Saving My Soul...TODAY!.

I will never forget the story a friend of mine told me about his friend that loved shoes.  She had a brand new pair of pumps, serious color and super stylish.  She was driving in her car when the unimaginable happened....  her car caught fire!  In a panic she jumped from the car not realizing she had removed her shoes and her brand new shoes were still in the car.  She began to yell to her friend to get her shoes!  He didn't quite understand the urgency, but quickly grabbed her shoes  and brought them to her as a crowd gathered and her car continued to burn.  After catching her breath, she hugged him and thanked him over and over again,  for 'saving her soles.' 

Okay, if you didn't laugh just a little bit... just know that I did.

I have been a Christian since 1980 and we always talked about having our souls saved.  I've heard messages about living a life to not lose our souls.  I understand the sacrifice Jesus made that allowed for salvation and like all believers, I am literally eternally grateful.  We talk often about the importance of soul winning and rejoice about how many souls are saved in our services. So as a believer, I know that I have been redeemed and I am saved, but daily I still need my 'soul' saved.  Here is why...

THREE PART BEINGS

"I am a SPIRIT, I HAVE A SOUL, I LIVE IN A BODY."  Most of us understand that we are three part beings.  We know that when we initially get saved, our SPIRIT man is reborn, we are back in right standing with God immediately.  Even if our SOUL is still being worked on and our BODY has not given up certain habits.   I heard it this way from my pastor:

Initially we are saved from the PENALTY of sin

Daily we are saved from the POWER of sin

Ultimately we will be saved from the PRESENCE of sin

Once we have received Christ, some of this is already done.  What we are concerned with today is the POWER of sin in our lives.  Since our soul consists of our Mind, Will and Emotion that is the  basis of this blog, having our SOULS saved today. 

SAVED MIND

The bible reminds us to renew our minds.  We can't have a saved mind if we allow the thoughts and ideas of the world to rule us.  We can know what is going on in the world, but keep our minds on things above.  It is just like in relationships, when we have been hurt, we know that hurt.  You can choose to allow your mind to wander and remind you of your hurt every time you try to go forward, or you can decide that hurt happened, but it has no POWER to hold you.  That is the intention of the enemy is to keep you in bondage, to blind your mind and heart and keep you thinking that better is not for you.  We have to hear what God says, believe what God says, accept what God says and allow our minds to be saved... today. 

SAVED WILL

Our wills are a great part of us.  It describes what we want to do and what we do not want to do.   It can also determine our level of peace when it comes to God and people.  Scripture talks about Jesus saying, "Not My will but Yours be done."  We hear that and feel that since it was Jesus, that was much easier for Him to say.  But scripture also talks about fishermen who Jesus was talking to in the book of Luke.  He told them to cast their net down after a night of fishing that produced nothing.  They explained to Him what they had already done... their MIND understood that it didn't make sense, but they said to Him. "Nevertheless, at they word."  Many times we allow our minds that are struggling to be saved to speak to our wills.  Being strong enough to know what God has said and do it even though your minds does not understand, is when you know your soul is being saved!  Sometimes you have to let go of what makes sense, especially when you know what God said about you and about others and the direction He has given you in any circumstance.  When our Souls are saved, we learn to lay aside our thoughts and  lay aside our will for His.

SAVED EMOTION

The last area of Saving our Souls today, deals with a force that can cause us to lose everything, mourn everything and even give everything.  Our emotions are strong.  They are the best and worst of who we are.  They allow us to be loved and to love.  They allow us to hate,  be hurt and be forgiving or unforgiving.  If our emotions are not saved today, we will not enjoy the benefit of obedience to God, because we can feel that somehow we got the short end of the stick.  As a believer I know there are times I would love to go off and tell someone EXACTLY what I think, but I'm saved. (And my mind is being saved) My emotions are connected with a God who understands them, and has promised to save my SOUL.   Daily we have to decide to not allow emotions, no matter how spiritual they can be - to make us miss the mark.  To walk in offense, unforgiveness, frustration or depression- all of those things are in the plan of th enemy to keep us in bondage, to keep us in literally a living hell.  I know life is real, and situation that hurt us are too.  But if God has saved our souls.. it includes our Mind, our Will and our Emotions.  

This blog today is for believers.  Those of us who have given our lives to Christ, we are saved.  The Penalty of sin no longer holds us.  The presence of sin lingers, but we can daily fight to be saved from the POWER of sin.  Don't let the enemy allow you to rest in the promise of eternity and live in hell today.  God has provided for us yesterday, today and forever.  Walk in it! 

Are You In The Will- "God's Estate Planning."

Lord if it be Thy Will.....

We hear and say these words often in the Body of Christ, but have you ever thought about them?  Is there  a deeper meaning than just implying that we are doing right or wrong? 

I recall years ago that our bibles were called "The Last Will and Testament of Jesus Christ."   It wasn't until years later I understood the gravity of it.   While working with my mother's estate, I learned a lot about wills, estates and how one who is passing could make the process easier for those left behind. I learned that without a will, you leave major decisions to chance or in the power of someone else.  I taught a lesson some years ago, named "I am in the Will" and this was the scripture base:

"In the case of a will, it is necessary to prove the death of the one who made it, because a will is enforced ONLY when somebody has died; it never takes effect while the one who made it is living."  Heb 9:16-17

We understand that just because we are named in a will, nothing happens until the person who wrote us in dies.  Since God Almighty couldn't die, He sent His Son Jesus to die for us so we could benefit from being in His will. 

One of the first things that has to happen is for the person who is living to decide what they want to do, what they want to leave and who they want to leave it to.  They may make stipulations to the will or may include some and not others, it is all up to the person The Testator.  Jesus Christ left us a will written and enforced by the Holy Spirit!  What He has said is legal and binding for us to receive what is written. 

READING THE WILL

If most people knew they were named in a person's will, they would show up for the reading of that will.  Why?  Because they would want to know first hand what was said, and what was left to them.  Yet.... many of us don't show up to hear the word of God that is being proclaimed as His will.  Sunday after Sunday, we miss tidbits that remind us of what God planned to leave with us when Jesus died.  We don't study for ourselves to understand it, and we often don't  keep our end of it. Not keeping our end could be due to ignorance (not knowing) or rebellion.   Sometimes the person who is reading it or preaching it has their own interest at heart,  not yours.  They may change what is written to appease the hearers, so that is why it is important to have your own copy of God's word.  Read your own bible, get insight from God about what He has left for you and trust His Spirit to confirm it. 

CONTESTING THE WILL

I remember with my mother's estate, they had an entry in case someone wanted to contest  her will.  If anyone decided to fight, sue or start acting ignorant and demanding something other than what was written... they would receive one dollar.  When I saw that in my mother's will, I literally laughed out loud... that sounded JUST like her!  No bickering or arguing when she was dead about what she said... you will do it or get almost nothing.  We don't have a right to change or contest what God has said in His will.  As much as we love people and would love to change some of what the bible says to accommodate those we love, we can't.  His will is a legally binding agreement that is sealed by His death.  That also means that we can't change the good things God has for us either, if He has plans to bless us, the only way we don't receive is that we don't meet the requirements of the will.  That is not on God, but on us.  By not choosing to acknowledge the will of God, you are allowing yourself to live in probate.  That is a lengthy process that is costly and does not guarantee the desired results of the one who died. 

ENFORCING THE WILL

When you know that you are in the will and you know what has been set aside for you, you don't walk away when difficulties come!  You stand because you know it is your RIGHT as a beneficiary.  Which of you would walk away from something that someone who loves you left for you just because the process was outside your comfort zone, or it required you to do something?  

WHAT IS IN THE WILL?  

God's will includes joy unspeakable, peace that passes understanding, healing and health, comfort in sorry, hope and a future.  His will includes purpose and favor, His grace to help you to will and do His good pleasure; insight and direction, revelation and knowledge, the ability to love your enemies, strength to fight temptation.  His will includes provision and promise, more than enough, hidden riches and friends that stick closer than brothers. His will provides promotion in front of your enemies, the ability to not fear when walking through dark valleys; His will provides people for your life to sharpen you, encourage you, rebuke you and support you.  There is ultimately a mansion prepared for us, a new heaven, new earth and a glorified body that does not grow old and will never see sickness or death ever again.   The Holy Spirit is the Executor of the will to guide you into all truth, to cover you, protect you and see that His will is enforced in your life.  He also has the ability to adjust how you receive according to the heart of the one He serves, which is God.  So much more is provided in God's will.  Which leaves us with one more question.....

ARE YOU IN GOD'S WILL?

Being in God's will is not as simple as walking in your purpose, you can be unsaved and do a portion of that.   Though is it right to be nice and love people, anyone can do that too.  Being in His will means you have accepted Him as your Lord and Savior and you are now part of God's Family.  Not just God's creation.  When you are related to God, you are in His will.  You are in the will because God is your father and you have not left yourself fatherless in this world. Everything after that is a work in motion... The Holy Spirit works in us to will and do God's good pleasure.  

Jesus Christ died on the cross and that is when His will was still put in effect.  The Last Will and Testament of Jesus Christ holds everything that God has provided for you as His child.  So everything He has written in His word is legally yours,  if you are His. 

"Fearless Living!"

As a young girl I recall seeing to original 1958 movie called "The Fly".  My father sat and watched it with us, and though it was VERY scary, it felt safe because he was there.  Over the years it became a joke in the family to claw and wiggle our fingers near our faces and say "HELP ME!  HELP ME!"

That was my earliest memory of a very scary movie, after that I grew to like them.  The intense moments before something expectantly unexpected jumps out of the closet, or a face appears behind you while looking in the mirror; all of these things to me meant it was a good movie!  When those moments got to be too much, I used to close my eyes but I would miss stuff.. so I learned to keep my my eyes open and close my ears,  because the background music was a huge part of the fear.   Scary movies, yes...that was a childhood treat, then I grew up.

WE LEARN FEAR

I have worked with children since I was a child and one thing I realize is that we can learn to be fearful. Scary children can turn into scary adults.  Children typically don't have an automatic fear unless it is taught to them through observation, uncertainty  or experience.  Watching our parent's responses, loud unexpected noises can be startling, but not necessarily result in a fearful mindset.  Each year during Halloween many parents teach their kids to fear.  When we watch movies with our kids that even scare us we teach them to fear.  When we are fearful of everyday experiences, we teach them to fear.  A child being fearful is one thing, an adult who is fearful is another.

FEAR NOT

It takes time to overcome childhood fears or fears that we have carried over time.  I am not going to say 'face your fear' by doing something you are scared of.   More importantly than facing it is 'knowing your fears and what fights them.' Then we can be empowered to face them. The bible tells us:

There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear.  For fear has to do with torment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love.  We love because He first loved us.  1 John 4:18-19

For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind. (self control)  1 Tim 1:7

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me.  Your rod and Your staff they comfort me.  Psa 23:4 

Life is full of scary moments.  The bible tells us over and over "Fear Not".  It is evident that God knows we will have plenty opportunity to fear something in this life.  Whether it is embarking on a new journey, a new relationship, having a baby, trying to get ahead on your job or starting a business.  All of these things can seem even scarier when we have lived with other fears. It can especially be trying when you feel you are out there alone.   But just like my experience in watching my first scary movie... don't forget that your Father is watching it with you.  

Anytime life throws something at you, causes something to jump out unexpectedly or maybe the music bed of your life might be adding to it because it seems that underlying emotions are building to a breaking point... don't be moved.  Not only is God watching everything unfold with you, He is also there to guide you to the end of it.  He knows all that you feel and think, and will help you cover your eyes and trust Him, but keep your ears open to hear Him. God is a good Daddy with good things in store for you. 

This year know that even your scary moments have purpose... they will cause you to draw even closer to a loving God and seek His face when you don't know what to do.  This is going to be an epic year for you, get ready to handle... Fearlessly!

"Laughing Through Hurt."

Kids have energy, they also have the ability to wrestle, play and enjoy themselves. My kids used to wrestle with their father and it was fine, (as long as they kept me out of it) so wrestle they did.  It was fun to watch... until someone got hurt.   Having just one boy and three girls meant the girls knew how to hold their own, but they also knew when to stop.

I have watched children play and wrestle and it seems that they can recover rather quickly from painful experiences- only because they are playing.  One moment they are in deep tears, the next moment they burst out laughing.  Somehow the hurt that is intentional seems to hurt worse than the unintentional one that happens while playing.  Some feel that a hurt is a hurt, but not to children... and maybe not to adults either.

INTENTIONAL/UNINTENTIONAL HURTS

When we realize that someone has intentionally tried to hurt us, I believe it does something in our minds.  Other emotions can be triggered because it feels like there may be an underlying animosity or disrespect present.  If someone means you bad and you know it, you are more likely to use a defense mechanism to guard yourself from them. Your pain feels different in your mind and you don't want to feel that again because it hurts deeply.  If you believe the pain is unintentional, you may give them the benefit of the doubt.  You trust that what you think about the person is accurate.  You believe what they say, or what it looks like in your mind.   This is where we can get messed up and locked in abusive relationships.  The bible says in 1 Corinthians 13:7 that:

"Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things."  

This is true, Love does all of that, but if you realize this is not MUTUAL love, you need to stop believing people have your best interest at heart when they intentionally hurt you. You can continue to love people from a distance when you realize they do not love you the way God has ordained.  Scripture does not tell us to stay in abuse and allow ourselves to be hurt and broken trying to obey God. If we need breaking, God can break us without using abuse.  Knowing the difference is key... See the same chapter in 1 Corinthians says that:

"Love is patient, love is kind.  It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.  Love is not rude, it is not self seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no account of wrongs.  Love takes no pleasure in evil, but rejoices in the truth."  

  

One thing we have done is use scripture to keep ourselves in bondage instead of using it to live in the freedom it should bring. Whether you are male or female, continuing to allow someone to hurt you and use scripture to make you stay, is not love. 

KNOWING THE DIFFERENCE

In our society today we need to know the difference between intention and unintentional hurts.  All of us have experienced both.  There are people who love us who have done things to hurt us, it may cause a rift in the relationship, but we have forgiven them and gone on. Some of us have dealt with the pain and can continue to laugh and enjoy life- with or without them; and no hard feelings.  

Others have dealt with intentional pain and hurts and laughed too soon.  We have continued to allow people to hurt us and cause us to be less than who we are meant to be.   Again if we need patience, God knows how to teach it to us, if we need to be broken of bad habits, God is well able to teach us.  He does not use abusive situations that will change the core of who He is making us, and leave us hurt, mad, angry and unable to fulfill our purpose.. all at the hands of someone you trusted more than He ever would to mold your life. People should never have such a hold on you that you cannot break free.   If you are laughing too quickly after being hurt, don't ignore the pain- because it will continue.  Pain is an indication that something is wrong.

If you are in a situation where who you are becoming is focused away from God instead of towards him, away from Love and away from your Purpose....  back away.  Get help and choose to build yourselves up in God- surround yourself with people who mean you well and sharpen you.   That does not mean you will never be hurt again, it just means that people who genuinely LOVE you are not trying to hurt you intentionally.  

Life is meant to be enjoyed and sometimes things happen that are not fun, even when playing.  Learn to tell the difference between when a hurt is a result of not paying attention when playing, or when hurt has an underlying negative emotion connected to it.   There is a time to laugh and a time to play, there is also a time to stop laughing and playing, and deal with your hurt or the one hurting you.  Learn, to Love, Laugh and Live!

Enjoy today....

2019 A New Chapter:Your Interactive Life

Recently my pastor preached a message about how the scripture says that the 'end of a matter is better than the beginning of it.'  He talked about chapters of our lives and how we should live to see the end of it all.  I have heard about our lives being broken into chapters before, but as an author, this time it really spoke to me, still does.  I thought about the books I have written and how my minds works through details when I am preparing to write.  Because of that process, his words stood out even more.  Here is some of what has had me thinking. 

A WRITER'S PAD

I work with a small group of authors to help them with an environment to write.  Due to  a recent purpose project, I have been pulled away from following up as much as I was, but I still speak to many of them about their  projects.   I remind them often that the world is waiting to hear from them.  On occasion I will assist one with starting their book by encouraging them to start with the table of contents. The table of contents gives you  a kind of map to what the book will say, then it allows you as an author to write your message in each chapter.  I tell the authors not to worry about what order the chapters will be in, just write.  It can be that something that was meant for one chapter later fits better in another one.  See as an author, you have the liberty of writing and arranging your book how you want it in order to reach your targeted audience.  As you write you may realize that something seems out of order and you have the freedom to adjust it when you can, before the book is finished.  So many of you can already see where I am going with this..

INTERACTIVE LIFE

Have you ever read a book that was interactive or played a game that was?  It has a story to tell and in the midst of the story at certain points you the reader.... can decide what the next move is.  If you don't decide, it follows a pattern or story line that is already programmed in the book.  When you make a selection, the story continues with a plot based on your selection.  Such is LIFE.   The bible tells us that before we were formed, God called us and ordained us.as prophets to the nations.  He already set the table of contents for our lives. He has already proclaimed that we are blessed, favored and purposeful.  As the Author, He knows what our lives should hold, He knows what He has ordained and planned for each of us, but there is just one catch... Your life book is interactive! Meaning, we make decisions daily about what our next move will be, that is why some of us are not as far ahead as we could be, we have taken sidebar trails, following things that looked interesting.   But, if we rely on the Author and Finisher.... He will be sure we make it to our destination with a happy ending.  In order to be able to know what to do and when to do it, it pays to stay connected to the author of your life.  He can help us with short cuts or give insight to overcome the delays and difficulties we will find, 

NEXT CHAPTER 2019

This year, remember that your life is like a book.  The Author has moments that He knows will be fun, some sad, some exciting and purposeful, and some scary, but He holds the end!  Each chapter tells your story, it is written every day and you have the interactive option to decide some key moves that affect how the story will go.  You can choose to use the  default settings, but that will never give you the desired result.  God will wants us to trust Him, and He requires faith to be pleased with the end result.   Just letting life happen how it falls might sound like the easiest and best way to go, but the Author knows the plans He has for us, He allows us to choose, but if we ask Him ahead of time, we find that the story line is more exciting, fulfilling and there are a number of plot twists and surprise endings!   Bottom line, this year is going to be great, not because you make every decision perfectly or because you know ahead of time what will happen, but because we have a God is a Master Story Teller has  already planned the end.  He even has safety features built in just in case we get off track,  He has designed ways to bring us back.    Basically all you have to do, is stay in the story... don't allow one chapter to stop you from writing, reading and enjoying your own life story.  Don't allow an experience or a momentary disappointment to cause you to lose heart.  Even if all of last year seemed like it was discouraging, remember last year was just one chapter.  Your book is not finished but every decision makes a difference in how the book will end. 

Get ready, this chapter has begun!  Every day you write more of your story and others will read it.  Your life is meant to be a best seller, and an overall good read so people will know that you serve a God who is truly the best Author and Finisher of it all!  So, are you ready for this next chapter?   It has already started....  Have a wonderful year!