Prosper

Written By: Remaliah Evans

“My life has been filled with terrible misfortune; most of which never happened.” This is a quote from a Huffington Post article, and this same article states that 85% of what we worry about never happens. 85%!  Which tells me that my real problem is what I spend my time thinking about. I would like to think I’m an optimist or even a “realist,” however I’m pretty sure that I’m more of a pessimist. I thank God because He knows how to get my attention, and He encourages me to walk in faith, not pessimism or over analyzing.

 I was listening to a message on YouTube and the speaker said, “if we really believed what we say we believe, we’d pray a lot more.” This is not an uncommon saying in the church world, nor should it be, because it is the truth. As I was meditating on that, I was reminded that if I really believed and focused on the promises and the declarations in the bible, my entire perspective and attitude would instantly shift because I would have heaven’s perspective.

 Lately my attitude has been funky because I just can’t seem make progress in certain areas despite my best efforts. Fact #1 my best efforts don’t matter when I am trying to do everything out of my own strength instead of putting God first and allowing Him to direct my path as we are instructed to do in Proverbs 3:5-6. Fact #2 The word is powerful!  Joshua 1:8 This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.

 Here we have some very clear and profound instructions: speak the word, meditate on the word, and do the word… and then your way will be prosperous, and then you will have success. The word prosperous here means to advance, to make progress, to succeed, and to be profitable

 When we think of prosperity and success we tend to immediately think of money, influence, and major life achievements. All of those things are great, and I definitely want them, but what about prospering in our soul? What about prospering in peace, prospering in clear thinking, or prospering in joy? Well when we meditate on the word, declare the word, and do the word, we can have both.

 That said, I would like to share a praise report. I have never struggled more with worry, fear, and a bad attitude than I have in the past year. This week the Lord brought me to the same verse twice in one day. The verse is Romans 16:20 And the God of peace will crush Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen. Ok now, not every problem is from the devil. I’ve done a great job creating my own problems and drama. But when I heard this verse, I knew the Lord was speaking to me and telling me not to fear opposition or failure because He is in control and He will crush the enemy. I smiled broader than I’ve smiled in a long time because I remembered that I’m not alone and that God has already promised victory. Romans 16:20 is one of the verses that I have began to meditate on and decree. I have to choose many times each day to meditate on the word instead of meditating on worry. Every time I choose to meditate on the word, the God of peace is faithful to prosper me in peace, clarity of mind, and understanding. I hope that this has encouraged you and I pray that as you meditate on the word you will prosper in every way.

What’s In a Name?

by Judy Smith

There is no other name like the name of Jesus Christ. There is power in the name of Jesus, and there is an assignment against the name of Jesus. His name is being removed from our country. Many no longer pray in the name of Jesus. His name has been taken out of Christmas. His name is not being proclaimed like it once was in some churches. We must fight against this assignment to have Jesus’ named removed. The enemy hates the name of Jesus Christ. I don’t even hear some Christian acquaintances pray in His name anymore. I am so grieved by this that I am asking you all to not forget the name of of Jesus Christ. 

His name is Counselor, Mighty God, and King. Philippians 2:9-11 Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. I hear people throw the name of Jesus Christ out there like a crystal ball, or use His name to curse. 

His Name is to be exalted and praised. When we say His name it should be in reverence and in awe. And He has instructed us to make requests in His name. John 14:14 If you ask anything in My name, I will do it. Our prayers are answered through the name of Jesus Christ. Let’s review and reverence the name of Jesus Christ, and the identity that we have through His name.

Romans 1:6 I am called in Christ

Romans 3:24 I have redemption in Christ

Romans 5:17 I reign in life by Christ

Romans 6:23 I have eternal life through Christ

Romans 8:17 I am a joint heir with Christ

1 Corinthians 1:2  I am sanctified in Christ

1 Corinthians 6:15 My body is a member of Christ

1 Corinthians 2:16 I have the mind of Christ

1 Corinthians 15:57 I have victory through Christ

2 Corinthians 2:14 I triumph in Christ

2 Corinthians 5:17 I am a new creation in Christ

2 Corinthians 5:21 I am the righteousness of God in Christ

Galatians 2:4 I have liberty in Christ

Galatians 3:27 I have put on Christ

Galatians 4:7 I am an heir of God through Christ

Ephesians 1:4 I have been chosen in Christ before the foundation of the world that I should be holy and without blame

Ephesians 2:10 I have been created in Christ to do good works

Philippians 3:3 I rejoice in Christ

Philippians 4:19 God supplies all of my needs through Christ

Colossians 1:27 Christ in me the hope of glory

Colossians 2:10 I am complete in Christ

Hallelujah! That is the name I am talking about! Jesus Christ, King of kings, and Lord of lords! He is everything to me; I love His name, Jesus. Speak His name, ask in His name, proclaim His name!

Are You Lonely?

Written By Tina Cobian

Have you ever been in a room full of people, a party, or even at a table in the midst of many conversations but you are disconnected and you just feel lonely?  There was a time when I felt just like that.

A while back I realized I was feeling very lonely. Even though I have a husband and four children always around me; I felt alone.  Friends weren’t calling and my social life was really very superficial, in fact non-existent.  There were no meaningful conversations or even just fun daily banter taking place.  It was a difficult time, but one that taught me a lot about myself and especially about my God.  At first when I started feeling this way I wasn’t sure what was happening.

I would see people going off to lunch together after church, and inviting each other to their homes

I realized I was walking through a season.  It was a season where God was calling me to His heart.  It was time to draw closer.

and on fun outings.  But that just wasn’t happening for me.  When things like this occur in my life I usually do some self-reflection.  Be careful it can be a slippery slope between self-reflection and self-abuse.  I started wondering what was wrong with me and at times acted defensively towards others because of it.  I tried being more friendly and outgoing.  Nothing was working and my situation didn’t appear to be changing.  I started to pray.

I love praying on the way to work.  When I leave in the morning it’s dark out and fairly quiet.  Even the freeway doesn’t seem to be as noisy as it does at four or five in the afternoon.  There were many times I would be praying on my way to work, tears streaming down my face crying out to God about how alone I felt.  I would ask Him to come to me, cover my and comfort me.  It was in those times, I felt His tender hand wipe away my tears.  He would touch my heart and say, “I am here.”  It was then that I realized I was walking through a season.  It was a season where God was calling me to His heart.  It was time to draw closer.

It’s important for you to know that if you are feeling lonely; if you aren’t already, you need to begin to guard your heart.  It’s very easy to mistake this season of growth for a pitfall such as rejection.  The enemy would love for you to believe you are not wanted, less than, or not accepted.  It’s a lie, plain and simple.  There were times where offense tried to rise up in me, but I had to recognize the lie and liar and squash it right away.  Make sure that you are praying and most importantly, listening.  It’s the voice of God that will carry you through the valleys of this season.

I began to hear God’s voice often and sought after knowing Him in a closer way.  There were even times when I would be at work and songs would pop into my head.  I would hear them over and over again.  One day as I walked through the hallway at work I heard Him clearly say, “I am singing my song over you.” It’s so hard to physically stay in control of yourself in those moments when you just want to crumble to the floor and weep in His presence.  Not for sorrow, but in gratefulness.  Thank God for the large stall in the ladies restroom!

These are months I wouldn’t trade for a hundred close friends.  I don’t know how many times I have said and sang the words, “He is Everything to me.” But during this time I learned to live them.  I couldn’t look to my husband, friends or children for fulfillment.  It had to be God first now and always.  Proverbs 18:24 says that a man with too many friends comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.   I would often think about Moses and how Exodus talks about the Lord speaking with him face to face.  The dark place of loneliness quickly disappears when you are surrounded by His light.  When His breath is on your face and your heart begins to beat in sync with His heart.  There is absolutely no one and nothing in this world that is better than that.

Recently, I have had waning relationships that were put aside return in newness and in health. They are simply the bi-product of putting HIM first.  Matthew 6:33 can be applied to so many areas of our lives, but it has really come alive to me in the area of friendship.  I sought after a real friend and there He stood before me.  I was sinking into loneliness and He carried me out of it.  I needed someone to talk to and He listened and even answered.

You see it is NOT good for man to be alone.  That’s basic bible.  It was never God’s intention for us to live closed-off, shut- out and alone.  He created us to commune with others but He intended for us to look to Him first.  So if you are feeling lonely; look to Him to fill your heart.  If you don’t feel like you are connecting, you can connect with Him.  If you need love, love on God.  I can tell you right now, it’s not going to be an overnight process.  But building relationships with anyone never is and HE isn’t just anyone…this is the King of Kings we are talking about.  Remember, relationships work both ways.  So spend the time, build the relationship.  You won’t be disappointed.  I promise.  I’m not.

Watch Your Mouth

Written By Tina Cobian

Have you ever had one of those moments where you are going about life, minding your own business when you are suddenly hit with a thought or revelation?  At this point you stop, do a double-take and look straight into life’s camera as if to say, “Really?  Well that only took me fifteen years to get.”  Well, I had one of those moments while reading Psalm 59.  I need to rewind a bit to the beginning of my lesson called, “Watch Your Mouth.”

I was at work when my boss pulled me aside and started talking to me about promotion.  This would not be the last time he would spend moments speaking to me about future plans for our organization and how I was going to fit into that.  I was excited about the prospect of promotion and worked hard daily to keep moving forward towards that goal.  Soon after my initial conversation with my boss I became very ill and put out on medical leave for two months.  When I returned things at work had drastically changed.

The department I worked in had been split and some individuals had been promoted into a new department, not me.  However, there was one spot left that and I was sure was being held just for me.  A couple of weeks after returning to work, I went to see my boss and told him that I would love to move into the vacant position and I casually brought up one of our previous conversations about promoting me.  He looked at me it was as though while I was out on leave, he had also fallen, bumped his head and could not remember the last three months of his life.  He told me that he couldn’t remember those conversations and he would have to, “Check his notes.”  I was stunned.

The next few weeks were difficult for me because I felt so disenfranchised.  I started nit-picking

At this point I had convinced myself that it was ok to speak badly about him… It was an ugly moment in me.

everything and becoming bitter over what had taken place.  I tried to still do my job with pride but I found myself complaining quite a bit and even stirring up others by the negative things I would say.  At one point I sat down to “unload” on a co-worker who had been with the company for 15 years.  Surely, I would receive sound council from this older, wiser woman.

I mumbled, griped, complained and even gossiped about my boss.  I was so upset and felt it was my right to say the things I did.  Picking and choosing what we will call sin is a dangerous game; and it is one that we will lose every time.  At this point I had convinced myself that it was ok to speak badly about him since he had done me wrong.  After all, he wasn’t in “church” with me. I knew it was sin, the Holy Spirit lives in me… Just confessing this part makes me cringe.  It was an ugly moment in me.

Very soon after I was praying and I heard the Lord so clearly say to me, “You have a choice.  You can let me handle it, or handle it yourself. Or will your friend do more for you than I? There are those moments when God speaks to you and He is the Lover of your soul, your heart flutters and you rejoice at the sound of His voice in your ear.  He can also speak to you and be Daddy, or Papa loving and tender.  At this very moment He spoke to me as Father and Lord.  The sound of His voice commanded me to attention and I knew there would be no more excuses or justifications for my behavior.  Plain and simple, I was wrong.

From that moment on, I let it go.  (I wonder if Queen Elsa knew she was going to release a song of deliverance.) I asked God to forgive me and I moved on by making a decision to change my attitude and chose the high road at every turn.  Every time I wanted to remember what I thought had been stolen from me, my mind returned to God’s words over me and I was empowered to return to peace…His peace.

Our organization shifted again and this time because of the changes a large amount of the work load swung over to my group.  Coupled with the growing industry demand our department found itself heavily bombarded with more work than we could handle.  We were all working ten to eleven hours every day.  I kept a good attitude about it all and was determined to be God’s instrument of peace amidst the chaos and complaining.  Every day, He put a smile on my face and gave me a reason to laugh out loud and enjoy my job.

One day my manager called me in to her office and told me that we were hiring a new group of representatives and they were starting the next week.  She had recommended me for a mentoring position.  It was going to be my responsibility to train a new employee.  I was ecstatic.  I love teaching and this was an amazing opportunity being trusted with a new hire.   If I had been promoted those months ago, this opportunity would not have been available for me.  I would have been operating in a different capacity and not in the place I was called to be.

Current day…I am reading Psalm 59 and I am looking into life’s camera dumbfounded.  I hear the words of David.  He is crying out for deliverance from those who seek to destroy him.  He is pouring out his broken heart before God and waiting on him to move on his behalf.  The man who had become a father figure to him, Saul sought to kill him and yet he waited.  What I found most profound about David’s Psalm was that he hadn’t gone out gossiping about Saul telling his woes and troubles to whoever would listen.  He took all of that to God and at the end of Psalm 59 in verses 16-17 David praises and worships God, while he waits.

David, in the midst of this great trial and grief, remembers the Lord and how worthy He is.  He draws his strength and resilience from Him.  He remembers that there is nothing more important than his bond, heart to heart with God.  As I came to end of this Psalm I heard the Lord speak to me again and although the scripture may seem harsh to some; at that moment his voice was like gentle rain on my face.  It brought refreshing and renewal to me.  He said, “He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life.  But he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction and I have come that you may have life.”

I close my eyes and He is nearer to me than the skin that covers my flesh.  He is my breath and the life that moves through me every day.  In Him I live…I move…I exist because of Him.  Once again he has lovingly taught me a much needed lesson about trust and honor.  I sense the chuckle in His voice as He speaks again, “Are you ready?…New level, new lesson.”  I can’t help but giggle with Him.  Never a dull moment with our God.

Recognize Your Season

Written by Tina Cobian

To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven.  A time to be born, a time to die, a time to plant and a time to pluck up what has been planted.  Ecclesiastes 3:1-2

It is 5:10 on a Monday morning and I‘m headed out the door on my way to work.  My drive in is usually dark due to the early morning hour but today the dawn is quickly breaking through the night sky and the asphalt of the usual dark streets has now begun to reflect the early morning sunlight.  The transformation of daylight is only one of the marks of the season’s change.  The weather is also changing and the green leafy trees have begun their makeover into an array of browns, orange, red and golden yellows. On this particular morning I can almost see the finger of God pointing to the horizon as the sun begins to peak though.

My heart races, my eyes are open and I sense this season of change is more than just an annual event written in the almanac.  His voice is clear although it is a mere whisper in my ears.  It is as loud as thunder and as gentle as a soft warm breeze.  On mornings like these I wonder how I arrive at my destination. I am completely captivated by His voice and He has all of my attention.

He shows me the beauty in the colors of the leaves and I realize that although lovely to behold these changes signify the death of the leaf.  Soon they will dry, wither and fall from the branch.  It is a necessary cycle preparing the tree for the next season of life.  As the season continues, the rains will come.  Each drop of water will aid the process gently removing the unfruitful parts of the tree to make room for the newness and life that will soon come.  I see myself and what I have walked through so clearly.  I had not relinquished the unfruitful leaves in my life so willingly at first, but as I have surrendered each and every fruitless branch, He has been faithful gently prune it in preparation for new areas of life.

This has been a season of transformational change for me in so many ways.  There have been areas in my life that were dead and fruitless.  Those areas seemed so beautiful to my eyes and yet it was time to allow the removal to take place.  Just like the gentle raindrops washing away the lifeless leaves from each branch, He has washed away these areas in my life.  Some of the changes were painful and there seemed to be a time where I even mourned the loss of these areas.  God walked me through this too. He allowed me the time to process and when it was time He called me to stand up, and grow up.  I would not have come to this place of thriving life if I had not allowed the pruning process to occur. 

A time to break down, and a time to build up, a time to weep, and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance.  Ecclesiastes 3:3-4

When the dead leaves fall to the ground they are transformed further.  They break up and become nourishment to the tree, bringing it strength and feeding it for the next season.  The leaves go into the ground and become a type of fertilizer which is then absorbed by the root.  The useless, dead leaf is now once again part of the tree, but this time in a way that gives life.  Those things that have been removed out of my life are areas where I have gained strength.  Each learning process will forever remain in my memory, not as a source of pain, but as a remembrance for growth.  I share with you these areas of victory because God has the ability to transform every dead thing that was cut off into an instrument of change and seed for new life.  I am reminded of one of my favorite scriptures.  It was one of the first ones I learned and it has carried me through many situations.

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.  Romans 8:28

I arrive at my destination and I am about to enter the building I see a tree at the entrance.  There are benches and tables under it.  Sometimes at lunch we sit under this tree and it provides shade from the sun.  Even during the triple digit heat of summer, it provided shelter and a cool place to rest.  I study the trees structure. The trunk is weather and time worn, but wide and strong reaching past the three stories of the building’s height.  Its branches spread out across the yard and stretch towards heaven in a stance of praise and surrender.

Breakthrough has come and the new season is here.  I see it, feel it and every fiber of my being is alert to what is breaking forth right now.  It’s time for me to embrace this newness and walk in the fullness of His plan for this season of my life.  My heart is surrendered to Him and all that He desires to do in me.  I sense His nearness and I know that His plans for me are good.  I can’t help but smile, because I know He is with me here, now, and always.

A Season of Change

Written By Amber Lawton

I am enamored with autumn. The change in weather, captivating colors, warm sweaters, and intimate gatherings make this the best season of the year. Even the fragrance of autumn invokes warmth and friendliness that the other seasons do not share. You see, spring carries the excitement of new life, and fresh blossoms. While summer is about the outdoors, cook-outs, and travels. Winter may be cozy, but is so over-chilled any reason to stay indoors is welcomed. This brings us back to autumn. Autumn, in my opinion, is the centerpiece of community. We can once again gather to drink hot coffee, pumpkin flavor of course. We hold dinner parties, and engage in meaningful conversations because we are less likely to be distracted by a beach ball flying in our face. If married with children, this is the season where our children have returned to school, which means bedtimes, routine, and order are back in place. In the movies, this is the season when couples really fall in love.  I could go on.

Yet, we are so captivated by the beauty that surrounds us, we don’t consider all that is being removed.

 Instead I would like to consider something this season also represents, but is to some extent ignored, and that is transition. Foliage fades from vibrant greens to serene oranges, and browns before floating to the ground. The bright scorching sun is overshadowed by clouds. Gardeners prune back the once brilliant landscape as plants are no longer producing. This cycle of death is what leads us into the serenity of winter. Yet, we are so captivated by the beauty that surrounds us we don’t consider all that is being removed. One day I was in what was an intense study for me.  The words “intentional, deliberate friendships” had been playing over and over in my head. Partly because I realized I have a smaller group of close friends than I used to, and partly because I questioned my decision to decline an offer to “hang out.” Saying no has become fairly new for me, and lately I have used the word more than I have in the past 5 years. So I asked God, “Show me characteristics of what being intentional looks like. Show me how to receive others well, and to be deliberate in my actions towards them.” He showed me many different aspects of relationships through different individuals in the Bible. Then, right in the middle of the lesson I asked for, was a lesson I needed. It was after putting together the list of characteristics that He then showed me Autumn.

 Autumn is significant to the season of friendships or relationships falling away. The desire to be a well-liked person can overshadow what God is doing in your life, pushing you into a place of loneliness. We are surrounded by beauty as change is manifesting, but if we don’t allow ourselves to embrace the pruning we will miss it. In order for new plants or fruits to grow the lifeless and fruitless must be removed. Autumn is a season of transition because it is a season of cleaning out or making room. That transition brings winter into a cherished space. The winter is where we can sit in His serenity. In the winter is where we find His peace. In the silence of our alone time we can hear His voice clearer, and feel Him strengthen us. Below the cold desolate surface, in the richness of the soil He has planted us in, are new seeds waiting for the time to spring forth and bring fruit.

 Ecclesiastes 3:1,2b (HCSB) says “There is an occasion for everything, and a time for every activity under heaven… a time to plant and a time to uproot;”

 My prayer is that you find the beauty in the uprooting.

Walk With Jesus

Written By Judy Smith

In John 16:33 Jesus “these things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” Tribulation can be defined as pressure, oppression, stress, anguish, adversity, affliction, crushing, squashing, squeezing or distress.  To me, tribulation is like putting a lot pressure on the freedom Christ has given us. It feels like bench pressing a weight you can’t lift without putting everything you have into it. So I start my day praying, petitioning, taking authority, binding, loosing, and committing everything into the hands of the Lord. And He truly has given me supernatural strength and peace in the midst of the storm.

 1 John 5:4 For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.  I know in whom I believe in, and I know I am an overcomer. I know this too shall pass. The hard part is saying strong and walking through it. It’s not by might nor by power but by His spirit.

 We are more than conquerors through who Him who loved us Romans 8:37. I know that in this the enemy is trying to wear me down and get me frustrated and discouraged enough to make me give up, but instead I choose to allow the Lord to use all this to make me stronger than ever and to come out on the other side of this with an even greater faith. Thank you Jesus!

 Romans 8:31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? Thank you Jesus that when you are on our side, we have nothing to fear!  My hope is in the One who overcame so that I could become an overcomer.

 Romans 5:5 Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. True hope begins with the daily pressure we face, through tribulation we grapple with the truth of God, who He is, and what He has promised. Pressure produces perseverance- the ability to keep going and be patient because we see that God had never let us down. And perseverance produces character because our lives are not based on daily challenges, but on God’s eternal truths.

 That truth produces hope which does not disappoint because you have seen His goodness. Through it all we know Him and love Him more. And that is what is truly a reason to feel encouraged and hopeful. We need to praise Him and hope our way through our tribulations because in them, He is doing wonderful things.

 His love helps us endure all things. God wants us to be assured of His love and never allow anything to separate us from it. With a heart full of gratitude, we can rest in the knowledge that God loves us in good times, and He loves us in the hard times. God loves us on the days we act right, and He loves on the days we don’t act right. Thankfully His love is unconditional!

 He loves us based not on what we do, but on who we have become through The blood of Jesus. In other words we need to know that we are God’s beloved children and how to separate our “who” from our “do.” We won’t do everything right all the time, especially during tribulations, but we are still in right standing in God through Christ. I can celebrate through my tribulations because He loves me through them.

 Even though I want to please Him with my actions and my attitude through it all I know that His love for us is deeper than that, I know that through this troubling time in my life there is a mighty battle going on for my peace of mind but I when I shut out the world and focus on His presence, I can enjoy sitting with Him in heavenly realms. My greatest strength is my desire to spend time communing with Him.

 As I concentrate on Him, His spirit fills my mind with life and peace. I choose to stay in constant communication with Him as I walk through this season of my life. I refuse to worry, because worry is not faith.

 Psalms 5:3 My voice You shall hear in the morning, O Lord; In the morning I will direct it to You,

And I will look up. 

Prisoner of Fear

Written By Remaliah Evans

I was four years old watching Shaka Zulu and then I could not sleep later that night because I was afraid of being kidnapped. My Mom explained that no one would kidnap me, she prayed with me, pled the blood of Jesus over me, and then made me memorize 2 Timothy 1:7. For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. Since that day whenever I am afraid I say this verse because faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God. This verse has carried me through many situations.

Still, I struggle with two major fears: fear of failure and fear of success. I have been blessed to work with the same company for ten years. However I should have found another job years ago. But I didn’t. I didn’t leave because I was afraid that I would fail in a new position or get fired because of cutbacks. I didn’t leave because I was afraid of what it would be like to succeed in a new position. Would the responsibility of success eventually crush me? Would I become a workaholic? I was paralyzed by fear. I updated my resume and I looked for jobs but I didn’t look too hard because I was afraid. I was very picky about the positions I would apply for, and although I was “looking” I only applied to a handful of jobs each year.

Fortunately for me God knows how to shake me up and get me moving, but I was quite stubborn. I kept adjusting and adapting to changes that were designed to guide me into a new position. Instead of taking the hint, I decided that I would rather deal with being uncomfortable than face the fear of failure, the fear of success, or the fear of the unknown. Until my admin quit. My admin had been with me for three years and she was overqualified, so she decided to move on.

When she quit I realized that she had the good sense to move on, and I didn’t. I was angry at myself for staying longer than I should have. I was angry because I realized that I had allowed fear to hold me prisoner. I had even received a prophecy that said, “The prison door is open, all you have to do is walk out.” I didn’t get it at the time. Honestly, I just got that right now. To top it off I had another prophecy confirming that there had been not one, but several times where I could have transitioned out my job and I chose not to. That truth was hard to hear.

I now refuse to turn down opportunities simply because I am afraid that I might fail, or because I am afraid that I might succeed.

As angry and as stupid as I felt when my admin quit, I must tell you that it was another six months before I even applied for a new position, and I did not get the job. I’m still here, in the same position. The good news is that I am now facing fear head on and still declaring that God has not given me a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. Every day. The other good news is that I now refuse to turn down opportunities simply because I am afraid that I might fail, or because I am afraid that I might succeed. I had even stopped writing for some time because I was afraid that my writing would not make an impact. Throughout this whole process I have seen the Lord’s faithfulness and I have seen that no one is more committed to me than He is. No matter how strenuous and impossible the situation, God’s grace is sufficient.

It was never about the job, success, writing, or moving on. It has been about knowing Him more intimately.  Trusting Him, and trusting Him enough to follow Him even when the future seems uncertain.  I am no longer a prisoner of fear.

Forgive

I was so consumed with unforgiveness and denial that I would not accept a sincere apology when my Mom apologized for abandoning me during my childhood. I dismissed her apology and told her it was not a big deal. Unbeknownst to me, I was in denial. Looking back, I believe that I was not ready to face the pain and my true feelings regarding her not being there. Instead I lied to myself and minimized the issues. I wanted to believe the lie that it was no big deal, so I did.

Fast forward a few years and my brother apologized. This time, I was all too aware of how I felt. Truth be told, I should have apologized for my behavior as well but I didn’t. Instead I was bound up in unforgiveness and I refused to accept his apology. I thought to myself, “how DARE you think you can just say I’m sorry after the hell you put me through!” I was livid and scared of what might come out of mouth so I just said “ok.” Except it was not ok because I refused to forgive him.

Sometimes people can do the most horrific things and never apologize. Whether they apologize or not we have a choice to make. We have the choice to do what God commands us to do: forgive, and forgive, and forgive again. Or we can hold on to unforgiveness. I chose unforgiveness for years. It turns out unforgiveness has some close friends- their names are bitterness, rage, and resentment. When I chose not to forgive I placed myself in a prison of rejection, self-pity, and victim mentality.

Whether or not we receive an apology, we can choose to forgive. God has blessed us with free will and that means that we have the power of choice. “I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live; that you may love the Lord your God, that you may obey His voice, and that you may cling to Him, for He is your life and the length of your days;” (Deuteronomy 30:19-20) When I refused to forgive, I chose death. There is a saying refusing to forgive someone is like drinking poison, and expecting the other person to die.” While I clung to unforgiveness my peace died, my joy died, and my hope died. My relationship with God suffered because everything He said or showed me was filtered through my heart of unforgiveness and bitterness. The person most affected by our unforgiveness is usually us.

When we choose to forgive, we choose life. Sometimes the wound is so deep that true forgiveness seems nearly impossible. But with God all things are possible. God empowers us to forgive through His Spirit. It’s not by might, nor by power, but by HIS Spirit. (Zechariah 4:6)
God is faithful and because He loves us He brings conviction when we are harboring unforgiveness. I had repeatedly asked Him to help me forgive over the years but I was unwilling to let go. I remember someone told me that I had to forgive my Mom even if she did not change. I wanted to slap that person for suggesting something so asinine. Like I said, unforgiveness’ friend is rage. That person was right; I simply refused to accept that truth. During those years of unforgiveness I decided that I would not forgive my Mom unless she changed. I lived with unforgiveness for several years before I was finally willing to let go. At that point, I went to God and earnestly asked Him for help again. This time, when I asked God for help I let go of my vow not to forgive unless she changed.

Forgiveness must be unconditional. If I say I will only forgive if she does this or if he stops that, then I am saying that I only have to forgive sometimes. The Word says that we are to forgive every time. Forgiveness is not condoning the behavior or subjecting oneself to abuse. Forgiveness is letting go of the resentment and the belief that they must pay, and cancelling the debt. Forgiveness opens the door to healing.

Limitless

How God causes us to take Quantum Leaps in our Development

Written By Lynn Waters

It has been six weeks since our Limitless Conference, and I am still so appreciative of this time well spent. I arrived to the conference early along with many others who were excited and ready to help. Several cars worth of equipment and supplies were unloaded as we headed into the conference area. Teams of women were decorating and within minutes the centerpieces and table settings were in place, and stunning.

There was such togetherness. It was as though we were of one mind: to make the day the best ever. We all worked and set up everything in record time. Then, with tired feet, I sat in the room before the conference began and just enjoyed being there. As I looked around the room, I noticed a small detail. The beautiful flower pots and the napkins matched. Did any of you notice this? I will remember this thoughtful gesture. I had already found out that my favorite duet was going to be sung. I had asked God for that song to be sung at the conference and God answered my prayer. I had heard the first soprano and alto sing it before and I had gotten goose bumps on my arms when I heard it. The singers were anointed. So I was sitting there anticipating the song that I call the “Jabez Song” because it talks about widening your tent pegs and being limitless. I felt this was the best Life Builder Conference we have ever had.

The guest speaker discussed the term “quantum leap,” explaining that quantum leap occurs when an electron appears to “get excited” and BAM leaps to the next level within in an atom. To me the atom is God and we are the little electrons, running around and around until we gain energy then we BAM jump to a new level in God. How do we run around and get energy? We do this by focusing on God, studying our Bible and praying. As we spend our day focusing on God and His goodness, we gain energy and BAM move to a new level with God. As we focus on the goodness of God and not on our problems, we get a new perspective. We move higher, our problems get smaller, and we experience less stress.

As we get higher and higher, we BAM experience that joy that only comes from God. We don’t have the perspective of a turkey anymore. Instead, we go higher and higher and BAM we start seeing things from the perspective of an eagle. We become an eagle Christian. We begin to see our lives from the Father’s perspective. We change, our families change and our whole lives change.

If you have ever been with someone that has the joy of the Lord, you know it is from the inside and the person glows with God’s light. This joy affects all those around them. I have never seen her in person, however Heidi Baker has this joy emanating from her. It is not what she is doing- going to the wilds of Africa, setting people free, and introducing Jesus to them- it is that she is connected to God all the time. When you get this joy, this connection, it does not necessarily guarantee you a missionary trip to a remote area, however it does mean that you will mount up with wings as eagles. And BAM you will move higher and do what God wants YOU to do: what you were created to do. You will be who He has created you to be.

There is joy and overpowering gladness that envelops every cell of your being when discovering your identity in Christ. You begin to shed the negative self-perception, and others can no longer dictate your identity, potential, or worth. Suddenly, you are free to live limitlessly. Then no matter where you go, you bring people to a saving knowledge of God, heal, and set people free. At the grocery store, work, wherever you go, God will bring someone to you that needs Him. BAM you have a new life full of fun and adventure. Life is never dull for a Christian.

There is no way we can lose when we focus on God and His goodness. God is intoxicating and when you start spending time with Him, you will never want to leave His presence.