It’s a funny thing what people think of one another. If you are like them you are cool; but yet the minute you aren’t well; you just aren’t so cool. As if that matters right? Your level of coolness is based upon others- while theirs of course is not.
And so in these times if you are a Christian and one with a mouth; and one not afraid of standing up for the entire Bible there will be times when people will come against you. They may call you names and guess what? It doesn’t matter. It really doesn’t. Those words spoken over you ‘not’ Holy Spirit commanded are really just dead words. There is no life so don’t give any life to them. When the world labels you intolerant just rejoice. Rejoice in the Lord for that it means the world knows the Word you stand on!
Stand firm on God’s Word and know that it’s ok to be intolerant. Don’t tolerate sin. Don’t tolerate anything less than God’s full word because the moment you do; your life will be changed. We can look at the change from Adam and Eve when they tolerated disobedience and idol worship. We see what David lost the moment he fell to temptation.
You are the example for someone else and right now at this very moment an answer to a prayer someone else is praying. But if you are too scared of sharing Jesus and His message, too fearful of offending others in His name- then what example are you? If you are too shy then just remove that in the name of Jesus and ask Him to give you the words- and He will. All you have to do is ask. And then share. And finally; be not ashamed of following Jesus and speaking His Words- for no weapon formed against you can come to pass. God bless you brothers and sisters in the name of Jesus. For more about growing in Christ visit www.julieblair.com
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God is a God of justice as this is determined from Genesis to Revelation. God’s will is even identified in the United States form of government in the Declaration of Independence. As a result it is man’s right and duty to throw off a bad or corrupt government in that God requires those who are able to protect and rescue those that cannot so for themselves. So the question is are you perpetuating the fallacy of separation of church and state? Are you doing anything?And if not- why not?
King Solomon recognized that he had certain responsibilities because of who he was as king. It is written in Psalms: ‘Endow the king with your justice, Oh God, the royal son with your righteousness. He will judge your people in righteousness, your afflicted ones with justice. The mountains will bring prosperity to the people, the hills the fruit of righteousness. He will defend the afflicted among the people and save the children of the needy; he will crush the oppressor.” (Psa 72:1-4)
Today; it should be no different for any believer who is claiming to be a follower of Christ and walking in the authority thereof yet for some reason there is. Those who follow the lie of separation of church and state are obliging the enemy and as a result combat ineffective. We look to 1952 Supreme Court case of Zorach v Clauson for proper ruling and understanding of the law so that you make the choice in how you will advance God’s Kingdom appropriately to the full and with strength and not fear.
“The First Amendment, however, does not say that in every respect there shall be a separation of Church and State. Rather, it studiously defines the manner, the specific ways, in which there shall be no concert or union or dependency one on the other. That is the common sense o the matter. Otherwise the state and religion would be aliens to either other- hostile, suspicious, and even unfriendly…. Municipalities would not be permitted to render police or fire protection to religious groups. Policeman who helped parishioners into their place of worship would violate the Constitution. Prayers in our legislative halls, the appeals to the Almighty in the message of the Chief Executive; the proclamation making Thanksgiving Day a holiday; ‘so help me God’ in our courtroom oaths-these and all other references to the Almighty that run through our laws, our public rituals, our ceremonies, would be flouting the First Amendment. A fastidious athiest or agnostic could even object to the supplication with which the Court opens each session: ‘God save the United States and this Honorable Court’. We are a religious people and our institutions presuppose a Supreme Being… When the state encourages religious instructions or cooperates with religious authorities by adjusting the schedule of public events for sectarian needs, it follows the best of our traditions. For it then respects the religious nature of our people and accommodates the public service to their spiritual needs. The hold that it may not be would be to find in the Constitution a requirement that the government show a callous indifference to religious groups. This would be preferring those who believe in no religion over those who do believe…” (Zorach v Clauson 343 US 306 (1952)
Let it be known that staying silent in order to keep the so called peace, the donations or membership numbers; or simply live in a land of tolerance while everyone else is intolerant of you, your beliefs and very existence there will come a time when the blessings of the Lord will cease to exist in your life.
Luke 12:48 sums it up for clearly ‘From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked. (Jesus)
If these words from Jesus are too much then perhaps these particular words will prove more motivating: “Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!” (Mat 7:23)
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America is in a free-fall; there should be no doubt. We have turned our backs on God and in such a smug fashion it’s amazing that it hasn’t already collapsed to be honest. The ways of the Lord that once were are now mocked and the ways of Satan and his perverseness are celebrated and what is more sickening is that the Christians are right in on the celebration of perversion at it’s highest level. It’s time friends to get and be prepared as a society with such anti-God antics will not be sustainable in the eyes of the Lord.
Case in point, Alaska now has council meetings with open prayer in the name of Satan; yeah and no outcry from Christians! Oh- and those Christians in attendance said nothing. How sickening. How can a body of people who claim to walk in the power and authority of Christ be so fearful and weak? So I ask you- where are you? Standing for something or falling in silence for death?
Just in case you missed that NYC has just reported that over 500 in NYC have been infected with Zika. Now whether or not you care about the little mosquito let it be known that mosquitoes are carries for more deaths worldwide than anything else in the world. Who knew such something so tiny was so deadly?!
These events are just separate from the corrupt lifestyle, murder and lies that come from the first female president candidate. Separate from the not so nice things spoken from her opponent. Let it be known across America pastors are praying for a cancellation of the election as a whole because of the pure evil and wickedness that it is breeding.
In the midst of calamity to come upon this nation the question really is are you prepared? Sure you may think that your prayers will save you or that your faith is enough except that faith without works is dead; or that rapture that you believe will be yours escape plan- yeah when that doesn’t work then what? What will you do?
Do you know Jesus? And if you do- do you hear and obey Him? If not it’s time to start now so that you aren’t left standing in the cold; like the virgins with no oil.
Julie Blair is President of Julie Blair Ministries that helps people worldwide grow in Christ. To learn more about going deeper in Christ or to have Julie speak to your church or business visit www.julieblair.com
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When we look at the church today it should be cause for concern. A few questions may be why are people leaving, where the miracles signs and wonders; where are the testimonies? When the church and the world look the same it should have every Christian questioning themselves by asking one simple question: Am I a lukewarm Larry or Lucy?
Being a follower of Christ is a lifestyle; not just a Sunday afternoon retreat for a feel good sermon to enjoy yet that seems to be the commonplace for America. Don’t like the message; jump to another church. And then of course repeat until you find the one that gives you the most goosebumps and talks the least about repentance. I get it. I too was there until God showed me the Truth and it set me free. I see it now although it was years in the making. Not growing up in the church I didn’t know what it truly was to be a Christian and even when I became one all I did was sit in church; for 18 years. Yet my life didn’t change. It didn’t change until I did something about. And it won’t for you either. So if you are lukewarm and do nothing; you simply will stay that way for there is no other way.
It’s funny how that happens and it’s probably happened to you. You visit a church, they bring you to the membership room and maybe give you a little book; the cookies are there because we all need more gluten right and you fill out the little form. Oh wait- I refused to do all that because in my ignorance I couldn’t figure out why I needed to join the club. Did it mean I was obligated to participate? Did I have to pay to play? I didn’t know and didn’t want to know! As such I went faithfully for 18 years and again; nothing changed. Sure I could recite Genesis but seriously; why was my life still so jacked up? I was sick and tired of being sick and tired and I wanted answers. I wanted to know what the purpose of being a Christian was because I came from the world and the Christians that I met were the same ones at the bar partying. So where is the testimony? All I saw was hypocrisy and sad to say; still do. Hence why we have the problems we do in our schools, families, churches; even this country.
As I fast forward to a life of growth in Christ I see it now. I see it clearly that we collectively have truly failed as followers of Christ. It is so painfully obvious when pastors and church leaders have the audacity to tell their congregations that sin filled lifestyles are what are going to revolutionize the church. Are you serious? Because that’s in the Bible right? Because sin is holy right? Never mind that Jesus came to set the captives free. No that’s not for today!
We must ask ourselves: do we think so little of ourselves and of Christ to be ok living in sin, justifying it; and then trying to manipulate people into the church by telling them that sin is ok and to keep on sinning? Where does that edify the Lord? How on earth does that advance His Kingdom? Are we ok with just giving to God 1.5 hours on Sunday and then get mad when He doesn’t deliver what we think we should have? Give me a break! I was told that if I wanted to grow in Christ it would require 40+ hours per week. I thought my Bible teacher was kidding; he wasn’t. I got serious about what it means to be a follower of Christ and my life changed. Yours will too and guess what? You won’t miss football for you will see the sin filled agendas they push down your throat. You won’t miss the violence in movies or the hatred of women everywhere. You won’t miss the need to be entertained because your standard of living will be beyond accepting sin filled crap in your life. You won’t settle for less than what God has for you because you will recognize that the God you serve is holy and makes the impossible possible and just for you. You won’t miss not being seen at the bar looking oh so fly because the only One your focus will on is the One who matters most. And you won’t settle for less; oh no you won’t ever let someone call you out on being lukewarm because you know it won’t be possible.
Until we as followers of Christ are willing to stop placating sin, justifying it and minimizing and morphing it then the answer to the question is and will continue to be- you are a lukewarm Lucy or Larry and yes you will be spit out by Jesus in accordance with His word. It is beyond time to let these words sink in before it’s too late:
To the Church in Laodicea
14 “To the angel of the church in Laodicea write:
These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God’s creation. 15 I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! 16 So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth. 17 You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. 18 I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see.
19 Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent.” (Rev 3:14-19)
There is time for you to make the personal change to not be known as the lukewarm lazy one but the gipper for God or as some may label you the Jesus Freak but in all seriousness you must look at the source and rest assured- you make it through for His is with you and will never leave you no forksake you.
You my dear friend will be witness to signs, miracles and wonders. You my dear friend will walk in the supernatural that will be natural. You my dear friend will have testimony. You my dear friend will be what a follower of Christ is- and that surely isn’t lukewarm.
Julie Blair is President of Julie Blair Ministries that helps people worldwide grow in Christ. To learn more about going deeper in Christ or to have Julie speak to your church or business visit www.julieblair.com
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Repentance is a funny thing people don’t like to hear or talk about; like taking trips to see the in-laws. The problem is that the problem doesn’t go away if you don’t address it. You can’t sweep something under the rug and think that there won’t eventually be a pile of stuff under the rug. So the question is what happens when you repent?
Your mind changes. When you recognize that God is the One who determines what sin is and isn’t and you make the choice to align your mind with God’s Word; then your life will change in the right direction. Everything begins in the mind and we can see as far back as Adam and Eve. They allowed their stinking thinking to cause the turmoil that we all are born into. Acts 3:19 gives us the clear directives and getting to the refreshing and it starts with ‘Repent’ and ‘seek forgiveness’ so that ‘times of refreshing’ may come. With no repentance there is no forgiveness or refreshing. Our country reflects right now absolutely no repentance of fear of God. A mind changed toward repentance can fix that.
Your heart changes. When you repent your heart will change and in ways that you can’t imagine. Your heart wasn’t created to carry the burden and sin and all the things not of God; it just wasn’t. Because your body cannot go where your mind hasn’t been; the heart change will come after the mind makes the choice. A softened heart is one that God can work with. Psalms 32 is a great example of when King David repented to the Lord for his affair with Bathsheba. If you read the scripture carefully you won’t find where King David repented to Bathsheba; but rather to the Lord and his heart was changed. When things aren’t right with the heart; nothing else is right.
Your life changes. And of course if you choose to not repent your life will change; just probably not in the way you would like. In the story of Hannah we see where she wanted a baby more than anything and it was once she let go of her bitterness that her life changed; God gave her a baby! Now; it would make sense with bitterness that she wasn’t able to get pregnant since bitterness causes brittle bones; yet her story is a great testimony of healing, restoration, blessings, miracles and generations born.
If you want to grow in Christ repent for the things you have done; and you probably know what those deep dark hidden things are. Don’t allow the shame, guilt, condemnation or remorse keep you backpeddling. Just go to Jesus and let it all out; repent, seek forgiveness and let those times of refreshing come. Do it while you still can as I am quite certain you won’t regret it.
Julie Blair is President of Julie Blair Ministries that helps people worldwide grow in Christ. To learn more about going deeper in Christ or to have Julie speak to your church or business visit www.julieblair.com
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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
As society has made everything about self; forgiveness has been in the mix too. Many people prescribe or even advertise forgiveness as just the next feel good method; all about self. Forgive so that you feel better. Forgive so that you can move on. Forgive. Forgive so that you can this or that. What most don’t recognize though is that the purest forgiveness isn’t about you. No. Forgiveness isn’t about you.
Our society has misplaced what is right and wrong, what is moral and immoral and it’s become all about self-pleasure, self-indulgence and self-righteousness. And forgiveness will help you continue to live in that smell of euphoria. But lets get real: Forgiveness isn’t about self. it’s about overcoming self! And therein lies the reason why so many aren’t getting it. Let me explain what forgiveness is truly about:
1-Forgiveness is about your obedience to Christ. Period. When you make forgiveness about you where is God in that? If it were all about you then you truly would not need Jesus as your savior. You would be your own God as many believe they are.
We as a society have the motives entirely wrong. Forgiving just so you can feel better isn’t what it is about at all! It’s so much bigger than you. It’s about the Jesus who died so that you could be free! Your obedience to His Word is the only way to become free. And you don’t need any type of drug to be free. Your freedom is the free gift with purchase; of His blood. With this said; you will feel better when you forgive although that is merely a benefit of the act of obedience in forgiving and not the reason that you should forgive.
Remember that the Lord knows the purity of your heart; He knows your motives. Are your motives just doing something to get something? That is works based and no different than the message of the Law and what the Pharisees followed. If your heart is after Jesus and your heart is focused on being obedient regardless of the cost then forgiving is just part of that. As you enter the process of forgiveness you will experience that you are stronger than you think because your motivating factor will be obedience working for you instead of your emotions and feelings working against you.
2. Forgiveness is about overcoming yourself through your obedience to Christ. It’s hard in a society to recognize that we really are that self-absorbed but if you look around closely you will see it. The good news is that it is possible to overcome yourself and even more possible to live in the rewards of it! In revelation 3:21 it tells us, ‘To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.’ Now we know that Jesus overcame death on the cross and that it was His obedience that led the way.
We are no different and our obedience to Christ above all is what we must get. It is clear that our society and even many church sermons have dumb downed the messages in recent decades to preach whatever the people want to hear; whatever makes them feel good and tithe more. In doing so we have lost souls because the severity of God’s Word means nothing. Repentance means nothing and what has been celebrated instead is that Jesus approves of everyone doing everything; regardless of it is sin or not. We can’t continue to send this deceitful message because it will only prove to kill more than it already has.
When we get that forgiveness is a command and that in forgiving we are demonstrating that we are overcoming the pain, the past; the whatever life has brought to overcome by obedience to Him. We in essence are not allowing unforgiveness to rule and justify our sinful behavior while focusing on everything else other than Jesus Christ. We are instead going to see the larger picture of life and what it really means when it is written that He came to set the captives free that we are free indeed. In order to stay that way and live as an overcomer though will require obedience above all. And remember that obedience; is worth more than sacrifice. And you are worth giving that to the Almighty.
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Today’s Scripture
Romans 12:21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
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Forgiveness Tip #13
Forgiveness is about your level of obedience to Christ.
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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 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