Solomon’s Missings (part 1)
The great King Solomon was great; wasn’t he? Oh so wise and wealthy and full of it- himself that is. So much so that the glory of the Lord didn’t shine through him as it should have. What King Solomon missed was big enough for it to be noticed without a doubt. What did King Solomon actually miss? For today we examine two key things that were missed and that by noticing them you won’t miss them in your own life.
1- King Solomon missed opportunities to share the goodness of the great God and even holiness with Queen of Sheba. She visited him and brought her own riches to the king along with her tough questions yet in 1King10:5 we read that ‘And the meat of his table, and the sitting of his servants, and the attendance of his ministers, and their apparel, and his cupbearers, and his ascent by which he went up unto the house of the LORD; there was no more spirit in her.’ Why is there is filling of His Spirit in her? Where was the talk about the faith of Abraham? Where was the talk about his father King David? What it’s like to be in the presence of the Lord? No talk of such things! What a missed opportunity don’t you think? How many opportunities are you missing out on by talking of the nature of the world instead of the Word? Is it basketball and who’s better over His glory?
2- Solomon was wealthy no doubt; but so what? We can see that if there is a misappropriation of wealth that it means nothing so we must know what the purpose for wealth is in the first place. You may be surprised to learn it isn’t to buy more luxury vehicles and shoes; just saying.In Deuteronomy 8;18 it tells us, ‘But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your ancestors, as it is today.’ So the wealth you produce is part of a covenant with Him? Hmmm…. so that means it isn’t that God gives you the ability to gain wealth and then turn away from Him with not even a thank you?
We see Solomon came into the wealth through his father although once his heart turned away everything changed. The purpose of what the wealth was intended was not the outcome. Solomon was more interested in his own kingdom and not that of the Lord’s. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ymcacO9d2A
When we turn our eyes from the Lord everything changes. It did for King Solomon although most don’t see that; they focus on the wealth and wisdom which makes sense.
It is when we recognize the rest that will cause us to not only walk in wisdom; but to also include in our prayers application of that wisdom and also self-awareness. What good does wisdom do you if you aren’t aware of what you are even doing? Solomon simply proves to us all that any of us can be wise and stupid at the same time.
______________________________________________________
Today’s Scripture
Isaiah 29:10 The LORD has brought over you a deep sleep: He has sealed your eyes (the prophets); he has covered your heads (the seers).
______________________________________________________
Forgiveness Tip #16
Forgive yourself for not seeing the obvious.
______________________________________________________
Julie Blair is President of Julie Blair Ministries that helps people mature in Christ. To learn more about going deeper in Christ or to have Julie speak to your church or business visit www.julieblair.com
All images belong to their owners
In the wake of society’s overly politically correct requirement and acceptance of perversion; life is changing. What we all must realize is that denying sin doesn’t change its existence. Period. Sin is sin and it is God who deems it so.
The problem with current society is that it is one big coward. The church is a coward, its people are cowards all the while the army of the enemy bullies everyone everywhere. Where are the warriors willing to stand up for something; anything of righteousness in Christ? Why is it instead that every wake and turn of the devil and his minions are people speaking up and taking over?
Here is the thing that we must realize. If you are ok with sin and are too afraid to call it what it is for fear of being mean or called hateful then what are you doing? How can you call yourself a Christian all the while placate sin and not speak up about it; and then relish and live in it celebrating it with others? How is that advancing God’s Kingdom? We can clearly see how that’s um ‘not’ working can’t we?
When you get that God is the one who deems sin what it is your life will change. Until then nothing will except for the fact that you are sold a bill of lies; you will have fallen prey to the enemy who is just laughing at your ignorance of thinking you are standing for something and you are- it’s just that you are now a representative of the devil. Is that what you want to represent? Keep on standing up for sin and not the righteousness of Christ and guess what- that is exactly what you are doing.
It’s when you remove the fear and stand up and say sin is sin regardless of what others think that your life will change. You may lose some friends who think you are intolerant because you say being gay is sin but so what- you at least were bold enough to stand on the Word of God and speak it. At least you spoke Truth that would plant a seed instead of being a coward not doing anything but approving the death of someone else. At least you were on the side of holiness. And doesn’t that count for more than something?
In case you haven’t noticed society in America is changing. Sin is pervasive and has perverted our entire nation. There is no escaping it and even church pastors are on board with it and some even going so far to tell Christians to ‘evolve’ to just accept sin. What is that brothers and sisters? Seriously- what is that and why on earth would you accept it?
Unless you are willing to stand up in your church and outside of that building living in sin is not of God then don’t expect much of an escape route given to you by God. Why would you? Let it be made clear in Matthew 12:30 ‘”Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.” So you need to choose what side you are on. And do it now while you still can.
Choose carefully. Do you just want to live in lala land where love in every sinful way is just accepted just because it’s the times and God’s Word is just outdated; or do you want to live in obedience to Christ and in His abundance that will come? Remember they hated Jesus so if you are so bold to stand up for Him then when they hate you- so what? Why should you even care if people who don’t even know who they are hate you? What it is to you? Your focus should be on His Word and your allegiance to Him and not to the ways of the sinful world that brings you nothing but death. Remember these words of Jesus in Matthew 10:34 “Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword.”
Don’t be afraid to stand up and say sin is sin. Period. If someone doesn’t like hearing that it’s not your problem. That is between that person and the Lord. It’s the Truth and if you are going to survive it will require you to get bold and speak up. Stop placating and pretending because that isn’t going to bring people to Christ. If you go down and live in the sins of others where is the testimony? Where is the power? There won’t be and you will have lost it all simply because you chose to disregard God’s Word that sin is sin regardless of what you or I think of it. It’s time to get that message so we can start advancing His Kingdom and stop dying in the devils.
______________________________________________________
Today’s Scripture
Psalm 97:10 You who love the LORD, hate evil! He protects the lives of his godly people and rescues them from the power of the wicked.
______________________________________________________
Forgiveness Tip #15
Forgiveness isn’t a game of lip service but heart change through repentance.
______________________________________________________
Julie Blair is President of Julie Blair Ministries and host of ‘Living in Forgiveness’ television and radio programs that airs daily to over 3 Billion people on 5 continents. To learn more about forgiveness and the love of Christ or to speak to your church or business visit www.julieblair.com
Image Belongs to its Owner
In the wake of tragedy or any life event that hits the hearts of people typically one of two things occur: they either turn toward God or turn from Him. One is in seeking understanding, peace and solace while the other too is seeking of understanding although in more of a justification of proving that God is a god of hate. The question based upon the latter is what happens when you believe God hates you? I can answer that.
Growing up I experienced dysfunction on many levels. With my biological mother as a toddler we lived in a car and then she abandoned me. As a child being ripped away from my mother and put into the back of the black car on that day with no toys or blankets with the CIA looking people I experienced rejection and its damaging effects beyond what any toddler ever should. If a mother doesn’t love her child then how could God? If God is love and my mother left me then did He not fill her with the capacity to love? And why was I the one who suffered because of it? For years I couldn’t grasp the love of the Father because of the lack of love from both mother and father.
Now on the flipside I spent 2 years in a foster hone where they truly loved me and I loved them. It was beautiful; probably what most experience in life as children. I was happy and had a family although it wouldn’t last. I was taken from that family too; the one that loved me but at least I had the experience. I was graced with the experience of love and it was beautiful; I just wish it lasted longer. The only reason why it didn’t was because the court paperpushers deemed my foster parents Bob and Emily Dedmond too old to be adoptive parents. How stupid is that? You can keep a child and love it but someone else determines whether or not you are fit because of your age. And so again what was up with the so called God of love? Was I just the one He chose to pick on for some reason? Was it because it was Tuesday? Or just Sunday?
I was adopted and that too simply revealed to me another level of God’s either distain for me or just His pure evil sense of humor. But here is the thing: I get it now. And I pray in Jesus name that you get it too.
I was reminded of the night when I was 5 on my knees newly adopted praying that Jesus would be my escape. Now; don’t ask how I knew 1) to pray that or 2) who Jesus was as I can’t answer that. What I do know is that in the midst of every trial and triumph He has been with me and He has been there with you too. His Word tells is in Psalm 27 that He will never leave you nor forsake you. That means ‘never’. And so what happens when you think God hates you? I’ll tell you. You will live like it:
1- Your ability to love will not be evident. It is not possible to love without Jesus for His is love. There is a difference of living in love and hate and when you turn your back on the Lord you stop all flow of what is good because His Word also tells us that He withholds no good thing. Love is a good thing and without it; there is nothing. Absolutely nothing.
2- Your outlook will be death and not life. Have you ever been around someone who sees the glass empty? Forget half full but just empty. And of course it’s cloudy too and dirty and funk filled on the bottom. Yep. No life because there is no God. Death is all consuming just as life is yet one produces and multiplies and the other steals and diminishes. When I believed God hated me I lived in turmoil of a downward spiral because of the pain. It was the lies I believed and not the Truth that kept me with the devil’s outlook. I was in essence; a tool used by the devil.
3- You will find every way to justify the wrong to prove His hate. Oh yes this is a big one dear reader. When things go wrong it’s so easy to find all the other wrong things. I did that for years; decades to be exact. Unforgiveness is the open doorway that also keeps your eyes distorted to the truth. It’s easy to see everything negative when you are looking at it. And of course God is just a god of hate wrong because people choose sin and turn their backs on Him never mind the free will part of the equation. Everything in my life for so long was just to justify how right I was in saying God hated me and sure I had enough ammunition to prove it; although I can surely attest that I have more to prove He is a God of Love instead.
4- Your life will lack joy, purpose, peace and direction. When you turn your back on God where will you go? What will be the purpose of your life? Spreading death? Sure right; because what else would you produce? It’s not like there would be joy or purpose when God hates you so you think in your mind. It can’t be right? God created you for a purpose and without Him how can you know that that purpose is? It’s not like the universe really is going to tell you- let’s be real. The God that created the universe is bigger than the universe so trying to go to something lesser of God is a waste of your time. Just go to the God of world and you will see. But yet if you think He hates you the lies will take hold and keep you trapped. Rebuke the lies as you are worth more than that!
5- You will move further from Him. When you believe and receive the lie that God hates you; you will only move further from Him. You can’t move closer now can you? Think about it: if you hate someone or believe someone hates you it’s not like you are going to edge closer right? What would be the point? And so on it will go you moving closer from the Lord because you experienced the issues of life or a tragedy that disrupted it. It happens to us all I can assure you. You are not alone and sometimes it’s the tragedy that is used to bring is closer to Him. Don’t lose that opportunity by letting lies become truths.
6- Your days will be shorter. When you think God hates you your days will be shorter. Not only this they will be shorter on so many levels. Your purpose-smaller. Your joy- less. Your outlook-tiny. So what is lengthened? Nothing. Living for death isn’t living so know that God is on your side and He has the best in store for you. Just look up and you will see. I did and it’s beautiful.
7- You will miss out on experiencing and seeing the beauty and heart of God. For the longest time I couldn’t understand how this God; this oh so powerful God would let children suffer. I couldn’t understand why He would allow me to experience such pain and loss day in and day out. Why would He allow abuse, loss of a baby, loss of loved ones; lack poverty pain. Why? I struggled with that for so long because I just didn’t get it. Until one day I did.
You see; it wasn’t His intent at all for us to experience it. Go back to Genesis. Read the beginning and you will see. God created us to be in relationship with Him and for us to experience His love. Because of the choices of Adam and Eve (which by the way her name didn’t come to be until after they disobeyed) we are born into sin. We are born into a nature of rebellion. We are born with choices to think what we want and to accept the Truth or the lies. When I started understanding and receiving that God loves me and that He doesn’t hate me my entire life changed.
God is on my side and He’s on yours too. In the midst of trials and tragedy He is there; wanting to comfort you-to give you peace. Remember He gave His son for you so He too knows loss and the emptiness which is something I hadn’t thought of myself for a long time. God wants more of you than you can imagine so He can pour more of Him into you. Let Him. Let Him show you just how much He loves you. You will never be the same in Jesus name.
______________________________________________________
Today’s Scripture
Romans 8:31 ‘What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?’
______________________________________________________
Forgiveness Tip #15
Forgiveness shows others you love them more than hate their mistakes.
______________________________________________________
Julie Blair is President of Julie Blair Ministries and host of ‘Living in Forgiveness’ television and radio programs that airs daily to over 3 Billion people on 5 continents. To learn more about forgiveness and the love of Christ or to speak to your church or business visit www.julieblair.com
When it comes to forgiveness there is no doubt it’s hard. It’s one thing to sure agree that it is hard by what? Why is forgiveness so hard? It’s hard to overcome child abuse, bullying, infidelity or backstabbing. It’s not an easy thing to let it go although it is possible. So let’s examine why forgiving is hard:
1- It’s not easy to let go.
Probably the most honest reason about why forgiving is hard is because it means we have to let it go. Sure people may tell you ‘oh sister, just let go and let God’ which is fine although it doesn’t change how hard it is; nor does it change the fact that I want to just slap them. Just saying.
And do it goes that it’s hard and until you are ready to let it go nothing will change; except you. Whatever you allow to rule you will. So you have a choice. You can be ruled by unforgiveness which simply means that you are choosing to not let it go or you can be ruled by forgiveness which means you are moving forward in freedom.
2- It’s hard to trust God’s on your side.
When I was faced with forgiving it was hard. It was the absolute hardest thing I have ever had to do in my entire life. The pain of abandonment, rejection, homelessness, loss of baby, infidelity was so much and the mere fact that I had to go before God who let it all happen and expect that He was on my side- yeah that was hard. It was hard to tell Him exactly how I felt and how unjust it was. I had to trust that God was on my side and that His word is true where He turns darkness to light. It wasn’t until I started telling God that I forgave those in my past that I felt His presence. The more I forgave the more I understood too that my problem wasn’t all about what they did; but the unforgiveness that I carried. And that- was life changing.
3- It’s hard to admit pain.
Who wants to admit they are hurting? Seriously; who wants to admit that? Most people don’t which is why they suffer in silence feeling invisible yet just sharing there is pain can be freedom. It’s really that simple yet for me because I never knew how to actually share anything but anger and lashing out the expression of anything else was a new experience. And besides how many tough girls admit they are in pain? I couldn’t possibly allow myself to admit that I was hurt because I would be weak and that just wasn’t what my persona was about. This was until I was faced with sharing it all with Jesus and everything changed. It will for you too and it’s ok to share how you feel because that is one of the first steps to not only being real; but moving toward forgiveness and actually know what the real situation is.
4- It’s hard to not want justice.
I didn’t want to forgive because I simply didn’t want anyone who hurt me to get off the hook. So I just didn’t. I did years later though mutter some words although those with discernment will see through you so don’t try that route. When being faced with forgiving I knew I needed to because God’s Word says so but in reality there were times when I resented it because I didn’t feel justified in being the one to forgive when I was the victim. I wanted them to pay and to pay dearly and somehow I equated my level of forgiveness with their level of freedom instead of my level of forgiveness is equal to my level of freedom. I see it now. My unforgiveness only hurt me; not them. The same for you. So just forgive.
5- It’s hard to let go of pride.
Unforgiveness in many ways is about pride. It is a built up wall of defense that keeps people out and you tucked in. It is a steel wall that can’t be penetrated through and in reality it’s a big false fake coverup. Those that don’t forgive are really just hiding behind the pain of the past, of people, their own selves or even God. Pride will keep people in such bondage of trying to be tough and trying to be nice; although the fruit of the Spirit cannot be exhibited through and unforgiver. And so the pride covers the truth and the truth is that what others have done hurt you and it’s ok. It’s much better to say the truth than hide behind it because it only creates a bigger, stronger wall that leads to a longer life of misery. So let go of the pride, be real, be vulnerable and just be free.
Forgiveness is not easy; not at all. What it is is freeing, life changing and weight loss. It’s the quickest way to be restored to Jesus and open the doors to blessings. It’s the display of what is in your heart and your level of obedience. And it’s hard. The good news though; is that you are equipped to face hard. And you are equipped to live your life of forgiveness.
______________________________________________________
Today’s Scripture
Psalm 56:4 “In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can flesh do to me?”
______________________________________________________
Forgiveness Tip #6
You level of forgiveness is equal to your level of freedom
______________________________________________________
Julie Blair is President of Julie Blair Ministries and host of ‘Living in Forgiveness’ television and radio programs that airs daily to over 3 Billion people on 5 continents. To learn more about forgiveness and the love of Christ visit www.julieblair.com
Image belongs to its owner.
In the story of the widow in 2 Kings we learn much about our thinking. Her story is one that sheds light to the power of perception and how God can bring overflow into our lives when we are ready to receive. As such the widow learned the lesson and rather quickly.
When the woman was asked by the prophet Elisha what she had her reply was probably as most today would reply, “Your servant has nothing there at all,” she said, “except a small jar of olive oil.” (2Kings 4:2)
In the big scheme of things she saw what she didn’t have; and the one tiny thing she did have. It was the tiny thing that became the largest.
When you look at your life do you spend more time looking at the largest thinking that only the largest things bring in the largest things? This story proves the exact opposite is true. Her story ends with so many jars of oil filled that in today’s economy she would probably be a billionaire.
Don’t limit yourself or limit God by what you think you don’t have. You have more than enough and you are already a conqueror. It’s just a matter of believing, receiving and living based upon it.
______________________________________________________
Today’s Scripture
Romans 15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.
______________________________________________________
Forgiveness Tip #4
Forgiveness is the oil that changes lives and brings the outpour. ______________________________________________________
For more about forgiveness and abundant living visit www.julieblair.com
Watch Living in Forgiveness nightly at 9:30pm CST on the UANetwork.
Image Belongs to its Owner
When you think of how long you may have suffered from something without knowing what it was how long would you say? The woman with the issue of blood in Matthew 9 is a testimony on many great levels with much to learn from. Forgiveness is one such area where this testimony may shed light to your own personal journey with the Lord.
This woman’s issue; which by the way her name is never mentioned. This is curious although if you knew her name would it matter because she probably would still be identified by her issue and not her name but I digress. Her suffering was 12 years in the making before she reached Jesus. An issue of blood for a woman during her days would be much different than for women today. We may think of such an issue today as endometriosis or something related. Her condition was such that kept her ailing for many years; much like those who walk in unforgiveness.
What is most fascinating about the testimony is her perseverance for healing; for answers.So picture Jesus healing other people and being the great I AM and mobbed by people everywhere and then as it is written in scripture ‘suddenly’ He is touched by a woman. Now for her it probably was not ‘suddenly’ but rather a long, arduous, painful journey that led her to receive her ‘suddenly’ as in ‘suddenly healed’. She tried everything. What isn’t known is how many other times she tried to find Jesus or of this is the first; although what is clear is that when she got to Him she get her healing. It is written in the King James Matthew 9:21 ,’ For she said within herself, If I may but touch his garment, I shall be whole.’ What must be made clear are several things:
1- She knew what she must do in order to be made whole- which was get to Jesus.
2- She wasn’t whole because if she were she wouldn’t have needed to get to Him at all.
3- She learned that obviously through 12 years of searching she needed something more than what she had been given or found.
4- Man in all his infinite wisdom still does not have the answers.
5- There is no wholeness or restoration to the full without the touch of Jesus.
When we relate this to forgiveness; there is no fullness of forgiveness without Jesus. Sure people daily can say some words that sound great; but that’s lipsmack. That doesn’t mean anything. When there is forgiveness there is a healing that takes place; a wholeness. There is a complete transformation within! One cannot simply transform their own selves in their own thinking that caused them the problems in the first place. It is not possible. If it were; then most people would not be in the situations they are in in the first place. Nothing that any of us do without Jesus can bring wholeness. Nothing!
This woman is proof of this! She is proof of what occurs when simply touching the hem of His garment. His garment! She is proof of what happens when we get to the end of ourselves and our quests for something that can only be done through and by Him. Your personal level of forgiveness is equally the same. You may try and try in all your might; yet your attempt is futile because without Him you will tire yourself and still be in need of something more. With Jesus; everything comes with Him.
As the testimony continues Jesus knew the power moved from Him as He felt it. It was that strong! “But Jesus turned him about, and when he saw her, he said, Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole. And the woman was made whole from that hour.” (v22) What we can learn from this is that is was her faith that made the way. Her faith!
You see; many people who harbor unforgiveness also lack faith but not in the way most think. Sure they may have faith that that their favorite team will win the championship; but they don’t have the measure of faith to believe that through Jesus they can forgive; that they can trust Him to heal their pains and that He really is on their side. They don’t have the faith to believe that when they give the burdens to Jesus He will carry the load. And so on the cycle of misery goes; along with more medications and anger management classes. Year after year.
I didn’t know the depth of forgiveness until I was faced with it. I had faith in the Lord for many things but when it came to forgiveness; it was being vulnerable in the most vulnerable way possible. It was the hardest thing I have ever had to do because it meant I had to trust that Jesus would be there; that He would bring justice to me and for me. And He did; but I had to step; like the woman with the issue of blood.
Reflect on her for a moment. How vulnerable do you think she had to be to even get herself to a place where Jesus was? People everywhere and if she were found out then what? How embarrassing right? To be caught with such an issue would be humuliating to say the least! And yet she sought. She had faith that if she got there her life would be changed. And we read again ‘”But Jesus turned him about, and when he saw her, he said, Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole. And the woman was made whole from that hour.” (v22)
It’s so simple that we complicate it. All we need to is take the step. There is no reason for anyone to suffer unnecessarily; not even you. When you get to that place of being sick and tired of being sick and tired go to Jesus. Reach out and touch Him and you will feel His Presence. You will feel the healing that comes in that instant like it did for the woman with the issue of blood. You will be made whole; restored. You can’t not be. He is the Redeemer. He is the Healer. He is the Almighty! He is also there waiting just for you.
Watch ‘Living in Forgiveness’ weeknights at 9:30pm CST on the UANetwork.
You can also bring Julie to your church or business to speak by clicking here https://julieblair.com/book-julie/
Forgiveness isn’t easy. In fact it is one of the toughest challenges people face; along with overcoming fears of public speaking. Self-sabotage comes in when people do not recognize that forgiveness will open the pathway to life.The best way to overcome self-sabotage is to forgive.
When you choose to live in unforgiveness you are only hurting yourself. Period. You are hindering everything in your life. Nothing can grow through concrete and when you are unforgiving that is as hard as you are. And concrete takes a jackhammer to break. As such; your life will be as grey as the concrete. If only I knew this sooner.
What I didn’t know was holding me back. I heard all the sermons to ‘forgive’ and bla bla bla which were nicely stated but beyond that so what? I didn’t know what I was blocking in my life, how I was actually sabotaging my life. I had no clue! And perhaps you are me where you have heard it all a thousand or a million times to forgive and sure sure ‘I know I need to’ and then another year goes by. Well; don’t be like me. Don’t sabotage your life and future. Forgive. And what does that mean exactly? You may too be wondering how you are sabotaging your life by not forgiving so let me clearly spell it out for you:
1)Your unforgiveness hurts you most. Matthew 15:18 is clear: ‘But the things that come out of a person’s mouth come from the heart, and these defile them.’ Hurt people hurt people and it is out of pain that unforgiveness operates. But get this: it’s a downward spiral. Your hurt keeps you hurting and while others can see it; they can’t free you. There is nothing that anyone else can do for you except tell you the obvious- forgive. When you don’t you are allowing the sin and pain caused by others (and yourself) to be what you live in. The bitterness, resentment, anger, broken relationships, strife, impatience and more are all what hurt those who don’t forgive. People not living in that aren’t hurt. So if you want healing forgive.
2) Your unforgiveness hinders you the most. God has a plan for your life. Period. Whether you agree or not doesn’t change the Truth from being true. There is a plan and when you choose to not forgive you are hindering that plan. You see; unforgiveness is one of the biggest hindrances to forward progress than you will ever enounter. There is nothing greater because that hindrance of unforgiveness keeps you living less than. It keeps you from your spiritual gifts. It keeps you from being healthy and in healthy relationships and it keeps you from being used by God to the full capacity that He intended.
I remember a time in my life when I cried out to the Lord asking to be used; and nothing. Then of course I felt more rejected and dejected because even God didn’t want me. Now; that was tough to get over-myself that is. You see; God couldn’t do anything in me so long as I was unforgiving because everything He is using me for is based upon the very thing that was my struggle. Forgiving others!
3) Your unforgiveness halts your life. When you look at your life are you believing God for the breakthrough? Are you wanting your business to expand? Your church to grow? Your marriage to be as exciting as it was in the beginning? Stop sabotaging yourself! Forgive.
If nothing in your life is progressing the way that it should; there is a reason. There is always a reason; and more often than not it is the reason you do not yet know.
Case in point: I thought I forgave. I truly did. I said all the words that the preachers said ‘I forgive’ you and yada yada yada. I played the game and claimed it all but yet nothing was happening in my life. And I had no idea why. It was like being stuck at a red light that just never changed. And there I sat.
When the clue came in the form of a phone call and my Bible teacher bluntly telling me my unforgiveness issue I’ll be honest; I was scared. I was shocked and felt like I was going to puke. I thought I dealt with my unforgiveness. I had no idea what was left and the journey that I was going to be taking. Absolutely none. Not only this; I had no clue that I sat at that red light for years longer than I needed.
In your life; what isn’t moving at the pace that it should be? What is the breakthrough you are believing God for? It doesn’t matter what it is what matters is that you carefully inquire of the Lord about the level of self-sabotage that has entered your life unknowingly or knowingly so that you can overcome it; and the best way is through forgiveness. It is one of the best means of breakthrough without needles or terrible side effects.
For more about forgiveness and wholeness in Christ watch ‘Living in Forgiveness’ weeknights at 9:30pm CST on the UANetwork.
Look around; times are changing. People are changing; the world is changing. No longer are the things that once were reality for today. Gone are the days of leaving your home or vehicle with the door unlocked. Gone are the days of most people carrying cash. Gone are the days of the votes of people counting for something. Gone are the days of people reading maps. And; gone are the days where more people went to church than left. In this day it is time to be prepared and know what your weapon of choice is. Sure you may have the Springfield .45 or the Kimber; or even that sweet AR 15 but so what? What good will it do you when you have no more ammunition? How then will you survive? You need something better, sturdier; stronger, more protective and resilient in any times. You need stronger, better, infinite in all ways. You simply need to be in relationship with Jesus Christ. And through Him; love for there is no other way.
You see; Jesus has been through it all and He came for you. For you! He came to set the captives free and the only way to be free is through Him. You may take your own path; but a good intelligent path is not the God path of wisdom. Your path may have some man-made created routes that will suffice for a time; but what about when time runs short? What then? Your relationship with Jesus will withstand the times of anything. Are you ready? Are you pursuing?
It isn’t about a ‘what if’ scenario any longer but rather a ‘how do I walk in love’ daily in Christ scenario because what if is pure extrapolation in the mind. The events are already occurring on a global scale. Russia invades, men boast; microchipping is increasing and yet the same call from Christ is still the same. “Love the Lord your God with all your heart mind and soul; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.'” (Luke 10:27) There is a reason why this is written. Plainly put- it is what will be your protection in any and all days; always.
As we examine where we are and where we are going; it is beyond time yet still time to love one another. We must. We must for ourselves, for our children and their children; and for the call of those who are called followers of Christ; or Believers; or Saints. It is through love in Christ that the entire world can and must be changed. It is time that each of us lay down our hate and pick up our Bibles. (and read them) It is time that we turn off the media’s focus and attention on segregation and separation and starting grow in love for that is where we all will see that none are any different. We all are the same; men, women; the same.
So it begs the question: what are you willing to do? What are you willing to fight for? A loaf of bread? A new i-phone? Or how about a changed heart in the name of Jesus that will move every mountain and break barriers that brings the experience of God to every person you encounter?
It begins with me and it begins with you. When the hearts of people are changed; everything else changes too. One need to look at Hitler and see the devastation of that change in heart or one can focus on Jesus and become more like Him and as a result; change the world one person at a time through love. And that will be the weapon that will last longer than any other weapon you could ever have in your artillery.
Forgiveness is a lifestyle whereas unforgiveness is a condition. And anyone who has suffered from any type of condition knows that it’s hard to go forward with such a hindrance. Now if you are waiting for that breakthrough or mad that it hasn’t happened there is a reason. And it just may be some unforgiveness with a few side symptoms creating the hindrance.
Jesus came to set the captives free yet most Christians are not. It’s curious why. One may be that because they have never known what genuine freedom is so they don’t know that they are not free. Misery is normal and just one ounce less of misery may mark freedom. For others freedom comes in the way of shiny wheels and for others it is seeking peace; which unforgiveness steals. If there is no peace internally there is a reason. The pathway to peace is in obedience to His Word. It is complete surrender in the truest of forms.
Forgiveness plays such a part. The release of bitterness too. In the story of Hannah it wasn’t until she dealt with her bitterness that her womb was filled. Her breakthrough came when she got to the end of herself. Now this would make sense that she would be barren while bitter because bitterness rots the bones so how could she carry a baby to term? She couldn’t! Once removed; God worked on her behalf.
The release of pains and hurts of the past and people are vital for breakthrough. It is not possible to harbor unforgivenesse, resentment, bitterness and the others and expect God to operate through you and in you in the fullness. He can’t. He simply can’t. It’s not that He doesn’t want to; He’s waiting to!
When it’s understood the importance of obedience to Christ and that breakthrough comes through it; and that forgiveness is a command and part of obedience you will get there. It simply means that you have to want breakthrough in Christ more than you want to harbor the pain and sins of others.
When you come to the end of yourself and surrender it all to the Lord He will do what He does; make the way. And in reality He doesn’t have to make the way since it’s already been made it’s more of a getting in proper position to be on the way.
Forgiveness is one route toward it. Forgiveness will clear the way toward your future; the real way. Forgiveness will open doors of opportunities that can’t be otherwise opened. Forgiveness breaks barriers, heals, restores; realigns, refocuses and keeps you refreshed remaining in Him going forward. And if that isn’t a breakthrough then what is?
Image belongs to its owner.
In today’s unpredictable society; one day you have it all and the next day your next elected politician steals it from you. What will you do? Trust in the failing stock market? Stock up and head to the hills? What will you do? Where will you put your trust? Your 401k? Let’s hope not! Your return is too unstable to predict and well; I’m not a betting woman when it comes to the money game. The one area of trust though is that God will provide. God’s Word never fails and while it took me years to figure it out; praise Him that I did.
I have many testimonies of the goodness of God but this one takes me back to a time when life was really interesting. I was just kicked out of a church by nasty emails calling me names when I shared that I needed some time alone with the Lord and I didn’t really know may people in Dallas. My income dropped to less than my rent after I had just moved to a larger place for my mother (who stood me up on the move) and I had no way out. I knew that sharing this with many people would only deem me crazy so that wasn’t really an option. No. This was something to be worked through with only Jesus. Perhaps you have been there.
For 10 months He carried me. I didn’t know where anything was going to come from. None. He provided in ways that only He could; and always in His ‘perfect’ time. All I was required to do was trust. And believe me the trusting was the hardest; although He never left me. He will never leave you either.
See; it’s one thing to say you trust the Lord and then use credit cards as your backup and another thing to have absolutely no means whatsoever! When you don’t have credit cards; when you have nothing but Him you will need to make a choice. And you better choose quickly- and Him.
There will never be anyone who can carry you through anything like He can and like He will. No one. And so I share this as some encouragement for you to know that in the midst of your trials He is with you. He always has been. He has loved you and will continue to do so. He will provide; so long as you let Him.
What’s your testimony? What can you share?
For more about love and forgiveness in Christ watch ‘Living in Forgiveness’ Monday-Friday at 9:30pm CST on the UANetwork.
Image belongs to Karen Holland 2009