Any woman who gives birth will be a "mother"....but it takes a special kind of lady to be a Glorious Mother.....
To be a Glorious mother.......
-you have got to have temperance
-don' t just concentrate on your children (communal mindset)
-must know the trappings of the devil to warn them
-don't be ashamed to talk about sex with your children
-don't stir up strife with your husband in the presence of children
-know that it's okay to come in 2nd place
-learn how to say "No!"
-it's okay to NOT know EVERYTHING!
-research to LEARN
-learn how to be one within yourself
-look beyond the obvious...look to God to understand your children (He does since He is their creator : )
-learn to nurture their spirit
-have an understanding husband
-knows that the best investment to give your children is TIME
-understand their personality
-know that there is some hard work to be done!
-instill the Word of God in them to guide them in life
-cannot despise motherhood (usually based on judgment towards own mother)
-must have a technique for REAL love (anger and love cannot strive together)
-prays a lot
-never spends time gossipping
-covers a matter with love
-is hopeful
-is an encourager/ solution-focused
-will never shame her children
-loves to talk with her children
-is sacrificial
-is compassionate
-is wise
-has a restraint of emotions
-will keep her word
-hears from the Lord
-overlooks an offense
-be willing to give away what you've always wanted
-will weigh what you say--consider it before it is spoken
-is apologetic
-teaches her children about faith
-cannot walk in doubt and unbelief
-will check out her children's friends and their parents
-will not fear
-will wait on the Lord and teach children how to wait on the Lord
-will teach them how to value righteousness and realize that it goes generations beyond you..
-will learn to take nothing and make something of it
-is not fearful of condemnation from others
-takes the temperature of the world and prepares the children for it accordingly
-is not afraid of the challenges of motherhood
-has to be a friend of God
-will learn to seperate yourself from your children when it's time
-never worries but relies on the Lord
-knows God will keep His Word
-hides the Word of God in her heart
-teaches the children to stir up the gifts on the inside/nurture
-will teach children how to balance life activities
-will not live her life through her children
-will listen to her children
-will provide a safety net for her children to make decisions and take on responsibilities
-will teach them how to make proper decisions
-will teach and demonstrate good social skills
-will not use threats or intimidation
-FB
Monday, May 18, 2009
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Notes From Dr. Bruce Wilkerson conference
Friday March 20, 2009
There is a Dream that God puts in each of our hearts…it’s His dream that He desires that we make come true.
Every child will have great dreams. If you don’t have a dream, you will lose your way. When you lose your way your heart dies. God put a dream in your heart. Everybody has a dream…are you living your dream? If you aren’t what was your dream? Dream—“you can’t get rid of me because I am you!” Your dream determines what you are like.
90% of people don’t live their dream.
The grave yard—where the dream dies…what’s in the grave yard?
“I’m not good enough”
“I can’t do it”
“I’m afraid”
100% of people feel this way and should feel this way…dreams make everyone afraid—all dreams are impossible to attain (alone)—but with GOD…
**Is your dream in your comfort zone? NO…
Your dream is NOT in your comfort zone…a wall of fear exists at the edge of everyone’s comfort zone.
What must you do to get beyond the fear? You have to move beyond your fear into faith
**Did you have anything to do with your dream? NO
This is where we lose our way ….we hate ourselves, disappointed, “I’ve ruined my life”
Dream is locked away in the closet ….self-hatred, self-sabotage, worthlessness
Go after your destiny—take courage! “I’m walking through this fear anyway”
Open the closet door….it will hurt…hurt is temporary. Be willing to open the closet.
(Jeremiah 1:4)
God didn’t need just another person—He needed a specific design!
God’s dream________________________________________10,000 AD
10,000 BC
“I need a person to do this __________ at this place _________ at this time _______ with this strength in character _________ …Because I WILL accomplish my dream!
Your life is not all about you!
Everything you’ve been through all your life had a purpose.
He’s for the FINISH LINE….you’re for the NOW line
Read about the life of Joseph….
WOUNDS, TRIALS, and TRIBULATIONS are ALL a part of preparation!!
There is a purpose for who you are…
1 Corinthians 4:7 “For who makes you differ from another? And what do you have that you did not receive? Now if you did indeed receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it?”
“I don’t like (this part) about me”----an insult to God!
If you don’t allow your heart to get hardened, your dream will come true!
Exodus 35: 30-35
We are a trophy of His grace..
Read Psalm 139:13
The more you pray, the more life is in you!
Eph. 2:10, v. 8-10
Glory is brilliance
Life isn’t fair
Life is: “Finish the work that God gave you to do.”
Find God in all areas of your life---Peaks and valleys
THANK YOU GOD FOR EVERYTHING!!
Saturday March 21, 2009
The Land of familiar –we always start where we are familiar—the dream is a long ways away…
Stage 1: The dream is in your heart, not your head. The head usually wins—“You’re stupid”
Size of the dream: HUGE
Your dream invented you not the other way around.
When you don’t live your dream, you hurt.
When you see someone living your dream…to see it hurts tremendously—we stuff it.
We hurt ourselves…get upset and bitter
“Life’s not fair!”--Who got off the road???----you did!
No one pushes us off the road…we jump in the ditch---repeatedly—until we are way off the path…
We feel empty and there is an ache in our heart.
We’ll do anything to get rid of the pain…Even if you are off the beaten path, there’s always a way back.
God is always involved
You are 100% responsible--come back, turn, repent
If you forgive you will be put back on the path if not, your heart will grow harder and harder.
God does not stop the free will of people who want to do wrong.
Sexual trauma--sexually out of control (or)
--Dried up
When you forgive, God heals your heart.
Comfort Zone—a place where I am comfortable
Every dream is outside of our comfort zone.
100% of people have the fear to go outside the comfort zone.
Want the dream more than you want the fear!
I’M GOING ANYWAY!! TAKE COURAGE!!!
Reward on the other side of fear –a NEW YOU!!
When you break your comfort zone you break your families comfort zone; family—no support
AKA “Border bullies” --envy, don’t want you to get hurt.
Fear of comfort zone and fear of man (wanting approval)
Helping Other People with Their Dream:
Be a dream coach: you coach other people
Less than 20% of people are actively pursuing their dream or living their dream
Weak areas—things we are not good at
Schools try to make people “well rounded” Why do we focus on our weaknesses?? FOCUS ON STRENGHTS!
Help people get out of self-centeredness by encouraging them to focus on others—help others
To be a dream coach—determine what stage they are at:
1. Do they know their dream?
2. Are they stuck in their comfort zone?
3. Are they surrounded by Border bullies?
90% people are stuck at one of these places!
Ask questions:
1. What is it that you always wanted to do? Anticipate change of topic--if you open their heart it will be painful
How?
-low pitched voice
-talk slow
-short sentences
-open-ended question (no yes/no answer)
-many pauses
-body tilt/head tilt
BODY LANGUAGE IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN THE WORDS THAT COME OUT OF YOUR MOUTH!!
2. What stage are they in?
a. Express yourself to get them to express their feelings---“I’m feeling _________.; have you ever felt that way?
b. If you had all the money in the world what would you love to do?
c. How long have you wanted to do this?
d. “TOO BIG” –if it were smaller, would you do it?
Obstacles—fear of the unknown, fear of failure
I will not allow fear to keep me from achieving my dreams.
WOUNDS - intentional
-Unintentional
Hurt - from others
- self
- God
Only God can heal your wounds
Dirt in a wound—wound won’t heal Clean the wound—wound will heal itself
“Dirt” in heart---Clean the heart—heart will heal
Heart = real you
When words hit a wound = REACTION
Infection in the heart: unforgiveness
Matthew 18:21-35 …..if we choose not to forgive, God Himself will hand us over to the tormentors to be tortured until we do. That is just how serious He is about Forgiveness. Unforgiveness—most severe sin
Torturers –people, demons—anxiety, depression, etc.
God has zero tolerance for people who don’t forgive--no mercy
Wounds are in your heart
OTHERS
“The person doesn’t deserve forgiveness”---that’s irrelevant…the question is how much longer to you want to be tormented??
Downward spiral progression of unforgiveness:
-Wound/ hurt
-Unforgiveness
-Resentment—keeping a track of wrongs
-Bitterness—emotional dislike/sourness
-Anger
-Hatred/Disgust
Results in revenge/vengeance which breeds torment
Many have tried to forgive (genuinely) but it didn’t work.
“I forgive ____”
Forgiveness is from a specific wound
FORGIVENESS EXERCISE:
1. Ask God to reveal the people that have wounded you that you haven’t forgiven yet (ex. Mom, dad, other family members, teachers, peers friends, coaches, co-workers)
Number each: #1 hardest to forgive, #2, #3…
For each name/person write specific ways they wounded you.
God will reveal more people in time
First one is the hardest. If one is unable to forgive (Romans 12:17)
How will God avenge? God will avenge for you!
How does one forgive:
Will: a decision
Mind: “I’ve decided to forgive___”
Heart: specific forgiveness and letting go.
Ask God to take down the walls around your heart.
SELF
Me hurting me
How can a person hurt themselves?
Not forgiving self
Gambling
Abortion
Drugs/Alcohol,etc…
If you begin to think bitterly about a certain person (the devil reminding you of who has done what against you)—don’t permit your mind to go back there—SPEAK: “I have already forgiven_______”
Self-hatred leads to (because I deserve it)
--sabotage
--I’m not worthy
**Identify how you wounded yourself.
“Here are some of the ways that I’ve really wounded myself”
If you don’t forgive yourself, torment will result….anxiety, fears, depression, etc.
How do you forgive yourself for abortion?
1. Tell someone
2. Ask God to forgive you
3. Realize that if God can forgive you, you can forgive yourself.
When your heart is sick, you are sick and your life won’t work.
Forgiven people forgive people.
(At least those who actually have the revelation of forgiveness)
End Notes
There is a Dream that God puts in each of our hearts…it’s His dream that He desires that we make come true.
Every child will have great dreams. If you don’t have a dream, you will lose your way. When you lose your way your heart dies. God put a dream in your heart. Everybody has a dream…are you living your dream? If you aren’t what was your dream? Dream—“you can’t get rid of me because I am you!” Your dream determines what you are like.
90% of people don’t live their dream.
The grave yard—where the dream dies…what’s in the grave yard?
“I’m not good enough”
“I can’t do it”
“I’m afraid”
100% of people feel this way and should feel this way…dreams make everyone afraid—all dreams are impossible to attain (alone)—but with GOD…
**Is your dream in your comfort zone? NO…
Your dream is NOT in your comfort zone…a wall of fear exists at the edge of everyone’s comfort zone.
What must you do to get beyond the fear? You have to move beyond your fear into faith
**Did you have anything to do with your dream? NO
This is where we lose our way ….we hate ourselves, disappointed, “I’ve ruined my life”
Dream is locked away in the closet ….self-hatred, self-sabotage, worthlessness
Go after your destiny—take courage! “I’m walking through this fear anyway”
Open the closet door….it will hurt…hurt is temporary. Be willing to open the closet.
(Jeremiah 1:4)
God didn’t need just another person—He needed a specific design!
God’s dream________________________________________10,000 AD
10,000 BC
“I need a person to do this __________ at this place _________ at this time _______ with this strength in character _________ …Because I WILL accomplish my dream!
Your life is not all about you!
Everything you’ve been through all your life had a purpose.
He’s for the FINISH LINE….you’re for the NOW line
Read about the life of Joseph….
WOUNDS, TRIALS, and TRIBULATIONS are ALL a part of preparation!!
There is a purpose for who you are…
1 Corinthians 4:7 “For who makes you differ from another? And what do you have that you did not receive? Now if you did indeed receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it?”
“I don’t like (this part) about me”----an insult to God!
If you don’t allow your heart to get hardened, your dream will come true!
Exodus 35: 30-35
We are a trophy of His grace..
Read Psalm 139:13
The more you pray, the more life is in you!
Eph. 2:10, v. 8-10
Glory is brilliance
Life isn’t fair
Life is: “Finish the work that God gave you to do.”
Find God in all areas of your life---Peaks and valleys
THANK YOU GOD FOR EVERYTHING!!
Saturday March 21, 2009
The Land of familiar –we always start where we are familiar—the dream is a long ways away…
Stage 1: The dream is in your heart, not your head. The head usually wins—“You’re stupid”
Size of the dream: HUGE
Your dream invented you not the other way around.
When you don’t live your dream, you hurt.
When you see someone living your dream…to see it hurts tremendously—we stuff it.
We hurt ourselves…get upset and bitter
“Life’s not fair!”--Who got off the road???----you did!
No one pushes us off the road…we jump in the ditch---repeatedly—until we are way off the path…
We feel empty and there is an ache in our heart.
We’ll do anything to get rid of the pain…Even if you are off the beaten path, there’s always a way back.
God is always involved
You are 100% responsible--come back, turn, repent
If you forgive you will be put back on the path if not, your heart will grow harder and harder.
God does not stop the free will of people who want to do wrong.
Sexual trauma--sexually out of control (or)
--Dried up
When you forgive, God heals your heart.
Comfort Zone—a place where I am comfortable
Every dream is outside of our comfort zone.
100% of people have the fear to go outside the comfort zone.
Want the dream more than you want the fear!
I’M GOING ANYWAY!! TAKE COURAGE!!!
Reward on the other side of fear –a NEW YOU!!
When you break your comfort zone you break your families comfort zone; family—no support
AKA “Border bullies” --envy, don’t want you to get hurt.
Fear of comfort zone and fear of man (wanting approval)
Helping Other People with Their Dream:
Be a dream coach: you coach other people
Less than 20% of people are actively pursuing their dream or living their dream
Weak areas—things we are not good at
Schools try to make people “well rounded” Why do we focus on our weaknesses?? FOCUS ON STRENGHTS!
Help people get out of self-centeredness by encouraging them to focus on others—help others
To be a dream coach—determine what stage they are at:
1. Do they know their dream?
2. Are they stuck in their comfort zone?
3. Are they surrounded by Border bullies?
90% people are stuck at one of these places!
Ask questions:
1. What is it that you always wanted to do? Anticipate change of topic--if you open their heart it will be painful
How?
-low pitched voice
-talk slow
-short sentences
-open-ended question (no yes/no answer)
-many pauses
-body tilt/head tilt
BODY LANGUAGE IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN THE WORDS THAT COME OUT OF YOUR MOUTH!!
2. What stage are they in?
a. Express yourself to get them to express their feelings---“I’m feeling _________.; have you ever felt that way?
b. If you had all the money in the world what would you love to do?
c. How long have you wanted to do this?
d. “TOO BIG” –if it were smaller, would you do it?
Obstacles—fear of the unknown, fear of failure
I will not allow fear to keep me from achieving my dreams.
WOUNDS - intentional
-Unintentional
Hurt - from others
- self
- God
Only God can heal your wounds
Dirt in a wound—wound won’t heal Clean the wound—wound will heal itself
“Dirt” in heart---Clean the heart—heart will heal
Heart = real you
When words hit a wound = REACTION
Infection in the heart: unforgiveness
Matthew 18:21-35 …..if we choose not to forgive, God Himself will hand us over to the tormentors to be tortured until we do. That is just how serious He is about Forgiveness. Unforgiveness—most severe sin
Torturers –people, demons—anxiety, depression, etc.
God has zero tolerance for people who don’t forgive--no mercy
Wounds are in your heart
OTHERS
“The person doesn’t deserve forgiveness”---that’s irrelevant…the question is how much longer to you want to be tormented??
Downward spiral progression of unforgiveness:
-Wound/ hurt
-Unforgiveness
-Resentment—keeping a track of wrongs
-Bitterness—emotional dislike/sourness
-Anger
-Hatred/Disgust
Results in revenge/vengeance which breeds torment
Many have tried to forgive (genuinely) but it didn’t work.
“I forgive ____”
Forgiveness is from a specific wound
FORGIVENESS EXERCISE:
1. Ask God to reveal the people that have wounded you that you haven’t forgiven yet (ex. Mom, dad, other family members, teachers, peers friends, coaches, co-workers)
Number each: #1 hardest to forgive, #2, #3…
For each name/person write specific ways they wounded you.
God will reveal more people in time
First one is the hardest. If one is unable to forgive (Romans 12:17)
How will God avenge? God will avenge for you!
How does one forgive:
Will: a decision
Mind: “I’ve decided to forgive___”
Heart: specific forgiveness and letting go.
Ask God to take down the walls around your heart.
SELF
Me hurting me
How can a person hurt themselves?
Not forgiving self
Gambling
Abortion
Drugs/Alcohol,etc…
If you begin to think bitterly about a certain person (the devil reminding you of who has done what against you)—don’t permit your mind to go back there—SPEAK: “I have already forgiven_______”
Self-hatred leads to (because I deserve it)
--sabotage
--I’m not worthy
**Identify how you wounded yourself.
“Here are some of the ways that I’ve really wounded myself”
If you don’t forgive yourself, torment will result….anxiety, fears, depression, etc.
How do you forgive yourself for abortion?
1. Tell someone
2. Ask God to forgive you
3. Realize that if God can forgive you, you can forgive yourself.
When your heart is sick, you are sick and your life won’t work.
Forgiven people forgive people.
(At least those who actually have the revelation of forgiveness)
End Notes
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Dr. Bruce Wilkinson
Dr. Bruce Wilkinson (Author of "Prayer of Jabez")had visited my place of employment (a comprehensive recovery center for women & women with children) this past Friday/Saturday and had a powerful message for them...a message that brought incredible healing and freedom! A powerful message, a powerful speaker...I will relay what I learned in my next blog...stay tuned : )
Who I Am in Christ
(This is part II ....read Identity: Found first)
This is from Neil T. Anderson's book "Who I Am in Christ" :
Who I Am In Christ
I am accepted...
John 1:12
I am God's child.
John 15:15
As a disciple, I am a friend of Jesus Christ.
Romans 5:1
I have been justified.
1 Corinthians 6:17
I am united with the Lord, and I am one with Him in spirit.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20
I have been bought with a price and I belong to God.
1 Corinthians 12:27
I am a member of Christ's body.
Ephesians 1:3-8
I have been chosen by God and adopted as His child.
Colossians 1:13-14
I have been redeemed and forgiven of all my sins.
Colossians 2:9-10
I am complete in Christ.
Hebrews 4:14-16
I have direct access to the throne of grace through Jesus Christ.
I am secure...
Romans 8:1-2
I am free from condemnation.
Romans 8:28
I am assured that God works for my good in all circumstances.
Romans 8:31-39
I am free from any condemnation brought against me and I cannot be separated from the love of God.
2 Corinthians 1:21-22
I have been established, anointed and sealed by God.
Colossians 3:1-4
I am hidden with Christ in God.
Philippians 1:6
I am confident that God will complete the good work He started in me.
Philippians 3:20
I am a citizen of heaven.
2 Timothy 1:7
I have not been given a spirit of fear but of power, love and a sound mind.
1 John 5:18
I am born of God and the evil one cannot touch me.
I am significant...
John 15:5
I am a branch of Jesus Christ, the true vine, and a channel of His life.
John 15:16
I have been chosen and appointed to bear fruit.
1 Corinthians 3:16
I am God's temple.
2 Corinthians 5:17-21
I am a minister of reconciliation for God.
Ephesians 2:6
I am seated with Jesus Christ in the heavenly realm.
Ephesians 2:10
I am God's workmanship.
Ephesians 3:12
I may approach God with freedom and confidence.
Philippians 4:13
I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.
This is from Neil T. Anderson's book "Who I Am in Christ" :
Who I Am In Christ
I am accepted...
John 1:12
I am God's child.
John 15:15
As a disciple, I am a friend of Jesus Christ.
Romans 5:1
I have been justified.
1 Corinthians 6:17
I am united with the Lord, and I am one with Him in spirit.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20
I have been bought with a price and I belong to God.
1 Corinthians 12:27
I am a member of Christ's body.
Ephesians 1:3-8
I have been chosen by God and adopted as His child.
Colossians 1:13-14
I have been redeemed and forgiven of all my sins.
Colossians 2:9-10
I am complete in Christ.
Hebrews 4:14-16
I have direct access to the throne of grace through Jesus Christ.
I am secure...
Romans 8:1-2
I am free from condemnation.
Romans 8:28
I am assured that God works for my good in all circumstances.
Romans 8:31-39
I am free from any condemnation brought against me and I cannot be separated from the love of God.
2 Corinthians 1:21-22
I have been established, anointed and sealed by God.
Colossians 3:1-4
I am hidden with Christ in God.
Philippians 1:6
I am confident that God will complete the good work He started in me.
Philippians 3:20
I am a citizen of heaven.
2 Timothy 1:7
I have not been given a spirit of fear but of power, love and a sound mind.
1 John 5:18
I am born of God and the evil one cannot touch me.
I am significant...
John 15:5
I am a branch of Jesus Christ, the true vine, and a channel of His life.
John 15:16
I have been chosen and appointed to bear fruit.
1 Corinthians 3:16
I am God's temple.
2 Corinthians 5:17-21
I am a minister of reconciliation for God.
Ephesians 2:6
I am seated with Jesus Christ in the heavenly realm.
Ephesians 2:10
I am God's workmanship.
Ephesians 3:12
I may approach God with freedom and confidence.
Philippians 4:13
I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.
Identity: Found
Until we see God as who He truly is rather than our skewed perception—as a result of religion and /or unhealthy relationships with our father—our self image
will be tainted and our growth will be stunted. We need to pursue understanding of: 1. Who is God? 2. Who am I?
Once we gain insight, revelation, understanding of who He is we will also begin to understand who we are…He created us and only He has perfect knowledge of who we are!!!
Sadly, so many people have believed the lies of who others have said they were (i.e. “you’re not smart enough”, “strong enough”, “you’ll never make it”, “you’re a failure”, “you’re a mistake!”)….Whether direct or subtle, other’s words have become our thoughts. When we experience these thoughts it was not our thought to begin with….it was someone’s words…
There is tremendous power in words (Proverbs 18:27) and if someone spoke defeat, failure, fear-filled words over us in our rearing years—it is very likely that before long, one is walking out those words of the past. In addition, since they have been spoken over us time & again, they have become our own thoughts and have shaped our self-image. Once we recognize our personal areas of defeat it is our responsibility to work at it (with the assistance of some loving friends/mentors).
At the root of distress is a skewed image of oneself. If you’ve ever been to a carnival and been to the mirrors that make you look tall, another one short, another one fat, these are misperceptions of reality—in the physical. We can also mistake the same—seeing our self as a failure or defeated in some area, but that is not how we’ve been created or designed. God does not create mistakes & He does not create failures. But Satan, the father of lies (John 8:44) has spoken through these individuals to set you up for failure rather than success, to set you up as victim rather than victorious. Over the years it has grieved me to see the body of Christ defeated and stunted in growth. The reason why we’re NOT growing and going from glory to glory as promised by the Lord is because of this “glass ceiling” which we cannot break-through BUT by the POWER of God! We live defeated lives because we believe it and accept it rather than challenge it! Put the Word on it!
Assignment: Identify as many self-defeating thoughts as you can (list) and challenge them. What is the thought and what does the Word say about it? Begin then, to speak truth over your life!! It is life transforming!
We can read these scriptures that speak of who we are in Christ but it needs to go beyond our head to our heart—we need to receive it as our own—take it personal. Allow the revelation to explode within you and take you to a new level!
Once we get this understanding and walk it out we can truly begin to establish His Kingdom on earth!! Satan has the church blinded to this truth because once a believer gets this revelation, nothing and nobody can stop us from going from glory to glory!!
will be tainted and our growth will be stunted. We need to pursue understanding of: 1. Who is God? 2. Who am I?
Once we gain insight, revelation, understanding of who He is we will also begin to understand who we are…He created us and only He has perfect knowledge of who we are!!!
Sadly, so many people have believed the lies of who others have said they were (i.e. “you’re not smart enough”, “strong enough”, “you’ll never make it”, “you’re a failure”, “you’re a mistake!”)….Whether direct or subtle, other’s words have become our thoughts. When we experience these thoughts it was not our thought to begin with….it was someone’s words…
There is tremendous power in words (Proverbs 18:27) and if someone spoke defeat, failure, fear-filled words over us in our rearing years—it is very likely that before long, one is walking out those words of the past. In addition, since they have been spoken over us time & again, they have become our own thoughts and have shaped our self-image. Once we recognize our personal areas of defeat it is our responsibility to work at it (with the assistance of some loving friends/mentors).
At the root of distress is a skewed image of oneself. If you’ve ever been to a carnival and been to the mirrors that make you look tall, another one short, another one fat, these are misperceptions of reality—in the physical. We can also mistake the same—seeing our self as a failure or defeated in some area, but that is not how we’ve been created or designed. God does not create mistakes & He does not create failures. But Satan, the father of lies (John 8:44) has spoken through these individuals to set you up for failure rather than success, to set you up as victim rather than victorious. Over the years it has grieved me to see the body of Christ defeated and stunted in growth. The reason why we’re NOT growing and going from glory to glory as promised by the Lord is because of this “glass ceiling” which we cannot break-through BUT by the POWER of God! We live defeated lives because we believe it and accept it rather than challenge it! Put the Word on it!
Assignment: Identify as many self-defeating thoughts as you can (list) and challenge them. What is the thought and what does the Word say about it? Begin then, to speak truth over your life!! It is life transforming!
We can read these scriptures that speak of who we are in Christ but it needs to go beyond our head to our heart—we need to receive it as our own—take it personal. Allow the revelation to explode within you and take you to a new level!
Once we get this understanding and walk it out we can truly begin to establish His Kingdom on earth!! Satan has the church blinded to this truth because once a believer gets this revelation, nothing and nobody can stop us from going from glory to glory!!
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Identity: Lost
Who am I? ..Not an easy question to answer, huh? Where can we go for answers? If we look at Genesis 1-3, we can see that humanity enjoyed constant commmunion and connection with God, but it was lost through the Fall of Man...and with it, their identity...once connected and communing with God but then after rebelling against Him, this led to disconnection from Him. He is Creator, we are His creation, and if the two are seperated, what is the meaning of the created? Who do you turn to for answers? And for identity? Let's take that understanding and apply it to a child in an orphanage. What is his/her identity? In time the child will question: "who is my mom?" "Who is my dad?" Or even more significant, "where are they and why did they reject me?" "What is wrong with me?" Even if the child is chosen by healthy parents, they will always ask this question until it is resolved...How can it be resolved? How can we know who we are? How can we regain our identity? Understand #1: you are the created, and #2: You have a Creator! Go back to Him. We can recognize God's desire to be reconciled with us as He paid the ultimate price by sending His Son to pay the penalty of what seperated us-- (see Romans 5:6-21)--the human race--from Him to begin with: sin (i.e. idolatry, rebellion, hatred for authority, unforgiviness, sexual immorality, envy, pride, greed, sorcery, liars, etc.).
In the family, as God designed it, the child gets his/her identity from the father (Ultimately because he was created to reflect the character of our Heavenly Father--more on this later). Through the father , a child is intended to gain identity, affirmation, educational achievement, discipline, protection, and provision, among many other things. However, we are currently faced with a generation of "fatherlessness" --inside and outside the "church"--due to divorce or having a father who is emotionally disengaged from the family (in the home but not connected to the family). In either case, we have generations of men, women, and children who lack(ed) this very significant part of their life which leaves them aimless, without backbone, and without hope.
So how do we regain our true identity? Who is the "real you"? So long as you are willing to ask the question, there is an answer...("So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you." -Luke 10:9). If we are to find the "true self"...we must go back to Our Creator.
suggested reading: Who I Am in Christ, by Neil T. Anderson
Next entry: Identity: Found
In the family, as God designed it, the child gets his/her identity from the father (Ultimately because he was created to reflect the character of our Heavenly Father--more on this later). Through the father , a child is intended to gain identity, affirmation, educational achievement, discipline, protection, and provision, among many other things. However, we are currently faced with a generation of "fatherlessness" --inside and outside the "church"--due to divorce or having a father who is emotionally disengaged from the family (in the home but not connected to the family). In either case, we have generations of men, women, and children who lack(ed) this very significant part of their life which leaves them aimless, without backbone, and without hope.
So how do we regain our true identity? Who is the "real you"? So long as you are willing to ask the question, there is an answer...("So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you." -Luke 10:9). If we are to find the "true self"...we must go back to Our Creator.
suggested reading: Who I Am in Christ, by Neil T. Anderson
Next entry: Identity: Found
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Identity Crisis
"Who Am I, really?" A question that we may occasionally consider but often don't fully investigate...Oftentimes, people would answer such as: "I am a school teacher", "a pharmacist", "a mom", "a lawyer", "an artist", etc. But these are merely our roles--and they may be many, but it is not our identity. We look in the mirror daily but who is that person that we are looking at? Do you know her/him?? Whether inside or outside the church (not referring to the building but the people)..this question goes unanswered and we continue to wander around in our roles , broken and incomplete if we don't know who we are. Our roles can change--depending on our age and stage of life--or it can be taken from us....so if that is your foundation, you will soon feel more lost and more frustrated. Who you are, your identity, does not change no matter what age or stage of life you are in....It is your foundation...it is unmovable and unshakeable!...Over the next few entries I will discuss this point by point but in the meantime...please ask yourself, Who Am I?...let me know what you discover....
Friday, February 13, 2009
Year in Review Assessment
I developed this assessement in January and wanted to share it with you...I would suggest you print it out and spend some time in reflection as you answer the questions....questions and feedback welcomed!!! Enjoy!
YEAR IN REVIEW ….2008
Name: _______________________ Date: _________
The following is a series of questions to help you track your spiritual growth for 2008.
Suggestion: Answer the following on a separate sheet of paper.
1. Identify milestones that you have had in 2008.
2. What challenges have you overcome?
3. What have you learned about yourself this year?
4. Identify the significant people that has encouraged you, discipled you this year.
5. What new relationships have you established this year? What relationships have you re-established?
6. What have been your favorite songs/theme songs?
7. What books have you read this year?
8. How has your faith grown this year (i.e. through what experiences)?
9. Has your relationship with the Lord grown stronger? If yes, how so?
10. Who were/are you accountable to?
11. Who were/are you discipling?
12. What are the top five revelations you received this year?
13. Did you have any supernatural experiences (visions, dreams, miracles)? What were they?
14. What gifts have you developed this year? Have you developed any new gifts emerge?
15. What habits did you break?
16. Whose life have you impacted for the Kingdom (that you are aware of?)
17. What prophesies from last year came to pass this year?
18. What resulted from this year’s fasts (breakthrough, revelations)?
19. How have you grown emotionally (matured/built up character)
20. Are (you) pleased with your spiritual growth for 2008?
YEAR IN REVIEW ….2008
Name: _______________________ Date: _________
The following is a series of questions to help you track your spiritual growth for 2008.
Suggestion: Answer the following on a separate sheet of paper.
1. Identify milestones that you have had in 2008.
2. What challenges have you overcome?
3. What have you learned about yourself this year?
4. Identify the significant people that has encouraged you, discipled you this year.
5. What new relationships have you established this year? What relationships have you re-established?
6. What have been your favorite songs/theme songs?
7. What books have you read this year?
8. How has your faith grown this year (i.e. through what experiences)?
9. Has your relationship with the Lord grown stronger? If yes, how so?
10. Who were/are you accountable to?
11. Who were/are you discipling?
12. What are the top five revelations you received this year?
13. Did you have any supernatural experiences (visions, dreams, miracles)? What were they?
14. What gifts have you developed this year? Have you developed any new gifts emerge?
15. What habits did you break?
16. Whose life have you impacted for the Kingdom (that you are aware of?)
17. What prophesies from last year came to pass this year?
18. What resulted from this year’s fasts (breakthrough, revelations)?
19. How have you grown emotionally (matured/built up character)
20. Are (you) pleased with your spiritual growth for 2008?
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Transformation
Written 9/14/08
I once was lost but now I'm found,
Was blind but now I see....
and this is the transformation that God has done
so that I may reach my destiny....
Once wounded and broken, now whole...
Once a coward, now courageous
Once quiet, now expressive
Once shy, now friendly
Once passive, now assertive
Once oppressed now free
Once ignorant, now wise
Once childish, now childlike
Once depressed, now full of joy
Once anxious, now full of peace
Once serious, now silly
Once insecure, now confident
Once a follower, now a leader...
Yes, what you see is a new identity
and He can do this for you as He did
with yours truly ....
I once was lost but now I'm found,
Was blind but now I see....
and this is the transformation that God has done
so that I may reach my destiny....
Once wounded and broken, now whole...
Once a coward, now courageous
Once quiet, now expressive
Once shy, now friendly
Once passive, now assertive
Once oppressed now free
Once ignorant, now wise
Once childish, now childlike
Once depressed, now full of joy
Once anxious, now full of peace
Once serious, now silly
Once insecure, now confident
Once a follower, now a leader...
Yes, what you see is a new identity
and He can do this for you as He did
with yours truly ....
New Season...
Hello everybody! It is with great excitment and anticipation that I start this blog!... I had this revelation last week...just realizing how much knowledge and wisdom the Lord has been imparting to me and that I have not just a desire but a burden to share it with you. Over the past couple of years I have been learning so much through intimate time with God, life experiences, and conversations with some amazing people that God has placed in my path.
In this blog space I will be sharing about the truth that has set me free....I can truly say that I am FREE!! "Free"?....from what you might ask? Free from things that held me back from truly engaging in this life.....free from the past...free from anxiety and worry...free from fear...free from false-burdens...free from believing that "I can't"....free from controling people.....free from depression and oppression...free from pleasing others rather than God alone...I tell you it was not easy breaking free from these things that held me down--only by hard work ...much prayer and the Grace and Power of a Living God that loves more than I can comprehend...can I declare to you that I am FREE today...soaring like never before!! We were not designed for bondage but to be free to complete the task that God has sent us to this earth to do! The world in which we live in today is crying out for help....with issues such as lay-offs, troubled marriages, divorce, addictions, divided families, domestic violence, missing children, rape, being lied about and cheated on....dying on the inside...living in the prison of their past, unable to experience the abundant life that God has to offer...as Jesus stated.."the harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few."--Matthew 9:37. People are ready to receive, are you ready to labor for the Lord?? If God has callled you as a laborer I exhort you to awaken to your responsibility toward Him. What gifts has He placed inside of you that are laying dormant? Use these gifts to share the truth that will set people free...gifts like being a mentor, teacher, musician, dancer, etc.
Through this site, with my expertise as a mental health counselor and deliverance worker, I will share these truths with you so that you too may know the truth and can experience this freedom and pass it on to others as well!! Enjoy the journey!
"If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free." --John 8:31-32
In this blog space I will be sharing about the truth that has set me free....I can truly say that I am FREE!! "Free"?....from what you might ask? Free from things that held me back from truly engaging in this life.....free from the past...free from anxiety and worry...free from fear...free from false-burdens...free from believing that "I can't"....free from controling people.....free from depression and oppression...free from pleasing others rather than God alone...I tell you it was not easy breaking free from these things that held me down--only by hard work ...much prayer and the Grace and Power of a Living God that loves more than I can comprehend...can I declare to you that I am FREE today...soaring like never before!! We were not designed for bondage but to be free to complete the task that God has sent us to this earth to do! The world in which we live in today is crying out for help....with issues such as lay-offs, troubled marriages, divorce, addictions, divided families, domestic violence, missing children, rape, being lied about and cheated on....dying on the inside...living in the prison of their past, unable to experience the abundant life that God has to offer...as Jesus stated.."the harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few."--Matthew 9:37. People are ready to receive, are you ready to labor for the Lord?? If God has callled you as a laborer I exhort you to awaken to your responsibility toward Him. What gifts has He placed inside of you that are laying dormant? Use these gifts to share the truth that will set people free...gifts like being a mentor, teacher, musician, dancer, etc.
Through this site, with my expertise as a mental health counselor and deliverance worker, I will share these truths with you so that you too may know the truth and can experience this freedom and pass it on to others as well!! Enjoy the journey!
"If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free." --John 8:31-32
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