You're A Rare Bloom

"Wow...come check this out!" my husband shouted from the backyard. I walked outside to find out what had grabbed his attention. He stood looking intently at the bright, fluorescent, beautiful single pink bloom that had appeared on a cactus. It was a rare occasion...this particular cactus only blooms once a year. I'm sure we've missed it in years past because the bloom only lasts for a few days.

I found this so amazing...this bud sat for months upon months, slowly growing, hidden and protected inside the confines of a thorny cactus. A normal cactus, taking in nourishment from the sun and soil while the bloom waited patiently inside for the perfect moment to break out and show it's true colors to the world. 

Did you know that you are like this rare bloom? You may have a thorny outside layer, built up from years of trying to protect yourself from pain. You hide your beautiful, vibrant bloom deep inside; often forgetting to nourish it. Fear takes hold, you sink deeper inside as the enemy tries to feed you with the poison of lies. But God is calling out to you, wanting to nourish your soul in His Word and Prayer. He wants you to be filled up with truth and knowledge; the same way a cactus gains nourishment from the sun and soil. As God's Word supply's the necessary nutrients for your soul, you begin to become strengthened in the love of Jesus Christ as it springs up and begins to bloom deep within you. Your unconditional love for yourself and others begins to vibrantly form within your heart. You are beginning to take shape. You are getting closer to allowing your bloom to spring forth for the world to see.

Can I make something perfectly clear to you today, the enemy cannot fight Love. Are you able to show love to others, including your enemies? Remember, it's the sin in peoples lives that display hurt, anger and ugliness. It causes people to wither away as they soak in the lies of the enemy. Have you allowed Christ to be formed in you enough to truly care for others, even those who've hurt you? These are some tough questions, but they are truthful questions. In order to have your rare bloom come forth, you need to overcome the lies of the enemy in your life through Christ's Transforming, Restoring Love and Truth. Allow Him to fill you up with who you truly are and all that He has planned for you. Your true purpose will spring forth as you nourish your soul daily. You will be transformed into His Image...A RARE BLOOM, in and through Jesus Christ!

 "Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world." 1 John 4:4

"Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots." Luke 23:34

"But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you," Matthew 5:44

"Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." John 14:6

That Annoying Person

While driving to work, I found myself stuck behind several cars. I was late as usual and in a hurry. I was finally able to get around an old, beat up, small, gray pickup truck. I reached the stop sign before him but to my surprise, he decided not to stop, he completely blew through it just to get in front of me again. "What the heck?" I thought and then said out loud, "WHAT A JERK!" I sped up trying and get around him, but he seemed determined for some unknown reason, to make sure I stayed behind him.

Now, I have to tell you before I go any further with my story, I'm truly so much better than I used to be with my road issues (I purposely left out rage, not wanting to expose to much of my previous short comings!) This guy however came out of nowhere and seemed to be doing everything he could to push me over the edge. But luckily for him and me, I had my Christian music playing. I was suddenly reminded to calm down and pray for the guy. I said a quick prayer, "Heavenly Father, I pray the blood of Jesus over him. Please bring Christ into his life and remove the lies of the enemy. Please help me to stay calm, in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen." Whew, I felt much better!

As I got on the freeway, he did too. He crossed several lanes, cutting people off to get into the fast lane. I figured I was done with him. I continued on in the slow lane waiting for the 73 freeway exit which veered off to the right. I was feeling quite proud of myself I might add! As I went to change lanes, there he was again; he'd cut across four lanes and was now blocking me. "Ugh...what's this guys problem!" I shouted in my car. He sped up and got right next to me. As I turned to give him a "crusty" (aka-a dirty look,) I was reminded to pray for him again. So I did! As I was praying, he pulled in front of me as we both exited the freeway. I stayed behind him continuing to pray; the Lord was reminding me of something very important, and I needed to pay attention. When God highlights someone in my path, it's for a reason!  I have no idea what's going on in his life. I don't know if he knows Jesus Christ. I don't know if anyone is praying for him. But what I do know is that this seemingly "annoying" guy was brought directly into my path. I had a purpose and it wasn't to get angry. I needed to pray and stand in the gap. I may be the only person praying for this man to accept Christ into his life.

So now I'm going to remind each one of you; when that "annoying" person (family, friend, enemy, co-worker, other drivers, etc) are brought to your attention, remember, it's ALWAYS for a reason. You have a purpose and God is highlighting them for you. Prayer is powerful! Shower people with prayer and stand in the gap, ask the Lord to remove the strongholds and lies of the enemy in their lives. 

Who's being highlighted in your life today? It's time to step up and be a prayer warrior! Jesus commanded us to love one another. Make a difference today...recognize the Lord's promptings and pray for people!

"Brothers and sisters, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against a brother or sister or judges them speaks against the law and judges it. When you judge the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgment on it. There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you—who are you to judge your neighbor?" Mark 4:11-12 (NIV)

"A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another." John 13:34-35   

"Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;" Ephesians 6:18

Raise Your Sails

A sailboat needs wind in its sails to move; without the wind it floats aimlessly around an endless sea. You also require something to keep you from floating without purpose. In life, you can get wrapped up in so many things and drift from one thing after another, never quite finding the right direction. Our wind is Jesus Christ. Everything we're searching for and seeking can be found in Him. The longing that you have inside is made whole when you seek a relationship with Christ. He is the wind in your sails. He is the one who will guide you safely to your destination.

Don't let your own desires cloud the truth. Whatever is going on in your life today, whatever answers, wisdom, direction or hope you need, the Lord is but a prayer away. Open up the scriptures and read all that He wants to say to you. It is your life compass, directing you. Raise your sails and wait for His loving guidance to propel you forward, gliding you swiftly yet surely to His perfect destination for you; His safe haven, His comfort, His love. Your trip is short, don't waste another moment floating aimlessly; Jesus, your Savior is reaching out to guide you at this very moment...RAISE YOUR SAILS!

“Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days.” They replied, “It has taken forty-six years to build this temple, and you are going to raise it in three days?” But the temple he had spoken of was his body. After he was raised from the dead, his disciples recalled what he had said. Then they believed the scripture and the words that Jesus had spoken." John 2:19-22 

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16

"Jesus answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” John 4:13-14

Can You Intercede To Help Others?

I've been thinking a lot about the need for intercessory prayer. The kind of prayer that has you standing in the gap for your struggling family members & friends, whether they know Christ or not. There are definitely a lot of scriptures which talk on this subject. But often, we never really understand the power we have in interceding on behalf of others. So I'd like to share a few scriptures that will help you understand a little more about what God says about intercessory prayer and proclaiming His promise over the lives of others. 1 Timothy 2:1 "I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;"

God's Words will never return void. He has left promises over the lives of each one of us. The key is to stand strong in prayer, faithfulness, and trust; believing that God is more than willing and able to turn a life around.

First let's look at intercession for addiction, which seems to be so prevalent in today's society:
In Isaiah 61:1 it says-"The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me; because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound." People who suffer with addictions are captive, they are in prison and bound, but the Spirit of the Lord can set them free. John 10:10 says, "The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly."

Next when looking at Spiritual Warfare, the battle that is taking place, we see in Ephesians 6:12, "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." Our prayers are coming up against the enemy. We need to stand on that truth and proclaim it with confidence in Jesus Christ who has already defeated the enemy. In Job 1:10 it further states to pray for a hedge of protection, “Have you not put a hedge around him and his household and everything he has? You have blessed the work of his hands, so that his flocks and herds are spread throughout the land." It is important to enter into battle by praying for a hedge of protection around your loved ones as you continue to proclaim the Lord's truth over their life.  

When praying for the sick, James 5:14-16 says, "Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him. Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." Your prayers are important. Your prayers make a difference.Your prayers are needed. Ephesians 6:18-"Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;"

Don't ever underestimate the power you have in praying for others. The enemy will try to fill you with every excuse to keep you from praying for people in need. Don't shrink back! Don't give up! Healing is always in God's timing...He just asks us to continue to be faithful in praying & trusting. When someone comes to your mind, instead of thinking, wow, I haven't thought of them in years...it's time to pray for them. When someone continues to struggle with addiction...it's time to continually pray for them. When someone is sick...push ahead...keep praying for healing. PRAYERS ARE POWERFUL...they break chains of bondage, heal the wounded and bring people to the freedom of Jesus Christ. Someone needs your prayers today...it's time to intercede!  

WHAT'S MY LIFE CALLING?

Do you have areas in your life the Lord has shown you that you're gifted in, yet you continue to doubt it? I have struggled with this for years. Yes, I know God can do amazing things. Yes, I know that God has given me talents and abilities. Yes, I know that I'm supposed to move forward in the areas God is asking me to...but, yes, there it is, "I don't know if I can do it? What if I fail? What if I make the wrong decision and it blows up in my face?" The key words that play in my mind over and over again (I don't know, fail, wrong decision, you can't, you're not good enough.) These words are powerful and every time I allow thoughts like this to linger, I quickly find myself sinking into despair.

These negative thoughts and words are not truth. These are tools of the enemy to keep you firmly planted right where you are; locked up, a prisoner...no growth, no movement, no truth, no change...something I like to call ineffective living. Fear is a large prison cell. Fear is exactly what the enemy counts on. When we allow fear and lies to control us, we are left powerless; ineffective for Jesus Christ. But there is something you can do. There is something that you can change each day. You can start removing the lies by replacing them with truth (I am a new creation in Christ~2 Corinthians 5:17, I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me~Philippians 4:13, My strength is in the Lord, whom shall I fear~Psalm 27:1, I am more than a conqueror~Romans 8:37, I am the head and not the tail, above and not beneath~Deuteronomy 28:13. The enemy has already been defeated at the cross of Jesus~Colossians 2:15 & Philippians 2:9-10, the Lord has great plans for me~Jeremiah 29:11, I will rejoice in the Lord, again I say rejoice~Philippians 4:4,7,8. My God goes before me to prepare a way~Philippians 1:6.) The key is to replace the lies with GOD'S TRUTH.

I would like to challenge each one of you to replace each negative thoughts with truth about how the Lord feels about you. Open your Bible and let Him breath life giving, life changing, life restoring~forgiveness, truth and love into you. Allow Him to show you who you truly are in His eyes. Soak in that truth and begin to move forward into the things He is calling you to do. Today make a decision to stop the enemy in his tracks. Speak God's truth to yourself and go out and be EFFECTIVE for JESUS CHRIST. You were made for more! 

"Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." 2 Corinthians 5:17

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13

"The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?" Psalm 27:1

"No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us." Romans 8:37

"And the Lord shall make thee the head, and not the tail; and thou shalt be above only, and thou shalt not be beneath; if that thou hearken unto the commandments of the Lord thy God, which I command thee this day, to observe and to do them:" Deuteronomy 28:13

"And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross." Colossians 2:15
  
"Therefore God has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee shall bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth.”  Philippians 2:9-10

"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11 

"Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice." Philippians 4:4

"And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." Philippians 4:7-8

"Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." Philippians 1:6

What's More Important Than Money?

We just received a *FREE* brown leather sectional couch that has a sofa sleeper and recliner. It's been years since I've had a new couch and my old sectional was no longer in the best shape. As my hubby put the old couch out in the garage, my mind started spinning with wonderful ideas. I can list our old couch on Craigs List and we can make some money off of it (it's in better shape than a lot of couches I've seen listed.) Along with the couch I have my kids old bunk beds I can also sell. As I started counting the dollars in my mind, trying to figure out the most money I could get for it, my hubby decided to rain on my parade. "Why do you want to sell everything? I think we should just give it away. We were blessed with a free couch, now we can bless someone else."

Gulp...ahummmm, "Well we don't have a lot of extra money and I figured it would help us get caught up," I quickly replied in my defense. He didn't say much else, but it continued to churn in my mind. I knew that it was the right thing to do. I mean, we'd been totally blessed with this awesome new couch, I now had the means in turn to bless someone else and what was my first natural human thought? MONEY!

How often do we think about money? Is there anything more important than money? If you look at your everyday life, how often are you thinking about money? (I don't have enough, I need more, how can I make more? Why do they have more? They got this and I didn't, I need to win the Lotto, etc...you know, just everyday thoughts.) We all know money is important, but how much importance are you giving it in relationship to your happiness? Do you know that with more money, comes a whole set of new problems (How do I keep my money? Who's trying to take my money? I need to make more money. Where should I invest my money? Am I managing my money right? The stocks are crashing, I'm losing my money! etc.) Do you get the picture? Life becomes an endless battle, pursuit and non-stop focus on MONEY. If we trust in ourselves and our human nature, the most important thing in this world is MONEY. When we live by this rule, we are in a perpetual state of stress, worry and uncertainty. We all need money but when money becomes the most important thing in your life, you are headed down a long, dark road to misery.

JESUS showed us the most important thing we can do is trust in Him and reach out to people; helping, sharing, caring and loving PEOPLE. The Lord is more than capable of supplying all your needs. Your needs do not necessarily mean an over abundance. Sometimes the Lord gives you "just enough." Just enough to be comfortable and then He will highlight people He wants you to share your "just enough," with. Sometimes it may seem like you don't even have "just enough" and yet He still asks you to share and give not only to bless others, but also to bless yourself. This strengthens your trust and faith in Him. Remember...everything you have is from Him.

As I cast aside my original idea and start searching for somewhere to donate my items, I find something strange happening. My focus is no longer on money, but on who will be blessed by this?  A single mom? A woman trying to start over after fleeing an abusive relationship? A family who lost everything? Kids who have been sleeping on the floor? The list is endless. I start to get excited with the possibility of who I can help. I'm someone who has "just enough," and can be a blessing.

What's more important than money? JESUS CHRIST. LOVE. PEOPLE.

"Whoever loves money never has enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income. This too is meaningless." Ecclesiastes 5:10

"No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money." Matthew 6:24

"For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs." 1 Timothy 6:10

"Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5

"The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my sheep." John 21:17

 

 

The Power of Your Words

Let the Lord be the wind in your Sails

Do you know there is power in your words? Your words can build up or tear down. I had the incredible opportunity to use words to help someone. This was a young girl on the other side of the world. A girl I’d never met personally, but through my blog, I “stumbled” across her blog. I will use the word “stumble” very lightly because I know that God was answering my prayers. I asked to be used. I asked to help someone who was hurting, just as Jesus Christ helped me and put people in my life to encourage me to keep pushing ahead when I wanted to give up; pointing me to the Lord and His ability to make all things new.

When I “met” this sweet, broken, lost girl, she was suicidal (which unfortunately is very common in the Asian culture due to the high pressure to succeed.) With each of her posts I found myself without words, unable to “talk” her out of the thoughts she was having. But the one thing I did know; God was highlighting this young, beautiful girl and HE knew the words that she needed to hear. I spent time praying, reading the scriptures and asking for HIS WORDS to fill me up as I typed my responses to her. I knew that God had a plan and I was finally open to be an instrument in His hand.

I know that I am no one particularly great or special, just a once broken...now healed woman through Jesus Christ's forgiving love. I have been given the ability to write, a gift from God and I want to use it FOR HIM and HIS PURPOSE. My hands floated effortlessly over the keyboards, thoughts spilling out, pouring God’s life affirming words of love, forgiveness, kindness, grace, hope, promise, truth and the perfect and wonderful plan He has for her life. I watched the words spring to life; a new encouragement in response to her heart ache each and every week. I consistently prayed and relied on the Lord for help to reach this lost, hurting girl.  Slowly, as the months passed, she began to change. Her posts were no longer of suicide, but of hope. She was beginning to see herself through God’s eyes. The lies of the enemy, washed away through the Lords truth and love.

It’s been several years since our first meeting. She now affectionately refers to me as her “American Mama.” I recently posted a story about my dad on my blog on the one year anniversary of his passing, “CLIMB YOUR MOUNTAIN-A TRUE STORY OF DAVID BOLDA,” and I wanted to share a portion of a comment she left after reading my post: “I would not have survived my struggle with suicide and the depression I had back then if it wasn't because of your constant caring, uplifting and understanding comments. I am living a good life now, and I too will take on his example. I will fight everything that comes my way, I will look at the world positively and I will be grateful and happy.” God had worked a miracle! He had reached this young girl all the way across the world!

Your words have life giving power. Allow the Lord into your day. Ask for His Words to fill you up and help you be a blessing to others. In my own ability, I would never have been able to reach into that young girl’s life, but the Lord knew exactly what she needed to hear. Are you willing to step outside of your comfort zone and ask the Lord to use you? It may be difficult, but never underestimate what the Lord has in store for your life. Are you willing to allow Him to use your words and life for HIS GOOD AND PERFECT PLAN? Pray today and ask for His will in your life…there is someone who needs you. God is waiting for you to say, “Send me Lord!”

"Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!” Isaiah 6:8

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Galations 6:9

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28

“O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.” Psalm 34:8