Join Me On the Journey

Have you ever noticed that much of the book of Ephesians is in the past tense?

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: according as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, to the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. Eph 1:3-6 (KJV)

What does that mean?

Sometimes, it’s so easy to read over things in the Bible. Many of us are so familiar with the words that we don’t even see them any more. That’s why lately, I’ve been reading from different translations during my study time. It jars me and makes me see the Word anew.

I love the book of Ephesians because it is a book that illustrates what Christ obtained for me and for you when He died on the cross. It is a book full of revelation of what already resides on the inside of us, in our spirit. It is a book that encourages us to appropriate what Christ obtained for us and cause it to manifest in physical realm.

Won’t you take some time in the next few days to read through Ephesians and see what I mean?

God Bless you on your Journey!

Popularity: 3%

Did you know that there is only one thing in this life that you can control? Do you know what it is?

It’s that person you look at in the mirror every morning.

You cannot control world events. You cannot control the weather. You cannot control your hubby…or your kids…or your dear mother-in-law.

But…you can control your reactions to all those things. You can control what hours you are awake and how you use your time while you’re awake. You can control how you take care of yourself: whether you exercise, eat right, get enough sleep (unless, of course, you have a little one deciding this point for you). You can control the things you read, the things you see, the things you think about and focus upon.

So often in my life, I have found myself railing against those things I cannot change. This, as I’m sure you know, is incredibly exhausting and unproductive.

If you’re tired and bogged down, I encourage you to take a few moments to examine your life and assess whether you may be struggling to control things that you really cannot change.

“How do I do this?” you may ask. Well, it’s really not as hard as it may seem. All you need is a pen, a piece of paper (or your journal) and several minutes of uninterrupted time. If you work outside the home, take a few minutes during your lunch break. If you’re a full-time mommy, take blanket outside and sit on the ground while they’re playing near by.

Write at the top of the page: “What is REALLY bugging me about my life right now?”

Then, just begin to write. Don’t censer yourself; just write whatever comes to your mind. Give yourself a good amount of time; at least twenty to thirty minutes of continuous writing. The longer you allow yourself to write, the more effective you’ll find this exercise.

Now, some of you are so conditioned not to complain, this may be a hard exercise for you. If you have a hard time starting, begin by just simply writing, “I don’t know what to write…This is a stupid exercise…There’s nothing wrong with my life…Everything is wrong with my life, where do I start…I never did like that Tamera…” Whatever comes to your mind, just write. Don’t worry about your handwriting or punctuation. This is called stream of consciousness writing. There’s no mystery about it. It is simply writing down every word that comes to your mind as you’re thinking about a specific topic…like “What’s REALLY bugging me about my life right now?”

This is a powerful exercise and if you take the time to do it, you will discover powerful truths concerning how you’re truly feeling about some of the different aspects of your life.

So, I challenge you to “just do it.” It is so easy to read something like this and think, “I bet that would be interesting,” and then go on about your busy life. Put it on your “To Do” list. Purpose to fit it into your schedule some time in the next few days. Don’t put if off.

(This is a reposting from a couple of months ago, but it’s been on my mind again. I encourage you to perform this exercise intermittently. It really helps me to refocus.)

Popularity: 9%

The book of Ephesians is written to remind us that all things are accomplished in Christ. However, most Christians don’t live their life that way. We spend our entire lives asking the Lord to heal us; to deliver us; to bless us; to prosper us. We’re always asking God to do something.

Most of us believe that God can do anything, but we don’t truly believe that He has (past tense) done very much; or we believe that God can do something, but we doubt that He will do it for us.

And yet, the book of Ephesians is written from the exact opposite perspective. It’s all about what God has already done. As victorious Christians:

• we aren’t seeking victory, but rather enforcing the victory that has already been purchased for us through Christ
• we aren’t trying to win a battle, but rather we are coming from a battle that has already been won for us
• we aren’t trying to live a victorious life, but rather we are fighting to keep the victorious life Satan is trying to steal from us
• we aren’t asking God to bless us, but rather we are receiving the blessing God has already commanded on us

What we should be doing is fighting a good fight of faith to get rid of our our poverty mentality and begin believing that we’re blessed, start acting like we’re blessed, and start talking like we are already blessed. As we do these things, we are just appropriating what God has already provided for us through Christ’s death and atonement.This requires a big change in thinking for most of us.

I’ve been writing to you about faith and that you already have all the faith that you are ever going to have in your spirit. If you aren’t seeing that faith manifest, it’s a matter of changing your thinking; your focus.

I’ll be writing more over the coming days so look for that.

God bless you on your Journey!

Popularity: 4%

My friend Cheryl has posted an awesome entry about the difference between being led by the Spirit and being led by your emotions. Pop on over and read her entry, Feelings…Nothing More Than Feelings.

Awesome post!

Popularity: 3%

Today, I would like to give you a few suggestions on how to overcome worry.

Philippians 4:6-8 says:

In nothing be anxious; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honorable, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. (ASV)

Now, there are several things here that speak directly to how not to worry.
(read the rest of the article…)

Popularity: 5%

How can I know God?

This is an age-old questions, isn’t it. On the one hand, most of us would probably say that we know about God, but do we really know God?

How do you get to know someone?

Well, one of the best ways to learn about someone is to spend time with them. However, it’s not that easy with God because it’s not like you can physically sit down with Him and have a two-way conversation across the dinner table; or with the two of you sitting in an easy chair in the front room; or even walking side-by-side down a country road enjoying the scenery.
(read the rest of the article…)

Popularity: 4%

Today is Olivia’s birthday. She is seven years old.

I’m so excited to have a seven year old, but it makes me stop to think that ten years ago, I didn’t think I would ever have children.

When I was a kid, I thought I would have a house full of kids.  I LOVED kids!  I babysat all the time and I just loved it.

But, I made several bad decisions and by the time I was 30, I had come to the conclusion that it just wasn’t going to happen…so, I tried to convince myself that I didn’t want kids.

That was where I was when I met my husband, and he was really disappointed when I said that I didn’t want to have children.  He wanted a big family, and unlike me, he hadn’t given up on his dream.

I must say, though, it didn’t take me long to jump back on the bandwagon.

We were married in March of 1999 and in May of 2000, we had started our family.  We’ve never looked back and now, we have a houseful…and a heart full…of wonderful, growing children.

Thank God for all His many blessings!

Popularity: 4%

I’d like to take a few minutes today to talk with you about the devil.

Now, there is a lot of incorrect teaching in the church today concerning Satan. There are some who would discount the existence of the devil, but the Bible clearly says that there is a devil. There are close to 100 references to Satan and the devil in the New Testament.

On the other hand, I would say that most Christians who acknowledge the existence of the devil ascribe him more power than he truly possesses. Satan does not have power to cause a person to sin.

A few of you may remember a comedian named Flip Wilson. (I’m dating myself here.) He created a character named Geraldine and her famous line was, “the devil made me do it.” Though it was meant for entertainment, the truth is, there are many people, non-Christians and Christians, who believe that. Oh, they may not say it out loud, but in their heart, they believe sometimes you just can’t help yourself; the temptation is too great.

Well, I’m here to tell you, the devil can’t make you do anything. Satan’s only power is to deceive.
(read the rest of the article…)

Popularity: 5%

I promised yesterday that I would be defining faith for you. How fortunate for me that the Bible does that for me.

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1 (KJV)

Substance here is a compound word in the Greek, hupostasis from the words hupo or “under” and histemi which means “to stand.” It is also translated “confidence” in other scriptures. In Hebrews 11:1 it has the meaning of “confidence, assurance, giving substance to.” So, faith gives substance to the things that we hope for. Faith goes in to the spiritual world and makes tangible those things that Christ obtained for us with His death on the cross.

The second phrase in this definition is perhaps a little easier to wrap our brains around. Faith is the evidence of things not seen.
(read the rest of the article…)

Popularity: 4%

I wanted to respond to a comment made by Elaine a couple days ago when I posted about faith. She talked about throwing down the shield of faith and I thought that was such an incredible word picture. I have plans to write more about the armor of God in the next issue of Intentional Living! so watch for that.

Let’s explore the phrase “shield of faith,” but first, allow me to put it in context.

Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; and for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak. Eph 6:13-20 (KJV)

I don’t know about you, but it is hard for me to really grasp the concept of “the whole armor of God” and specifically “the shield of faith.” Of course, I know what a shield is, but it’s hard for me to imagine a situation in which I would need something to protect my physical life. I just don’t have experiential knowledge of armor and warfare, so I needed to go and read about it.
(read the rest of the article…)

Popularity: 5%