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Lies and Deception!

Aug3

Smack dab In the middle of life lies confusion, distortion, and destruction! Satan wants nothing more than to rob you of your hope, filling your heart and mind with an endless supply of lies—that there is nothing better than what you have, that you are not worthy of good and wonderful things, that you will never measure up to whom you were created to be so why bother, that you can do whatever you want and no one will care or ever know, that your life is meaningless and has no purpose. LIES!

Each and every one of those thoughts are lies created by Satan meant to deter you from receiving all the Lord has to offer you—direction, clarity, wisdom, discernment, peace, joy, comfort, righteousness, forgiveness, purity, wholeness, love, hope, and so much more!

Why is it that you listen to the lies of the enemy so easily, yet struggle so to believe the truth that exists right in front of you? Why do you knock yourself down and beat yourself up when the Lord accepts you and loves you as you are? Why do you turn your back on the beautiful promises that the Lord brings only to hold onto the brokenness and deception of this world? Why?

Because you are a mere frail, weak human! (Matthew 26:41)

Because you have not let God penetrate your heart to the deepest, darkest parts!

Because it is easier to believe the lies than be vulnerable and exposed by the truth of God!

Because your flesh has desires and cravings for things of this world and does not desire to transform!

God has designed you with perfection in mind, but it cannot now, and never will be attained in this world. This world is designed to strengthen and refine who you are and how you perceive your worth. It is an integral part of shaping you to appreciate the true beauty and glory of God! Think about it!! As you traverse the alleys of doubt, it is the Lord’s truth that brings you clarity and helps you reveal God’s grace to the lost and broken. As you walk the streets of despair, it is God’s comforting love that renews your hope and gives you reason to reach out and encourage others. As you swim in the ocean of sin, it is God’s forgiveness and mercy that cleanse you, building a repentant heart that all can see.

You see, you are in this world to have the time and opportunity to become like Christ! He wants you to grow in your faith, renew you heart, and fill your soul to overflowing with His power, His might, and His glory! You are an imperfect vessel strategically placed in this world to become a perfect reflection of Christ!

Psalms 40:12-17 For troubles without number surround me; my sins have overtaken me, and I cannot see. They are more than the hairs of my head, and my heart fails within me. Be pleased to save me, Lord; come quickly, Lord, to help me. May all who want to take my life be put to shame and confusion; may all who desire my ruin be turned back in disgrace. May those who say to me, “Aha! Aha!” be appalled at their own shame. But may all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you; may those who long for your saving help always say, “The Lord is great!”

Satan throws lies at you to rob you of your life—joy, hope, peace, comfort, love, beauty, direction, and more—but the Lord is great indeed! He stretches out His mighty hand to hold you, beckoning you away from the deceit, offering so much more through His love, grace, and mercy. Open your heart, and let God fill with the truth. Open your eyes, and see that through every moment Satan attempts to tear you down, there is opportunity for growth that brings you that much closer to the perfection of Christ. Open your ears, and let the still, small voice of the Lord provide direction, wisdom, and discernment amidst the chaos that Satan throws at you. Open your mind, and allow God to transform your worldly, fleshly way of thinking into powerful thoughts of freedom and eternity.

1 Peter 5:8-11 Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings. And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.

Be vigilant. Pray. Seek. Devour the living Word of God. Transform your heart and mind into the image of Christ!

God bless and keep you in all your ways and may you hear the truth of God instead of the lies of Satan!

Related articles

 

Decisions?!

Aug1

Settle for less
Or strive for the best

Simple question really. Do you settle for what the world has to offer, or do you strive to claim the best of what God has to offer? God has so many blessings he desires to bestow on you, on me, on all of His children, yet we turn our back and decline. We settle for what the world gives, and then wonder why we are constantly searching for more. Only God can make your life complete. Only He can fill the voids of your heart and soul. Only the Lord can bring you the purity of life everlasting!

So I ask again…

Settle for less
Or strive for the best

No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other,
or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money. ~ Matthew 6:24

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I Pray!

Jul29
wau.org

wau.org

When you are facing mountains of trials. When the world moves faster than you can keep up with. When life feels like an uphill battle. Pray…for with God all things are possible!

God bless and keep you always! In His love ❤

brianjones.com

brianjones.com

Do not be anxious about anything,
But in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving,
Present your requests to God. ~ Philippians 4:6

I Pray

Lord as I walk this twisted road of life
I pray you will hold my heart
Keep me centered on You
So I can avoid the pit that lies below

At times when I am too weak to carry on
I pray for Your strength
Fill my cup till it overflows
I can soar like an eagle for You help me grow

When my feet slip as they often do
I pray You will lift me up
Steady and secure my way
Keep my spirit full of Your unending love

And Lord when I have sinned and fallen short
I pray Your mercy will cover me
For with Your grace I am saved
When I walk by faith I know I will rise above

Related articles

Remember Why!

Jul23

Believe it or not, you are not on this earth to get things, to have more stuff, and to live the life you always dreamed!  Seriously….you aren’t.  Now I am not saying that these things are bad at all.  You are designed to live life and to live it fully, just not the way your worldly eyes perceive.   You were created by a God who has plans for you, bigger plans than your earthly dreams can comprehend.

Ephesians 2:10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Jeremiah 1:5 Before I formed you the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.

Proverbs 16:19 A man’s heart plans his way, but the LORD directs his steps.

You were created to bring God and the message of Christ to this lost and dying world.  Will you get more things by doing this?  Will you live the life YOU dreamed?  Will you have more stuff to keep you busy?  Maybe.  But doing the work of the LORD is the most rewarding work you will ever do!!  The treasure you accumulate here on Earth will one day pass away, and LORD knows you can’t take it with you when you die.  However, the treasure you store up in Heaven will never rust, never be destroyed by pests, and will not get broken or stolen away from you.  No, the treasure you accumulate in heaven will last forever and will be much more precious than anything you could get or achieve here on earth.

Matthew 6:19-20 Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do no break in and steal.  For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. 

Be true to your path…true to the plans of God.  Go and minister to all around you!  Share the good news that Christ has come to save the lost and that He indeed rejoices for all of His children.  You may not be good at speaking or maybe you are shy or stutter.  You may fear what people may think of you, but you can share His message of love by showing love to others in word and in deed!  If you struggle with words, then show who God is in your life through deed….serve, give, provide.   Be the witness you were called to be and remember…God uses the imperfect to show His perfection and you CAN do ALL things through Christ who gives you strength (Philippians 4:13).

God bless and keep you, and give you the courage, strength, and wisdom to share His love with those He brings your way.

Rejoice in the LORD always and again I say rejoice!!

I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance.   ~Luke 15:71

Remember Why!

I know in my heart the time is ebbing closer each and every day

The time when God will say He’s had enough and whisk us all away

To love yourself is simply inadequate to access the gates of Heaven

It takes reaching out to others and let them know they are forgiven

Always be loving, compassionate, kind, and caring to all whom you encounter

And know that surely you too would be lost if Christ’s sacrifice had not occurred

The weak, misguided, bitter, and the hateful are those that we must reach

In order to God’s disciples, His word to them we’re required to teach

They may recoil and even turn away, but we must continue our mission

Te reach each and every lost soul, should become our life’s ambition

Remember tonight as you kneel to pray that God has blessed you so

While thanking him for all you have, pray for those who do not know

Never forget there is a reason He places the lost sheep in your path

To help them find His truth, to turn from sin, and avoid His day of wrath

Be ever vigilant and stand strong in your faith because certainly that’s the key

To storing treasures that will last in God’s breathtaking eternity

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Judgment Day

Jul22

There are times in this world when I do what I don’t want to do, and I don’t do what I should do! What appears to be so easy is indeed quite difficult when it comes to my flesh, and the drive to have what I want when I want it, or avoid the things I don’t want. Paul discusses this same concept in Romans 7:15-20:

I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it.

Sins of the flesh often surface even when we want to do what is right. The old adage, “If your best friend jumped off a cliff, would you do it as well?”, applies here. Just because the world beckons you to do something it deems as “fun” or “feels good”—be it partying and getting hammered, having sexual relations outside of marriage because you feel like it, lying to avoid consequences—whatever the something is, does not always mean it’s the right thing to do. On the flip side, we often want to do the right thing, but the flesh keeps coming back stronger than ever, tempting us to choose the “dark side” of life.

One very important point comes to mind for me when I think upon Romans 7:15-20…”How do my actions change people’s perceptions of me as a Christian?”

Whenever you are about to do something, whether having a lot to drink, having sex outside of marriage, using drugs, cursing like a sailor, gossiping, or anything else inappropriate, STOP for a minute. Evaluate the impact your choice will have on how others view who you are. Will they see Christ in you? Will they know that you are “walking the walk” of the Christian faith? Or will they see the same thing they see in everyone else…nothing different that will draw them to Christ? Will they see the world in your life or will they see Christ? The choice is yours. Choose wisely.

Blessings and may you always think twice before doing those things you don’t want to do, and work hard to do the things Christ calls you to do!

But you must be careful
so that your freedom does not cause others with a weaker conscience to stumble.
1 Corinthians 8:9

Judgment Day

Freedom comes in many forms
Allowing choices to be made

You can walk by faith
Choosing to follow Christ

You can traverse the worldly path
Choosing to side with the enemy

Be cautious which side you choose
For all will come to pass
When death knocks upon your door
Answers will be sought

All the gifts given you
Their application will be reviewed

All the words you speak
They will be accounted for

All the deeds you do
A judgment will take place

Standing transparent before the Lord
What will you say

I chose to follow my own path
Or I chose to follow you?

Related articles

Seasons of Life

Jul21

Life is a never-ending cycle of changes, both good and bad.  One never truly has the opportunity to sit still or get comfortable in one setting or with one situation.  We move from one house to another, change jobs, lose loved ones, and enjoy the birth of new family members.  There are new people in and out of our lives on a daily basis, be it people we work with, attend church with, live next door to, or meet in various places like the mall or grocery store.

All change brings a certain amount of stress, whether it is the good stress of a planning a wedding or the bad stress of a divorce.  Feelings run rampant, emotions get over charged, and our bodies take the brunt of the stress causing fatigue and sometimes illness.

Whatever the change, one thing is consistently the same….the presence and control of God!  God never changes, even when our lives and our circumstances do.  He stays the same.  His love is never-ending, just as the seasons of life that we experience.  His grace is dependable, and will provide us the strength and patience to adapt to the changes we face each day.  His mercy is reliable, helping us find healing, renewal, and restoration when change brings us to the edge of ourselves.

God is the rock amidst the sea of uncertainty.  He is the steady shelter from the storms of chaos, and He is the unfailing foundation amidst the ever-changing seasons of life.

May you turn to God when change befalls you, relying on Him to meet all you needs, bring you peace, and provide you strength and endurance to make it through all the changes that come!

Like a cloak You will fold them up, and they will be changed.
But You are the same, and Your years will not fail. ~ Hebrews 1:12

four seasons 2

Seasons of Life

Seasons change
They come and go
Taking with them the old
With the promise of renewal

In our own lives
Change is inevitable
Sometimes it brings joy
Other times sorrow and pain

As circumstances change
So to do our emotions
Constantly seeking security
Relying on the unknown to aid us

Comfort though
Is not found on this earth
Nor is it within the starry sky
Those we meet provide only temporary solace

Only one source of peace exists
That can provide encouragement
Shower us with blessings overflowing
And give strength to endure

He was with you yesterday
He is with you now
He will be with you always
God is your unwavering serenity

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God’s Masterpiece

Jul14

gods masterpiece 5

Ever wonder who you are or how you came to be? Do you ever think about what God was thinking when he designed you? Can you think of a time or two that you wished you could have asked God to make some changes before He completed the blueprint of your being? You know…maybe you would have asked him to be taller, to give you a witty sense of humor, to provide you with a body free from disease, or to give you more spunk and courage. Believe it or not, God made you just the way you are on purpose! He created you in His image and designed every fiber of your being to help fulfill his plan for you life and in the lives of those around you. God made no mistakes when He created you!! You were created on purpose for a purpose….and it was predestined and perfect! Take a peak….

Ephesians 2:10 For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

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

Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you says the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Genesis 1:27 So God created mankind in His own image, in the image of God He created them, male and female, He created them.

So next time you question if God could have given you the “skinny” genes, or the blue eyes instead of the brown eyes, or when you wish you could have been designed to not have cancer or a wacky thyroid, just remember….you were created to shine his glory and it is through your life–your appearance, your health, your character, and your intelligence–that God can do the most marvelous things!

God bless you and keep you and may you always know that YOU ARE PERFECT, because GOD MAKES NO MISTAKES!!

beauty

For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb…Your eyes saw my substance,
being yet unformed. And in Your book they all were written, the days fashioned for me,
when as yet there were none of them. ~Psalm 139:13 & 16

gods masterpiece 2

God’s Masterpiece

You are a jumble of colors
Mixed up in the swirls of life
There is no definitive design
No shape or portrait that can be seen

In the heavens the artist lives
Looking upon His palate of colors
Amazingly He envisions the finished work
The product that is yet to come

He dips His brush delicately
One color at a time
The first strokes are the lines of love
Ever so gently His masterpiece begins

One glance reveals His next colors
Ones of joy and happiness
Their vibrance glides effortlessly
On the canvas of life

To this He adds peace
With a touch of humility
Together they fill the heart
Yet He must add more

The darker colors
Turmoil, long-suffering, and pain
They give His portrait meaning
Adding depth, dimension, and shape

To soften His masterpiece
He brings in a stroke of gentleness
To this He adds ribbons of goodness
Creating a unique work of art

He enhances His creation
Adding colors of hope, grace, and mercy
Then with a splash of faith
The portrait is complete

Looking down at His creation
He has pleasure beyond compare
You, the fruit of His vision
Brought to life by the Creator’s hand

Related Articles:

* God Made the Wonderful You   (thisdaywithGod.wordpress.com)

In My Weakness

Jul5

In this world you will have struggles. In this world there will be sin. In this world we will have to fight to keep our eyes focused on the Lord above. God never promised this life would be easy, but he did vow that he would never leave us nor forsake us!

armor of god 2

This week has been a rough one, with thoughts running wildly in negative directions, and life pouring down in droves! When it rains it does pour, and right now I am without an umbrella! Though I am wet from the evil deluge that has been blown in by the winds of the devil, I will rest on the promises of God and his faithfulness to provide me strength when I am weak. I will continue to put on His armor, knowing that He will protect me. I will stand still in His word, and listen for his still, small voice amidst the fleshly crowd.

Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes,
you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. ~ Ephesians 6:13

May you find your strength in the Lord, even when you do not think he is there and may His peace surround you, bringing you through the darkness that creeps in.  God bless and keep you ❤

armor of god

Put on the full armor of God,

so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood,

but against the rulers, against the authorities,

against the powers of this dark world

and against spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. ~ Ephesians 6:11-12

In My Weakness

Dominion of darkness
Concealed in flesh
Governed by death
The sinful nature does exist

Evil lies within
Ready to attack
Seeking to destroy
Waging war within my mind

Internal struggles persist
Battles rage on
Prisoner of sin
Flesh yearns to have its way

Heart pursues peace
Rescue me God
Deliver me through this storm
Faithful Lord fight for me

Flesh consumed with sin
Spirit desires righteousness
Struggles against principalities
In my weakness God is strong

Old Meets New 8 ~ Replete

Jul4

Do not offer the parts of your body to sin, as instruments of wickedness,
but rather offer yourselves to God,
as those who have been brought from death to life;
and offer the parts of your body to Him as instruments of righteousness.
Romans 6:13

flower field

Replete

February 20, 2012

My mind it tires
Weary from the to and fro
Searching, longing
Seeking a home in which to go

Chasing dreams yet to come
Praying for wisdom untold
Seeking God’s guidance
All in time will unfold

Hopes going up and down
Heart needing more of God
Waiting, yearning
Stuck behind a façade

Taking the reins of life
Constantly seeking control
Struggling to surrender
Body, mind, heart, and soul

Teach me Your knowledge Lord
Be a lamp unto my feet
Be the treasure of my existence
With peace and love replete

The mind tends to race, thinking of things yet to come, analyzing relationships or lack thereof.  Often you want what you cannot have or have what you do not want.  Life takes you on a roller coaster of ups and downs, helping you to realize how much more you need God each day.

When I struggle, I tend to find that I am fighting God for control, fighting against His plan for my life.  I get frustrated, lose hope, and sometimes wish He would just come and take me home already.  It is in that moment that God reaches into my heart, touches my soul, and speaks to my mind, revealing that He does have a plan, He is in control, and He wants nothing but the best for me.  In my impatience, I yearn and seek control.  In my surrender, I give Him all, trusting He will see me through and truly give me the desires of my heart. In times where I battle for what I want, or what I think I want, it is then that the Spirit brings to my mind my life verse: I wait on the Lord, my soul doth wait, and in His word I do hope. Psalm 130:5. That scripture has carried me through more trials of waiting, and through the most difficult of times…knowing that indeed, He is my hope, my all in this life, and the only one who won’t let me down, but will build me up and make me to be all He created me to be.

It is my prayer that you will hold fast to His love for you, knowing that He will guide you to the treasures of your heart, and bring you to a place where love and peace walk hand in hand.

All my love!