For we live by faith, not by sight. http://bible.us/2Cor5.7.NIV
It's been so hot lately I can barely stand to be outside. As the temperatures soar way past uncomfortable, I notice the hot road-water mirages on the surface of the pavement. What we see appears as water on what is in reality dry land.
These mirages are caused not by any water on the surface, but by warm air immediately above the pavement. The sunlight beating on the pavement warms the pavement significantly above the air temperature. The warm pavement in turn warms a layer of air immediately above the pavement.
This commonly occurs on summer days, when an asphalt road that has been baking in the sun heats the air directly above it, creating a sharp shift in air density levels near the ground. As light passes between the different levels, it bends, creating mirages.
What we see is actually a result of some of the light that would normally hit the ground actually bend in midair because it moves from the cooler, denser air level into the hotter, less dense air right above the ground. This effect is what we know as a mirage.
In life as we journey along our God given promises and assignments, sometimes we run into spiritual mirages. As we head toward our Divine destinies, false images appear ahead where the light of the word of God is shining before us and lighting our God declared victories.
Yet just like natural mirages, a force enters our realm. The enemy tries to squeeze between us and the promises of our King. As God continues to shed light and revelation on our path, the enemy tries to distort our vision by reflecting an image contrary to what God has decreed! We look around and ahead and things seem like we are losing ground, more problems arise, we question whether we've done something wrong as if these images are true. The devil lies and tells us perhaps it's our fault. We start to think maybe things are going wrong because of something we've done or worse didn't do enough of. But friend I want to tell you that these circumstances are mirages. They are lies manufactured by the enemy to cause you to live your life by what you can see. But God says you must live by faith, the substance and evidence you can't see. Without faith we will make the wrong choices, take the wrong turns, and miss God's plan for us!
So take the time to slow down, repent for believing that what you see happening in your situation as the truth, and begin to speak and decree what God promised you and your seed.
Remember if it's not good or God's best, it is merely a mirage!
Be blessed
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Not Guilty
The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy. http://bible.us/Ps103.8.KJV
Today the whole world watched the case of the century, a mother on trial for the murder of her child. Spectators watched the trial, listened to the evidence, pondered witnesses who testified, and decided the judgment of the accused. When the jury presented their finding, many responded in outrage. How can a "guilty" person go free?
It doesn't make sense, not naturally. But what hurt my Christian heart was not that Ms. Anthony was found not guilty but that those who claim the love and favor of Christ wanted her condemned. As a born again believer, we should have offered an abundant praise. I don't know whether that poor woman committed the crime, the truth is I don't care. I'm just rejoicing that even still the "accused" can be judged as not guilty.
Today's trial made me think of the trials that take place in Heaven. We, filthy guilty sinners, are accused before God by Satan as he shouts our faults before the Just Judge. He reminds God that we have faltered and even sometimes we have been caught in the act. He demands justice be served. He pumps his fist in expectation, assured that we must receive the death penalty. However, our advocate, Jesus, objects. He presents the evidence of His shed blood. He presents expert witnesses, grace, mercy, and the Holy Spirit. After hearing both sides of our cases, our righteous just judge, Father God, rules in our favor, "Not guilty!"
I imagine that Satan, demons, imps, and even human bystanders shake their heads in unbelief. They become angry and even seek vengeance because they believe they know the facts, we were sinners. What they don't know is that God declares, "I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy!". It has nothing to do with whether or not we are guilty. It has everything to do with a merciful, loving Savior.
Before you condemn someone you feel is "guilty" of offending you, remember the mercy God gives you every day He awakens you.
Be blessed
Sn: to comment you must click on anonymous where it says comment as, select profile, click on box thatshows anonymous then post. You can sign your name at the end of your post.
Today the whole world watched the case of the century, a mother on trial for the murder of her child. Spectators watched the trial, listened to the evidence, pondered witnesses who testified, and decided the judgment of the accused. When the jury presented their finding, many responded in outrage. How can a "guilty" person go free?
It doesn't make sense, not naturally. But what hurt my Christian heart was not that Ms. Anthony was found not guilty but that those who claim the love and favor of Christ wanted her condemned. As a born again believer, we should have offered an abundant praise. I don't know whether that poor woman committed the crime, the truth is I don't care. I'm just rejoicing that even still the "accused" can be judged as not guilty.
Today's trial made me think of the trials that take place in Heaven. We, filthy guilty sinners, are accused before God by Satan as he shouts our faults before the Just Judge. He reminds God that we have faltered and even sometimes we have been caught in the act. He demands justice be served. He pumps his fist in expectation, assured that we must receive the death penalty. However, our advocate, Jesus, objects. He presents the evidence of His shed blood. He presents expert witnesses, grace, mercy, and the Holy Spirit. After hearing both sides of our cases, our righteous just judge, Father God, rules in our favor, "Not guilty!"
I imagine that Satan, demons, imps, and even human bystanders shake their heads in unbelief. They become angry and even seek vengeance because they believe they know the facts, we were sinners. What they don't know is that God declares, "I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy!". It has nothing to do with whether or not we are guilty. It has everything to do with a merciful, loving Savior.
Before you condemn someone you feel is "guilty" of offending you, remember the mercy God gives you every day He awakens you.
Be blessed
Sn: to comment you must click on anonymous where it says comment as, select profile, click on box thatshows anonymous then post. You can sign your name at the end of your post.
Monday, June 27, 2011
Seeing Is Believing
The eyes of the lord are on the righteous, and his ears are attentive to their cry; http://bible.us/Ps34.15.NIV
Lately I have been experiencing eye trouble. I haven't been wearing my glasses regularly, and my vision seems dimmer and blurry. Things that I used to see clearly now are no longer in focus.
Sometimes we lose our spiritual eyesight. When we begin to look at our circumstances without the lens of the Holy Spirit, the outlook seems dark, hopeless, and blurry. We can't see how things are working together for our good. Nor can we see how God allows the challenges to bump or bruise us. Sometimes we question Jesus' presence or His methods.
But the scripture reminds us that God "sees." His eyes are watching your every step, and He knows which steps you will stumble over and which ones He will carry you over! God has not made a mistake, and He will not let anything you see naturally deter you from "seeing" His promise come to pass!
Be blessed!
Lately I have been experiencing eye trouble. I haven't been wearing my glasses regularly, and my vision seems dimmer and blurry. Things that I used to see clearly now are no longer in focus.
Sometimes we lose our spiritual eyesight. When we begin to look at our circumstances without the lens of the Holy Spirit, the outlook seems dark, hopeless, and blurry. We can't see how things are working together for our good. Nor can we see how God allows the challenges to bump or bruise us. Sometimes we question Jesus' presence or His methods.
But the scripture reminds us that God "sees." His eyes are watching your every step, and He knows which steps you will stumble over and which ones He will carry you over! God has not made a mistake, and He will not let anything you see naturally deter you from "seeing" His promise come to pass!
Be blessed!
Friday, June 24, 2011
Blessed Assurance
Surely, lord, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield. http://bible.us/Ps5.12.NIV
Shopping is a necessary part of life. The worst thing about shopping is trying to find the best quality for the best bargain. My favorite thing to shop for are Coach bags! I am absolutely an official Coach junkie. I buy that brand not for its name but for its exceptional quality. When you buy a Coach purse, wallet, belt, or pair of shoes you get the Coach guarantee of quality, customer service, and satisfaction.
When or if your zipper gets off track or your seams unravel, Coach's policy guarantees a repair or replacement item at no charge. The Coach guarantee provides a safety net around the customer in order to maintain a wonderful relationship.
As a child of God, we have the guarantee of blessings and favor. You don't have to worry about lack or obstacles because He guarantees that as His child you will be blessed. As part of this loving Father- child relationship he sets a circle of favor around you. So when you encounter people or events, Jesus has already placed you in a position of favor. When you have a guarantee, you don't have to worry about if you will be accepted or treated fairly. You can trust that the one who makes the guarantee will do more than you expect because of your relationship. As a believer, you must expect blessings to overtake you and confidently walk in favor!
Be blessed
Shopping is a necessary part of life. The worst thing about shopping is trying to find the best quality for the best bargain. My favorite thing to shop for are Coach bags! I am absolutely an official Coach junkie. I buy that brand not for its name but for its exceptional quality. When you buy a Coach purse, wallet, belt, or pair of shoes you get the Coach guarantee of quality, customer service, and satisfaction.
When or if your zipper gets off track or your seams unravel, Coach's policy guarantees a repair or replacement item at no charge. The Coach guarantee provides a safety net around the customer in order to maintain a wonderful relationship.
As a child of God, we have the guarantee of blessings and favor. You don't have to worry about lack or obstacles because He guarantees that as His child you will be blessed. As part of this loving Father- child relationship he sets a circle of favor around you. So when you encounter people or events, Jesus has already placed you in a position of favor. When you have a guarantee, you don't have to worry about if you will be accepted or treated fairly. You can trust that the one who makes the guarantee will do more than you expect because of your relationship. As a believer, you must expect blessings to overtake you and confidently walk in favor!
Be blessed
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Touched by Grace
But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. http://bible.us/2Cor12.9.NIV
Let's face it! Life isn't always easy. There are highs and lows, victories and discouragement, moments of joy and sorrow. Every day doesn't always pan out the way we want.
But God!
God pours his grace on us. He doesn't need us to always be strong because He is always strong. I can admit that sometimes I feel lonely, disappointed, and even impatient. I want things to be easy or situations to be perfect. The reality that we live in an imperfect realm with less than ideal experiences. But a life in Christ is balanced with His grace. Grace is the undeserved love and favor of God.
When we are at our weakest, God steps in and lavishes His love and mercy on us! So don't focus on what's wrong, meditate on who is "Always right," our loving Holy Father God.
Be blessed!
Let's face it! Life isn't always easy. There are highs and lows, victories and discouragement, moments of joy and sorrow. Every day doesn't always pan out the way we want.
But God!
God pours his grace on us. He doesn't need us to always be strong because He is always strong. I can admit that sometimes I feel lonely, disappointed, and even impatient. I want things to be easy or situations to be perfect. The reality that we live in an imperfect realm with less than ideal experiences. But a life in Christ is balanced with His grace. Grace is the undeserved love and favor of God.
When we are at our weakest, God steps in and lavishes His love and mercy on us! So don't focus on what's wrong, meditate on who is "Always right," our loving Holy Father God.
Be blessed!
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Where Do You Live?
Where Do You Live?
Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. http://bible.us/Ps91.1.NIV
One of the strongest comforts is being at home. Though it is fun to visit familiar places or explore new ones, but nearly everyone looks forward to returning home. Our homes symbolize a sanctuary, a place of refuge and a place to rest or recover. My house is the place I return when the world has been mean and cold.
As a child of God, we have a place where we can rest. God is our refuge. He is the one we can turn to when situations seem difficult or beyond our understanding. God expects us to live in the comfort of His presence. When we live in that prepared place, our faith lies comfortably in the fact that God knows where we are. He is aware of our circumstances, and He has already prepared a plan to work things out for our good. Nothing can shake our knowing that we live in the "great". God declared, "I am that I am." He was simply reminding us that He is everywhere all the time and that He is and has all the answers! So decide every day no matter what to live in Him!
Be blessed!
Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. http://bible.us/Ps91.1.NIV
One of the strongest comforts is being at home. Though it is fun to visit familiar places or explore new ones, but nearly everyone looks forward to returning home. Our homes symbolize a sanctuary, a place of refuge and a place to rest or recover. My house is the place I return when the world has been mean and cold.
As a child of God, we have a place where we can rest. God is our refuge. He is the one we can turn to when situations seem difficult or beyond our understanding. God expects us to live in the comfort of His presence. When we live in that prepared place, our faith lies comfortably in the fact that God knows where we are. He is aware of our circumstances, and He has already prepared a plan to work things out for our good. Nothing can shake our knowing that we live in the "great". God declared, "I am that I am." He was simply reminding us that He is everywhere all the time and that He is and has all the answers! So decide every day no matter what to live in Him!
Be blessed!
Monday, June 20, 2011
God's Wisdom
God's Wisdom
For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. http://bible.us/Luke11.10.NIV
Today was a beautiful day. The sun shone most of the day, and God gave us some much needed rain. Many Christians told me for the past two weeks they had been praying for rain. And just like that God answered. He poured out loving showers to water our crops, lawns, and land.
After the rain I began searching for a rainbow. I grew a little disappointed because I didn't find one today. I whispered in my heart, "Lord, where are the rainbows? Why can't I see any?"
In that instant He answered, "You didn't ask me for one!" I had to laugh. Even though God knows the desires of our hearts sometimes He wants us to ask. I thought about His answer, and I asked, "since you knew it was in my heart, why didn't you give me one anyway?"
He lovingly reminded me that a rainbow is a reminder of a promise. God revealed in his answer that what He promised is already manifest! His answers overjoyed my heart!
- When you ask, God answers.
- When we seek God for answers, He provides.
- When we knock, God shows us He has already opened the door!
Be blessed!
For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. http://bible.us/Luke11.10.NIV
Today was a beautiful day. The sun shone most of the day, and God gave us some much needed rain. Many Christians told me for the past two weeks they had been praying for rain. And just like that God answered. He poured out loving showers to water our crops, lawns, and land.
After the rain I began searching for a rainbow. I grew a little disappointed because I didn't find one today. I whispered in my heart, "Lord, where are the rainbows? Why can't I see any?"
In that instant He answered, "You didn't ask me for one!" I had to laugh. Even though God knows the desires of our hearts sometimes He wants us to ask. I thought about His answer, and I asked, "since you knew it was in my heart, why didn't you give me one anyway?"
He lovingly reminded me that a rainbow is a reminder of a promise. God revealed in his answer that what He promised is already manifest! His answers overjoyed my heart!
- When you ask, God answers.
- When we seek God for answers, He provides.
- When we knock, God shows us He has already opened the door!
Be blessed!
Monday, June 13, 2011
Whose plan?
Many are the plans in a person's heart, but it is the lord's purpose that prevails. http://bible.us/Prov19.21.NIV
Today I had planned to follow my normal routine: take my son to summer workouts, run a few errands, and perhaps do a little shopping. Just as I headed out the door, I realized the key to the car was locked inside my truck 30 miles away. Needless to say, my plans were changed in an instant. Instead of leaving home, I spent the day inside and enjoyed some needed quiet time.
There was a time I would have been frustrated and aggravated. My response would have been anger and blame. I probably would have "made a way."
Instead i was actually grateful that God had interrupted "my plans." I don't know what unseen circumstances that Jesus navigated my son and I away from, but I'm glad He did.
Have you ever had your plans "messed up"?
Maybe that was a Divine intervention to set you on a course the Lord new was better for you. The next time your plans "fall through" consider: God has a greater, perfect plan for your life. Trust him to direct your path and you will accomplish the greatest goals God planned for you!
Be Blessed
Thursday, June 9, 2011
The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it. http://bible.us/1Thess5.24.NIV
It amazes me how easy it is for us to feel discouraged. We start the day motivated and energized but are often worn down and weary over the course of a day. Sometimes our faith is challenged in the same way. We begin believing the promises of God, but later fear and doubt nudge us off course. But God is faithful. He is fully committed to bringing His word and plan to fruition. No matter what we face we most know that God is always faithful.
Be blessed!
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
New Season
First, let me begin with an apology. I have not written in a very long time. I could probably blame it on extreme busyness, new directions, or lack of time. But the truth is I haven't been diligent. I know this blog is a work of heart. I know God inspired this work. I know when I get busy, discouraged, or tired I can trust him to be faithful.
Here is my fresh start:
Therefore if any person is [ingrafted] in Christ (the Messiah) he is a new creation (a new creature altogether); the old [previous moral and spiritual condition] has passed away. Behold, the fresh and new has come! 2 Cor 5:17 (Amp)
We are so privileged to walk in the newness of Jesus!
Be Blessed!
Here is my fresh start:
Therefore if any person is [ingrafted] in Christ (the Messiah) he is a new creation (a new creature altogether); the old [previous moral and spiritual condition] has passed away. Behold, the fresh and new has come! 2 Cor 5:17 (Amp)
We are so privileged to walk in the newness of Jesus!
Be Blessed!
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