Stinking Thinking ,
You have a choice about what you think about. What you choose to think about will dictate where you go in your life. God’s Word tells us to ‘choose life so that you and your family may live’. It is a measure of protection that begins in the mind. The stinking thinking that you allow in will distort everything else in your life. Removing the stinking thinking will protect you and your family and will bring more of God and His larger plans into your life.
God’s Word also tells us to demolish every argument and pretension set up against the knowledge of God and so therefore; as we do that our lives will change. This is so that we can live in the freedom that comes only through taking every thought captive unto Him.
Brothers and Sisters; God is on your side. He wants the best for you it’s just time that you align yourself with you to align with God’s Word to receive just that.
You are not alone- He is with you!
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Adapting to Change ,
Many people believe that there is nothing new under the sun; although those are simply the words of King Solomon and nothing more. There is something new in each day; there is His grace and there is His mercy. And with that there too is the increase in capacity to love. As everything around us changes; we have choices about how we respond. And when that change is to a heart of love we all benefit.
You see; there is always change. It doesn’t matter in what way; there is. Change is everyday life. How you handle it is completely up to you. You can resist it all you like; and in the end what will it gain you? Change is there. Naomi turned Mara It is up to you to decide what you allow in your heart and how you move in that change; whatever it is. Many are demonstrating that they wish to have no love and no wish for it but rather are choosing unforgiveness, resentment bitterness, pride and more. Let us move to the scripture where it reads plainly: “Hatred stirs up conflict, but love covers over all wrongs.” Proverbs 10:12. It is very telling where the hearts of people are and on this day let it be that of love. If you want radical change in your life, your family, your community, your state, your country then you must move with and in a heart turned toward love. Period.
In accepting change, know it can be challenging at various times and it mostly proves so when we look inward and focus on ourselves. There is no freedom in self or self-focus. There never has been nor will there ever be. If there were no person would ever need Jesus.
As we grasp that in order for us to move forward in change in our lives we must seek the real issue and stop focusing on the symptoms of the issue otherwise we will never change for the better. We can no longer stand up to the future focusing on the past that most of were not even alive to experience. We can no longer punish those standing next to us for what they neither were alive for to even be witness to. No. We simply cannot.
What we must do is forgive. We must claim that our love for one another is greater than the hatred we have been breeding. We must stand and say that while the past hurt we forgive it. We must if want to live. We must stand united and say that there is change today and while it may not be the change that everyone wants – it is change. And no change is not easy.
We must forgive those next to us who have walked in hatred and resentment for they know not what they do. We must forgive ourselves for what we have allowed into our hearts that have been the example others have followed. And we must recognize that until we start being the example of love- we can’t expect others to get there. We must recognize that we all have a responsibility as Christians to be obedient to God’s commands which are not minced: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.” Mark 12:30 These words begin with a heart focus on God and that is where we must turn- and stay; and for the benefit of our lives and for those of our children.
For more about growing in Christ visit www.julieblair.com
Julie Blair went from homeless to hope-filled in Christ. Her tv and radio program Living in Forgiveness airs daily to 3B worldwide.
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It’s a funny life to live being in ministry without growing up in the church, having no desire to be in church; and not knowing what any of it would be like. My best guess is that God knew if I knew beforehand I would simply have told Him, ‘No thank You. What else do you have in store for m?’ NEXT! I say that with all seriousness as I truly had no idea yet I thank God for His protection that keeps me strong with each passing day.
And so in a conversation with someone recently we talked about how the church changed over the generations- to which was amusing because of my level of ignorance of it all. This man has been in ministry about 60 years so he knows a thing or two. Me; well I grew up Catholic. I never owned a Bible yet went to private Catholic school. Not only this; my adoptive parents did the church renovations and I was an alter girl so needless to say I had my overfill of religion.
I did go years later to a charismatic church and I had never seen anything like it. So many people doing all those weird things; their arms in the air, some running around, and people of every color. I didn’t know what to think to say the least. It was like seeing Vegas I guess for the first time. You just don’t know what to look at first- or if you should look at all. I did go back although never became a member because I didn’t understand why I needed to give them my address. Why did they need to know where I lived? I didn’t get it. That was my level of ignorance that I brought to the table.
Years late and thousands of hours with the Lord I started growing in this thing called ministry. It was life changing; and in ways that I truly did not expect. There are so many things that if I knew I would not be here today. Again; it’s only God’s hand on me that has me here and for that I am grateful. When I look at the Pharisees and what they are about really wasn’t just them back in the day behaving as though they did; it’s no different today. My guess is that we always will be in some form or fashion. In fact you may be one; but we won’t tell. Let’s identify just a few things that Pharisees did then that are still done today. I share these things so that you too can be free to just be you and who God created you to be:
- You hold people to your own higher than the Bible standards. It’s amazing how many people have told me that if you are woman in heels you just can’t love the Lord. I laugh. I didn’t use to. Oh yes; you can’t wear that, say that, do that, eat that, hang around ‘those’ people, go there, live there; read that version of the Bible, and the list goes on. I can tell you brothers and sisters; if you have fallen under this by anyone- rebuke it and run! It will only steal from you as it did me for many years and I certainly do not want you to give way to the bondage it breeds. If you are forcing others to follow only the rules and regulations that others have forced on you; perhaps you are a Pharisee and just haven’t yet been free. It’s time to just be free in Christ. Then read 1 Sam 16:7 , ‘But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” Imagine that.
- You follow man-made traditions more-so than the teachings of Jesus and the Bible. Oh yes you have your traditions and they carry more weight than anything Jesus said. You may be aware of what Jesus said; but what you do and how it was done in the past just means more. Matthew 15:6 identifies it clearly, “…Thus you nullify the word of God for the sake of your tradition.” What man made traditions do you currently follow that aren’t even in the Bible? Do you know? Time to find out! You just may be making life more difficult for yourself trying to keep up. Let it go and just live.
- You seek the opinion of man more-so than the Word of God. Man will always have an opinion; just ask him. (man being Biblically gender identified as man and woman) Just because man has opinion means nothing more than this. The pharisees upheld their own ideas and opinions as the truth though the Lord Jesus was right in front of them speaking Truth but they were so blind they could not see it. The modern day Pharisee will spend more time sharing and seeking man’s ideas and justifying them for purpose of self-righteousness rather than humbling themselves to the Word of God which is Truth. It’s hard to grasp that man’s opinions are just that; opinions. God’s Word is Truth. (and I’m not going to argue that as you can just go to God for that one.)
- The purpose for glorification is about self. Your focus is about you for you and you make sure everyone knows it. When you are about you; others will see it. How much you give, how often and long you fast, how many Psalms you have memorized and the list goes on. Where is your focus will always be identified. I often ask my coaching clients this one question: ‘Are you using your platform to build your audience or your audience to build your platform’? The response says everything. The Pharisees were all about self and making sure everyone knew how great they were and if you are too; then perhaps ask the Lord to reveal new areas of life to you as it will be refreshing to you and everyone around you.
- You feel better knowing you aren’t like ‘that person’. Oh yes it’s everywhere. The moment that you are thankful you aren’t someone else or that your ministry isn’t like that person’s you entered into a level of comparison and judgment. You have just elevated yourself to a status that you really are not at. You are not any better than the person with the larger or smaller ministry. You are no better than the person with the smaller bank account. You are no better than the single man or woman. You simply are not. And the moment you feel better about not being someone else is the moment you aren’t thanking God for who He created you to be and that open door is one that the enemy can taint in more ways than most realize. Wouldn’t it be sad to learn from the Lord that that person you were judging was more Christian than you think you are? Yeah- so don’t even open the door.
- You are offended easily. Oh yes; it’s so funny to read all about the Pharisees who were just fit to be tied. Why on earth; think about this- would so many people be offended by what someone else says that isn’t even to them? It’s like going to a Trump Rally to be offended on purpose and then blaming him for what he is saying. Ummm…. hello. Get a clue. Your offense is your problem and if you are living offended it’s just something to talk to God about. The Pharisees probably would have enjoyed life more if they weren’t so offended and uptight. You being offended is making everything about you and well; it just isn’t. Jesus died on the cross- not you. It’s just life so just get over it and start enjoying yourself.
- You love to argue because you believe you are right. It’s amazing to me how much Christians like or rather; love to argue- and with each other. I had absolutely no idea! I also had no clue entering into this life that Christians love to do it so much to prove themselves right and so blatantly while not grasping the reality that someone doesn’t have to be wrong in order for you to be right. It’s all ok. The Pharisees just loved the argument and for what reason? You arguing louder doesn’t change the content of the argument. You calling other pastors, ministers or anyone else names doesn’t make you right. It just doesn’t. Seriously- what is the fuss about? Ok- so you are right? What does that change? Did you bring someone to Christ? Oh- you didn’t? No you just are right in your own mind for your self-glorification and elevation. Now isn’t that special? The Pharisees are those who just love calling out others who just don’t agree with them and here me clearly Saints- it does no one any good. In fact; it proves what everyone else says! It’s ok to just be you, be wrong and be happy.
In the end it’s really simple. If you are a Christian just focus on the Lord and follow the plan for your life that He has for you. Know that it won’t look like the plan of anyone else because it’s not supposed to. Thank God that He created you for such a time and place as this; that every need you have it met and that you can do all things through Christ who gives you strength. Know that apart from Him you can do no good thing and that as you take every thought captive while seeking His Kingdom everything in your life will change. And you will be free; simple to be you and live.
Julie Blair went from homeless to hope-filled in Christ. She helps people be delivered and overcome issues in life so they can be free in Christ. Her radio program ‘Living in Forgiveness’ airs daily to 3B worldwide. Watch tonight at 9:30pm on the UANetwork. Check your local listing. For more visit www.julieblair.com
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It’s funny; well actually sad when I ask people the question of what God or god they are serving. Most just say; “Well-God”; yeah big red truck right? Others say “My pastor says” and still others just look at me with a question of disgust as if I should already know-yet they never ask the question. So I ask you what God are you serving?
You see; you may think you are serving the God of Abraham Isaac and Jacob yet does your life reflect it? Or does the Lord come after as in after school, after work, after church, after football; after you fill in the blank.
I thought for so long that I was serving God; I honestly did. I went to church every Sunday. Yep. I sure did. I sat there and I even took notes. Boy was I such a server of the Lord. Yet in all that what did my life actually look like? It reflected the god I truly was serving. And yours does too.
I recall listening to a pastor from Inda years ago talk about how America and its people believe they have no idols or others gods and how wrong that actually was. He went on to share the judgmental ways of the Hindus who have many gods and I thought that too was of interest. As I tuned him out I reflected on all the gods that are in America that we don’t realize are gods that are idolized. Look around. Again- look around. Here are some of the fake, false gods that are served daily and all with blinders on:
1- The god of food. If you happen to live in Dallas you are blessed with more than 27k restaurants in Dallas county alone. People eat on their way to eating, on their way to shopping, on their way to the shooting range and then on their way home from it all. Food has never been more of a topic in any of the places I have lived in the US or outside the US as it has been in Dallas. It’s about food and of course to be hip and cool you must be a foodie. So there is your god. Enjoy and add extra sauce.
2- the god of time. Are you ruled by the clock? Every waking moment focused on how you are doing this minute compared to the next all in preparation for that next one. And of course the time put into something just to idolize how much time it took to be that expert and in less time than others because others just weren’t as effective with their time to be able to do what you were in less time. Being ruled by a clock simply means it is what is governing you; and most often not even to your acknowledgement.
3- the god of self- While this should be an obvious one; deception is a funny thing. In today’s current society everything is all about self. Self magazine, self-made millionaire, self-embodiment, self-motivated, self-started, self-image; you get the idea. The god of self has more worshiping and idolizing themselves above all which of course is contrary to the Word of God but hey in a selfie world if you are going to pick a god you may as well be it right?
4- the god of titles– Oh yes the titles! The world just loves titles. Everyone must have a title as your name just isn’t enough. Oh no not for today’s society. The love of titles just separates everyone from the next and aren’t we all so important being able to be identified by our titles? When did your title become the identifying facet of who God created you to be? I don’t remember Jesus or Paul carrying cards around with fancy 15 word titles just to prove their importance do you? Yet the love of the title just in recent times appears to be the identity of most. I even remember listening to a pastor tell some business owners that his wife was to only be called by her title because that who she was. Now how sad is that not only that he thought of his wife as nothing more than a man-made religious title but that he too expected everyone else around him to diminish her as well. All in the name of the title that we don’t even realize carries less value that we the people. Who would you be if your title were removed?
5- the god of sports– There was a day when people went to church on Sunday but that was before sports became the god of many families. The church has such tried to compete while just bring your sport to church day instead of saying something like ‘pick your God’ but that would be too easy and what church wants to lose those tithes and offerings right? So let’s just bring in all in and everyone wins. Make no choice just serve all the gods and do it together. Now in all seriousness we can mock it but it still remains a fact that sports in America and probably in your city is a god for many. How many millions of people plants their behinds in front of a screen to watch men run around with a ball all Sunday? All Saturday? Thursday night? Friday night for the young men? Saturday morning? Saturday afternoon? Monday night? Does it end? Nope. It never will until; well the NFL goes bankrupt but that won’t stop anything because pickleball may just be the next best thing. It does really matter what it is because the fact that it is is what is important. The god of sports steals from the lives of many without even their real acknowledgement. One only need to look at the amount of money spent at the local bar on any given Sunday to see what was stolen. Or as those Olympians what their childhood was like and you’ll find out what god was served. There is always a god of sports lurking and more agents to help you find one if you are in need. Now with anything; it’s not to say sports are all evil it’s the mere statement of it being a god that is what will separate you from the One and Only living God.
6- The god of materialism- The acquisition of stuff has never been as high as it has been in recent years. Prior to credit cards people used cash. How ignorant were they? Now; the average American carries 16k in credit card debt. If you have a 1k credit card balance and pay the monthly amount it will take 10 years to pay it off. But have no worry- that item for the first 20 minutes you owned it was surely awesome! Our society has been duped into thinking that more will be more pleasing when in fact that the ideology will only prove to keep you serving a god of death to your finances. The greatest industry ever in innovation in my opinion is that of the storage industry. How many millions of people pay to store stuff they aren’t using?! The average storage unit cost in America is now $70.00/mo with an annual total of $840 not including any fees. That is just one year except most people don’t pay for just one year. Oh no- it’s more than that. So as a result the god of materialism sucks people into a false idea that more means more and yes it does- more maintenance, more cleaning, more stress, more servant-hood to it all. The US has more shopping acreage across its land than any other country in the entire world. It’s wonderful although at what cost? Are your pursuits of material accumulation keeping you from actually serving the God who can change your life and your bank account in more positive ways than last years Prada?
In the end; what God are you serving? The Bible is pretty clear, ‘This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live.’ (Deu 30:19) In that you and your children will live. It’s time to set aside everything else that has been a god and let the One and Only God take the place that is rightly His in your life. Then you will be serving Him above all.
To grow in Christ visit www.julieblair.com
Julie Blair hosts a tv and radio program ‘Living in Forgiveness’ that airs daily to approximately 3B people worldwide. Tune in tonight for a new episode on the UANetwork at 9:30pm CST. Check your local listing.
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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While many talk about peace during this time of year; it is possible to live in peace every day of the year regardless of season, holiday or current events. It is a matter of purposing to do so.
When I became a Christian I had no idea what to expect; none. I didn’t really even know what it meant to be a Christian I just wanted something more than what I had- which wasn’t much. And so I became a Christian yet much in my life didn’t change. I did go to church every week yet for 18 years still had no peace. I Still didn’t the victory that I thought would come by default for being a Christian. I see many falling into that same trap. There is no peace and for many no wonder why.
If you are a Christian living by default to a world system there is no peace. If you are a Christian living by default in a church system; there probably isn’t much peace there either. Peace will only come through Jesus Christ; not through any man made system of any kind. It can’t. John 14:27 tells us, ‘Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.’
Getting, keeping and living in peace will require action. Action to get it, action to keep it and action to live in it. Society will do everything it can to take it, keep it; and prevent you from living in it. The world system is quite contrary to the Word of God and nothing of it produces fruit; only busyness. And busy friends is simply ‘bound under satans yoke’.
Take an inventory of your life today. Examine carefully what level of peace you truly have and make the necessary changes with the Lord to live in that level of peace He desires for you. Inventory your life. Examine the following in your life:
1- Clutter. Do you own your stuff or does it own you? How much is it robbing you of living because it’s always surrounding you; reminding you of the past, more chores; or whatever else. How much of your thoughts is the clutter stealing? Ask the Lord to reveal to you what items you need to give, what He may have you sell; and what items you have that need to be prayed over. You may have some items that you did not annoint that are bringing no peace and you need God to reveal those items to you. You must purpose to be on the offense in keeping your peace and not allowing any attachments of stuff steal it from you.
2- Your relationships. What we allow in from other people will have an impact. Are you allowing in trauma and drama? Are you creating ungodly soul ties or godly ones? Is gossip entering into your life? What boundaries do you have in place that you live by that bring peace? Remember if you aren’t setting boundaries then anything can enter and that means the enemy has legal right. Close the door to unhealthy relationships that aren’t producing fruit. Pray the following in Jesus name: “Father in the name of Jesus I ask that You distance me from the people in my life that I need distance from. I ask that You bring the relationships in my life that I need for this season. I ask that You increase my discernment and sensitivity to Your Holy Spirit during this time. I pray that as people are moved out of my life that they are blessed in the name of Jesus and I thank you for the peace that comes with this. I pray all this in Jesus name. Amen.” What you want to pay attention to is when people are transitioned in and out of your life that you thank the Lord for answering your prayer. You may be tempted to freak out over a period when it appears no one is in your life; although it’s the Lord answering your prayer and bringing the peace that you ultimately are seeking. It’s a blessing!
3- Your Order. God is a God of order. The enemy is all about chaos and disruption. When your life is out of order it’s because something internally is out of order. Ask the Lord to reveal to you where you are out of order and He will. Perhaps your sleeping patterns are out of order which is causing you to spend less time with Him. He is of order and when you are in order your level of peace will increase along with your sensitivity to the Holy Spirit. Ask in Jesus name, ‘Father in Jesus name please forgive me for the areas of my life that are out of order. I ask that You reveal it to me in a way that I can understand what is out of order and what my steps are to restoring order. I thank You for the peace that will come with order in accordance with Your Word. I pray all this in Jesus name. Amen.’ Remember that disorder cannot bring peace.
4- Your living within in your means. Current society is setup for failure. The world system is corrupt. We don’t need to examine that as one can look around and see it. The question is are you living within your means? The enemy has mastered the art of tempting people to live beyond their means. For many the increase in job title means increase in salary and of course; an upgrade in vehicle, home, and debt. A larger home, more vehicles and bigger wardrobe does not equate to peace. It never will. Ask the Lord to reveal the areas of your life where you are living beyond your means and as He answers what is revealed will forever change you. ‘Father in the name of Jesus please forgive me of all my sins. I come before You asking You to reveal to me the areas of my life that are outside of my means and that it’s in a way I can understand. I ask that You show me how to live within my means and provide a solution that will bring the peace in You that I desire. I thank You for all this in Jesus name. Amen.’ You will find that the excess of shoes, purses, tools; books, ATVs, watercraft; and 7.00 per day coffee isn’t as necessary at all and that you actually have more than you think without everything else.
5- Am I living my purpose? Living the purpose God has for you will bring peace. It brings clarity and will change your life without a doubt. One easy way the enemy ruins people lives is by giving them a false identity. A false identity denies anyone from living the real purpose that God has in store. In Jeremiah 29:11-14 it’s clear, ’11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.12 Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listento you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. 14 I will be found by you,” declares the Lord…’ If you want peace in your life go before the Lord and ask Him what He created you for. It’s much bigger than you can ever realize. ‘Father in the name of Jesus I ask that You forgive me of my sins. I come before You because I know Your word is true in Jer 29;11 that You have a plan for my life. I ask that You reveal that plan as I come before you and please do so in a way that I can understand. I thank You that You chose me before the foundation of the earth for this plan and I thank You that it will be revealed to me. I ask for an increase in faith to receive it. I ask for an increase in hearing and that all distractions, hindrances, obstacles and lies are removed from me and my path that would prevent me from understanding, knowing and following Your plan. I thank You that You have made it so easy to seek You and I pray all this in Jesus name. Amen.’ There is more involved in getting the full plan and operating in it; although moving in the direction toward it will bring more peace than living the false life given by a false god who is not of peace.
Living in peace with the Lord requires purpose. It does not and will not happen by accident. The enemy knows the tactics and how to operate in them and sadly; he does it better than most Believers. If you want the fullness of His peace moving in you, to you and through you; then purpose for it. Purpose to get before Him. Purpose to make peace in Christ your protocol and your personal code of conduct. When you do you will enter into a new way of life and one that can’t be taken away from you.
For more about growth in Christ please visit www.julieblair.com
Dr. Julie prayed at age 5 that Jesus would be her escape and when she was homeless at age 15 by the hands of her adoptive parents she knew God had bigger plans. She now helps others get out of the bondage of the enemy to live free in Christ. Her television and radio programs ‘Living in Forgiveness’ airs around the world to approximately 3 billion daily. You can watch a new episode tonight on the UANetwork at 9:30pm CST. Stream live at www.uanetwork.tv or check your local tv listing.
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Before you judge; keep reading. Perhaps you have been there and didn’t know what it was or how to talk about it; or even how to deal with it. It’s one of those not so talked about things like most things of importance in Church. The reality of what many people go through in their relationship with the Lord leaves many trapped and seeking help; yet because God is God may are told just go back and read some scripture and you will just fine. And while true; there is much more to it and when we grasp the full reality of a relationship with the Lord there is much to be gained.
You see; for me personally it was you are a servant of Christ. I was under the authority of a former Vietnam Veteran who’s wisdom and teaching has changed my life in ways unimaginable. Growing in in the Lord and understanding my role and position in Christ and what it means to be a servant is one where was related to military. You are an order taker. You are in rank that of a E-2 and of course ask no questions. You are not worthy of such things because well; you are where you are and God is as well. You are there to serve and take orders as commanded. What you think or want is not important; nor relevant
I got it. I learned much and took orders and grew exponentially. Everything became a status update of ‘I want whatever you want me to have Lord’ and that was how I lived. After all it’s God with the purpose for my life and I am just the one to fulfill that particular role and ask no questions. No opinion necessary. I climbed the ranks and of course as you climb the ranks what you get to do gets better. Increase territory means more fun missions and increase in hearing from God; which also means you are a more lethal target to the enemy. And I loved that part of it. I was battle ready and moving forward.
A few years later I listened to a pastor talk about the difference between being a servant and a friend. There are rewards due a friend that a servant doesn’t have access to. The servant; well rank E-2 has the access that only he is allowed to have and let’s face it it isn’t much. I started to wonder at that moment why I wasn’t thought of us as much more than a servant in the eyes of the Lord.
I searched and started reading the scripture in a new way. When Jesus asked Bartimaeus ‘What do you want’ and he replied ‘I want to see’ that was life changing! It meant that Jesus actually cared more about was someone wanted than the orders given and followed. He wanted interaction! It was also a challenging time to recognize that I could be in that type of relationship with Jesus and that it was ok to actually have an opinion about what I wanted; something that I hadn’t experienced before. And also a challenge because I didn’t know what I wanted; because I had never been asked. Through the process of digging and talking with the Lord I transformed from being the servant rank to being a friend who served and as such knew I was climbing the ranks for the Lord. It was an amazing time of growth with the Lord to say the least.
Well; as with any relationship there are ebs and flows and yes the Lord knows the desires of our hearts and for me it was a husband and family. Knowing that God’s Word is clear in may places in the Word that it’s not good for man to be alone, that He puts the lonely in families, that when you ask believe and don’t doubt, that a man who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord; and I could go on and on. I knew that God answers my prayers because now there are 5 women whom I’ve prayed with for husbands who all have them and within months of the initial prayer.
I listened to a woman say that she is married to the Lord and I asked her what that was like. She said what I expected; God is her provider, she loves Him and all is great. I wondered what really her role in that relationship was or if it was just the proverbial answer that so many recite yet don’t take any further. I reflected on my relationship with the Lord and it wasn’t even close to being a super marriage. In fact I was miserable. Miserable. And I felt worse by even admitting it.
You see; what I saw in my marriage to God was that I was the one doing all the work. I was the one cooking dinner, doing the dishes; and waiting for Him to arrive. I was the one barely making ends meet, driving the vehicle with 160k miles while believing that God will provide. He is after all God right? I was the one in ministry asking for help every which way and getting nothing but the proverbial answers; and then going back to prayer only to leave with less than what I entered with. Where was my husband? Where was the love? Where was the touch of intimacy? I was a wife starving for something- anything from the One could deliver all yet I was completely alone and alone in every way. I felt abandoned, neglected; forsaken. I was begging for something; just a clue that I wasn’t alone. And I was sick of reciting the scriptures as this was’t just a go and read the Bible again answer that so many give. Perhaps you too have been to the depths with the Lord seeking that response that only can come from Him. Press in and keep pressing.
It wasn’t that I didn’t love God. Not at all. It wasn’t even that I wanted to divorce God or walk away. Oh no. We are in this for life and there is no walking away. I am beyond that and didn’t come this far to walk away. I am all in! There is a purpose for my life and regardless I will fulfill because after all; I am more than an E-2 (although we all start somewhere and nothing wrong with starting there) and there is no going back once you go forward. There is only forward. There are no knobs on the other side of the door even if you wanted to go back.
Maybe you’ve been there; where it feels like a stand still with the Lord. You feel like you are doing all that you can and that it isn’t enough, you aren’t enough; and that you can’t get to a place of enough. That is where I was. I started resenting God for who He was in my life because I couldn’t quite grasp how the God who loves me and created me couldn’t even show how much He loved me. I started to resent the fact that God created me in the first place because this was just a joke. Most of my life started looking a joke and a bad one all at my expense. Sure you can judge all you want and say ‘well sister He will never leave you’ and sure I know this. I’ve heard all the religious sayings and the word of faith bla bla bla and that brings more bondage than anything I’ve ever heard. It has people having more faith in the words they speak than in the God who delivers and for me I wanted answers. I wanted to feel love. I wanted to feel cherished. I wanted to feel anything other than forgotten, forsaked and a fool. That’s all. I wanted to feel alive!
Think about your marriage for a moment. Think about what it was like when you first got married; the excitement, the love, the passion, the hope for the future. Then fast forward. Do you ever feel forgotten, not important, or completely unnecessary? Are you an important part of your marriage or are you just in place of it to bake more cookies and pot roast? It’s a lonely place and something much change. And quick before you lose what you have. I had to make a change and quick for the sake of everything And maybe you do to.
I took my issues to the Lord as any wife would take her issues to her husband. And let me say this; if you do have issues with your husband don’t not address them. He and you and your marriage are deserving of that. Of course timing is everything and I told the Lord how much I love Him, respect Him, and don’t want to ever be away from Him- and just how much I resented Him for everything. I resented that He found it ok for me to drive a vehicle falling apart, I told Him I resented Him for the things that He allowed to happen that left me worse off than I had been in years and that as I felt that He as my husband wasn’t protecting me. I told Him everything. Everything. And whether or not my perspective was ‘correct’ didn’t matter. It was how I felt and that was important- just as it is for you. Trying to hide behind religion is what will hurt you more than anything. Just be you and spill it. I had to. And if you are in such a situation- so do you.
You see; what many fail to recognize is that a relationship with God is that- a relationship. A marriage is a marriage and it requires open communication. If you cannot communicate and be honest you are simply living a lie- and most people will simply lie to themselves to they can master the lie to others. Eventually though it will all crumble.
When I reflect on my relationship with God and where we started and the growth over the years I can tell you that Regardless of what you are going through- go to the Lord and share it with Him. If you don’t- what you are going through will only burden you further and that burden will separate you.
When I shared everything with the Lord it changed our relationship entirely. It freed me to just be who I am without the pretense of all the ideologies of what people think a Christian should be. It freed me from the bondage of how I should behave, and how I should approach the Lord; and how I should seek, ask, knock. I stopped worrying about the ‘you can’t say that’ to ‘well; I did and the Lord still loves me’ I went to the Lord based upon ‘my’ relationship with Him and got to the root of the issues I was dealing with and was free. I didn’t want anything in my marriage causing problems and anything evident not dealt with will only increase separation and I didn’t want that any longer- and I’m sure you don’t either.
I share all of this to say that the Lord loves you. He understands what you are going through at every level and when you share with Him your deepest feelings and desires it will not only transform you but also your relationship and your heart toward Him. It changed my level of intimacy as that is a key component in any relationship. If you are struggling with anything in your relationship with the Lord- share it with Him. Deal with it. Open the doors of communication so that you can move toward what’s next with Him and know that you will never be the same in Jesus name.
Dr. Julie is president of Julie Blair ministries helping people grow in Christ. Her television and radio program ‘Living in Forgiveness’ can be heard daily at 9:30pm CST on the UANetwork.
To have Julie speak to your congregation or business visit www.julieblair.com.
There has never been a moment in your life when you have not been loved. Never. Not one. While it may sound trite and simplistic in nature; the truth remains. You have been loved before the foundation of the earth. To be that love on this earth; you must love as He loved and loves you. The only solution is Love. There is no other way and until we individually and collectively grasp and live this out as reality we as a society are doomed. Again I repeat: the only solution is love. And God is love.
When we carefully examine our society we see the downfall, destruction; distraction at every facet. Families are in distress, the political climate is disastrous and the economy in despair. We need help. The only solution is love. A heart turned from the evil and wicked toward Love will be the only way in which we will survive. It is time now to allow your heart to experience Love; for there is no other way.
Please know this isn’t a feel good tickle you on Sunday message from the fluffiest of pastors. It simply is not nor can it be because if it truly were; 1) it would be preached more often, 2) it would be received, 3) our society would reflect it. But as such love is not easy. Loving others and receiving Love are the hardest things for us to grasp and as such why we are in such desperate times as we are now.
When love is examined it must be recognized that it is much beyond the waiting for one day per year to demonstrate a nice gesture of flowers that die quickly; and you are worth more than that anyway. What love is isn’t just a feeling for one day. It is a lifestyle and one that we must get if we expect to survive the next day; or even the net moment.
The Bible is written clearly in 1 John 4:7 “Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him.This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.”
The division and dissent among us is evident and more colorful with each passing day. One cannot claim to know God and not exhibit Love because it simply is not possible. The lack of demonstration of love reveals lack of love. Love is patient; as is God. Love is Kind; as is God. Love covers a multitude of sins; as God does. Every single facet of God represents Love and therefore; we must look in the mirror and ask the Holy Spirit to identify the areas of our lives that are not reflecting who we are, what we are; why we are so that we can become all of what was purposed to be done in us, to us and through us; by Love. It is only through that heart change toward love that we will experience any change and hope for our future.
It starts with you; it starts with me. Blaming others for their ignorance won’t change it. Sharing negative comments about idiocy only furthers the agenda. Getting involved with gossip and dissent only breeds it. Titus 3:1-2 reads for us to ‘Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone.” Notice it does not say some times or some people. No. It is very clear always and everyone; which makes sense that God who is Love would want to be represented in the same manner without discriminating. Otherwise; if there is no love how can others be brought to it?
Today is the day, now is the time and this is your moment. Be the Love that has been given freely to you. Be the change that you want. Be obedient. Be the example for others to follow. Be the one who picks up your cross and says like Isaiah ‘Send me’ and Love; for there is no other way.
To live victoriously in love and forgiveness visit www.julieblair.com
Dr. Julie is president of Julie Blair Ministries helping people live victoriously in love and forgiveness in Christ. To have her speak to your congregation or organization please visit www.julieblair.com.
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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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Society is changing and in reality has just plain gone mad. Everyone moves at a frantic pace trying to accomplish everything in an instant and most often without thought. Everything is needed 5 minutes ago regardless of what time it is. Understanding the weapon of patience your life will change; and in ways you can’t imagine.
I never was a patient person. Not at all. My nickname was New Yorker because of the pace I moved at; which was contrary to that of those in Denver. I simply believed it was that everyone around me was just high and I was the one moving with purpose. I even found it irritating in NYC all the people who just had to stop and look up; do it somewhere else! Move out of the way. People often believe New Yorkers are rude; no they are just misunderstood is all. And so I was the leader of the impatience pack and either move with more or be moved out of the way. The problem is that it isn’t the manner in which God moves at. Haste makes waster and in reality impatience is just that. When God revealed to me the great weapon of patience my life forever changed.
You see; patience as a weapon gives you much more than you think. It gives time of reflection, steady movement forward, an increased in hearing from the Lord. It gives you a strategy that cannot come otherwise. It is a growth in wisdom. It yields greater results and it changes not only personal interactions; but the results of them. It brings experience that those without the weapon demonstrate they don’t have. It; the weapon of patience is a gamer changer.
People typically are not accustomed to patience. Not in today’s society. There is no time for patience when websites need to be built, the deal must be done; and the ladder must be climbed. Society has attempted to remove what patience people had and the results are proving disastrous. The invasion of text messages for instant results removes the face to face interaction and that; what is needed to be seen is lost. The pace of shoving food down ones throat without even knowing what it is is obviously noticed in the waist size of Americans; which over the last 5 years has grown and has no reason to decline. The stress and strain that impatience is placing upon families is seen in divorce; whether in or out of the church.
The weapon of patience brings an understanding of the world around you. It brings noticeable results that one simple cannot get while rushing to boast of 100 hour workweeks. Much in life is lost when impatience and ‘now’ reign. You see; even the Lord rested. He does everything with purpose yet still stands so patient with every person knowing that as they continually seek Him that patience will endure.
The weapon of patience is built on love for it is written in 1 Corinthians 13: 4 that “Love is patient”. So when you use the weapon of patience you are walking and living in love; which will accomplish more than anything else that you can acquire.
When you grasp the reality that patience is a weapon to be used to your advantage you will see more, achieve more, sell more; and in the end become more. You will find that while people are toiling faster and faster impatiently to their deaths you my dear friend will see the harvest of patience because you will still be standing to see it.
To know Jesus visit www.julieblair.com
To remove the stinking thinking and be transformed in Christ join Julie for Kingdom Thinking and Living Seminar on October 8th. For more visit www.julieblair.com
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