Obedience--Living Above Our Circumstances

 Today is Friday, and time once again to continue our study of Living Above our Circumstances...

Today's Word is Obedience

I can't tell you how many times in the last year I questioned "WHY?" I read Scripture...I read God's promises...but the principle of reaping what you sow...just didn't seem to line up.
 
Time and time again I came to the Lord, humbly but filled with many questions. At times my heart became weary...at times I felt like giving up. I grieved. I cried. I felt like screaming. I wondered what I did wrong. But through the process I learned--"Obedience produces hope, faith, and contentment."
 
If we want to triumph over our afflictions, rise above our adversity, and LIVE above our circumstances, we must know "what God has said" and simply obey.
 
In John 15:10-12, Jesus said, "If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete...:  (NIV)
 
In moments of greatest affliction, obedience offers comfort. Hear this truth--We are not responsible for "results". God doesn't call us to "accomplish...achieve...or attain"; He calls us to "obey, follow, and trust". He alone produces life.
 
Personally, when I looked to my circumstances, surveyed the height of the mountain, and contemplated all the "what ifs" my strength wavered...BUT...when I remembered WHAT GOD PROMISED and chose to simply obey...GOD made my joy complete.
 
Beloved, GOD LOVES YOU! You are NOT ALONE in your battle! You don't need to carry the weight of "producing results"...YOUR JOB is simply to trust and obey!
 
Jesus said, "If you love me, you will obey what I command. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever— the Spirit of truth..." (John 14:15-17, NIV)

Friends, an unshakable peace establishes and grows in the minds of those firmly convinced they walk in obedience! After all, if God is for us...WHO CAN STAND AGAINST US? (Romans 8:31) And when we ask anything in accordance with His will, we know we have what we ask for. (1 John 5:14-15)
 
So, want to rise above your circumstances? Check to make sure you walk in steps of obedience...adjust your life according to God's commands...and then watch His Mighty Deliverance (in His time). And while you wait...take comfort knowing You are NOT alone...and GOD is PLEASED with your steps of obedient faith!
 
PRAYER: Father, encourage our heart and strengthen our soul. Help us to follow You! Deliver us from all fear! Restore to us...the joy of our salvation. In JE

A God-sized Call Always Demands A God-sized Character

"In great matters men show themselves as they wish to be seen, in small matters, as they are." Gamaliel Bradford, quoted in New Dictionary of Thoughts, edited by Tryon Edwards (Ferguson).

In the last few years, I feel as though I have been ripped apart from the inside out, tested, stripped, exposed, broken, and left wondering and questioning every aspect of my beliefs about God and people...It hasn't been fun! But...through the process, I realize God didn't destroy me...he remade me. He taught me a God-sized call always demands a God-sized character.

It's the moments in life, when God's answer remains unclear...or our trials seem to never end...or death becomes a welcomed escape to ease the desperateness of our pain...that God is doing His greatest work of refining and purifying us. Some works are so deep they can't be explained only endured...but these are the lasting works that produce God's image in us and prepare us to receive God's promises.

You see, adversity shapes us, conforming us to reflect more of Christ, or more of our self. Each moment, every decision, and our actions reveal the condition of our heart. What we do, when "no one" is looking, exposes who we really are.

Beloved, we may fool ourselves, thinking we are ready for "the next great thing" but we can't fool God. Further, He loves us enough to keep us in the "winter-of-our-soul" in order to produce in us His reflection and character.

1 Peter 1:6-7 says, "...though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith ... may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed." (NIV)

My goal in life is to live in a manner worthy of God's high calling, to reflect His character, to extend His Love! I am committed to do what Hebrews 12:1-3 encourages, "...let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." (NIV)

Surrendering is NOT fun, nor is it easy...but we must remember the joy set before use and await our God's promises...It may feel like winter...but spring and summer are coming soon! So don't give up and don't lose heart!

PRAYER: Father, thank You for Your love. Thank You that You work all things together for our good and produce Your image in us. Help us to honor You and Extend Your Love!

"If You Completely Understand God...You Serve Too Small a god."

I'm not sure who said it...but this statement resonates in my heart and challenges my faith every day...

"If you completely understand God, you serve too small a god."

Friends, God is the GOD of ALL MYSTERIES. NOTHING is too difficult for Him. He surpasses our most vivid imaginations and supersedes our greatest expectations.

One of my favorite passages of Scripture is found in Romans 4:18-21, it says, "Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as it had been said to him, "So shall your offspring be." Without weakening in his faith, he faced the fact that his body was as good as dead — since he was about a hundred years old — and that Sarah's womb was also dead. Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised." (NIV)

Abraham didn't try to fake his way through it; he knew the realities of his circumstances...BUT...He knew His God even better. Though He couldn't explain HOW God would provide or fulfill His promises...He trusted that He would.

Many of you have witnessed the last three years of my life, walking with me, praying with me, believing with me...and can I just say--BOY HAS IT BEEN TOUGH!

I experienced moments of doubt, wondered how God would, and questioned every aspect of my faith. I knew what God said, but faced huge obstacles. But, thanks to good friends like you...and a very FAITHFUL GOD...I'm still pressing on! :)

AND...In the last forty days, I've began to witness amazing answers to my long awaited prayers, witnessing glimpses of fulfillment to God's promises!

I feel hope stirring within my heart...and can I just say--BOY DOES IT FEEL GOOD!

I want to encourage you today...We've all received a promise from God; we all hope for something. And, like Abraham, we have a choice. Will we waver in unbelief or will we press through, grab hold of God, and trust in Him?

God's mysteries can't be explained.

On this side of eternity, we will never fully grasp His infiniteness. Think abut it...He spoke stars and millions of galaxies into existence. He spins planets in orbit. He governs the moon, the sun, and the stars. At his command oceans stand still. By HIS WORD everything that is exists...Yet, He is chooses to know the hairs on our head and intimately calls us by name. WOW!

So, take courage! No matter our circumstances. No matter our battles. No matter WHAT...GOD IS AMAZING and HE WILL FULFILL ALL HE PROMISED. Don't give up! Let's determine to press on and simply take Him at His word! :)

PRAYER: Father, thank You for answered prayers. Even when we don't witness them immediately, we know You work all things together for our good. We put our trust in You. We know You fulfill ALL of Your promises. Help us to honor You with our faith! In Jesus name, amen!


PS. Hope you can join us on today's broadcast as I interview, best selling author and speaker, Alice Smith. Simply click this link: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/cwa-radio/2010/10/27/his-love-extended at 12 PM EST to listen to CWA's His Love Extended's Broadcast.

Want to Enter Your Promised Land?

Yesterday, I shared, from Exodus 14:14, "The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still." (NIV)

Friends, do you see the charge in this promise??? The Israelites were simply to "Be still". To Wait. To watch patiently and in faith expect God's miracle!

As I read in Hebrews 4:1-2 God stirred my heart "the necessity of faith"; it says, "Therefore, since the promise of entering his rest still stands, let us be careful that none of you be found to have fallen short of it. For we also have had the gospel preached to us, just as they did; but the message they heard was of no value to them, because those who heard did not combine it with faith."
 
The passage refers to the same Israelites, who witnessed God's mighty miracles. They saw the Red Sea open up and swallow Pharaoh's army. They saw first hand the pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night. They observed and ate the manna...yet they still doubted God...and allowed fear of giants to keep them from crossing over into their "promised" land!
 
They heard the promise. They witnessed the miracles...and yet when it came right down to it...according to Hebrews 4:2--"those who heard did not combine it with faith."
 
Today, I asked for forgiveness...You see, I've heard God's promises in my life...I've witnessed amazing miracles of provision and confirmations of His promised...yet at times I grow weary and wonder if I will ever enter into "My Promised Land".
 
How about you? Ever doubt? Ever wonder? Ever get swept away by the "realities" of your circumstances? Ever succumb to the fear of "Pharaoh's Army" or feel overwhelmed by the vast "Red Sea" in front of you?
 
HERE IS THE TRUTH! GOD IS FAITHFUL! HE WILL part our Red Seas! He WILL destroy our enemies! HE WILL FIGHT OUR BATTLES! It may not always be how we expect it. It may not always turn out like we imagined...but we must determine to simply believe and trust in God!
 
Want to enter into rest? If we do, we must release our burdens. Quit picking up the responsibility of "results". And put our FAITH in GOD. Only God provides results...our job is to remain "faithful" and "faith filled".
 
Don't ever give up. Keep pressing on! Your Promised Land awaits. God promises us in Genesis 28:15, "I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you."

PRAYER: Father, fill us with faith. We pray You lead us into our "Promised Land". Provide for us miraculously. We put our HOPE in YOU! In Jesus name, amen.

GOD FIGHTS OUR BATTLES

In 2 Chronicles 32:1-8 we read how Sennacherib king of Assyria invaded Judah, laying siege of their cities, trying to conquer them for himself. But Hezekiah had a plan. He blocked off all their springs, so that Sennacherib wouldn't find a water supply. Then he repaired all the broken sections of the Judah's wall and made large numbers of weapons and shields. In short...Hezekiah prepared for battle.

He appointed military officers over the people and assembled them before him. As they gathered together at the city gate. Hezekiah encouraged them with these words: "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged because of the king of Assyria and the vast army with him, for there is a greater power with us than with him. With him is only the arm of flesh, but with us is the LORD our God to help us and to fight our battles." (2 Chronicles 32:7-8, NIV)

Friends, listen carefully and apply these words of comfort to your individual battles and circumstances of life...Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged because of your battles, obstacles, hindrances or oppositions! Why??? Because there is a greater power with us than what comes against us. The LORD our God helps us and fights our battles.

God's word reminds us, Greater is He that is in us...than he that is in this world. (1 John 4:4)

The Lord Himself fights our battles (just as He did for Moses and the Israelites). In Exodus 14:13-14, Moses told the people, "Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the LORD will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still." (NIV)

Today, as I sat silently before the Lord, The Holy Spirit reminded me, apart from Him...I CAN DO NOTHING! When I feel anxious, it's because I've began to rely on my own power and abilities. But when I release my worries and fall back into God's arms remembering WHO HE IS...my worries vanish.

Friends, we are NOT abandoned to our own reasoning or strength. God is with us!

Ps 121:1-122:1 says, "I lift up my eyes to the hills — where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip — he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The LORD watches over you — the LORD is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. The LORD will keep you from all harm — he will watch over your life; the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore. " (NIV)

Beloved, is Jesus Lord of your life? Have you excepted His work of salvation?

If so...listen carefully...If God the Son redeemed our soul and washed us clean before our heavenly Father, reconciling us to God...then He is able to do ANYTHING!

Like Hezekiah, let's prepare for battle. Let's do the necessary steps to triumph over our enemy. Let's take away anything that might assist the enemy's attempts to destroy us (by confessing and removing sin from our life...and by assembling other warriors to gather with us in our fight)...just like Hezekiah...but then let's continue to follow Hezekiah's words of encouragement and remember...GOD FIGHTS OUR BATTLES!

Today, let us purpose once again to surrender, to trust, to rest...TO DREAM BIG...TO LAUGH OFTEN...and TO REMEMBER GOD'S GOT IT ALL UNDER CONTROL!

PRAYER: Father, for the discouraged, the weak, the weary I pray YOUR PERFECT strength and peace. Fill us with the confidence to know YOU WILL work ALL THINGS together for our good. Fill us with joy and laughter, knowing You will NEVER leave us or forsake us. We pause before You and breathe in deeply Your very presence! IN JESUS NAME...AMEN!

Never-the-less--Choosing to Live Above Life's Circumstances

Today's Friday; time once again to look at our word for the week (as we continue our study on Living Above our Circumstances).

Today's Word is Never-the-less!

Living above our circumstances demands a "NEVER-THE-LESS" attitude and conscious decision to determine we will serve Him No Matter What.

In Daniel 3:16-18, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego stood before King Nebuchadnezzar...the fiery furnace within eye view...the opportunity of simply bowing their knee laid before them...

They had a decision to make; would they serve God (and face the blazing furnace) or would they fearfully escape from their imminent doom, by yielding their faith, and stooping to bow?

We've all read their declaration of courageous faith, "We do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king. But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up."

Their NEVER-THE-LESS attitude invoked the KING of ALL KINGS to rise up and defend them...God delivered them in the midst of their fire, proving He is the GOD of all gods! He is the GOD that saves! He is the GOD that delivers!

When I read about Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego...my faith leaps...I want to shout--"YES...that's the God I serve! Nothing is impossible for Him!" But then...I see my own fiery furnace...and my faith weakens.

Friends, if we look to our circumstances our faith will fail every time...but when we recklessly look to GOD, determining to trust Him and serve Him NO MATTER WHAT...He fills us with the strength to press on...this kind of strength can NOT be built up by human effort...it comes only from a relationship built solidly on CHRIST ALONE!

As I face my own fiery furnaces, I've learned: "If I focus on my circumstances...I am sure to fail. But, when I focus on God...I will always prevail!

2 Corinthians 4:16-18 says, "Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. (NIV)
And, Hebrews 12:2-3 further encourages us "Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart."(NIV)

So today, look to Him. Build your relationship and hope on Who He Is. AND Remember, your story is Not finished yet. The same God that walked with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednigo walks with you!

PRAYER: Father give us the strength to boldly declare, NO MATTER WHAT we will serve you! Fill us with hope that even though the earth should crumble, though our dreams be thrown into the sea, though we encounter trials...help us to remember OUR STORY IS NOT FINISHED YET. Deliver us from our fiery furnaces, but even if You don't Father, we pray You would help us boldly declare, by Your grace, "Never-the-less, we will serve You."

Deciding Moments...What Do We Really Believe?

If I must stumble, may it be to stumble into the peace of God. If I must fall, may it be to fall into the arms of the ONE WHO died for me. And if I must fail, may it be in failing to NEVER GIVE UP!--Julie Gorman


Abraham lifted Isaac and placed him on the altar...Moses lifted his staff towards The Red Sea...Joshua blew the trumpets and commanded the people to shout in Jericho...Any person, who dares to follow God, faces a moment of decision: Will I press on? Will I follow? Will I abandon all my preconceived ideas and hold fast to what I said I believe about God?

In David's earliest years, he had to determine whether God truly slayed giants. In his middle years he needed to decide whether he would trust him to defend against Saul's Tyranny. In his later years, he had to resolve that God could redeem him from his sins with Bathsheba and establish hope within his crumbling family structure. David's faith revealed his great love for God, and he was known as a man after God's own heart. (1 Samuel 13:14, Acts 13:22)

Beloved, our lives are no different.  Each moment of crisis we confront reveals what we truly believe about God, not just what we say we believe. Friends, when it comes right down to it, we have one chance to walk out our faith, and it only exists this side of eternity. One day we will see our Lord and Savior face to face. We will witness, by sight, what our souls have long hoped for.

Our struggle then, is to squelch all fleshly voices declaring, "We have no worth." "We're foolish to believe." "We are helpless."

And replace them with the truth of God's word: "We are loved with an everlasting love." (Jeremiah 31:3)"We can do all things through Christ Who gives us strength." (Philippians 4:13) And, "God has given us everything we need that pertains to life and godliness." (2 Peter 1:3)

No one is exempt from the trials of life, no one escapes adversity...those who triumph over them are the ones who appropriately adjust their life to align with God's purposes and determine to believe the truth of WHO GOD IS and hold fast to WHAT HE HAS PROMISED!

What deciding moment do you face? Has God called you to offer up "your Isaac"..."your dreams"..."your planned future hope"? Are you facing impossible obstacles standing between you and your promised land? What walls demand your triumphant shout of faith and careful obedience in order to crumble?

Today, remember WHO you serve...hold fast to WHAT HE HAS SAID!

PRAYER: Father, thank you that You are our PERFECT FATHER. You will never abandon us. You will never forsake us. We choose to follow You. We put our hope in Who You are and what You have said. Help us to adjust our life to howYou have called us to live. In Jesus name, amen.

♥I Love You! ♥

Hearing the tender words "I love you" and feeling the embrace of my husband, children, and closest friends fills me with great joy and peace, especially after an exceptionally difficult day.  No matter how weak and weary I may feel, no matter how tired or torn...battered or bruised...fatigued or fearful...simply knowing I'm loved, empowers me to press on.

How about you? Ever feel the same?

I want encourage you today, to listen closely to God's heart. Listen with your spirit. Soak in His truths. Hear His message!

Jeremiah 31:3-4, "The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying: "I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness. I will build you up again and you will be rebuilt." (NIV)

Beloved, you are NOT alone! God LOVES you. Can you hear his whispers today?

Isaiah 43:4-5, "Since you are precious and honored in my sight, and because I love you, I will give men in exchange for you, and people in exchange for your life. Do not be afraid, for I am with you." (NIV)

God will build you up, give others in exchange for you, and will never leave you...Do NOT be afraid. Not only does God love you but His very essence and nature is love.

1 John 4:16 says, "And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love." (NIV)

God's very nature and the core of His being is love. His love dictates His power. His plans for us are birthed out of His love for us.

Are you listening? Really listening? Then soak it in...GOD LOVES YOU!

As children, one of the very first verses I learned was John 3:16. It says, "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life!"

So, no matter your trial, no matter how exceptionally difficult your day has been...remember...listen...can you hear God's gentle reminder?

Can you hear Him whispering through His Spirit and by His Word..."I really...truly...love you."

PRAYER: Father, fill us with the truth of Your Word. Help us to embrace that You Love Us. Saturate our heart (not just in our head) and deep within our spirit that You love us...and compel us to live in the knowledge of Your love! May everything we do be motivated by our love for You. In Jesus name, amen.

Overcoming Our Crisis of Belief

Henry Blackaby wrote: "When God asks you to do something you cannot do, you will face a crisis of belief. You'll have to decide what you really believe about God. Can He and will He do what He has said He wants to do through you? Can God do the seemingly impossible through your ordinary life? How you respond to His invitation reveals what you truly believe about God, regardless of what you say." (Experiencing God, page 58)


I sense in my heart, as I pray today, many of us are at a crossroads...standing somewhere between what God promised and our current circumstances...wavering between pressing on and crawling back into bed...longing for GOD's fulfilled promises and questioning whether God really even spoke at all.

Let me encourage you! WE SERVE A BIG GOD...SO, DREAM BIG DREAMS. Don't dream your dreams, but dream BIG with GOD. Hear HIS DREAMS for your life.

• Listen to what He has said.
• Write it down.
• Post it in a place you'll visit often!

Isaiah 46:10 promises us, “I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say: My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.”

In other words, GOD WILL ACCOMPLISH ALL HE PROMISED!

No matter our crisis, we must press in and hold fast to His character. No matter our dilemma, we must remember He is the God of all deliverance. No matter our obstacles, we will overcome them if we put our hope in HIM!

Our next steps determine what we really believe about God! Will we give in or press on?
Dear friends, we are not alone! God will give us direction and show us what to do...we simply need to continue to listen and press in!

I love the passage in Isaiah 28:23; God says, “Listen and hear my voice; pay attention and hear what I say.” God would not instruct us to listen and hear if it wasn’t possible. He wouldn’t command us to pay attention and hear what he said if he wasn’t going to speak.  Beloved, WE WILL MAKE IT! DON'T GIVE UP! OUR STORIES AREN'T FINISHED YET
 
So, take heart and listen for His voice. Wait patiently and know He is God. He will fulfill ALL of HIS PROMISES. HIS NAME will be established in and through you. God, Himself, encourages in Psalm 46:10, "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth."
 


PRAYER: Father, help us to hear Your voice. Speak clearly. Direct us. Empower us. And accomplish through us, all that You desire! May every breath bring You glory. May our lives honor You! IN JESUS NAME, Amen.

BE STRONG AND COURAGEOUS!

Wanna hear good news?

In Joshua 1:5 God promises, "No one will be able to stand up against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you."

Many of us face huge battles today, challenging our strength, testing our faith; alone, we will fail...BUT...we are NOT alone. God is with us. And, if GOD is with us...who can stand against us?

Joshua 1: 5 was a specific promise given to Joshua, but echoes the same for every man, woman, and child of God. Which is why Romans 8:28 says, "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."

So let me encourage you...DON'T SHRINK BACK...DON'T GIVE UP...STAND YOUR GROUND and HOLD FAST TO GOD'S PROMISES.

In verses six through nine, of Joshua chapter one, God says "Be strong and courageous...Be strong and very courageous....Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." (If you get a chance read the whole passage today.)

Friends, God's plans always call us to something greater than we are, revealing our desperate need of Him. What has God called you to? Like Joshua, what Jordan is he calling you to cross over? What promised land awaits you?

One thing is for certain, our obedience to God and surrender to His plans won't always be easy. It requires our FAITH in WHO GOD IS and determination to hold fast to WHAT HE PROMISED.

God's people have always encountered opposition before their victory...but God always remained faithful. What battles do you face today? Perhaps God is calling you to forgive someone who doesn't deserve your forgiveness...maybe your finances have diminished while your bills continue to grow...maybe you struggle with depression, questioning the purpose of life...maybe your battle is physical and you face the giant of sickness...maybe it's relational and you're dealing with marital conflicts or wayward children...regardless...

The same God who was with Moses...the same God who walked with Joshua...now walks with YOU! So my dear friend...

Let us BE STRONG AND COURAGEOUS! Careful to obey all of God's commands. He will prosper us. He will never leave us or forsake us. Has He not commanded us? Be strong and courageous. Let us NOT be terrified; Let us NOT be discouraged, for the LORD our God will be with us wherever we go."

PRAYER: Father, we are weak at times, but we choose to put our hope and confidence in YOU. Fulfill Your promise and be with us. Help us to NOT be terrified or discouraged. Thank You that we are NOT alone and that You will NEVER leave us or forsake us. It is a privilege to serve You. Help us to walk faithfully with You and follow You wherever You lead. In Jesus name, amen.

His Gentle Promise...

Yesterday, I talked about my encounter with Satan--the moments where God seems strangely silent and all feels lost...

Today, I felt prompted to ask you: How about you? Ever feel like you are all alone? Ever feel as though God deserted you? Wonder if He listens to your cries at all?

Isaiah 49:14-16, "But Zion said, "The LORD has forsaken me, the Lord has forgotten me." "Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you! See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are ever before me." (NIV)

Be encouraged dear friend! God hasn't moved. His silence doesn't always mean His rebuke. Strangely, every great leader experienced moments of "Silence". But their silence produced miracles, like: Abraham and Sarah's years of waiting for God's promise to be fulfilled...and then Isaac was born. Moses' time shepherding in the desert and then God spoke from a burning bush revealing His plan of deliverance. Or how about Our Savior, Jesus, in the garden and on the cross? His suffering fulfilled God's plan of salvation...

Beloved...GOD wastes NOTHING! Your suffering will produce life in you and through you. And in your journey...no matter how alone you feel...God will NEVER leave you or forsake you! Listen to His promise in Isaiah 43:1-3, "But now, this is what the LORD says — he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the LORD, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior." (NIV)

PRAYER: Lord, help us hear Your voice. Reassure each struggling heart that You are truly with them. Help each one of us to sense Your love for us. Direct us and lead us. We long to be near You...we long to fulfill Your will. In Jesus name, amen.

My Encounter With Satan

As you read this post, don't worry, I'm not on a witch hunt or looking for demons under every bush. I'm not on a mission to cast out demons from a broken down washer and dryer or attempting to pass off a stranded vehicle with an empty gas tank to Satan's undoing...HOWEVER...

Ephesians 6:10-13 says, "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. 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." (NIV)
 
Friends, can I just say, as I've attempted to write a book on Hearing God's Voice (and stepped out into full time ministry) I have never been more spiritually attacked or encountered Satan more?
 
I've felt his snarling accusations of disqualification...experienced his tactics of isolation, fear, and intimidation...and...battled his temptations to justify, excuse, or overlook areas of my life needing surrendered. He's challenged the core of my faith (in every area). I truly have never experienced more times of feeling alone or alienated from God. During these encounters I've been left wondering...GOD are YOU still there? Have I done something wrong? Have I lost Your favor? Can You hear me anymore??? DO YOU CARE???
 
Perhaps you are like me today, and find yourself praying prayers similar to David's in Psalm 13: "How long, O LORD? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and every day have sorrow in my heart? How long will my enemy triumph over me? Look on me and answer, O LORD my God. Give light to my eyes, or I will sleep in death; my enemy will say, "I have overcome him," and my foes will rejoice when I fall."

If that is you...can I just remind you as God has reminded me time and time again in this journey..."YOU ARE NOT ALONE!" I want to encourage you to lift up your head and  LOOK to the ONE WHO IS MIGHTY IN BATTLE FOR YOU! LOOK TO THE KING OF GLORY!!!

Psalm 24:8-10 says, "Who is this King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle. Lift up your heads, O you gates; lift them up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. Who is he, this King of glory? The LORD Almighty — he is the King of glory." (NIV)

"Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed." (1 Peter 4:12-13, NIV)

NO matter what you face today, GOD IS STILL IN CONTROL! (Want EVEN BETTER NEWS...I've read the end of the book...and guess what...WE WIN!) But, in the mean time...what's a girl (or boy) to do???

Ephesians 6:13-18 gives us the direction we need to overcome these encounters with the evil one; it says: "Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints." (NIV)

So in gist, here's what we do:
1. STAND FIRM...keep on pressing on...hold your battle station...take up arms and never give up.
2. REMEMBER THE TRUTH. Hold fast to God's Word. Submerge your mind in what God has said.
3. Remain pure. We can't overcome the evil one with known sin. Confess it. Get rid of it. Determine to live righteous, blameless, and holy before God.
4. Be ready to serve. Share the hope of the gospel. Remember you've been bought with the precious blood of Christ. Hold on to the peace offered in Him. When Satan tells you all your disqualifications...remember what God has said.
5. Hold fast to faith. Remind yourself of WHO GOD IS, WHAT HE HAS DONE, and WHAT HE DECLARES about you...this helps you overcome all Satan's flaming arrows.
6. Thank God for your salvation. Thank Him that you are NOT alone. Thank HIM for Jesus who paid for the penalty of your sins.
7. Again, hold fast to the WORD of GOD. Declare promises out loud. Jesus overcame all of Satan's temptations by declaring...IT IS WRITTEN!
8. Finally, Pray...Pray...Pray!

PRAYER: Father, help us to overcome our enemy. Empower us. Fill us with Your Spirit. Give us the strength and wisdom to counter all of Satan's lies. We NEED YOU. We thank You that we are NEVER alone. Give us hope and grant us Your favor. In Jesus Name, amen.

Today's Word--Meaning

One of my favorite quotes was made by David Viscott. He wrote, "The purpose of life is to discover your gift. The meaning of life is to give it away."

Today's Word is Meaning

If we want to live above our circumstance we must understand the greater mission of our life. God called each one of us to a specific task. He designed us for a unique purpose.

Ephesians 2:10 says, "For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." (NIV)

Friends, our callings may be different, but our paths are strangely similar: we all taste defeat, feel the pain of rejection, experience loss and hardship.
 
So, what separates those who rise above their hardships and those that retreat from their mission?
 

A clear vision of their mission.

Abraham bravely put Isaac on the altar because He remembered God's promise that through Isaac he would become the father of many nations. He didn't understand the test or the trial, but he trusted God.

Today, instead of questioning why we have encountered so many trials, we need to switch our focus to the mission God gave. What has He called us to? What has He promised?

If we rely on the conditions of our present circumstances to dictate life's meaning we will be of most men to be pitied...but if we put our confidence in the greater meaning of life...then every obstacle is merely a chance for God to reveal His glory in us and through us.

For more encouragement on living above your circumstances, join with me on today's broadcast at 12 noon EST at: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/cwa-radio/2010/10/13/his-love-extended for a LIVE BROADCAST offering encouragement from God's word!

Also, our Guest on today’s broadcast is Shannon Ethridge. Shannon is a million-copy best-selling author, international speaker, certified life coach, and advocate for healthy sexuality with a master’s degree in counseling/human relations from Liberty University. She is the author of 18 books, including the best-selling Every Woman’s Battle series, the 5-book Completely His series, and her new book for the mainstream market, The Sexually Confident Wife. Shannon has been featured on The Today Show (MSNBC), appeared on the cover of Today’s Christian Woman Magazine, and is a frequent guest on international radio & television shows such as The 700 Club, Life Today with James & Betty Robison, FamilyLife Today with Dennis Rainey, and New Life Live! with Stephen Arterburn. You can learn more about Shannon at: http://www.sexuallyconfidentwife.com/

Be encouraged today, my dear friend. God is still in control. And He is for you!

PRAYER: Father, reveal Your plan for us. Help us to see our greater mission. We put our hope in You. Fill us with Your Holy Spirit and give us the strength to triumph over our circumstances!

Live!!!

I hope you are enjoying our series on Living Above Our Circumstances. We've covered A-K so far. If you've missed a post, visit our archived section at the right hand side of this blog.

Today's Word is LIVE!!!

In a world where we're trained to plan for the future, to look ahead, to be prepared, it's easy to forget to rest, enjoy the moment, or to simply soak it in. One of the keys of living above our circumstances is simply to remember to live!

Live by hugging your children, playing a game of monopoly with them, blow bubbles on the back patio, or eat a big bowl of ice cream together (without the guilt of worrying about your belt size).

Live by kissing your spouse, sitting on the couch together, laughing and reminiscing of when you first met.

Live by thanking God for the roof you have over your head, the scenery outside your window, the food you had for dinner, instead of striving for a bigger house or a fancier car.

Live by celebrating life...
Every Breath...Every Moment!!!

Richard L. Evans writes:

The tragedy of life is not that it ends so soon, but that we wait so long to begin it.

(Bits & Pieces, March 4, 1993, p. 2. http://www.sermonillustrations.com/a-z/l/life.htm )



Today, I don't know about you, but I'm going to look around and give thanks! I'm going to breathe in and breathe out and remember God just demonstrated He's NOT finished yet. I have purpose! He created me and since I have breath...MY STORY ISN'T FINISHED! I will choose to live above my circumstances by the blood of the lamb (remembering what Christ did) and the word of my testimony!

Revelation 12:11 says, "They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony..." (NIV)

May our testimony be:

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me because His mercies are new every morning. And, I am confident that He Who began a good work in me will complete it! And, I am determined that, as for me and my house...WE WILL SERVE THE LORD!

Today, Live, Laugh, ENJOY LIFE...KNOWING GOD'S GOT IT ALL UNDER CONTROL!

Take some time and leave a comment of the things you are most thankful for! Let's CELEBRATE LIFE!

Prayer: Father, today, we choose to live in an attitude of praise, thankful for all You have given us!

FAITH Doesn't Always Make Sense

 I'm not sure if it's just because I'm getting older or if it's a sign of the times...perhaps it's because I'm stepping out into full time ministry...but for some reason, life just seems tougher than it use to.

Can anybody else relate?

I mean a couple of years ago, life seemed pretty simple...but now...every day holds a new battle. Satan's constant onslaught against my faith often leaves me tired, weary, and just plain worn out. BUT THIS ONE THING I WILL DO! I WILL KEEP ON PRESSIN' ON!

Today's Word is KINGDOM-MINDED!

Friends, truly stepping out to serve God requires FAITH and FAITH doesn't always make sense. It didn't make sense for the disciples to throw their nets out again after fishing (all the night before) and not catching anything. Yet, at Jesus command, they cast their nets and caught so many fish their boats began to sink. It didn't make sense for Abraham and Sarah to conceive a child in their NINETIES!!! Think about that one! But Isaac was born! And GOD FULFILLED His promise!

As I've gotten older, I'm convinced FAITH requires our active participation. It demands a mindset consumed with the ETERNAL, unlimited by the temporal, unhindered by the natural. It requires a mindset devoted to thoughts surpassing our own...inspired by a power far greater than what we see...committed to serve what often seems impossible.

In Matthew 16:19 Jesus promised, "I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven."

I love this promise, however, something fascinating happens in this Scripture to illustrate an important truth--what we bind and what we loose must correlate with GOD'S PLAN.

Shortly after Jesus promises Peter and the disciples he would give them the keys to the kingdom of heaven,  he rebukes Peter for not having God's thoughts in mind...

Matthew 16:21-28, "From that time on Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life. Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. "Never, Lord!" he said. "This shall never happen to you!" Jesus turned and said to Peter, "Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men." Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it. What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?" (NIV)

Friends, we must remember...GOD's WAYS are much higher than our own. And when we encounter battles, trials, or face seemingly impossible situations...when God reveals a truth to us that is hard for us to swallow like He did with the disciples (teaching them that he would have to die for us)...we must recognize...our life is NOT our own...and though taking up our cross and denying ourselves is painful...we can TRUST God. HE WILL work ALL things together for our good.

Our challenge is to set aside all WE think to be important and listen closely to what GOD SAYS.

At times HE delivers us from the flood (like He did Noah) AND other times HE gives us the grace to stand amidst the fiery flames (like He did Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednigo).

EITHER WAY...to triumph over our circumstances we must be KINGDOM-MINDED.

In Matthew 6:33-34, Jesus said, "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. (NIV)

Today, let us lay aside every weight, every fear, every worry, and simply trust our GOD. His mercies are new every morning...and He is for us...He is NOT against us. HE CAN BE TRUSTED!

PRAYER: Father, save us from a life of mediocracy or a life filled with self-gratification. Cause us to walk in the fullness of Your presence. May we be consumed by Your presence so that you very essence is burned into our nature causing others to see You when they look at our lives. Fill us with Your mercy. Cover us with Your grace. In Jesus name. Amen.

I Will Be Joyful in God My Savior

I love a full bank account, happy relationships, and health for my loved ones...but what about when there are more days in the month than paychecks, friends rise up against me, or I spend more time at the doctor's office than at my kitchen table? What about when days turn into seasons of loss and struggle and feelings of isolation? Then what? How do I live above my circumstances? What is the key? What is the secret?

TODAY'S WORD is JOY!

Habakkuk declares in Habakkuk 3:17-18, "Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior. (NIV)

How could Habakkuk pray and declare such a thing? Habakkuk understood the secret of contentment and living above life's circumstances.

The secret of godly contentment rests in our focus...in what we think about...and in what we meditate on. Scripture says, where our treasure is, there are heart will be! So, if we want to rise above our circumstances, we must focus our attention on the only secure, unshakable kingdom, and put our hope in Christ.

In an instant the stock market can crash...loved one's can pass away...favor, anointing, recognition, houses, cars...well EVERYTHING temporal in life can vanish...

Hebrews 12:2-3 says, "Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.  Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." (NIV)

Keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus fills us with hope.

Remembering "OUR STORY" isn't finished yet

(and won't be until we see HIM face to face)

provides comfort and strength!



I'm NOT saying it's easy...but...the only way we remain unmoved in this life is found in an unwavering relationship with CHRIST alone.

So no matter what you face today remember YOU ARE NOT ALONE!

Personally, I am learning...wherever I am, no matter what I am facing, no matter my conditions (in plenty or want) GOD IS GOD...I find contentment and peace KNOWING HE LOVES ME! I am confident my story is NOT FINISHED YET! I find JOY in remembering GOD delights in me...HE rejoices over me with SINGING!

Zephaniah 3:17 says, "The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing ." (NIV) Thinking of GOD dancing and rejoicing over me make me LAUGH in sheer delight! KNOWING He will never leave me or forsake me comforts me, especially when I feel evil pressing in all around!

The apostle Paul wrote, "I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength. " (Philippians 4:11-14. NIV)

Beloved, GOD IS WITH YOU! YOU ARE NOT ALONE! Let your joy rest securely in HIM, remaining confident that He Who began a good work in you will be faithful to complete it!

PRAYER: Father, help us to be joyful always; to pray continually; and to give thanks in all circumstances, for we put our hope in YOU. Help us to rise above our circumstances and fill our mouths and hearts with laughter! In JESUS name, amen!

His Indwelling Presence...NOTHING MORE...NOTHING LESS

Zechariah 4:6, It's 'Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,' says the LORD Almighty. (NIV)

Wow...here we are...one third of the way through our series on THE ABC'S OF LIVING A LIFE ABOVE OUR CIRCUMSTANCES. We've read about ATTITUDE, BRAVERY, CHARACTER, DETERMINATION, EXCELLENCE, FAITH, GIVING, HUMILITY...

Today's Word is INDWELLING

Quite honestly, I wrestled between a few words today; we could have focused on taking initiative, after all action helps us overcome our fears. We could have determined the key to living above our circumstances demanded our intercession, after all, Scripture talks about how "we have not because we ask not". But after praying about it, God reminded me of Jesus' words to the disciples, in Acts 1:4-8, "he gave them this command: "Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about.  For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit...you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." (NIV)
 
Need Power? As believers we've been promised the gift of the very presence of God--the infilling, indwelling, all-empowering presence of His Holy Spirit.
 
Sometimes I tend to jump ahead, try to figure things out, take matters into my own hands...you've probably never been guilty of that have you? LOL. So, today, I had to settle on the word INDWELLING.
 
It's only as we wait on the indwelling presence of God that we are equipped to step out and step over life's trials, effectively living above our circumstances. Even Jesus went away to pray and wait; he fasted for forty days and nights, and through that time, Scripture says the tempter came to Him. Satan attempted to tempt Jesus, but Jesus overcame each one with the word of God. After that period of time, Jesus full of the Holy Spirit began ministering and performing all kinds of miracles.
 
Friends, sometimes our temptation is to step out and overcome...but we must learn to wait for the promise of GOD'S SPIRIT.
 
Need to know God's will? It's through the Holy Spirit we discern God's voice; it's through Him we understand God's direction.
 
1 Cor 2:11-12 says, "The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the man's spirit within him? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. We have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us." NIV

The Holy Spirit teaches us and reminds us of Jesus' words...John 14:25-27, "But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you." (NIV)

So, if we want to live above our circumstances, we need a fresh infilling and the constant indwelling of the Holy Spirit! Why don't you take a few moments and simply ask God to fill you afresh...to wash away all the confusion...and to fill you with His Spirit.
 
MY PRAYER FOR EACH ONE OF YOU TODAY: (Taken directly from Romans 15:13, NIV) "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." (Also, 2 Cor 13:14, NIV) "May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all."

We Rise Above Our Circumstances Through Humility

"Be humble or you'll stumble."--D.L. Moody

I use to live by the principles of "Pull yourself up by your bootstraps." "Take charge." "If it's gonna get done...You gotta do it yourself." Until I got to a place in my life where my "umpha" got up and left. I became so overwhelmed by my situation my "self-determination" and "self-reliance" vanished. I needed HELP and the ONLY ONE WHO COULD intervene was GOD!
 
Don't get me wrong...I believe God grants each one of us abilities and gifts; further, I believe we need to employ each gift for God's kingdom. But when self-determination delineates our focus away from THE ONE WHO gave us our gifts...we are in a lot of trouble!

Today's Word--Humility

James 4:6-8 says, "..."God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you." (NIV)

When (or preferably before) life's circumstances overwhelms us, we must LOOK UP! True humility helps us remember God is in charge....In good times, GOD is GOD...In bad times, HE is still GOD...In blessings...In trials...In death...In life...In Sickness...In health...GOD is and forever will be GOD. Humility shouts out NO MATTER WHAT...I AM PRESSING ON...BECAUSE I KNOW IN WHOM I HAVE BELIEVED...AND I AM CONFIDENT HE IS ABLE.
 
In Daniel 3:16-18, "Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to the king, "O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king. But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up." (NIV)
 
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego lived above their circumstances, unmoved by tyrant kings; and God honored their faith, delivering them...NOT FROM THE FIRE...but in THE MIDST OF THE FIRE. They humbly served God...REGARDLESS of the cost...and GOD put their circumstances BENEATH their feet.


Andrew Murray wrote, "Humility is perfect quietness of heart. It is for me to have no trouble; never to be fretted or vexed or irritated or sore or disappointed. It is to expect nothing, to wonder at nothing that is done to me, to feel nothing done against me. It is to be at rest when nobody praises me and when I am blamed or despised. It is to have a blessed home in the Lord where I can go in and shut the door and kneel to my Father in secret and be at peace as in a deep sea of calmness when all around is trouble..." http://www.sermonillustrations.com/a-z/h/humility.htm)


What trials do you face today? Do you have a tyrant king decreeing your demise? Are you facing a bad report on your finances, health, or relationship?  

The truth is...we can't always pull ourselves up by our bootstraps; sometimes our bootstraps are tied around our wrists and ankles rendering us powerless...but my friend...THERE IS A GOD IN HEAVEN...and scripture says He works ALL THINGS together for our GOOD. And His plans are to bless and not harm us...His plans are to give us a HOPE and a FUTURE!
 
Humility recognizes our complete and absolute dependence on GOD in GOOD TIMES and in BAD and trusts HIM NO MATTER WHAT...AND WHEN WE DO...WE RISE ABOVE OUR CIRCUMSTANCES THROUGH HUMILITY. 

PRAYER: Father we are weak; even in our greatest strength we can do NOTHING apart from YOU. We can't even take our next breath unless YOU give it to us. We humble ourselves before you; lift us up; fill us with Your love, hope, and presence. We put our faith in You. Deliver us from all fears and move on our behalf. In Jesus name, amen.

PS. Don't miss today's broadcast at 12 PM EST at: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/cwa-radio/2010/10/06/his-love-extended Hope you can join us!

Living Above Our Circumstances Occurs When We Give

Today's Word--Be A Giver

Want to rise above your circumstances?--then give! No, I'm not some cheap, slicked-back-haired televangelist, offering an imitation of the gospel, or encouraging you to give so you can get your miracle...Rather, I speak from experience and the truth of GOD'S WORD...You see, over the years I've discovered when I give, I am blessed in unexpected ways.

...and I'm not just talking about money...

We've all heard the principle of reaping what you sow...For example: Need encouragement? Encourage someone else. Want a friend? Be a friend. Need words of affirmation? Affirm others. Not meeting your bills? Tithe and remain faithful to God. Feel alone? Look for someone else sitting by themselves and offer kindness...Well, you get the picture.

The truth is, if we want to rise above our circumstances we must consider the needs of others; too much attention on SELF skews our perspective, narrowing our expectations to our experience; but when we turn our focus, serving others, interceding for others, and involving our lives with those less fortunate, gratefulness grows within us, causing us to rise above our conditions.

2 Corinthians 9:6-9 says, "Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work." (NIV)

By applying the principle of sowing and reaping to our circumstances, we might conclude (the truth of) Luke 6:38, "Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." (NIV)

IN OTHER WORDS, instead of focusing on our limitations let us focus on GOD, GIVE thanks, and be content in all situations!

When we focus on what we do NOT have or what we WANT to have, we set ourselves up to covet and live ungrateful...BUT when we focus on what God has GIVEN and look to help others in need, we rise above our circumstances, increase the gratefulness in our hearts, and allow God to work miracles on our behalf.

Galatians 6:7-10 reminds us, "Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers." (NIV)

I can't tell you (over the span of my life) how many times I've felt lonely, depressed, fearful, or anxious...when I focused on my feelings, gave in and threw a pity party for myself, or isolated myself from others, I compounded my desperation...BUT...when I reached outside of myself, looking to God as my supplier, and encouraged others in similar conditions, GOD PROVIDED and LIFTED ME ABOVE MY PROBLEMS.

So today, I simply encourage you...to look beyond yourself: "Be joyful always; pray continually; GIVE thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus..." (1 Thess 5:16-18)

Ask yourself, "How can I be a blessing today?" "How can I honor God with my attitudes?" "What do I have to be grateful for?" "Who do I know needing encouragement, friendship, or God's love?"

When you answer those questions...you have your mission for the day...let me know how it impacts! :)

PRAYER: "May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it." (1 Thess 5:23-24, NIV)

Living Above Our Circumstance Requires Faith

Living Above Our Circumstances
Requires Faith

So far in our series of studying the ABC's of Living Above Our Circumstances, we've focused on: A=Attitude, B=Bravery, C=Character, D=Determination, and E=Excellence. If you've missed any, visit the archived section on the right side of this blog page.

Today's Word is FAITH...

I tend to look at men from the Bible, idolizing their heroism, longing to live like them. But occasionally, the Holy Spirit reveals a glimpse of their humanity, like: Abraham lying to Abimelech about Sarah, Elijah fleeing from Jezebel, Gideon hiding in a wine press to thrash wheat...

Each one of us (even our heroes) experience moments of weakness...moments where we forget WHO we serve...moments where our eyes focus on our circumstances and we shrink from the truth, flee from our fears, or hide, hoping to go unnoticed...BUT...The key to LIVING ABOVE OUR CIRCUMSTANCES resides in FAITH. The same men I admire and herald for faith fell when they lost focus... 

Faith rests in WHO GOD IS and trusts WHAT HE PROMISED!

Hebrews 11:6 says, "Without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him." (NIV)


I love how Hebrews Chapter Eleven highlights men who walked by faith; let's read just a few:

• Hebrews 11:7-"By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his family..."(NIV)
• Hebrews 11:8-9-"By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going." (NIV)
• Hebrew 11:24-27-"By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be known as the son of Pharaoh's daughter. He chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a short time. He regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the treasures of Egypt, because he was looking ahead to his reward. By faith he left Egypt, not fearing the king's anger; he persevered because he saw him who is invisible." (NIV) 
• Hebrews 11:29-30 "By faith the people passed through the Red Sea as on dry land...By faith the walls of Jericho fell, after the people had marched around them for seven days..." (NIV)
• Hebrews 11:32-"And what more shall I say? I do not have time to tell about Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel and the prophets, who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions, quenched the fury of the flames, and escaped the edge of the sword; whose weakness was turned to strength; and who became powerful in battle and routed foreign armies." (NIV)

Now I know, Noah had to question what he was building or asked God..."WHAT's an ARC???" Abraham and Sarah had to wonder "WHEN???" "We're in our nineties!!!" Moses had to doubt his abilities...struggle with his past and asked on more than one occasion..."Are you sure you want me Lord? Maybe Aaron should do it???"

Afterall dear friends,they were only human, and life doesn't always make sense; God doesn't always reveal the WHY'S, WHEN'S, or HOW'S...but we can choose to LIVE ABOVE OUR CIRCUMSTANCES by putting our hope and confidence in HIM--THE ONE WHO NEVER FAILS.

GOD IS GOD! And only through HIM can we soar above our circumstances, knowing He alone holds time in His hands...He works ALL things together for our good...He intercedes for us, never sleeping nor slumbering...He directs, provides, leads, and promises to never leave us or forsake us!!! WOW! Now that's powerful!

You see, looking at our abilities, provisions, or resources will always get us in trouble...but when we remember to put our confidence in God and remember HIS abilities, provisions, and resources... we confidently rise above every challenge!

If we're shrinking under the weights of our circumstances, cowering at the enemy's threats, or trembling in the face of adversity...we must purpose to LOOK UP AND REMEMBER...

"The LORD is faithful to all his promises and loving toward all he has made. The LORD upholds all those who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down...The LORD is righteous in all his ways and loving toward all he has made. The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. He fulfills the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cry and saves them. The LORD watches over all who love him..." (Psalm 145:13-20, NIV)

PRAYER: Father fill us with Your Holy Spirit. Empower us to rise above our circumstance. Encourage us with the truth from Your word. Strengthen us by reminding us of WHO YOU ARE and WHAT YOU HAVE PROMISED. We put our hope in YOU!

Living Above our Circumstances Requires Excellence

"John Gardner says, "...Very few have excellence thrust upon them...They achieve it. They do not achieve it unwittingly by 'doing what comes naturally' and they don't stumble into it in the course of amusing themselves. All excellence involves discipline and tenacity of purpose." (Ted W. Engstrom, The Pursuit of Excellence, 1982, Zondervan Corporation, p. 24, http://www.sermonillustrations.com/a-z/e/excellence.htm )

Today's Word: Excellence

Many men commit their lives to noble purposes, excelling, achieving, attaining...only to be destroyed by their accomplishments. In this last year alone, I've read countless stories of actors, businessmen, the affluent, and the rich...men who acquired many things, take their own lives. WHY? Because they didn't live above their circumstances; their circumstances defined them.

Friends, if we want to live above our circumstances our pursuit of excellence must originate in Who God Is and an intimate relationship with Him. Our intimate relationship with God then bleeds over into every other area of life, affecting our thoughts, influencing our feelings, and shaping our actions.

When we purpose to live a life of excellence, pursuing Christ, following Him regardless of the cost, circumstances become merely happenstances, losing their potency to alter our outlook. In good times, we rejoice with God, knowing He is with us, trusting in His love for us; in bad times, we do the same; we remain unmoved because God never changes.

In 1 Corinthians, the apostle Paul wrote, "And now I will show you the most excellent way. If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing." (1 Corinthians 12:31-13:3, NIV) Combine this verse with 1 John 4:8, "God is love." we might interpret the application to be, if we have not "GOD", we gain nothing! BUT...if we choose to excel in our love relationship with God we will soar above our circumstances and find a place of rest, unmoved by life's events!

Psalm 91:9-16 promises, "If you make the Most High your dwelling — even the LORD, who is my refuge — then no harm will befall you, no disaster will come near your tent. For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone. You will tread upon the lion and the cobra; you will trample the great lion and the serpent. "Because he loves me," says the LORD, "I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life will I satisfy him and show him my salvation." (NIV)

Since excellence involves discipline and tenacity of purpose, may we tenaciously purpose to pursue God, to know Him, to love Him, never yielding, never bending, until we (by all rights) grab hold of HIM, attaining intimacy with HIM!

(Philippians 4:8-9) "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable — if anything is excellent or praiseworthy — think about such things." (NIV)

PRAYER: Father, we desperately need to know You. Draw near to us. We need You. Fill us with Your presence. Fill us with Your unwavering PEACE, helping us to live above our circumstances.