Agape

God loves you so much that He corrects, disciplines and forgives you when you’ve gone contrary to His will, word and way. Many individuals have misconstrued God’s discipline as mistreatment, but God’s discipline is a sign of his positive love operating in our lives. It is our sin and disobedience that result in negative consequences for our actions.

When God disciplines his children, it shouldn’t be viewed as an unloving act of mistreatment but a reminder that God loves us so much that He willingly corrects to get us back on the targeted plan He has for our lives.

The purpose of discipline is to reinforce obedience and for one to stay on God’s track and not the world’s track. God disciplines because He loves. The world and those who intentionally live against God’s commands do not love you. In fact, some will encourage you to go contrary to what God’s word specifically commands. Anyone or anything claiming to love you but does not encourage or hold you accountable in following God’s will, word and way does not know true love.

Scripture reveals several accounts where God gave specific directions and people knowingly or unknowingly disobeyed Him and discipline was enforced as a means to get them on the right track. The consequences individuals experienced were not appealing but necessary for obedience, repentance and growth.

When God disciplines it is out of love. When you are going down the wrong path about to make a decision that doesn’t line up with God’s word, Our Heavenly Father has the ability to correct; in His Word, parents, pastors, loved ones, circumstances and so much more. These enforcements are utilized to get us aligned with his plan. It is a blessing to know that God’s love will come in the very midst of our errors to serve as a warning of the danger zones ahead, if we don’t quickly repent and turn back to him.

Prayer: LORD, thank you for your loving discipline active in my life right now. I know that I am blessed because you discipline and teach me to follow your commands. I ask for forgiveness in misinterpreting your discipline as negative mistreatment when it is a positive attribute in my life and walk with you. I praise your name. In Jesus’ name, AMEN.

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The Agony And The Ecstasy

The Agony And The Ecstasy

The cross and crown. No, that’s not the name of an English pub; it’s a pair of biblical symbols that is often used in church architecture and design, the one overlaid upon the other. It describes the two phases of the saving work of Jesus Christ–that he suffered death on a cross so that he might receive the crown of heaven as King of kings and Lord of lords.

Those two symbols are also metaphors for two phases of your life. Jesus invites all of his followers to pick up their own crosses and follow him, but he promises a place in his throne room to all who hold fast to him in faith and refuse to let sin, Satan, hardship, or loss induce them to throw away their treasure: “I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown. Those who overcome I will make pillars in the temple of my God” (Revelation 3:11,12).

What is your cross? Anything you suffer or give up or have taken from you because you are a Christian. Anything it costs you to follow Jesus–friends, money, position, perks, rank, status, or advantages. What is the crown Jesus promises? His holiness upon your head like an aura; status as prince or princess in the heavenly courts; a position at his side as he judges and rules the world; an everlasting relationship with him and all the saints.

What Is A Toxic Person: 18 Signs

1. They often speak badly about other people.

If someone you know is regularly gossiping about others, this is a warning sign. Incessant gossiping is a warning sign of insecurity and a toxic personality.

Likewise, you can be sure that if they’re gossiping about someone else, they will gossip about you too. Be careful with gossipers and remember that gossip is usually untrue anyway.

2. They’re negative.

A hallmark of a toxic person is being negative. This includes being judgmental, sarcastic, frequent complaining and the list goes on. This negativity can be draining and no fun but it is also a big warning that you’re with a toxic person.

3. They lack compassion.

One of the key elements to a relationship is the ability to show empathy and compassion towards others. If they are unable to show empathy, they might be toxic to you.

4. They take up an inordinate amount of your time.

They show up and take up too much of your time, disregarding you and your life. Relationships are a give and take. If you feel like they’re sucking up your time without providing much in return, it may be time to reassess this relationship.

5. They’re constantly involved in drama.

If they seem to always have crisis and conflict going on, this may indicate they are they cause more so than other people in their life.This is particularly true if they seem to thrive on or actually enjoy drama. The same is true if they seem to always have a big personal mess going on.

6. They lie to you.

In addition to straight out lies, make note of even slight variations on what they tell you and note the omission of critical facts as well. Often times, it is difficult to spot a direct lie, but rather, things just don’t add up. If someone is lying or bending the truth it is wise to question whether you can trust them in your life.

7. They criticize you.

It’s one thing to help a friend out if they have some food caught in their teeth. It’s another if someone is constantly criticizing you or offering their “advice” about you and your life. This is very true of the parent-child relationship. If you feel like you are always being corrected, it’s probably them and not you.

8. They talk way more than they listen.

A big red flag is when someone talks way more than they listen or if they don’t really listen at all.

9. They act like a victim.

If they frequently blame all their problems on someone else or some situation – or even if they blame their own mistakes on someone else or some situation – this is a red flag. A lack of personal responsibility is a sign of toxicity. Be careful, toxic people can be quite convincing.

10. They are hurtful.

If someone purposefully says hurtful thing to you or engages in hurtful actions against you or even just disregard your feelings, consider them toxic to you. The way we are treated is important. It matters and if someone hurts you regularly, they are not good for you.

11. They’re always stressed out.

Life is stressful for all of us. No one gets by without some stress. If someone magnifies their stress or compounds it through their choices, they might be toxic.

12. They lose their temper.

Being around someone with a temper problem can be excruciating and unnerving. If it seems like they need anger management, you can rest assured they are toxic to your life and  you do not need to expose yourself to this.

13. They need to be right.

A sign of a toxic person is their need to be right. If they’re constantly trying to prove themselves or close off to the opinions of others, this is not good. Likewise, toxic people will often claim to be right even if they’re not. Conversation is not supposed to be a challenge that must be won. This is unhealthy.

14. They treat others poorly.

Have you ever noticed that someone can be kind to you and the people in your circle, but when you’re around other people, they treat them poorly. This includes other co-workers, service people (such as a waiter or waitress). This can be a tip off that the person is putting on a show when they’re with you, but you can see the real person in how they treat others.

15.  They’re self-absorbed.

If they usually consider themselves first, have a need to talk about their own stuff and are not there for you when you need them, consider this a warning sign that they are either not a true friend or they are toxic. Also pay attention to whether they are looking to see what they can gain in a given situation versus what they can give.

16. They try to control you.

If someone tries to tell you what to do or say or how to act, this is a huge red flag. This can often show up as manipulative behaviors as well. If you feel like you’re being used as a puppet, it’s time to take a deeper look into the relationship.

17. They have unresolved addiction issues.

No question that being in a relationship with someone battling addiction can be one of the most difficult and painful things you could ever deal with. People in the throws of addiction will often exemplify many of these behaviors listed here – not because it is their true nature, but rather because of their addiction. Addiction is a serious issue. If you have a relationship with someone who is an addict, it is imperative to seek help for yourself.

18. You just have a bad vibe about them.

When in doubt, if you have a bad vibe, trust it. Your intuition is a valuable tool and is usually right. Even if you can’t put your finger on it, you should avoid or limit interaction with someone when your gut says to “look out!”

Pray this prayer with me:

Dear God, I have loved well but not wisely. I’ve given my heart to someone who has not honored that gift and I realize this relationship does not serve either of us. Please give me the courage and strength to end this relationship gracefully. Help me to forgive, heal and move on with my life so that I may open the door to new happiness. In Jesus’ matchless name, Amen!

 If you are in an abusive relationship and you don’t know what to do – Get Help Here http://www.thehotline.org/ 
call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1−800−799−7233 or TTY 1−800−787−3224.
The “Butterfly” has been there before.  You can get out too!
In case no one has told you, You are beautiful, God loves you and so do I…OnPurpose!!!

Live!

And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.
1 Peter 5:10
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We all know how to die, but God wants to teach us how to live. We know how to crash, but God wants to show us how to soar in Him. Maybe you don’t know what a real life in God looks like for you. What does freedom look like when you’ve been bound for so long? What is a prosperous life when you’ve been broke for so long? What does a happy life look like when you’ve been sad and depressed for so long? And what is true love when you’ve been abused since you were a little girl.

Maybe you’ve never experienced life as God has it, but that won’t stop Him from giving it to you. His divine will is that you experience life and life more abundantly right here on earth. Abundant means superabundant in quality or superior in quality—the best life.

There is far more to life than what you’ve been experiencing. There’s more to see, more to do, more to partake of and enjoy. Don’t refuse the life He wants to give you just because you’ve never had it. He wants to fill your life with good things! He is good, and you have to trust in His goodness and love for you.

It is the divine responsibility of the Holy Spirit to lead and guide you into all truth. He will shatter every lie the devil has told you. He will reveal His heart and will teach you how to live!

My mother finally started to live the life God wanted her to live.

Then one day she woke up and died before the end of the day…

That was the day I became the “Butterfly”…I have my wings…
5/18/15
Rest in paradise, Lawanda J. Roberts

LIVE…OnPurpose Today!!

Pray for me!

IT WILL NEVER LOSE IT’S POWER!

(1 John 1:9)  – If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins, and purify us from all unrighteousness.blood.jpg

Only Jesus’ blood can cleanse and sustain us!

He lovingly forgives us time and time again. Through His forgiveness, we are made whole with the Father. No matter how low we fall.   No matter how much”dirt” we’ve done.

With our sincere confessing and commitment to strive to live in line with His Will we can be forgiven.

We must remember that God knows our heart.  It’s a relationship!  It is the Blood of the Lamb, that purifies us and His Holy Spirit keeps us “right.” “I know it was the Blood for me” and “that blood He shed way back on Calvary will never lose its Power. It was then, and it is still today…POWER!!

Pray this prayer with me:

Gentle And Wonderful God…
Truly Awesome And Ever-present Holy Spirit…
When I was weak, you gave me strength.
When I was thirsty, you gave me drink.
When I was alone, you came to be with me.
When I was in pain, you came to comfort me.
When I was afraid, you came and gave me courage.
When I was uncertain, you came and gave me faith.
When I was broken, you came and healed me.
When I was hopeless, you came and gave me hope.
When I was grieving, you came and dried my tears.
When I was downhearted, you came and gave me laughter.
When I was impoverished, you came and gave me the riches of your love.
In all these things, you brought me into the endless circle of your power of love.
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: The “Butterfly”

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. MS Dana

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!!

AWAKE!!!

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Daniel 12:2  And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.

Awake to Promise. Awake to Purpose. Awake to Beauty. Awake to Change. Awake to Better. Awake to Dreams. Awake to Creativity. Awake to Million Dollar Ideas. Awake to True Love.  Awake to Growth. Awake to the Living Water.

Awaken our awareness and transform our lives…❤️ #dontsleeponyourself  #Grace #benotdistracted

I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding. For I want you to understand what really matters, so that you may live pure and blameless lives until the day of Christ’s return.
Amen!

Written by: Coco

AWAKE…OnPurpose

THANK YOU LORD, THANK YOU LORD, THANK YOU LORD, I JUST WANT TO THANK YOU LORD!

(Galatians 5:22-23) But the fruits of the Spirit are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

I once heard a preacher say, “you can tell the root, by it’s fruit.” What is inside (the heart) will show on the outside (by our actions).
These character traits are the by-product of our full acceptance of God through Christ and the indwelling of His Holy Spirit.
These are the qualities of Jesus! Now, some may try to force themselves to practice or pretend these qualities, but we can’t “truly” “have” them until we “truly” let Him “have” us.
By letting Him have total control, by letting His Spirit live in us, He bestows us with these spiritual gifts. These are the qualities in which we utilize to fulfill the true intended purpose of the law — to love God and our neighbors while being obedient to His will.
God’s gifts are abundant and overflowing to His Children.
Are you one of His own?

I AM…On purpose
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“Heavenly Father, make my heart one with You and Your Son, so that I may bear fruit that brings you glory and honor.”
Amen!!!

Inspired by: “Elaine”

He IS Good Always – Happy Father’s Day

“Jesus is the same yesterday and today and forever.” Hebrews 13:8 ESV

When trials come our way, it can be hard to press forward. A way you can encourage yourself is to meditate on this scripture. If Jesus turned your sorrow into joy yesterday, He will do it again today. If He came through for you last week, He will do it again this week. There is no failure in Him. He’s consistent.

Thinking of all the good things He has done for you already will cause you to walk in a faith realm that will overshadow any situation. My friend, whatever it is you’re going though, it will not last. Your trial has an expiration date. God said no more will you have to go through that again. He’s faithful, and you can always depend on Him to show up and show out in your life.

Written by: The “Butterfly”

Pray this prayer with me:

Father God in Jesus name, I believe what Your Word says and I know that You are faithful. What I’m going through is nothing compared to the glory on the other side. I walk in victory because my help comes from You. I know that if no one else is there to help, You are my help. Thank you for being a consistent God. In Jesus name I pray, Amen♡

Being blessed…OnPurpose!

fathers day

Are We Loving One Another?

(Matt 6:12-13) …forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.

This scripture is a request for the grace of The Lord. We know how easy it is to ask for God’s mercy, but how merciful are we to our fellow man?

In our quest for God’s forgiveness, we must ask ourselves, how forgiving are we to our neighbor?  It speaks of our own accountability and of our being responsible. Secondly, we know that God does not lead us to do wrong; however, He may allow us to be tested. Temptation is a strong force, but our God is even stronger. We must continually ask for His discernment to identify all temptation at its onset and then His power to overcome that lurking beast that’s just waiting to devour… We need His Holy Spirit, for we cannot do it without Him.

Written by: Anonymous

Pray this prayer with me:

Almighty Master, Show us how to better love one another.  Show us how all love comes from you.  Show us how everyone who loves has been born of you and knows you.  In hope, we live for a bright tomorrow surrounded in love.  In hope, we are never disappointed.  In all we say, in all we do, in all we think, place all our hope in you because we know you pour your love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit. In love, because you love us, we are not slaves to fear of death. In love, we received from you the Spirit of being your child. In love, we cry to you “Abba, Father” for you are our true Father in heaven. Show us how we must love one another because we are all your children. Remind us anyone who believes in you as the Son of God has the testimony of love in their heart.  We believe you are the Son of the living God and we believe the testimony given to us by God the father.  We love one another because we know you love us.  We love one another because through your blood we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of your grace.  We love one another so in the coming ages you might show us the incomparable riches of your grace, expressed in your kindness to us in Christ Jesus.  Because you loved us, we shall love one another.  In Jesus’ matchless name, AMEN!!

Loving One Another…OnPurpose

love one another