Things I think about

I am more than a conqueror because I have learned to love.

 

Words mean nothing unless they are filled with Love. You can decree all you want, but if you are not willing to love and lay your life down, you have no power. Faith works by love and greater love has no one then this: he lays his life down for his brother. Every miracle waits on love. The depth of the miracles you see in your life will depend on the depth of your love for the one you love the least. Forgive greatly and you will receive greatly. Mercy and love triumph!

 

I have decided that I have been quiet long enough. The truth will be told. I will not hold back. May the Lord help me to always speak the truth in love and not say anything unless I am motivated by love.

 

Wondering why people blame everything else for problems. Last I read, the devil is defeated -- so he is not your problem. God loves you so God is not the problem. You are supposed to be more than a conqueror... so what is the problem? God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.

My response to challenges is this: Lord, I am Yours and I will bless You in all that you take me through. Teach me and change me and let me reflect Your glory in all that I am and in all that I do. Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord! With all that is in me I will love God and I will love others.

Realizing that the consequences of our choices have more meaning than we know. God has a way of working through everything. I am overwhelmed by God's goodness towards me.

 

Seeking the revelation of the breakthrough God has already given me. When I can "see" the revelation, I am able to walk in the manifestation. 

 

Learning that crisis is your God-given opportunity to strengthen relationships.

Ministry motivated by frustration is self centered focusing on my needs. Frustration must be dealt with before true Godly ministry can occur. The only valid ministry is that done from love.

Revelation causes repentance. Repentance leads to less of me. Less of me means more of God. More of God means more Love, more Power. The places of our repentance become the cornerstone of our authority.

 

There is an earthquake of revelation in my life right now that is causing foundational shifts in my life .... still trying to grasp the fullness....

 

Thinking about how God authorizes us.... hmmmmm...... authority comes from character and character is revealed by the fire.

Well authority is life is really about leadership and leadership is about influence and influence comes from our character and how much we care about others. Tests and trials have a way of showing us what we really believe about ourselves and others.

 

We don't know the value of love until we have lived without it. Having experienced the loss of love followed by the fullness of God's love, we will do everything we can to keep others from living without love -- we become love to others. "My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends." (John 15:12-13, NIV) True love is a treasure worth finding.

 

The best teachers in our lives are usually the ones who teach us the lessons we did not want to learn.

 

Sometimes when you don't take a stand for what is right, you become part of what is wrong.

I will worship with all my strength and then God's joy will be my strength ♥ :)

 

Your positive confession of the blessings of God into your life means nothing if you will not take action to bring the actions of your life under the rule and authority of God. Disobedience is a barrier to blessing.

 

There are those who use their accusations that I hate them to cover the truth that it is they themselves who are full of hate. The truth is I love all people, but my love for you does not mean that your choice of lifestyle is truthful. My love also means I may be compelled to share the truth that your choices are wrong. But when I speak the truth in love to you, I will always build you up into more than you are now. Words of truth empowered by love will not destroy you. They will change you and propel you closer to a relationship with God and becoming more like Him.

God will not require you to violate His principles in order to achieve His purposes. Character matters. When in doubt, choose the path that costs you more and humbles you more. Choose the path that empowers others before yourself.

What God has spoken will be established.

Sometimes you lose what you thought you wanted and find out that your loss is the path to what you really wanted.

Our enemy, the devil, roams around seeking who he can devour. He will give us what we think we want in order to keep us from the things we truly desire. Sometimes we need to allow dreams of what we want to die in order to gain the fulfillment of our deepest hearts desires. Do not make quick decisions because it looks like what you want. Remember that our enemy will masquerade as an angel of light. Make decisions based on God's word and after taking much time in prayer. Your haste in accepting the immediate good now may very will cost you the best that God intended for later. Short term gain is not always long term gain. However in our "fast-food" society, we have not learned the patience of waiting for the better blessing. Sometimes you lose what you thought you wanted only to find out that your loss is the path to what you really wanted.

 

A false prophet will say to you: “You will see the passing away of old disappointments. God says you are ‘gold’ in His eyes” even as you refuse to walk in love to your brother and your children are turning away from the Lord. The false will say everything is OK even as you are focused on your title and position more than your character. The false will do everything it can to keep you from examining your heart and seeing that before God, changes need to happen. The false will say what you want to hear. The true prophet will say what you need to hear and then will tell you “I love you” I will help you.

 

Your biblical obedience may not always have a positive immediate impact on others. Sometimes it looks like your obedience has a negative impact. Obey anyway. God understands His long term plans.

“After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen in the east went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route. ” (Matthew 2:9–12, NIV)

“When Herod realized that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was furious, and he gave orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under, in accordance with the time he had learned from the Magi. Then what was said through the prophet Jeremiah was fulfilled: “A voice is heard in Ramah, weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted, because they are no more.”” (Matthew 2:16–18, NIV)

 

 

I will conquer this day! No weapon forged against me can stand! I will find the JOY that mine to possess and therefore I will become stronger. :)

Yup - today was the first day since I started writing that I experienced writer's block. Sometimes you just gotta push through into the obedience that God calls us to. Not every day is easy or every task simple. Those things that challenge us and give us struggle teach us to persevere and to press on.

There will always be those who are real and those who pretend. Those who pretend refuse to change to become real. Because the pretender does not possess reality, the mission of the pretender is to destroy the real. Not everything that sounds real is real. Be careful to discern by comparing the lives of both against the Word of God. Those who pretend will always lack love and be self-promoting.

Many times, when someone is compelled to make an accusation against another, the accusation is merely a reflection of the sin in the accusers own heart. The corollary is that when someone always blesses you and encourages you, that too is a reflection of the heart of the blessor.

As long as we believe someone owes us an apology, as long as we expect an apology from someone, we have not forgiven that person. Forgiveness is not forgetfulness. Forgiveness places the person who wronged you in God’s hands.

Faith is knowing that what you say you believe is real.

 

‎"Come here little one", says the Wolf, "you can be safe here." Wolves say the words sheep want to hear. Wolves however do not live lives that agree with their words. Wolves carry death. Stay away from wolves.

 

You can go no farther than the place you quit. You cannot move forward until you return and overcome the place you quit

Some people think they are suffering like Joseph because they are deceived and are thinking that they are being prepared for greatness in Pharaoh's court. The truth is, is that the famine in their lives is occurring because they rejected their brother and caved into the desires created by jealousy. The answer is humility to the one you have harmed. They you will find the famine ends and prosperity will be renewed in your life.

Some people think they are suffering like Joseph. They are deceived and are thinking that they are being prepared for greatness in Pharaoh's court. The truth is the famine exists because they rejected their brother and caved into the desires created by jealousy. The answer is humility to the one you have harmed. They you will find the famine ends and prosperity will be renewed in your life.

 

Integrity is the wholeness and completeness of what we believe with what we do. When our lives match our belief we carry authority and life to help others in the journey of faith.

The nature of fear is that fear reveals those places in our lives where our ability to cope with the world and the circumstances around us has stopped. Fear arises because we sense that our lives are out of control and are subject to the chance and the chaos of our circumstances.

Will your decision on whether or not you heard God depend on the outcomes you receive based on your obedience? Or will you stand firm knowing that God spoke and you obeyed?

When God speaks, do not judge the validity of His words by the short term outcomes of your obedience. Judge instead by the blessings that come from a life time of obedience.

 

Waiting is not the hard part. The hard part is to know what to do while you are waiting. Sometimes you don’t even know what you are waiting for.

I want to express the reality of the manifest presence of God with everything that is in me. That means everything that is me must surrender to everything that is Him.

 

You cannot move forward and cast vision for the future until you deal with the sin of the past.

 

I will not argue with the darkness. I will worship in the light!

 

I am a Christian not because I have correct doctrine, but because I made a decision to follow Jesus. I am a Christian not because I fully understand the Word of God. I am a Christian because I decided to fully surrender to the Word of God. I am a Christian not because my life is perfect. I am a Christian because I want the perfect life of Jesus to flow through me.

 

One Christian is a light in the darkness to show the way. Two Christians walking in unity receive what they pray for. Three Christians in unity open the heavens for Jesus to manifest. 120 Christians gathered together in love and unity leave empowered to proclaim the Gospel to their generation. What is stopping us from proclaiming and demonstrating the Gospel with power to transform our cities and our region?

 

The spirit of gossip will talk negatively about someone to others but will not share their concerns directly with the people involved. Gossip is sin. Gossip destroys those who speak, those who listen and those who are spoken about. Gossip is a tool used by the enemy in our churches. Beware and stay away from gossip.

 

Thinking how much nicer things would be if we prayed for people as much as we talked about them.....

 

Every day is another chance given by God to make a positive impact on someone's life. Each day is a chance to look around and help someone become more than they were yesterday. Choose your words wisely and be a messenger of God to those around you.

 

being the Message through our Love opens doors for us the share the Message with our words.

I most definitely am not ashamed to be a Holy Spirit filled Bible believing Christian. I enjoy walking in the realm of the supernatural. It is exciting to have signs and wonders follow me as I believe. I believe in healing, power, authority, destiny, vision and supernatural encounters. My life is exciting and unpredictable. Every promise of God is Yes to me through Jesus. Any one want to join me?

 

Resolved, never to do anything which I should be afraid to do if it were the last hour of my life. -Jonathan Edwards

And I would add this. Resolved, to try to live each moment fully engaged as if it were the last hour of my life. -Ingrid Hansen

 

It doesn't change until you change....

So let me get this straight... if YOU disagree with me, you have discernment, but if I disagree with you I am persecuting you.... hmmmm I sense a self righteous double standard here.... And yet because I am the mature one, I will not name names and I will choose to walk in love.

The truth is always revealed by love and the fruits of the Spirit!!!

 

I have decided that my life will become a source of life for others. My life will flow with the Rivers of Love and with the Power of the Holy Spirit. My life will help others to see and to receive the Love of God. My life will point to Jesus who came to restore a sinful world to a loving God. My life has life-giving purpose!!!

 

With the Love of God in me that is the source of LIFE, I am empowered to destroy ALL the works of the enemy. I get to destroy every demon, every sickness, every spirit of hate, jealousy, judgement, and fear. I get to speak LIFE where death reigns  and every demon must flee. HA HA!!!! I love being filled with the LOVE of GOD that gives me victory over condemnation. I AM A CHILD OF GOD.... demons better run :-)

 

I refuse to argue with demons. I cast out demons with more light. And if I need more light, I must plug myself into the power source - JESUS!!!!

 

Dear accuser of the brethren, I hate to inform you that the word of God says the power of life and death is in the tongue. You carry death and seek to destroy the lives Jesus came to save. Therefore you have condemned yourself and cannot prosper. To those accused, Jesus says, "“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. ” (Matthew 11:28, NIV84)

 

If your "right words" do not lead to "right actions", If you must tear people down in order to elevate yourself then you are merely a wolf in sheeps clothing. Wolves become wolves because they are insecure, wounded, and have never learned to receive the truth of God's love that heals and frees us to love and serve others.

 

Outrageous Love empowers the weak to become strong. Outrageous Love lays down your life so that others may live. Jesus is Outrageous Love. I want to become an expression of Outrageous Love.

 

The truth is -- I am ruined by Love.... I cannot think of anything else but how to Love people with the Love I have experienced. Yes, the truth is, Love is my agenda. Christ is my purpose. What a wonderful ruin!

 

There are those who feel their calling is to search out the darkness and wrongs in others. Because they spend their time looking for darkness, their eyes are not on the LIGHT. Because they quit looking at the LIGHT, they themselves become dark. I will keep my eyes on the LIGHT, I want more LIGHT in me, I want others to experience LIGHT. Jesus is the LIGHT of the world.

 

When I look at the LIGHT all I can say is: WOW God, You are GOOD, WOW God You are AWESOME, WOW God You are Loving, WOW God You are HOLY, WOW GOD... I humble myself before YOU and I worship YOU and I surrender to YOU. That is what happens when I spend time in the LIGHT.

 

Quaffing Jesus, Finding HIS Presence is very Intoxicating and Life Changing

God has a line drawn. HE says choose Life or choose death. You Love for people shows how much you have embraced the choice of LIFE. "If anyone says, “I love God,” yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen. ” (1 John 4:20, NIV84)

 

Sometimes we think it is easier to run away than to deal with the consequences of our unresolved sin. You will never get a fresh start until you deal with those who you have hurt. Your fresh start involves going and making things right with people, not in moving away from the people you have hurt.

 

Your choices today determine your opportunities tomorrow. Sowing love into people today opens doors of possibility tomorrow. Sowing condemnation into people today closes doors of possibility tomorrow. "Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. ” (Galatians 6:7–8, NIV84)

 

Thinking about how the blessing is far stronger than the curse . The generational curse lasts 4 generations but the blessing and love of God goes for thousands of generations. However, we must fight to walk in our freedom to be children of blessing and children of promise.

 

Character matters. Character is the fuel of our lives that propels us from where we are now to the great an awesome destiny that God has called us. Take time to study God's Word and be with the Lord. Your character will grow and you will be empowered to move in new levels of authority. Power without character will destroy us. Character combined with Power makes us history makers.

 

Perhaps it is time for us to allow God to change us. One surrendered life can change a world. A critical word in our own mouths many times reflects the change needed in our own lives.

Perhaps some people who spend time pointing out the problems in others ought to spend some time becoming the solution. If you are not part of the solution and a source of Light and Life then truly you are part of the problem.

 

We walk each day as agents of grace. We freely share grace with others knowing that God freely gives grace to us. We freely give grace to others knowing that one day we too may need grace and love from others. Make this a day of grace for someone in need.

 

Being attacked by the "dis"es and the "des"es is no fun. When we feel the pangs of dis and des we must remember to keep our eyes on Jesus who is the author and perfector of our faith. When the "dis" comes at you, remember, Jesus felt it too.

 

People are a treasure. Perhaps we should take time to express to others the value they are. I am so grateful for the people in my life. People teach us to love, laugh, grow and persevere. When we value the people around us, our hearts will become unified in love with them. Nothing is more important than people.

Even when I am right, I do not have the right to be right. I earn the right to be heard through the power of grace, love, and compassion. When I am right, I do not need to defend myself. I can pray for you and seek God on your behalf. ‎"And the Lord’s servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, ” (2 Timothy 2:24–25, NIV84)  Are you a servant of the Lord or are you self-serving?

 

You know you are a person of integrity when you decide to do the right thing because it is the right thing and not because you are expecting personal gain for yourself. Doing the right thing at times may cost you personally but integrity always brings glory to God.

 

What will you do while you wait for Jesus to come and change your situation? I will gladly give all I have to help others. I will live my life so others can meet Jesus. With every breath, I will share the Love of God.

 

Surrender and obedience to the Word of God transforms us from those who "play" church to those who "are" the church. Surrender and obedience moves us from talking about the Word to experiencing the Word to becoming carriers of the living Word. We need more surrender.

 

There are those whose circumstances overcome them and then there are those who overcome their circumstances. Perseverance is the key to overcoming every challenge.

 

Your faith is incredibly valuable to God. The season of waiting and obedience and patience lived by faith touches the heart of God. Living by faith, waiting by faith is an act of worship, devotion and intimacy.

Love rejoices in the small successes others cannot see and propels us on to a greater future not yet imagined.

Dreams are a journey. The pursuit of dreams will build relationships. The growth of love in relationships is part of the reason the dream is in you. Enjoy the journey.

 

You cannot expect others to follow where you yourself refuse to submit.

 

People feel compelled to attack others with differing opinions when they are insecure in their own identities. Your insecurity in the power of love and faith in Christ has no impact on who I am in Christ. I am an overcomer, more than a conqueror and am filled with Life and Love because of Christ who dwells in my heart though faith. As He dwells in me, I am empowered to be filled, to be transformed and to become overflowingly full with the fullness and the power of God. It is my spiritual inheritance as a child of God.

 

Right words are meaningless without a right heart. A right heart comes from righteousness. Righteousness comes from intimacy with Jesus. Intimacy with Jesus will transform you into a person of Love and Power. Right words without right relationship are hypocrisy. Right words with pure love are transformational.

 

It is our obedience that many times leads us into the storm. It is God's love that carries us through the storm. It is the storm that sweeps away the wicked. It is the storm that establishes the righteous.

 

I don't celebrate the spirit of fear. I celebrate the Spirit of Peace.

I don't celebrate the spirit of sickness. I celebrate the Spirit who Heals.

I don't celebrate the spirit of death. I celebrate the Spirit of Life.

I don't celebrate the spirit of deceit. I celebrate the Spirit of Truth.

I don't celebrate the spirit of darkness. I celebrate the Spirit of Light.

I don't celebrate the spirit of despair. I celebrate the Spirit of Hope.

I don't celebrate Halloween. I celebrate JESUS!

This is no trick. Celebrate Jesus and find the treat of Peace, Healing, Life, Truth, Light and Hope.

 

 

If we are growing weary and losing heart, it is a sign that our eyes are not on Jesus. "Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” (Hebrews 12:3, NIV84)

Every person's path to embracing the truth begins understanding that there is only one truth and that is Jesus. Yes, for a season it is possible to seem successful living a lie, but in the time on testing, only truth stands. A journey into truth therefore requires rejecting the lies we have believed.

 

There are those who judge me when I pray "Show me Your Glory Lord". They condemn the experience because they believe that the true meaning of the prayer is to have a greater "understanding". I want and earnestly desire for more than an intellectual encounter with the Lord. I want HIM! I want to experience HIS touch, HIS caress, HIS LOVE, His emotions, HIS power, HIS intimacy!!! Show Me YOUR Glory Lord and let me be transformed by the experience!

 

I do carry the Fire of God each and every day. I go to church and love being encouraged by the Body of Christ to grow the Fire. I hear special speakers and also love being encouraged to grow the Fire. Sometimes we learn just on our own, but many times we learn and grow from the Body of Christ. I treasure the many people who help me become more than I am.

 

Dear manipulative, lying, deceitful spirits of death,

I hearby serve you with an eviction notice. This is my land and you are not welcome. Get lost! "The scepter of the wicked will not remain over the land allotted to the righteous” (Psalm 125:3, NIV84)

Joyfully,

me (bondservant of Jesus Christ)

 

A manipulative religious spirit can be identified. It will say something like this… “I will do/have decided/am determined (action#1 for God) instead of (action#2 for God that other Christian/church is doing) because (disparaging comment about action#2). For example, the manipulative spirit will say “I will read my Bible every day instead of seeking a prophetic word that tickles me.” On the surface this can sound right, but it is manipulative. There is nothing wrong with reading the Bible. There is also nothing wrong with seeking a prophetic word. By stating that the prophetic word “tickles”, the manipulative spirit puts down what another believer is doing to elevate themselves. This is pride and is also evil. I reject the manipulative spirit.

A humble spirit will say.. "I have decided that I will spend more time reading the Bible because that is where God is leading me. I also love the times when I can get a prophetic word. I am blessed when I hear that you have received a prophetic word."

 

Manipulation will use influence gained through the authority of others to create personal opportunities for personal gain. Humility will use influence gained through the authority of others to promote the one in authority.

 

If you promote yourself, people will get tired of you. If you encourage people, people will be drawn to you. Those who promote themselves want everyone to see their value. Those who encourage others see the value of other people. I want to encourage the people around me.

 

A prideful person thinks "How can you help me?"

A humble person thinks "How can I help you?

 

This Christmas I want to be a shepherd and search for Jesus. This Christmas I want to be a wise man and bring a gift to Jesus. And when I come to HIM, I humbly bow and adore him. And after I have experienced the JOY of HIS presence, I will indeed tell others about HIM.

This Christmas, Herods will arise who will seek to kill the ONE I celebrate. The Herod of materialism and the Herod of universalism cannot destroy HIM.

God will deal with the Herods. My job is to worship HIM, adore HIM, and tell others about God's great LOVE!

 

For those who choose to embrace Truth, truth will set them free. Embracing truth always means rejecting the lies in our lives. There are those however, who love the lies and who promote the lies. These are the ones who become offended by the truth. "Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6, NIV84)

If my words line up with the Word of God, then I am proclaiming truth. Some will listen. Some will not. "“He who listens to you listens to me; he who rejects you rejects me; but he who rejects me rejects him who sent me.”” (Luke 10:16, NIV84)

My job is to speak the truth so others can find freedom. My job is to share with others the freedom I have experienced. "As you go, preach this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven is near.’ Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received, freely give.” (Matthew 10:7–8, NIV84)

 

I have found that the seasons of greatest spiritual growth have been the seasons of the greatest tests, fears and trials. The fresh opportunity to trust God always opens a door for the greater revelation of the love of God.

 

Perhaps if all the protesters would be equally vocal about demanding leadership that was virtuous, ethical, and moral the change they are demanding would come. Outcomes come from principles. We reap what we sow. If we allow a lack of integrity in our leaders as well as a spirit of deceit then we will reap greed, envy and lust in out nation. Change always starts with the heart.

 

Opportunities always require effort. Sometimes you have to open new doors to see the opportunity. You will always give something of yourself to grab hold of a new opportunity.

 

My struggles do not demonstrate a lack of faith. Truly without a struggle there is no overcoming. It is in the overcoming that my faith shines brighter than gold.

 

Those who "Occupy" are merely "doing time". Those who "Build" are creating more than there was before. We need to spend less time "Occupying" and more time "Building". "Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things.” (Matthew 25:23, NIV84)

 

Transformation occurs when we become more committed to the new than to the old.

 

When life is like a roller coaster, don't forget to buckle up, lift up your hands (and praise the Lord) and shout (making a joyful noise).

 

The meaning of Christmas will never be found in the gifts we get or even in the gifts we give. The meaning of Christmas will always be found in love expressed. God is love and He shared His love through Jesus. To those searching for a more meaningful Christmas, share the Love of God and find God's love warming your heart.

 

Never expect the religious demons from your past to endorse the plans and purposes of God for your great and glorious future. Some people will never "like" what God is doing in my life.

Transformation is the outward evidence of an encounter with God.

Today is your opportunity to create the doors of your tomorrow. What doors are you building?

The seeds of transformation are found in the Word of God. If only we would plant them in our hearts, water them and allow them to grow.

 

If nobody is asking you what's different about you, then you're not different; you're just like everybody else. It is my expectation that my life surrendered to the Holy Spirit will cause a transformation that will at a minimum arouse curiosity in some and most certainly awaken desire in others.

 

Our economy struggles because we are a consumer driven economy. When money becomes tight and we cannot consume, we begin looking to the government to give us money to consume more. Perhaps the lack of $$$ ought to drive us to once again become PRODUCERS. I want my extra time spent building and creating with the hope that someone will benefit and we will all grow stronger. It is indeed a good day when I can create something that did not exist at the beginning of the day.

Never let what you cannot do dictate what you can do. "I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:13, NIV84)

The one thing that I am called to do is the one thing I have learned I will never accomplish in natural strength. It can only be accomplished by God. Natural giftings should be used for the glory of God. Supernatural callings can only be accomplished by surrender to God.

 

I don't just want to talk about destiny; I want to live my destiny. I don't just want to talk about who I am in Christ; I want to become who I am in Christ. I don't just want to talk about the power of God, I want to vibrate with and experience the power of God. Nope- I am not satisfied with talking the talk. Gotta walk the walk!

 

The fear of the unknown is never greater than the blessings of God as we obey God and become transformed into the destiny of God for our lives.

 

 

I have found the best way to receive healing is to seek the HEALER. I have found the best way to receive provision is to seek the PROVIDER. I have found the best way to receive restoration is to seek the RESTORER. My prayers grow far more simple the more I learn that all I need to do is SEEK HIM! Just like the shepherds, the wise men, the sick, the sad, the oppressed, this Christmas we too can SEEK JESUS!

 

Sometimes our fears and insecurities can only be conquered by a headlong plunge into the open door. I cannot allow a bad experience from the past to shut the door to my future.

 

I walked into my office this morning and the darkness was encroaching on my personal space. So you know what I did? I turned on the lights and the darkness fled. Dear Christians, the darkness encroaches in our world around us. It is time to turn on our lights and SHINE!

"“Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you. See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the LORD rises upon you and his glory appears over you. Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn.” (Isaiah 60:1–3, NIV84)

 

Those who are comfortable with their current spiritual temperature will not be able to tolerate me as I turn up the heat. Not everyone who begins with you will be able to stay with you.

 

You cannot be a person who is led "by the Spirit" and walking in freedom unless you are someone led by the Word of God.

 

You can go no further than the place you quit.

 

The difference between the best and the rest is "I won't quit".

 

This I do that others may live.... It's your character that carries you through the battlefield..... This is how warriors live.

 

Courage is choosing to listen to the whispers spoken by faith instead of the screams shouted by fear. Those who are courageous are those who made a choice to be courageous. Courage is a choice. Courage is listening to the whisper of "I can" and ignoring the shout of "I can't"

 

 

Negative attacks upon people do not promote a positive image.

 

I am NOT against any opinion of others. I DO however have opinions that I am ready and willing to discuss. I will speak positively about what I believe.

Those who speak negatively about others usually have nothing of substance to say and tear down others to make their lack of substance look appealing.

It is time for Christians to speak and share about the truth they know and experience. Let your LIGHT SHINE!

Merry Christmas! This is a new day of JOY!!! I wish ALL my friends to experience WONDER and JOY today!!! May the LOVE of Christ ooze from one open heart to another and my we ALL make this world a place filled with more LOVE today! Perhaps our gift of LOVE to one another is a fitting gift to give to the King!

Pursuing excellence in spite of difficult circumstances and difficult people will ensure that we will always grow stronger even if it looks like we may have failed. We only fail when we quit trying and people of excellence never quit.

 

We only have the power to transform our community to the depth that we have allowed the Word of God to transform us.

 

Confusion will flee when truth is established. Truth is established in our lives when we choose to obey the Word of God. Our culture will find truth when we become established in truth.

 

The only way a dream can die while we are alive is when we believe a lie and quit.

 

People who don't believe in miracles will never receive one. You will only receive what you believe.

 

The opportunity for promotion comes to those willing to train in obscurity. Live with excellence where you are and pursue growth in the moment you live. Then when opportunity knocks, you will be ready.

 

Loyalty is a rare jewel. True loyalty will empower us to become more than we are as we value others more than us. A heart of undivided loyalty finds unmatched strength.

 

You can only get stronger when you endure the pain of breaking through your current limits. Breakthrough requires effort and commitment.

 

The religious spirit always seeks to condemn spiritual activity it has not experienced or understood and seeks to control the spiritual activity it does understand. If a religious spirit cannot control you, it will seek to destroy you.

 

Those who never push their limits will never realize their potential. God says, “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.”

 

The Christian content with with being mediocre will be jealous of those who pursue excellence. The Christian who is content with laziness and does not want to change will despise those who pursue excellence. Do not let the critics keep you from the path of excellence God has called you to.

"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” (Philippians 4:8–9, NIV84)

 

When we compare ourselves to other Christians, when we put down the efforts of others to serve Christ and preach the Gospel we are walking in pride. Pride is a great evil. God opposes the proud (James 4:6)

 

I have a dream.... to preach and teach the Gospel.... that's all.

 

Sometimes we forget that when God uses us to minister to another, we are imperfect. We then turn around and expect perfection from the people ministering to us.

We must remember that we are all being transformed and ministry that touches another life is not the reflection our holiness, but rather, the reflection of the grace and mercy of God in us.

 

When people call what is real, counterfeit, they will lose the real and be left with the counterfeit.

 

The question "WHY" asked often enough of ourselves and answered truthfully will eventually expose what it is that we truly believe about God.

 

Condemning what we do not understand simply because we do not understand is a sign of immaturity. We must seek to understand. We condemn what is clearly understood to be evil and embrace what is clearly understood to be good. We seek God for a clear understanding.

 

I honestly am quite distressed by some in this generation of Christians who formulate theology and thought patterns from 10 minute youtube videos and blog opinions without taking the time to look at their attitudes in the light of Scripture and see how their thinking and opinions matches the Word of God. It is easy to "like" and agree with a 10 minute youtube video. It is much harder to study and understand and apply to Word of God to your life.

 

We do not study evil in order to learn to recognize evil. We study truth in order to recognize truth. The face of evil changes constantly but truth never changes. God's Word is truth. We must learn to know what we believe based on God's Word and not on other's opinions. When we learn to discern truth, recognizing evil will be simple because evil is that which is not truth.

" I want you to be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil.” (Romans 16:19, NIV84)

 

 

Just my two cents... There are many so-called "discernment ministries" who want you to believe that that they will discern truth for error. They want you to believe that if you listen and agree with them, you are on the good path. They do not teach you how to discern from God's Word.

 

A true ministry from the Lord seeks to build up people and transform people into the image a Christ. A true ministry from the Lord loves people as God loves people. A true ministry empowers people to discern and examine based on the Word of God.

 

A ministry motivated by personal insecurity seeks to attack and condemn people. A false ministry propagates an attitude of division and judgement. A false ministry does not have growth of people as its fruit but the condemnation of people.

Just sayin'.....

"It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.” (Ephesians 4:11–16, NIV84)

 

What some people call "spiritual discernment" is really the "spirit of fear". Never let fear keep you from the next level God has for you.

 

His Word burns in me like a fire and I feel like I will explode....

"My heart grew hot within me, and as I meditated, the fire burned; then I spoke with my tongue:” (Psalm 39:3, NIV84)

"his word is in my heart like a fire, a fire shut up in my bones. I am weary of holding it in; indeed, I cannot.” (Jeremiah 20:9, NIV84)

 

Defeat begins when we choose to hang on to our opinions instead of the Word of God. Since there is power and life in the Word of God, victory begins when we believe and obey the Word of God.

 

What I like really does not matter. What God likes is all that matters. Jesus has all authority. The devil has been defeated. Anywhere that my life does not reflect the glory of God is a place where my life must change. That is all.

 

Some days, the dreams seem so far away from our grasp and our ability to keep dreaming.... those are the days to keep declaring "I have a dream....."

 

It is only the Word of God that I believe, obey and surrender to that will have the power to change me and propel me into my God-Destiny. I choose to surrender to it all. Have your way with me Lord.

 

A life fully surrendered to the Word of God cannot stay condemned.  "In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.” (Titus 2:7–8, NIV84)

 

Any opinion that does not have as its foundation the Word of God is an opinion that will likely need to change.

 

Grace empowers and motivates and changes us to live holy and righteous lives before God. Grace is never an excuse to overlook sin. Grace empowers repentance and repentance empowers forgiveness. "Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, tolerance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness leads you toward repentance?” (Romans 2:4, NIV84)

 

Encouragement is sometimes demonstrated by letting others see us persevering through the hard times. When we don't quit, others begin to believe that all things are possible for them too.

 

I am finding this is oddly true.... My most popular writings are those that are written from my greatest personal pain. That which is hardest for me to write and bares the rawness of my heart seems to that which is shared most often. I bare my heart publicly with the hope that some will be encouraged and find hope and peace.

 

I have found that every time I pray for the strength to obey the Word of God, God's answer is always YES!

 

When you have decided that you will not quit, you can safely expect that the devil will do all he can to test that decision. Those who decide to never quit have decided to press forward regardless of the cost. The devil will try to get you to think the price is too high. Just remember.... "“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.” (Matthew 13:45–46, NIV84)

 

Even when I feel like I am in the pit, with no way out, I will worship God. My worship is my light in the darkness of my life.

 

You will not grow in the things of God until you value the Word of God more than your opinion of God's Word and your traditions about God's Word. Embracing God's Word as the source of LIFE and TRUTH means allowing the Word alone to form our opinions and become the standard of our lives.

 

Those who preach power without character will become corrupted by power.

 

Ministry is allowing God to shape me, mold me and form me so that I become someone’s answer to the question “Where is God?”  "Yet, O Lord, you are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand.” (Isaiah 64:8, NIV84)

 

An intellectual understanding of the Bible is not a replacement for a relationship with the Living Word, Jesus. A relationship with Jesus, the Living Word will demand that you grow and spend time learning to understand His Word, the Bible.  "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” (Romans 12:2, NIV84)

 

I am thinking it is worse to let the dream die and have no dream than to have a dream that you have no strength to fulfill.

 

The power of God is relationship with God that carries us through each day and every circumstance. The power of God is knowing that God cares, He hears, He speaks and He empowers us to draw near to Him and to accomplish His will and His purpose in our lives. Sadly, there are some who deny that power. "having a form of godliness but denying its power. ” (2 Timothy 3:5, NIV84)

 

Without context we cannot understand truth. 10 + 10 = 100. This is truth... in binary. There are times when people also cannot understand what I write because it is spiritual truth. "This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, expressing spiritual truths in spiritual words. The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned.” (1 Corinthians 2:13–14, NIV84)If you do not understand me, take the time to ask. :-)

 

Those who spend their time criticizing are not creating. Be Creative!

Desperation without expression is discouragement and depression. Desperation with expression is PASSION. Are you passionate for God?

WE speak the AMEN. WE agree! We declare that the promises of God our true! AMENS ringing in my house today. "For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God.” (2 Corinthians 1:20, NIV84)

AMEN that God has a plan for my life. AMEN that God has purpose for me. AMEN that God restores me!

Can someone shout AMEN?

 

I would rather be intoxicated in the Glory of God then to be sober in my natural thinking. Going Higher.......

I believe in ALL of the Word of God. I believe that God, who is the Word, wants me to personally experience HIM in all His many aspects as my relationship with HIM grows. ALL of the WORD of GOD applies to me. It is for me to believe, receive, and become transformed. "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning.” (John 1:1–2, NIV84)

How do you bless and touch a nation and a generation? Start by being a blessing to one.

The immature will run away when confronted with the truth of God’s Word that requires change in their lives. The mature will embrace the correction and change and allow God’s Word to change their life and their opinions. We must be pliable, teachable and correctable! "And you have forgotten that word of encouragement that addresses you as sons: “My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son.” Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father? If you are not disciplined (and everyone undergoes discipline), then you are illegitimate children and not true sons. Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of our spirits and live! Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.” (Hebrews 12:5–11, NIV84)

The people we need to evangelize will never be drawn to Jesus because of our hatred of what is false in them. They will be drawn to Jesus by the Love of God in us loving them and loving what God intended for them to become. "“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16, NIV84)

Why Yes... My purpose is to make Jesus famous in my generation.

Those who fear others will never find the strength to love others. Love reaches out. Fear withdraws. Love sacrifices for others. Fear preserves self. Love builds bridges. Fear builds forts. Love is a decision and perfect love will cast out fear. "There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.” (1 John 4:18, NIV84)

 

We always have the opportunity to choose our attitude. The circumstances of life will change daily, but how we respond to them is our choice. I choose to respond with an attitude of faith, knowing that in all things God's love for me is sure and strong.

"For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:38–39, NIV84)

 

It is my heartfelt desire in life that my life surrendered to God would touch and impact and change every person I come in contact with in a positive and permanent way. To that end, I will seek God daily to change me. I will look at others not as they are but as God wants them to become. I will use my words to speak life to people and my actions to bless them. I cannot seek to grow a ministry. I must seek to bring life to people.  "Since, then, we know what it is to fear the Lord, we try to persuade men. […….] For Christ’s love compels us.” (2 Corinthians 5:11–14, NIV84)

 

I am not thinking about the dreams I don’t have. I am thinking about the opportunities I do have. I am not thinking about where I am not. I am thinking about where God has placed me now. I am not thinking about what I have not done. I am thinking about what I can do. Today must be fully loved and embraced for it is the seed, promise and fuel of every dream for tomorrow.

 

Those who are immature will condemn those they do not understand. Those who are wise will seek understanding.

 

If you are not hungry for God then God cannot fill you with Him because you are already full with other things. "for he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things.” (Psalm 107:9, NIV84)

 

The sin of pride is revealed in the arrogance of trying to tear someone down instead of the humility of trying to build them up. "Let their lying lips be silenced, for with pride and contempt they speak arrogantly against the righteous.” (Psalm 31:18, NIV84) "but in humility consider others better than yourselves.” (Philippians 2:3, NIV84)

 

Abandoned into the presence of God means I trust the one who changes me even if I do not understand the changes in me. I trust in the LOVE of the ONE who never changes. "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20, NIV84)

 

If you cannot love, you don't know Christ. The only true Christian is a loving Christian. If you follow Christ, you will learn to walk in love as Jesus walked. How is your love walk today?

"Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.” (1 John 4:8–12, NIV84)

"This is how we know who the children of God are and who the children of the devil are: Anyone who does not do what is right is not a child of God; nor is anyone who does not love his brother.” (1 John 3:10, NIV84)

"Does God give you his Spirit and work miracles among you because you observe the law, or because you believe what you heard?” (Galatians 3:5, NIV84) If there are no miracles in your midst, perhaps you should examine what you believe....

 

Ingrid Hansen