your day with a heart and mind full of joy. The enemy will come at you telling you it's getting worse, that it's not a fixable situation, and that you're just plain nuts for praising through the storm... but do it anyway. Don't feed into the words of discouragement the enemy whispers in your ear, picking it up and worrying about it some more. Let it go, and call it done.

For thou hast delivered my soul from death: wilt not thou deliver my feet from falling, that I may walk before God in the light of the living?
(Psalm 56:13)

The Whatsoevers On Our Minds

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. (Philippians 4:8)

Our minds never stop working... but what are they working on?

While we may think we are in constant control of our thoughts, there is more going on subconsciously than we realize. Whether it be humming a song stuck in our heads, getting up to get a snack during a commercial because a food ad made you hungry, or getting sleepy when you hear it raining outside. These are simple examples of how our subconscious leads us to do and act on what our minds are hearing, even if all else seems quiet and normal.

How many times have you gotten to work still fuming about the way some guy you don't even know cut you off in traffic? Or perhaps you got into it with one of your children and caught yourself snapping at your spouse for no reason. Although you continued on with your day, your mind was still churning thoughts on morning traffic or a dispute with your kids. You have allowed that one moment to consume your day. You weren't controlling your thoughts, you were just reacting to them.

Knowing this, we have to learn to be aware of our thoughts, our minds can be our worst enemy otherwise.

If you were to go swimming out in the ocean, you're controlling your position against the current with your arm and leg movements. When you wear out, you may allow yourself to float. If you get too relaxed floating, you may look up and realized how far the current has taken you and how far away you've floated from the shore. Just because you stopped swimming, doesn't mean the current stopped... it's still moving you while you've been at rest.

Our spiritual walk isn't any different. There's no such thing as a stationary Christian. If you're not working to move toward Christ, you're floating away from Him. The currents in life will sweep you away if your not constantly aware of your thoughts and surroundings. It must be a constant process, consciously and subconsciously. We have to train ourselves to be continuously aware of and in control of our thoughts.

In Philippians chapter 4, Paul reminds us that the "whatsoevers" our minds dwell on should be true, honest, just, pure, lovely, and of good nature. One's natural way of thinking would be to focus on the negative in a situation... how much we despise our job, a family feud that may have surfaced, the daunting housework before us, the traffic we're sitting in, the bills stacking up on our desk, and so on. Are we just allowing ourselves to get swept up in the current of things, forcing ourselves through the day so we can call it over and hope to start fresh the next day... only to find ourselves further from the shore and stuck in the same current?

We have to choose how we react and respond to things going on around us. We can dwell on our inabilities, challenges, and life drama... or we can focus on our strengths, opportunities, and God's provision in our lives. This goes the same for how we respond to people. Are we allowing ourselves to focus so hard on their weaknesses and mistakes, or are we uplifting them in their accomplishments and strengths?

Spend a day or two noting down your thoughts. Summarize the amount of time spent thinking about the challenges in your life verses the opportunities. How about the amount of time dissecting the mistakes of others in your life verses the accomplishments and good things. My estimate is that the negative will far outweigh the positive. This is natural thought!

With natural thought we push people away from us, form a critical spirit towards others, tie God's hands in doing a work through us, and lead a very poor example for the body of Christ. It's a thought process that lacks the love of the Lord that the Holy Spirit yearns to develop within us! This natural thought allows the current to pull us away from Christ.

However, when we take control over our thoughts and allow ourselves to be led by the spirit, we receive a peace over conflicting situations, we develop a teachable spirit for the Lord to guide, we build wisdom for circumstances, and an example of Christ's love is consistently visible in us. Controlled thoughts keep us focused on the Lord, allowing us draw closer to Him.

It's okay to be aware of weaknesses... but only so we know what areas to strengthen. Life is full of surprises, drama, and unexpected situations, but when we keep our thoughts in check, we have the say on whether or not the automatic nature of negativity will be allowed to consume our minds.

What are the whatsoevers you're concentrating on? Are you at peace over a scenario, or churning a bad conversation in your head over and over? When you're on a break are you laughing at a dumb joke you were told earlier, or refreshing your mind with a scripture that will strengthen you for the remainder of the day? Are you building others up in your conversations, or tearing them down with reminders of their mistakes? Is a lack of sleep the night before giving you an excuse to be snappy and rude, or are you pushing through with a smile despite the weariness so the best can still be made of your day?

We all need improvements in our thinking... so make the whatsoevers that your mind dwells on bring glory to God and positivity to your day, regardless of your surrounding circumstances! Remember, garbage in, creates garbage out... but goodness and Godliness in, reveals the same in return!

Building a True Legacy

If your life ended today, how would you be remembered by those who know you?

Close family and friends may have a few nice things to say about you, but have you built a legacy to be remembered and cherished... something for others to grow and continue to build on?

Worldly legacy building is all about achieving bigger and better, leaving behind inheritances, trust funds, and materialistic goods. The tangible. Once the money is gone and the stuff is worn out, what's left that you will be remembered by?

If you look closely (and honestly) at the desires of your heart, it may reveal a bit about how you will be remembered and whether or not it's an example that would be pleasing to the Lord for others. If the desires of your heart look selfish and are more about yourself than others, your legacy may not be so great either.

What we stand for and represent through our lives and relationships can (and will) speak volumes about our relationship with the Lord. Our legacy should speak "faithful servant", revealing the fruits of the spirit... not a selfish drone that has a hand out, but nothing to give.

Do your coworkers know you are a respectable and honorable person that refuses to alter from your beliefs, regardless of how juicy the gossip is at the water cooler? Does your spouse know without a shadow of a doubt that you are faithful and true to every vow spoken on your wedding day, or do lustful eyes wander and friends hear about every mistake he or she makes? Do your children know that you are a praying, encouraging, responsible, planning, loving, teaching parent that seeks the Lord for guidance in raising them, or do you take each day on a whim and just hope they turn out okay with the casual effort you've put in? Do your friends truly trust in you because of your honesty and integrity, or are you just a convenient hang out person with the latest news? Do acquaintances and even strangers see you from afar as cold, distant, and stingy, or are you loving, hard working, and giving without a selfish motive?

Obviously there will be some in our lives that know us better than others, but as a whole, how we are known now is our opportunity to set an example for the love we are given through Christ. Newsflash... It's never too late to start over or build on what we're already doing! It doesn't have to involve shoving a preaching finger in someone's face. Rather, through your words, actions, and daily life, you can be a positive example, building a legacy that gives God glory for what He has revealed of Himself through you.

With your Spouse:
Pray with and for your spouse. Listen more than you speak. Support openly. Encourage often. Edify, uplift, and honor through your words and actions. Communicate. Be honest. Be as sensitive to minor needs as you are to major needs. Keep private and sacred what should be private and sacred. Show I love you as often as you speak it. Give affection and hold hands. Little gestures make large strides in a marriage. Be the wife or husband (in all aspects) that you want your child to marry.

With your Children (while they're young):
Pray with and for your children. Teach them the ways of the Lord before someone else teaches them the ways of the world. Practice what you preach. Speak and show I love you often. Use scripture whenever possible to plant seeds in their lives. Teach through positivity, encouragement and uplifting rather than negativity, shouting and ridicule. Spend time with them often. Do it with them, not for them. Make them a part of your agenda rather than looking at them as an inconvenience for your agenda. Learn together. Play together.

With your Children (when they've grown):
Continue to pray for them. Be involved with their children. Stand your moral ground with them when the world tries to lead them astray. Show love and offer guidance through example, but allow the Lord to do the intervening. Forgiveness, even if not requested, is a must as God does His own building in their lives.

With Co-Workers:
Let your light shine! Smile. Encourage. Walk away from gossip. Positive words make a week more enjoyable where begrudging Mondays and wishing for Fridays used to exist. Uplifting good qualities gives drive to improve lacking ones. Forgiving errors and initiating success builds moral. Positivity drives away negativity.

With your Friends:
Standing firm in your morals without compromise builds honor and respect. Encourage their strengths and pray for their weaknesses. Be honest, but with love. Remind them of your appreciation for them. Pray for and encourage their children, as it could be watering a seed already planted.

With Acquaintances and Strangers:
Let your light shine! They don't know your burdens, so don't let your burdens be your first impression. Smile often. Reach out. Say God bless you. Offer assistance following the example of the Good Samaritan. Keep your speech positive, you never know who's listening.


A legacy is anything passed along, from one person to another. We are each a living example that someone will carry with them. Let's make sure what we're passing along reflects a true devotion to all Christ represents.

The Personal Pity Party - Do Not RSVP!

Today it happened. I showed up to the biggest pity party I've seen in quite some time.

There weren't any balloons, streamers, snacks, or gifts at this party, but boy was I completely wrapped up in it anyway.

Pity parties are pathetic, and yet, there I was full-fledge, right in the middle of one... two of my children even took witness to some of it this afternoon. My 100% concentration was on everything I was either in the middle of doing or [thought I] needed to do before the sun set on my day.

Endless issues with the washer repairman. Hand washing certain items needed until my washer is back in order. Getting paperwork figured out for the building inspector. Following up with the bank over issues that are holding us up with progress on the house. Cleaning up actual messes made during progress that has been made on the house. Sorting and getting rid of an attic full of stuff that's in the way. Chickens sneaking on my porch pooping everywhere. Getting my son to concentrate on his math, science, and English homework. Permission slips needing signed. Picking up wind-blown items from all over the yard. Filing paperwork so it doesn't come up missing when I need it most. Phone calls. Dishes. Sweeping. Mopping. Dusting. Garbage overflowing. Scrub the toilets. Unclog the bathroom sink. Feed the dogs. Oh, did I mention I forgot to lay something out for dinner in the midst of all of the above... and I still haven't had my stinkin' shower yet?!

I fled upstairs to "take a breather away from it all", and yet the party followed right along, and I sat in a chair basking in it... tears and all.

I can't do it all, my plate is too full, I'm exhausted, my back hurts, my head is pounding, there's only one of me, why can't anything go right just once, I need 24 more hours in my 24 hour day, why me??

See, it was pathetic.

But then I felt a little tap on my shoulder. Not a physical tap, but more like one of those that very well could have been a great big slap in the face, but since it was done with such love it came across as a little tap just enough to get my attention. I picked up my bible and opened it up. I don't believe in coincidences, so I'm quite positive the Lord intended for it to open up to Hebrews chapter 12.

It started with this...
Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
(Hebrews 12:1-2)

Wouldn't you know it... I had allowed myself to get so flustered with all the "stuff" going on around me today, that I completely missed out on what the purpose of my day could have been all about. I wasted my energy and time, lashed out at my kids, and allowed it to be about me-me-me when that's not at all what my day should have been about.

Yes, I had stuff to do... but these are responsibilities that I have been given because the Lord knows I can handle it, especially with His help of peace and assurance. I allowed the enemy to take these responsibilities entrusted to me as a wife and mother, and turn them into a way to entangle me, hindering what could have been a wonderful day!

Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.
(Philippians 2:3-5)

Do all things without murmurings and disputings: That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world.
(Philippians 2:14-15)

I wasn't having the heart of a servant, or focusing on the attitude I was reflecting. Hebrews 12:15 says Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled... meaning that it was my choice today to decide whether or not to allow a bitter root to grow up and devour me and those around me. Pity parties feed those bitter roots.

So, if you're having a similar day, or perhaps just get easily caught up in pity parties, let's determine how to avoid these moments shall we?

Think about the good, not the bad! Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things (Philippians 4:8).

Have an attitude adjustment! Pity parties are so damaging to our day. Within minutes they can turn what could have been a great day that ended with a smile, into a hair pulling, stress elevating mess... making us look like we walked through a tornado of crazy. Was is worth it? Nope. It didn't make it better, it just wasted time. The issues and "stuff" are all still there to be dealt with. Ask the Lord to open your eyes to those pity party fits before they set in, so they can be stopped in their tracks.

Take a break! It's okay to take a walk, pick up a book (extra Bible reading time!), or just sit and chill with a glass of iced tea! Walk away from what's causing the urge to yank your hair out and collect your thoughts. Decide that the moment or circumstances will not effect your day in a negative manner.

Follow the advice of Hebrews 12:2 that I quoted above... Look to Jesus! Think about all the awful moments He suffered for me and you! How pathetic does our situation truly look when compared to the life He lived here for us?

Write it down. Jot down every single thing that is creeping into your mind trying to snag your day away from you. Every circumstance that the enemy is trying to drag you down through. Then walk away from that piece of paper and attack your day with a shield of faith. It's quite possible you'll come across that note a few days later and have a giggle at how frazzled you almost allowed such petty situations get you.

Perhaps it really is something big going on in your life. Pray for wisdom over the situation(s) and leave it there. Deal with it as the Lord gives you insight on how to handle it... and don't touch it until then.

Bottom line my friends, when you get a personal invitation to a pity party... do not RSVP! Instead, embrace your day and be thankful for who you were made to be and what you are entrusted to accomplish in it.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm not going to take the time for a spell check or grammar review, I have a couple kiddos to apologize to...

Cheese and Crackers

In a devotion this morning I read a short story about a man who struggled and penny-pinched to saved his money, until he was finally able to travel on a beautiful cruise ship as he had dreamed for so many years. It was all he could do just to scrape together enough to buy his ticket.

Figuring he was lucky enough for the cruise ticket itself, and wouldn't have enough money to buy the meals in the ship's fine dining room, he decided to take along some cheese and crackers for food.

For several days during mealtime he sat in his cabin eating his cheese and crackers, as the stewards passed by with carts full of fresh lobster, warm baked bread, juicy prime rib, decedent desserts, fresh fruits and vegetables.

He just couldn't stand it any longer. He reached out, grabbing one of the stewards and begged for a plate of food. "Please, help me. I'll go to work, I'll scrub the deck. I'll do anything to get something to eat. My cheese and crackers are turning stale, and I'm starving to death."

"But, sir," the steward replied, "don't you know? Your food comes with your ticket for the duration of the cruise!"

Oh my! How many Christians live out their lives the way this man did on his dream cruise. They settle for being "cheese and crackers" believers, living off the basic rations available, when they could be dining on the steak and potatoes! By allowing the Holy Spirit to open their eyes to everything life could have in store for them, they could be enjoying the savory fruits of the Spirit... love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance (Galatians 5:22-23).

Why choose a life of spiritual poverty allowing ourselves to get stale? I have had my share of being a "cheese and crackers" Christian. I allowed myself to settle for the bare bones of salvation. At times I convinced myself that's all there was for me, so it became all I really expected. I was okay with what the world thought being a Christian was. Thankfully though, my spiritual hunger got the best of me, stirred up my senses, and I surrendered my life to Christ as He intended!

Trust me friends, nothing can satisfy like Him, certainly not the cheese and crackers we too often settle for. Feast on the abundant life Christ provided for you!

I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.
(John 10:10)

An Anchor of Hope

Hope. It's such a happy word. It's a smiling, healthy attitude for the heart. Any time one truly anticipates something good it brings comfort to the mind and heart.

However, feeling hopelessness is an awful feeling one could have. It's depressing and overwhelming all at once to feel at a point that nothing you're up against could possibly be resolved or changed.

For the one having lost all hope, life can seem like a long dark tunnel leaning absolutely nowhere. Proverbs 13 gives us a clear description of what results from this intense and burdensome feeling.

"Hope deferred maketh the heart sick..."
(Proverbs 13:12)

Just as the body gets weary when lacking powerful immune system boosters such as iron and vitamin C, the heart also weakens without hope. Physical, emotional, and even mental illness can creep up on a person feeling trapped in a dreary position.

But here comes the good news... As long as God is God, there will never be a circumstance, situation, or problem considered hopeless. We have a promise contained in the rest of that verse from Proverbs!

"...but when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life."
(Proverbs 13:12)

We find here a hope that anchors our soul! Anchors used to be highly regarded years ago in the Mediterranean. The economy was dependent on shipping goods from far and wide, and to those enduring the travels, that anchor was a strong symbol of calming and steady safety.

Hebrews 6:13-20 uses the word anchor in such a sense, giving reminder to believers that God provides a hope sure to hold firm in the midst of any storm.

When ALL our desires are placed before God and we seek Him diligently over the circumstance (Psalm 38:9), those desires WILL be granted (Proverbs 10:24) when the desired result is to honor the Lord (Proverbs 11:23).

Because of Christ, we have access to the throne room of heaven, the place available to us to cast every care, every burden, before a great and mighty God with unlimited power and authority over all things. In this we have the ability to cling to Him through any trial we stand face to face with.

Through God's abundant love, strength is provided for weary bodies, comfort for grieving hearts, and peace for an anxious mind. Simply put, He brightens that darkened tunnel and gently guides us through the most trying of situations.

Only through this anchor of hope, can your test become a testimony to be used for God's glory!

The Fruit of Long-Suffering

This evening I was reading 2 Corinthians chapter 4, and to some of you, it's probably no secret that Paul wrote quite a bit on the subject of long-suffering. Through his writings he urges us, as believers, to hold strong in following Christ and doing good to others, and through our lives.. even through times of hardship and persecution.

Let's look at this word long-suffering...

long-suf·fer·ing
1. enduring injury, trouble, or provocation long and patiently - adjective
2. long and patient endurance of injury, trouble, or provocation - noun

If anyone had a right to speak on long-suffering, it was definitely Paul. He had been whipped, beaten, stoned, and basically driven right out of town. He survived shipwrecks, riots, abandonment, and illness. He certainly had a thousand and one reasons to get discouraged and give up, but Paul did know his ultimate obedience to God was not in vain.

Some might think Paul didn't reap a whole lot. I suppose it doesn't appear as though he reaped much... after all, he was persecuted, moved from prison to prison, and eventually executed. By looking at it with the idea that rewards only come in materialistic form, a powerful truth is missed.

In reading, Paul writes about their faithfulness in planting seeds that, in the long run, would yield an amazing harvest. This harvest resulted from Paul's faithfulness... his long-suffering. First and foremost, the gospel spread across the Roman Empire, and the early church expanded far beyond just the Jews. The seeds Paul planted by his writings resulted in an abundance of lives being thoroughly changed.

Any strength we draw from his writings would most certainly be fruit from the hardships he endured. When he pressed on for believers to never give up on obeying the Lord, he didn't realize how fully the impact his life would have for us, now. Think about it... how many times have you heard Paul used as an example in a sermon, message, or bible study? His life and long-suffering encourages us to persevere through our own day to day! He simply believed in the power of faith, without having to know the specific why's of it along the way.

Are you aware of how impactful your life actually is? Do not be deceived by Satan's lies. He will tell you that your suffering or obedience will amount to nothing. He will try to convince you of how small and insignificant you are, that there's nothing special about you that God could possibly use.

Whether you're a housewife that spends all day at home or with your kids, a hard working laborer, or a top level CEO - here's the truth... YOUR faithfulness to God will never go to waste. It IS making an eternal difference in someone's life, whether you know it or not! Your children, your neighbors, your co-workers, your spouse, a friend, an onlooking acquaintance, your boss, church members, maybe even your paperboy or mailman. YOU don't know who God is using YOUR life to witness His glory to.

"We glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope."
(Romans 5:3-4)

You were created for His purpose, not what you think should be acomplished on your terms and with "rewards" that the world sees as significant. Let God take care of the why's, how's and when's... as you patiently endure whatever comes your way, because His glory is worth it, and the least we could do in return for the example of long-suffering Jesus demonstrated for us.

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law."
(Galatians 5:22-23)

What Voice Are You Listening To?

Regardless how bad we think we have it, how awful and uncontrollable our circumstances may seem, regardless of how distraught we feel inside, there is always an answer.

I've often heard the saying "No matter how bad you have it, someone out there has it worse". More importantly we need to remember the God we serve who has it all under control, and a precious path for each and every one of us that is individually specific for you, and you alone.

For every low we speak, God has a response whispering back through His word. Grasp what He has to share for you, and realize there is NO situation out of HIS control! Open your ears to His voice, and not your own...

When you say "It's impossible", God says that all things are possible!
(Luke 18:27)

When you say "I'm too tired", God says the He will give you rest!
(Matthew 11:28-30)

When you say "Nobody really loves me", God says He loves you!
(John 3:16 and John 3:34)

When you say "I just can't go on", God says that His grace is sufficient!
(2 Corinthians 12:9 and Psalm 91:15)

When you say "I can't figure anything out", God says that He will direct your path!
(Proverbs 3:5-6)

When you say "I can't do it", God says you can do all things!
(Phillipians 4:13)

When you say "I'm not able", God says that He is able!
(2 Corinthians 9:8)

When you say "It's just not worth it", God says it will be worth it!
(Romans 8:28)

When you say "I can't forgive myself", God says that He forgives you!
(1 John 1:9 and Romans 8:1)

When you say "I can't seem to manage", God says He will supply all your needs!
(Phillipians 4:19)

When you say "I'm afraid", God says that He has not given you the spirit of fear!
(2 Timothy 1:7)

When you say "I'm always worried and frustrated", God says to cast all your cares on Him!
(1 Peter 5:7)

When you say "I'm not smart enough", God says that He will give you wisdom!
(1 Corinthians 1:30)

When you say "I feel all alone", God says He will never leave you or forsake you!
(Hebrews 13:5)

Keep your mind focused on God's word, not the words of others, or even self. You and all those around you will fail, stumble, and let others down... but HE will not. We serve a mighty God who will not fail us, stumble in His promises, or let us down despite how we and the world around us may view our circumstance.

So which voice will you listen to... Yours?... Theirs?... or His?

Living With Purpose

How many times have you pondered on your reason for living? What you should be doing with your life, who you have in your life, what job to take, and which decision is best on the road you're on... all these are questions many people spend so much time deliberating on.

We each have a purpose. One single specific purpose. But what priority does that one purpose have in our life? No, it's not the job we work so hard through college to obtain. It's not the choices we make in rearing our children. It has nothing to do with the neighborhood we pick to live in to establish our social status within a community. Our specific purpose is our high calling... our individual assignment to build God's Kingdom here on earth.

I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
(Philippians 3:14)

Paul knew his calling. He knew his purpose. Not only did he press toward it, but achieving that purpose was his ultimate blessing... it, in itself, was his PRIZE. It wasn't about the blessings he received in return for being obedient to his calling, instead he found honor in being chosen for the purpose God had for him, and he worked specifically to fulfill that position.

Are you a greeter at your church because it allows you to catch up on what everyone is doing as you greet them as though it's just a social function, or because God has you in a place to reach out and make others in your life feel welcomed despite their circumstance? Are you collecting canned food out of your pantry because there's a local food drive and you don't want to be the only heel in the community that forgot to contribute, or has God given you a passion for those in need? Are you tending the nursery during service because your name appears in the bulletin for helping out, or because there's a young mother in the congregation that needs spiritually fed during the sermon and cannot be with a crying toddler by her side in the pew? Are you writing a blog for the comments and website traffic it's bringing you, or because you know God has someone out there, somewhere, that needs to hear exactly what you're typing for them to read?

There are MANY purposes, those above don't even touch the surface and may just be something extra you do just because you want to do more for God in addition to the sole purpose He has you here for... but there is one specific purpose set aside just for you. The object is to discover which one was designed with your name on it. If we live our lives like Paul did, and press toward the prize, which is, in itself, our calling... our lives can then be lived abundantly. We will no longer be going through the motions of life, but living it the way we were designed to!

We are not here on earth to get the best possible job, obtain the house that everyone else we know envies, have the nicest wardrobe, or brag on the stuff we've collected. We're here to deliver God's word and establish ourselves for Him... not self. It's when we forget about our circumstances and concentrate on our Kingdom Assignment that we have begun to fully live. Many are still seeking God for His purpose in their lives. We each have, and should be embracing, a relationship assignment, a prophetic assignment, and a Kingdom assignment.

Your relationship assignment is your daily, weekly, and yearly role of drawing closer to God your Father, Jesus your Lord, and the Holy Spirit your friend. Your prophetic assignment is allowing God to touch your mouth so that through your voice His will can be manifested in the earth. Unless you declare, proclaim, and prophesy, what’s in heaven will remain in heaven, and what hell has loosed in the earth and in the lives of people will stay loosed. Your Kingdom assignment is your active part in the advancement of God's Kingdom right here on the earth while we are here on it.

The part God has called you to play was determined before you were born, just as your eyes were determined by God to be the organs that were chosen to see. Life is to be lived in the hot pursuit of that assignment. The Holy Spirit knows your assignment, and praying in the Spirit stirs your assignment. When you lose sight of your assignment, your spiritual life WILL slide.

Your assignment can be found in His presence, not from the conveniences of your circumstances. You are either advancing towards the fulfillment of your assignment or you are sliding back into your circumstances. When your Kingdom assignment becomes subject to your circumstances, your circumstances are strengthened and the Kingdom of God is weakened. When you make your circumstances subject to your Kingdom assignment there will be breakthrough and the Kingdom is propelled forward. Your assignment has a bulls eye on it that can be seen by the enemy. He may not know what it is, but he is more committed to you not knowing than you are to knowing.

There are six general questions you can ask yourself to help determine your calling... or "Kingdom Assignment". The answers to these six questions are clues to aid you in figuring out what your Kingdom Assignment is, based on how God has designed YOU, as an individual. Ultimately the Holy Spirit is our guide in confirming our assignment within our heart, but these six questions can assist in getting us started on the quest. When the desire to discover your purpose is in place, these can help you see exactly who God has created you to be for HIS purpose!

1) Who or what touches your heart, unlocking a compassion that overwhelms you beyond all else?
This will be something that moves you like nothing else. It stirs you up, motivates you, and melts your heart. Some people have a passion for children, the elderly, the homeless, the incarcerated, the disabled, the lost, the abandoned... the list is endless and these only name a few, and every heart is, and will be different. So what stirs your heart may not stir mine. This doesn't mean I lack compassion, it just means God designed you to reach out within an area different from what He designed me for.

2) What do you hate?
Often times, if you hate it, then it’s likely that whatever touches your heart is the opposite! Yes, hate is a strong word... but we all hate something! Do you hate clutter? Than you more than likely have a very organized home. Do you hate peas? Then you probably don't cook them very often for dinner. When you hate something, your instincts direct you to do something about it to change it. If you hate it, what are you doing to change it? And if it isn't motivating you enough to make a change, then maybe the hatred of it isn't installing a burning desire deep enough for it to be something you're meant to help change.

3) What do you see as the biggest problem within the church (as a whole)?
I'm not asking you to sit around and pick apart the church you specifically attend. I'm speaking about the church, the body of Christ, in general. It’s likely the ministry you see as lacking, as the very one that is relevant to what you hate, or what touches your heart. Should there be a larger emphasis on seniors, for children, for funding buildings, for the prison ministry, for mission trips, for keeping the church clean, stocking the food pantry, home visits, tent revivals... what YOU see as a general problem in the church and what it should be doing more of could very well be the area that the Lord is telling you to make a difference in! We can't all work with kids, we don't all feel led to witness within prison walls, we don't all have the personality it takes to run fund raisers for a building fund, and we're not all neat and organized being able to polish and dust every corner of the church... but there ARE people out there with those capabilities... and guess what... they ALL make up the body of Christ!

4) At the fullest potential of the church, what does that church look like to you?
What you see the most of in that vision is likely to be something relevant to your calling. Are there more people getting saved? Is the church bigger? Are there more mission trips going on? Are there community outreaches? Is it filled with more youth? Are there more couples attending? Perhaps senior citizens or homeless people are being bused in to attend. When YOU close YOUR eyes, what "improvements" are made when YOU step back and see the church doing more for the Lord?

5) What has God always blessed in your life?
If there is a certain something you find yourself doing when finding favor with the Lord, do more of it!! He’s blessing it because it pleases Him! When things stop going smoothly for you in your walk with God and in your life in general... it's time to evaluate what you changed in your life. If you feel closer to God while doing something specific, doesn't it make sense to surround yourself in those actions?

6) If you could not fail, what would you want to do to build the Kingdom?
With no lack of funds, without pressure for time, if you had all the volunteers in the world to lend a hand, and no limit on space, if there was no possible chance of failure whatsoever, no limits to the possibilities... what would you choose to do for God? You see, with God, ALL things are possible (Matthew 19:26), so what's the issue? If you would be willing to do it under the circumstances of no limit to money, space, help, or chance of failure... then why not embrace it now? God will see it through when your heart is in it for Him! You will be provided for. God always supplies that which He has ordained. If you are outside of His purpose, you have to take care of yourself. But if you are walking in His purpose, He will meet all your needs without failure.

I encourage you to find your purpose! No Kingdom assignment is too big or too small or out of reach when it's done with the sole purpose of pressing toward what God has for YOU to do! The greeter at the church door is just as precious to God as the evangelist that is holding crusades with thousands kneeling at an alter. The person playing the piano for the church can hold more anointing than the most current Christian music artist on the charts. The dinner you made for the family that just moved in down the street may be the first real meal they've had in weeks, and that outreach is no different than the truckloads of food missionaries are delivering to countries going without.

It's your calling, your Kingdom assignment... your PURPOSE. Make it count, make it an honor, and press toward it... your creator is depending on you.

Everyday Joy

The kids are arguing. It's time to pay the bills. You woke up feeling physically horrible. A workload was dumped on you at your job. Everyone around you is complaining and miserable. You got a flat tire. Dinner burned in the oven. A loved one is in the hospital. Your roof is leaking.

So, everyday joy: is it possible? You betcha! Joy... YOUR joy... is a choice... it's YOUR choice. We are provided with the joy of the Lord, but it's up to us to open our hearts to it, accept it and apply it! There is so much negativity in this world, and it's so often dwelt upon when the choice to do so is avoidable!!

The joy of the LORD is your strength.
(Nehemiah 8:10)

Joy... genuine, whole-hearted, soul satisfying joy... isn't just missing within the world, it's missing in the body of Christ! In everyday conversations with people, messages I receive, even my Facebook news feed, is overwhelmed with complaints, heartache, disgust, and negativity. Where is the joy of the Lord in that?!

It shouldn't just be saved for Sunday mornings when attending church or during a get together with a fellow Christian! Joy is to dwell within you always, whether you're alone at home, with your family, at a gathering, in the workplace, or just out grocery shopping... the joy of the Lord should be reflected, causing a prism effect everywhere around you!

How is this joy possible? It's supplied to us in God's word! Only the joy of the Lord can provide strength through any and every moment in our everyday life!

The bottom line is, if you're not allowing the Holy Spirit to continuously stir up joy within your heart, causing a craving for more of the Lord in your life, then you my friend are choosing to let your joy sit on the shelf rather than being used for God's glory! Your fire, your Holy Ghost fire, is being extinguished.

A true love for the Lord creates a hunger for more of Him through His word! Follow through with what you are taught through your readings with a humble repenting heart! Those renewing and life changing choices should then separate you and your life from the influences of the world... automatically providing a joy that no circumstance will be able to steal away from you! That's displaying true faith in your Creator and Savior.

You will develop a new set of eyes that find good in ALL things that come your way! What a witness to those that surround you, lost without Jesus... someone full of joy that has good news to share despite a circumstance that could be dwelt upon, but was chosen not to be!!

Be glad in the LORD, and rejoice, ye righteous: and shout for joy, all ye that are upright in heart.
(Psalm 32:11)

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
(Galatians 5:22-23)

Rejoice evermore.
(1 Thessalonians 5:16)

Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.
(Psalm 16:11)

Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.
(Philippians 4:4)