You're to add meaning to this world...

God is for you...

God's for you-He's always willing to tell you the truth...if you're willing to receive it. He gives wisdom generously & will not criticize you while doing it. God wants you to succeed-He knitted you together with His hands & designed you to do good works; He's forever waiting to help you. Ask God for help! He will give you the desire & power to walk out what He asks of you.

Don't underestimate what God will do through you because of your skewed view of you; nothing about you surprises God-He's not quitting on you...don't quit on Him! God's staying with you until you meet Jesus face to face-you will disqualify yourself from fulfilling the plans He has for you if you quit on Him.

God is for you-not against you! He will bring to completion the good work He started in you...if you are willing-are you? (Jas 1:5, Phil 2:13, Rom 8:31, Phil 1:6) 9/22/13CIFL-LMM #Godisforyou #askGod #believe #christianinsightforlife

God has not forgotten you...

God has not forgotten you...keep moving-there's more to His plan than what you can see...

Don't drift into worldly thinking...

As Christians we must renew our mind daily with God's Word or we will drift into worldly thinking & living. We have to calibrate our conscience to the Word, if we don't, our conscience will do what it believes is right; a man's mind seems right to Him...but leads to death. It's a subtle reasoning process that leads one thought at a time into deception; the intent isn't to reject God's truth, but a mind not submitted to the Word will naturally disobey.

That's why we hear about Christians doing shocking things like having affairs or embezzling money-they profess the Word with their mouth but their mind isn't being lined up with the Word. You might not be in an affair or stealing money, but are you submitting your conscience to God's Word consistently? It takes just a few thoughts before you're entertaining things that oppose scripture. The Word is counter intuitive to our mind-we must be purposed in submitting to God's truth. We don't naturally want to forgive those who've harmed us, love somebody who's unloving, give when our means are limited, or believe before we see, etc. 

So we must seek the Word constantly to stay on course-thoughts that don't line up have to be tossed out & replaced with truth. Then we're still going to get off course, but we get back on & get better each time. And Jesus is with us every step-He never leaves us. His love & intimacy is the fuel that sustains us when we don't see how we can do what God asks of us. When we're depleted, tired & weary; He anchors our hope to continue onward & upward. Don't throw away your confidence-it will be richly rewarded. And thanks be to God-He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Will you renew your mind with His truth & walk in victory? (Rom 12:2, Pr 14:12, Heb 6:19, Heb 10:35, 1 Cor 15:57) 6/7/13LMM #worldlythinking #christianinsightforlife www.facebook.com/christianinsightforlife

Don't be an ignorant Christian...

Don't be an ignorant Christian; seek the Lord first-until you do...nothing else matters! Trusting your own insight is foolish, but if you walk in God's wisdom you're safe! Humble yourself: acknowledge God in all you do-don't rely on your own understanding. Put your hope in God's power not man's wisdom. Then when life's trials & troubles flood you-God's hope will anchor you...you will sink without Him!

The Holy Spirit lives in you...His Presence in you is more powerful than a dominant gene or a genetic disposition, a mental or medical prognosis, poor economy or stressed job market, NYSE or 401K losses, past reputation or character defamation,  addictions or sexual indiscretions, betrayal of a loved one or loss of a close friend, death of a dream or the reality of rejection! The Holy Spirit isn't going to back down against any of these things you're facing- because Jesus has already overcome each one! God's Presence lives in you-He's your source of hope & He will love, care & provide for you like no one else can! Don't be an ignorant Christian; seek the Lord first-until you do... nothing else matters! (Mt 6:33, Pr 28:26, Pr 3:5, 1 Cor 2:5, Heb 6:19) 9/29/13LMM #christianinsightforlife

It's the truth...you're more than a conqueror!

More than a conqueror-the long & hard seasons that deplete & fatigue you...are the very same ones that prepare & catapult you into becoming a conqueror. Don't try to pray these difficult seasons away for you or anyone else; they're the building blocks for an identity in Christ-the true self. These seasons press, push & purge the securities you hold onto instead of Christ...allowing His love to flood your heart, mind & soul. It's a beautiful thing to find Christ's love in the middle of your emptiness & fatigue. When all the props are taken away, back ups removed, good enough & important are gone...then you will find Jesus, His love & promises. It's when you can't do anything but receive the authentic love of Jesus...then you're known by Him my friend-it's how you become more than a conqueror. See, a conqueror doesn't gain strength based on merit, or because of what they accomplish or what they can do for someone, but a conqueror knows their strength comes from the One Who chose & justified them. Who can come against you if God's for you, can anything separate you from His love, a situation too big for Him, a hardship He can't handle, a hurt He's never heard of??? Nothing, nada, no one can come between Christ & you-ever! Don't run from this hard season-you'd be running from the arms of Christ & He wants you to know He loves you & that through Him you're more than a conqueror! (Rom 8:31-39) 3/15/13CIFL-LMM

God's love meets us when we don't know...that we don't know

God's love meets us when we don't know...that we don't know. He makes a way for us when we can't see, guides us along new paths, turns darkness into light & shows us the way. He makes rough places smooth & sings over & comforts us with His love-so we can know Him & be known by Him. Then when we know Him & His love better...we know how to do better. Will you get to know God & let Him love you? (Phil 3:10, Zeph 3:17, Isa 42:16) 9/24/13LMM #knowGod #beknownbyHim #letHimloveyou #askGod #christianinsightforlife

Boundaries in relationships...

Relationship Boundaries...healthy relationships keep balance. Coming together doesn't mean you leave who you are behind to join the new relationship, forget the former people who loved you before you fell in love or trade out your interests in lieu of being with this new person. These are red flags that will lead to disaster later on. Value yourself as God values you & keep your relationships before the Lord-ask the Holy Spirit to guide you...He will lead you in all truth!

A godly relationship keeps God first-this secures balance, growth & good future! God has to remain first-He can't be second; He can't bless what you put before Him. Putting a person before God places unrealistic expectations on them & places you in a position to be disillusioned. God designed us to love one another but only put our hope in Him! When you seek from a person what only God can give…you're promised disaster! A godly relationship will always encourage your walk with Christ & honor the authentic person He calls you to be! When you're developing into the authentic person God designed you to be your loved ones will be blessed!

God designed you with a purpose; keep your relationships before the Lord so that you're in His will & plans for your life-any relationship that pulls you away from God is not for you. Guard your relationship with God-not doing so jeopardizes your future! Seek wise counsel- talk with mature godly friends who aren't afraid to speak God's truth- then take it to heart. Finally, seek a spirit filled Christian counselor who can encourage & challenge you to be the person God's called you to be-they will explain patterns & behaviors & help you connect the dots. Agree with God's plan for your life-His ways work & when you follow Him…your life works! Will you value yourself as God values you? (Jn 16:33, 1 Cor 2:5, Eph 2:10, Pr 3:5-6, Mt 6:33) LMM #seekGodfirst #askGod #boundaries #healthyrelationships #christianinsightforlife

Trials, trouble & tribulation...

Trials, troubles & tribulations...stand between God's promises & you-don't let this deter you because Jesus is with you! Yes, life is hard, but hard doesn't go away until Jesus returns. Until then...hard doesn't disqualify you either-God says He will strengthen & harden you to difficulties. Expect trials, troubles & tribulation but don't lose heart because Jesus overcome the world!

Following Jesus guarantees trials & He promises to be with you during each one. Don't try to figure out the "whys" in this life, you'll lose your mind; instead stay connected to the "Who" is with you...always until the end of ages! Reasoning convinces you to apply a human solution to an impossible situation-a man's way seem right to him, but in the end leads to death. Only God's provisions handle impossible situations- sadly many never experience God's provisions because they allow fear to cheat them out of believing God will come through. Don't allow fear to steal one more day of the future God's promised you. If you desire to follow Jesus-He will give you the desire & power needed. He says, apart from Me you can do nothing...that includes believing! Stand firm, hold tight to Jesus & go for it...you won't regret it! 

God usually doesn't show up until the last second of the 11th hour-that's just how He rolls & that's how you increase your faith in Him! God keeps His promises-let Him show you. Don't set yourself up by having a preconceived idea of "how" God will show up either- you can't figure out how He will provide. Remember, going in the fire doesn't mean that it's over-it means you're going through & Jesus will be with you! Troubles don't stop & neither does God's love or His provisions so keep moving-you've got things to do...God purposed you long ago! (John 16:33, Isa 41:10, Pr 28:26, Pr 14:12, Jn 15:5, Eph 2:10) 10/1/13CIFL-LMM #provisions #christianinsightforlife www.facebook.com/christianinsightforlife

Blame is a self imposed sentence to...captivity!

Blame keeps the harm done to you...alive in your heart. Holding onto blame is a self imposed sentence into captivity & bondage-you opt out of the freedom Jesus offers you by holding onto to the harm done to you. Blame is powerful because it focuses on the reality of the wrong done to you, but blame doesn't fully disclose the rest of the reality...you can't restore the wrong done to you. Only Jesus can give back to you what was stolen, lost, given away or never given in the first place. His love is mighty to save-He comes in the heart & takes the wrongs done & then pours His love into each wounded, rejected & broken part of your heart. Maybe you were sexually violated, a parent withheld love, kids bullied you in school, an accident left you permanently injured, false accusations led to a job loss, you were set up in a business deal & lost your life savings, your secret was told by someone you trusted or your father left your family to raise another one. Blame's powerful because it focuses on the reality of what happened-you can't undo the harm done to you. But you must cling to the truth...Jesus can & will if you will release the harm to Him. If you don't...you will lose hope & your mind. Jesus has no barriers, He's unstoppable, His Word won't return void. Your hurt is valid-blame's evidence is solid & it recalls the events with accuracy, but blame has no case against...the power of Jesus Christ! He heals broken hearts & saves those crushed in spirit-He will give you beauty in place of the ashes you've carried, His hope holds on for you when you can't. The realities of this life will cause many heartaches & hardships- God promises to bring you through each one. When you can't see a way, take comfort in Him-He's making a way... His Word is a lamp to your feet & a light to your path. Acknowledge the reality of what you went through, the hurt & pain-then stand on the truth of God's Word. Let go of the blame & forgive those who caused you harm. This doesn't dismiss what they did...it just releases you from carrying the harm any longer. Don't let blame keep the harm alive in your heart one more day...what was done to you doesn't determine your destiny-God does & He will make a way if you will seek Him. Seek the Lord-He will answer & deliver you from all your fears...those who look to Him are radiant...their faces are never covered with shame. Your hurt is real-Jesus knows this. Will you let Him in your heart & give Him all the harm you've been carrying? He promises to heal you...then you can move on with your life & fulfill the destiny He's called you to! (Heb 12:2, Ps 34:18, Heb 6:19, Isa 61:1-3, Jn 8:32, Ps 115:109, Ps 34:4-5, Rev 3:20) 10/21/13CIFL-LMM

Jesus took it all...

Thank you Father that we don't have to rely on our strength to overcome the opposition we face daily, to turn around impossibles we see or rely on our hope in hopeless situations...because Jesus has already overcome this world & every impossible in it-His hope anchors us when this world depletes us (Jn 16:33, Heb 6:19)! No devil in hell can steal, kill or destroy what Jesus died to give us...unless we release it to him (Jn 10:10). God's given us the authority over the enemy; this is a truth, not a feeling-so we must appropriate what we know...not what we feel (Lk 9:1). We do not have the power to change others, but the Holy Spirit does. Our power is in our privilege of prayer-we can partner with our Father, the Creator of everything we see & don't see & agree with His promises to come to pass (1 Thes, Col 1:17). 

We must ask God daily to help us believe when the path ahead is dismal & dark-knowing His Word is a lamp to our feet & a light to our path (Ps 119:105). What He calls us to do-He will equip us to do (2 Cor 12:9). We have to rest in His daily provisions... seriously like what other choices do we have? Jesus took it all...regrets of the past, fears in the present & every unknown we will face in the future-our confidence is in Him. Every time we come to the end of His strength-we can be confident of the endless supply of our Savior's strength; He will do exceedingly, abundantly more than we could do or imagine (Eph3:20); we must allow His strength to have full reign in us, by having faith...constantly (Mk 11:22). Will you let our Father love & care for you like He wants to so you can live the life He's purposed for you? 10/19/13LMM #jesustookitall #christianinsightforlife www.facebook.com/christianinsightforlife

Jesus...abide in His love

If you love Jesus like you say you do…do people say they see His joy in you? Abide in the love of Jesus & His joy will fill you up...no matter what's happening around you. (Jn 15:10-11) 10/22/12CIFL-LMM

God's power works best in your weakness...

God's power works best in weakness-when you can't, He can & will for those who rely on Him (2Cor12:9). Until a person embraces this revelation of truth-they will forever be beat up by life. Life isn't fair...mistakes are made, people cheat & treat others harshly, loved ones let you down, bad things happen to good people & Jesus promises He will deliver us from each one (Ps 34:19). God's plans won't be stopped-He finishes what He starts (Phil 1:6) & His Word won't return void (Isa 55:11)!

The burdens of life aren't on you...unless you take them on you-they're on Jesus & He's deprived them of the power to harm you (Jn 16:33)! We can be certain that what happens to us... doesn't define our identity or determine our destiny. God gave you life & He will give meaning to your life-your identity & destiny are found in Him! He will guide you along the best path while He advises & watches over you (Ps 32:8). Be rooted & built up in Christ-don't allow anyone to take you captive through hollow & deceptive man made philosophies which depends on human tradition & basic principles of this world rather than on Christ (Col 2:7-8) & don't entertain those who try to throw you into confusion by perverting the gospel (Gal 1:7)! 

God designs every person to add meaning to this world...but we're not to find our meaning in this world! God will sustain you after meaningful things are gone, run their course or have left you. You will grieve & experience heartache in life, but you will able to move forward because your meaning is found in Him. What a relief to know we don't have to figure this life out-God's done that for us. Our part is to believe in Him (Jn 6:29). So...do you believe? LMM 10/15/13 #believe #askGod #christianinsightforlife www.facebook.com/christianinsightforlife

Mistakes, misfortunes & messes in life...

Mistakes, misfortunes & messes in life...some you bring on, others are imposed on you & then some you're just ignorant & don't know better. Regardless of how you got them...God's love will cover them, if you trust Him.

God gives wisdom without finding fault-He wants you to know the mistakes you've made-don't make you a mistake, the misfortunes imposed on you-don't leave you misfortunate & your messes don't make you a mess. What's impossible for you is possible with God, but until this information becomes revelation, you will try to do what only God can do & it will make you crazy!!! Don't be mad at God, He's for you & not against you-nothing can ever separate you from His love…other than you. You can call on Him anytime, anywhere or anyplace-He's looking to & fro for those who trust in Him. 

Life is hard-trials are constant & God promises to be with & bring you through each one. Don't allow any mistake, misfortune or mess to get in the way of your relationship with God-He's bigger than anything you have done or that's been done to you. He turns the harm intended towards you around for His glory, but you must release the things you're facing...so He can- He won't force you. Seek God, call out to Him & He will deliver you from all your fears. Those who look to Him are radiant-their faces are never covered with shame. It's up to you…what are you going to do? (Rom 8:28-39, Jam 1:2-5, Ps 34:19, 2 Chron 16:9, Lk 18:27, Ps 34:4-6) 10/16/13CIFL-LMM

Don't settle...you have a purpose!

Don't settle for just getting by & going through the motions to put another day behind you. Doing so forfeits the future God planned for you...you're purposed for God's glory! You've held back reasoning you don't have what it takes, your contribution isn't that important, you don't want to elevate your value, you've made too many mistakes, you've missed your opportunity & so on.

I know you know that God's love for you is bigger than anything you've done, right? If you know it, why aren't you walking it out? I don't want to sound rude, but I do want to be direct & truthful…this isn't about you-it's about God & what He's called you to do. He made plans for you long ago & you're uniquely purposed to carry out specific tasks until the day you go to Heaven. Your trust in God enables His power to be released through you! You've reasoned & justified various excuses, but none of them are acceptable because they all come back to your ability. It's not your ability that enables you to do what God calls you to do…it's your heart. God's got the ability-He needs your availability. God works through available hearts that trust Him to direct their path. True humility is knowing you can't but God can...through you! Your availability doesn't exempt you from opposition, doubt & isolation, but it does guarantee a constant affirmation in your spirit that you're doing the right thing for God. Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom! It's when you resist what He's called you to do that you feel a vague disconnect & a general dissatisfaction...it's because you're disobeying what God's called you to do! And you will not move past dissatisfaction until you obey what He's calling you to!

So stop making excuses…wake up sleeper-you've got work to do. It won't be easy, but it will be worth it. Some days you will feel totally helpless-this only reinforces you can't do anything apart from God; you must remain in Him & He will remain in you. Other days doubt will nearly drown you but this is also so you know God's your source for all your needs-God's grace covers your weaknesses. Don't settle for just getting by another day. Are you ready to rise up & do your part? (Pr 3:5-6, 2 Cor 3:17, 1 Cor 12:9, Jn 15:5, Jer 29:11) 10/20/13CIFL-LMM #youhavegotacallonyourlife #christianinsightforlife www.facebook.com/christianinsightforlife

Waiting on God is hard...

Waiting on God is hard...but it determines our readiness for the next season He wants to take us into. Are you talking to God on how you're waiting is coming along? Merely putting in your time & putting another day behind you doesn't qualify for waiting on God…that's just you passing time-yikes, that hurt. Waiting on God is having a confident expectation that He will provide even when you see nothing happening. Waiting isn't suppose to wear you out-it's suppose to make you stronger. If you seek God during waiting He will renew your strength & you will soar high on wings like eagles, run & not grow weary, walk & not faint. If God says it, He means it-He doesn't lie. If you're doing all you're suppose to be doing, you can wait with confidence. If in doubt, ask God, He gives wisdom generously-the Holy Spirit will guide you. Be very careful of the enemy's trap; He wants you to believe you've messed up, missed your chance or misunderstood God…remember, he's a liar, but God can't lie. This doesn't make the wait any less painful, but it does allow you to endure with confidence. I've been on both sides & I choose to believe God during the wait. I would compare it to having the option of a local anesthetic or not-my answer is "yes & as much as possible." I don't want any more pain than I have to take. Renew your mind every day throughout the day during the wait-don't let your mind wander down the roads of "what if, maybe, I don't see how God can do…" these roads will cause you to wreck every time. We're not to figure out how God will make things happen…we're to believe He will. God says He will provide exceedingly more than we dare imagine, deliver us from every trouble & never leave us, but He never said He would exempt us from troubles, calamity or persecution so reserve your energy & don't be shocked when these things happen. No Christian is above persecution, but every Christian can expect to God lead them through persecution. Make your time count so you can be ready to go when God's ready to take you into the next season. So… how are you waiting? (Isa 40:29-31, Rom 8:35, James 1:2-5, Isa 30:21, Eph 3:20, Num 23:19, Ps 34:19) 10/25/13CIFL-LMM

Begging or believing God???

Begging God or believing God...why do God fearing, Jesus loving & Spirit filled Christians ignore unresolved issues? The obvious reason is denial, but why? Many address issues at the onset, but when attempts fail, they feel hopeless so they get busy & hope things will resolve on their own. They seek relief in busy schedules, deadlines & anything else that can pull them away from the frustration & hopelessness that gnaws on the inside them. They know nothing is too hard for God-so what's the problem? Many say they've begged God for help & nothing changes. I understand this because I've been there & still go there at times. I've also listened to clients tell me the same thing for 30 years. I'll tell you the revelation God put on my heart regarding me. He said I needed to stop begging Him & start believing Him-that I believed He could & would turn impossibles around, but I didn't believe He would help me each time I prayed. So I prayed like a gambler pulling the arm of a slot machine….pleasssse Jessssus let this be my lucky one! I vacillated between believing I somehow messed up too much & wasn't eligible for more than the Basic Christian Plan with no extras or that I had misunderstood the promises of God & expected too much. So I resorted to begging prayers-believing the more I begged, the more likely God would help me. I wasn't ever completely confident in the provisions of God because I didn't believe I completely deserved to be helped-this left me with an uneasiness that I really tried to overcome, but of course couldn't. It's dangerous to add our reasoning to God's truth…we lose every time-there's a way that seems right, but its end is a way that leads to death. My thinking skewed my ability to receive the supernatural help God makes available to every Christian...it's called grace. We can't earn it & only God can give it. Grace is available to all who believe in Him-God pours His strength through us to deal with otherwise impossible situations while He intervenes on our behalf. You can be saved, but until you appropriate God's grace, you're left with your natural ability-it's not enough. You're won't live the freedom God promises or walk in victory He makes available. Until I received the revelation of God's grace I was under the strain of the impossibles I faced & I allowed them to steal my hope- because I knew I couldn't overcome what I faced. I had to appropriate God's grace, once I embraced God's truth...it set me free-where the Spirit of The Lord is, there is freedom. God's promises are full of power, but are only powerful to those who believe in Him. Instead of hiding in busy routines to avoid impossibles, will you run to God? His grace will meet you at the end of your natural ability & go to work on your behalf-He will calm your fears & give you direction & fill you up with wisdom. Don't beg God…believe Him. (Jn 8:32, 2 Tim 2:1, Jn 6:29, Pr 14:12, 2 Cor 12:9, 2 Cor 3:17) 10/26/13CIFL-LMM

Life is hard but...God is with you!

Life is hard & it will keep on coming at you until Jesus returns. Until then-hard doesn't disqualify you from walking out the purpose God's called you to. You have what it takes to move through hard because God promises to be with you during hard times-His strength begins where yours ends every time. God's not a quitter & He won't quit on you...don't quit on Him-nothing is too hard for Him! The good work He started in you-He will bring to completion. Don't opt out on God's purpose for your life because you can't see the end or go through the motions of outward compliance & talk Christianese to try to look right.

Jesus died to give you an abundant life…to have a peace that surpasses human understanding in spite of trials. Seek the Holy Spirit-ask for wisdom to walk in the promises of God. When you get real with Jesus… He will get real with you. You may feel you've messed up too much, wasted time or just not valued enough to be used by God-these are your feelings & they are real...but they are not God's truth! God chose you-He loved you first, He purposed every good work you would do long ago. Ask Jesus to help you not doubt Him…He gives wisdom & sufficiency to all who call on Him. God wants you to succeed in what He purposed you to do-He's for you not against you! You have what it takes-everything you need to do what He's asked of you…Jesus lives in you, the Holy Spirit guides you & God's planned every second of your life. The only way you won't fulfill what your purposed to do is if you opt out & do life your way! God even gives you the desire & power to obey Him if you ask. 

One more thing-you're exhausted because you're  trying to resolve impossible situations with human wisdom. Put your faith in God's power not your wisdom-don't seek from man what only God can do! If you're still breathing...God's still at work. Keep moving, breathe in, breathe out, get some rest, think on what's pure, lovely & right & spend time with those who will encourage you but also speak God's truth. God won't give up on you, don't give up on Him-He will stay with you during hard...He wants to know if you will stay with Him? (Isa 41:10, 2 Cor 12:9, Gen , Phil 1:6, 2 Cor 5:7, Eph 2:10, Phil 2:13, Rom 8:31) 10/23/13CIFL-LMM #lifeishard #youhavewhatittakes #christianinsightforlife www.facebook.com/chrisitianinsightforlife

Your hope isn't dependent upon the world...

As Christians, we're to be informed, purposed & prudent in stewarding the provisions God allows us to manage, but we're not to get bogged down in the factors & stipulations the world considers to project successful outcomes. Our hope isn't dependent upon the world's conditions like... current interest rates or stock portfolios, financial forecasts or career projections, induced psychosis or genetic predisposition, personality traits or resiliency skills, obsessive or aggressive behavior, ability & inability, educated or uneducated, experienced verses inexperienced, bank approved or high risk, knowing the right people, sometimes, maybe, or if we're lucky. We're to acknowledge the reality of these things, but they don't determine the final outcome…our God does. Our hope is found in Who we know, what He does...& what we believe about Him. We can be sure of what we hope for & certain of what we don't see. We can walk with confidence forward into the unknown because our God has made a way. We don't have to prove our worth…Jesus did when He died on the cross for us. We know we were purposed long ago to do good works… because God says so. Our God reigns over what we see & don't see & He holds it all together in His mighty hands. We're not bound to the factors & stipulations of this world-we're bound to God & He loves us dearly-He will never leave us. Look at life through God's eyes-put your hope in Him, not what the world says. Take a deep breath & rest in Him-God's got it! The question is...will you let Him have it! (Heb 6:19, 2 Cor 5:7, Heb 11:1, Col 1:16-17, Eph 2:10) 10/27/13CIFL-LMM

All God's people are called to the race...

All God's people are called to the race...not all stay in it. There are many reasons God's people don't finish what He calls them to, but the reason I hear most is the rejection of God's grace. God's grace is our fuel to run daily-without it we're left to move forward in our intellect & stamina. Regardless of how smart & strong a person may believe they are, they have limits -God has none. We need His grace daily-it gives us the ability to go beyond our own ability. We can't run the race without His grace. That settles it for me, what about you? To agree with this truth is step one-step two is being purposed in renewing your mind daily with it, step three is putting it into action. A mind not renewed daily with God's truth will not experience the victory He promises. Don't let your own reasoning remove you from the race God's called you to. Jesus has gone before you & laid out the course-every step has been ordered; however, this doesn't exempt you from disappointment, falls or injuries. You will have many troubles & God will deliver you from each one. His love gives the race a purpose...His grace gives you the strength to run it with joy. Let's be real: the race is grueling. You will be exhausted many days & might consider giving up at times; maybe you already have. None of us are exempt from exhaustion-it's a sign to rest & be restored-it doesn't mean you're weak. Don't try to be a superhero-God's not impressed when you try to move forward in your strength. The enemy wants you to believe you don't have what it takes... he's a liar! God made you for the race-you have what you need to win. Focus on your run & don't compare yourself to others-God only wants to talk to you about your personal progress. Persevere & move through the obstacles of hurt, rejection, lies, grief, fear,  unfairness, loneliness, ridicule, sadness, fatigue, disappointment, offenses & unknowns. Each one makes you rely on Jesus more-His power is made perfect in your weaknesses; independent of Him, you won't make it. When what you see doesn't line up with what you expected-don't drop out of the race...be confident, God will complete the good work He started. The race isn't over until you go to Heaven-if you're breathing, you're expected to run. Do life with other Christians who will be honest with you-real friends will challenge where you are in the race, not to judge you, but to hold you accountable. God purposed you for this race, you're approved, don't let anyone tell you differently. You're equipped, Jesus lives in you- enough said! You are God's people, He planned this race long ago for you-it's won! The question is...will you run in it? (2 Cor 12:9, Gal 6:4, Ps 34:19, Pr 14:12, Phil 1:6, Eph 2:10) 10/28/13CIFL/LMM

God's got your back...

Life's unpredictable, but don't worry...God's got your back. Life will side swipe & wreck you at times, but it can never take your destiny. You're an overcomer in Christ (Rom 8:37), but you won't live like one, unless you put your faith in Him constantly (Mk 11:22). Don't let the world lure you into believing it provides for you-God reigns over this world (Col 1:17). Rely on His truth-He will provide all your needs (Phil 4:19). Ask Jesus to help you not doubt (Mk 9:24) but don't try to figure out things & then ask God to bless your plans...He won't do it! He wants you trust in Him with all your heart & not lean on your own understanding-go to Him first & He will make a way for you (Pr 3:4-5). God's got the ability to overcome what you're up against...which gives you the capability to walk through it; His able-makes you capable...God's got your back! He's planned every day of your life (Ps 139:15-16), He's reliable & keeps His promises. He's never overslept, missed a meeting, had a hard time staying awake, difficulty articulating His thoughts or expressing Himself, been too sick to attend an event, missed a flight, been stuck in snow, had to borrow money or been unemployed...He's certain, confident, caring, funny, beyond brilliant & His yoke is light. His joy completes you & He will do abundantly more than you dare ask (Deut 7:9, Mt 11:28-30, Jn 15:11, Eph 3:20). He can go back or forward in time-declares the end from the beginning (Isa 46:10). He knows what you need, can give you what you don't have & get you where you need to be-I believe it's safe to say… God's got your back. Put your faith in Him-not human wisdom (2 Cor 2:5). No matter how messed up things get in life, it doesn't have the power to determine your destiny- only God does…He's got your back! Will you let Him have it? 11/1/13CIFL-LMM #CIFL

You're wasting time...unless you seek Christ first!

Plan your life until your eyes cross & mind bursts into a million pieces, implement cutting edge technology & converse with top consultants in the field, but you're wasting time...unless you seek Christ first. God has good plans, to prosper & not harm you-to give you a hope & a future; these plans are woven into every aspect of your life. God's taken care of everything...nothing escapes Him. He can go back in time or forward-He make the end known from the beginning; you have no worries with Him. He whispers to you all day long-seek Him first so you can hear Him. He will give you what you don't have, get you where you need to be & tell you what you don't know-exercise your privilege every day. Don't put your faith in human wisdom...put it in God's power! Many ways seem right in the mind, but lead to destruction unless submitted to the Holy Spirit for direction; renew your mind with the Word daily to reinforce God's truth. 

Decisions can be based on logic & equations to project probable outcomes, but only the Holy Spirit knows the right path. Rely on & rest in Him, don't pass on His provisions & protection. God summoned you by name-you're purposed to make a difference. You must stand firm on His truth because there will be days where your feelings will convince you that you surely missed God or you're just too much of a mess to be used by Him, but remember…your feelings are real, but they're not God's truth. What you see doesn't determine your destiny; God's mapped it out & Jesus will lead you on the path-your part is to move forward even when you don't understand or can't see a way. No person or circumstance, talent or gifting, family or geographic location, who or what you know, prosperous or slow economy, low or high interest rates, open or closed seasons, era or time frame, ivy league school or public university, degree or training, intellectual ability or mental disability, connections or lack of-not one of these things stand in the way of God carrying out what He's planned for you....other than you. Every day you choose if you will stand on God's truth & His plans or believe what you're feeling & seeing. God planned every second before one passed; no undermining, wrong or poor choice can undo what's He's planned for those who love Him. Don't cross your eyes or burst your mind into a million pieces one more day...God's got it all worked out for you. Will you seek Him first & follow His lead? (Jer 29:11, Mt 6:33, 1 Cor 2:5, Pr 14:12, Jn 6:29, Ps 139:16, Rom 8:29) 10/5/2013CIFL/LMM #christianinsightforlife

See to it that no one takes you captive...

See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow or deceptive philosophy which depends on human tradition & the basic principles of this world (Col 2:8). Don't be wise in your own eyes-seek God...this will bring health to your body & nourishment to your bones (Pr 3:7-8). Renew your mind with the Truth to stay balanced in daily living (Rom 12:2). You're flirting with disaster when you entertain teachings that credit humanity, the earth or nature. Many choose to believe some of God's truth, then mix it with other beliefs...Jesus is the only way, truth & life (Jn 14:6). No person is to add to God's truth or take away from it; if they do...they shut the door on His presence & guaranteed protection of peace in their minds & hearts (Phil 4:7). Don't drown in the grandeur of self deception & forfeit the peace of God's presence that's available to you. Turn, repent & run to Him...He will refresh you like the spring rains that water the earth (Hos 6:3)! 8/14/13CIFL-LMM #captive, #deceptive #christianinsightforlife 

The journey is a process...

The journey is a process where you learn about you & how God uniquely purposed you to carry out the plans He made long ago, but the greatest part of this journey is...knowing God & being known by Him intimately-all else pales in comparison. If your motive is to reach the destination, you will miss the process-if you miss the process, you will still get a ride...but you really didn't go anywhere. Embrace the process...it's what the journey's about! (Eph 2:10, Phil1:6) 12/10/13CIFL/LMM #CIFL

God's honors your obedience...

When you're moving forward because you believe you're following the will of God, He will honor your act of obedience. Many don't move forward for fear of missing God, but they're missing the opportunities God wants to give them. Listen closely-God will give you the grace to carry out what He asks of you…or His mercy will cover you, if you miss Him (2 Cor 12:9). God's anointing is in you & when you remain in Him-He will remain in you… the Spirit of truth lives in you & He will guide you in all truth (Jn14:17, 15:5, 16:13). So when the Spirit prompts you to move-you need to move! The enemy's a master at mind games & he will trip you up by questioning your motives from a human perspective...but not a Spirit led revelation (1 Cor 2:13). The mind can't comprehend what the Spirit reveals-it has to accept it through faith. When you begin to reason what the Holy Spirit prompts you to do, your mind rejects the impossibility of it-this is where the enemy gets you off course. So you have to renew your mind with God's truth, "humanly speaking it's impossible, but not with God" (Mk 10:27). Put your faith is in God's power, not man's wisdom (1 Cor 2:5). Moving ahead in faith is how you deepen your trust in God leading you-believing the anointing He put in you to hear Him guide you (1 Jn 2:27). 1/30/14CIFL/LMM #CIFL

Don't listen to doubt...

Doubt is powerful because it's based on facts. When it knocks on the door of your mind & screams you don't have the ability to do what God calls you to do, it's correct you don't...this is a fact. For you to do what God calls you to do, you have to completely rely on Holy Spirit's power that lives in you...this is the truth. What a relief to know God's truth trumps man's facts; your natural ability & strength is only as strong as the power of the Holy Spirit flowing through you! When you choose to believe God, He gives you the desire & power to follow Him with the help of the Holy Spirit at work within you. God will do exceedingly, abundantly, more than you could ever imagine... beyond your ability-according to the power that's at work within you. To the degree you believe in Jesus' power that's alive & at work within you, will determine the level of manifestation released through you. You have to be purposed in reading the Word & spending time with God, placing His written Word on your phone & around your home, hanging out with friends who will hold you accountable & speak truth to you & most of all...choose to believe God! If you focus on the facts-your actual inabilities, you will become overwhelmed & hand over the triumph that God's truth promises you. Don't be shocked when trials come to remind you of your weaknesses-they will. During each trial allow God's power to be perfected in your weakness! God goes before you & follows behind you-He never leaves you to your own ability. Put your faith in God's power...not the wisdom of man! (2 Cor 12:9, Jn 6:29, Phil 2:13, Eph 3:20, Ps 139:5, 1 Cor 2:5) 9/17/13CIFL-LMM

God will work through you!

God will work through the opportunities He gives you ...not the ones He gives someone else. Throughout life God will strategically place you in different roles to carry out specific purposes. Don't compare the role you've been placed in to the role of another person- doing so devalues the opportunity God wants to work through you & places your destiny at risk (Mk 4:25). Your value isn't defined by what you do...it's defined by Who you belong to-where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom (2 Cor 3:17); this is the freedom to be the you God made you to be! Knowing you belong to God & are approved by Him (Col 2:10) gives you the boldness to rise up & be who He says you are & being confident to carry out what He asks you to do (Phil 2:13). God says you've got what it takes to carry out the good works He planned for you long ago (Eph 2:10). The opportunities God works through you will change throughout life...but His love & value for you won't ever change-He's the same yesterday, today & forever (Heb 13:8)! Embrace what God gives you & He will give you more (Mk 4:24). Will you let God work through you? I have good plans for you declares the Lord...plans to prosper you, to give you hope & a future (Jer 29:11)!  1/30/14CIFL/LMM

Desperation causes you to lose perspective...

When you become desperate...you lose perspective. Losing perspective leads to impulsive decisions & often choices you regret. If you take on the burdens life gives you, desperation will overcome you & hopelessness is the only door desperation leads to. Jesus has made a way-He's overcome the world. When facing impossible situations you must immediately defer to God's Word for hope-His Word is your confidence, His hope anchors your soul (Heb 6:19) & gives a peace that transcends human understanding (Phil 4:7). Be prepared for your mind to go into a natural processing mode of how to handle the impossibles you face. God gives us a mind to navigate in this world, but it has to be calibrated to the Word to remain stable & effective. Deferring to God's truth in situations where you see no way out seems irrational...because it is. The rational mind can't comprehend how God makes impossible situations turn around. Jesus confirms this saying, "humanly speaking it is impossible, but with God everything's possible (Mt 19:26)." Throughout the bible, people who believed God in the impossible situations they faced, where the same ones who witnessed His miraculous provisions. Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were ready to meet the Lord when they were thrown into the fiery furnace. They didn't know how God would provide for them, but they held onto His truth...that He would provide (Dan 3:17). Set your mind in advance to believe God will provide what you need in every situation-then you've got a bridge... His name is Jesus! Most trials require you to walk into the fire to stand on what you say you believe-this is how your faith is strengthened. You will never want to walk in the fire, but after you walk out...you know Jesus more & you know what you believe & no devil in hell snatch it from you! Each fire brings a greater revelation of Jesus; the more you know Him, the more you know your purpose & nothing can ever separate you from His love. He has good plans, your hope is in Him all day long & His joy completes you! You do not need to be desperate about any burden life gives you! (Phil 3:10, Rom 8:38-39, Jer 29:11, Ps 25:5, Jn 15:11, Mt 5:16) 6/21/13CIFL-LMM

Don't live one more day...chanined to the past!

Don't live one more day chained to the past! Minimizing, ignoring or blaming something or someone for unresolved hurt keeps a person chained to the experiences that hurt them. Time passes-hurts don't. Unresolved hurt keeps a person from living in the present because they live life... through their past pain. Until the pain is resolved-they're chained to the past. Hurt is as alive as the day it happened, but it's not always identified-it has many layers of life on it. Old hurt is misplaced & disguised as other issues & will manifest in relationships as disappointment, suspicion of others motives & a need to prove one's worth-it can also lead to anxiety, anger, depression & phobias. Old hurt lingers-it shows up as a vague emptiness that a person can't put their finger on, an unidentified uneasiness or & a general sense of feeling wrong on the inside. A person will unknowingly attribute their feelings to other people or even worse…believe the lie that this is all there is to life! Old hurt distorts perception-keeping the view of the present obscured. Ask Jesus to search your heart & show you what you've not dealt with; get with a pastor, bible centered process group or Christian counselor if the old hurt continues to resurface. Jesus came to save us-bind up our wounds & bring us out of darkness! No job, person, status, relationship or good works can heal you...only Jesus can give back to you what was taken or given away & give you what you should have received. Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom! Will you make the decision to walk out the freedom promised to you & fulfill the destiny God planned for you? Don't live one more day chained to the past! (Ps 139:24-25, Isa 61:1, 2 Cor 3:17, Phil 1:6) 1/29/14CIFL/LMM #CIFL

God's hope...it never disappoints!

Jesus...His truth sets you free!

Are you in dysfunctional relationship with Jesus???

Are you in a dysfunctional relationship with Jesus? Do you love Him but find it hard to let Him love all of you? Do you have trouble admitting faults & failures? Do you hide or bury things that hurt, shamed or embarrassed you? Is it hard for you to receive correction? Does something just seem off that kilter inside of you? If you answered "yes" to many of these then…you're probably in a dysfunctional relationship with Jesus & today is a good day to let His truth set you free! For years I worked hard to appear not to have faults or failures-I wanted to be approved & to prove I was okay. Jesus knew I loved Him but I wasn't receiving all of His love because I was too busy trying to correct my faults & failures. The Holy Spirit revealed to me that I wouldn't fulfill the complete plans God because I was in a dysfunctional relationship with Jesus…what??? I wasn't experiencing all the love Jesus was trying to give me because I didn't think I was worthy enough...I allowed what I felt to stand in the way of what was true! The Holy Spirit gave me revelation... what I brought in the light would lose its power! That day changed the rest of my life-this meant I had to drag out the things I didn't like about me & the bad I felt inside. Jesus took all my faults & failures at the Cross, but I had to agree with His truth...in order to receive the freedom His truth offered. I believed the truth to my capacity to believe, but had unknowingly given my feelings the power to interfere with the full revelation of truth. Jesus loves me-where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom! I'm still on this journey with Jesus & will be until the day I go to Heaven. One thing I know for sure-His love approves all of me… good, bad & ugly. The Holy Spirit gives me a boldness to step out & follow Jesus-to not get hung up on what I'm not, but to look at Who Jesus is & His Spirit lives in me. I renew my mind every hour of the day with His truth & know when He corrects me…it's to make me right-not wrong. I still struggle some days-the enemy knocks me off course, but God's grace is bigger than the enemies attempts to harm me. I'm only as together as I'm willing to surrender & I know God will bring to completion the good work He started in me long ago. Will you let Him do the same for you? (Jn 8:32, Col 2:10, 2 Cor 3:16-18, 2 Cor 12:9-10, Phil 1:6, Eph 2:10, Rom 12:2) 1/28/14CIFL/LMM

The power of God's love!!!

God's Word is final...not man's verdict!

No verdict given by man is final...only God's Word is final. When we experience devastating news, we've got to cling to God; His hope anchors us-not what we see & hear. When Jesus went to the Cross-emotions of despair, hopelessness & uncertainty flooded His loved ones; they had hinged their hope & the direction of their life on Him living-then He went away. We've all experienced this-we're dazed as we receive devastating news, our mind spins because we can't grasp the reality of what happened; it seems so surreal...but it's real & we don't know what to do. But God knows & He's in control. Hopelessness flooded Jesus' loved ones because they put their hope in what they could see…what they could not see was that Jesus was making a way for them in the middle of their grief. He was overcoming the world-He was the answer to their despair & unknown! And what Jesus did then is available now during our despair & unknown...He makes a way for us-every time! Each end brings a new beginning, but there's a middle part before the new begins; it's the leaving of what we know while on the way to what we don't know. It's this middle part where we choose to have faith or go crazy-believing despite our hearts being flooded with uncertainty. It's when we choose to trust God's promise that He will abundantly provide all we need because our hope is in Him & His hope doesn't disappoint! Blessed are those who have not seen & yet have believed. Jesus is risen-it's done & He's made a way for you where you can't see a way! No verdict given by man is final...only God's Word is final! (Heb 6:19, Jn 16:33, Lk 23:44-56, Eph 3:20, Jn 20:29, Mt 6:28, Rom 5:5) 1/27/13CIFL/LMM

Don't try harder...comply more!

Don't try harder... comply more! Don't rely on your insight & understanding-lean on, trust in & be confident in the Lord with all your heart & all your mind! In all your ways-know, recognize & acknowledge Him first...then He will direct, guide & make straight your paths! (Pr 3:5-6, Mt 6:33)1/26/14CIFL/LMM

#CIFL 

Take risks...that you will never regret!

The Lord will deliver you...from all your fears!

Blame...keeps you in chains

Despair steals hope...

Beleiving God...

Believing God is knowing what you see is not the final chapter...He's your Comforter, Provider & Way Maker. When doubt side swipes you & anxiety presses your chest so hard you can barely breathe... believe God-He gives relief & hope for the day you're in & the future! (Heb 6:19, 11:1) 12/18/12CIFL/LMM

You're tired...

You're tired-you've walked through many let downs...don't settle. God's developing you to walk by faith, not sight...relying on His Word as your final authority verses what you can reason, see & calculate. He's over what you see & don't see. Rest in Him-put all of your faith in Him...constantly. Will you let God lead you into the next season? Don't settle friend. (2 Cor 5:17, Col 1:16, Me 11:28, Mark 11:22) 12/3/12-LMM

When life is crumbling around you..do not fear!

When life is crumbling around you...do not fear! God's building up your faith in Him while He tears down the false securities in & around you-they obscure your view of the new things He wants to show you! Do not fear as you watch more crumble- He goes before you & follows behind you with His hand of blessing on you. Your hope is in Him-not in what you see! He will supply all your needs & give you more than you dare imagine...according to the power that's at work within you. The same power that brought Jesus back to life & ascended Him into Heaven is at work within you! Your mind can't comprehend this truth unless you ask the Holy Spirit to give you revelation & He will if you ask; your decision to believe this truth by faith releases Christ's power through you. Do not fear, God will give you the desire & power to obey what He asks of you. His grace is sufficient & with His power at work within you...you can do all things He asks you to do! Hold tight to the truth-it's a lamp to your feet & a light to your path giving you a clear view of the new things God wants to show you! (Ps 139:5, Col 2:12, 2 Cor 5:7, Eph 3:20, Ps 119:105, Phil 2:13, 2 Cor 12:9, Phil 4:13) 12/31/12CIFL/LMM

Take the dare...

Don't allow doubt to rob you!!!

Don't deny reality...but don't deny God's truth either. God's truth trumps the reality you're going through... grief, anger, unemployment, illness, delayed dreams, addictions, broken relationships, financial pressure, family secrets, anxiety, shame, regret, abortion, death, divorce, false accusations, special needs child, past mistakes, single parenting, hurt, rejection. God's truth says-He will will never leave you, to not be afraid, that He holds everything together, has good plans for you, He's for you & not against you, you're more than a conqueror, He supplies all your needs...but you must completely trust Him-even when you don't see a way! 

Have faith in God constantly-put your hope in His power, not man's wisdom. You don't have to know how He will work things out to believe...that He will work things out; your part is to believe! Jesus promises to help, He says, "if you remain in Me & My Words remain in you, ask whatever you wish & it will be done for you." Hold tight to the truth-don't allow doubt to rob you! Believe God's promises-know Jesus is with you & hear the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Keep the Word on your lips, in front of your eyes, speak it & listen to it. The reality you're facing doesn't determine your destiny-God does; His truth trumps what you're facing. Don't doubt or lose hope…be still & know He is God! (Col 1:17, Phil 4:19, Mark 11:22, Isa 30:21, John 15:7. Ps 46:10, 2 Cor 2:5) 5/28/13LMM #destiny #believe #doubt #reality #christianinsightforlife www.facebook.com/christianinsightforlife

God's masterpiece...that's you!

Dare to Believe...

God's hope holds on...

God's Word...your confidence!

God's gone before you...

Whatever you're facing, God's gone before you & is behind you-laying His hand of blessing on you. Don't be afraid...God is with you. (Ps 139:5, Isa 41:10) 1/21/14CIFL/LMM

Adversity leads to the...real you!

What you profess to believe is revealed when you face adversity. Adversity knocks down props, messes up routines & removes facades presented to others... making a way for the authentic self to develop. Embrace adversity; it grows your faith, develops your character & increases your wisdom-but most of all it makes a way for the real you to rise up! Each time you're faced with adversity, you have an opportunity to lay down who you think you are & become more of who God says you are-His masterpiece...created to do the good works He planned long ago! (James 1:2-8. Eph 2:10)1/20/14CIFL/LMM

Buckle up baby...Jesus drives really fast!!!

Buckle up baby…Jesus drives really fast! Jesus pulled up to my office one day & asked me to go for a ride. I said, "excuse me Lord, I have a lot of work to do, can this wait?" At this point in my life, I thought I'd dealt with all my major issues-I was spiritually, emotionally & physically healthy & had worked through my guilt, hurt & anger; forgiven those I needed to & believed & confessed God's Word…but I wasn't taking any risks in the name of Jesus! I loved Him, but wasn't living a life totally committed to Him-I was safe, orderly & predictable. These are good things, unless you hide behind them-I was. God had put some big dreams in my heart, but I dismissed them for my imagination-I would entertain them for a while & shelf them. Then Jesus asked me, "how do you know God will do the impossible unless you stand back & trust Him to? How do you know He uses the foolish & weak things to confound the wise unless you're willing to look foolish & weak? How do you know the bold courage of the Holy Spirit flowing through you unless you're willing to do bold & courageous things?" Jesus in His relentless love wouldn't allow me to settle-He confronted me, "did I really love Him like I said or was I more concerned about messing up & maybe missing Him or would I rather play it safe & love Him from a distance so I wouldn't have to take risks?" Well, I got in with Jesus that day-I'm going for it! I want to know Him & be known by Him. Jesus said said, "anyone who has faith in me will do even greater things than these." Will you lay down who you think you should be…so God can develop you into who He made you to be? Wake up sleeper, lift your head, come out from behind your busy schedule, fears & the lies you've believed for years-it's not about your ability...it's about your availability to serve as God has called & equipped you to. You can't reach your destination without Jesus-will you get in with Him? He knows the way, but get ready when you do & buckle up baby...Jesus drives really fast!!! (Lk 1:37, 1 Cor 1:27, 1 Thes 1:5, Phil 3:9, Jn 14:12-13, Eph 2:10) 5/12CIFL/LMM

God listens for you...

When life presses on you...lean into God!

Lean into God & His Word when life presses on you-it's your confidence. When you're overwhelmed & feel you're out of resources with no plans-that's when you're pressed to know the power that's at work within you. If you stick with God, you'll find out He's faithful to come through. These seasons increase your faith, heightened your sensitivity to the Holy Spirit & enable you to know & walk in the truth that sets you free! 

Don't be naive-God will challenge your beliefs, flush out your insecurities & purge your pride. You're vulnerable & raw but also certain of God's love for you-knowing your value is in Who you belong to-not what you do. You trade your false confidence for His unwavering boldness & your need to prove for His approval. As you renew your mind with His truth you learn to walk by faith & not sight. Daily you push back & take another step into the unknown-there are times when weariness depletes every cell in your body & you consider quitting, but then God sends His undeniable encouragement that re-energizes your entire being & you know you can do it because His Spirit fuels you!

You come to know without a doubt where you stand with God, that His love sustains, comforts & protects you…every one of His promises are true & He supplies all your needs! Apart from Him you can do nothing-but with His strength, you can do all things! All your hope is in Him because of Who He is-not what He does. The greatest part of these seasons being over isn't so much that they're over, but it's what you know when they are…you're loved by your Father, He will never leave you & He has good plans for you! Will you trust God to do a work in you so you can know the power that's...at work within you? (Eph 3:19-20, Jn 8:32, Phil 2:13, Phil 4:13, Jn 15:5) 1/17/14CIFL/LMM #life #godisgood #christianinsightforlife www.facebook.com/christianinsightforlife

There's no condemnation in Christ...

God's hope-never disappoints...

Put your hope in God...not results or outcomes. Results & outcomes can disappoint, but God's hope...never disappoints! (Rom 5:5) 1/17/14CIFL/LMM

God's hope doesn't disappoint...

Life's unfair-reality...Jesus took it on & won-truth!

Life is unfair...this is a reality. Jesus took on this unfair life at the cross & He won-it's done...this is truth! Jesus overcame every unfair reality of your past, present & future-His Spirit lives in you so you've overcome too...this is truth! Know, believe & receive His truth & His truth will set you free!!! (Rom 6:1-14, Jn 16:31-33, Jn 8:32) 1/17/14CIFL/LMM

Call on the name of Jesus!

You don't have to live with hurt any longer...

Time passes-hurts don't. A hurt doesn't go away...until it's given away. Only the hands of Jesus can take hurts-no one else can. A person remains chained to their past until the hurt is resolved. Life is seen & heard through past pain-obscuring the view of the present & robbing God's good plans of the future. Unresolved hurt perpetuates into every aspect of daily living-stealing, killing & destroying the abundant life Jesus died to give you. Only Jesus can heal you-there is no substitute...you can't, another person can't, no job can-having the best home, car or corner office, no amount of money or talent...nothing, nothing, nothing but the sweet love of Jesus! You don't have to live this way, but nothing will change until you change the way you've been living. First, you have to acknowledge that unresolved hurt is causing you problems because until you hand it to Jesus-it's your problem. Next, you have to ask for help-asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness... what you bring in the light loses it's power- what you keep, keep it's power. Then daily get into the Word-read, study, memorize & renew your mind with it-write it out & post it on your phone...it's your life line. Ask God to help you find godly friends who will be honest with you-get involved in church & give of yourself, listen to what you're listening to & how you talk to yourself & seek Christian Counseling. God will give you the desire & power to do the things to be healed-ask Him. Time passes-hurts don't, but you don't have to live with the hurt any longer...agree with God's truth & His truth will set you free. Where the Spirit of the Lord is-there is freedom...but you have to receive & agree with the freedom given to you! (Jn 10:10, 8:32, Lk 4:18, 2 Cor 3:17, Jer 29:11, Phil 2:13) 1/16/14CIFL/LMM

Every day brings new mercies...

There's nothing to fear...I am your God!

Jesus...He breaks chains!

When God says a season is over...

Don't be foolish-there's nothing holy about staying in season that God says is over. His anointing provides for each season He calls us to-if we stay beyond the call...it ain't pretty! The human mind seeks order & resolve-it's God design. We don't like to leave a season before we've finished our job; we cling to Galatians 6:9,"don't grow weary, for in due season you will reap a harvest."

Listen closely, "due season" is the operative phrase-you will see a harvest in the "due season" God's called you to...not the one He's called you from. Staying in a season that God's called you from...makes you disobedient & you will labor in vain unless the Lord is with you (Ps 127:1-2). If you believe the Holy Spirit has whispered that it's time for you to leave a season, then you need to get moving. It's risky to lay down what you thought you'd be involved in for seasons to come. Many will ask you to reconsider & reminisce old times-don't go there with them or in your mind!

Doubt will whisper, "you're a quitter," & you feel like you're giving up, but what you're giving up is...your plans for God's plans-God will reward your obedience. Don't  open the door to reasoning-rely on faith: faith sees what the mind can't comprehend, being certain of God's direction despite the evidence in your hands (2 Cor 5:7)! You won't miss Him when you're seeking to obey-He goes before you & follows you with His hand of blessing on your head (Ps 139:5). God's Word is your confidence in all matters; developing you in every season so you lack nothing because He gives wisdom generously & without finding fault (James 1:4-5). Don't be foolish...there's nothing Holy about staying in a season that God says is over! 1/14/14CIFL/LMM #seasonisover #timetogo #letitgo #christianinsightforlife 

Freedom...are you walking out yours?

You're as free as the freedom that lives in you; where the Spirit of the Lord is...there is freedom! What's keeping you from walking in the freedom He gives you? (2 Cor 3:17) 1/15/14CIFL/LMM 

Facing the death of a dream...

When you're faced with the death of a dream...pain is excruciating. You poured your heart & soul into it-now it's gone...over, no more. There's an abyss of emptiness inside of you that's beyond the threshold of pain; you know you're alive yet death consumes your inside. Listen closely, you have hope, His name is Jesus & there's power in His name-call on Him! Collapse into His strong & loving arms pour yourself out & purge the death from inside of you. Jesus will anchor your soul-He pours His hope into you to hold your mind & heart when you can't. Jesus is with you...He's your hero Who saves & rejoices over you, renewing you with His love-celebrating over you with shouts of joy! Your dream is dead...but your hope isn't! Your hope is in Jesus Christ-He's your Redeemer & He lives! The same power, the Spirit of God, that raised the dead body of Jesus from the grave...lives in you! Grief is a painful process, but it's not bigger than Jesus' love. Remain in Him-He will remain in you, providing all you need-more than you ever imagined...if you will put your hope in Him alone. He is your living hope; He will never let go of you-so don't ever let go of Him. Trust Him with all your heart & soul-He will place a new dream in your heart. Now, rest in Him & let His love comfort you. (Heb 6:19, Zeph 3:17, Phil 2:9, Job 19:25, Rom 8:11, Jn 15:4, Pr 3:5-6) 1/14/14CIFL/LMM

God's mercy-new every day...86,400 times

Every day God's mercies are new...but how about the 86,400 mercies He gives within each day? Do the math-each day has 86,400 seconds...86,400 chances to turn around & get your eyes back on Him. Will you receive the mercy He offers you today? (Lam 3:23)1/14/14 CIFL/LMM

Jesus...His love is mighty to save!

Jesus...He will supply all your needs!

Jesus...your Burden Bearer

Relief doesn't come when the burden changes...it comes when your perspective changes. When you give the burden you're facing to Jesus, you move it off of you & into His hands. This releases you from being dependent on the outcome of the burden for your hope & allows His hope to fill you up instead. His peace will give your mind the clarity needed to recognize the burden hasn't changed, but your perspective has. The burden is still there, but now you're confident in God's truth...His hope does not disappoint! Will you give Jesus the burdens you're facing today-the ones from yesterday & the ones you will face tomorrow? Jesus is your anchor of hope-He holds on when you can't. All authority in heaven & on earth have been given to Him-every burden you hand to Him is subjected to His authority! Jesus is your burden bearer-put your hope in Him…not in the outcome of the burden. (Heb 6:19, Phil 4:7, Mt 28:18, Rom 5:3-5) 1/13/14CIFL/LMM

God is faithful...

God's got it...

God's got it…will you let Him have it? His Word is your confidence-everything you need is found in His Word. You can be sure of what you hope for & certain of what you don't see-walking with confidence & moving forward into the unknown because God's made a way. You don't have to know the details-God's worked those out too, but you have to decide if you believe Him. You don't even have to prove your worth-Jesus did that for you when He died on the cross…your value is found in Him-exclusively. God reigns over what we see & don't see & He holds it all together in His mighty hands. There's nothing you're up against that He's not already taken care of. Take a deep breath & rest in Him. God's got it...will you let Him have it? (Heb 6:19, 2 Cor 5:7, Heb 11:1, Col 1:16-17, Eph 2:10) 1/11/14CIFL/LMM 

Don't grieve what's gone...

Don't grieve what's gone...or dread what's ahead; clinging to what becomes dust in your hands-blowing away into nothingness. Anything of kingdom value remains... unshakable-the years never end, moving forward into the future of forever-our eternal home. For this day you have a call, a job; you're to steward the love of Jesus that's alive in you to make a difference in this world-this kingdom. Don't delay or be distracted by what doesn't matter one more day! Stay focused, keep moving, don't give up & God will make your righteousness shine like the dawn & the justice of your cause like the noon day sun! (Heb11:25-29, Gal6:9, Ps37:6) 12/31/12CIFL-LMM

Jesus will break...every chain!

Dragging a bondage out of the dark & into the presence of Jesus-is the ending of its hold on you. Let Jesus break every chain…then you will know the truth & then truth will set you free! (Jn 8:32) 1/12/14CIFL/LMM

Jesus...power in His name!

Do you believe Jesus will help you?

Do you believe Jesus will help you when you ask? I believe many of us have been in the shoes of the father who asked for help for his son who was possessed by an evil spirit in Mark 9:16-24. We know Jesus can help, but we're not sure He will. This father was exhausted-he'd been trying to get help for years with no results; He didn't know if he could take another let down. With the disciples unable to help-he was at the end of his hope & resources....then Jesus came on the scene & asked what was going on? I can hear the fear in this father's voice as he asks Jesus, "but if You can do anything, have mercy on us & help us." 

We've all been in this situation, "Jesus, please help me..if you can?" As soon as we release the last word, we wince & hold our breath-wanting to believe He will, but trying to prepare ourselves if He doesn't. Jesus responded to the father, "if I can? Anything is possible for a person who believes." Jesus met this father in the middle of his hopelessness & challenged what he believed. The father took a risk on everything that was in him & he was going for it...Jesus had said, "anything is possible for a person who believes." So instead of looking at his hopelessness, he focused on humility & cried out, "I do believe, help me with my unbelief!" And Jesus did-giving him the hope to believe He could help. 

Where we end…Jesus begins- perfecting His power in our weaknesses; giving us what we don't have & doing what we can't do. Apart from Him we can do nothing-that means nothing... including believing or having faith. Our part is to reach for what God promises-desiring to believe He will give us everything we need to carry out what He asks, but our tendency is to try to figure out how He will make things happen & we can't. When we do this we create doubt, because we're trying to apply human solutions to impossible situations…we're to believe God can- not figure out how He will. He will give us His hope to hold on to while we believe He will provide all we need. Put your faith in God's power…not man's wisdom! (Heb 6:19, 2 Cor 12:9, Phil 2:13, Jn 15:5, Phil 4:13, 1 Cor 2:5) 1/3/14 LMM #helpmejesus #christianinsightforlife www.facebook.com/christianinsightforlife

Listening...to those who love you

Have the guts to listen when loved ones express a concern-they're trying to connect with you...not tear you down. (Pr 15:33)CIFL/LMM

No verdict given by man is final...

Don't be discouraged...keep moving forward. No verdict given by man is final...only God's Word is final. Be obedient to the plan God put in your heart. Opposition, discouragement & doubt will come at you daily-wanting you to justify your cause. God put this plan in you to use you...not prove you. Don't throw away your confidence, be patient & endure, so that you may perform God's will & receive, carry away & enjoy to the full what's promised. And He will make your righteous shine like the dawn & the justice of your cause...like the noonday sun! (Heb 10:35-36, Ps 37:6) 12/20/12CIFL/LMM

It looks godly...is it from God?

There are many counterfeit situations & people in the world masquerading as representing God. Just because it seems godly...doesn't make it from God. A good cause isn't always caused by God. This may sound harsh, but we're led by the Spirit, not what looks godly. The Holy Spirit will prompt you if you're to be involved in a situation. Expect the enemy to challenge what you hear from the Holy Spirit & accuse you of being a critical spirit.

Just because something looks right...doesn't make it right. A fish on a person's car, a bible in their hand & them saying "bless you brother & Amen" doesn't make them a Christian. I can have high end appliances, top of the line cookware & 500 cookbooks in my kitchen...these things look good, but they don't make me a gourmet cook! Look at the situation beyond what is presented, watch the walk of the person & taste the food!!! The Holy Spirit will prompt you & you will know the authenticity...you will recognize them by their fruit. (Isa 30:2, Mt 7:16) 1/2/13CIFL/LMM #christianinsightforlife

Jesus-your Savior...your Answer!

Is there anything in your hand that you're unwilling to release for fear it won't return? Do you feel responsible for a relationship-the person needs you to make it? Have you struggled with believing what the bible says about tithing, forgiveness, love, casting your cares & anxious thoughts? Do you feel over your head in a situation-that it's too late? Are you dreading most days? Call on the name of Jesus-the name above all names! He came to save, bind up wounds, release the captives & bring them out of darknesss... Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty, Maker of Heaven & Earth, make sure you get your love from the One Who loved you first! Will you let Jesus love & show you the way? He's gone before you-He's the way, truth & life! He is the answer...to what you've been looking for. His love will fill your emptiness & give you a peace that surpasses human understanding. Take a risk & trust Him today. Jesus-your Savior... your Answer! (1 Pet 5:7, Isa 61:1, 1 John 4:18, Jn 14:6, Phil 4:7) 11/7/13CIFL/LMM

The love of God & the authentic you...

Are you allowing safe & predictable to dictate your walk with Christ? Do you say you love Him, but know you're not totally living for Him? How do you know God will do the impossible unless you trust Him to do it? How do you know God uses the foolish & weak to confound the wise unless you're willing to look foolish & weak? How do you know the boldness of the Holy Spirit will flow through you unless you've risked being bold? Are you doing what's comfortable for you...in name of Jesus? Don't reason yourself out of the plans God purposed for you long ago. Following Christ will turn you inside out-it's an uncomfortable, unknown & sometimes unbearable journey, but it's the path to your authenticity...walking out the desires God put in your heart. You will work hard & be tired, but it's a tired that pleases God & prospers you, unlike labor done in vain when a person does what seems right. Nothing compares to knowing the love God has for you & being known by Him- you know Him & He knows you. This relationship is where your security & identity are found-you're approved so you no longer have to prove. You're valuable because of Who you belong to not what you do for Him, but you won't know until you walk out what you profess to believe about Him. I pray you will accept all the love God has for you & don't miss...being known by Him. (Lk 18:27, 1 Cor 1:27, Acts 4:31, Eph 2:10, Ps 127:1-2, Phil 3:10)
1/10/14CIFL/LMM

Don't pass on the place God puts you...

God puts us in a place we don't want to be... so He can get us to the place we need to be. Don't pass on the place...(Ps 94:12) 1/9/14CIFL/LMM

Don't open the door when self-defeat knocks!

If you really knew how much God loved you...you'd think & act differently, see yourself as God sees you & know He will never leave you...never. You'd stand on the His truth...you're fearfully & wonderfully made, complete in Christ & God's masterpiece. You'd encourage yourself instead of put yourself down when you messed up, you'd know messing up doesn't make you a mess up & you'd forgive yourself as Christ has forgiven you. For sure you wouldn't open the door to self-defeat when he knocks! Self-defeat wants to bind you in fear, have you anticipate let downs, be afraid of being passed over, rejected & unfulfilled. Self- defeat is a liar...all the time! You believe being afraid is normal, it isn't. It's normal to feel afraid, but then you're to renew your mind with God's truth...there is no fear in God's love-it expels every trace of terror! Self-defeat reminds you of all you are not & then you feel like a failure. Jesus didn't open the door to the enemy when he tried to engage with Him-you're to do the same. When self-defeat knocks on your door & wants to engage...don't open the door! You have a door between you & the world & you decide what you let in...don't let a liar in your mind. Jesus says His power is perfected in your weaknesses...you're not suppose to have it all together-if you did, you would not need Jesus. Speak aloud throughout the day what God's truth says about you. You will begin to think & act differently-the more you speak the truth, the more of a revelation of God's love you will hear & have in your spirit. When you really begin to receive God's love, you will walk in His confidence & for sure.... you won't answer the door when self-defeat knocks!!! (Ps 139:15, Col 2:10, Eph 2:10, 1 Jn 4:18,   1/7/14CIFL/LMM

God's truth changes how you feel...

You have a life beyond your broken heart...

You have a life beyond your broken heart...God  promises He will heal your broken heart & bind up your wounds. But if you blame another person for where you are in life-you're giving them the power to determine where you stay in life. Maybe your childhood was stolen by someone you trusted, a parent withheld love, you were bullied in school, false accusations led to a job loss, a promising business deal went wrong-depleting your savings, a best friend told your secret, your father abandoned you to be with another woman & raise her children, a drunk driver killed a loved one.

Blame is powerful emotion because it focuses on the reality of what happened to you-keeping your wounds open...then it punches you with the lie that your destiny has been stolen. If you believe this lie, you will focus on the injustice-knowing you can't undo what's been done. It's true you can't...but Jesus can-He's the Author &  Finisher, He has no barriers, He's unstoppable! His Word will not return void-His love heals the past, present & future! Your hurt is valid-blame reminds you of the events with accuracy, but blame has no case against the power of Christ! He heals broken hearts & saves those crushed in spirit-He will give you beauty for the ashes you've been carrying; His hope anchors your soul & holds on for you when you can't.

The realities of this life will cause many heartaches & hardships-God promises to bring you through each one. When you can't see a way, take comfort-He's making a way...His Word is a lamp to your feet & a light to your path. Acknowledge the reality of what you went through-give your hurts to Jesus; don't allow blaming others to disqualify you from your destiny. Let go of the blame & know what was done to you doesn't determine your destiny- God does & He will make a way. Seek the Lord-He will deliver you from all your fears. Those who look to Him are radiant-their faces are never covered with shame. Your hurt is real-Jesus knows this...will you let Him in your heart & take Him to the places you were hurt so His love can heal you? He promises you a life beyond your broken heart. (Ps 147:3, Heb 12:2, Ps 34:18, Heb 6:19, Isa 61:1-3, Ps 115:109, Ps 34:4-5, Rev 3:20) 6/3/13LMM #blamestealsyourdestiny #christianinsightforlife