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Belief Is Enough

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Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass. Psalms 37:5

Having trust in God is enough. You do not need to perform some kind of religious act or measure your transformation prayer according to your lifestyle to be transformed by God. Just talk to God and ask him to save you. A morally good person and a immoral person can each desire to be saved and if each has belief in God, and trust that he will do exactly that, that belief is enough to move God.

Often this is complicated by what the human eye sees when he or she looks at a sinner. There is an idea that so much more will need to be done in order for a criminal or a lair to be saved than what will need to be done for a honor student who is living morally well. This is a self deceiving way of thinking. God works with the belief and desire, he just needs to hear the request. His vision is enhanced when ours is failing and he locates the heart and deals with it, while we are convincing ourselves that a special act must be done first.

Live with a life status of belief and you will find that your are good enough for God’s hands to touch your life. Once God touches your life it will be enhanced in ways that you thought were not reachable. Keep trusting God for every change you need to make in your life so that your ways align with his standards.

Is Your Style of Armor Working?

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Prayer is armor. It is one that protects, develops, and increases the spirit, characteristics, and the abilities you already have. This is an armor that is needed for the war that comes into your life with or without warning.

I am not talking about the kind of prayer that is done just for one to say that he or she has prayed for the day, week or month. I am focusing on the prayer of intimacy and growth, the prayer that will transform you (your thoughts and actions) and even what you see as you pray. This prayer is come by seeking God’s face, not looking up into the sky and imagining Him as a shape of a cloud. I am speaking of getting low, getting your own face hidden so His can be sought. This kind of prayer allows you to feel His presence and to hear His voice. This is prayer as armor.

When suffering loss, financial distress, or any kind of life altering obstacle you feel it, when you are attacked you feel it physically, mentally, and emotionally then you feel the impact to your spirit. Most attacks in life become a spiritual war. You are faced with being up or down or stuck somewhere in between and you run from one end to the other trying to keep a balance. Without the proper armor you will feel an intensified blow, become exhausted and may have trouble recovering. Even when you are armed you must be sure to use all of your armor to get the most benefits from what is available. Don’t let your armor sit dormant while you suffer.

Become mentally equipped to execute the use of your armor. The mentally equipped will keep fighting if the will to succeed is dominant and if faith in a winning outcome is present. In the mind is where the battle begins and if your mind is ready you can move forward believing that your armor will do you some good. You will believe that you can use what you have to effectively counteract what comes against your spirit.

You have the armor within you strengthen it, all you need is: time, a private place, your voice, your ears, your mind, and faith. Prepare yourself, life is happening every day.

If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not ear me: But verily God hath heard me; he hath attended to the voice of my prayer. Blessed be God, which hath not turned away my prayer, nor his mercy from me. Psalms 66:18-20

Overcome To Live

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Overcome: to defeat someone or something, to gain control of something difficult, to affect someone very strongly (Merriam-Webster, 2014).

Satan is not for you, he is not excited about your victories. He feels good when you fail, are overtaken by life, and find yourself crawling instead of standing. He enjoys seeing you injured. When you are injured you have potential to be eliminated.

Recall a time when you were stumbling over the rocks on you path and chose to voice your issues to others; what response did you get? If you have witnessed others sit up with excitement and tuned in to hear your misery you can use that kind of response to gauge exactly how Satan is behaving when he has injured you and is waiting to overcome you. He is enjoying with anticipation, circling his prey, preparing to devour you. Some of the people in your circle or those you communicate with may not want to devour you, but if they seemingly perk up at your troubles they have a similar spirit. They may not appear to be harmful, but they are. People of that nature bring negativity and negativity drains life of energy, energy that you need to keep from being defeated.

Now consider when you have succeeded or overcame, you shared the good news about the promotion you received, the insight you gained from a recent failure or the debt you paid off, and what happens? Does the body language of your audience change; does the voice of a certain friend or acquaintance become monotone or maybe these people cannot get a vocabulary word out that exudes congratulations or a “way to go friend”. It could be that you have excelled where they have not, however it is not a positive responds and this is how you can expect Satan to respond. He is disappointed and is not going to congratulate you, but he is thinking of how to overcome you for the future. He is planning an attack, a way to injure you, or a way to eliminate you through the way you deal with life events.

You can stop the process of elimination, you can overcome. You can overcome sin and be reconciled to God. You can overcome obstacles and day to day blows and leave Satan defeated. When you are able to overcome in such a way you can then feel and live out the meaning of the scripture that reads like this: “If God is for us, who can be against us” (Romans 8:31KJV). If you are an overcomer you are becoming more intimate with God. You have learned to be equipped by Him through prayer and fasting and he is for you. You are his called, and his chosen, and his faithful; God is for you, but Satan can be against you. If you are living as a diluted version of the power Satan has in the earth by way of the sin you have not yet escaped, he can come against you, but with God you will overcome.

Live to be an overcomer and overcome to live.

Scripture Inspiration; Romans 8, Revelation 12, 13 KJV

Live Whole

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Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh: is there anything too hard for me? Jeremiah 32:27 KJV

Every mountain shall move by the strength of your faith and the power of God. Praise God before you walk through your new door and praise aloud when you are on the other side of the door.

I kept these words in my mind and I believed them and put them into action. My life was chaotic; I needed doors to open and mountains to move in my life. From one urgent request to another God sent his help. As I called out for healing, intervention and control there were hindrances that did not want to leave my side, but God said they must depart. I led myself into some dangerous situations and God had mercy on me. I asked for help, for miracles and God answered.

Before God presented my challenges with their expiration dates there was a moment of waiting. While I waited for God to answer I kept my focus on him. When my thoughts drifted God made me aware. Being aware, I did not let my patience leave me quickly because I knew God worked in perfect time. Instead I delighted myself in the Him as I fasted and prayed. Fasting and praying kept me from being frustrated when there were times that I could not see a way out, through or above my dilemmas.  I did all that I needed to do to keep my faith working so that I would receive what I was asking for.

Asking for my deliverance during times of need was important to me. I did not want God to see my requests as meaningless statements that fell off from my tongue. They were cries for help from the depths of my being for my peace and rest, my healing and joy. God heard my cries and knew I was ready for a reply.

When my different circumstances were rained upon by God it was like leaping over a high wall without trouble because God was my strength. I walked through many doors on my own and found destruction, death, and disappointment. God took me through his doors and I gained life, peace, joy and knowledge. I also realized how much I needed God.

Walls and mountains separate us from what is on the other side. I knew that God had great things on the other side of my walls from the first to the last. Every mountain that has been moved and every door God took me through were like footprints in sand, they left an imprint on my life. All were made by the same set of feet, but each presented a different length, width and depth. Everything that we are delivered from allows space for something new, something good to fill its place. Those prints are now being filled with what I need from God.

God always has what we desire and need. Whether we get it all or not, what he has is always better than what we can obtain for ourselves. When we allow his will to take its course and refuse to go on our own adventures we become stronger, more equipped, and we can live well. This time of year is a perfect time for God’s will to flow in our lives. It is a time to seek renewal, transition, and growth. By confessing our sins, committing to small changes, and emptying out what holds us back these things can happen for us. If you are breathing it is not too late to live whole.

Scripture Inspiration; Psalm 32, Romans 6 KJV

God’s Glory

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For thus saith the Lord that created the heavens; God himself that formed the earth and made it; he hath established it, he created it not in vain, he formed it to be inhabited: I am the Lord; and there is none else. Isaiah 45:18 KJV

For His magnificence, His richness, the thickness of His power he is deserving of my worship and my adoration. He is God, and I exalt him.

He made man from dirt, and sculpted the woman from a bone. He designed us with perfection in mind; with a breath, life was created. Our life continues because of his air; we are examples of his power. What he has constructed is grand; the sun, the moon, the stars, the waters, and the land. His glory is divine. The day brings light and without hesitation night arrives at its appointed time. The power of God is at work each day and it goes unnoticed at times. The grass grows in spring and flowers bloom. The leaves of the trees lend shade and a colorful back ground before they fade. The snow falls and it melts. The rain feeds the land and we are provided with food. The sun supports life of living things. His glory surrounds us every day. The heavens he has waiting for us to occupy; a majestic place where all is excellent. The streets are radiant and filled with mansions that beam because of his light. When we arrive to that place will be able to praise him without interruption. We will not get tired, our voice will always be strong, and we will not have the cares of the world in our thoughts. We will have all the strength and help we need. Peace and joy will be among us all. We will be free to worship him always.

He is a magnificent God and I love to be in awe because of him.

Groundwork

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There is always a challenge, a test from a distance or one that is brave enough to get right in our faces and release a steady flow of hot air into our space. We don’t always know it is coming or how long it will stay, but once it is there it will try to move us and take over our comfort zone. If we are prepared it does not matter if our zone is no longer one of comfort, we will be able to adjust.

When the power is out a flashlight with fresh batteries rest on the designated shelf and you can get to it in the dark. The path to it was mapped out in your mind while it was daylight, soon you can see again. Driving down the highway a flat tire brings you to a halt. Tucked away out of sight there is a spare tire and all the tools to get you moving again. We prepare ourselves for days like this that have a probability of occurring. We prepare to keep from bumping our heads on a closed door as we stumble through the darkness. That spare tire is there and the tools to utilize it so we will not be stranded. These challenges come unexpected, but being ready carries us through them.

Some challenges are more difficult to take on and get through, but preparation will prove its worth. In all that you do to plan for disasters, accidents, and other challenges that show up in your face, prayer should be the background preparation; especially when you need more than a flashlight or a spare tire. With prayer in the background adjusting will not be a problem. Every time the hot air flows too close and moves you from the place of comfort the wall that catches you will be your preparation. When you turn around to look behind you in astonishment because you knew no physical wall was there you will know your prayers are working in your environment.

A test, trial, or challenge will come; do your groundwork and change the outcome.

On my knees things happen…

My eyes are open while they are closed…

My head is down, but it is lifted up…

The room is filled with silence…

My ears hear a powerful voice…

My body is present, but I am in a different place…

My lungs breathe in a familiar air…

There is a thick vapor; it is what I feel…

When I am on my knees things happen…

To be on my knees is pleasure…

Team Up

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“I am for my God only; I love Him and His son. I live in this world, but I am not with it. I believe His gospel and live by his words. I am chosen and I have a purpose; I must win the fight for my soul’s life. I am peculiar, set apart, elect, blessed, I am not ashamed and I am fearfully and wonderfully made. I am created in his image; He perfected me inch by inch until he was pleased.  I am His child and He is my King. I am to be a pleasant scent just for Him. I have faith, I have power, and I am complete. My heart carries Him where some will not take Him. I am the salt and the light that shines for others to see. The best is what He gives to me and my best is what I return to Him.”

When you have these kinds of feelings about God and Christ and you can define yourself in similar words, you know that a relationship with God and Christ has developed. There are some who have not reached this point of expression. You cannot fully express what is not in your heart. If the belief of God and what He is has not soaked into your mind, changing your lifestyle to fit with His ways will be difficult.

It is not so difficult to change for those that you can see, or for yourself. You may adhere to a dress code at work or for a dinner party, if you work in customer service or with people you may change your behavior accordingly, and to become healthier you may change your diet. To go through the process of transformation to become whole through Christ is not looked at the same.

This is a spiritual change taking place and a different perspective is taken. There are some who need human help for this spiritual change. When there isn’t an understanding of who God is some do not realize that He is all knowing, He hears and sees all. If they are thinking about or faced with doing something that is difficult to overcome or not of God, there may not pause and consider that God knows and can be sought after for intervention. However they will consider an accountability person. They may make a connection with that person and ask for help or advice or will wonder if the person who calls to check up on them can hear their stumble.

An accountability person can be the help that one needs until he or she can get to a level of understanding who God is, how He operates, and all that He can do. It should be a person who communions with God often, follows His ways and is subject to Him, a person who knows that Satan can come through the smallest crack and destroy. An accountability person will let others know that he or she is not a replacement for God or Christ, but one to hold up the weak until they become strong by reaching a goal of true intimacy with the Father and the Son.

If you look closely you will see others in need of God’s help. If you are on one end of the rope looking across at those who cannot envision or understand how to usher God’s presence into their life the way that it should be, you must act. Stand firm and keep hold of the rope. If you are on the receiving end of the rope you are in need of the help and should act. Ask for help, there will be a reply. God will give you each the partner you need to fulfill the task and grow in him.

Scripture Inspiration; Romans 15:1-6, Matthew 5:13-16 KJV

Fear or Doubt

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My hands use to not rise above my shoulders. I would just hold them up casually and I would mumble out a word of praise. Kneeling down to pray felt unusual and I would say a few quick words and get up again. There were no signs of intimacy with God coming from me. I was afraid of His touch, His power, His voice, the whole connection. Afraid that if I lifted my hands in worship, and sent out a praise that was clear I would get a reply and have to change or get no reply and leave change to my imagination. I was afraid to release my deepest needs and thanks in prayer, because I could not see God’s ear and did not know if I would be heard. Looking back I wonder was this belief and unbelief warring or was I crippled by fear of the unknown and what could be.

Doubt and fear will work together effectively if they each are not recognized for what they are. Serving each individually with cancellation notices is where to begin. This can be done by replacing your normal response to worship and praise or prayer with a new response. That little bit of belief that has you lifting your arm halfway up can cause you to extend it fully. The same belief that is there to get you to mumble can cause you to speak clearly and directly to God in praise and prayer. If you have enough belief to get on your knees you are already expecting some time to pass and a connection to occur or else you would just stand and speak your request to God. Your ounce of belief has you working in small ways that will lead to a greater confidence in God. You just have to follow through and not change your mind during the response.

Concern and hesitation are not unexpected when you are getting to know and trust God, and the Bible lets us know we only need a very little amount of faith to initiate a response. The key is to keep moving in the direction that will hold and increase our faith by switching out our responses that inhabit fear and doubt for responses that trigger confidence and belief.

And Jesus said unto them, because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you. Matthew 17.20 KJV

And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.  Jeremiah 29.13 KJV

Give unto the Lord the glory due unto his name; worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness.  Psalm 29.2 KJV

Cease Not

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Pray without ceasing Thessalonians  5:17

Being able to speak to God and then hear his voice is a part of his greatness. Communication with God brings answers and needed help if our faith is working. To have a strong line of communication with God we must give him time throughout each day. The time should be personal and nothing should be allowed to interfere. As we spend more time with God his voice will become more distinct. We will not have to ask if it is him speaking we will know.

To be a sweet odor to God is pleasure, and to have our prayers answered is a blessing. When we hear God as he hears us, what he wants us to see becomes visible. If we seek God deeply and intimately we will be connected to him through a line that cannot be cut. When we become connected to that line our prayers will enable us to soar above and beyond life’s situations as we should.

You are free to be heard, go ahead and pray. He hears you as you meditate and your voice is not new to Him. The scent of your prayers is identified by his nostrils. Do not think that he has mistaken you with one of his other children. God knows all things, and no secrets exist with him, he is in your space always. Ask him what you desire, or give him your thanks and adoration, he is listening. Whatever your situation, his hand is still near you and your life. Every part of you is his concern and he will not turn away if your heart is true to him. Seek after the holiness that he has declared continuously, it is what pleases him and causes him to move for you.

Keep the eyes of your soul heavenward and God will relieve you when you are troubled. Let weakness, (doubt) pass you by. If your confidence is in him, pray like you know that it is, do not be the barricade that holds up your blessings that he has available. There is always potential for someone to be the weakest link in any group, but prayer is between you and God and in him there is no weakness. When communicating with God you have to check your prayer chain daily and keep it strong in its entirety. If not you will find a failing connection and your life will suffer as well as those who call on you for prayer. Your strength is in your faith and you only need a small amount.

Pray: My soul has its eyes heavenward. I know you are here listening, my faith is present. I trust you God, to relieve my soul. Deliver me from my troubles and forgive my sins, even my iniquities. Allow me to see myself as you remove the blinders and tune my ears in. Completion is my desire, but I know I must learn your ways so that I can make it. I will not be a weak link. I am free to be heard.

Check The Foundation Of Your Praise

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By him therefore let us offer sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.  Hebrews 13.15

It is rare to find someone who has not thanked another person for one reason or another. We all have shown our appreciation in some way, it may have been for a gift, a compliment, or for the help that we were offered. The gratitude that we exhibit to one another sometimes rolls right off from the tongue by habit. We are helped, we feel good, and we express our feelings. When we recognize that we express our appreciation in this way to people on any given day we will also realize that we are capable of releasing great thanks. Thanks that comes from deep within our hearts, a thanks that only God deserves. In time this thanks becomes your worship to him which is initiated by your increasing praise.

God deserves the kind of thanks that he creates in your heart. The thanks inside of you will not be the same as anyone else’s, it is personal. It has been developed inside your heart over time. Everything that you have experienced with God builds up your thanks and turns into praise before progressing into worship. Once you have a clear picture of what God is to you and how God has been great to you the need to praise him will become alive.

To know what God has done for you, you must take time to know and understand him, his miracles, and his son. You cannot worship God the way that he wants you to (in spirit and in truth) if you do not know who or why you worship (John 4:24). After accomplishing these things you will be able to give a meaningful praise to God because you will know who you are praising and why. When a meaningful praise exists inside of your heart you will be open to experience an extreme praise. Your heart holds the background for your extreme praise and you can releases it with a simple background check.

When you authorize a background check you allow your extreme praise to exit your heart. An extreme praise does not consist of any hold backs. As it builds you will notice your intense love for God and see your need to worship him. This worship happens when you are devoted.  Being devoted means your love for him is greater than your love for any other person, place, or object in your life.  It is your honor and fear for him. A true worship experience with God ignites feelings that no other can achieve for you. The experience will cause you to want to release more praise to him and it will give you another memory to store in your heart.

To praise and worship God is a part our purpose. When our praise flows freely from our beings we please God, and he in return blesses us with more of his greatness. We have thanks, praise, and worship inside of us, but what are they to have if we do not release them to our creator. In our thanks we find delight, strength and hope. Through praise we receive our needs and desires. During worship our love for God grows, our faith increases and we become aware of a rest that is surrounded by peace and joy. We need all three of these qualities to be active in our hearts. If we find that they are not, we must do whatever is needed to develop a background that will bring these qualities back to life.

Scripture Inspiration; Psalm 145