I can do all things

Philippians 4:13
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
How many times have we heard this quoted, how many times have we quoted this ourselves, to help us through a difficult time or situation?
But have you ever read what comes before?  Have you read this verse in context?

¹² I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. ¹³ I can do all things through Christ^[a] who strengthens me.

Paul is talking about knowing how to live with little and with much. 
When I started my 90 day transformation, I didn't know what the transformation would look like, I didn't have any preconceived ideas as to where I wanted to go, what I did know is that I wanted God to do a work in me.  I wanted to be transformed inside and out.  

So I asked God to do a work in me.  Isaiah 64:8 But now, O Lord, You are our Father; We are the clay, and You our potter; And all we are the work of Your hand.

I truly put my life into the Potter's Hands.  And He has and is doing a work in me.  Is it what I would have chosen, no.  Is it how I would have done things, No.  But does the clay say to the potter, do this or that?  No, the clay simply lets the potter do his work.  The clay trusts the potter.

So is what ways have I been transformed?

1. I do completely trust the work of the Potter.  I have completely surrendered to God.
2. I am thankful for everything.  I live in an attitude of thanksgiving.  When was the last time you took a shower and said thank you?  Thank you for a place to shower, thank you for hot water, thank you for soap, for shampoo?   What about thanking God for a bed to sleep in?  Clean sheets?  Warm blanket?  Your soft pillow?  I have am constantly saying thank you to God for everything.
3. I have learned not to judge people by their situation.  But to love and pray for everyone.  So many times I have heard people say that people that are homeless, chose living like that.  That they can't give them money because the homeless person would just use the money for alcohol or drugs.  But the Bible says:
⁴¹ “Then He will also say to those on the left hand, ‘Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels: ⁴² for I was hungry and you gave Me no food; I was thirsty and you gave Me no drink; ⁴³ I was a stranger and you did not take Me in, naked and you did not clothe Me, sick and in prison and you did not visit Me.’
⁴⁴ “Then they also will answer Him,^[d] saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to You?’ ⁴⁵ Then He will answer them, saying, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me.’ ⁴⁶ And these will go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”  
It is not up to me to figure out what someone will do with what I give them, it is up to me to give.  It is not my money anyway, it all belongs to God, to if God tugs at your heart to give, don't try and analyze, just give.
4. I have also learned that everything I make is because of God.  He has provided me with the opportunities to earn money, and everything belongs to Him, so whether it is a little of a lot, the very first thing I do, is tithe.  This is an act of complete of submission and faith.  But like the widow who gave the two mites," but she out of her poverty put in all that she had, her whole livelihood.”  I give first and then trust God to multiply the rest for my needs.  
5.  And finally I have learned not to judge myself by the life of others.  We are all on our own journey, each with it's own set of blessings and challenges.  We have know idea what someone else is facing right now, so when I see someone, whether at Starbucks or on the streets I pray for those that God places in my site.  I don't need to know what they are going through, and I assure you everyone is going through something, God knows and God just wants us to pray.  So sometimes I will will sit in Starbucks and just pray for each person sitting there.  

Do I know where God will lead me next?  No.  But I trust God, I trust his heart, I trust his plans, I trust that he always has my back, and I know without a doubt that:

¹⁸ For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. ¹⁹ For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God. ²⁰ For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it in hope; ²¹ because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. ²² For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now. ²³ Not only that, but we also who have the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body. ²⁴ For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees? ²⁵ But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance.
²⁶ Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us^[b] with groanings which cannot be uttered. ²⁷ Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.
²⁸ And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. ²⁹ For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. ³⁰ Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.

Amen!!!!!

Detox

Detox: To rid the body of poisonous substances.
Poison kills, we all know this.  So it would only make since to get poison out of our bodies. 
If you think of your body, not just as your physical body, but of everything that makes you who you are then you find that there are many parts to your body and there are many things that can poison your body.
There are things that poison our physical, mental, spiritual, emotional and social selves.
When I did the Daniel Fast, it was about detoxing all parts of myself.  But why should we get rid of the poisons in our body?  What purpose does in serve?
I think that the reason can be found in the word: Sanctify.
The generic meaning of sanctification is "the state of proper functioning." To sanctify someone or something is to set that person or thing apart for the use intended by its designer.
In the Bible, we are called over and over again to sanctify ourselves.  And one of the first places to start, is with detoxing.  You were made for a purpose, your body was made for a purpose, your mind was made for a purpose, but we put so much poison into our bodies and minds that we no longer function properly.

When you put poison into your body, you get sick, you feel tired, your mind is foggy, you can't think or function properly.   
Galatians 6:7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.
So detoxing becomes necessary.  You have to get the poison out.  There are many programs out there for detoxing, some healthy and some not so healthy.  Below you will see what I use to detox. 

If you have never tried a detoxing program before, try one and see if you don't start feeling better.  But you must be committed to staying with a program for at least 10 days, three weeks or more would even be better.  Because often times when you detox, you feel worse before you feel better, so give yourself time.  Sometimes we are so saturated with poison, that we don't even realize that we don't feel great.  We have accepted how we feel as normal. 

Now besides physical detox there is Spiritual and Mental Detoxing.  What are you watching, listening to, reading?  
Philippians 4:8
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

Next time you are feeling out of sorts, not quite sure what is going on, think back on what you have put into your mind in the last day, week, month.   Does your mind need a detox? 

So finally, we live in a world where there are poisons all around us, some we can avoid and some we can not.  So why now try a detox starting today?   Do you need ideas? Support? Prayer?  Please contact, I am here to serve.

My physical detox is:

For complete details on how and why the Arbonne Detox program works, please email me for a free copy of the program. 

Is Jesus your Reason or your Excuse?

^{Romans 6:15
15} What then? Shall we sin because we are not under law but under grace? Certainly not!

Many times I have been counseling with someone only to have them say, "yes but God will forgive me".  And I think that, that was the same problem that Paul was dealing with in his letter to the Romans.  Do we knowingly sin because we know that we will be forgiven?  
I think that can be the excuse for people actively engaged in an activity that they know is wrong.  But on the other hand I think most Christians, if asked the question would say "No".   As least I would hope that they would say no.  But question I want to propose to you today is, "What is sin?"   

I believe that sin is anything that falls short of God's best for you.  Now there are some sins that are sin for everyone, and the Bible is very specific about those sins.  But some sins, may not be sins for everyone.  What is sin for me, may not be sin for you.  The sin comes when we are not living and doing what God has called us to do.  Look at Jonah, God called him to go to Nineveh, but instead Jonah decided to go a different way.  Not everyone was called to go to Nineveh, so not going to Nineveh would not be sin for everyone.  But Jonah was called and decided to run away from God's calling on his life and that was sin.

So what happens when God calls us?  Do we go immediately and do what God is calling us to do, or do we run away in the other direction?  Or maybe we don't run away, but we stay in the same place.  

God tells us that he has plans for our lives, plans that give us hope.  He has direction for us.  He has goals for us.  But how many of us, consult him when writing goals?  How many really seek him first or do we start out on our plans and directions and then ask God to bless it.  

Or are we so concern about knowing every last detail, that we never even get started?  Are we living our purpose?  

Jesus knew his purpose, and he lived that purpose to the end of his life on earth.  He was not distracted by everyday life, but was focused on what needed to be done.  Everything he did, was getting him to his ultimate purpose.  And he got to that purpose at exactly the right time.

Where do we fall in the spectrum of living our purpose?  Are we going the right direction?  Are we going the right speed?  Are we standing still?  or Are we running away from God's best for our lives?

Is Jesus our reason or our excuse?  Jesus tells us to follow him.  To watch him, to learn from him.  If we do that we see the Jesus was our perfect example or how to live our purpose.  Don't let the "love and mercy" of God, excuse you from being exactly who he made you to be.

If you are not sure what your purpose is, there are ways to discover your purpose.  
1. Know that your purpose will always align up with God's Word.  God is not going to call you to be or do anything that is against his word or commandments.
2. God gives each of us gifts and talents, so what had God already given you?  Now this may or may not be the ultimate determination, because sometimes God calls us out of our comfort zone in order to grow us into who he wants us to be.  Think of Moses, speaking was not a gift, he would probably of thought he had.  
3.  What is your passion, what concerns, ideas, thoughts keep you up at night?  What are you drawn to?   Now I'm not talking about what worries keep you up at night, but what concerns make you wish you could do something, change something, donate something, invent something?
4.  If there was no money involved what would you want to do?

Sometimes sitting down and just writing, using the questions above will lead you to where God wants you.  But we must also listen.  What is that nagging thought that just won't go away?  Maybe God is trying to tell you something.  Listen to other people, sometimes, if we are paying attention, you will get confirmation from others.  
God doesn't want his plans to allude us, he wants us to pursue them.  So if we ask and we listen he will tell us.  He won't tell us everything, so don't wait around for every last detail, but he will tell you enough to get started today, and then each day he will reveal more.

 

Fear is not an Option

For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. II Timothy 1:7

Fear, it can over take us, it can stop us, it can cripple us, and it is not from God.  

Yesterday was a hard day, I just didn't feel like doing anything, but couldn't quite put my finger on what was wrong.  But then last night, I remembered the dream that I had the night before and God revealed to me what was causing me so much angst.

So here is my dream and what God and I talked about last night.  I hope it encourages you.

In my dream my husband and I were looking for a place to live.  We walked into this house and it was dark, ugly and dated.  It had dark wood paneling all over, even on the ceiling.  And although I hated the place, I was telling myself, well just be happy to have a place to live.  You'll get used to it.  

But then we walked out into the backyard and there in the backyard there was this beautiful walkway that lead to this beautiful glass building.  This place was so big and bright and cheery.  I wanted to go there immediately.  So I ran toward the walkway, but then I was stopped, I noticed that there were no sides on this walkway and it was extremely high.  Now you must know that I am terrified of heights, so I stopped on the steps to the walkway and just cried.  There across the walkway was this beautiful place, and here was I was, was this dark and dreary place.  Instead of going toward what I wanted, what was there for me to have, I let my fear overtake me and stop me.  

I woke up yesterday very sad and stayed like that all day.

Last night, as I was driving, God reminded my of my dream.  He reminded me that He wants more for my life.  He has more for my life.  This spirit of fear is not from Him, it is the enemy stopping me from having and being all that God has for me.  So God asked me, what are the fears that I have, that are preventing me from being what God made me to be?

1. Fear of Heights prevents me from enjoying God's beautiful world.  You would never find me looking at the Grand Canyon, or at the top of a mountain looking to the valley below.

2. Fear of looking stupid or appearing dumb, being wrong, keeps me from trying new things, asking questions, giving answers.

3. Fear of rejection keeps me from making phone calls, sharing what I do, talking to others, sharing who I am.  

Ok, well there are  probably more, but I think this is a good start.  So in order to stop my fears from controlling me, I will take control of them.  I will look out a window and enjoy the view.  I will ask more questions, try something new, make a fool of myself.  An I will make my phone calls.  I will call you even to just say hi, how are you?  

God has created me for greatness, he's created all of for greatness.  Please share your fears, that I may be able to pray for you, and if I can help in anyway, please contact me.  

Ok just looking at these pictures freaks me out.  But here they are.

A Privilege to Pray

Esther 4
¹⁰ Then Esther spoke to Hathach, and gave him a command for Mordecai: ¹¹ “All the king’s servants and the people of the king’s provinces know that any man or woman who goes into the inner court to the king, who has not been called, he has but one law: put all to death, except the one to whom the king holds out the golden scepter, that he may live. Yet I myself have not been called to go in to the king these thirty days.” ¹² So they told Mordecai Esther’s words.

Esther 5

Now it happened on the third day that Esther put on her royal robes and stood in the inner court of the king’s palace, across from the king’s house, while the king sat on his royal throne in the royal house, facing the entrance of the house.^{[a] 2} So it was, when the king saw Queen Esther standing in the court, that she found favor in his sight, and the king held out to Esther the golden scepter that was in his hand. Then Esther went near and touched the top of the scepter.

One day as I was speaking to this gentleman, he was telling me about some things that were going on in his life, and I asked if I could pray for him.  After I prayed, he thanked me and I told him that it was my privilege to pray for him.  This caught him off guard, and he asked, "Really?", yes I responded.

It is a privilege to be able to pray for someone one.  To be able to take your petition before the King of Kings.  You see coming before the king without being summoned first was something that was punishable by death.  If the king did not show you favor, it could be "Off with her head" time. 

And the King of Kings, the Lord of Lords, the God of this Universe invites us to come near, to come to the foot of His throne and bring your petitions.  You can petition on your own behalf, on behalf of someone else, the person you are petitioning for doesn't even have to know you are doing it, you don't even need to know the person directly or and get this, you don't even have to know what you are petitioning for.  You just have to come to the throne.  God knows what you are coming for, before any words leave your tongue.

God wants to hear your petition and God wants to grant your petitions.  God has already called for you to come near, won't you do so now? 

One thing that I have learned is that the best time to pray, is NOW.  So if someone asks for prayer, pray right then and there, don't wait for later, for often I have found, when I wait, I forget.  So if I am with someone, I pray for them right where we are.  You don't have to wait for a quiet place or be in a church, I have prayed for people in Starbucks, in a restaurant, in Barnes and Noble, on a bus, there is no place that God will not hear your petitions.

So I tell you, it would be a privilege to pray for you.  Please send me your requests.

What does favor look like?

But the Lord was with Joseph and showed him mercy, and He gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison.  Genesis 39:21

God had brought Daniel into the favor and goodwill of the chief of the eunuchs.  Daniel 1:9

You have granted me life and favor, and Your care has preserved my spirit.  Job 10:12

When you think of someone who has favor what comes to mind.  I hear this a lot when people pray, God grant me favor, but what does in look like?  Does it mean that I am trouble free, that things are going my way, that I am successful, have great husband, family, home?  What does it mean?

I think sometimes, when we pray for favor, we are praying for the things listed above.  If God grants us favor then things will start going right in our lives. 

But as I read the Bible I have noticed favor doesn't necessarily look like what we might think. 

Joseph was a prisoner when we are told that God gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison.  Wouldn't it had been better to just get him out of prison?  Isn't that what we want, Lord grant us favor by getting us out of this situation.  Take this prison that is holding my captive and remove me from it?  But God doesn't always do that, and even if He does, it may not be in our time. 

Daniel had been taken from his country and became a slave, is that favor? 

Then Job, who had everything taken, says that the Lord has granted him life and favor.

So while we are praying for favor, hoping that God will remove us from our circumstances, maybe, just maybe you have already have favor.  Maybe instead of praying for something to change, know the God is working in your life and has a purpose for what you are going through. 

When we stop looking for God to take us out of something, we can be open to what God is going to do in your life, right where you are. 

Rest in that assurance.  God has granted you life and favor. 

God bless you. 

Your First Love

^{Revelation 2:3-4}

³ and you have persevered and have patience, and have labored for My name’s sake and have not become weary. ⁴ Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love.

Aww First Love, do you remember it?  Maybe not even your first love, but what about your current love?  Remember when you first met, first started talking, first went out?

It seems that as a relationship goes on, we tend to stop doing the things and enjoying the things that we did when we first got together.  No longer do we get butterflies when we hear his voice, talk for hours on the phone, look for ways to just run into her.  

You know it can be the same with God.  Remember how you felt when you first became a Christian?  Remember wanting to read your Bible just to see what God had to say to you.  Praying just to talk to God and let Him know how you day was going?  

I hope you have memories like this, but if not, may I say fall in love with God.  He's been wanting that since before He created you.  He wants to be the first one you talk to not the last one, when all else fails.  It's amazing what happens when you really fall in love with God.  This week I was driving in my car, talking and praising God, and I actually was feeling giddy.  I felt like a school girl falling for her first crush.  
I was thanking God for all his blessings.  It is amazing the peace you feel, and the blessings you see, and the things you are thankful for when you just relax in the love of God.  

So why not spend some time with God today and really fall in love with him.  

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