When we ponder the complexities of His creation, we are in awe, of the vastness of what we see and what we cannot see. From the deeps of the ocean to the infinite skies, we are amazed with His purposeful design. With all that we have discovered, there is so much yet to be discovered.
Yet, with all that lies before us, all that we can see; we are the most complex of all of His creation. We are the reflection of the One who has formed us. How exciting is it, that we have been created in the very image of our invisible God? We reflect an attribute of our God.
When I think on this I understand David when he said, "Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain it." Psalm 139:6
A gift that He has given us is the ability to communicate; language.
There are two kinds of languages; earthy and heavenly.
Earthly is the language that we have learned from our mothers, depending where we were born; English, Spanish, Amharic, French, Arabic, etc...
We even have the ability to learn other languages from other lands. This gives us the ability to communicate with each other. Sometimes we use this gift for good and sometimes we use it for bad.
Knowingly, and/or unknowingly, we use our words to build up or destroy. There is much power in the words that we say. In the Bible, James likens the tongue to a small rudder that is able to turn large ships. See James 3
When we speak in our own language we speak with limited understanding. Many relationships have been destroyed from our lack of understanding.
"Words are potent weapons for all causes, good or bad." - Manly P. Hall
"Death and life are in the power of the tongue." - Proverbs 18:21
Heavenly language is what we receive from our Heavenly Father through His Holy Spirit. Through this tongue we are able to transcend all understanding and languages. This language carries us to the throne room of God, articulating beyond our own understanding, and speaks clearly and perfectly into the spirit.
Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God. - Romans 8:26,27
See also James 4:2,3
The gift of tongues comes through the infilling of the Holy Spirit. Through this baptism we will receive the power to be witness for Jesus Christ (Acts 1:8)
When we open our mouths to speak, the power of His Spirit will accomplish what He has spoken, with clarity and precision. With the signs and wonders that flow from the throne room, people will say, "surely, God is with them."
My friends, let our words be used to edify, to build up and bring unity. Let us be ever mindful of the power that our words carry. Also, let us yield to the Holy Spirit and follow His direction, and may we all seek to have the mind of Christ.
Be Free & Stay Free
Showing posts with label Christianity. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Christianity. Show all posts
Thursday, July 24, 2014
Thursday, June 12, 2014
Friday, April 25, 2014
You Are What You Eat
Wallow with the pigs and you will get dirty!
If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. 1 John 1:6
In these last days it is important that we wear the full armor of God and we spend time in His presence. We must learn to seek Him. We must purpose to be in His presence. It is only through Him are we able to have balance and recognize the peace that He gives us.
There are so many things and people that want to steal our peace. If we are not careful, we allow the distractions to enter and steal our peace. There is no joy if there is no peace.
I am calling you to take inventory.
Anyone who has entered that dark night of the soul can attest to the warfare. This will bring us face to face with ourselves and hopefully to our knees before the throne of God. This is when we must cling even tighter to the promise of God. Though we may feel forsaken during this trial of faith, we must remember He said He will never forsake us. This is the time to press in, fight those distractions, close the rest of the world out and get before Jesus.
In Acts 9 (click here to read) we learn about a woman who died and they called Peter to come to them. The woman was a disciple and I am sure that they called Peter to come mourn with them. They may not have expected what happened next. Peter arrives on the scene, the women are mourning. They are showing him the garments that she made while she was with them. They were speaking of her in past terms. Understandable, right? We do that at funerals, we display the pictures and talk about all they have done while they were alive. We give them a memorial. Memorials are for the dead.
What did Peter do? Did he sit down with the mourners and grieve and start recalling her life? Did he join the party for the dead? No, he put them out of the room, he shut them out! Then he knelt and prayed and turned to the body and said, "Tabitha, arise." She then opened her eyes and saw Peter and sat up, then Peter took her by the hand and she stood up.
Had Peter joined the grieving party of the mourners she would not have been presented alive. She would have been buried.
Take note of what Peter did. He put the mourners out of the room, closed the door and spoke life.
If you are surrounded by nay sayers, people of unbelief, complainers, gossips, negativity, then you will become just like them. If you allow your thoughts to be constantly bombarded with the things that are contrary to Gods Word and His promise, then you will have unbelief and there is no faith in unbelief. There is no power in unbelief.
We would have to leave this world to be completely rid of all the negativity, but since we are in this world, even though we are not of this world, we must guard our hearts and take care in choosing who we allow into our inner circle.
As believers we are called to be a witness of His glory. We must always point to Christ. We can not fall into agreement with the world. Do NOT get sucked in! Choose wisely who you permit to speak into your life.
You heard the saying, you are what you eat. Keep feeding your mind with poison of defeat and that is what you will become. As followers of Christ we are more than conquerors. We are not called to be a defeated nation, but a Holy Nation. His nation does not add validity to what the world believes.
If you find yourself in a state of confusion, depression, heaviness; take inventory.
Healing, peace, joy and order comes from Him and Him alone. You will not find it in any other substitute. Close the doors to the mourners or you will be attending your own funeral. What good will you be to the commission if you yourself are buried?
Quit seeking for answers elsewhere. Get into your closet and seek Him. Put your armor on daily and do not let anything or anyone steal your peace.
Saturate yourself with His word, surround yourself with His people.
Be Free & Stay Free
If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. 1 John 1:6
In these last days it is important that we wear the full armor of God and we spend time in His presence. We must learn to seek Him. We must purpose to be in His presence. It is only through Him are we able to have balance and recognize the peace that He gives us.
There are so many things and people that want to steal our peace. If we are not careful, we allow the distractions to enter and steal our peace. There is no joy if there is no peace.
I am calling you to take inventory.
- What are your thoughts? What is occupying your thoughts?
- Who are you spending time with? Does the relationship edify?
- Who have you allowed into your inner circle?
- Do you know the difference between "friends" and ministry?
- Who do you turn to in your time of distress?
- Are you surrounded by confusion and chaos?
- Do you know how to set boundaries?
Anyone who has entered that dark night of the soul can attest to the warfare. This will bring us face to face with ourselves and hopefully to our knees before the throne of God. This is when we must cling even tighter to the promise of God. Though we may feel forsaken during this trial of faith, we must remember He said He will never forsake us. This is the time to press in, fight those distractions, close the rest of the world out and get before Jesus.
In Acts 9 (click here to read) we learn about a woman who died and they called Peter to come to them. The woman was a disciple and I am sure that they called Peter to come mourn with them. They may not have expected what happened next. Peter arrives on the scene, the women are mourning. They are showing him the garments that she made while she was with them. They were speaking of her in past terms. Understandable, right? We do that at funerals, we display the pictures and talk about all they have done while they were alive. We give them a memorial. Memorials are for the dead.
What did Peter do? Did he sit down with the mourners and grieve and start recalling her life? Did he join the party for the dead? No, he put them out of the room, he shut them out! Then he knelt and prayed and turned to the body and said, "Tabitha, arise." She then opened her eyes and saw Peter and sat up, then Peter took her by the hand and she stood up.
Had Peter joined the grieving party of the mourners she would not have been presented alive. She would have been buried.
Take note of what Peter did. He put the mourners out of the room, closed the door and spoke life.
If you are surrounded by nay sayers, people of unbelief, complainers, gossips, negativity, then you will become just like them. If you allow your thoughts to be constantly bombarded with the things that are contrary to Gods Word and His promise, then you will have unbelief and there is no faith in unbelief. There is no power in unbelief.
We would have to leave this world to be completely rid of all the negativity, but since we are in this world, even though we are not of this world, we must guard our hearts and take care in choosing who we allow into our inner circle.
As believers we are called to be a witness of His glory. We must always point to Christ. We can not fall into agreement with the world. Do NOT get sucked in! Choose wisely who you permit to speak into your life.
You heard the saying, you are what you eat. Keep feeding your mind with poison of defeat and that is what you will become. As followers of Christ we are more than conquerors. We are not called to be a defeated nation, but a Holy Nation. His nation does not add validity to what the world believes.
If you find yourself in a state of confusion, depression, heaviness; take inventory.
Healing, peace, joy and order comes from Him and Him alone. You will not find it in any other substitute. Close the doors to the mourners or you will be attending your own funeral. What good will you be to the commission if you yourself are buried?
Quit seeking for answers elsewhere. Get into your closet and seek Him. Put your armor on daily and do not let anything or anyone steal your peace.
Saturate yourself with His word, surround yourself with His people.
Be Free & Stay Free
Wednesday, April 23, 2014
Forgotten Desires
Is anything to hard for God? Rise up, woman of God, dust that vision off, now is the time!
Click here for 2 Kings 4:8-37
Do you hold a desire so deep that you fear to voice it? Perhaps this desire was once worn on your sleeve, but when it did not come to pass, you hid it?
God, who searches our hearts, knows us intimately. He knows the deepest desires of our heart and it pleases Him to give us those desires when we delight in Him.
I can imagine the Shunammite woman when Elisha told her she would have a son. Can you imagine?
Here is a woman who wanted a son. Her husband was older in age and she has not conceived a child. I am sure that after awhile she just accepted, came to terms with, that she would not have children, no son to care for her in her old age. Maybe it became easier to bury it deep, rather than have unfulfilled hope?
Have you ever done that? Have you stifled a dream because you grew weary of hoping and hoping and hoping? Is the pain less when you pretend it wasn't that important to you anyway? Really?
Hope deferred does make the heart sick. We hope, we pray, we bargain, and when it seems to go unanswered, we shrug and say 'I guess I am not meant to have...' Do you do that? I know I have.
When what we desire manifest we cling to it. We must not cling too tight, or we will strangle it. We must not place the desire before God.
We must be like the Shunammite woman, we must not listen to the voice of doubt and fear. We must say, 'Has God not said...'
Seek Him with everything within you. Do not let distractions or people stand in your way. Say and KNOW "it is well!"
v.28 So she said, "Did I ask a son of my Lord? Did I not say, 'do not deceive me'?"
The Lord knows the desire of your heart. Do you not know that He has given it to you? He has also seen the counterfeits come and go to stir your hope to watch it fall. This has caused you to be afraid and to hide. You have buried it so deep in your heart to protect yourself. You have seen others receive what you have wanted and it seemed to just pass you by; as if you have been overlooked.
Let your faith be stirred. Let your hope arise and know...
Though your vision tarries, wait for it! For it will certainly come, it will not delay. It is for an appointed time, but in the end it will speak.
While you are waiting, continue in His presence. Delight yourself in Him. Have a thankful heart filled with gratitude for the Lord. When He says it is done, then it is done!
Is anything too hard for the Lord?
Be free & Stay free
Click here for 2 Kings 4:8-37
Do you hold a desire so deep that you fear to voice it? Perhaps this desire was once worn on your sleeve, but when it did not come to pass, you hid it?
God, who searches our hearts, knows us intimately. He knows the deepest desires of our heart and it pleases Him to give us those desires when we delight in Him.
I can imagine the Shunammite woman when Elisha told her she would have a son. Can you imagine?
Here is a woman who wanted a son. Her husband was older in age and she has not conceived a child. I am sure that after awhile she just accepted, came to terms with, that she would not have children, no son to care for her in her old age. Maybe it became easier to bury it deep, rather than have unfulfilled hope?
Have you ever done that? Have you stifled a dream because you grew weary of hoping and hoping and hoping? Is the pain less when you pretend it wasn't that important to you anyway? Really?
Hope deferred does make the heart sick. We hope, we pray, we bargain, and when it seems to go unanswered, we shrug and say 'I guess I am not meant to have...' Do you do that? I know I have.
When what we desire manifest we cling to it. We must not cling too tight, or we will strangle it. We must not place the desire before God.
We must be like the Shunammite woman, we must not listen to the voice of doubt and fear. We must say, 'Has God not said...'
Seek Him with everything within you. Do not let distractions or people stand in your way. Say and KNOW "it is well!"
v.28 So she said, "Did I ask a son of my Lord? Did I not say, 'do not deceive me'?"
The Lord knows the desire of your heart. Do you not know that He has given it to you? He has also seen the counterfeits come and go to stir your hope to watch it fall. This has caused you to be afraid and to hide. You have buried it so deep in your heart to protect yourself. You have seen others receive what you have wanted and it seemed to just pass you by; as if you have been overlooked. Let your faith be stirred. Let your hope arise and know...
Though your vision tarries, wait for it! For it will certainly come, it will not delay. It is for an appointed time, but in the end it will speak.
While you are waiting, continue in His presence. Delight yourself in Him. Have a thankful heart filled with gratitude for the Lord. When He says it is done, then it is done!
Is anything too hard for the Lord?
Be free & Stay free
Sunday, April 13, 2014
When Church Hurts
Good sense makes one slow to anger, and it is his glory
to overlook an offense.
Proverbs 19:11
Be Free & Stay Free
Wednesday, March 26, 2014
Familiar Spirit
Do you find yourself in one failed relationship after another? Do you enter into each new relationship with high hopes and rose-colored-heart shaped-glasses; only to leave feeling more empty?
In the beginning did he say all the "right things" and even though you wrestled with the thought of "I heard this before" you ignored the red-flags, because you wanted it to be different this time.
If you find yourself falling for the same lies repeatedly it may mean that you have not broken ties. Over active imagination, 'romanticizing', gives way for the deception to wreak havoc on your mind, body and soul. Deception is the tool of the devil. It comes in many forms and can make itself very attractive, you don't even recognize it. If you are a born-again Christian, listen to His Spirit lead you and you will not be deceived.
One of the ways soul ties are formed is through intercourse. Within marriage, this is a holy tie. Outside of marriage it is sin and it will destroy you.
Are you tired of the rollercoaster of relationships? Then get off the ride! Repent! Renounce all sexual activity outside of marriage. You were not making love, you were fornicating. Do not be deceived, you cannot afford the cost of prostituting yourself.
This may sound harsh. You may even argue "but we love each other." I tell you, the One who truly loves you says "repent and do not look back."
When you have been delivered, don't go back. It is a hindrance to your spiritual growth and it will lead to death.
Matthew 12:43-45 says, "When an unclean spirit goes out of a man, he goes through dry places, seeking rest, and finds none. Then he says, 'I will return to my house which I came.' And when he comes, he finds it empty, swept, and put in order. Then he goes and takes with him seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter and dwell there; and the last state of that man is worse than the first...
I tell you again, DO NOT BE DECEIVED, the devil is crafty. Repent and do not turn back. The next time that familiar spirit comes knocking, do not answer the door. When he shows up carrying flowers and speaking those smooth words with flattery and empty promises, slam that door shut!
Clean your house and fill it with His Holy Spirit. Let Him answer the door and if He approves then He will tell you. The next time you feel that red flag, that warning, even if you can't quite put your finger on it, take it to the Lord. There is no confusion with God. If you have no peace, then He is not in it.
Be Free & Stay Free
In the beginning did he say all the "right things" and even though you wrestled with the thought of "I heard this before" you ignored the red-flags, because you wanted it to be different this time.
If you find yourself falling for the same lies repeatedly it may mean that you have not broken ties. Over active imagination, 'romanticizing', gives way for the deception to wreak havoc on your mind, body and soul. Deception is the tool of the devil. It comes in many forms and can make itself very attractive, you don't even recognize it. If you are a born-again Christian, listen to His Spirit lead you and you will not be deceived.
One of the ways soul ties are formed is through intercourse. Within marriage, this is a holy tie. Outside of marriage it is sin and it will destroy you.
Are you tired of the rollercoaster of relationships? Then get off the ride! Repent! Renounce all sexual activity outside of marriage. You were not making love, you were fornicating. Do not be deceived, you cannot afford the cost of prostituting yourself.
This may sound harsh. You may even argue "but we love each other." I tell you, the One who truly loves you says "repent and do not look back."
When you have been delivered, don't go back. It is a hindrance to your spiritual growth and it will lead to death.
Matthew 12:43-45 says, "When an unclean spirit goes out of a man, he goes through dry places, seeking rest, and finds none. Then he says, 'I will return to my house which I came.' And when he comes, he finds it empty, swept, and put in order. Then he goes and takes with him seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter and dwell there; and the last state of that man is worse than the first...
I tell you again, DO NOT BE DECEIVED, the devil is crafty. Repent and do not turn back. The next time that familiar spirit comes knocking, do not answer the door. When he shows up carrying flowers and speaking those smooth words with flattery and empty promises, slam that door shut!
Clean your house and fill it with His Holy Spirit. Let Him answer the door and if He approves then He will tell you. The next time you feel that red flag, that warning, even if you can't quite put your finger on it, take it to the Lord. There is no confusion with God. If you have no peace, then He is not in it.
Be Free & Stay Free
Sunday, March 23, 2014
Sunday, February 9, 2014
How to Fight the Attacks of the Enemy
The devil is not all knowing, but he is very clever. He is a trickster, a deceiver, the father of all lies. He knows how to get under your skin and make you feel defeated. But, you are not defeated! He doesn't care if you are a Christian, he just doesn't want you to be effective. He knows if you fall for his attack you will not be bold in your faith and your witness. He just wants to plant a little seed of doubt.
So, how do we fight the attacks of the enemy? Submit to God and resist him! If you resist him, he will flee. The battle is not yours, you are called to stand firm and resist the devil; no matter what manifestation his attack takes.
1. Prayer. Pray at all times and on every occasion in the power of the Holy Spirit. Ephesians 6:18
2. Fellowship. Where two or three are gathered together because they are His, He is in the midst of them.
3. Read the Bible. You must know His Word. The Word of God is full of power, sharper than any two edged sword. Hebrews 4:12
4. Confession. If we confess our sins to Him He is faithful and just to forgive. 1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins to each other we will be healed. The devil likes secrets. Jesus brings light. Confession and repentance will silence the devil because then he will have nothing on you.
5. Love. Perfect love cast out fear. If you are walking in love, knowing who you are and Who He is and who you are in Him, you will have no need to fear. Do not return evil with evil, but return it with good. Let Him love through you.
Finally, do not forget to suit up.
Put on the whole armor of God that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the Gospel of Peace; above all taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints - Ephesians 6:11-18
Be Free & Stay Free
So, how do we fight the attacks of the enemy? Submit to God and resist him! If you resist him, he will flee. The battle is not yours, you are called to stand firm and resist the devil; no matter what manifestation his attack takes.
1. Prayer. Pray at all times and on every occasion in the power of the Holy Spirit. Ephesians 6:18
2. Fellowship. Where two or three are gathered together because they are His, He is in the midst of them.
3. Read the Bible. You must know His Word. The Word of God is full of power, sharper than any two edged sword. Hebrews 4:12
4. Confession. If we confess our sins to Him He is faithful and just to forgive. 1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins to each other we will be healed. The devil likes secrets. Jesus brings light. Confession and repentance will silence the devil because then he will have nothing on you.
5. Love. Perfect love cast out fear. If you are walking in love, knowing who you are and Who He is and who you are in Him, you will have no need to fear. Do not return evil with evil, but return it with good. Let Him love through you.
Finally, do not forget to suit up.
Put on the whole armor of God that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the Gospel of Peace; above all taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints - Ephesians 6:11-18
Be Free & Stay Free
Saturday, February 8, 2014
For the Men
Fathers, love your daughters, because they will marry someone like you.
Fathers, teach your sons, because they will be men.
Men, do not say I love you to a woman unless you are ready for that commitment, words bind and if not ...spoken in truth can wound.
Husbands, love your wives, lead her with a gentle hand, cover her with your prayers, comfort her with your arms, let your words be edifying, build her up, do not tear her down, she follows you as you follow Christ, do not lead her astray.
Men, do not let your hands become idle or your family will be hungry.
Men, follow hard after God, you will need His strength as you lay your lives down daily and you will need His wisdom as you lead.
Remember who you are and who He is and who He has called you to be and trust that He has equipped you for your purpose. Do not slumber, be vigilant. Watch over your house or the thief will come in and steal what is yours. Rise up, men of God and take your place. Do not look for an exit or an excuse, you made a commitment when you put that mantle on. Trust God to finish what He has begun in you. Let Him love others through you. Bring healing, not wounds.
Fathers, teach your sons, because they will be men.
Men, do not say I love you to a woman unless you are ready for that commitment, words bind and if not ...spoken in truth can wound.
Husbands, love your wives, lead her with a gentle hand, cover her with your prayers, comfort her with your arms, let your words be edifying, build her up, do not tear her down, she follows you as you follow Christ, do not lead her astray.
Men, do not let your hands become idle or your family will be hungry.
Men, follow hard after God, you will need His strength as you lay your lives down daily and you will need His wisdom as you lead.
Remember who you are and who He is and who He has called you to be and trust that He has equipped you for your purpose. Do not slumber, be vigilant. Watch over your house or the thief will come in and steal what is yours. Rise up, men of God and take your place. Do not look for an exit or an excuse, you made a commitment when you put that mantle on. Trust God to finish what He has begun in you. Let Him love others through you. Bring healing, not wounds.
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