My Name Is a Man with Leprosy

In Christ, our identity isn’t tied to our past failures. We’re what we’ve become solely by God’s grace. The recipient of grace in this story is described simply as “a man with leprosy” (Mark 1:40), but Christ’s healing touch would transform this individual’s anonymous suffering into a powerful testimony (see Matthew 8:2). Labeling his problem was simple, and obtaining cleansing from Christ was, in his case, immediate (see Mark 1:42). For some, sobriety comes quickly, instantaneously, as soon as they surrender to Jesus. But for others it is a process.

This one-time leper was cured of his disease by the touch of Jesus. But Jesus wasn’t through with him. There were still some steps to take. Our Lord instructed the man to

– keep silent about the miracle
– show himself to the priest
– offer the gift (sacrifice) required by the Mosaic Law
All these steps tie directly to that law. Jesus was careful to do everything according to the law under which he had been born and now lived. The new covenant, which depended on Jesus’ death and resurrection, was still in the future. Under the law, neither the cured man nor Jesus had the authority to publicly declare a leper cleansed. That was work assigned by God to the priests (see Leviticus 14:2-32). Jesus wouldn’t consider breaking the law, and keeping that particular law would make this man a “testimony to them” (Matthew 8:4)—that is, to the priests who would carry out the required rituals.

Jesus wants to transform us, too, into testimonies as we practice the principles that Christ presented (see 5:1-10) during his Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5-7. This man’s healing took place as Jesus “came down from the mountainside” after delivering the great sermon that encapsulates the principles of recovery. These principles, combined with God’s power, change our identity. Rather than being an alcoholic, an addict, or an abuse victim, each of us becomes a testimony to God’s grace.

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Dream in color

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1. Red in dreams– According to biblical color interpretations in dreams, red is wisdom but taken negatively, it is anger and war.
2. Blue in dreams– Biblical color meaning of blue is revelation as well as depression, sorrow or anxiety.
3. Green– Green represents prosperity and growth but also negative emotions like envy and pride.
4. Brown– Biblically, brown color meanings in dreams mean that the dreamer is humble and compassionate but also compromises always.
5. Gold or Amber– This color meaning according to the Bible means purity, Holiness and Glory. Among its negative color meanings, Gold indicates defilement.
6. Purple color meanings in dreams as per the Bible– Dreaming in purple indicate royalty and authority.
7. What does the color Orange mean in dreams as per the Bible– Orange represents perseverance.
8. Yellow in dreams– Fear, hope or cowardice are some of the meanings associated with yellow as per the Bible.
9. Pink color in dreams– Pink represents the love of God. Red is Jesus’ blood and white is purity-so pink is a combination thereof. It also indicates sensuality and moral purity in real life.
10. Dreaming in white as per the Bible– White in dreams according to the Holy book means Holiness, righteousness.
11. Dreaming in Black– Demonic deeds, negative emotions like sin, darkness, mystery and death are some of the interpretations of Black color meanings as per the Bible.

“Establishing a Sound Mind.”

Meditation on God’s Word is the foundation to a successful life. Our main focus and pursuit must be the Word of God. The main reason our lives should revolve around the Word of God is because the Word is actually our life source that feeds us, nourishes us, and causes us to be healthy in our soul.

There should be no doubts in our minds that the Word of God is Jesus Christ, and that is why our focus is on the Word. When we read the Word of God we see Jesus in it, and when we see Him we are able to see the pattern for our lives. In order for our God-purpose to come to fruition, we must be able to maintain the mind of Christ, and as his mind is formed in us we would then be fully able to manifest his presence to the world.

A constant input of the Word himself – a constant looking to Jesus and his kindness, goodness, love, and mercy toward us – will keep us in a balanced and humble place, and this place is actually where we will be able to release the life-giving Word to others that will affect change.

My friends, there is no other way to be reconstructed, renewed, or transformed but by and through the Word of God. The Word of God gives life. According to John 10:10; Our Savior is life giving, and once we are connected to him, that very same life should be flowing to us and through us to others.

I love the fact that Jesus did not come to just give life for existence sake, but he describes it as abundant life, an overflowing life, a more than enough life, and this kind of life shows and speaks volumes to the world that he is alive and well.

Power Thought: Jesus is the Word of God and I look to him to be transformed.

Trusting God…OnPurpose!!

“Choices determine the consequences.”

One of most powerful attributes of the individual is the power to choose. We are faced with choices all the time, and these choices determine the consequences.

At some point in our lives, if we want to see the victory manifested that Christ already died to give us, we will have to make a stand for God.

The reason the believer is blessed is because they refuse to follow the advice or take council from ungodly men.

God would rather we live in the supernatural, seeing his goodness and power all the time in small portions, and this is how we learn to trust him and remain in him, grounded and unshakable.

Key – We must find delight in and desire the Word of God.

God’s intent from the beginning was for man to operate from a position of victory and rest instead of hard, laborious work. God wanted us to enjoy what we do and He did not want us to be under bondage or commitment by force. He wanted us to choose to serve him from a position of joy and free will. Jesus’s finished work at the cross has put us back to that position.

When Jesus moves into our heart, he equips us with everything necessary to please him. Once this truth is established in our lives that God calls us to be in relationship with him, then he enables us to please him. With this mindset embedded in us, we can now look to the Word with excitement and enthusiasm.

As we meditate on God’s promises, it seems as if the canvas of life comes alive with radiant colors that not only change our world but the world of others around us.

Power Thought: I understand that my choices today will determine consequences so I desire and delight in the Word of God.

Choose wisely…OnPurpose!

CHANGE. CHANGE? CHANGE!

Romans 12:2 – Do not be conformed to this world (this age), [fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs], but be transformed (changed) by the [entire] renewal of your mind [by its new ideals and its new attitude], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God, even the thing which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His sight for you]. Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC)

If you beleive you have a special gift God has given YOU and you are not walking in it, doing it, sharing it – I pray you will read this post again and again and again!  What are people missing out on that you COULD/SHOULD be doing?

I pray this is not where you STAY today: Therefore if you have not been faithful in the [case of] unrighteous mammon (deceitful riches, money, possessions), who will entrust to you the true riches? Luke 16:11 Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC)

BE THE CHANGE TODAY…OnPurpose!

Leadership IS Influence

 

2 Timothy 2:15 ~ Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth. 

Philippians 4:8-9 ~ Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

Create, Motivate, Manage & Build

Do you know where you are right now?  You are where you think you are!  Success is INTENTIONAL – What are you aiming for? What are you hitting?  Just to be CLEAR, what you are hitting is really what you are aiming for…

Generally, people follow you when they can see what is next for them – In some cases YOU are the BRIDGE to their PURPOSE!

What makes you follow who you are following? (Church, Politically, Socially) What do you think you provide that encourages people to follow you? 

In honor of #FITNP – “Flawed is the new perfect”

Who are you listening to…What are you hearing?

Dear Lord, grow my love for you so I will trust in You when I can’t see the path ahead clearly. Dear Lord, help me not to say yes when no is the right answer. Dear Lord, never allow my plan to get ahead of — or in the place of — Your plan. Dear Lord, allow me to forgive easily, hold no grudges or bitterness, and live in and extend to others the grace You have provided to me. Dear Lord, provide me with courage and conviction to face my fears and critics and lead people to bigger realities of Your will than today. Dear Lord, grant me wisdom to make decisions big and small and conviction to follow You when it contradicts my desires or the demands of others. Dear Lord, help me guard my heart , overcome temptation, and keep my character and reputation above reproach. Dear Lord, give me patience with people, the pace of progress, and with things I can’t understand. Dear Lord, help me communicate with clarity, consistency, and competence. Dear Lord, help me to love people and use my influence for the good of others and Your glory. In Jesus name, Amen. 

Influence…OnPurpose! 

 

 

I’M GONNA LIVE SO GOD CAN USE ME, ANYWHERE, ANYTIME!

(1 Corinthians 6:19-20) Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.

 

The Holy Spirit lives in the body of the born–again believer.

How wonderful it is to know that He is with us constantly to counsel, guide, and comfort us.

The Spirit will not live in an unclean dwelling, therefore we must “offer our bodies” as a living sacrifce, Holy and Acceptable unto the Lord in honor of Him.

It is the very least we can do when you think about it… In actuality this body is more or less just loaned to us during our stay here on earth.

Remember who created it?  Remember what He sacrificed to allow us to live eternally with Him long after this body is gone?

JESUS paid that price with His Blood.

Let us not defile our loaned bodies with anything outside of His will.

Prayer:  Father, I confess to you that I sometimes lose sight of how precious my body is to you. With aging and the other challenges that daily remind me that my body is a vessel of decay, I find it hard to believe that I can glorify you with it. Please, through your indwelling Spirit, quicken in me a deeper reverence and appreciation of your presence in me. In the name of Jesus, my atoning sacrifice, I pray.  Amen!!

Let Him inspire you to keep your house in order…OnPurpose!!

LORD KEEP ME DAY BY DAY, IN A PURE AND PERFECT WAY!

(Romans 13:13-14) (NIV) Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature.

Just because we are believers in Christ does not eradicate the presence of the enemy.

He is STILL on duty, committed to gain access in our thoughts, feelings and actions. He is going to show up, with or without and invitation!! He appeals to us through the things of this world and all he needs is a “crack” to gain access…then he comes in “like a flood”.

He uses any and everything as ways to “slip through”; he causes us to question and challenge God’s will, our intellect, our memories, our emotions and any good thing from God.

He tip-toes around in our mind, with what seems like a “Bright Idea”.  BEWARE! Once entry is granted, his goal is to rob, kill and destroy.

The pleasures of this world satisfy the flesh while simultaneously destroy the soul. How baffling and cunning is the works of the evil one. The Good News is by having Christ, as our Personal Lord and Savior, being in a constant relationship with Him, we have power and authority to crucify the flesh daily. We must keep our guard up and equip ourselves with the righteousness of His Word, His Holy Spirit and perfect prayer available to us DAILY.

Prayer: My Father, Lord Jesus,  I first and foremost come to You giving You all the praise, glory, and honor as the one and only true and living God. I thank You for salvation — sending Your Son to die on the cross for my sins so that I can have eternal life with You in heaven. Please forgive me of my sins, and I thank You in advance for helping me to overcome my weaknesses and shortcomings.

Lord, I come with a special prayer today that You will help me to crucify my flesh daily so that You can rise and reside in my mind, action, and attitude towards others. By Your saving grace, I am no longer a captive of sin. Father, please create in me a clean heart. Though it is not easy to break sinful habits, I thank You in advance for the strength and willpower to grow more and more like You.   It is in the magnificent name of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, that I pray.   Amen!!

Crucifing my flesh daily…OnPurpose!

Jump Start

(Matt 6:10) …your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

Here, we ask and proclaim of God’s spiritual realm; the Holy Spirit, to be with us and to have His way. We surrender our power to Him. To the Saint, He is King also here on earth. Thank you God for teaching us also a lesson in submission with this prayer. This also shows our intent to get out of His way here on earth; an act of relinquishing control to our Father. We can really mess things up when we don’t. So many times we unknowingly think we should help God fulfill His purpose. (When he’s not responding how we want or when we want)  “Check yo’self”!  We have got some nerve. Sit tight and let the Captain do all the driving, “He’s got you..”

I am looking back over my adult life and remembering when I “NEEDED” to help God out with HIS plans for my life. Funny huh? But in every case…I just prolonged HIS plan with my foolishness.  Even if what I wanted was what God had for me – He had to let me see HE IS IN CHARGE…He gives me free will but IT IS HIS WILL NOT MINE!!  The study of EPHESIANS helped me fully understand this.

Prayer:  ‘O LORD, you have searched me and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O LORD. For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.’ Psalms 139

God is right all the time…I will trust HIM more today than I did yesterday…OnPurpose!

A Paradigm Shift

Ecclesiastes 3:11 New International Version (NIV)

¹¹ He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.

Do you see a RABBIT or a DUCK?

We all have “learned” what we know. But what happens when you wake up one day and everything you’ve known makes NO SENSE…it looks different?  Books you’ve read several times have new and different meanings?  Scriptures you can quote verbatim mean something so different…a fundamental change in approach or underlying assumptions, also known as a paradigm shift!!

Romans 7:15-20 New International Version (NIV)

¹⁵ I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. ¹⁶ And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. ¹⁷ As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. ¹⁸ For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. ¹⁹ For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. ²⁰ Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it.

I have been acting like a “Cra-Cra” person.  I was really strugging with this.  If I am going to be honest…I STILL STRUGGLE WITH IT!!!  I have done a few things that I think are good and healthy for me but this morning in my quiet time – I received these words of comfort:

Paradigm shifts are scary.  You may go into a crisis of faith, because you can’t trust what your know to be accurate. You may not have a clue who you can trust or believe anymore. But the one thing you can trust and believe is the teachings of Jesus– HE is everything you need and more!!

This is what I have been doing during this current SHIFT:

I have created a safe space – couple of people who I can share, cry, pout and trust with my heart and struggles while experiencing the growing pains.  These people have the same passion for following Christ as I do – they are my accountability partners.

I have identified TOXIC RELATIONSHIPS and set healthy boundaries with them.  I don’t love them any less, but I don’t buy into their controlling patterns for ME & MY LIFE.

I don’t feel guilty for embrace my time alone – God put something in me that I want to invest time with HIM to excavate, cultivate, prune, water and grow HIS plan and purpose for my life.

I LOVE to READ – I LOVE to LEARN – I LOVE to STUDY and I do these things OnPurpose and I ENJOY doing so.

I AM SHIFTING.
I HAVE SHIFTED.
I WILL CONTINUE TO SHIFT.

When the student is ready…the teacher will appear!!  God is all-knowing, all-power and the creator of EVERYTHING – there is nothing new under the sun…in His time, He makes everything beautiful.

God is taking everything I have ever known and making all things new!!  I have new sight, new touch, new smell, new tastes and new hearing.

In my case…God has put me in a place where I cannot relay on what I know because it doesn’t fit the situation…I have to FULLY RELY ON GOD [FROG]- to see, touch, smell, taste and hear FROM HIM and not myself or my limited knowledge.

Pray this prayer with me: God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference.  I turst Your plan for my life, I trust Your way for my life…I know You know the plans for my life, plans to prosper me and not to harm me, plans for hope and a future and I submit and surrender to YOU, in Jesus might name…AMEN!

Written by: The “Butterfly”

Shifting…OnPurpose!! 7/29/16