Showing posts with label Spiritual Growth. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Spiritual Growth. Show all posts

July 3, 2023

Don't Shrink

Love is a powerful force that can infiltrate light in the darkness and melt the hardness of a cold heart. It is a force that is supposed to represent God's love on Earth through relationships. However, when people do not understand the purpose of love, they abuse it! They ask people to do things to prove their loyalty and love that is contrary to God's purpose and His love.

On the other hand, when Jesus died on the Cross, He did so to express His unconditional love for humankind. He knew the shedding of His blood on the Cross would be the final time blood would have to be shed for our redemption from sin. Jesus did not shrink or go into hiding. On His journey, He would step away for restoration to continue his ministry and mission. But Jesus never went into hiding because He was clear about who He was, who He was serving, and why He was serving.

Today, many women are in relationships where they have chosen to shrink instead of allowing their love to illuminate because the true purpose of love is not prevalent in their lives. Their spouse or mate is mandating her to negate her identity in the name of love, silence her voice in the name of love, surrender her will in the name of love, and deny her truth and values all in the name of love. These requirements are debilitating! They do not help women elevate to become the best versions of themselves. And our society is replete with women experiencing abuse and being held captive in the illusion of love.

There are four types of love, Eros, Agape, Phileo, and Storge - each type serves a distinct purpose. Learn and study them to discover the ones that have been prevalent in you and your relationships. Allow God's love to guide you on your journey of self-discovery and awareness to evolve into the best version of yourself.

February 15, 2023

Live According to Truth

A student wanted to call his mother to tell her he was not having a good day. A teacher asked him why wasn't he having a good day, and he replied, "because nobody likes me." The teacher asked his permission to ask the class if they liked him, and he said, "no." This student has been operating from the belief that all the students at the school do not like him and that he does not fit in. The sad thing is he cannot provide solid proof to validate his feelings or assumptions.

There are a large number of people living according to the fallacy of their feelings! Feelings are tricky! They seldom can be solidified without facts. However, people would rather live in captivity by holding onto their feelings instead of seeking divine truth that can release them from the lies intertwined in their feelings. We were created in the image of God to serve Him and to live a victorious, abundant life! But if we do not realize why God created us, we will shortchange ourselves from experiencing God's unconditional love, hope, and joy!

John 8:32 (KJV) states, And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. Make time to verify if what you believe is true according to the Word of God! You have one life to live, and you owe it to yourself and God to live according to His truth and not according to your feelings or the opinions of others.

February 27, 2022

When God Made You, He Spoke to Himself!

When God made you, He spoke to Himself. Everything God created outside of Himself, He spoke into existence (e.g., Let there be), and it was! When God made humanity, He spoke to Himself and said, Let us make man in our image after our likeness (Genesis 1:26).

The image of God is Triune (i.e., three beings in one)! He is God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. The image of man is Triune too (i.e., Soul, Body, and Spirit). Being made in God’s image reflects His holiness, His righteous, and His love. When God spoke to Himself to form humanity, He wanted to demonstrate His love through fellowship when He said, “It’s not good for man to be alone” (Genesis 2:18).

Another part of being made in God’s image is the freedom to choose. Adam and Eve were righteous until they ate the forbidden fruit (i.e., rebel against God). Their rebellion marred the image of God within themselves and their decedents. And the scars of their decision (i.e., mentally, socially, morally, and physically) are present in our lives today.

The good news is the original image of God can be restored through God’s grace and faith in Jesus Christ as our Personal Savior. Redemption is available if you need to reconnect with God or establish a relationship with Him. The choice is yours.

Click here view journal pages associated with this blog post.

July 23, 2021

Don't Live Within Your Means

Living within your means is well-intended advice to prevent people from acquiring debt. But could this advice prevent individuals from believing and achieving a bigger and better life?

Mean among many definitions is average. Living outside your means spiritually, emotionally, and socially can lead to an extraordinary life. Here’s how:
  • Write your big dreams and read them daily
  • Create a vision board with images that coincide with your dreams
  • Review, envision, and mediate daily of you achieving your dreams
  • Surround yourself with people who have what you desire
  • Strive for purpose and not security
  • Live by faith and not fear

April 2, 2019

Security

  • Security can be obtained from God’s everlasting arms.
  • God is our best security system from past, present, and future sins.
  • God is our security from life’s storms because He is our refuge.
  • Security is dwelling and abiding in the presence of God.
  • Security is knowing that God is our rock, our fortress, and deliverer in the time of trouble.
  • Security is the confidence that God is always near, and He will never leave nor forsake us.
  • Security is the Sovereignty of God because He has all things under His divine power and control.
  • Security is in God’s omniscience because He knows all things.
  • Security is in God’s word because it will not return to Him void.
  • Eternal security is the belief and knowledge that salvation belongs to Jesus Christ.

March 31, 2019

Salt of the Earth

It’s amazing how salt adds flavor to food? It’s also amazing how salty foods can make you thirsty. And, water is a great beverage to quench a salty thirst.

Every born again believer is the salt of the earth (Matthew 5:13) and they are responsible for adding flavor to the lives of people they encounter daily.

Are you a believer, what kind of flavor do you add to the lives of others? Is it wisdom, unconditional love, encouragement, salvation, peace, healing, faith or strength? Or, is it jealousy, envy, bitterness, complaints, or criticism? What flavor of salt do people you encounter thirst for the most? The flavor of the spirit or the flesh?

God has given every born again believer a gift or talent to add spiritual flavor to a flavorless world. In addition to adding flavor, salt is used to preserve and heal. The Blood of Jesus Christ has preserved every believer from: 1) the power of sin; 2) eternal damnation; and 3) the power of Satan. God would like His children to use their gifts to help preserve people from immorality by living and spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

When spiritual flavor is added to the lives of others, they should thirst for more. What better way to quench their thirst than by giving them living water from a fountain that never runs dry.

March 28, 2019

Submission

A husband would never have to ask his wife to submit if he’s submitting his will to God. And, it’s quite challenging to surrender your will to a man who doesn’t know his mission for God, his life, and family.

God called man to be the head (leader) of his family; not the boss! There is a difference. When husbands recognize and acknowledge God’s will for them to lead like Jesus led, (i.e., without coercion, but by example), their family will follow with honor and respect; without resistance.

March 26, 2019

Identity

  • Define your identity as a vessel for God; not a vessel for society.
  • Identify your uniqueness as a blessing from God who’s constantly unfolding your beauty.
  • Identify your shape, complexion, and size as priceless authentic fine art that can never be duplicated.
  • The antidote to an identity crisis is to define or re-define your being in the sight of God and not man.
  • Your identity will be recognized by the fruits they bear.
  • God’s disciples are identified by the love they show to others.
  • Your behavior will define your identify. So, let not your good be evil spoken of.
  • Be not dismayed if you’re not identified as an important member of an ‘elite’ social group. If you’re one of God’s children, He identifies you as royalty and joint-heirs to Him.

March 24, 2019

A Free Gift

Whenever you have to buy something in order to get something for free, are you really receiving a Free Gift? If you think about it, the gift that’s supposedly free has been paid in full by the required purchase.

One of the most valuable gifts an individual can receive is the gift of Salvation. There is a price for this free gift; however, the wage was paid in full by the death of Jesus Christ (Romans 6:23). You see, something was given in exchange for this precious gift, and it can be obtained by confessing with your mouth, and believing in your heart that Jesus Christ died and rose from the dead. (Romans 10:9).

The gift of Salvation seems to be the most difficult gift for some people to receive freely. Who would rather choose death and not life? Who would rather leave this earth not knowing where they would spend eternity?

When God created man, He created Man in His image (Genesis 2:26-27). God’s image (i.e., God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit), and the image of man is (Soul, Body, and Spirit). Mankind was complete and could fully relate to God. However, mankind disobeyed God by eating from the forbidden tree and that day, mankind died spiritually and could no longer relate to God (Genesis 2:17). To restore this union, blood had to be shed. Blood has been shed by Jesus Christ to restore our relationship with God. God gave His only begotten Son so we may have eternal life. Believe it or not, there is life after this one!

Each day we wake is another opportunity to receive this free gift. This is the day of salvation (II Corinthians 6:2). Salvation is deliverance from eternal damnation, the power of Satan, and the power of sin.

There is a saying, “Live with the end in mind.” Are you living with the thought of where your soul shall rest once you take your last breath? Do you believe your spirit has a final resting place after death? Do you believe time is on your side and you don’t have to think about your eternal destiny? What if your life ended right now? Where would you spend eternity?

Why not consider surrendering your will and life to God right where you are? What do you have to lose? An old lifestyle that brings temporary pleasure or false thrills? Don’t allow doubt or fear to make you pass up an opportunity to receive the Free Gift of Salvation. This is a gift we shouldn’t leave earth without.

March 20, 2019

Availability

  • Find time to commune with God daily.
  • Allow your mind to be accessible to God to free you from past negative thoughts, hurts, and sins.
  • Make clear the pathway to your heart so that God may create a clean one in you!
  • God needs available vessels to be used for His glory and to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
  • Make your ears available to God to hear His divine calling.
  • Make your eyes available to God so He can show you where He wants you to go.
  • Make your temple available to God so that He can make it holy.
  • Make your spirit available to receive spiritual truth for spiritual growth.
  • Make yourself available to God to receive His power to enter into a full relationship with Him!

March 17, 2019

Do Not Worry!

There are struggles in life that can become emotional strongholds – things that hold you hostage and keep you from wholeheartedly serving and trusting God and experiencing the abundant life He has promised. One of the most damaging strongholds is worry. It is available for every age and is an obstacle to moving forward. When it is a stronghold in your life, it is a way of life.

We worry about so many things – what do people think about us, do we look fit, are we healthy, and do we have enough money. If you are prone to worry, there is no limit to the possibilities to worry about.

People cope with worrying in a number of ways – some drink to dismiss it, others shop for a distraction, some take naps or go to bed early to avoid it. None of these remedies work because the panic still sets in. In Matthew 6:25, 31-34, Jesus stated three times, “Do not worry!” The Greek word used for “worry” is the concept of being strangled or choked. It leaves you frustrated when you ought to be free and if you are His disciple, then you should stop it.

Worrying is a sin because it is doubt in the power and goodness of God. Some people don’t like to call worrying a sin – they are just “concerned” about something. How do you distinguish concern from worry? Legitimate concern is when you are in control of your thoughts and feelings and illegitimate worry is when the matter controls your thoughts, actions and emotions.

Jesus said, “For this reason I say to you, do not be worried about your life, as to what you will eat or what you will drink nor for your body, as to what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they?” (Matthew 6:25-26)

The reason we worry is that we are focusing on the wrong authority. If our Father feeds birds that have no soul, how much more will He take care of us since we are worth even more to Him? Remember His promise that He will never leave you nor forsake you as the first antidote to worry.

This post is from Dr. Tony Evans’ sermon, Stop It! No More Worry. It will provide you with a deeper knowledge of overcoming worry in your life. Please visit http://go.tonyevans.org/no-more-worries.

March 15, 2019

Responsibility

  • Be responsible for your actions. No one can make you behave the way you do.
  • Be responsible for your thoughts. No one can make you think what you think.
  • Take ownership of your feelings. No one can make you feel good or bad.
  • Be responsible for your life. No one can make you have a fulfilled or dreadful life.
  • Be responsible for your well-being. No one can define who you are or your purpose for living.
  • Be responsible for how you’re treated. You’re treated the way you allow yourself to be treated.
  • Be responsible for how you treat others. No one can make you be respectful.
  • Be responsible for your relationship with God and others. God and no one can make you love them. The choice is ultimately yours.

March 13, 2019

Character Assassination

”And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set amoung our members, that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the curse of nature; and it is set on fire by hell.” (James 3:6)

”But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men who have been made in the similitude of God. Out of the same mouth proceed blessings and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so.” (James 3:8-10)

The danger of the tongue. James compares the tongue with fire because it cannot be controlled and the damage it causes cannot be reversed. And, sometimes when water is added, it spreads the fire instead of putting it out!

When I worked in the corporate world, a manager attempted to assassinate my “working” characteristics with lies about my inability to perform tasks in a male-dominated career. The manager also stated, “I was not a team player and did not like to be critized.” I confronted my manager about the accusations and he denied them. In spite of his denial, the rumor had already spread.

One of my favorite scriptures that has helped me in my career is, “whatever I so doeth, do it heartily as unto the Lord and not unto man” (Colossians 3:17). After working with this manager, I realized the importance to work as unto the Lord and not man.

I was provided an opportunity to travel to Florida to assist with deploying and upgrading a system. I believe the manager thought he was setting me up for failure, not knowing he had already been defeated.

My travel time was scheduled for three days, but was extended because of my work performance. And, one of the site managers in Florida was sending email messages to my manager’s supervisor, advising him of my good work. As a result, my assasinated character was brought back to life!

Many of us do not get an opportunity to experience life after a character assassination. Some of us only experience death because we continue to eat its fruit or bring back to life the fruit of “death”. Damaging words can leave deep wounds and scars, but it does not mean we cannot receive healing.

We live in a world where people are vicious like roaring lions that thrive on bringing others down. We do not have control of what people will say or think. However, we have control over our response.

The devil is like a thief. He comes to steal, kill, and destroy our character, but he can never destroy our spirit. Satan uses the tongue to divide relationships. John 4:4 tells us, “greater is He (God) that is within us, than he (Satan) that’s in the world.”

Proverbs gives four types of tongues:
  1. The Controlled
  2. The Caring
  3. The Conniving
  4. The Careless
The first two, should be practiced diligently to bring forth life and unity in our homes, work, and church. The Conniving and Careless tongues should be avoided at all times because they’re poisonous, and do not bring glory and honor to God.

Deborah M. Avens

March 10, 2019

The Plant, Water, and the Sun

Some plant leaves were drooping, withered, and turning brown. The leaves were in this condition because the plant had not been watered for over a week. When the plant was watered, rotated, and placed in an area to receive sunlight, it was restored to its original state. It’s amazing how nutrients like water and sunlight can revive neglected plants, and keep them healthly and alive.

The sun, water, and plant are symbolic to: 1) mankind (the plant), 2) the Word of God (water), and 3) the Son of God (sun). Saved individuals can end up like droopy, withered, brown-edged leaves on plants if they neglect to daily feed their souls and spirits with the word of God, and stay in the presence of His Son.

How many of you have family members or loved ones you believe need a relationship with the Lord, but you have given up because the more you talk or pray for your loved ones, the worse off they become? Or, how many of you no longer go around your family members since you’ve been saved? Don’t neglect to feed your family members or loved ones the main nutrients they need to live to their fullest potential.

If it appears your loved ones are resisting God, continue to place them before the Son so they can receive the energy (i.e., the power) to go before the throne of God and ask Him to enter into their hearts.

Remember, all things are possible through God (Matthew 19:26). And, God is the resurrection and the life, and if anyone believes in Him, though they were dead, they shall live (John 11:25)! So, do as the Apostle Paul and Apollos - Paul planted and Apollos watered, but God gave the increase (I Corinthians 3:6)!

June 23, 2017

The Truth Shall Make You Free

And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. John 8:32

If the truth makes us free, why are so many of us bound? Are we bound because we haven't defined our truth? Bound because we live through the lens of people (i.e., their opinion) and not our values and beliefs? Bound because we govern our lives according to what we're told, which is contrary to who we are, or who we're striving to become.

No one knows us better than the One who created us. We were fearfully and wonderfully created in His image to glorify and honor Him in everything we say and do. If we're not living our lives to please God, are we neglecting His divine plan for our lives? And, if we're choosing to live according to the opinions, beliefs, and values of others, we're not living authentically. We're forfeiting our true divine freedom.

June 16, 2017

She's Not a B****, She's Confident

Why are women called a B**** when they exude confidence? Confidence has nothing to do with lewdness, selfishness, or being a female dog. It has everything to do with relying on an inner power and strength to achieve and succeed in life. Once a woman reaches a level of self-confidence, she doesn’t need to be torn down. No one knows her journey to reach her height and our level of confidence will never increase when we tear women down.

We've launched a tee-shirt campaign to end negative languages and images associated with confident women and women in general. And you can show your support here.

June 7, 2017

Take Back Your Power

Is your current stance in life stagnant? Do you know how you arrived here? You may have landed here because of the power you gave to someone or something that depleted your true being. This can cause you to feel stuck, out-of-balance, or out-of-touch.

If you’re not satisfied with your life right now, you have the power to change it. No one is stopping you from creating the life you want and deserve, but you! All it takes is a vision, a transformed mind, faith, and the gift(s) within that needs to be ignited.

July 31, 2016

Overcoming Indecision

Many people struggle with indecision (the inability to make a decision) and double-mindedness (constantly changing their minds) because of fear or a lack of confidence. However, you can make a decision and stick with it because you have discipline and a calm, well-balanced mind.

You can easily feel overwhelmed by all the decisions you need to make daily unless you have confidence in your ability to make right ones. Don’t ever say again, “I have a hard time making decisions,” because when you think and speak like that you are setting yourself up for confusion. Instead, you can believe the next time you need to make a decision that you will hear from God, be led by the Holy Spirit, and know what to do. Even if you have had difficulty doing so in the past, this is a new day for you, and you are in charge of your thinking—it is no longer in charge of you!

Power Thought: My mind is calm, and I’m in control of my thinking.

From the book Power Thoughts Devotional by Joyce Meyer. Copyright © 2010 by Joyce Meyer. Published by FaithWords. All rights reserved.

July 28, 2016

Liberty

In 2 Corinthians 3:17, The Apostle Paul wrote, “Now the Lord is that spirit: and where the spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty!” When a person is saved by God, he or she receives and experiences God in Spirit. When we trust and allow God to be Lord (ruler) over our lives, we will realize:
  • How much God loves and cares for us. (John 3:16-18)
  • God will accept us no matter what we have done in the past. (Isaiah 1:18)
  • God has the power to forgive us all of unrighteouness, if we ask Him. (Isaiah 43:25; Ephesians 1:7; I John 1:9)
  • When we are saved, God’s Spirit abides within us. ( Romans 8:9; I John 3:24, 4:13)
Is the Spirit of the Lord abiding within you today? If He is, you are living in the abundance of joy and freedom. If not, you are living in bondage.

What has you bound? Is it a past relationship that went sour, or a marriage that ended in divorce? Maybe it’s alcohol, drugs, or sex. Whatever has you bound, you can be made free. As Jesus Christ stated in John 8:32, “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” The truth is, “the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:23); and tomorrow is not promised. If you are tired of living in bondage, you can pray this prayer right where you are.

Dear God,

Thank you for allowing me to live until this very moment. If I had died before now, I would have gone to hell. I now repent of my sins; I am sorry for them, and do not want to sin any more. I want nothing to do with the devil. I choose to be Your child; a citizen of Your kingdom.

Jesus I accept You as my Savior. I truly thank You for shedding Your blood for my sins, and rising from the dead so that I too, may have victory over the grave. I love and will serve You from this day forward. AMEN

According to Psalm 51, King David went to God to plea for mercy, forgiveness, and cleansing of his sins. He stated in verse 17, “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and contrite heart, O God, thou will not despise.” If you have sincerely prayed and went before God broken, God wants to mend you and make you whole.

A person without God is empty and incomplete. Jesus Christ emphatically stated in John 15:5, “I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, bringeth forth much fruit: for without me (apart from me) ye can do nothing.”

July 26, 2016

Wake Up America

Based on the violence that has spurred in America, one could conclude, America is heading towards a downward spiral. What's the underlying cause? Is race the culprit? Who or what has given life to an issue that was assumed dead?

The underlying force contributing to the demise of America isn't physical, but spiritual. And if we're going to make America great, we have to learn how to fight in a realm that's spiritual. (Ephesians 6:10-13)

According to John 10:10, the enemy comes only to steal, kill, and destroy. What was stolen, killed, and destroyed during the recent weeks of violence and who's to blame? Believe it or not, it's the enemy and his mission is gaining footage.

Luke 6:27-28 states, "But I say to you who hear: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you. Remember the motto, "United We Stand, divided we fall." The power to make America great is within all of us. Not just the President, Congress, and the rich.

God needs a new nation of people who are willing to fight to restore, revive, and renew the spirit of America, and this blogpost serves as a recruitment message to the unsaved, and a wake-up message to the saved.

As long as America's spirit is broken, America will never be great. The only way to make America great is to be unified as One.