Receiving God’s Grace

God’s grace can only be received through faith. “For by grace, you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is a gift of God, not by works, that no one would boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9).

Grace is not something we can earn. It is the death and resurrection of Jesus that makes God’s grace and mercy available to us. He is the means that we are justified by God because “God sent Jesus to be an atoning sacrifice, through faith in His blood and for a demonstration of His righteousness through the passing over of prior sins, in God’s forbearance” (Romans 3:25). Jesus laid down His life for us.

Surrendering to Him receiving and experiencing His grace fully with our thoughts, actions, and feelings will make a way for His Holy Spirit to come into our lives. When we enter a relationship with Jesus, His grace will manifest itself in many ways. 2 Corinthians 5;17 tells us,

“If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away. Behold, all new things have become new.“

We don’t have to be perfect when we come to Jesus because He will teach you to leave behind sexual immoral, impurity, idolatry, sorcery, strife, jealousy, anger, envy, and everything else. I was a complete mess when I came to Jesus and He began taking sins away from me as I drew closer to Him. And He gave me love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, and gentleness. Self-control. (Galatians 5:19-23) I couldn’t have gotten rid those things on my own.

We cannot rely on our own strength, but when we worship by the Spirit and glory in Him and put no confidence in our flesh we can overcome all of our sins. And we will have no reason to boast in our own righteousness, holiness and achievements, because God’s grace is at work for us. That makes us new creatures, as Paul said in 1 Corinthians 15:10, “But by the grace of God I am what I am.” The more we put our trust in God, the more His grace overflows in us, “He gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6).

God’s Grace Is Sufficient

God’s grace is always sufficient. We see an example of this in Paul’s life. God allowed a certain torment (a thorn in his flesh) to ensure that he did not become proud. The Bible doesn’t say what ailment he had, and some theorists say it could have been migraine headaches. Paul was even pleased in these difficult circumstances because they revealed God’s strength through his own weakness. When we are weak and rely on the Lord, His grace will overflow in us.

However, it is possible to abuse God’s grace, we are warned of this in 2 Corinthians 6:1,

“Working together with Him, then, we appeal to you not to receive the grace of God in vain.“

God’s grace is a wonderful gift that should be received with gratitude and servitude. We can only do this by leaving behind our own selfish and sinful desires. We need to live according to a new rule of life, by the Spirit of God who wants to dwell in us and teach us love, peace, humility, and kindness. We should not resist quench or grieve the Spirit of God (Isaiah 63:10, Ephesians 4:30+31, Acts 7:51, Mark 3:29, 1 Thessalonians 5:19).

Paul overwhelmingly experienced God’s grace. He wrote in 1 Timothy 1:14,

“The grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.“

That same grace is available to us and we can give us a wonderful life filled with faith and love. That will make you in the. An instrument of God’s grace for others. Titus 2:11-14 says,

“For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, instructing us to the intent that denying in godliness and worldly lusts, we would live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present age, looking for the blessed hope and appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Yeshua the Messiah, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good works.”

God Will Make A Way

God will make a way where there seems to be no way. God’s specialty seems to show when we are in tough situations. But sometimes people don’t pay attention.

But He never stops working on our behalf even when can’t see it. He has a plan and purpose in whatever we walk through. He can cut a clear pathway through anything.

In seemingly hopeless situations where we cannot see a way out, God’s power has the opportunity to shine the greatest. It’s in those times we need to come to the end of ourselves, where we know we can’t depend on our own abilities, on anything we have, or anyone we know, but instead, be reminded that we are totally and reliant on Him -it’s those times that He is the most powerful at all.

Scripture tells us He will make a way through the wilderness and cause streams to rise up, bringing refreshing even in the desert times (Isaiah 43:19).

He can split the sea, move mountains, of any barrier before us, and allow us to walk through on dry ground (Mark 11:22-23).

He can conquer any giant, and bring victory to His children (1 Samuel 17:1-11),

He can close the mouths of lions providing safety (Daniel 6:22).

He can open prison doors, setting us free (Isaiah 61:1).

He can protect us from the flames of adversity (Isaiah 41:10).

Be can carry us through any storm (Isaiah 43:2).

God is a God of miracles. He never changes. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Psalm 77:14; Hebrews 13:8).

Sacrifices Have I made

What sacrifices have you made in life?

As a mother I have sacrificed many things I gave up my independence and freedom to raise 2 children. I have sacrificed time, sleeping, food, traveling, and money. I sacrificed many things to become a mother. But because of these sacrifices, I have become a more round-minded and happy person.

I am proud that I took the time to raise my children to become well-rounded people. adults who have become successful, happy, having compassion for others during their struggles.

I believe that if or when a women becomes to have a child, that its her responsibility to raise those children first and pitting your needs and wants on the back burner and raising children who will be able to function and strive in this world.

Choosing to stay at home with my children was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made, I was able to see their first steps, their first words. I very rarely missed milestones.

Or course the never-ending cooking, cleaning poopy diapers, errands, and appointments. And feeling underappreciated many times. But I wouldn’t change my life for anything.

A Mother’s love is unlike any other, it is often said that it is the purest love and most selfless form of love. A mother’s love is the foundation that shapes and guides her children into the people they will become.

The Oldest Thing

What’s the oldest things you’re wearing today?

The oldest thing I wear every day is a cross necklace that was my aunt’s..

Celebrating The Holy Spirit

Pentecost

Today the day of Pentecost marks fifty days since Easter (Resurrection Sunday) and brings the season to an end. Christians recall how God’s Holy Spirit was given to the disciples, empowering them to begin the work of making disciples of all nations. The beginning of the New Testament Christan church.

In Israel it is also the feast of first fruits called “Shavuot.”

Jesus had promised his followers that, although they would not see Him after His ascension, they would receive the Holy Spirit to guide and inspire them.

The Book of Acts describes how the crowds gathered in Jerusalem when the disciples came out of the upper room speaking many different languages and they were able to hear the disciples preaching in their own language.

“Now when the day of Shavuot had come, they were all with one accord in one place. Suddenly there came from the sky a sound like the rushing of a mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting” -Acts:1-2 (Messianic).

The color often associated with Pentecost is red, representing the tongues of the Apostles when they began speaking.

It’s focus being on God’s Spirit being poured out on believers, Pentecost is one of the most popular days for baptism and confirmations.

Holy Spirit, we ask for your gifts be poured upon us. Empower us with your grace and use our lives for your glory. -Amen

When You’ve Hit Rock Bottom

Rock bottom will teach you lessons the mountain tops never will

Most of us will hit our own rock bottom at some point in life. Whether it’s an illness, the death of a loved one, becoming unemployed with zero savings, a divorce, losing a house, or a horrible accident that changes your daily life. And what we learn about who we are and all that we are made id begins in our pit of despair.

These times when we have lost hope or lost everything that brought us a sense of security or happiness are not only when we learn the most, we actually become so much more than who we were before.

These experiences help us gain experience and wisdom like nothing else ever could. Rock bottom becomes the solid foundation on which we can rebuild our lives. These are the definable moments that can change our lives for the better.

What can we learn in these moments? Here are a few things I have learned through my own descent to rock bottom:

1. I realized how grateful I felt for everything in my life even the small innocuous things. Hitting rock bottom changed my perception of everything and everyone around me. I became more compassionate and accepting of people and where they were on their journey.

2, When you have nothing, you have nothing to lose. Rock Bottom takes us out of our comfort zone, so we become more open to all things we were afraid of doing before.

3, You discover who your real friends are. When you have nothing to give or you’ve been treated down and battered, the people who show up are your real friends. You will find that people that you expected to be there, weren’t and the people you never thought would be there for you, were in a genuine way.

4. You learn how to really love yourself and that you are here for a reason. You learn your value and appreciate all that you have overcome. And you refuse to lose sight of your self-worth.

5. You are forced to look at everything that led up to your rock bottom and where you may have contributed to where you are. You develop radical accountability and responsibility for yourself and take complete ownership of your role in what happened, and in your life moving forward.

6. How you respond to what is happening is so much more important than what is actually happening. There are so many things that happen outside of our control. What defines our character is how we deal with it and what we do with the hand we have been given.

7. You realize just how resourceful you are. When things become crazy and your life is in shambles, you literally dig deeper into your soul and are willing to give things everything you’ve got. You begin to think outside the box. And refuse to give up.

8. Sometimes we have to completely fall apart so that we can rebuild ourselves into something better. I sometimes think of a butterfly emerging from their little cocoon. Just when they thought their world as they knew it was ending, they became a butterfly. Everything that is happening right now is what needs to happen to catapult you into a better place.

Leader Or Follower

Are you a leader or a follower?

I am neither a leader nor a follower. I don’t want to follow because I am very opinionated. I don’t want to be part of a team because I would rather work twice as hard by myself than count on others to help me do it. I also don’t think I am a leader because I like to stay to myself. Maybe it’s born out of a great deal of disappointment when I have to trust people.

I feel best when I’m alone, but I do enjoy interacting socially. Being an empath, social settings can take a lot of energy. I need prolonged time by myself to recharge. It’s trusting a team or trusting a leader where my conflict begins. I don’t want to be part of either one.

Fruits And Personalities

List your top 5 favorite fruits.

Your personality can be linked to your favorite fruit. Your personality has a direct influence on your test buds, but the reverse is also true.

Science says that your favorite fruits can help identify your personality traits.

My favorite top 5 fruits are:

Coconut – I tend to be stubborn, quick witted and alert and I need a partner with brains.

Mango – I am endowed with my own visions and views, I tend to be a “hard but to crack.” I am lead by my own observations and my analytical thinking.

Pineapple – I am quick to decide and even quicker to act. I tend to be undaunted by any task as hand, and am reliant, sincere and honest with my dealing with others.

Peach – I enjoy life and I’m frank and outspoken with my friends. I am quick to forgive.

Watermelon -I am laid back, friendly and love spending time outdoors.

Roots And Fruit

“That person will be like a tree planted by the streams of water, that produces its fruit in its season, whose leaf also does not wither. Whatever they do will prosper” – Psalm 1:3

What is it that causes some people to bear so much fruit for the Lord while others are simply “leafy”? What is the reason behind some consistently growing in strength while others consistently struggle in weakness?

Scripture offers the apology of a tree as an example. When we see that healthy plant standing tall even in stormy times and bearing fruit even in harsh conditions, it’s due to the part of the tree we don’t see. The hidden part -the root system.

When we look at a tree, you never see the entire tree. We just see what grows above the ground in plain sight.

But that’s not the important part. It’s the roots that are important. Those are the keys for the trees nourishing. It’s how it accesses life-giving water and minerals.

When these roots are strong the tree thrives and bears fruit. When these roots are shallow or weak, the fruit (if it does appear) is withered and short-lived.

The Tree’s Fruitfulness Can Never Exceed Its Rootfulness

What’s true for trees is also true for you and me. There are two parts to our existence: the part that’s visible to the world and the hidden part that no one can see.

It’s the visible part that manifests the fruit of the Spirit -love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control.

It’s the hidden part of our life that taps into that Spirit, communing with Him through time in His Word, moments in prayer, and worship.

No one can see these things. They are done in the secret place, privately, below the surface. But they are absolutely key to fruitfulness. It’s thete we receive spiritual nourishment to bear fruit.

“Your fruitfulness for God will always be proportionate to your rootfulness in God” -Jonathan Cahn

In other words, if we are to become great we need to grow deep.

An interesting fact is that the Hebrew word for “root” is sheresh which is linked to deepness or depth.

In Colossians 2:6-7 Paul writes, “As therefore you received Messiah, Yeshua, the Lord, walk in Him, rooted are build up in Him, and we’re taught, abounding in it in thanksgiving.

My guess is that we are no different that we all long to bear fruit for the Kingdom. And you really want your life to count.

That being nth case you need to aim to grow deeper in the hidden and secret places. Drinking constantly in the Spirit of God who is more than willing to offer those who seek Him.

And as you do the promise of Proverbs 12:12 will be yours, …”but the root of the righteous flourishes.”

The Small Things Matter

What’s one small improvement you can make in your life?

One small thing I do every day is wake up with good expectations every day. I expect to find some one to bless. I expect to have an amazing day. I find when I expect good things to happen every day.

There’s a quote a heard many years ago. that says,

“Are you going to wake up a Tigger or a Eeyore today.”

The Light And Dark Within Us

One could argue that there is light and darkness in each of us is constantly at battle. But perhaps one has simply dominated the other, or some sort of balance has been attained.

Each of us has a shady side and a sunny side. There’s an old Native American story about the internal conflict and the way a grandfather explained it to his grandchildren.

One of his grandchildren asked his grandfather, “Why do people fight?“

The grandfather answered and said, we all have two wolves inside of us. These wolves are constantly fighting each other. Everyone has them.

There is a white wolf and a black wolf inside of us.

The black wolf is filled with fear, anger, envy, jealousy, greed, and arrogance.

The white wolf is filled with peace, love, hope, courage, humility, compassion, and faith.

They fight constantly. The grandchild asked his grandfather “which one wins?”

Many people realize how often the works and internal conflict are dominated by the black wolf. Everyone can resonate with the feeding of emotions such as anger, jealousy, and fear. These emotions can at times have power over us. By giving these emotions (the black wolf) headspace we are fundamentally feeding them. It can become hard to snap out of it. Many people have an underdeveloped white wolf.

For some people, while growing up it was not often fed by parents or those people in positions of authority, such as teachers. Certain organizational cultures can encourage the “black wolf.” This can lead their white wolf to be weak, skinny, and small.

But that doesn’t mean it’s not possible to change the focus and attention towards the white wolf and moving forward.

The moral of the “Two Wolves” is that we need to work constantly. It’s true that some people find it more difficult than others to choose the white wolf, but at the end of the day we can choose to stop feeding the black wolf. And choose to feed the white wolf.

It’s that simple. But it isn’t easy,

The black wolf is primarily self serving and mainly interested in staying ahead of the other wolves at any cost. This wolf is the “survivor” within us.

The white wolf, however, is interested in development and sees itself as a mete vehicle to spread love and kindness. It is led by this cause. It doesn’t feel like a choice or an obligation, it just surrenders to the call of this life force -it just feels natural.

It can be tough to get your inner white wold healthy when your black wolf is always eager to steal as much as it can. But by preserving. The day will come when you’ll notice that the white wolf has become equally strong.

While that inner battle may still continue, if you consistently feed the white wolf it will win more fights and get stronger.

When we feed the light instead of the dark, light can overcome the darkness.

People Who Make Positive Impacts

Share a story about someone who had a positive impact on your life.

I have several people who have made a positive impact on me. Beginning with my husband, family and friends but by far the person that has made the most positive impact in is Jesus. I wouldn’t be here to day without Him.

By reading the Bible every day, praying and following His example to how to do life, my personal relationship with Him draws me closer and gives me so much hope, peace and joy regardless of what it happening around me or in the world.