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God Gives Us His Purpose! - Prepares us now for our second life (eternal)
This is a new section entirely taken from the most wonderful book - first thought, the Bible? Yes! There will be extracts from God's Bible but this section is about a book called The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren.
Over the next 40 days, we will explore this God given purpose. There will be things to think about and isn't that a joy to have something useful and let's face it, divine, to think about.
The book begins with the all important question; 'What am I here for?' and the promise is that by the end of the 40 days, we will know! A new perspective which will show us the purpose God had in mind when He made each one of us. The things He pondered about us - before we were born! Excited? Good! Having this amazing new focus will lessen stress, simplify decisions, tell us what to avoid and what to go for, give us more happiness and the vital aim - prepare us for eternity; for our purpose here is also with the next life in mind.
So, taking the next 40 days to figure out what His plan and purpose is for us is wise and will be wonderful. Trust me. This period of 40 days is a significant time span for God to give for reasons only He knows but we simply trust. Then obey.
God is going to transform us into a new person and nation by changing, further, the way we think. Then He says, we will KNOW what He wants each of us to do and be.
This is not a typical self help book. This is uniquely sacred. We will stop and think and allow the Holy Spirit to work deep in our minds as He will. There will be points to ponder each day. A bible truth (scripture) daily to remember but He helps us remember these too so no worries. There will also be a question to consider. If you think you haven't anyone to discuss this adventure with, think again, for the Lord Himself will be with you and us as a family. Prepare to be lifted into a new realm.
As I write, I will be praying that you experience the tremendous sense of hope, energy and joy that comes only from hearing from the Living Lord. I have personally studied this book but this was several years ago now so I will also be glad to go through it again for things always move on with God.
So, just as your mind and life is precious - so is investing in a little time over the next 40 days for your future and eternal future.
Father, I thank You that You will join us in this commitment to this covenant excitedly for this will please You. At last, Your hopes and dreams and plans for us are coming to fruition and we will be living our lives with our intended purpose which will give us and OTHERS so much more than we have now. Stay with us and guide us through this life-changing experience. Please reveal to us through Your Spirit the beginnings of our reason for being here.Amen.
Day One - Thursday 11th July 2013
It all starts with God.
If we begin with our aims and targets they are usually concerned with things like e.g. weight, figure, job, money, status and to get something or other. Yes, these things can give us a sense of fulfillment, peace, happiness and a sense of satisfaction when we get there. But, what happens when they lose the thrill? They are no longer satisfying us or we are just kind of numb inside? Do we give up? Go on and try something else? The answers can be found ONLY through God.
God's purpose gives meaning in and to our entire life. The very reason why we are here. We wont find it by ourselves. We can't source it in any book. We will not discover it by accident. We can't figure it out on our own no matter our intelligence quota or common sense or even bible knowledge. No-one else can tell us. You can speculate and imagine til the cows come home but without asking God, it just wont happen.It is not the same as your brother or mum or minister's purpose. So, where do we find out WHAT it is? Through asking God to reveal it to you. Is He keen to tell us? YES. YES. YES. Are you keen to know? Be honest because it is only through honesty that progress will be made. Do not worry if you don't feel much - yet. Because I fully trust that You will. There are always new diet plans coming out and people everywhere latch onto them but really, how many last permanently? The answer to maintaining weight is a realistic range/portion of foods that can be taken up long term and combining this with exercise the results will last. God's plan is permanent and produces lasting results unlike any other self help book/dvd we follow. Why? Because only God has to say what God has to say. There is no other like Him. Other sources can end up with failing will power but God GIVES us His willpower when we are doing His will like this.
You might have realised that you are e.g. kind or patient or giving and many more virtues, but, these are attributes towards your purpose and not THE purpose of allowing Christ to change our characters. He prepares us first giving us a sound faith, frees us and then begins the process of moving us towards our purpose. And, there's more. Our purpose here is practise really for our purpose in the new kingdom when the Lord returns. It is all staged intervention and fully supported every step.
How do we find out and go for it? Easy. By letting go of our own aims, targets and objectives and ALLOWING God in. Thinking 'oh no, sounds like I'll have MORE to do and I'm already pushing the limits/stressed out and have this to do and that to see to...' No, God will clear the clutter and give us MORE time and reduce our efforts because He helps us by blessing our needs and by creating time and space so that He can reach us.
God WILL tell us why we are alive. How life works. What to avoid. What to go for. What to expect in the future (prophetic). This purpose that we will all discover ALSO fits into the bigger picture with purposeful people prepared throughout the world...for a reason.
Point to ponder: Your purpose will be very important. But joined together with everyone else, it will be bigger, much bigger, than we could even IMAGINE. It is about you but will grow outside of your mind and life into others.
Verse to remember: My heart is stirred by a noble theme. Psalm 45
Question to self (or, even better for discussion): God, show us what we have been living for and explain to us what YOU want us to live for. Bring to our minds the beginnings of the sacred knowledge for the reason we were born.Thank You. Amen.
Day Two - Friday 12th July
You are not here by accident or fluke. No matter what you might have thought, you are here because God wanted you to be.
Mum and dad here may have planned your birth, but, God planned Your arrival long before you were that twinkle in their eyes. To God, you are a star. His creation. Born at EXACTLY the right time and in the right place. And you are alive now because God wants this. Did you know that God chose your race, the colour of your skin, your hair, height and every other feature about you!. You were custom made exactly how He wanted it. He also planned and determined your natural talents and unique mind and personality. Scripture tells us 'God knows us inside and out, every bone of our bodies'. The days of our lives have been set and numbered by God Himself - for reasons only He, at present, knows.
You weren't born where you were born and now live where you live by accident or coincidence - no detail is left to chance. For every detail of us was prepared for a purpose. His. God created each of us uniquely choosing our parents DNA and genes so that we would be made. Even unplanned children are not really so for God knew this would be. So, He is control of births. When God planned us, He knew EXACTLY what He would have to take into account in our lives - human error and sin and flaws and how each would be affected by satan too. In other words - GOD NEVER MAKES A MISTAKE IN MAKING US. No matter if you have someones else's words ringing in your ears such as 'you're a waste of space' 'a no user' and 'you're as much use as a chocolate teapot'. Ignore. The Lord will delete these memories and replace them with the truth - as He knows it to be and only He. God planned every plant, animal as well as the cosmos and so YOU were planned and made with a purpose in His mind. Thrilling. Isn't it.
We were made by His love. Planned when He created the earth! He thought about each of us way back then. And, He made this world for us to live in. Why did He do all of this? Because God is love. Love started with Him. We were created to cling to and create love because without love - life has little purpose. And just as parents CHOOSE to have children to look after them and love them and to make them into a family - God is exactly the same. He made us, His children, as His family so that He could enjoy loving us and looking after us. His character is loving and it is a love that is continually expressed by Him and when we love Him back, He thrives too.
You could think of yourself as a piece of a giant jigsaw puzzle. You might have a partner and 1 child so you are a family of 3 pieces with other extended family pieces and add other pieces you sometimes fit in to - connect with - friends, nighbours and associates. You might fit together and stick well only to a few other people. You might feel like a lone piece - but YOU ARE NOT. The puzzle is HOW we are all going to fit together to build the picture God had in mind. All will be revealed. Even if you feel like a lone piece in this life- God understands and wants You to know He is with You and will soon start connecting you to other pieces or people for His intended reasons and purposes. Fascinating. Exciting. Comforting. Truthful. Awesome. These are just some of the buzz words around God. The puzzle is about to be solved. And we cannot yete even IMAGINE what lies ahead but it will be the best things/s that have EVER happened to us.
Your life has profound meaning to God. We just need to discover WHAT that is by asking Him. And just as we love our children no matter what they look like or if they mess up at school or drift through life - God loves us like that. But, He and only He can restore us all. And He will because it is His will. And no matter how we feel about Our PARENTS, we are STILL here for God's reason. No matter what has happened to date; God will make it well. God CRIES when we are hurting or in any kind of pain. He needs to shape our hearts and minds back into His plans and ultimate purpose for us. And He is doing this evene when we are not aware of it. Even while we are sleeping. He lets us rest and sleep deeply so that He can plan for us.
Point to ponder: You are here for a deliberate reason.
Verse to remember: 'Oh the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God!' Romans 11;33
Prayer: Lord, please help us accept the areas about ourselves that we don't like. This could be personality, appearance or previous life. Show us what You like and love about us - Your handiwork. Reach into our minds by Your Spirit and give us lovely things about ourselves to think about. Remind us that what is outwith Your plans for our minds and bodies will be made well. For You will lead us and never let us go. Thank You. Amen.
Day 3 - Saturday 13th July
Today, we think about what drives us?
This could have been jealousy or pride or perhaps a lack of drive. Drive is something or things that push us on or control us or motivate us and it can be a powerful force.
There are times in all of our lives that we are consumed by a problem, a pressure or a target date. Something from the past may be dominating our minds even though we think it isn't - if you are dwelling on it, it is. This could have been a painful time or something traumatic or a slow burn situation that shaped us. Like looking at your cheque book to see what you spend your money on, the constant thoughts and emotions that we harbour daily are the thoughts that lead to emotions and then behaviour which can over rule progress. God Himself turns His attention on us and allows us to manage our emotions in a more controlled and purposeful way. Christ teaches each of us how to handle the range of emotions and is there to take them from us leaving us at peace again.
We know that guilt and regret are negative and pull us down which is why we know that asking to be forgiven melts it away by God's grace. I used to live looking over my shoulder to the past and try and control things - like food - to manage my emotions and memories. Now, I live not only for today or the future but my eternal future. I don't punish myself or self destruct any more because I received Christ's compassion and God's grace to heal my past. I used to be constantly restless but am now content. And you will be too. If anger and resentment control you, then God will make them disappear so that you can be peaceful.
If fear is in the foreground of your daily thoughts then this needs to go. The roots of fear can be people who have hurt you before and you might have put a wall up around yourself to avoid this happening again. You might keep your head low and avoid opening up to people. Or you might have a short fuse and blow up. These are unhelpful and unhealthy and Christ mentors each of us out of such thoughts and reactions and self help techniques. Fear can keep you very limited and missing out on life's many opportunities. Nothing ventured nothing gained. God helps us venture out of self imposed limitations and into confidence and hope. You can play it safe or go sacred where you will still be safe!
If you are driven by materialism then this is understandable given the bombardment of beliefs out there that you are only successful if you have stuff/things to show for it. And if we are honest, we know that that shopping high IS only temporary. Then what? The most valuable thing to own is God's love and care and direction. The Holy Spirit is the most valuable asset we own and we know now to look after it. Invest in Him, treasure Him and see Him as storing up heavenly treasures ahead. This is real security because You can never lose Him and His value increases as the most beneficial investment you could ever make.
Do you need and seek the approval of others? I used to, but Christ has changed my MOTIVATION for pleasing people. My first thought is to ask Him how I CAN PLEASE Him and by doing so I do please others and please myself too because I like myself because I am serving Him and obeying Him to my best ability. One important thing to remember though is that the dark forces out there are responsible for just about all of these things.
And, more good tidings are that our purpose is often part of our past. Knowing God's purpose will give us purpose, meaning, significance and hope. Not just to have livevd your life for some thing but some one - God. And making a start in God's purpose yields blessing after blessing - supernatural favour. But, this is not my motivation at my stage - it is to PLEASE God and Jesus Christ.
Having His purpose simplifies lives, creates more time and energy and more satisfaction and happiness and far less stress, burn out, unfulfillment,anxiety and depression. Why? Because God's guidance is above our flawed decison making skills based on just what is around us.
So, where are you going? Round and round in circles or just to make it through til you get this or that thing happens. Understandable, but God's will for your life will give you a steady hope and easy focus.
God's purpose becomes a passion. It puts our minds above the every day activities and goals and what a great place to dwell. And, God WANTS us to fulfill our purpose. He will help in ways that will astound you. God will ask each of us one day; What did you learn from My Son? Did you accept Him? Did you learn to trust and love Him? What did you do with sacred knowledge of Christ? What did you do with what I gave you? How did you use the talents, gifts and skills I placed in you? How did you spend your time? How did you spend your money? Did you give? What did you live for?
Point to ponder: The perfect path is on the path of God's purpose.
Verse to remember: He knows the way we should take. Job 23:10
Prayer: Jesus Christ, thank You that You know each of us so personally. That You know what drives us and will help us break free from the chains of the past towards Our Father's purpose here on earth. Until the day that we stand before You hoping to hear those words 'Well done, My good and faithful servant' and those words will stay with us for all eternity. Put us now on the road of God's choosing and You please be the driver. Amen.
Day 4 - Sunday 14th July
We were made to last forever. So, this life is not it. We have a second ever lasting life destiny ahead. So, this life is short so we have to make it count for something -towards our chosen eternity. Our Spirits live on even after death. God calls our earthly body a 'tent' compared the, solid and lasting, 'house' in His Kingdom.
How do we get there? By choosing God because the other option is to be separated from Him- for ever. We all have choices to make every day but the most important life choice is to choose Christ. If we, however, choose to live without them in the here and now then we will be without them then for all eternity. I perish the thought of those who choose to perish and I pray you hear the call of God on you now.
This decision to choose Christ impacts on everything because He is interested in everything about us and helps steer our decisions for what is best for us. Not just the best, His VERY BEST for us. It also gradually and increasingly focuses our minds on what is ahead and unseen rather than what is here now which is temporary but seen. Our goal is getting into the heavenlies and staying there safe and secure. An eternity to be enjoyed as opposed to with satan - an eternity to be endured without end.
Once you receive the Holy Spirit - wordly things (money, houses, cars, things you can buy, relationships and everything else) become of secondary importance. This happens naturally and is a gradual thing as the Spirit works in you. Your joy comes from the inside out irregardless of what you have on the outside. God is in no way impressed by worldy goods - unless they are shared with others.
I hear of peoples' meticulous planning with 5 year life plans but that is of little interest to me because my eyes are fixed on making it home to be with our Saviour on the other side. I long to be with the Lord and I pray that you too receive this longing. For it wont be long until He comes for us.
What will heaven look like? Be like? Feel like? Sound like? We simply do not know yet and Jesus Himself told us that we couldn't possibly imagine ALL that God has prepared and planned for His family. Jesus also said that this new Kingdom to come with Christ was created before we were! God's purposes last eternally and His plans go on without end.
Life passes all too quickly so my prayer is that I will see the majority of the world's peoples on the other side and share in the blessings and opulence that the Lord has ready for us to go to. I do not fear death now because I know with a certainty where I am going to. My heart belongs in heaven - where my home is. The author of this book says 'the deeds of this life time are the destiny of the next' which is accurate. Really, God and Christ ask us to do so very little here for the magnificence of what awaits us. I want to serve them both here and then.
Point to ponder: There IS more. This is the first life.
Verse to remember: This life in this age is running out. But, if You do the will of God then You will spend eternity with our Lord. 1 John 2
My prayer: Jesus Christ, I call on Your Spirit now to penetrate deeply into hearts and minds calling us to our senses. Calling us to confess You are the Saviour. You are the only one who saves. You hold the key to the Kingdom. That a fleeting moment of confessing our belief in You will last for all eternity. That those who have suffered here will be pain free, those who have been last here will be first, those who have hungered here will never hunger again, those who have been laid low here will be lifted higher still. We believe now that You have prepared a place for all who believe. We trust now that the Trinity will take us from here to there under their tremendous care, power and love and hold us together til then. Let us live here but with our mind's eye on the return of the Messiah.Thank You. Amen.
Day 5 - Monday 15th July
How do you see your life here?
Is it to make it through to the next pay cheque, pay the bills, get by, make the most of what you have and do you see yourself as having a meaning here? What grasps you? What gets your attention and time here? What really and truly matters to you?
Personally, I see my life here as being one that matters. I go out of my way to give to others the knowledge I have of our beloved God and Christ. I am simply waiting for Christ's return and am content knowing my fate. I take enjoyment out of the smallest things here and take pleasure from showing and telling others who I belong to. I am highly proud to be a Christian and it is probably one of the few things I will boast about. He gives my life meaning and purpose.
The Bible tells us that life is a TEST, a TRUST and a temporary assignment and these are the considerations of a purpose driven life. As a Christian, we are here to display Christ's character and thus show the values and virtues God Himself abides by. We are here too though to share and care and do what we can to bring others into His care by telling them of how He has cared for us.
Testing. I am happy to be tested by God because I know that it is leading somewhere and it also highlights any attitudes and so on that He considers that we will need to work through together. I am a head on kind of person ALWAYS preferring to know the truth. His truth.
I would rather know and deal with something than pretend or, worse, not see it as He does.
I have prayed many times over the years to God and Jesus to refine my character so that I could be more like them because they are so happy and I wanted that. The thing is, God answered my requests and sometimes He has had to go over something again, but He NEVER accuses or loses patience or says 'you failed'. Many times I have FELT I have failed but He doesn't allow us to think our ways because He just does not think like us. What I seen as failures, He seen as valiant. God knows our every thought, reaction, response, problems, struggles, triumphs, weak areas, strong areas and emotions - He knows what makes us happy and HE knows what makes us sad, unmotivated and so on. He doesn't just watch us 24/7 to gather facts like these. No! He watches so that He can, personally, help us though our lives. He tests, but never tempts - that is satan's work. His tests include - how we handle delays, disappointments, major and minor changes,criticism and will sometimes even withdraw from speaking to us for a short time...but, all of these are NOT without purpose. They are for our good and ultimately, for the good of others and to bring Glory to Him for His perfect knowledge and planning. I have had times when suddenly I can't feel Him there - but He is - He just knows the best way to move us forward with Him and so is entitled to develop our characters as He sees fit and we ALWAYS thank Him for it in the end. It is an honour to be tested by God because it is always, without fail, to prepare us for something BIG! Keep that in mind. For all the tests have implications reaching way beyond this life. What we do here affects what happens in the realms. That is fact. Also remember that God is intrinsically good and WANTS us to pass His tests so that we have developed and are ready to use for His purpose. How do you feel after reading this? Don't worry because He NEVER EVER gives us more than we can handle and if we are struggling, He IS aware and will take action. Keep holding onto Him WHATEVER YOU DO. He rewards our development HERE and plans rewards for eternity too. For one thing, we will all receive a CROWN. As if living with the Lord wasn't enough... there's SO much more.
Trust: Everything we have here, everything, is a gift from God Himself and He watches and observes as to HOW we use it. So, everything we have was given us by God - He is the rightful owner but NEVER criticises us while He waits and waits and waits on us using them in ways that please Him. And, this is always to share with others. That IS what pleases God. Easy to remember and increasingly easy to do when you get to know Him.
So, we are responsible for what we have then. Resources and character. Outside and inside. For instance, if God has gifted you with a caring and counselling nature - do you use it? If He has given you understanding of others, do you approach them to help out? If God has blessed you with wealth, do you give some away? He notices and knows everything we have done since the moment of our birth. Can God trust you to use what He blessed you with before birth? Your life was planned out by Him. How it pleases Him to share what we were gifted with. That is all He asks. To care and share. The recipients feels good, we feel good and God feels good. All good then. If God and Christ see that we can be trusted with something, then they trust us and give us more to give away. Please remember God's ethos is to share. God also shares His praise and applause with us freely and regularly when we trust and obey. He is not unjust or unfair. He is reasonable beyond compare, encouraging unlike any other and a rewarder even when WE feel it hasn't gone well. He and Christ help us through every test and trial in this life - because they WANT us to succeed and feel better about ourselves. They want us to grow and bloom and not stay stuck. They are our life coaches and there isn't anything they don't know about. And there isn't anything THEY won't share with us.
Point to ponder: Life IS a continual test. Do You trust it to God?
Verse to remember: Be faithful in small matters (because they matter). Very much. Luke 16;10
Prayer: Father, reveal to each of us the tests You have brought us through and why. Give us an indication of where and what they are leading to as we trust You more and more as You trust US with more and more.Thank You. Amen.
Day 6 - Tuesday 16th July
The important question today that God will answer each of us is - what is my life here for?
Do we sometimes or always see our lives are they ARE or rather how WE are. So easy to get side tracked or into misguided thinking. But, so easy to get out of it when you know God's truth for YOUR life. In other words, if you see yourself as never going to amount to much then you probably wont because you will limit yourself, never take risks, never try out new things, never dare to take a challenge and probably never go out of your self imposed comfort zone. The irony is, trying out God's will IS comfortable and blissful.
This could be because of cruel or thoughtless words of another or whisperings from satan. He loves to bring people down but God will lift you up and out of thinking patterns that prevent you from having a life and a good, full one at that.
Our time here is so short. It goes by before you know it. Our home here on earth passes too into our eternal dwelling place and God wants to make sure you go where He has chosen you to go. Heaven. As a Christian, I am comfortable here especially seeing the huge rise in numbers daily in Christ's Family. But, my eyes are always away in wondering about my eternal life and home. I know this is only my temporary home here and that I belong in the Kingdom but I also want to do my bit and bring some heaven to here and so go on as I should - following Christ's ways. So, I am and other Christians, living two lives really and what is on the inside must be shown on the outside for we are proud to belong to the Christ. I don't want 'to have it all' but 'give it all' because I know that heaven will be splendid indeed (I can't take anything from here to there) and I want to share my heavenly home with billions of other people. There's plenty room for us all and a home prepared for each. Wait and see!
If you are a Christian and feel at home here and have softened your outlooks away from Christs, then you are not really representing Him here and God warns against it. Do not store up treasures here but in the heavenlies. Live as we should. Follow God's Word and honour Him here in our hearts and homes.
I do understand, fully, the temptations to settle for what the world can offer here. But, this is a temptation and God never tempts, but satan does with this purpose in mind. To get us sidetracked and living just for ourselves and living to just get out of life what we can for ourselves and to lose focus on our home in heaven. Or, we come to do a bit of God's instructions here and there but still keep a foot in enemy territory. This is God's testing ground, beautiful earth that it is, but it isn't a patch on what is to come.
I do not feel entirely happy here because God's will is not being done as yet and as comprehensively as He hopes. I feel sadness and sorrow for the condition of our world here and long for massive changes and a return to God's values. But, I am HUGELY encouraged because we are on the way. We are in the trail of truth and it is paying dividends. God is taking notice now and has many good things planned and prepared for us because we have learned to love Him, seek Him and thank Him.
God's goals for our lives can be greatly different from our goals. We might want to 'make it' and be successful as the world judges success. But, the success that is in our characters is what Christ adores and values and wants.
Our life here is just the first and short part of our life story, the rest and best is yet to come.We will be rewarded and honoured as we deserve in the new Kingdom. Imagine looking back at your life here from heaven and wondering WHY did I do that? Why did I waste all that time worrying? Why didn't I just do what God said then and there? Why did i think so highly of THAT? Why didn't I dwell much more on the thought of coming here to my heavenly home?
We will all go home one day. So, Go with God now and take His hand as He leads the way.
Point to ponder: This world is not your home for much longer. You are just passing through here.
Verse to remember: Fix your eyes not on what we see here but what is unseen and still to come.
Prayer: Father, with these growing realisations, teach us how to live our life here which is in preparation for heaven. Begin to stir in us the notion that we do have a purpose here and bring to our minds the skills, gifts and talents You gifted us to prepare us to take up our purpose here and now. For our purpose here is preparation too for Your eternal purposes for us as Your Family. Thank You. Amen.
Day 7 - Wednesday 17th July
The reason for everything is because of Him because He made everyone and everything for His own purposes.
God made us and this earth to reflect His glory meaning His good nature and plans for eternity.
Glory is the weight of God's importance and supremacy; His intrinsic goodness, the demonstration of His power and the atmosphere of His glorious presence here on earth, everywhere.
In nature we see with our own eyes God's imaginative creativity, and that He loves beauty, variety, is highly organised, wonderfully wise and extraordinarily creative. And He has REVEALED His Glory in the past, present, future and eternal times ahead.
THE most significant demonstration of God's Glory was when He gave us Jesus to reveal His love and desires, His expectations and His plans and purposes given to us by Christ. Jesus was sent to SHOW who God is and was and still is. God spoke the word and God came to earth in human form in Christ - for us. He loves us that much that He sent Himself through Christ to suffer, teach, be persecuted, reach out to all and to be willing to even die for us. And because of this, we now love God and Christ above everything else acknowledging that He created us and everything around us.
When anyone on earth honours God and fulfills the intended purpose, God is glorified in the heavenlies and I greatly enjoy giving Him every bit of Glory I can eek out. When an animal fulfills it's God given purpose by doing what God intended, He is happy. When WE work towards our purpose, it thrills Him and He is satisified and jubilant.
We can and should bring Glory, send Glory to Him by simple acts.
1. Worship Him. This is a priority and not based on a feeling of duty but out of love.
This worship is not just at Church but out on the streets and wherever we go. He sees it, hears it and enjoys us enjoying Him. It is He who shifts the attitude from duty to loving with our co-operation which we obediently give.
2. Give Glory to God by loving and caring about other believers. This is proof of our salvation. We must accept others as they are right now as Christ accepted us as were when He accepted us.
3. Send Glory to God be being like Christ. We have to grow and show. This is prompted and promoted by the Holy Spirit in all of us. God sets the pace and progress and we simply follow. Thankfully. To accept Christ is to accept change.
4. God receives Glory when we serve others. With our gifts, talents, skills and abilities. The way we are 'wired' is deliberate and divine. All shaped and given to spread out to others.
5. Witnessing means Glory to God. That joy inside and truth needs to come out as it our wish to share the new Kingdom with an extremely large Family from all over the world. God expects us to share the truths we know and by doing this will lead to them meeting God's purpose through them and preparing us all for our role in eternity.
Christ brings change, Christ brings challenge, but Christ brings conviction to speak out, move on and live for the eternal position. This means choices.
Right now, God is inviting You into a closer companship with Him and Christ as the original intention of your life was. Through God given power, our purpose becomes a realistic and achievable possibility. God loved desigining each and every one of us and His greatest joy is now that we are willing to continue unity in the Spirit towards our planned purposes. Wipe out the memories of sins and allow the Christ to come into your home and hearth and bring heaven into your heart.
Point to ponder: Our lives are all because of Him and all for Him.
Verse to remember: 'We have the mind of Christ'. 1 Corinithians 2:16
Prayer: God, show us in the minor and major manoeveres in life where we can bring You Glory. Thank You that You even HELP US bring You Glory. You help out with everything and everyone of us and NEVER let go of us until we are happy, meaning You are happy. We love Your faithfulness and You love ours. Amen.
Priority Purpose Number 1
IS THIS ; WE WERE PLANNED FOR GOD'S PLEASURE.'For God planted us as strong and graceful oaks for His own Glory' Isaiah 61;3
Day 8 - Thursday 18th July
We were planned to make God happy.
God witnessed our birth. He was there to see us come into the world and was overjoyed at our arrival, just like any dad, but unlike all other dads. We were all planned and wanted. Because He has a life plan for us all. A perfect plan.
As God brought us into the world, we brought Him enjoyment and even moreso when we start out towards meeting our purpose. He wants us with Him here and now and for the next life. God made us with kindness in mind as He wanted us to enjoy life and life's pleasures. The reason we FEEL pleasure is that we are made in God's likeness/image.
God has emotion too - He feels things much more deeply that we do though. He grives, gets jealous, gets angry, feels compassion, pity, sorrow and empathy as well as happy, glad and satisfied. God laughs too - very much. Especially now that we are going to Him and trusting Him and obeying Him and realising He is such a wonderful person. He cries when we cry, when we hurt and when we are struggling.He is deeply sad when we are without Him because He needs to be in our thoughts and company so that He can comfort us. He is outraged at injustice and plans to destroy the devil and his works.
With His genius and creativity and power and vibrancy; it is still good to remember that He is a very kind and gentle, understanding and generous man. He is pleased when we worship Him, thank Him and trust in His love. Before feeling God, the spiritual mind lies dormant and is activated upon receiving and confessing Christ and it is then that true life really begins. This is what Christians call this being 'born again'. It is a second chance at life for us all. Before, we truly are just existing. You know now the difference is like black and white, day or night. A light gets switched on that cannot be put out. And this light gets bigger and more powerful and more precious.
Worship is an attitude of trust and thankfulness basically. He accepts the many forms of organised worship - Churches - but also personal - at home, music and day long conversation is also a pleasing for of worship to Him. Basically, if You are talking to Him, He is listening and respecting you for talking to Him. He respects us!
Church worship times are limited and so it is good to get into a mindset and daily practise of conversation - prayer. If you just attend church and talk little with Him during the week, that bond gets weak and leaves you susceptible to attack. It is easy to remedy - take Him in daily and He keeps us strong and motivated. In other words, HE flows Himself into us so that we can talk to Him and trust Him.
I talk to God and Christ throughout each day. I get my bible out to seek confirmation. I take notes at church. Listen to non-stop Christian broadcasts and hold Him close to my heart. He gives us His thoughts which we cannot help but dwell on because they are wise and wonderful. I need to do these things - otherwise I lose out on the way my contact with Him makes me feel and it is my priority because it is so good.
Our worship benefits Him and us because it invites a constant communication and we are open to hearing and feeling what he has to say and send us. He speaks to us when we are listening. He tells us what we need to know when we ask Him. He responds to our requests. He treasures our trusting Him. He is there to attend to our every care. He knows what to do when we are baffled. He goes out of His way for each one of us. He has planned every day of our lives. He waits until we are ready to ask Him our purpose and immediately rushes to meet us as this is WHY He created us. I just know that He is preparing to put His plans and purposes into place but we wait for Him because He is in charge and control.
When I fell in love with Jesus - I loved everything about Him inside and out for He is beautiful. I think about Him a lot and if am occupied, I really look forward to getting back into His company. I have many other things can I could CHOOSE to do with my time - but I have grown to prioritise Him in my life above all others because there is no better way to spend a day. Converation with myself, before Him, was 1 dimensional - just me and me and now it is 4 dimensional; God, Jesus, Holy Spirit and me and We get along so well and understand each other and agree! From my initial hesitant and limited conversations, We have merged and I know that I am and we are speaking to the Holy God Himself!
So, we realise because we know the Christ just how different our thoughts, moods, attitudes and outlooks are and also that our life pleases God - even before we take up our purpose. You should not think that it is too late now (age); I have wasted a lot of time or that you are not good enough because God sees us as treasures. Never is is too late to go to God with something and we wait now to see what God wants us to do next. He is overjoyed that we are preparing to prepare for our joint purposes. This is just how He wants it and at last, God is getting His way and will here.
Point to ponder: You were born for God's purpose and His purpose is to enjoy your life here and after Christ returns for us.
Verse to remember: The Lord takes pleasure in His people. His Family.
Prayer: Jesus Christ, as our personal mentor and teacher - thank You that You will show us some small things that we can do for You that will please You and Father. I am so deeply happy that You have achieved unity within us and gathered us into Your fold and loving arms. You plan and provide for us even as we sleep and I am THRILLED that this brings You pleasure, Jesus and our dear, Father. With heartfelt thanks for what You have done for us and what we have overcome to do for You. Amen.
Day 9 - Friday 19th July
Today we think about making God smile. Smile as we want Him pleased and smile as He is pleased with us.
How often do we feel rewarded and appreciated when we see someone we love smile back at us. Or, someone we have helped who has been down break out into a smile and how rewarding is that. To listen to His heart and show we care for another.
The Bible says 'Figure out what pleases Christ and then do it' and do that we have and doing it night and day in every country in every way we can and all over His world. Hallelujah to that.
God is pleased and smiles at us lovingly with even the tiniest of efforts but there have been some, as we know, on whom His favour rested particulalry and one was Noah. It is written that back then everyone lived to please themselves and not God and God then regretted making man and God even considered wiping out the human race. Poor Father. But, I am so glad that things couldn't be any more different now. And thank God and thank Noah stood out and that is why we are still here. Of course, God isn't disappointed now, He is delighted!
What did Noah offer that so thrilled God - a relationship! He talked to God, listened to God and tried to please his heavenly Father and we have all taken a leaf out of Noah's book and are seeking God and this IS pleasing Him as never before. I am so happy for God because He is understood now and we know Him inside out and we are bringing Him smiles and contentment and He is touched with our united service.When we meet God in the smallest way, we enjoy a very close and intimate relationship with Him. We don't have to imagine for it is real now for us. He WANTS to talk with us. He longs to be loved back in the way He loves us. He pines for our company. And, at last, He is being comforted by our talking to Him.
Jesus said 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your mind and with all your soul. This is the first and greatest commandment' and we have a growing love and relationship that is thrilling Him. Just as when there is a fallout within a family and we start to miss and long to hear from the relative - this is how God feels but much more profoundly because of His deep and unfathomable, immeasurable love for us. Please do me a favour and bring him into your thoughts and talk to Him every day. His is ecstatic when the chain of communication is opened and will catch us with us going over our past and preparing us for the blessed future ahead.
He also needs us to trust Him because aren't WE insulted when we sense someone doesn't trust US! How sad for our Father to experience this but I am convinced that He is talking to billions more of His children now and keeping Him company and showing Him we are trusting Him, completely. He actually goes out of His way for as long as it takes to demonstrate to us that He is reliable because it upsets Him when we don't trust Him because He and most of us know that He is absolutely trustworthy. He goes overboard in love. He is not a spoiler as we used to think, but spoils us every day with heavenly hints, bountiful blessings and perfect peace and protection. AND the joy of His presence above all. Please help me out by taking things to Him and putting them into His care and trust - He is delighted to show us how dependable He is and that He can help with anything and everyone. Praise Him! Glorify Him! Thank Him!
To be honest, when I first started out with God and Christ, I needed their help to help me so much that They spent years pleasing me and never once asked for me to please Them. I looked at times for what their hands offered but now focus on their hearts and faces and above all, PLEASING THEM because that is my burning desire; to please God and our Lord, Jesus. And that makes me happier than anything else I have ever put my mind to or achieved or bought. There is none like Them. We have faith and so we are pleasing God. Faith is the foundation stone that is set now and so God is satisified and pleased and we know that complete freedom and healing are one the way. God gives us patience to hang on in happy hope too.
And just as God planned ahead every detail for the flood in Noah's time to stop His animals and us becoming extinct- He is the most forward thinking mind that You will ever experience. He plans and prepares meticulously that it leaves us with our mouths hanging open, jaws dropped and hearts lifted in excitement. Plan then to lift your hearts and minds and thoughts to the greatest God, most tender Father and expert helper that there is. He gives us detailed instructions because He knows exactly how and when it should be done. He thoroughly enjoys planning for us. He gives complete instructions and is pleased most when we obey completely in His way. If God says 'Go' and we hang about, it displeases Him just as it does us eg. saying to our kids 'I want you to sit still and eat your dinner' and then they dawdle and dither and disobey doing it when suits them. This is how God feels too remembering we are made in His likeness - mind and body. Just as children obey us and do things they don't feel like, or want to or fully understand why, God expect us to just trust and obey and be thankful and happy about it for He has it all planned out and just asks us to do as we are told and requested, for His good and for our good. Jesus said 'If you love Me, You will obey My commandments' and we do and we do. And, when we go to the Lord with thanks and praise and trust in obedience, He is joyous and fill us with joy too. We have high praises and high hopes in Him.
So, next time you feel a spirit of inferiority come into your mind - God will assure you that HE made you just the way you are. For His purpose. And remember, God just does not think about us as others do - even the harsh words or put downs or compliments and admiration as He loves us unconditionally. He not only looks at us but looks in us - at our hearts and savours and treasures our enjoyment and Christ minded thinking. So, how much pleasure is GOD getting out of your life? A lot more than you think.
Point to ponder: When we trust and obey His way, God sits forward and smiles and is happy.
Verse to remember: Do not run like a man or woman aimlessly. Go all out to please God and let your heart beat in His rythmn and rhyme as only He fully understands.
Prayer: Father, let us start to lift something more of our lives up to You in humble adoration with the aim of pleasing You as You have pleased us. We are not trying to get ahead of the crowd but please the head of the crowd - our Jesus. We are happy that You are happy and trust in YOUR trust and belief in us. For we know that we will go far. Bless You. Bless You, Noah that You were one who showed us HOW to please God. Amen.
Day 10 - Saturday 20th July
The pinnacle of obeying God is to surrender to His will.
This does not mean you have no power or authority, because we do - God's. It is simply realising that He knows best and wants us to give Him permission to let His best be done in us and through us. Then, it is a win win situation in ways that will waow you. It is the pinnacle of positivity to be in the middle of His will because He gives us extra special attention and resources then to help us work on towards His purpose.
Many of us have surrendered our minds to the Lord and we are cherishing that moment of surrender because of how the immediate changes begin. In that moment which can be let's face it, a little hesitant and trepidation, but this is soon wiped out because we realise that WE HAVE A PURPOSE which God intended all along. You feel accepted, excited and like a kid again with your whole life stretching out ahead of you.
For some, this surrender, or yielding to His Spirit, takes time and is done in stages as we let go of certain areas of our life into His hand of direction and then He gives us the confidence to let go of bigger things and then arrive at the pivotal point of saying 'Okay, God, I surrender it all. Tell me what to do. Show me Your path' and then it begins...
How are we SURE God knows what He is doing and can be trusted. Number 1 - He sent His Son to save us and suffer for us while we were STILL sinners. He didn't die for the righteous alone but for us all. That means He loves us at our worst and, yes, that person who is still to know Him and causes us grief. God asked Christ to pay the bounty for our heads, hearts, minds, lives and importantly, souls.
How does God convince us that His will is the way. Simple - through His continual and deepening love and comforting voice urging us on through things like shyness and yes, we have done things we have never done before and He applauds us for breaking out of our self imposed limitations. There is no limit with God. No limit.
We have all felt those inner voices struggling for our attention and prompting us into decisions. One is God. One is self and one is satan. We, as believers, can now only hear the one voice for there is only one God. When you've felt in two minds, pulled in two directions; never fear, God is in charge now and it is such a comfort and safety net knowing He will not let us wander off and do our own things outwith His divine plans. Basically, we can't go wrong. Good isn't it. There is nothing or any person in this world that we can trust and rely on as we can Him.
I came to the end of myself years ago. I was still seeking. Still trying out new things but never getting that deep sense of satisfaction. Achieving a great deal but that contentment eluded me until I went to Him and said 'I will do what You want. I would LOVE to walk in the purpose You have for me. I want to be like a great figure out of the Bible I want to work for You.' God then started filling me with words and senses but it took time because I over analysed a lot of what He said and queried it! I even went to Him saying 'are You sure?' Some years later, I laugh at myself because He has never been proved wrong. Even when I started out doing something I in no way felt sure about or it felt like a risk. So, go on , take the challenge and you will have an experience with God Himself and a deep spiritual encounter with Him sending signs and markers that you are on the right way and congratulating you every day. He will send words, people and so much to You that You become enthralled by carrying around His secret plan and voice. It will start on the inside and then show on the outside and go public!
Along the way, He will ask for a little more than usual commitment at times and may test our devotion but He will never give us more than we can handle and steps right back in again if He sees us struggling. He does these things to give us inner confidence and strength and to prepare us further into His purpose. What God has asked me to give us has been trivial compared to what He has given me to replace or make up for it. You wont look back. Eyes forward pulled along by His excitement and hope and encouragement. He is a personal trainer and yes, will at times push us beyond our previous limits - so that we can achieve more.
When You start out in His will, you learn to keep going back to Him when things go well or go poorly because it is that constant contact that He wants and sustains us. Sometimes, God ask you to do something that we can't make sense of or we just don't know how on earth we are going to do it. Fear not. He has broughT billions of us through our personal plans and has it all under control. You dont then have to rely on yourself with all the burdens or decision making because He is always there and we just wait on Him and keep happy whilst waiting fully trusting Him as we do.
If we spend our lives treasuring e.g. money, then that will be our purpose and where our heart lies and then realise one day that it was a waste of time because in the end, money is meaningless. If we treasure God and have Him in our hearts then this is invaluable and exactly how He wants it. He will not remove but provide for our needs and wants in return for obedience. Jesus surrendered His life here and death here according to God's plan and purpose for Him for us and in honour of this, He was placed at our Father's right hand side in heaven and will come back to judge over us as He earned that title and position. Father always honours obedience. To start with is blessed peace for us all. Troubles and temptations disappear when we surrender them to Jesus - He is a miracle worker after all. Falling at His feet in His purpose lifts you to heavenly care. Nothing we can do for God is more pleasing to Him than saying 'Father, Your will be done'.
So, don't idolise other people, money, job title, property, stock or shares, cars or surrender to fear or pride or arrogance or lust or ego - we don't - but idolise and surrender to the living Lord. He is alive. He watches us. He takes care of us. He has a plan for us. God isn't a bad bully - HE won't co-erce or intimidate or provoke us into surrendering to His care and will. So, we are free to make the choice and our choice is to go for God. Go all out to please Him and your life will just keep on getting better and better. But, if our attention is focued on our goals - they will ultimately lead to disappointment, frustration, self destruction and a lack of fulfillment because we were made to worship and follow God and only He can fill the void, that empty space that NOTHING else can fill and reach but Him.
Point to ponder: Surrender is sweet.
Verse to remember: Surrender your whole being to Him to be used for righteous purposes'. Romans 6;13
Prayer; God, I surrender our lives to You now. Our past regrets, our present problems, our future ambitions, our fears, our dreams, our weaknesses, our habits, our hurts and our hang-ups and place them into Your care and authority to do with as Your will. Remove our fear because we are sure now that nothing with You gets out of control but under the control and counsel of Christ and God. We are ready for anything. We have worked through the harshest of times and are now breaking out into the Son. Thank You. Amen.
Sunday 21st July
Become HIS best Friend as He is to us already.
Of all the things that God is and does for us - He values being Our closest friend through life. Both He and Jesus do. He is THE friend like no other. Absolutely trustworthy, reliable, always honest and always open and ALWAYS so very glad to hear from Us. And, we are ALWAYS guaranteed a warm and loving and understanding welcome. He is the ONE THING in this life that is guaranteed.
Unfortunetly, a lot of what is wrong with the world was because satan strongly tempted Adam and Eve to fall and fall out with God. Their disobedience opened the door to curses and dominion from satan as he had gained access to God's first created human beings. We are God's last creations as we know the world as we know it is ending soon. I hope you understand the gravity of the importance of faith and trust and obedience and ABOVE ALL confessing sin and repenting of it, for we are in the last chapters of this age. Thank God.
It is simple and straightforward to get to know God and Christ. We are free to talk to Him anytime and about anything and He waits to hear from Us. Always be sure that His mind and thoughts are consistently warm and welcoming - unlike even our best attempts at being a good friend here fall far short of His Friendship as We are coming to know now.
When You ask God to be your Friend - you have just made three in one because God is God, God is Jesus and God is Their Holy Spirit. They have us covered in the heavenlies, realms and here on earth and send our guardian angel too at our sides.
Jesus Christ prays for us , His Friends and pleads our case and causes before the throne of God Himself. Do not be put off by His majesty and position because He sees and hears what we see and hear and knows Our thoughts and STILL loves us -of course as we are His creations.
Have you been hurt by people previously regarded as friends, did someone or others betray you, left you or left you out of things or broke your confidences. God looks like a human on the outside but He is magnificently powerful inside and His mind doesn't work or think like ours. He is always glad to talk - even when we mess up so go to Him in confidence as He asks.
How do we develop this friendship?
1. Keep talking things out with Him and keep listening out for Him. He makes sure that His messages get to us so relax. He goes out of His way to be certain we know what He has said and means. So, it is good to go back and say 'Is this what You mean?' or' ' Can you say that again' or 'can you confirm that please in the Bible or through someone.' He knows when we haven't got it and so repeats as necessary.
So, do not think of yourself as stupid or dim if you don't get it first time - HE does not think like that. He is adament that we will get His messages and is profoundly patient. So, KEEP talking.
2. Keep talking on the go. Wherever You go, He goes and is waiting to hear. His presence and power and protection is with you where you are. Try Him out, I ask you. Trust Him with a problem and you will find out what God is all about.
3. Make your conversations into prayers by saying God or Christ before and Amen after and keep them going. He will help. Listen to what He says to do and do it, say it, pray it. Right there and then if you can is best. Pray on the go, when sitting or lying still, pray for yourself and family and for others in the world. He puts into Our minds what to pray for - You will feel thoughts, feelings and emotions coming in and they are from HIM. He even provides us with the materials He asks us to pray about.
4. Pray and talk to Him about Bible scripture. He has made many statements in the Bible and reveals them when we go to Him and ask Him to expand on what He means. That is why certain things are revealed as short statements and some puzzling -without His Wisdom - so go and ask Him to explain, simple as that.The Bible is the same yesterday, today, tomorrow and always and so is He - it is us He wants to change about our yesterdays, todays,tomorrows and always.
4. Get the Bible out and ask Him to reveal a piece of scripture to you so that you can repeat is, keep focused on it and this pleases Him. I keep little notes and post it notes at home, on the fridge, in the car and in my workplaces because His word works. Simple as that. And You should do the same.The aim is to invite Him to be with you every day and realise that He is! Think about His word, think about Him - ask Him to help you to do this and He lifts Our minds above our problems.
5. Keep looking for Him and He will keep looking for You and reveal more and more and more about Himself. With time, You begin to trust all your present and future needs to Him and so look for His heart and not His hand outs. They are guaranteed but remember to think about His character. God doesn't WANT us to worry because everything, everything is safe in His hands. He wants us to WANT HIM. Isn't that what any relationship is about? To feel understood and for it to become meaningful. He isn't just a Friend for life but a Friend for eternal life so we should invest some time in HIM and know Him personally as He is a personal God who needs friendship and chat and discussion and humour, just as we do! You will find that worry goes out the door when You let Him in. He has secrets to tell and share and can only do so when We talk to Him. If we are listening and give Him some devoted time, just as we give to our Friends here, treat His friendnship as exactly the same as a freidnship here. Don't dwell on what He tells someone else because those secrets are personal to them - get your own. They are yours after all. Your mind. Your life. His plan for Your life.
6. Consider with honesty what is the worth of thoughts without Him. Then consider with honesty what thoughts are like WITH Him. Divine difference.
Point to ponder: God IS already Your best Friend.
Verse to remember: I raise my voice to all mankind.
Prayer: Father and Jesus Christ, You are friend to us all and I thank You for being my Friend. I know what Your Friendship means and I mean to You. What WE mean to You. Help us understand, really understand, just how much we MEAN to You in the hope that many will come to know You as their own Friend. You are listening out for our conversations with You day and night and give us so much back for our offerings that we are still amazed and increasingly thankful. To know You, to talk to You, to be in Your circle of Friends is the most important relationship we could ever have. Bring Your personal Friendship to us and help us respond in return. Thank You. Amen.
Day 12 - Monday 22nd July
You are as close to God as you chose to be. And this will keep getting closer.
To get even closer takes some things on our parts - things we have already given which are our times, efforts and determinations. We seek to be honest with Him and share His thoughts more. He seeks Us to trust Him more and follow His instructions and commandments to the letter so that they are the most effective as He wants. We have learned to care about what He cares for.
God will not tell You anything but the truth. He expects us therefore to be truthful with Him about our thoughts and attitudes and behaviours and feelings. He does not expect perfection because we will only be that when Christ returns. But, we are called to aim now towards that by being honest about what we currently can and can't do, what we struggle with, ask for help with the temptations laid before us and keep going back to Him to update Him and He to update you. As we know, the characters God chose to be recorded in the Bible were far from perfect but God invited them all in and changed them all into His likeness and pursuing His will. He told what happens when we follow His will and ways and what happens when some didn't. Jesus is still the Friend to us sinners. All of us. In or out of prison. In or out of a home. In or out of a Church.
In the Bible, the Friends of God were honest about their feelings and complained, second guessed, accused and argued with God our creator. God is highly intelligent and welcomed this debate and frankness as He still does. No use in pretending with Him - He already knows the truth and so just go and be honest. I have many times discussed, questioned God!, been angry, been stubborn and told Him my every thought and He always listened and allowed ME! to present my case and get it off my mind. God is pure honesty and needs our authenticity so that He can ANSWER us. He needs to know what's on our mind and allows us to vent it first (how patient he is) and then He speaks. Exemplary manners. A gentleman. But, when we consistently disobey, He WILL have something to say about it but it takes A LOT to anger Him. Merciful, Father.
And, God will be honest. But, He will only tell us what HE wants us to know at any time because that is His right. He builds trust and faith by giving us instruction 1 and then waits to see if we obey and then He will give the next. I have pleaded many times for more information and felt frustrated at times, raring to go, but, He knows best and is absolutely sincere and right in His every decision on what He chooses to tell us.
God likes Us to say what we FEEL and now what we feel ( think) we should say.
How do you feel when someones is refreshingly honest and how do you feel when someone comes out with predictable patter. Snap - that is how God feels.
Do not let bitterness get between You and God - let it out to Him and confess you have a problem letting it go and if You are sincere, He is sincere. He appreciates the things we appreciate in other people. There is no mystery to Him and what He likes and looks for. So, release your resentment, bag up your bitterness and hang up any hate and He will take it from You and release you and this will open up your relationship with Him. Remember, they weren't caused by God in the first place, but He is the first place (satan did it) He wants us to go to with them to save them destroying us inside and out.
Rememember too that what you have been through and what you are going through now - You are not alone. There is nothing new under the Son. Others are going through what we are going through and the light, His light, is always on at the other side pulling us through to completion.
If I had to write my own Psalm - it would be filled with the characteristics of the other writers because I am no different. I have ranted, raved, resented, reared up but always still loving Him and revered Him because I know Him because I have spent so much time fostering my relationship with My, Father. I didn't hold back and He just sits still and listens and sends His Spirit to comfort me. I have been overwhelmed in strong emotions and overwhelmed in love and that is just the way I like it too.
God drew close to me even during all these times because I obeyed Him. If we obey Him, He draws even closer to Us. He waits for full obedience but it starts in small steps then giant leaps in the ways He plans.
From the outside looking in, previously many would have believed that us Christians obeyed out of eg. obligation, duty, fear but it is out of love for we know Him and Christ and what They are about. They have proven themselves to US over and over again and this is standard. I am so grateful to them both because they sorted out my life - looked good from the outside but inside me it was a mess. They trasnformed the bad times into benefits and turned disadvantage to advantage.
Jesus led the way on how to talk to our Father and how to follow our Father. His relationship is beautiful and filled with love and respect. Jesus led a perfect and sinless life and obeyed His Father to His last moment of life here.Keep in mind that God has seen and will see all of our small acts of obedience and stores them up in His mind and heart and will bless them. We don't do things for others for them to see, but He to see. Not to LOOK good but to do good.
God's greatest desire and purpose right now is to find His lost children and that is why Jesus came and will come back to get the found. Be among us please. I am passionate about God and Christ and intensely passionate and driven to do what THEY want done here. I am focused and I am fit for my purpose and I am going to fulfill it fully. That is not a boast for I can only boast in God and Christ who got me this far and will see the job done.
Have you ever looked at two other people who are just so close. Best friends, in synch' who talk together all the time and know the other one inside out and wished YOU had that kind of friend? Well, You have now! God. His Son and His Spirit are with You now. For You now and always.
God told the captives in Babylon 'When you get serious about finding me and want it more than anything else, I'll make sure you wont be disappointed'. Note the words - MAKE SURE. So, make sure you talk to Him in honesty and hourly and why not.
So, if You are not in a relationship with God You will certainly feel now that you are missing out on SOMETHING. He is Your Friend now. Go to Him now and start talking.
Point to ponder: God is close to You right now.
Verse to remember: Draw close to God and God's will is to draw close to You.
Prayer: Father and Christ, I am so glad to have introduced You both to so many in my life here. I am so glad to have shown my joy in You and Yours in me. I am glad to have told people of what a Friend you are to all. I am so glad to have been a matchmaker and given people the gift of faith and Your Friendship. I know that many more are now treating You and talking to You as a Friend. Help us find the time to talk and find out what You want to say to each of us. Thank You so much, My and Our closest Friends are there in the heavenlies. Amen.
Day 13 - Tuesday 23 rd July
What part of your life have you lifted to God?
Have you handed over a wee bit of your mind, or heart or devotion or soul or hurts or past or sin? He wants it all and is waiting; so don't keep Him hanging on because you have so much MORE to gain than you could even imagine.
To find out who He really is we have to find out for ourselves and the only way is to talk to Him and ask to be led in this conversation (prayers) via His Holy Spirit and seek His thoughts from His Bible. When He gives you a text, write it down - post it notes required and place it where you will see it. Focus on it. Believe it and hang onto it with ALL your mind and strength and soul and heart.
You have to know what He is about before You understand Him. The Bible paints a portrait of His character and that is accurate and so He likes and expect us to believe what He says in confidence.
If you have ever held a conversation with someone you didn't know it is stilted at first. If you have ever held a conversation with someone who you felt wasn't giving you their full attention, it is frustrating. Solution? Spend time with Him the source of truth. He means what He says and wants us to mean what WE say - heartfelt and sincere. Whether this be heartfelt confessing of sin, or saying I messed up again and need You or heartfelt asking for His Friendship. If it is heartfelt; He feels it in His heart and acts on it.
God is above our words and ways though and reads our hearts - even when we haven't acted on thoughts we have felt in our hearts even for a fleeting moment - HE treasures them and receives them as worship. Ask Him to fill Your heart with what is in His and it will change your heart AND mind for ever. Be sincere and He will be pleased, but, insincerity is really a waste of your time talking. Get His help then to become sincere like Him. If you ask for it, you will get it.
I sincerely worship God myself in many stances - sitting, eating, walking and talking to Him, kneeling, dropping to the floor, bowing, doing my housework, lying in bed and out at the shops. In fact, I keep Him close everywhere I go and He LOVES to be with me and us (if we ask Him) going about our daily duties. As He will come into our darkest messes in our minds and lives; He will go with you anywhere - even the bathroom so don't get put off thinking you have to be in a certain place for He is moving where you are. Where you go; He is watching you and at your side.
I have an active worship life and prayer life. I confront evil, go against injustice and work to make His will come here. I don't sit back and wait for the changes, I am one of His who makes the changes. Through regular prayer with Him, He tells me and His family what to do and where to go and what to pray about. He guides - we don't guess what He wants.
If you find yourself in church or worshipping Him at home then you will feel how connection feels. And nothing else that isn't that good isn't good enough so if you need to change church or go to church then so that should be. He will say what He wants IF YOU ASK HIM.
When worshipping by prayer, you don't need nor should you keep on repeating the same prayer requests. Trust Him with them and let Him guide you into new prayers.
Trust Him no matter what and no matter how long the situation has been going on and keep on praising Him too.
Find out more about Him in the Bible, other versions, books and discover that there is always more to discover. Know His many names and they tell you about His many purposes and characteristics. Don't just go by the Sunday service - it is your responsibility to know Him and not your ministers as he or she has their own relationship with Him. He wants YOURS. Public worship is just that but he wants your private worship too. If you don't go to a church, now would be a good time to go and check some churches out and He will be delighted and thrilled and give you more of His presence.
When you worship and connect with Him more, it is good to get rid of self centredness and self obsession and think what He thinks about. This will happen.
Getting to know Him takes time, effort and energy. The more you put in, the more you get out (in every sense). Yes, sometimes, I might prefer to just sit still and watch the telly ,but those old time wasters as I call them, have gone and I can't get enough of Him. At the start, getting to know Him required me ,as it does all of us, time and commitment and it must be willing. Are you willing to take some time out for God and give Him some of your time? I praise Him whether things are going great or not because connecting with Him IS THE ONLY WAY TO GET LIFTED OUT OF IT. Out of the enemy's hands and into my Fathers is comforting every time. When we go out of our way to worship Him or feel tired or have made an effort (sacrifice) it pleases Him very much as it would.
Point to ponder: God wants more than a piece of you to give you His entire peace and plan and purpose.
Verse to remember: And we know that in ALL THINGS, God works for the good of those who love and know Him who have been called in obedience according to their purpose. Romans 8:28
Prayer: Father, show us please, personally, how our worship pleases You. And, what can we change so that You change us more like You We are devoted to You and so we will devote some time to getting to know You. Thank You that when we talk to You, You go out of Your way to show and tell us SO MUCH about OUR life and You focus on us. Help us return that focus, being led by Your Spirit where we should trust and obey Your way. Amen.
Day 14 - Wednesday 14th July
Have You realised and felt that God is real or does He still SEEM distant to you?- question yourself.
No matter what or who you believe in, God is real. Christ's return and judgement is real and your eternal life will be a reality.
It is easy to trust and worship God when we have so much - homes, food, health, money enough, law and order, hospitals, police and so on. So why hasn't is happened if it has not to you?
Yes, at times His Friendship and presence can feel far away - but try and remember He is never far away. If you, however, keep Him at a distance then that is how You will see and feel Him - just as someone to call on in hard or tough times. Remember, He came to your rescue then and always will.
If you are not talking to Him, then you obviously won't hear from Him. If you don't seek His presence then you wont find it. If you are on a see-saw in your relationship or on a roundabout then it is time to get your feet on solid ground for we are going to need it with what is ahead at this, the end of this age.
There are definetly times when God chooses to step back a little for our own good. This is always for a reason and they could include several things. To test and strengthen the level of faith, to make us work more in our contributions to the friendship or just to teach us or discipline us or to make us more grown up/mature. It may be because of sin.It is His perogative but for a purpose.
If a close and personal friend left to go abroad, you would have to work at it to keep the friendship going and this is what we must continue to do when God temporarily removes His presence.
The answer as always is to keep pouring your heart out to Him. Continue thanking. Keep praising and keep obeying and wait until your situation changes and/or He chooses to give You back His presence. If you feel hopeless, He is the only one who CAN give hope.
Keep reciting to yourself that God is good, He loves me, He has a plan and purpose for me, He will never leave me, He will never let me down,He is still for me, He will never forsake me and He is doing this for a reason. And He will be back soon.
Be thankful that Christ died for you and that His death was to let you live, be free, be healed, be saved and inherit His Kingdom. To spare you from hell hoping that you choose to believe.
Point to ponder: God is real, no matter how you feel about Him.
Verse to remember: God has said 'I will never leave you, I will never abandon you'
Hebrews 13;5 (This is His promise and He keeps them even when we don't ours to Him)
Prayer: God, oh that You could break through and let all feel Your presence. Amen.
Day 15 - Thursday 27th July
You were made and formed in the womb to be part of God's Family.
He wanted us to connect as one. A very large multi-cultural family awaiting our Christ's return to be fit for purpose TOGETHER in the New Earth. He wanted us to love Him, honour Him and reign with Him forever. Are we ready? Then get set to go.
God is a personal and relational God who NEEDS to talk with His each childre. He is a We just as He is He the Father, He the Son and He the Holy Spirit. He wanted harmony in His Family - for us to get on with one another for a far greater reaching purpose than just getting on or getting by here.
Imagine the parents here who are estranged from their children - I have seen it and it is so distressing for them - a heavy weight carried around. That is how God feels except on a VASTLY higher scale and intensity when His children choose to ignore Him or stay away from Him.
WE are supposed to see other Christians as brothers and sisters and treat them lovingly just as God has us and Christ has us.
When we confess our belief in CHRIST and TO CHRIST, we are honoured by Him in being called His children. I don't think there is now ANYONE alive on this earth who hasn't now heard Christ's name and been given the chance to confess. Choices have been getting made and I believe that everyone HAS now decided. Go in peace whatever your choice but it wont be too late to confess until IT IS too late and that will be any time soon. If you are a believer, have you been baptised? God asks this for symbolic significance. This isn't new news; but it is good news.
Our heavenly Family is far more important than our earthly family because we are going to spend eternity together - as one. AND, some of our new Family are already in the heavenlies and we will meet them. I am ready to go NOW!
Here we should have lived in the riches of His Grace - kindness, patience, glory, wisdom, power and the Fruits but in our new Home, we will live amidst rich and spectacular glories in our inheritance. Of course extra service providers here will be MORE highly rewarded and the Crown will stand forever to tell others that they received special favour for their service here. God is fair. More than.
What does this mean. First, we get to be with God Himself. And, we are changed into His character. Even more - no more of the world's ills or problems not even death. Finally and forever, we will SHARE in the Glory Christ won for us. It is all ready waiting. All ready for us to move into. Wonder what your mansion looks like and how close it will be to the throne room.
This eternal inheritance and home will be permanent, protected, pure and pure joy.
If you feel unloved, unthanked, unimportant, under utilised, under appreciated and under the cosh here - then you won't feel like that in the new Earth. The opposite.
Point to ponder: I was formed FOR God's Family.
Verse to remember: You are all children of God THROUGH FAITH in Christ Jesus.
Prayer: Lord, grant us the excitement of looking ahead to living with You and loving you. There is nothing to fear here of what is to come if we are Yours but show us the joys to come where there will be no more of all that is cruel and corrupted and contaminated in this earth. No more unfairness, injustice, inequality, poverty, hunger, ill health,evil and even death.Amen.
DAY 16 - Friday 26th July
God is love. He is a loving God and made us to be loving people.
The most basic of basic principles He wanted us to learn was HOW to love. Because this replicates Him and the life He wants for us here and eternally. 'Love others as You love yourself' was written to sum up His command.
Takes time to learn to love as God expects; but He places emphasis on loving those in His Family moreso, because we should support and encourage each other because we are going to be heavenly neighbours. We were 'To show special love for God's people' whether times were good or bad. There is still much to learn and demonstrate though even with this first basic principle as we ourselves can testify to and ourselves do. His Family here are to draw others to Him by His example.
God wants us Family to stick together and show the world what we are about and what He and Christ are about. Tough task I know but sometimes tough love is required so that we will be ready, willing and made able. A life without love is lacking. Our relationships matter a great deal to God which is why 4 of the 10 commandments focus on relationships. We 'MUST love the Lord our God with all of our heart and mind and soul and strength'. Once we get this right, the rest falls into place including all other relationships. So, it is clear that we need to be a little less occupied with other 'stuff' and concentrate on what truly matters - to God.
How we behave - good, bad, indifferently,apathetically or wickedly - has impact in the heavenlies and in the realms. Sin is for satan but against God. Sin empowers satan but limits God. Sin shows favour to satan but stops God's favour to us. And, both God and Christ personally themselves FEEL the effect when we sin; for we sin against them.
We WILL be judged on how we loved. How we treated others here. Did we lie. Did we deceive. Did we stop sinning instead of saying sorry all the time. Did we want to? Did we listen and learn. Did we reject or obey. Did we accept or shun. People are such a huge place in our lives and will be a huge part of our personal judgement.
Just as in looking at someone's cheque book shows where their money and heart go, our time shows where where our heart goes as well. Personally, I prefer not to waste time as time here is so limited and we can never have it back. We can get on, we can gain more 'stuff', we can succeed and get something but we can't get more time here. Our time and attention here are keenly observed by God. And if You love, you give and you give up.
The Bible says we are 'to do good' and not simply think about doing good or spend time planning to do good but just do it, here and now.
If a lot of these topics raised are concerning you, then they are concerning God too, so go to Him for His help in placing your priorities - while there is still time.
Point to ponder: You were given life by love and to love in your life.
Verse to remember: God and Christ have loved you with an everlasting love and drawn you to them with loving kindness.
Prayer: Father, we know how we are to love You and others. We khow know this and must now show this. Amen.
Day 17 - Saturday 27th July
We were called to faith to belong here and after the end.
The theory in the book says we are not and should not be lone Christians; but we know that there are many who are. You aren't alone though in the sense of God's presence with You and so a good way to look at being physically alone is that you seek out God's company more and whose better company to be in.
To be a member of Christ's Church should be viewed as it is - extraordinary. And, we were called to be parts of His body and work together joined by the Spirit. It is true that some congregations fellowship more than others and unite more than others but this was and still is the aim. Leave your pride and arrogance and self sufficiency at the door of the Church for they are not wanted or useful there. If you are in a Church where you feel togetherness and are feeling happy and growing then that is where you should stay. If not, pray and go because God will know where you should go to and just waits to be asked.
If one part of the body suffers, all the others parts suffer with it is written for our instruction. So, if you are a church that you do not believe you belong, then it is very important to ask God where you do. Your gifts will get used at the next. God moves people on - even from active Churches where you felt you belonged and happy; for His purpose.
if you are in a body or Church where progress is happening and there is hunger and thirst and casting out and healing and warfare prayers going on and outreach - then stay where you are!
If you know someone who is struggling spiritually or in danger of falling away - go after them. God expects it. Remember, satan looks for lone, stray sheep to pick them off because we were designed to be together and belong. If not, why not. God knows. Ask Him.
The Church should be a place you sometimes walk into and sometimes run into. Should look forward to going there and feel good for worshipping Him afterwards.
Should be encouraged to contribute and co-join with others to make things happen. So, don't just attend a Church; mend the Church and community it serves in ANY small way.
Just as in our own biological families, there are people whose company we prefer to be in, it is exactly the same with our Church family. But God expects us to work at those relationships THROUGH Him to make amends and mend any rift.
I have visited many Churches and felt differently about many. What I need, as we should, is for His Spirit to be there because we feel Him and great things get done. Been in places where it felt flat and others solemn worship (very sad) and yet others happy, bubbly happy and welcoming. Been enthralled in some and a bit bored and frustrated in others. What is good though is to see the devotion and commitment of the congregations in all of them, particularly our older Family members.
Point to ponder: You were saved to belong and not just to believe. Belive it.
Verse to remember: In Christ, we who are many form one body and each member belongs with and to all the others and Him.
Prayer: Jesus, please put those who believe where they belong, for Your sake and Your Church. Amen.
Day 18 - Sunday 28th July (apologies I am a day out, but here we go!_
Life here and eternal life is for sharing.
The Bible calls this 'fellowshipping' which really means 'togetherness'. If He had only wanted one person here and not for mums to give birth then that would have been so. But, he wanted A BIG FAMILY - what a dad! Wants to hear our worries and share in our highs and lows even when we at times tell Him hello and cheerio. Great is His faithfulness.
We know how God works in our lives and He asks us to continue to show this to others by; unselfish as possible living and giving, sacrifical sharing and giving, showing sympathy and compassion, kindness and patience and an aptitude to learn from Him as we go - which we already have. Be gentle with one another as our Father is with each of us individually and at a gathering in His name.
When I was a teacher - my class size was only 20 being a practical subject. I liked creating a feeling of togetherness with my classes and I thrived when I could speak to my kids one to one because that gave me the treasured thrill because they were ONLY listening to me and I to them. We could get into the nitty gritty then which were things that I couldn't say to the individual during class time to that one person. This is why we all need personal time with Him.
But, when even 2 or 3 are gathered TOGETHER in God's name THEN things really start to happen during the prayers and after the prayers and boy, does it feel good to share prayer and call on that power. But, when any social crowd gathers as we know someone or some small group can start to dominate the group and some people like this. But, the church Family are not to allow their positions to go to their heads which would allow self inflated ego and pride and a bit of arrogance to thrive. I have seen this and seen it in what We call False Teachers who have been led into wickedness and try and bully and force and control and lead others. They are exposed now though and We are claiming back their targets. These False Teachers tried to control others but GOD IS IN CONTROL. They will be taught the harsh lessons of Holy power in payback of their corruption against Christ. God says it would have been better if they hadn't been born because of the cost (death) of leading His sheep astray. Be assured of this. To avoid these hang ups, THIS IS WHY WE HAVE TO STICK TOGETHER AND PRAY TOGETHER BEING LED BY THE HOLY SPIRIT AND NOT OURSELVES OR ANY GROUP WHO HAVE SET THEMSELVES UP. The only main and meaningful focus group in any Church MUST BE THE PRAYER GROUP. If, as a group, we don't seek the Teacher's guidance - HOW do we know this is what He wants? We can go along for years thinking it is right - but is it righteous in His sight? ALWAYS, ALWAYS CHECK IT OUT WITH GOD FIRST AND ALONG THE WAY.
God has named different kinds of fellowshipping - sharing, studying and suffering. For we know that TOGETHER we can go to God and ease one and another's sufferings. How do others know in Your church that someone is suffering? Is it mentioned or kept secret because we know who sent the suffering; but we know who can take it away and we all need others to rally round us at times of greater suffering lestwe become isolated, lone sheep for satan to devour. I thank God that He gave us His Spirit and character because we do care and empathise and feel for someone or a group when they are suffering. It is a great service for the Kingdom to willingly go into someone else's suffering and help them carry it. I try and do this because I know what it means to suffer because I know what the Saviour does with our sufferings - heals them and helps them all.
Sometimes though, I haven't known quite what to say to someone when I heard of their suffering whether it be from grief, or hardship, deep hurt or anger. But, I try and walk in their shoes and UNDERSTAND THEM and go to God about it. He then just pours out via us the healing and comforting words. They just come out of our mouths when we are willing and then He nakes us able. Because He understands our times of sufferings and sends others to help out when willing.
We can't be judgemental though and hold back on compassion and help as Christ isn't with us even although He is THE fully qualified Judge who never sinned. True Grace is giving when you don't know how or feel like it but just go ahead and try. A grudge grudges giving Grace. But, the Judge never judges us for our own failings and just gives. He is our role model. We have all of us hurt other people but with God's Grace we begin to help and heal people. And, if WE haven't been and claimed forgiveness then the devil will use it to affect our attitude to others and this may well be judgemental and unforgiving and not for giving Grace. Not one of us is without sin but not one of us is without God's Grace. One of His I mean.
Some people do not show mercy because of what others did to them and God knows this. Through Christ we can let it go and live again free from the hurts and pain of the past and make a new start day by day, for His way is merciful and gracious.
As a teacher, I showed trust and tried to especially to the kids who I could see were hurting and were misbehaving. This trust gave them fresh hope. God trusts us all for He knows what He can make us and get us into our purpose again, free and enjoying life. Good to know God Himself trusts us isn't it. Even when we've all had faltering starts with certain things, HE KNOWS that We WILL get there no matter how long it takes, we will!
Point to ponder: You need others in your life and others need YOU.
Verse to remember: Share one another's troubles and problems, and in this way, obey the Law of Christ. Galatians 6;2.
Prayer: Heavenly, Father, thank You that You are re-united with us personally and united us with You and our wider Family. Thank You that You share our times of trouble and heartache and bring us through them allowing us to tell and show others of Your divine help available. We are together again and sharing Your hope and stength and peace and love and will share in our inheritance together. Thank You for bringing us together like this and bring in our lost sheep and pull them away from the snares and captivity of satan for WE BELONG TO YOU. United we stand, divided and away from God we fail and fall. Don't let the devil do it, Lord. Isolate the False Teachers and target THEM in their isolation and desperation, defeat and despair. This anti-Christ shall not enter the gates our our Family's inheritance and is a dead man walking. Amen.
Day 19 - Monday 29th July
We are committed to Christ's community - Our Family.
I am committed to my family here even though we have, like all families, had our difficulties and setbacks. We have shared our sufferings together and gotten through them because we belong to Christ's Family. I have forgiven them much and they have forgiven me much and that is how we go on together. Christ holds us together when we come apart at the seams sometimes and it seems grim at times, but still, Christ pulls us back together again.
I was totally and unreservedly committed to my children as a teacher. I hold a degree but consider my greatest teaching was of Christ's characteristics and ways because this got through to them bit by bit and one by one. I am not a wealthy woman financially but am spiritually. I hold no qualifiation to teach about Christ, but i am still highly qualified because THE TEACHER teaches me to teach others and they are now qualified in His ways. I have no ego but only admire Him. I do not try and control others but help them gain control again. I am gentle at times and firm at others - but always fair. I have a lot of experience and knowledge and suffering from the past which God healed and helps me to help others come through to the other side as a Family. I know the dangers of leading people astray and have grave concerns for those who have because I know the outcome of their deeds against God and I would not trade their gains (money, power and control and lusts etc) for my soul.
It is the Holy Spirit who creates and cultivates this togetherness amongst us as He is committed to us, His Family, and will rise up against those who try and harm Their Family.
Alls we have to do is keep and foster a loving attitude. Keep the word kind in your mind.
Of course, We know that personal relationships within families here can cloud the feeling of the Family unit but I have triumphed over this along with many others. I found it very difficult to trust God initially but am so glad to have way back decide to put my trust in the Lord. It felt like a risk at first but is a safe bet. If this is you, then God is with you and will reach you so do not worry.
Best to get our hidden thoughts out and up to God and get well and then we can begin and deepen our sense of belonging to the Lord for we do. Be honest with God and spend some time with Him in private behind closed doors and He will be there and help you in private and public. Do not let fear or shame or hidden sin hinder you - be honest with God. Taste His trust and I can assure you, it is sweet. Taste and see that the Lord is good. Psalm 34 GO ON TRY HIM OUT.
Get rid of those thoughts that block you from feeling how you should and saying what you want and should. Give God your trust and He will give you back your mind and take control of the stuff from self and satan. He can do it.
Sometimes though, I have had to speak up and out to someone but try to do it in a loving way because I can see the folly of what they are doing or considering. God is always honest but never accuses or gives guilt or shame - He takes it away. God's Word cuts through the horns of the bull and bully, the devil. God's Word penetrates through to hearts and minds and is there to alert and reveal for good purposes only. I have often though walked away from situations and jobs and people though who i had strived with but sensed they weren't for giving up the rebellion: as I will not be pulled in and pulled away from God - even if I lose out, miss out or aren't in favour- I am in His eyes and so are we when we follow His ways. I have seen so many who held back or felt best to keep quiet but that is not me and I would not or will not stand by and see someone suffer when I can help. Or, far worse, let satan dement them or steal their souls for I steal back what the thief took. I rise up to satan when he harms one of Ours. He has no hold over me and can't get a spirit of fear into me but I frighten him because of the Holy Spirit and words of prayers and the name of Christ within me and that I speak out aloud and often.
I wont tell people what they want to hear now as I used to. I tell them what they need to hear. Being frank is fruitful though because it comes out using the words of God that I ask to have in me. I am known as a soft and gentle woman but my hackles rise when I see suffering or injustice or oppression and out it comes from my mouth. Do you speak up? The truth gets easier to say and live in with experience. Living in a lie or lies is lucifer's ways and he is scared or the truth so speak up and speak out and make him suffer. It heaps God's wrath on him so heap it on. Shovels out.
If you want to start speaking up and out, check out the Bible guidance and simply ask God to guide your words and stand back to be amazed when you speak. What a reputation you will get. People will respect you and flock to you and hold you in esteem. So, be honest - ARE you honest? Because if you are honest, if the truth is buried then the lies live on and on and on. Do you go along with others (when you know it's not right or good) or go with God? Do you do what seems correct(to stay safe or popular perhaps) or seek God's correction for yourself? I used to be very susceptible to criticism but that was from people because God's expressions don't criticise but coax, lovingly and what a relief that was to go to Him and own up and not receive an earful but gentle persuasion and His plan to correct the situation.
So, speaking out is NOT saying 'Right, let's go for it and say what i think' No! Do not be harsh or rush in - God knows what to say and HOW to say it. When we do it on our own - it oftens comes out the wrong way and hurts or angers when that is not what He wants at all. Just remember - HE DOESN'T TALK TO US ANY OTHER WAY THAN THROUGH LOVE AND KINDNESS so who are we to speak to others any less than aiming for that.
We should be big hearted and not big headed. We must consider WHO we are talking to and life from their perspective and NOT ours. Make every allowance for others' doubts and fears and feelings and aim to make them feel worthwhile and NOT worthless no matter what they have said or done. Do not go in there all guns blazing but wait for God's timing and words as THEY WORK AND WORK WONDERS. The truth IS a bullet, but sometimes it hurts when we go ahead on our own triggers and not wait for Gods. Do not speak the truth out of spite but in spite of the works of satan.
God defends and protects His Family. God understands our traits and quirks and personalities and challenges and works ALL THINGS together for Our good. I have always found that being honest and asking for help or saying I could do better has ALWAYS brought willing help. My pride used to stop me but God stopped the pride because it was bad for me. ONE of the things I LOVE about God and Christ are that I can depend on them being honest with me and yes, they have told me things sometimes that took me a while to accept; but they are always right and know what is best for us even when we don't.
God hates gossip and making up lies about people to gain respect or position. If that is you then be honest about it and with Him and He'll help you out of it and feeling good about yourself again. He invites integrity, He knows what noble is, He donates dignity and shows us His strength. He gives us His wisdom by using His wise words. He can get through to those who have shields up and carry unspoken (and deeply painful personally) notices saying 'keep out'. We can't sit back and see someone suffering when we have Him within ourselves to reach out. So, try and not go out of your way to avoid someone hurting but seek God's instruction to reach them via His truth.
So, when you go to a prayer meeting, be: authentic, mutual, sympathetic, merciful, humble, courteous, confidential, frequent and above all HONEST. Let's go for this epitomy of fellowship following Christ's example and God's knowledge that this will bring the best out in us and for others.
Point to ponder: Call out to Christ to commit to being a Family member.
Verse to remember: Paul said 'No more lies. No more pretense. Tell others the truth. In Christ's body WE ARE all connected to each other, after all'. Paul also says that HE and all other Saints are praying for us here and now to be brought FULLY TOGETHER and keep going remembering that we share our sufferings so that we can stay together til the new beginning.
Prayer: Christ, You are the Head of the Church and we the body or Bride and You being the Husband. You deeply desire for Your family to come together in companionship, courage and Christ like conduct, being honest under Your guidance. Reach out to our Family members who are suffering, who are alone, who are lonely and who are still not in Our care. They will be gathered in and bring Glory to God our heavenly, Father and KNOW what Family love and care is. Keep us joined together through Your Spirit and Ours. Amen.
Day 20 - Tuesday 30th July
Broken relationships worth fixing can be mended.
And who and who alone knows which ARE worth fixing - God.
God is a God who knows that relationships here are broken in some lives. He tries to prevent these rifts and fall-outs happening but can and does help to resore them again so that both parties are blessed by that relationship again. Much of the Bible tells us about relationships. But, be sure that whatever you may be going through in a relationship - you are not alone because others are too and God is with you and understands and intervenes.
God and Christ want to mend broken relationships that need mending. Some relationships though as we know are unhealthy and God alone knows which is which. When you ask Him in prayer, He tells you the truth, for He knows what is ahead and what is worth fixing and what is best to walk away from even amidst all the difficulties of ending a relationship mean and would mean for us. God mends broken hearts and God gives fresh starts.
Paul in the Bible commented many times about how if we have Christ's love within us then how this should promote maintaining our relationships. I heard today on the radio of a woman struggling with a lot of circumstances. I was so sad, so sad, to hear that she said her Church hadn't helped her. Not a very good advertisment for Family in His church. What I think we need in such cases and in general is people to hand in a slip letting others know, anonymously if preferred, the emotion barrier eg. discouragement or fear and then EVERYONE can unite in prayer to get these spirits OUT! If we keep them silent then they'll stay. But, if we pray them out then they'll leave. Result - one happier congregation who go out and then spread that happiness.
Yes, disputes arise in the Church, in homes and in workplaces. Which is why God will begin to heal YOUR broken relationship/s and then advises us all to PURSUE PEACE. WORK AT MAKING PEACE and GO ALL OUT FOR GETTING ALONG WITH OTHERS. GOD does BLESS THOSE WHO WORK TOWARDS MAKING PEACE BECAUSE THIS IS HIS WAY AND THAT HE WANTS FOR US TOO.
I have had many fractured relationships but found out a long time ago that backing down at times was the answer - keeping the peace. Going and apologising is vital to resolving matters. I find it best at times to walk away from arguments and anger and so on because I can see pursuing peace at that moment is out of place. I then go back and TRY to become Friends again but sadly sometimes have had to accept that my desire for peace and to help wasn't at the best timing. But, by taking it to God in prayer - He sorts it out but depends on my output and efforts too to bring peace back or a solution.
Jesus is known at The Prince Of Peace and would sometimes provoke to bring about peace. I agree with this in that sometimes I have brought out the tensions in someone deliberately or shown them I could see their diffculties to try and bring peace. I know the folly of fall outs and I really and truly do not like bad feeling and do like to get on with everyone. I also do not mind admitting that I was in the wrong and contributed because I am not blind to my own faults and actions and I know that apologising mends broken bridges. I have been to God so many times about relationship problems and I still do because I need His help - all the time. I value my peace so much and work hard to bring it back if it gets lost.
Peace gives us energy and trouble and strife robs us of peace and energy and so much ;so it is so worthwhile working at making and keeping peace. Keep in mind though that the agent provocateur is the devil and he is getting paid back though now for hampering and dampening and destroying relationships between God's children. I send provocation back to it - him and his and destroy the relationships between his demons and devils and human servants here. So, there's a curse for you, satan and I will that you all turn on each other and feel nothing but mistrust for each other and live in agitated aloneness AND I also pour the blood of Christ over you all and may you swallow it down so that it burns your rotten tongues out and gives us peace. Get out and be quiet.
But, although I have said I do at times decide to back down - this is temporary if, for instance, it is a highly volatile moment. I will never, ever back down on my principles - the Truth and will not allow anyone to treat me disrespectfully and many have discovered this my assertiveness and determined attitudes and I hope that many have learned about what I expect back from a relationship. Many successes and many pending. I go all out to fix it because I know how fortunate I am to have the Word in me and value good relationships.But, I wont ignore an issue and hope it will go away - it has to be worked at and gets easier as skills gets sharpened. Some have made the mistake of reading me as soft and therefore thought they could manipulate me; but my actions are now memories hanging about in their minds. I will not give into evil and just accept it because I don't have a relationship with the devil other than hate.
So, if you have a problem here, go to God first and He tells us what to say and do. The next bit can be tricky - and that is whether we obey or not. Been there and not done that and been there and done that and I know He is always right. I also do not engage in gossiping and discussing the problem with others overly if at all, because I have always just felt it instinctively wrong and I remember that the devil is listening and waiting to use our words and I give him as little as possible. What you need to get out of relationships here only God can get this for you when you ask and agree and comply. But, no other relationship can give us what He gives. That is why He is my greatest friend and it is good that He knows me so well as He does us all. God understands all of us and wants us to know this.!
There HAVE been times when I went to God saying what someone else had done and He said 'You go and take the initiative' Well! At first, this took a great deal of swallowing of anger and pride because I was positive it was all their fault. But, when I started to comply, I seen what He meant. Someone has to do it otherwise we look like school kids. If I could only have all the time back that I spent fuming with someone. Now, I choose to save time and try and create peace by my manner and conduct because peace is the prize. The Nobel Peace Prize is pursuing a noble attitude by going to God and Christ and asking for help.
Of course, some people seem to attract more friends than others and this we know. I think I have always just tried to be myself and then whoever latches onto me then knows the real me. Because I do not like dishonesty and am fairly outspoken and open, I have made many Friends because we all need the Truth and help at times. I tend to listen out for others needs and tell them very little about myself because that is what Christians do. I already have a counsellor who shares my problems and if they don't then I'll be it. I have always enjoyed listening and teaching and guiding because that is how God made me. I asked Him to be more like Him and with practise I am getting there. Communication skills can always be improved but I do try. Patience required but God gives the drive and gifts, we just take them up and try them out.
I also still do go to God when a dispute arises and say 'Tell me honestly what was my fault here?' If I don't ask, I wont find out and it wont be sorted out and keep coming back til I do. Don't approach someone in blazing anger to try and make amends - get your peace back first and then go. God is with you and will give you the words to spill out. I think a huge causal factor in difficult relationships is not admitting that we put our tuppence worth in too. Isn't it always THEIR fault! Not in God's eyes it isn't. Yes, the devil was in the middle of it too so don't hold back from getting rid of his interference.
My gran was the best role model for me as she strived to make peace with everyone. She trusted in the Lord and talked to him throughout each day and held her tongue and so held her peace. Her gentle manner batted off potential trouble and she always responded keeping Christ's ways in her heart. She had very difficult people in her life, very difficult, but went out of her way to show them compassion and care even after how they treated her. She rarely mentioned other than a sentence to me in her whole life about them and so I admired her very much. She always tolD me 'temperance, Alice' with her warm and enigmatic smile and showed us how to be Christ like every day. She put other peoples' need above hers every time and the joy SHE got out of that was seen on her blessed face by all.
As a teacher, I found myself in the middle of broken relationships and sometimes even fisty cuffs out in the classroom. I needed to then go to each and try and find out what was going on and show each understanding and then try and get THEM to understand each other. I always insisted on apologies to each other once tempers had calmed down and have chalked up some pretty good results this way. The same approach doesn't work of course for everyone which is why I look into the Bible and seek God's counsel on HOW to approach different disputes.
But, isn't working at it so important in the home or at work? So, God IS there and waiting for each of us to go to and talk to about THAT person and knows what to do. His way is peace and He will get through to us - even the toughest nut. 'Work hard at living in peace' said Peter and peace is purposefully highlighted throughout scripture because IT IS THAT IMPORTANT.
Point to ponder: Restore your relationships through the Redeemer.
Verse to remember: 'Do anything and everything possible on YOUR part to live in peace with everybody' Romans 12;8
Prayer: Father, I pray for peace among the nations - show them the way and help them out please. I thank You that I live in a nation at peace and hope others can have this sooner than expected. I pray for us all to go to You and ask You to come right into our personal relationships and bless us with Your presence, guidance and peace. Give us YOUR peace within us so that it comes out of us. Give peace to those perturbed by disturbed relationships. Send the devil payback for Our stolen peace. Bless us into a deeper peaceful presence with You. You can make that way where seems to be no way. You give peace in place of ANYTHING outwith. You will do this for us, I know.Thank You. Amen
Day 21 - Wednesday 31st July
I see it as My job to protect the unity of My Church.
God focuses on unity in His Chruch so much that Jesus Himself spent hours praying about this hours before His arrest. Our dear Lord had this coming but yet His primary focus was Us. This means for Us all a shared purpose and goals and sharing our strength and skills to get this.
Father enjoys sees us getting on and along and wants petty squabbles and other interferences wiped out so that We can be free, healed and greatly blessed NOW and focused entirely on Him.
Jesus came to set up His church and it was so important that He paid His life to establish her and complete His mission - all for Us. He needs her protected and pulled out from disharmony, division and demonic interference because she has so much more to offer and do.
I have visited many churches and found strengths in all but in some there still remained an undercurrent of the work of the devil - bickering, criticism, gossip, jealousy, apathy, lost drive and so much more. This is the devil's work and target; to destroy the Church. But, it is Our work to restore, repair and protect her together. I have no doubt whatsoever that she is thriving and will complete her function as I see she is still saving and reaching out and has high hopes of more. She is gong to get her way which is freedom and healing and God's Will will be done here.
We all have a shared Lord and Spirit and our shared salvation is spreading out to others so well and we should concentrate on this truth. We are going in the same direction, all want the same things and are All going to the same place. God has no favourites - We are equally loved and Our aim is to please Him both individually and as a united Church and we are.
Yes, we have personality differences, cultural differences, background differences which should not make ANY difference for We are as one and of one - our Lord. If conflict is there then this needs to go as Christ came to love All. Our shared goal is peace and meeting His purposes and we do go about this in different ways but as long as we are Christ centred then all is well and will be good.
Yes, we have high expectations but are realistic but as long as We are moving forward then we are going in the right direction.
I have always believed and told people about their good points - their strengths and skills and this is hugely beneficial as it shows them what there is in place already and what there is to build on. God and Christ tell Us these things and don't criticise or say 'yes, but you are still.....' We all long for an ideal Church and world and it will come but in the meantime we work with what we have and it is a lot. We have many resources at Our disposal and so need to let go of differences of opinion and unite unperturbed.
The Church is made up of people and it is all too easy to see the sin in someone else and not see or disregard Our own. We annoy each other, frustrate each other, hurt each other, let each other down, want different things...but here We are - still together and thriving after all has been said and done, the devil can't stop Us. If You have ever left a Church or are thinking of leaving yours now - make sure You pray about it first because it may just be the devil doing his bit which God wants YOU to stay and tackle.
I am settled and satisfied in my own Church. It is not perfect but then neither am I or We - yet! I focus on the beneficial aspects - My minister's teaching, the warm fellowship and concentrate on these knowing that We are all learning and growing as We go along - TOGETHER. I value testimonies and experiences of Our Elders and enjoy being part of the Family here and feeling valued. We are All gathered there together to worship together and it is wonderful to see and hear of how He works in others. He saved Us all and We all have personal accounts of His goodness and power and we all know that He is WONDERFUL.
In any church, We meet others who are at a differerent stage in their walk but should never feel put out or jealous because He has good plans for Us all. I just sometimes think We should tell others more of what He has done and unite far more in prayer - that is what I would like to see. A thank tank to SHOW children and adults of answered prayers and what he did for Us at tough times gives Us all encouragement was an idea of mines. I think We need to visually see what We are thankful for, our hopes and who needs prayer. Let's not be secretive! Let's show and tell. We are ALL sitting there with all this background and current blessings that it would be good and purposeful to talk about. Share the stories.
Yes, let's be honest, We have all commented or criticised the church at times - but, does that change things? No. Not unless action is taken which the first action is prayer and God WILL unite Us with others willing to make things happen. He needs unity though as He is limited in what He can do through one person but He wants Us to come together and work together. Criticism isn't contribution and that IS what works. So, if you are bursting with a God given idea - let it out. Just start out on it and see what He makes with it. No matter how small or how YOU feel about the chances of it - just get going and God will get going.
Refuse to listen to gossip and do not pass it on either. Hear no evil, see no evil and speak no evil so goes the story of the wise monkeys. Don't be rude about it just nip it in the bud by not getting involved. I don't want to hear stories about people because I will never agree with gossip and this approach. I know when something is well intentioned and go for that then but will immediately turn the conversation around if I sense that it is the devil speaking through someone. Not today, satan. You don't get me I'm part of the union. I look for peace makers and treasure them and I have met many, the majority, who want the Church to thrive and be at peace and reach out to others. I don't want to fall for satan and speak out anything others than God's words and I wont get involved and will not listen to satan's stuff. I will speak up and not down. Many is the time I have taken a person aside to state my case as it is kinder on a personal level rather than to admonish someone in public which is wrong.
When things go wrong between us - let us run to God and not Our ministers about it. Look at the instructions in the bible for SETTLING disputes and take up Our responsibilities of dealing with them. Elders have responsibilites, ministers do but We do too as we All want the same thing in Church and for His church after all.
Leaders in the church have clearly set out remits. Peace making, careful and patient teaching, appealing for harmony and unity, rebuking and correcting every time as necessary and the right to remove someone after two warnings for disruptive behaviour RE blibilical expectations and requirements. We want the devil silenced and not ignored. Pray and stand strong together and receive correction with thanks for it is for the benefit of All. Satan creeps in and spreads and we want him exposed and OUT the door so We must be committed to not speaking for him. How dare he come into Our Holy House and be given free run - get him out. Expel the evil spirits. Pray for others afflicted and unite AGAINST the devil and FOR God. Thank You.
I do not think of me, myself and I anymore but exclusively We and I will do anything and everything to promote and protect My church. I pray so much for My church and her people and pine for loving unity and fulfilled purpose and to save more souls and although I get cast down a little at times - nothing and no-one can stop Me.
God is at work and blesses and adores churches who are unified. I have seen it here in my home town in Redemption House - a united and determined congregation is being favoured and blessed by God because they want to engage in spiritual warfare and also reach out and heal and this is the future. There is no bickering or individualism there - only a marvellous strong and determined collaborative Spirit led approach. A joy to be among and witness.
My mission is to get people saved and also to feel that they are welcome to come to My church where they belong. For I know they will find love and peace and hope and direction there - a safe house. A place to feel understood and a place to fit in together.
Point to ponder: It IS My responsibility to promote and protect My Church.
Verse to rememeber: 'Let us concentrate on the things which make for harmony and the growth of Our fellowship TOGETHER'. Romans 14;19
Prayer: Father, help us see Ourselves as a unit which You want united. Help us appreciate Our differences and different approaches to the work of the church. Send Your Spirit now to wipe out satan's words and spirits IN YOUR HOUSE and shield Your Church. Bring Us together again in an even more meaningful and purposeful way. Give Us the determination and drive that We need to fully succeed. Be with Us where We are through Your Spirit and bring us Your peace and protection as We move toward to presenting Your church to You as Your Bride. For We are all part of the Body and are essential parts to making up the fully functioning future. Amen.
Day 22 - Thursday 1st August
We were created to become more and more like Christ.
It is written and is therefore true, that God knew what He was doing from the outset to shape the lives of those who love Him...along the same lines as His Son. We see the original plan and blueprint and intended end result then in the life and works of Christ. Christ WAS God's ORIGINAL purpose in everything and everyone created. Don't think 'can't be me' because yes, you too.
Of all the living beings that God created,, only Us humans are created in His own image. We ARE also spiritual beings and remember I said that Our spiritual minds have been awakened? But yet, still, We are still not yet the complete beings that We will be. But it is on the way. I have seen a vision of God's face and no, He doesn't have a beard. He looked to me of about the age of a 55-60 year old. Hair combed back and chin length. A beautiful intelligent face. Very vibrant and alert looking and very still and intelligent. He looked very dynamic but very kind. Very fresh looking and of course, a human face. Captivating.
Our bodies and lives were orginally built to last for hundreds of years but because of satan, Our days were shortened. But, Our Spirits are eternal and IMMORTAL. All of Us, even before We became part of THE ROYAL FAMILY were still like Him but damaged by the power and sin of satan in Our lives. Which is why Christ was sent out from heaven for Us and now, history will repeat with His second return imminent but this time, things shall be permanently better and different. Wipeout of evil. Wonderful.
God's ultimate purpose for Us is Our character development...and perfection when He returns. While We wait though, We are maturing spiritually every day and yes, We are aiming high, because God does not do average or minimum or good enough. He is the best and gives the best. What vexes me is why anyone wouldn't want all of this? I do hope that We can save and get through to everyone.
In order to keep on progressing at this pace, We keep in mind His word and the truth and obey His ways on the way. Tell the truth and shame the devil. Our individual character and characteristics are what God, Christ and Their Spirit develop daily now that We are in complete agreement with Them. They make it happen. But, We must also do what We can and that is what We are doing and getting better at it I notice. And God notices. He is watching out for these things.
Our lives were brought about to co-exist with one another's plans and purpose that God made Us for. We are now seeing Ourselves, which is a miracle happening world-wide, as PART of His people and purpose. Our lives here are in preparation for Our new lives in heaven. Every time one of Us is saved or obeys it brings glorification to God in the heavenlies and He shares His glory with Us for He is DELIGHTED when We return to Him, obey and willingly seek out His purpose and united purposes -which We ARE doing.
But, We acknowledge that We all of Us need His daily help and guidance en route or We WILL lose Our way. The power of the Holy Spirit is released daily into minds, bodies and lives and works for Our good - personally and united. How can We help? By believing and obeying. By allowing Him and agreeing with Them. AND, He gives Us the desire to do all of this. We make the choice to do His will willingly knowing that obedience brings increasing blessing spilling out for Us Ourselves and Others. God always thinks of Us as Us and We are developing united Christian character which has Them excited and enthralled. We are repenting now - well done. This IS the way forward and into fullness.
You do not have to wait for the power of the Spirit to be released as it happens THE MOMENT We obey - even in small steps. Obedience unlocks God's power as We are living under His authority and in His territory. But, He needs US to step out first no matter how We feel, We have to. It's the only way. So, go on when You feel down, despairing, anxious or lacking in confidence because They will come to You. This is how Our characters develop. We don't need effort to be saved but to grown within ourselves.
God told Us in the new testament 8 times to 'make every effort' because He wants the best for Us All. We each affect the people we meet and speak to and so We each can influence them His way and that is the way to go. So, let go of what needs to go; get rid of it. Then, let the Spirit CHANGE the way We think - note the word 'let'. Always, put on the characteristics of Christ. New habits, new words, new ways. He tranforms Us and We are changed from the inside out because He doesn't want it to be personal, but public. Everything from God is about Others. He helps Us every step by His Bible, the truth , other people and the circumstances He brings to develop Us. And these We need to know and grow. He uses people who have submiited to His will to spread out knowledge of Him to others, to go to His lost children and to spread the Kingdom. In other words, all done by fellowshipping; as if We needed to know why this was important now!
It is all about love - loving God and responding to Others in His love. Years ago, I was spiritually immature in some ways which is just how it is. Through going through experiences though I am not now easily pulled away or in two minds or doubting or hesitating. I now consider Myself much more mature and this will continue as it should. Of course, We will see perfection in Christ when He returns and then be changed to be completely as He is. Can't imagine just how good that is going to be but to meet Him! - at last. This God who came to earth and NEVER sinned and is coming back for Us. I know I probably wont be able to speak or stand because of the power of His presence. But, I know I am going to RUN to Him and embrace Him.
So, We have All been shaped by the world but are increasingly being remoulded by Him and like Him. The thing is, if We were content with what We had and what We knew before Him, We are now realising the full extent of His plans and purposes for Us. Another thing that pleases Him now is that We are asking Him and He is showing Us. It is true that if You don't ask, You don't get. But We have asked and We are getting and much.
Point to ponder: I was created to become like Christ.
Verse to remember: 'As the Spirit of the Lord works within Us, We are becoming more and more like Him and reflecting His glory even more'. 2 Corinithians 3;18
Prayer: Heavenly, Father. Thank You for the good and excellent plans of Yours that are starting to unroll now. At this time, repentance respresents the obstacle We need to get out of the way. We can then support one another and grow together. We have strived for this and now live in Your love and We will remain in Your love until the end. God, Bring Us all to want to stop what You want Us to stop and unite in strength for the common good and for the coming Kingdom. Your grace and help are all We need and We need Them now. Thank You. Amen.
Day 23 - Friday 2nd August
God wants you to grow up.
BecauseWe are only meant to be spiritually young at the start of Our walk. Now is the call to mature spiritually and be a big Christian.
If you have never really wanted to grow and show then God has always yearned for this and He is saying now is the time to make the start. We need to be committed and determined to do this. We need to do this in a united effort, always going on and moving on to be even more like Christ. We need to be dedicated disciples and encourage, motivate and mentor Our younger Family members. When Our newbees see Us then this will bring them on too.
We will now start out taking each day as it comes and knowing now that tomorrow We will be stronger than yesterday for the journey is still just beginning. It is good even today and amazing still, but what else can We achieve is what I want to find out. We should all be decided now We want to get everything We can out of this and keep pressing on making the use of Our time to benefit All.
Forget the past now and what might have been and what could have been, what we have sinned in word and deed. Let's get going now and find out what more God wants for Us. Forget old goals and success markers such as money (as we know how disappointing a goal that was) and join together to change this world. We want God's Will done, just as it is in heaven. Please let that be.
A choice has to be made to begin and then We do - with the help of Their Holy Spirit We will not fail. I have no doubt of that whatsoever. In order to do this, letting go needs to start. Words, attitudes, behaviours and prayers. God never asks Us to ANYTHING that wont be good for All. We will start out on some things and behave as if We mean it and they will then be fulfilled. To get stronger and more mature in God's eyes we have to work at it - work out Our personal contributions and slot them into the bigger picture KNOWING that they WILL afffect Others well.
This is not just a well meaning request from God but His instructions which He expects Us to unite at and consider ourselves blessed people for being given these specific commands which ultimately are to benefit US. We will be careful about what We think for thoughts become actions and actions, behaviours. We must think of the impact of Our actions and words and consider Others including young children and new Family members for WE are Their example! WE ALSO Ourselves feel better when We say and do God's words and will because He gives Us then and there His upbeat emotions. Win win.
So, God is now changing Our minds to be like His. Repentacne means pursuing that change and following His instructions to the letter to get the best out of it all. Mature thinking is thinking of Others. We have achieved this but now need to go onto the next level getting closer to Christ ALL the time.
Just as We who are parents see and hear words and actions of new maturity in Our children and it pleases Us is also essential for their future life, God needs Us to grow up - together.
Maturity ISN'T bible knowledge - the devil has a vast bible knowledge! Faith without action is meaningeless. We must put the theory into practise and I know We are going to do just that because We are curiously excited about what God will give Us for it. It will be MORE THAN worth the effort I know this for sure. For one thing, I don't JUST want to see people saved but also healed but also creating a much better world here and being ready for Our eternal purpose.
How often have You heard someone spout out bible quotes and then they did something or things and thought 'hypocrite' - well, so does God. We are past the past now and the future is repenting, maturing and healing and coming into God's purpose. We have a firm foundation in place now, all together now 'congratulations') so We ARE ready. I know We are.
Christ thought and still does think of Others - Us, and so that is what we must do in an increasing manner. We are well versed and have come though so much that I want to see Us claim every prize going and as soon as We possibly can because We deserve it. God knows We do.
Point to ponder: It is late in this age now - let Us make the best of Our time to grow up Together.
Verse to remember: 'God tranform Us inwardly by changing what needs to be changed in each of Our minds. Then We WILL know Your will and have it all - here and immediately at the time of obedience. God let Your will be done here to please You and Us. Romans 12;2
Prayer: God, change Our minds to be like Christs. Align Our thoughts and will with His and Yours above All and let us get on with claiming the fruits of Our United labours. Amen.
Day 24 - Saturday 3rd August
Today is a powerful truth - THE TRUTH HAS TRANSFORMED US.
Our spiritual growth has been because the lies have been replaced with God's Truths. Jesus said 'sanctify them by the Truth' and God is doing this, still.
God has revealed the Truth and We know where We stand now but we will not be standing still - We will continue until perfection. The presence of the Holy Spirit has been at work and still is. God's Word lives. It is not dead but alive and brings to life and the fuller life which Christ promised IS happening and there is plenty more to come.
When God speaks; things change and when We speak God's Word, things change for He has shared His knowledge and power with Us. What God has said is happening and what God says will happen. He is that powerful and We know it. God's words terrify the devil because he knows that there is nothing, NOTHING, he can do about the Truth and God's power.
We ARE abiding in God's word now and We know it is good for Us and that We need it. We have accepted the authority of God and can now totally rely on Him. Our choices are now bible based and We are confident now of their outcomes. God is Our new habit; Our new way of thinking and being; Our new feelings are because of God because He has transformed Us by the simple TRUTH. We believe it all now and have tested the Truth and know it to be pure and honest and reliable and worthy of Our trust and efforts.
We have received the truth, revel in it, hold it in reverence and rely in it Our minds are fully open, focused and fit for purpose and We take the time out to consider it's worth and value.
When I was teaching, I was responsive to my kids and would change my voice and tone and the resources used and pace to keep them interested. But, I never deviated from the teaching points (bible) or the facts (truth) because I knew their value and wanted THEM to know and also feel more confident and secure and comfortable within themselves. Even if I was, and I was, sometimes a bit 'boring' then We got through this and they STILL learned. I knew the bits they found dull and tried to get them through it with a bit of fun because it still had to be done to get the qualification. They always thanked me for it when the beaming faces were told they had passed and with flying colours.
The more truth We read and hear, the more gets in and starts to work. I would rather read the Bible than any book or newspaper although they are still enjoyable - only the Bible has it all. I know time spent in it is an investment which always pays off. Cut out a soap opera and read all about the real drama is what I say. I am no drama queen but the truth has grown in me over the years and it is a treasure. Get into the bible and get out of mediocrity. I carry a Gideons bible out and about with me just in case someone might want to hear a Truth about Them.
I have done personal bible studies and group studies. I got a lot out of both and am still as keen as mustard to get on and do more. It never leaves you. So good to see Christians in their 90's still reading it and finding out from it. What hope and good example they are. We should pick out some God given verses and pin them up and keep them in sight and take time out to go to Him and ask Him for revelation. It is all there to find out. Remembering a few pertinant verses is also a huge back up for resisiting temptation, keeping outlook on God and well, just plain feeling good out and about. Carry the Word, carry the Truth and carry the Christ where you go.
I used to and still do ask God to give me some texts and then force everything else OUT and dwell on them and let Him illuminate the Truth and LIVE in it. The truth transforms permanently and is an on-going delight. So, instead of focused worrying, focus on Him. Put Your time to good use. And, when You are thinking about Him, the devil can't get you because Your mind is with God and safe and strong. These are just my words - it is His words that work and become real.
Now, I didn't just read all about it like reading a newspaper headline (in one ear and out the other), no, there came a time when I said 'Right, Alice, get going and put it into practise'. I decided it was the time to go and it has been all go since. All good and all from God. Now is the time to put the theory into practise and practise at it and God helps out. You never do anything alone with God on Your side. Thank You, Father. So, don't forget all about it and bring it to mind. We have holy hands and mouths and let's put them to maximum use. What we give out and speak out can be as Holy as We make it so go all out for God and be blessed all Your days.
I still don't consider myself above anyone because I know that it was THE TRUTH THAT SET ME FREE. I still well remember the early days but what God starts, He finishes. So, don't miss out and get on board - full steam ahead me hearties. Christ is the captain and so keep yer eyes on Him.
So, let's be clear about what We are doing and achieving and TOGETHER. We are bringing God's will just as it is in heaven - here! We are all needed and all valuable and all share in the Glory. Everything about God is to be shared. We all put the work in and We will all get the bonuses and blessings out. Our purpose now is to value Ourself and know that Our contributions are greatly needed and valued. We are in this together after all. We are after it all. And We will all get it all. There is no more just You for We are united. You are not alone but part of a world wide movement so let's keep moving towards the goals.
Point to ponder: The Truth is, still, transforming Us.
Verse to remember: 'Through the Word We have been put TOGETHER and are shaping up for the tasks (purposes) God has for Us'.
Prayer: Father and Christ, We thank You for Your love and devotion to Us, Your Family. For pulling Us together and opening Our minds to the Truth and Our united potential. We know that the force of this is about to hit Us and We await this with excited hope and certainty now. No-one could stop Us and You will not allow A N Other either. You remove the obstacles and clear the paths ahead. You are not strict with Us, understanding what we have FACED here and know that We are about to make a huge step forward for ALL MANKIND. Almost there and it will be like blue moon stuff. Rare but real and here to stay. Thank You so much. Amen.
Day 25 - Sunday 4th August
Spiritual growth, this process that We are going through Together is the process of replacing lies with Truth. We are being sanctified by continual revelation from God Himself and Herself. And behind every problem there is a Godly reason - purpose - for it. It's ALL in His planning.
It is incredible to think that God created each of Us by saing 'Let Alice be born' and each of Us simply because He said it to happen. Our parents chosen and plan and purpose instilled in Us BEFORE birth. When God speaks many things happen. These are - life is generated and life is taken away, faith is created, changes occur,hurts and illness heal,character is built, circumstances are TRANSFORMED,joy is imparted, adverty is overcome, reistence to temptation arrives, power is released, minds are cleansed, eternal life given and also the wonderful thing for Me is that it defeats and terrifies the devil. I have TREASURED God's Word in My heart and mind and know that what He says happens. I give You My hope.
Yes, We have All had problems and some sadly, more than Others because of the cause - the devil. But, God ALLOWS them ,so that We grow in character and haven't We just! The Lord IS close to the broken-hearted and those crushed in Spirit though. I and many of Us can testify that Our greatest trials produce the greatest closeness to Christ and God because We go to Them and shelter in Their presence until the solution arrives. If one of Us had a life of plain sailing then We might not need or want God then or might not fear Him as they should. What one of Us would welcome that? I am convinced that We are All of Christ but there is as they say 'the odd one OUT'. We are a close knit Family and will not tolerate any one who upsets the apple cart. They'll get buried under the ton of apples!
And, God and Jesus WANT Us to know Them in Our personal suffering because They come into ANY situation and bring Their light and love and lift Us out of them all. I have thanked God personally many times for the sufferings I have had because without them, I wouldn't be so close as I am. I just go and lie in bed when laid low and cry it out to Them and lie still at the foot of Their thrones and get back up again full of the joys and so glad I spent that time with Them AND something good ALWAYS comes out of it no matter how dark it seemed at the time. The Truth is that God IS ALL that We need. I promise.
God ALLOWS satan to do certain things for good for Us - Father filtered though otherwise satan would do his worst. But his worst is nothing to match the goodness and power of God and Holiness. Satan could put out his best man with all the black magic powers going and money and control and he could be thwarted by the weakest Christian. Let's say a woman. God will take him out every time because he fiercely protects His own. So, God plans everything that happens so that it is spiritually significant.
Since becoming Christ centred, people have said how happy I look and optimistic I appear. But, these outlooks are true but not based on my disposition but on divinity and God's Truths. I know that God is in COMPLETE control and we live in His complete care and love. Christ was sent to save Us and start His Church and He is the master and has the master's plan. Isn't it wonderful to be in receipt of all this planning and care and attention.
Yes, I do appreciate and feel just how much the world has suffered because of satan and I am extremely sorry for this but I know that all will be well and We will live to see the world turned around and God's will IS going to be done here. It will be perfect and worth it all.
We will very shortly be saying 'bye bye' to the wicked one and the difference will be dramatic. Dramatically better.And not just skin deep but soul and spirit deep.
We were once all doomed to die but I believe this has been blasted out now for there IS only one evil one and just as God takes care of Us - He will take care of him too. His suffering will be a new world record level for he has blasphemed and insulted God and Christ and the Spirt of Grace. He is a disgrace and is powerless now I know. God isn't trigger happy though and will only consign to blackest darkness the odd one who has dug his own grave purposefully and willingly. For he knew he was doomed to die and be destroyed and so his time has come.I think he will find that it was in no way worth the worldy gains and money and lusts fuelled by pride, arrogance, cowardice and wicked selfish thought. He deserves no mercy and shall get none not now or ever. I curse him for what he has done for all eternity.
Out of My worst situations, God has brought Me the most strength and happiness and what He does for One He does for All because His heart is nothing but love and forgiveness and generosity and good plans. But, as I said the wicked one will be paid back and it will not stop not even for a moment. Thank You God for Your vengeance and justice. Everything works out for bad to the one who opposed and insulted Him though and don't worry God can be relied upon to destroy him and his kingdom.
But for the rest of Us, the good plans are afoot and are about to come to pass. God's purposes are about to be rolled out from the Heavenly Throne Room to Us. It is such an exciting time to be alive with many miracles just around the corner. We have still to see and feel the best of Him and He will make sure it gets into Our hands. We have exhibited great patience and will benefit greatly so well done on waiting it out. It is time.
We have developed strong and secure characters that will now remain forever. We have listened and learned and obeyed and taken His commands to heart under pressure and difficulties and Our faith is worth more than gold. We have been tested through furnaces and have come out pure. Jesus Christ Himself learned obedience by suffering and then came out triumphant and carried out His full purpose and We share now in the Glory of the cross. So take heart if You are war wounded, all will be made well. Hang on for just a very little while longer. God knows EXACTLY what is best for Us All individually and United and will give Us it.
In the meantime, We will continue to praise Him and thank Him because this is where I want Our focus to be. The only place that produces results is in Him. I will continue to do this for Us because I know without doubt that His purposes are going to be fulfilled. I will keep rejoicing in His truth, love,, widsom, power and faithfulness because I am filled to overflowing with His Spirit.
We haven't ducked out or avoided the tough times and because of this We are strong. God knows what We are to learn from each thing and will tell Us. He WANTS Us to know remember.
Point to ponder: Everything We have been through has been for His purpose.
Verse to remember: 'And we KNOW that in all things, God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose'. Romans 8;28
Prayer: Father and Christ, You have brought Us through some Mighty troubles and got Us out the other end just in awe of Your love, wisdom, power and purpose for Us. We are much happier and much more confident now and are truly realising that We are here right now because of Your purpose in Us. It is awesome and We are so thankful and in love with You. Amen.
Day 26 - Monday 5th August
God will guide Us out of temptation.
It is written and is happening still 'When We are tempted, He shows Us the way out'. Did You get that? You will.
And, each victory over the temptor's temptations is yet another marker of an encounter with God's presence to restore, repair and retaliate against the kingdom of darkness. Christ will now guide Our choices because it is His will and want for Us to take and grow into Him. He is the King of overcoming and resisted and overcame EVERYTHING the devil threw at Him.
The Holy Spirit now controls Our lives and We live in God and Christ's characteristics which are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control all thanks to Grace and Christ's blood and victory won for All mankind on the cross of Calvary. This was the most significant event ever in history and is still saving Us to this day and tomorrow and always. Jesus IS perfect. Mr Perfect. The High Priest. Sent by Our Father to beat the devil and destroy him once and for All. He is My kind man and kind of man!
We have made the right choices and they now will be much easier as He is with Us. As We know, our understanding of happiness relates to Our circumstance; but God's JOY doesn't.
The peace that is found in His place is unlike peace previously gotten out of anything or anyone else. We depend on Him and He gives out His character and power free for All.
I appeal again for those who are still lost to Us - please, please I beg of You to go with Us.
God will not give up on You and knows where You are and is trying to reach You ,so please look out and listen out for Him for He will send You people and messages to get Your attention and soul.
The devil has tempted Us All but his power is now leaving Us and God understands the hold he had and We are forgiven and loved. Nothing can remove Your names out of the Lamb's Book Of Life now so enjoy Your salvation and baptism for they are the most important events of Your life. The starting point for even more. Baptism is a Holy covenant and demonstrates commitment to God and He pours out His Spirit on Us then, helping Us and everyone around Us. There are real celebrations in the heavenlies for EVERY SINGLE SOUL SAVED. We are repenting and receiving the help of God Himself and will beat every temptation at His timing so watch out for His hand on You. You can't miss His presence and will see and feel the shifts in Your life starting new, every day.
The good knowledge that We have about satan is that he is pathetically and predictable in using the same old temptations and technqiues. But, he has been exposed and over ruled and cannot do a thing about it once We belong to the Lord. Christ's blood and Holy presence repels them and they leave on the spot. Get out and stay out satan! We all know he has plotted and planned and schemed against mere mortals; but now Emmanuel is with Us and turning the tables on them. They will be wiped out of every single person I promise and live's repaired and restored and the disturbing memories wiped out too.
Satan put the seeds of want into and in too many to commit sins such as murder and torture as his will is to steal and kill and destroy. We now have NO DOUBT that God is with Us and for Us and that the forces of heaven are casting them out because it is time. Satan is a liar and a cheat and morally bankrupt and filled with an evil past but will die for all he has done to All and Christ Himself will speak out the condemnation and curse of blackest darkness over him for what he has done to Our Holy People. The Trinity and all of heaven hate satan and will be vicious in Their payback. The devil is the most hated man in the world and realms and heavenlies. He has GOT TO GO! Of this I am sure.
So, do not fear or feel guilt or shame for what satan made you do or put into you to do because they will all be getting kicked out. Like a fishing trip, God will get them out hook line and sinker. You will really feel them leaving You because the very air will change and that unholy presence will go. TheN, God's will can really get going here among Us All everywhere. We will outgrow temptation and the devil will soon be gone for ever more and the earth restored to how God originally intended it to be with no-one hungry or homeless or ill or suffering in any way.
Satan will not and cannot keep us from God now and God is Our defender and shield and source of all power and protection and is watching out for Us so relax. But, God has put out a contract on the devil - the bounty is high, the stakes are high and God will make sure he goes out with a bang so we do not believe the old big bang theory but now fully trust in God's justice and sovereignty. Let us wait and watch with excitement for it is like the movies panning out on the world wide screen. A horror with violence carrying a Bang; Out of Order warning and sentence. God's guidance required. Christ is the director under God of All. God is the script writer and his attention to detail is multi award winning. Well done, Our Father! This will be enjoyed by All generations and even better, there is no charge to watch the final scenes. The devil has NO CHANCE. So the very baddest of bad riddance to you devil for you are a little man and a little coward who will die for your evil. And we shall laugh and rejoice at your demise.
God is available to help Us All out day and night but the devil will go unassisted and his death will be rejoiced in the heavens and on earth.
So, let Us go to God for He can and will help out in EVERY SITUATION. The devil is small fry compared to Him and enjoys driving him out so that we can live in peace and be safe and saved and feel good. So, be confident because Christ overcame them all and for All. Call out to Christ as often as You need and He answers and helps out every time We are in need. Without fail God will prevail. God likes Us to be dependant on Him because it means We are talking to Him more and He likes that, Your relationship.
Point to ponder: Every temptation should be taken to God and then good will come out of it. Even when We don't ask, God's will will be done and help arrives.
Verse to remember: 'When People are tempted and still continue strong, They should be happy. Now that Our faith has been tested, God rewards now and in life, forever'.
Prayer: God and Christ, thank You that You are coming into our lives and driving out the works of the devil in Us and around Us. You are sanctifying Us, restoring Us, repairing Us and looking after Us. Thank You for this guarantee which is not pot luck like going fishing and hoping to catch one, but deliberate and continued protection, freedom and blessing. We are being baptised in the name of the Father, and in the name of The Son and in the name of the Holy Spirit and blessed be Your name. It is Your purpose to redeem Us out of the hands of the enemy and into Your loving care, plan and future for Us. Your mission is being done and will be completed to the very last one.Amen.
Day 27 - Tuesday 6th August
Defeat temptation for there IS a way out. Go for it as soon as You can.
Satan has sent poweful temptations and many have fallen for his lures and carried out his evil desires. But, a moment spent in the presence of the Lord can and does wipe out the past and will secure YOUR eternity. God will now help Us out of ALL the temptations satan sends and it is now SO IMPORTANT to comply with the Spirit and KNOW that many of Us longer Family members have overcome many temptations because God gave Us the power to do so.
God will not give Us more than We can handle but does require Us to do Our part and remain vigilant because satan is on his way out and wants as many to go with him to hell as he can get. If satan took just the one man to save the world ,then in My eyes it is a worthy living sacrifice in good order and acceptable in the sight of the Saviour and Our Father.
I and many of Us have resisted and rebuked the devil using the name of Jeus Christ and calling on the help of the Holy Spirit. When satan puts a thought into Us, God will take it out but We have to work with Him. He will divert Our minds into what He wants Us to think about. Go back to Him EVERY TIME and before You know it, they are gone. The battle to go for God or with the devil IS in the mind first and foremost so it is vital to get tempting and harrassing and disturbing thoughts OUT as SOON as they come in. God will cast them out so just thank Him; but also be prepared to work with Him to save YOUR soul. He does the vast majority through the power of His Spirit and just asks Us to go to Him asking for help or more help. I ask God to keep me from... or from speaking out words about.... or do not allow me, forbid me to .....and these requests are immediately granted and therefore I do not fall into temptation. Paul says to guard every thought. The Spirit is with Us All now and do not be alarmed for everything is possible with God -for Those who believe.
Ways to help Ourselves are to e.g. avoiding images that tempt Us, do not keep the object in the house, stop reading it, leave the place,stop buying it and stop giving it attention and these things REDUCE the temptations sent because satan can see We are steadfast in the Lord. The best advice is don't start it in the first place. But, if the temptation has been acted out in Your life, take it to God and get this sorted out as Your priority. It is like a phone call(like a 999 EMERGENCY call) that has to be made so don't lift the phone and then hang up on Him - go and be honest and His help arrives every time it is needed. Without God's help We would All have given into every temptation going but through God they go. Don't let a tempting thought hang around either- cut it out and tell God and He will block it out. It cannot be done on Our own no matter if you're a 90 year old Christian, a minister or even the Pope - only God can do what God can do.
I once faced a very real temptation and my behaviour had gotten me into a bit of a mess and I was panicking. I decided to go and speak to my minister at that time and he said 'get out of the place - run' and I took him seriously. I had went through this before though and was ashamed to take it to God then and so it repeated and grew worse - until I just went to Him in full disclosure and He removed the temptation and forgave Me. But, because I had given the temptation time and attention in the first place, the devil tried the same tactic again and again. We fought him and won.But, I am so happy to say that God wouldn't let me fall and I am now super strong and immediate in my recognition of the devil's work and immediately cast him out and curse him with God's wrath on his way out the door too. Every time. Without delay and without compromise I get him out. I get angry with him for daring to come near ME a daughter of God and I give him a piece of my mind. Every time. I keep my foot on his neck and I am a vicous warrior against him and his sort. Warfare is a God given tool and We should hammer it out and dish it out to him before, during and after his attacks.
And, as We All know, the more time spent in God's company the less the devil even bothers Us in the first place. We give Our attention to the divine and as little as possible to the demonic and give God the time. This has been a tremendous revelation to Me and many - that keeping focused on God sends the devil packing and keeps him away. I believe We have learned to focus with a determiantion that is astounding God. Even with Our lives and circumstances, We have become adept and skilled at tuning into God and out of the devil.
God looked Out for Me, in the same way He does for Us, and sends Us ADDITIONAL help to help overcome through people and support. We have many gifted prayer people out there so go and speak to THEM about it and take advantage of their poweful prayer life. UCB do have a prayer telephone and e-mail system already set up and accept, like many other Christian led organisations, prayer requests. I have called UCB many times and found great comfort and peace from speaking about what was troubling Me. We all will. If You are a Chruch goer and need help - ask God who to go to for extra support. Don't hide it because it will stay there and the temptation will grow. And, We do not want satan having satisfaction out of guilt or shame when there is no need - forgiveness and help abound.
None of Us are sin free or able to withstand the devil without the help of God. The one who rejects him will regret it. Don't be like that man described in the bible who lost his life and eternal inheritance for the sake of saying sorry to God and asking for his help. A man like that is a fool and his folly was allowing satan to delude him and then justifying it and going all out to please himself at the cost of Others. Than man boasted and was proud and arrogant and entered depravity and tried to lead others astray and will be severely punished for it. He deserves it and I am glad that God has the final say and carries out justice and sends down wrath against this man. Be damned devil led man. Go and take your spirit of satan with you, you are accursed in Our sight. I detest you anti-christ 'man'.
Nothing and no-one is seen as hopeless through God's eyes so believe in His promise that He is faithful to forgive. We are All in the same boat or not so to speak because God bails Us out and we can return to safe shores protected and shielded and blessed.
So, don't hide Your faults through fear, or shame, or pride or guilt and just get it all out to God because that is the only way to redemption and release from the power of satan. Because without God We are without control and that is the Truth - check out the Bible please do as the Word is there to be devoured and absorbed and is prophetic and powerful.
If you have gotten out of the habit or reading God's word then get back into it. It is all there so it worth sacrificing some telly or computer time to spend time with Him. It is for YOUR good after all.
It is always SUCH relief to tell God about what We have done and the liberation is liberal and Lord sent. The sin/s are then forgotten and We are again sanctified and made clean and Holy in His sight. If You are pretending You don't have a problem, then You have a problem. And ONLY GOD CAN SORT IT OUT BECAUSE HE IS THE ONLY ONE WHO GRANTS FORGIVENESS FOR HE IS THE ONLY JUDGE. Don't be too proud to admit You have done wrong for We All have again and again and He forgives again and again.
When I used to take My sin to God and ask forforgiveness, I went through the same sin cycle again and again and eventually I got tired of repeating it over and over and so I went to Him and said 'Lord, i repent of doing...of saying...of thinking..of not praying for ...PLEASE remove the temptation and desire in Me to sin. Thank You.' and He did and when the devil next visited, I kicked him out screaming and shouting and scaring the life out of him with My passion, power and strength in God. I do love to terrify him. I sometimes get up on My feet and bawl at him and send him attack and clench my fist at him and kick him and give him my most venemous and hated look and I am vicious I can tell you. If he gives Me one tiny little thought - I give him hell back. I like to have him and his demons running out demented and scared as they are cowards and go easily at the name of Christ. Satan can't force Me to do anything ,as with any of Us, but I and We can force him - OUT! When he comes knocking at the door of Your mind - I say 'Get out and stay out and take God's wrath with you - beat it and DON'T COME BACK as the name and blood of Jesus protect Us. We are holy so get out now'.
I still to this day read out aloud scripture just as I did years ago because it is powerful and works. I used to ask God for scripture verses to bring to mind when he attacked and speak them out loud and proud and I laugh as he goes. I sometimes shout them out for no reason other than I hate him and enjoy punishing him. I am one anti-satan scripturally sound woman and I let him have it for My Family oftentimes. I do not let him get away with a thing. Only the one time and with the one person have I allowed the devil to take.
So, keep at least two biblical bullets in your gun at all times and aim and fire! Blow him away with God's blessing and thanks and love. Silence him forever and hold your tongue and peace.
I have always asked God not to allow Me to become cocky or arrogant or boastful because I know this is leaning into enemy territory and so I thank God that He keeps Me humble and thankful and sincere and how HE wants to keep Me. I looked to the characteristics of Christ named in the Bible and all that we All know about Him and asked to develop like this. God forbid that We should show the characteristics of satan but that of Christ. I NEVER let My guard down either and God wont let You or Yours down either. I keep on top of the situation, ever watchful and vigilant and if anything comes up, get it sorted out pronto (italian for 'quick!'). I am not showing off any linguistic skills at all here becasue the Holy Spirit speaks All languages and interprets God's Words out for Us All.
Remember, it IS easier to avoid the temptation in the first place than to sort it out after the consequences. Never be naive as to the devil's schemings. Do not think You are above temptation or above God because He is above Us All and above All sin and the source - satan. I do not feel strong and sound and bold and brave because of anything in Me - other than the presence of God Himself.
Point to ponder: God is the way out. The devil is on the way out.
Verse to remember: 'God is faithful. He WILL keep the temptations from becoming so strong that You can't stand up against IT.When You are tempted, He will show You a way out so that You will not give in to it' 1 Corinthians 19;13
Prayer: God, You are our ever present help and THE way out of the works of the devil. Cast out the tempting, harrassing and dementing spirits, Lord, in Us All and grant Us Your strength and power and peace. You will forgive Us All and without this - we are doomed.Our purpose should now be to focus on repentance knowing that Your Holy and divine Spirit will help Us and lead Us out and into Your Grace and empowering presence. Help Us All please, Lord, to clean up the mess left behind by the devil and go on in faith and in recovery under reverence. Thank You. Amen.
Day 28 - Wednesday7th August
We have cut out the immaturity and We are now spiritually mature and still maturing on.
It has taken a few years to get to this point and it has taken Our full co-operation, efforts and United We stand for Together We are strong. It will continue to grow through the aim being more and more of the characteristics of Christ being shown and We will get there. Every day it comes out of obedience and love and United aim.
God has taken His time to go over things until they have been firmly established. Every Word that comes out of God's mouth is for a purpose and is a building block. He instructs Us every day and is also setting up circumstances all around Us so that We are ready and prepared and that His goodwill WILL be done and it will be perfect. It is an astonishing FACT to know that God sees Us here and now but also how We will be in eternity. He knows what He wants for Us and what We are going to be.
He has wanted Us to firstly confess Our faith and sins and now be baptised and repent so that We are sound. Once Our souls are in God and Christ's hands - They take control of us and initiate the changes required and ask Us to let go every area of Our lives into Their care so that He can get the best out of it for Us. Every day though God asks Us to become just a little more like Him and this is worth the effort and sacrifices - letting things go.
Growth has been gradual at some times and sudden at Others but We will all get to the same place. It is good for overcomers of certain areas such as gossipping to lead the way by example and teaching to Others. Let's utilise Our skills and strengths Together to get Us All there as quickly as possible. God likes to make sure that We are also confident in using Our newfound strengths in preparation for the next levels ahead getting closer All the time.
Even when We think We are ready, God is continually assessing Us and we go with what He says because He is in control and charge and He knows best above All. If We are honest with Ourselves, the Holy Spirit now again shows Us the repeated sins and areas we need to do something about in remembrance that We ARE All in this Together and God coaxes us on ever onwards. So, God make sure that Your teachings are established and secure so that nothing can take them away.
We have also been learning new habits and ways and also letting go of long held ways of Our own. I think We have done this in a spectacular way but there are still the minority Out there who need to get into gear and get going - the bus is waiting. But, know this, He fully understands that long term habits are out there but the only way to get rid of them is to commit and comply and change - All with the help of the remarkable Holy Spirit in Us.
God delivers the Truth to Us personally though in a consistent way that promotes good and doesn't cause offence. He doesn't criticise but coaxes. He helps out and encourages and rewards Us on. So, the Truth cannot be denied because it is divine and stands the test of time. The Bible which is God's Own words cannot be disputed because He does know what He is talking about You know. So no more saying 'It's just the way I am' and trust and obey THE GREAT I AM.
We are getting into new habits by practising them and they should be, must be, becoming more and more visible to Others. So, SHOW them off.
Christ is the best teacher in the world - He does have charge of billions of Us and again, He does know what He is doing. He has a personal learning plan and purpose for Us All and it is thrilling to be involved under His great guidance and support.
I have (had) to learn patience with Father because when I was in a hurry - He had a habit of slowing it down or visa versa. But, I eventually gave in and let God have His way and still learn, willingly AND lovingly, along the way. Yes, some things ARE instant and they tend to be the smaller things with bigger things including miracles taking a wee bit longer but ALWAYS come and are always worth the wait and growth time.
I found that when I ducked out of something, it all came to a standstill and so being a forward thinking person, I learned to agree and do as He said because it is the only way forward. If I held back on forgiving something with someone, then We couldn't move on until I did and that's the truth of it. So, We want to get going - so, get going. But, We have to admit that this day is pretty amazing and is All going towards the final outcome.
I can promise that what God says will happen. I have known people who still hold onto the belief of things He said would happen from 20 years ago because They know they will come to pass because God speaks the truth and nothing but the Truth. With God, He has every step planned and every little and every big one counts; so keep encouraged and hopeful just as I am.
We are not even in the same place as We were yesterday far less two years ago and so this is EXACTLY how God has made it. The pace is moving forward though now at a startling rate and this is because the spirits of satan are going out. The devil is on His way out and I give him a kick on the way. A kick? I fire bullets into your back as you run you yellow bellied coward. No easy way out for him - no chance! He shall go in unendurable agony screaming out like the wounded 'animal' that he is and THEN the real suffering shall begin and shall not end. Out you go you low down dirty snake and traitor. Beat it. Be gone and don't come back. Die devil. DIE! And shut the door on the satanic realms on your way out.
Point to ponder: Maturity is still maturing. Always more to growing up on the go and more to get excited about.
Verse to remember: 'I am SURE that God who began the good work with Us will keep Us right on helping Us All grow up in His Grace until His task within Us is finally finished on that BLESSED day when Jesus Christ returns' Philippians 1;6
Prayer: Father and Christ help Us all out here as We want to grow more and are also still waiting on some Others doing their bit. You gave Us patience and persistence and practical help in All that We attempted and carried out. We are thrilled with what We have achieved and feel sure that You too are thrilled, God because You are. You wont let anything step in Our way or drag Us back and will keep Us safe in Your ownership.We now feel secure and trusting in Your goodness and mercy and plan and purposes for Us Together. I praise Your Holy names and look ahead to the complete deliverance, restoration and healing ahead as well as the blessed re-union with Jesus Christ which fills me and Us with such joy. Amen.
Day 29 - Thursday 8th August
We were put on earth to make Our contributions. In Ephesians, God spoke saying that long ages ago, He planned that We should spend Our lives in helping Others.
We aren't here to 'get it all' or 'get the most out of life' but GIVE the most Out of Our lives giving thanks for Those of Us who are long since saved that We can join Together in helping save Others and show by Our service the gratitude for OUR salvation and the joys of having had known Christ for so long. It is not just a minister in a church who is called to ministry - but All of Us, Our own personal ministry/service. What are You doing for the Lord and Our Kingdom and Our Church?
Good deeds are paid dividends NOW to the people We choose to help and later on in eternity. Why wait? Doing something good for someone does Them good (and You) and is experienced by God and Christ as well. Forget about past lacks and just make a start and soon. Let Us make Christ's death for EACH OF US worthy here and now for His glory and to give Him joy as well when He returns to claim His Family. We are saved to serve just as The Son of Man came to serve.
Here is a question? If You have no love for Others, do nothing for Others, have no desire to help Others, are only concerned about Yourself - is Christ really in Your life at all? A saved heart is a serving heart. We are blessed so that We can bless Others. Yes, We are All waiting for Christ to return but HOW are We waiting? If You have little to give then You still have a lot to give - Your prayer time and life. Our purpose is for Others just as Christs was.Just as prisoners serve Their time - We are to serve til the Master returns. We were saved for a PURPOSE. So, what is calling on Your time and attention? It must be God. Your part of 'the body' should be functioning to help out the entire body of Christ no matter how small You think it is - keep going and also go for it. If one part of the body gets sick (isn't functioning) it directly affects All Others and God's will getting done -so hurry up. When We grow up, We give out and more, happily.
If We are still just sitting in church and listening and not acting out OUR OWN faith then it is going to waste and ,personally, waste saddens Me very much. If You are spectator then I remind You that this is not a sport or any game but a matter of life and death and in remembrance of Those who have died because Of Their faith. We cannot sit and see Others suffer and still do nothing - USE Your God given power, authority, resources and in reverence. So, don't just sit on the God given knowledge that HAS been given - get going by giving. Are You a dead sea or a flowing river of serving Christian life bubbling up through Grace?
Therefore, brethern, pray for One another and serve one another. You know enough by now and it is time to further put the theory into practise. Ask God who You should be helping out and what You are called to do. He is fair and asks according to our circumstances but does expect Our offers to come flooding in. Don't just question Yourself, question God and Christ because They have the answers and instructions that We are to follow.
If Your personal account so far is far from God's plans and purposes for You then let Us start to challenge this and get the balance more in trading than in loss and let Us profit One another's accounts. God WILL question each of Us HOW We spent Our time - was it on Yourself or spent with and on Others? We cannot say We didn't know. The Bible warns unbelievers 'He WILL pour out His wrath and anger on those who lived for themselves' and that is a captial offence.
The ONLY lasting siginificance to a life is service. I do believe that We are now wakening up to Our United sense of purpose and joining Together by the Spirit because We are a happy Family after all and after All.
Many key figures in the Bible gave out excuses, initially, for not obeying. Some were age, insecurity, abuse, stuttering, poverty, immorality, adultery, family problems, depression, suicidal thoughts, reluctance, a worrier, impulsive, hot tempered, unpopularity, doubtful, poor health and timidity BUT God urged Them All on and For Others then and for Us now.God also FORGAVE them Their sins in Their backgrounds and gave them Grace to replace.
I can say that God has used Me with my many traits. I have had depression, fears, doubts, I used to be a lot of things such as a gossip and many more things, an eating disorder, anxiety, was shy and lacked confidence, I used to be very ill and can You see the links here in All of Us - USED to be and God USED Us even when I and We started out with them, He uses the complete Us and along the way casts out Our personal woes for use in His service.
So, the time to stop making excuses and start asking Him questions is here and now. God provides even for Our service to Others and so You are not alone.
Point to ponder: Service is not optional but obligatory. You are obliged.
Verse to remember: 'For We ARE God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to DO
good works, which God prepared in ADVANCE FOR Us to do.' Ephesians 2;10
Prayer: Lord, We are obliged to serve Others and serve out of love for One another. God, show each of Us exactly what You expect from Us so that We can get going Together and help Others Together. Thank You that Your will will then get done, Your way. I thank You in advance of the worldwide revolution this will bring and for the many who will be helped out and drawn into Us serving Others in loving kindness. I thank You that I am able to serve You and Others with such enjoyment out of it which is a great motivation to move. Amen.
Day 30 - Friday 9th August
We are made and shaped, personally, by God Himself.
Just as His animals can fly or hop or walk or swim in the sea, We were All designed divinely and as Unique members of His Family for His unique purpose for Us.
We are All the way We are now because this is how He planned it to be. We have unique ministries too and All designed to fit Together in doing good works. To look after one another and look out for Those suffering or weaker than We are through circumstance. Isn't is amazing that God mixed the DNA for each of Us so that We are who We are. Isn't His attention to Our personal details mind blowing. His knowledge and wisdom are as high as the sky and deep as the oceans and go out to outer space. And We sometimes used to think that He couldn't help Us out with what we ask for help with! Silly isn't it given His superiority.
Even more fascinating is that when He was planning and designing Us, He planned out Our every day of Our life so that we could be shaped to serve. He gave each of Us abilities, interests, talents, gifts, skills, personality and life experiences to enable Us to fulfill Our purposes and He will fulfill them in Us. And, as We know, what God asks each of Us to do, He equips eaach of Us to do it.
God has given every believer spiritual gifts TO BE USED IN MINISTRY. When We receive the Spirit, We receive Our giftings. Exciting, isn't it! Gifts are just that - given by God and become activated when We ask them to be! I can remember praying and asking God for My gifts years ago so that I could use them in service for Him and I meant it. I didn't ask so that I could gain, but that Others would and He gave Me them all and I am using them but more outpourings to come. If You are in a room with 7 Others and none are using Their gifts - You and the Others are All losing out. If We don't use them, we lose them. Isn't that motivation now to go and ask God to use Yours. What's inside Your gift package from God? We wonder.
I have met Many who were and still are using Their gifts and I celebrate inside for Them. Others can fall for jealousy though - how sad is that. Some can look at Their own gifts and compare theirs with Others and disappointly fall into disappointment or resentment. How silly is that when We were made to join the gifts Together All for one combined purpose.
The Bible calls the things that fill Our hearts - desires, hopes, interests, ambitions, dreams and affections and these are the things that motivate Us. And out of the mouth speaks what is in Your heart. If the heart is heavy with burdens and a hurting past then Our words will reflect this UNTIL We go and ask for God's Grace to heal what has happened.
Unique DNA is shown in fingerprints to identify Us, voices and in Our heart beats. What I like the most though is the term emotional heartbeat. The things that inspire us, excite us, bring Us compassion and passion and capture Our interest from Our unique minds. All of these things are CLUES to the person God will make Us. When I went through this book years ago, I remember focusing on identifying My skills and trying to find out from that what MY purpose would be. And there isn't anything else much in this universe that is as captivating as finding out what Christ wants from Us and will give Us. It gives a new chance at life. I recall writing everything down and dwelling on it because I was that determined to find out.
There are things that glaze My eyes over and things that get the tears and energy flowing. For Me, it has always been people and reaching out to Them. I feel things very deeply and God put me into the right jobs - working with Others so that I could use my gifts.We All have such things and there just isn't anything wrong with that only right because that is how God designed Us to be after All. But, I try and show interest in Others' interests because it is a joy to be around someone who is genuinely enjoying what They are doing. God will show each of Us WHY He made Us and WHAT FOR.
Enjoying Your gifts doesn't seem like work at all because of the enthusiasm that drives Us on. Contrast that with having to do things We don't like and it is those things that need motivation and prompting from Others and Ourselves to get through them. I was once told the story of a chap who sat down for his final fourth year uni' exam and got up and walked out much to everyone's surprise. But, he didn't WANT to get a job in that field - his mum and dad did. I call that courage and honesty.
If You are in a job that You HATE, then go to God and He will guide You into where You are meant to be AND He will sustain You until He gets You there. As Christianity means lifelong learning, so too can We change Our jobs by going and getting a qualification at any time. So, follow Your heart. How many people do We All know who do a job for the wage and are miserable really because their heart ISN'T in it. God will get You there, I promise.
Point to ponder: We WERE All shaped for serving God.
Verse to remember: 'Whoever does not have the Spirit cannot receive the gifts that COME from God's Spirit'.
Prayer: Father and Christ, come into Our hearts and minds and call Us to Your care and purpose. Guide Us in Your paths and plans and give Us the happiness and life enjoyment that You Two planned for Us. Break Us, mould Us and put Us back Together into Your grand plan and purpose for Our shared lives Together. Provide for Our needs so that We can meet Others' needs. Thank You for Your divine presence which gives Us All that We need. Amen.
Day 31 - Saturday 10th August
Only You can give out YOUR gifts. You are the one and only You that God gifted and gave Us. And if We don't - We are letting down the Body of Christ and All Others. Quite a thought which I would like You All to ponder and then put into practise after prayer. So, if God has put in You a passion for something and a voice - then speak out about it. This could be speaking out about anything illegal, unjust, uncivilised, unfair and understandably Our United voices will get something done about it. I just heard on the news there about the discrimination, torture, brutality and rape going on in Russia against homosexual CHILDREN, men and women.Unite and apply people power to what causes Christ wants YOU to care about. Well done, Stephen Fry for standing up bravely and Uniting with Others who care about the atrocities going on out there and in other countries who are STILL speaking out against the Soverign God's wishes and statements. You should fear the Lord because it is He who is the judge and dishes out either destiny. Stop it and say sorry and turn away from evil words and doings or continue at Your own peril. The Lord would cast out the bi-polar in Stephen so that He can be free and help free Others from these outdated beliefs and biases and prejudices. Back to the gifts - We have All carried these gifts since birth and now that We are All grown up - it is time to throw the rattle out of the pram and speak out as a mature citizen of Christs.
Just remember that as it is written = whatever You do, do it for the Glory of God. Jesus wasn't a pacifist, a peace maker yes, but He spoke out often against evil and unfairness, inequality and for those suffering. He spoke out against the policy makers and they did not like His Truths;t but He did not stop speaking even when His life was threatened. Read the Bible. He did not say to sit still and not contribute - the opposite is the Truth. Get the Holy Spirit to guide Your words and the truth is that you really can't go wrong. Basically, any doing words ending in ING (DOING) is an ability and gift. This includes reading - the Bible, hint, hint.
These abilities include certain people being gifted by God to make a lot of money. And why did He give this? So that They would give out - around ten percent is called tithing but it is not a hard and fast rule, but giving is. Enough said now - time for giving.
To volunteer for God means that He WONT ask You to do something He hasn't given You the talents to do. Eg. He wouldn't ask you to join a choir if You weren't musically gifted now, would He? He knows what He is doing. Do You? So, the abilities We each have ARE the tools given out to do Each of Our purposes. These giftings aren't just for to make a living - but for giving. So, if You are a good letter writer You should be doing this for a Church, if You can garden then a church could use You, if You are good at graphic design, then put this to use in a Church for resources and materials for adults and kids alike. Let's All muck in now please and stop leaving it All to the same old people in our churches. There will NEVER be any one like You again and so use up the gifts wisely.
God designed Us many and varied - some out there are introverted or extroverted, some sole workers and some work best in a team, some deep thinkers and some emotional thinkers,, some who take their time and some others who function best with a deadline. The secret=working Together.
The 12 disciples were chosen for Their varied backgrounds and temperaments. I kind of identify at times with a few public ministers and one being Joyce Meyer who I think has the balance sorted out. She shows Christ's characteristics beautifully including the caring and compassionate to speaking out the Truth and people listen to her. She looks like a sweet cookie (and is) but don't cross her because she is a hard nut and chocolate chip cookie for the Kingdom. She does not mince her words and just says what needs to be said - for the peoples' good. Joyce said she used to wrangle with herself comparing herself to quietly spoken and gentle little women in the church and then one day, realised that this was how GOD made her and designed her - for His purposes. So, the message is out there - be HOW YOU WERE MADE AND MEANT TO BE. And, thank God for Your unique personality, mind and giftings. God wont send You into a situation which is outwith Your giftings and nature so if You are in one and query it is time now for You to go right to God and ask God and Christ and don't hang about either. God's tool kit is wide and varied and designed to hit the target.
God gives Us All out experiences in life to shape and mould Us - but THEY WONT BREAK US. Experiences from Your upbringing, jobs, education, painful and the most important - spiritual and these ARE the most meaningful. Spiritual encounters with God and Christ are always deep and divine. And, it is what comes out of those painful experiences - good- that God used Us to share with Others. People who counsel and volunteer with charities do so because they have been touched by it and can give out precious understanding to Others going through it - better a word or two from someone who understands than an entire library of self help books - the only exception being the Bible. Everything You need to know is in there just waiting for You. As Christians now, We have and still do receive God's comfort and so we are duty bound to give this out to Others in their time of need. I don't hold back in sharing My experiences with Others now because I want Others to share God's love and comfort and His Grace which is above All.
I do not forget the pit that I was in before God and Christ pulled Me out and I share what I have been through with Others in the hope of helping Them and healing Them. God's hope never disappoints and it is a great gift to give this to Others. So, don't hide Your pain away and bring it out into the open and see what happens then! Air it for someone's elses benefit.
Serving God and Christ by serving others is fruitful and fulfilling as nothing else on this earth can be. You get joy and peace and thanks from God and extra energy and strength and provision from Them to KEEP You going.
Point to ponder: WHY keep Your giftings hidden? Get them out and show them off to Others. Be proud like a peacock showing how God made YOU.
Verse to remember: 'God HAS given each of You some SPECIAL( and many spiritual) abilities; be sure to use them to help EACH OTHER, passing on to Others many kinds of blessings'. 1 Peter 4;10
Prayer: God, You made Us All as special creations and gifted in special ways. I think it is now well overdue that We come to You and offer to USE Our giftings for the common good. Even in ANY small way would bless Others. We should really be giving Your Kingdom some of Our time in thanks and personal sacrifice for ALL YOU HAVE DONE AND ARE GOING TO DO FOR US. Tell Us then, now Lord, WHAT We are to DO and without delay. Thank You again for Your amazing patience and hopes that We will want to do Your will because IT IS TO BLESS US ALL HERE. Amen.
Day 32 - Sunday 11th August
Let Us go ahead and be what We were meant to be - God gives Us the best and HE deserves the best back. Doesn't He?
God expects Us to serve Him in how He purposefully made Us for. So, keep going to Him and He will tell You His expectations and help You fulfill Your life's purpose. Accept who You are and enjoy Yourself as He enjoyed making and shaping You. If You ask, the Holy Spirit will come to You in exciting ways and reveal and inspire You to act. Do it today! Just go and do it and prepare yourself for the start of the thrills of YOUR lifetime.
Once God confirms, all the pieces of Your past life's jigsaw and comments made by Others will miraculously fall into place. Others will have noticed Your giftings too. With increasing maturity comes increasings manifestations sent by God Himself through Your giftings. I only discovered I was gifted as a teacher when I went and taught. If I hadn't gone to uni' and done it, I would never have known. I didn't assume at all that I was a gifted teacher when I taught in schools though. I can see it now though looking back because My kids followed Me and I developed many bonds. They told ME! On the way, some said 'why are putting yourself through all this stress to qualify' and I thank God that I didn't listen to Them but only to Him. It wasn't an easy qualifying time but I am still glad that I followed God's call on Me then and still am.
So, get going no matter Your age. Look at Our older Family members out there and be inspired. They're biking, praying, fund raising, going to uni' and taking up opportunites and challenges. Good on Them! Some things I used to try didn't work out but I walked away reconciled to the fact that They just weren't intended for Me by God and so I always looked back and took something good out of it. I was never jealous though of Anyone who tried and succeeded at what I failed at - no, I tried to SHOW I was pleased for Them. Because I didn't want to cart around a spirit of jealousy and bitterness - no chance. I just said 'oh, well, time to move on' after of course I got over the disappointment. Back into God and Christ's arms to get comfort and fresh direction. Your limitations are there so that God provides unlimited uses for Your giftings. Easy to understand really, isn't it.
It isn't like the book 'Feel The Fear and Do It Anyway' anymore because His perect loves casts out All fear in All of His now. It is FEEL THE HEAVENLY FORCE AND DO IT ANYWAY. So, We are All on Your side and so go get some divinely sent happiness and fulfillment by fulfilling Your reason to be alive now.
With God, You will go through questions such as 'what makes Me feel really alive' and 'what should I let go off'. I ask the Holy Spirit to tell Us All now what God wants Us to learn from All of Our past experiences. Big ask and big tells en route. Thanks be to God and Jesus Christ in advance of these revelations. Consider Your own conversations with the Holy Spirit and concentrate on Yours though and not someones else's instructions - God will work Them All together as only He can. Exciting times ahead. Just do what God says without question and All will be well. It is all said to All for very significant spiritual reasons and the onus is just simply to trust and obey. Do not compare and contrast Yourself with anyone else. Just don't. LISTEN to what the Holy Spirit is telling You and only Him and just do as He asks then the guarantee of success is there without interference from the wicked one. God, forbid him from interfering with this Your massive worldwide plans and purposes afoot in Us and for Us.
Stop now trying to pour Yourself into someone You aren't mean to be. Let go and let God. Give Him thanks for making You as You are now and will be. He has big plans for You and Us Together. Even if all You have done is say to someone 'God bless You' this IS still service and We should go on speaking out blessings because there is no limit to them - only the limits We place on speaking blessings out. God is generous and able and capable to bless someone for You so why not just say it?
Concentrating on Your own purpose stops You become competitive with Others, from becoming discouraged or falling into pride if You think You are doing better than Others. It isn't a competition, it is a bringing Together of God's purposes in All. Don't get drawn into boasting or superiority spirits either. Keep a quiet countenace around You. Try and keep at peace with All. Keep Your own peace through the guidance of the Spirit of Grace.If anyone criticises You, go to God and Christ with it and They will wipe it out of Your mind so that it doesn't get in and spoil Your good works and God's good plans in You. Avoid giving out unecessary flattery as these ARE from the devil. Carefully considered compliments and encouragement are good though. I asked God and still do to keep Me from falling for spirits sent by satan and include All of Us in that request. And as a result, i remain humble and humorous and keep my integrity which is very important to Me and Christ. When all has been said and done IT IS ONLY GOD AND CHRIST'S WORDS THAT PROPELL US ON AND KEEP US. So, go to God and get going on working on using Your giftings according to God's will, ways and whens.
Just as We get trained at work, God's training goes on and also prepares the way ahead. He has each of Our personal plans already prepared for Our purposes. When He brings something or ask something - grab it with both hands because it is blessings untold from God's own heart and hands and rememebr to thank Him in advance of what the blessings might mean for You and Others. We are getting ready now for Our eternal rewards and responsibilites in the new Kingdom. Every piece of service will be honoured and respected and rewarded just as All sufferings will be recompensed and paid back to the source in hell. This is for You and Yours and ALL Your ancestors. Glory to God and thanks be to Our heavenly armies at war now who are tearing down the mighty satanic powers and principalities for Us.
Point to ponder: God deserves Our best and helps get the best out of Us. Isn't He a marvellous dad!
Verse to remember: 'Do Your own work well and then You WILL have something to be proud of. But, don't compare Yourself with Others!'
Prayer: Holy Spirit, please come into Our minds and lives and re-kindle Our hopes and desires to find out and fulfill Our God given purposes. Saturate Our minds with sacred knowledge and revelation and I thank You on behalf of Us All for the vast communications ahead and the good works ahead. Bless You. Amen.
Day 33 - Monday 12th August
Sincere Servants serve God by serving others. IT IS WRITTEN' Whoever wants to be great MUST become a servant' Mark 10;43 and 'You can tell what They are by what They do'. Matthew 7;16 We know that there ARE many of Us out there so thank You All and We welcome in now Our United efforts.
Outwith God's standards are the worlds as they are now. We are judged a success HERE by power, position, possessions, prestige. But, unless these 'achievements' are for God and Christ and are giving out to Others, then they are NOT recognised nor will be rewarded by the Judge. How often are we to be told NOT to store up treasures here but in Heaven. The answer is all too frequently and if some haven't ACTED on God's instructions, then all They have gained here with be for nothing.
I still look at the fuss and formality in dress and code of the hierarchy of some churches. The splendid robes and all are to Me, not really worthwhile for it is service that matters coming from the inside of Us and NOT what We wear on the outside or what the church is adorned with in artifacts and luxurious decor. Jesus HIMSELF went about in basic robes and shunned wordly goods to teach about worthwhile things. I also think that grand and expensive decor and so on in churches is money that could have been spent on the People. I don't need to go into a church and sit in splendour because it is a sacred house of God already. Nice to look at We all know, but no more waste of money please on such surface matters. Look at pope Francis for an example of servitude and I know that there ARE many like him in the RC and other faiths but for those who are still seeking for themselves, look to Them for example. Any job done in and for a church from cleaning the toilets to printing off materials is service that is valued by God and Christ and all are important contributions. I know of a hard working and serving lady and her husband who do a lot for her church and also go out of Their way to go and put the bins out at their church. Why? Because no-one else would! Why? Bless you and your hubby for all You do and for putting the church bins out.
God WILL test our service by asking Us to do things that We might feel are beneath Us. But He will also test Us to see if We give out His mercy to Others when We have assumed that 'no, I wasn't gifted with mercy so it's not my job' - IT IS. In My service, I have done just what was needed to be done from personal care to cleaning and giving out and some of the times when I was tired or not feeling well or just not in the mood because I wanted to and still do earnesly want to be the best servant that I can be. I recall the times when I didn't lend a hand and walked away with a sense of feeling uncomfortable and disappointed in Myself and so it is far better to do the good deed and walk away with God's spiritual high. Serve when it is inconvenient and it is an even better blessing.
I remember thinking 'Not now God, I've got all this to do!' and such things in that genre and I now do not entertain such thoughts because of My thanks that He came to ME the second I needed Him and He does this for Us All. Cast You mind back to His presence in Your dark days and what he did and out of gratitude You will serve Him with gladness. And, yes, sometimes You might have to miss out on Your favourite tv show or go without something You like but that is just how it is. You get back MUCH MORE than You gave out and importantly have blessed someone else with Your service.
Real servants think about Others' needs and will stop and think 'what can i do?' it could be to phone Them, visit Them, take them a little gift, listen, drop then a handwritten note and of course, pray for Them. Real servants do this as and when required too. Miss the moment and miss the opportunity. If You are too wrapped up in Yourself, it is time to unravel and roll out YOUR service. I have thanked God and Christ EVERY time when They sent someone to help Me because without Their help I wouldn't be a servant today. Some of Them went out of their way - Jean and Sheena- to serve Me and this was when They were ill and suffering and tremendously busy and had Their own worries and problems and so that is TRUE service. Bless Them, Father, richly. God and Christ send Their people out who are willing to serve. Are YOU one of Us? Are You active or inactive? Talk to God about it. And then, DO something about it. We NEED YOU. Just as the wartime posters said, this is spiritual war too. Do it for Your own family and Your ancestors who werenn't in this blessed postion and power that We ARE
gifted with and living with.
Your service offerings DON'T need to be perfect but We do have to attempt good things and God continues Our works by blessing Them.
I was once a member of the congregation in a church where, quite franky, it had all gone to pot. Without a minister for 3 years, a certain family and other families had effectively taken over the running and status of that church. Their reputation was out there and it wasn't all good I have to say the things that i heard and witnessed at time. And although They were doing some good works, it seemed to me to be for their glory. They were showing bias and favour to who THEY liked (including, sadly, children) and Others were left out in the cold. When the new minister arrived, he actually excluded the long standing session clerk there and effectively forced him out of his position bringing in MORE of this 'elite' family into church positions including the session clerk. I do hope that this has all been remedied by now? God bless You, Samuel and I hope this his works have all gone by now. God let this be and repair the damage done there. This minister surrounded himself with people of status, power and money so that it was QUITE CLEAR WHO HE WAS SERVING - HIMSELF AND SATAN.
I hope for their sakes that they have repented and claimed their forgiveness because justice WILL prevail. No-one, not even an earthly judge, is above Our Judge. So, your honour if you are in dishonour, it is your works and God will to bring His verdict on YOU!
NOTHING was beneath Christ - washing feet, making meals for His disciples and serving lepers and helping children because HE came to serve Our Father. He was THE Holy Man and went out of His way to do what was needed in love and with a serving attitude at All times. So, get out and do the small as well as big services for They All count. Do not question WHO You are asked to serve whether it be a beggar sitting in the gutter or a headteacher.
If You start something and are capable of finishing it - seeing it through- then keep going. I used to do something and then also follow it up to make sure They were alright. It feels good to do good and that's the Truth of it.
God grant Us committment to act and follow it through knowing that You are there with us. God, please help Us to be dependable, trustworthy and faithful as You and Christ and the Heavenly Hosts are to Us lest We forget. Our faithfulness is rewarded in eternity and is still there for All to claim. And, when We are faithful in small ways, God is satisfied that We can then be trusted in bigger ways and then gives out bigger blessings towards bigger responsibilities. We serve now until the Saviour returns. And keep close to Your hearts Christ's ways which are not to do things deliberately for Others to see - God and Christ do see what is done. I like to keep a low profile on My deeds and claim no glory for Myself at all because I know who it is All coming from. I don't accept flattery or appreciate anyone thinking what I did was from Me - because it isn't, it is done out of thanks to Our Great God and Lord Jesus. In other words, I do what I do NOT to get approval or praise or applause from Others but to give Glory to God. Keep Your service coming out of Your heart and don't boast about it because it won't be rewarded if We do. I stay out of the limelight but keep in His light. But, I don't hide My personal light under a bushel either. I do a lot of 'unseen' service but My Father sees it and Ours too. I pray and I ponder and I purposefully do as I am told.
If You are a leader or in the spotlight, are You addicted to attention? I have seen it in many 'celebrities' and it is a very sad sight indeed. They became entangled in their fame and appearance and found out it was difficult to value Themselves when They had to retire or lost Their popularity. Go then and tell God about it.He will help You through His mercy and understanding.
God and Christ HAVE seen what We have all done in Our service. Isn't that wonderful! The last will be first is in scipture. If You have felt unappreciated or in Your works You felt have gone unnoticed - get that sense out of Your mind because it has all been noticed and recorded and so will be rewarded. And God and Christ will OPENELY reward Our great works and We will wear a special crown and Everyone else will know that We have been honoured for special service.
Nothing You do for Him is wasted time or effort. So, don't waste Your time and energy and efforts on worthless tasks but do them in service.
Point to and do ponder: I should serve God by serving Others knowing that God will also get Others to serve Us in Our time of need.
Verse to remember: 'If You give even a cup of cold water to one of the LEAST of My followers or anyone still outside My Family, You will SURELY be rewarded' Matthew 10;42
Prayer: God and Christ, We should offer now Our personal service for the Kingdom. Help Us All just go and reach out, give out and send out the characteristics of true servitude. Thank You so much for all You have done for Us All and all You are going to do for Us. Thank You All. Help Us help Others. Amen.
Day 34 - Tuesday 13th August
Service starts in our minds left there by His Spirit in hope and expectation that We will obey.
And We are. And will be free to do so when the wicked one goes out.
To obey, We need to shift Our gear stick from self to sacred and then go when God taps on the accelerator pedal. It is in Our hands and so We need to put down the handbrake and motor on looking out at the lovely sights ahead - blue skies and casting seeds on the way flowing and floating in the water of life.
To serve wholeheartedly will come for All of Us and it is a gradual shift for some and a sudden move out forwards for Others. Through serving Others, We tend to forget more and more about Ourself knowing that God WILL take care of Us. It doesn't mean neglecting Yourself, God and Christ step in taking control of Your wheel. You are in good hands now.
When I started doing God's will and trusting Him with what was Mines - I started to become increasingly aware of Others' needs and chose to focus on Them. None of Us need look far for people in need. In Our own Families, Friends, neighbours and folk We share a town with and open any newspaper or listen to any news BULLETINS and there lies the basis of Your prayers.
Of course I started out with normal human attitudes and perspectives on My service - thoughts such as 'what will I get out of it then, God?' Oh how I cringe at My old thoughts but am deeply content at how Christ has shaped Me understanding My and Our thoughts All too well! I used to think mainly of Me, Myself and I but now it is We and Our Family. God and Christ did this, with My co-operation of course. I ALLOWED Them to change Me willingly and I can say every effort has paid off over and over again and yes, brought Me many good things in return. I am faithful to My Master and He is faithful to Me and of course, Us.
Money was naturally important for Me and My ministry. But, I gave up My teaching career and fully trusted God and Christ to supply for Me and They have and always have and always will of that I have no doubt whatsoever. We cannot serve two masters - money AND God. I can in Truth that I have never once in My life lacked any good thing or gone without because I didn't have enough money. They can be trusted You should know! He is not a poor God but has at His hand all the rich resources of the heavens and earth at His disposal. If YOU are still a slave to money, I beg of You now to go to God and get Him to cut the chains and this bondage. If You are wealthy - then it is because God GAVE You it and if You are still not using some of it for God's Glory then You are very foolish indeed. The fall of money is a curse from satan that only Christ can break if You choose Him over the money. I pray that You can accept this commandment and choose to act in faith and do as You have been told too many times. Little time left now so it is Your choice but also Your consequences. It is that serious so get serious without delay.
We should not either focus nor comment on God's service from Others. None of Our business - only His. We are not competing against One another but are in the One Family called to do Our bit in the part Of The Body. If someone else SEEMS to have a lighter yoke
(in Your eyes) then You must not voice Your thoughts and emotions out because We have All times of valleys and mountain tops and jealousy and so on is sent from satan to try and deter You so be thankful to Him in All Your seasons. He carried His cross for You and so We must carry Our own for Him and Others. Blot out what Others might say and soak up God's love and pleasure at Your service.
A minister once said to Me to 'prove it' and I am so glad, so very glad, to be STILL proving it much to his delight I am sure. I held no PHd in divinity like he did, but hold the highest qualification of suffering service in My Saviour's eyes. To be honest, i don't think that this man knew what he was talking about and he trembled in My presence I noticed which told Me a lot about the content of his heart and mind. I do hope he doesn't take to the grave his pride and arrogance and go mob handed out there kind of lost in space were his attitudes. I do have a strong sense of divinely given discernment and I have to say I have such a foreboding for him and I do not think all will be well for Him - never felt such a strong sense about someone but I know it is the Truth and applies to him and his ASSociates too! I think he and they were needing to die to self.
So, are You a people pleaser or A P ERSON pleasing God? In pleasing Him, it pleases Others and self. Do You seek the approval of Others or of God? Service is opportunity and We are obligated to do Our bit and best for the Rest. AND, there IS a great pleasure in serving otherwise We wouldn't do it and still be keen to either. Christ's body and God's Family wouldn't be so big and thriving if They weren't as good as They and We say. We follow in awe and wonder and wonderful ways that God and Christ have pre-ordained.
I can say that as My service has increased so has My joy and His peace and comfort and presence and I am thankful in ALL things. Be always thankful. I share All that I have with You.
Point to ponder: TO BE A SERVANT, THINK LIKE THE SERVANT GIVEN US AND HIS EXAMPLE - THE LORD JESUS CHRIST.
Verse to remember: 'Your attitude should be moving towards the same as that of Christ Jesus' Philippians
Prayer: Christ, shift Our sometimes selfish concerns about just ourselves and help Us cast out Our nets deep and wide. We know that You are a fisher of All mankind and We thank You that You do not let Us off Your divinely caring hook but trawl Us in, in your loving care and kindness to go out fulfilling the destiny You prepared for Us. Heal Our inner and outer scars under Your divine, sacred and holy blood. Thank You. Amen.
Day 35 - Wednesday 14th August
God loves Us weak People. God uses Us weak People. God empowers Us weak People.
I am with You; that is All You need. My power shows up best in weak People is written in 2 Corinithians 12;9 and tells Us, that without Him, We are weak and easily led away from his ways. He tells Us here clearly that His Spirit and presence here ARE ALL We need. Because we go to Him when feeling weak and therefore draw on His strength and power keeping Us in a good relationship with Him by talking throughout each day with Him.
God knows Our weaknesses, flaws and imperfections already and so We need feel no fear or doubt because He works with Us All. Don't hide them then - show them to Him and tell Him about them and then stand back and watch how He weaves Our weaknesses into strengths. And remembeer, God gives out both strengths and weaknesses and has a plan for All of them.
What are weaknesses? Well, they're not sins or character defects. No, they are limitations which could have been inherited like an illness or disability, a hereditary outlook, traumatic experiences behind Us or intellectual limitations. if You think then that God cannot use You because You have limitations, think on. For He enjoys giving power into Our weak areas. With God All things are possible and in Him, the extra-ordinary is possible through Us, ordinary People.
Many times, I have gone to Him in prayer saying I am too weak about this or this person or to do Your will or I CAN'T do this in MY strength and I am tired of being self sufficient...and He loves such prayers and admissions. Why? Because He can't help if We don't go and ask for it. We either do it His way or Ours and ONLY HIS WORKS.
So, stop all that wasted energy convincing Yourself that You have it all together. Don't deny divinity and tell God about Your true thoughts about Yourself and Our gracious Father will pour Himself out to You. Let the Master mould You into a new creation living in His blessed care. Stop saying I'm only human and therefore ALLOWING Your thoughts and words and conduct to go on -because God makes Us superhumans.
I admit to Others as required the things I am just not any good at or interested in because I AM well gifted but not perfect and by admitting these areas, it engratiates Me to Others and They might be able then to help Me out in these things I need help with. We must depend on God's Grace and allow Him to come into every area of Our lives for He wants the best for Us. It is ALL FOR OUR GOOD. And, keep going to Him in all seasons giving thanks and praise for His love endures forever, for All of His.
If You are ego led, then You have been misled with the work of the devil out there. Let God take the lead in His timing and plan for Your life. Be spirit led in your prayers too. God, I ask that You lead Us All in Our prayers entirely through Your Holy Spirit. Thank You. Amen.
I have found My most effective personal ministry was born out of the dark days I went through because I have COMPASSION for Others suffering and want to spare Them and save Them the road of hurting and show Them the path of peace and provision available.
The great bible giants had great weaknesses too and look how good They turned out. Moses had a thunderous temper, Gideon crippled with low self-esteem and insecurities, Abraham was a slave to fear and Peter weak willed. But, God Himself turned Them into great giants of faith making real leaps forward in faith crushing the enemies under Their feet and gathering up Many in Their arms for God and Christ.
All the Prophets too had weaknesses but God speaking through Them fulfilled His purposes. The joy of being a Prophet! That close relationship and shared conversations with GOD HIMSELF. What an honour. To work for the living Lord for the living. To be given His power and authority to bring His will here must be a momentous experience and privilige without measure.
All of the above SHARED Their weaknesses, vulnerabilities, thoughts and feelings with Others asking for prayer and understanding and therefore avoiding arrogance. To share is to care and not fearing at all how it makes You look! If You have Your shields up or a brick wall around Yourself, I can understand this and sympathise but God can bring down the barriers in a safe way leaving You much more powerful and secure.
Being humble is showing and telling that You have failed, can't manage something and need helping and need help giving thanks to the Lord for the help here now and to arrive. It is not hiding the things that went wrong and bringing them out in the open so that You can get back on the horse again and in control again with Christ.
When I started out in teaching, I had a very good theoretical knowledge but very little teaching experience. Rather than hiding these things, I went to other more experienced staff to ask for their advice and support. And They were DELIGHTED to share with me and admit their own thoughts too owning up to the fact that We were All still learning and had areas of strengths and areas for development. This brought Me Friends and such a valued support system that I felt good for having admitted and opened up to Them. I didn't really fear getting caught out by My bosses, just feared not giving the best I could to My kids. No-one there expected me starting out to know it all then and there and I had put too many unrealistic pressures and expectations on Myself. It is the same in Our Christian experiences and services - but We do have to make a start. And, like these experienced teachers, We have experienced Christians willing and able to share too.
I Myself used to and still do take My weaknessees to God and satan actually does Me a favour by pointing them out to me- the fool that he is- because he highlights them to me to give to God. I go out of My way to strip him of anything he could accuse Me of. I expose him and show him to be the liar that he is. I do have a weakness though, my one weakness, my penchant -for persecuting the devil. I just can't get enough of it and can't get enough out of him until that glorious day when Christ appears, i will continue taking back what the devil robbed from Us. I give Glory to God by working against the devil and delight in what is going on in the realms now. Believe You Me, I hate the devil as much as He hates Me and God and Christ. And, the power is in Our hands and so the gullable idiot is going to lose the lot. If I could I would snatch back the cash the devil robbed and give it out to chairty, let's say cancer research. Ha ha, you're getting hee haw.
Me for instance. I used to see my depressive and anxiety attacks as curses. But God turned them into blessings - for Others. I used to hate my sensitivity, until someone pointed out that it was a good thing because it made me sensitive TO OTHERS. I used to and still do display Myself as, well, Myself. Some folks used to look at Me as if I was from another planet but I am true to Myself and carry on regardless because I know the Truth lives in Me no matter how They, then, viewed My actions and felt free to comment. Got a lot of good feedback back though but even if I hadn't, I would've carried on - for Christ. He's the one I want to please.
So, carry on troops, warts, weaknesses and all for they are beautiful in the eyes of the Lord.
Point to ponder: God works best when We show Him our worst.
Verse to remember: 'We are like clay jars in which this, His treasure, is stored. The real power comes from God and NOT from US'.
Prayer: Lord, forbid Us not that We limit You in Our lives. That We come to You admitting We want to be used by You JUST AS WE ARE RIGHT NOW. Let the Spirit of Truth speak out the Truth and let Us obey Your way. Show Us that You accept and love Us just the way We are and will be. Thank You. Amen.
Day 36 - Thursday 15th August
You and We have a mission in this world.
God IS at work in the world every minute of every day and night and We are joining Him, willing to get started and keep going in His will. Ministry is service to believers and the mission is service to unbelievers still out there. Believers ALL share this responsibility but We All have also Our own unique assignments to do.
Our mission is alike Christs. That is God sending Us out to do God's business whether paid or in a voluntary capacity. We are to introduce people to God and Christ and so get them out of the hands of satan . Remember, God sent people to rescue every one of Us too - an elaborate show of help came Our way and so We are obligated to return these favours where We go and NOT leave it to someone else either. God used many Others to get through to Us and so We need to share this great news with Others so that They too can live in God's love, power and peace and purpose.
We are to teach and lead Others by Our example keeping in mind how We used to be too. Not looking down on anyone's sin is crucial to Christ because he came to save Us sinners. So, Our mission is mandatory. If We don't do these things, then God sees it as disobedience because we DO All know what We are to do. We are effectively saving people from the coming wrath and so cannot sit by and say nothing allowing satan to take Them to the grave separated from God for all eternity.
Wherever We go, We might be the ONLY Christian there and so the opportunities for the Kingdom are there and great. God wants Us to urge Others towards Him and into His favour - He has enough blessings to give out to All and so there is no limit on His goodness and generosity - only Ours? Tell Others about God's forgiveness, peace and comfort and Grace because it is right and kind to do so. Remembering how hopeless You felt before Christ should propel Us on so that Others can come out of loneliness and despair. The Kingdom of God is near and so We need to get going and carry out Our missions quickly. There isn't much time left in this age and so reach out to Others to save Them. Wherever You go, keep Your eyes and ears opened, looking out for chances to show Christ. YOU might be the only person given the purpose of saving Them! Lord, show each of Us WHO You want Us to reach out to. Thank You. Amen.
Jesus will return when the gospel's good news has been heard by All who want to hear it. So, hasten His return by evangelising and obeying. Share the faith. Don't get distracted because You are under divine authority and power. Father, I pray that Your will be done in All of Our lives. Your will be done and not Ours. Thank You. Amen. Offer Yourselves as living servants willing for God's will to be done - to bless Others knowing that obedience brings blessing to You too! And this goes up in increments according to Our works for the Kingdom. So, don't be selfish - SHARE!.
To save someone for Jesus means that You are saving Them and Their households.
Go out then and find His lost children for Him.
Point to ponder: We want to hear the call go out - mission accomplished.
verse to remember: 'Go and make disciples of All nations, baptising Them in the name of the Father, Son and Spirit, teaching Them to obey everything I have commanded You. And, surely, I AM with You always, to the very end of this age'. Matthew 28;19
Prayer; Father, help Us to let go of self and hang onto You. Cast out the spirits left by satan - fear, apathy, discouragement and hopelessness and so on - allowing Us to work for the Kingdom here and now. Fill Us with Your will and show Us how to go about it. Thank You. Amen.
Day 37 - Friday 16th August
The message of God in you is to be shared out. Got all that bible knowledge in there? Let it out. Speak it out and do it out. Practise what Christ preached.
If You are not speaking and doing then this is not from the Lord but lucifer. Your life's experiences and testimony telling Other what He did for You can move mountains. If, for whatever reason, you aren't witnessing or serving in some way the Kingdom, then the devil is doing this to stop You spreading the good news and sewing seeds. God, cast out the spirits presenting which are blinding, blocking or preventing people from speaking out and doing good works. Expose the lies of the devil in Us and cast him out. Help Us start even in any small way - because if You ask this of Us, then We don't question ,just obey.Thank You. Amen.
If You see or hear someone suffering and can say something then jump in. Don't go overboard with scripture but SHARE with them what God did for You or someone You know If you've been through depression or fear, for example, then TELL THEM what God can do. Give Them hope. Tell Them about what God has taught You during Your life. Share something knowing that God shared it all with You. He took Your pain away and helped You out. He gave You hope, peace, strength, enjoyment, love and so much more! There IS enough to go around so give something to Others. What's a few words of encouragement to You - but a lot, more than You know, to someone else.
How has God and Christ made a difference in Your life? Do think back to how You were before and then go out in Grace. I was lost at times and sometimes in deep water trouble and felt alone like I was living out in space and not connected to Others at times. He MORE THAN lifted My chin above water because We are MORE THAN CONQUERORS. More than just overcoming something with God's help and then forgetting about it, not sharing it sharing it or thanking Him. No-one is asking for anyone to go out and tell anything but the Truth in what God has done for Them. That kind of story sinks in deep rather than in your face 'you're going to hell' stuff. There are two kinds of doctors out there - the ones in it for the patients and the odd one just in it for himself. A quack who will go out in disgrace because God knows, He knows!, our thoughts, motives and hearts and woe betide black hearts out there. NOTHING is hidden from the Father of creation. God curses those who have blasphemed against the Holy Spirit. Did You hear that? God blesses and God also curses. Fear God not the devil.
Personally, i tell Others, where appropriate, My background. Depression, anxiety, temptations. eating disorder and so on to give Them hope and give God Glory. This is no
time to keep quiet or hide Your light. Leave pride aside for We are All sinners and go out of Your way to give someone God's light in Their life. Don't be ashamed of Your past - boast about it telling what God did for You. Shame, guilt, condemnation and squirming in regret are NOT from God - only the devil. God, cast out such spirits at work around Us and fill Us with Your Grace please. Thank You. Amen. I am PROUD to tell what God and Christ did for Me and also very thankful. I do not take God for granted.
Approach Others though with respect and gentleness. The message is love and forgiveness and it's not all about Us - for We already KNOW - We are to draw Others to Him in loving kindness without a judgemental or superior attitude. Be considerate and sensitive to Others and don't witness for YOUR good but for Theirs. Listen to what THEY are saying and respond, led by the Spirit. It's not to make You look good but God because He is a good God after All.
It is very wise just to accept the Bible's statements and attempt to do them. Wise to learn from Others. Foolish to learn nothing and go on doing what God says not too. So, if You know a lot - then You have a lot to share with Others who don't. God is relying on Us here and now to reach out to the lost.
Open up about what God taught You about many topics. Failure, money, pain, sorrow, waiting, illness, disappointment and what His wisdom has MEANT to You. When We ask God what to do - He brings out the passions for whatever causes He placed in Us and works it all out so that We can do it. It feels like a driving factor, a compulsion or a purpose driven by divinity and You speak out and do when You are tired, stressed and in the good times because it is a force than can't be ignored because it is heavenly.
We've all got different God given passions because We were meant to. Created to have Them. Created to use Them with God helping out tremendously to do so. We are limited - time, energy, resources and so on - but He isn't. God provides for Us. So, whether Your passion - animals, abuse, depression, persecution, counselling, advocating, mental health, addiction, children or adults - is it simmering or boiling? Doesn't have to be boiling ( a head full of steam) all the time but it should be at least warm and often.
There isn't any bad news with God. We love Him and obey Him because He is good, generous, loving, forgiving, understanding, gracious and merciful. He is also faithful and fiercely loyal to Us - even when We aren't to Him. I have had times of disloyalty and was so encouraged and surprised when He showed up afterwards with kindness and even compassion and it is His heart attitudes that keep Us with Him.
You don't need a doctorate in divinity or be an eloquent speaker to speak up for Christ and God. Just a willing heart and hands. We're not expecting everyone to go out and become a street pastor - only the Ones called to do so. This doesn't mean though that We're off the hook - making excuse after excuse not to do what He asks. He wants to change Our hearts, minds and lives and All for the better - for Us! Not one person, who has walked with the Lord could give a bad testimony about Him. He never lets Us down, leaves Us or forsakes Us. Do You know this? Then, good, go tell someone else.
Keep thinking, keep praying, keep talking, keep doing. If You haven't started yet then God come to You and get You out of this dry season. You could ask someone for a meal, write to Them, invite Them to Your church, phone Them, stop to talk and listen, give Them something - time, food, toys for the kids, money, a bible or books about the bible.
Is anyone going to go to heaven because of what You did for Them? When YOU get there, who will come up to You and thank You for saving Them? Or, is it all about You still? Well done the willing workers out there - God bless You now and You know that You will be foreverafter blessed and rewarded. Get more blessings now then should be Your motto and mission.
We only have a short time left now to share and save. Give God's work some time please. It is not enough to feel content that You and yours are alright - what about Other entire families out there?
Point to ponder: God is waiting for Us to speak out what He wants Us to say. Will You?
Verse to remember: 'Be ready at all times to answer anyone who asks You to explain the hope You have in You, but do it with gentleness and respect. 1 Peter 3;1
Prayer: God, give Us All reflection and revelation into OUR personal stories so that We can personalise it to Others relevant to Their circumstance now. We are to listen first and then speak led by God's Spirit. We are not speaking to brag but boast about God and Christ's love and power. Amen.
Day 38 - Saturday17th August
Jesus said and is still saying 'Go everywhere in the world and tell the good news to everyone'.
So, it is clear that it is time to start making some Christ centred choices. At the heart of Him was and still is service and sharing to Others for our heavenly Father. Christ's purpose wasn't to misuse His power for Himself and not once did He do this to make even His own life comfortable - only for Others. And when We work for Him, the joy of knowing that We ARE making a difference is still there.
So, are You living just a little of Your spiritual self and/or eager to release God's power in You? It is there for Your taking - and giving. I am so glad that there Our people who have been and are still going out overseas to share the gospel because this is hastening Christ's return. And, We have the WWW and so the Word goes out day and night everywhere.
To do God's will and think as He does is given Us now by the Holy Spirit and will involve shifts in thinking which God sends now. We will change more from self absorbed to absored with God. There are shifts in the realms happening daily and a clearing of the air is imminent which will make everything so much easier - so hang on. All will be well. God knows what is happening and so do not worry or have anxiety about anything. Live in His peace is My blessing to Us.
When We meet someone or hear of someone We could ask God to reveal to Us their spiritual condition so that He gives Us THE words to pray and also say. This is particularly pertinant to unbelievers. God and Christ's words are changing People everywhere and in every way. For the vile and wicked and evildoers - warning goes out today that vengeance is on the way. You should have repented by now and if not, You have a matter of days now before You will feel the power of God Almighty fall upon You. This is serious and if you still haven't done as You were told, then expect punishment. The Word has been out there for so long now, it is time to toughen things up. So, if you haven't taken on board the good news, bad news is coming your way. It is written in the Bible. Bloody in the Bible, bloody in the Book, if You don't believe Me, take another look. 'Bloody hell' you should be thinking because the unrepenting shall be going there -into a bloody nightmare.
I know of many of Ours out there who are still doing study courses - good as it is to study, the point is to go out and do it. So, go on, dive in - start in the shallow end if that is what the Spirit asks but there are plenty of Us out there THRIVING in the deep end enjoying the thrills and spills of serving. We also put the most energy into the deeper matters and not just focus on things that won't really matter in say, less than a year from now.Think of the eternal meanings and not just short term. Because the world as We see it now IS on the way out.
Invest time and prayer and money if You can to Others. To help someone out in Their time of need is a wonderful and eternal blessing. Tell Them why You did it - because You are a Christian. Give THEM eternal blessing by helping to save Them and Theirs.
What's Your excuses for not doing Your duty? God's heard them all before and God has helped them all before to the Folk who finally quit procrastinating and seek Their purpose. God will take care of You - what more could You need or want? If you've been hanging back waiting on the big call - then call out again to Him and humble Yourself to do what He is asking of You. Don't think You're above it - God's thoughts are above Ours as are His plans.
We are called to WORSHIP, FELLOWSHIP, SERVE, GROW AND MIMIC CHRIST MOVING TOWARDS OUR GOD GIVEN PURPOSE. We need Us All to make up the complete picture. Without You it wont work as well or at all? Open Your mind to the possibilities and enjoyment He gives through completing Your mission. God opens doors for You so don't keep the door closed to Him. Should be like a revolving door. Talking and listening all day long. If You're open and receptive then You shall, of course, receive.
God, help Us All to really want to feel alive in You and really live the way You want for Us. Thank You so much. Amen.
Point to ponder: It's time to blow the dust off Your mission if it is still on file unused and take a look at what God planned for Your life.
Verse to remember: 'Send Us around the world with the news of Your saving power and Your eternal plan for All mankind'. Psalm 67
Prayer: Lord, my hope is that We can move forward soon All taking part in this exciting plan of God for Us All to enjoy Our lives. Break the curses out there that have hindered Us and get rid of the deadbeat stuff in Our lives that hold Us back. Time to realise there IS more to life than drifting like a boat in the water without oars. If We're feeling all out at sea - pull Us into Your safe shores. Thank You, God and Christ that all will be sorted out according to Your plan. We have no doubt. We should have no fear either but be still and know that You are God. WE LOVE YOU FATHER AND JESUS! Amen.
Day 39 -- Sunday 18th August
Blessed are the balanced for They shall outlast Everyone. It is written 'Don't let the errors of evil people lead You down the wrong path and make You lose Your patience'. Who keeps us in balance? God and Christ do. So, if we swing a little to the left or right then we're still in the safe and balanced zone. Isn't it good that God keeps Us within His parameters to keep Us safe and protected and living in His love.
Our whole self or holistic self God likes to keep in balance. He does not ask us to work to exhaustion or give Us things are too much for Us to handle. God doesn't want Us tired out although We except there are a few especially busy times which We get through and then God gives rest and recovery time. I am glad that God tells Me to slow down and rest and rest more at times because I am blind to My own needs at times and will keep going even when unwell or tired out. But, he cares for Me and Us and says 'sit still' and 'rest in Me for a while'. I don't push Others like Myself though, just expect this of Myself but I do have to consider others more, this I know. Bless Him.
There is just so much We All want to study and know but that is where Our sharing of knowledge is a blessing. It saves Us time and Others enjoy passing it on. This is where to, the church, that We share Our giftings and what We're not gifted at, Others are and this is God designed so that it all gets done and We work Together.
It is also recommended by GOD to gather together in His name outwith Church to pray and share and stay focused. It clears the air when We discuss things rather than keeping Them inside. Speaking out is a remarkable healer and clearer outer, getting stuff out of Our minds and helping rationalise the thoughts in there into action. It sorts the stuff out and brings balance as when we speak it out, it tells Us clearly what we need to do, or not. Let go of it or go to God with it even if is is a repeat move. If someone in a church chooses to share Their knowledge and is willing to speak, then a get Together is great. Similarly, in the group, if someone has been through experiences of e.g. depression, They could share what God and Christ did with Others to encourage Them and give Them STRENGTH. And You can't buy good feelings like that out the shops. The joy of giving is unparalleled.
I have been a lifelong self evaluator, regularly standing back from situations and people and looing afresh to basically see (assess) how things are going. I reflect A LOT and am always honest because no point in burying one's head in the sand is there. We want to go on being fully aware of what is good to hang onto and what needs a fresh approaach. I don't though trust in My own judgement and always ask God's opinion because He and He alone sees the full and bigger picture and We can easily get side tracked or just not see the true situation. No matter how SURE You feel about something or someone or a situation - check it out with Christ is the best advice I can give. I have learned through many a trial and error that I at times was convinced in My own opinion and didn't go to God until something went wrong or I was repeating the same thing again and again. It meant wasted time and living outside His blessing and help. I now ask Him about My every move.
It is also very worthwhile to write things down. Your lessons learned, prayer requests and answers, God's wisdom, God's instructions and Your goals and aims to keep You on purpose.
It is important to solidify learning from the experiences with God and to bring clarity. It is all too easy to waltz out of church and get tied up in everyday life and let it go out of Your mind. A jouney journal IS a joy. And, We CAN All teach Others something of good use for Them.
Where would We be without the recordings of the people in the Bible? We are so fortunate that They did because whatever anyone needs to know is written down there for Us for easy reading and reference. Refer to it. The Bible is available for free on-line, free from Gideons +, cheap out of charity shops, on electronic form or audio format, large print, special editions in varying versions, for children, teens and adults and even on text alerts so if You've not read it yet then You'd better make a start because I know what You are missing and it is a lot!
Jesus said 'Anyone who knows the right thing to do and does not do it is sinning'. So, get wrapped up in God and less in self because He has the help and guidance and answers You need. You are an introduction vessel for Others to God by Your words, behaviour and sharing the good news and sharing Yourself. Are You a good advertisement for the Kingdom? If Your thoughts and actions were being played on a screen before All, would You feel comfortable with Others and God witnessing the content? Do You just go about Your own business or do something for God in return?
God gives balance and even creates time in Our lives so give Him now a set amount of time each day. Say 15 minutes, at least, a day of praying with Him with the aim of letting Him build this up for You. Show willing and He will willingly show You all about Your life and Your life's meaning and where You are going.
Point to ponder: Blessed are the balanced in Christ and Father.
Verse to remember: 'Live life with a due sense of responsibility, not as Those who do not know the meaning of life, but as Those who do'.
prayer: Father and Christ, We now commit time to You each day. Help Us make some space for Your gracious company. This time will become precious and purposeful and personal to Us letting Us not forget Your benefits to Us. Let Us not forget either or take for granted Your mercy, righteousness, compassion and that You are slow to anger and abounding in love. Nor let Us forget the honour of being Yours and that You will share the glorious abundance and riches of Your new earth that You have prepared for who will live there. Let us appreciate and tell You personally Our gratitude for the major difference You make in Our lives and for all You have done for Us to date and are going to do because of Your great love for Us. Let Us not forget that We can and should speak to THE HOLY AND SACRED GOD and be considered a Friend! Let Us not forget the times We have used You and then forgotten about You when We enjoyed the blessings You sent. Let Us not forget the joy of Our salvation is everlasting. Let Us give thanks and praise to Our Lord. Amen.
Day 40 - Monday 19th August
Our purpose is to live the life God created Us to live, enjoying and not enduring. Christ came to introduce Us to the full and abundant life on offer.
Jesus said 'now that You know these things, You will be blessed IF YOU DO them'. Motivation from the mouth of Our Messiah indeed. Once You are clear about what Christ wants YOU to do, the blessings begin when You begin. This means going out to do them and giving up other things in order to do them but all will be rewarded just as promised. I go out and get my blessings in return for My service - they've got My name on them and so do Yours. If You're caught up in meaningless stuff then i pray that You can listen and obey and let God and Christ transform Your days into meaningful.
I used to go out having decided something to do for that week and get the habit established. For example, this week I am going to focus on listening and developing patience. This soon became habit and then next something like this; I am going to concentrate on the words that come out of My mouth - and stand back and assess the difference they make to Me and Others hearing them. Get a little small step plan of action going then - God and Christ and the Spirit will make You aware of Your personal habits that need Your attention. If You are honest with Them, You WILL know deep down that They are speaking the truth and often Others will have commented too - perhaps Your anger, Your hard heartedness, Your careless words, Your short fuse or Your tendency to speak out depressing words? We are required to make a start and stop putting it off because it is very unfair of You to carry on upsetting Others taking Your issues out on Them so think on. If something slips out of Your mouth, apologise, put it behind You and God will get You back on the horse again. There's nothing wrong with falling off the horse but there is in lying there and giving u. Neither can We feel happy about repeating the same sin over and over without care.
Question one to ask Yourself. What will be the centre of My life from now on? Will You continue now knowing all of this placing Your focus on career, hobbies, money, self gain, having fun for Yourself...or will You give God some of Your goals and Christ some of Your commitment? No-one can force You, We are not about that because You need to really want to comply or else it is a waste of time. You get His peace when You're in the middle of a piece of work with Him! Go get YOUR peace then.
Question two to ask Yourself. What will be the character of Your life? This is talking about discipleship. Your character can always be further developed into divinity. A divine nature and reputation sounds good and is good. I often go to God asking Him to help Me develop the characteristics of the Fruits. I used to ask Him to decide which one i should start on for example Lord, help Me be more generous. Amen. Allow Him to bring His plan and You can't go wrong.
Question three to ask yourself. What will be the contribution of MY life? What service WILL You give from now on? Ask God how You can make a difference here and now. When We serve We are meeting the needs of God's people and also giving God an outpouring of the gratitude He requires and deserves. It isn't a matter of commenting on someone else's service - that's Their business. Your business is Your own decisions daily to obey or not.
Question four to ask yourself. What will the communication of My life be? This is towards unbelievers. Mind We took some convincing and thank God that He sent for Us Others to lead Us to Him. Time to repay the many favours back. If God has given You a special target of people to reach out to - mental ill health, the poor, children - ARE You? If You are a parent then it is Your responsibility to raise Your children knowing Christ's ways. Children of all ages need Your time and attention and remember the world that They are growing up in - WE adults struggle with it so how does Your child feel about their perspectives of the cultures out there? More than EVER, Our children need mum and dad's time and attention - to talk and listen and seek help where it is needed.
Question five to ask yourself. What will be the community of My life? This concerns fellowshipping. How are You going to demonstrate Your commitment to Other believers and the lost? Where are You going to practise what has been taught? It is a command and not just something You can take or leave. If You take from the Lord, You are bound by duty to give. Are You still just sitting in Your church thinking it is all about just you waiting til You feel great before You give? Doesn't work like that. Don't just take a pew; look in the book and see again what God expects You to actually do! Don't be a hypocrite and talk a good game either because You are not a very good advertisement for the Kingdom and better then to be quiet til You actually get going. We can All spout out but it is the folks who do the doing and get going that get noticed by God and Christ and GET blessed. So, if You are going without blessing why is that then? Yes, We All of Us have our problems, but, when We start doing KNOW THAT GOD WILL GET GOING EVEN MORE ON YOUR WORRIES. It'll not be as difficult for any of Us that it was for the disciples and Christ - if They can do what they did with the severe difficulties around Them then, surely, We can realise Our service isn't beyond Our God given giftings. I am not just speaking to church goers here - people who don't attend are also required to act on the outpouring of time and teaching given to date. It is NOT just church goers that are required to do THEIR bit, but All of Us. We should not be sitting back waiting on the church community to do when We can do Our duty (personal duty) where We are and with who we are with. We are ALL responsible for changing the world around Us. If We continue to disobey then We hamper God's work as We are All part of the bigger picture.
When We start asking Christ to change Our character, Other people respond favourably and You also get God's favour - it is great! If Others are still behaving in ways that offend You, then God will help You deal with them but keep in mind that We Ourselves took time to develop. Don't entertain evil thoughts about Others because the devil wants You to do this to get You off Your plans and purposes.
God has plans then for Your life including Your relationships, marriage, education, job, money and enjoyment factors such as hobbies and interests. A sobering thought is to think about the good things people might say about You at your funeral. What truly matters though as You should know by now - is God's opinion of You because in the end, that IS all that will matter. At the judgement, We WILL, personally, be asked questions such as 'On 19th August 2013, You said.... why? On 20th September 2013, You went out and did...WHY when You knew My wisdom' Or, during the prosperous years I gave You, You gave only...WHY? And, I came into Your life counselling You through....WHY didn't You reach out to help.....on...? So, fresh start required, today.
There wont ever be another You nor the opportunities to serve God as only You can. Don't let Your life drift without divinity. Don't be plagued with regrets when God is there NOW to help You do all He wants You too. Would Your rather have a handful of money or a heart full of Grace? Would You rather just continue living for Your needs or think about Other peoples' needs? Do You really want to continue being selfish or go into selflessness approved by God? When You go to bed at night, what good things do You have to reflect on that You did that day? Are You still complaining and causing trouble or going out to MAKE peace and be thankful for what You have? What occupies Your thoughts? Who occupies Your thoughts? There is a big world out there needing some of Your time and attention.
Lord, through Your spirit, teach Us the truth about Ourselves. Thank You. Amen.
Point to ponder: A life without purpose is a life without true meaning.
Verse to remember: 'Our purpose is to please God and NOT people'. (or, God forbid, just ourselves).
prayer: God, because Our lives are so busy and there are so many things out there grabbing Our attention, come into Our lives and give Us the truth and nothing but the truth so that We can begin to live. Thank You that You explain without criticism and encourage without condemnation. You tell Us what We need to know in ways that Will surprise Us and delight Us. Thank You for Your time and attention to each of Us. You have poured Yourself out to US so many times that We now recognise that We couldn't live without You and out of gratitude for what has been and what is going to be - let Us live more for You. To continue to sin when we know the truth is out of order and goes without blessing. But, to make a start in doing as You ask receives blessing. We should be giving thanks and living under Grace. We should be growing up and getting on with the good works because the Kingdom of heaven and the judgment throne IS near. Help Us please look forward to hearing those precious words 'Well done,(Your name)My good and faithful servant'.Thank You. Amen.
I have devoted My time and attention to this 40 day purpose plan. This 40 day period is alos very significant to God. I look forward to seeing and hearing God's words come alive. I can promise that Your actions, even the small ones, will bring You blessing and inner peace and contentment and give You new purpose in your life. Father and Christ, i thank You for the author of this book and for the Wisdom You have given Me to write this for You. I have been happy to oblige You and wait to see and hear what will come of this for Us All. Thank You for the meaning this book gave Me personally and for the powerful purposes it gave Me. Lord, bless Us indeed for paying attention, giving Your words thinking time and encouraging Us on in kindness to go out and do them knowing that YOU will be there helping Us. I praise Your goodness, patience, understanding and gentle approach. You wait with confident hope and expectation that We will respond to Your Spirit's promptings. Thank You. Amen.