Saturday, September 29, 2012

Get real & get connected...

Get real-get connected. When we get real about what we're
experiencing-we can get real about who we are and connect with others. We often deny or hide what we're experiencing for fear of looking un-Christian; so we speak Christian-ese to give the right answer...this only leads to disconnect and denial of what's really happening in our heart. We will even dismiss and deny our feelings with God and speak Christian-ese with Him! When I have ugly thoughts about someone, I ask God for help. I'll say, "I don't want to feel this way toward this person, but I do, help me understand what's going on in me." God gives wisdom generously and without finding fault...but if you don't ask, He won't force it on you. Often, people will ask for forgiveness from God or another person, but they have no revelation of why they did what they did...the acknowledgement is necessary and the apology is often sincere, but without understanding, the behavior repeats itself. Until the root of the behavior is dealt with...the behavior continues to return. Get real with God-it's the catalyst necessary to work through your feelings-ask God to search your heart and give you revelation so you won't continue to repeat the same situation over and over. Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. Next, share with a trusted friend; allowing another to see your weaknesses will actually strengthen you and the relationship. It's vulnerable to expose your heart, but there's power when you experience the other person accepting-all of you. You discover, all of you is loved and valued...even with imperfections. Knowing you don't have to be perfect to be loved is critical for overcoming adversity in daily living. If a person connects looking right to being right-they qualify being loved means doing right, so if they're not doing right, they're not loved! We're are flawed and God knows it...so He gives us His grace to make us right and we can't qualify for something that's been given to us for free. God's love never changes-He loves us the same when we mess up or when we don't mess up. Our imperfections connect with others because they're built on a foundation of honesty. Anything you try to control will inevitably control you. I pray you will experience the freedom our Father offers to each of us...to become the you He created and called you to be. Get real...get connected! (Ps 139:23-24, James 1:5, 2 Cor 3:17, Eph 2:10, 1 Cor 15:10) 9/2012CIFL-LMM

Christian Insight for Life...: Brokenness allows God's Light to shine through you...

Christian Insight for Life...: Brokenness allows God's Light to shine through you...
You will never know your old way of comfort again...as long as God is developing you. It's called-going out to the deep...following Jesus. When I totally committed to follow Jesus, I had to say good-bye to my predictable and busy schedule. There's nothing wrong with predictable and busy as long as you aren't hiding behind it. I was hiding and Jesus knew it, and He called me out. What I have found in the deep...is the complete love of Jesus. I don't need the predictable and busy like it use to be...I need the predictable Jesus. Wherever He goes, I go...my comfort is not my surroundings, but I am comfortable because I am with Him. Go out to the deep, you won't regret it. It's where you will find the truth you've been searching for...a peace that surpasses all understanding...Jesus. 10/12-LMM

Each time you obey God...opposition will flood you, but God's confidence will pour in you like a raging river and press you past what is trying to oppose you.

Believing God can do the impossible...

Impossible dreams require a willingness to believe God does the impossible...has God put some dreams on your heart? Do you entertain them for awhile then shelf them because they're soooo impossible? That's exactly what I did. Then God put these questions on my heart...how do we know He will do the impossible unless we stand back and trust Him to do it? How do we know He uses the foolish and weak things to confound the wise unless we're willing to look foolish and weak? How do we know the bold courage of the Holy Spirit will flow through us unless we're willing to step out in faith and do bold and courageous things for Him? The answer...we will never know these things unless we are willing to believe these things!

God will help us with our willingness to believe-He will give us the desire and power! Our steps of willingness activates His power in us. We are quick to say what we believe...but slow in responding to take action in what we believe. We should be prudent, seek godly counsel and use common sense, but the bottom line is we must begin to take steps of faith into the unknown if we want to activate the impossible dreams He puts in our heart!

God challenged me a while back...did I really love Him like I said and was I really allowing Him to manifest Himself through me to make an impact or was I playing it safe and predictable, loving Him but not totally living for Him? That day changed the course of my life...I made a decision to trust God to do the impossible through me. I'm willing to look weak & foolish and to step out in faith to enable the power of the Holy Spirit through me! I will no longer play it safe and predictable to maintain a false sense of security! I love my Father and I will live for Him-seeking His approval and validation-I will still mess up and I can totally miss Him, but I would rather try and be wrong than not try at all and miss a chance at participating in an impossible dream with Him! My Father's love is big enough to cover my mistakes. I will love and live to please Him! I pray you will too! Blessings friend! 6/2012CIFL-LMM #trustGod #impossibledreams #foolish #weak #beleive www.facebook.com/christianinsightforlife

Friday, September 28, 2012

Hope's journal entry...

Hope's Journal Entry...my 6 yr old g-da...her love for Jesus is precious.

An end leads to a beginning...

What looks like an end is often a beginning. A chapter must be closed before the new one can be opened. Don't be deceived...what looks like death...is often life. Just like the day Jesus went to the cross-all looked lost but it was only the beginning. His loved ones were broken & felt all their preparations were for nothing...then the tomb was empty-the beginning. Endurance, perseverance, & confident expectation are required to move into the next chapter of your life-don't be deceived...what looks like death is often life. Lift your head-continue to move forward-God has a good plan...the tomb is empty!
LMM-4/13/12

God fuel...

Don't be in such a rush that you don't take the time to stop & fuel up before your commute. Unexpected situations will arise & you will be under the gun to get somewhere & find yourself stressed & begging God to let you have enough fuel to "make it" without running out of gas. This scenario parallels with our lives-we rush & begin our day without spending time with God. We meant to but something always
comes us-unexpected. Then we're stressed & begging God to just let us "make it". God is waiting but we must make the choice to stop & take time that is vital for the day ahead. So, if you have not filled up yet-choose right now to make the time. His fuel will sustain you & you will overcome any unexpected that arises.

An Agenda with Meaning...

Don't make the agenda God has assigned you more important than God..because without God...your agenda has no meaning. 5/2012-LMM

Thursday, September 27, 2012

Helping or Hindering...those we love

When the truth transforms to trust...when someone we love is hurting-we hurt too & want to help them overcome their situation. Often, our sincere motive to help actually hinders them-we confuse loving them with rescuing them. Loving them is being available emotionally & physically, reminding them of God's truth, & giving them the freedom to seek Christ & trust Him to provide a way. Rescuing them puts you...between them & God, making you their problem solver-cheating them out of a personal experience to seek Christ with confidence when they're faced with adversity. You must remove yourself as the go-to person so your loved one will seek Christ first...instead of you. If you continue to rescue, you are interfering with Holy Business. Release those you love to God; trust Him to provide what they need-remember...He loved them first. One of the most powerful ways we can help those we love, is to model our trust in Jesus, believing He will make a way-even when we do not see a way. Standing firm on what we know...verses how we feel-believing He will provide all our needs. A person can be told the truth that God will provide a way..but the truth transforms to trust...when they do not see a way and then God makes a way. You will never know if God will handle your situation until you give Him a chance to handle it...will you let Him? Blessings friend.
9/3/12-LMM

Be yourself and fulfill your plan...

What if...you would be the you...God designed you to be...would you act the way you do-feel better about you? Would your life look different-would you be in a different career? Would you carry out the desires God put in your heart without regard to what others might say? Would you speak up more for what you believe in...would you feel less pressure to prove your value? Would you be free inside your personality-the one God made just for you...that matches perfectly with your talents and gifts? Would you more readily accept the differences in others, if you first could accept...your differences? Would you hear Jesus whispering to you more often instead of fighting off grueling anxiety...would you laugh more, sleep better, and grind your teeth less if...you enjoyed being you?
We so easily toss aside our authentic self to not oppose the majority-for fear of being different & causing division. God created differences in us to challenge one another-iron sharpens iron. God made each one of us with His very own hands-giving each one of us a fingerprint that no one in the world has. Each of us are unique to carry out a specific plan-we are purposed by God Himself! Embrace your plan form God-don't forgo it for fear of the majority. Blessings my friend!

You can't take a person's pain...

We often try to save a person from their pain...but their pain is the catalyst to get them around the corner and on to recovery. 7/2012CIFL-LMM

God's Love is needed each day...

Don't allow your call to be greater...than the One Who called you. It's very easy to be so focused on your call...that you don't hear God calling you. This is a common trap-you're so focused on your purpose that you're missing your daily intimate time with your Father. You justify that you talk with Him all day to excuse your absence and not meeting with Him. You do keep Him in the loop; keep Him posted on what you're thinking and ask Him questions throughout the day-but that's not intimacy my friend. Intimacy takes time-it requires all of you being present...not parts of you. You must carve out your schedule and guard the intimate time with your Father. Every seemingly good excuse will try to steal or interfere with this sacred time-but you have to stand firm. Intimacy is all of you-mind, heart, and soul before your Father-to sit giving Him your undivided attention. No distractions; turn your phone off. This time is not for Him...it's for you-God will miss you, as He does all of His children when we put other things before Him. You need this time to be loved by Him. His love balances and restores you, refreshes you physically and emotionally, your spirit is lifted up-He gives you new ideas, flushes out any offensive ways in you, reminds you of your value and purpose, and gives you deeper revelation...and you love Him because He's your Father...and He is love. Thank Him and love Him and enjoy Him. I know there's an urgency-an excitement to carry out His plans-I know you're honored that He's chosen you. But you will not fulfill your call...if you miss Him calling you. He owns time, so you're not going to miss anything-no one can fulfill your call other than you, so don't worry about another person taking it. Be still...and know He is God-Jesus will refresh all of you-flowing His anointing through you that far exceeds your own abilities to fulfill your call. Blessings friend. (Mt 22:37, Eph 2:10, Col 2:10, Eph 3:20) 9/2012CIFL-LMM

Give back your impossible situation...

The sooner we give back to God what's already His...the sooner we're released from the impossible situation of trying to control what's not ours.

God's truth will help you feel better...

You decide your thoughts...form and shape them to God's truth; cast out thoughts that are condemning. God never condemns. He has a good plan for you, you may not feel it...but it's true. We do not feel God's truth...we decide to believe His truth. Speak aloud God's truths throughout the day. Each time you speak God's truth, you're replacing the lie for the truth. You actually change the chemistry in your brain and you feel more hopeful; it's God's design for us! Blessings friend. 9/12-LMM

Trust...leads to the desires of your heart...

Trust is the bridge...that leads to the desires of your heart, God's promises and His good plans for your life. It is the only way...that leads to the fulfilled life God offers you-there is no alternate route. I am the way, the truth, and the life...(John 14:6). You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it (v.14). Make a decision to live the full life that's available to you...trust is the bridge.
9/6/12-LMM

Good Morning from God...

Good Morning from God...by the way-He's already taken care of everything for you today no matter what you are up against... http://instagr.am/p/O_mzPiRaTu/ 
While driving one morning, God reminded me of His power and ability to take care of what I was facing...then suddenly this beautiful burst of sun rays broke through the clouds. Whatever we are facing-He's with us. Out of nowhere His Presence will burst on the scene and save us..."the Lord your God is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing (Zeph 3:17). 5/12-LMM

Reaching your full potential...

We have everything we need to reach our full potential because it's God's plan. Our full potential is about God's plan for us...it's a good plan that we are specifically designed for and will like. So when we're fulfilling it, we are complying with Him. Our individual plan is part of God's greater plan in the kingdom; each one of us has a specific role-we're in God's army. Whatever God asks of us...He will equip us to do. [Not in your own strength] for it is God Who is all the while effectually at work in you [energizing and creating in you the power and desire], both to will and to work for His good pleasure and satisfaction and delight (Phil 2:13). Ask God to search your heart and help you to trust Him...He won't ask something of you that you can't carry out...maybe others have in your life, but He won't. I have strength for all things in Christ Who empowers me [I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him Who infuses inner strength into me; I am self-sufficient in Christ's sufficiency] (Phil 4:13). You have what it takes but you must use the resources God gives...I post scripture on my phone and write down verses on index cards-putting them everywhere so I can see them daily. I carry them in my purse and post them in my car. If I'm in the middle of the grocery store and feel a wave of discouragement, I stop right there and pull out one of my scripture to remind me of God's truth. Even though I am not feeling the truth...God's words in front of me...remind me of the truth. These attacks are part of life. God told us it would be that way and He gave us His Word as a weapon to come against them. Romans 12:2 is crucial in renewing our mind...every hour of the day. And we do this day in and day out; determining to know Him and to fulfill the plans He predestined for us. Let's keep it real friends-blessings! 9/2012Rev11/12/12-LMM

Change your thoughts...and change your life!!!

Change your thoughts and...change your Life! Our thought life determines our destiny. Thoughts are absorbed in our mind daily-we decide which ones will take shape, form, and develop into what we believe or don't believe-keeping what we believe to be true and tearing down what we believe is not true. Thoughts come from two sources-God's truth or satan's lies. God has planned out every day of our life (Ps139:16) but satan works daily to come against our good plans (John10:10). Satan's weapon is planting thoughts-his lies in our mind. If we do not know God's truth we will believe lies, many know God's truth but entertain satan's partial truths resulting in being double minded (James1:8); which causes major anxiety. Make a decision today to begin to tear down satan's lies that have taken up residence in your mind-cheating you from the life that God has for you. As you read this, satan is flooding you with lies-telling you the hurt you've caused, the wrong you've done, or coming at you with a partial truth that says, "sure God loves you...but He just can't use you"...these are satan's thoughts-don't allow them to take shape, form, and develop in your mind! You are God's own handiwork...and His plan is for you to live the life He predestined (Eph2:10). You may not feel like this is true...but we don't decide if something is true or not based on how we feel...We do not feel God's truth-we make a decision to believe His truth. God gives us numerous tools to use daily to believe and walk out His truth for our life. Here's a few...renew your mind, meditate on, and speak His truths aloud (Rom12:2), ask God to search you and make you aware of what you're thinking that doesn't line up with His truth (Ps139:23-24), put on His armor (Eph6:10-18), and finally allow the Holy Spirit to do His job-giving you comfort, reassurance, and God's confidence in you to live the life Jesus gave us. Where the Spirit of the Lord is...there is freedom (2Cor3:17). Blessings friend.
9/7/12-LMM.

God is...your source

God is our source...not the world. Many profess God's principles with their mouths while they follow the world's ways with their minds and hearts. God knows our future...not Self Magazine, The View, or Wall Street Journal. We rely on the Trinity...God, Jesus, and Holy Spirit for security and successful living. God's Word works...if you work it. It's the incorruptible seed-it can't return void. God calls life to the dead and makes what does not exist...exist; we have a hope and a future. The world is limited...bound to what it can see; nothing timeless; things come and go. But we, who are in Christ, triumph always! Our God reigns over what we see...and don't see; we have complete confidence in His ability. We aren't bound or limited to what we can or can't see. God created and owns time...really, He has everything worked out...so why would be anxious-ever??? Honor and respect God's design of love, sex, and family. The world says, "if it feels good do it, if it doesn't-don't." Love is not a feel good, grope, or fleeting thought; it's a commitment to choose to love like God loves us. He loves us because He loves us...not based on if we are being loveable. What's your view...are you in or out? Do you consider leaving when things get hard and say "okay God, I need You to show me something or." Or what? What are you going to do? I'm like Peter, what else would I do, I have no where else to go. Pick a team-you can't play both sides or you'll be divided; God calls that double minded. You will lose your mind if you know what the Word says, but you continue to look to the world to meet your needs. News Flash...the world self serves and will serve itself...before it serves you and will tell you "hasta la vista, baby!" Decide to stand on your knowledge and not your feelings...God's Word works all the time in every situation-if you work it. We always triumph in Christ (2 Cor 2:14).  9/27/12-LMM

God's Word Trumps...everything

God's Word trumps...all things. Don't fret or be anxious. Doesn't matter how lost or useless it looks, number of times it happened, far away it is, impossible to comprehend-hopeless, dead, broken, angry, unforgiving, or envious...God's Word trumps all things. He existed before all things & in Him all things consist, cohere & are held together. He knows your name, every single thought you've ever had, are having, or will have. He's the Alpha & Omega. God speaks & nothing becomes something...taking shape & form. Holy Sees, Holy Knows, & Holy Does. Will you trust Him to walk you where you can't see to go? You know in your heart you're not where you're suppose to be, but you don't know how to get to where He wants you to be...He wants to show you-you must begin to take steps into the unknown. You won't know God will lead you through the unknown..until you're in the unknown. His Word is a lamp to your feet and a light to your path. God's Word trumps...all things. (Col 1:17, 2 Cor 5:7, Ps 119:105). 4/12Rev12/17/12CIFL-LMM

God Guarantees a Good Plan...

Guaranteed...God will take you to the deep-where He will reveal His good plans to you. Plans to prosper you & not to harm you; plans to give you hope & a future. No person is denied...good plans await anyone who will follow Him. His ways work all the time in every situation...if you do it His way-guaranteed. (Jer 29:11, Lk 5:1-7) 9/2012CIFL-LMM

Authentic Love...

Love comes from God who loved us first-Love is seen-Love is secure-Love believes God's Promises-Love is tireless-Love is fierce, pushing back wrong-Love scales a wall to protect-Love is not afraid of criticism or rejection-Love stands firm in adversity-Love works through the night to provide-Love perseveres when exhausted-Love that's fabricated stinks- Love is hurt but never destroyed-Love waits & endures, never self serving-Love builds godly relationships-Love holds on loosely, never controlling or manipulating-Love seeks the Holy Spirit's direction-Love does not choke, push, put down or force-Love forgives & releases but never binds or compromises-Love can't endorse sin-Love moves in courage & knocks down "Goliaths." Love believes God in the middle of impossibles-Love hears, speaks, & implements the Word with the confidence & boldness of Christ-Love relies on the authentic love that flows from The One who authenticated Love...Holy Holy Holy, Lord God Almighty, Maker of Heaven & Earth...Make sure your love comes from the One Who loved you first. 4/2012CIFL-LMM

Renew your mind...

Straightforward Renewal of the Mind Facts...Our spirit is instantly saved but our mind must be constantly renewed. When we confessed with our mouths that Jesus is Lord & believed in our heart that God raised Jesus from the dead, we were saved...but our mind was not. We have to constantly renew our mind...second by second. Continually pulling down strongholds & replacing the lies with God's truth. Consistency is the key to victory-God's ways work all the time & in every situation...but we must work them all the time & in every situation...to get them to work all the time. The enemy wants you to believe that your particular situation is soooo unique that God's Words can't renew your mind & replace the lies you continue to hear...Well, guess what? The enemy is lying to you...again! God's truth has no unique exclusions-He existed & His Word existed before any of your unique problems did. I'm not minimizing your pain...but you have to quit agreeing with its catastrophic outcome. God's ways work in every situation-including your catastrophic thinking. I pray you allow the victory of overcoming that lives in you...to rescue your mind. Agree with His Word-you're valued, loved, God has good plans for you-you're called to fulfill a great purpose. God's Word does not lie...don't confuse His promises with others who have lied to you & let you down. Our Father can't lie & He loves you friend...so let Him love & restore your mind. 9/2012CIFL-LMM
1

Our Traveling Companion...Jesus

Our Traveling Companion...Jesus
We acknowledge the power of Jesus in our mind but...we experience His power in our spirit-where He resides in us. The Spirit Himself goes where we go and stays where we stay-He's with us with each breath we take-His power is in us to handle any impossible we face-He's our traveling companion...always with us. If you become overwhelmed and begin to doubt how your impossible situation could ever be turned around or how He could ever restore your heart after the hurt you've experienced...remember the power that brought Jesus back to life...is alive in you...the tomb is empty (Luke 24:3). What looked like a tragic end was a beautiful beginning...full of hope. God's promise to us. Jesus spent 40 days after His death, burial, and rising up to tell those He loved, "don't be afraid, it's me." Hear that in your spirit today...don't be afraid. Our traveling companion...Jesus, He goes where we go-we are never alone...never. Each hurt, disappointment, rejection, and broken dream-He's with you and expect Him to return to you what was taken from you (Joel 2:25). Renew your mind daily with God's word-say what He says about you, don't be anxious or afraid-He's with you always. Nothing is too impossible for our God (Luke 18:27). Do not fear anything or be dismayed with anything-He will strengthen you (Isaiah 41:10). His love is perfect and cast out all fear (1 John 4:18) and He's in you my friend...He knows what you're facing this very second because He's your traveling companion always-let Him handle it. Blessings friend! 7/28/12CIFL-LMM

Truth transforms to trust...

When the truth transforms to trust...when someone we love is hurting-we hurt too & want to help them overcome their situation. Often, our sincere motive to help actually hinders them-we confuse loving them with rescuing them. Loving them is being available emotionally & physically, reminding them of God's truth, & giving them the freedom to seek Christ & trust Him to provide a way. Rescuing them puts you...between them & God, making you their problem solver-cheating them out of a personal experience to seek Christ with confidence when they're faced with adversity. You must remove yourself as the go-to person so your loved one will seek Christ first...instead of you. If you continue to rescue, you are interfering with Holy Business. Release those you love to God; trust Him to provide what they need-remember...He loved them first. One of the most powerful ways we can help those we love, is to model our trust in Jesus, believing He will make a way-even when we do not see a way. Standing firm on what we know...verses how we feel-believing He will provide all our needs. A person can be told the truth that God will provide a way..but the truth transforms to trust...when they do not see a way and then God makes a way. You will never know if God will handle your situation until you give Him a chance to handle it...will you let Him? Blessings friend.
9/3/12-LMM

Stamina...got to have it...

Stamina...got to have it to endure & win the race God's called you to & you can only get it from one source. His name is Jesus-His love will flow through your veins & enable you to have the stamina required to endure & win. Your win is guaranteed...if you choose to believe He is the Way, the Truth, & the Life. Some days discouragement knocks me down-mocking my effort & motive to fulfill my call, but then I call on the name of Jesus...He comes rushing through me like a raging river-flooding the banks & knocking over everything that attempted to overtake me. The King of kings, Lord of lords, the Alpha & the Omega, the I Am, Savior, Healer, Redeemer...Jesus-the greatest name above all names is for us, He loves us, He will never leave us...He provides us with the stamina to endure & win the race God's called us to. Blessings friend.

Your thought life determines your destiny...

Change your thoughts and...Change your Life! Our thought life determines our destiny. Thoughts are absorbed in our mind daily-we decide which ones will take shape, form, and develop into what we believe or don't believe-keeping what we believe to be true and tearing down what we believe is not true. Thoughts come from two sources-God's truth or satan's lies. God has planned out every day of our life (Ps139:16) but satan works daily to come against our good plans (John10:10). Satan's weapon is planting thoughts-his lies in our mind. If we do not know God's truth we will believe lies, many know God's truth but entertain satan's partial truths resulting in being double minded (James1:8); which causes major anxiety. Make a decision today to begin to tear down satan's lies that have taken up residence in your mind-cheating you from the life that God has for you. As you read this, satan is flooding you with lies-telling you the hurt you've caused, the wrong you've done, or coming at you with a partial truth that says, "sure God loves you...but He just can't use you"...these are satan's thoughts-don't allow them to take shape, form, and develop in your mind! You are God's own handiwork...and His plan is for you to live the life He predestined (Eph2:10). You may not feel like this is true...but we don't decide if something is true or not based on how we feel...We do not feel God's truth-we make a decision to believe His truth. God gives us numerous tools to use daily to believe and walk out His truth for our life. Here's a few...renew your mind, meditate on, and speak His truths aloud (Rom12:2), ask God to search you and make you aware of what you're thinking that doesn't line up with His truth (Ps139:23-24), put on His armor (Eph6:10-18), and finally allow the Holy Spirit to do His job-giving you comfort, reassurance, and God's confidence in you to live the life Jesus gave us. Where the Spirit of the Lord is...there is freedom (2Cor3:17). Blessings friend.
9/7/12-LMM.

Identify your feelings...

Get real & get connected...when we get real about
what we are feeling...we can get real about who we are & connect with others. We often deny or hide what we are feeling for fear of looking un-Christian; so we speak Christian-ese to give the right answer-this only leads to a disconnect & denial of what's really happening on the inside of our heart. We will even dismiss & deny our feelings with God & speak Christian-ese with Him! Get real with God-He can handle it. When I have ugly thoughts about someone, I'll say to God, "Father, I don't want to feel this way toward this person, but I do. What's going on in me that's stirring this up (Ps139:23-24)?" Often, we will ask for forgiveness from God or another person, but have no revelation of why we did what we did...the acknowledgement is necessary, but without understanding, you will repeat the behavior...because the root of the behavior is still in you. We must have revelation-God gives revelation freely. Until the root of the behavior is dealt with...the behavior continues to return. Get real with God-it is the catalyst necessary to work through your feelings. He can handle your feelings & guide you. Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom (2Co3:17). Next, share with a trusted friend. This vulnerability of exposure-your raw self...allows you to say, "this is the real me." The power comes when you experience the other person being totally accepting of...all of you. You discover, you're loved & valued, even in the middle of your imperfections. This practice of knowing you don't have to be perfect is critical for overcoming adversity in daily living-we say we know this, yet we need to remind one another. Anything we try to deny or hide...will inevitably control us. My friends, I pray you will experience the freedom our Father offers to each of us...to become the you He created & called you to be. Blessings my friend. 9/26/12CIFL-LMM

Prayer is a privilege...

Prayer is a privilege...don't turn your back on your privilege. It's not something you have to do...it's something you can do...anytime, anywhere, anyplace...you never have to get in line, make an appointment or even wait...your Father always has time for you. He lovingly corrects and directs, whispering dreams and ideas into your heart, comforting and assuring you that He's got everything covered. Prayer is safe, intimate, and validating-your identity is continually developed in prayer. Prayer is you loving your Father and Him loving you- an authentic relationship of the I AM telling you that you belong...to Him. God tells you you've got what it takes... so when you go into the world...you know you've got what it takes...whether they say so or not. Prayer is a privilege...don't turn your back on your privilege! (Ps 145:18, Phil 4:6, 1 Thes :17) 1/14/13CIFL-LMM

Guaranteed...if you follow

Guaranteed...if you follow. God will take you to the deep-where He will reveal His good plans to you. Plans to prosper you & not to harm you; plans to give you hope & a future. No person is denied...good plans await anyone who will follow Him. His ways work all the time in every situation-if you do it His way...guaranteed if you follow. 9/27/12-LMM

Authentic Love...

Authentic Love comes from God who loved us first-Love is seen-Love is secure-Love believes God's Promises-Love is tireless-Love is fierce, pushing back wrong-Love scales a wall to protect-Love is not afraid of criticism or rejection-Love stands firm in adversity-Love works through the night to provide-Love perseveres when exhausted-Love that's fabricated stinks-Love is hurt but never destroyed-Love waits & endures, never self serving-Love builds godly relationships-Love holds on loosely, never controlling or manipulating-Love seeks the Holy Spirit's direction-Love does not choke, push, put down or force-Love forgives & releases but never binds or compromises-Love can't endorse sin-Love moves in courage & knocks down "Goliaths." Love believes God in the middle of impossibles-Love hears, speaks, & implements the Word with the confidence & boldness of Christ-Love relies on the authentic love that flows from The One who authenticated Love...Holy Holy Holy, Lord God Almighty, Maker of Heaven & Earth...Make sure your love comes from the One Who loved you first. (1 Cor 13:1-13) 2/2012LMM #CIFL #godislove

Leaving My Familiar to Follow Jesus...

The middle part of believing...is in the middle of your familiar-known and your new season-unknown...This is where God will do His greatest work in you. My middle part of believing continues to challenge me and deepen my faith. I've experienced a barrage of doubt, my insecurities confronted, my beliefs challenged, and my pride purged. I've been uncomfortable, uncertain, and unsettled. My former familiar predictable schedule gone...my false confidence knocked out from under me, leaving me with a sense of awkwardness. The middle part of believing has been a long journey; I've become weary and I've considered giving up at times...then my Father always sends His encouragement through someone who loves and values me and who will be honest with me. I know this is how God must develop me-for me to know Him and to experience His love for me. I didn't know nearly what I thought I did...but this raw and vulnerable middle part of believing has led me to a deeper revelation of where I stand with God; He sustains me, comforts me, encourages me...every one of His promises is true. Emotions come and go but He never changes. I must stay connected to Him-He supplies me with everything I need, I trust Him because of Who He is...I do not have to know what He will do. He promises good plans for me and I believe Him...I know His voice...I'm never alone..ever, He's with me always...when I get into my new season, I will be ready not because I'm there...but because I know Him. The middle part of believing has been the most amazing journey of my life-I know my Father...He knows my name and He loves me...8/10/12-LMM

Don't delay your dream...

Every time a person says "I know, but..." in response to the Word, they have "knowingly chosen" a delay or detour in fulfilling the dream God has put in their heart. Don't "but" yourself out of God's dream for you!
6/9/12-LMM

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Be the You...God designed you to be

What if...you would be the you...God designed you to be...would you act the way you do...feel better about you? Would your life look different...would you be in a different career? Would you carry out the desires God put in your heart without regard to what others might say? Would you speak up more for what you believe in...would you feel less pressure to prove your value? Would you be free inside your personality; the one God made just for you...that matches perfectly with your talents and gifts? Would you more readily accept the differences in others, if you first...could accept your differences? Would you hear Jesus whispering to you more often, instead of fighting off grueling anxiety...would you laugh more, sleep better, and grind your teeth less if...you enjoyed being you?
We so easily toss aside our authentic self to not oppose the majority; not wanting to be different for fear of causing division. God created differences in us to challenge one another...iron sharpens iron. God made you unique for His purpose. Embrace your plan from God...don't forgo your future due to fear of opposing the majority. If God's for you, who can be against you (Rom 8:31)? Blessings friend! 9/12-LMM

Anxiety/Hope/Trust/Future/

God's Word trumps...all things. Don't fret or be anxious about anything. Does not matter how lost it is, useless it looks, number of times that it happened, far away it is, impossible it is to comprehend, or hopeless, dead, broken, angry, bitter, jealous, or envious it is...God's Word trumps all things. He existed before all things and in Him all things consist, cohere, and are held together (Col 1:17). He knows your name, every single thought you've ever had, are having, or will have. He is the Alpha and the Omega. God speaks and nothing becomes something...taking shape and form. Holy Sees, Holy Knows, and Holy Does. Will you trust Him to walk you where you can't see to go (2Cor5:7)? You know in your heart you're not where you're suppose to be, but you don't know how to get to where He wants you to be...He wants to show you...but you must begin to take steps into the unknown. You won't know God will lead you through the unknown..until you're in the unknown; then you will see that He will show you the way. His Word is a lamp to your feet and a light to your path. (Ps119:105). God's Word trumps...all things.

Feeling Anxious...

Feeling Anxious...try God's Peace
To "not be anxious about anything" is not a suggestion, something to consider or even ponder. God's clear in Philippians 4:6-7-it's the requirement for the "peace of God" to guard our hearts & mind...do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer & petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all

understanding, will guard your hearts & your minds in Christ Jesus. I use to be so frustrated because I would struggle to find peace-to not be anxious, only to end up worrying even more. I made myself anxious looking for peace...how twisted is that? Then the revelation came to me-I had to choose to believe God's peace...His peace was in me...all the time. The burden to produce peace was not on me...but God's peace was already in me...I had to choose to believe in His peace available to me. I moved from begging God for peace to thanking Him for His peace in me. Next time you're confronted with an impossible, don't beg God...thank Him for His peace that is in you-His peace guards our hearts & our minds...so that we are anxious about nothing. His ways work all the time in every situation...blessings friend!
7/24/12-LMM

Each day we choose...faith or frustration

Every day we will face situations where we will exercise our faith in God and His ability or impose our agenda, which leads to frustration. Many believe the lie that they have no choice but to become frustrated-they're unaware they are pushing their agenda without God's endorsement. Frustration does not happen to you...you choose to engage in it. You're over your head when you take on a situation in your strength, verses dealing with it in God's strength. Then you become distracted, lose your focus and grow weary. Now you're positioned for the kill...because frustration depletes you. Listen closely: the enemy  will go for your same weak spot each time-as long as you continue to fall into a pit each time. If you're aware of the areas in your life where you have a tendency to engage in frustration, make up your mind in advance on how you will respond when the attack comes. Practice the scenario in your mind. If your tendency is to try and resolve situations that aren't yours to fix, or procrastinate on projects and create unrealistic deadlines, or to be so involved in helping others that you don't take care of your personal business, or whatever it may be, ask God to help you be aware of the weakness that leads to frustration. He will help and give you the freedom to carry out His agenda because you will be operating in His strength and anointing-not yours. Think about this: when you operate in your strength, you're trying to control a situation that you have no control over. If you believe God, that He's Lord-you will seek strength through Him and His ability. If you don't, ask Him to help you believe Him. Allow God to show you He can handle your life because He did...create your life. Stop trying to control something you never had control of to begin with. Don't allow your emotions to overtake you. Faith is evidence of what's not seen and the evidence of those things we hope for. When you face a frustrating situation, take your position of faith, stand firm and say, "Father, you see what I'm up against, I can't handle this, but You can-we do not know what to do but our eyes are upon you." Most days I come across impossible situations and I've just learned through enough mistakes and trials to submit to God and profess that if He doesn't handle things, they won't get done, because I can't unless He equips me. My daily prayer is "I choose to believe You can make a way, because You love me and will always be with me. Don't let me doubt You-I want to believe and trust You. Thank you for taking care of me and those I love and things I value." The more I stand on His provisions in my life-the more faith I have in Him to handle what will frustrate me if I try to take it on. God's ways work all the time in every situation and with everyone. What will you choose...faith or frustration? (Phil 4:13, Mk 9:24, Heb 11:1, 1 Jn 4:8, 2 Chron 2:20) 10/17/12CIFL-LMM

God has a dream for you...

Every time a person says "I know, but..." in response to the Word, they have "knowingly chosen" a delay or detour in fulfilling the dream God has put in their heart. Don't "but" yourself out of God's dream for you!
6/9/12-LMM

Believing Some of Jesus...

Believing Some of Jesus...
Anytime we believe "some of something," we won't be confident in all of it...we'll believe parts, but won't have certainty that we can rely on it completely...so we don't. We'll rely on the parts we believe in, and won't rely on the other parts...leaving us uncertain and anxious. What keeps us from believing all the parts of something? The answer is life and our exper
iences-it is unfair, unpredictable, and unstable in many ways. But God...He never changes. He is the same today as He was yesterday, and will be the same tomorrow. He is with us, will never leave us, is strong when we are weak, and pours His love in us. If you are waiting on your feelings to completely trust God...you will only believe "some of Jesus" and you will not be confident. James 1:5-8 sums this up, "If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord, he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does."
I was double minded for years...I tried so hard to believe...I wanted to believe, but more days than not I ended up in the ditch, worn out and discouraged. I professed God's Word, but I didn't walk it out-I was anxious and uncertain. I was double-minded...I believed "some of Jesus." Then about 8 years ago, I got the revelation of speaking God's Word aloud-agreeing with what He says. When we speak scripture, we are partnering with the Creator of the universe. He spoke this world into existence...He made something from nothing. When we speak His Words, we agree and believe that something can come from nothing not because of what we do but because of Who we have faith in. I spoke scripture to things that once would take me down. When I came up against an impossible situation, I spoke Romans 4:17-call those things that be not as though they are. I reminded myself daily that no matter what destruction my eyes saw, I walked by faith, not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7). That if God is for me, even if I felt engulfed in craziness, who could be against me (Rom 8:31). That my God holds everything together in His hands (Col 1:17). Continue to speak scripture in the middle of your fire just like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abedengo. Remember they went in the furnace, fire blazed around them, but they came out not being burned or even smelling like smoke. Friends, speak what God says is true...His Word, it's a privilege and it will save you and loved ones during the fire. Daily, believe all of Jesus to be stable in all you do. Blessings!
6/18/12-LMM

Knowledge is Power...

Knowledge is Power...God says we are not to conform to the patterns of this world but to be transformed by the renewing of our mind (Rom12:2). We are to acknowledge what we see (with our five senses) but we are not to conform to it...but be transformed by renewing our mind. So when the Wall Street Journal, Cosmo, and Channel 5 News says jobs can't be found, numerous bed partners is normal, children from divorce will be less than, economy will not recover, hold on tightly to your money, etc. Go to the accurate source-Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John...read the words of Jesus and take comfort. Ask and it will be given, seek and you will find, knock and the door will be opened to you (Matt7:7). Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering (Mark 5:34). Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with very much (Luke 16:10). Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid (John14:27). God's knowledge is power-speak what God speaks, listen to Jesus, allow the Holy Spirit to guide you...this is your daily transformation so that you do not conform. Hosea 4:7 says, "they perish for lack of knowledge." We have knowledge and it is power...use what you have...and you will be given more(Mark 4:24).
Do it friend...blessings!
6/19/12-LMM

Conform verses Transform...

Conform is to comply with the socially acceptable conventions-pressure to behave to standards. Transform is to make a thorough or dramatic change in form, appearance & character. Don't be conformed to the patterns of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. 

Renewing your mind isn't merely replacing negative thoughts with positive thoughts...it's replacing the lies of conformity with the transformation of God's Word. Do not be conformed to this world (this age), [fashioned after & adapted to its external, superficial customs] but be transformed (changed) by the [entire] renewal of your mind [by its new ideas & its new attitude] so that you may prove [for yourselves] what is the good, acceptable, perfect & will of God, even the thing which is good & acceptable & perfect [in His sight for you]!

Check yourself-does your talk & walk line up with God's truths? If you profess the Word but walk with the world-you're split in your beliefs & you will surely be...ripped apart! What do you really believe... what the world says or what God says? Transform your mind with God's truth...He has good plans for you! (Rom 12:2) 6/20/12LMM #transform #renewyourmind #christianinsightforlife www.facebook.com/christianinsightforlife
We can't take or experience pain for those we love. Pain is the catalyst for change...an opportunity for individual growth. "Consider it a pure joy...whenever you face trials of many kinds...developing perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work-leading to maturity...If you lack wisdom, ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault..."
(James 1:2-5). We love others through their pain...but only God can heal their pain. Blessings friends!
7/2/12-LMM

God's Promise

So what's pushing on you today-mocking your efforts to stand firm & to keep your eyes on Jesus? Remind yourself that we do not have to see God's hand...to know God's hand is with us! Wrap yourself in the promise of Gen 18:14, "Is anything too hard for the Lord," then breathe...with the confidence that our Father God is before all things & He holds all things together (Col 1:17). Push forward friend...God's made a way-move through it.
7/16/12-LMM

Development and Strength...

Embrace where you are...you are being developed and strengthened...so you won't back down against opposition. How will you know that you can overcome...unless you come through these things that are tormenting you? Our Father God says in Isaiah 41:10, to not look around in terror or be dismayed that He's with us and will hold onto us with His victorious hand...that He's made us for hard. Press in each time your pressed on...that's how your strength is developed; just like a muscle that resists weight will strengthen...so will you. Continue your development friend...your are made for hard! 9/12-LMM
7/12-LMM

Do you trust God...?

Some wonder, ponder, and reason for an entire season saying they're waiting on God-but really they don't trust Him...so they do nothing. I'd rather move forward with a sincere heart and be wrong-receiving a correction than to do nothing and hear I didn't try...because I didn't trust. Proverb 3:4-5 says, Trust in the Lord with all your heart, lean not on your own understanding, submit your ways to Him & He will make your path straight. Get up and move-don't miss your opportunity because of fear-God will make a straight path for you but you won't know until you begin to walk on it...do it!
7/30/12-LMM

Prayer is your privilege...don't turn your back on it

Prayer is a privilege...don't turn your back on your privilege. It's not something I have to do...it's something I can do... anytime, anywhere, anyplace. I never have to get in line, make an appointment or even wait...my Father always has time for me. He lovingly corrects and directs me, whispering dreams and ideas into my heart, comforting and assuring me that He's got everything covered. Prayer is safe, intimate, and validating-where my identity in Him is continually developed. Prayer is me loving my Father and Him loving me-an authentic relationship of the I AM telling me who I am...so when I go into the world...I know who I am. Prayer is a privilege...don't turn your back on your privilege. (Ps145:18, 1Thes 5:17,  1Tim 2:8)  9/2012CIFL-LMM

Focused, Purposed, Determined

Being real...while staying focused, purposed, and determined. We have everything we need to reach our full potential because it's God's plan. Our full potential is about God...not us. So when we're fulfilling it, we are complying with Him to carry out the individual plan for our life...but it is part of God's greater plan in the kingdom. Whatever God asks of us...He will equip us to do. [Not in your own strength] for it is God Who is all the while effectually at work in you [energizing and creating in you the power and desire], both to will and to work for His good pleasure and satisfaction and delight (Phil 2:13).
Ask God to search your heart and help you to trust Him; He won't ask something of you that you can't carry out...maybe others have in your life, but He won't. I have strength for all things in Christ Who empowers me [I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him Who infuses inner strength into me; I am self-sufficient in Christ's sufficiency]
(Phil 4:13). You have what it takes but you must use the resources God gives...I post scripture on my phone and write down verses on index cards-putting them everywhere so I can see them daily. I carry them in my purse and if I'm in the middle of the grocery and feel a wave of discouragement, I stop right there and pull out one of my scripture to remind me of God's truth. Even though I am not feeling the truth...God's words in front of me...remind me of the truth. You will never not experience these attacks; God told us it would be that way and He gave us His Word as a weapon to come against them. And we do this day in and day out-focusing, purposing, and determining to know Him and to fulfill the plans He predestined for us. Let's keep it real friends-blessings!

Your Individual Plan...

God has designated to you and equipped you to carry out an individual plan that is part of His kingdom plan. This plan is not about your level of abilities or whether it's a good time in your life to carry it out. It's about your cooperation and your believing what God will do in your life. You must make a decision to believe God's Word and move forward even when you don't know how things will work. God told Joshua in Joshua 1:3, "I will give you every place where you set your foot." God had the land waiting but Joshua had to take the steps.  Joshua could of said, "okay, I will do this, but after the river goes back to it's normal low level; it's dangerous due to high water level and the current is rough-someone could get hurt." We are not to figure out the how, that's God's job-we are to walk out the plan He designates to us and believe He will equip us to carry it out. Do you believe God has a plan for you? Even if you don't...He does. Do you believe God will equip you? He will. But you will not know that He has a plan and that He will equip you...until you take the risk to believe Him. That's the truth...straight forward...offered to anyone who will believe. I pray you do. Blessings friend!
9/5/12-LMM
Trust and delight in the Lord...it is the bridge that leads to the desires of your heart...God's promises and His good plans for your life. It's the only way...that leads to the fulfilled life God offers you...there is no alternate route. I am the way, the truth, and the life. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it. Make a decision to live the full life that is available to you...trust and delight in the Lord. (Ps37:4, Jn14:6,14) 9/6/12CIFL-LMM

Your thoughts determine your destiny...

Change your thoughts and...Change your Life! Our thought life determines our destiny. Thoughts are absorbed in our mind daily-we decide which ones will take shape, form, and develop into what we believe or don't believe-keeping what we believe to be true and tearing down what we believe is not true. Thoughts come from two sources-God's truth or satan's lies. God has planned out every day of our life
(Ps139:16) but satan works daily to come against our good plans (John10:10). Satan's weapon is planting thoughts-his lies in our mind. If we do not know God's truth we will believe lies, many know God's truth but entertain satan's partial truths resulting in being double minded (James1:8); which causes major anxiety. Make a decision today to begin to tear down satan's lies that have taken up residence in your mind-cheating you from the life that God has for you. As you read this, satan is flooding you with lies-telling you the hurt you've caused, the wrong you've done, or coming at you with a partial truth that says, "sure God loves you...but He just can't use you"...these are satan's thoughts-don't allow them to take shape, form, and develop in your mind! You are God's own handiwork...and His plan is for you to live the life He predestined (Eph2:10). You may not feel like this is true...but we don't decide if something is true or not based on how we feel...We do not feel God's truth-we make a decision to believe His truth. God gives us numerous tools to use daily to believe and walk out His truth for our life. Here's a few...renew your mind, meditate on, and speak His truths aloud (Rom12:2), ask God to search you and make you aware of what you're thinking that doesn't line up with His truth (Ps139:23-24), put on His armor (Eph6:10-18), and finally allow the Holy Spirit to do His job-giving you comfort, reassurance, and God's confidence in you to live the life Jesus gave us. Where the Spirit of the Lord is...there is freedom (2Cor3:17). Blessings friend.
9/7/12-LMM.

Release...

The sooner we give back to God what's already His...the sooner we're released from the impossible situation of trying to control what's not ours. 4/2012-LMM

We do not feel God's truth...

You decide your thoughts-form & shape them to God's truth. God has a good plan for you-you may not feel it...but it's true. We do not feel God's truth...we make a decision to believe His truth. Speak aloud God's truths throughout the day-replacing thoughts that are lies. You will actually change the chemistry in your brain-sending out signals that you feel more hopeful-it's God's design for us! Blessings friend.

Remind me Father...that what limits me...does not limit You. Let the worshipers arise-Amen!

Stabilize Character...

Character must be stabilized for God to launch us to the next level. He gives us talents...our part-develop & mature our character to handle where He wants to take us.

Character development...

Character development is ongoing & required if you want God to use you...don't delay your nxt assignment-work on your character issues.

Help me Lord...

Things can go south in a second...For the sake of your name, O Lord, revive me. In Your righteousness bring my soul out of trouble. (Ps143:11) 5/12CIFL-LMM

Frustration guaranteed...

Frustration is guaranteed...when you try to fit your former routine into your new season of life. The former is familiar but it won't fit...new routines are required for new seasons.

God's Challenge to me...

This post is longer than most I write, but I hope you will read it...God challenged me if I really believe Him, that I would have the guts to post this.
The middle part of believing...leaving a comfortable former way of life, obeying God, and moving forward to the other side where He's called you. But before you arrive at the other side...you're in the middle part of believing. This is where you choose

to trust God completely or you'll consider and reason potential outcomes that will certainly drown you. God put the term "middle part of believing" on my heart 16 mos ago at the onset of a huge change in our lives-we were excited, but also anxious; we prepared and anchored our faith for the upcoming storm. God is so faithful, the first year was actually smoother than we anticipated, but God clearly put in my spirit to get ready...that He needed to purify us beyond what we thought possible...so the last 4 months, we've been wrung out! I've envisioned telling people since the onset of this change how God had provided for us...then God challenged my spirit, saying to me: "it's great when people give me glory after I've provided for them...but it takes guts to give me glory, when you see no indicators in the natural, yet you boldly state, I will provide." In my close circle of friends, I boldly state this, as does my husband, Rod, that God is doing a great work and is preparing us for what is next. Our faith has been tested and we've become stronger. We've been careful not to make our situation our identity...You see, our huge change was an employment transition for Rod when his former company was sold-God gave him contract work for one year that provided more than enough for our family. But the last 4 months have been taking us...deep-it's the middle part of believing. And this is where God has challenged me...last Nov I started this page at God's request-I had never written things for people to read before...I have been a counselor for 28 yrs, but God told me to get on fb and post what He put on my heart. I obeyed...then recently God challenged me-wanting to know that, if I really believed Him, I would post to the public and thank Him for the job that we believe we have, but have not been given any hint of in the natural. Even as I write, satan is trying to stop me with his lies..."people are going to feel sorry for you, you look like you you're digging for sympathy..." and so on. But I'm focused on what God has asked me to do in my spirit and I'm carrying it out...so the revelation of faith deepens in me as I meditate on the middle part of believing. When we choose to believe God, we do so because He is God. Believing Him is based on Who He is...He is love and He loves us and cares for us. We can't understand all He does, but we choose whether or not we will believe all He does. With no indicators in the natural, Rod and I are standing on His Word alone...as our source-we believe Him...we trust His provision for us. We choose to believe what we can't touch, feel, smell, hear, or see...nothing visible...in fact, if we leaned into our senses, we would be discouraged, because our senses indicate little hope of any changes on the horizon. But we know our God makes something from nothing...and when we confess with our mouth what He can do...not what we can do-He moves the heavens for us-He's pleased when we believe what we do not yet see...That's why this is taking guts for me to write...many have been watching our faith as we've gone through this middle part of believing. We've remained stable, consistent, and we walk what we talk because we lean on God's strength and His understanding-not ours. But to state with confidence, after 16 months of no change, takes guts on our part. Like God had put on my heart, it's great to give Him glory...after He answers the prayer, but He challenged me to thank Him publicly, while we have no leads in sight. We walk by faith...not by sight. This is about Him...Who He is-we expect God will provide; we don't know what that looks like, but we trust Him. Our Father will provide-and we say it over and over, and we remind each other, and we look back on the times that He has, because He is faithful...always-He never fails us...never. We know He loves us and has good plans. We make a decision in advance...no matter what happens, we're with Him-He's our Father. We can say, all is well, because our Father lives in us and we know Him...we believe because anything He says is always true...so I boldly thank my Father for giving us exceedingly, abundantly, more than we could of dared asked for...in Rod's new job. I've shown you my guts...for my God...and that I love Him and I believe Him, all the time and in every situation. He provides everything I need-Amen! Thank you for taking the time to read what God put on my heart.

God will take you to the deep...

Guaranteed...God will take you to the deep-where He will reveal His good plans to you. Plans to prosper you & not to harm you; plans to give you hope & a future. No person is denied...good plans await anyone who will follow Him. His ways work all the time in every situation-if you do it His way...guaranteed.

God's Truth...

We're to be sensitive when presenting God's truth-never are we to withhold any part of it for fear another might not understand or disagree. God's always ready to help someone understand what they don't get. We present the truth & God proves it...

Don't give up...

Deep holds God's truth in their heart and pushes forward-not giving into the hard and unfair things in life...because deep knows God's love supplies all their needs according to the power that's at work within them. (Gal 6:9, Phil 4:19, Eph 3:20) 7/12-CIFL-LMM

Following Jesus...

Following Jesus...stepping away from comfortable & predictable to lonely & unknown. The transition that's required...to reach the deep...where Jesus will introduce you to new people, new things & new ways...don't forgo your future for fear of releasing your familiar...

Stamina

Stamina...got to have it to endure and win the race God's called you to and you can only get it from one source. His name is Jesus-His love will flow through your veins and enable you to have the stamina required to endure and win. Your win is guaranteed...  if you choose to believe He is the Way, the Truth and the Life. Some days discouragement knocks me down-mocking my efforts and motive to fulfill my call, but then I call on the name of Jesus...He comes rushing through me like a raging river-flooding the banks and knocking over everything that attempted to overtake me. The King of kings, Lord of lords, the Alpha and the Omega, the I Am, Savior, Healer, Redeemer...Jesus-the greatest name above all names is for us, He loves us, He will never leave us...He provides us with the stamina to endure and win the race God's called before us! (Heb 12:1-3, Jn 14:6, Heb 10:36) 7/12CIFL-LMM

God can handle your real feelings...

Get real & get connected. When we get real about
what we are feeling...we can get real about who we are & connect with others. We often deny or hide what we are feeling for fear of looking un-Christian; so we speak Christian-ese to give the right answer-this only leads to a disconnect & denial of what's really happening on the inside of our heart.

We will even dismiss & deny our feelings with God & speak Christian-ese with Him! Get real with God-He can hanlde it. When I have ugly thoughts about someone, I'll say to God, "Father, I don't want to feel this way toward this person, but I do. What's going on in me that's stirring this up (Ps139:23-24)?" Often, we will ask for forgiveness from God or another person, but have no revelation of why we did what we did...the acknowledgement is necessary, but without understanding, you will repeat the behavior...because  the root of the behavior is still in you. We must have revelation-God gives revelation freely. Until the root of the behavior is dealt with...the behavior continues to return. Get real with God-it is the catalyst necessary to work through your feelings. He can handle your feelings & guide you. Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom (2Co3:17). Next, share with a trusted friend. This vulnerability of exposure-your raw self...allows you to say, "this is the real me."  The power comes when you expereince the other person being totally accepting of...all of you. You discover, you're loved & valued, even in the middle of your imperfections. This practice of knowing you don't have to be perfect is critical for overcoming adversity in daily living-we say we know this, yet we need to remind one another. Anything we try to deny or hide...will inevitably control us. My friends, I pray you will experience the freedom our Father offers to each of us...to become the you He created & called you to be. Blessings my friend.
9/26/12-LMM

Love is action...

To say we love is only a theory until we put it into practical application...then it becomes an experience. Put into action what you say you believe.

God can handle your too hard...

I challenge you to a Genesis 18:14 day..."Is anything too hard for the Lord?" What is your "too hard" that is trying to steal your joy? Is it your child, job demands, unemployment, foreclosure, secrets, rejection, pregnancy, relationship, depression and on & on...Nothing is too hard for our God, but you will not know that unless you take the risk & let Him have it. Speak this promise of God all day & you will feel more confident at the end of the day..."Is anything too hard for the Lord?" Blessings friend. 4/27/12-LMM

God has good plans for you...

God's plans come to fruition regardless of man's ignorance or opposition. He knows your name...the good plans that He had for you the the day He knitted you together in the secret place of your mother's womb still stands true today. The I AM transcends time...restoring what was stolen, lost, or given away...He's the Alpha and the Omega redeeming the past, present, and future. His promises are irrevocable. My God Reigns...will you allow Him to reign in you!
4/28/12-LMM
(Rom11:29, Ps139:15, Jer 29:11)

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Be you...

What if...you would be the you...God designed you to be...would you act the way you do-feel better about you? Would your life look different-would you be in a different career? Would you carry out the desires God put in your heart without regard to what others might say? Would you speak up more for what you believe in...would you feel less pressure to prove your value? Would you be free inside your
personality-the one God made just for you...that matches perfectly with your talents and gifts? Would you more readily accept the differences in others, if you first could accept...your differences? Would you hear Jesus whispering to you more often instead of fighting off grueling anxiety...would you laugh more, sleep better, and grind your teeth less if...you enjoyed being you?
We so easily toss aside our authentic self to not oppose the majority-for fear of being different & causing division. God created differences in us to challenge one another-iron sharpens iron. God made each one of us with His very own hands-giving each one of us a fingerprint that no one in the world has. Each of us are unique to carry out a specific plan-we are purposed by God Himself! Embrace your plan form God-don't forgo it for fear of the majority. Blessings my friend!

A Christian without a renewed mind is as ineffective as a gun without a bullet.

A plan without God will fail...

Many go into the day with no agenda or purpose or a plan that is created independent of God's direction. A plan without God's guidance will eventually fail. As Christians, we have a privilege every day walk out the plan God has set up for us...which by the way is destined to work. We are purposed to bear fruit in all we do and everyplace we go. We can't produce fruit on our own; we must be fully connected to the Vine. A branch not connected to the Vine is withered, has no purpose, and will soon die. Stay connected to the Vine and bear the fruit you were designed to produce. This is a plan that will never fail! Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in Me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from Me you can do nothing (John 15:5). Fulfill your purpose-stay connected to the Vine and bear fruit. Blessings!

Authentic Self...

The authentic self is found...when you experience an intimate relationship with our Father. The authentic self is developed...when you are being real with other believers who desire authenticity. Who are you hanging out with? If your friends are not challenging you & you're not challenging them-are you in a real friendship? Don't go through the motions just to be moving...move with a purpose; you have one because God designs every person with an authentic plan. Spend time with Him-He will tell you. Don't just move through life...move with the purpose God put in you! 10/2012CIFL-LMM

Purification during Trials

Life experiences that develop during delayed gratification, unfair circumstances, and climbing out of pits made due to poor choices are all necessary to purify & prepare us to put our God given talents into action & continue to grow in spiritual maturity. A talent not exposed to these pressures will not be able to endure, so embrace & hold on tight during the storms. You will come out of it more complete & ready for service!
Dragging a bondage out of the dark & into the Light is the beginning of its death & the ending of its hold on you.

Release the ashes...the wrongs done to you

Release the ashes...the wrongs done to you. Wrong things were done to you...you are not wrong. You hold on to the memories that chain you to the past-an ongoing recall of what you believe about you because of what someone did to you or told you. You continue to replay the voices over and over in your head. God loves you-you're His masterpiece! Whatever you've done or whatever was done to you-bring it before God...give it to Him. Allow His love to soothe you and cleanse all your wounds. Stop looking to others to make you okay-you will be disappointed each time. Others can't heal you...only Jesus can. He wants to give you beauty for the wrongs you've been carrying-release your grip. Let go of the replays in your mind... all the lies that tell you that you're not good enough. Hand the lies to Jesus-He will give you His approving love in exchange. God's mighty to save...He will quiet you with His love and rejoice over you with singing. You're uncomfortable receiving love with no conditions attached-you learned that love had to be earned. God loves you because you are you...He loved you before you ever knew Him. He chose you-knitted you together in your mother's womb. Lift your head- look around and look up...your Father is smiling-He desires for you to know how much you are loved by Him. God's love for you is not measured by what you've done...good or bad; He loves you because that's what He does-God is love. Make a decision to believe God-allow the Holy Spirit to heal your spirit and help you transform your mind every day through God's Word. Let God love you today-He's waiting... are you willing? (1 John 4:19, Eph 2:10, Col 2:10, Isa 61:1-3, Zeph 3:17) 4/16/12CIFL-LMM

Advancing to the next level...

God can't take you to the next level if you're going to hold on to things or get stuck in stuff at this level...He's promised that He will never leave you. His Spirit is in you and can handle anything you're holding on to or any stuff you're stuck in. You won't know that He can handle... anything...until you trust Him to handle...anything.
Stand on Gen18:14, Is anything too hard for the Lord?
5/9/12-LMM

Don't answer the door when Self Defeat knocks!!!

Don't answer the door...self defeat is knocking!!! If you really knew how much God loved you, you'd think and act differently. You'd know you are fearfully and wonderfully made-God's masterpiece knitted together by His hands. Jesus lives on the inside of you-giving you His confidence and the resources to overcome...anything. Don't answer the door when self defeat knocks!!! Self-defeat wants to bind you in fear, anticipate let downs, be afraid of being passed over, rejected and unfulfilled. Self defeat is a liar all the time!!! There's no fear in God's love-dread does not exist; His love expels every trace of terror. Self defeat introduces itself as a concern but evolves into insecurities and fear. Jesus didn't engage in satan's challenges, He responded with scripture...we're to do the same. When self-defeat wants to entertain your thoughts...slam the door and renew your mind with scripture-God's truth. Continue to speak aloud the promises of God throughout the day, agree with what He says-His truth...not your feelings. You will begin to think and act different because God's truth transforms your mind and heart. Daily agree with God's truth-He loves you and is for you! When you know God's love, self-defeat loses his power, he can't lie to you and confuse you anymore...  so don't answer the door when he knocks!!! (Ps139:15, Eph 2:10, 1 John 4:18, Rom 12:2) 5/11/12CIFL-LMM

God has a good plan for you...

God designed each of specifically with a good plan, a specific purpose, a determined destination. Our steps are ordered by Him for His Kingdom to make a difference...get a grasp of this magnificent concept. You see, it's not just about us...and what we want-our vision is so tiny & limited. Will you trust our Father, let Him manifest Himself in you, allow Him to do mighty things through you for His Kingdom? God set the agenda when He called this earth into existence. Then He called each of our names into existence....knowing the adversity we would encounter, the mistakes we would make, the pain & hurt we would experience...but you see, He worked it all in-all of it. All of our needs are supplied...for the good plans He has for us to be His Light in the Kingdom. When we give God all of us then all of Him will be revealed through us. In this exchange, all of our needs are met, we are totally content. If you miss something or mess up, guess what...God's got it covered-really. Sit with Him & soak up His love & He will tell you how much He's in love with you. He does not want to hear about your mistakes or how inadequate you are. He just wants to know if you're ready to move forward & let Him shine His Light through you. God's ready...waiting on you...Blessings my friend!
5/14/12-LMM
Busy, busy, busy, schedules...we all have them. Make sure your schedule is directed by God and not you. A God-directed schedule focuses on the needs of others and acknowledges His presence and plan. A self-directed schedule focuses on the needs of others but acknowledges the presence of self and self's plan. A person who's being directed by God realizes they could never deliver their part without
the assistance of many other people enabling them to do so. They are genuinely humble and appreciative. A person who's self-directed relies on their ability to accomplish and expects others to understand and accommodate them to achieve. Their apologies for oversights or being unavailable are wrapped in the excuse of being "so busy" doing what God has called them to do. When God directs schedules, He still expects good manners. Bad manners are as offensive as a cheap perfume. Make sure your schedule is directed by God and not you. Ask God, He will tell you. He wants you to be successful but you will never reach the level God has set up for you if you insist on directing your own schedule. Time to get real friend if you want to go higher...love you!
5/24/12-LMM
God's Ability verses Your Inability...Anxiety results when we realize we're not in control. Intellectually, we know we're not, but this becomes a reality when we're faced with impossibles. We say we know God's in control, but when faced with impossibles, we often revert to a state of panic. God says don't have any anxiety about...anything. Seek His Kingdom and righteousness first...before anything else, and He will give you everything you need. That means everything ...in every situation; His power will manifest through you. Do you have faith in His ability...to handle your inability? His ability is made available to those who have faith in Him-lean on Him...constantly. Being with Him in an intimate relationship...constantly. Loving Him with all your heart, soul, strength and mind-believing He's for you and not against you. If you do...God will give you the words to say, direct  your path, give you the courage and stamina you don't have, lead you to people who can help you, give you fresh ideas, work through horrific grief, restore and revive relationships, forgive the unforgivable, connect you to a job that's matched to your skills, lead you to a person who will be a true friend and walk with you, find the school that has the teacher who knows how to work with your child, see the doctor that has a cure for the disease you've been diagnosed with, connect you with the loan officer who gets to know you first instead of your FICO score, open up an opportunity to market your concept-but most of all...you will know His love for you. God's love gives you a hope and a future-to fulfill the plans He wrote for...just you; His precious child that He designed with His own hands ...yes, you. Will you have faith in your Father... constantly, know He's crazy in love with you-let His ability work through your inability? Take a risk... trust Him; I guarantee it will work...because He said so and He never breaks a promise! (Phil 4:6, Mt 16:33, Lk 10:27, Rom 8:31, Jer 29:11) 5/29/12CIFL-LMM

Jesus has made a way...

Reality check-the impossible you see is real...so is Jesus inside of you. In Him all things were created in heaven and on earth, what's seen and unseen...He existed before all things and in Him all things consist, cohere and are held together. You're not alone-Jesus is in you and has already handled what is seen and unseen-He existed before your impossibles. He holds everything together-get a revelation of this...it's done! Move forward, face the impossible; despite the devastation you see. Your confidence is in Jesus-not what you see. He's handling what you don't see...He's already made a way, but you won't know until you walk in it. (Col 1:16-17, John 16:33) 5/2012CIFL-LMM

Monday, September 24, 2012

God provides able...to your available

Pardon me, did you know God is waiting to meet with you? No, you're not in trouble-He would like to discuss your "Psalm 139:16 Life Blueprint." He developed it specifically for you, just like your unique fingerprint He gave you. God saw your unformed substance & all the days of your life were written before they ever took shape! God wants you to know your plan is complete...He's "already" made all
the provisions you will ever need. He's fully aware of the problems you've encountered-how they've interfered & delayed your life blueprint. He knows about the pain & harm caused by others, rebellion to His ways, toxic relationships, lack of intimacy with Him, unwillingness to completely commit to Him, false idols, & inviting self-pity to be your BFF, etc. God's plans will come to fruition...His gifts & call are irrevocable (Ro11:29). He needs your full cooperation. He's got the ability...are you available? Your faith is not in what you can do or have not done...your faith is knowing what your Father has already done on your behalf-He's waiting on you to believe. Remember in John 6:5 when Jesus asked Phillip where would they buy bread to feed over 5,000 people? Jesus knew the request was impossible for Phillip to do without His intervention. Listen closely...the same holds true with our life...we're faced with impossibles that we can't do without God's daily intervention. Apart from Him, you can do nothing (John 15:5). Remember-
God provides the able...to your available?
5/7/12Rev9/24/12-LMM

Sunday, September 23, 2012

Brokenness allows God's Light to shine through you...which is the evidence of His Presence in you-making a way for His Power to be released through you. Don't resent or hide your brokenness...it is your testimony. I believed a lie for yrs...that if I revealed my story, people would not respect me. So for yrs, I partially told my story-the parts I thought people would accept. Almost 3 yrs ago God s poke to my heart as plainly as I'm writing to you now-"Let My Light come through your brokenness-it will radiate warmth and people will come close to you-they will feel my love for them...do not hold back from others what I want to flow through you-tell them how I healed you." If you withhold your story or partially reveal it-you're minimizing the work God has done in you. It's not easy to be vulnerable but God is in complete control (Col 1:17)...as I write this, the enemy is whispering to my mind that people are going to ridicule me in some way and/or lose respect for me. There will always be people who oppose our obedience or don't validate what we've been called to do. This hurts, especially from those we want to support us-God will never leave your side. Don't allow the distractions of hurt & offenses to take your eyes off of Jesus & the work you need to do. Continue to move forward and be real...then others will really connect to God's love flowing through you. Vulnerability connects us as God intended-it is His Truth. Let His Light shine through your brokenness...get your light on baby...so others can see Him flowing through you (Matt 5:16). Blessings friends...I see God's Light in you and it makes you radiate-Let's go make a difference for Him! 5/18/12-LMM

What "limitations" are keeping you from fulfilling the plans God has in your life...Motion sickness once plagued my life. I've always had a tendency to experience motions sickness while on road trips, couldn't read in the car & didn't go to amusement parks. In my 40's I developed an uncontrolled vomiting-this happened in confined areas of cars & planes, on people, & their stuff...orange juice, gr anola bar, & vitamins really stink when thrown up! I developed a "fear" of these situations reoccurring-I was backed in a corner. I had tried everything I knew to be free of this sickness, but it became progressively worse. Prior to each trip, I took nausea meds, put on wrist pressure point bands, ate special foods, & had a 100 people praying for me...nothing worked-this went on for about 7yrs. But God...He stepped in & had Nahir Cruz invite me on a mission trip to Belize where I would not only have the opportunity to speak to women but also an opportunity to fly in planes big & small, ride in water taxis, & go on extended van drives on winding roads & mountain sides. I knew I had to go; I made a decision I would trust God & not allow my feelings of fear to overtake me. I moved forward trusting what God would have to do in me because I had exhausted my efforts. During the 3 month prep, I thanked God daily for His provisions & I stood firm in His strength. I expected God to deliver...He had to...I couldn't. Fears tried to creep in my imagination, but immediately, I spoke God's Word against them. I refused to entertain potential outcomes-they always turn out with us losing. I acknowledged my feelings, recognized the history of illness, but made the decision to stand on God's Word that He would be with me & I had nothing to fear-because He said He would never leave me. Mid April of last yr, I departed DFW & flew to Belize, took a long winding rd trip to the hotel, got up early the next morning for another road trip-no motion sickness. Went the whole wk, bunches of winding roads...Can you say delivered...but I did not want to flaunt it. Shelia Grogan arranged for us to stay over in Cay Cauker at the end of our mission trip. I had to fly in 10 seater plane & take a 45min ride in a water taxi-no problems...I was delivered...now I was claiming it!!! God knocked on my door & gave me an opportunity to overcome...but I had to trust Him...only Him-nothing I could do-nothing...I had used up all my plans. That's always a good place to be...out of resources & no plans...then God can step in & save us...if we will let Him. God went before me, He rescued me from the subtle pit my life was sliding into. I was valid in what I experienced, but God gave me an opportunity to no longer plan my life around the "I cannot go because I might get sick"...Will you let Him plan your life? Are you're backed in a corner & out of plans? Give whatever is putting "limits" on you to God-trust Him. Don't lose heart & grow weary & faint..for in the appointed season we shall reap...if we do not loosen & relax our courage & faint (Gal 6:9). Blessings friends. 5/15/12-LMM


God designed each of specifically with a good plan, a specific purpose, a determined destination. Our steps are ordered by Him for His Kingdom to make a difference...get a grasp of this magnificent concept. You see, it's not just about us...and what we want-our vision is so tiny & limited. Will you trust our Father, let Him manifest Himself in you, allow Him to do mighty things through you for His Kingdom? God set the agenda when He called this earth into existence. Then He called each of our names into existence....knowing the adversity we would encounter, the mistakes we would make, the pain & hurt we would experience...but you see, He worked it all in-all of it. All of our needs are supplied...for the good plans He has for us to be His Light in the Kingdom. When we give God all of us then all of Him will be revealed through us. In this exchange, all of our needs are met, we are totally content. If you miss something or mess up, guess what...God's got it covered-really. Sit with Him & soak up His love & He will tell you how much He's in love with you. He does not want to hear about your mistakes or how inadequate you are. He just wants to know if you're ready to move forward & let Him shine His Light through you. God's ready...waiting on you...Blessings my friend! 5/14/12-LMM

Get out of the way of a woman who is loved by God & knows it...she allows that love to be converted to nurture & that nurture is transformed into power! 9/12-LMM

If we really knew how much God loved us, we would think & act differently. Knowing we are fearfully & wonderfully made (Ps139:15); that we are God's masterpiece (Eph2:10). Really knowing we are knitted together by His hands & that He lives in us-that we have His confidence, gives us the resources to overcome...anything. For sure we would break up with "self-defeat"...foreverrrr!!! Self-defeat want s to bind us in fear, anticipate let downs, be afraid of being passed over, rejected, & unfulfilled. Self-defeat is a liar all the time!!! 1 John 4:18 says there is no fear in God's love-dread does not exist-His love expels every trace of terror. Self-defeat will stir up your feelings & before you know it, you're feeling like a failure. Jesus did not engage in conversation with satan-Jesus responded with scripture. We are to do the same; when self-defeat wants to entertain you...slam the door & respond with scripture. Continue to speak aloud throughout the day what God says about you. You will begin to think & act different...you will know you are loved...by your Father. When you really know this love...self-defeat won't come near you, because it's a coward & it can't handle God's love! Blessings my friend. 5/11/12-LMM


Intimacy can't be manufactured or microwaved...it's developed through personal relationships of sharing our heart, being honest about who we are & spending time together. Our model for intimacy is God-our relationship with Him is revealed in our interactions with others. Do you feel misunderstood or disconnected? Do you have secrets you will take to your grave for fear others would not accept you? Do you only show the parts of you, for fear the other parts of you would be rejected? Go to your only source for answers first-asking God for help. He's waiting to show you love. His love is like electricity thrusting power in & through every cell in your body...giving you life, direction, & purpose. This is available to anyone... who will "completely surrender" their will to Him. Have you completely surrendered to Him? Making His Will, your will? If you've agreed to most-you're not completely surrendered & that will show up in your relationships. If you're holding back from God, you will hold back from others-it's a fact. You will never experience the fullness & completeness Christ wants to offer you...until you "completely surrender." The irony, is you think/feel you're in control by "mostly surrendering" but God's freedom & your control won't blend-another fact. 2 Corinthians 3:17 says, where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom; experiencing this freedom is intimacy with Him. Then He [thoroughly] opened up their minds to understand the Scriptures (Luke24:45). Let the Holy Spirit open your mind to understand that you were designed to connect intimately, deeply, being vulnerable, & walking with others to carry out God's plans for your life. Get quiet & listen-intimacy is developed; growing deeper & richer with time. The Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, Standby), the Holy Spirit, Whom the Father will send in My name [in my place, to represent Me & act on My behalf], He will teach you all things. And He will cause you to recall (will remind you of, bring to you remembrance everything I have told you (John14:26). You are loved my friend...let God show you how you can love & be loved by others the way He designed love-the only authentic love. 5/8/12-LMM

Pardon me, did you know God is waiting to meet with you? No, you're not in trouble-He would like to discuss your "Psalm 139:16 Life Blueprint." He developed it specifically for you, just like your unique fingerprint He gave you. God saw your unformed substance & all the days of your life were written before they ever took shape! God wants you to know your plan is complete; He's "already" made all the provisions you will ever need. He's fully aware of the problems you've encountered-how they have interfered & delayed the life blueprint. He knows about the pain & harm caused by others, rebellion to His ways, toxic relationships, lack of intimacy with Him, unwillingness to completely commit to Him, false idols, inviting self-pity to be your BFF, etc. God's plans will come to fruition-His gifts & call are irrevocable (Ro 11:29). He needs your full cooperation...He's got the ability...are you available? Your faith is not in what you can do or have not done...your faith is knowing what your Father has already done on your behalf-He's waiting on you to believe. Remember in John 6:5 when Jesus asked Phillip where would they buy bread to feed over 5,000 people? Jesus knew the request was impossible for Phillip to carry out without His intervention. Listen closely...the same holds true with our life...it is impossible to carry out without God's daily intervention. There's nothing wrong with you, God has a good plan, but you have to cooperate. Apart from Him, you can do nothing (John 15:5). He needs your availability...He's got the ability. Have a great meeting with God! I'm excited for you & all God is doing through you to make an impact in this world for Him. Blessings! 5/7/12-LMM

Talents & Gifts

I Originally posted this on May 1, 2011.  I had no plans of a blog, but God did. On May 15th, Christian Insight for Life was born. Read this & you will see the connection. Each person is given a skill set of talents & gifts for God's glory-He deposits them in our DNA at conception, but will add to them throughout the course of our lives as we spiritually mature. God expects us to use our gifts (1Cor12:7). We can enjoy them, but they're not for us to keep to ourselves or use when we "feel" like using them. Every person has talents & every person's gifts matter. Don't say, "I don't think I have anything to offer," you're not glorying God. He wants you to know what He's wired you to do so you can use what He's called you to do- those plans to prosper you & not to harm you, giving you a hope & a future (Jer29:11). Listen closely...your availability activates God's ability through you. Many stumble at this point; they want a how & when list. My friend, God's not going to give you that. He will continue to supply all your needs with each step of faith you take-empowering you to do what's humanly impossible because He, the Almighty God, El Shaddai, Jehovah Jireh will flow through you! We really need to get over what we can't do...because really, we can't do much anyway-we just like to think we can. I'll share my experience. In Aug 2012, God put on my heart to set up a fb account and post things He put on my heart. First of all, I'd did not have a fb nor had any desire...I was too busy with my practice. God was very clear in His instructions to me. I obeyed, but I was sick to my stomach the whole time. Keep in mind, I'd developed a comfort level over 28 yrs of being a counselor-I knew my routine, I was confident because I relied on God for insight. Then God altered my career path-suddenly. All the things God had whispered to my heart over the yrs in the sessions with clients was now flooding from withing me & I had to write it. I did not choose this-I was compelled. One day I was complaining to God about only getting a few "likes" on a post He gave me-I'm telling you I heard clearly in my spirit, "I don't put you on there to prove you...I put you on there to use you." Well, I have not looked back. I continue to put one foot in front of the other-to please Him; using what He equips me to do. I have no idea what God plans next, if anything, but I do know I'm doing what He's called me to do & I have freedom in Him. Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom (1Co3:17). I hope sharing some of my fears with you will give you some encouragement to execute what God's called you to do. Nobody has it all together, all of us struggle, we all fail but God is always with us & forever flowing His love through us to accomplish His plans for His glory for our good. Now, allow your talents & gifts to be used by God. Talk to you soon! 5/1/12-LMM