Are You In The Middle Of Life's Steep Climb?

On my bike ride home from the gym today I had several hills to climb. I felt weak having just lifted weights and my muscles were screaming. 

As I approached a particularly steep one, a favorite song began to play over my bike speaker (the hubby got me a good loud one that plays from my iPhone). The words poured over everything I've been carrying around lately during what seems to be a time of transition in my life. 

"GREAT PLANS I HAVE FOR YOU!"

As I struggled up the hill, the words propelled me. I reached the top and was overcome with relief as I coasted down the steep hill. 

I'm thankful that during steep climbs, The LORD is ever present. HE encourages me as I spend time in prayer. HIS written Word propels me to the top of whatever difficulty is in front of me each day. HE helps me to reach the top and find relief as I coast in HIS Love and Peace. 

This journey is not a sprint, it's a marathon. I need to stay connected to my Savior JESUS CHRIST, allowing HIM to give me strength along the way. 

8 “For My thoughts are not your thoughts,
Nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord.
9 “For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
So are My ways higher than your ways,
And My thoughts than your thoughts."~Isaiah 55:8-9

"Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 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."~Hebrews 12:1-2

"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart."~Jeremiah 29:11-13

BE BOLD!

I put off writing, staying busy in other things. I know the Lord wants me to write and yet, I hold back. I shrink back. I let the enemy fill my mind and days with busyness...emptiness; things not of the Lord. And yet He calls me. He gently encourages me...

"Speak My Words, Write My Words. I Am the Holy One. The Creator of this world and everything in it. Stand in awe. Proclaim my name to the world. Let Me always be on your mind, in your heart and on your tongue. A Beacon of Light to the lost and broken. I will give you increased strength for this journey I'm taking you on. My good and perfect will guiding your every step, your every word, your every action. Spend more quality time with Me. I have much to tell you. You are Mine and I am yours. 

Do not continue to shrink back in mindless activities. You will never get those precious minutes back again. Be edified in the renewing of your mind. Let My Words wash away doubt, worry and fear. Be bold. Stand. Go forth in My Name for I am your God and you are the children of my pasture, the sheep within my care. 

Therefore, be ye Holy in all thy endeavors, that it may go well for you. I have not called you to shrink back but to be bold in and through Jesus Christ. Allow Me to fill you up to overflowing, for out of My unending love, you will be restored. Focus on Me. Meditate on My words, morning, noon and night, that they will always be on your tongue and sweet to the taste. Be mindful of sound doctrine and do not be carried away by deceptive words. Test everything you read and hear against My written truth. For in this, "The truth will set you free." Do not waste time and do not shrink back. You are armed with the breastplate of righteousness in your Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Be Bold! Pray! Seek Me often, for in this you will find the glorious treasures that is found in nothing else. I Am yours and you are mine. BE BOLD!"

"Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy." 

1 Peter 1:13-16

"Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world. By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God," 

1 John 4:1-2

"And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” 
John 8:32

"Stand therefore, having your loins girded about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness,"

Ephesians 6:14

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” 

Joshua 1:9

STOP WASTING YOUR TIME...

God wants you to know…"Stay in this place of worship with Me. Do all that I'm asking you to do and it will go well for you. "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28 I am leading you down a path of My making. I'm making a way in the desert, to reach the lost, hurting and broken. My way is easy and My load is light. "Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:29-30 Do not shrink back in fear. Do not worry about what others may think of you. When you worry about others views, you hinder My Holy Spirit from working in your life. Hold My hand as I guide you to the people that I want to touch; people who are lost in the darkness through the lies and deception of the enemy. They need hope. They need love. They need understanding. They need Me, "Christ in you, the hope of glory." 1 Corinthians 1:27

Do not continue to waste your time on trivial things. Stay focussed on Me and allow My will to permeate and radiate in and through you. Your purpose is to do My Will and then go home. Do not allow other things to steal you away from your one true calling. My servant. My ambassador. My mouthpiece to spread the unconditional, saving love of Jesus Christ to a lost and broken people. People who have lost hope. People who have lost their way. People who are grasping at so many worthless things. Lead them to Me. Point them in My healing and restoring direction. They need a Savior. They need hope of a new beginning. A new life that no longer hinders and binds them in chains. "The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly." John 10:10  I am God. I have created you for more. More than this limited life shows you. More than you ever dreamed possible. My peace and love will overcome any and all obstacles. Look to Me. See Me. I'm right here. I never leave you. "Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6 Do not distance yourself from Me. I love you. I am for you. I am not against you. Stop running. Stop looking for other things to fulfill you. It is Me and Me alone that you are searching for. 

Stand and behold my work. Stand and see that I am making a new way…a new life…a life overflowing with streams of milk and honey. Walk this way. Do not turn to the right or left. "Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil." Proverbs 4:27 In all things pray to Me for wisdom and guidance. I will lead you safely home. Finish My work. Do not be afraid. I am God and I will fill you. It is not by your power, will or might, but Mine. Am I not capable of making all things possible? 

Do not fear. The enemy roars around like a lion waiting to devour. "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:" 1 Peter 5:8 I will not let him harm you. You are mine. Walk in the knowledge of this truth. Many things will vie for your attention. Keep your eyes completely focussed on Me. My words are water to your soul. They will flow into the parched, cracked areas, renewing and refreshing your spirit. They will lift you up and carry you through all that I'm asking you to do. Read My Word. Fill up and be nourished each day. Walk forward as a mighty warrior of God. My army encompasses you. You need to know that you are never alone. You are safe in My arms. Allow this knowledge to move you. Move out into all that is waiting for you. There are people who need My Love. People who have gone astray. No longer worry about your appearance, or people's perception. This is not of Me. You need to be bold. Walk in boldness. Your Savior has redeemed you. You are a new creation in Christ. "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new." 2 Corinthians 5:17  You are being asked to bring others to this knowledge…JESUS; a relationship with a Faithful Savior and loving Father. Go forth and do MY WILL."  

"Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him." John 14:23

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 Your New Year's Resolution

Changes don’t happen because you make a New Year’s resolution at the beginning of the year. Changes take place because of daily choices, an undeterred resolve to make the tough decisions every second, minute and hour of the day. A complete and total steadfastness to seek the Lord daily to help you with the tough choices and decisions, allowing the Holy Spirit to fill you with truth.

So today as you see the hope of a new year begin, seek to make changes in you, not others. Pray for others, but know that the only person you can change is you, with the Lord’s loving help and guidance. Remember you are not alone. You have a new beginning each morning; a fresh new day to make the right decisions; to be more loving, patient, kind, forgiving, and caring. Ask the Lord to show you and help you in the areas you need change. Start each morning in prayer and scripture study, feed your soul first thing, it is the most important decision you will make each day.  As you begin to see changes happening within you, the Lord reveals His truth about who you truly are in and through Him.

Happy New Year and remember, you are a new creation in Jesus Christ!

RISING ABOVE IT!

Recently I’ve struggled to find the joy in my day. Between my sickness, work and the rushing of everyday life, I seemed to have been slipping into a melancholy state, an overwhelmed feeling for no particular reason…just a general feeling of uneasiness. During these times in my life, when nothing seems exactly right, perfect or where I’d like it to be, I know that I need to rise above it. I am more than my feelings or fickle emotions, which seem to fluctuate moment by moment, minute by minute and hour by hour. I’ve somehow let the enemy sneak in and fill me with negative lies and thoughts. “Is anything ever going to change? Am I ever going to reach my dreams and goals? Is my life going to be stuck right where I am, no great accomplishment or achievement? You can’t accomplish anything because you are the worst procrastinator!”

Whoa…wait a minute! All the negative self talk is only serving to drag me down into a state of despair. God has called me and you to more. He wants us to know His truth. “No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.” Romans 8:37.  He has a plan that is perfect. He knows emotions can sometimes get in the way of TRUTH. “While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” Luke 24:36.  His truth about whom and what you are. Truth about what is in store for our lives…if we can only stand strong in HIM. “Does God listen to their cry when distress comes upon them? Will they find delight in the almighty? Will they call on God at all times? “I will teach you about the power of God; the ways of the Almighty I will not conceal. You have all seen this yourselves. Why then this meaningless talk?” Job 27:9-12

Alone, we are weak, given to self-defeating thoughts, feeling sorry for ourselves and depressed. The sooner we learn that we need to draw closer to Christ in those moments, not sitting in the pity party, but taking action. We need to pray to be released of the negativity, praying for God’s truth to fill us up, flooding our emotions and senses with HIS LOVE. Spend time in the Bible, just you and the Lord. Allow your mind, body and soul to be filled with the Holy Spirit of God’s wisdom. He has so much to teach and tell you, so much to share with you about what He has planned for your life. The more we struggle, the more we need to seek Him.

As I slowly reach a shaky, weak, worn out hand to Christ…He takes it, picks me up and wraps me in His arms, aware of all that I’m feeling, going through, and hoping for. I refuse to sit in a place of lies. I refuse to allow the enemy to keep me in mental chains and bondage. Each morning I will open the Scriptures and allow myself the necessary time to FEED MY SOUL. Then I will have God’s word speaking the things of faith, wisdom, trust and truth…lifting me to new heights, new adventures, new hope and most of all a new me in Christ!  

“Come near me and listen to this: “From the first announcement I have not spoken in secret; at the time it happens, I am there.” And now the Sovereign Lord has sent me, endowed with his Spirit. This is what the Lord says—your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: “I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go.” 

Isaiah 48:16-17