Moving Forward…

So, today marks a new day for me, and this blog entry is the first since the completion of my 40-day fast that began in January. As I move forward into this new year, I am excited about what God is doing in my life, and anxious to see where He leads me. I’m expecting big things in the coming weeks and months!

Though the 40 days are over, I believe that I am going to continue journaling and blogging for as long as the Spirit moves me. These reflections have been as cathartic and instructive for me as I hope they have been for others, and I hope that you will continue with me along this journey for the next 325 days…(Note the new blog title! 🙂 )

RELEASE

Philippians 3:13-14 –“Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”

Reflections: I know a lot of people who, like me, are hoping that God will move them forward into bigger and better things in 2014. In this new year, so many individuals are hoping for renewal and restoration, to put the old things behind them and press on towards the mark…the goal(s) that God has put before them.

So often we petition God to help us move forward to a new level in our lives, but how often do we inhibit the process by getting in the way? We hold on to the old things that keep us bound and stuck in the same old place, and wonder why God hasn’t stepped in and lifted us to a higher level. We have to do the work, first, and we have to let go of those people, behaviors, or beliefs that did not serve us in 2013. Are you holding onto habits or relationships that continue to hold you back? What about old grudges or people you have yet to forgive? Whatever is keeping you from moving forward in 2014, now is the time to make a choice to release these past things and press forward to those things which are ahead. Experience the freedom of letting go, and clear the way for God to do a new thing in your life!

Let Go and Let God…

Shine bright!

Thoughts, reactions, or testimonies? Leave a comment below. I look forward to hearing from you!

Song: Moving Forward by Israel Houghton

Changing Your Perspective…

PERSPECTIVE

 2 Corinthians 1:3 – “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.”

Reflections: One of the greatest things about serving others is that it really gives you a new perspective about your life, particularly when you work with children and youth. These little ones (and even the ones who are not so little 🙂 ) require so much of your time, attention, and care that they take you outside of  yourself and require that you focus fully on someone else for a little while.

When we experience times of trial and turn to God for comfort, I think that at times, He purposefully presents opportunities for us to go, give, and serve. The reason? When our minds are focused on the world and the people that exist beyond our circumstances, when we see that we can make even a little difference in someone else’s life or brighten their day, it makes our own problems seem a little less daunting and overwhelming and…well…important, in the grand scheme of things.

The next time you find yourself stressing, worrying, or feeling consumed by a challenge in your life, seek out an opportunity to help someone else. You’ll be surprised how much it will soothe your spirit and change your perspective about the situation at hand.

Shine your light!

Thoughts, reactions, or testimonies? Leave a comment below. I look forward to hearing from you!

Song: The Things We Do by Yolanda Adams

Falling into Freedom

FREEDOM

Galatians 5:1 ­ – “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.”

Reflections: Freedom. Christ’s gift to us, through salvation, is freedom. We can be freed from sin, from strongholds, from unhealthy behaviors, situations, and relationships, IF we choose to accept this gift. But how many of us cling to the habits, people, and circumstances that keep us bound instead of releasing it all and falling into freedom? I know I am guilty. Even though my heart truly desires to be free in every area of my life; on occasion, I will look up and find myself making the same old mistakes. It’s actually really frustrating, and I tend to be pretty hard on myself when it happens.

But I have a close friend who always encourages me to look back and see how far I’ve come. He reminds me to be encouraged by my progress and helps me remember that God knows my heart. As I continue to seek Him, and the freedom that He promises, I WILL find Him…And I will find His peace.

So, the next time that you turn around and find yourself slipping back into old habits, don’t beat yourself up. Acknowledge and learn from the mistake, then pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and keep pushing toward the mark—the goal of total freedom in Christ Jesus. It’s yours for the taking! Just keep pursuing Him with all of your heart, and one day, you’ll look up, and you will be free of that yoke forever.

Thoughts or reactions? Leave a comment below. I look forward to hearing from you!

It’s Just No Fun Doing It Alone!

Hebrews 10:24-25 –  ^“And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.”

1 Thessalonians 5:11 – “Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.”

Reflections: You know, there is definitely something to be said for taking the time to fellowship with other believers, particularly those with such sweet Spirits that you literally feel the warmth of God’s love flowing from them, even over the phone. Such people create such a wonderful, nurturing environment that is so welcome during both good times and bad.

I have to admit that I often suffer from the “Lone Wolf Syndrome.” The experience of having some people jump in and out of my life has made me a bit hesitant to open up and depend on others. And if I’m honest, the habit of self-reliance has become a part of my nature (to a fault–this is something I’m working on). I somehow allow myself to consistently fill the role of the rock and strong shoulder for people around me, but play the quiet martyr suffering in silence when I go through times of trial (yes, I’m working on this, too 🙂 ).

There’s a REASON that God cautions us against forsaking the fellowship of believers, and instead encourages us to lean on and support one another. I understand this reasoning every time I leave a gathering of my sisters feeling refreshed, renewed, and strengthened by the Spirit. These relationships gird us up and help us to stand strong in the midst of trials, but they also serve to hold us accountable—to ourselves, to our calling, to our brothers and sisters in Christ, and to God.

If you have not already found a group of believers with whom you can fellowship, or if those with whom you used to break bread  were only in your life for a season (for whatever reason), I encourage you to be intentional about seeking out the fellowship of other believers. We all need that support and love, and it’s always wonderful to know that the people of God are standing in agreement with you and lifting you up in prayer. This journey can be a rough one, but take heart, God never meant for us to walk the road alone. 🙂

Shine bright!

Also read:

Proverbs 27:17 – “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”