Today Is a New Day

As we begin a new day, a new month and a new year I encourage you to forget those things which are behind, and reach forth unto those things which are before.

Whether you fell short of your goals or exceled beyond your wildest dreams today is a new day.

What goals did you set in 2013 that you did not accomplish? What are the reasons that you did not accomplish your goals? Think about them, write them down, learn from them and move forward. Don’t dwell on what could have been.

What worked well for you in 2013? Think about it, write it down and try to improve upon it. What were you most pleased with? What brought you the most satisfaction?

I have found that when I am following God’s will for my life I have peace, enjoyment and my focus is on helping someone else. It’s amazing how great you feel when you put the needs of others before your own needs.

What is most important is that you put forth an effort to achieve what God has predestined for you to do. As we read in Romans 4:21 and being fully persuaded that, what He had promised, He was able also to perform.  

Oftentimes when things do not go the way we want them to or the way we expect them to we become discouraged, but what we must realize is that every experience should be a lesson learned and if we share what we have learned we can help someone else.

Now is your chance. There is no time like the present. Set realistic goals but let your dreams surpass your imagination. The sky is the limit. Only you can stop you.

What will you accomplish in 2014? My prayer is that you exceed all of your expectations. Remember God is able to do exceeding abundantly above all you can ask or think.

 

Encouraging your physical, financial, emotional and spiritual wellbeing!

Greta

Are You Watching or Are You Being Watched?

Many of us have people that we admire or would like to emulate. You may know someone that always appears to be calm, never allowing anything to rile them. You may ask yourself “how do they do that?” or perhaps you may say “I wish I could be that way”.

There may also be people with other behaviors you would like to possess. People that seem focused, goal oriented, never appearing to procrastinate.

Unless you have a personal relationship with someone all you see is what is on the outside. You may not know the struggles they face that translate into their appearance. We often see this in people that are referred to as an overnight success. What appears to be an overnight success may have taken years to accomplish. A conversation with the overnight success may begin with you don’t know my story, or what I have gone through to get here.

What is important is to realize it can be done. What is it that you are trying to accomplish? Nothing is ever too small and nothing is ever too great to accomplish. Whatever is important to you is important. Don’t allow anyone to tell you your concern is trivial or that you shouldn’t try to do whatever it is that you want to do.

For example a person that is trying to lose weight may have five more pounds they are trying to lose to reach their goal. As you may know sometimes the last pounds are the most difficult to lose. Someone looking at the person trying to lose the five pounds may say you look great I wouldn’t worry about it. Someone else may even think the person is vain because they want to lose five more pounds. Your goals are your goals. If it is important for you to reach your goals you should try to reach them. On the other hand if you decide you are satisfied where you are and make a decision to change your goal or stop short of your goal that should be your decision, not the decision of someone else. Always ask am I doing this for me or someone else?

When God gives you a dream, desire, passion or vision believe it or not He is also giving you everything you will need to bring it to fruition. Sometimes what He places in you seems so great you don’t think anyone will believe it, you may even have a hard time believing it yourself. You must remember you serve a great and mighty God and that nothing is impossible for Him. He doesn’t want you to think you can do anything on your own. You can’t. It is by His grace and through His anointing that you will accomplish what He wants you to accomplish. We read in Philippians 1:6 being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.

It’s great to look at someone else who is doing something similar to what you would like to do to get ideas and also realize what you are aspiring to do is not impossible. What you should not do is compare yourself to someone else. You are unique just as they are unique. Have you ever seen two people wearing the same outfit? Both people look nice in the outfit but it looks different on each individual because their body types are different. Two singers have beautiful voices but their styles are different so they express the same song differently.

Your expression of your gift is unique to you. This is not the first time nor will it be the last that I remind you no one can do what you can do exactly the way that you can do it. Don’t be afraid to do what God has called you to do because someone else is doing something similar. Your voice/gift will place you before who God has chosen to receive it.

While you are watching others remember someone is watching you. What is it that you want them to see?

 

Take God’s Word Literally

How often do you read the word of God and say that you believe it, then do something that clearly indicates you do not believe it? I think one of the biggest areas that our behavior does not represent our belief in God’s word is in the area of casting our cares, worrying about things over which we have not control. We are told to cast our cares because He cares for us. He says come unto Me all ye that labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest.

 

I think sometimes we may think that's it is actually easier to worry than to trust in God. Think about it. You don't have to give a second thought to worrying. It comes naturally, but it requires effort to actually trust God and believe He has everything under control. Your effort is mental, and occurs in the same mind that you are using to worry.

 

Unfortunately I have been known to worry on an occasion, or two, or three even though I try not to worry. Recently I was faced with a situation that would usually cause me to worry, but God worked things out so what I thought I was going to worry about became a moot point. All I could say was He really does love me. The God that gave the life of his only Son loves me so much that He does not want me to worry. That's incredible, but then He is incredible!

 

Talk about the peace that passeth all understanding. When you truly understand that God is in control, that He loves you and that He does not want you to worry you will have that peace that passeth all understanding. Have you ever been concerned about something then felt relieved when what you thought might happen didn't happen, or have you ever said to yourself that wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be and felt relief? Well just imagine having that feeling of relief at all times.

 

Some of you may not even allow yourself to feel the peace that comes with knowing that God is in control and will never allow more that you can bear. You may feel as though you have to help God. God doesn't need your help and quite frankly I don't know of anything that we can do to help God. As a matter of fact what we think of as helping may oftentimes become a hindrance and prevent or delay God moving on our behalf or on behalf of those we are trying to help. The next time your mind prepares to worry allow God to take control.

Many times our worry comes with family matters or with our relationships with others that we love.  You've probably heard the phrase you always hurt the one you love. The other side of that is those that are closest to us are the only ones that can hurt us. If you are not in a close relationship with a person chances are what they say or do will not cause you to worry and will not cause pain. This is not to say that you are not concerned about that person’s welfare but they cannot evoke the same emotions in you that a person that you love can evoke.

 

By the same token someone that is close to you can cause your feelings to be hurt as well as cause you to worry when things are not the way you want them to be. Notice the use of the words “things are not the way you want them to be”. We all want the best for those that we love, however our choice of how we want that to happen may not be the same as what occurs. We do not know and cannot guess how God is going to work things out for those that we love but we can be assured that He will. What we must learn to do is to trust God and rest in His assurance.

 

We read in Matthew 6:27 which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? When was the last time your worry caused a situation to change? Worrying cannot change anything other than your own health. It can cause an increase in blood pressure, headache, as well as a lower immune system. Stop worrying and start believing. Believe that God will do what He said He will do. Believe God will keep you in perfect peace if you keep your mind on Him. Believe that great shall be the peace of your children. Believe that God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. Just as Jesus said to the ruler of the synagogue after being told his daughter is dead be not afraid, only believe.

 

Bless The Lord

As we enter into the holiday season many people are excited while others are experiencing stress and sometimes sadness. The holidays usually bring family and friends together. If you have suffered a loss the holiday season may not be very cheerful. You may be thinking about a lost loved one. You may have suffered a financial loss, the loss of a job or perhaps you are separated from family and friends. It may sound cliché, but believe it or not God loves you and He wants you to find peace in Him. I am printing the entire 103^rd Psalm to keep you from having to leave this blog to read it.

As you read this give your worries, stress and loneliness to the one that can handle it, Almighty God. Neither you nor I are equipped to carry our burdens that is why we are instructed to cast our cares. If you are prone to worry make a conscious effort not to worry. Rather than worrying read the lines below as often as needed until the promises below resonate in your spirit. 

103 Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.

² Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:

³ Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;

⁴ Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies;

⁵ Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's.

⁶ The Lord executeth righteousness and judgment for all that are oppressed.

⁷ He made known his ways unto Moses, his acts unto the children of Israel.

⁸ The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy.

⁹ He will not always chide: neither will he keep his anger for ever.

¹⁰ He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.

¹¹ For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him.

¹² As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.

¹³ Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear him.

¹⁴ For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust.

¹⁵ As for man, his days are as grass: as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth.

¹⁶ For the wind passeth over it, and it is gone; and the place thereof shall know it no more.

¹⁷ But the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children's children;

¹⁸ To such as keep his covenant, and to those that remember his commandments to do them.

¹⁹ The Lord hath prepared his throne in the heavens; and his kingdom ruleth over all.

²⁰ Bless the Lord, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word.

²² Bless the Lord, all his works in all places of his dominion: bless the Lord, O my soul.

 

Be Blessed,

Greta

What Are You Speaking Into Existence?

In Genesis Chapter 1 we read the account of how God created the universe by speaking it into existence. We read in Proverbs 18:21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof. Luke 6:45 reads a good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh. Jesus says in Matthew 6:31 take no thought saying. And finally in James 1:19 we read wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath.

I am a firm believer in the power of the spoken word. What greater evidence is there than the world around us that was spoken into existence. I try to be very careful with the words that I speak and am quick to correct people who talk about how this or that is “killing them”, reminding them to be mindful of the words they speak and their creative power..

We read in Ephesians to be angry, but sin not. We are human so of course we are going to become angry, but the sin occurs when we act on our anger. How many times have you been driving down the expressway and the car behind you is right on your tail? You may think I wish I was driving an army tank. I would stop suddenly causing no harm to my vehicle while causing damage to the vehicle that is right on my tail, without harming the driver of course. You’re angry, and you just want the person behind you to slow down. If you are suddenly forced to slow down or even stop the car behind you may plow right into you. You may not stop suddenly out of anger and cause an accident, but there are some people with road rage that may.

I was driving home one day approaching a stop sign. The cars in front of me were slowing down to stop. The man in the car behind me wasn’t paying attention. I have a habit of glancing into my rear view mirror whenever traffic ahead of me begins to slow down to see how far back and at what speed the person behind me is driving. When I noticed this guy wasn’t paying attention I moved as far as I could to the right side of the road. He still hit me, but thank God we were not on the highway and by me moving over, it caused him to hit only part of my rear bumper. He said he looked away from the road because he was reaching for his soda.

We all have thoughts from time to time that we should not have but speaking those thoughts give them power. A teacher may have a student that is not performing well. The teacher may think to him or herself, although he or she shouldn’t, what is wrong with this child? Is he stupid? If the teacher speaks these words to the child the child will begin to think he is stupid. If the same teacher has these same thoughts about the same child but rather than vocalize these thoughts he or she says to the student. I see you are trying really hard, good job, next time you will do even better. The child will be encouraged.

This same principal applies to our thoughts towards our children, friends, spouse, family members and ourselves. What are you thinking, and what are you saying, for out of the abundance of the heart the mind speak.

You can create your own world of depression, oppression, sickness, failure and even death. Or you can create life, peace, joy, strength, health and prosperity by your own words. Usually we speak what we believe whether consciously or subconsciously.

If you think you are going to fail you exhibit a failing attitude and behavior. You may not try as hard. Maybe someone has said to you that someone else tried doing what you are trying to do, they weren’t successful so you probably won’t be successful. You believe what you have heard and start thinking and saying well I’m not going to make it either. You may even quit instead of following through to the end to see if you will succeed.

I believe God has blessed me with numerous gifts. I seem to have a zillion ideas and think each one is the best thing since sliced bread. I also believe that each idea God has given me will come to fruition at His appointed time. My challenge is my excitement. I want to do all of them at the same time. So I have on an occasion, or two, or three, or maybe four started a project and not completed it. But I refuse to label myself as a failure. What I have come to realize is that I must stay focused and follow through to completion before starting a new project. If I was to listen to some people I would believe that I would never finish a project because that is what I have been told.

What about you what are you thinking and what are you saying? I confess my success daily and am working diligently to get there. Have you given up because someone has told you that you can’t make it? Have you given up because you have convinced yourself that you can’t make it? Only speak those things that you want to manifest.

We read in Philippians 4:8 finally brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Not only should we think on these things but these should also be the things that we speak

What’s Your Motive?

Most of us have heard the saying do what you like and the money will follow. Is this always the case? Sometimes it is and sometimes it’s not. The reasons it is not may vary. I don't like to use the word failure so what I will say is the flow of income expected when you are doing what you like may not come because of timing, location, marketing, possibly your effort, or lack thereof, or various other reasons. If the money does not follow then you must ask yourself am I doing this for the money or because I enjoy it, then remind yourself that what you are doing is your dream, passion, mission, or  assignment.

 

Let's face it. We all need a certain income to survive, but when we are diligently working towards doing what God has created us to do our income may vary based on our calling. God is however more than able to make the income that He provides not only sufficient to supply our needs, but also to supply our wants. Remember how Jesus multiplied 2 fish and 5 loaves of bread? He fed thousands and still had baskets full of leftovers.

 

Just as each part of our physical body is different and has a different function so goes our roles in the body of Christ. Some of us may be in positions that prosper greatly financially based on the gifts God has placed in us and our willingness to use them for His Kingdom, while others may not prosper as much financially but are just as important as any other part of the body. We read in 1 Corinthians 12:14-16 for the body is not one member, but many.  If the foot shall say, because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? And if the ear shall say, because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?

 

It is Gods desire that we all prosper and be in health even as our souls prospers. Prosperity is not just financial, it refers to your total wellbeing as well as your relationship with Christ and other people.

 

Don't focus on the money. Maybe it will come in abundance and maybe it will not, but For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Use your gifts, do what you enjoy!

 

Your reward comes from God as you follow His directives. The gifts He has placed in you are for His glory and the edification of the body. You may say I'm not a Pastor, teacher, or worship leader. Perhaps you are not, but you are still a witness. Whatever your vocation you are to let His light so shine through you that men are drawn unto Him. That is the greatest reward, and far outweighs any financial reward, and guess what? While you are taking care of His business, He will take care of yours.

Trust in God

A few years ago I had knee surgery for a torn ACL and meniscus, injuries usually associated with athletes. I however injured my knee while bowling, certainly not what I would ever have expected.  My rehabilitation included four weeks without putting any weight on my knee. Although I had crutches I actually found the easiest way to get around my home was in my wheeled office chair. My chair enabled me to move from room to room with the ability to carry things which I could not do while using crutches.

After four weeks of not bearing any weight on my knee which also meant not placing weight on my foot, I was able to place a small amount of weight on my knee. During this entire time I was undergoing physical therapy to work on range of motion and strengthening exercises.

When I was finally able to bear the entire weight of my body on my knee I was afraid. The doctor said I no longer needed the crutches and for me to walk without them. After not bearing any weight and gradually adding weight I did not feel comfortable without the crutches that I had become accustomed to using. I actually thought if I put my weight on my knee I would fall.

After a few minutes I stood without the crutches and walked without any problems. It felt strange, like I was learning to walk for the first time. Initially I was apprehensive but quickly became confident in my ability to stand and walk.

Sometimes we have the same experience with our faith. We stand strong in our faith until it’s tested. Before my knee was injured I walked, ran, jumped and bowled never giving any thought to how my body weight was being supported. After I was injured I was afraid to trust in what I previously had never given a second thought.

How has your faith been tested? How have you responded to the test? God allows certain things to occur in our lives to increase our trust in Him. He wants us to be in a position where we trust in Him before we think. The fiery darts however that the enemy uses to attack our mind are used to place doubt in Gods ability to do what He says He will do. The enemy wants us to think first, wonder if God can or will do what He has already promised He will do, try and figure out how He is going to do what He says He will do, then be on guard, watching and waiting for the manifestation of what we believe should happen. If we do not see the results we expect then the enemy tries to convince us that God is not with us, which is completely contrary to His word.

We read in Matthew 28:20 …and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Hebrews 13:5 reads… for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. And finally Isaiah 55:11 reads so shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.

My mother had knee replacement surgery. During her rehabilitation she used a cane. She became dependent upon the cane and against her doctor’s advice continued to use her cane and never walked without it.

I could have been so afraid to put weight on my knee that I altered the way I walked placing more weight on the knee that did not have surgery but I didn’t. I chose to balance my weight on both knees.

Are you trusting fully in God, or are you leaning to your own understanding, as we are advised not to do in Proverbs 3:5, depending on your own abilities as a crutch, or safety net because you don’t have complete faith in God?

Just as I chose to place my full weight on my knee I place my full trust in God, the only sure and steady foundation.

Grasshopper or Giant?

We know the thief cometh not but for to steal to kill and to destroy but how does he do it? Oftentimes he uses us. That’s right. We can be our own worst enemies. We don’t have to wait for someone to tell us what we can’t do, how we will never succeed or that we will never change. Sometimes we beat them to it. We are already convinced that our dreams, visions, hopes or desires will never manifest. How does that happen?

One of the things that we do is compare ourselves with others. We don’t know anyone’s story but our own, yet we look at someone that is successful and think they must have a magic potion, great connections, are smarter than we are, have more resources than we have or are just plain lucky.

Well I can assure you there are no magic potions. Some people do have great connections but great connections without anything to back them will not result in success. All great and perfect gifs come from God. If He has given you an idea you are not any less smart than anyone else. Some people may have resources, financial or otherwise, but if you are a child of God your resources come from God and you have access to everything that He has. There is no need to mention luck because there is no such thing. Solomon said time and chance happen to us all. A man’s heart deviseth his way: but the Lord directed his steps.

In the Bible we read in the book of numbers the account of Moses sending men into the land of Canaan to spy out the land. They were to determine whether the people that dwelled in the land were strong, weak, few or many. They were also to determine whether the land was good or bad, whether the people lived in tents or strong holds as well as whether the land was fat or lean.

When they returned from their visit Caleb said let’s go and possess the land. Those that were with him said as we read in Numbers13:33 and there we saw the giants, the sons of Anak, which come of the giants: and we were in our own sight as grasshoppers, and so we were in their sight.

Not only had they made a decision that they could not stand against the sons of Anak they even went on to say they saw themselves as grasshoppers, or unable to conquer because of their size in comparison to the sons of Anak. They even took it a step further and said they were also seen as grasshoppers in the sight of the sons on Anak.  They didn’t give themselves a chance, but they were right. Others will see you just as you see yourself based on the image you portray. Because they saw themselves as grasshoppers they would behave as grasshoppers therefore causing the sons of Anak to see them as grasshoppers.

How do you see yourself? Do you see yourself as defeated before you even start? Are you willing to follow what God has placed in your heart or are you afraid you will fail? If God has given you a dream, vision or goal it is also God that will bring it to fruition as Joshua and Caleb told the children of Israel in Numbers 14:8-9 if the Lord delight in us, then He will bring us into this land, and give it us; a land which floweth with milk and honey. Only rebel not ye against the Lord, neither fear ye the people of the land; for they are bread for us: their defence is departed from them, and the Lord is with us: fear them not.

What God has started He is more than able to complete. He has placed what He has placed in you for a reason. You are the only that can do what He has called you to do. I’ve said this before. You may not be the only chef. But you are the only one that can create recipes and prepare them the way that you do. You may not be the only artist, baker, writer, or parent. But God has gifted you to reach a specific group that only you can reach that will receive what He has for them through you.

When you do not move forward in your gifting you are not saying you can’t do it you are saying God can’t do it because it is God that has given you the gift and God that will make it manifest. You are the vessel He has chosen to use. Count is as an honor and move forward. See yourself as more than a conqueror, a giant rather than a grasshopper, a success rather than a failure able to do all that God has created you to do.

 

 

 

Which One Are You?

Are you the one that has yielded yourself for God’s use and is willing to reach out to the lost, go into the highways and the byways, share His love and invitation to salvation? We read in Luke 14:23 and the Lord said unto the servant, go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.

Are you allowing the light of God to shine through you so that men and women are drawn unto Him? Jesus said in John 14:6 I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

We cannot force Christ on anyone. He didn’t force Himself on us, but we can show His love to everyone just as He has shown His love to us, gently wooing us into a relationship with Him.

 

Or are you the one that He is trying to reach, the one to whom He has extended the invitation for salvation, to live a holy and righteous life, dedicating or rededicating your life to Him? The person that has ignored His invitation for one reason or another.

Perhaps you’re like the people we read about in the parable Jesus uses in Matthew chapter 22, when He invited guests to the marriage feast, or in our case an invitation is extended to come into the kingdom of God, accepting Him as our Lord and Savior, but we are too busy to accept his invitation.

Maybe you work on Sundays. There are churches that meet on different days of the week, there are churches that stream their services which enable access at your convenience.

What is your excuse? Do you think you have to clean up your life before coming to Christ? Well guess what? You can’t, but once you submit your will to His, He will, by the power of His Holy Spirit, provide you with the guidance and power you need to change what you cannot change on your own.

Unfortunately there are people that honestly don’t believe God loves them. This is a lie straight from the pit of Hell. One on the most quoted scriptures speaks to the contrary. For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. If you are reading this blog you are a part of this world and one of those that He loved so much He gave the life of His only son. Who else do you know would be willing to do that for everyone in the world?

He didn’t do it because you earned it, or because you are worthy. He didn’t do it because you were born with a silver spoon in your mouth, or because you have a high IQ. He didn’t do it because He thought you were unlovable and no one else would care about you. He did it because He loves you.

Are you the one that is willing to serve, or are you the one that has not yet made that decision? If you are the one that has not yet made the decision, make it today. God has a brand new life for you once you decide to give your life to Him as we read in 2Corintinthians 5:17 therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

Become the one that is willing to serve. Let Him change your life. You will never be the same. He will do exceeding abundantly more that you can ask or think.

IF YOU CAN START YOU CAN FINISH

When we embark on the journey towards reaching our destiny, we must also realize the journey along with its ups and downs, trials and tribulations, moments of victory and defeat are all part of our destiny.

If we were never down we would never appreciate being on top. There will be times when we may take baby steps and there will be times when we may not take a step at all. It is during these times that we may question our destiny, ask ourselves if we are heading in the right direction. We may even take a break, or pause for a period of time, but then we feel that unction in our spirit that reminds us that we must go on and that we will not be satisfied until we reach the pinnacle of what God has created us to do.

The funny thing about our destiny is that is does not end until all of our work here on earth is finished. We may have completed a project or reached what we may feel is a milestone, but just as we do God places another idea in our spirit, something else that He wants us to accomplish for Him.

I find it interesting that we always seem to know when God has something else in store for us. We start feeling empty even though we may have just completed what seemed to be an insurmountable task. We are able to accomplish the task by the grace of God, we are excited and joyous because it’s behind us, but it’s not enough and we begin to wonder what’s next.

As each of our lives are predestined God has already determined everything we will do. When we look at the life of Joseph we see his brothers wanted to kill him, they led their father to believe he was dead, they sold him into slavery. He was accused of rape, served time in prison, placed in the second highest position in the land and saved those same brothers from famine that wanted him dead.

If Joseph knew what the end was going to be it may have made his journey a little more tolerable. Sure he had some good times during the bad times, but there were also times knowing he had done nothing wrong that he may have wondered why me.

We must think about Joseph as we walk through our predestined paths. We don’t know what our end will be. We will experience trials and tribulations because God told us we would. Many are the afflictions of the righteous but the Lord delivers us out of them all. He also said our latter will be greater than the former. Our last days will be better than our first days.

God has instilled in us a desire to have everything He has promised us, that is why we have what seems to be an insatiable desire to serve Him. The desires, visions, ideas that He has placed in us are the service He has called us to. We need to worship Him. We need to praise Him. We need to seek Him and we need to fulfill His plan for our lives.

During our fleshly times of weakness is when we may stray off of His path, but God already knew we were going to stray, so He nudges us and gets us back on track. What a mighty God we serve! Even when we want to give up He gives us just want we need to keep moving.

I recently took a stress test. For those of you who have never taken one you are placed on a treadmill while connected to an EKG machine. Your heart rate and blood pressure are monitored during the test. The incline and pace are increased in intervals. By the time the test was almost over I was thinking what would happen if I just stop. I felt like I could not continue but I did.

God has already provided everything we need to accomplish everything He has ordained for our lives. What we endure is because we are on the mission He has placed us on.When you feel like giving up that is when you must remember 2Corinthinians 12:10 therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

Oftentimes the greatest victories occur just as we are feeling we can’t go on. If I’d stopped while on the treadmill I would have failed the test and would need to reschedule. How do I know I would be able to complete the test the second time if I would have quit the first time? I could tell myself I would practice, but would I? Probably not.

Rather than quit when you are almost there push! Give it your best shot! You will never cross the finish line if you stop just short of it. If you start you can finish. Finishing is the end that God has predestined for you. It may not be what you think it should be, but it will always be what He has chosen and what He has determined as completion.

 

 

 

Divine Appointment

Have you ever given thought to how you arrived at your current status in life? Whether you are in a position of authority, high importance, in a job that you and perhaps others think you are not qualified, or maybe you are not where you want to be. You may have lost loved ones, financial status, material things or employment and feel like you can barely make it from one moment to the next yet alone one day to the next.

Whatever your status and wherever you are God knew before you were born that you would be in this place at this time.

Oftentimes when we are not in the most desirable situations or circumstances we think to ourselves this can’t be God. But if we look at our Lord and Savior and what He endured for us, we have to bite our tongue. Some of you may say well that was Jesus. Yes it was Jesus, but when he was on earth He was in the form of a man. He was just like you and me. He felt pain and emotion just like we do. As a matter of fact, He did all of this so He would understand everything we will have to face during our temporary time on earth.

Our most difficult circumstances pale to compare with what He bore for us, and the price He paid for our sins, our total wellbeing and of course the opportunity to spend  eternity with Him. But Jesus wasn’t the only one in the bible that endured trials and tribulation. It bothers me when people refer to the people in the Bible as characters. Would you like to be referred to as a character? Everyone that we read about in the bible was flesh and blood, human beings.

The bible is a wellspring of knowledge and information. One of my favorite books of the bible is the book of Esther. There are so many life lessons contained in this book including jealousy, rebellion, gossip, lying, vengeance, sacrifice; love, just to name a few, and of course as the title of this blog reads divine appointment.

The book of Esther begins with a feast being held by king Ahasuerus for all his princes and his servants; the power of Persia and Media, the nobles and princes of the provinces. Queen Vashti who was the wife of king Ahasuerus was hosting a feast for the royal women of the king’s household when she was summoned by the king’s chamberlains to appear before the king and his guests. Queen Vashti refused the invitation.

Angered by the Queens refusal of his invitation the king consulted the wise men around him which was their custom, to determine what should be done to the queen because of her refusal. The King was advised once other wives got wind of the queen’s behavior they would begin to behave the same way and show contempt for their husbands so he was advised to send her away and find a new queen.

Rather than cover the entire book of Esther I will bring you to the point I am making. Queen Vashti’s dismissal opened the door for Esther to become queen. Esther was not Persian as was the king and former queen. Ordinarily she would not have ever been eligible to be queen. But God moved Queen Vashti and replaced her with Esther as queen to save the Jewish people from destruction. Esther’s reign was not without trials. She actually had to go against tradition endangering her own life to save the life of her people.

Each of us has a purpose and a divine appointment. What sometimes may seem as an injustice is all part of your destiny. I don’t like to say God’s plan for your life because we make our own choices although He already knows what choice we will make. Even if they are bad choices He may allow us to make them. These choices are learning experiences for us as well as those He brings into our path as a testimony of what He has brought us through.

When you are experiencing a valley moment know that you will not be there always and that your valley may enable someone else to stand atop the mountain. Are we not all servants? Conversely when you are on the mountain top know that not only did God place you there, there may be someone in the valley that is looking up at you and you will be challenged with reaching down towards that person as they reach their hand up to you and by the Grace of God and as He says not by might, nor by power but by His Spirit will both of be able to stand on top of the mountain and reach your divine appointment.

Dare To Be Different

Most of us during sometime in our youth did something we should not have done just because our friends were doing it. Somehow our parents would be made aware of our indiscretion. It may have been through a report by a neighbor, the local police if we did something really crazy or the tale tale sign of an injury to our body. Then we would hear those legendary words “if your friends jumped off of a bridge would you jump too?”

There are a couple of responses I would like to examine here. Most of us would respond no, we wouldn’t jump off of the bridge.  We may still have had our moments of disobedience but for the most part we would do the right thing the next time.  The daredevil would think hmm if I’m positioned in just the right place I could jump and survive.

We read in Romans 12:2 and be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. We are in this world but we are not of this world. 1 Peter 2:9 reads but ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people, that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.

As Christians we are to set an example. We are not to be the same way we were as children following the ways of the world. Paul said in 1 Corinthians 13:11 when I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.

Are you following the ways of the world because it’s the comfortable or acceptable thing to do? Are you trying to fit in with your friends even though you know what you are doing is against Gods will for your life? Have you heard the voice of God but rather than step out of your comfort zone and follow Him you conform to those around you so that you won’t be noticed, persecuted or left out the plans of the people you count as your friends? Jesus is a friend that sticks closer than a brother.

I’m not advising you to do anything drastic, or am I? As a matter of fact I am. As children we stepped out and did things we should not have done. There were consequences for our actions but we did them anyway.  I am telling you that now is the time to step out and do what God is telling you to do. Are there consequences? Yes, but is it worth it? My response is a resounding yes. You may lose a friend but the Kingdom may gain a soul. Be bold. Don’t follow the crowd. Dare to be different. If God has given you a vision, plan, dream, idea or directive follow it.

The harvest is plentiful but the laborers are few. Are you part of the harvest or are you a laborer?

Change

We have all heard the only thing that is constant is change. Change occurs all around us. Sometimes we are forced to change. When there are changes in our workplace whether we agree or disagree, whether we resist or embrace them they still occur. We determine our reaction.

But what about self-initiated changes. Have you ever wondered why when change is forced on us we adapt because we have to but when the change is self-initiated it may not occur?

Let’s take a look at a couple of examples. In today’s economy many companies are requiring mandatory furloughs. Employees take unpaid or partially paid time off. Furloughs are implemented as a cost saving measure for the company. Although the impacted employees do not agree they do not have a choice. They are not allowed to work and will not be paid.

Although forced upon an employee, whenever possible the employee should try and use this time off to their advantage. It can be used for personal appointments which may prevent them from having to take time off of work in the future. It can be used for volunteer work if desired. It can also be used to work on a personal business venture or project they may have been putting off.

Not let’s take a look at a self-initiated change. A change that has crossed the mind of a great majority of people is weight loss. We hear weight lost mentioned as New Year’s resolutions, in preparation for vacations, class reunions, weddings, special events or a life style change.

This is a self-initiated change and involves our will. It’s not forced upon us. We can go through with it or we can decide not to. It’s our choice.  Unfortunately for some of us we do not move forward with our change. We have one excuse or another, whatever the reason because it is not being forced upon us, and it is not required but a choice, it may not occur.

A self-initiated change starts as an idea. In the weight loss example. A person may look in the mirror or try on an article of clothing that fit’s a little snugly and think about losing weight. Sometimes the thought goes no further. If it does it becomes a desire. Once the idea or thought becomes a desire implementation will begin. A person may start exercising or change their eating plan but before reaching their goal they may quit. This is where it ends for many people. You have an idea. Your idea becomes a desire. You implement a plan, then for one reason or another the plan comes to an end before reaching your goal.

Why is it so difficult make a self-initiated change? It’s because you have a choice, so the question becomes how do you stick with your choice? How do you prevent yourself from quitting? Think back to the company mandated change. It may have been uncomfortable but it was necessary so you complied. Your job may have been at stake. Even if you resisted in the beginning you accepted the change, and it became part of your lifestyle.

A self-initiated change may be uncomfortable. You are doing something you have never done before. Is it necessary? It is if it is your desire, and you want to succeed. What do you do? You act as though it is required just as the mandated change is required. You act as though you don’t have a choice. You commit yourself to it. You do whatever it takes. Hold yourself accountable, or if you are challenged with accountability ask a friend that believes in your success to be your accountability partner if you do not have a Life Coach.

Record and report your progress. Do something every day towards your goal. Celebrate your progress as encouragement. You can make a change but you must be committed. It’s your choice. Choose to succeed.
 

 

 

Who’s In Your Corner?

I have viewed a few boxing matches on television and wondered about the roles of the people in the fighters corner which led me to do a little research.

There are usually four people in a fighter’s entourage which include a manager, a trainer, a cut man and a corner man who enter the fighter’s corner during the one minute intervals between rounds.

The manager is responsible for the direction of the fighter’s career. The trainer works with the fighter on a day to day basis. He is responsible for developing the fighter’s technique, physical conditioning and tactics. He provides motivation and tactical advice as the fight progresses. The cut man obviously is responsible for providing first aid as needed for the fighter. The corner man may also be the fighter’s trainer and in most cases is the physical support system during the fight. He wraps the fighter’s hands to protect them during the bout and has a deep knowledge of the physical mannerisms of the fighter. If he believes the fighter is struggling or at risk of physical harm should the fight continue can signal the referee to stop the fight by “throwing in the towel”.

Our corner consists of the trinity of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. These three are one as we read in 1 John 5:7. Our entourage leads and guides, teaches and trains, knows our moves before we make them and protects us from our opponents.

In boxing the battle is waged by the fighter alone. As a Christian the battle is God’s as we read in 2 Chronicles 20:15 and the victory is ours as we read in 1 Corinthians 15:57 which prevents the need for ever “throwing in the towel”.

Who’s in your corner? Are you trying to fight your own battles or are you casting your cares on the Lord as instructed in 1 Peter 5:7?  Are you laboring and heavy laden, or are you following Matthew 11:27:28-29 which reads come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

Why fight a battle that is not yours and has already been won? Rely on your corner.

 

 

Let Your Passion Be Greater Than Your Fear

My favorite question, as I have mentioned previously, is to ask people, especially adults, what they want to be when they grow up.  Some people’s passions are obvious.  There is no need for me to ask them at all.  After spending just a few moments speaking with them they cannot help but mention with great enthusiasm what kindles their fire.  Their face glows.  They may share what they are doing, what motivates them, and/or their future plans.

There are others that speak of a dream, desire, vision or passion, but put very little effort behind bringing it to fruition.  They have ideas of grandeur.  They can even envision themselves where they want to be, but have no plan to get there.  We read in Proverbs 18:16 (KJV) a man’s gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men.  We also read in in James 2:28 (KJV) yea, a man may say, thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.  We must have faith, but it is the work or belief and effort that we put behind the faith that actually shows that we have faith.

If we say we believe, but never make an effort towards what it is that we believe, do we really believe?  You may not always succeed immediately out of the gate, but you must open the gate and step on the other side.

Sometimes we say we have a dream or desire, but is it even ours?  Could it be the desire our parents or someone of influence over our lives has for us?  Perhaps we see people with dreams all around us and we want one just because they have one.  Never belittle, or allow anyone else to belittle your dream.  No dream is too big and no dream is too small.  If it’s your dream you own it.  Get excited about it!  You may be the only one who is, but that’s okay.  It’s yours, and you are the one that will feel fulfilled when it comes to fruition.

There are many things that may hold us back, some are real and some are excuses.  But even what is real may slow us down, but should not stop us.  Tragedy can prevent us from moving forward, but we should not let it stop us.  Sometimes it may have the reverse effect and drive us forward.  Budget may stop us, but if we are experiencing a financial deficit we should channel our energy and resources in a productive direction to keep us moving.  When our momentum stops, even briefly, it is difficult to restart our engine.

Procrastination may be one of the most powerful blocks that prevent us from moving forward.  We come up with excuse after excuse, one of which is “I work better under pressure.”  Do you really work better under pressure, or is it that you wait until the last minute and when you complete your task you feel relieved?  Do you realize procrastination is a form of fear?  You may be afraid of failure which is natural; no one wants to fail, but you may be more afraid of success.  What happens when you succeed? What is your next step?  What will be expected of you?

Whatever your desire, dream, vision or passion, in order for you to succeed you must Let Your Passion Be Greater than Your Fear, which is what I have done.  My website www.gretahillman.com is now live; please click on the link to view.  Follow me on Twitter, like my Facebook page and feel free to leave comments. Subscribe to my blog read, and submit questions and/or comments to my forum.  I accept public speaking invitations and I encourage you to watch for the release of my books and upcoming events by visiting my site often.

Thanks for your continued support.  May God bless you as I yield myself to Him and He continues to speak through me.