Inspiration from the Internet: June 2013

Wednesday, June 26, 2013

HOLD MY HAND - AND TRUST

6/26

HOLD MY HAND - AND TRUST. So long as you are conscious of My Presence with you, all is well. It is virtually impossible to stumble while walking in the Light with Me. I designed you to enjoy Me above all else. You find the deepest fulfillment of your heart in Me alone.

Fearful, anxious thoughts melt away in the Light of My Presence. When you turn away from Me, you are vulnerable to the darkness that is always at work in the world. Don't be surprised by how easily you sin when you forget to cling to My hand. In the world, dependency is seen as immaturity. But in My kingdom, dependence on Me is a prime measure of maturity.

Isaiah 41:10; Psalm 62:5-6

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Fwd: Word For The Day - June 25, 2013

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> June 25, 2013
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> Thriving or Surviving?
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> Read: Proverbs 11:28-31
> Those who trust in their riches will fall, but the righteous will thrive like a green leaf. - Proverbs 11:28
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> I DECLARE I will not just survive, I will
> thrive! I will prosper despite every
> difficulty that may come my way. I
> know every setback is a setup for a
> comeback. I will not get stagnant, give
> up on my dreams, or settle where I am.
> I know one touch of God's favor can
> change everything. I'm ready for a
> year of blessings and a year of thriving.
> This is my declaration.
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> Some people lock into a survival mentality instead of a thriving mentality. They watch so many troubling news reports they decide: "It's so bad. How will I ever make it?" Just like you can be talked into surviving, I want to talk you into thriving. We need to use wisdom with what God has given us. I don't believe we're suppose to pull back to where we're not pursuing our dreams anymore so that we don't expect increase or favor. I don't think we should just be holding on, or trying to maintain. That is survival mentality.
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> Remember this: as God took the five loaves and the two fish and multiplied it to feed thousands of people, He can multiply what you have. He can multiply your time and help you to get more done. He can multiply your wisdom and help you make better decisions. God is in complete control. When times get tough don't hunker down and think, Oh, it's so bad. If I can just hold on and make it through another year.
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> No, dig your heels in and say, "I'm not just surviving, I am thriving. I'll prosper despite this difficulty." A young lady struggled in her marriage for a long time. She had done her best to keep it together, but it just didn't work out. She said, "Well at least I survived." She was happy just to make it through, but I could tell the wind had been taken our of her sails. She was a beautiful woman, but she had lost her fire. She'd lost the sparkle in your eyes. She had lost who God intended her to be.
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> I told her: You made it through but you can't keep that survival mentality. God has new seasons in front of you. He has new doors He wants to open. He wants the next part of your life to be better than the first part. A survival mentality will keep you from God's best. Shake it off and say, "God, You promised what was meant for my harm You would use it to my advantage.
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> I may have been through the fire, through the loss of loved ones, through the abuse u(mental, physical or emotional), through the downsizing, through health challenges, through pain inflicted by my own doing, but I know this is my time for favor. It's my time to see more of Your goodness in my life." Keep your faith out there. Expect God to increase you in a greater way. Expect this to be the best year so far! Remember, expectancy is the breeding ground for miracles!!
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THANK ME for the very things that are troubling you.

6/25

THANK ME for the very things that are troubling you. You are on the brink of rebellion, precariously close to shaking your fist in My Face. You are tempted to indulge in just a little complaining about My treatment of you. But once you step over that line, torrents of rage and self-pity can sweep you away. The best protection against this indulgence is thanksgiving. It is impossible to thank Me and curse Me at the same time.

Thanking Me for trials will feel awkward and contrived at first. But if you persist, your thankful words, prayed in faith, will eventually make a difference in your heart. Thankfulness awakens you to My Presence, which overshadows all your problems.

Psalm 116:17(NKJV); Philippians 4:4-6

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Monday, June 24, 2013

WAIT PATIENTLY WITH ME while I bless you

WAIT PATIENTLY WITH ME while I bless you. Don’t rush into My Presence with time-consciousness gnawing at your mind. I dwell in timelessness: I am, I was, I will always be. For you, time is a protection; you’re a frail creature who can handle only twenty-four-hour segments of life. Time can also be a tyrant, ticking away relentlessly in your mind. Learn to master time, or it will be your master.

Though you are a time-bound creature, seek to meet Me in timelessness. As you focus on My Presence, the demands of time and tasks will diminish. I will bless you and keep you, making My Face shine upon you graciously, giving you Peace.

Micah 7:7; Revelation 1:8; Numbers 6:24-26

Wednesday, June 19, 2013

I DECLARE breakthroughs are coming in

Lord Of The Breakthrough

I DECLARE breakthroughs are coming in

in my life, sudden bursts of God's goodness.
Not a trickle. Nor a stream. But a flood of
God's power. A flood of healing. A flood
of wisdom. A flood of favor. I am a break-
through person and I choose to live
breakthrough minded. I am expecting God
to overwhelm me with His goodness and
amaze me with His favor. This is my declaration.

In the Bible, King David needed a breakthrough when he faced an impossible situation. He and his men were up against a huge army - the Philistines. They were greatly outnumbered. They had little or no chance of winning. David asked God for help, and God gave David the promise that He would go with them and they would defeat that army.

When David and his men went out, that was exactly what happened. God gave them a great victory. David was so overwhelmed by it, he said in 1 Chronicles 14:11, "God has broken through to my enemies like the bursting forth of water." He named the place Baal-Perazim, which means, "the God of the breakthrough."

Notice, David likened God's power to the bursting forth of waters. He described it as a flood. He was saying when the God of the breakthrough shows up and releases His power it will be like a flood of His goodness, a flood of His favor, a flood of healing, a flood of new opportunity.

Think about how powerful water is: three or four feet of water can pick up a huge car that weighs thousands of pounds and move it all around. I've seen, on the news, big floods floating whole houses down the river. Nothing can stop the force of that water. Anything in the way is moved out of its path.

You may have difficulties that look extremely large, obstacles that look impassable, and dreams that appear unobtainable. But know this; when the God of the breakthrough releases a flood or His power nothing can stop it. Your sickness may look big but it's nothing for the God of the breakthrough. It doesn't have a chance when God releases a flood of His healing.

Your opponents may look powerful. They may be bigger, stronger, better equipped, and better financed. But they don't have a chance when God opens up the floodgates of His favor. You need to be ready, not for a trickle, not for a stream, not for a river. No, get ready for a flood of God s favor, a tidal wave of God's goodness, a tsunami of His increase.

You may be thinking "trickle" when God has an entire ocean to work with. You're thinking "stream" when God has a tidal wave. You should enlarge your vision. Dare to stretch your faith. God wants to release His favor like a flood. He wants to overwhelm you with His goodness.

Ordinary Acts

Several years ago my son played little-league baseball. I loved watching the games with the other moms, especially those who were members of the church where I was a pastor. In the midst of that idyllic time, an event occurred which broke the hearts of everyone in our small town:

A star high-school baseball player from one year before was killed in a car accident while at a tournament with his college baseball team. He was 19 years old. His older sister, Melinda, was a member of our church. The next summer as Melinda and I were outside watching baseball again, I asked her as I had often that year, "How are you getting through this?"

She answered, "By God's grace. I know people are praying for me. When people send me notes or cards, when they telephone to see how I'm doing, I know their love and concern for me are answers to my prayers and pleas for support." We all know someone who is going through a difficult time - the loss of a job, sickness, or the death of a loved one. In those situations, do we sometimes look too hard for God's presence?

Do we expect answers to prayer always to be dramatic? God works through acts as simple as a phone call from a friend. You and I can be the answer to someone's prayer for help and comfort.

Let God Bless You

Let God Bless You

Late one night, standing on the platform waiting for a subway, I was approached by a homeless man. With no sign of the train, I turned an ear to hear his story - the same story I had heard from many who live on the streets of our city: drugs, crime, the loss of a loved one, and a life in disarray.

He was just looking for some food. We had a light moment laughing about our favorite sports teams, and I felt moved to help him. As the train pulled in, I handed him more money than he might usually see, knowing it was enough to get him into safe, clean lodging around the corner.

He was shocked at the gift, and I was shocked at the phrase that came from my lips: "Let God bless you." As the train pulled away, the meaning of that moment hit me. In that instant, God had brought two paths together - one where a blessing was needed and one where many blessings had already been given. I am incredibly thankful for the blessings of my life.

But in that moment, I could see that I had been blessed to be a blessing, just as Paul had told the Christians in Corinth. Faith turns our hearts to God for blessing in our most dire moments. But that same faith can lead us to approach life with open eyes and open hearts to bless others.

Monday, June 17, 2013

Beautiful Christian Sister

BEAUTIFUL CHRISTIAN SISTER
By Maya Angelou

'A woman's heart should be so hidden in Christ
That a man should have to seek Him first to find her.'

When I say... 'I am a Christian' I'm not shouting 'I'm clean living,'
I'm whispering 'I was lost, Now I'm found and forgiven.'

When I say... 'I am a Christian' I don't speak of this with pride.
I'm confessing that I stumble and need Christ to be my guide.

When I say... 'I am a Christian' I'm not trying to be strong.
I'm professing that I'm weak and need His strength to carry on.

When I say.. 'I am a Christian' I'm not bragging of success.
I'm admitting I have failed and need God to clean my mess.

When I say... 'I am a Christian' I'm not claiming to be perfect,
My flaws are far too visible, but God believes I am worth it.

When I say... 'I am a Christian' I still feel the sting of pain...
I have my share of heartaches, so I call upon His name.

When I say... 'I am a Christian' I'm not holier than thou,
I'm just a simple sinner Who received God's good grace, somehow!

Pretty is as Pretty does... But beautiful is just plain beautiful!
TODAY IS BEAUTIFUL CHRISTIAN SISTERS DAY - TAG; YOU'RE IT!
I'm supposed to send this to BEAUTIFUL WOMEN, and you are one of them!!!
If you share this with other women, you will boost another woman's self esteem,
And she will know that you care about her.

I trust You, Jesus

I WANT YOU TO LEARN A NEW HABIT. Try saying, “I trust You, Jesus: in response to whatever happens to you. If there is time, think about who I AM in all My Power and Glory; ponder also the depth and breadth of My Love for you.

This simple practice will help you see Me in every situation, acknowledging My sovereign control over the universe. When you view events from this perspective- through the Light of My universal Presence- fear loses its grip on you. Adverse circumstances become growth opportunities when you affirm your trust in Me no matter what. You receive blessings gratefully, realizing they flow directly from My hand of grace. Your continual assertion of trusting Me will strengthen our relationship and keep you close to Me.

Friday, June 14, 2013

STAY ON THE HIGH ROAD WITH ME.

6/14

I HAVE LOVED YOU with an everlasting Love. Before time began, I knew you. For years you swam around in a sea of meaninglessness, searching for Love, hoping for hope. All that time I was pursuing you, aching to embrace you in My compassionate arms.

When time was right, I revealed Myself to you. I lifted you out of that sea of despair and set you down on a firm foundation. Sometimes you felt naked – exposed to the revealing Light of My Presence, I wrapped an ermine robe around you: My robe of righteousness. I sang you a Love song, whose beginning and end are veiled in eternity. I infused meaning into your mind and harmony into your heart. Join Me in singing My song. Together we will draw others out of darkness into My marvelous Light.

Jeremiah 31:3; Isaiah 61:10; 1 Peter 2:9 (NKJV)

6/15

WHEN YOU APPROACH ME in stillness and in trust, you are strengthened; You need a buffer zone of silence around you in order to focus on things that are unseen. Since I am invisible, you must not let your senses dominate your thinking. The curse of this age is over stimulation of the senses, which blocks out awareness of the unseen world.

The tangible world still reflects My Glory, to those who have eyes that see and ears that hear. Spending time alone with Me is the best way to develop seeing eyes and hearing ears. The goal is to be aware of unseen things even as you live out your life in the visible world.

2 Corinthians 4:18; Isaiah 6:3; Psalm 130:5

6/16

STAY ON THE HIGH ROAD WITH ME. Many voices clamor for your attention, trying to divert you to another path. But I have called you to walk ever so closely with Me, soaking in My Presence, living in My Peace. This is My unique design for you, planned before the world began.

I have called each of My children to a different path, distinctly designed for that one. Do not let anyone convince you that his path is the only right way. And be careful not to extol your path as superior to another's way. What I require of you is to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with Me. – wherever I lead.

Ephesians 2:10; Micah 6:8

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Creation

In the beginning, God created the Heavens and the Earth and populated the Earth with broccoli, cauliflower and spinach, green and yellow and red vegetables of all kinds, so Man and Woman would live long and healthy lives.

Then using God's great gifts, Satan created Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream and Krispy Creme Donuts. And Satan said, "You want chocolate with that?" And Man said, "Yes!" and Woman said, "and as long as you're at it, add some sprinkles." And they gained 10 pounds. And Satan smiled.

And God created the healthful yogurt that Woman might keep the figure that Man found so fair. And Satan brought forth white flour from the wheat, and sugar from the cane and combined them. And Woman went from size 6 to size 14.

So God said, "Try my fresh green salad." And Satan presented Thousand-Island Dressing, buttery croutons and garlic toast on the side.
And Man and Woman unfastened their belts following the repast.

God then said, "I have sent you heart healthy vegetables and olive oil in which to cook them." And Satan brought forth deep fried fish and chicken-fried steak so big it needed its own platter. And Man gained more weight and his cholesterol went through the roof. God then created a light, fluffy white cake, named it "Angel Food Cake," and said, "It is good." Satan then created chocolate cake and named it "Devil's Food Cake."

God then brought forth running shoes so that His children might lose those extra pounds. And Satan gave cable TV with a remote control so Man would not have to toil changing the channels. And Man and Woman laughed and cried before the flickering blue light and gained

Then God brought forth the potato, naturally low in fat and brimming with nutrition. And Satan peeled off the healthful skin and sliced the starchy center into chips and deep-fried them and a thirty-pack of beer to wash it all down. And Man gained pounds.

God then gave lean beef so that Man might consume fewer calories and still satisfy his appetite. And Satan created McDonald's and its 99-cent double cheeseburger. Then said, "You want fries with that?" And Man replied, "Yes! And super size them!" And Satan said, "It is good." And Man went into cardiac arrest.

God sighed and created quadruple bypass surgery.

Then Satan created Cuts to the Health Care System.
Amen

I am Creating...

I AM CREATING something new in you: a bubbling spring of Joy that spills over into others' lives. Do not mistake this Joy for your own or try to take credit for it in any way. Instead, watch in delight as My spirit flows through you to bless others. Let yourself become a reservoir of the Spirit's fruit.

Your part is to live close to Me, open to all that I am doing in you. Don't try to control the streaming of My Spirit through you. Just keep focusing on Me as we walk through this day together. Enjoy My Presence, which permeates you with Love, Joy, and Peace.

John 3:8; Galatians 5:22

From whom all blessings flow...

IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO PRAISE OR THANK ME TOO MUCH. As it is written, I inhabit the praises of My people. Sometimes your adoration is a spontaneous overflow of Joy, in response to radiant beauty or rich blessings. At other times your praise is more disciplined and measured- an act of your will. I dwell equally in both types of praise. Thankfulness, also, is a royal road to draw near Me. A thankful heart has plenty of room for Me.

When you thank Me for the many pleasures I provide, you affirm that I am God, from whom all blessing flow. When adversity strikes and you thank Me anyway, your trust in My sovereignty is a show-piece in invisible realms. Fill up the spare moments of your life with praise and thanksgiving. This joyous discipline will help you live in the intimacy of My Presence.

Tuesday, June 11, 2013

Trust Me

6/11

TRUST ME and don't be afraid, for I am your Strength and Song. Do not let fear dissipate your energy. Instead, invest your energy in trusting Me and singing My Song. The battle for control of your mind is fierce, and years of worry have made you vulnerable to the enemy. Therefore, your need to be vigilant in guarding your thoughts. Do not despise this weakness in yourself, since I am using it to draw you closer to Me. Your constant need for Me creates an intimacy that is well worth all the effort. You are not alone in this struggle for your mind. My Spirit living within you is ever ready to help in this striving. Ask Him to control your mind; He will bless you with Life and Peace.

Isaiah 12:2; Romans 8:6

Friday, June 7, 2013

To my Angel friend...

Angels

Life is not the way it's supposed to be. It's the way it is. The way you cope with it is what makes the difference. I sent an angel to watch over you last night, but it came back. I asked "why?"...The angel said: "Angels don't watch over angels!"Please read.... not joking.....God has seen you struggling with something. God says it's over. A blessing is coming your way. If you believe, send this message on. Please don't ignore it. God is going to fix two BIG things tonight in your favor. If you believe in God, drop everything and pass it on. Tomorrow will be the best day ever. Send this to friends, including me. If I don't get it back, I guess I'm not one of them. As soon as you get five replies, someone you love will quietly surprise you.
 

MEMORIES FROM THE CORNER OF MY MIND

Remember the Good Ol’ Days?

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Ecclesiastes 7:2–14

It’s easy to think the past was better than today. Most of us have selective memories. We only remember what we want to remember. We reminisce about our fun-loving college days but forget how we stayed up all night to study, subsisting on Ramen noodles and completely stressing out because no one had asked us to the upcoming party. We remember being single—enjoying the freedom to have ice cream for dinner—but forget how lonely we felt eating by ourselves. We recall our children as darling babies but don’t remember how frustrated we were when the “terrible twos” hit.

You could make the case that it’s good to forget the bad. However, when we look at the past through rose-colored glasses, we run the risk of being ungrateful for what we have right now. Rather than seeing today’s gifts, we yearn for yesterday’s fun and games, conveniently glossing over the past’s difficulties.

Our days, months and years are made up of both good times and bad. The tapestry of life’s events makes up the very essence of who we are. Think about today and the difficulties you are encountering: The laundry is piling up. The roof needs fixing. Your kids aren’t listening to you. Now consider some of the memories you’re making today: Your baby took his first steps. Your daughter graduated from kindergarten, high school or college. You got that big promotion. You finally started your own business.

Thank God for all your wonderful memories. Take the difficult things to God in prayer. Ask him what he wants you to learn from your present situation. God doesn’t waste any of our experiences. He can use the good ol’ days, as well as the not-so-great days, to benefit us, if we let him. The key is to remember things as they really were, to be content with things as they really are and to trust God to take care of the future.

Reflection

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Name some difficulties you’ve faced in the past. What good came out of them?

What difficulties are you facing right now? How might God use them for your good or the good of someone else?

9 Minutes

Dear God:

The lady reading this is beautiful, classy, and strong and I care for her. Please let her live her life to the fullest.

Please promote her and cause her to excel above her expectations.

Help her shine in the darkest places where it is impossible to love.

Protect her at all times, lift her up when she needs you the most,

And let her know when she walks with you, she will always be safe..

Love you Girl!!

Now you're on the clock!

In 9 minutes something will make you happy.

But you have to tell 9 sisters you care for them, including me. Go!

There is no fear in My love

I WANT TO BE CENTRAL in your entire being. When your focus is firmly on Me, My Peace displaces fears and worries. They will encircle you, seeking entrance, so you must stay alert. Let trust and thankfulness stand guard, turning back fear before it can gain a foothold. There is no fear in My love, which shines on you continually. Sit quietly in My Love Light, while I bless you with radiant Peace. Turn your whole being too trusting and loving Me.

2 Thessalonians 3:16; 1 John 4:18

Word For The Day

Once a week, my two-year-old granddaughter and I go on an adventure. Before we drive to the park or the carousel, I buckle my granddaughter into her car seat. Last week, as usual, I found the task challenging. Lifting her into her car seat was awkward. I struggled to position, adjust, and buckle the shoulder straps and then the lap belt.

The task completed, I looked at my granddaughter - now safe and secure - and let out a deep sigh of relief. She looked up at me with big blue eyes, smiled, and said, "Good job!" I was startled that a two-year-old knew those words, more surprised that she knew when to say them. I felt that my efforts were appreciated and realized that her parents must have been saying, "Good job!" to her as she mastered new skills. I was pleased that she is learning to be an encourager.

God is the ultimate encourager. We hear encouragement in God's words after Jesus' baptism, "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." We follow God's example when we appreciate the efforts of others. Encouragers lift the spirits of struggling people. As the word implies, encouragers fill us with courage for the next challenge. We can speak encouragement to people who need to hear that their efforts are appreciated - and that is all of us.

PrayerDear God, help us to encourage one another in facing the challenges of daily life. Amen

Jeannette

"People are often unreasonable and self-centered. Forgive them anyway.
If you are kind, people may accuse you of ulterior motives. Be kind anyway.
If you are honest, people may cheat you. Be honest anyway.
If you find happiness, people may be jealous. Be happy anyway.
The good you do today may be forgotten tomorrow. Do good anyway.
Give the world the best you have and it may never be enough. Give your best anyway.
For you see, in the end, it is between you and God.
It was never between you and them anyway." ~ Mother Teresa

Welcome Challenging Times

WELCOME CHALLENGING TIMES as opportunities to trust Me. You have Me beside you and My Spirit within you, so no set of circumstances is too much for you to handle. When the path before you is dotted with difficulties, beware of measuring your strength against those challenges. That calculation is certain to riddle you with anxiety. Without Me, you wouldn’t make it past the first hurdle!

The way to walk through demanding days is to grip My hand tightly and stay in close communication with Me. Let your thoughts and spoken words be richly flavored with trust and thankfulness. Regardless of the day’s problems, I can keep you in perfect Peace as you stay close to Me.

James 1:2; Philippians 4:13; Isaiah 26:3

Beautiful Christian Sister

your yearning for perfection

REMEMBER THAT YOU LIVE IN a fallen world: an abnormal world tainted by sin. Much frustration and failure result from you seeking perfection in this life. There is nothing perfect in this world except Me. That is why closeness to Me satisfies deep yearnings and fills you with Joy.

I have planted longing for perfection in every human heart. This is a good desire, which I alone can fulfill. But most people seek this fulfillment in other people and earthly pleasures or achievements. Thus they create idols, before which they bow down. I will have no other gods before Me! Make Me the deepest desire of your heart. Let Me fulfill your yearning for perfection.

Exodus 20:3; Psalm 37:4

Seek my face

6/7

SEEK MY FACE, and you will find fulfillment of your deepest longings. My world is filled with beautiful things; they are meant to be pointers to Me, reminders of My abiding Presence. The earth still declares My Glory to those who have eyes that see and ears that hear.

You had a darkened mind before you sought Me wholeheartedly. I chose to pour My Light into you, so that you can be a beacon to others. There is no room for pride in this position. Your part is to reflect My Glory. I am the Lord!

Psalm 105:4; Psalm 19:1-2; Isaiah 60:2