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.
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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).
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Forgiveness Tip #16
Forgive yourself for not seeing the obvious.
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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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God gave us all free will; the choice to choose. You choose your actions; God’s Word will tell you the consequences. It’s that easy. If you choose to either live in or accept sin for anything other than what it is then you by default are accepting the consequences of the sin. Accepting and tolerating sin has permeated our lives and it’s time for Christians to stand up for something other than sin.
What has happened in our society is that 1) we have changed the meaning of sin so that it doesn’t look and feel so bad, 2) we have just become immune to sin being what it is because then there really are no consequences, 3) Christians no longer are standing up for all of God’s Word and saying ‘no’ to sin; all in the name of people pleasing and tolerance. As a result judgment is upon us and in larger ways that most comprehend. To this the answer really and truly is repentance for there is no other way.
So what are the consequences of accepting sin? Many although here are three:
1- Your understanding of Truth, God and His plan for your life are distorted. When you deny God’s Word you deny His power and all operations in your life. The power that you maybe once had will be gone. No longer will Truth prevail but rather lies; and more lies until everything in your life has no meaning of anything beyond the material and now. Beyond yourself there will be nothing yet you will not know it because the understanding too will be gone. Your life will turn into nothing more than a meaningless selfie in the midst of the selfie sea of lost souls all searching but never finding.
God has a plan for your life and the only way that you can live in it is to 1) get with Him to get it, 2) live in the accordance of His Word. Claiming to be a Christian yet choosing sin above Him will never put you in the plan that ‘He’ has for you. He is too just to give you all of what He has when you aren’t who you need to be in order to receive. Trying to deceive God simply will not work and so therefore; the consequence of sin will sting and until you make the choice to turn back to Him and deny the works of the enemy in all areas of your life.
2- Your life will be separated from Him. Sin separates. Period. There is no life walking with Jesus to the full; how could there be? Imagine coming to Christ and claiming that you follow Him yet just on Sundays because ya know; he parties and debauchery are all the other days of the week. Oh yes let’s go straight to 1 Corinthians 6: 9-10 where it’s clear: ‘Or do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor men who have sex with men nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.’ So in other words- your choice to sin, accept it, live in it or tolerate it will cause you lose anything good from God. And because God withholds no good thing from those who love Him your choice to turn your back will cause you to live separated from Him. You see; walking with Jesus isn’t a game and it obviously isn’t for everyone because if it were our society wouldn’t be in the mess that it is.
Being separated from the Lord is a very lonely place. Sin does not and cannot bring anyone closer to Him. It is a separator and the enemy knows this. The good news is that there is repentance and in Acts 3:19 it tells us ‘Repent, and seek forgiveness so that times of refreshing may come.’ Through repentance the wall of sin can be removed and you can come closer to the Lord. It though is your choice. The choice to reap the harvest of obedience or the curses of disobedience. Either way; God’s Word will not change because you do not like it and want to be liked by man.
3- Your identity will be stolen through deception of the enemy. The enemy comes to kill, steal and destroy and today that has become so cliche to hear but what does it mean? It means exactly that! The enemy has it out for you and any way he can get you to live in and accept sin he has the foothold in.
Once the enemy gets you to believe the lie and lies you are toast. The enemy will steal your identity and use you as a tool for him. One need not look any further than Hollywood and see those who once were for Him now against Him. They are pawns for the devil. And if you aren’t careful you will be too.
When you know who you are in Christ you will know the ploys of the enemy. You will be able to thwart all his endeavors against you and you will live in victory in Christ. You will be strong enough to stand up for righteousness and you will not bow down to accepting, tolerating and living in sin because you know better. You will not be moved when people call you bigots, racists, homophobe, intolerant or any other name that they want to come up with because it simply will not matter. It just won’t because you know who you are in Christ and the enemy can’t take that away.
If you want your life to have the proper meaning to it then understand this brothers and sisters it’s time now to remove the sin and stop tolerating it and accepting it. It’s time to rebuke those who tell you that you as a Christian need to just let go of the Truth’s of the Bible because they are outdated. That’s pure rubbish! God’s Word is clear: “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever” so it is written in Hebrews 13:8. When they tell you that you need to just accept sin because it’s not so bad rebuke it. When they tell you that your leadership must tolerate every form of perversion in your church or business rebuke it. If it does not line up with the Word of God then rebuke it. You must otherwise you will simply fall prey to the sin and it’s consequences and not even know what happened. And remember there is no freedom in sin or the consequences that it produces. There is only freedom in Christ and obedience to Him at all times in all ways.
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Today’s Scripture
Romans 8:31-32 What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us,who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?
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Forgiveness Tip #15
Forgiveness will change your life in ways that fortunes can’t.
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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 righteous living and the love of Christ or to have Julie speak to your church or business visit www.julieblair.com
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.
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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.
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Forgiveness Tip #15
Forgiveness isn’t a game of lip service but heart change through repentance.
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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
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Forgiveness is one of those things that many talk about; but don’t apply. It’s turned into one of those little motivational quotes images seen throughout social media. It’s just oh so sweet like apple pie but let’s get real. There is a real side to forgiveness and it’s time that we as a society stop placating it and get with the reality of what forgiveness is. There is a truthful side to forgiveness. The truthful side of forgiveness is what most don’t talk about and for a variety of reasons.
The truthful side of forgiveness is what must be examined otherwise what’s the point? What is the point of one more blog that just says ‘oh brother and sister forgive’? You already know that! It’s been preached for how many decades yet still believers tend to skip that part and then wonder whey they are broke, busted and distrusted or disgusted. It’s seriously time to stop with the sweet usery of God’s Word and start understanding the reality of the truth of it to the full along with the consequences of just disregarding it because you just don’t feel so good about doing that today. Oh yes is that not for today either? Forgiveness is and it’s time to we get it and start living as overcomers otherwise Christians worldwide will be more of a laughing stock than we already are.
So what is the real side of forgiveness?
1- Forgiveness is a command not an option. Our society has dumbed down God’s Word to where the ‘Dummies’ guide needs a guide because of what people have made of God’s Word. Forgiveness is not a joke; it’s not an option when you just feel like it; and it certainly isn’t something to take lightly. It’s crazy how many people hear the message and then return home to their bitter lane and life and wonder where God is. Yeah- God isn’t your problem- your pure rebellion and disobedience is. God’s Word gives you everything for abundant living and forgiveness is the command to get there; oh and yes along with the first which is love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind and soul. And love your neighbor as yourself. So let’s stop mocking His Word and start taking it serious shall we and then become obedient to forgive even when we don’t want to? https://julieblair.com/the-command-to-forgive/
2- Forgiveness isn’t about you- it’s about your obedience to God. Many people simply forgive so they fell better which sounds oh so holy and noble right? Oh yes ‘I wanted to lose weight so I forgave’. Sure. I get it. It is what happens when you forgive although that is a purely selfish motive in the big scheme of things. The scientists of today propagate all the health reasons to forgive but yet they miss the entire point which takes me back to #1. It’s a command. So therefore if you are only forgiving just because you want to feel better well then good for you. You just showed the Lord your motives and how do you think that makes Him feel? How would you feel? It isn’t about living under the law any more thank God! So when you go to the Lord to forgive it should be because you want to be right with Him more than you want to lose whatever weight you have gained through you active disobedience. Then you will be set free. And of course this makes sense because His Word tells us remain focused on Him and not ourselves.
3-Forgiveness is about Christ and His Kingdom- not yours. I know it’s hard to hear or read that it isn’t all about you but it’s the truth. Our society has turned life itself into a selfie and where is there room for God? When you honestly go before the Lord of Lords, the King of Kings to declare forgiveness and repent for unforgiveness you will walk away with a testimony for His Kingdom- not your own. You can’t even have forgiveness without Christ so let’s just get real about it. Without Jesus Christ in the midst of your forgiveness you are just working yourself to some form of self-glorification and don’t we already have enough of that in our society?
As you can see forgiveness isn’t a joke. It isn’t a game. Jesus didn’t die so you could go take a selfie of how great your little mind will tell you that you are. Oh no. He died for you and the life that comes through Him. There is no way to get to the Father but through Him and whether you accept that or not isn’t my issue but rather His Truth. So if you want the full life that comes with being a follower of Christ then it will require you to understand that it is because of His love for you that you are here. It is because of His selflessness that you are here. It is because of His blood that you are here. And so just mocking Him by disregarding His Word or just using it for your own glory is not going to anything but reveal what you are. And if you want it to be revealed what you are don’t you want it to be one who loves the Lord, who lives in forgiveness and one who is obedient above all regardless of cost?
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Today’s Scripture
Proverbs 18:10 The name of the LORD is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.
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Forgiveness Tip #12
Your strength to forgive will come through your obedience to Christ.
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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
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Forgiveness is a process of healing that takes as long as it takes. Because each person is different, each situation is unique; and each relationship is unlike any other the process of and toward healing is exactly that. It is a process that will only occur should you choose to maneuver through it.
In grasping forgiveness and how it is a process of healing it in its truest and deepest form will require people to align themselves with God’s Word. There is no other way. It is evident that people are not aligning their lives and minds with the Word of God based upon the fact that so many are suffering. The statistics reveal: 44 million Americans suffer from mental disorders. 6.9% or 16 million American suffer from depression. 18.1% or 42 million Americans suffer from anxiety. Depression is known as the leading cause of disability worldwide and is known as the largest contributor to disease worldwide. 90% of those who die by suicide suffer from mental illness. (https://www.nami.org/getattachment/Learn-More/Mental-Health-By-the-Numbers/General-MH-Facts-4-02-15.pdf) It is a command for people to not let the words of God be out of sight for they are health to a man’s whole body. Getting away from God’s word has repercussions and the mental health statistics reveal so. It is when people’s lives align with the Word of God that the change will be evident. Romans 12:2 tells all readers, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” (NIV) The ways of the world are away from God’s Word and ways and the results of that cause suffering.
The great news about forgiveness being a healing process is that it is! Psalm 147:3 is clear that “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” (NIV) It is through seeking forgiveness that healing takes place. A person who never forgives will never be changed to live in the abundance of what God has in store. On the flipside; obedience to God’s Word and seeing forgiveness will bring one through a process of healing. On a personal note; the process of forgiveness was one that not only changed my voice but my eye color too. Whatever is on the inside manifested spiritually will reflect outwardly in the physical. Healing that takes place spiritually too will be revealed to all. The process of healing is one that will forever change a person’s life; which would make sense as the Apostle Paul writes that the battle is one in the spiritual and not in the physical. One of the best ways to be healed in Christ is to repent and seek forgiveness so that times of refreshing may come as in reads in Acts. The times of refreshing just may be the healing that people desperately need! With this said; it will require one to realize that the ways of God are bigger than the ways of man. Proverbs 3:7-8 commands people “Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones.” (NIV) Again; there is healing to one who is obedient to God’s Word. Forgiveness is an act of healing and obedience that will only strengthen a relationship with Christ.
There are numerous examples of healing in God’s Word although the one that stand out for recognition are found in Jeremiah where it is written, “Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved, for You are my praise.” Jeremiah 17:14 (NIV) There would be no cry for healing if there wasn’t an awareness that it could be done. When it comes to forgiveness and unforgiveness; the fruit one has is based upon the level of obedience. While seeking forgiveness may prove to be challenging; the power that comes with the obedience therein is something that cannot truly be explained. It is an experience that brings with it much release of turmoil while increasing in identity in Christ and understanding of what Jesus truly did when He was obedient to die on the cross for the sins of others. No other religion or person on earth can lay claim to this. True healing can only be found in and through Christ. Anything other is a counterfeit. Unfortunately; too many have fallen into the trap of that are not being healed as they should be because they are seeking other sources for healing that are not God ordained. Through forgiveness in Christ; healing comes. This would not be written otherwise.
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Today’s Scripture
Deuteronomy 30:19 “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…”
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Forgiveness Tip #8
Forgiveness is a process of healing that begins in the mind.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Forgiveness is a process and an event; it’s twofold. It will occur many times in your life if you are willing to be obedient to the Lord. Additionally; you will experience expanded territory through forgiveness. Let me explain;
When you choose to forgive; which not forgiving too is a choice you are overcoming your flesh for something greater than your feelings about what someone did or didn’t do you that you may or may not agree with that wasn’t exactly what anyone else would think. You are laying it down at the foot of the cross. And what happens? God can use you and in bigger ways.
The prayer by Jabez was incredible because of its simplicity: bless me and expand my territory. Brilliant! Yet here is the thing: if you are not experiencing that after you have prayed that effective prayer there is a reason. And most likely a situation of unforgiveness or bitterness is related. The Lord cannot expand territory of an unforgiver. Why? Well; 1) it’s His Kingdom and reputation that you would be diminishing, 2) you choice to not be obedient in forgiving won’t be rewarded, 3) people don’t like being around unforgiving, angry, resentful, bitter people- trust me on that one! And because God is a just God and His Word reigns supreme in commanding us to forgive there are rewards and consequences with each choice we choose to make. Forgive and receive expanded territory and blessings. Don’t want that- then don’t forgive. It’s really that simple yet probably one of the hardest things you will ever do; or at least it was for me.
And so here is the most beautiful image of how this works: Jesus. You see His life on earth was filled with territory right? He walked everywhere, spoke with people, taught, healed, broke bread; performed miracles, casted out demons and on it went. He did it wherever He was. He did it in the territory that was His at the time He did it. But then look what took place:
Jesus completed the call on His life. He died for your sins and for mine. Whether you agree does not change the Truth of what He did. And on that cross he prayed ‘Forgive them Father for they know not what they do’ and after His death His territory expanded even more! It was His obedience and His own level of forgiveness that set the example; none other. So when people say that this is unrealistic or not doable well sure- this isn’t for the weak. Jesus was not weak and the Bible tells us clearly that ‘when’ you have struggles and not ‘if’ so it’s not a surprise that it’s not easy. It is realistic because the way has been made. And guess what? God’s Word does not give commands without a person having the ability to deliver. God does not set up people for failure; oh no He provides all the tools that people need in order to grow and expand His Kingdom. Just like Jesus.
And so if you want your territory expanded; to live the full and God call on your life it will require forgiveness. It will require you to get over yourself and know that He who is greater made the way; and that you can forgive. You just have to align your mind with God’s Word is all. When you do this then you will begin to see what God does; and you will experience it- trust me on that too. God is a good God and has a full life for you because He doesn’t hold back any good thing. So the question is: are you ready to get it? Are you ready to lay down the unforgiveness and have it replaced with more of Him operating in you, to you and through you; with expanded Kingdom? I certainly hope so as there is nothing like it in the world. There is nothing like following in the path of Jesus and knowing that God loved His Son so much that He became the freedom for you to live beyond what you could imagine. So get on the path today and expand your territory for His Kingdom; and while you still can.
For more about forgiveness and walking with Christ watch ‘Living in Forgiveness’ weeknights at 9:30pm on the UANetwork.
To have Julie speak at your church or business visit www.julieblair.com
There is none greater that overcame than Jesus. He layed down the foundation for others to follow and at great cost. His mission was complete and in you; and now it is your turn to do the same. It is your turn to overcome evil with love and forgiveness; following in the footsteps of the Great I Am.
We know there is evil in the world and like never before. Turn on the television and it’s in the news; or even turn on a sitcom and it’s there and the dramas are filled with it. Schools are filled with even perverting our children with ungodly doctrine every chance they get; all in the name of tolerance and some idea of love that isn’t so.
As such it should not be surprised why the rates of depression, suicide, divorce, abortion, hate crimes against all people are all on the rise; even our military men and women who’ve returned home. Let’s not even get into the political arena for the evil spewing to and covering the people. It is everywhere and not just in yor backyard. But we know this; and if you don’t pay attention for it is written in 2 Tim3: 1-7
“This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.
2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,
4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;
5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
6 For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts,
7 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.
The good news is that while things are changing you can overcome! You see; Jesus equipped you with every single thing that you need to be transformed by the renewing of your mind. He died for you! He died so that during these times you would have a better way to live; and it is through and it is through forgiveness. There is a better way of life and it is all there just for you.
If you claim to be a follower of Christ and live like the world then you are the hypocrite the world laughs at; you are why people don’t want to become a Christian. There is no testimony or power in hate or revenge; there cannot be. Ad while it may seem like the hate and evil is prevailing rest assured the wicked and evil will experience an early death. There is no doubt. But you; not you should you choose to walk in love and forgiveness. The love and forgiveness that you give to others permeates for much longer than you realize. One only need to see Jesus to get this.
And so the question you probably are most interested in is how do you overcome evil with love and forgiveness? It’s quite simple really although it is a process and a lifestyle change. It is a choice to decide what you allow into your thoughts, your life; and your behavior. It starts with a heart turned toward Jesus. It starts with you asking for Him to increase your capacity to love; and to show you how to walk in love. It will require you to to take every thought captive to the Lord and remain focused on Him and His Kingdom and glory. It will require you to be still in the midst of the Lord at all times; for there is no other way. It will require patience like none other and an understanding that will prevail because He prevailed! He came to set the captives free- He did! And He wouldn’t have done it if He didn’t need to and if He knew you couldn’t be free. And so you overcome evil walking with Jesus knowing that there is a better way and that He is the better way; and let that not only sink in but be your thought for the day.
For more about forgiveness and walking with Christ watch ‘Living in Forgiveness’ weeknights at 9:30pm CST on the UANetwork.
To have Julie speak at your church or business visit www.julieblair.com
Before I understood forgiveness I was probably like you; heard to do it and went about life. It was something to give some thought to after a nice sermon by the preacher but that one thing that was never really important enough to actually get put on the ‘to do’ list. As such I never knew that forgiveness is deliverance; and that forgiveness really is your deliverance too.
What many experience in their walk with the Lord are some blessings and a breakthrough here and there; and they are ok with it. Others may take it personal and begin to blame God. “Why isn’t God blessing me with this or that” the proverbial question is. It continues on all the while the same people are blaming the devil and go on the attack on every little thing which sounds super spiritual; although it still is not getting to the point of problem. Breakthrough still is not occurring and it can’t until other choices are made. More often than not you are your problem and hindrance; not the devil and most certainly not the Lord!
When you get to the place of realizing that blaming God or the devil for what you are choosing to not do your life will change. Period. So blaming God isn’t going to solve the problem. He didn’t choose unforgiveness for you- you did. Heck it was Him who choose His Son to die on your behalf! Blaming the devil is laughable because he’s sitting over there laughing at how ignorant you are because you are choosing to rebel against God by being unforgiving; so he wins. All the while you hate and doubt God for your problems he’s just kicking back with his stupid cronies have a good ol time. He doesn’t even have to do anything! He gets you to and then you live in it- and don’t even see it. It’s really time to see it, start moving those mountains and living above and not below because God certainly did not allow His Son to die on that cross to that Christians today can live poor and miserable believing that that is God’s best. That is not so stop wearing misery like a badge of honor.
Psalm 18:21-24 is pretty clear: “For I have kept the ways of the Lord, and have not wickedly departed from my God. For all his judgments were before me, and I did not put away his statutes from me. I was also upright before him, and I kept myself from mine iniquity.Therefore hath the Lord recompensed me according to my righteousness, according to the cleanness of my hands in his eyesight.”(KJV)
Living in unforgiveness is a choice just as much as living in forgiveness is; the only difference is that unforgiveness is against God. It is rebellion to His Word, His ways; and ultimately His plan for your life. His Word commands forgiveness. There is no way to reroute this and whether you agree or not does not change the Word nor does it change the consequences of disobedience to it. When this revelation is received; your life will change.
Deliverance will come through forgiveness. It is different for every person but rest assured; you will never be the same in Jesus name when you forgive. Never! You cannot be. When you forgive you are relinquishing all of it to the Lord so that He can work through you, in you, for you; and all for His glory and Kingdom. On the other hand; your unforgiveness will only keep you in bongage and that of being a victim, never growing in the Lord or as a person; and your life won’t ever be filled with the peace and abundance that comes with a life lived in Him. As such you will simply be used as a tool for the enemy and really what a waste of life. Don’t lose years like I did being used like that. Move the mountain and start living for Him who deserves it.
Many people pray for deliverance. I get requests all the time from people saying the same thing: “I just want Him to deliver me” and guess what? He will- when ‘you’ apply His Word! Remember it is God who will arm you with strength and make your way perfect; if only you let Him.
For more about freedom in Christ watch ‘Living in Forgiveness’ weeknights at 9:30pm CST on the UANetwork.
To have Julie speak at your church or business visit www.julieblair.com