Jealousy in the Kingdom?

Day 3
31 Reasons To Praise by Melanie can be purchase at www.itsmelanielee.com

I have ALL the Spiritual Blessings
-Ephesians 1:3

As I read the devotion there was one thing that JUMPED out at me. “EVERY SPIRITUAL BLESSING” – then I remembered something that I questioned; why is there so much competition in the church? Why is there jealousy in the church, God? And in an instant the answer was clear!!

People are seeking the same “Spiritual Blessing” – but I think there is a lack of WISDOM in knowing that we are all on the same level playing field. None of us is so special to be more worthy than another. Not one of us is “UNWORTHY” of any blessing – but we are given this “GIFT” because of the precious blood that was shed by the Lamb of God who died so that we ALL have the right to “EVERY SPIRITUAL BLESSING”

If you read further Ephesians 4:11 – 13 MSG
..He handed out gifts above and below, filled heaven with his gifts, filled earth with his gifts. He handed out gifts of apostle, prophet, evangelist, and pastor-teacher to train Christ’s followers in skilled servant work, working within Christ’s body, the church, until we’re all moving rhythmically and easily with each other, efficient and graceful in response to God’s Son, fully mature adults, fully developed within and without, fully alive like Christ.

We each have our own calling. When we each focus on what God has called us to do – which is clearly listed in the above scripture, we will have no need to envy another. Unless we are guilt-ridden because we are not running our own race and desire the race of another. The other rational is a person is comparing “temporal blessings” – which are not guaranteed…and for me, that is were I would say; FAVOR AIN’T FAIR.

Broken Crayons Still Color On Purpose – All of us come to God with a zero. And God comes to us with a ten, and He gives us everything we could ever possibly dream of in His Son Jesus Christ.

Day 3 of 31 Reasons to Praise

Thank you, Melanie N. Lee

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Broken Crayons Still Color

Try this:  Sit in total silence for 2 minutes – and where ever your mind drifts to – realign and focus on the goodness of JESUS.  At the end of that 2 minutes – write me a note – here with the first thing that comes to your heart.

Working on a workshop and I want to gather information.  Thank you in advance for your participation.

God IS Love

Here is the conference:  –> https://www.eventbrite.com/e/reclaiming-your-identity-taking-off-the-mask-tickets-38741609196

New Life

Powerless and Abused

We admitted that we were powerless over our dependencies and that our lives had become unmanageable.There are societal forces beyond our control. We live in times when sexual abuse is commonplace and security in relationships is hard to find. We may know the agony of being sexually abused or bear the shame of allowing someone else to be victimized when we were in a position to protect them. A deep sense of powerlessness is experienced in this kind of situation. Before Israel had a king, there was no law and order; “all the people did whatever seemed right in their own eyes” (Judges 21:25). A horrifying story is told of a young woman who was brutally gang-raped. Her husband had allowed her to be taken by a group of men who had been trying to attack and rape him. He “took hold of his concubine and pushed her out the door. The men of the town abused her all night. . . . When her husband opened the door to leave, there lay his concubine with her hands on the threshold” (Judges 19:25-27). The girl died there on the doorstep. Her death became a rallying cry for reform, but she had been lost. Her husband was left with terrible shame and guilt. The man and his young wife were both victims, suffering the pain of powerlessness in a crime-filled society. If we have been victims of sexual abuse, we must begin by acknowledging that we were powerless. Although we suffered the abuse, we were not the cause of it. This realization is an important key to our recovery. Recovery from being a victim begins by recognizing our powerlessness.

All credit to —> http://newlife.com/powerless-and-abused/

Your Income: What do you have in your hand?

God considers all work to be sacred and will hold us accountable for ourselves to Him one day (Romans 14:12). For those called to lead, a heart of service is of great importance. We are called to lead like Jesus did.

Read through Exodus 4:1-5. When God called Moses, He asked him what is it in his hands. God asked Moses to lay it on ground. What happened? It became a snake! God asked Moses to pick up again by the tail. And as he did, it became a staff again.

What does the staff represent in Moses’ life? It was a sheperd’s staff. It represents his identity, as a shepherd. It represents his income, because sheep tending is his livelihood at that period in his life. It’s all he has.

God is asking Moses to surrender all that everything that he has in his hands. God is asking the same thing from you and me. You job, your profession, you can offer up all that under His sovereign rule and authority.

Paul urges us to “live a life worthy of the calling you have received (Ephesians 4:1) and reminds us that “God’s call and his gifts are irrevocable. (Romans 11:29). No one nor any organization can change our calling or gifting….which are God’s equipping for our service to him.

“The place God calls you to is the place where your deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet (Frederick Buechner)”.

Personal Reflection: Read each Scripture below and write what the message says regarding your calling and/or purpose for being.

1. We have been given different gifts to prepare us for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.

2. He who began a good work in us will carry it to completion.

Leading Like Jesus…OnPurpose!!

My Reflection…

James 1:23-25 ~ For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks at his natural face in a mirror; for once he has looked at himself and gone away, he has immediately forgotten what kind of person he was. But one who looks intently at the perfect law, the law of liberty, and abides by it, not having become a forgetful hearer but an effectual doer, this man will be blessed in what he does.

God is showing me so much of where I need to be better. The reflection is sometimes ugly on the surface but He’s revealing to me the beauty and grace He has reserved just for me. A new thing,  a new perspective, a new peace and understanding engrossed in the ills of the world and my surroundings, He’s tapping in and saying look at yourself girl,  all that’s happening around you,  YOU need to change the things that aren’t of me before you can expand beyond your immediate circumstances. It’s not often a comfortable place but it’s a necessary one to impact change and open the door to the promises we sabatoge. I’m starting now, battered but empowered. For His glory. He is able. Declaring victory and peace in my life. It’s already done. Love and blessings!

Prayer:  Most Precious Lord Jesus, Gentle And Wonderful God, Truly Awesome And Ever-present Holy Spirit, Precious Lord Jesus, I love you. I praise your name even when the chaos of my life means I don’t know whether I am coming or going. My life is a harried and pressure-filled mess right now. Help me live more at peace with myself, with others, and most of all, with you. When I start to lose hope amidst the pressures of my life, stop me for a moment and call upon my heart to look up to you. When I start to lose hope amidst the pressures of my life, stop me for a moment and call upon my heart to listen to your sweet voice telling me how much you love me. When my harried life afflicts me hour after hour, remind me how your peace is just a prayer away. All these things I humbly pray in the name of my most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ, my Mighty God, and my Ever-present Holy Spirit upon whom I can rely. Amen!

Written by: Cybill

Living at peace…OnPurpose!!

What role are you playing in my destiny?

What is your role in this story of my life: Are you Abraham, Issac, the Ram, the Thicket, the Alter, the Knife, one of the two Servants or God?  In fairness, it would depend on what role I’m playing…I’m constantly changing… (Praise God)

In this season of my life I am being intentional in everything I do and purposeful in what I say.  As God deals with me and my fears, I am being bolder in my faith and in trusting Him with what He gives me to do and say.

One of my first stories from the Bible that I understood as a child is Abraham & Issac: the Testing of My Faith.  Each time I read it, I get something new.  I have been stuck on the “THICKET” for a while.  Just this morning it came to me…the thicket in my life are the people who I have allowed to dilute my dreams and poison my hopes. I have lived in fear of everything my entire life! I have held back from doing great things because I allowed other people’s fears and doubts of their life to shape mine.  I remember the first time I stepped out on faith and did something HUGE that someone said I shouldn’t do – I DID IT!!  That was 11 years ago.

Since then, I have accomplished things that were centered around my son. When it comes to him, nothing is impossible for me to do for HIM, in the past I didn’t have that same drive for myself…Until TODAY!

On this day, I will play the role of Abraham – I will do what God asks me to do.  My passion (Issac), I will offer it up to God, trusting Him with it…stay tuned to see how the rest of my story unfolds!!

After these things God tested Abraham and said to him, “Abraham!” And he said, “Here I am.” He said, “Take your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you.” So Abraham rose early in the morning, saddled his donkey, and took two of his young men with him, and his son Isaac. And he cut the wood for the burnt offering and arose and went to the place of which God had told him. On the third day Abraham lifted up his eyes and saw the place from afar. Then Abraham said to his young men, “Stay here with the donkey; I and the boy will go over there and worship and come again to you.”  Genesis 22:1‭-‬5 ESV

Pray this prayer in agreement with me:  Heavenly Father, I am having trouble putting all things into your hands. I am having trouble trusting you. Things are unraveling right before my eyes and there isn’t anything I can do about it. How do I trust? How do I take all things and put them over to you? Do I just sit here and let things slide while I tell myself you will take care of things? I can talk to you but generally speaking you don’t talk back to me in an audible voice. You can see me but I can’t see you. Do I wait until there is nothing to be done? What do I do and how do I do it? I know I am rambling, Lord. Sometimes things pile up over me until I am gasping for air and I don’t know what to do. So, I need your help.
Like always, I need your help to trust you. Sounds pretty pathetic to tell you I need help trusting you. However, the really great thing is that I know you will help me.
Is this goofy or what? Already I am beginning to get one of those little moments from you.
Already I hear you tell me to use what I have for your glory. Already I hear you tell me to glory not in myself or be depressed about myself but to glory in You. As always, you are right. Thank you Lord. You never disappoint.  All these things I humbly pray in the name of my most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ, Amen!!

Written by: Michelle while in the cocoon!

Walking into my destiny…OnPurpose!!

Happy Birthday to my son…Mommy Loves You, Kiddo!!

What role are you playing in my destiny?

What is your role in this story of my life: Are you Abraham, Issac, the Ram, the Thicket, the Alter, the Knife, one of the two Servants or God?  In fairness, it would depend on what role I’m playing…I’m constantly changing… (Praise God)

In this season of my life I am being intentional in everything I do and purposeful in what I say.  As God deals with me and my fears, I am being bolder in my faith and in trusting Him with what He gives me to do and say.

One of my first stories from the Bible that I understood as a child is Abraham & Issac: the Testing of My Faith.  Each time I read it, I get something new.  I have been stuck on the “THICKET” for a while.  Just this morning it came to me…the thicket in my life are the people that I have allowed to dilute my dreams and poison my hopes. I have lived in fear of everything my entire life! I have held back from doing great things because I allowed other people’s fears and doubts of their life to shape mine.  I remember the first time I stepped out on faith and did something HUGE that someone said I souldn’t do – I DID IT!!  That was 11 years ago.

Since then, I have accomplished things that were centered around my son. When it comes to him, nothing is impossible for me to do but until resent I didn’t have that same drive for myself…Until TODAY!

On this day, I will play the role of Abraham – I will do what God asks me to do.  My passion is Issac, I will offer it up to God, trusting Him with it…stay tuned to see how the rest of my story unfolds!!

After these things God tested Abraham and said to him, “Abraham!” And he said, “Here I am.” He said, “Take your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you.” So Abraham rose early in the morning, saddled his donkey, and took two of his young men with him, and his son Isaac. And he cut the wood for the burnt offering and arose and went to the place of which God had told him. On the third day Abraham lifted up his eyes and saw the place from afar. Then Abraham said to his young men, “Stay here with the donkey; I and the boy will go over there and worship and come again to you.”  Genesis 22:1‭-‬5 ESV

Lord, help me stay connected to you so that I do not dilute your plans for my destiny!!

I will not listen to toxic words from anyone…OnPurpose!

Written by: The Butterfly

 

I am redefining ME

Psalms 139:14 –  I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.

The decisions we make, whether personal or professional, are a direct result of what we think of ourselves.  You can be smart, beautiful, creative, brilliant but if you’re not awakened to that truth, you’ll never walk in the fullness of who God created you to be.

You’ll constantly be subject to the opinions of others and you’ll settle for what they say you’re worthy or capable of.

I’ve learned that it is the enemies assignment to keep you bound to the opinions of others and sometimes, to the false thoughts we have of ourselves.  It’s his job to make sure we settle, when God has called us to live an abundant life.  Take the time to know thyself; the quality of your life depends on it!    Just say NO to Mediocrity!! #knowthyself 💕

Be the Best. Give the Best. Love the Best. Experience the Best.

Pray this prayer with me:

Truly Awesome And Ever-present Holy Spirit…
I know what the point my life has been.
I know what the point of my life should be.
In your love and grace, remind me every hour the point of my life is to love you.
In your love and grace, remind me every hour the point of my life is to live in your truth.
In your love and grace, remind me every hour the point of my life is to be your humble child.
In your love and grace, remind me every hour the point of my life is to do your will rather than my own.
In your love and grace, remind me every hour the point of my life is to be more than I could ever be for you and you alone.  These things I pray in Jesus’ name, AMEN!!

Written By: Le Trece [Coco]

Redefining Me…OnPurpose!

Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

2 Corinthians 12:9, (ESV)
But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 

Now – Resting comfortably. Smiling. 😄

EVEN IN THIS ~ AND FOR SUCH A TIME AS THIS – I KNOW THAT ALL THINGS ARE WORKING TOGETHER FOR MY GOOD. (Romans 8:28)

I’ve nothing but gratitude for where I am in life, today. I’m living my best and greatest life NOW! Every single day, every single second, minute, and hour. Whether things are up or down, great or disastrous, I’M CHOOSING MY RESPONSE – CHOOSING HOW I AM SHOWING UP, WITH OR WITHOUT… AND CHOOSING TO BE AND STAY GRATEFUL, BECAUSE GOD HAS BEEN SO ~FAITHFUL~ TO ME.

-Exhausted beyond belief, but no complaints and no regrets. Did everything I was meant to do, this week. Spent time with many of my loved ones in both good and not so good settings. Still we count it ~ALL JOY~

I am sooo glad the Lord is my Strength. God has me. He’s my Gentle Friend, my Provider, my Faithful Lord, -He’s my Everything. My mother is my Rock, my Caretaker, my Accountability Partner, my Prayer Partner, and overall – MY BEST FRIEND, and my Beautiful, Kindhearted, and Very Concerned Gurlz are my 2 very courageous Strong Anchors. Feels sooooooooooooo good to be loved, thought of well, supported, and cared for.

Even when I have days/moments I can’t return the favor. It’s just nice to know I’m safe and they really are for me and the improvement of my health. I HAVE THE MOST AWESOME, AND GREATEST MOM/DAUGHTERS IN THE WORLD. I LOOOOOOOOOOVE MY FAMILY!!! ~RELATIONSHIPS MATTER MOST~

Also sending up praises to God who is my Covering. He blessed me to receive the medication which is designed to help me in regaining my ability to walk stably again and maintain balance. Started my treatment, today. Yitideeeeee!!! I thank God for all my doctors, my neurologist, the supportive Bioservices pharmacists/staff, MSLines, MSAA, my nurse and all the MS Ambassadors who have reached out to encourage me through their own stories. -And a whoooooooole host of loved ones who are praying for and rooting for me – believing with me in that TODAY, IN THE NAME OF JESUS, I STAND HEALED. What a wonderful club I have been inducted into. The Faith Walker’s Club. Truly, makes life worth living, seeing, and experiencing EVERYDAY.  I’m taking it all in. ❤️❤️❤️ #noregrets #livingwell #livingwhole #fearlesslyandwonderfullymadeinGod

Soon we’ll be in our NEW BODIES. Looking forward to the Day we see Jesus face to face and kiss Him, fall to our feet, and thank a Him for all He’s been to us, done for us and given us in this life and in our next life – spending eternality with Him and His Father in heaven. Soon we’ll be home with our Lord and Savior. #notofthisworld #sufferwell

Shalom!!

Blessings, Dana

A prayer for you: I love you, Lord Jesus.  This physical pain is tearing away at my heart, mind, and soul.  I can’t think straight.  I can’t feel any emotion except depression.  I know you are real but whatever presence you had in my heart isn’t there at the moment.  Although I cannot sense your presence right now, in what little faith I have, I proclaim you as God of the universe and as my Lord and Savior.  In all the power you have, help me put a wall between the pain and what the pain tries to do to my heart, mind, and soul.  In your power of grace and love, help me put a wall between this pain and my depression. In your power of grace and love, help me put a wall between this pain and my lack of motivation and inspiration.  In your power of grace and love, help me put a wall between this pain and my soul aching for your healing hand.  May the evil power causing my pain be forever shielded from me.  May I be able to laugh, live, and be free, even in the dark moments when this pain may try to take me down.  By your power I refuse to lose and let this pain do anything to me.  By your power I refuse to lose to this pain.  By your power I refuse to lose contact with you because of this pain.  By your power I refuse to lose and knuckle under to this pain.  By your power, love, grace, and will, help me see you, Precious Lord Jesus, Precious Father God, Precious Holy Spirit, Precious Blessed Virgin Mary, and your wonderful earthly father Joseph.  As a group, standing all around me, may all of you please place your hands upon me and infuse the healing power of your love into my heart, mind, soul, and body.  All these things I humbly pray in the name of my most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ, my Mighty God, and my Ever-present Holy Spirit upon whom I can rely.  Amen!!

In case you don’t know – Read about MS

Dana is Living with MS…OnPurpose!  You are COVERED by THE BLOOD!!

FOCUS on the PLAN not the PAIN

Revelation 12:2  – She was pregnant and cried out in pain as she was about to give birth.

God has ordered my steps [Destiny] but I get to decide my stride [How long it will take to get there].

Labor and Delivery units have rules and regulations – there is no room for onlookers, nay-sayers or dream killers.  Who are you taking with you in the delivery room…Only one person can go?  It needs to be someone who had been in there before…a “coach”! Someone that had successfully came out of the birthing process with knowledge and understanding and could aid in the time of travailing.  Someone who knows first hand what was about to happen.

It hurts to win!  Until you have experienced it [Winning] you will not understand that painful process.  Success or Winning is INTENTIONAL, it gives at the level that you give, it’s in accordance with your ability, it requires TRANSFORMATION of self, change is absolutely necessary to get to the next level and change can be very painful.

What are you about to birth?  Do you have a due date in mind?  Have you decided to become loyal to your future and abandon your past?  Who is defining who you are today?  What is next for you?

As you expand your territory – EXPECT demons – the PAIN will “feel” like it is going to kill you…it wont!  There will be storms, take an unbrella.  There will be walls, learn to scale them.  There will be barriers, speak to them and demand they MOVE!  There is a POINT to the PAIN – FOCUS on the POINT [Destiny] and not the PAIN!  At the end of the day, you wont remember the PAIN because you will have a 7 lb. 6 oz. PLAN in your arms.  It will be just for you…to nurture, develop and love – it will grow into Jeremiah 29:11 ~ 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.

Have an expectation greater that “THAT” – Dream BIGGER! Expect GREATER! Get INTENTIONAL! TRAVAIL…and get ready to PUSH!

Lord and Savior – I kneel in prayer in my heart.  You are precious to me and I adore you.
Words cannot express my gratitude for your sacrifice for me on the Cross.
During the coming days I will need your help to live each day because I am in great pain.
During the coming days I shall PUSH ahead as I let you lead me and guide me in spite of the hurt I feel.  During the coming days may all things be made new through you as I seek ways to live in spite of the pain assaulting me every hour.
In your presence, I find a reason to live no matter how much pain I feel.
In your kingdom on earth, I shall carry on the work you have begun in me.  Inspire in me an open heart and give me a mind to glorify your name in every adversity.  These things I pray in Jesus’ name, AMEN!!

Written by: The “Butterfly”

Pushing pass the PAIN…OnPurpose!