I sat there before the person. I knew what I should say, but I couldn’t say it. I had to defend myself. I had to set the record straight. Rather than take the high road and trust God to defend me — I burst out with a reactive come-back! And — boom — the word-bomb landed with its intended effect, blowing up the whole conversation.
Seconds after, I knew I had royally messed up. I did not keep my cool.
Have you ever been there? Have you ever royally messed up? Cheated? Lied? Done something repeatedly that you knew God didn’t want you to do?
Friend, you are not alone.
Even the incredibly holy and wonderfully anointed, biblical-great, Paul said, “For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate.” (Romans 7:15)
Ahh! The aggravation of it all! We do what we don’t want to do, so often.
Maybe, like me, you have done something you knew you should not… Maybe you knew how you wanted to talk, but didn’t talk that way… Maybe you wanted to be loved, but ended up speaking differently…
What do we do with that? When strong emotions override our best intentions? When we get so caught up in a moment, we go the wrong way? When other people douse us with the kerosene of our past mistakes? How do we move on?
Paul also said, “No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.” (Phil. 3:13-14)
How can we effectively move ahead when we are mentally looking behind?
If Paul had to let the past be the past, so do we. Only then can we love others, as we love ourselves (see: Mt. 22:39)
If we are to love ourselves — in order to love others — we must forgive ourselves and release all records of wrongs.
“(Love) is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.” (1 Cor. 13:5)
What record of wrongs do you have against yourself? Might you consider forgiving yourself as God has forgiven you?
Prayer: Father, I thank you that when you forgive, you move my sins as far as the east is from the west. I thank you that you remember my sins no more. Father, today I give you the whole record of wrongs I have against myself and every accompanying feeling of hatred towards myself that goes with it. I release all that to you. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
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There, I said it! It felt good to finally get those two words off my chest. It meant I could rest. I’d done my part.
The person looked back at me and muttered, “I forgive you.” But, soon their actions spoke a different story. Every time I asked a question their response was quick and short. When I tried to make eye contact, they looked away. When I walked next to them, they directed conversation elsewhere.
I felt like the woman everyone hated. Remember her? She was the one caught in the act. She was unredeemable. She was unworthy.
““Teacher,” they said to Jesus, “this woman was caught in the act of adultery.” (Jo. 8:4)
What do we do – with her?
There she was…the bad lady.
There she was…the one caught-red-handed.
There she was…the one who should have done better, but she didn’t.
There she was…right in the open, for all to see – her shame on display.
Stone her!!!!
I wonder, did this woman feel like she was being convicted 1,000 times? Like she couldn’t get off trial?
What do you do – when someone refuses to let you off the hook? For days? For years? For decades? When blame is still coming your way? When you can nearly feel the judgment?
What do you do when your mind spins out of control because you don’t know how to fix things? When their treatment hurts your insides?
I don’t have all the answers, my friend. I certainly don’t have everything figured out. But, I can share what I am still learning. Here it is:
1. I am not responsible for other people’s interpretation of events, their actions or retaliation.
After I have apologized to them and to God, I have done my part. I get in trouble when I take on another person’s burden as my responsibility. If they don’t want to forgive or release me from the offense they carry – that is not my duty to make them. That is between them and the Lord. I forgive, love in a healthy way, release the convicting work to the Lord and pray.
I think thoughts like, “God gave abundant grace to me, so I can extend abundant grace to them,” “I can be loving without being co-dependent. I do not base my worth on their response,” “I am responsible before the Lord to love others as I love myself. If I need to have some space, that is okay.”
2. Jesus experienced mistreatment, but He despised the shame.
Indeed, if Jesus was misunderstood, mistreated and hurt, and He was The Son of God, we cannot expect our life to be without these issues.
Jesus endured the worst pain, but scripture tells us, “He despised the shame” (Heb. 12:2). There are moments when we will have to endure suffering or go through harm. There are moments when we will have to die to us to become more alive to Him. At the same time, we don’t have to take on or absorb the shame. We can reject that, like Jesus did.
Think this way. Say to yourself: I am not shameful; thanks to Jesus’ work on the cross, I am holy and blameless in His sight. I don’t soak in people’s judgments, mean words or issues, I cast off that shame and I walk by His truth.
3. I am responsible for my own actions, words and responses.
Here, I think this way: I am powerful. I am powerful to change. I am powerful to apologize and to do a new thing. I am not obligated to please man, but I seek to please the Lord. I speak the truth in love. I exhibit the fruit of the Spirit by the grace of God. I, then, extend grace to others.
It can be hard to walk in the world, when so much comes at us. I get it. Not everyone will understand us. That is hard.
But, at the end of our day, we have one goal in our life. It is this:
“but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who examines our hearts.” (1 Thess. 2:4)
Sometimes, we figure we have to do something because it is the loving thing to do, but it is not love at all, it is obligation laced with bitterness. God calls us to authenticity and wholeheartedness. As we are honest and true before God, we can be honest and true before men.
“For am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ.” (Gal. 1:10)
In my case, even if man doesn’t forgive me, God does. I choose to remember that I am forgiven. What God says about me is what I choose to think about me. This is how I walk out true love and peace, trusting God to take care of the other person. I let go and let God.
Do you want to really let go and let God? Are you tired of the pressure to fix things, to handle everything and to manage life? Do you feel out of control? Why not begin to take your thoughts captive to find new freedom and life? For all who order the book today, they will get a free ebook of Battle Ready and beautiful wallpaper for your phone! Order here.
Prayer: Father, relationships can be hard. Forgive me for trying to control. Forgive me for fearing man. Forgive me for taking things into my own hands. I trust you. I let go today. I believe you will defend me. I ask you to move in the relationships that I am struggling with. I ask you to help me to authentically love. And, if I need to create some space, give me the right words and the courage to do so. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
About the Book, “Take Every Thought Captive”
In Take Every Thought Captive: Exchange Lies of the Enemy for the Mind of Christ, author and speaker Kelly Balarie encourages readers to seize the power of God’s Word to not only profess truth, but possess it in their mind, heart, and actions.
Take Every Thought Captive helps readers:
• transform their minds and release the worries, burdens, and lies from the enemy
• pray through times of mental and emotional strife
• become warriors and fight for God’s plan and purpose
• use God’s Word proactively instead of living defensively and defeated
For all who order the book today, they will get a free ebook of Battle Ready and beautiful wallpaper for your phone! Order here. Then, visit www.ITakeThoughtsCaptive.com to get your free gifts!
I’ll get to the fun video from me in a minute, but before we get there, I want you to know…
When you pray the Word of God over your life, there is nothing more powerful. The Word of God is like a hammer that breaks down hindrances, barriers and blockades in your life, soul and thinking (Jer. 23:29). Not only that, but the Word of God is like a fire. It consumes impurities within you.
Praying the Word of God is life-transforming. When you pray it over your life, it makes your mind to be opened to truth, your ears to be attuned to God, your eyes to see what He wants to show you and your heart soft.
Lately, I have been praying for wisdom and understanding. Paul prayed this for the Ephesian church. After praying this prayer, I am seeing direct understanding come to me in such a way that my husband noted, “Wow, Kelly, that is wisdom. You are not usually that wise.”
I agree. I am not that wise on my own. Oh, but the Name of Jesus!!!!
Praying the Word works.
When I pray scripture over myself, I know I am praying the very heart of God. Even more, I know He wills to answer me! I absolutely, beyond a shadow of a doubt, know I receive what I pray for. Why? Because, He is faithful to His Word to perform it. I just prayed the Word!
Here are a few power prayers that you too can pray (just insert “I” or “me” in these verses:
“And I pray this, that your love may abound even more and more in knowledge and every kind of insight so that you can decide what is best, and thus be sincere and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ to the glory and praise of God.” (Phil. 1:9-11)
“I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you spiritual wisdom and revelation in your growing knowledge of him–since the eyes of your heart have been enlightened–so that you may know what is the hope of his calling, what is the wealth of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the incomparable greatness of his power toward us who believe…”(Eph. 1:17-19)
“I pray that according to the wealth of his glory [the Father] may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in the inner person, that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith, so that, because you have been rooted and grounded in love, you may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and thus to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God.” (Eph. 3:16-19)
There is also great wisdom in praying the promises and prayers of the Psalms. David was not afraid to cry out emotionally. Yet still, he always returned himself back to God’s love and ultimate truth. His way of praying and praising showcases a model of heart-devotion.
Things aren’t always easy, but God remains good!
On a separate note, here is a video message — from me to you!
We will be meeting for the “What’s My Calling Workshop” tonight (Thursday, Feb. 19th) at 7 PM via Zoom. If you can’t attend live, you can still sign up to receive the recorded version!
During the “What is My Calling?” workshop, you will:
1. Discover the biblical power of living out your calling.
2. Gain understanding about God’s will for decisions or for your life.
3. Identify your calling or God’s direction in your life.
4. Solidify your calling and next steps or gain wisdom for hard life situations.
5. Propel forward through the power of prayer.
6. Find potential accountability partners to keep in touch with.
7. Collaborate and find support in a breakout group.
"What is My Calling?" Workshop
Thursday, Feb 9, 2023 from 7:00 PM ET - 9:00 PM ET via zoom.
**recorded version available.
$54.00
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***Plus: A personal encouragement email from me! I will be praying to ask God to give me a unique verse and a prayer for each of you. I pray this blesses you immensely on your way!
Prayer: Father, thank you for your love for me. Thank you for your purposes for my life. I want to serve you, love you, and honor you with all my heart for all my life. I am so thankful for what Jesus did for me. I am blessed to be your child. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
**Subscribe for all Purposeful Faith blog posts by email – click here.
The second the woman said this to me was the second I knew that she was onto something. I’d been hesitant, not moving forward into things the way I used to. I used to be known as “full-force Kelly,” but now? Now I was questioning things…delaying…procrastinating.
Should I really do this? Is this what God wants me to do? Am I really able to follow through and make something like this happen?
Where had my confidence gone?
Just like God had said to Joshua, the truth remains for us, “Have not I commanded you? Be strong, vigorous, and very courageous. Be not afraid, neither be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (Jo. 1:9 AMPC)
God doesn’t change, so that must have meant that I changed. God doesn’t stop being with me, so that must mean I let go of holding hands with Him.
We will never get where we are going, if we’ve lost our going with God, and if we don’t recover it once again.
Have you lost direction? Do you feel unsure about what to do in specific situations? Do you want to more clearly know God’s will for your life, for situations, for decisions?
“Do not be conformed to this world (this age), [fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs], but be transformed (changed) by the [entire] renewal of your mind [by its new ideals and its new attitude], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God, even the thing which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His sight for you].” (Ro. 12:2)
God wants us to know our way (or, better said, His way for our life). We have the ability to know what God wants us to do, what direction to head, what words to say, what path to take, what road to go down, what calling He has for us. We have the ability to prove the good and acceptable and perfect will of God. Why? Because Romans 12:2 says we do!
This verse is a big deal! It is a game-changer for those who feel stuck, unsure and immovable. There is no impossible situation, just the appearance of what looks impossible. Renewed minds see how to cross over the great divide and to walk into God’s will. They find what is good, acceptable and perfect — to God. They walk confidently, again.
Did you know this is available to you? I’d love to walk down this path with you. I’d love to help you get your confidence back through the power of prayer and His Word.
I am gathering a handful of women to seek the Lord for His calling for our lives. Whether you are looking for direction about a situation or for the overall purpose for your life, I believe many will gain renewed clarity and understanding regarding God’s best paths in the big or the little details of life.
During the “What is My Calling?” workshop, you will:
1. Discover the biblical power of living out your calling.
2. Gain understanding about God’s will for decisions or for your life.
3. Identify your calling or God’s direction in your life.
4. Solidify your calling and next steps or gain wisdom for hard life situations.
5. Propel forward through the power of prayer.
6. Find potential accountability partners to keep in touch with.
7. Collaborate and find support in a breakout group.
***Plus: A personal encouragement email from me! I will be praying to ask God to give me a unique verse and a prayer for each of you. I pray this blesses you immensely on your way!
"What is My Calling?" Workshop
Thursday, Feb 9, 2023 from 7:00 PM ET - 9:00 PM ET via zoom.
**recorded version available.
$54.00
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The evening Zoom workshop cost is $54. This price covers costs, creates personal accountability to attend/steward the knowledge, and blesses me in the creation of future frameworks for ministry. There is no price that is too big in discovering God’s calling in one’s life. I pray that God give you all the resources to invest in your own life! Bless you!
Discover your calling. Or, help a friend who is lost, find their way again by giving this event or recording as a gift.
Register today (via the button below) for the “What is My Calling?” Workshop on February 9, 2023 from 7 PM ET to 9 PM ET.
Last year, I didn’t accomplish as much as I wanted.
Last year, I didn’t share on social media as much as I hoped.
Last year, I didn’t make as many new friends as I should have.
Last year, I didn’t believe in myself as much as God did.
Last year, I’m not sure I trusted that God had good things for me.
What pit did you find yourself in 2022?
I don’t ask so we can have a joint pity-party from the depths of our dark pits. I ask because healing is available to us, right here and right now.
The light of Christ works and is ready to illuminate whole new paths, outlooks, and escape doors to us, right now. What is revealed, gets healed by the light of Christ.
“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” (Jo. 1:5)
“The night is far gone; the day is at hand. So then let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light.” (Ro. 13:12)
“This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.” (1 Jo. 1:5)
God’s light has complete power to remove all bits of darkness residing in us, so much so that we can walk out of old things, wearing a super-powered armor of God’s light. How did this work for me and my situation?
First, in the solitude of my quiet time with God, I brought my ugly pit of 2022 to Jesus. I closed my eyes and confessed it to him. I felt the shame and the sorrow. I didn’t hate myself. I acknowledged it for what it was before Him, without hiding. I cried.
Then, I saw it in my mind…the actual pit. I could imagine what that thing looked like. The deepness. The sadness. The self-discouragement.
But, do you know what else I noticed? The pit had stairs right out of it. There was no sewer cap over it.
Because of the saving-work of Jesus on the cross, all dark pits have no cover over them. They also have stairs out. For each one of us, Jesus offers us a free escape route right up and out of old decrepit pits. His light reveals this truth.
“…He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide an escape, so that you can stand up under it.” (1 Cor. 10:13)
There is always a way up and out, thanks to Jesus. There is no pit unconquerable, no situation impossible, no person immovable, no year unredeemable, thanks to the light and the saving work of Christ Jesus.
Every pit has an open roof and stairs up and out. “Jesus looked at them and said, ‘With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.’” (Mt. 19:26) Don’t believe that you are stuck there for 2023.
With God, everything is possible. Your marriage is still possible. Your mental health is still possible. Your children coming to Jesus is still possible. If God is still believing it is possible, don’t disagree with Him. Agree with God.
Prayer: Father God, give me the power and the ability to believe your truth as my truth this 2023. I take your way of escape and receive it now, for my unique situation. I am not sitting in a pit any longer; I am climbing up and out. Thank you that receiving freedom is a whole lot easier than I’ve made it out to be, by the power of your grace. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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We’ve probably all thought this thought one time or another. Someone gives us advice that does not resonate… Another thinks we’re doing something that we’re not even doing… People misinterpret our motives or our words…
They don’t understand. We feel alone and by ourselves.
It certainly has happened to me in marriage. At times, I have said one thing and my husband has heard a whole other thing. I am misunderstood. I am sure that I misunderstand him too, sometimes.
In this case, when I feel all alone, it is easy for me to think, “Who is fighting for me? Who understands me?” It’s easy to sink deep down into a cave of sadness all alone and to believe that I have to: 1. fend for myself 2. make sure I am going to be okay 3. lick my wounds.
Have you ever been there too? Felt unprotected? Undefended?
This verse is encouraging, “But the Lord is faithful; he will strengthen you and guard you from the evil one.” (2 Thessalonians 3:3)
In tough moments, we can gain hope by remembering that God isn’t leaving us, but He is strengthening us. He isn’t unstable and unavailable, He is faithful. God is with us.
When the enemy sets schemes in relationships, even then, God guards us from them.
We are not left alone; we are protected.
When we don’t know what to do, Jesus intercedes for us (Heb. 7:25). When we don’t think there’s anyone fending for us we have an advocate in Jesus (1 Jo. 2:1).
“Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.” (Ro. 8:26)
In tough moments, we can keep our thoughts and our feelings out of dark, isolating and mentally draining places by remembering: we are never alone because God is with us. Not only is God with us, but God is for us, too. He is actively helping us in whatever we are going through.
Prayer: Father God, I need you to fight my battle for me. I give up the fight, so you can fight on my behalf. Forgive me for believing that I am alone. Forgive me for believing that I am left behind by you in any way, shape or form. You are for me. Thank you. Jesus advocates for me. Thank you. You are with me always. Help me to remember these things in tough moments. Help me to put all my trust in you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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“Mom, I don’t want to go outside and get the present out of the car.”
My son resisted. It was dark. Taking this action felt scary. Who knows what looms outside in the middle of the night? Who knows if he could see? Who knows if it’s safe?
“Son,” I essentially said, “It’s morning time. You’re safe. The son is coming up.”
Many of us feel afraid to take action because — we don’t know what is “out there”. What is on the other side of our current situation. We don’t know if we’re safe, or if we’ll get hurt, or if bad things loom ahead. We resist change because we fear what may be on the other side. Some, stay in bad because they fear worse.
What action has God called you to take? Does He want you to change a bad habit? Are you called to move somewhere or start something? Is there a relationship that needs a new approach?
Faith is evidenced by actions, or works. These things are the proof in our pudding.
“…Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.” (James 2:18)
I want people to know me as a person of great faith, don’t you?
People see our faith by what we do, not what we say.
I have talked a lot of talk, but, friends — may I tell you? I’ve been scared in past years. I haven’t pushed into all God has for me. Some days I’ve felt His Word or His heart nudge me a direction, but I’ve resisted, I’ve questioned, I’ve discounted, I’ve delayed. Frankly, I’ve rebelled. Fear stopped me. I repent of all this.
There’s a new day dawning…
And, if I’ve learned one thing it is — we can’t defeat fear or inaction on our own. Just as my son knew that the light was greater than the dark, we must also know that our God is greater than anything that looms beyond us…
Here, we can help ourselves to take action — or to make movement — by:
Remembering the size of our God.
Great is our Lord and mighty in power; his understanding has no limit. (Ps. 147:5)
Knowing God’s strength and leading is enough to help us.
“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Is. 41:10)
We can and should lean on Him as we go.
“O my God, I trust, lean on, rely on, and am confident in You. Let me not be put to shame or [my hope in You] be disappointed; let not my enemies triumph over me.” (Ps. 25:2 AMPC)
Declaring & depending on Christ’s victory.
For [a]everyone born of God is victorious and overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has conquered and overcome the world—our [continuing, persistent] faith [in Jesus the Son of God]. (1 Jo. 5:4 AMP)
We cannot work without God. We cannot go without His help and power. We cannot walk in courage without His power. God is the God who saves, heals, helps, leads, loves — it is not us at work, but Christ at work in and through us.
Prayer: Father, many of us have been called and there is a portion of us who are scared. Give us courage. Give us hope. Give us strength to persevere. We need you more than we need this life itself. We ask for all the power and the strength we need to rely on you, to lean on you, to trust in you. Equip us for every good work and help us to see it through. In Jesus’ mighty name. Amen.
Have you ever started a recipe only to find that you are missing one ingredient?
This can be frustrating. You don’t have all you need to make your dream dish. You’re left short. You can’t proceed forward — or so you think.
Some of us feel this way in faith… We feel we keep coming up short. We don’t have giftings others have. We don’t pray like Mary Sue. We feel weak. We can’t overcome that one sin. We keep fearing and worrying. We are missing one ingredient, our breakthrough to peace and joy. Grr…
Ever been there? Have you ever felt like you don’t have all you need? That something is wrong with you?
Friends, I come to you to tell you: There is nothing wrong with you.
Scripture says, “His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness (2 Peter 1:3; NIV).”
His power — has given everything we need for life (in the here and now). His power has given us all the godliness (righteousness and overcoming) we need. This is HUGE. We have it in-hand. Here. Right now.
We are not lacking or sinking, as the enemy would love for us to believe. We have the ingredient we need – Christ’s power. Through our knowing God and by his super abundant and extravagant glory and goodness — we have what we need. It’s all available to you. Just believe.
Don’t allow the enemy liar to lie anymore and to tell you otherwise!
Overcoming is far more easy when you believe this truth — is truth. When you take God’s Word as His Word.
It, then, becomes as easy as getting on Google and searching, “Canola oil replacement.” Here you find jazzy solutions display, like Apple Sauce or Maple Syrup.
When you believe you have all you need- and that there are resources available – you will, by God’s goodness, uncover new paths and new ways. Your hope in the Lord will open up new things, new sight, new paradigms. This concept is huge. Do not read this fast and pass it by. Some of you (myself included), need to more greatly understand this.
—
I love you all. Merry Christmas to my fabulous friends that I would love to meet in person one day! Big hugs. I love you all so much. I pray many blessings on you this season, in particular the joy of the Lord, In Jesus’ Mighty-to-Save Name. Amen.
—
Let’s pray: Father, I break off the lie that I don’t have what I need. I repent of believing a lie of the enemy. I submit to you and your word. I have all I need for godliness and righteousness in Christ Jesus. I am loved. I am helped. I am equipped. You are the Shepherd of my soul (1 Pet. 2:25). I thank you. I praise you. I lay down my way to find yours. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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My daughter hasn’t played sports before. She thought she wouldn’t like it, but she now loves it. When she played she ran around the field with a huge smile on her face. I couldn’t be happier. This week, I have a conflict with her practice, however, I want so badly to see her. I just want to watch her, enjoy herself.
Yesterday, with my son, it was a similar sort of experience. He tried out for a role in the school play. I was so happy for him. I really wanted to watch him. I called his dad and prayed for him while he was trying out. I ran into the school beforehand with a snack and a hug. My joy was so full, it felt like I might explode.
After this joy of watching my kids, in their moments, I couldn’t help but think: God has joy in watching me, in my moments too. Just as I want to jump around and celebrate my kids successes, God must really be happy when He sees me doing well. He must want to celebrate with me. He wants to be a part of my world.
Our Father God is “El Roi”, meaning, “The God who Sees Me.”
Somehow, knowing that Father God wants to see me, makes me feel loved. He wants to be involved in my world, in my joy and in my excitement. He knows what is happening. He cares to see. He wants to be a part.
In fact, the mere idea that He wants us to continually abide in Him is evidence of how much He wants to see and know us.
“Abide in me, and I in you.” (Jo. 15:4)
God wants us, to be together. He wants us, to be with Him. I think He likes us too.
We are never alone. We are united with a God who not only cares, but who sees, us. Be encouraged — we are not alone or left behind. He loves us. We are His children.
If we delight in our kids, how much more does He delight in our special moments too?
Prayer: Father, I want to be with you. I want to remain in you. I want to feel your love and understand how much you care for me. Will you help me gain greater understanding of this? I love you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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“You always looked so put together. I didn’t know if I could talk to you or if you would be nice,” said one lady.
The other woman, replied in a similar way, “I wanted to talk to you too but I thought you were…”
Looks are deceiving. That’s all I could think as I sat there listening to these women share perceptions. It seemed, now, they were surprised by how relatable, real, and easy it was to be together. They were becoming fast-friends — all because they got a real chance to know each other, rather than to think things about each other.
How often do we allow what we think we know hold us back from what is truth?
I perceive a lot of things about myself: I haven’t done good at this. I didn’t succeed at that.
I perceive things about people too: They think this about me. They are doing ___. They must want ___.
Yet, like these women, thoughts not founded in truth, hold me back from real things — real relationships, real progress, real breakthrough.
Look at what happened to Elijah in the Old Testament because of his perceptions…
“Elijah replied, “I have zealously served the LORD God Almighty. But the people of Israel have broken their covenant with you, torn down your altars, and killed every one of your prophets. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me, too.” (1 Kings 19:10)
Elijah was right in his statement. He did served the Lord “zealously” and the people of Israel had “broken their covenant”. But, what He didn’t perceive right was that he was “the only one left”.
He allowed his loneliness and his discouragement cloud his eyes. Others had been faithful too.
Soon after sharing this with the Lord, God told Elijah, “anoint Elisha son of Shaphat from Abel-meholah to replace you as my prophet.” (1 Kings 19:16).
I wonder if Elisha’s perception of his situation led to the culmination of his ministry? One can wonder…
But, one thing I do know is that I don’t want to let — things that appears to be — take me down. Do you? Things are not always what they appear.
Just like your rear view mirror says, “objects in the mirror are closer than they appear,” objects in our life are not always as we see them.
Where have perceptions prohibited you from real relationship? Where are you thinking you are defeated, when God had not declared that over you? Where are you thinking thoughts about others that you don’t know to be true?
The easiest way to get rid of a lie is to repent of it and replace it with God’s truth — then you will be back on the path of life again.
Prayer: God, we don’t want any lies to hold us back. We only want to live by your truth, love by your truth and praise you with truth. Help us this way. Forgive us in any way where we have spoken, thought or carried lies about ourselves or about others. We ask you to give us your thoughts and your heart to love. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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