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Blog Encouragement Faith Holy Spirit Love

The Master’s Plan for Evangelism Starts with Love

By Delores Pryce

All week I had been hearing the word, Restoration; maybe because Bishop had been preaching on love and forgiveness. I had been going through a personal struggle with a family member and even hearing the words love and forgiveness made me nauseous. I thought surely, he does not know what I just went through, but Bishop has the God given ability to preach a rhema word.

As I listened and meditated on the word of God, the Holy Spirit reminded me of what I was called to do; “to make disciples of every creature”. How could I do this refusing to forgive and love? This was a dilemma for me because I was deeply hurt. God has called me to love “not because of, but in spite of” circumstances or situations; not because they were right and I was wrong but because in 1 John 4:20-21 “If a man says, I love God, yet hate his brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother or sister whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen. And He has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister”. I knew if I continued not loving with unforgiveness and holding a grudge I could not make disciples. I could not be used by God because my heart wasn’t right.

The Great Commission appeared in my mind; (Matthew 28:19) clearly; charity, love starts at home and then broaden outwards. I knew at that moment I must forgive and love unconditionally in order to continue my deployment; my mission.

The word here in Matthew 28:19 indicates that we are to go out into the world and WIN others who would come to be as we are—-Disciples of Jesus Christ and therefore expanding the Kingdom of God. This Great Commission was not a maybe statement nor a “If you feel like it” statement; it was an order. We all are Ambassador’s of Christ (2Cor. 5:20) therefore, we all have been deployed. As Minor Worker Ants we are to be about our Father’s business, spreading the gospel, finding the loss and encouraging them out of the darkness into the wonderful light. But how can we do this if we hate people? Refusing to forgive but say we love God? God want more than our lips service, our position status, or our educational background. He wants our YES! Not our maybe, if I have time, or If they like me or if I like them. He wants our unconditional YES!

Jesus spoke of the gates of hell in Matthew 16:18. Those gates are there to keep God’s righteous people out; but we are to take back territory. We are to infiltrate the enemies camp taking back everything he has stolen from us. Those gates can not keep us out! We are the righteousness of God; Jesus has equipped us with the Holy Spirit and we have Power, Dominion and Authority to seize what rightfully belong to our Father, his children.

But, we ourselves must be cleansed, purified, and prepared to gather the harvest. Putting away anything that would clog the operation, cause us to abort the mission or hinder the mandate that God has set before us.

Therefore, love and forgiveness are vital in order to continue ushering the loss into the Kingdom. We must be quick and ready to forgive and to show real love even when we are mistreated. Remember we are showing the love of Christ Jesus and to complete the Great Commandment, “To change lives by reforming minds that we might transform our communities and establish the Kingdom of God.” We are to Win Souls!

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Blog Discipline Encouragement Faith

The Power of God

By Vince Pryce

There are key points in all our lives. Vital areas that really tell us how to get information out of our head and into our practical living. Sometimes we forget or overlook the incredible treasures and resources we have in the Word of God. Passages particularly — that show us how to really live life and to have life more abundantly.

Listen, with privilege always comes what? Responsibility. It is not just enough to get up in the morning, look in the mirror and not make any changes in relation to what we see. It is not enough to enter a dark room and not turn the light switch on to release the power FP&L provides. It is not just enough to hear the Word of God and not do the Word of God. How do we take the resources and the power of God and make it operative in our everyday life?

In Ephesians 3:14-21, the Apostle Paul prays to see the power of God flowing in the Believer’s life. Paul prays that we might have inner strength, that Christ may live in us, that we’d experience the height, depth, breath of God’s love for us, and that we’d be completely filled with God. The Apostle Paul prays that we would have these things active in our life; that one would lead to another, to another until the power of God is released in our life.

It starts with the inner man. The inner man is strengthened when we yield to the Holy Spirit. We are strengthened when we no longer are ruled by ‘self’, Facebook, Tweets or Instagram. When you no longer do just what you want, but where we learn moment by moment, step by step, day by day to yield control to the Holy Spirit.

Then, Christ must live (be at home) in us. As we yield to the Holy Spirit, He controls our life and Christ settles down and becomes at home there. In other words, Christlikeness is Christ permeating every part, every fiber, every ounce of our being with His wonderful person and presence.

Next, we are to be rooted and grounded in love. When Christ lives in our hearts, He settles down and is at home in our hearts, we are rooted and grounded in love. As Christ fills your heart love rules. Love is what everything else is built upon. You not only have a life that is built on love but you have a life that possesses love as a personal possession. You literally seize love; you make it your own as a way of living.

Lastly, that you might be filled with all the fullness of God. Listen, when a believer follows this path, when we follow this sequence – ‘Now he is able’. Listen, do you realize that as powerful as God is – you hold the switch that determines whether He’s able or not in your life?

Now that we have inner strength, now that we have Christ living in us, now that there’s love, now that we’re filled with the fullness of God, now He is able to do “exceeding abundantly above all we (dare to) ask or think according to the power that works in us.” That power doesn’t work in us until we go through the steps and turn-on the switch. Listen, “He is able,” “He is able to do–He is able to do what you ask–He is able to do what you ask or think–He is able to do all that you ask or think–He is able to do above all that you (dare to) ask or think–He is able to do abundantly above all that you ask or think. And that’s not all, He is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that you ask or think.

Jesus said, we’d do greater things once we allow the power source (Holy Spirit) to operate in us (John 14:12)…but not until we follow His pattern. Not until we realize that we have to yield to the Spirit. Be strengthened in the inner man. That Christ may fill us with Himself. That we may be filled with all the fullness of God and then the power will flow through us.

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Blog Courage Encouragement Faith Good News

Armor UP!

By Kaila Williams

My favorite TV show when I was a child was a classic that highlighted invincible young superheroes known as the Power Rangers. I lived vicariously through the Pink Power Ranger known as Putty Patroller with my bubblegum pink leotard and my full armor courageously emulating Putty Patroller’s speed, grit, and durability. With sword in hand and helmet intact I was able to defeat my imaginary antagonist by sprinting around the house, leaping between the couches and cartwheeling in full belief that victory was already mine!

This personal sweet memory of being an overcomer, reminded me of the importance of being equipped and ready for battle spiritually to advance and succeed against the enemy. This broken world isn’t beyond repair and hope for God to do a divine reversal. All of the sickness, racism, unemployment, and social distancing can’t overcome the name above all names which is Jesus Christ. When the enemy shoots arrows of death to steal, ravage and destroy unity, peace, joy, health, and prosperity, we can choose a greater weapon, and the time has come to armor UP! The Word encourages: “Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (Ephesians 6:13-17,ESV).

As Christ followers we choose to take up our crosses and follow Jesus daily. We must reflect and ask ourselves: “Is my faith evidence of my friendship with Jesus?” To be absolutely transparent, I sometimes must challenge myself to incorporate the Word, to pray and to worship throughout the busyness of my life. What propels me is that it will not only make me better but also expresses my devotion and love to God and knowing He will be pleased with my faith. Faith and action combined result in a life of discovering treasures along the mountaintops as well as the valleys. James 2:17 renews our mind that: “So too, faith, if it does not have works [to back it up], is by itself dead [inoperative and ineffective]” (AMP). Faith is also a catalyst to inspire others to persevere through difficulties including COVID-19, unemployment, anxieties, political tension, and injustice. Faith activated silences the enemy when we confidently choose faith over fear. True power lies in protecting your soul from the cares of this world and charging on through the dynamic changes and unprecedented challenges of this world. Together let’s take the pledge and set our faith in motion.

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Blog Courage Encouragement Faith Good News

Until the Whole World Hears

By Delores Pryce

If you saw your neighbor’s house on fire, would you do anything to rescue them? Of course! You might call them, bang on the door, or ring the bell. You might yell in the windows or do something extra to get their attention and alert them to the danger. We all know people all-around us: in our family and in our community, who do not know the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ? Are we likewise as diligent and willing to get their attention, help rescue them, warn them of the danger of being eternally separated from God?

A reporter once asked three people working to build a great cathedral, “What are you doing?” One person said, “I’m putting this rock in the slot; isn’t it obvious?” Another person, doing the same work said, “I’m earning a day’s living.” The reporter came to a third person doing identically the same work, and he said, “…I’m helping…to build the church.” Does our ministry simply depend on our perspective? Are we just filling holes, are we trying to earn rewards or are we changing lives by reforming minds that we might transform our communities and advance the Kingdom of Jesus Christ?

‘For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believes’ Rom 1:16

‘Get the Word Out!’
Some may question whether the sharing of the Gospel makes any difference. Is the Gospel the only way to help people thrive spiritually? As believers, we have been given the ministry of helping to reconcile a dying world to a good, good Father. To share the Gospel message with our friends and our circle of influence that forgiveness and peace is possible with a Holy God. Put simply, the Holy Spirit does that work in a person’s life through the hearing of the Gospel, and hearing by the Word of God.

‘Get the Word Out!’
Believers must make a consistent effort to share the Gospel. By taking the opportunity to share the life-transforming Gospel of Jesus Christ in every earthly kingdom, we are helping to transform the kingdoms of this world into the kingdom of our Lord and His Christ. You are a vital instrument, in His hands… Share, Share, Share and ‘Get the Word Out!’ How can we ‘Get the Word Out!?’ Here are a few suggestions you can choose from…

  • Join the Truth Revealed Ambassadors for Christ FaceBook group page
  • Share Truth Revealed Ambassadors for Christ FB page ‘#GettheWordOut’ posts
  • Share Bishop’s daily devotional with family & friends @BshpMerton and @TRIMNation1
  • Share and ‘Like’ Truth Revealed FB Live service
  • Share a gospel trac or a ‘memory verse’ (YouVersion Verse of the Day is a good resource)
  • Share an Instagram post with your favorite scripture or inspirational gospel message

Remember when posting, liking, commenting, and sharing to tag @trimnation1 and use either #TruthRevealed, #TrimNation, #GetTheWordOut2020, #GetTheWordOutChallenge.

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Blog Encouragement Faith

Faith in the Right Things

By Babette Bailey

Many people have faith, and they are putting their faith into action. But unfortunately, their faith is in the wrong things or the wrong people. While they are getting results and things are happening, it’s not the desired results and not what they wanted to happen.

On the other hand, people are putting their faith in God, in the Word of God, and it seems like nothing is happening. I think we need to look again. Is it possible that what we’re praying for and believing God for is being prepared or developed? Is it also possible that we can affect or disrupt development by doubting, speaking negatively, quitting, changing our minds, etc?

When I look at some of the people in the Bible, it doesn’t make sense to our carnal minds why God would linger or delay sometimes for years meeting a need, answering a prayer, or fulfilling a promise or an expectation.

We have been studying about Rizpah in the Bible. Her two sons were killed unjustly, and she was determined to stay outside guarding their bodies from the wild birds by day and the wild animals by night. She stayed until the king would give her sons a proper burial. As we studied, we learned that she was there from the beginning of the harvest season until the end, which was about five months. How many of us are willing to not just wait for five months for an answer from God, but to endure extreme circumstances while we wait, and then allow others to see us as we go through our tests?

I think the next time we decide to believe God and put our faith in action for something, we should:

  • Decide that what we want is worth enduring and waiting for.
  • Determine that we won’t waiver, even when we don’t see hope, or the answer is delayed.
  • Refuse to be discouraged or quit because it is hard.
  • Refuse to listen to or be swayed by the opinions or judgment of others.

I believe that we’ve all doubted, we’ve quit, we’ve given in to discouragement, we’ve wavered between unbelief and faith, we’ve battled with unbelief, and we’ve had to pray Lord, help our unbelief.

We also all have faith, but our faith must be in the right things and the right persons. Our faith must be accompanied by action. We must stand; we must fight; we must endure; we must apply ourselves; we must believe; and we must be consistent, steadfast, and immovable, and we must trust.

When we see the results of our faith, it will be worth it!!!

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Blog Encouragement Faith

The Operation of Faith

By Vince Pryce

In this season, many believers are being tossed to/fro with different winds of doctrine. The enemy of our soul is causing fear and doubt in established institutions such as the Postal Service, Voting Rights, the election process, and our Civil Rights. Lately the language of the day has included words such as: unprecedented, fatality, death, pandemic, quarantine, difficulties, challenges, lock-down, isolation, underlying issues, crisis, chaos…those are the words of our day. All those words can be summed up into one word: uncertainty.

Despite the fact we do not understand these uncertain times, this does not cancel the truth of God’s Word. It does not change the one thing we do know…God is still in control. That does not mean we will not experience periods of uncertainty because in this world you will have trouble. This means we will have difficulties and challenges because man born of a woman is filled with trouble, but…God is still absolutely in control. Even as believers, we will experience uncertainties even though God is certain. That may be a contradiction, but mankind will experience uncertainties even though there is no uncertainty in God.

How do you maintain a strong faith during challenging times? Faith is the currency; the medium of exchange in the Kingdom of Heaven by which we access the grace of God; not thru good works or good intentions but by faith; not by works of righteousness which we have done but by faith. Jesus told the blind men, who lived in a sense of uncertainty, “be it unto you according to your faith”. Your faith during these uncertain times is the measure of your victory, your success. All the riches of God’s grace are made known to us through faith.

To strengthen your faith, let us review a few ‘Truth Points’ intended to help us navigate through the storms of life.

Truth Point #1: The object of faith is God (trust Him; know Him).

Know in whom you believe. We must be confident in whom we believe. Our faith must be built on nothing less than Jesus blood and His righteousness. The object of our Faith is the living God. Faith is no better than the object or the instrument in which it is placed. Some believe faith is positive thinking; some think hoping for the best is faith; some think giving it our best is faith…people have all kinds of ideas about what faith is. Positive thinking and hoping for the best are not faith. As we learn from the mustard seed, it is not the size of our faith but the object of our faith. The object of our faith must be in the Almighty God.

Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith. We must look away from all the distractions and look to Jesus. Do not look at others; look to Jesus. Do not look at yourself; look to Jesus. Do not look at the wind and the waves, or the circumstances; look to Jesus as the author and finisher of your faith.

Truth Point #2: Everyone’s faith must be tested.

Part of life’s experience includes various storms of life. Storms of life are part of God’s Lesson Plan for our growth and development. Like diamonds, gold or silver, everyone’s faith must go through a period of testing. Faith is exemplified in the life of Abraham for the bible says that, ‘he staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God.’ Abraham’s test included being told by God to take his son (Isaac), whom he waited 25 years to have, to Mt Moriah and sacrifice him. Mt. Moriah became a place where Abraham’s faith was challenged; a place of solitude; away from people and kin folks.

Everyone will experience times of testing. There is a place and a time in our life, whether during a pandemic or during times of uncertainty, when we will have opportunity to demonstrate what we profess. A place in life where God chooses, to prove to the enemy that you really trust in, rely on, and adhere to the Word or God.

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Blog Courage Encouragement Faith

How Will We Survive All This?

By Johnie S. Stevens

We are currently experiencing significant risks challenging us and necessitating that we critically assess how we survive their influence.

These risks are identified as environmental and existential. They show-up to impact our environment and our human existence by transforming the way we live in the present and in the future. I will categorize them as; Natural Risks, Mental Risks and Spiritual Risks.

Natural Risks are those impacting our physical environment; Mental Risks and Spiritual Risks are those impacting our human existence. Natural, Mental and Spiritual Risks develop relationships (of sorts) that overwhelm us, they establish patterns of deception that provoke us to accidentally make hasty decisions and they create doubt that bind us with fear and avoidance. So, let’s look at these significant risks, how they show-up and in what ways we can survive them.

Natural Risks arrive with force and abrupt destruction. First, in earthquakes; they ascend without invitation or warning. Earthquakes come boldly with rumbling, shaking, and trembling, followed by a shifting of the earth’s core; while simultaneously, splitting concrete foundations as quickly as a “pair of scissors” cut through paper mâché. Our defense and offense need immediate reaction to earthquakes by taking cover under sturdy furniture, by staying away from glass, windows and walls, and staying inside of buildings until all shaking has stopped.

Second natural risks are hurricanes. Although, hurricanes send out early warnings, they come announced, they come with extreme force, and hurricanes move bodies of water from one location to another. With ease, mighty winds inhale and then exhale paths of “100 to 180” miles per hour gusts mowing-down bridges, hijacking cars, kidnapping palm trees and invading homes made of concrete blocks. Our defense and offense need strategic reactions to hurricanes. Such as following the guidelines distributed by Emergency Response Teams; checking generators, restocking supplies and being prepared to relocate to a safe location when given instructions to. If not relocating, we should fortify doors, windows, and glass doors; close all interior doors—secure and brace external doors, and keep curtains and blinds closed.

Third natural risk are tornadoes. Tornadoes come demanding territory. They are powerful and strong; cycling through communities, splitting trees and leaving them prostrated. Our defense and offense for tornadoes need immediate action; go to a room without windows. Avoid windows and take refuge in a small interior room, closet, or hallway on the lowest level. Do not stay in a mobile home.

The final natural risks are those that come in as a thief-in-the-night. In the hidden shadows of the night. The Corona Virus, a devasting pandemic slipped-in, infiltrating cultural borders, infecting the unprotective and compromising immune systems. Invisible and lurking; arrived catching the world unprepared to oppose the devastation. Our defense and offense for the Corona Virus is following Medical and Scientific advice. Finally, Mental and Spiritual Risks are those that impact our mind and soul.

Mental risks are those that arrest our thoughts. They create internal questions of doubt that generate confusion in our decision making; consequently, we ask ourselves, “if I am doing the right things to keep my mind healthy; am I dreaming or is this reality.” “Will we be deceived or manipulated by our thoughts?” Our thoughts may create irrevocable damage to the mind and to our physical state. Our defense and our offense for Mental Risks are to keep renewing our minds with Scripture and optimism and “thinking on those things that are pure” and wholesome.

Spiritual risks come when our souls are vulnerable to conflicts with right and wrong. When we are overwhelmed with life’s events and we are close to losing hope, we turn away from God and all positive thoughts while turning to negative thoughts. Our defense and offense for Spiritual Risks are to connect to men who believe in and have accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Now men who have experience with conflicts of right and wrong and have experience with overcoming negative thoughts are men who have developed their Spiritual agility from a leader who God has appointed to lead men.

For today, Joshua is a leader example who survived all of these significant risks because he accepted the mantle to handle the natural, the mental and the spiritual challenges. He accepted his mission to lead Israel and to claim and hold the promised. He was effective because he depended on a divine purpose; God gave the victory. He had personal commitment to obey the Laws Moses had given him and he developed strength and courage.

How will we survive all this? We will survive this by studying Joshua’s life and his significant risks. They are outlined in the Book of Joshua. “Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:7-9)

Men, CONNECT and ENGAGE.

My name is Johnie S. Stevens and I am an Abishai Inspired Man.

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Blog Courage Encouragement Faith

Action!

By CasSandra Clark

“Therefore, put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.” NIV 6:13 Ephesians

Perhaps you may be familiar with the passage in which the Lord says “Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations; I will be exalted in the Earth. (Psalm 46:10). What a great action it is to simply stand still! The word action by one definition is “a thing done.” So, when we perform an action, it means we are choosing to do SOMETHING. Oftentimes, we think that to do something means to move, to act, to go forward. But what if God is trying to get us to understand that standing still is an action, doing something, just like moving forward is.

Ephesians 6:13 says that when the day of evil comes if we have on our armor, we will be able to stand. It does not say “if the day of evil comes”, God tells us that surely, without doubt; the day of evil is coming! That means the enemy is surely prowling. That means an idle mind is the devil’s playground. That means we must watch with vigilance because although God is always watching, we’re instructed to watch also. In Matthew 26, Jesus instructed His inner circle of disciples to sit and keep watch while He prayed. Jesus wants us to pay attention and what better way to be attentive than to remain in uniform and at attention. Remaining ready for whatever may come our way because if we stay ready, we will never have to get ready. Paul told us that when the day of evil comes, we may be able to stand our ground. May meaning “have the ability to” not necessarily be permissive! We will have the ability, the stamina, the endurance, the longevity to stand for however long is needed. But what gives us these mighty characteristics? The Full Armor of God.

One could venture to say that the armor of God is both intangible and tangible based on your level of faith. We cannot see the belt of truth or the breastplate of righteousness, but we can see our feet and God tells us to have those fitted with the readiness called the “Gospel of peace”. Everywhere we go we walk in God’s peace! We can hold up our shields of faith with words and actions to block the enemies flaming arrows of negativity, passivity, and irritability. Our Christ-given crowns are bolted in gold and double as helmets of salvation by way of His blood. Last but far from least, we have a sword protecting us from the weapons that form but will never prosper, the Word of God.

Wearing this full armor may at times seem heavy but in fact, its yoke is easy and the burden of it all is light. We can stand firm on the solid Rock which is both the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and End. We can stand on/with Christ because it is, He who gives us strength. We can stand still in quiet confidence even when it looks like we are doing nothing. Paralysis and fear of the unknown are what the enemy desires, but we must refuse to cave in. An immovable stance wearing God’s armor will bring amazing victories for God’s glory and His Kingdom.

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Bible Study Blog Faith Holy Spirit Purpose

Welcoming Wholeness

By Brandon Levels

“For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known.” 1 Corinthians 13:12 ESV

When we wake up in the morning, we drag ourselves out of bed, not yet knowing what the day holds. This soft anticipation may be met, at first, with the snug and fuzzy feeling of bedroom slippers or the warm espresso notes in a cup of coffee. We may look in the mirror and do a routine dance or take a peek out the window at the sun performing something similar. Our motivation rises as its rays bounce and beam from the horizon and light up the stage for others. Like us, our co-stars pull back their curtains and yawn. Once we’re ready, we bid good morning and farewell to our loved ones, as they too rise and embark on a day that’s yet to be fulfilled. Each one of us starts our day with a mustard seed of faith that we will step into wholeness.

The day is yet to begin, but how can we prepare ourselves for all it has to offer? How also might we ensure that we’re walking in wholeness as we engage, interact with others, and perform our very best? It can be easy to assume that wholeness comes from our circumstances or our contentment is an excuse for complacency. This assumption can leave us running on empty or coming up empty-handed when we’re met with expectations. Wholeness within ourselves, in what we do, and in our surroundings are three things that must be reconciled to fully step into the things God has in store for us for the day and beyond. Individuals who are complete and effective will bring fullness to the spaces they pour into, which is the true essence of wholeness. The Apostle Paul gives us a resonant insight from his own life within his letter to the Philippians:

“Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead,” Philippians 3:12-13 ESV

This small, internal commitment characterizes the fresh start described earlier. We must embrace each day with the sense of self in Christ that gives us confidence in purpose. With this, we can acknowledge and surrender what was, be self-aware and present in what currently is, and look with welcoming eyes towards the things of God that pronounce us whole.

Every day is an opportunity to appreciate the little things, as the Holy Spirit tenderly guides us into being and becoming spiritually whole. For example, suppose yesterday’s coffee was bitter, and we reflected the bitterness in our conversation with our significant other. In that case, we will be reminded to add more “sugar and cream” for the next day. Likewise, if our eggs were a little too runny and the final product was undercooked, this will remind us to turn up the heat the next time to cook it just right.

Turning up the heat to ignite our passion for God is how we can face every day with an outlook of true wholeness, which is given to us based on the merit of Christ. Having faith in Christ and what He’s done on our behalf allows us to step into wholeness, and this prepares us from the inside before it’s ready to be revealed.

Father God, we thank You for knowing us fully. We thank You for reminding us we don’t have to attain our ideas of perfection, but we can look to Your Son, who is our promise of wholeness. Give us a clear vision that we might better reflect the radiance of Your love. We ask all of this in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

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Blog Courage Encouragement Faith

Refuse to Lose Your Peace

By Babette Bailey

One of the enemy’s main strategies is to get into the hearts and minds of people and plant seeds of doubt, fear, etc. that cause us to lose hope. If he can erect fear, doubt, worry, confusion, frustration and hopelessness into our hearts and minds, etc., then he can cause us to panic, to fret, to overreact, to be irrational, to run, and to even quit and abort the purposes of God for our lives. Ultimately, the enemy does not even have to move beyond the threats and mere words because just the thought of enduring the things he is threatening, or imposing can cause us to lose heart and give up or not even fight. Without an understanding and knowledge of God and His Word, what defense do we have? The Bible says that with fear comes torment. That is why people have even committed suicide because of fearing and dreading what could happen and losing the will to fight.

Nevertheless, what happens when we refuse to be intimidated, and when we refuse to lose our peace? Ultimately, We’re are able to receive what God is trying to impart to us. The Bible tells us not to be ignorant of the enemy’s devices. (His schemes, his tactics, his voice; etc.) If we recognize him and realize when he is at work in a situation, we have a better chance at standing against his fiery darts and his attacks. Think about it. What immediately happens when we are faced with a traumatic situation or a crisis? How do we face death, persecution, threats, bad reports, etc.? Look at how long Goliath had kept the Insraelites uneasy. The Israelites were kept bound up in fear just by the threats from Goliath. What if we stand as David stood; or like the Hebrew boys when they were threatened to be thrown into the fiery furnace; or like Nehemiah when he was rebuilding the wall and was faced with threats and opposition against his life as well as all who were standing with him. What if we were even willing to stand like Jesus stood, though it would cost us everything?

I really cannot imagine that there is anyone who has not faced the fear of what someone is going to say or do to them, especially those standing for the cause of Christ. One of Jesus’ greatest examples to His people was how to stay calm in the midst of trouble. (Storms, threats, false imprisonment, being lied on, rejected, seeing those He loved and cared for facing persecution, sickness, and death), Jesus kept his peace because He kept his eyes on God. He trusted and surrendered His life to God. He denied himself, took up His cross, and endeavored to fulfill the purposes of God in His life.

As you look at Jesus’ examples, do not let the enemies’ threats and accusations cause you to give in or give up. Be confident; be strong; be courageous; and still know that we can have that same peace as we focus on God and trust in the power and the promises of God.

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