I Will!

I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry,whether living in plenty or in want. Philippians 4:11-12

Last week we read about "I Can". This week, we will take a look at "I Will". In this first month of 2013, we have to align our thoughts with our purpose. We have to determine that whatever is thrown our way, we will accomplish what we were put on this earth to do. Setbacks need to viewed as setups, and closed doors as redirection to the right door. We have to learn the gift of contentment in this journey. So, that when we get to the tough spots, we can do whatever needs to be done and keep moving forward. We have to line our intentions with God's intentions for our lives and know that in the end, we win! How do we do this? Pray and meditate daily, study God's word, and study what it is you want to do. Become an expert on the subject so you can confidently be able to answer the questions, "What is your purpose?",  "What are your goals for 2013?", etc... Knowing that you are equipped for the moment when preparation meets opportunity. Learn from every obstacle, hard-ship, heartache, and loss. Knowing that these things are part of the journey as well as the joyous, peaceful, and fun times. When the voice and others says, "You can't", shout back with confidence and boldness- I WILL!

I Can

There are people who present a life with Christ by all the things you can't do. But, John 10:10 says, "I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." When you choose to put God first and govern your life from His principles, you have a life that is moment by moment becoming balanced. It's a life that allows the freedom of choice, being fully aware that there are consequences to those choices. Its a life that gives you a road map to peace, love, strength, wisdom, and joy. But, they are only manifested when we align our will with His will for our lives. Then there is endless possibilities of what can happen. Will this life be perfect? No, but it will be bearable and you find yourself growing through the difficult times instead of allowing the tough places to lead you to hopelessness and torment. Do you dare to believe and trust God? In this first week of 2013, start this year believing and embracing all the "I can's" in Christ and witness the exceptional blessings and opportunities that will come your way! 
Happy New Year- ULM

Live to Give!

And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshiped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense and myrrh. Matthew 2:11

During this holiday season remember the gift of giving. Take time to reach beyond yourself to others in need. This is a great time to re-connect with old friends and make new ones. Give love, service, joy, kindness, and forgiveness. Let this year be different than any other holiday season and allow the love of God to flow through you to bless and encourage others. Doing this won't break your budget, and your life may be changed forever. Just as the wise men gave gifts when they saw Jesus, you can give to others. And what you get in return is joy, peace, love and contentment. Merry Christmas!

I Gotcha!

Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:5

Have you ever been plagued with negative thoughts? When you're set to accomplish a goal or a new endeavor and the self-talk in your head is filled with "I can't because...", "I'm not good enough", "I'm too old", "I don't have enough money". We have to realize those thoughts are from a fear - based place. A place that wants to sabotage our dreams and hold us hostage to fear, doubt, shame, and hopelessness. We have to set our minds free of this self- talk. And how do we do this? We accomplish this with the Word of God! What does God say about my situation? What is His will for my life? We have to take our thoughts captive and speak the truth that God has revealed to us. We have to transform the "I can'ts" into "I will". So, the next time you are working on that dream, or faced with adversity, speak life over your situation and tell that thought, "I gotcha" and I'm casting you out and replacing you with positive thoughts that will motivate, inspire,and push me towards my destiny. 

Lord, Have Mercy!

"Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy." Matthew 5:7

Mercy is defined as compassionate or kindly forbearance shown toward an offender,an enemy, or other person in one's power; compassion, pity, or benevolence: Have mercy on the poor sinner. This can sometimes be hard to do, especially when you have been hurt or offended. During this holiday season of love we need to allow mercy to flow from our hearts also. Mercy means operating in love despite how we feel. Feelings keep us bound and stops us from experiencing the mercy that is available to us. So, when you think of the person that has hurt, betrayed, lied, and sinned against you, show some mercy. Keep your mouth from uttering curses and instead speak blessings, forgiveness, love, and mercy. As we give to others, we have set ourselves up to receive what we need and so much more!

No, You Didn't?

Have you ever found yourself asking the questions, "how could they?" or "how could they do this to me?" In these times we have been exposed to the negative side of a person. What are we supposed to do with the pain, disappointment, anger, and disillusionment? First, we are to give it to God. Cast your cares on him for he cares for you. Second, we are to be real with how we are feeling and process those feelings. Stuffing negative emotions don't make them go away, it just makes them show up later in our lives when we least expect them. Third, communicate the hurt and betrayal to the person if it was a personal attack. If the offense was done to someone else, then pray for everyone concerned. Good people can do bad things.Sometimes the best of us make wrong decisions and do things that we later regret. Clear the air, as you do this you may discover what was at the heart of their actions, which most of the time is some sort of inward pain that is causing them to act out negatively. Fourth, forgive them. Forgiveness is a process, but it will lead to your healing and release from the emotions associated with the offense. And finally, examine yourself. Look to see where you have hurt, betrayed, and lied and ask for God to forgive you. If the offense was done personally to you, see if you played a part in the situation and if so, take responsibility for your part. Pray for the person that caused the offense and those they offended. These steps are not for those that want to be angry, bitter, victimized and depressed. This process takes courage, will, and a dependence on God to get you through this tough time. Can it be done? Yes, it can. The WHY of what they did may never be discovered or understood, but you can make peace with it for your own emotionally health. And what you may realize is you can see how they did what they did and develop some compassion and mercy on them.

Love On A Two-Way Street!

And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these. Mark 12:31

Have you ever wondered why its so hard for you to get along with some people? You may have sent out unloving thoughts and words that repels them from being in your presence. When people are practicing Godly love, unGodly love cannot dwell in that place and space. Even when there has been an offense towards you, your response has to be in love for there to be healing and relationship.The Bible teaches us to love thy neighbor as thyself.When we receive the love of God and love him, then we realize how much we should love ourselves. The measure in which we love ourselves is the same measure we will love others. So, if you do not love yourself, you are not capable of loving others. Only a love that is conditional, judgmental, fearful, controlling, envious and abusive can stand outside of God's love. The more you are gracious, merciful, kind, and loving to yourself, the more you can be to others. Then you can take them and yourself off the crosses of crucifixion you have erected. Jesus has already been crucified for us, so there is no need to put yourself and others on crosses of pain and punishment. Receive and give love and watch how people will be drawn to you. Is everyone meant to be in your life? No, but in love you will determine who should and can be!