Our Thought Life

 

Do you ever have racing thoughts jumping from one concern to another? Thoughts of the past and uncertainties about the future. This is an area that I really struggle with. Many times, I wish I had a switch to just turn my thoughts off. Unfortunately, God did not make us with an “off switch,” but he did provide us with his Word to give us instructions on how to guide our thought life.

Whatever things are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, of good report, virtuous, and praiseworthy we should think on these things (Phil 4:8). When life is throwing us problems and concerns it's challenging to be positive and faith-filled. Thank God, he has given us the Holy Spirit to help us in our time of need. He can calm our minds and emotions and bring the word of God to our remembrance to “tear down the arguments,” in our minds. The word of God is more powerful than overthinking, worries, and concerns. To assist me with my thought life, I listed scripture-based affirmations to think upon in each category of Phil 4:8, which I have shared below. When it’s hard to settle the cares of the world in your mind reflect on these thoughts. Remember what you are experiencing now is temporary, but God’s word stands forever. “Heaven and earth will pass away but my Word will last forever.” Matt 24:35

 

Finally, brethren, 

 

whatsoever things are true, 

·       I am loved by the King of Kings and Lord of Lords 

·       I am the righteousness of God

·       I am protected

·       I am cared for

·       I am complete through Christ Jesus

whatsoever things are honest,

·       God will never leave me alone

·       I am kept by Almighty God

·       I will never be forsaken

·       The Lord is my Shepherd

·       God has great plans for my life

·       I am destined for greatness

·       No weapon formed against me will prosper

·       God will turn everything evil in my life for good

whatsoever things are just, 

·       I am free from all sin by the blood of Jesus

·       I am completely healed & whole

·       I am free from guilt, fear & condemnation

·       I am saved from the pit of hell.

·       As Jesus is so am I

whatsoever things are pure,

·       God is love

·       Love went to the cross for me

·       Perfect love (God) cast out all fear

·       God’s love never fails

·       God handpicked me

·       I am the apple of God’s eye

whatsoever things are lovely,

·       Nothing will ever separate me from God’s love

·       I am sealed by the Holy Spirit

·       God sees me holy as he is holy

·       I am God’s beloved Child

·       Whatever I ask according to his purpose he will do

·       Love allows me to rest as the creator of all things work

whatsoever things are of good report, 

·       Sin no longer separates me from God

·       I am saved

·       I am free

·       Goodness & Mercy is chasing me down

·       God is not angry with me

·       The righteous will never be forsaken

·       God is faithful 

if there be any virtue, 

·       God sees & knows all things

·       God is concerned about every detail of my life

·       Since God watches over every sparrow, how much more will he watch over me

·       God is my exceeding great reward

·       His love is unfailing

·       It’s impossible for God to lie

·       God’s word is true it endures from generation to generation

and if there be any praise, 

·       Let everything that has breath praise the Lord

·       His Word is life unto my flesh 

·       The Lord’s Kingdom will never end

·       The Word of the Lord will never pass away

·       God’s love never fails

think on these things. Phil 4:8

 

We tear down arguments and every presumption set up against the knowledge of God; and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:5

 When It Doesn’t Make Sense

 

Have you ever had an experience or tragedy so painful that your head couldn’t fully understand but your heart knew it to be true? A pain that could not be articulated only felt that no one else could fully grasp because it was your personal journey. The word of God tells us that the enemy comes to steal, kill, and destroy, but we really don’t get the full impact of that scripture until something happens in our lives unexpected, and unimaginable. As devasting as these circumstances may be we must remember that God is not the author of evil, he has no evil in him, he is love. I have heard many people say that God allows bad experiences to happen. That is true as it relates to Bible prophecy for his will to take place on this earth in preparation for his return. However, God does not give Satan permission to inflict evil on his children. That would mean that Satan would take his evil plans and run them by God to allow or approve them. God and Satan do not dwell or communicate together. We live in an evil world where unforeseen occurrences happen to us all. Many of these occurrences are manifested by the enemy to make us turn away from God. But God is not the orchestrator of evil. Sometimes terrible things happen, and we are not going to understand why. During those times many people blame God or express that God is teaching us a lesson. Do you know what that does to a person’s spirit who is already heartbroken and in pain? Look at the example of Jesus when he was on the earth did he once inflict pain or a bad experience on anyone to teach them a lesson? Absolutely not and nor is he doing it today. We may never understand “why” certain things happen but here is what we do know – God’s word says, “in the world, we will have tribulations and trials but take heart he has overcome the world,” “all things work for the good of them that love the Lord,” and “I have never seen the righteous forsaken nor his children begging for bread.” To get through difficult times, we must keep our focus on the truths in God’s word instead of trying to understand “why” something happened. Even if we understood the why, it would not reverse the situation or heal our hearts. Only God can heal our broken hearts and desperately seeks to do so.  As hard as it may be to trust, hope, and believe again we must look to the Lord for our help even if it’s with tears in our eyes, and disbelief and confusion in our minds. Seek God for the healing and full restoration that only he can give. Our hope is in Christ who will return soon for his Bride and will destroy the evil one from this earth and replace it with total peace, in the lavish of God’s love.  The enemy didn’t win, God always causes his children to triumph!

 

Prayer

Lord my heart is broken, and I don’t understand why these things are happening in my life, but you have said that you are the repairer of broken hearts so I seek you today and ask that you will give me peace and comfort that only comes from you. In Jesus name, Amen.

 

Fear

 

I think one of the most devastating strongholds in my opinion is being gripped with fear. It was the first trick of the enemy. He placed fear into Adam and Eve by his deception of lies that God was withholding something good from them. The result of that fear causing them to disobey God came with a terrible price displayed in a sin-filled world. The enemy uses the same tactics today, he tries to grip our hearts with fear foremost to make us think God does not love us because of our sin. The word of God says, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but power, love, and self-discipline (2 Tim 1:7 NLT). Fear is not from God, for He is Love. “There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love (I John 4:18 NKJV). How do we become made perfect in love? By accepting it as a free gift, given to us through Christ Jesus. No works are needed there is nothing we can do to ever earn it. God is asking us to accept his love believing that it will cast out all fear, sickness, and torment. Believe in the Father’s love for you today, displayed perfectly in Him sacrificing his Son for YOU. He will take it from there. 

 

The light of God’s love shined within us when he sent his matchless Son into the world so that we might live through him. This is love:  He loved us long before we loved him. It was his love, not ours. He proved it by sending his Son to be the pleasing sacrificial offering to take away our sins. 1 John 4:9-10 TPT

 

 

 

Jesus BLooD

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   EVERYTHING

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OH!! How He LOVES YOU

So many of us struggle with being fulfilled and feeling validated. The world dictates to us daily on all the things we must do in order to be happy and satisfied in this life. However, the more we strive after these things the less unfulfilled we feel. God’s word instructs us to do one thing. To “believe” in God’s deep, unconditional, irrevocable love for us in every area of our life. True fulfillment only comes by believing and being rooted and grounded in God’s love for us on an individual level. It is the only perfect love that satisfies in every area. God created us first and foremost to be in relationship with HIM, that only comes from our confidence in His love for us. God devised a specific plan and purpose in order to be in relationship with His children and to lavish his great love on us. How he longs to bless you and love on you intimately. I would suggest this is the love we are all seeking, and this is the one thing the enemy works hard to shield over our eyes. The enemy has deceived many into believing that we must work for God’s love and that he is untouchable and unreachable. The Word of God says we must do one thing “labor to believe,” in the love of God. It is the one truth that sets us free. We must labor daily in the Grace of truth that we are the righteousness of God through Christ and nothing or no one can come against that precious love. Receive God’s love in every situation and he will push back the weapons trying to come against you. His indescribable love is the force that defeated the enemy and demonstrated an unmatched love for mankind. Who is like our God? Absolutely no one. Oh, how he deeply cares for you! 

Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes. Eph 1:4 NLT

 

Who Can I Trust?

 

All you Israelites, trust in the Lord—

he is their help and shield.

House of Aaron, trust in the Lord—

he is their help and shield.

You who fear him, trust in the Lord—

he is their help and shield.

The Lord remembers us and will bless us:

He will bless his people Israel,

he will bless the house of Aaron,

he will bless those who fear the Lord—

small and great alike. Psalm 115:9-13 NIV

 

 

What if I told you I knew someone who could take care of all your problems and concerns, and the one thing needed from you is to simply believe. Would you accept the offer? Well, that person is Christ Jesus who died on the cross so that you would have life and have it in abundance. Jesus took your sin, judgment, and suffering so you would not have to. He bore mankind's sins so we could be made righteous in the Father's eyes. He has already given us the greatest gift, why would he withhold anything else. Whatever you are concerned about or struggling with trust in the love of God to make that situation right. The same love that brought the Son of God to this world to be made a living sacrifice is the same love and power that satisfies every need. The enemy’s weak efforts pale in comparison to the power of God. The created is never a match for the Creator. Jesus settled the sin issue 2,000 years ago and is returning soon to destroy the enemy once and for all. We are now experiencing the prophecy of the Lord’s return. We can take the posture of rest and confidence in every situation. Trust God in all things, he is searching for those whose heart is set on Him to show Himself strong. 2 Chron 16:19 NASB

 Be Who God Created You to Be

Many people in the world today are lost because they don’t know their identity. I am not talking about the family you were born into, title, zip code, or marital status. I am speaking of the way you are defined by God, your identity established by your heavenly Father. Many identify themselves by education, material possessions, or their financial status, but those things pale in comparison to who you really are through Christ Jesus. God identifies you this way: “You have made them to be a kingdom and priest to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth” (Rev 5:10 NIV). Wow!!! That is powerful. See God did not shortchange us in any way. He created us to rule in declaring his Kingdom. He equips us with everything we need along with reassurance us of who we are, wonderfully made, more than a conqueror, the head and not the tail, loved, protected, completely forgiven, the apple of his eye, and much more. God did not mince words when it came to describing who we really are in his eyes. But It’s our job to believe with boldness and confidence in the word of God and we will shine for his glory and his glory alone. 

 

…you are made whole and holy by His love. Ephe 1:4 MSG

Happy Mother’s Day

Being a Mom requires mental and emotional energy that can sometimes feel like its completely depleted. Being a single Mom, or one without little or no support adds even more complexities. But I have learned that God and only God provides the Grace to endure those challenging times. But he doesn’t stop there he also restores 100 fold. I know that God loves all of his children but I strongly believe that God keeps a special eye on women meaning to protect them and keep them in all their ways. I believe what the angel Gabrielle said to Mary, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” (Luke 1:28 Berean Study Bible) There is nowhere in the Bible where a brother is greeted in this manner. The word of God also says “He who finds a wife finds a good thing AND obtains favor from the Lord. (Prov 18:22 NASB). Ladies you are not only a “good thing” but you provide access for favor on your husband, children, and family. As women, we have been told so much of what we are not its time for us to believe the truth of who God says we are. Lavish in how unique and beautiful God has made you. “You are altogether beautiful, my love; there is no flaw in you.” (Song of Solomon 4:7 ESV) See yourself “flawless” celebrate who God has made you to be. Believe in the word of God as it relates to your true identity and be for you not against you. Your best days are ahead, God has so many great things in store. Believe and rest in HIS individual and intimate love for YOU as you soar. 

Your True Love

I think it's a little ironic the number of romantic movies featured on a yearly basis. Even many TV series is based on the romantic storyline of the characters. I believe the film industry features love stories because it is the one thing that everyone seeks, being loved. We were created in the image of the one who is love and through that love, we find the most significant relationship we can ever cultivate and that is with Christ Jesus. Although God knew our fist parents would sin, just like he knows we will make mistakes he desires to share his love and blessings with his children. Can you think of anyone else in your life that knows you would fail but already had a plan in place to reverse the damage that you caused? Only God, and he did it for us, for me, for you. I believe if it was only Adam on the earth Jesus still would have sacrificed himself just to be in a relationship with Adam. That is the desperate, unimaginable love of God. It boggles the mind, melts the heart, and changes our lives. The enemy has perverted true love in so many ways that many of us don’t even know what love feels like, looks like, or what it's supposed to be modeled after. But praise God we can look to Jesus the perfect example who demonstrated his perfect love through the crucifixion. But you know the part the pulls at my heartstrings is what he endured before he even went to the cross, the rejection, insults, beatings, & scourging. Why wasn’t he just nailed to the cross? He did it for our healing, our deliverance he became the true sacrifice that animals could not satisfy so every sin we would ever commit would be forever forgotten, and forgiven. What a mighty God we serve! He didn’t leave one detail out every injustice and violation placed upon Jesus before he was actually nailed to the cross was significant to our well-being. The love we are all searching for that true love will only be quenched when you realize just how much God loves you. Not our flawed love for him but how much he cares for you that’s when chains will fall off. This truth is what the enemy has been fighting for all your life. He wants you to believe that you are not loved and therefore you have to settle for less. God gave you the best, his Son Jesus, and he will continue to always supply you with all things in its highest quality. You are royalty. And for the record, you are literally the love of God’s life. Let that sink deep in your spirit. You have been made the righteousness of God through Jesus Christ and nothing or no one can take that status from you. “It is finished.” 

Lies, lies and more lies….

…for he is a liar and the father of lies and half-truths. John 8:44

For most of my life I have heard lies about myself, you aren’t good enough, smart enough, the right complexion, your too big, too shy, to this, to that. If I didn’t hear it from family members I heard it from teachers, or saw it in their eyes, you know the look that says you don’t belong here, you don’t measure up, or how did you get this job? My life has been covered with lies, and when you are told a lie over and over again guess what you do, you live the lie because that is all you know. And when you live lies they are displayed in some very dysfunctional and ugly ways. I am not proud of them but acknowledge them now for what they are to me today, lies the enemy used to sabotage my life to the One that has given me truth.  We are all fearfully and WONDERFULLY made, because we were made in God’s image, the truth and the light, Jesus Christ. You are a masterpiece Child of God. Christ died on the cross and took our sin away, stood in the gap as a one time sacrifice for mankind so when God sees us all he sees is a bunch of WONDERFUL. No sin, no lies, no mistakes, he just sees you as his awesome child that He loves more than we can fathom. So when the enemy lurks from the pit of hell to whisper lies in your ear, shout back to him who you really are. The righteousness of God in Christ Jesus, light, God’s Beloved who has authority and power over the enemy, protected by Almighty God, and redeemed with a bright future that no one can take from you. Once you allow the love of God to saturate your heart knowing the Grace of God is your covenant agreement, sealed and irrevocable, you will distinguish between the lies of the enemy and your true identity outlined in the word of God by his love. Darkness cannot overtake you because you belong to the LIGHT.

Your Identity

Your identity is not tied to what you do. Your identity is tied to the one who suffered and died for you, Jesus Christ. The assignment or work is not who you are it does not “define” you. You are defined by your identity in Christ, it is the one significant truth that gives meaning to everything else. Your “doing” establishes a gratification to the flesh, your identity places you in right standing with the Father through Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit in turn gives you power, wisdom and understanding to perform your assignment. But your assignment or work does not define who you are. God defines or has already defined you and he says first of all that you are love, chosen (hand picked), holy, whole, set-apart, powerful, anointed, and just and overall masterpiece standing in right position with the Father. Knowing, but most of all believing this powerful truth in your relationship with Christ will enable you to reflect the image of Jesus which is every believers assignment. It is not in what you do that provides true meaning in your life but it is in your identity through Jesus Christ. 

Rest in the finish work of Jesus Christ that not only provides salvation but an identity that no one can every take from you. 

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith-and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God. Eph 2:8

A Love Letter from Your Father

Much of what the world values is very insignificant compared to what I hold in high esteem. Our relationship is the most important component above anything else this world has to offer. You allowing me in every space of your life touching the places only you and I know about. I was desperate for your love I allowed myself to be severely beaten, insulted, and finally nailed to the cross all because I wanted a relationship with you. That one act made you the righteousness of God, you are priceless. My love for you is like no other it can not be duplicated. Our relationship is the most significant one you can ever have, cherish and cultivate it. If I went to the cross for you why wouldn’t I take care of you now? Every good gift is from me. I know what is best for you and will never allow you to fail. You are in the palm of my hands, the apple of my eye, engraved on my heart. I constantly think of you. Bring all your cares and worries to me I will handle your life its too much for you to carry. Submitting to death on the cross broke every sin and curse so that I can love you like no other. Will you accept and believe in this love and allow me to care for you?

“I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore with loving kindness, I have drawn you and continued My faithfulness to you. Jerm 31:3 AMP

God is LOVE

I Cor 13:4-7

Many people have their perspective on the meaning of love based on how others have treated them. God being love provided us a clear meaning of true love through His Son Jesus Christ, he wanted us to know just how we are dearly prized and adored. I believe the world is crying out for God’s love and don’t even realize it. If we really focused and received a revelation of God’s love for us it would free us from the strongholds in our life that the enemy uses to destroy us. I just wanted to remind you today how greatly loved you are.

God is patient and kind towards us, he is never envious or boasts although he has every right. He isn’t arrogant in the power he possesses but always deals with us lovingly even in a correction. He is not rude by causing evil things to occur or exposing our weaknesses.  He is gentle allowing his greatest creation to make the decision to love Him. He doesn’t become irritated even when we make the same bad decisions repeatedly. He never holds our sins against us, as a matter of fact, He paid for them so we are free from judgment. He does not rejoice in our mistakes but brings us back to him in love by reminding us just how much we mean to Him. Jesus bore all sufferings, pain, and diseases in expectant hope that we would accept His free gift of Grace. Jesus love is unique and can never be duplicated its unfathomable. And although we are unable to fully understand it we seek and crave for it daily. God’s love is the only love that will fill every need and desire. My prayer is that we will “grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love Christ.” Ephe 3:18 NIV

For this reason, I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Ephe 3:14-19 NIV

You Are the Light of the World

The Light shines on in the darkness, and the darkness did not understand it or overpower it or appropriate it or absorb it [and is unreceptive to it]. John 1:5 AMP

Are there dark situations in your life that you are struggling with? Whatever it may be I need you to remember one thing, “you are light.” The darkness or situation will not overtake you. Your light may seem buried right now but it's still there. As you learn more about God’s love for you your light will manifest itself even more as you realize who you are in Christ. Don’t lose hope God is on your side. His love demonstrated on the cross is more powerful than any circumstance. Trust and believe that God is working for you and not against you. Give Him every situation, in exchange, you will receive peace, joy, and restoration. You will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Jesus sacrifice on the cross placed us in right relationship with the Father to receive His every promise. So stand on the Word of God today with the confidence that His light shines brightly in you overcoming the darkness.

I will make you exceedingly fruitful, and I will make nations of you, and kings will come from you. I will establish My covenant between Me and you and your descendants after you throughout their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and to your descendants after you. Gen 17: 6-7 AMP

For you formed my innermost parts; You knit me [together] in my mother’s womb. I will give thanks and praise to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Wonderful are Your works, And my soul knows it very well. Psalm 139:13-14 AMP

In case no one has ever told you, you are wonderful. Yes, simply amazing. You don’t have to believe me but it's important for you to believe God. The Lord says “heaven and earth will pass away but my Word will remain.” Jesus was assuring us that we can stand firm and believe in the Word of God. So when God tells you that you are wonderful you can believe that you are astounding, awe-inspiring, brilliant, fabulous, fantastic, incredible, magnificent, and outstanding. You are all these things and more because of the great value placed on your life through Jesus Christ sacrifice. Very few things in life are guaranteed but the Word of God is 100% pure so you can rest your hope and confidence in the Father’s precious Word. Change your daily status to “masterpiece” (write it on your mirror) all for the glory and honor of God so others will see you and know you serve the only true and living God.

For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. Ephesians 2:10 NLT

What Do You Believe?

When the Word of God speaks about Jesus wonderful healing power its always demonstrated by Jesus thanking God for the healing or declaring it to take place. His words are simple and direct. On one occasion the Bible records how a woman with an issue of hemorrhaging for 18 years dared to touch the hem of Jesus robe believing that He had the authority and power to make her whole. Jesus response to the woman is a lesson for us all He said “daughter your faith has made you well. Go in peace. Your suffering is over”(Mark 5:32 NLV). In essence, Jesus was saying “now that you have exhausted all of your means you have placed your faith or belief system in the right place.” What man could not do for her in 18 years Jesus did for her in one moment with one touch. What do you believe as it relates to God? Do you believe that God’s love for you is irrevocable? Do you know emphatically that you are the righteousness of God? The Word tells us, ”for the eyes of the Lord roam throughout the earth to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is fully devoted to him" (2 Chron 16:19 Berean). Being fully devoted to God means we recognize our dependence on Him and Him alone. We have to see ourselves as lost sheep needing a shepherd, otherwise, we will continue to wander and be lost in the things of the world. Aren’t you glad that you have a Savior to depend on for all things? Isn't it refreshing to know that you don't have to carry the burdens of life? Everything that you desire is through Christ, healing, deliverance, peace, and joy. The Grace of God will never fail it is the crux of the Gospel of faith. (Jude 1:1-4) So rest in his love for you, you are the righteousness of God through Christ Jesus, that’s how God will always see you and bless you. (Romans 3:22)

Declaration 

Not only what you speak but what you believe produces the fruit of Christ. Declare, I am the righteousness of God through Jesus Christ!!!  2 Cor 5:21