From Pity to Praise

My Favorite Word

What’s your favorite word?

Considering every possible word I could choose, without a doubt, peace is my favorite word. For me, peace is not only an efficient, pleasant sounding word, it is the end game, the very purpose of our lives. Peace is the condition and experience we seek most in every situation, circumstance, and relationship in our lives.

As we go about the activity of making choices in our lives, we are not really choosing the thing itself. Rather, we are choosing it because of what we believe it will bring us. Ultimately what we believe it will bring us peace. It is the condition and experience of peace we most deeply desire, not the “form’ of the thing that symbolically represents our gateway to peace.

Living Intentionally For God

Living intentionally means purposely pursuing the life that God, has called us to live. Being intentional takes focused action and living God inspired intentions. God is intentional and called us to be the same. Just as He intentionally created the world and humankind. He would ask us to be intentional in our relationship with Him.

God Is Intentional

The God we serve is profoundly intentional in all His ways and dealings. All his intentional actions flow out of His vision, passion, and purpose.

In order to live intentionally with God, it requires us to be in constant communication with ourselves, and to be emotionally intelligent. Our self awareness, self management, social awareness, and relationship management should all work for the glory of the Lord.

Genesis 1:1-31 tells us God’s intentions from the beginning. The first day of light, the second day of firmament, The third day of dry ground, the fourth day of the sun, moon, and stars, the fifth day the fish and birds, and the sixth day creatures of the land. After all of this creation, God concluded, with the observation that the intention of His work was good and created meaning and value with forethought.

“God saw everything that He had made, and behold, it was very good. And the evening in the morning, where the sixth today.“ – Genesis 1:31

You are not an accident, but God’s intention.

We must realize that every detail of our lives is not an accident. Nothing in life just happens, but it’s a learning experience for us, even though we may not understand it at the time. One thing that is easy for us to understand is God’s love for us.

The Bible tells us that God’s intention for creation was not only to reveal His character, but also to provide the need for all that He has made, human and non-human.

In Genesis 1:28 God further explained this as He refers to our being created for abundance and goodness. “God blessed them; and God said to them, “ be fruitful and multiply, fill the earth, and subdue it. Have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the sky, and over every living thing that moves on the earth.”

God directs us through His emotional intelligence to be fruitful, multiply, and rule all with His intention for us to have a abundant life.

So how do we discover gods intention for us?

It’s important to learn how to live in Kempner Ole, and not leave out the source that enables us to do so.

Colossians 1:16 says, “For by Him all things were created, in heaven, and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions, or rulers or authorities all things were created through Him and for Him.”

Living intentionally kept our discovering the answers to our purpose and direction in the Scriptures, God’s living Word, and seeking His divine intention for us.

How do we do this:

Honor Your Beliefs

Living with intention means being in constant communication with yourself. We must be authentic to who we’ve been created to be, and work towards developing ourselves in a Jesus, like way. Being emotionally intelligent in Christ helps us with this, as it answers the question who I am and what way does my relationship with Christ shape my understanding of myself?

“I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith, and the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.“ – Galatians 2:20

It is because of the reality of the new life we have taken on that allows us to experience an honor our beliefs in the intention that God has for us. Start by shining a light on your cell to reflect on who you are now.

Praying Intentionally

When we ask God to help or ask him to bring things into our life, believe with all your heart that He will take care of things. Praying intentionally requires you to first be patient. Ask God to speak to you and direct your prayers in the way He would have you pray. God listens, we ask, but we must have patience to wait for His reply. It is important to also ask for His help. This involves not only praying in unison, but with faith. Christ connections is an emotionally intelligent behavior that Jesus Himself set as an intention for us.

“A new command I have given you; Love one another as I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this, everyone will know that you are my disciples if you love one another.“ – John 13:34-35

We all should be enlisting our prayer warriors and settling intentions. The move away from the I/Me mentality to the awareness of other meets all our needs and shows that we are disciples of Christ. The Lord is faithful and through Godly Intentions, all things are possible that are His will. As you make Christ connections, you develop a deeper awareness that Christ is demonstrating to others, that you are a true disciple of God.

Living Your Purpose

By identifying God’s purpose, you allow it to shape your approach to life. You then see changes in your attitude, and make your decisions based on the discernment of the Holy Spirit. Emotional intelligence in Christ is the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit within you to discern and manage emotions as Jesus did. The Holy Spirit enables you to sit godly intentions, and will guide you in your purpose, driven life. Change is all about the God in you.

Learn to incorporate intentions in your daily life and verbalize the intention that God has for you. Believe that in Christ, you are intentional. Jesus is our guiding light for the intentions He sets. Being emotionally intelligent in Christ, helps you demonstrate the intentions God has for you. Then sit back and marble at the love, peace, and joy God gives you.

The Four Cups Of Wine At The Jewish Passover Table

Passover in Exodus 12 is a picture of Christ’s future redemptive work. Some amazing imagery if found throughout the four cups at the supper table of the Jewish people. They reveal the complete plan of redemption for believers from the time of salvation to the time of their bodily resurrection, the final redemption.

Four cups are used at the supper table celebrating Jewish Passover Supper and contain a mixing of wine and water. This mix is a prophetic image of Christ, the Lamb of God who died around the same time as the Passover feast. When Christ was pierced with the Roman lance, blood and water came forth from His wound, sealing our redemption (John 19:34). According to Jewish Rabbis, the four cups at Passover correspond to the four promises of God in Exodus 6:6-7.

I will bring you out
I will rid (deliver) you out of their bondage
I will redeem you will a stretched our arm
I will take you to me for a people

These four promises are the same spiritual redemption promises found in the New Testament given by Christ to every person who accept His sacrificial death and resurrection (Galatians 1:4, Romans 8:15, 2 Corinthians 1:10: Titus 2:14, John 14:3).

The Names Of The Four Cups

1. Cup of sanctification

2. Cup of affliction

3. Cup of redemption

4. Cup of consummation

The Cup Of Sanctification

The first cup drank from. This cup foreshadows Christ’s taking the cup for the first time at the Last Supper and saying “Take this, and divide it among yourself: For I say unto you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine, until the kingdom of God shall come. This is my blood of the New Testament (New Covenant), which is shed for many. Jesus went on the prayed: “And for their sake (thr disciples) I sanctify myself that they also might be sanctified through the truth.” The cup of sanctification is the first cup that Christ drank with His disciples.

The Cup Of Affliction

Jesus referred to this cup when He prophesied of His sufferings, which were hours later. During the supper, Jesus took His finger and dipped it into this cup and placed a small portion of wine on the table (perhaps representing the blood He sweated in the Garden of Gethsemane). In the Garden Jesus prayer, O’ my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass by me” (Matthew 26:39).

Perry Stone believes the blood Jesus sweat was caused by the pressure of the sins of mankind bearing down on Him (see 2 Corinthians 5;21).

The Cup Of Redemption

This is the cup Jesus drank from after the Last Supper concluded when He announced, “This is the New Testament of my blood, which is shed for you.” ((Luke 22:20)

The Cup Of Consummation

This fourth cup sets upside down at the supper table and relates to the past as well as the future. It is called the cup of Hallel, or praise. Recited over this cup: “Pour out your wrath,” representing the Egyptians experiencing God’s wrath through the ten plagues and His wrath to be poured out in Revelation 16:1. Note: For Christians the fourth cup has a different meaning – consummation to be used at the marriage supper of the Lamb towards the conclusion of the seven-year tribulation (Revelation 19:7-8). Christ and the bride will consummate the marriage when both drink from the final cup of consummation (Matthew 26:28). “But I say to you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.

There is also a fifth cup called “Cup of Elijah” symbolizing an expression of redemption for all mankind upon the return of the Messiah. It sits on the Jewish table filled but never drank from. A child is often sent to the door during the supper to see if the prophet Elijah is in the street announcing the coming of the Messiah.

Taken from: Perry Stone Hebraic Prophetic Study Bible KJV.

The Power Of God

No matter what we’re going through, we have to remember that God’s power is greater than anything we’re experiencing. What ever we face in life from financial problems to health challenges to adversity of any kind -God’s power is more than enough to change our situation. Which causes us to be victorious.

God is always willing to work on our behalf. But all too often instead of looking to Him when we face a crisis, we try to come up with our own solutions. If we need extra money, we look for ways to work a second job or working overtime, or selling one of our possessions, Doing these things may not be wise. The first thing I think of when I begin to struggle is “have I tithed enough.” Which may seem crazy to some, but God blesses people who give. Malachi 3:10 says, “Test me in this, says the Lord Almighty, and see if I will not open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.”

Our wisdom is limited, but God’s wisdom is unlimited. I believe we should do everything we can. But sometimes everything we do isn’t enough.

Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 2:5 that “ (our) faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God,” The Holy Spirit can do more for us in 2-seconds than we can do in 2 days. It’s not about what we can do, it’s about what God can do. It’s His power and ability not ours that works out our problems.

Faith is the key for God’s power to operate in our lives. It important to know where to put your faith. In other words, our faith has to be in something. And in 1 Corinthians 2:5 we see it should be in God’s power, not in the wisdom of men.

When God speaks things change. He says with His mouth what He believes in His heart and it comes into manifestation. We see this in Genesis 1, when He said let there be light.

Proverbs 18:21 says, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue.” Every time we open our mouths, we are speaking either death and destruction or life and blessing into a situation.

The Word of God contains the power of God. That power is activated when we speak God’s Word into our situations. When we hide God’s Word in our hearts and speak forth that word, we can change our situation.

God power can be compared to electricity. We can have electricity in our homes but nothing happens until we turn on the switch. The power has been there all the time, but nothing happens until it is activated.

You can activate God’s power by speaking His Word and having faith in His laws for the things we need changed. God’s power is a powerful force. No sickness, disease, poverty, or demon in hell can stand up against it.

Evening

What are you doing this evening?

My life is pretty simple. I get my dinner dishes done. By then my dog is getting antsy and stomping for her nightly walk, which usually is a run for her, as fast as her little long legs will carry her.

After that my hubby and sit down and talk for a few minutes. I try to get a few chores around the house down, whether it be mopping the kitchen floor or cleaning the bathroom.

Then I pick up the book to reading right now its “Sepher Yetzirah.” I’m trying to wrap my head around the Jewish beliefs a little more. Just because I feel it will be important at some time in my life.

By about 9:00 I read the Bible and meditate. Pick out my clothes for the day ahead, and get the coffee machine ready for in the morning, which usually comes about 1 or 2 AM.

Yep, a pretty simple evening. Nothing to exciting here.

Red Flags

What personality trait in people raises a red flag with you?

When I meet someone for the first time and the speak in a way the emphasizes all the bad things about themselves, other people or situations.

Negativity is contagious and can spread quickly. I want to be in a positive environment. Life is short, it’s not worth it to me around someone who has a bad attitude towards everything. Negative people uauytry to blame others for mistakes, or situations they find themselves in.

I have tried to talk to some negative people, trying to encourage them to be more positive. I usually end up be stressed out and tired.

Do You Have A Willing Heart

A familiar companion to all of us, who live in this world is their own personal conscience. It goes will us no matter where we go or what we do or how we actions, our outlook on life, our relationships with others and who we really are inside.

When it comes to right or wrong, our conscious should cut to the “heart” of any concern in our personal makeup, right or wrong. When it comes to who we really are deep down, the question needs to be asked, “What’s in our hearts?” In essence, what controls our thoughts, our emotions, or viewpoints, our makeup, our “person?”

Who are we really? What’s in our hearts? Do we have a wise heart? Are our heart’s receptive to good values and do we live these values in our daily lives?

There are many catchphrases about the heart. Like, “put your whole heart into it” and, “have heartfelt feelings” and, “wearing your heart on your sleeve” and many more.

Edward Blumer-Liston said, “That a good heart is better than all the heads in the world.”

Tanya A. Moore said, “A person’s world is only as big as their heart.”

The Bible also gives us quotes about the heart. Romans 10:10 says, “For with the heart on believes unto righteousness and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” Galatians 6:9 says, “And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we donor lose heart.”

On the flip side to what the heart holds and God is not mocked; He knows us better than we know and we need to be careful what we allow into our hearts (Galatians 6:7, Psalm 139:1-4).

As time continues for those of us who really care what God thinks about us, we need to be conscious clear,” carefully preparing what’s in our hearts, clarifying where our treasure is, and beseeching our God to put in us a clean heart worthy of His blessings and protection.

My Ideal Week

Describe your ideal week.

Sunday – Coffee and fellowship With God: Church. A comfort meal, and after noon nap. Listen to music. Reading a book. Bath. Pray before bed. Mediation

Monday – Coffee and Read Bible and Pray. Morning Prayer meeting; Visit with my daughter. Cook dinner. Swimming. Bath. Pray before bed. Mindfulness Meditation

Tuesday – Read Bible and Praying. Coffee with a friend. Music time. Start dinner. Read a book. Bath. Pray before bed. Mindfulness Meditation.

Wednesday – Coffee, Morning Bible Study group. Lunch. nap, Start dinner. evening walk, long soak in the tub. Bath. Prayer before bed. Mindfulness Meditation.

Thursday – Cofree and fellowship with God. Music, nap. Start dinner. Grocery shopping. Watch a little TV. Pray before bed, Mindfulness Meditation .

Friday -Coffee and fellowship with God. Go to the city, shopping, and lunch. Start dinner, watch a movie, Bath. Prayer before bed. Mindfulness Meditation.

Saturday- Coffee and fellowship with God. Long drive to the mountains with Husband, Dinner out. Talk to my children. Watch a movie. Bath Prayer before bed. Mindfulness Meditation.

I wish all my days would be this uniform. But with the world being as it is it’s next to impossible these days. In my ideal week I want a routine where everything would fall into place.

Why Do Many People Ignore This Reality?

A few years ago, the entire world shut down. We could turn on any news channel and hear up-to-the-minute death tolls. People hid in there homes, afraid of having contact with anyone. Schools were empty, businesses closed down, supplies ran low and fear was the driving force behind it all.

What were people afraid of? They were afraid of death. The thoughts of contracting a virus, becoming sick and ultimately dying terrified the entire population on earth.

What’s interesting is that while people took drastic, preventive measures to stay healthy and doing whatever the media instructed to avoid any risk of infection – their ultimate fear was death. People were determined to stay alive.

It’s interesting to note that most people think death is the worst things that can happen to them. But, when you reflect on the choices people make in the name of self-preservation, people never really realize what comes after death.

People vigorously avoid the topic of heaven and hell
There is no mention of judgement to come
There is not urgency to talk about Jesus Christ and the cross

What people should truly fear is what they will face after this life, what will happen if the don’t accept Jesus are Lord and Savior.

There is a day that’s coming where we all will give account for our actions and motives and even the intents of our heart. It is called the”Great White Throne Judgment in Revelation 20:11-15. This will be a terrifying day for any unbeliever. Imagine standing before God and being rejected and being told that you will spend eternity in hell.

It will be a place of utter darkness, isolation, and burning heat, confusing and hunger. God will not be there so that will be no light at all, there will be fire and brimstone, hopelessness and fear. Many people think it will be “one big party” they will be horribly mistaken.

A lot of people think they will reconcile the issue on their death bed or if their diagnosed with a fatal disease. But, I know I would definitely not want to take that chance. I have a friend in that is in the last stages of cancer, and refuses to accept Christ as her Lord and Savior. In my mind it’s just not worth it.

Professional Athletes

Name the professional athletes you respect the most and why.

I am definitely not a sports fan, so I couldn’t tell you which professional is which. I’ve just never liked any sport. My son played baseball when he was younger and I got excited about his games.

I know the Babe Ruth was an excellent baseball player. And Morgan Wallen the singer/songwriter used to play baseball and had a chance to play professionally until he hurt his elbow playing the sport. But other than that my mind goes blank.

Toxic People

If you know someone who’s difficult and causes a lot of conflict in your life, you may be dealing with a person who is toxic. These people an create a lot of stress and unpleasantness for you and others not to mention emotional or physical pain. I’m sure we have all met people who are toxic or been told about them.

A toxic person is anyone who’s behavior adds negativity and upset to your life. Many times people who are toxic are dealing with their own stresses and traumas. Todo this, they act in ways that don’t present then in the best light and usually others along the way. Some might even recognize family members who are toxic.

Toxicity in people isn’t considered a mental disorder. But there could be underlying mental problems that causes someone to act in toxic ways, including personality disorders.

Sometimes we tend to just accommodate toxic people, until it becomes a serious matter of mental or physical abuse or just think that’s just the way they are. I thought I would share some warning signs to watch out for if you think you’re dealing with a toxic person. Life is to short to accept toxic people into our lives. If you can help it, try and shy away from people like this.

You feel like you’re being manipulated Into something you don’t want to do.
You are constantly confused by the person’s behavior.
You feel like you deserve an apology that never comes.
You always have to defend yourself around this person.
You continually feed bad about yourself in their presence.

If you’ve experienced these feelings around someone, they may be toxic. If you constantly have these emotions, you may want to change the relationship or stop the relationship entirely.

Just like there are signs you’re around a toxic person because of how the person makes you feel, there are sign seen in person themselves that highlight their toxicity.

Inconsistency

Part of being human is having ups and downs, good times, and bad times. But a toxic person is almost never consistent. Their behavior is erratic. They don’t follow through on their commitments or promises. You never know what they will do next. This inconsistency is very hard when you’re trying to be there for someone. They can be elated with you one minute, and write you off the next.

They Always Need Your Attention

Have you noticed that a person who always need something from you? Whether it’s constant phone calls, texts, or showing up at your door, they always need emotional support. And they’re probably not being supportive to you in return. They take all that you have without giving much back. They have a heightened level of self-interest, a need to showcase their own greatness to receive affirmation.

There Is Always Drama

Have you ever noticed how drama seems to follow some people? It’s likely not a coincidence. Toxic people thrive in dramatic environments. They inflame emotions and create conflict. They love stirring the pot to see what happens. People are often toxic because they’re not interested in being stable and healthy relationships.

They Don’t Respect Your Boundaries

Another sign of a toxic person is no boundaries. If you have been clear with someone time and time again about your needs, and they just can’t help themselves and disrespect them, they are toxic. Healthy relationships are based on trust and the ability to respect boundaries. Toxic people just can’t do that,

They Manipulate Others For What They Need

If your around someone and constantly feel taken advantage of, or manipulated your probably dealing with a toxic person. This means they will do anything to get what they need. This means lying, bending the truth, exaggerating, or leaving out information so that you take a certain action or have a certain opinion about them. They will do whatever it takes, even if it means hurting people.

They Abuse Substances

Another toxic behavior is the abuse of substances, like drugs and alcohol. These behaviors become toxic when the person is continually harming other people, including themselves.

Now that you know the signs of a toxic person, both in the way you feel and they act, whether they’re a family member or not. What do you do about it?

Here are a few things I’ve learned over the years. These are a few strategies to try.

Confront Them

As soon as you notice toxic behaviors, call them out on any lies or inconsistencies. Tell them you don’t appreciate how they behave. This shows them that you’re paying attention. And your giving them an opportunity to explain themselves and apologize.

Set Stricter Boundaries

If you can not get away from toxic people in your life, try to set stricter boundaries. For example m if someone is abusing substances let them know you won’t see them u less they are sober. Or make it clear you won’t tolerate their overly dramatic behavior. Limit the time you spend with them.

Cut Them Out Of Your Life

I have a family member that is toxic, I can’t get away from them. But I restrict the amount of time I have to spend with them. At family get togethers I spend the least amount of time I have to with them. If I get overly stressed I go outside and take a walk or call a friend.

No one like spending time with toxic people who stress them out or cause them pain. I hope this gives you a few strategies that will help you cope.

Doors In The New Year

Rosh Hashanah

Rosh Hashanah is Jerusalem’s New Year. It is September 16th 2023 , Year 5784 which would compare to our 2024.

Every year according to the Hebrew Alphabet there is a prophetic meaning for the year. If we look at the number 4 according to the Hebrew Alphabet.

The focus on the significance of number 4 in the new year 5784, 4 is dalet. The number not only looks like a door, but it means door.

This coming year will be a time of preparation, a time when some doors will be opened and others will be shut. This is the year of new opportunities and walking through new doors in the spirit.

What Is Standing In The Doorway?

There is a lack of understanding that could be standing in the doorway, getting in the way of the peace that the Spirit of God is pouring over your mind. We must see ourselves as the ones who are called and step into the calling God has prepared for us. We must be the generation caked to be repairers of the breach, pioneer reformers of the latter rain glory.

“The glory of this latter temple shall be greater than the former, says the Lord of hosts. And in this place I will give you peace, says the Lord of hosts” -Haggai 2:9 (Messianic)

“The Lord will guide you continually, and satisfy your soul in drought, and strengthen your bones; you shall be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose water do not fail. Those who shall be of you shall build the old waste places; you shall raise up the foundations of many generations; and you shall be called the Repairer of the breach, the Restorer of Streets to Dwell in.” -Isaiah 58:11-12 (Messianic)

Preparing For Open Doors in 5784 (2024)

As you get quiet before the Lord focus on knowing, seeing and feeling what God is releasing in the coming months. He will be taking you full circle in the coming months, asking you to reflect on what was and step into what is to come.

“I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My Word, and have not denied my name.“ Revelation 3:8 (Messianic)

Know –Know the doors God has shut for you will stay shut. The tormenting spirits that once has access will no longer have access to torment you.

He is bringing you into a full-circle reset, opening new doors of opportunity.

See – See how God used “open door” trials for something bigger. Often, an open door from God allows our faith to be stretched and straightened. Trials work out faith-like tension works our muscles. When we are in a stressful situation, God has a plan to work it out and bring about an abundant harvest in due time.

God doesn’t send tormenting through to, but He will use every situation to build your faith and bring glory to Himself if you allow it.

Feel -Feel the supernatural faith experience. Understand that in 5783 (2023), God used closed doors to open up bigger and better ones. In 5781 feet the perfect peace of God flow over you in this new season.

How To Prophetically Prepare For Doors To Open And Shut.

It is time to A.C.T. – apply, change, and transform.

A –Apply Revelations 3:7, “I know your work….” Apply the truth that Yeshua (God) has opened new doors before you!

C – Change your mindset to trusting God to shift you through this opened door. His ways are better than ours. His plans are better than ours. His plans are bigger. His dreams for your life are more rewarding, fulfilling, and more blessed than you could ever imagine.

T – Be transformed by staying focused, and open to the Spirit, and surrendering to God’s guidance to it all His way.

Preparing To Move Into 5784 (2024)

As you prepare to move into the new year, meditate on Isaiah 23:6,

“You will keep whoever’s mind in steadfast in perfect peace, because he trusts in you,” – Isaiah 26:3 (Messianic)

Receive The Peace That Transcends All Understanding!