Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Broken and Left for Dead...

Broken...and Left for Dead

Luke 8:40-56
Jairus' daughter was dead-no hope, don't bother Jesus anymore for help-there's no use. He ran to Jesus with hope that He would save her, but while he was begging Jesus to save his daughter, someone delivered the news that it was too late...broken...dead...don't ask anymore because it won't make a difference.
What's been broken...and left for dead in your life...a failed relationship, your virginity, professional career, a rebellious child, financial ruin, your childhood innocence, a betrayal, grief so thick that it suffocates you daily, unimaginable pain that consumes your being...? You're left looking at devastation...your world is spinning, how will you ever overcome...dear God what will you do now, how will the family ever get past this, how can the pain ever stop gushing out of you, where do you go from here...???
Jairus was told to stop asking because the girl was dead. When Jesus heard this, He said to Jairus, "don't be afraid, just believe and she will be healed."  Jairus had to be in a daze-his only child, a daughter, now dead. What would he do...how would he move forward...he decided in the middle of his grief to listen to Jesus' words of comfort and to follow Him...
Don't give up and stop asking Jesus for help...when all you see is a broken and dead situation. Keep on praying and follow Him....When you are sinking in devastation...you can't see a way out...Jesus has already made a way...but you must follow Him. He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life...of any dead situation you are experiencing...follow Him friend. 
Jesus led Jairus back to his home where his dead daughter lay. Look at Luke 8:52, where Jesus tells the people to "stop wailing." In Matthew 9:24, He tells them, "go away." Before I had a spiritual revelation of these verses, I thought Jesus was being mean.  I had thought why would He be irritated with people who are grieving the death of a child? Then the realization came to me...when we experience a dead situation, Christians are sometimes the worst at agreeing that we will never overcome or never experience a life full of joy again...so Jesus told them to "stop wailing and go away" that He could do something about the "death" of their situation. Most don't believe what Jesus can do because they reason potential outcomes with their ability...and thus can't figure out a way or see a way that they could ever overcome their dead situation.  To overcome, we must see through the eyes and strength of Jesus' ability. Jesus says in Matthew 11:28, "come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy-laden and overburdened, and I will cause you to rest. [I will ease and relieve and refresh your souls.]
Friend, you have got to make up your mind...whatever has been broken or whatever dead situation you are experiencing, Jesus can bring life to it...He was beaten, broken and left for dead...His Spirit left Him and He was laid in a cave like tomb-then a heavy stone pushed in front of the entrance to secure Him never getting out...They thought it was over, He's dead and gone, but on the third day, He rose again...and the tomb is empty.  Jesus overcame death for us!  He is Life...Let Jesus bring life to your dead situation.
Jesus ignored the snide remarks and laughing of the naysayers. He took those that he trusted, along with the parents of the girl to where she lay. In Luke 8:55, He reached to her...her spirit returned and she got up.  Let Jesus reach to you, don't be afraid, just believe...He will make a way for you, He is the Life to the death  you are experiencing...He knows all about being broken and left for dead...but He has overcome the world...and He can help you overcome the death of your situation...Let Him friend.
5/20/12-LMM

God's Word works...if you work it. You don't have to feel it...to know it. So put to work...what you know (Isaiah 55:11)! 8/21/12-LMM

Balance...

Don't make the agenda God has assigned you more important than God. Because without God, your agenda has no meaning. 9/12-LMM

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 and His love supplies all their needs (Phil 4:19)! 9/12-LMM

God never messes up...

God never messes up...God has no lose ends...God never loses track of time...because He owns time. He existed before anything else and He holds all creation together (Col 1:17). He's the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End (Rev 22:13). When I feel discouragement attempting to take me down, I immediately remind myself of these truths; My God has taken care of everything I need...blessings! 10/31/12CIFL-LMM

Obedience brings opposition & God's confidence will pour through you!!!

What you do with your time while you're in a place you don't want to be...will determine how long you need to be there. God's not punishing you...He's preparing you. So stop resenting this time and enjoy the process while on the way to where God's taking you! 8/27/12-LMM

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. 9/12-LMM

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Parenting...teach your children to call on the name of Jesus!

Parenting-we can't control how life happens to our children, but we can control how we prepare our children for life. Teach your children to call on the name of Jesus-there is power in His name! He's already overcome anything that they will ever face. God doesn't promise we will not face danger, but He does promise that He will be with us when we do. He commands His angels to watch over your children-He is before all things & holds everything together.
 God knows your child's name, He knitted them together with His hands, He knows every hair on their head, He gave them their very own fingerprint and DNA, He knows the desires of their heart & He knows when they stand & when they sit. God doesn't mess up...He has no loose ends!

You've been given the honor to parent your child...but that they belong to God-explain this truth to your child. Let your child watch you seek the Lord for guidance...witness you praying & petitioning on their behalf, see you standing firm on God's truth & not wavering, hear you confess God's Word & state you're believing Him despite seeing no indicators in the natural. Tell your child you do not have all the answers...but God does. And His ways work when we work them-this isn't my promise...it's God's!

When I was a young parent, I was overcome with anxiety many days because I just didn't know what to do in many situations. I was conflicted because I loved my children dearly but I knew I couldn't take on all the bad in the world & protect them. I was a believer, but I didn't have the revelation of two critical parenting truths that every parent needs to experience the peace God promises; 1) I had to rely on His sufficiency for my insufficiencies & 2) my children belonged to God & they were on loan to me. I now understand this truth (thank you Jesus!) & I can enlighten my adult children & their spouses to parent their children (my perfect grandchildren).

Ask God for guidance in parenting your children-He gives strength & wisdom generously. He never expected you to parent apart from His strength & wisdom flowing through you. God doesn't ever give us a task that He does not equip us to handle-He gives us the honor to be a parent, but children belong to Him. Rest in God's strength as you carry out one of your greatest privileges in this life! (Jn 15:5, 16:33, Phil 1:6, 4:6, 2:13, Ps 91:11-12, Col 1:17, Ps 139:1-24) 10/12LMM #donotbeanxious #childrenarefromtheLord #christianinsightforlife www.facebook.com/christianinsightforlife

Life impacts us...how we respond...defines us

Life impacts us...how we respond... defines us. Every experience is an opportunity; don't avoid or resist any of them. Some we embrace with enthusiasm, others we dread and drag our feet. Some are put on us, others...we take on us. Take care of what you've been putting off, take ownership of what you've been denying, repair what you've broken, stop blaming and rise up, quit wishing and start moving, return what you've stolen, give life to what you've spoken death to, finish what you started, keep your word, hold your words, restore what you've destroyed, quit resisting and take a step. But you say, "it's very hard," yes, maybe the hardest thing you've ever done. Listen to words of our Father. "I will strengthen and harden you to difficulties, yes, I will help you; yes, I will hold you up and retain you with My [victorious] right hand of rightness and justice (Isa 41:10). Own what you've done, so God can help you overcome what's been holding you back. No longer believe the lies of the enemy that you can't be on the team because of what you've done or what's been done to you. You can overcome, if you will bring all of you into the Presence of Lord God Almighty, He is waiting to help you...you were made for hard! 4/12-LMM

Jesus Heals...

Until a person shines the light of God's truth on their hurt...they're chained to them. Past hurts don't go away when ignored-they only go deeper. Bring your hurt into the light of Jesus and hand it to Him. He will bind up each one of your  wounds and set you free. You no longer have to remain a prisoner of your pain...a captive of your circumstances. Call on the name of Jesus...He knows your name, you never have to wait in line or make an appointment, He's available day or night. He's knocking on the door of your heart. Will you answer (Rev3:20)? 10/30/12-LMM

Bring your struggle into the Light...

Each struggle you bring into the Light of Jesus will immediately begin to lose its power-what you keep from Jesus...keeps its power. (2 Cor 3:17)4/3012-CIFL-LMM

You can't separate from your past...but you can completely heal from it. You must give all of yourself to Jesus-what you hold back...He can't heal. Allow the love of Jesus to pour in you and through you; tenderly binding up every part...each wound, hurt, regret, stolen part-healing and completing you in Him (Col 2:10). His love and confidence is guaranteed to restore and heal every hurt and regret-but you must release it to Him (Joel 2:25, Rev 3:20). Only the love of Jesus can satisfy you. Don't waste one more day looking back or trying to erase the past. The past is not who you are...it's what you went through; God's love approves of all of you. Bring everything before Him-He works your past mistakes into His glorious plan (Rom 8:28) if you will seek Him and His righteousness  (Mt6:33). 4/2012CIFL-LMM

Trusting God isn't a suggestion...

To trust the Lord is not a suggestion, something to consider or ponder on. God's clear-trusting Him gives you peace of mind. Don't deceive yourself...you can't figure out things apart from Jesus-He's your compass for direction in life. Your way seems right but leads to death. Experience the peace He makes available to you every second by... receiving it. You're an overcomer because the Overcomer lives in you! (Pr 3:5, Jn 15:5, Pr 14:12 Jn 16:33) 4/1/13CIFL-LMM

 

Following Jesus...

Following Jesus...stepping away from comfortable and predictable to awkward and unknown. The transition that's required...for us to cling tightly to Him-being known by Him and being loved by Him. This allows the process of us accepting who we are...to no longer participate in pretending to be someone else. The Authentic Healer-filling us with His love for us to become the authentic person God designed for us to be. Going out to the deep...where Jesus will introduce you to His love, your authentic self and then to new people, new things and new ways...don't forfeit your future for fear of releasing your familiar. (Luke 5:4) 10/30/12-LMM

Vulnerability...

Vulnerability...allowing others to see who  you really are inside your heart-it's risky but you risk not connecting with others as God designed if you don't. God gives each person their unique skill set to fulfill the call on their life. Vulnerability activates the process-many people begin the process by taking mild to moderate risks, but stop because it's uncomfortable. Jesus modeled vulnerability for us in the gospels. He let others know Who He was-He could do this because He knew Who He belonged to and that His Father was "well pleased" with Him. He knew He was approved. Until a person knows they're approved and loved by the Father, they can't risk complete vulnerability-it's too scary. Jesus carried out the outrageous requests God put on His heart because He knew He was loved by God...and that God's love would sustain Him and supply all His needs to carry out the call. Our relationship with Jesus-being known and being loved is what allows us to be vulnerable with others and then carry out the desires God puts in our heart. 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 parts of you, for fear the other parts of you would be rejected? Go to your only source for answers first-asking Jesus for help. He's waiting to show you love (Rev 3:20). His love is like electricity thrusting power in and through every cell in your body...giving you life, direction, and purpose (Phil 3:10). This is available to anyone...who will completely surrender their will to Him. Have you completely surrendered to Jesus? Making His Will, your will? If you've agreed to most-you're not completely surrendered and that will show up in your relationships and how you live your life. If you're holding back...you will hold back from others-it's a fact. You will never experience the fullness and completeness Christ wants to offer you...until you completely surrender (Col 2:10). The irony, is you think and feel you're in control by mostly surrendering, but Jesus' freedom and your control don't mix. 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, and walking with others to carry out God's plans for your life. Get quiet and listen...this is how intimacy is developed; growing deeper and 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 and 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 and be loved by others the way He designed love-the only authentic love! 5/8/12Rev10/30/12-LMM

You are God's...divine design!

Do you believe you have a purpose? The answer is "yes"you do! You are part of God's divine design! You're His masterpiece designed & purposed to do the good works before you were ever born-God's plans for you match your personality, skills and interests! No two people have the same fingerprint, DNA or individual plan. God designed each person with His own Hands; each person is unique...you, are the "only you" that has ever lived or will live! You're uniquely purposed for the specific plans God made-makes your mind tilt, doesn't it! I can't comprehend the magnitude of it...but I choose to believe it because God says so!

No person can take your place and/or no situation can stand in the way of you carrying out what God's planned for you...other than you not believing it! In John 15:4 Jesus says, "Dwell in Me, and I will dwell in you. [Live in Me, and I will live in you.] Just as no branch can bear fruit of itself without abiding in (being vitally united to) the vine, neither can you bear fruit unless you abide in Me." God will supply you with all you need to do the work He's called you to!

Stop looking down at your feet and get off the bench; God wants to put you in the game! The question is: will you go in and trust Him to give you the plays and do your best while you rely on Him to supply you with what you need to do the rest? Will you receive His love and restoration...will you release your hurts, mistakes and all of your sin to Him? Jesus did all the work on the cross for you...but you must believe it-then actively receive it! God is tender, kind and compassionate. You are His divine design...it's the truth, but you have to choose to believe it. Will you? LMM (Eph 2:10, Phil 1:6, Jer 29:11, Ps 139:15-16, Jn 15:4) 10/2012 #getup #gointhegame #youmatter #moveon #christianinsightforlife www.facebook.com/christianinsightforlife

Monday, October 29, 2012

The Jordan River had to be crossed to get to the Promised Land. It had been 40 years...God gave specific instructions for the crossing. Has God given you specific instructions to cross your Jordan? He's been preparing you. You look at the Jordan and it's just not a good time...the water level is at its highest, the current is dangerous, and now you're doubting if you heard God correctly. You know for certain all the preparations have led to now; it's harvest season...the time to reap what you've sown. You look across the Jordan and see where God wants you to be...it's the Promise Land-He said it's yours, but you must posses it. All your fears are accurate; you can't do this-it will take a miracle. Friend, it's not about your ability...it's about your availability. God's got the ability-He will supply all your needs, but He needs your availability.  God does not amuse Himself and wring us out to see how tough we are; He wrings the "I" out of us to make room for Him...to bring His plans to fruition through us. The only way you're are going to cross your Jordan is through His strength. Stop wasting time...on if you can or can't...you can't, but God will...if you will let Him. But you won't know He will...until you step in the Jordan. He's gone before you. When you step in, the waters will roll back and the ground will be dry; God told the Israelites to keep a distance between them and the ark of the covenant so they could see the way to go because He knew...they had not not passed this way before (Joshua 3:4). I just love this part of the scripture...God's tenderness is so evident; He knows the things He asks us to do are impossible, but if we will trust Him; He will go before us and make a way. No one can convince you to trust God-it has to be your personal relationship with Him. I pray you will cross your Jordan and fulfill the dreams He has for you. Your life will be so full and complete; actually ridiculously content, if you will trust God to lead you. Blessings friend!
4/30/12Rev10/30/12-LMM

Sunday, October 28, 2012

Change the way you see life...and you will change the way you live life. Shift your thinking-you must totally rely on Jesus to walk in victory; not your strength, but His. Re-frame your mind-make a decision in advance, that you do not have to understand all of God's truths...but that you do need to believe all of God's truths to overcome the impossibles in life. Don't be shocked by impossibles...see impossibles as just any other day because you walk with Jesus! Jesus said in John16:33, "in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." In Matthew 19:26, Jesus said, "with man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." God's promises are powerful, they stand firm and never change, but His promises are only as powerful as you choose to receive them and believe them. You must actively receive the peace He offers and choose to believe He will follow through on what He says. Impossibles will show up everyday...if you see the impossibles through your strength; they will overcome you. But if you see the impossibles through the eyes of Jesus, you have overcome them, because the One Who's overcome lives in you. Having faith is not something you do...it's what you believe...God will do! Cast all your cares on Him, because He cares for you (1 Pet 5:7). Change the way you see life...and you will change the way you live life! 10/28/12-LMM
Need direction in life...go to Jesus. He will transform your life-no one is denied. Be transformed in your heart, soul and mind in the gospels of 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 (Matt 7:7). 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 to transform and it is power...use what you have...and you will be given more (Mark 4:24). Blessings friend! 10/2012-LMM

Get up & move!!!

Some wonder, ponder & 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 & be wrong & receive a correction than to do nothing & hear I didn't try... because I didn't trust! 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 (Pr 3:5-6). Get up & 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 it out...do it friend! 9/12LMM #getupandmove #christianinsightforlife www.facebook.com/christianinsightforlife

You are God's Masterpiece...He chose You!

You've got to know who you are, if not... others will tell you who you are. This results in confusion, emptiness and frustration due to the constant changing opinions from others. There's only one authentic source for finding out who you are and it's not found on the outside of you. Who you are is found on the inside of you...where Jesus lives. He tells you the truth about who you are...you're fearfully and wonderfully made; God's masterpiece- created to do the good things He planned for you long ago. He will remind you that you're never alone and God has good plans for you. Spend intimate time with Jesus daily so you can know who you are; you're loved, valued and chosen by God...His child-this is who you are. Where the Spirit of the Lord is...there is freedom! (Ps 139:14, Eph 2:10, Jer 29:11, 2 Cor. 3:17, ) 8/25/12CIFL-LMM

When we let go...we let God

Are you holding on to something...trying to save or revive it? Do you feel like this something consumes you, weighs you down, wakes you in the middle of the night, determines if you spend money or not, if you go or don't go; the plans you make are contingent upon this something? You say you believe God can do anything and you believe He is taking care of your something...but you really don't give Him much of a chance to show you...that He can do anything. The somethings you hold on to are in your relationships, jobs, investments, churches, dreams, children, businesses; they are what you value. You mess up when you trust God in some areas to help with your somethings, but not in other ones. You trust, as long as you do not see any immediate harm to your something, or as long as you can figure out what God what is doing, but if you don't...you jump in with your human plan to help God out. You rationalize that you're being selfless and committed, but you're actually being unbelieving and fearful. You become entangled in helping and figuring out a plan for rescue...but you're really delaying God's intervention and plan. I did this years ago. I ran to God, prayed for my something, but then I tried to take care of my something; justifying that I was being selfless and committed.  One day, God said, "enough." Only when I began to let go, could I begin to let God...intervene in a mighty way with the something that I had been trying to take care of. This was not overnight, but I witnessed a slow unveiling of God's clear power when I got out of the way. My job was to believe God could and would do what needed to be done. For me to reinforce my faith in God, I had to stay in scripture, speak His Word and renew my mind, spend time with Him everyday, cast down thoughts that were not of Him, guard my mouth and heart, and say His promises. I had to examine how I spent my time in general...who was I hanging out with, what was I watching on TV, and what did I listen to on the radio? Friends, He will make a way...but you must get out of the way. He is before all things and holds all things together (Col 1:17). God can do anything...will you give Him a chance to? 10/2012CIFL-LMM

Fear...

Fear is constant-always looming; looking for an opportunity to plant seeds of doubt when people are facing new and unknown seasons in life. Many entertain the outcomes of these unknown seasons in their ability verses God's ability. This paralyzes their confidence in God and undermines His ability to intervene and make a way. People often revert to their familiar, what they know and understand-relying on their ability to control the new situation instead of trusting God's Sovereignty in the new season. There's not much to debate...rely on God's Sovereignty or human ability??? It sounds ridiculous to even say it aloud, but we Christians do this all day long. Often, we choose familiar over unknown...predictable over unforeseeable; to feel comfortable in a pseudo kind of control. The only way to trust God is to make a decision to believe Him...He gives each of us faith to do so. The more we go through situations and believe God will show up for us...the more we trust Him to show up for us-strengthening our trust muscles. If a person relies on their familiar and resorts to their plan of action...they will never experience God's confidence in the unknowns of life. For God did not give us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline. God's got the ability-He needs your availability. Will you trust Him...release your familiar to move forward in the future He's planned? He will walk you through the unknown seasons of life and make your path straight. (Rom 12:3, 2 Tim 1:7, Pr 3:5) 10/28/12CIFL-LMM

Saturday, October 27, 2012

Don't spend a lot of time trying to develop your perfect life plan...God's already developed yours-it will satisfy you all the days of your life. God created you with a purpose, a one of a kind fingerprint, and individual DNA-you're a unique person designed with love by the Creator of the universe. You're birth was no mistake, after thought, or haphazard event...God wanted you. He created you with a specific purpose and has a good plan for you-He loves you! Many say they know God's love and that He has a good plan for them, but they don't live a life that reflects this knowledge. If they did, they would follow God with more purpose and boldness-trusting His love, receiving His correction, and resting in Him. Revelation of God's love allows us to believe Him. Fear's agenda is to counter our believing in God;  always looming, looking for an opportunity to plant seeds of doubt...presenting itself as being prudent, but the intent is to create uncertainty-what if you miss God? Fear of the unknown paralyzes a person-undermining their confidence to hear God. Fear screams to hang on to what you know...don't take the risk-you might go without or look foolish. Fear convinces to choose the familiar over the unknown. Christians know they should trust God, but they allow fear to over ride their system and they're unable to get past the unknown and unforeseeable of what God's plan looks like for them. They forfeit the good plans of God Almighty...because fear convinces them, if you can't see, it might not be true...Jesus said, "blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed." Ask God to give you revelation knowledge of His love for you, so you can trust, receive correction and rest in Him. You have a purpose to carry out...it requires you walk by faith and not by sight...it's the perfect life plan for you. (Pr 3:2, Ps 56:3-4, Ps 139:23-24, Jn 20:29, 2 Cor 5:7, Jer 29:11) 10/2012CIFL-LMM

God never trades even...

God never trades even friend...each time you hand over what you can't manage, God will exchange with you...giving you His freedom for your troubles. Where the Spirit of the Lord is...there is freedom!       (2 Corinthians 3:17) 8/8/12CIFL-LMM

God won't compete with egos & pride but He can use surrender & willingness for His glory-will you let Him impact the Kingdom through you? 7/8/12-LMM

Jesus sees what you can do...not what you've done-Amen! 7/8/12-LMM

Life Does not Determine Your Course...your heart does.

Don't like the direction of your life...examine your heart...for it determines your course.  "Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it  (Prov 4:23). Change your heart...change your life!
7/12-LMM

A wrong was done to you...you are not wrong.

A wrong was done to you...you are not wrong; Jesus wants to give you beauty for your ashes, exchanging your captivity for His freedom-giving you hope and a future. Release the wrongs done to you-let Jesus have them. When you release the wrongs...your hands are free to receive His love! (Isa 61:1, Jer 29:11) 10/12CIFL-LMM

Friday, October 26, 2012

Your greatest strength...is also your greatest weakness. What God's empowered you to do...satan's forever trying to undermine in you. God gave me a voice; a mouth to speak and encourage others.  This is one of my greatest strengths...but if I do not not submit to the guidance of the Holy Spirit, my greatest strength gets me in trouble! Think about your greatest strength...God will guide your strength to make a mark in this world for Him...but satan's waiting to undermine you the second you stop listening to the Holy Spirit. Use your strength for God's glory...not your demise. Blessings friend! 10/12-LMM

 

Thursday, October 25, 2012

Jesus will help you, but you must let go. What you keep from Him is for you to handle...what you release to Him...He will handle. Jesus never messes up.
10/12-LMM

Going out to the deep...following Jesus

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. (Luke 5:4)
10/2012CIFL-LMM
Life experiences that develop during delayed gratification, unfair circumstances, and impulsive decisions are all necessary to purify and prepare us. The experience of pushing through when we are pushed on develops us; putting our God given talents into action and to grow in spiritual maturity. A talent not exposed to these pressures will not be able to endure...so embrace and hold on tight during the storms. You will come out of it more complete and ready for service! "Consider it a pure joy, my brothers, when you face trials of many kinds, because you will know the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything (James 1:2-4)."10/2012CIFL-LMM

Dragging a bondage out of the dark...

Dragging a bondage out of the dark and into the presence of Jesus...is the beginning of its death...and the ending of its hold on you. "Then you will know the truth, and then truth will set you free (John 8:32)." 10/2012CIFL-LMM

Impossibles you face...wrapped tightly in God's Possibles

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

A gift for all occasions...God's Love. His love transcends time and language barriers...heals any hurt...restores brokenness and raises the dead! "Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise  the dead, cast out devils; freely you have received, freely give (Matt 10:8).

God's love works all the time...in every situation and with anybody...it never fails and always returns a harvest             (1 Cor 13:8).
One of the most powerful ways we can help those we love is to model our trust in Jesus...when the truth we profess with our mouth becomes the trust we experience in our heart and the way we walk through life...in both good and bad circumstances; then we have made a difference to those watching. Be very careful, then, how you live-not as unwise but as wise 
(Eph 5:15). And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity 
(Col 3:14).
God's Word trumps...all things. Don't fret or be anxious about anything. Doesn't matter how lost it is, useless it looks, number of times it happened, far away it is, impossible it is to comprehend, dead, broken, angry, bitter, jealous, envious or hopeless it is...God's Word trumps all things. He existed before all things and in Him all things consist, cohere, and are held together. He knows your name, every single thought you've ever had, are having or will have. He's 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? 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-God will 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. 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 5:17, Jn 1:3, Ps 119:105) 5/12CIFL-LMM

The power of Jesus...handles any impossible we face!

Jesus...His power is in us to handle any impossible we face. His love is perfect and cast out all fear 
(1 John 4:18). 8/12 CIFL-LMM

God reigns over everything...

Our God is before all things and reigns over what we see...and don't see...so why would we be anxious about anything??? Our God owns time...
( Psalm 24:1). 10/12-LMM
Don't delay your next assignment...work out your character issues. Counsel and sound judgement are mine; I have understanding and power 
(Proverbs 8:14).
Get out of the way of a woman who knows she's loved by God...she will shine His Love on you fulfill the mission God put in her heart!
Stamina is required to endure and win the race God's called us to. We can only get it from one source...His name is Jesus...the name above every name 
(Phil 2:9-11). He is waiting to flow His love through your veins...will you let Him? 10/24/12-LMM
Get real with God...it's the catalyst necessary to work through your feelings. Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom (2 Cor 3:17). 10/24/12-LMM
We are quick to say what we believe...but slow in responding to take action in what we believe. We delay the miracles God wants to carry out through us because we factor in our human ability. God does not ask us to do the impossible...He asks us to believe that He can (Luke 18:27). 10/24/12-LMM
You must decide if your wellness is more important than your offense...Pain does not go away...it just goes deeper. Until pain is dealt with, it will continue to rob you of your wellness. The thief comes to steal, kill, and destroy; Jesus came for us to have life and have it to the full (John 10:10). 10/24/12-LMM
Don't miss your opportunity to partner with Creator of the universe...
Think about it...when we agree with God's promises and plans for our life...we are partnering with the Creator of the universe! You don't need a MBA from Harvard to tell you to jump at this...once in a lifetime opportunity...Do the research, look at His track record, He never changes, He's stable, He cares & gives to others-philanthropy looks small to Him, He's never borrowed money, His inventions
are too long to list, He owns everything...including time. Check Him out-He's got it all...and more. What is so crazy-He lets anyone in. But most don't believe it-they think there's a catch. They got bad information-they believe they would take a hit or loss of some kind-that's it too much of a gamble...They take a look at His books & see the profit margin but because they can't understand-they refuse the offer of a lifetime...He denies no one, but you must make Him Lord & Savior by accepting His Son as the Way, the Truth, and the Life...His Son is the only door to Him. When we receive His Son, Jesus, we get the keys to the Kingdom. It's too much for our minds to wrap around. Listen closely, our humanness can't comprehend His Holiness...but when we receive His Son-we're given revelation. Personally, my mind goes to tilt with this concept. The Creator of the universe allows me access to His throne room...to know the secrets of the kingdom, to have eternal life, to live abundantly here on earth, to know that I'm set apart & protected, to know that all my needs are supplied & more, to know He delights in me...I can't comprehend this on my own-only the Holy Spirit can give me this revelation. If I choose to believe God, my Father, I choose to receive what He says. When I choose to believe-I make a choice. My choice to believe is not based on a feeling of belief...it's based on a truth...about Who my Father is. My Father loves me & delights in me-He's not some stingy old man who withholds from His children, making them prove their worth. He's not grumpy either-changing His moods from one day to the next-He's always the same. I can't do anything that would ever make Him not love me-but because of He loved me first...I know authentic love & I desire to please Him. One of the ways I please Him, is believing what He says. I do not have to understand everything He says & does...to choose to believe everything He says & does. As my granddaughter Hope says, "once you get a bite of His bread, you will never be hungry again." I pray you won't miss this...opportunity of a lifetime to partner with the Creator of the universe-you won't regret it. Blessings. 10/3/12-LMM
Regret is a painful emotion...if you're not careful, you will follow it into a deep pit. Jesus is knocking on the door of your heart...He will take the chains of regret and exchange the hurt for His love (Rev 3:20). Will you let Him in? 10/24/12-LMM
Before the truth can set you free...you must know it (John 8:32). 10/24/12-LMM
Many profess God's principles with their mouths while they follow the world's ways with their minds and hearts...they will surely be tossed about like the waves of the sea. Their minds and mouths don't line up resulting in contradictory life; leading them to   doubt the Word of God. They should not think they will receive anything from the Lord because they are double minded and unstable in all they do. 10/6/12-LMM

God is the owner...we're the managers

We are managers...not owners. The sooner we give back to God what's not ours anyway...the sooner we experience the freedom He intended for us. Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. (2 Cor 3:17). 10/24/12CIFL-LMM
Our minds can't comprehend the outrageous things God asks of us...but our spirit can. Trust Him...let Him work through you to make a difference in this world...10/24/12-LMM
Your journey is not to discourage you...it's to equip you...10/10/12-LMM
An unresolved hurt is as alive as the day it happened, but because it has many layers of life on it, it is not always identifiable...which leads people to believe they got over it. The truth will set you free...but you must know it, before it can (John 8:32). Ask Jesus to to walk you through the hurts that have been holding you back. 10/16/12Rev10/30/12-LMM
God's truth is the mortar that seals an authentic relationship; truth can't exist...without honesty. 10/20/12-LMM
What you keep from Him is for you to handle...what you release to Him...He will handle. Jesus never messes up...     10/23/12CIFL-LMM
Choose to believe what Jesus said, don't allow your feelings to talk you out of God's promises; His promises never change, but your feelings do. 
10/12-LMM
Believing God 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. "Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed (John 20:29)." 10/12-LMM

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

God does His greatest work in us when we've left our familiar and on our way to the unfamiliar...this is the middle part of believing...being turned inside out, but knowing without a doubt you're on the right path...because this is where you will intimately know your Father God, His Son Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. This is the purpose of the trip...intimacy with Christ, learning to distinguish the whisper of the Holy Spirit, and finding comfort in the love of Jesus. Without this experience, one is not properly equipped to move forward. Our Father God wants us to be overflowing with His love; knowing His love will supply us with everything we need...always. Revelation of His love  allows us to trust Him and to handle the adversity that will inevitably try to take us under. God's love is unstoppable and when we are being filled with His love...we are unstoppable carrying out His purpose in this world! 10/2012CIFL-LMM

Jesus wants to set you free...

Jesus wants to set your free...Whatever you need help with...Jesus He will help you. He wants to set you free, but you must let go of your grip so He can (2 Cor 3:17). Release your mind from the constant circling of potential outcomes and scenarios-this is fear disguised as concern and it is trying to paralyze your mind. Your efforts can't fix this problem...but Jesus can and will; if you will let go of your grip. What you keep from Him is for you to handle-what you release to Him...He will handle. Jesus never messes up friend...if you hold to His teachings, you will know the truth and His truth will set you free (John 8:31-32).10/2012CIFL-LMM
Jesus never asked us to do the impossible...He asked us to believe the impossible. Many get bogged down in defeated thinking and view life through their ability...if you do this, you will be overwhelmed, exhausted, and certainly will not walk in victory. You do not have the ability to overcome...but the One Who lives in you does...and He has overcome (Jn16:33).  John 14:13-14, God says to ask for anything in His name-He will do whatever we ask in His name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. Get a revelation of this sweet promise! If your prayers line up with God's promises then expect God to answer, but He will do it His way...not yours. Choose to believe what Jesus said, don't allow your feelings to talk you out of God's promises; His promises never change, but your feelings do. Acknowledge what you see-don't be anxious, but with prayer, petition, and thanksgiving present your request to God...then His peace, which you can't comprehend, will guard your heart and your mind (Philippians 4:6-7). You can't, but He can, and He will! Your part...believe He can. Blessings friend!
10/23/12-LMM

Saturday, October 20, 2012

Nothing can Overtake you...because God's holding your hand. Before the truth can set you free...you must know it. God's truth is for you to overcome...taking you from where you are to where He wants you to be; making an impact for His Kingdom. Trust Him-He's crazy about you. Know His plans are good for you. Our God is before all things and holds all things together so...there's no storm too big for Him, no quake that can swallow Him, no fire that can burn Him, no water that can drown Him...nor you...because He will take hold of your right hand and never let go...never, never, never! Keep on doing what you're called to do; don't give up friend...your Father's with you.
(John 8:32, Col 1:17, Jer 29:11, Isa 41:13) 7/2012-LMM

You'll never regret obeying God...even when everything comes against you. He takes hold of your right hand and says, "do not fear, I will help you." (Isaiah 41:13)

Press in...when you're being pressed on

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 you're pressed on-that's how our strength is developed-just like a muscle that resists weight will strengthen...so do we. Continue your development friend...you're made for hard!
7/18/12-LMM

Jesus Knows the Way...

Last fall, my husband, Rod was taking our granddaughter, Hope who was six years old at the time to a birthday party. He realized he took a wrong turn, Hope immediately said "well just ask Jesus, He knows the right road, Roddie." Rod told Hope he would call me,  Hope said with some irritation, "why are you calling LaLa? You just need to ask Jesus the way, He knows, keep asking Him, He will tell you, He always answers." Profoundly said by a six year old.  Jesus is the way...the truth...and the life (John 14:6). He does know the right road and He will tell you the right way to go. Keep asking Him for the things you do not know. He always answers friend!

Jesus will help you...but you have to let Him

Jesus will help you...but you have to let Him. He won't force Himself on you-He's gentle, kind, and caring...He wants you to invite Him-you choose if you're comfortable with Him close to you. He's waiting...He's your bridge to the Father-your desires. Go on, ask Him...He's waiting for you. What is it you need help with...self-esteem, a relationship, finances, heartache, job search, being real, forgiveness, time management, jealousy, school choice, anger, a disease, assertiveness, direction, friendship, grief and loss, parenting, hearing God...? Whatever you need help with...Jesus will help you, but you must let go. What you keep from Him is for you to handle...what you release to Him...He will handle. Jesus never messes up, His plan is perfect, He fixes what was broken, He restores the lost, He makes your path straight, He makes the blind see and the deaf hear, He makes something from nothing, He heals the hurting, He binds up the wounds of the brokenhearted, He gives hope to the hopeless, He shows up when others don't, He holds you when others won't, He reveals what others can't, He has no barriers, He's unstoppable, He's the name above all names...Jesus, His love completes us-He is the way, the truth, and the life. Jesus will help you...but you must let go and He will. He's your bridge to the Father-your desires. Go on, ask Him...He's waiting for you. (Col 2:10, Jn 14:6, Isa 61:1) 10/22/12CIFL-LMM

Unresolved issues will follow you everywhere...until you resolve them.  Take responsibility for yourself and deal with the issues that have been messing up your life...stop blaming people and situations. If you truly want to get better...you're guaranteed you can with Jesus' help. He guarantees success...if you do it His way. Let Him help you, so you can live the fruitful life He promises. He will help you in seeking healthy and stable Christians who will be real with you, finding a spirit filled Christian counselor, joining a growth group, attending regular bible studies, and finding a healthy church. Don't make excuses anymore!!! When you excuse your behavior, you deny your God-given rights to partner with Jesus and make the desired changes in your life.  Jesus helps us when we bring our issues to Him...what we won't bring in the light...is kept in the dark. I have strength for all things in Christ Who empowers me [I am ready for anything & equal to anything through Him Who infuses inner strength into me; I am self-sufficient in Christ's sufficiency] Phil 4:13. Don't waste another good day blaming others...blessings friend! 10/20/12Rev-LMM

 

Friday, October 19, 2012

Need direction in life...Jesus will help you!

Need direction in life...go to Jesus. He will transform your life-no one is denied. Be transformed in your heart, mind & body in the gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke & John-read the words of Jesus & take comfort. Ask & it will be given, seek & you will find, knock & the door will be opened to you (Mt 7:7). Daughter, your faith has healed you-go in peace & be free from your suffering (Mk 5:34). Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with very much (Lk 16:10). Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Don't let your hearts be troubled & don't be afraid (Jn 14:27). Speak God's Word, allow the Holy Spirit to guide you in all truth...He doesn't speak on His own-He relies on the Father & will tell you what is yet to come (Jn 16:13). They perish for lack of knowledge (Hos 4:7), God's Word is life & protects us from perishing! God gives us the privilege of His Word- His knowledge imparted to us to make a difference in this world...use what He has given you & you will be given more (Mk 4:24)! Need direction in life...Jesus will help you! LMM 10/2012CIFL #needdirection #betransformed #nooneisdenied #takecomfort #askseekknock #behealed #goinpeace #christianinsightforlife www.facebook.com/christianinsightforlife

Jesus knows your value & worth...

We've got to know who we are...if not...others will tell us who we are. This results in emptiness and discontentment; there's only one authentic source for finding out who we are and it is not found outside of us. Who we are is found on the inside of us...where Jesus resides-He tells us the truth about who we are. He will remind us that we're not alone and how much God loves and values us. He helps us develop our character to overcome the adversity we will inevitably face and become the person God purposed us to be. Spend intimate time with Jesus daily so you can be reminded of who you are. Where the Spirit of the Lord is...there is freedom (2 Cor. 3:17). 8/25/12-LMM

Thursday, October 18, 2012

Speaking Truth...to those you love

It takes guts to speak God's truth to someone we love who's in sin, but God will make a way...if we will get out of the way. Many ignore sin in loved ones out of fear; they're afraid the loved one will become angry, leave, or be in conflict with them if the sin is addressed. Our part is to deliver the truth...God deals with the consequences of the truth. We're to confront sin in love so restoration can take place. No confrontation leads to...no restoration. Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their ways...will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins.  Avoiding the difficult conversations leads to shallow relationships; resulting in superficial conversations. Truth must be a factor in authentic relationships. Don't allow satan to intimidate you with potential outcomes of doom. Confronting sin is an opportunity for correction-making your loved one right...not making them wrong. If you ignore their sin...you are participating in making them wrong. God's truth is the mortar that seals a relationship; truth can't exist...without honesty. It takes guts to have the authentic relationships God calls us to but God will make a way for us if we follow His truths. For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. You have the guts to carry out God's truth and experience the authentic relationships with  your loved ones-blessings friend! (James 5:19-20, 2 Tim 1:7) 10/20/12CIFL-LMM

 

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Wisdom of a child...

Simply said by our seven year old granddaughter, Hope, tonight in prayer. "Trying to do things without God's help is like being in a maze and running into a big solid walls." 10/2011CIFL-LMM

Honesty & Vulnerbility...taught by a child

My husband Rod and I were praying with our six year old granddaughter, Hope, before bedtime on Friday evening. She named several things she was grateful for then stops; after a long pause says, "I lost my job today at school." She explained that her job was the bathroom monitor. Then she went on to say, "at least I worked until today, Salvador was fired Wednesday or Thursday. I'm okay...I know I talked and I wasn't suppose to. I really didn't like watching everybody in the bathroom. I wanna be a line leader." We believe she'll be alright.
Our granddaughter Hope...keeps us laughing, but her prayer is such a beautiful example of intimacy with Jesus. We can learn a lot from the honesty of a child. Hope, at the beginning of her prayer naturally was thanking God for things in her day, then she moved into sharing with God what happened in her day, she was fired. She justified her termination for a second, "at least I worked until today," but then she admitted her wrong, "I know I talked." What I love is her boldness in the middle of admitting her mistake she also shared her heart's desire, "I don't like being a bathroom monitor, I wanna be a line leader." Then she ended the prayer with, "I'll be okay." This showed her security in Christ. I was reminded that evening that God loves us completely; all of us. He wants to know everything about our day and what's on our heart. Will you give all of yourself to God so you can know He loves and accepts all of you? Blessings friend!
Dear Father-I know what I see with my natural eyes and I know Your Promises and I know what You've spoken to my heart. Remind me Father, that my limited means to accomplish the tasks, do not limit You to deliver. Let the worshipers arise-Amen! 5/2012CIFL-LMM
Imagine what is possible...not through your capacity...but through God Almighty Maker of Heaven and Earth! Now, it's possible because He makes something from nothing. Amen!
Rigidity and legalism lead to an empty relationship with our Father which is reflected in our relationships with those we love and want to connect with but don't know how to. Put love in the relationship with your Father and all other relationships are corrected.

Find Jesus...and find what you are looking for.

Until you find an intimate relationship with Jesus... real, authentic, connected, unconditional...you will never find what you're looking for. You will continue to search outside of yourself...but your answer is... inside of you-in your spirit. This is where you will find faith, hope and the greatest of all love. Jesus is the door to everything you need and more. He is the way, the truth and the life (Jn 14:6). Jesus tells us in John 14:26, 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 and act on My behalf], He will teach you all things. And He will cause you to recall-will remind you of, bring to your remembrance everything I have told you. In John 15: 4, Jesus says for us to dwell in Him, and He will dwell in us; no branch can bear of itself without abiding in (being vitally united to) the vine, neither can we bear fruit unless we abide in Him. Find Jesus and find what you're looking for...blessings friend.
10/19/12CIFL-LMM
See the big picture. Come out of your little picture and into God's big picture. So many are stuck in their little picture. God is waiting for you to step into His big picture and see what He sees. He's equipped you; He's waiting...go on do it...through His strength.
Holding on to our sin keeps us separated from our Father and what He's calling us to do in His Kingdom to make an impact. Peter could of held on to his sin; Judas did. Peter died to self for Christ-Judas died for himself.

The mind is a marvelous creation...

The mind is a marvelous creation by the Designer-functioning in superior capacity when submitted to His plan. Rejection of the Designer's plans leads to malfunction resulting in... anxiety, fear, anger, reasoning & doubt. (Rom 8:5-6, 12:2) 8/2012CIFL-LMM #design #mind #marvelous #creation #doubt #anger #fear #reasoning #christianinsightforlife
We are given the privilege to speak our Father's Words with authority...don't turn your back on the privilege available to you. 12/12/11CIFL-LMM

Unresolved hurt...

An unresolved hurt is as alive as the day it happened, but because it has many layers of life on it, it's not always identifiable...which leads people to believe they got over it...Ask Jesus to search your heart and help you(Psalm 139:23-24). He wants to remove every hurt...He's knocking but you must let Him in (Rev 3:20). Let Him in to take off the chains-you're a captive in your own heart, but you don't know it. Let Him in friend...life does not have to be this way. You have options-to live as Jesus says...abundantly, exceedingly, more than you've ever dared to ask (Eph 3:20).  Blessings friend. 10/2012CIFL-LMM

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Foregiveness...and healing

Jesus came to save, bind up our wounds, free us from captivity and bring us out of darkness-to heal us! For us to heal, we have to bring our hurts to Him... completely surrendering our entire heart, mind and soul. Bring your wounds in the light and acknowledge who hurt you; give them into the hands of Jesus by forgiving the person-releasing what they did to you. Many believe forgiving is dismissing the harm...but forgiving means you will no longer carry the offense in your heart. When you verbally give the release- forgiving the person who caused harm; you allow Jesus to physically come in your heart and remove the chains that kept you bound to them. Watch with awe as He carries the chains away. Next, give Jesus the rest of the hurt, everything that you experienced- empty yourself of it; purging every last drop. While you're doing this, a flood of emotions will come to you-it's all those years of denying, holding back, minimizing, trying to prove you were good enough, and pushing down tears. This is grief...the recognition of what was lost, stolen, or never given. Grief validates what you experienced-it says you matter and what happened to you mattered. Then, the love of Jesus will come in like a flood, crashing waves of His healing pouring into every chamber, crevice and wound...shining His light of love on it and in it, making sure nothing is overlooked-filling up every area in you, overflowing the sides and finally... engulfing all of you. Until His love floods us, we are left in darkness; prisoners of our own lives...captives in our hurt. Let Him love all of you today! (Isa 61:1, Rev 3:20, Jn 7:38) 10/2012CIFL-LMM

Jesus will heal your wounds...

Bring your wounds in the light and acknowledge who hurt you; give them into the hands of Jesus...first forgiving the person-releasing what they did to you. Many believe forgiving is dismissing the harm...but forgiving means you will no longer carry the offense in your heart. When you verbally give the release...forgiving the person who caused harm; you allow Jesus to physically come in your heart and remove the chains that kept you bound to them-watch with awe as He carries the chains away...Next, give Jesus the rest of the hurt-everything that you experienced...empty yourself of it...purging every last drop. While you're doing this, a flood of emotions will come to you-it's all those years of denying, holding back, minimizing, trying to prove you were good enough, and pushing down tears. This is grief...the recognition of what was lost, stolen, or never given. Grief validates what you experienced-it says you matter and what happened to you mattered. Then...the love of Jesus will come in like a flood, crashing waves of His healing pouring into every chamber, crevice, and opening...shining His light of love making sure nothing is overlooked...filling up every area in you, overflowing the sides and finally engulfing all of you. Until His love floods us, we are left in darkness-prisoners of our own lives-captives in our hurt. Acknowledging hurts, surrendering them to Jesus, forgiving those that imposed the hurt, then grieving is the only way to complete healing. People who refuse this process, will go through life with wounds in their heart, never experiencing the full promises of God.They impose the care of their wounds on others; wanting them to make up for the hurt they encountered. Only Jesus can put back in us what was taken by another or give to us what another did not give. Many mean well when they fall into to the trap of trying to give back to another what was taken from them or give to another what they should have received, but they can't...because that's a job only Jesus can carry out. But we're not left without hope...instead, we're guaranteed to overcome and be completely restored (Joel 2:25). Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom (2 Cor 3:17). The love of Jesus restores...completely-healing every hurt you ever experienced...will you receive His love into your heart today and be completely healed? 10/2012CIFL-LMM

Give your hurts to Him...

Many ignore hurts-reasoning time has passed and there's nothing that can be done. It's true, time has passed...but the hurt hasn't. Until a person addresses their hurt...they are chained to their past. An unresolved hurt is as alive as the day it happened, but because it has many layers of life on it, it is not always identifiable...which leads people to believe they got over it. Hurts do not go away until you resolve them. Come to Me, all you who labor, are heavy-laden and overburdened, and I will cause you to rest. [I will ease and relieve and refresh your souls.]
(Matt 11:28) 9/12CIFL-LMM

So long Regret...I have to go...

Regret is a painful emotion...if you're not careful, you will follow it into a deep pit. There are many things in my life that I would do different if I had a chance to do again. My most painful regret is related to my loved ones-when my poor choices negatively impacted them. For years, after I was saved, I allowed Regret to remind me...of the pain I imposed on my family. I thought I had to take it...after all, being saved did not exempt me from the natural consequences of my former behavior. One day in particular I was really crying to God...I was just emotionally distraught that my family was left with my junk on them...I had apologized and repented for my former behavior to them, acknowledged the pain I caused, and they had forgiven me...but I could hardly bear what I had put them through the years prior. I was begging God to help me make their pain go away...some how to help me make things up to them. God clearly put on my heart that I was correct...that I could not go back and change the hurt imposed, nor could I make up for something...but He does...and He would. He reminded me that He was and is and always will be the Healer, Redeemer, Jehovah Jireh, Comforter, Restorer, Strong Tower, Deliverer...the Great I Am...Who's not constrained by our time frames-that He is the past, present, and future at the the same time, the Alpha and the Omega...because He owns time (John 1:1-3)! My Father met me in my pain and restored what was taken from my loved ones (Joel 2:25). I had come to the end of myself in prayer that day...I had been sincerely trying to restore my family; only God can restore (2 Cor 12:9) When I got out of His way, He made a way, doing what I could never do....I said so long to Regret that day-he's tried numerous times to return and remind me of a hurtful past. I don't engage, instead, I lean into the shelter of my Father Who lovingly hides me under His wing and reminds me He has restored and given back to my family everything they needed...exceedingly more than I dared even asked for (Eph 3:20). Blessings friends! 10/16/12CIFL-LMM 

Saturday, October 13, 2012

Trust must be established in love...

Trying to trust God in your strength will frustrate you-only the Holy Spirit can lead you in this truth of God's love for you. Trust must be established in love...Seek God's love-Jesus is your bridge to God and the Holy Spirit will enable you to grasp God's love. Your mind can desire to trust God, but requires your spirit to believe God. Knowing Him is knowing His love for you. The Holy Spirit will guide you in all truth-helping you understand. God wants you to know that you are fearfully and wonderfully made from His love-by His very own hands. When you begin to grasp His love, you will take risks to trust Him...and He will hold your hand every step of the way! (1 Jn 4:10, Ps 139:14, Isa 41:13). 10/13/12-CIFL-LMM

Love covers...it does not deny.

Love covers a multitude of sins (1 Peter 4:8) but it doesn't deny the issues surrounding sin. What you keep in the dark...keeps you in the bondage; what you bring in the light...set you free. Jesus did not ignore any issues, but confronted in love (John 4:17). Jesus knocks on the door of your heart...but you must let Him in (Rev 3:20). Let Jesus in your heart today...

Jesus-the Authentic Healer

Only the love of Jesus can restore to you what was stolen, given away, or mistreated...(2 Joel 2:25).  Nothing...but the love of Jesus can fill the the hole in your soul-the wound in your heart, but Jesus can and He will. He's knocking on the door of your heart  (Rev 3:20). Let Him pour His love into your heart wounds; nothing else will ever come close to healing you. Only His love can bind up, heal, and restore...setting you free-no longer a prisoner of pain (Isa 61:1). Jesus is the only Authentic Healer-He's knocking on your heart's door...will you let Him in to heal you? 10/12CIFL-LMM

A Hurting Heart...

Until hurt is acknowledged-it's a wound inside of the heart. Minimizing hurt doesn't make it better nor will it go away on it's own. Making a decision to heal is uncomfortable-it takes work. Many ignore hurts-reasoning time has passed & there's nothing that can be done. It's true, time has passed...but the hurt has not. Until a person addresses their hurt, they're chained to the past. An unresolved hurt is as alive as the day it happened, but because it has many layers of life on it, it's not always identified-this leads people to believe they got over it. Many don't want to think about the loved one or trusted person that hurt them...because really, it makes the hurt feel even worse-it's insult to injury. But until all of the hurt is brought into the light...complete healing won't happen & moving forward is impossible. 

Minimizing & ignoring hurt keeps the view of the present obscured because thoughts & actions operate from the perspective of the past pain. Jesus came to save, bind up our wounds & free us from captivity-to bring us out of darkness & heal us! Hurts must be brought in the light & handed to Jesus to heal-surrendering your entire heart, mind & soul. Bring the names of each person who hurt you & place them at the cross-forgive each person & then release what they did to you. Until hurt is acknowledged-it's a wound inside of the heart. Minimizing hurt doesn't make it better nor will it go away on it's own. Making a decision to heal is uncomfortable-it takes work.   

Many believe forgiving is dismissing the harm... but forgiving means you will no longer carry the harm in your heart. When you verbally give the release... forgiving the person who caused harm-you allow Jesus to physically remove the chains that kept you bound to them & the hurt they imposed. Next, give Jesus all the hurt you experienced-empty yourself of it...purging every last drop. While you're doing this, a flood of emotions will come to you-it's all those years of denying, holding back, minimizing, trying to prove you were good enough & pushing down tears. This is grief-it acknowledges what you lost, what was stolen or never given. Grief validates your hurt-it says you matter & what happened to you mattered. Then the love of Jesus will come in like a flood, crashing waves of His healing into every chamber, wound & opening... shining His light of love making sure nothing is missed...filling up every area in you, overflowing the sides & finally engulfing all of you. Until His love floods you, you're left in darkness-a prisoner of your own life-a captive of your hurt. 

Acknowledging hurts, surrendering them to Jesus, forgiving those that imposed the hurt, then grieving is the only way to complete the healing process. People who refuse this process, go through life with wounds in their heart, never experiencing the full promises of God. They impose the care of their wounds onto others; wanting them to make up for the hurt they encountered, but only Jesus can put back in you what was taken by another or restore what was given away or give you what you didn't get. But you're not left without hope...you're guaranteed to overcome & be completely restored. Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom! The love of Jesus is waiting to restore you... completely-healing every hurt you ever experienced. Will you receive His love & let Him heal completely heal you? (Isa 61:1, Joel 2:25, 2 Cor 3:17) 10/2012CIFL-LMM #hurt #heart #christianinsightforlife #followmeonfacebook www.facebook.com/christianinsightforlife

You have a passion...

You don't choose your passion-it's already been placed in you by your Father. When you really know His love for you...deep in your spirit, your passion rises up-it has to because it's your Father's design. Your passion is fueled by your Father's love-you're His masterpiece, created anew in Christ Jesus to do the good works He planned long ago. The passion that's in you does not rely on popular opinion or wait for approval by the world-it's been approved...and you've been approved by the Creator of this world! Know your Father's love, rise up and fulfill the passion that's on the inside of you! (Eph 2:10)11/12CIFL-LMM

Friday, October 12, 2012

Your Imagination...has the power to walk you in victory or destroy you

Imagination...use as God instructs and you will walk in victory...ignore His instructions and it will destroy  you.
God gives each of us an imagination to see what He sees. He is before all things and holds all things together (Col 1:17). Our mind houses our imagination. Our imagination allows us to see places we've never been or go back in time as if we were actually there. God gives us the

freedom to guide and instruct our imagination to our desired destination. While planning a trip in our mind-we launch our imagination and it will take us around the world within seconds. Although we didn't physically go anywhere, our mind launched our imagination-allowing us to visit where we physically did not go. We can elicit all five senses and recall an event from 30 years prior, our heart races when we think about a long awaited event, our stomach flutters if we're nervous about a meeting, we design outfits, plan parties, have conversations with another person, and move furniture in a room...in our mind. We must use our imagination as God instructs us-with His promises. The enemy wants to hijack our imagination, imposing his deception-leaving us discouraged with no hope.
Our mind receives information from two thought sources-truth or lies. Truth comes from God and lies come from the enemy. When we make a decision to agree with God's truth, we use our imagination to see what He says...we're fearfully and wonderfully made, He delights in us, we borrow from none and lend to many, we can do all things through Him, we have the mind of Christ, we are not worried or anxious, we soar like an eagle, He's for us and not against us, when we're weak He's strong, He will never leave us or forsake us because...He loved us first. The enemy wants to hijack our imagination-imposing his lies of discouragement. If we allow him access to our imagination, he will flood us with scenarios that are hopeless like...not to expect God to come through for us, we don't have what it takes, our needs won't be met, we're selfish, we want too much, things will remain the same with no hope of change, we're foolish for believing, we've messed up too much, we had our chance but now it's too late, and on and on.
Utilize the power of our imagination the way God instructs us-to see as He sees. We can have a confident expectation of hope when we see no indicator of hope in the natural...because we see with the imagination God gives us.
Change your family's future...fulfill the dreams God placed in your heart, believe what God will do in your life by using the power of imagination the way God intended. Use the power God gives you...imagine, my friend.

Thursday, October 11, 2012

Overcoming...

Make a decision-right now...that you will believe the truth Jesus says in John 16:33-In the world you have tribulation, trials, distress, and frustration...take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted. For I have overcome the world. I have deprived it of power to harm you & have conquered it for you. That means no one can steal your joy, offend you, threaten you, crush your hope, steal your dreams, or frustrate you...Jesus has already taken care of everything you may need, want, or desire today. He's already overcome anything that is trying to overcome you. Make a decision-right now...that you will believe the truth Jesus says in John 16:33. Blessings friend! 10/11/12CIFL-LMM

Wednesday, October 10, 2012

Your journey...

This journey is not to discourage you...it's to equip you. You can climb the mountain...if you completely rely on the strength of Jesus Who's in you. He's gone before you and cleared a path. You can't see the path from where you're standing; begin the climb-trusting Jesus...recalling what He whispered to your heart. While you're climbing, there will be times when doubt will consume you-wanting you to abort the mission. The path will appear to stop, you panic, but then realize it's a mirage in your mind playing tricks... to discourage you. Keep moving-stay focused. You see another dead end; you reason it must be God telling you to stop, but it's really a sharp turn where you can't see around the bend. This happens often in our journey; we reason we've reached an end, we misunderstood...we missed it, but we didn't miss it...we gave up before we got there; allowing discouragement to talk us out of our dream. We were too consumed with the anxiety of...what if we miss it, or we're wrong, or we might look foolish, that we didn't hear the prompting and encouragement of the Holy Spirit telling us to keep going. So, we turn back, began the descend down the mountain...feeling very small and diminished...just like satan wants. Plagued by a barrage of doubt...confidence paralyzed. If you missed it...okay, we all do-learn from the experience, but don't disqualify yourself-God hasn't. God wants you to pursue the call He put in you. Don't you know He loves you and if you do miss Him, you will hear a voice behind you saying, "This is the way-follow it." Trust Him...take a risk. Keep moving, this time you will know from experience that...there's more around the bend. This journey is not to discourage you...it's to equip you. Blessings friend. (Jer 29:11-14, Gal 6:9-10, 1 Pet 5:8, Isa 30:21) 10/10/12CIFL-LMM

Tuesday, October 9, 2012

God's love is unstoppable...

Get out of the way of a woman who knows she's loved by God...she will shine His Love on you to fulfill the mission God put in her heart!

God does not force His truth...

God does not force His truth...nor can we. Burden of proof...is not on us. We present the truth and provide evidence, but each person has the freedom to choose what they will believe. Our hearts are sincere in wanting them to know the truth-it's easy to get caught in a battle of "wanting to make them see and hear." We can't, God can, but He won't force them...the Holy Spirit is waiting to give revelation when the person is ready. God gives us free will-He will never force His truth; He wants us to want Him because we desire His love and presence, not because we are pressured or guilt induced. God has the power, but He never forces it on us...nor should we believe we can force another to receive His truth. Our best gift to those that we want to "see and hear the truth" is to walk out what we believe. Standing firm during good times and bad ones; not allowing circumstances or another person to compromise our walk. Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom (2 Cor 3:17). 10/2012-LMM wwwfacebook.com/christianinsightforlife

God's promises can't be broken...

God put this word on my heart on the way to church this morning...God's covenant supersedes any covenant made with man...Don't be discouraged when man breaks his covenant with you...this does not break God's promises-because His can't be broken...Your destiny is determined by Him, not man. God's promises determined your destiny when He knitted you together in your mother's womb. Put your hope and confidence in God's truth. Blessings!

God corrects us not to make us wrong...but to make us right

Keeping our walk real...we're to speak scripture & encourage others. To be genuine in this, we have to ask God to search our hearts & examine our motives. He has to correct us daily-not to make us wrong...but to make us right. Let God make you right today...because a talk not accompanied by a walk...causes a gag reflex in those watching. True humility keeps our walk real! Blessings!

We present the Truth...God proves it

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 blame others...

Walking away from a person or situation may feel like you're leaving your problem behind, but it is the issues in you that causes your problems in life...and until you deal with these issues...they will go where you go; creating problems where you go. Take responsibility for yourself and deal with the issues that have been messing up your life...stop blaming people and situations. Let Jesus help you, so you can
live the fruitful life He promises. I have strength for all things in Christ Who empowers me [I am ready for anything & equal to anything through Him Who infuses inner strength into me; I am self-sufficient in Christ's sufficiency] Phil 4:13. Don't waste another good day blaming others...receive the guaranteed help available to you friend-blessings!
8/2/12-LMM

Walk out your faith...

One of the most powerful ways we can impact those we love is to model our faith in Jesus. When the truth we profess with our mouth becomes the walk in our daily lives...we have made a difference to those watching. Have faith...constantly! (Mk 11:22) 10/9/12CIFL-LMM #walkoutyourfaith #christianinsightforlife  wwwfacebook.com/christianinsightforlife

Nothing can overtake you...when God's holding your hand

Nothing can Overtake you...because God's holding your hand. Before the truth can set you free...you must know it. God's truth is for you to overcome...taking you from where you are to where He wants you to be-making an impact for His Kingdom. Trust Him-He's crazy about you. Know His plans are good for you. Our God is before all things and holds all things together so...there's no storm too big for Him, no quake that can swallow Him, no fire that can burn Him, no water that can drown Him...nor you...because He will take hold of your right hand & never let go...never, never, never! Keep on doing what you're called to do-don't give up friend-your Father's with you.
(John 8:32, Col 1:17, Jer 29:11, Isa 41:13)

Monday, October 8, 2012

Pain required for change...

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

Transform yourself...

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 and character. Don't conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of our mind. Renewing your mind is...not merely replacing negative thoughts with positive thoughts...it's replacing the lies of conformity with the transformation of God's Word. Check yourself...does your talk and walk line up with God's truths? If you profess the Word, but walk with the world-you're split in your beliefs...and you will surely be ripped apart! What do you really believe? What the world says...or what God says? Transform friend...God is waiting because He's madly in love with you. Blessings! (Rom 12:2, James 2:22-25) 6/20/12CIFL-LMM

Run your race...no one else can!

Run the race God set before you...emotion will open the gate for the run...but discipline is required to finish. You've got what it takes...Christ has equipped you. You will tempted constantly, but you won't face anything new under the sun; God will provide you a way out...every moment you have the choice to rely on His strength that's in you. God's faithful, He's with you during every tough decision-remain in Him and He will remain in you. Breathe, receive His strength, press forward, then do it...again, and again, and again. If you fall, learn from it-what tripped you? Correct your error and get back in race. Run with a purpose- keep your eyes on the the prize-for the moment you're in...is the moment you have discipline in. "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]. Run your race...you've got what it takes friend! (1 Cor 10:13, Jn 15:4, 1 Cor 9:26, Phil 4:13) 12/5/12CIFL-LMM

A Purpose is in you...

Everyone has a purpose...but character must be developed to carry out the purpose. Working through character issues is a life long process-no one is exempt. We must choose to participate in the process to prepare for the next level...where God wants to use us. Don't delay your next assignment...work out your character issues. Character must be rooted and grounded-solid, to launch the talents God's placed in us and take us to the next level. God places talents in us...our part is to allow Him to develop and mature our character through trials and purification in life-giving our talent the foundation it needs to sustain time. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them (Eph 2:10). Let God work out your issues...so He can work through you-blessings friend! 10/2012CIFL-LMM