Sunday, December 22, 2013

Angie's Spirit Led Corner: "NO TURNING BACK"

Angie's Spirit Led Corner: "NO TURNING BACK": By Rev Len Paxton “And Jesus said unto him, No man,having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God”. [Lu...

Angie's Spirit Led Corner: “THE TONGUE, AN UNRULY MEMBER?”

Angie's Spirit Led Corner: “THE TONGUE, AN UNRULY MEMBER?”: EPH 4:29 LET NO FOUL OR POLLUTING LANGUAGE, NOR EVIL WORD NOR UNWHOLESOME OR WORTHLESS TALK (EVER) COME OUR OF YOUR MOUTH, BUT ONLY SUCH (SP...

Thursday, October 24, 2013

Angie's Spirit Led Corner: “Think it not Strange”

Angie's Spirit Led Corner: “Think it not Strange”: I Peter 4:12 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you... Amp: Beloved, do not be amazed and bewildered a...

Tuesday, August 13, 2013

GOD HAS A POSITIVE ANSWER

HANDY LITTLE CHART - GOD HAS A POSITIVE ANSWER: YOU SAY GOD SAYS BIBLE VERSES You say: 'It's impossible' God says: All things are possible ( Luke 18:27) You say: 'I'm too tired' God says: I will give you rest ( Matthew 11:28-30) You say: 'Nobody really loves me' God says: I love you ( John 3:1 6 & John 3:34 ) You say: 'I can't go on' God says: My grace is sufficient (II Corinthians 12:9 & Psalm 91:15) You say: 'I can't figure things out' God says: I will direct your steps (Proverbs 3:5- 6) You say: 'I can't do it' God says: You can do all things ( Philippians 4:13) You say: 'I'm not able' God says: I am able (II Corinthians 9:8) You say: 'It's not worth it' God says: It will be worth it (Roman 8:28 ) You say: 'I can't forgive myself' God says: I Forgive you (I John 1:9 & Romans 8:1) You say: 'I can't manage' God says: I will supply all your needs ( Philippians 4:19) You say: 'I'm afraid' God says: I have not given you a spirit of fear ( II Timothy 1:7) You say: 'I'm always worried and frustrated' God says: Cast all your cares on ME (I Peter 5:7) You say: 'I'm not smart enough' God says: I give you wisdom (I Corinthians 1:30) You say: 'I feel all alone' God says: I will never leave you or forsake you (Hebrews 13:5)

Tuesday, July 16, 2013

Can God Use Me? by Angie Paxton

Can God use you? It is the will & plan of God to use everyone of us... Does God wait until we are perfect? Do you feel inadequate? Do you feel too old? Do you feel too young? Do you have a background that is less than perfect? You are in good company... Join the crowd... Noah was a drunk Abraham was too old Isaac was a day dreamer Jacob was a lier Joseph was abused Moses stuttered Gideon was afraid Samson had long hair & was a womanizer Rehab was a prostitute Jeremiah & Timothy were too young David had an affair & was a murderer Elijah was suicidal Isaiah preached naked Jonah ran from God Naomi was a widow Job went bankrupt Peter denied Christ The disciples fell asleep while praying Martha worried about everything The samaritan women was divorced a number of times Paul was too religious Timothy had an ulcer Lazarus died We are not adequate in ourselves. Our inadequacies causes us to trust God. Don’t major on your weaknesses. We have the strength of God... I can do all things through Christ that strengthens me...through Chris....My God shall supply all of my needs according to His riches in Glory in Christ Jesus... God gives gifts & talents to everyone. Use them all to the Glory of God....Be available, willing, & live a surrendered life...

Monday, June 17, 2013

Angie's Spirit Led Corner: “GO AHEAD, I GET THE CROWN”

Angie's Spirit Led Corner: “GO AHEAD, I GET THE CROWN”: In the last days there will be more and more persecution for the church. We will suffer for standing up for Jesus. For living a godly life...

Thursday, May 16, 2013

Leaning our whole life on Him By Angie Paxton



Colossians 1:4
Amplified Bible (AMP)
For we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus [[a]the leaning of your entire human personality on Him in absolute trust and confidence in His power, wisdom, and goodness]...

When we were born again it was through faith in Christ Jesus. This faith continues as we lean our whole life to Him. Our entire human personality on Him. 

Each day we have the opportunity to react to situations, either in the flesh (old nature) or react through our absolute trust & confidence in His power, in His wisdom, & in His goodness. 

It is important that we surrender our entire personality to Him. We all have special talents, a special way of looking at the world, & a special way we interact with others. We should never let a person control or change who God has made us. He doesn’t want us to be clones of one another. 

But we need to let God be in control of who we are. Our personality & our character need to be in subjection to the control of the Holy Spirit. 


Personality - visible aspect of ones Character (collection of qualities) sum total of the physical, mental, emotional, & social characteristics. 
What is visible to others reveal our Character. These qualities our the sum total of the outflow of our physical, our mental, our emotional, & our social characteristics. 


Our personality reflects what is inside us. Everyday we have a choice to let our emotions & thoughts be run by the flesh or by the Spirit. 

Our personality should reflect His character. 

Sometimes things come up and we start getting emotional about the situation, then we react to that situation. We might start yelling at someone or say things we regret later. But we justify that by saying well we are just human. 

Let me talk to women right now, we have that time of the month and it makes us crabby, so we take it out on others, this should not be. We need to let God control our bodies, our minds, and our actions. We do not need to let the world make these actions acceptable. 

There are so many things that go on around us and we just go along with them because that it the way it is. No that is not the way God wants us to be. 


Colossians 2:6
Amplified Bible (AMP)
As you have therefore received Christ, [even] Jesus the Lord, [so] walk (regulate your lives and conduct yourselves) in union with and conformity to Him.

We need to regulate our lives and conduct ourselves in union with & conformity to Him, not this world. 

Examine yourself today and see if you are letting others, the world, & your old nature rule  your life or our you letting God control your whole personality. 

Romans 6:12-13
Amplified Bible (AMP)
12 Let not sin therefore rule as king in your mortal (short-lived, perishable) bodies, to make you yield to its cravings and be subject to its lusts and evil passions.
13 Do not continue offering or yielding your bodily members [and [a]faculties] to sin as instruments (tools) of wickedness. But offer and yield yourselves to God as though you have been raised from the dead to [perpetual] life, and your bodily members [and [b]faculties] to God, presenting them as implements of righteousness.

Offer and yield yourselves to God daily. Each day surrender your personality, your Character, your whole being to the one who died for you. The one who changes you into His image. Do not let others & the world change you into their image. 

Father each day we have opportunity to yield to one thing or another, give us wisdom & strength to be who you called us to be. Show us who we are in you. Open our eyes & understanding to the fullness of who we are in You. As events happen in our lives let us be quick to respond through our new life in You & through our new nature. Remind us each day we have the help of the Holy Spirit to carry out all Godly reactions. He is forming us into the image of your dear Son. Thank you Father for not leaving us alone in this world. As we react properly that brings Glory to you and that is our hearts desire today Lord, to give you glory, honor, & praise. In Jesus Name...AMEN...

Friday, April 26, 2013

Dealing With Tragedy by Len Paxton


4/26/2012 Dealing with Tragedy By Len Paxton excerpts from a teaching CD

  1. Don’t think you are the only one. There are many who are going through hard times and maybe even experience what you have. 
  2. Seek for the strength that only Jesus Christ can give you. God wants you to go to Him. Trusting Him. He is the only one who can give us victory. 1 Peter 5:7 Cast your cares on Him. He loves you. People can only help on the surface.  Is. 53:4 
  3. Don’t be bitter. Instead of getting bitter, get better... Bitterness is like a cancer. It will eat away your soul. 
  4. Begin on a positive course of action to love, help, and bless others. It takes the focus off of ourselves and puts it over to those who need help.
  5. Plan to spend eternity in a place where tragedy never occurs. Rev. 21:4

Tuesday, April 16, 2013

Praying past our mind, will, & emotions


We are made up of our spirit, our soul, & our body. Many times when tragedies come we pray from our soul. Our soul is made up of our mind, our will, & our emotions. 

When we first hear about a situation we feel compassion and feel empathy. Our hearts even hurt for the people evolved. We feel their pain. 

Our mind starts to say, “What can I do to help”. How can I fix this situation? It rehearses the tragedy and how the outcomes could be. “What can I do to change this situation”. 

Our will is what makes us decide and initiate action. We deliberately act on what our mind and emotions put forth. 

There is nothing wrong with feeling compassion. Jesus was moved with compassion. 

The Latin meaning of compassion is, “CO-suffering”. This compassion leads to an active desire to alleviate another’s suffering. 

In 2 Cor. 1 it talks about The Father of mercies, & the God of all comfort. How we have been comforted in all our tribulations so we can comfort those who also are in trouble. 

Vs 9 is the key when praying for those in need. “...that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God...” Vs 12... “not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God...”

When praying and acting towards another person’s hurt and pain we need to do it with our renewed spirit. When we are born again we have a renewed spirit. We are given the mind of Christ. 

If we pray in the flesh, in our old nature, we pray our desires, our corrupt desires. We need to be renewed in our minds. Eph. 4 talks about stripping ourselves of our former nature, which characterizes our previous manner of life, because it becomes corrupt through lusts and desires that spring up from delusions. 

We need to be renewed in the spirit of our minds, having a fresh mental and spiritual attitude. Putting on the New nature created in the image of God. Godlike in true righteousness and holiness. 

There are practical actions that we need to take, if someone is thirsty, give them a drink of water. If someone is hungry, feed them. 

What I am talking about it getting to know the mind of Christ in a situation. Praying with the help of the Holy Spirit. 

Romans 8:26
Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.
Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit...

But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
We can really mess things up if we react with our fleshly nature. 
I think sometimes there are people who have a God complex and rush to people’s aide because they want to control the situation. They want to influence the outcome. They want the person to look to them for their strength and to meet their need. 
They do it to feel good. Or maybe even to mend a past hurt or pain of their own. Some even help others to ease their guilt. 
None of these things will help the situation. It is so much deeper than our own attempts to ease someone’s sufferings. 
Jesus even said, “I have not come on My own authority and of My own accord and as self-appointed, but the One Who sent Me is true (real, genuine, steadfast)...”
He was always looking to the Father, praying to the Father, & about doing the Father’s will. 
We need to push past our soul (mind, will, & emotions), our flesh and yield our spirit to His Spirit, so as we pray, we will receive God’s will and react to that instead of our own will.  
 Rom 8:26-27 So too the [Holy] Spirit comes to our aid and bears us up in our weakness; for we do not know what prayer to offer nor how to offer it worthily as we ought, but the Spirit Himself goes to meet our supplication and pleads in our behalf with unspeakable yearnings and groanings too deep for utterance.
27 And He Who searches the hearts of men knows what is in the mind of the [Holy] Spirit [what His intent is], because the Spirit intercedes and pleads [before God] on behalf of the saints according to and in harmony with God’s will.

Letting the Holy Spirit led our prayers puts us in harmony with the will of God. 

In these last days there will increased sorrow. Many will fall away because they are in the flesh. They are looking to their own strength. They see only the tragedies around them and lose sight of the One who gives strength, who gives wisdom, who can turn their situation around. 

So Be: 

...Be earnest and unwearied and steadfast in your prayer [life], being [both] alert and intent in [your praying]...

...Be unceasing in prayer [praying perseveringly];Thank [God] in everything [no matter what the circumstances may be, be thankful and give thanks], for this is the will of God for you [who are] in Christ Jesus...

...be cautious and active) and watch and pray, that you may not come into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak...


...Be on your guard [constantly alert], and watch and pray; for you do not know when the time will come....

...be steadfast and patient in suffering and tribulation; be constant in prayer...

...be filled with the full (deep and clear) knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom [in comprehensive insight into the ways and purposes of God] and in understanding and discernment of spiritual things—...

...be invigorated and strengthened with all power according to the might of His glory, [to exercise] every kind of endurance and patience (perseverance and forbearance) with joy...

...“Be careful! When you do something good, don’t do it in front of others so that they will see you. If you do that, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven...

Don’t Be:

...Don’t be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by people. Truly I tell you, they have their reward in full already...

...don’t be like ·those people who don’t know God [the pagans/Gentiles/heathen]. They ·continue saying things that mean nothing [babble; repeat empty phrases], thinking ·that God will hear them [L they will be heard; C the passive verb implies God as subject] because of their many words....
...not be afraid...


We could go on and on. We just have to look at the situations in our lives and in other people’s lives through the eyes and heart of God. Praying past our mind, will, & emotions and looking unto the Author and Finisher of our Faith. Pray in Faith believing and leaving the results unto Him. This does not mean we have no actions, this kind of prayer will produce the proper actions. 

Father help us to see that praying in our own flesh will produce corruption and confusion. We look to you today for our loved ones, our friends, & even our enemies. We lift them up in prayer believing that you will work in their lives. That the outcomes will be according to your will and not ours. In Jesus Name...

Sunday, April 14, 2013

What a Difference a Day Makes"


“What a Difference a Day Makes”

So many times we have a bad day, we don’t know how we are going to get through it. 

Our mind starts running away from us. Hopelessness comes in and stops us in our tracks. 
Pressure comes and steals our focus. We can’t see past the moment we are in. We try many things, we look to many people, & we fail so many times. 
What do we do? How do we handle those hard times? They are real and they hurt. A loss of a loved one, a sickness, a loss of a job, and so much more can stop us in our tracks. What do we do when we are in those situations? How do we handle ourselves? Why does it matter? 
There have been many who have been through so many hard times. Hebrews says that we are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses. These who have gone on before us. Those who have endured to the end. One we need to look to at all times, Jesus!!!! 
Hebrews 12:1-2
King James Version (KJV)
12 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,
Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Looking at how Jesus handles the situations that came His way will help us through our hard times. How did He handle all the hurt and pain that others have caused Him? If we react like He did we will overcome our bad days. We do not have to give into the people and things pressing us. 
There are so many things we could look at in the bible as examples. These are just a few ways to help us through our bad days. 

  1. Father forgive them for they know not what they do.
Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.
Forgive all those who are making your life so hard. Forgive all those who have hurt you in the past. 

2) Encourage others who are struggling and have no Hope. (We are not of those who have no hope. We encourage others as God has encouraged us) 
2 Corinthians 1:4
New King James Version (NKJV)
who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.

3) Remember your family. Others are watching you and how you are going to react to life. As they say, you are the only Bible some people read. Not that you have to be perfect, but you know the One who is Perfect. They want to know that God is real and He is willing to help.

4) Look to God with all your hard questions, not man. He knows all, sees all, and will have the only right answer for you in your situation.

5) Let your need be known. Pray, call the elders, & ask for help. We all need each other.

6) Speak God’s word. Declare who He is and what He has said. His word is true & powerful. This is your statement of Faith. Knowing that He has all things under control. There is a purpose and an end to what you are going through. He will work in any situation you are going through. 
Romans 8:28
New King James Version (NKJV)
28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. 
Jeremiah 29:11
Amplified Bible (AMP)
11 For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome.

7) Surrender to God and Let go. This day will end. Joy comes in the morning.

Psalm 30:5
Amplified Bible (AMP)
...Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.

It might take many days until your pain and situation will change, but He will give you strength to go through it. 

Lord turn us from the worldly way of thinking and reacting to our situation. Let us look to Jesus the Author and Finisher of our faith. Give us strength and insight to our daily living. Heal us of the hurt and pain of the past. Be with us in our present and guide us through our future. Remind us that we are not of those who have no hope. Remind us that this is not our home and that we are only here for a short time, but those who endure to the end will be with you one day. And that day will last forever. Remind us that these days on earth will pass away, but your word will last forever. Remind us that where our treasure is, there will our heart be. We set our affections on things above, not on things on the earth. In Jesus Name....

Wednesday, April 3, 2013

In Christ

People say "I am ONLY Human".... You are not only human...You are a partaker of the Divine Nature...YOU ARE IN CHRIST...

In Christ, I am:

God's child, for I am born again of the incorruptible seed of the Word of God which liveth and abideth forever.
(1 Peter 1:23).

Forgiven of all my sins and washed in the blood
(Ephesians 1:7, Hebrews 9:14, Colossians 1:14, 1 John 2:12, 1 John 1:9)

A New Creature
(2 Corinthians 5:17)

The Temple of the Holy Spirit
(1 Corinthians 6:19)

Delivered from the power of darkness and translated into God's kingdom.
(Colossians 1:13)

Redeemed from the curse of the law
(1 Peter 1:18,19 Galatians 3:13)

A Saint
(Romans 1:7, 1 Corinthians 1:2, Philippians 1:1)

Blessed
(Deuteronomy 28:1-14, Galatians 3:9)

The Head and not the tail
(Deuteronomy 20:13)

Holy and without blame before Him in love.
(1 Peter 1:1, Ephesians 1:4)

Victorious
(Revelation 21:7)

Set Free
(John 8:31-33)

Strong in the Lord.
(Ephesians 6:10)

Dead to sin
(Romans 6:2,11; 1 Peter 2:24)

More than a conqueror
(Romans 8:37)

Joint heir with Christ
(Romans 8:17)

Complete in Him.
(Colossians 2:10)

Crucified with Christ
(Galatians 2:20)

Alive with Christ
(Ephesians 2:5)

Reconciled to God
(2 Corinthians 5:18)

Free from Condemnation
(Romans 8:1)

Firmly rooted, built up, established in the faith and overflowing with gratitude.
(Colossians 2:7)

Born of God, and the evil one does not touch me.
(1 John 5:18)

The Righteousness of God
(2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 Peter 2:24)

Chosen
(1 Thessalonians 1:4; Ephesians 1:4; 1 Peter 2:9)

The Apple of My Father's Eye
(Deuteronomy 32:10; Psalm 17:8)

Healed by the stripes of Jesus.
(1 Peter 2:24; Isaiah 53:6)

Being changed into His image
(2 Corinthians 3:18; Philiippians 1:6)

Raised up with Christ and seated in heavenly places.
(Colossians 2:12; Ephesians 2:6)

Beloved of God
(Colossians 3:12; Romans 1:7; 1 Thessalonians 1:4)

Established to the end
(Colossians 1:8)

One in Christ
(John 17:21-23)

Thursday, March 21, 2013

Christ is Preached...


Christ is Preached...

Every situation Paul was in He was always looking to see God at work. 

He said “I am put here”

Philippians 1:16
English Standard Version (ESV)
16 The latter do it out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel.
He always looked at advancing the Gospel in the midst of all the circumstances he found himself in. 
He used everything as a stepping stone for the unfolding plan of God. 
God is in control of our circumstances. God is not waiting for the circumstances to be right or to be changed. He uses all circumstances to cause us to grow and to advance the Gospel. 
Romans 8:28
New King James Version (NKJV)
28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.
How you handle a circumstance in your life can be a witness of the Gospel to those around you. 
Paul’s attitude:
...the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel....
Joseph’s attitude: 
...As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today...
Jesus’s attitude:
...“Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.”...
Stephen the Martyr’s attitude:
 ...“Lord, do not charge them with this sin.”...
Corrie ten Boom’s Attitude:
...."God does not have problems. Only plans."... "There is no pit so deep that Gods love is not deeper still."... ...”Don’t worry about me, the things that have happened to me have served as an advancement of the Gospel. The important thing is that Christ is Preached.”

The important thing is that Christ is Preached.

We must examine ourselves to make sure our attitudes are Christ like. We can’t let the motives of others change our attitude. 
Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you are disqualified.
We can’t let others around us change or influence our attitudes. 
The wrong motives of bad men, must never be allowed to become the determining element in our attitude. (Allistair Begg)
We must have the attitude that no matter what we are going through:
The important thing is that Christ is Preached.
The important thing is that Christ is Preached.
The important thing is that Christ is Preached.

Thursday, March 7, 2013

Only Believe...


Only Believe...
Now a days our minds are so full of so many things that we are not sure what to believe. Listening to the news, watching TV, hearing what others are saying, and so much more. All these things can steal our focus off who we should know and believe in. 
We even look to ourselves for the answers. We trust ourselves more and more each day. 
One of the things that come in trusting and believing what we hear is fear. Fear of the unknown, fear of failure, fear that the circumstances in our lives will not go away or that they will not turn out the way we want them to. 
Fear can freeze you in your circumstances. You can’t move forward when fear comes in. Fear blinds you from what God is doing in you and for you. 

... Be not afraid, only believe.

Mark 5:36
Amplified Bible (AMP)
... Do not be seized with alarm and struck with fear; only keep on believing.

... Fear not: believe only

ANDREW MURRAY - “Jesus, I believe in Thy glory; I believe in Thine omnipotence; I believe in Thy power working within me. I believe in Thy living, loving presence with me, revealing itself in Divine power."

Do not be occupied with feelings or experiences. You will find it far simpler and easier just to trust and say, "I am sure He is all for me." Get rid of yourself for the time”
“don't think or speak about yourself; but
Think what Jesus is.
And then remember it is believe always”

I like when he said “Do not be occupied with feelings or experiences.”

This is so true, the more we occupy our thoughts, our days, and our lives with what we feel or the things we experience, the more fear will come in and the more unbelief will come in and cause us to either go backwards in our walk or freeze us right where we are. 

The only way to keep moving forward in life is to be not afraid only believe in the one true God. 


Mark 5:36 (PHILLIPS) ... “Now don’t be afraid, just go on believing!”

Look to Him. Know Him. 

Trust (lean on, rely on, and be confident) in the Lord and do good; so shall you dwell in the land and feed surely on His faithfulness, and truly you shall be fed.

(adhere to, trust in, and rely on the truth)



MHC- 
Be not afraid that my coming will be to no purpose, only believe that I will make it turn to a good account.” Therefore fear not, faint not. Faith is the only remedy against disquieting grief and fear at such a time: let that silence them, Only believe. Keep up a confidence in Christ, and a dependence upon him, and he will do what is for the best. Believe the resurrection, and then be not afraid.
Lester Sumrall - Turning on the light reveals the reality that there is nothing to fear. This is a basic principle: much of what we fear will never bother us again if we see it for what it is. God is light, and by turning to God’s Word we can see that nothing should terrorize or paralyze us. By continuing to absorb biblical truth through daily reading and study, we will walk in the light as He is in the light; and in that blessed environment fear cannot get to us.
Romans 8:28
Amplified Bible (AMP)
28 We are assured and know that [[a]God being a partner in their labor] all things work together and are [fitting into a plan] for good to and for those who love God and are called according to [His] design and purpose...

So be not afraid, Only Believe.......

Tuesday, March 5, 2013

Unnecessary Weights


Unnecessary Weights

Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.—Hebrews 12:1

MHC- Inordinate care for the present life, or fondness for it, is a dead weight upon the soul, that pulls it down when it should ascend upwards, and pulls it back when it should press forward; it makes duty and difficulties harder and heavier than they would be.

12 Therefore then, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses [who have borne testimony to the Truth], let us strip off and throw aside every encumbrance (unnecessary weight) and that sin which so readily (deftly and cleverly) clings to and entangles us, and let us run with patient endurance andsteady and active persistence the appointed course of the race that is set before us…
There are so many unnecessary weights in our lives. Ones that entangle us in sin. 

Unnecessary….

This type of weight makes life harder and slows us down in the things of the Lord. 

We don’t need to be bound by this weight, we can lay it aside. Each person must examine their own life to see if they have anything that has weighed them down from running this race.

It may be something you have been holding on to, a grudge, or unforgiveness, or many other things that sneak in our lives. It might not start off big, it might just be a small attitude problem, but left unchecked and if allowed to continue will turn into a weight in your life. 


weight
verb [ trans. ]
hold (something) down by placing a heavy object on top of it 
  • make (something) heavier by attaching a heavy object to it, esp. so as to make it stay in place 
  • weigh someone down, be heavy and cumbersome to someone. 

This kind of weight causes us to stay in one place. It does not allow us to grow in Christ. 

…let us strip off and throw aside…

Let us do this quickly and fast. As soon as the Holy Spirit shows you something in your life that does not belong and is weighing you down, cast it away, now. Do not entertain it or allow it to have a foothold in your life. You were made for more than that. 

Leave no [such] room or foothold for the devil [give no opportunity to him].
He has no power over us except the power we give him. If we fill our lives with the things of God, there is no room for the devil to come into our lives. 
Fill my heart with you Oh Lord. Make me aware of all the things that try to come in and steal what you are doing in me. Open my eyes to the tricks of the devil. I surrender to you today. I give you my full heart. Reveal to me all those things that are weighing me down today. All those unnecessary weights. In Jesus Name!!

Monday, March 4, 2013

I am always on His mind...


I am always on His mind...

What a thought. We can only think of one thing at a time, but God is all knowing. He can have you on His mind and me on His mind. 

He is always working in my life. 

And I am convinced and sure of this very thing, that He Who began a good work in you will continue until the day of Jesus Christ [right up to the time of His return], developing [that good work] and perfecting and bringing it to full completion in you.

For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome.
We love Him, because He first loved us.
It was not you who started the work. It was Him. He loved you first. He pursued you first. 


pursue:
1 follow (someone or something) in order to catch 
seek to form a relationship with (someone) in a persistent way
seek to attain or accomplish (a goal), esp. over a long period :
2 (of a person or way) continue or proceed along (a path or route) 
engage in (an activity or course of action)
  • continue to investigate, explore, or discuss (a topic, idea, or argument) 

He not only is pursuing you, He intends to catch you. He is persistent in His pursuit. He will accomplish His goal. He is patient. He is longsuffering. 

There is only one thing that holds up God’s pursuit...That is You... 

Do you not know that if you continually surrender yourselves to anyone to do his will, you are the slaves of him whom you obey, whether that be to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience which leads to righteousness (right doing and right standing with God)?

For I am not ashamed of the Gospel (good news) of Christ, for it is God’s power working unto salvation [for deliverance from eternal death] to everyone who believes with a personal trust and a confident surrender and firm reliance, to the Jew first and also to the Greek...

You have to choose to surrender to Him. Choose you this day...
And if it seems evil to you to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell; but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.
He will not turn anyone away who calls on His name. 
And whoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be delivered and saved...
And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.
God will not stop His pursuit of you as long as you are here on earth. It is His will that all be saved. He is not a quitter. You may think that you have gone too far, or that your sin is too great, think again....He will not leave you nor forsake you. Call on Him today, He is right there...

MHC - Wherever this good work is begun it is of God’s beginning: He has begun a good work in you. We could not begin it ourselves, for we are by nature dead in trespasses and sins: and what can dead men do towards raising themselves to life; or how can they begin to act till they are enlivened in the same respect in which they are said to be dead? It is God who quickens those who are thus dead, Eph. 2:1; Col. 2:13. (3.) The work of grace is but begun in this life; it is not finished here; as long as we are in this imperfect state there is something more to be done. (4.) If the same God who begins the good work did not undertake the carrying on and finishing of it, it would lie for ever unfinished. He must perform it who began it. (5.) We may be confident, or well persuaded, that God not only will not forsake, but that he will finish and crown the work of his own hands.
We did not start this work, nor can we finish this work...
You are always on His mind...