How to Release 9 Blessings in Your Life {Blessing #7}

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"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God."

Matthew 5:9

Blessing #7: we will be called a son (or daughter) of God.

To Release This Blessing:  If you are a follower of Jesus, then you are already a son or a daughter of God.  If you are a son or a daughter of God then you are a peacemaker.  Peace is in you, it is part of the DNA of the family and body of Christ placed in you through relationship with Jesus.  Choose to tap into the ability to release peace.

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You have the ablility to release peace in every situation because the God of peace is living in you.  

This post is originally from 2011 and I've re-vamped it from it's original post.  To view the 2011 version click here. 

How to Release 9 Blessings in Your Life {Blessing #6}

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"Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God"

Matthew 5:8

Blessing #6: we will see God.

To Release This Blessing:  If you have made a decision to follow Jesus, surrendering your life to him, then all of the impure things in your life was reckoned at the cross. So when God looks at us, he sees a pure heart.  Everything that we repent for has been forgotten by God -and when I say forgotten, it is an on purpose kind of forgotten.  Release this blessing by repentance and embracing the truth that you are forgiven.

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Jesus has taken ALL of our impurities and washed away our blemishes and has made them white as snow.

This post is originally from 2011 and I've re-vamped it from it's original post.  To view the 2011 version click here. 

How to Release 9 Blessings in Your Life {Blessing #5}

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"Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy"

Matthew 5:7

Blessing #5: we will be shown mercy.

To Release This Blessing:  Show mercy towards others and in return you will receive mercy.  The definition of mercy is to show compassion or forgiveness towards someone when it is within your power to punish or harm.

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Since Jesus Christ lives in you, as a follower of Jesus, you have the capability of showing mercy (compassion and forgiveness) as needed.

This post is originally from 2011 and I've re-vamped it from it's original post.  To view the 2011 version click here.  

Diving into Deliverance

People are fascinated with the term DELIVERANCE. 

Maybe it’s because of all those supernatural themed television shows and movies that freak everyone out.

Or maybe it’s because everyone knows there could be something lurking inside wreaking havoc in their own life and they need freedom.

Either way, it’s a great subject because whether 

you are a Christian or not, it’s possible for demons 

to influence your soul and at times your physical body.

When I say soul, I mean your mind, your will, and your emotions.

When I say physical body, I mean just that.  As an example, many times demons assigned to sickness and disease can manifest in our physical bodies.

Are you still with me?  

I don’t want to freak anyone out.  In fact, if you are a Christian (that’s someone who’s decided to follow Jesus as Lord and Savior), then the demons are AFRAID OF US! 

I know that my title is Diving into Deliverance and I could write for days on this subject……but I won’t….at least for now.

#1 The thief, the Devil, desires to 

do only 3 things to us in life.

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”  John 10:10

#2 Jesus has come to set us free.

“The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free,” Luke 4:18

In those two truths is the beginning of the knowledge and the understanding of deliverance.

You must begin to sort out what in your life is being stolen from you, trying to kill you, and destroy you and what in your life brings life and freedom.

I highly recommend a book that I began my journey of educating myself on deliverance.  It’s called “When Pigs Move In” by Don Dickerman. Which is found on Amazon.

It not only is full of testimonies, but also a step by step process to become free.

If this is a subject that proves a lot of interest, then I’ll continue to share more.

My husband and I have ministered in 

deliverance for several years now and 

have seen many set free from illness 

and other afflictions.

Transcending Earth to Heaven's Transforming Light

Romans 12:2 Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.  Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is –his good pleasing and perfect will.

Our thoughts, words and actions can take us places we’ve never been.  We can think, talk, and act our way into a dark place and allow our souls to dwell there or we can choose to think, talk, and act our way into the light where everything is fresh and new.  Only on mountain tops can you see the furthest vistas, the sun rise and set and what once looked like the largest obstacle now seems minute.  I want my mind to live there, on the mountaintops. But what if there was a better view?  Heaven, yes, from Heaven’s perspective, that must be the best view where even Earth finds its place amongst the stars and the planets dance in perfect harmony. 

From Heaven’s view all of the worries of Earth seem but a speck on the massive scale of time of which is eternity.  

From Heaven’s view, you might ask the question, what is worth holding onto and what is just sand slipping through our fingers?  The dark places still exist on earth but the light, that light that illuminates those dark places, that everlasting light from Heaven’s throne, surely there is no better vista.  I want my thoughts, words, and actions to not only live there but be propelled from there bathed in the light of my Creator, who’s transforming me from the dark places and into his glorious light. 

My thoughts, words, and actions need transformation to keep me from the dark paths and places.  God’s word has the answer.  Colossians 3:1-2 Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.  Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.  Colossians 3:10 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.

It begins with setting our hearts and minds on things above.  

Focusing on what is lasting and eternal verses the temporal.  To put this another way, what are we going to take with us when we die?  Those things that we can’t take are the temporal things, the sand that will continually slip through our fingers.  No matter how hard we try to grasp, those things will always evade eternity.

Once we shift our focus to the lasting and eternal, then we as believers are to choose to put on our new self which is in the process of renewal by the knowledge of God.  God’s knowledge is found in every word throughout the Bible.  Next we are to daily put on compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.  We are also to forgive each other and to put on love as a part of this daily renewal.  Colossians 3:12-14 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.  Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another.  Forgive as the Lord forgave you.  And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

Transformation by renewing my mind is a process and it’s a journey worth taking.  This journey will take me to new places I’ve never been.  I’ve challenged myself to focus on the transformative knowledge of God that I wrote about in this blog above.  I’m focusing on one virtue a week, meditating on that virtue and letting it sink deep into my soul and allowing it to transform my thoughts, words and actions. I’m choosing to do this until I can put on these virtues daily whilst keeping them in mind throughout my day. Will you join me?

Week 1: compassion

Week 2: kindness

Week 3: humility

Week 4: gentleness

Week 5: patience

Week 6: forgiveness

Week 7: love

What other ways, through the knowledge of God, do you renew your mind?  What are other ways you focus on things above verses the things of earth?

*Follow me on Facebook www.facebook.com/pathoftheblessing

Stability in the Storm {Part 4 of 4} Dig Down Deep

A popular Sunday school song I learned as a child goes like this…

The wise man built his house upon the rock, his house upon the rock, his house upon the rock.  The wise man built his house upon the rock and the rain came tumbling down.

Oh, the rain came down

And the floods came up

The rain came down

And the floods came up

The rain came down

And the floods came up

The foolish man built his house upon the sand, his house upon the sand, his house upon the sand.  The foolish man built his house upon the sand and the rain came tumbling down.

Oh, the rain came down

And the floods came up

The rain came down

And the floods came up

The rain came down

And the floods came up

And the foolish man's house went "splat!"

Isn’t funny how a song can stay with you your whole life?  This song is based off of a passage in Luke which speaks of the wise and foolish builders.  This section of Luke 6:46-49 is the final part of Jesus’s talk and not only concludes this series of Stability in the Storm, but concludes Jesus’ thoughts to the crowd of hearers.  These people listening were from all walks of life and all stages of faith, or lack thereof.  They came because they needed healing, deliverance, and a touch from the Messiah and the Word says that power was coming from him and healing them all. (Luke 6:19)  I think Jesus had their attention! 

This talk began in Luke 6:17 and to really understand what Jesus is trying to communicate can be found repeatedly throughout his talk and concluded at the end.  It is the message that if we call Jesus Lord, then we hear his words and then go do them.  Luke 6:46 “Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord’ and do not do what I say?”  What is it that Jesus is saying that we need to do and put into practice?  Looking back over the entire talk, you will see that Jesus is saying this:

     Love your enemies

     Do good to your enemies

     Lend to others without expectation of them returning the favor

     Give to others

     Speak good things (words); agreeable, joyful, happy, upright, honorable

Want to explore these deeper?  Look back at Stability in the Storm {Part1}, {Part 2},{Part 3}. Take the time to read this talk in its entirety in Luke 6:17-49.  Read it with the thought in mind that the hearers of this talk, heard it in one sitting.  It wasn’t broken up into sections the way our bibles have done so.   Each paragraph related to the previous one in thought, just as a speech should.  Let the Word speak to you today as if you are one of the people in the crowd, hearing this for the first time.  Hear his words.

In the conclusion of his talk, Jesus says that the one who hears his words and puts them into practice is like (v. 48) “a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock.  When a flood came the torrent struck that house, but could not shake it, because it was well built.” Jesus is also saying that the person who hears and does his words, had to dig down deep to attain stability for the coming storm. 

He put in the effort, and did what it took by doing what the Word says.

That’s the digging!

The obedience is the effort, stability on the rock is the reward!  The storms of life will come but because the one who is wise has heard and put into practice what the Word says, that person will remain stable.  Unshakable. 

This passage isn’t just for the people of that day, but now, more than ever, we need stability in our unstable world.  Everyone has the same opportunity to reach out towards Jesus, to dig down deep and not only hear his words, but apply them and do them as well.  When the storms come, and they always come whether you are a Jesus follower or not, will you be ready?  He’s told us how to become stable; unshakable when the storms do strike.  It’s up to you, are you willing to dig down deep?

Stability in the Storm {Part 3 of 4} Speak Good

In the early 90’s Martha Stewart had her own cooking and crafting show which she always ended it by saying, “It’s a Good Thing”.  She had all of us viewers instantly agreeing with her that what she said was a good thing.  That is a powerful phrase that Martha Stewart coined.  It was positive and it got everyone to think positively about what she had just demonstrated and said to us.  Words have the power to change our world for the good of mankind or for the worse.

Luke 6:45 “The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart.  For out of the overflow of his heart, his mouth speaks.”

Are we speaking good or are we speaking evil?

When I pondered this, I certainly didn’t think that I ever spoke anything evil.  When I think of evil, I think of images of the Dragon in Sleeping Beauty trying to destroy everything beautiful, or impish demonic creatures running around trying to lure people into temptation, or people who pre-meditate murder.  No, I’m not like these things, I’m sure I don’t have anything to do with evil.  But, when I broke down the Greek meaning of the words for “good” and “evil” in this passage, I find something different than what I considered “evil”.  It’s not as distant from my life as I first thought.

English/Greek

Good/Agathos:  1. Of good nature 2.  Useful, salutary 3.  Good, pleasant, agreeable, joyful, happy 4. Excellent, distinguished 5. Upright, honorable

Evil/Poneros:  1. Bad, of a bad nature

The key to this passage is found in the last part of the verse “For out of the overflow of his heart, his mouth speaks.”   To find out what’s in our heart, good things or bad, all we have to do is listen to what we are saying.  In the King James’ version of Luke 6:45 it is expressed this way, “…out of the good treasure of his heart…out of the evil treasure of his heart…”

Our mouth is the gauge to our treasure room

What is your heart speaking today?  What has it said in the past?  It’s time to re-evaluate the treasure room.  Clean out the areas holding onto the evil and release that to Jesus and fill up our hearts with “Good Things”. 

How to release those dark areas:

-Begin with a relationship with Jesus by asking him for forgiveness, believing that you are forgiven and ask him to change you.

-Whether you’re a brand new follower of Jesus or not, say these words, “Jesus, I give you permission to clean out the dark areas of my heart and I release those areas to you.”

How to fill our hearts with “Good Things”:

-Read the Bible (It’s full of good words for our lives)

-Pray these words, “Lord Jesus, fill me up with more of you and the good things you have for me”.

Now when the storms of life come, I’ll already have my heart full of good prepared to encourage not only myself, but others.  “It’s a Good Thing”.

 

Stability in the Storm {Part 2 of 4} Live a Giving Life

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.  Luke 6:38

I’ve heard this passage preached on several times and from what I remember it has always been used in reference to finances and wealth.  Although that is not totally inaccurate, because that verse does hold true concerning wealth, I believe Jesus is touching on something broader. 

Give and it will be given to you

This giving, is giving to others which is different than giving to God. God is good to us regardless of our giving to him.  

Psalm 145:9 The Lord is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made.

In the previous verses in Luke 6:30, Jesus says to give to everyone who asks you and then in verse 35 he says to give without expecting to get anything in return.  Jesus is specifically referring to what he was just speaking about, which is loving others without expectation. Then in verse 38 Jesus explains this supernatural law: when you give, it will be given to you in the same measurement you originally gave.

Since God’s word is true and this is one of his laws, then ask yourself, what measurement am I using to give and what can I give to others?  Here’s what I’m working on:

                 -forgiveness

                -mercy

                -kindness

                -compassion

                -time

                -finances

                -love

                -friendship

                -acceptance

Now consider reading this list as what you will receive back, in the very same amount that which you gave.

This week, I’m challenging myself to use a bigger measure to give out to others.  Will you join me?  Make your own list of what you are able to give and what you want to receive back.  

This is a life of balance.  This is a life of stability; the life we are meant to live.

You can reach me on my Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/pathoftheblessing

Wounded

My husband with our youngest daughter

Last night, a beautiful female woodpecker flew into our window.  She survived; stunned and possibly wounded.  My husband and I ran outside and he embraced her in a towel.  When she started to come to, she leapt out of his embrace onto our deck.  She could not fly.

Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.  Proverbs 27:6 (KJV)

According to Proverbs, we can count on being wounded by friends much like unexpectedly flying into glass windows.  The good news is that Jesus sees all of us, every hurt, every joy; everything about us.  So when we are wounded, completely stunned from impact, and we find ourselves unable to fly that’s the perfect time to allow ourselves to become embraced by our Heavenly Father.  He is the only one who has the ability to see our wound and be able to bring true comfort during the healing process. 

And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Comforter, who will never leave you. He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth.  John 14:16-17a (NLT)

Unbeknownst to the woodpecker, she was in the safest place she could be; held in the hands of my husband wrapped in a blanket.  It wasn’t until she panicked in her distress that she leapt out and attempted to fly. 

Have you ever tried to “fly” before its time; before your wound has healed?  I know that many times I’ve found myself wounded from a situation and then instead of allowing God to hold me I attempt to continue to carry on with life ignoring the fact that I’m wounded.  Just like that bird, I tell myself, “I’m fine.  I can handle this on my own.  I don’t need anyone’s help.  I’m going to just pick myself up again and continue on with life as if nothing happened.”  Ignoring a wound doesn’t make it go away.

What is the solution?  Forgiveness.

Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me?  Up to seven times?”  Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.”  Matthew 18:21-22 (NIV)

Forgiveness can be a tough word but it doesn’t have to be.  Forgiving someone doesn’t mean you are saying, “It’s ok that you hurt me”.  Forgiving someone is a heart issue.  It’s you choosing to say, in your heart, that you forgive and will not hold onto bitterness.  Choosing to forgive doesn’t mean that what that person said or did was right.

Forgiveness is freedom for the forgiver.

When we choose to forgive those that hurt us, it allows our wound to heal enabling us to fly.  Only in the embrace of our Heavenly Father can we find true peace and healing.

Have you currently been wounded by someone?  How are you choosing to respond?

Drop Your Weapon

This week I hopefully avoided wounding people with my crossbow. I say “hopefully” because I don’t want to be overly confident.  I know that I have wounded people in my life before using my crossbow with the intent to wound deeply.  This week was different for me and maybe I’ve grown up a bit.  What am I talking about?  I’m talking about engaging in spiritual debates and arguments; quarrels.  I choose to drop my weapon.

Quarrel: 1) an angry argument or disagreement 2) the term for the ammunition used in a crossbow.

Titus 3 begins by reminding us to be people of peace.  “1 Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, 2 to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone.”  …That sounds easy enough, right?

Then in the middle of Titus 3 are verses 9-11, “9 But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless. 10 Warn a divisive person once, and then warn them a second time. After that, have nothing to do with them. 11 You may be sure that such people are warped and sinful; they are self-condemned.”  …There it is, the tough stuff; arguments and quarrels. 

When I was in high school I loved to debate my beliefs especially on religion and politics.  Unfortunately in my immaturity, I continued to stay on that path, obliterating anyone who disagreed with my self-proclaimed “superior” viewpoint and absolutely looked down upon the opposing side as inferior.  –Can you say PRIDE?!  In this passage the Bible is speaking of arguments and quarrels within the Body of Christ.  More precisely it is speaking of the arguments over the little details of our faith verses the main staples such as salvation, loving God and loving others. When you read Titus 3:9-11, which side are you viewing yourself on?  Do you engage in spiritual debates resulting in division amongst your fellow believers or do you choose to drop the matter?

In the Thayers Greek Lexicon the word Machē is the Greek word used for quarrel in Titus 3:9 and comes from the root word machomai which means to fight of those who engage in a war of words.

 How many times do we find ourselves doing this with other followers of Christ?  Can you think of a time when it has ever been profitable?  Did you find that driving your point across resulted in unity or division?

I’m continuing to grow up spiritually since my high school days and the Holy Spirit has opened my eyes to the times I’ve been prideful and divisive and to when I’ve passed the test and dropped my weapon.  I’m continuing to learn as I go but it’s not easy, but I’d much rather fight against my true enemy the devil than my brother and sister in Christ.

Ephesians 6:12 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.

Towards the end of Titus 3 is verse 14 which says,” Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good, in order to provide for urgent needs and not live unproductive lives.”  I think that sums it up best; we are called to live productive lives not wasted on arguments on the little details of our faith.  Let’s choose to drop our weapons that we are pointing at each other and choose unity in the Body of Christ.

Have you ever found yourself in a spiritual debate with another believer?  How did you handle it?  What was the outcome?