Identfying the Doors of Opportunity
You know the saying; as one door closes another opens. What doors of opportunity are you needing to be opened so that you can enter? And sometimes it’s a question of why wait for the door to open if you can just knock it down?
When I studied King Solomon I was intrigued by what so many taught of him; mostly his wealth and status and wisdom. Sure all of that is wonderful except I started noticing lost opportunities. Opportunities to do more than show off the wealth that he had. It brought me to a question in my own life of lost opportunities? How often throughout this year did I miss opportunities of greater outpouring? Was I more like Martha than Mary?
King Solomon may be known to have it all; yet what did he have? A city of wives and concubines? Ok. That went against the command of the Lord. Idols built to false gods? Ummm… that too goes against the Lord. Opportunity to witness the goodness of the Lord to Queen Sheba. Missed that opportunity too. In Kings 10:1-6 we read:
“And when the queen of Sheba heard of the fame of Solomon concerning the name of the Lord, she came to prove him with hard questions. 2 And she came to Jerusalem with a very great train, with camels that bare spices, and very much gold, and precious stones: and when she was come to Solomon, she communed with him of all that was in her heart.3 And Solomon told her all her questions: there was not any thing hid from the king, which he told her not.4 And when the queen of Sheba had seen all Solomon’s wisdom, and the house that he had built,5 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.”
Yes she knew King Solomon had wisdom; there is no doubt. He had great wealth too there is no doubt. But he had opportunity to share and he didn’t. He missed the opportunity to talk about his father King David, the holiness of the Lord, or even the faith of Abraham. Where was his focus? It was clear on the servants and all the material possessions that in the end share ‘her spirit left her’. We don’t know if it was in awe although one would think if there was much brought to her that her spirit wouldn’t leave her.
The question today then is what opportunities have you missed because of wrong focus? Have you been so focused on everything that isn’t as important and not one what is most important? You see; it isn’t a question of placement to bondage but rather one of reflection with Christ so that going forward; better and more abundant opportunities can be utilized at a more enhanced level entering into the new year.
You can have all the wisdom and wealth; although missed opportunities are still missed if they are never noticed. Pray entering into this new year not only for opportunities in the name of Jesus but also for the awareness of them when they appear so they aren’t missed. And you will be witness to the greatness of the Lord in ways you’ve never seen.
For more about growing in Christ visit www.julieblair.com
Dr. Julie went from homeless to hope-filled in Christ. To have her speak to your church or business please visit www.julieblair.com Her tv and radio program ‘Living in Forgiveness’ airs nightly at 9:30pm CST on the UANetwork. Check your local listing.
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There is nothing fun or enjoyable about waiting in most cases. Some love the anticipation and joy of what is to come as in waiting the 9 months for the birth of the baby. For others it’s the ‘When God when’; as in when will I get promoted, when will I be the bride instead of the bridesmaid, when will it be my turn to shine. Regardless of what it is there is much to learn about what to do while waiting and much to come for those who wait.
- Waiting is forward motion. The time of waiting isn’t just for sitting and doing nothing; oh no. There is much to do and growth to take place. What happens with many people is that they just give up before they get breakthrough and then never actually reach the pinnacle of what God has for them. It’s sad to see because I bet many Believers would be living more fulfilling lives if only they went forward with God instead of ringing out to date and settle for the wrong person, job; life. Imagine if Queen Esther didn’t continue her preparation to be the queen and she just decided to ring out because it was just too hard. No- she sought where she was going and didn’t just sit and put all the responsibility on God. She didn’t take control but rather she moved at a proper pace within her time of waiting.
- Waiting is preparation. During the time of waiting there is something to be doing so that when the time arrives you are not trying to go back and complete what should have been done in the first place. Could you imagine not having enough time to be read for the new baby to arrive? The time of waiting is preparation in anticipation of what is to come. In the book of Ruth we see where she positioned herself to be prepared for Boaz. She was always doing something on her way to doing something. She was progressing in the environment she was in getting herself prepared for the future that became her present. If you are single what are you doing while waiting? Does your home reflect the readiness of that spouse or are you just enjoying your life as a career single person? Are you preparing yourself for the job upon graduation so you don’t have to go back and try to get prepared? Waiting is not doing nothing and expecting everything. Ruth had plenty of reasons to just do nothing; yet she prepared for her future and a future in the entirely unknown.
3. Waiting isn’t God’s denial. Waiting is not easy. For most it’s not enjoyable either. For so many years I struggled with waiting as I love getting to the destination rather than the journey. I believed for so long that God just was withholding all the good in m life and I struggled with how a God so good just would withhold when it’s contrary to His Word. I started to resent Him and in many ways because all I could see was that each day was going by and the only thing that still remained; was that I was still waiting. Then I learned that in the time of waiting God knows better than I. He has the plan and it’s in His time when it’s to be executed. I am reminded of how long Abraham and Sarah waited for their baby and while it was a long time- God delivered.
Having a change of perspective about waiting is hard. It is beyond challenging at times and it’s especially hard when it seems like every day is just like the previous yet the only thing difference is that you are one day older but here me clearly on this: God has a plan for you that can only be done His Way. If you want all of what God has for you it will require you to stand firm; and stand firm to the end. It will require strength and it will require your mind to be rightly aligned with Him so that He can deliver as only He can.
To be restored to love and forgiveness in Christ visit www.julieblair.com
Dr. Julie Blair is president of Julie Blair ministries; helping people live lives of love and forgiveness; and the victory that comes with it in Christ.
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There is so much emphasis on the entitlement of the Millenials which everyone except them sees it. Those born into that generation don’t believe it’s entitlement it’s just normal; normal to expect everything without giving an iota or doing anthing. The trend is coming of reality in the Body of Christ as well. The entitlement factor of Christians is something not of a phenomenon just something that actually is prevalent and needs to stop.
When we get to the core of Christianity it was God who first gave. It was God who gave His Son who died on the cross; giving us the opportunity to be in relationship with His Son. Yet that example of giving seems to be ignored and it’s instead the ‘what do you have for me’ syndrome that is become exasperating to say the least.
I am witnessing ministries across America asking for help yet it’s disregarded. These are not the prosperity preachers but those who go to Israel quarterly to share the gospel with the Jews. It’s those who have a call on their lives that are barely making it and that should not be so. These are brothers and sisters in ministry who give and give so willingly yet don’t have money enough to even pay their rent or mortgage. Pastors are walking away and well; can you blame them? They give and get what in return? Not much. Not much at all. Oh yes the satisfaction of giving? Is that what you think? Sure. Because everyone wakes up with the goal of being satisfied in a life of giving to takers who take for granted. Right. Now of course we know it’s not all although the numbers are speaking for themselves. More churches are closing than opening and the average church in America has 100 people in it. And if that’t not enough I just learned that only 4% of people in Dallas, TX are churchgoers! Yeah in Dallas where churches are on every street corner.
And so it goes; Christians have a mentality that because we are brothers and sisters something is owed to them- sure. Except why? Why brothers and sisters are you owed anything by your brothers and sisters? Why do you expect that your brothers and sisters should give and give and give and give to you while you give nothing in return? It is because no one ever truly told you about what Christ gave and that He is the example? Or do you not care? What is it?
What is it that you believe you are actually entitled to from your brothers and sisters? Shouldn’t it be that you are entitled to give and give abundantly? Oh yes! Especially if you are going to be a follower of Christ who gave His life. But that isn’t really what we want to actually talk about right? Of course not. Instead it’s how do I get this or that for my own motives and pleasures. And what does that say about us as Christians?
With the ministries in need I’m learning that other communities are stepping up to help. It’s a sad day for the Body of Christ when more Muslims help Christian ministries than Christians. And yes. Not only this I know an apostle who actually stayed in the home of a Jihadist for 2 weeks in the Middle East. They took him in because they knew he was a man of God and upon his departure the Jihadists actually gave him suitcases of clothes for his children and treasures of gold jewelry for his entire family! Yes- the Muslims who are known to behead Christians gave to that man and did so willing. They held nothing back. It’s a day when Athiests are giving more than Christians. Why oh why brothers and sisters are you even allowing that to happen? Do you not see that your holding back hurts not only you, but denies your blessings and blocks in the Body of Christ from moving? Yes!
I never knew to be honest how to give; and so I didn’t. I was broke most of my life and as a college student it was either pay rent or car insurance but not both. I never learned how to give and and a result my money was funny, my change was strange and my prayers unanswered. See; money is the answer for all things. Yes open your Bible. Read Ecclesiastes 10. It’s written right before your eyes. And yet it’s missed.
I have too learned that most Christians tend to live in the receiving end too; yet are still broke. There is a clue there brothers and sisters. If you have a need sow a seed. Do it. Know the soil first though. If you don’t do your research you not only won’t know the 4 types of soil but won’t get the best harvest either. See; you have to get to a place of looking outward and not inward. That is where life begins to change. Again; the example of Jesus.
I recall listening years ago to a largely known female preacher share that the day Disney World employees dread the most was Christian day because the Christians were so rude, loud, obnoxious and inconsiderate. She shared that they knew the hotel cleaning staff would be left tipless as well. And how sad is that that the people who represent the most giving God are such takers and not following the simple example of ‘give’? Now I must say it’s not true of all you so put your feathers down. I must also share that when I heard her speak that about Christians like that I took offense; except that now I see it and am in a position of agreement. That too is sad.
It should not be so that Christians live expecting so much from their brothers and sisters all the while doubting and disbelieving God. Stop asking your wallet as it will always tell you that you don’t have enough. Ask the God who has more than enough! It should not be so that Christians expect free from everyone who gives and willingly and yet not even think about sowing back to who just gave. It takes a lot to give and those who give know so and do so willingly. Those who receive well; do so and do so willingly. Of course the receiving means that the giver gets blessed but here is the thing: if all you do is receive you won’t be blessed to the full. You can’t be because God’s Word really is based upon giving and not just living a life of taking.
So the next time you see someone in need don’t be a miser. Don’t. You are hurting yourself because giving isn’t about you- it’s for you. Yes you are entitled to all the promises in God’s Word; and those promises are between you and God. It’s time to stop pushing your entitlement to others Christians in expectation that they were only created to serve you and that you were only created to receive. You are blocking blessings from moving forward in more ways you can imagine. And the next time you see the Muslims and the Athiests happy with will full accounts it may just be that they are blessed because they are obedient to God’s principles. It’s that simple. God’s principles apply to all and those that know that follow that. So give. Keep giving. And don’t stop. You are entitled after all if you are a Christian- to give. Give as Jesus did. And you will be blessed.
If you ready to turn your heart toward giving: give to Julie Blair Ministries. (www.julieblair.com) Julie Blair Ministries is a Faith Based Organization reaching 3 Billion a day sharing God’s Word and send Bibles to those in need and there is such a demand that without your giving it can’t be done. Know it’s good soil and the Word of the Lord is uncompromised.
If you attend a church in your local area; know that your tithe is a demonstration of your obedience to the Lord and that it isn’t about the amount you give but that you are giving. It’s ok if you give more than 10%. God won’t be upset. You will be blessed by the purity of your heart in your giving.
Watch ‘Living in Forgiveness’ Monday-Friday at 9:30pm CST on the UANetwork. To know Jesus visit www.julieblair.com
To change your mindset and experience Kingdom Living Join Dr. Julie for ‘Kingdom of God Seminar October 8th at 9am in Farmers Branch. Visit www.julieblair.com for more information.
It’s a funny thing what people think of one another. If you are like them you are cool; but yet the minute you aren’t well; you just aren’t so cool. As if that matters right? Your level of coolness is based upon others- while theirs of course is not.
And so in these times if you are a Christian and one with a mouth; and one not afraid of standing up for the entire Bible there will be times when people will come against you. They may call you names and guess what? It doesn’t matter. It really doesn’t. Those words spoken over you ‘not’ Holy Spirit commanded are really just dead words. There is no life so don’t give any life to them. When the world labels you intolerant just rejoice. Rejoice in the Lord for that it means the world knows the Word you stand on!
Stand firm on God’s Word and know that it’s ok to be intolerant. Don’t tolerate sin. Don’t tolerate anything less than God’s full word because the moment you do; your life will be changed. We can look at the change from Adam and Eve when they tolerated disobedience and idol worship. We see what David lost the moment he fell to temptation.
You are the example for someone else and right now at this very moment an answer to a prayer someone else is praying. But if you are too scared of sharing Jesus and His message, too fearful of offending others in His name- then what example are you? If you are too shy then just remove that in the name of Jesus and ask Him to give you the words- and He will. All you have to do is ask. And then share. And finally; be not ashamed of following Jesus and speaking His Words- for no weapon formed against you can come to pass. God bless you brothers and sisters in the name of Jesus. For more about growing in Christ visit www.julieblair.com
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As the Rio Olympics are underway; the commentators have already been known for their misogynistic thoughts yet again about the female athletes. It shouldn’t any surprise that women would be seen as less than because it’s the way of the world. Look around. Women are still objectified, put down, paid less and the list goes on so I wondered what it would be like if Jesus were an Olympics Commentator; not that He would be but still I wondered.
If Jesus were an Olympics commentator His comments would be more uplifting to the achievements of the women instead of putdowns. There would be no reference to a woman’s achievement as the responsibility of her husband. Sure one may argue that a woman is a reflection of her husband and that of course men are still superior to me as we’ve heard it all before. My best bet about Jesus is that He would surely see the sacrifice made and He would know her heart and see her as a person; and not just that she was able to break her own swimming record because of that man- that she did it because of The Man. Let’s face it: Katinka Hosszú broke the world record; her husband did not. Jesus would know that and respect that; it was Him after all who walked on water.
If Jesus were an Olympics commentator He would kindly remind people that coming against His people really would not be tolerated. Kicking His people off the bus and refusing to ride the same bus just isn’t cool so therefore; people be kind to one another and love your neighbor as yourself. After all; we are together the world in once place right? Now go do your best as your Father is watching!
If Jesus were an Olympics commentator He would share with the audience that it was a woman named Corey Cogdell-Unrein, and He would know her by her name and not her title of being a wife; who won bronze in women’s trap shooting. He may also ask those coming against her what phariseeacle church they represented and to whom they would be praying should she ever aim in their direction. Or perhaps He would console her as she cried quietly that in all her efforts she still was seen as less than because she is a woman.
If Jesus were an Olympics commentator He would celebrate the young ladies who regardless of what sport they compete in still have body image issues. He would use that time to encourage them to never give up hope, that regardless of put downs to keep moving; and that as He is for them no one can be against them. He would also remind those sitting next to Him that unless they are perfect with the perfect bodies, perfect aim; the tenacity to try; or come before Him with perfect hearts that mirrors are everywhere and that a look in one may be of benefit- and of course all would be said in love as a reminder of who they are and who He is.
And finally if Jesus were an Olympics commentator He would not be so biased to disregard the women. It was Jesus after all who went against the grain by even speaking to the woman at the well; who shared that the woman with the issue of blood was healed because of her faith. And as if we need any reminders women were with Jesus all the time; and it was women who found the empty tomb.
And so as it goes the enemy has done great destruction in creating gender laws, ideas; and perversion between men and women. Most don’t see it as they are too busy resenting men or women in all the name of fairness. That wasn’t and isn’t the way of Jesus at all. If it weren’t for Jesus I surely wouldn’t be here writing this nor would women anywhere be able to stand and testify. So instead of looking down on women why not look up to Jesus and follow Him instead.
Julie Blair is President of Julie Blair Ministries that helps people worldwide grow in Christ. To learn more about going deeper in Christ or to have Julie speak to your church or business visit www.julieblair.com
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When we look at the church today it should be cause for concern. A few questions may be why are people leaving, where the miracles signs and wonders; where are the testimonies? When the church and the world look the same it should have every Christian questioning themselves by asking one simple question: Am I a lukewarm Larry or Lucy?
Being a follower of Christ is a lifestyle; not just a Sunday afternoon retreat for a feel good sermon to enjoy yet that seems to be the commonplace for America. Don’t like the message; jump to another church. And then of course repeat until you find the one that gives you the most goosebumps and talks the least about repentance. I get it. I too was there until God showed me the Truth and it set me free. I see it now although it was years in the making. Not growing up in the church I didn’t know what it truly was to be a Christian and even when I became one all I did was sit in church; for 18 years. Yet my life didn’t change. It didn’t change until I did something about. And it won’t for you either. So if you are lukewarm and do nothing; you simply will stay that way for there is no other way.
It’s funny how that happens and it’s probably happened to you. You visit a church, they bring you to the membership room and maybe give you a little book; the cookies are there because we all need more gluten right and you fill out the little form. Oh wait- I refused to do all that because in my ignorance I couldn’t figure out why I needed to join the club. Did it mean I was obligated to participate? Did I have to pay to play? I didn’t know and didn’t want to know! As such I went faithfully for 18 years and again; nothing changed. Sure I could recite Genesis but seriously; why was my life still so jacked up? I was sick and tired of being sick and tired and I wanted answers. I wanted to know what the purpose of being a Christian was because I came from the world and the Christians that I met were the same ones at the bar partying. So where is the testimony? All I saw was hypocrisy and sad to say; still do. Hence why we have the problems we do in our schools, families, churches; even this country.
As I fast forward to a life of growth in Christ I see it now. I see it clearly that we collectively have truly failed as followers of Christ. It is so painfully obvious when pastors and church leaders have the audacity to tell their congregations that sin filled lifestyles are what are going to revolutionize the church. Are you serious? Because that’s in the Bible right? Because sin is holy right? Never mind that Jesus came to set the captives free. No that’s not for today!
We must ask ourselves: do we think so little of ourselves and of Christ to be ok living in sin, justifying it; and then trying to manipulate people into the church by telling them that sin is ok and to keep on sinning? Where does that edify the Lord? How on earth does that advance His Kingdom? Are we ok with just giving to God 1.5 hours on Sunday and then get mad when He doesn’t deliver what we think we should have? Give me a break! I was told that if I wanted to grow in Christ it would require 40+ hours per week. I thought my Bible teacher was kidding; he wasn’t. I got serious about what it means to be a follower of Christ and my life changed. Yours will too and guess what? You won’t miss football for you will see the sin filled agendas they push down your throat. You won’t miss the violence in movies or the hatred of women everywhere. You won’t miss the need to be entertained because your standard of living will be beyond accepting sin filled crap in your life. You won’t settle for less than what God has for you because you will recognize that the God you serve is holy and makes the impossible possible and just for you. You won’t miss not being seen at the bar looking oh so fly because the only One your focus will on is the One who matters most. And you won’t settle for less; oh no you won’t ever let someone call you out on being lukewarm because you know it won’t be possible.
Until we as followers of Christ are willing to stop placating sin, justifying it and minimizing and morphing it then the answer to the question is and will continue to be- you are a lukewarm Lucy or Larry and yes you will be spit out by Jesus in accordance with His word. It is beyond time to let these words sink in before it’s too late:
To the Church in Laodicea
14 “To the angel of the church in Laodicea write:
These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God’s creation. 15 I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! 16 So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth. 17 You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. 18 I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see.
19 Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent.” (Rev 3:14-19)
There is time for you to make the personal change to not be known as the lukewarm lazy one but the gipper for God or as some may label you the Jesus Freak but in all seriousness you must look at the source and rest assured- you make it through for His is with you and will never leave you no forksake you.
You my dear friend will be witness to signs, miracles and wonders. You my dear friend will walk in the supernatural that will be natural. You my dear friend will have testimony. You my dear friend will be what a follower of Christ is- and that surely isn’t lukewarm.
Julie Blair is President of Julie Blair Ministries that helps people worldwide grow in Christ. To learn more about going deeper in Christ or to have Julie speak to your church or business visit www.julieblair.com
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When you think of freedom what comes to mind? Better paying job, kids off to college? New home? Better running vehicle? It seems our lives have become ‘when I get….’ there freedom will be. The sad truth is that it isn’t true. Freedom doesn’t come that way at all. Identifying the steps to free is the first step to freedom for freedom. It all comes through Christ.
Freedom can’t come in the way that most people seek and search. Cars, homes and titles won’t bring it. It can only come through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. When freedom comes; you will never be the same!
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Today’s Scripture
Colossians 1:13-14 For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
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Forgiveness Tip #25
Forgiveness opens your heart to love.
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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
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For more about growing in Christ visit www.julieblair.com
I remember years ago stepping out on faith and in big ways. I surely had no clue what I was doing; and still at times feel that way. Perhaps you do too. You want more yet don’t know how to get it. Increasing your faith and hearing from God is possible it’s a matter of you choosing to pursue it. It’s there- waiting just for you.
When you make the choice to step out know that nothing in your life will be the same. You will have experiences that most don’t or that some dream of yet never get serious about. You will be stretched in ways you couldn’t have imagined and to the limits you didn’t know existed. And God will be with you the entire way. You are not alone and that too was something I had no clue about. I was used to being alone so the idea of God actually being there was new. Now I get it and I pray that you too receive that you are not alone. Sure scripture tells us this in Deuteronomy and in the Psalms but reading it and receiving it are two very different things. It’s no different than knowing soda is bad and then not receiving the message and drinking too much. When you receive your life changes.
I share this today as one large testimony of how God worked in my life when I knew not much about Him, walking in faith, how to hear from Him or even what trust was like. The Lord carried me and I know He will you too should you get out of your way to allow Him too.
Remember these simple words: Talk to God. Step. Repeat. God will do the rest.
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Today’s Scripture
Hebrews 10:22 let us continue to come near with sincere hearts in the full assurance that faith provides, because our hearts have been sprinkled clean from a guilty conscience, and our bodies have been washed with pure water.
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Forgiveness Tip #22
Forgiveness is an act of obedience that demonstrates love.
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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
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For more about growing in Christ visit www.julieblair.com
When you think of a king what comes to mind? Power? Pleasure? Title? Sure it’s all there but are all kings the same? Of course not. So what makes some better than others? Why does King David appear to get more accolades than some of the others? Where does King Solomon or Jehoshaphat fall into things? Or Jehu or Josiah? When we examine the commitment level of kings it’s clear. The question is what is your king’s level of commitment?
In the times that we are in it’s becoming more clear that those who are committed will be so and those who waver well; they may not waver much longer and those who don’t even get up certainly won’t stand up. Don’t fall into the trap of titles as we can clearly see that king isn’t the end all be all.
It’s time to be as committed more to Christ than to oh football, shopping, religion; facebook, gambling, gaming-or anything else that takes you away from being who God created you to be. Remember you are worth more as you are a Son of the King most high- and that counts for everything!
Be more than just a sometimes committed; be all the time committed. it’s better not only for you but for everyone around you- and will put you on the path to hearing ‘Well done My good and faithful servant.’
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Today’s Scripture
Deuteronomy 13:4, “You shall follow the LORD your God and fear Him; and you shall keep His commandments, listen to His voice, serve Him, and cling to Him.
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Forgiveness Tip #21
When there is forgiveness in your heart the river of love will flow through.
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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
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Psalm 91 is one of the most well known Psalm of them all. It’s one of the great; although I must admit not my overall favorite even though it offers so much. Something to consider in reading this wonderful Psalm are the conditions for protection that come with it. In essence there are three Psalm 91 conditions for protection that we must examine.
To begin first though let’s refresh with the beautiful Psalm.
Psalm 91
1 Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
2 I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust.”
3 Surely he will save you
from the fowler’s snare
and from the deadly pestilence.
4 He will cover you with his feathers,
and under his wings you will find refuge;
his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.
5 You will not fear the terror of night,
nor the arrow that flies by day,
6 nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness,
nor the plague that destroys at midday.
7 A thousand may fall at your side,
ten thousand at your right hand,
but it will not come near you.
8 You will only observe with your eyes
and see the punishment of the wicked.
9 If you say, “The Lord is my refuge,”
and you make the Most High your dwelling,
10 no harm will overtake you,
no disaster will come near your tent.
11 For he will command his angels concerning you
to guard you in all your ways;
12 they will lift you up in their hands,
so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.
13 You will tread on the lion and the cobra;
you will trample the great lion and the serpent.
14 “Because he loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him;
I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.
15 He will call on me, and I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble,
I will deliver him and honor him.
16 With long life I will satisfy him
and show him my salvation.”
So what are the conditions? Do you see them by chance? Do you see what occurs in verse 9? There is a condition outlined. Well; in order to meet the conditions of protection you must:
1- You must be close enough to the Lord to even be in His shadow.Quite plainly how can He protect you if you aren’t near? Verses 1 explains this clearly. If you choose to be far then there will be no shadow of protection for you. Ask yourself this: how much in His shadow am I right now? Would I meet the qualifications for His protection?
2- You must trust Him. How can God protect you if you don’t trust Him? If you don’t trust Him is there really a relationship at all? It is because of your trust in Him that He is able to be God and deliver. In verse 2 trust is identified. Verses 3 and 4 share what He will do when you place your trust in Him. God requires your trust because He is faithful and verse seven outlines what He will do for you. Through your trust in Him you will be kept safe it reminds us in verse ten. Remember that God can’t be your back-up plan. He must be your only plan! When you choose to trust Him you will never live the same way again.
3- You have to love God. A condition of receiving from God is loving Him so it tells in verses 14-16. It’s ‘because’ you love Him that He will rescue you. Through your obedience you will be answered, not alone, delivered and honored’ and given long life.
This Psalm gives us all steps to moving along through life in the best way possible. Stay near to Him, trust Him and love Him. Isn’t really that what we all want and need anyway? Isn’t it in reality what all parents want from their children? Psalm 91 gives us the conditions and even the command to not fear which should additionally bring solace that He has everything covered; we just have to align ourselves to being in the position to receive.
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Today’s Scripture
Nahum 1:7 “The LORD is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; and He knows those who trust in Him.”
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Forgiveness Tip #16
Your forgiveness just may be the breakthrough others are waiting for.
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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
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