On Saturday November 20th my husband and I drove from our home in Prior Lake to Maple Grove to have dinner with some dear friends. (the drive took 40 mins like usual.) We hung out, prayed cried, laughed, talked and had a plain ole' great time til about 10pm.
As we left, we hopped on our usual Hwy 169 to head home, and low and behold... ICE. (not unusual for a Minnesota winter) but this was blankets upon blankets of ice on the highway.... a LITERAL ice rink on the roads.
As we headed down the highway a SUV to our right did a literal 180 spin (Thank God no cars were coming) as we inched (20 MPH) down the highway, we came upon 1, 2, 5, 9, 14, TWENTY spin outs, accidents and cars in the ditch. People who didn't have enough momentum to make it up a slight hill in the road began to either slide backwards or even completely sideways.
At one point we saw an ambulance with an accident victim in the back and the ambulance was spinning uncontrollably and eventually ended in the ditch as well.
My husband and I were coming up towards an exit where a semi truck was paused.. Stopped right in between the right lane of the highway and the exit ramp, As a small car tried to exit, it began to slide and we had to slow down to avoid hitting it, but as we lost momentum, we too found ourselves sliding.... right into the side of the stalled semi truck!
we tried to move from against the semi, but there was no where to go, everytime we tried to accelerate, our car would smash closer into the semi and our rear view mirror was beginning to crack. All we could do at that point was sit and wait for a cop to come. sit... and wait. sit and wait.
As we sat and waited; we witnessed several people sliding into ditches, almost making it to the top of the exit ramp only to be halted by the thick sheet of ice that prevented their tires from moving forward. We saw trucks of every size just pull over in defeat. At one point we were nervous that someone may slide into us and sandwich us in so there would be no where to go.
Why did I share this story??
As I watched these events unfold before my eyes, I immediately thought about this journey called LIFE. This journey as a christian, striving to obtain the ultimate goal of eternal life. Many people on a road trying to reach their destination, only to have something slip under them and cause them to either: lose momentum, slide into a ditch, or worse yet completely give up in defeat.
What are the things that are causing YOU to lose momentum, get off course, or even causing you to wave the white flag of defeat? Hurts, Anger, Unforgiveness, Low Self Esteem? Or maybe its your ambition for success, a job, a relationship, un-met expectations, your need to be in control, or your feelings of being out of control.
Whatever it is.. just know that its there to prevent you from reaching your full potential in Christ. Whatever it is, it wants you to live a mediocre existence and settle for less than God's best. It's the Wiles and tactics of the enemy. (Ephesians 6:10-15) speaks about having on the armour of God so you can withstand against the devils schemes.
The devil's purpose is to steal, kill and destroy (John 10:10) God's purpose is for you to have an abundant life.
The devil's purpose is NOT his power. He only has power to (steal kill or destroy) when we give it to him. We give him that power when we remain empty to the Word of God (I was uninformed of the weather that night, otherwise i could have planned accordingly)
We give the enemy power when we trust in our abilities over God's. when we don't walk in faith. (We tried to move from against the truck, but we needed help.. we couldn't do it ourselves)
We give the enemy power when walk in the flesh and not in the Spirit of God.
God cam that we would have life and more abundantly, so we must stay in the Word, walk according to the spirit of God, pray, maintain an attitude of gratitude towards Him. Seek HIM for his purpose for our lives.
Then we will live the victorious lives we desire and not lose momentum on the icy roads of life.
Blessings,
Alisa
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Monday, November 22, 2010
Humility Precedes Holiness
The bigger I grow in God, the smaller I become." --Allen Bond
"Learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart" (Matt. 11:29 KJV). The holiest, most powerful voice that ever spoke described Himself as "meek and lowly in heart." Why begin a message on holiness with a quote concerning humility? Simply because holiness is the product of grace, and God gives grace only to the humble.
A Holy Man Is a Humble Man
By Francis Frangipane
By Francis Frangipane
"Learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart" (Matt. 11:29 KJV). The holiest, most powerful voice that ever spoke described Himself as "meek and lowly in heart." Why begin a message on holiness with a quote concerning humility? Simply because holiness is the product of grace, and God gives grace only to the humble.
It is vital we understand that Jesus did not condemn sinners; He condemned hypocrites. A hypocrite is a person who excuses his own sin while condemning the sins of another. He is not merely "two-faced," for even the best of us must work at single-mindedness in all instances. A hypocrite, therefore, is one who refuses to admit he is, at times, two-faced, thereby pretending a righteousness that he fails to live.
Indeed, the hypocrite does not discern his hypocrisy, for he cannot perceive flaws within himself. Rarely does he actually deal with the corruption in his heart. Since he seeks no mercy, he has no mercy to give; since he is always under God's judgment, judging is what comes through him.
We cannot remain hypocrites and at the same time find holiness. Therefore, the first step we truly take toward sanctification is to admit we are not as holy as we would like to appear. This first step is called humility.
In our desire to know God, we must discern this about the Almighty: He resists the proud, but His grace is drawn to the humble. Humility brings grace to our need, and grace alone can change our hearts. Humility, therefore, is the substructure of transformation. It is the essence of all virtues.
At some phase in each of our lives, we all will be confronted with the impurities of our hearts. The Holy Spirit reveals our sinfulness, not to condemn us but to establish humility and deepen the knowledge of our personal need for grace. It is at this crossroad that both holy men and hypocrites are bred. Those who become holy see their need and fall prostrate before God for deliverance. Those who become hypocrites are they who, in seeing their sin, excuse it and thus remain intact. Though all men must eventually stand at this junction, few are they who embrace the voice of truth; few are they indeed who will walk humbly toward true holiness.
Therefore, sanctification starts not with rules but with the forsaking of pride. Purity begins with our determined refusal to hide from the condition of our hearts. Out of self-discovery comes forth humility, and in meekness true holiness grows.
If we are not enlightened to the depravity of our old nature, we become "Christian Pharisees," hypocrites, full of contempt and self-righteousness. Did not our Master warn of those who, "trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and viewed others with contempt" (Luke 18:9)? Every time we judge another Christian, we do so with an attitude of self-righteousness. Each time we criticize another church, contempt is the motive behind our words. The irony of our Christianity is that so many churches look upon each other with identical attitudes of superiority! The modern church has become overstocked with those who, thinking they were holy, have become the exact opposite of holiness because they so lack humility!
Yet the humility we seek is drawn from a well that goes deeper than the awareness of our needs. Even in times of spiritual fullness, we must delight in weakness, knowing all strength is the product of God's grace. The humility we hope to find must go beyond the pattern of living proud lives, interrupted momentarily by intervals of self-abasement. Meekness must become our way of life. Like Jesus, we must delight in becoming "lowly in heart." Like Jesus, His disciples are humble by choice.
Anyone Can Judge, But Can You Save?Hypocrites love to judge; it makes them feel superior. But it shall not be so with you. You must seek earnestly for lowliness of heart. Many zealous but proud Christians have failed to reach holiness because they presumed they were called to judge others.
Anyone Can Judge, But Can You Save?Hypocrites love to judge; it makes them feel superior. But it shall not be so with you. You must seek earnestly for lowliness of heart. Many zealous but proud Christians have failed to reach holiness because they presumed they were called to judge others.
Jesus Christ did not come to condemn the world but to save the world. Anyone can pass judgment, but can they save? Can they lay down their lives in love, intercession, and faith for the one judged? Can they target an area of need and, rather than criticizing, fast and pray, asking God to supply the very virtue they feel is lacking? And then, can they persevere in love-motivated prayer until that fallen area blooms in godliness? Such is the life Christ commands we follow!
To judge after the flesh requires but one eye and a carnal mind. On the other hand, it takes the loving faithfulness of Christ to redeem and save. One act of His love revealed through us will do more to warm cold hearts than the sum of all our pompous criticisms. Therefore, grow in love, excel in mercy, and you will have a clearer perception into the essence of holiness, for it is the nature of God, who is love.
One may argue, "But Jesus condemned sin." Yes, and we condemn sin also, but the sin we must condemn first is the sin of judging others, for it obscures our vision from discerning sin in ourselves! (Matt. 7:5) Understand this: We will never become holy by criticizing others; nor is anyone brought nearer to God through finding fault!
If we are honestly pursuing our sanctification, we will soon discover we have no time for judging others. Indeed, being in need of mercy, we will seek eagerly for opportunities to be merciful to others.
Yes, Scripture tells us that Jesus judged men in certain situations, but His motive was always to save. His love was perfectly committed to the one He judged. When our love toward another is such that we can honestly say, like Christ, "I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you," (Heb. 13:5), our powers of discernment will be likewise perfected; for it is love alone that gives us pure motives in judgment (1 John 4:16-17).
Do you still insist on finding fault? Beware, Christ's standard of judgment is high: "He who is without sin among you, let him be the first to throw a stone" (John 8:7). Indeed, speak out against unrighteousness, but be motivated by the love of Jesus. Remember, it is written, "While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us" (Rom. 5:8). In the kingdom of God, unless you are first committed to die for people, you are not permitted to judge them.
It is also important to note that the ears that listen to gossip or criticism are as guilty as the mouth that speaks it. Do not contribute to such sins. Instead, stop the offender from speaking and entreat him to intercede, as Jesus does, for that person or situation. Your ears are holy, do not let them come into agreement with the accuser of the brethren (Rev. 12:10).
Remember, Christ did not condemn sinners, He condemned hypocrites. He numbered Himself with sinners--bearing our sins and sorrows (Isa. 53). This is the humility we are seeking. Indeed, holiness shines brightly through the meek and lowly of heart.
Blessings!
Sunday, November 21, 2010
The Trap
Keep and guard your heart with all vigilance and above all that you guard, for out of it flow the springs of life. —Proverbs 4:23
The spirit of offense poisons lives and attitudes. According to Vine's Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words, the word offense is derived from a Greek word skandalon, which "originally was:
'the name of the part of a trap to which the bait is attached, hence, the trap or snare itself....'" It was the part of the trap that lured or snared an animal.
We easily see that offense is what Satan uses to lure people into full-blown cases of bitterness, resentment, and unforgiveness. Satan uses offense to cause us to stumble and fail to go forward with God.
The temptation to get offended is a trap that should be avoided like the plague. If we would not take poison, we should not take offense. If we would be champions for God we must not be easily offended.
Many people never become what God desires them to be because they get offended. They get bitter. Offense becomes a stumbling block to them, and they never progress beyond that point. They are the loser and the devil is the winner.Often time people who walk in offense are blinded to it. They hear and see everything as a negative. Offense keeps people from receiving things in love. It is a destroyer of relationships and a killer of your spirit. it will keep you from receiving and living in the fullness of joy that God has for you. Beware of this spirit!!
Example:
A husband looks at the wife and says " hey can you buy some more expensive towels next time you shop, cause the one's you bought are bleeding into the wash.
Offense takes that (distorts it) and the wife hears 'hey you must be dumb, cause anyone with sense would know that the cheap towels you bought bleed into the wash so next time get it right duh!"
I had someone share that her husband was making a comment amongst friends that he wished he had a chef to come to his house and bake for him. (his statement was said and meant with the purest of intensions) but she took it personal as if he was saying, she couldn't cook.
she realized that she had a spirit of offense, cause in conversations with people she usually leaned more towards the words spoken being a personal attack against her rather than just what it is "a simple statement or comment"
she would find herself stewing for weeks and months over things people would door say to her.Get an understanding in the midst of misunderstandings and ask God to give you His ears so you can hear things in the way they really are so you don't misinterpret or even assume that it's the enemy using someone else, when its truly the enemy using you.
If you think about an offense over and over again becomes exalted in your mind. It takes the place of where God should be. It becomes an idol as you are thinking and "worshipping" that thought more than God.
WOW! What a concept. Knowing this truth makes me all the more cast down any thought that would prevent me from exalting God in my thought life. God is who I adore and think about. He is the One I worship and dwell upon, not any twisted, offended, thought.
This brings us to the true reality of living. We are no longer entrapped by any offense and the possibility of a new one is no longer a threat to us. We see that stumbling block long before we come upon it and decide to walk around it!
offense brings along with it deception. The spirit convinces you that deeds done and words spoken are about you, against you, and to attack you, but that is a lie! Don't fall for it.
Ask the Lord to heal your heart. I encourage you to allow the Holy Spirit to reveal any offense you have been holding onto. Write down the names of those involved. Ask God to forgive you for your un-forgiveness and release those that have offended you. Pray for them and if you have the opportunity, go to them and ask them to forgive you for your un-forgiveness.
Also, pray against the spirit of offense. Recognize that its there to keep you from the fullness God has for you. God's purpose is to have His children live in unity and to work together to build the kingdom of God, not work against each other.
No person can do permanent damage to you if you are willing to be mature enough to refuse offense and trust God. This kind of attitude will make you a winner in life.Blessings,Alisa
Thursday, November 18, 2010
FORGIVENESS-RECONCILIATION- THE FRUIT IT BRINGS
Forgiveness has been the topic of discussion for about a week now. At first a friend asked a question on facebook "Does forgiveness mean you're buddy buddy with the person after you forgive them"
Then my sister and I were talking about it. then I was faced with it internally concerning a man who had hurt me in the past, then a beautiful woman of God who is like a mom was talking with me about it. It's been in my face for awhile so I figured I should probably do some studying.
After really studying it in the scriptures- God gave me revelation and it has been heart pounding, life conforming awesome!! I pray you'll read with open heart and the Holy Spirit will speak to you through these words. (Let me start by saying, that I'm in no way stating that I've arrived) I'm just sharing what the Lord gave me for the purpose of challenging, encouraging and blessing you.) Iron sharpens Iron!
Someone who has been offended or deeply hurt will usually feel they have a right to be angry, hurt and bitter. They may even plan to take revenge. In contrast, God asks us to trust him with our pain, trust him for justice, and forgive those who hurt us (Romans 12:17-20).
I was led to Matthew 5:21-26 I'm going to show it in the Message Bible Translation.
21-22You're familiar with the command to the ancients, 'Do not murder.' I'm telling you that anyone who is so much as angry with a brother or sister is guilty of murder. Carelessly call a brother 'idiot!' and you just might find yourself hauled into court. Thoughtlessly yell 'stupid!' at a sister and you are on the brink of hellfire. The simple moral fact is that words kill.
23-24 This is how I want you to conduct yourself in these matters. If you enter your place of worship and, about to make an offering, you suddenly remember a grudge a friend has against you, abandon your offering, leave immediately, go to this friend and make things right. Then and only then, come back and work things out with God.
25-26 Or say you're out on the street and an old enemy accosts you. Don't lose a minute. Make the first move; make things right with him.
Ok! First off our words have power and most christians know this, but how often do we carelessly let death fly from our lips without a second thought. I have been guilty. Speaking death about people, places and even events in my life rather than speaking life. but God says in his word that its murder.
Then it says if YOU remember that your friend has a grudge against YOU that YOU are supposed to abandon your gift and go to them and be reconciled (verse 24 of the King jamesVersion)24Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift. Reconciled definition: To reestablish close relationship with; to settle or resolve
Now how often have you said, "I'm walking in forgiveness, but if THEY aren't in forgiveness then that's just between THEM and GOD"
You're right, if someone is in unforgiveness that IS between them and God, however this scripture clearly states that if you (being a christian) know that your brother or sister has something against you, you're not supposed to WAIT for them to come to YOU... you are supposed to go to them before you try to even give your tithe or offer your gift before the Lord, but how many of us do that?
and be reconciled... now that's a deep one!! and some would say that's a hard one... but you know what God spoke to me?? It IS hard when you're in your flesh and walking according to your own will, but in Christ you do it anyway.
It was hard for me to forgive you all your sin- having to take it all upon myslef. it was hard for me to drink of that bitter cup, but in Matthew 26:39 Jesus said, Let this cup pass from , BUT never the less, not MY will but THY will be done!
God wants His family reconciled with one another. he wants to come back for his church that is without a spot or wrinkle... (wrinkles = divisions) (spots =sin) God's order was NEVER for people who love him and live for him to be divided. that was NEVER His plan, but what happens is WE get in the way. We allow our own logic, flesh, hurts, understandings, religious traditions, insecurites, and junk to get in the way of the divine order God intended. THY WILL BE DONE ON EARTH AS IT IS IN HEAVEN. Are folks divided and hurt in heaven? Is there unforgiveness and folks not speaking in heaven? (I'll let you answer that)
Romans 5:10 says when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son.
(Reconciliation takes death to self and our need to hold grudges)
2Corinthians 5:18 says But all things are from God, Who through Jesus Christ reconciled us to Himself and gave to us the ministry of reconciliation [that by word and deed we might aim to bring others into harmony with Him].
WHOA!! reconciliation is a ministry and the ministry is to bring others (unbelievers) into harmony with him, but how can we bring others into harmony when WE (believers) aren't in harmony with one another? it just won't happen.
The Fruit that forgiveness and reconciliation brings is this:
peace with God, justification, Fellowship with God, adoption, Love, times of refreshing, joy, restoration, indwelling of the Holy Spirit. and So much more!
I pray that we all will come into the true understanding of forgiveness and reconciliation and not only will we understand it, but just like in 2 Corinthians 5:18 we will all by Word and Deed LIVE the Word and bring others into harmony with Jesus Christ our Lord!
Blessings and Favor.
Alisa
Forgiveness has been the topic of discussion for about a week now. At first a friend asked a question on facebook "Does forgiveness mean you're buddy buddy with the person after you forgive them"
Then my sister and I were talking about it. then I was faced with it internally concerning a man who had hurt me in the past, then a beautiful woman of God who is like a mom was talking with me about it. It's been in my face for awhile so I figured I should probably do some studying.
After really studying it in the scriptures- God gave me revelation and it has been heart pounding, life conforming awesome!! I pray you'll read with open heart and the Holy Spirit will speak to you through these words. (Let me start by saying, that I'm in no way stating that I've arrived) I'm just sharing what the Lord gave me for the purpose of challenging, encouraging and blessing you.) Iron sharpens Iron!
Someone who has been offended or deeply hurt will usually feel they have a right to be angry, hurt and bitter. They may even plan to take revenge. In contrast, God asks us to trust him with our pain, trust him for justice, and forgive those who hurt us (Romans 12:17-20).
I was led to Matthew 5:21-26 I'm going to show it in the Message Bible Translation.
21-22You're familiar with the command to the ancients, 'Do not murder.' I'm telling you that anyone who is so much as angry with a brother or sister is guilty of murder. Carelessly call a brother 'idiot!' and you just might find yourself hauled into court. Thoughtlessly yell 'stupid!' at a sister and you are on the brink of hellfire. The simple moral fact is that words kill.
23-24 This is how I want you to conduct yourself in these matters. If you enter your place of worship and, about to make an offering, you suddenly remember a grudge a friend has against you, abandon your offering, leave immediately, go to this friend and make things right. Then and only then, come back and work things out with God.
25-26 Or say you're out on the street and an old enemy accosts you. Don't lose a minute. Make the first move; make things right with him.
Ok! First off our words have power and most christians know this, but how often do we carelessly let death fly from our lips without a second thought. I have been guilty. Speaking death about people, places and even events in my life rather than speaking life. but God says in his word that its murder.
Then it says if YOU remember that your friend has a grudge against YOU that YOU are supposed to abandon your gift and go to them and be reconciled (verse 24 of the King jamesVersion)24Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift. Reconciled definition: To reestablish close relationship with; to settle or resolve
Now how often have you said, "I'm walking in forgiveness, but if THEY aren't in forgiveness then that's just between THEM and GOD"
You're right, if someone is in unforgiveness that IS between them and God, however this scripture clearly states that if you (being a christian) know that your brother or sister has something against you, you're not supposed to WAIT for them to come to YOU... you are supposed to go to them before you try to even give your tithe or offer your gift before the Lord, but how many of us do that?
and be reconciled... now that's a deep one!! and some would say that's a hard one... but you know what God spoke to me?? It IS hard when you're in your flesh and walking according to your own will, but in Christ you do it anyway.
It was hard for me to forgive you all your sin- having to take it all upon myslef. it was hard for me to drink of that bitter cup, but in Matthew 26:39 Jesus said, Let this cup pass from , BUT never the less, not MY will but THY will be done!
God wants His family reconciled with one another. he wants to come back for his church that is without a spot or wrinkle... (wrinkles = divisions) (spots =sin) God's order was NEVER for people who love him and live for him to be divided. that was NEVER His plan, but what happens is WE get in the way. We allow our own logic, flesh, hurts, understandings, religious traditions, insecurites, and junk to get in the way of the divine order God intended. THY WILL BE DONE ON EARTH AS IT IS IN HEAVEN. Are folks divided and hurt in heaven? Is there unforgiveness and folks not speaking in heaven? (I'll let you answer that)
Romans 5:10 says when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son.
(Reconciliation takes death to self and our need to hold grudges)
2Corinthians 5:18 says But all things are from God, Who through Jesus Christ reconciled us to Himself and gave to us the ministry of reconciliation [that by word and deed we might aim to bring others into harmony with Him].
WHOA!! reconciliation is a ministry and the ministry is to bring others (unbelievers) into harmony with him, but how can we bring others into harmony when WE (believers) aren't in harmony with one another? it just won't happen.
The Fruit that forgiveness and reconciliation brings is this:
peace with God, justification, Fellowship with God, adoption, Love, times of refreshing, joy, restoration, indwelling of the Holy Spirit. and So much more!
I pray that we all will come into the true understanding of forgiveness and reconciliation and not only will we understand it, but just like in 2 Corinthians 5:18 we will all by Word and Deed LIVE the Word and bring others into harmony with Jesus Christ our Lord!
Blessings and Favor.
Alisa
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
He Won't Let Go Of Me
Thinking about the stories in the bible that I've grown up reading and hearing all my life. Stories like Noah and the Ark. Jonah in the whale. Moses who parted the read sea. Job who endured great trials. Paul who was once a hater of christians who turned out to be one of our fore-fathers in the faith of Christ. Even stories about Jesus himself in his strength, his compassion, and his weakness. ALL of these stories were written as reminders, encouragement, correction, and examples to help lead us, guide us, and cause us to live a great life of victory and truth in Christ.
I think about the scripture in 2 Corinthians 3:3-6 (I love the Message Bible translation)
Your very lives are a letter that anyone can read by just looking at you. Christ himself wrote it—not with ink, but with God's living Spirit; not chiseled into stone, but carved into human lives—and we publish it.
4-6We couldn't be more sure of ourselves in this—that you, written by Christ himself for God, are our letter of recommendation. We wouldn't think of writing this kind of letter about ourselves. Only God can write such a letter. His letter authorizes us to help carry out this new plan of action. The plan wasn't written out with ink on paper, with pages and pages of legal footnotes, killing your spirit. It's written with Spirit on spirit, his life on our lives
It's very interesting to me to think of my own personal life as Book that is being read. What kind of book is it? A suspense, a autobiography, a thriller, a romance novel? I'd say all of the above!!
My life up to this point has been a progression of bullet points that tie in to the main Title.
You know how you prepare a presentation and you have a MAIN heading and then bullet points that tie it all together? that's my life so far.
And it's interesting when I think about how many people are reading or have read chapters in my book. What will they say? Did it inspire? encourage? hurt? condemn? I don't know, I can only hope and pray that it has been a blessing. Reading of great rejection and brokeness, now entering a season of great restoration and promise.
It's a story of hope I think, that God love me.. inspite of me. I love the words to my new favorite song by Isreal Houghton and new Breed "you hold my world" One line says:
"you hold my world in your hands, I am amazed at your love. I am amazed that you love ME"
and then it goes on to say.. "you won't let go of me, never let go, never let go"
That's the title of my Book. HE WON'T LET GO OF ME - being born out of wedlock, my biological father left and I've never seen him. *He's holding Me* Then suffering abuse under the hand of another man. I felt worthless. *He's Holding Me* I came to know the Lord at a young age, but didn't really live the life. I fell into depression, anorexia, low self esteem, promiscuity, and despair. *He's Holding Me* I finally got to a place of health and met my husand. Married him at the age of 18. Went through drama with him for many years. I then decided to separate from him *He's Holding Me* Then after a year of separation we reconcile *He's Holding Me* I was told by doctors that I couldn't have kids, but the Lord touched my womb and now I have three kids *He's Holding Me* all the way up to this point *God has been holding me*
And He's holding you! don't misunderstand the things you've gone through or are currently going through. it's all about God getting the glory out of it. And He's holding you. You are living, breathing, walking talking book for people to read. Your gifts and abilities are not negated because of your circumstances infact God is using your circumstances to be a a testimony of His power and faithfulness. So be encouraged, *He won't let go of you*
Blessings,
Alisa
I think about the scripture in 2 Corinthians 3:3-6 (I love the Message Bible translation)
Your very lives are a letter that anyone can read by just looking at you. Christ himself wrote it—not with ink, but with God's living Spirit; not chiseled into stone, but carved into human lives—and we publish it.
4-6We couldn't be more sure of ourselves in this—that you, written by Christ himself for God, are our letter of recommendation. We wouldn't think of writing this kind of letter about ourselves. Only God can write such a letter. His letter authorizes us to help carry out this new plan of action. The plan wasn't written out with ink on paper, with pages and pages of legal footnotes, killing your spirit. It's written with Spirit on spirit, his life on our lives
It's very interesting to me to think of my own personal life as Book that is being read. What kind of book is it? A suspense, a autobiography, a thriller, a romance novel? I'd say all of the above!!
My life up to this point has been a progression of bullet points that tie in to the main Title.
You know how you prepare a presentation and you have a MAIN heading and then bullet points that tie it all together? that's my life so far.
And it's interesting when I think about how many people are reading or have read chapters in my book. What will they say? Did it inspire? encourage? hurt? condemn? I don't know, I can only hope and pray that it has been a blessing. Reading of great rejection and brokeness, now entering a season of great restoration and promise.
It's a story of hope I think, that God love me.. inspite of me. I love the words to my new favorite song by Isreal Houghton and new Breed "you hold my world" One line says:
"you hold my world in your hands, I am amazed at your love. I am amazed that you love ME"
and then it goes on to say.. "you won't let go of me, never let go, never let go"
That's the title of my Book. HE WON'T LET GO OF ME - being born out of wedlock, my biological father left and I've never seen him. *He's holding Me* Then suffering abuse under the hand of another man. I felt worthless. *He's Holding Me* I came to know the Lord at a young age, but didn't really live the life. I fell into depression, anorexia, low self esteem, promiscuity, and despair. *He's Holding Me* I finally got to a place of health and met my husand. Married him at the age of 18. Went through drama with him for many years. I then decided to separate from him *He's Holding Me* Then after a year of separation we reconcile *He's Holding Me* I was told by doctors that I couldn't have kids, but the Lord touched my womb and now I have three kids *He's Holding Me* all the way up to this point *God has been holding me*
And He's holding you! don't misunderstand the things you've gone through or are currently going through. it's all about God getting the glory out of it. And He's holding you. You are living, breathing, walking talking book for people to read. Your gifts and abilities are not negated because of your circumstances infact God is using your circumstances to be a a testimony of His power and faithfulness. So be encouraged, *He won't let go of you*
Blessings,
Alisa
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