IS IT THEM OR IS IT YOU?

How many of you expect people to behave the same way that you behave? How many of you have certain expectations of people or certain behaviors that you consider as suitable? I think we all have a few expectations when it comes to others. For example, if you are a hard worker you expect others to be hard workers. If you are happy go lucky, you expect other people to be happy go lucky. Sometimes it may be difficult to understand why other people’s thoughts, behaviors and values differ vastly from our own. But when our expectations are not met, are we not judging others? Are we not finding fault with others thoughts, behaviors and values because they differ from ours?

Just because someone does not agree with us, or their thoughts, behaviors and values differ from ours does not make them wrong and us right, or vice versa.

One definition of self-righteous reads

Confident of one's own righteousness, especially when smugly moralistic and intolerant of the opinions and behavior of others. Ouch!

It may not be intentional, but sometimes our behaviors may be considered as self-righteous.

Each of us strive to walk in spirit, to exhibit the fruit of the spirit, love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance. However, our flesh as we know is enmity against our spirit and causes a war between the two.

Paul said in Romans 7:19-20 For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.  Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.

It’s the flesh, the carnal nature that is quick to act, to judge, to condemn, to think and speak things that are contrary to the truth, or the spirit.

James admonishes us in chapter 1 verse 19 to be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath.

Why does James say this? He says this because it’s the nature of our flesh to do just the opposite. Oftentimes we begin our rebuttal, our answer, or our solution while someone is still speaking. How can we hear if we are thinking about what we are going to say? Sometimes we speak without even thinking about what we are going to say. We just react without weighing our thoughts. Unfortunately our reaction at times may even be out of anger, because we have not been swift to hear, slow to speak, and slow to wrath.

Do you count yourself among those that speak without knowing the entire situation? I think most of us do at some time. How could we not? Only God knows everything.

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Chosen

God has created each of us as individuals to make a contribution to the kingdom. If He had not chosen you, you would not be here. If you do not remember anything else, please remember this. I cannot say it enough. No one can do what you can do exactly the way that you can do it.

God created you for a specific purpose.

Each of us have our own journey in life, our own God given and God purposed assignments, gifts and talents. Our own portion.

What God has for you is for you and no man can take it away from you.

In 1 Samuel 16:6-7 we read  And it came to pass, when they were come, that he looked on Eliab, and said, Surely the Lord's anointed is before him. But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart.

Man looks at the outside, but God looks at the heart. How often a judgement, a decision or a choice is made based solely on an outward appearance. I am so glad God knows each and every one of us. He selects us based on His knowledge of who He has chosen and created us to be. Samuel didn’t know anything about Eliab, but in his mind, or with his rationale, or carnal way of thinking, he just knew Eliab was God’s anointed. A decision based solely on his appearance.

It doesn’t matter what you, or anyone else sees in you. What matters is what God sees in you, what God says about you and what God knows about you.

You are Gods choice. You were not chosen by man, nor did you appoint yourself. The only qualification God is looking for is your faith, your obedience to His call. Your willingness to follow His path for your life, to go where He sends you and to do what He has chosen for you to do.

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Why Ask Why?

Have you ever asked God why me, or why now? Have you ever been so overwhelmed, bogged down or stressed out by things that were not your own doing, or perhaps they were your own doing, but either way you feel like you are hanging on by the skin of your teeth. God wants me to tell you to let go. When you feel like you are hanging on by the skin of your teeth, just let go. When you are hanging on by the skin of your teeth you are relying on your own strength and your own ability. When you let go, you are relying on Gods strength and His ability and we all know that He is able, more than able. He is more than capable. Whatever your situation, He knew you would be right where you are, as well as when you would be there. And He never allows you to be in a place where you are not under his mercy, grace and protection.

God wanted me to share these prophetic words with you.

“You are chosen for a purpose and everything that you go through is meant to strengthen you. Count it not strange, the things that you endure, for you are more than capable as I am with you to carry you through. You can, and you will make it through. Trust in Me and believe. I am always with you. It's all in My hands. I am the answer that you are searching for.”

Psalm 37:34 though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the Lord upholdeth him with his hand.

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It's Not Just About You

As difficult as it may seem at the time that you are going through trials and tribulations, what I want you to understand, is that the trials and tribulations you encounter on your journey have a dual purpose. Part of the purpose is to strengthen and mature you and your relationship with Christ. The other part of Gods purpose is your testimony. Sharing your experience with others so they may be encouraged.

We must always remember that people are watching us. Everyone that is watching you is watching because of the Christ in you, but the motives people have for watching you may differ. Some may watch in awe because of your countenance, your peace, your joy, your faith, your strength. Others may watch because they are waiting for you to fall or fail. The enemy, usually unbeknownst to them is having his way in them, using them to wreak havoc.

As you continue on your journey and are faced with trials and tribulations, rather than think about yourself and what you are going through, think about how your testimony will help someone else, weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.

Morning is when you see the light. When you recognize that whatever you are going through Jesus Christ is your hope.

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Wait On The Lord

Have you ever prayed for something then decided God was taking too long? Or, maybe God wasn’t doing things the way you wanted them to be done, so you decided to help him out.

Well, believe it or not, God never has and never will need our help.

Now I don’t know about you, but sometimes when I hear from God I want to see, and expect to see results immediately. As a matter of fact one day God said to me, you can be excited, but don’t be anxious. I guess He knows, well of course He does. He knows how I am. He knows that I can be impatient, and He wants me to learn to wait on Him.

Psalm 24:14 Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord.

Oftentimes the decisions we make are out of desperation. Our heart may be weakened from stress, or worry. We don’t know how a matter may turn out, we are concerned, so we act based on fear of the unknown rather than waiting on God.  

Psalm 37:34 Wait on the Lord, and keep his way, and he shall exalt thee to inherit the land: when the wicked are cut off, thou shalt see it.

Psalm 37:9 For evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon the Lord, they shall inherit the earth.

God will bring to pass what He has in store for us, and we will witness the demise, or ill will that may come to those that mock our belief in Him.

Isaiah 40:31 But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

Isaiah 49:23… and thou shalt know that I am the Lord: for they shall not be ashamed that wait for me.

When we wait on God things will come to pass exactly the way He wants them to come to pass. We will not be ashamed, disappointed or embarrassed by the outcome that He has for us. We will be strengthen by our trust in God. We will persevere and we will prevail.

God’s plan is God’s plan. It doesn’t matter how we try to help him out or manipulate things. Lamentations 3:37 Who is he that saith, and it cometh to pass, when the Lord commandeth it not?

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Determination

Last week we talked about believing is doing, and how when we have faith or believe, we will do. We will place action behind our faith or what it is that we believe.

Several weeks ago we talked about the sower sowing the seed, and how when the seed is sown the thief comes immediately to steal it. As you hear the word each week and make a decision to act on what you are hearing don’t be surprised if the very thing you hear you will be tested on. For as we read in Mark 4:15 and these are they by the way side, where the word is sown; but when they have heard, Satan cometh immediately, and taketh away the word that was sown in their hearts.

Don’t let the words that you hear be taken away by Satan. Be a doer and not a hearer only.

How many times have you made a decision that you were going to do something, or that you were going to act on the word that you have head. You say to yourself or maybe even someone else, this time I’m serious, or this time I’m sticking with it.

As we talk about sharing what you are going to do with someone else I want to say two things. Oftentimes it helps to share what you are going to do with someone else. That person can help hold you accountable. It’s easy to disappoint yourself, but not quite as easy to disappoint someone else. We never want to hear I told you so, I thought you said, or when are you going to.

I’ve shared with you how I would tell my mother all of my great ideas, and how she would ask me are you going to finish it this time.

Her words are still with me today, and when I speak with her sisters they remind me of her words, and how proud of me she would be to know that I am pressing forward.

The second thing I want to say about sharing what you are doing is, be careful with whom you share. Everyone is not going to be as enthusiastic as you are about what you are doing. Some people may not even understand what you are doing or why you are doing it. They may even try to talk you out of doing whatever it is you are going to do. Never allow anyone to dissuade you.

Romans 8:30-31 Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified. What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?

For a guide on how to share and with whom you can share safely I recommend the Power to Speak Out Loud guide which can be found in my book, Secret Thoughts, Things We Are Afraid To Say Out Loud.

Determination is the act of coming to a decision or of fixing or settling a purpose.

If we have made up our minds that we are going to act out on our faith or what we believe, that we are going to be doers and not hearer only, then we must be determined and hunker down and do so.

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Believing Is Doing

Are you a doer or just a believer? If you believe without following through are you really a believer?

As Christians we are often referred to as believers.

One definition of believe is to have confidence in the truth, the existence, or the reliability of something, although without absolute proof that one is right in doing so.

Well we know Jesus is the way the truth and the life and our confidence is in Him. I’m going to change this definition of believe somewhat to read the reliability of someone instead of something, with that someone being God. And I will replace without absolute proof that one is right, because our faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. And as believers, we are right in having our belief or faith in God.

We read in James 1:22 But be ye doers of the word, or act on what you have heard, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. You’re not fooling anyone, you’re only fooling yourself when you are not acting on what you hear, or what you say you believe. And you’re certainly not fooling God.

It’s kind of like me telling myself I’m going to exercise when I come home from work. I am morning person. When I exercise I exercise in the morning before going to work. I can count the number of times on one hand that I have actually exercised after work. It’s just not going to happen, so why waste my time even saying I’m going to do it. I’m only deceiving myself.

What about you? Are you deceiving yourself? Are you hearing the word but not acting on it, or acting like you believe it?

We also read in James 2:26 …so faith without works is dead also.

If you don’t have works, or place action behind your faith or belief, then your faith or belief has no merit.

When you truly believe you will act, or as I like to say, you will act like it’s so. I must say I’m guilty of not always acting like it’s so. I have my moments of believing without acting. But when you think about it, what do you actually have to lose by putting action behind your faith? You have nothing to lose, and a whole lot to gain.

You see, we can’t act on what we believe without knowing in whom we believe. Our belief represents our faith and as we read in Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him: for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.

As I just mentioned, you have a whole lot to gain!

Now let me ask you this. Why is it so easy for us to place action behind what we think we know rather than what we believe, or what our faith tells us?

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We Win

Would you approach your journey, the roles you are given, your job or jobs, career or tasks, your relationships differently if you knew how each of them would turn out?

Well I’m going to let you in on a little secret…we win!

Over two thousand years ago, long before any of our ancestors were born, someone that knew all about us gave His life for us. This person knew every thought we would think, every word we would speak, and every step we would take. He knew everything that we would do, the good, the bad, the illegal, and the immoral. He knew the victories and the pitfalls that would come our way. In spite of all each of us would do that was contrary to who He is, He knew us, He saw us, He forgives us and He loves us.

To hear more about God’s unconditional love for us I recommend you get a copy of my spoken word track, I knew You.

God wants us to know that the time has come for us to take our rightful place in His kingdom. He wants us to recognize who we are and whose we are. He wants us to walk in the victory that He willingly gave His life for us to have.

We are not worthy in ourselves of His great sacrifice, but His grace enables us to receive the sacrifice and justifies our worthiness through His shed blood. When we ignore, or refuse to accept His sacrifice we commit a huge injustice.

You may say, well I do recognize Christ died for me. Are you living in victory, or are you living in defeat?  Do you have the same mind that is in Christ Jesus? If you are walking around doubting your victory, saying I can’t do this and I can’t do that. If you are saying you don’t know how you will make it, but will not say “Lord I believe, help thou my unbelief,” then you are refusing to accept Christ’s sacrifice.

We live in a carnal body with carnal thoughts, so of course when there is a physical ailment, or when the enemy sends his fiery darts towards our mind there will be times when we may think or even say ‘this is too much.’ But even during those times, even when things seem to be impossible we still have hope. That hope is our ever present help. That hope and that help is Jesus. 

You see, Jesus is never further away from us than we are from ourselves. What does that mean? It means He lives within us, so He is always present, and nothing can separate us from His love, which is Him.

Paul said in Romans 8:38-39 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

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I’m Okay

Our journey may not always be easy, but it is our journey.

There may be times when we feel like we are not hearing from God.

There may be times when we think there are things, such as everyday occurrences in life, or circumstances that are preventing us from moving forward or doing what we think God wants us to do, but if He has allowed those things in our life they too are a part of our journey.

As previously stated. We must learn to accept our assignment.

How many of you know that once you accept something it enables you to move through it. It may not make it easier, but acknowledging what is going on around you empowers you to accept it, do whatever you can do, and continue moving.

I have mentioned to you that part of my journey, as you are aware is to encourage others. I love sharing Gods word and helping people to understand that He truly is the way, the truth and the life. I want the world to know about the God we serve, but like many people I’m not comfortable speaking in front of people.

Well one of things that I’ve had to do is accept my assignment. I have to realize that in order for me to do all God has called me to do, and be all that He has called me to be I must acknowledge that my role, my journey includes public speaking. I have to realize that God anoints, appoints and equips each of us to excel in everything that He has called us to do.

Does it make it easier, no, not really? But, my confidence is not in myself or my abilities. It is in God and His abilities. So, I tell myself just as I tell you, to let my passion be greater than my fear.

  

The journey may not always be pleasant, but even during those unpleasant times God is with us. He never ever leaves us.

When we are able to give it all to God it makes it much easier for us. Think about a time when you relinquished a task or responsibility to someone else. Not just anyone, but someone you knew you could trust to take care of it, someone that you knew could actually do a better job than you could do, an expert. How did that make you feel? You probably felt relieved. You probably knew whatever it was would be taken care of and you did not have to worry about it.

That’s exactly how God wants us to feel. He wants us to have that same confidence, faith and trust in Him. When we are able to do this we have the peace and comfort that we need during our journey, and we can say I’m okay.

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Accepting Your Assignment

What is your assignment? What has God tasked you with?

Well, we are tasked with serving Him, with worshiping Him and praising Him.

We all have a purpose and a journey on earth until we meet God in heaven.

Our journey contains our assignment which is to have faith and trust in God regardless of what we face, what we encounter, what’s presented to us, our roles, jobs and status in life.

For example, as we are all sisters. Our roles are female, we may be mothers, wives or siblings. So we have relationships, relationships that come with responsibilities.

We may be caregivers, caring for family members or friends.

We may be wage earners either employed by someone or self-employed.

We live in a world that is not our home, so we have to make adjustments to survive. When we encounter things that are uncomfortable for us we must adjust.

We also live in a body that is a temporary home so again we have to make adjustments. We have to adapt. When our body suffers a physical ailment we must adjust. When our body experiences changes we must adjust.

And through everything that we encounter, the good, the bad and the indifferent we must remain steadfast in our faith. And why must we remain steadfast in our faith, because without faith it is impossible to please God.

Each of us is chosen by God. Chosen for blessings and eternal life with Him if we accept Him as our Lord and Savior, as well as chosen for whatever He has planned for us in our temporary home while here on earth.

Let’s take Job for example.  Job was a husband and a father. He loved the Lord and eschewed evil. He was a provider for his family. He was living the life God created him to live. He was going about his business raising his family. He offered burnt offerings continually in case his sons sinned and cursed God in their hearts.

He was similar in many aspects to you and me. We don’t offer burnt offering for our children but we do pray for them. Job was keeping his assignment. He had faith and trust in God. Then one day.

Have you ever had a then one day? Everything is going well. You go to church every Sunday, you may be active in the ministry. You go to work every day, you’ve got a little money in the bank.

Then one day….Your then one day could be a physical illness, it could a loss of income or a job, it could be a family tragedy…whatever it is, it is something that’s unexpected, and may prompt you to ask why me, why now. It may even cause you to question God.

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Confident in Christ - Know That You Know, That You Know, That You Know

There are some things that we just know.

We know there are 24 hours in a day. We know there are 365 days in a year, unless it’s leap year of course. We know grass is green and the sky is blue. If someone told us we were wrong we could argue until we were blue in the face that we are right. I’d say we were sure or confident.

Confident can be defined as having strong belief or full assurance.

Now let me ask you a question.

You know you were born and you know that God gave you life.

You know that God enables you to walk, to talk, to breathe, to think.

To reason and make decisions.

When we think about it, it’s God that gives us the ability to do everything.

So here’s my question. Knowing all that we’ve just said that we know, why is it that when things feel – here we go with our emotions and our flesh. Why is it that when we encounter things that we feel are beyond our natural ability we lose our confidence? We begin to doubt.

We quickly go from God can, God can, God can, to I can’t, I can’t, I can’t. Well you couldn’t in the first place. 

It’s been God all along.

Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

John 5:30 I can of mine own self do nothing

Jeremiah 32:27 Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me?

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Carefree Living

I’m a person that is naturally concerned, prone to worry or anxious. My concern is usually about someone else, wanting to make sure everything is okay with them.

I’ve learned over the years how to temper my concern for others, while at the same time realizing my concern when tempered is also my gift. It is the gift of exhortation or encouraging others to be all that God has created them to be as they live according to his word.

I think each of us have a natural makeup, or way of being.

Some people are naturally happy and joyful, while others seem to be angry. Some people are suspicious while others are trusting.

Who are you?  How would you describe yourself? How would others describe you?

I believe our natural or pre salvation behaviors become tempered and aligned with God’s will when we become saved.

For example I’ve told you I’ve always been a believer and trusted people, expecting them to be true to their promises. With salvation and the help and guidance of the Holy Spirit my trust is no longer misguided. My trust is in God and not in man. I may believe man or a person is capable of doing something but I understand that whatever they can do it is because God has predestined them to do it.

My over concern for my fellow man has now been channeled into praying for those that are oppressed, or need change, as well as providing Godly counsel rather than trying to fix the person or fix circumstances.  

Yet, at times I still struggle with carrying burdens that I shouldn’t.

I want to talk to you about being careful, or anxious, carefree, and careless.

Would you say you fall into any of these categories?

Careful or anxious can be described as full of mental distress or uneasiness because of fear of danger, or I would say perceived danger or misfortune as sometimes the danger or misfortune that we fear is perceived. Oftentimes we may not know what is going to happen, but fear the worse.

Careless may be described as not caring or troubling; having no care or concern; unconcerned.

And carefree is without anxiety or worry.

I’m striving to be carefree. That’s where I believe God wants all of His children to be. Carefree doesn’t mean you do not have compassion. It means you don’t allow your compassion to overwhelm you, causing anxiety and worry.

A carefree life is a life of rest. A life of resting in God.  When we learn to rest in God we are able to cast our cares and truly live a carefree life. What kind of life do you want to live?

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Anointed, Appointed and Equipped to Excel

Because you are created of God and born of God you are anointed, appointed and equipped to excel in every area of your life. In whatever state you are in you are perfect because you were created in the image and likeness of almighty God.

Oftentimes we say things like if I had this, or if I had that things would be different. Although most of us would say if I could lose wait I would do this or that, believe it or not some people say if I could gain weight I could do this or that. We say if we had more money we would tithe, or be able to give more. But what about doing what you can with what you have, or being who you can be with who you currently are?

God equipped us with everything we needed before we were born.

Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee, God said to Jeremiah. Those same words that were spoken to Jeremiah ring true for you and I. Before God formed us, notice God said before He formed us, He knew us.

Wow! That just does something to me. God formed us. He didn’t say before your parents formed you or came together and created you. He said before I formed you. Think about that for a minute. We were formed by almighty God. The God that created the world by speaking it into existence is the same God that formed you and me. God doesn’t make mistakes, nor does He create anything to fail.

He knew everything you would do, He knew everything you would say, the good, the bad, the ugly, the illegal, the immoral, yet He still chose to form you. He still chose to give you life, and as a bonus, if you choose, because it is your choice, if you choose to accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior He will give you eternal life with Him.

The word form can be defined as arrange, organize, shape, fashion, place in order, or produce. God prepared the life He predestined for you even before you were born. He arranged, organized, shaped, fashioned you, placed things in order and produced you specifically for His purpose. God formed each of us for a specific purpose. Along our journey we will face pitfalls. We will experience joy and pain. We may be placed in positions we would never imagine and could not imagine we would ever survive, but we do survive, by the grace of God we survive.

We will feel and may even be persecuted, talked about, ridiculed, misunderstood, judged. We may lose jobs, finances, be riddled with sickness or disease. God forbid, we may lose a member of our family. Yet as difficult as it may seem to believe we read in 1 Corinthians 10:13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but 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.

What is the way of escape? I believe it’s trusting in God and His ability to remedy any situation according to His purpose, even if His remedy is not the remedy we would choose.

To listen to this message in its entirety click on the link below and select Anointed, Appointed and Equipped to Excel.

http://www.gretahillman.com/#!audiovideo/cd8l

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Don't Neglect Your Gift

As children many of us were awakened each morning by a parent, a sibling, another family member or an alarm to get ready to go to school. Some of us may have wanted to go to school each day while others may not have wanted to go. Regardless, unless we were sick, we were told by our parents that we had to go to school, so we went to school. Of course when some of us were old enough to make our own decisions we did what we chose to do. The point I am making is that as children we did what we had to do whether we wanted to or not. Fast forward. Many of us are older now, we have jobs, families, and responsibilities, financial or otherwise. Most of us still do what we have to do whether we want to or not. We push ourselves. We don’t give up because we know the consequences of giving up.

We don’t quit our jobs because we have financial obligations, we don’t leave our spouse, family or loved ones because we feel a sense of responsibility, but what about the obligation we have to ourselves? Unfortunately some of us neglect or quit ourselves. We may neglect our health because we are busy tending to the needs of others. We work hard on our jobs even to the point of succumbing to fatigue, sickness or disease. We run ourselves ragged caring for those we love. And finally we put our passion, our hope for the things God has created us to do far away on a back shelf because we don’t have the time or energy to do them.

It’s only natural to put your best food forward, to shoulder your responsibilities, to ensure those that you care about and care for have their needs met, but who is looking out for you? Who is ensuring the things you are doing for everyone else is being done for you?

Psalm 127:2 It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so He giveth his beloved sleep.

God provides for us even when we sleep. He doesn’t want us getting up early in the morning and going to bed late at night because we are working long hours to have our needs met.

Philippians 4:19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

Our God will supply all of our needs.

I truly believe sometimes we tie Gods hands. We get so caught up in what we think, how we think people should behave, what someone else should do, how someone else’s behavior is adversely impacting us that we can’t get past our carnality. We can’t walk after the spirit and not fulfil the lust of the flesh, or the desire for the flesh to prevail, by not allowing anyone to take advantage of us. Sometimes I think God is looking at us thinking just let it go. If we would get our priorities right and keep our focus on Him, He will take care of everything for us.

To listen to the message in its entirety click on the link below and select Don’t Neglect Your Gift.

http://www.gretahillman.com/#!audiovideo/cd8l

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Go Against the Grain

I’ve probably mentioned this before, so for those of you who have heard it before bear with me. When I was a young child I wanted to be a fashion designer. I made my own clothes. I made clothes for my Barbie doll. I fashioned jewelry out of wire. I did these things because I enjoyed doing them and no one told me that I couldn’t do them. No one told me I couldn’t pick up the wire they fell to the ground when the telephone company worked on the telephone lines and use it to make colorful jewelry. No one told me I couldn’t make my Barbie’s clothes.  Well my mother did tell me I couldn’t cut up my socks to make clothes for my doll unless they had a hole in them, but that’s a different story. No one told me I couldn’t make moccasins out of an old blanket, or create my own way of embroidering. No one told me I had to use a pattern when I wanted a maxi skirt because everyone else had one.

Have you ever watched a child play or listened to them tell a story? They have the wildest imaginations. They think they can do anything.

When do we lose that sense of imagination, that creativity; that drive to do whatever we believe we can do? For some of us it’s never. Some of us live with that childlike faith and belief throughout life. But for many of us reality hits us at an early age. Someone speaks words of discouragement that stifle our imagination. It may be a teacher that doesn’t understand our creativity, and rather than encourage it we may be labeled as disruptive in class or inattentive.

What is our role as parents or caregivers? When a child wants to spend more time exploring their creative genius than completing and turning in homework assignments, or studying it’s a parent or caregiver’s responsibility to ensure there is balance. An education is important and a gift should not be neglected.

1 Timothy 4:14 Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.

Each of us have gifts as I’ve previously stated. I admire anyone that follows their passion, anyone that refuses to listen to no you can’t, anyone that perseveres in spite of the naysayers, anyone that perseveres against the odds, anyone that invests, time, money and effort to fulfill their destiny.

In my book Who Told You That You Were Naked, Reclaim Your God-given Birthright (due to be released later this year) I ask the question who told you that you cannot do or be whatever or whoever God has told you that you can do or be.

I think from time to time, we are all guilty of allowing others to dictate who we are and or what we should do, or what we should be. We may be influenced my well-meaning family, friends, coworkers, or even social media.

Have you ever thought about what you could do if you allowed yourself to let your imagination go free, if you allowed the Holy Spirit to truly take control, if you yielded your vessel completely to God?

To listen to the message in its entirety click on the link below and select Go Against the Grain

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The Backup Plan

A few weeks ago we talked about acting like it’s so, acting like we are already wherever it is that God wants us to be. I asked you what you would do differently if all obstacles had been removed. I asked you how your behavior would change.

The other piece of acting like it’s so is trusting that God will do what He says He will do. In order for us to act like it’s so, we have to believe that it’s so. In order for us to believe that it’s so we have to have faith in God’s ability to do what is required for whatever it is we are believing Him for. Notice our faith and belief must be in God’s ability, not in our own ability.

On our own we can do nothing, but with God all things all things are possible.

Most of us when asked if we trust God would say yes. When we truly trust God we do not have a problem acting like it’s so because we know that it is God that is making all things possible.

For example. Let’s choose a promise taken directly from God. A promise that applies to all of his children. One that we can readily read in his word.

We read in Proverbs 2:3-6 Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding; If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures; Then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God. For the Lord giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.

For those of you who say well that’s in the Old Testament, I want you to understand that the Old Testament foretells the New Testament. Turn with me to the book of James, chapter 1, verse 5. It reads If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

We’ve just read a promise directly from the word of God that applies to all of his children. God tells us if we lack wisdom, or cry after or search for knowledge and understanding He will give it to us.

Let’s simplify this even more and look at a promise that each of us as believers readily believe and have received. We are all familiar with John 3:16 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 have accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior I’m willing to bet that you are convinced of your salvation, and rightly so. That’s exactly what God has promised us.

I believe God’s promise of everlasting, or eternal life is His greatest promise. It’s the reason He sent His son to earth. It’s the reason for our being If we can readily accept Gods promise of eternal life why is it so difficult for us, and maybe I’m just talking about myself here, but why is it so difficult for us to accept all of Gods promises? He is Almighty God. Nothing is impossible for Him. He can and will bring all of His promises to pass.

To listen to the message in its entirety click on the link below and select The Backup Plan.

http://www.gretahillman.com/#!audiovideo/cd8l

Join the Sisters Steadfast in Faith meetup group at http://www.meetup.com/Sisters-Steadfast-in-Faith/ RSVP for our Empowered 2 Excel Calls Thursdays at 7p.m.EST, Dial 641-715-3610 access code 215480

Gods's Plan, Your Plan, or someone Else's Plan

My plan after graduating from college was to get into someone’s management training program then move up the corporate ladder. Well things didn’t quite turn out the way I planned. Rather than getting into a management training program my first job was as a bank teller and my vocation has been in the financial industry.

I think what I’ve enjoyed most about working in the financial industry is interaction with people from all walks of life. I consider myself to be a people watcher. I observe people. I wonder what people are thinking, as well as why they behave in certain ways. I wonder what motivates people to do certain things. I think this comes from my desire for everyone to be okay as well as the gift of exhortation that God has placed in me.  

Outside of my 9-5 in the financial industry I have provided financial counseling based on my vast amount of experience in the financial industry. My passion however is for souls to be saved, healed, set free and delivered so people can live the exceeding abundant life God has prepared for them on earth as well as receive His promise of eternity with Him.

Recently I was sharing with someone the scope of my responsibilities and skill set for my 9-5, hearing this the person stated he would like for me to assist him with the financial aspect of his business. I politely declined. Although I could do some of what he was asking me to do, my heart would not have been in it. Now, if he would have said to me, I’d like for you to give a motivational speech to my employees, or if I’d sensed in some way that he was discouraged, I would have been all over it. I love, love, love, what I believe God has placed in my spirit to do. Sharing His word and using it to encourage others. Exactly what I am doing right now… did I say I love what I’m doing? Okay, enough of sharing my passion.

I’ve shared with you that people that know of my financial background assume that it’s my life plan. Many times well-meaning people may make career recommendations, or encourage you to set your goals based on things that you have done or are doing, me in the financial industry, or for you, things that you do well. I believe God gives us multiple gifts. My husband picks up many things easily and naturally, but God has called him to full time ministry. Now believe me, he’s tried his hand at different things utilizing the gifts God has given him and he has been successful, but his passion, as he has finally accepted his call, is ministry.

I say this to say, there is no limit to what you can do. I believe your greatest peace comes with following Gods plan for your life. I believe as you delight yourself in the Lord, and He gives you the desire of your heart, that your desire becomes the desire that He has for you.

Parents, grandparents, family and friends, pray over and for your children, grandchildren and those whom you love. Ask God to guide them and you in the direction that He has chosen. Ask Him to give you wisdom and understanding, to nurture and encourage them in growing the gifts He has placed in them.

Don’t try to force your desires for your children on them. Don’t allow anyone to force their desires on you. Always seek God prior to making any decisions. We read in Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

We are advised when we make large purchases to get at least 3 estimates. We’re consulting someone that knows more about a certain product or service than we know. When making life decisions why wouldn’t you consult the Giver of Life before making any decision?

To listen to the message in its entirety click on the link below and select Gods Plan, Your Plan, or Someone Else’s Plan

http://www.gretahillman.com/#!audiovideo/cd8l

Join the Sisters Steadfast in Faith meetup group at http://www.meetup.com/Sisters-Steadfast-in-Faith/ RSVP for our Empowered 2 Excel Calls Thursdays at 7p.m.EST, Dial 641-715-3610 access code 215480