Category: Life

What is The Difference Between Positivity and Trusting God.

Trusting God

What is positivity? How does it differ from trusting? Is it a good thing to always be positive? How do you know if your being just positive when it comes to trusting God?

What does positivity mean? The dictionary states, “Positivity: The practice of being or tendency to be positive or optimistic attitude.” I believe the practice of being optimistic is helpful to support and endure opposition. Being positive can be helpful unless it is unrealistic and not based in truth. Being positive and speaking truths to yourself is helpful in many ways.

What does trust mean? The word trust means “1) firm belief in the character, strength or truth of someone or something. 2) a person or thing in which confidence is placed. 3) confident hope: I waited in trust of their return.”  Trusting God is placing your belief in His existence, character, and Word. It is placing your confidence and hope in God and relying on His Word as His truth. This is trusting God.    

When I first got saved it was in the late 70’s and I was introduced to what is called “name it and claim it.” This period was a part of the charismatic movement. I’m not sure where it originated from but I believe it was taken out of context, with the bent towards having a ‘positive attitude’ where you only ‘spoke positive’ and never talked about the symptoms you had.

If you were prayed for ‘you should say I’m healed’ whether you felt it or not because that was considered a faith statement. Although the healing movement was supernatural and powerful healings and miracles were taking place and still do by God. I believe also individuals took statements made by some preachers out of context and decided you could have whatever you said. It was out of balance.

It is wisdom to pray, call things that are not as though they are when God leads you to. But just saying ‘I claim that or this,’ isn’t always based in scriptural context or inspired by The Holy Spirit. If it is not inspired by God, the Holy Spirit then it’s not happening.

I was a young wife and mother and thought I was believing God for a miracle in my hips. I was left disappointed in the early 80s after I had to have open heart surgery and two hip replacements. Because I confessed, ‘I was healed.’ As a young adult I was left disappointed and bewildered. Because back then my own experience was if you did not get a miracle, healed or were not blessed financially you were considered ‘to not have enough faith.’ This fallacy caused me hurt and I began thinking ‘that something was wrong with me.’ Unfortunately, I pulled away from God at that time for several reasons. Eight years later I became born again, He delivered me from marijuana, cigarettes and anger. He set me free, my heart was renewed, and He baptized me in the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit taught me the way to keep my deliverance.

He showed me my faith was not really on God concerning a healing, it was on a method I was taught. Just because you say ‘I’m healed’ if it is not based in Him and by Him and His Word there is no power in it.

I have seen God miraculously heal people. I have experienced His healing and delivering power in my life. I have learned you do not have to say ‘your healed’ if you do not sense it, you can say I’m believing for a healing, I’m trusting God for a healing, today I hurt thank you for praying. I’m still believing God for the manifestation of healing. This will continue to build your faith and trust in God. Basing your faith on God Almighty, because of Jesus’ sacrifice and atonement for you, to be healed. Trusting God’s Word about healing builds your faith and trust in God.   

I tend to be more optimistic than pessimistic, but I believe it is important to speak truth about where a situation is so that you can receive what you really need. Going around saying everything is ok when it is not only isolates you from receiving help. Although if you lean toward the negative that too can be a problem. It affects your outlook on situations. If I am hurting, I tell God and ask for healing and grace and if I need prayer, I text or call a friend. 

I know that we can speak His word over situations, ourselves, and loved ones. He watches over His word to perform it the Bible says. But I personally seek His way and His mind for a situation. And I base it on what The Holy Spirit is leading me when I am praying for others or myself. It is important to line up your prayers and petitions according to the Word of God.

This is the way to place your trust in God and not in positivity. Are You Quieted by His Love? Rest = Faith

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How to make your word valuable…

How important is your word to someone? Years ago, people made agreements based on their word and a handshake. But now people have contracts and legal documents to hold individuals to their word. Why is that? Because the handshake and giving of their word no longer worked. People stopped caring about honoring their word.

I personally believe if you say it, you should do it. I believe it is biblical to honor your word. The scripture is found in Psalm 15:4. It’s a sign of maturity. We need to try to keep our word unless an emergency comes up or sickness prevents. It helps people to trust you. There is value in knowing someone is reliable.

Here are three practices to help honor your word.

The first method is taught by Jesus. He said, “let your yes be yes and your no be no.” Anything that is added means it depends on such as ‘I’ll try, or maybe, will see.’ You might as well say no because this is always a back doorway out, it means if something better comes up, you’re not available. Be honest with yourself by knowing your boundaries and limits. Over commitments tend to make a person unreliable which leads to a lack of trust.

Secondly, keep track of your commitments by writing them down or putting them in your phone calendar. I’m a little old school I still carry a calendar. Whatever way you prefer, use it to keep track of your appointments and commitments this helps you to remember what you committed to. This produces an excellent work ethic and people will trust you.

Thirdly, Psalm 15:4 says, “…honor your word even when it hurts.” It’s not always easy and sometimes its really difficult but it will build good character and strength in you. Our word is important it builds trust when we follow through with what we have said. It really is a good character strength to have. Try thinking about what you really mean before you answer so your word will not be misinterpreted. I prefer to think about my answer because I know if I say it, I will do it.

Commitment to your word adds value to your reputation.

“How To Avoid Being Weary”

Have you ever felt weary, tired or worn out? What are some causes of weariness? How do we avoid weariness? First what does the word weary mean? According to the Dictionary the word weary means, “feeling or showing tiredness especially as a result of excessive exertion or lack of sleep.”

The bible tells us in Galatians 6:9 “And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.” The word weary in this scripture means in the Strong’s Greek Dictionary “to be (bad or) weak i.e., by imp. To fail (in heart) faint: be weary”

When we think about doing good and doing work for others wellbeing it is essential to understand that God has a timing involved in all aspects of life. This passage in the word of God is to encourage the people to not loose heart in their due season of waiting while doing good. Whether you’re in ministry or not we all have our waiting on God times. For those who have visions and dreams of what God has called you to do. Be encouraged to rest in that God has perfect timing.

We can become weary in soul, body, and spirit.

How does weariness come? It comes through one having our eyes on the outcomes we want that are not happening. Putting our eyes on the outcome affects our mind and heart. Because we begin to think it should be….

Secondly weariness can come due to waiting.  a) Waiting for the resources to carry out the vision God called you to do or whatever plan you’re wanting to accomplish. b) Waiting for the fulfillment of a vision, mission, dream, plan… c) waiting for the timing “due season.”

Thirdly, avoid comparing yourself to others. This is a trick of the enemy to make you unsatisfied and it only opens the door to envy, jealousy and strife. Be you and wait on God he has never forgotten anyone.

How do we overcome weariness? We overcome by His grace that strengthens us in body, soul and spirit. In 2 Corinthians 12:8-9 The apostle Paul says, “Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. 9) And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore, most gladly I will boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”

This is how we overcome weariness? As the Apostle Paul did through the grace given to him by the Lord. Ask for grace, receive the grace to do what you are called to do. Believe and receive it through faith that this is a tangible presence of strength and help. Lean on His grace. You can grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ, therefore, daily ask for more grace and lean on His strength. To do all you need to do for that day.

Guard you heart, mind, emotions with grace.

Guard you body. Give it rest through grace. It’s important to listen to our bodies so that we don’t wear them down.

Guard your spirit through praise and refilling of His Spirit with grace.

Remember to ask, receive and lean on the Grace of God daily.

What Are Three Things Prayer Provides?

How important is prayer to you? What types of prayers do you pray? Why does God want us to pray? These are a few questions we will look at. What are three things that prayer provides us with?

To me prayer is important because it is time spent with God. It is a time to ask and listen. So often we can pray and then walk away as if God doesn’t speak but He does. He wants to be heard just like we want to be heard. To me prayer is more than petitions and requests it is a time of fellowship with praise and thanksgiving, a time to meditate and listen, and petition and intercede for others and ourselves.

I know that we can sometimes make our prayer time a ritual, but it doesn’t have to be. Having communication and communion with God through fellowship and reading His Word is also about our prayer life. God’s Word is alive and active. It penetrates to the dividing of our soul and spirit. When we read His Word with a hungry heart for our own lives it is an exchange of His Word for our weaknesses. I like to ask the Holy Spirit to quicken His Word to me. We all need a fresh Word from the Lord. Even if it’s a correction it still produces life.

First, prayer provides us with answers and help from Almighty God through what Christ Jesus did for us in crucifixion, death and resurrection. The shed blood of Christ enables us to go before the throne of God with our requests and receive mercy and grace in our times of need.

Second, prayer provides connection with God in understanding His ways according to His Word. His ways are greater than our ways. Through prayer and reading the Word of God we discover what we really think and believe. The Word of God prayerfully read will uncover right where the heart of the matter lays.

Three prayer provides us with His fellowship. God created mankind to have a relationship with Him. He wants that relationship, and He supplied the way for that relationship. God longs to spend time with you. When you surrender your life to Jesus and receive forgiveness for your sins you become a child of God. He is our Heavenly Father, and He wants to hear from you.

There are many benefits to prayer these are just three things prayer provides. Be encouraged today to seek God in prayer.

What Are Three Things Every Mom Needs?

Mother’s Day is a day we celebrate mothers. It is a day to honor women who have children. The Dictionary states, Mother “noun a woman in relation to her child or children. Verb 1) bring up a child with care and affection. 2) give birth to.”

Being a mom does not mean you have to physically carry the child there are many people who cannot physically have children but who adopt, foster or care for a child. A mom to me is a woman who loves, nurtures and cares for a child or children.

The word mother inspires for some of us great memories for me my mother was a person who loved unconditionally. She was wise, intelligent and funny.

Here are three things every mother needs.

First, I think every mother loves to hear from their children. Even if you live far away from your mom a phone call, zoom meeting or email, card etc. means so much to a mother. A mother carries their love for their child forever, so acknowledgement of your mom lets her know you care and are thinking of her. Not just mothers’ day but make it a habit to reach out to her regularly.

Secondly, time with her. Visits are so important to moms. They look forward to seeing and spending time with their children. When our children are grown, we so appreciate a visit from them. A lunch date, a stop over for coffee, just to share time means so much to a mom. As adults we may forget that mom’s still need our attention too. We get busy doing life so a day to appreciate moms was created.

Thirdly, a mom loves to receive affection from their child. A hug, a pat, a smile. Love is expressed in all kinds of ways but all of us humans need touch. Yes, it’s a pandemic but to see your child and receive a warm hug it says to me I love you mom!

My mom is no longer with me. I know she loved me dearly and I have very fond memories of her. I feel blessed to know my mother cared for all her children. You may not have your mom either, but you can honor her by sharing her picture on Facebook or sharing a good memory of her with your friends.

Be Blessed and Have a Happy Mother’s Day.

How to stop fear from stopping you!

Jesus is the living Word

There are all kinds of fears from interpersonal problems, phobias, or future decisions and the list go on. When fear stops us from moving forward in life it’s time to address it and get free of it. When your instinct is to run away instead of face the problem it is time to face it.

What makes us want to proceed in a situation that is hurting us instead of facing what keeps us locked up inside? Usually, some type of fear either of rejection, failure, people, circumstances, projected outcomes etc. Sometimes we do not even realize it is fear stopping us. We cast the blame on others, or we get so accustomed to being afraid we think its normal for us. But God has so much more for you than you can even imagine.

Fear can grip our minds and hearts that we don’t move, it makes us not want to face pain, but God has a greater plan. Fear is not from God. When you’re a child of God you have what it takes in Christ to overcome anything. When we give fear an open door to torment us it becomes a stronghold designed in such a way that you accept it as ‘that’s just how I am.’ But fear isn’t the way that you are its what fear is trying to get you to believe you are.

First allow me to make a distinction there is a healthy feeling of fear if you’re walking alone and sense somethings wrong follow that inclination and get to safety. That’s not the terror I’m talking about. I’m talking about the type of fear that stops you from being all that God called you to be.

When fear tries to stop you, we have the power to cast it off us and others in Jesus’ name. Fear will play along with your mind and tell you lies to keep you believing you can’t, or it won’t work, it’s bad etc. Do not accept the lies! Speak out in Jesus’ name ‘No I have the mind of Christ’ “I can do all things through Christ Jesus who strengthens me to do it.”

I speak this scripture to fear, 2 Timothy 1:7 “God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” This is a promise a child of God can say out loud to fear it must leave.

Fear is a spirit, with an assignment to make you believe lies are real and to torment you to stop you from living an abundant life.

Faith in God is real, trusting in God is real but fear of something seems real but it is a smoke screen to stop you from whatever it is sent to stop you from. Tell it to go in Jesus’ name. It sounds simplistic because Jesus did the work at Calvary for you to be free of fear. He defeated the enemy and gave us the power to cast out demons in His name.

Jesus supplied so much more than just freedom from fear. Do I get afraid sometimes? Yes, I have but God has empowered me to rebuke it in Jesus’ name and it leaves. Start speaking the name of Jesus to fear it isn’t from Him so it must go. It is time to live the life of freedom from fear that Jesus paid the price for you to live.

Three things to know about happiness.

Where does happiness come from? What does it do for you? How does one stay happy in life? Happiness can be a byproduct of what we do for others. Happiness is not found in a person, place or thing. It comes as we carry out goals, help someone or choose to be thankful even when life is throwing the curve ball at you. It also comes when we give of ourselves to others. It is a disposition in life. The Dictionary says happiness means, “the state of being happy.” ‘Contentment, pleasure’

Wikipedia.org “Happiness is a feeling of pleasure and positivity. When someone feels good, proud, excited, relieved or satisfied about something that person is said to be ‘happy’ Feeling happy may help people relax and to smile.”

Why is happiness so important to people? I think it is promoted as an essential pursuit. First, it is a byproduct of what a person does with life. It’s not about money, status or who you know. It is a product of how you view life, what your dreams are and how you go about completing them. You can have no money and be happy. You can have millions of dollars and still feel depressed, lonely and unhappy. If you think the more, you have the happier you will be you will end up disappointed.

Secondly happiness isn’t joy, being joyful is an emotion. Joy is an emotion of excitement or a sudden feeling of cheer. It’s important to feel joy but happiness is more of a state of mind. Happiness can also be felt because it is produced when we give others help, when we complete projects or goals.   

Thirdly when we keep our minds free from comparing ourselves to others, self-pity, negative critical thinking we stay happy. Our minds will steer us that is why the Bible states in Isaiah 26:3 “You keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You.” We can choose our thoughts. I choose to not be focused on what I can’t do and do what I can do.

After having joint replacements, you learn if I overdo, I suffer pain, so you learn to pace yourself and do what you can, not what you are unable to. I choose to focus on doing what I enjoy and let the heavier things go.

Choose to enjoy where you are in life as you pursue where you want to be. Everyday we can learn something new, if you’re not sure what you like spend time trying new things to give yourself and opportunity to learn and grow. It is never too late to learn something new.

Remember happiness is a byproduct not a goal.

Where Does Your Value come From?

Your worth equals value

What is a mirror? “it is a reflective surface, now typically of glass coated with a metal amalgam that reflects a clear image.”

To me it is a device to see oneself. When you look in a mirror what do you see? If I asked you to name three things you like about yourself, but you cannot answer what you do or say I’m a good wife, mother… How would you answer then? Think on this for a minute.

This is a message I taught on at the woman’s bible study at our church. The question the Holy Spirit asked remains “Where are you getting your worth from?” This is an important statement to think on… These two definitions explain where our worth is coming from in the natural.

“Self-worth is the internal sense of being good enough and worthy of love and belonging from others.”

“Self-worth is often confused with self-esteem. Self-esteem relies on external factors such as success & achievements.”

Your Worth equals value and comes from Your Identity in Christ!  Jesus is my identity!!! My value and worth come from Him.

I do not have to work it, make it or maintain it. I just live, walk, and abide in Christ Jesus because He worked it and died for it. I live, laugh and love in Him.

God recreated-regenerated into us a new spirit when we were born again, we became a part of the new Adam the nature of Christ. Your spirit man was recreated in the image of Christ, but our soul & body is what gets in our way.  Your soul is working out its salvation with fear and trembling.  But we have a choice to choose to activate our will and choose to live and walk in our identity in Christ.  In His Righteousness, sanctification, redemption and dominion.

1 Corinthians 1:3 “But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God-and righteousness and sanctification and redemption.”

I live in Him, He lives in me, we are one in Jesus! Just as he prayed, we would be. John 17:20-21 “I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word 21) that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that thy also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent me…”

Since our identity is in Christ Jesus what does that mean. I looked the word identity up online, “The word Identity means 1) a: the distinguishing character or personality of an individual: Individuality b) The relation established by psychological identification 2) the condition of being the same with something described or asserted established.”

“The deeper meaning: the definition of identity is who you are, the way you are viewed by the world and the characteristics that define you. such as a person’s name…”

What exactly does Jesus’ identity mean for, a believer. It is who we are and how God sees us.

Since we now know our identity is in Christ Jesus then how do we live, walk, and abide in Him?

And that is the reason why the Apostle Paul could say ‘he no longer lives.’

Galatians 2:19-20 “For I through the law died to the law that I might live to God. 20)I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ live in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.”

We live by faith in Christ we live by his accomplishments not our own. We live through his power, anointing and grace. This is the reason why Paul could also ‘endure all things through His grace which is sufficient.’ The Apostle Paul pleaded to have the thorn in his flesh removed. Theologian’s debate what the thorn was either an eye disease or the continuous assault on him as he traveled preaching the gospel either way Jesus did not remove it and after the third pleading of prayers the Holy Spirit spoke. In 2 Corinthians 12:9 “And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.”

Therefore, we live by the Grace of God. John 1:16 “And of His fullness we have all received, and grace for grace…” Jesus came full of grace and gave us grace. It’s His grace for grace so you are able to live in His grace. Which is His strength for what you face each day.

2 Corinthians 3:18 “But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.”   As you live in Him you will reflect His glory.

We can live, abide and walk in and through Christ Jesus…

Abiding in Him can & ought to be a spiritual supernatural occurrence of continuance. The word abide means “stay, remain, abide, rest, sojourn, persist, pursue.” This is applied by abiding continually.  John 15:4 “Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.”

That is why when they were in the boat with Jesus, they got afraid. Because their eyes and mind where on the natural boat and water. Even though they were in the boat with him they were not abiding in him. When he woke up, he said ‘ye of little faith.’ Their faith was on the wrong thing.  This is just one example of why our identity must be in Him. Apart from Him we can do nothing.

We can live, abide, and walk in our identity in Jesus.

How do you walk in your identity with Jesus? 1) Walk Humbly with God meaning total dependence on God for everything. Even our own hearts, because our hearts can deceive us, into a religious routine of thinking we are ok, when we are not, so staying humble also keeps us in check. Regularly let God search your heart. Micah 6:8 “He has shown you, o man what is good; And what does the LORD require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?”

2) The bible says we are to walk by faith not sight. What does ‘walk by faith’ mean to you? Whose faith are you walking in? We each got a measure of faith where did it come from? Jesus! We all have his faith; we grow in it. He is the author and perfector of our faith. Hebrews 12:2 “looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

Romans 12:3” “…God has dealt to each one a measure of faith. We walk by faith and not by sight by depending on and in Jesus. When you know your real identity is in Jesus, that is when you know who accepts you is Almighty God. Keeping your eyes, mind, heart soul and body on Christ Jesus because you are his and he is yours.

The word of God is truth it produces faith. Faith comes from hearing the Word of God. The Word of God is a mirror to see who you are in Christ.  

Anxiety is fear, fear is an enemy. We become anxious because our eyes go on us it opens us up to fear. Our eyes, mind, heart must stay on Jesus. His identity is ours and we live, abide and walk in Him through Him. You are not alone!

What do you base your Love on?

What is love? Why is love so important? Where does it come from? Is it found in a feeling, thought or action? Or are all three of these involved in love? Does love include your mind, will and emotions? These are a few questions I would like to look at and think about.

First what is love? The Dictionary states, noun 1) “An intense feeling of deep affection. 2) A great interest and pleasure in something. Such as love for football.”

The Urban Dictionary defines love as “The act of caring and giving to someone else. Having someone’s best interest and well being as a priority in your life. To truly love is a very selfless act.” These definitions show us a few things that describe love according to the Dictionary.

Any time I do premarital counseling I like to ask couples why do you love each other; this question causes thoughts and expression so that each one can hear why each other loves them. Just saying I love you is not enough; love is always an expression of action. In healthy relationships love is selfless, it is always moving and growing. Love is stable, reliable, security, with meaningful communication and affection.

Relationships that embrace the differences in each other develop into healthy friendships. Love accepts the differences in others. For example, my husband is a drummer he played drums all his life. I do not have rhythm I struggle to clap in time. But my strengths are in other areas I love to sing. These differences do not hinder us because we embrace our differences, and we are not trying to make each other be like our selves. I think being able to laugh at yourself helps keep balance in love too. Laughter does the heart good.

Parental love also expresses to the child stability, consistency, security, communication, acceptance, affirmations, affection, boundaries and consequences. Healthy love has boundaries it also says I am sorry when wrong or I have hurt someone or reacted in a wrong way. Parental love teaches children how to love.

The Word of God describes love in 1 Corinthians 13: 4-8 “Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; 5-does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; 6-does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; 7-bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 8-Love never fails.” This description of love is actions, thoughts and words. This is the kind of love we are to walk and live in daily.

God loved us so much He sent His only begotten son to die for us so that we could live eternally with Him. In John 3:16 it tells us of Gods sacrificial love. Jesus laid down His own life for us, His love for us endured suffering, sorrow and death by taking our place, to buy forgiveness of sin for us. God showed His love through His Son Christ Jesus. Love expresses itself in sacrifice at times.

Love is a decision so your will is involved in love. Love is not just a feeling it is a choice. You can choose to walk and live love every moment. Let’s choose to love today.