Yes we wanted a vacation to "get away from it all". We wanted nature and quiet with trees and wild animals. We rented an isolated cabin high in the mountains with an elevation over 11,000 feet! We were going to relax and just enjoy the quiet.
Yet all four of us found ourselves either on our phone or Ipads. We were on-line, texting and making phone calls. My two sons complained incessantly when they couldn't stream movies via their devices due to the spotty internet service. We played spades and watched TV and believe it or not...we found ourselves at Target a few days later buying a game system! Yes we are pathetic! We were making our little cabin in the woods "get away" just like the hectic home we just left. We wanted to unplug and relax...but I don't think any of us really know how to do that.
How is your "Quite Time" with God? How many of us have music blaring, our favorite TV show playing or we are reading a book? I have the same problems trying to put everything aside. It is after all the most important part of our day. You might have to get up early before everyone else does. I know that I will get so easily distracted by the buzzer that the laundry is done or the vibrating of my phone and will lose train of thought easily.
Everyone needs time away from the routine but the time you dedicate to God is the most important time you can ever have. Some time is better than no time, and should be your very best time. Don't give the Lord your leftovers. Don't try to find time; you need to make time, and make it a priority. Also find time early in the day. Psalm 5:3 says, “… in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up.” You don't take a trip and then try to read the map, do you? Spend time alone with God to begin your day.
The Bible says in Psalm 46:10, “Be still, and know that I am God.” Focus your mind on Him. It is important to calm down, relax, and recognize His presence. Take a deep breath and focus your thoughts on the Lord. Do not let anything distract you.
Find a place where you can focus. Jesus said enter into your closet and pray (see Matthew 6:6). That simply means find a place of isolation where you can shut the door on the world and open the windows to heaven. Jesus sought out places where He could be alone, and so should you.
Everyday can be a vacation away from it all as you find peace, quiet and restoration in Him.
Ever been in an amazing place and the first day all you did was you snap photos of everything that you have seen? Every tree, mountain, bird and stream you look at are a miraculous miracle and you find yourself speechless? You are definitely easy to spot as tourists because you gasp at every little thing and your camera is practically glued to your face. You have big smiles and you take really deep breaths of the mountain air and repeatedly say, "I don't smell chemicals! Air smells so differently here! Oh this is so awesome" Okay...well....that is what we did. Haha
Two days later you pass by those same things and you look at it and continue on. You see more mountains with deer standing at the edge and buffalo roaming the field with alpaca sheep next to the road; you appreciate them but the "awe" factor has diminished some. After a few more days you don't see anything different....the snow on the mountains, the town donkeys that run loose on Main Street...You just aren't that impressed anymore. You have officially acclimated to your new environment.
That is what happened on our Rocky Mountain vacation. We went through a thousand photos the first day and as we left a week later with 1,200 photos altogether. Did we take photos of everything that was beautiful on day one? Noooo in fact I had to beg the boys to take pictures of some things that I thought were notable and they were like, "Nah. That isn't anything special."
As Christians we too become acclimated to our Christian life. As new believers everything looks and feels so wonderful and different and we just breathe it all in! We are astounded and amazed at our experiences and we see everything so new and wonderful. We cannot wait to share everything with everybody. We smile with mouth wide-open excitement!! But what happens?
We take what we have and our new found identity for granted. We get used to the gifting and the abilities like being able to call out to God and hear his voice. Who would get used to that? How about healing, hope and the gift of salvation? Where is the awe factor in that? We become complacent. We all too soon forget what great things have been given so freely to us. Just like our trip to Colorado...we didn't pay for the scenery but yet that is the first thing we forgot about. We didn't VALUE the creation.
Please stop and smell the roses. There is value in every moment. I know...even in changing dirty diapers there is value! It doesn't feel like it when you are doing it and are elbow-deep in stuff. But there are ladies right now that wished that they had a child that needed a diaper change! We have to get out of our rut! I encourage you to look at the mundane in your life and look for the beauty in it; even in the small things. It is there if you choose to look for it. It may be in your marriage that has become hard to see any good in; it may be in that pesky rebellious kid that just will not listen. Speak to that mountain! In Faith see what it is going to be and not what isn't right at the moment. Ask God to clear the scales that have grown over your eyes so that you can see things new again. There is an awe factor in this life and we need to live every day with that in the forefront of our minds. We all need a spiritual revival!
God sees you as beautiful and priceless and He loves you more than anything....don't take what you have or even WHO'S you are for granted. Our God is something to be in awe about and nothing should ever change that.
Zephaniah 3:17 "The LORD your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing."
We are staying in this beautiful log home for vacation in Colorado. I have always loved the look of a cabin in the woods! I so admire the large round logs that support the home and line the ceilings. One thing that I have never noticed though is that most of the logs have long cracks in them! This got me thinking and of course I had to Google it! The wood looked so sturdy and so regal standing there but yet had the wide crevices exposed and there just had to be a reason for that, right?
"Checking", or cracking of the logs is a natural part of a tree drying and is on the surface and does not go through to the diameter. The wood is now disconnected from it's water source and as it dries it is normal for it to open up. These checks are seen as a part of a log home’s unique appearance and charm. This type of crack is normally small and does not present a structural problem in the home. Another crack though often called a split; is larger and more severe, often passing through the diameter of the log. These cracks are often due to damage to the log itself, improper drying techniques, or structural loading. These splits can be detrimental to a home and has to be professionally repaired or replaced.
Splits can be fatal and can cause some big problems but thankfully we serve a God that can come in and fill in any empty space that we have and make us whole. He is our professional and with Him we can be strong and sturdy once again!
We all have cracks or should I say "checks". Don't be confused with what they mean. We often take for granted the gentle cracks of beauty that God helps us through...that is our testimony...that is what we show to people. Our cracks are actually Holy Ground. It is a reminder that we need Jesus and they bring us into His presence and even can set us on our knees in humble thankfulness. They focus our thoughts on His Word and put our hearts where they need to be. We can stand tall, regal and have a great foundation and have some checks in our lives.
Just as our forefathers declared this day in 1776 to be independence Day; freedom actually didn't come until a few years later. Maybe you do not have much to celebrate today and either feel like your own personal spiritual freedom is lacking or even the freedom in our country. Despite what you feel, see or hear we have much to celebrate!
Do not focus on your pain or your past or present circumstance but celebrate today the promises that God has given you. Prophesy over yourself by speaking the Word no matter what you are surrounded by. When you speak it in faith: not only are you strengthened but so is your spirit.
Think back in history about the significance of why we shoot fireworks and wave the flag; the pain of the bombs bursting in air in the dawns early light and all those whose lives were effected and given for this freedom. Now think about what Jesus has done for you and what He is wanting to do in your life. There is just reason to celebrate. So smile and eat watermelon, barbecue with the family and thank God for your freedom not only in the past but also for your future.
Decree and declare freedom in your life today! There may be a few battles coming your way but you have God on your side. Go celebrate with all the pomp and circumstance you can muster and don't forget to fly the flag of freedom over your life because victory is coming to your house!
"It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery." Galatians 5:1
The cabin we rented was amazing! The only complaint I had; other than not seeing a moose, was that it had an electric stove that was solid surface. Now these stoves can be really nice and this one was...but it had a really large burner as well as a small on in the front. The two back burners were itty bitty!
All the cabin had were large pans so I had to use the front burner the whole time and only cook one thing at a time. No other pan would fit. I found myself saying, "I can't put anything on the back burner" multiple times. Haha
It really made me think of my life and how EVERYTHING at times seems so important and STAT or emergent! Up to this vacation I never put anything on the "back burner"...so why should dinner on vacation be any different?!
The hectic pace of life can cause us to put things in the "front" of our lives and cause us to feel overwhelmed. The deadlines and the busyness of life can make you feel like you are running around in circles and not getting anything done. Like most of the people I know; I was in need of a little adjustment to my priorities. That is why vacations are so important. Normally Don and I only go out of town if it is church related and rarely ever go anywhere that isn't. So this time was really good for our family. It was a time to get away and put everything aside except for what was truly important.
Don't get me wrong; church and my friends are VERY important but sometimes you have to evaluate what is on the front burner 95% of the time and if it isn't the people that live in the house with you...namely your spouse or children...well what you placed on the back burner is going to eventually spoil and not turn out the way you want it. Because you don't have the room or the time to put into it! This vacation was about my kids and my husband; and secondly only to my relationship with God, it will ALWAYS be on the front burners of my life. What about you?
Being in a high altitude can cause something called Altitude Sickness. My family encountered this just this past week. We rented a cabin near Breckenridge, Colorado that was over 11,000 feet above sea level! We noticed we were breathing harder and were feeling lethargic and grumpy. We thought that maybe it was just form all the sigh seeing and of course the mind-numbing whitewater rafting trip that we went on! None of us could sleep either and that was really weird for me....there usually isn't many things that can prevent me from sleeping!
Some symptoms of Altitude Sickness include headache, fatigue, stomach illness, dizziness, and sleep disturbance; which can last for a few days. Some people never experience this slow and painful transition and others do not. Exertion aggravates the symptoms even more. At higher elevations the body experiences diminished oxygen pressure that causes increased ventilation and increased heart rate. Your body is trying to acclimate to the new pressure and because of that you can easily hyperventilate and your body can put off functions such as digestion to focus on vital issues like blood and oxygen levels. This explains why none of us could sleep after eating a really big meal before bedtime!
It is the same with being a leader and a Christian in our environment. It is harder to function in a higher level initially and you no longer do the things that others can do at sea level. It can be scary and certain things can make you breathe fast and make your heart race! BUT it is what God has called us to do. To go higher in HIM and up there we are closer to his ways and further away from our old Earthly ways. God wants to introduce us to new treasures, new anointing and new places in His Spirit. He desires that we receive greater wisdom, new perspective and new armor. He wants to reveal secrets of the Kingdom to us that we cannot obtain at a lower level. Come higher to Him and let Him change you from the inside out.
On a recent trip to Colorado; my family went white water rafting. The website that I booked the trip on stated that the Royal Gorge trip is the most exciting rapids available commercially in the USA. It had many expert level rapids thought it and was listed for "thrill seekers". Well me being the trip organizer decided that if we were going to go on a rafting trip...well it would be the best available!
After getting there though I started to get a bit nervous and I vocalized to the staff that I might have changed my mind because we have NEVER done this before; our guide Zach said, "If you can follow directions then you can do this! No problem." Well who am I to argue with that?
I loved his optimism and it set my mind at ease. I can follow directions, right? Then we had to sign all the liability forms talking about all the things that could go wrong. Yikes! Once on the bus he began to talk to us about respecting the river and how things can go bad really fast. He said, "No matter what...do not let go of your paddle and always keep paddling." He explained that "If you feel like you might fall off the raft you paddle faster because this will serve to help balance you out and also make sure your feet are securely in place. Even if you are covered in waves and cannot see a thing, keep paddling." My son Trey wanted to get out of the bus at this announcement and I even thought about it!
In the raft there are deep slots to put your feet in to prevent falling off of the raft. I was grateful for these pockets! You sit on the side of the raft in a very vulnerable position and having your feet stabilized gives a little bit of a feeling of control.
I fell IN the boat twice during our trip and it was very scary! My heart was racing and I had to work hard at getting back up and back in position with water all around me and waves crashing in on every side. I was shaking and felt like I had no strength. I was scared. I also felt like I was a failure. My team needed me to get up and help maneuver the whitewater. I will say this... I never did let go of my paddle! I understood that it was my lifeline and if I let go of it then everyone on the boat would suffer.
When we got to the end of our adventure Zach our guide told us that we all did so good; especially as novices. He reminded us that falling IN was not a failure like failing OUT would have been. That would have been a rescue operation! We all got back up and got back at it quickly and despite what was going on. What a feeling of adrenaline mixed with accomplishment that experience was!
Let me encourage you to dig in and stabilize yourself with what you know as truth in your life. You might be in a vulnerable situation right now and you might have gotten hit by an unsuspecting situation; with Jesus on your side you will find yourself grounded and you will not fall OUT of the boat. You know the Word and you can follow those instructions! You will not drown because you've got that paddle of truth that not only balance out your life but gives you the hope as well as the strength to get back up and keep you paddling forward!
As I set out pork chops this morning to defrost I had a strange thought; what in the world is "This little Piggy" children's poem all about? Yes..I do have a touch of ADHD thanks to living with my husband..I guess it rubs off on people! Well, I often have thought of this children's story as unfair because some pigs must had it made and got to go shopping and have fun and for some reason some didn't. The other pigs either had "none" or went "home"....how sad is that!? I feel sorry for those little piggy's! They must have done something pretty bad to not get to experience going to the market or eating roast beef. Maybe they had bad manners or misbehaved and were put in timeout? ha ha But for some reason I can't help to think that there has to be a deeper meaning here!
This little piggy went to market,
This little piggy stayed home,
This little piggy had roast beef,
This little piggy had none,
And this little piggy went wee wee wee all the way home.
Although no website that I have visited could explain a deeper meaning, other than saying "it is a counting poem" (well not a very good one I think...because it never even mentions numbers) I think it could have whole different meaning behind it! I have heard in the past that this whole children's poem has to do with pigs getting slaughtered and some waiting for another day. My how that doesn't seem very child-friendly!
Well let's just say that the first piggy went to the market because he was getting slaughtered...this makes sense because do pigs really go shopping? Why is it that I always pictured as a child a pig with a shopping cart? Oh the imagination! The piggy that stayed home; well for some reason it just wasn't their time and they got to have fun for another day. Then the pig that had roast beef...well the farmer must of realized that he was underweight and is trying to "beef" him up! The piggy who had none... we all know that when a animal is going to go to the slaughterhouse they don't get to eat because they can't have anything in their gut. And of course all of our favorite...the very last piggy who got to go "weee weee" all the way home! That was the really fun one that usually involved tickling of the foot and lots of giggles. I picture that pig running away from the trouble! He found a way out of the farmers hands and made a run for it! And I am quite sure that his "home" wasn't at the pig farm where it wasn't safe but where he was loved and wanted and secure.
"...God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it." 1 Corinithians 10:13
Oh how things look so different from the perspective of the adult mind! Despite what is going on around you, what you see, what you think you deserve or what others have told you...God has made a way of escape for you. It is never too late for you to make a break and run. Don't sit in mediocrity and do what others are doing without questioning where you are truly supposed to be! Wake up and know that He has better for you. Open those eyes and put them on Jesus who has already won your victory on the cross! I sure hope that you can be the one today that is giggling and squealing "weee weee weeee" all the way home.
Adjust that Crown!
Jonna
*This blog is written by Jonna Gibson for "Invisible Crown". You can follow it at Jonna-invisiblecrown.blogspot.com
Holocaust survivor Corrie Ten Boom spent the last years of her life speaking to men and women all around the world about the God who sustained her during her imprisonment in a Nazi prison camp. Corrie was a Christian who, along with her father and other family members, helped many Jews escape the Nazi's during World War II. She was imprisoned for her actions and she wrote a book, The Hiding Place where she describes the whole ordeal. This book came to be a best seller and in many schools a required reading.
Corrie Ten Boom's strong faith in God kept her from depression throughout her life and especially within the Nazi camps. She told of how her sister Betsey reached out to others and helped her to see the best in everything, no matter what the circumstance. This is one story that she shared:
The barracks where Corrie Ten Boom and her older sister Betsy were kept in a Nazi concentration camp in Ravensbruck, Germany were terribly overcrowded and unfortunately flea-infested. They had been able to miraculously smuggle a Bible into the camp, and in that Bible they had read that in all things they were to give thanks. Betsy in her devotion decided that in this situation that they should all thank God for the fleas in their room; even though they have seemingly been reproducing at a alarming rate. This was too much for Corrie, who said she could do no such thing. But Betsy insisted, so they all gave in and prayed to God, thanking Him even for the fleas.
Over the next several months a wonderful, but curious, thing happened. They realized that the guards never entered their barracks anymore due to the amount of fleas that would jump on them when they were nearby. This meant that women were not assaulted and that their room was a safe place. It also meant that they were able to do the unthinkable, which was to hold open Bible studies and prayer meetings in the heart of a Nazi concentration camp! Through this, countless numbers of women came to faith in Christ.
Today let us give thanks to God for every good and perfect gift (James 1:17), but also thank Him for how He will use all things for good in the lives of those who trust Him (Romans 8:28).
Adjust that Crown!
Jonna
*This blog is written by Jonna Gibson for "Invisible Crown". You can follow it at Jonna-invisiblecrown.blogspot.com
I want to share a perspective on the controversial subject of drinking alcohol. I know...there are some eyebrows being raised right now! ha ha. But this topic has been introduced, debated and watered down in many churches as well as Christian homes in recent years. Unfortunately, I have had someone very close take a stand that drinking was "not a bad thing" and began to participate in it. Now a few years later this person is addicted to alcohol and its effects have had many sad results in their life, marriage, job and eventually in their children's lives. What? This will not happen to you? Is that what you tell yourself? Well being someone in ministry; I have seen the negative effects alcohol has had on many people's lives...unfortunately many in the church do not know or do not see it because there is something called confidentiality. If only people would be transparent about their pain...then others would not also fall in the same pit.
I don't know about you but when I hear of or when I see a professing Christian drinking; my respect level of them goes down dramatically. I mean, is there anything more strange? I can visualize a new Christian just coming to know Jesus that sees a member of their church drinking, and how that can make them either feel empowered to do the same or feel disappointed in the lack of witness shown. I have also seen a new convert that struggled with alcohol and God miraculously delivered them of their addiction; just to become disillusioned when the person that led them to the Lord was seen drinking. How disheartening is that?
Because of free will our actions have consequences; and just because we don't see them immediately doesn't mean there are none. The truth is that everything we say and everything that we do creates an effect that can be good or bad and many of those aren't seen but are unseen. Let's not even talk about the physical ailments as well as the spiritual implications! (Drinking alcohol is like "pickling" yourself from the inside out!) There is a reason that we are to set ourselves apart from the world and not be like them. Doing so gives God more room to work in our lives and doing the opposite, well just shows who is really in control of us.
"Don't drink too much wine. That cheapens your life. Drink the Spirit of God, huge draughts of Him. Sing hymns instead of drinking songs! Sing songs from your heart to Christ. Sing praises over everything, any excuse for a song to God the Father in the name of our Master, Jesus Christ." Ephesians 5:18-20The Message
It's not the act of drinking or whether or not it's a "sin" that really matters here. We could debate on this for a long time. Trust me...I have been involved in many of a discussion and have heard so many uses of scriptures leaning one way or the other. And no group talk I have ever been involved in could ever agree on the subject. So I am not going to even use all the scriptures that everyone else uses. I am going to appeal to the heart today and not in the head knowledge of the thing. In reality, it is the character behind the thing that really matters. It is the WHY.
Why is it necessary for you to drink? Isn't the Spirit of God enough for you? What are you trying to fill? Is it because it tastes good (and we ALL know it doesn't!) or do you have another motive? Are you drinking for comfort or because you are in a bad mood? Am I drinking due to stress or due to peer pressure? Who should you be going to when you are in pain, sad, stressed, etc?
We were made to be filled with the praises of God and to show Him glory. This is our purpose of being His creations! Any person can find silliness and stress relief from drinking alcohol. But you are NOT just any kind of person! You may even argue that you have never been "drunk" and you only use alcohol for pleasure or "social" occasions. So then I ask, why do you drink at all? What is the purpose then? If this isn't a stronghold in your life, then can you let it go for Christ's sake? It is easy to say something doesn't control you until you are asked to let it go. As the verse above states, it is better to drink from the Spirit and sing songs of praise than to be filled with a substance that cheapens the life God gave us, no matter what that substance is! And the bigger picture here is that anything that we cannot give up for Christ is a stronghold, end of the discussion.
"Yes, I am sending you to the Gentiles to open their eyes, so they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God. Then they will receive forgiveness for their sins and be given a place among God's people, who are set apart by faith in me" Acts 26:17-18
This was taken from Paul's encounter on the road to Damascus. This is Jesus talking to Paul. He says that we Gentiles are set apart BY FAITH in Him. It's one thing for God to come in and break the chains of addictions of sin to give us a new life, but it's yet another thing for us to step out in faith of what Christ did in us and remain pure! It DOES take faith though to live a life of purity, showing the world the life-giving power that comes solely from God. I have FAITH that Christ lived the most narrow lifestyle, pursuing purity to be set apart for His Father, even to the point of dying for ME. Faith requires action. I walk out my faith by setting myself apart for God alone, living as Christ lived so that the captives might find life in He who lives in me.
Just like Saul who killed Christians and hated them had an amazing encounter where he was converted to Christianity by a bright light! Isn't that just incredible? The Word says that his eyes were "opened" immediately yet he could see nothing. He was immediately made aware that he had been deceived! Could it be that you think that what you are doing or what you believe is totally correct but in reality you have been deceived? Could it be that the enemy is trying to steal the promises that God has given you and has entrusted you with? Just like Saul scales fell away from his eyes to show the real truth of his situation. The truth was so incredible that his name was changed to Paul. Now that is revelatory truth!
In our own home; which is the pastor's home of our church; our son has on occasion used Rum to make Bananas Foster and used Jack Daniels whisky to make a sauce for our steak. Don was upset that our son bought it and used it to the point of argument; but agreed that upon tasting the food that it was incredibly delicious. So there the bottles sat up in our top cabinet. For all of you who know my husband; he used to drink. Now, he was never tempted from the alcohol; but he would open that cabinet and see those bottles and it would remind him of situations in his past that he considered horrible and that he was ashamed of. It was a time where God came in and intervened and saved him from himself and Don did not like the fact that these bottles were sitting there mocking him. It could be a doorway and he didn't want any part of it. We also noticed that our son had bought a few more things to "try" out in different recipes. Our home was quickly turning into a home of compromise. It was becoming something less than what God would be happy with. It took someone close to us losing their job and about losing their mind due to alcohol for us to talk to the boys about us never making compromises like that again in our lives. We would never again let it in our home. Together we poured it all out and decided that if Bananas Foster did not taste good without using Rum, well then we would just choose another dessert. Plain and simple.
After all...is there any end to the life lived like the world? So if alcohol is acceptable in our world, why not drugs, shacking up, abortions, homosexuality, lying, killing, stealing and any other thing that may so easily beset us. Any of these things we could argue about and if we find enough people to agree with....we could justify it! Maybe today you are saying...I would never do those things! I just take a drink here or there. You may be exclaiming as well, "Jonna, you are being a little crazy and going to extremes by saying all of this!"
"Keep a cool head. Stay alert. The Devil is poised to pounce, and would like nothing better than to catch you napping. Keep your guard up. You’re not the only ones plunged into these hard times. It’s the same with Christians all over the world. So keep a firm grip on the faith." 1Peter 5:8-10The Message
Well maybe I am a little crazy; but God is calling us to be aware and to be intentional in these last days. We are to be aliens, radical and different and non-conforming.,,,.right? What does the Bible say will happen in the last days, anyway? What things will be destructive and lead people down the wrong path? The Bible is clear that there will be such a strong deception and that if it were possible even the elect would be deceived. What seems white will be actually black or what seems like the truth will be in reality a lie. There will be countless deceptions in every area of life that will lead people astray. Being led the wrong way in life brings bitterness, unhappiness, destruction, and depression but being led down the wrong path spiritually is far more dangerous. I am just here to remind you about that warning.
"Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!" Isaiah 5:20
If you find yourself getting upset about this article and wanting to debate it...well lets just say then; that is why I wrote it. There is NO topic more controversial in the mainstream Christian world right now than this. We are called to be DIFFERENT! And in believing that alcohol; which is a mind-altering drug; is okay then you are being deceived. We are to strive to live a life of purity and to say "no" to ANYTHING that seems contrary to the Word of God. It doesn't have to be a big debate either...deep down everyone that I have talked to about drinking say that they never have a clear conscience about it at "first". But then it gets easier and in time they "really just don't care" what other people think. Well, that was your first indication! The Holy Spirit in you will always try to give you a way out of a compromising situation. The more you ignore the voice then the further away that it becomes and you will find yourself one day waking up and wondering, "How in the world did I get to this place in my life?"
Let me encourage you with this; the next time that you decide to fast...choose alcohol to permanently delete from your home, your life and your "social time". Maybe it hasn't been a struggle for you personally; but you know that it isn't a good witness for others or for your children. There is NO greater thing then to live a life of obedience and honor to your savior. He will grant favor to those who put Him first in their lives. Don't you want to honor Him with everything you do, say and wherever you go?
I am no longer my own for I am called to be a light in the darkness. If by drinking, I cause a stumbling block and dim the light of God in me, then I have no desire nor ambition to ever let it touch my lips. I will put my life on display to show how powerful my God is, giving up anything that tries to diminish the work of God in my life. May you make the last time you drank your "last call for alcohol".
Holocaust survivor Corrie Ten Boom spent the last years of her life speaking to men and women all around the world about the God who sustained her during her imprisonment in a Nazi prison camp. Corrie was a Christian who, along with her father and other family members, helped many Jews escape the Nazi's during World War II. She was imprisoned for her actions and she wrote a book, The Hiding Place where she describes the whole ordeal.
During one of her presentations, she held up a lady’s white glove. Corrie asked, “What can this white glove do?”. Then she went on to explain… "The glove can do nothing. Oh, but if my hand is in the glove, it can do many things…it can cook, play the piano, write. Well, you say that is not the glove, but the hand in the glove that does it. Yes, that is true. We are nothing but gloves. The hand in the glove is the Holy Spirit of God. Can the glove do something if it is very near to the hand? No! The glove must be FILLED with the hand to do the work. So must you too must be filled with the Holy Spirit of God to do what He has called you to do."
What a great illustration of God at work in the life of a believer! She brought to the platform a limp, worn out glove and talked about how useless it was in that condition. The glove looked the same and still appeared worn and faded, but the hand within it gave it new life. With that hand inside, that glove had the power to pick up things, throw things, and accomplish great tasks.
So it is with us. Although we may feel limp and powerless and worn out with life’s demands; the Spirit of God comes within us and then there is nothing that we cannot do. Of course, it wasn’t the glove, but the hand, that had life. And so it is with us, not me, and not you; but the Spirit within us that accomplishes great things! We must be the willing shell or the willing partner that allows the great opportunity to be used by God!
Adjust that Crown!
Jonna
*This blog is written by Jonna Gibson for "Invisible Crown". You can follow it at Jonna-invisiblecrown.blogspot.com
Eventually the brook dried up because of the drought. Then God spoke to Elijah: “Get up and go to Zarephath in Sidon and live there. I’ve instructed a woman who lives there, a widow, to feed you.” So he got up and went to Zarephath. As he came to the entrance of the village he met a woman, a widow, gathering firewood. He asked her, “Please, would you bring me a little water in a jug? I need a drink.” As she went to get it, he called out, “And while you’re at it, would you bring me something to eat?”
She said, “I swear, as surely as your God lives, I don’t have so much as a biscuit. I have a handful of flour in a jar and a little oil in a bottle; you found me scratching together just enough firewood to make a last meal for my son and me. After we eat it, we’ll die.” Elijah said to her, “Don’t worry about a thing. Go ahead and do what you’ve said. But first make a small biscuit for me and bring it back here. Then go ahead and make a meal from what’s left for you and your son. This is the word of the God of Israel: ‘The jar of flour will not run out and the bottle of oil will not become empty before God sends rain on the land and ends this drought.’”
And she went right off and did it, did just as Elijah asked. And it turned out as he said—daily food for her and her family. The jar of meal didn’t run out and the bottle of oil didn’t become empty: God’s promise fulfilled to the letter, exactly as Elijah had delivered it! 1 Kings 17:7-16The Message (MSG)
Can you just imagine that as she emptied her flour bowl and oil jar and then took a little cake to Elijah, and then returned home to wash the dirty dishes, she picks up the jar and the jug and she is in shock! The jar is full of flour and the jug is full to the brim with oil. She was an empty woman, but as she took what little she had to offer encouragement to another, God filled her up. I call this the Bucket Principle.
I believe that each of us is given a bucket of encouragement that we are to pour onto those around us. As we dip out of our bucket and pour onto others, God miraculously fills it back up. There are those who have buckets that are running a bit low or even close to empty. Maybe they haven’t had many deposits from other people lately, or maybe their bucket has a leak. In order to try to fill their bucket, they dip out of someone else’s bucket with a cutting word here or a degrading comment there. But you know what? You can never get your bucket filled by dipping out of someone else’s. You can only get your bucket filled by dipping out of your own and sharing the encouragement with others. When you give from your bucket of encouragement, God is there to pour more back into you.1
What is in your bucket?
Adjust that Crown!
Jonna
1.Jaynes, Sharon (2007-09-01). The Power of a Woman's Words (pp. 219-220). Harvest House Publishers. Kindle Edition.
A wise person makes decisions based on the understanding that God and his time-honored principles are the only sure foundation for life. A foolish person does not act on the foundation of a reverence for God but instead lives recklessly for selfish gain. “Like a gold ring in a pig’s snout is a beautiful woman who knows no discretion” (Proverbs 11:22).
No matter how beautiful a woman is on the outside, a lack of discretion will definitely change the way everyone sees her. Have you ever witnessed this? Here’s a great rule to live by: If in doubt, leave it out. In other words, if you are not sure if you should say something, then don’t. The ability to think before you speak and filter your thoughts through wisdom is a valuable tool.
King Solomon had a ready answer when asked if there was one thing that he would want to be given in life…he chose wisdom. There is only one way to know when to speak and when to be silent—by becoming a wise godly woman. “By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures” (Proverbs 24:3-4).
I want my life to be reflective of rare and beautiful treasures! How can we do that? Well we can be careful with what words we use to build our life around us. Being careful of what we speak into our lives as well as into others. When we speak in love, honor and respect we build things up for others but at the same time we build that up for ourselves.
I am a firm believer in the 'reaping what you sow' concept. What you say, do or agree with about a person is directly proportional to what you will receive. So if you want beauty and wisdom then you need to start operating with love and with the concepts that are in the Word. We don't do good things or live a Godly life to get good things but to BE like Jesus. He will take care of things in our life. He is the good shepherd and He honors obedience and His eyes will turn towards people that honor His Word.
So today be mindful of what you are putting out there in your atmosphere and when in doubt; please leave it out!
This is the choice that we have daily: to choose NOT to react in anger, but extend grace. You know that every day we have the ability to get upset or angry at something or someone. That guy pulls out in front of you causing you to slam on your brakes, someone cut in front of you in line or your friends puts a rant on Facebook that makes your face sting. Come on, we have all been there! It is that split second that we have of injustice that causes something to well up in us. Now what happens at this point is clearly a choice and we have to be intentional about choosing well.
When we extend grace; the aroma of Christ is released. “My dear brothers and sisters,” Paul writes, “take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because our anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires” (James 1:19 TNIV). Thomas Jefferson once said, “If angry, count to ten before you speak; if very angry, one hundred.” Those are very wise words! I know that I have said or did plenty of things in a flushed face of anger! I usually do not feel better afterwards either...I am usually embarrassed or ashamed!
Where does anger come from, anyway? It is a reaction to irritating people and circumstances, you might say. But I believe that the root cause of anger is self-centeredness. We live in a world that tells us “It’s all about me!” And when something doesn’t suit the center of our universe—me—then anger erupts. That’s difficult to admit, isn’t it? But it is so true!
Here’s a little test. Each time you become angry over the next few days, ask yourself this question: Am I angry because I didn’t get what I wanted when I wanted it? When we ask that question, the little kid throwing a temper tantrum in the toy store bears a striking resemblance! Rather than using our words in anger, we can use our words to be the fragrance of Christ (2 Corinthians 2:15).
Try to look at the bigger picture when you are in a situation that angers you: did the elderly lady need to closer parking place anyway? Wow...I am so glad that I was able to stop in time to not get into an accident; thank you Jesus for quick reflexes and watching out for me! You see how you can think something negative into a positive and circumvent anger and the need to "tell someone off!"
In our society today I have noticed that NO one wants to be wrong or wants to ever admit that they are wrong. We just tend to justify ourselves and so instead of apologizing we gain groups of people who will support us in our decision; right or wrong. We tell everyone why we "did what we did" so that they will understand why we "do what we do". (Yes...this is the blame game we often see on Facebook and please...do not join in ....it will only cause you anger & disappointment...you cannot reason with unreasonable people! You are aren't dealing with flesh and blood but with powers of darkness and the smell of this really stinks.)We play the blame game so that people will "understand us" and take up our offenses. This feeling of right standing in our anger and our actions is so very against the ways of God! We are to carry with us a light of Jesus...not a torch of US!
Have you ever hugged someone and ended up wearing their perfume? I know that there are some people that when I hug them I just inhale strongly...they always smell so good! That is exactly what we are to be in the people we encounter...a wonderful aroma of Christ. That in whatever we are; we will leave a beautiful fragrance with our words and actions. Choose joy and choose to love and that is a smell so beautiful that nobody can deny.
Adjust Your Crown
Jonna
*This blog is written by Jonna Gibson for "Invisible Crown". You can follow it at Jonna-invisiblecrown.blogspot.com
You are going to meet an old lady someday. Down the road 10, 20, 30 years—she’s waiting for you. You will catch up to her. What kind of old lady are you going to meet? She may be a seasoned, soft, and gracious lady. A lady who has gown old gracefully, surrounded by a host of friends—friends who call her blessed because of what her life has meant to them. Or she may be a bitter, disillusioned, dried-up, cynical old buzzard without a good word for anyone or anything—soured, friendless, and alone.
The kind of old lady you will meet will depend entirely upon you. She will be exactly what you make of her, nothing more, nothing less. It’s up to you. You will have no one else to credit or blame. Every day, in every way, you are becoming more and more like that old lady. You are getting to look more like her, think more like her, and talk more like her. You are becoming her.
If you live only in terms of what you are getting out of life, the old lady gets smaller, drier, harder, crabbier, more self-centered. Open your life to others. Think in terms of what you can give and your contribution to life, and the old lady grows larger, softer, kinder, and greater. These little things, seemingly so unimportant now—attitudes, goals, ambitions, desires—are adding up inside where you cannot see them, crystallizing in your heart and mind. The point is; these things don’t always show up immediately. But they will—sooner than you think. Your experiences and choices now is what makes her what she is going to be.
The time to take care of that old lady is right now. Today. Examine your motives, attitudes, goals. Check up on her. Work her over now; while she is still pliable, still in a formative condition. Then you will be much more likely to meet a lovely, gracious old lady at the proper time.1
Now isn't that a sobering thought?
Adjust that Crown!
Jonna
1 Jaynes, Sharon (2007-09-01). The Power of a Woman's Words . Harvest House Publishers. Kindle Edition.
*This blog is written by Jonna Gibson for "Invisible Crown". You can follow it at Jonna-invisiblecrown.blogspot.com
Ephesians 5:9-12 "For the fruit (the product) of the Light or the Spirit [consists] in every form of kindly goodness, uprightness of heart, and trueness of life. 10And try to learn [in your experience] what is pleasing to the Lord [let your lives be constant proofs of what is most acceptable to Him]. 11Take no part in and have no fellowship with the fruitless deeds and enterprises of darkness, but instead [let your lives be so in contrast as to] expose and reprove and convict them.12For it is a shame even to speak of or mention the things that [such people] practice in secret."
Believe the best in people and speak it into their lives even when you do not see it...this is the ultimate love we can have for each other. When we begin to wonder and think "what are they up to?" and react in mistrust or suspicion then we imprison ourselves and our hearts become hardened. We fear what they are going to do or say and we end up in defensive mode....God is your defender so cast your care on Him. It isn't your burden and remember that God's ways doesn't always make sense; but in the end....you want to come out a shining reflection of Christ, right?
"The life of King Saul also shows us how suspicion can masquerade as discernment and ultimately lead us into bondage. Suspicion is the gift of discernment being used by the spirit of fear. It leads to bitterness, unforgiveness, and torment, and it results in our going into a spiritual prison where all guards work for the dark side. The spirits who guard the walls of this prison have names like sickness, depression, hatred, and murder."1
Suspicion defined: the act or an instance of suspecting something wrong without proof or on slight evidence, mistrust, a state of mental uneasiness or uncertainty, doubt, a barely detectable amount
It is truly amazing how quick that we can find ourselves being held captive by our own minds. Our imagination is such a powerful thing! Our past experiences can form mind sets and pre-conceived ideas that can actually dictate the way that we interact, love, have friendships etc. We can also listen to gossip and believe what is being told to us that will change the way we think about someone or something. If we aren't "renewing" our minds daily with the words of Christ then we can fall subject to this quite easily. One of my favorite scriptures in the Bible is found in Psalms 51:10"Create in me a clean heart Oh God. And renew a right spirit within me." It is our natural tendency to get angry or want revenge when others hurt us or betray us BUT that is why we must dwell on the Word of God that brings life to our spirit.
Living a life of suspicion can be painful. You will find yourself in a place where you have no friends and that you leave a trail of "destruction" wherever you go. You gossip and slander and live in a state of mistrust it doesn't feel good at all. So then you blame others on how you feel and the vicious cycle continues no matter if you change churches, cities or relationships. It is a sickness that has been in the church for years and the enemies best card in his hand. No matter what side of the coin you find yourself on...the one talking or the one being talked about; you can find yourself bound and miserable. Where there is suspicion; there is NO room for love. Where there is no room for love...well...God does not dwell there.
God I pray that our spiritual blinders be broken off in your name. I pray that whatever chains is holding us back from our true calling and standing that we shake them off this very day. That your people experience freedom today from the tricks that our minds make and that we find ourselves on our knees asking for your forgiveness. Make us clean from trying to take matters in our own hands. We lift up those that hurt us or those that we have a issue with and we ask you to forgive us for harboring resentment and suspicion. Father renew a trusting and loving heart in us. I pray for my perceived enemies and I speak blessings on them and their families. God restore us to right standing. We call out to you; the one that can give our souls a refreshing like none other. I speak joy into lives today and a that a new spirit is being created of love, joy and peace. Give me the wisdom to speak truth and love and speak life into people and circumstances. I declare it so in your name. Amen.
Adjust your crown!
Jonna
*This blog is written by Jonna Gibson for "Invisible Crown". You can follow it at Jonna-invisiblecrown.blogspot.com
1Johnson, Bill; Vallotton, Kris (2006-04-28). The Supernatural Ways of Royalty: Discovering Your Rights and Privileges of Being a Son or Daughter of God (p. 48). Destiny Image. Kindle Edition.
I have always been a tad bit sarcastic. I like to throw out quick quips or sassy sayings to people all in fun. When I worked in the ER at Ben Taub I had to "front" people and it wasn't easy at first. It was a really really rough place to work and not only would I get verbally or physically abused by the patients but the family members were even worse. My life was threatened many times and people would say that they would be waiting for us in the garage when our shift was over. It wasn't that I was mean...I was far from it. But my soft spoken voice had to get a little louder and I had to get more confrontational so that they would not run over me. My co-workers didn't think I would make it past my first year. Eventually my sense of sarcasm kicked in and I got pretty good at "setting people straight" but in a nice way. Or if it got really bad; I just called the police that was in the same department and they would escort the person off the property. So you can see how that felt...the power to control whether a person stays on the premises or not. No matter what someone said in the end...I had the best comeback, "Security!".
I had to get out of that environment and after 4 years I finally did. But what I have noticed that on many occasions, when someone is telling me about a confrontation with a family member or a coworker, those quick-witted remarks still pop up in my mind. I would think of what they should have said or could have said to top them. Ha. And to make matters worse; in a shopping situation when a clerk or drive thru employee gives me attitude, I can usually think of something great to say back.
So where’s the victory in all of this? The victory comes when I choose not to let the words out of my mouth. When I lasso the words before they have a chance to run out of the gate. When I offer blessings rather than cursing. When I put on the humility of Christ and take the comments without the retaliation. That, my friend, is choosing to walk in the Spirit instead of choosing to walk in the flesh. It can only happen by the power of the Holy Spirit and becomes easier with practice as well with time. The "internal voices" I used to have hardly make it to my head anymore because I have become intentional about thinking good and the positive in every situation.
"The world is unprincipled. It’s dog-eat-dog out there! The world doesn’t fight fair. But we don’t live or fight our battles that way—never have and never will. The tools of our trade aren’t for marketing or manipulation, but they are for demolishing that entire massively corrupt culture. We use our powerful God-tools for smashing warped philosophies, tearing down barriers erected against the truth of God, fitting every loose thought and emotion and impulse into the structure of life shaped by Christ. Our tools are ready at hand for clearing the ground of every obstruction and building lives of obedience into maturity." 2 Corinthians 10:4-6
Adjust that Crown,
Jonna
*This blog is written by Jonna Gibson for "Invisible Crown". You can follow it at Jonna-invisiblecrown.blogspot.com
Are you wondering who you really are? Wondering if you are even forgivable or worthy? Well if you have ANY thoughts that are similar in that pretty head of yours then you have believed a lie!
You are without question a beloved child of God. As Beth Moore once said, “If you are not royalty, He is not King.”1 We are the rightful heirs to God’s kingdom — and of His love, acceptance and any other resource that heaven has available. You are a royal and dearly loved daughter, and He is the King of all kings!
Proverbs says, “For as a man thinks in his heart, so is he” (Prov. 23:7). Our imagination is a very powerful part of our being. "Everything that has ever been built, made, painted, or developed began in someone’s imagination. We tend to reproduce what we feast our thoughts upon. We spend much of our lives reacting to what we don’t want to be instead of responding to the call of God on our lives. We waste a lot of energy trying not to be something."2 "Be proud of of who you see in the mirror; not because of who you are but because of whose you are." -Tracie Miles
Oh Lord, how I want to break free from the pain and shame of my past and embrace who I am in You. Cleanse my heart and mind of the lies I have believed, and transform the reflection in the mirror into that dearly loved child of God that you see. I am calling it out today in Jesus’ Name, Amen.
“Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous — how well I know it.” (NLT) Psalm 139:14
Adjust that crown!
Jonna
*This blog is written by Jonna Gibson for "Invisible Crown". You can follow it at Jonna-invisiblecrown.blogspot.com
1.Moore, Beth. Breaking Free. 2. Johnson, Bill; Vallotton, Kris (2006-04-28). The Supernatural Ways of Royalty: Discovering Your Rights and Privileges of Being a Son or Daughter of God (p. 41). Destiny Image.
Can you imagine your telephone’s caller ID displaying “God,” when your phone rings? I think I would panic a little bit! How many of us in fear would just let it go to voice mail? Of course, His calling is much more subtle than that, but it is just as real. Jesus plainly stated, “No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws [calls or invites] him” (John 6:44). Clearly, Christ is saying that no one can come to Him; that is, no one can become a Christian unless the Father first calls that person.
The really good news is that God CALLS everyone of us! And He gives us the ability to respond! Just like when you are invited to a wedding and you get that beautiful invitation and you just smile because...well I love wedding cake....and it is just precious to be invited to a wedding! Inside that invitation there is a small card and envelope with the address already written out and a stamp applied! All you have to do is check the box whether you will be attending or not! Then just drop it in the mail! Then the bride and groom put you on their list.
Have you ever attended a wedding that you didn't RSVP? In a case of my friend...she was NOT allowed into the reception! Every seat had a place card and only those who prepared in advance could enter. Of all the people who were invited...the only ones chosen to attend were the ones that responded.
Matthew 21 talks about a kingly wedding where many influential people were invited but many didn't show up. So the host asked his servants to go out and invite anyone that they could find to come. The King did not lower His standards by sending servants to round up any they could find, for there are no standards with God. God's call is universal and unlimited. And it would seem that nothing changes through time. The world of money, fame, and the pursuit of the "American Dream" are as seductive as ever. Even if those that are called do not show up; the wedding still goes on.
So are you answering, communicating to the call of God on your life; or should I ask, how are you responding? He has invited all of us and is just waiting on us. Are you too busy doing the things of life that you decide not to answer or you have decided maybe another time? I would hate for you to finally show up and find out that the circumstances have changed and you had no RSVP. And in the mean time He has chosen another. Don't miss your time that is appointed by God because you are out doing things that have no eternal value. All are called to this life of victory in Jesus but few are chosen because they simple do not answer His call.
Adjust Your Crown,
Jonna
*This blog is written by Jonna Gibson for "Invisible Crown". You can follow it at Jonna-invisiblecrown.blogspot.com
I cannot really think about Easter and not think about Mary, the mother of Jesus. As a mom I do wonder what she was thinking and feeling. We tend to think of her as having such a great life being chosen for her role in Jesus coming to Earth. But at the same time she knew great sorrow and had to endure things that most people never had to even think about. With her "chosen-ness" came great sacrifice and pain.
"And all who heard it wondered at the things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart."Luke 2:18-19
The word "ponder" means to weigh in the mind, or consider quietly. It is allowing a thing to be in one's heart where it can be treasured and quietly reflected on. So I think about Mary meditating on the scriptures that she was taught as a child. Did she think ahead to the cross? She was taught the Old Testament scriptures. Her heart must have been broken as she considered Isaiah 53.
"Surely he hath borne our grief, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed."
She had to have a clue on what the "bigger picture" was yet she quietly reflected; treasuring the knowledge and information she had been given. I know that sometimes when I see what may happen down the road or inevitably in a situation that I tend to "freak out" and panic about all the possible outcomes, scenarios and then I visualize how I might prevent that all from happening. I know that isn't good at all! But I am sure that I am not the only guilty of this!
Mary didn't live life as a perfect person or saint....but as a woman who knew that the role she had; whether it seemed fair or not...was a part of significance. Giving birth to Jesus had to have been nothing short of amazing....but seeing your son on the cross and treated like a criminal had to have been more than most of us could bear.
She could have freaked out and lived fearful of the future. She could have even reacted and spoke out against all the naysayers and defended her son. She could have even told everyone what had happened to her...that an angel came to her and told her that she would give birth as a virgin and she would have a son and his name was to be Jesus. Mary could have bragged and she could have talked about all the injustices as well. But she didn't and CHOSE to be a strong woman of faith and ponder what she knew in her heart. And because of that choice she is looked upon as such a strong woman of faith to this very day.
My how we all need to learn to ponder. To have that peaceful attitude and hope knowing that my life is not my own. That God is in control of this mess and He is going to turn it all around for good. Why? Because He loves me and has called me to a higher purpose. That He has got this!
Ponder on That!
Jonna
*This blog is written by Jonna Gibson for "Invisible Crown". You can follow it at Jonna-invisiblecrown.blogspot.com
I remember the old show called "Married with Children" and their theme song. The lyrics were, 'Love and marriage, they go together like a horse and carriage, this I tell you my brother, you can't have one without the other'. Now it is true that you need love with marriage; but the real truth is you cannot have love without forgiveness. And I don 't really think you can have forgiveness without having love.
When we forgive, it opens us up to God's forgiveness (Matthew 6:15), it puts us in a receiving position when we pray (Mark 11:24, 25), it helps us become spiritually fruitful (John 15:10, 12, 5). When we keep God's commandments and love one another, we prove that we love Jesus (John 14:21), and we abide in Christ's love (John 15:10)! What a magnificent blessing forgiveness really is.
Love is totally dependent on the ability of a person to forgive shortcomings, failures and misunderstandings. You can't truly love anyone--even yourself if there are things you just can't let go. Do we all instantaneously know how to do this? Noooooo.
We are all at different levels of love in our lives & as God calls us closer to Him and in a deeper relationship; then He also calls us to sacrifice more of our selves. It's a pruning process and it does hurt at times! Sometimes I feel like a great tall pine tree and then other times I may feel like Charlie Brown's Christmas tree. ha. God is faithful to call out things inside of us that we probably didn't know even existed!
Can you have a marriage without love? Sure but it isn't going to be a good one and it surely will not last. That is exactly how a relationship with Christ is without forgivness...you cannot live and be a true disciple if you aren't forgiving because it is a by-produce of love. And if you aren't loving people then you are not one of God's disciples. I know that hurts...but it is truth.
"By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another." John 13:35
This is where good Christians stumble in todays society. They drive people who are desperate but different than them away, people who are seeking answers but still have issues they shun, refusing to give them the same mercy they required just a few years earlier. Some embrace pride in their walk rather than humility, judgment rather than mercy, and rejection rather than acceptance of a heart that is hurting. They cease to be like the Lord, who loved the down and out.
Quite possibly it could be the fear of what to say or the fear that people full of tattoos and earrings and out in front of the church smoking; will affect their children or cause them to be uncomfortable or feel awkward. Maybe they just can't relate so they find themselves avoiding others who are different. But for us to mature and be what God has called us...lights to the World around us; we have got to see people through the eyes of Jesus.
If we are ever to be all that we are capable of being, we must renew our minds and be like Jesus. We need to forgive those around us in our past as well as our present so that we can "unclog" the flow of love that Jesus wants to move through us unconditionally and without hindrance. Your words, your smile could do more for someone than you ever realize! But you can't have a smile that transforms if you truly do not have love in your heart. You will find yourself ineffective.
My church, Mercy Gate has something that is called a Grace Covenant that helps remind members and leaders how we are to act in our everyday lives. These biblically based guideline helps us to make sure that we act in love in every interaction and conversation. We hold each other accountable to what topics are discussed and if anything is negative then we always correct with a positive. We speak love and that means life and we correct with love and that means life as well.
So don't settle for a life that is mediocre and move towards what is best. That will be one lived in love and forgiveness and trust me...as you live this way....you will find that you will be happiest you have ever been because you will be living the heart and will of your Father.
