Author: Kim Carroll

Living or Dying?

Posted on | by Kim Carroll

Living or Dying

Are you living or dying? I’m not talking about your physical life. All of us are either living life as Jesus wanted or we are dying, there is no in between, or neutral. This seems like a harsh statement but in reality, it is either one or the other. 

Growth Cycles

Mark 4:28

‘All by itself the soil produces grain—first the stalk,

 then the head, then the full kernel in the head. ‘

One thing I have learned in my own Spiritual walk, God is always causing things to grow, in particular, He wants me to grow. Sometimes it was easy and sometimes it was hard learning the lessons the Lord was teaching me. However, growth is a process built into the universe. Which means anything living will go through growth cycles. People are no different. Nothing with the Lord stops growing. I have also come to understand that growth is a great word. I can come through a failure, and if I learn from my  mistake, I will grow and eventually get it right. It is how we measure things in this life.

In the plant world we know when something is growing and when something is not, it eventually becomes apparent. As parents we can tell when our children are growing. From birth they are obviously getting bigger physically, they are learning to put more and more words together thus they seem to be getting more intelligent. As they get bigger they go from crawling to walking and then running. Being born again is no different. The actual term is birthed from above. We are growing into a mature man or woman in Christ. God wants us to grow spiritually. Growth is going to happen, it’s a fact.  All of us have witnessed something growing. It can be  seen in our physical world all around us. 

A few years back I bought an apple tree and planted it in my backyard. It was a single skinny 12 to 20 inch stick, with no apples. In fact apples didn’t grow until two or three years later and then only a couple of apples appeared. Now 8 years later it is 20 feet tall and in the spring covered with apples. Just observing the world around us we know growth is a way of life. Even scientists say the universe itself is still expanding. Everything created by God is meant to grow. Again, He built this into everything He created. It’s a sign which reveals something is alive. Everything was designed to grow. We need to understand that growth is good. The process of growth is great. It is always happening, and to understand how it works and learn how to work with it, is all part of living life.  

Part of the growth process is knowing how and when something has matured. We know a person or plant will physically grow older but this doesn’t mean they will mature properly. 

(Maturity; is the state of being fully developed,

 it’s the level of something or someone functioning right, which is attained through proper growth)

We can say someone or something matured when it appears to be developed. When it is not functioning at a certain level of development which is perceived as normal for its age, we say it is immature. We can see an apple growing on the tree, in the spring, it’s small and green and we say it is not yet ripe. We know this by what an apple looks like when ripe or matured. For an apple to mature it needs time through the summer sun and rain to get bigger and turn red. As the apple grows, we evaluate its ripeness based on certain perimeters we know as proper maturity.  If we know there has been the proper amount of time for growth, but it has not achieved a certain level which should be seen as normal, then we say it is immature or worse it is sick. This means we see the age, meaning the time period of growth, and know it should be functioning at a certain level, yet we do not see this. It is no different in the Spiritual realm. We are either continuing to mature or we are still immature. We are either growing or dying. 

Of course as we grow we gain knowledge of what works and what does not work. Life is a constant state of growth as we learn and mature. Navigating life can be tricky at times but as we gain the right knowledge we can grow properly. If we disregard this knowledge, we will stay immature which is another way of saying we didn’t grow. We need to learn, not just what works in life, but also how to continually apply these truths of growth and keep maturing. Life will have its ups and downs which is all a part of growth. However, knowing what and how to apply certain principles of growth through all phases of life keeps us moving forward.

I once met an older missionary in Mexico. He had been a missionary for decades. He started many years back as a Wycliffe bible translator. He had the most amazing stories, some funny, and some stories of hardships suffered. I was taking him down out of the mountains back to the airport in the city, which took a few hours by truck. I asked him this question, “Knowing all which you have done and accomplished, and all the things that failed and just didn’t work, if you could do it over what would you change?” He didn’t hesitate to think at all, and said, “nothing”. I was taken back a bit and looked at him in disbelief repeating “nothing”. I had already started a list of definite things I would do differently. He then said even the things I made mistakes on, or failures on my part in walking with the Lord and Him picking me up, helping me, correcting me, and times He ministered His love and mercy instead of  judgment. He was teaching me who He was, which caused me to be stronger not just physically and Spiritually but stronger in my relationship with Him. He helped me to grow and learn to be a better man, how could I take those times away to do it differently. After he explained, I felt I needed to check my attitude. I still pressed him asking him if there would be something he would do differently. He finally said, I would study the Word of God twice as much for it has all the answers to life. This was coming from a man who knew Hebrew, Greek, Spanish, Aztec, had 2 Phds,  and three master degrees, was an expert in Pauline Epistles and on the history of the early church. To do Bible translation he would have to take scriptures from Hebrew and Greek to Aztec. I now felt like I was in grade school.

This goes along with an account I read a few years back of a biosphere experiment. A biosphere is an enclosed climate controlled environment, with no outside influence. Many species of plants, animals and humans live in this self contained atmosphere. One phenomena they reported was the branches on the trees would droop. Eventually it was realized by having no storms or temperature changes, such as the cold of winter or heat of summer, the trees, although healthy, did not have any strength. The branches just hung down.   

With a Christian there is no difference. A person gets saved and many think this is all that is required. Sometimes they may grow a little and stop. Sometimes they start to grow and come against some form of hardship and stop.  To think nothing negative will happen in your walk is not a healthy mentality. Instead a healthier way to understand is, whatever happens in life the Lord will be there, standing with you to help, I can stand being positive and faith filled in Him. Hardships and difficulties are all part of living. Learning to trust and rely on the Lord through these times is all part of spiritual growth. Salvation is just the beginning, and to think there is no need to grow in our salvation is wrong, or immature thinking. Salvation is the start which puts a person on the right path of true growth. 

The person of Jesus, His Spirit, is now positioned within a person, helping them grow the right way. He is constantly going to push them toward not just growing but mature growth. The goal of this growth is to make them more and more like Jesus everyday. He is bringing them into the mature person of Christ. He will mold and shape this individual, which if you examine these words, means it is going to require pressure. To mold or shape anything requires a picture, model, or mold and then a pressing to shape the material being worked with till it looks like the mold or model. Jesus is the model and His Spirit is doing the shaping to be just like Him. If we are to be like Jesus, then you have to realize the threats, persecutions, and all the negativity towards Him was part of His doing the Father’s will. Now put the trial, cross and death into this picture. All of these were also just as much a part. We tend to think only of victories He had, the miracles and endless love and mercy He showed toward mankind. Yet it’s the whole picture which made Him Lord. We cannot remove any part of what He went through. The same is true with ourselves. We must trust the whole process of our journey and believe we are in His hands. His Spirit knows perfectly what to do with our life to get us where He wants us to be for Him. His Spirit works with our Spirit to gain the wisdom to know what works and what does not work. This is not just so we can navigate life properly, but also to show those around us who He is.

Looking at my personal growth over the years as a christian has been an amazing journey, and a journey I have realized never ends till I see him as He is (1 John). Yet I have met many people who have just quit, they didn’t see the need to keep growing. Growth slowly became not as important as it once was. They found a form of autopilot. They are sleepwalking christians. There have been times in my own life it was hard, and I even wondered if the area of growth was worth it. I was thinking of finding an autopilot for myself. I mean, I was okay, comfortable, so did I really need to press forward? However, inside I knew there was more, all the while knowing on the outside I could just coast. I had to keep in mind, God wasn’t finished with me.

Hopefully over the years we have seen how some things change and some things do not. If change is required, it will just about always be ourselves which will have to change. For change to happen in my heart I know some things around me will not change but will still require me to change. I know some things will change around me and again require me to change. Both will need my thinking to change. Change becomes the key element for growth. I once heard, as a young christian, this statement, “constant change is here to stay”. So the ability to keep growing is fully embracing change in our life. After all, He is the God who doesn’t change, so it’s obvious to keep moving forward we will be the ones to change, and this according to Him working in our lives.  This means to get to the mature man of Christ will require us to change many times in our lives here on earth. If we reach a place where we are not willing to change, this is usually the place where our growth stops as well. Truth is if we are not willing to change then we are choosing. Change can be something externally, or it can be something internally. Whichever it is, whether internally or externally without the necessary changes we will remain the same. This is where me, you, everyone must decide, do we want to change or ignore this and fool ourselves and think we are moving on. The sad reality is, if ignored, without making the necessary changes, life will not change, it will still be the same, and we are not really living but just existing.  

A couple of years back I planted 5 blueberry plants along my fence line. They seemed to do good for the first season, however by about the third season, I noticed they seemed to be struggling. They were not getting any bigger, at first I didn’t think much about it.  I just let them go. I did not want to take the time to do anything with them. Toward the end of this third season they were slowly dying. I knew I had to do something. So one afternoon I dug them up and transplanted them to a better section of my yard and within a week they were already looking healthier and by 3 weeks they were already growing again. I shared this illustration because this is just like us, if we  ignore certain elements in Spiritual growth we just slowly die. I don’t think anyone sets out to spiritually die, they just let it slowly and gradually happen. 

It seems ironic that by not doing anything, how easy it is to permanently change your life for the worst, yet it will require work to change things for the best. Simply put, we just do not want to take the time and energy to change things, it’s uncomfortable. Of course this is a choice we make, and if we choose not to, we become those branches that droop. Our outside appearance looks good but we didn’t let the right pressure produce what was needed for change. The greater truth is, by changing what needs to change we increase and grow in Lord. We are gaining more of His life in us. It is how He becomes closer to us and how we become closer to His heart with ours. He is continually sorting out what holds us back in being close.

We must always keep in our hearts and minds, the Lord has more for us. It was the Father’s good pleasure to give us the Kingdom. It’s our inheritance and the Lord is continually trying to give this to us. It is Him giving us life in its greatest form. He is always wanting to draw us closer and closer. He wants us to know Him deeply which means we need to keep growing. He wants you to be as close as you possibly can to Him. This isn’t just His heart for us but should be our heart for Him as well. Do we truly desire more of Him, and if we do, then this desire will keep us moving forward on a path of growth. When I meet people who seem to be content, it’s as if they are saying this is all I want I don’t need any more, when they pass from this life to the next what does this look like to the Lord. I wonder if it’s like saying I don’t need all of your love, I didn’t need the things you wanted for me.  Truth is everybody wants all of He has for them, all of His love for them, which He freely gives, but again do they want to change to love Him with all they can give back. This is the whole path of growth.

In the navigation of life we need to understand there are certain truths and principles which if applied in the heart keeps a person on a path of growth, if not applied will hinder growth. It’s important to know what will change given the right circumstances and what will never change. These truths and principles have nothing to do with age, what ethnicity, or the country and culture where you live. They will work with everyone anywhere in the world and they work the exact same way. Remember, He is always working with you to give you the best life you possibly can have here and not just in the next life. He always has more for you.  This is what God is trying to do with us at all times. He is the greatest Father and just like any good parent He will teach His children right from wrong with the goal of growing them to a mature person. He wants to give them the best, because He is a great Heavenly Father.

A Word For 2025

Posted on | by Kim Carroll

What I believe the Lord spoke to me concerning 2025. I heard these two words “great” and “redemption”. 

It’s going to be a “great” year of change in the sense of above the normal or average.

Because I have placed My favor on your life I will redeem and bring about change in many areas. For you it will be a year of things being redeemed. I will bring redemption in new areas. Areas you haven’t thought of or seen. And I will bring redemption to those areas you have felt held back. It will be a new level of redemption for many. My hand of favor will overwhelm you in certain areas of life and living, giving you new strength. What was average will become greater, larger. Greater in quality and quantity. It will be for many a year of seeing greater fruitfulness, and a renewed strength in productivity. What seemed hard and you were not able to push through will seem effortless, easier because of My favor. What would be considered normal and what was considered average will change and there will be an increase in fruitfulness.  You will see how to rise and take it to a new level, one that will be above normal or average. You will have a new ability to see and will not look at the average or normal the same way you did before, it will be greater. This new level will now be considered what’s normal. Do not be afraid to look at those areas you felt defeated or not able to overcome, areas which seemed too hard, but look at them with My eyes and see what I can do. I will redeem and I will release you into a new level of greater in areas where you have felt stifled or captive. So lift up your voice, and say thank you Lord for your redemption and this new level of greater. For know this, with My hand of favor on your life, nothing is too hard .

Proverbs 3:3-6

Psalm 5:12

Titus 2:14, 

Psalm 107:1-2, 31-38

Psalm 130

Grace God’s grace is usually defined as undeserved favor. Grace cannot be earned; it is something that is freely given. It is approval or kindness that is freely given by God to all humans: it means gift, favor, benefit. Grace is God’s EMPOWERMENT that gives us the ability to go beyond our natural ability.

Redemption  is to gain or regain possession of something, to get or win back. It is to free from what distresses or harms. To free from captivity, to set free from confinement or danger, to redeem implies releasing from bondage or penalties by giving what is demanded or necessary.

Fruitfulness Fruitfulness is a state of being extremely productive or prolific. To be fruitful means to add or multiply to what is already there.

Favor approval, support, an act of kindness beyond what is due To show approval or preference for. It means preferential treatment of God out of His kindness toward a person. 

Sowing The Right Stuff

Posted on | by Kim Carroll

I was speaking at a conference and after my session I was approached by a young man, who had been obviously touched by the Spirit and asked me this question, “How do I get into doing the things of God, how do I get going in this life”. I knew he was meaning how do I start doing the work of God,  how do I use my life for Jesus. I responded with one simple word “SOW”. He instantly said he was going to sow some money into my ministry, however that was not what I meant. 

 While ministry support is always welcomed, I went on trying to explain what I meant, which was “sow his life”. I was instructing him to give away of his life for Jesus and His Kingdom. Now please hear my heart in this matter. While the systematic giving of one’s finances is sowing, it is only a part. Knowing how to give your life away for the Lord and His cause, to serve anyone in need, whether you like it or not, and especially whether you want to or not, is what I am referring to in my statement, sow. Learning to look for the opportunities and knowing how to give your life away sets up amazing events to bring forth the life of Jesus. 

Much of the time this word sow is over emphasized with the giving of money within the Christian community. So much so, we may have forgotten sowing covers all areas of life, not just your finances. Again, no question about the sowing of your finances being a solid biblical truth and we should be givers in this area. However, the Bible is clear, so a man sows so a man reaps and this covers all areas of one’s life.

Galatians 6:7-10 ‘Do not be deceived, God is not mocked [He will not allow Himself to be ridiculed, nor treated with contempt nor allow His precepts to be scornfully set aside]; for whatever a man sows, this and this only is what he will reap. For the one who sows to his flesh [his sinful capacity, his worldliness, his disgraceful impulses] will reap from the flesh ruin and destruction, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. Let us not grow weary or become discouraged in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap, if we do not give in. So then, while we [as individual believers] have the opportunity, let us do good to all people [not only being helpful, but also doing that which promotes their spiritual well-being], and especially [be a blessing] to those of the household of faith (born-again believers). ‘ AMP

In these scriptures Paul was referencing to be careful as to not sow to the flesh, carnal life, worldliness, thinking of self, living life by following your sinful nature and not God’s Spirit. When we see someone living a life of sin we do not instantly think they are sowing their money wrong. No, instead we think they are living wrong. We can see by the fruit of their life they are sowing the wrong things. If what they are sowing is selfishness, worldliness and sin, they will reap the consequences of this into their life. 

Whether a Christian or not, everyone will reap what they sow. No one gets out of this principle who lives on this earth. This simple rule, you sow you reap covers all of life on this planet. This is the way God set up life on this earth. Everyone living on the earth is under God’s system of sowing and reaping. It doesn’t matter if the person is a Christian or not. 

This scripture in Gal.6, reveals this truth, but He also states how we should be sowing. We should take the opportunities to do good to others, especially other Christians. Doing good to others is sowing your life. So is encouraging other believers, helping them succeed in life. Covering other believers in prayer is sowing. Praying for non-christians is sowing. Just in general being helpful and kind, doing what you can to assist others for their good is sowing. This is how you give your life away. God wants us to sow the right things with our life, because He knows our life will benefit greatly by doing this. He wants us reaping a Spiritual life, one linked to His eternal realm.

Look at this next scripture. 

Luke 6:37-38 “ Do not judge [others self-righteously], and you will not be judged; do not condemn [others when you are guilty and unrepentant], and you will not be condemned [for your hypocrisy]; pardon [others when they truly repent and change], and you will be pardoned [when you truly repent and change]. [Matt 7:1-5] Give, and it will be given to you. They will pour into your lap a good measure—pressed down, shaken together, and running over [with no space left for more]. For with the standard of measurement you use [when you do good to others], it will be measured to you in return.” 

Again, Here in these scriptures Jesus is addressing the way we treat others. He is not referring to money. He specifically states that we should do good to others. Here in these scriptures before verse 37, He speaks of family and forgiveness. These are things you sow. How you treat others is something you sow. 

2 Corinthians 9:6-11 [6] Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. [7] Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. [8] And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. [9] As it is written: “They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor; their righteousness endures forever.” [10] Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. [11] You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. NIV

 Paul is referring to the giving of finances but look at the principles he brings out about sowing. These are truths in giving and not just with finances.

1. If you sow generously, this will be the measure by which you will reap. Scriptures in Luke state the same.

2. God loves a cheerful giver, when we sow or give away from ourselves, attitude is everything. Whatever we are sowing, do we have a cheerful heart attitude? 

3. Whatever is being sown with the right attitude. God makes sure it comes back to us or that we reap the same back except in greater quantity. This helps to keep us in a right relationship with Him.

4. When we sow from the right heart attitude, it causes others to Thank God. Others look at God as the one who helped them. The giving away of our life will bring glory to God. 

Just about all these deal with the attitude of heart and motive for sowing. Our attitude is something we sow as well. So when you hear the word sow or give, think about your whole life, all areas of your life and your attitude toward these areas. 

Can you give your time, other resources, tangible possessions  someone may be in need of, or your enthusiasm, energy/physical strength in helping others and the attitude by which you do this? 

Always be willing to check your mental disposition in helping others. According to scripture we will reap in these areas as well. 

Next time you sow with your finances ask yourself if you are showing in all areas of your life as well. Finances are just a part. Money is just a part of the whole understanding in giving away your life. 

So, returning to the beginning, how do you get involved in what God is doing right now,  how do you get into doing the works of God? Sow your life. The one who knows how to sow their life God will always use to bring His Kingdom here on earth.

Proverbs 11:25   Those who live to bless others will have blessings heaped upon them, and the one who pours out his life to pour out blessings will be saturated with favor. TPT

Never Forget The Amazing Power of Prayer

Posted on | by Kim Carroll

Never Forget The Amazing Power of Prayer

Mark 11:24 Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. 

Have you ever said this to someone, “I will be praying”. Someone shared a situation they were concerned about and you said, “I will pray for you”. 

If I was to ask for a show of hands how many believe in prayer, the majority of people would raise their hand and say, yes. Even those who don’t go to church would say they believe in prayer. There have been times I have prayed with people who would probably admit they were not Christians, yet asked for prayer. It’s surprising how many do not realize the amazing level of faith they are moving in when they pray. 

This word prayer is thrown around in Christian circles until it has become a Christian buzzword. Many well intended people say they will pray but forget to follow through. I have been guilty of this myself. That’s why I try to do it right away so as not to forget. However, keeping our minds renewed in how powerful prayer is will help keep us on track. Many do not realize the level of faith they are moving in when they pray. Let’s review and look at your faith when you say, I will pray. 

  1. You believe Jesus, even though completely invisible, is right there present with you when you begin to ask, yet you cannot see Him or have you ever seen Him. That takes faith. When I get up in the morning to pray, I believe Jesus is there with me. That’s an amazing level of faith.
  2. You actually believe He hears you, that is, you personally, your individual self. This means you believe this invisible God which you cannot see and have not ever seen is literally right there listening to you as if you are the only one present talking to Him. That is an amazing level of faith.
  3. You actually believe He cares and wants to intervene in the affairs of your life, that He wants to concern Himself with you and He really does care about you, and your situation or circumstances that are affecting your life at this moment, out of 7 billion people on earth. You believe this even if you are asking for someone else which doesn’t concern you. You believe he still wants to help you with your request only because you asked. Your words in asking actually have the power to get God to do something. This is an amazing level of faith. 
  4. You believe He not only hears you personally but will answer your request, by literally changing the physical world around you. He will change people and physical events based on you asking Him. That He can and will from an invisible, heavenly realm come and move things surrounding you, others, and events in the natural physical realm. You are believing this invisible God can move and change physical, visible events you are involved with right now, just because you asked. Again, this is an amazing level of faith. 

To believe these four things takes faith. When we pray we are moving into a realm of extraordinary faith. To believe in and practice prayer you are stronger in your faith than you might have thought. Remind yourself what you believe. It’s not just some nice Religious thing you are supposed to do, or it’s not just what Christians do, a buzzword you throw around. Instead remember, your faith believes it is an invisible, all powerful God who is right there ready to move on your behalf. 

Jesus welcomes us to come and ask. He states by prayer, that is you asking, He will do the impossible things on your behalf. Praying connects you into the very power of God, who will move heaven and earth for you personally. So go ahead and ask, never forgetting the faith you are truly representing. 

Psalms 66:19 ‘but God has surely listened and has heard my prayer. ‘

Proverbs 15:29 ‘The Lord is far from the wicked, but he hears the prayer of the righteous. ‘

Mark 11:22-25 ‘ “Have faith in God,” Jesus answered. “Truly I tell you, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in their heart but believes that what they say will happen, it will be done for them. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.” ‘

1 John 5:14-15 ‘This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him. ‘

Matthew 6:6 ‘But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. ‘

John 15:7 ‘If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. ‘

Luke 11:9-10 ‘ “So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. ‘

Set Your Mind

Posted on | by Kim Carroll

Set Your Mind

‭Colossians 3:1-2 

[1]  IF THEN you have been raised with Christ [to a new life, thus sharing His resurrection from the dead], aim at and seek the [rich, eternal treasures] that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. [Ps. 110:1.] [2]  And set your minds and keep them set on what is above (the higher things), not on the things that are on the earth. AMPC

Mindset: a fixed state of mind, a habitual or characteristic mental attitude that determines how you will interpret and respond to situations

Those who study the neuroscience of the mind and its thinking process, state we either have a fixed mindset or a growth mindset.  Whether there are two or possibly more, when examined, they generally fall under a fixed or growth mindset. 

When we are left to think on anything, it’s amazing what our minds can dwell on and how long we can stay in a fixed thought process. 

Usually we see this more prevalent in older people. They have already made up their mind and are not going to change for anyone or anything. Even though at times this can be good, the majority of the time we find it limits or completely stifles any growth. 

When a person has a fixed mindset, they have decided or “they have made up their mind” and will never venture past this view. They have a set of parameters by which to think, which has worked for them for many years and this is where they live their life. It’s where they feel comfortable. 

This is not just limited to older people. Many times we find younger adults are no different. They have formed a mindset they like or have adopted, and so they decide this is where they will sit and generally with an attitude of “I know” and which feels comfortable to them. 

It’s interesting how often this concept of comfort plays such a significant role in our mindsets. Many times we don’t want to admit it but all of us, young or old, have a comfort zone and a fixed way of thinking no matter what comes our way in life. The important question for all of us, do we have a fixed mindset or a growth mindset?  

As a christian we should have a mind fixed on Jesus. He is now the author and finisher of our faith, which means there is always room to improve and grow. Of course author, meaning He is the one writing our story. If we let Him He will be in charge of our continual growth. Age has no barriers on this. There is always room to grow and keep growing until we see Him as He is, in His throne room, face to face.

This scripture at the start can be translated, “fix your thoughts or thinking on the things above”, “make the decision to focus on the things above. To  “deliberately think or set your mind on the things above”. It is to decide, to make a choice. This scripture reveals the individual has the ability to do so. They can have a fixed mindset on the things above. 

I know it almost seems like an oxymoron. However, we can have a fixed mindset which can continually grow based on how we set our minds on the right thoughts. To set our minds on the things above will cause us to grow in the right direction. It will allow us to expand who we are and how we respond.  

Set: To fix firmly; to make fast, permanent, or stable; to render motionless; to give an unchanging place, form, or condition to.

Like putting a post in the ground, you want to set it so as to never move. You want it to be strong and sturdy like putting a pillar into concrete, one you do not want to move.You deliberately set your mind with one way of thinking. It’s a fixed state of mind, where and how Jesus wants us to set our mind. 

‭

1 Corinthians 2:16 ‬

[16] …. But we have the mind of Christ [to be guided by His thoughts and purposes]. AMP

As I stated before, it is amazing what our minds can dwell on at different intervals of the day.  We can become so fixed on certain aspects of ourselves and the life surrounding us, yet if trained right, our mindset can cause us to grow everyday. It can be a self supporting base of power, keeping us filled with faith as God’s hands on our lives. 

The wrong form of fixed mindset can be like a steel trap door, shutting and not letting go of its catch. We end up continually going over and over with a negative view.  Things may or may not happen, yet we play them out as if they will. Sometimes we are dwelling and replaying something that has already happened as if we can go back and change it, which we cannot. A wrong mindset can keep us focused on a negative view of ourselves and dwelling in this area keeps us locked in to a wrong view of life.

The basics of our thoughts are conversations we are having with ourselves. We may say “I am thinking about it”. The reality of this is we are talking to ourselves, mulling over in words we call thoughts. In fact we are always talking to ourselves. The clinical term is called “self talk”. If we are thinking about something, whether we are aware of it or not, we are talking to ourselves and will run it by where our mind is set in our thinking. This will be the baseline of our thinking. In reality we are conversing with our judgements, and these are based where we have set our mind. These include our feelings, desires, and fears. We think we are engaging with the reality of what’s happening in our lives but the truth is we are really just having self conversations. We are examining how we think it should play out. We are going over different scenarios on what has been presented to us.

Again, these conversations are not based on reality, yet. Here is where we need to ask ourselves if  we were approaching the subject full of faith, setting our minds on the right things, or was it negative. This is also where we can see how our mind thinks or the basic mind-set we use. So what is your mind-set? 

Again, our mindset is the platform we springboard off of when we think about something. It is our standard or baseline from which we  think and then make decisions. We start there with our self-talk. 

Now, does our self talk include God? Does our thinking, our self conversation ask for God’s wisdom? What is our mind-set, what do we dwell on? Is our self talk negative or positive when we think about ourselves? Does it talk to us of something that has already happened, or negatively going to happen.

Setting our minds right requires faith. Faith is seeing the unseen things which come from above. We either look at things which have not happened with God’s view or our negative view. It all comes down to our mind-set. What we set our mind on when we think or dwell on anything will keep us growing or will stifle us and make us complacent. Are we looking at things, rehearsing them in our mind as if they are real as if they have happened? Did they happen with God or just yourself?

We are of course rehearsing in our mind what we perceive as reality. However, is it  God’s reality? What He says is always going to be reality, and we need to set our minds there. A good question to ask is how much of God is in your thinking. We need to check ourselves and look at how much of our thinking are God’s thoughts and how much are not. Go ahead and evaluate yourself as to the mindset where you live each day. The good news of the Bible is the Lord tells us where to set our minds, how to think, what we should be talking to ourselves about. 

Training ourselves to practice a positive, faith filled, Godly mindset is our duty as a Christian.  To think on anything should come from our foundation of His Words first. If it is not reality yet, then we need to talk to ourselves about what we would like to see happen which His Words teach us is possible, this is a Godly mindset and a growth mindset. These Words are like writing a story which hasn’t happened yet. We must train ourselves to write everyday the story of abundant life, after all this is the story He writes everyday. 

He wants our mindset to be so alive in Him, creating possibilities which keep us in a faith filled positive growth mindset. We are writing and setting up chapters in our story with Christ. 

Jesus has never written a negative story. His stories are about us, others, and circumstances. Anything is possible for us in our life with Jesus leading. What does Jesus want to write today? We need to keep practice talking to ourselves this way, the way the Lord would want it done starting right now. This is what is so powerful about our thinking process, we can change immediately and think differently by setting our minds in the right place. With Jesus being the writer and us learning to read His script, and coming from a mind set on the things above, our actions will follow.

So what is your predominant mindset? Here are a few principles to help with your thinking before you say, “my mind is made up”. 

It’s Fluid

Always remind yourself, reality is fluid, circumstances or problems and such so often seem locked in, set in concrete, or as they say, written in stone, and cannot or will not change. However this is so far from the truth, things really are fluid. Just like water can be diverted and change its flow instantly, so can our mindset. Things as we know them change. They change all the time. With the right mindset we can change how we view life everyday. We need to talk about how things can change for the good. If you have lived any length of time you know things around us change all the time. Scripture states the natural is temporary and the Spiritual is eternal. 

2 Corinthians 4:18

because we don’t focus our attention on what is seen but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but the unseen realm is eternal. TPT

Think of how many things in your life have changed for the good which you honestly didn’t think would. The longer we live the more changes we have seen. Many times I have caught myself saying, “I didn’t see that coming”, meaning I had a preconceived mindset on what I thought the outcome would be, but was genuinely surprised by what did happen. You may also say what about those things that haven’t changed? This doesn’t mean they won’t. 

Look at your self talk, what are you telling yourself about these situations? Are you following the Lord’s script, or  dwelling on things as if they may never change. We cannot set our mind to dwell this way, it will keep us in a negative mindset. 

So the outward natural circumstances can change and will change, nothing remains the same, everything will change given enough time, or you change by deciding to let it go and not let your mind dwell there anymore. Of course things that happened in the past will not change but you can.

 Negative outlook of future events may or may not change but I can. We can grow and mature in our mindset by training ourselves to think properly with the Lord’s thoughts using His Words. Our thinking process is fluid and can change instantly, changing our reality. We can do this immediately.

 Thoughts are fluid. Don’t wait, start thinking the right way and set your mind on how He wants you to think. Take control NOW.  

Control

The energy of control always belongs to you and you make it grow in the right direction. You are in charge of how you want to think and what you want to dwell on mentally. You are and can stay in complete control. Think of your thoughts like a supercomputer. Your mind works on the parameters which you set, of which you and only you are in complete control. All minds work the same, they work on the set of parameters you give them. Set the right parameters. You are the only one who is in control of this. Does not matter what is happening around you, you and only you control what you set your mind on, what you are going to dwell on. 

‭Philippians 4:8-9 TPT‬

[8] Keep your thoughts continually fixed on all that is authentic and real, honorable and admirable, beautiful and respectful, pure and holy, merciful and kind. And fasten your thoughts on every glorious work of God,  praising him always. 

‭Philippians 4:8 AMPC‬

[8]  For the rest, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is worthy of reverence and is honorable and seemly, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely and lovable, whatever is kind and winsome and gracious, if there is any virtue and excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think on and weigh and take account of these things [fix your minds on them].

‭Philippians 4:8 AMP‬

[8] Finally, believers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable and worthy of respect, whatever is right and confirmed by God’s word, whatever is pure and wholesome, whatever is lovely and brings peace, whatever is admirable and of good repute; if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think continually on these things [center your mind on them, and implant them in your heart]. 

‭Philippians 4:8 MSG‬

[8] Summing it all up, friends, I’d say you’ll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. 

Past is Past

You must train yourself to, at all times, let go of negative past events as soon as your mind tries to dwell on them. The second you start to think this way tell yourself immediately, let it go. Let things go. If it is past negative thoughts, stop them right away, do not let yourself dwell on them. Dwelling on these wrong thoughts keeps them growing in your thinking. Quit bringing them up and reliving them by rehearsing them over and over. They are not happening any more so quit dwelling on them as if something will change, it will not. You must move on. Circumstances do not matter now, all circumstances are actually in the past, even up to a second ago is still in the past.  The reality of the past is, it really has passed. It’s gone, and whether good or bad cannot be changed. Remind yourself it’s only what’s now that matters. The stronger we adjust and accept this, the greater the now will influence us and the more the past remains powerless. Check yourself as to what you are dwelling on, if it’s the past then let it go.

Eyes Which See

Train yourself to look for solutions and not the problem. Stop focusing on the problem. Problems will come and go but look for solutions and not just dwell on the problem. Setting our mind by dwelling the wrong way on a problem will only magnify it. Even if its  beyond your control, focus on how to look at it right now, today. 

Put your faith in His ability to give you eyes that see the answers today. The Lord always has an answer, He always has a plan. Teach your mind to think this way. Purposefully look for how His Spirit will lead and guide you away from the situation. This is looking for the solution. He is with us, living with us, He knows the next step. He always knows the right direction. He doesn’t want you sitting around continually dwelling on the problem or situation.  

‭Proverbs 4:18 TPT‬

[18] But the lovers of God walk on the highway of light,  and their way shines brighter and brighter until the perfect day.

Image

Your self talk is connected, of course, to how you see yourself. If you follow the path of these first four then your image will stay healthy. What you think about yourself is huge to mastering your thought life. Poor self image and insecurities are always a result of negative self talk. It’s you having a conversation about how you see yourself. If your mindset is negative then your image will be as well. Don’t tear yourself down. Set your mind on the right things. 

Remember, it can be changed right now. Instead talk about how Jesus sees you, why He saved you. Talk about all the positive things He said about being with Him. Be overwhelmingly thankful for all you do have. Think about all the positive things you have already seen and know to be from the Lord. Let your inward thinking (self talk) be about His love, goodness, grace, mercy, power, and as many attributes as possible which reveal how He sees you right now. 

Do not put words in His mouth about yourself. His image is your image. Let His Words be your predominant mindset.  As stated before, let Jesus do the writing. Let Him do the talking and allow yourself to rest from wrong words you may be dwelling on. It is the healthiest way to think and sure to keep you healthy. This is how we stay close to Him and this is where He truly can lead and guide us into His image for our lives. Let Jesus Words be the only guideline for your mind to set upon. Let your self talk be what your image is supposed to be and what He says it is to look like. 

‭Colossians 3:10-11 

[10] For you have acquired new creation life which is continually being renewed into the likeness of the One who created you; giving you the full revelation of God. [11] In this new creation life, your nationality makes no difference, nor your ethnicity, education, nor economic status—they matter nothing. For it is Christ that means everything as he lives in every one of us! TPT 

‭2 Corinthians 5:17 

[17] Therefore if anyone is in Christ [that is, grafted in, joined to Him by faith in Him as Savior], he is a new creature [reborn and renewed by the Holy Spirit]; the old things [the previous moral and spiritual condition] have passed away. Behold, new things have come [because spiritual awakening brings a new life]. AMP

The Extraordinary, Exceptional, Enjoyable God

Posted on | by Kim Carroll

Extraordinary: not ordinary, instead remarkable, amazing, basically over and above what would be perceived as normal. 

Exceptional: not typical, stands out among others or is seen as outstanding

Enjoyable: being delighted, bringing pleasure, to experience with joy

Heb 12:2-3 2 Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. NIV

We look away from the natural realm and we focus our attention and expectation onto Jesus who birthed faith within us and who leads us forward into faith’s perfection. His example is this: Because his heart was focused on the joy of knowing that you would be his, he endured the agony of the cross and conquered its humiliation, and now sits exalted at the right hand of the throne of God! TPT

Looking away [from all that will distract] to Jesus, Who is the Leader and the Source of our faith [giving the first incentive for our belief] and is also its Finisher [bringing it to maturity and perfection]. He, for the joy [of obtaining the prize] that was set before Him, endured the cross, despising and ignoring the shame, and is now seated at the right hand of the throne of God. AMP

We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. NLT 

Keep your eyes on Jesus, our leader and instructor. He was willing to die a shameful death on the cross because of the joy he knew would be his afterwards; TLB

Everyday we get to experience God’s love for us. His love was not a one time event that took place when He saved you, but is an ongoing, perpetual, never ending, and an always encompassing attribute of His we get to enjoy every morning when we wake up. His love is always there and always will be there. From when our eyelids first pop open till we close them to go to sleep we get to enjoy our Lord. This of course then repeats itself once again day after day. We get up and get to enjoy Him all over again. However I know that occasionally I must remind myself how enjoyable God truly is.  I think it is easy to let this slip and take for granted the knowledge of His love for us and the fact we get to do this.

When we ask people about God it’s a given they know God loves them. I mean I know that I know this truth. It is part of my ongoing relationship with Him.  However, something that helps me in this truth is knowing joy is a two way street. 

God’s Two Way Street

God’s joy is something which we possess based on the work He did in saving us. However, it is also something He possesses based on His relationship with us. I put Heb.12:2 at the beginning of this article and highlighted a portion of the scripture from various translations to emphasize this point. While we get to experience and enjoy Jesus, He gets to experience and enjoy us. 

His sacrifice to purchase and save us provides an endless life of joy for us with Him, but He also sacrificed so that He could have an endless experience of joy with us. We get to enjoy the Lord and He is very enjoyable, but He also gets to enjoy us. We bring joy to His heart.

He draws pleasure, and joy when thinking of you. You bring joy to His heart. When we think of Jesus it’s usually joy we find or draw from in the fact He accepted us and saved us. However, because of the sacrifice of His on the cross and from nothing we did, He now finds joy in you as well. His sacrifice for us, which now brings us joy, now brings him joy as well. His selfless sacrifice for us also brought Him joy in us being with Him.

Think of it like this. I have some friends when we get together, maybe a few times a year, we sit and share with each other our true selves. We talk about His Kingdom, our problems, and struggles, or the latest things we were involved with which makes us happy. We encourage and edify each other and after a couple of hours hug each other say, “love you friend”, and after departing and going home I always feel full. I will even send a text sometimes stating how enjoyable being with them was. When I get home my wife will even ask me, “How was that?”, to which I reply, “It was good. It was a great time together”. 
Being with Jesus should be the same. We should enjoy spending time with Jesus and in our understanding know so does He enjoy spending time with you. Part of salvation is He gets to be with you and enjoy you. So next time you are with the Jesus, think how much He enjoys being with you. What an amazing, extraordinary, exceptional, and enjoyable Lord.

You are either Growing or Dying

Posted on | by Kim Carroll

If you are not Growing, then you are Dying

Having had the privilege over the years to teach, preach, minister, and travel here in the States, multiple countries, and in various kinds of churches, you do learn a few things. You see patterns of the same truths prevalent no matter how different the church structure, culture, or age may be. I have noticed these truths, no matter the background, these truths seem to enable a person to grow in their walk with the Lord. These truths also seem, if they are not applied in one’s life, to hold them back. Yet, if understood and applied to their lives properly, their spiritual man thrives. 

Growth is a fundamental which should always be happening in a Christian’s life. Since the goal is to be like Jesus, then none of us are able to say they have arrived and display the perfect example of Christ. Everyone has room to grow and mature toward His image. We should always be growing, if we are not growing then we are dying.

The following are principles I have seen, which hopefully, will help in a person’s journey of growth. Now I am not saying these are the only ones, but these are definitely worth examining in your life as you pursue continued growth to be like Him.

I title these, First Things First Principles. These will help a person check themselves on their personal growth with Jesus.  

1.Faith

Absolutely nothing can happen or grow without faith. Our start and eventually our finish is all based on our faith in Christ. It’s so important to keep our faith growing. We should always learn and grow in our faith with God. Do all you can to keep faith moving progressively forward, even if it’s just baby steps.  In our walk with Jesus our faith should always be increasing. It does not matter if you are new to the Christian faith or have been around for years,  always be thinking and acting on your faith, and take the necessary steps to grow in your faith. Never, ever let go of your faith. Four areas that serve as a gauge to check your faith are; Thoughts, what we think on, and are we thinking right? Speech, what do we let come out of our mouths, is it positive or negative? His Words, are they still the standard of absolute truth, which we hold onto and stand on as solid ground? Actions, do our actions line up and reflect faith in God? Continually evaluate your faith, never fear checking yourself, are you still believing everything with a radical passion for Jesus? Has your faith grown this past year? 

‭Galatians 2:20.  [20] I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. NIV

‭1 John 5:4  [4] For everyone born of God is victorious and overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has conquered and overcome the world—our [continuing, persistent] faith [in Jesus the Son of God]. AMP

‭2 Thessalonians 1:3 [3] We feel a personal responsibility to continually be thanking God for you, our spiritual family,  every time we pray. And we have every reason to do so because your faith is growing marvelously beyond measure. The unselfish love each of you share for one another is increasing and overflowing. TPT

2. Take Responsibility, for all aspects of your life in every area. Make No excuses, none, not one, do not give yourself any room to excuse yourself. You are not a victim, refuse to have excuses. Even if something happened to you beyond your control, refuse to stay a victim.  Work on any area to get past whatever happened. Take control of your life. There may be reasons and good reasons but do not let them become excuses for your life, and no blame shifting,  take full and total responsibility for yourself. Remember, this is your only life, don’t live by excusing away things and just holding onto them year after year. Taking responsibility for the life you have been given is a privilege, and a reward. Never fear taking ownership of your life. It matters what you believe about yourself. So take charge and do whatever is necessary to get rid of anything you are using to excuse yourself. 

Mat.25:14-30

3. Resist the Devil

We, as Christians, are to always, (always, always), resist the devil, always. I cannot emphasize this enough.  You must be aware of his schemes, which are to devour, steal, kill, and ultimately destroy you, so resist him. Never let your guard down and forget his one and only existence is to diminish your faith in God. The devil wants to weaken it and eventually take you away from believing. 

‭James 4:7 AMP‬  [7] So submit to [the authority of] God. Resist the devil [stand firm against him] and he will flee from you. 

‭James 4:7 TPT   ‬[7] So then, surrender to God. Stand up to the devil and resist him and he will flee in agony.   

Refuse to stay weak in any area of your life where the devil has had the upper hand. Resist the devil, and keep resisting till you have the victory.  The devil does not have another plan. So neither should you. 

Next principle goes hand and hand with this thinking and is probably the number one area the devil works his greatest plot against a person.

4. Forgiveness.  

As a minister for over 40 years, it still amazes me what people will hold on to. Some will hold onto things for years. They stay hurt and bitter with what happened in the past, usually never realizing it only affects them. It holds them back from living life to its fullest. As stated in #8 and #7, the past is past, be extremely grateful for what you have now. Do what you need to do to release forgiveness. Examine and check out these 4 areas to make sure you have a clear and whole heart. 1. Know, without any doubt, God Forgives you.  He not only forgives you but releases and forgets. 2. Did you truly receive forgiveness? Many know God forgives but have never felt released because they didn’t think they were worthy and so did not receive His forgiveness. 3. Forgive others. This is very important. We must do whatever it takes to forgive others. Do not hold onto any resentment, bitterness, or unforgiveness toward others. This doesn’t mean they didn’t hurt you, however you still need to forgive. Jesus is the greatest example of forgiveness.  Ask for God’s help and let it go. 4. Forgive yourself, too many feel they have to earn it, so they inflict a form of self punishment on themselves. Again, God almighty, Lord of heaven and earth, King of all, forgave you, therefore  you need to forgive yourself.

5.  Quit limiting yourself. With Jesus you can do all things. Take the limits off yourself. The question to ask yourself is are you truly free to be yourself, the self God created you to be, or do you have self imposed boundaries? Are there areas in your life you do not push past to improve for whatever reasons? Some will say I’m just not good at that or I’m just not gifted in that, but did Jesus asked you to do it, then you can do it! You should be free to do all Jesus calls you to do. Do not fear the things you do not feel comfortable doing. 

Understanding our individuality, the individual self God wants us to be is so important. God wants to use the real you, the genuine you. He knows who you are and what you’re capable of doing. This is all part of how He grows His Kingdom. God made you an original. He created you different from everyone else to be used and contribute your uniqueness in His Kingdom. 

Think of it this way, God’s world is a gigantic picture and we get to paint in it. Every true artist has his or her unique style which distinguishes them, sets them apart from other artists. God wants you to add certain brush strokes to His painting. You get to paint in God’s living picture of His Kingdom here on earth. We get to leave our unique brush strokes, flair, and our personality in this painting if we want, but not if we limit ourselves. 

He has never created anyone like you and never will. You are totally and completely unique and He wants to use your distinctive thumb print in the progressive advancement of His Kingdom here on earth. At this time in history He wants to call on you to do whatever He asks of you, to leave your mark in His history,  because He sees you are the one to do it and with Him you can. 

‭Ephesians 2:10 AMP‬.  [10] For we are His workmanship [His own master work, a work of art], created in Christ Jesus [reborn from above—spiritually transformed, renewed, ready to be used] for good works, which God prepared [for us] beforehand [taking paths which He set], so that we would walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us].

‭Ephesians 2:10 TPT‬. [10] We have become his poetry,  a re-created people that will fulfill the destiny he has given each of us, for we are joined to Jesus, the Anointed One. Even before we were born, God planned in advance our destiny and the good works  we would do to fulfill it! 

When people were surveyed at the end of their lives, one major regret they had was they didn’t feel they were true to themselves. They limited themselves. They put the limits on what they did, and said they couldn’t do this or that and so they never tried. They let the world around them tell them what they should or shouldn’t do. They let fears or others’ expectations tell them who they should be, and never really felt free to be themselves. In shrinking back they set borders, boundaries, limits, and quit trying to be themselves. They stunted their own growth and in doing so never went past these self imposed limits. They limit their own true self. However the good news is right now, anyone can break past these limits and do everything Jesus is asking of them. 

It’s never too late, with Jesus, to take the limits off of yourself and start painting in His picture.  You must set yourself free and trust Him to do the work in your life He created you to do. He wants to use you, the you He created, the true self you have always desired to be. 

This means do not be afraid of new things or of failing the first time you decide to move past your comfort zone. If you try to do something by breaking past your self imposed boundaries and fail, this is still progress. Get up, brush yourself off, laugh it off and tell yourself how liberating that felt to try. Now, do it again and again till you have what you are trying for, this is true freedom. 

Do not fear failure, it’s the path of freedom if we do not quit and give up. Have zero tolerance for accepting failure. You cannot not fear this, and you cannot stay there either, you are going to make mistakes at times, You will fail at times, “so what” get up and go after it again and again. Never quit trying to be all God has called you to be.

6. Take the initiative to think ahead. If it needs to be done then go ahead and do it. Don’t wait to be told to do it especially if you see it needs done.  Don’t wait for someone to hold your hand. So many people just sit around waiting to be told what, when, and how to do something and If this doesn’t happen then nothing gets done. 

Initiative is willing to take action. It is  that first step toward getting something done. It’s to move forward progressively without being told what to do. However, not in an arrogant way as if you know and nobody else does or you’re the only one that can do it.

 Initiative will always create a path of growth.  A person with initiative matures and spiritually grows. People who think ahead and take initiative stand out and others are usually willing to follow them. 

7. Live with Jesus today. Ask Him, what can I do for you today? What can I do to follow you as close as I can, today?  The past is gone. Dump it and let it go as fast as you can. The past does not exist anymore unless you allow it and decide to live there instead of living for today. Do all that is necessary to forget it and live with the ever present Christ, today.

 Look to move forward-don’t ever look back-this doesn’t mean we cannot learn from the past or from what has already happened by  applying it to forward progress. 

Progress is progress and victory is victory no matter how small as long as you keep it and look at what’s next in moving forward from there. Even if it’s small baby steps you are moving forward, it doesn’t matter what others think about your progress and don’t compare your progress to anyone else’s.  Focus on today, and refuse to listen to yesterday’s faults, flaws, mistakes, failures or hurts. Do whatever it takes to get past them.

‭Philippians 3:12-13 TPT‬.  [12] I admit that I haven’t yet acquired the absolute fullness that I’m pursuing, but I run with passion into his abundance so that I may reach the purpose for which Christ Jesus laid hold of me to make me his own. [13] I don’t depend on my own strength to accomplish this;  however I do have one compelling focus: I forget all of the past as I fasten my heart to the future instead. 

‭Philippians 3:13 NIV‬. [13] Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 

Image, image, image. Never stop striving to be more like Jesus, “Everyday”. Conforming to His image is every Christian’s goal, to mature and be like Him in every way. Do not stop growing. Learn to hear His voice, to communicate with Him, to talk to Him and listen as He talks back to you. 

Get past yourself, maybe even get over yourself. This is part of being His disciple. You must die to self, and pick up His image. Ask yourself, and be ruthlessly honest, do I have a healthy self image or am I still plagued by insecurities, feelings of inadequacy, unworthiness, nobody caring, or not measuring up, then you need to get over yourself. Get past this and take up His image. This is where the adventure begins and  this is where life truly takes off for you.  Keep Jesus’ image as your standard. To be like Him in every way, every day. Live for Jesus today, forgetting the past. 

8. Be Extremely Grateful. Always, always giving thanks to God and anyone else for what they have done for you. There is always something you can be thankful for. Willfully practice this. Go over and above in saying thank you and showing a genuine, grateful heart. It is one of the most liberating principles to engage in everyday. This type of practice will keep you free from so much baggage.

‭Ephesians 5:20 AMP‬.  [20] always giving thanks to God the Father for all things, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; 

‭Ephesians 5:20 TPT‬.  [20] Always give thanks to Father God for every person   he brings into your life in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. 

9. Always be ready to expand the picture of God’s Kingdom for others, don’t let these opportunities go by. Never pass up an opportunity to give away from yourself in serving someone. This is sowing your life and scripture teaches us this is where you find true life. Train yourself to look for opportunities, willfully seek them out, and give of your life. Look to sow, continually practice being generous with your life, this doesn’t necessarily mean giving money, although that’s part of it. It means giving of your time, energy, and other resources, which are all part of sowing your life. Sow your life into the building up of someone else’s life. 

In Conclusion

If you are not growing then you are dying. Evaluate yourself with these and be honest as to where you can improve to keep growing to fulfill all He wants of you. What areas do you need to challenge yourself in? Then challenge yourself. Tell yourself you want to paint for Him. “I want all of Christ and I want to be free to be the Person He knows and wants me to be!”

Candy Corn

Posted on | by Kim Carroll

Candy Corn

Ps 34:8  Taste and see that the Lord is good;

Every season my wife decorates our house. I mean spring, summer, fall and her favorite, Christmas. She puts out what is appropriate for the particular season. This being Fall, she puts out all the things she decorates with, lights, leaves, flowers, pillows, dishes, candles, and which color coordinates for this season. Every fall for many years now she has put out a small dish in the shape and color of a candy corn and will fill it up with a particular brand of, (you should have guessed it), candy corn. For those of you who do not know of this candy, it comes out in the stores during the fall and looks like a yellow and orange piece of corn. Now of course our girls and their children know about this dish.  When they come to the house they look for this dish and help themselves to the candy corn. Throughout the fall this dish will get emptied and filled several times. 

Recently my 2 old grandson was at the house with his mother and I gave him his first candy corn. I picked up the piece of candy and handed it to him. He looked at it and played with it a little not knowing what it was and then I took one, put it in my mouth and he did the same. At first he looked like he would spit it out but then the sweetness touched his taste buds and an overwhelming approval registered on his face. He looked at me almost instantly and motioned to me for more. Watching his face go from not sure to positively yes for more, his mother and I just laughed. A couple of days later they stopped by the house and as soon as they came in the door he went straight to the dish. It just so happened to be empty at this time but he would stare at the dish and look at me like where are those wonderful little candies? 

Now think with me for a moment, do we taste to see how good the Lord is? God with His overwhelming love for us is always wanting us to experience more. More of everything He has that He gives to us for our enjoyment. He doesn’t do things to leave a bad taste in our mouths but a good taste. A taste we approve of and look at Him with the same face my grandson had wanting more. Do we run to God looking for more of the candy corn of His words, character, and nature because we remember how good it tasted before?

In the scripture above the actual Hebrew word taste is referring to perception of a thing. Look at the definition of taste; to try with your taste buds, to excite a particular sensation, by which a quality of flavor is distinguished, to perceive with your tongue/taste buds, to experience and distinguish a flavor most likely for the first time. 

According to the scripture the flavor you are looking for is good. You are perceiving how good God is. You are wanting to experience this particular sensation. The best thing about this is God wants you to taste this too Because He knows once you have tasted a flavor and you have liked it you want more. 

I have had many steaks in my life but there is one place both my wife and I had a steak that to this day is the best. We still will talk about it.  When you mention this particular restaurant we both light up and overwhelmingly agree the best steak we ever have had. Our taste buds had a sensation that we would go back again and again to partake of. 

There was a time we did mission trips to Romania. Getting there we would sometimes have to stop in Zurich. I had gotten to know some of the things to do and try with overnight stays in Zurich. There was a particular chocolate shop and every time I would take a team through Zurich I had to take them to this shop and buy them their first Swiss chocolate. I would joke and tell them the first one’s on me. I would enjoy treating people to their first chocolate truffle and watching their facial expression. Of course they would want another one, and now you know why I would only buy the first one, because I knew they would want another. 

Do we have a spiritual facial expression with the things of God? Do we want more?  This is really how we should know our Lord. We should be wanting more, having tasted, we want another. Why? Because it is so amazingly good. He is so amazingly Good. 

I have said this many times and I am sure I heard it somewhere but God is never holding anything back from us but holding it for us. He isn’t hiding things from us but wants us to come and taste and see His goodness. He is holding them out for us to come and partake of all He has for us. 

We taste what is good by enjoying His Word, finding pleasure in walking with Him, growing in His abundant love for us. 

There are many things I have tasted and did not like. I did not care to taste them again. However, never have I in over 40 plus years of walking with God have I tasted anything bad from Him. Just the opposite I have only found that which is good and loving, caring and always willing to share every aspect of His life with me. 

The whole message about His Son is making sure we receive the very best He has to offer. He wholeheartedly gave us Jesus so we could enjoy all His goodness. The way Jesus enjoyed life with his Father, the Father wanted to make sure we received the exact same abundant life. Again, He is not keeping anything from us but holding out to us to come and taste and see how truly good He is. So think of all the good of God you have tasted and remember this every time you come to Him. Look for the dish with the candy corn of life in it and help yourself.

Luke 10:21

 At that time Jesus, full of joy through the Holy Spirit, said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this was your good pleasure.  NIV

Eph 1:9-10

And he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure,

which he purposed in Christ, NIV

Luke 12:32

32 “Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. NKJV

Forget The Half Glass

Posted on | by Kim Carroll

Forget The Half Glass

We have all probably heard the saying, “the glass half full or half empty” and the meaning is pointing to how we view things, either positive “half full” or negative “half empty”. It reveals the attitude of the heart in how we see events unfolding in our lives as well as around us. However, why just half a glass?

 In Lam.3:22-23 states His love and mercy is brand new every single morning we get up. In Jn.10:10 states He gives us life in abundance, and the amplified states “till its full, overflowing.”  This means every morning we can start with an empty glass and fill it up with as much of Him as we possibly can. So everyday with God the glass can be full and even spilling over. 

So coming back to the glass being half empty or half full it’s only just half a glass. To be truly positive we will see the glass filling up with the life of Christ. Every morning we wake up, our quest should be to see how full we can get the glass with His life spilling out of us. Filling the glass up with our walk with Him, discovering the newness of Him filling up the  glass. He provides us with an abundant supply of life. He just keeps pouring till we stop it for whatever reasons. I mean, we determine how much of His life we will live today. We determine then how full our glass will be. Whether negative, seeing the problems, situations, and lack, or we’re thankful to be alive today, physically, mentally, Spiritually, and letting 100% of His life live in us today is our choice. 

Everyday He gives us the ability to be as alive as we want to be with Him, after all He is the author of Life. So start with an empty glass today and fill it up with as much of the life of Jesus as you possibly can. Live seeing Him adding all of what He has for you, today. Not negative, not seeing the lack or problems, even if they are there, no old dry religious ways of the past, nothing from yesterday. 

Today, right now, He is creating, producing new things. He is the only source of life, purpose and destiny. Let’s look with a heart that wants to be filled till overflowing. Forget the half glass, reach for the overflowing one. Now this is the attitude to have when looking at the glass. 

It is because of the Lord’s mercy and loving-kindness that we are not consumed, because His [tender] compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great and abundant is Your stability and faithfulness. The Lord is my portion or share, says my living being (my inner self); therefore will I hope in Him and wait expectantly for Him. The Lord is good to those who wait hopefully and expectantly for Him, to those who seek Him [inquire of and for Him and require Him by right of necessity and on the authority of God’s word]. It is good that one should hope in and wait quietly for the salvation (the safety and ease) of the Lord.   Lamentations 3:22‭-‬26 AMPC

The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life, and have it in abundance [to the full, till it overflows].   John 10:10 AMP

Going From Ordinary To Extraordinary

Posted on | by Kim Carroll

(Translations in Portuguese, Spanish, Romanian, and French)

Going From Ordinary To Extraordinary

[Special: different from what is normal or usual; unusual in a good way; 

better or more important than others; something that stands out; 

merits greater attention to;]

My wife and I recently celebrated our 47th wedding anniversary. Of course we celebrate this event every year and for 47 years it has been a special occasion. 

It’s special to us because 47 years ago we married. It wouldn’t be special to anyone else except us. But this made me question, what makes it special? Every year since we have celebrated the day we got married. After multiple years later, it is just another anniversary which has come and gone, is it really special? We have seen this 47 times. We have come to just expect that we will celebrate this occasion. 

The main reason we celebrate is because this event reminds us of our love for each other and our devotion to each other. Every year we have had together represents our commitment  we made to travel life’s road with each other, and our devotion, which has only grown deeper, making it a special occasion for us.  

As I thought about this I was reminded of all the other special occasions in our lives. It may be a birthday, a special holiday, or an event you celebrate and treasure as a special day. 

How do we determine what makes it special? Will you just know? Perhaps there will be something significant that happens and then you will know this is a special occasion. For it to be a special occasion means it is valuable to us and we give our full attention to it. If we see it as important then it will stand out, making it special.

How about today? Could today be a special occasion? This would be determined on how we see today. So how special is today? Part of the answer would depend on what makes it special to us. 

Based on our definition of special, we might say there is nothing special about today. If we see it as ordinary then it most likely is or will be. If it’s just another day then it is just another day. 

Just like my wife and my anniversary, if we are not looking at it as different from other days, seeing what makes it special, then it was just another anniversary which has come and gone, no big deal. But if we see it as different from all other days then we look for what makes it more important and this is what we focus our attention on. 

Have you ever thought about what’s special to God? The Bible reveals two main concepts that are very special to Him. 1. His Son Jesus. 2. Mankind, us. What’s unique is He brought these two together making those who accept His Son very special to Himself. The Father and His Son have now focused all their attention on us. In fact they have a special celebration concerning us, specifically you.   

Jesus continued, “In the same way, there will be a glorious celebration in heaven over the rescue of one lost sinner who repents, comes back home, and returns to the fold—more so than for all the righteous people who never strayed away.”

Luke 15:7 TPT

That’s the way God responds every time one lost sinner repents and turns to him. He says to all his angels, ‘Let’s have a joyous celebration, for the one who was lost, I have found!’ ” Luke 15:10 TPT

To God everyday is special. You are special, if you are  walking with Jesus. An ordinary day for Jesus does not exist. Every day is special, because He sees you as special, today. There is no such thing as an ordinary day with the Lord. He sits on His throne and focuses all of His love and power toward what’s special to Him, which is us. Everyday He so loves the world which is why He gave His Son and His Son is giving life to us everyday, which makes it very special. This is where He focuses His attention. 

Everything Jesus is doing with us spiritually is not just ordinary, but extraordinary, it’s very special. So is this just another day of Jesus living and abiding in our heart? What makes the difference between ordinary and extraordinary? Again, could it be the way we see today that will determine this? Here are a few things to think about which can take you from having an ordinary day to an extraordinary day, to where you say, “Wow, what a special day with Jesus this truly is!” 

Special: different from what is normal or usual; unusual in a good way; better or more important than others; something that stands out; merits greater attention to;

What will be special about today?

  1. His Presence: What makes today amazing, absolutely extraordinarily special is You are here. You, Lord Jesus, are with me. The greatest, single, special event to take place today is I woke up to this fact, You are here with me.                                      

Every single moment you are thinking of me! How precious and wonderful to consider that you cherish me constantly in your every thought! O God, your desires toward me are more than the grains of sand on every shore! When I awake each morning, you’re still with me.   Psalms 139:17‭-‬18 TPT

  1. His Love: You are placing all of Your love on me today. You are focusing Your attention on me to faithfully love me. Your love is here with me, and is always for me, especially today. Today is special because the Father in heaven is right now looking at me the same way He looked at His Son Jesus. I am special in God’s eyes, the same way Jesus was special in His Father’s eyes.   

I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them.”    John 17:23‭, ‬26 NIV.                                                                              

so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through your faith. And may you, having been [deeply] rooted and [securely] grounded in love, be fully capable of comprehending with all the saints (God’s people) the width and length and height and depth of His love [fully experiencing that amazing, endless love]; and [that you may come] to know [practically, through personal experience] the love of Christ which far surpasses [mere] knowledge [without experience], that you may be filled up [throughout your being] to all the fullness of God [so that you may have the richest experience of God’s presence in your lives, completely filled and flooded with God Himself]. Ephesians 3:17‭-‬19 AMP.                                                                                    

Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors and gain an overwhelming victory through Him who loved us [so much that He died for us]. For I am convinced [and continue to be convinced—beyond any doubt] that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present and threatening, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the [unlimited] love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:37‭-‬39 AMP

  1. His Life: You have given all of Your life to me today. You have never held anything back of Your life and goodness from me. Today You are providing everything I need and I have Your abundant life.  Everything You said and promised to give me, You are faithfully doing so today.                                                                        

A thief has only one thing in mind—he wants to steal, slaughter, and destroy. But I have come to give you everything in abundance, more than you expect —life in its fullness until you overflow! John 10:10 TPT

Everything we could ever need for life and godliness has already been deposited in us by his divine power. For all this was lavished upon us through the rich experience of knowing him who has called us by name and invited us to come to him through a glorious manifestation of his goodness. 2 Peter 1:3 TPT

  1. His Plans; What is He planning today? Whatever it is, it’s guaranteed to be special. What is He writing on my heart today? What is He going to use me to do for Him, today? Because it’s a brand new day,  all new possibilities are open to me, with God all things are possible, anything is possible to the one who believes, 

and I believe today that with God I can  have all new experiences from new things you are bringing to me today. New open doors, greater understanding, deeper wisdom and fresh insight from You and Your Words.                

For we are His workmanship [His own master work, a work of art], created in Christ Jesus [reborn from above—spiritually transformed, renewed, ready to be used] for good works, which God prepared [for us] beforehand [taking paths which He set], so that we would walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us]. Ephesians 2:10 AMP.                                                                         

You are so intimately aware of me, Lord. You read my heart like an open book and you know all the words I’m about to speak before I even start a sentence! You know every step I will take before my journey even begins. You’ve gone into my future to prepare the way, and in kindness you follow behind me to spare me from the harm of my past. You have laid your hand on me!                     Psalms 139:3‭-‬5 TPT.                                                        

You show that you are a letter from Christ, delivered by us, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts. 2 Corinthians 3:3 AMP

Jesus said to him, “[You say to Me,] ‘If You can?’ All things are possible for the one who believes and trusts [in Me]!” Mark 9:23 AMP.                                                             

Jesus looked at them intently and said, “Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But not with God. Everything is possible with God.”  Mark 10:27 NLT 

  1. Other People: What is special today? God is with other people.  God is ministering and saving people all around you. He is loving and working in people’s lives. He is doing something special with them. I get to hear their stories. There are special stories happening with other people wherever we go. Everyone has a story. Are you looking for the story of God’s hand working with those around you.                                                

The Lord does not delay [as though He were unable to act] and is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is [extraordinarily] patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.   2 Peter 3:9 AMP.    

who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge and recognition of the [divine] truth. 1 Timothy 2:4 AMP.                                                                                          

“For God so [greatly] loved and dearly prized the world, that He [even] gave His [One and] only begotten Son, so that whoever believes and trusts in Him [as Savior] shall not perish, but have eternal life. John 3:16 AMP

You need to tell yourself, with God today it is going to be special. Go ahead and see today as a special day. Start looking for and seeing the specialness of today. He makes everyday special. He is always working with us making our day a special occasion.

(Portuguese)

Passando de ordinário para extraordinário

[Especial: diferente do que é normal ou usual; incomum em um bom sentido; melhor ou mais importante do que outros; algo que se destaca; merece maior atenção].

Minha esposa e eu comemoramos recentemente nosso 47º aniversário de casamento. É claro que comemoramos esse evento todos os anos e, há 47 anos, ele é uma ocasião especial. 

É especial para nós porque há 47 anos nos casamos. Não seria especial para ninguém mais, exceto para nós. 

Mas isso me fez perguntar: o que o torna especial? Todos os anos, desde então, comemoramos o dia do nosso casamento. Depois de vários anos, é apenas mais um aniversário que veio e se foi. Ele é realmente especial? Já o vimos 47 vezes. Passamos a esperar que comemoremos essa ocasião. 

A principal razão pela qual comemoramos é porque esse evento nos lembra de nosso amor e de nossa devoção um ao outro. Cada ano que passamos juntos representa o compromisso que assumimos de trilhar a estrada da vida um com o outro e nossa devoção, que só se aprofundou, tornando essa ocasião especial para nós.  

Ao pensar nisso, lembrei-me de todas as outras ocasiões especiais em nossa vida. Pode ser um aniversário, um feriado especial ou um evento que você celebra e valoriza como um dia especial. 

Como determinamos o que o torna especial? Você simplesmente sabe? Talvez haja algo significativo que aconteça e então você saberá que é uma ocasião especial. O fato de ser uma ocasião especial significa que ela é valiosa para nós e que damos a ela toda a nossa atenção. Se a considerarmos importante, ela se destacará, tornando-a especial.

Que tal hoje? O dia de hoje poderia ser uma ocasião especial? Isso seria determinado pela maneira como vemos o dia de hoje. Então, quão especial é o dia de hoje? Parte da resposta dependerá do que o torna especial para nós. 

Com base em nossa definição de especial, poderíamos dizer que não há nada de especial no dia de hoje. Se o considerarmos comum, então provavelmente é ou será. Se for apenas mais um dia, então é apenas mais um dia. 

Assim como minha esposa e meu aniversário de casamento, se não o considerarmos diferente dos outros dias, vendo o que o torna especial, então será apenas mais um aniversário que chegou e passou, nada demais. Mas se o vemos como diferente de todos os outros dias, então procuramos o que o torna mais importante e é nisso que concentramos nossa atenção. 

Você já pensou sobre o que é especial para Deus? A Bíblia revela dois conceitos principais que são muito especiais para Ele. 1. Seu Filho Jesus. 2. a humanidade, nós. O que é único é que Ele uniu esses dois conceitos, tornando aqueles que aceitam Seu Filho muito especiais para Ele. O Pai e Seu Filho agora concentraram toda a sua atenção em nós. Na verdade, Eles têm uma celebração especial por nós, especificamente por você.   

Jesus continuou: “Da mesma forma, haverá uma gloriosa celebração no céu pelo resgate de um pecador perdido que se arrepende, volta para casa e se junta ao rebanho – mais do que por todas as pessoas justas que nunca se desviaram.”

Lucas 15:7 TPT

É assim que Deus responde toda vez que um pecador perdido se arrepende e se volta para Ele. Ele diz a todos os seus anjos: “Vamos fazer uma festa alegre, pois encontrei aquele que estava perdido! ” Lucas 15:10 TPT

Para Deus, todo dia é especial. Você é especial se estiver caminhando com Jesus. Para Jesus, não existe um dia comum. Todo dia é especial porque Ele o vê como especial hoje. Não existe dia comum com o Senhor. Ele se senta em Seu trono e concentra todo o Seu amor e poder naquilo que é especial para Ele, que somos nós. Todos os dias Ele ama tanto o mundo que é por isso que deu Seu Filho e Seu Filho está nos dando vida todos os dias, o que os torna muito especiais. É nisso que Ele concentra Sua atenção. 

Tudo o que Jesus está fazendo conosco espiritualmente não é apenas comum, mas extraordinário, é muito especial. Então, este é apenas mais um dia de Jesus vivendo e permanecendo em nosso coração? O que faz a diferença entre o comum e o extraordinário? Novamente, será que é a maneira como vemos o dia de hoje que determinará isso? Aqui estão algumas coisas para pensar que podem levá-lo de um dia comum para um dia extraordinário, até o ponto em que você diga: “Uau, que dia especial com Jesus este realmente é!” 

(Especial: diferente do que é normal ou usual; incomum em um bom sentido; melhor ou mais importante do que outros; algo que se destaca; merece maior atenção;)

O que será especial no dia de hoje?

  1. Sua presença: O que torna o dia de hoje incrível, absolutamente extraordinariamente especial é o fato de o Senhor estar aqui. Você, Senhor Jesus, está comigo. O maior, único e especial evento que aconteceu hoje é que acordei para este fato: Você está aqui comigo.                                      

A todo momento, o Senhor está pensando em mim! Como é precioso e maravilhoso considerar que o Senhor me valoriza constantemente em todos os seus pensamentos! Ó Deus, seus desejos para mim são maiores do que os grãos de areia de todas as praias! Quando acordo todas as manhãs, o Senhor ainda está comigo.  

Salmo 139:17-18 TPT

  1. Seu amor: O Senhor está colocando todo o Seu amor em mim hoje. Ele está concentrando Sua atenção em mim para me amar fielmente. Seu amor está aqui comigo e é sempre para mim, especialmente hoje. Hoje é um dia especial porque o Pai Celestial está olhando para mim neste momento, assim como olhou para Seu Filho Jesus. Sou especial aos olhos de Deus, assim como Jesus era especial aos olhos de Seu Pai.     

                                                                                                                     Eu neles e vocês em mim – para que eles possam ser levados à unidade completa. Então o mundo saberá que o Senhor me enviou e os amou assim como me amou.                Eu te dei a conhecer a eles, e continuarei a te dar a conhecer, para que o amor que tens por mim esteja neles e eu mesmo esteja neles.” João 17:23, 26 NVI.                                                                              

para que Cristo possa habitar em seus corações por meio de sua fé. E para que vocês, estando [profundamente] arraigados e [firmemente] alicerçados no amor, sejam capazes de compreender, com todos os santos (o povo de Deus), a largura, o comprimento, a altura e a profundidade do Seu amor [experimentando plenamente esse amor incrível e infinito]; e [para que] conheçam [na prática, por meio de experiência pessoal] o amor de Cristo, que excede em muito o [mero] conhecimento [sem experiência], para que sejam cheios [em todo o seu ser] de toda a plenitude de Deus [para que tenham a mais rica experiência da presença de Deus em suas vidas, completamente cheios e inundados pelo próprio Deus].  Efésios 3:17-19 AMP.                                                                                    

Em todas essas coisas, porém, somos mais do que vencedores e obtemos uma vitória esmagadora por meio daquele que nos amou [tanto que morreu por nós]. Pois estou convencido [e permaneço convencido – sem qualquer dúvida] de que nem a morte, nem a vida, nem os anjos, nem os principados, nem as coisas presentes e ameaçadoras, nem as coisas futuras, nem os poderes, nem a altura, nem a profundidade, nem qualquer outra coisa criada poderá nos separar do amor [sem limites] de Deus, que está em Cristo Jesus, nosso Senhor.    Romanos 8:37-39 AMP

  1. Sua vida: Você me deu toda a sua vida hoje. Nunca me negou nada de Sua vida e bondade. Hoje, o Senhor está provendo tudo o que preciso e tenho Sua vida abundante.  Tudo o que o Senhor disse e prometeu me dar, o Senhor está fazendo fielmente hoje.                                                                        

Um ladrão tem apenas uma coisa em mente – ele quer roubar, matar e destruir. Mas eu vim para lhe dar tudo em abundância, mais do que você espera – vida em abundância até transbordar! João 10:10 TPT

Tudo o que poderíamos precisar para a vida e a piedade já foi depositado em nós por seu poder divino. Pois tudo isso foi derramado sobre nós por meio da rica experiência de conhecer aquele que nos chamou pelo nome e nos convidou a vir a ele por meio de uma gloriosa manifestação de sua bondade. 2 Pedro 1:3 TPT

  1. Seus planos; O que Ele está planejando hoje? Seja o que for, com certeza será especial. O que Ele está escrevendo em meu coração hoje? O que Ele me usará para fazer por Ele hoje? Porque é um novo dia, todas as novas possibilidades estão abertas para mim, com Deus todas as coisas são possíveis, todas as coisas são possíveis para aquele que crê, e creio hoje que com Deus posso ter todas as novas experiências das coisas novas que o Senhor está trazendo para mim hoje. Novas portas se abriram, maior compreensão, sabedoria mais profunda e novas percepções sobre o Senhor e Suas palavras.                

Porque somos feitura Sua [Sua própria obra-prima, uma obra de arte], criados em Cristo Jesus [renascidos do alto – espiritualmente transformados, renovados, prontos para serem usados] para boas obras, as quais Deus preparou [para nós] de antemão [seguindo os caminhos que Ele traçou], para que andássemos nelas [vivendo a boa vida que Ele preparou e traçou para nós]. Efésios 2:10 AMP.                                                                         

Você me conhece tão intimamente, Senhor. Você lê meu coração como um livro aberto e sabe cada palavra que vou dizer antes mesmo de começar uma frase! O Senhor conhece cada passo que darei antes mesmo de minha jornada começar. O Senhor entrou em meu futuro para preparar o caminho e, graciosamente, segue atrás de mim para me poupar dos danos do meu passado. O Senhor colocou sua mão sobre mim!                     Salmo 139:3-5 TPT.                                                        

O Senhor mostra que é uma carta de Cristo, entregue por nós, escrita não com tinta, mas com o Espírito do Deus vivo, não em tábuas de pedra, mas em tábuas de corações humanos.

2 Coríntios 3:3 AMP

Jesus lhe disse: “[Você me diz:] ‘Se você pode? Todas as coisas são possíveis para aquele que crê e confia [em Mim]!” Marcos 9:23 AMP.                                                             

Jesus olhou para eles atentamente e disse: “Humanamente falando, isso é impossível. Mas não com Deus. Com Deus, tudo é possível”.  Marcos 10:27 NLT 

  1. Outras pessoas: O que há de especial no dia de hoje? Deus está com outras pessoas.  Deus está ministrando e salvando as pessoas ao seu redor. Ele está amando e trabalhando na vida das pessoas. Ele está fazendo algo especial com elas. Posso ouvir suas histórias. Há histórias especiais acontecendo com outras pessoas onde quer que vamos. Todos têm uma história. Você está procurando a história da mão de Deus trabalhando com as pessoas ao seu redor?                                                

O Senhor não demora [como se fosse incapaz de agir] e não é lento em Sua promessa, como alguns consideram a lentidão, mas é [extraordinariamente] paciente para com vocês, não querendo que ninguém pereça, mas que todos cheguem ao arrependimento. 2 Pedro 3:9 AMP.    

que deseja que todas as pessoas sejam salvas e cheguem ao conhecimento e ao reconhecimento da verdade [divina]. 

1 Timóteo 2:4 AMP.                                                                                          

“Porque Deus amou e prezou o mundo de tal maneira que deu o seu Filho unigênito, para que todo aquele que nele crê e confia [como Salvador] não pereça, mas tenha a vida eterna. João 3:16 AMP

Você precisa dizer a si mesmo que, com Deus, o dia de hoje será especial. Vá em frente e veja o dia de hoje como um dia especial. Comece a procurar e a ver a especialidade do dia de hoje. Ele torna cada dia especial. Ele está sempre trabalhando conosco para fazer do nosso dia uma ocasião especial.

(Spanish)

Pasar de lo ordinario a lo extraordinario

[Especial: diferente de lo que es normal o habitual; inusual en el buen sentido; mejor o más importante que otros; algo que destaca; que merece mayor atención].

Mi mujer y yo hemos celebrado recientemente nuestro 47 aniversario de boda. Por supuesto, celebramos este acontecimiento todos los años, y durante 47 años ha sido una ocasión especial. 

Es especial para nosotros porque hace 47 años nos casamos. No sería especial para nadie más que para nosotros. Pero me hizo preguntarme: ¿qué lo hace especial? Desde entonces, cada año celebramos el día de nuestra boda. Después de varios años, no es más que otro aniversario que ha llegado y se ha ido. ¿Es realmente especial? Lo hemos visto 47 veces. Nos hemos acostumbrado a celebrar esta ocasión. 

La principal razón por la que lo celebramos es porque este acontecimiento nos recuerda nuestro amor y nuestra devoción mutua. Cada año que pasamos juntos representa el compromiso que adquirimos de recorrer el camino de la vida el uno con el otro y nuestra devoción, que no ha hecho sino profundizarse, lo que hace que esta ocasión sea especial para nosotros.  

Mientras pensaba en ello, me acordé de todas las demás ocasiones especiales de nuestra vida. Puede ser un cumpleaños, una fiesta especial o un acontecimiento que celebremos y apreciemos como un día especial. 

¿Cómo determinamos qué lo hace especial? ¿Simplemente se sabe? Tal vez ocurra algo significativo y entonces sabrá que se trata de una ocasión especial. El hecho de que sea una ocasión especial significa que es valiosa para nosotros y que le prestamos toda nuestra atención. Si lo consideramos importante, destacará, haciéndolo especial.

¿Y hoy? ¿Podría ser hoy una ocasión especial? Eso dependerá de cómo veamos el día de hoy. Entonces, ¿cómo de especial es hoy? Parte de la respuesta dependerá de lo que lo haga especial para nosotros. 

Basándonos en nuestra definición de especial, podríamos decir que hoy no tiene nada de especial. Si lo consideramos ordinario, probablemente lo es o lo será. Si es un día más, entonces es un día más. 

Al igual que mi esposa y mi aniversario de bodas, si no lo vemos como diferente de otros días, viendo lo que lo hace especial, entonces era sólo otro aniversario que vino y se fue, no es gran cosa. Pero si lo vemos diferente de todos los demás días, entonces buscamos lo que lo hace más importante y en eso centramos nuestra atención. 

¿Has pensado alguna vez en lo que es especial para Dios? La Biblia revela dos conceptos principales que son muy especiales para Él. 1. 1. Su Hijo Jesús. 2. La humanidad, nosotros. Lo que es único es que Él ha unido estos dos conceptos, haciendo que aquellos que aceptan a Su Hijo sean muy especiales para Él. El Padre y Su Hijo han centrado ahora toda su atención en nosotros. De hecho, Ellos tienen una celebración especial hacia nosotros, específicamente hacia ti.   

Jesús continuó: “De la misma manera, habrá una gloriosa celebración en el cielo por el rescate de un pecador perdido que se arrepienta, regrese a casa y se reúna con el rebaño; más que por todos los justos que nunca se descarriaron.” Lucas 15:7 TPT

Así responde Dios cada vez que un pecador perdido se arrepiente y se vuelve a Él. A todos sus ángeles les dice: “¡Alegrémonos, porque he encontrado al que se había perdido! “Lucas 15:10 TPT

Para Dios, cada día es especial. Tú eres especial si caminas con Jesús. Para Jesús no existen los días ordinarios. Cada día es especial porque Él te ve como especial hoy. No hay día ordinario con el Señor. El se sienta en Su trono y enfoca todo Su amor y poder en lo que es especial para El, que somos nosotros. Cada día El ama tanto al mundo que es por eso que El dio a Su Hijo y Su Hijo nos esta dando vida cada día, lo que los hace muy especiales. Eso es en lo que El enfoca Su atención. 

Todo lo que Jesús está haciendo con nosotros espiritualmente no es ordinario sino extraordinario, es muy especial. Entonces, ¿es éste un día más en el que Jesús vive y habita en nuestros corazones? ¿Qué hace la diferencia entre lo ordinario y lo extraordinario? Una vez más, ¿podría ser que sea la forma en que vemos el día de hoy lo que lo determine? Aquí tienes algunas cosas en las que pensar que podrían llevarte de un día ordinario a un día extraordinario, hasta el punto en que digas: “¡Vaya, qué día tan especial con Jesús es éste!” 

Especial: diferente de lo que es normal o habitual; inusual en el buen sentido; mejor o más importante que otros; algo que destaca; que merece mayor atención;

¿Qué tendrá de especial el día de hoy?

  1. Su presencia: Lo que hace que el día de hoy sea asombroso, absolutamente extraordinario, es que el Señor está aquí. Tú, Señor Jesús, estás conmigo. El acontecimiento más grande, único, especial que ha sucedido hoy es que me he despertado a este hecho: Tú estás aquí conmigo.                                      

En todo momento, Tú piensas en mí. ¡Qué precioso y maravilloso es considerar que el Señor me valora constantemente en todos sus pensamientos! ¡Oh Dios, tus deseos para mí son más grandes que los granos de arena de todas las playas! Cada mañana, al despertarme, sigues estando conmigo.   Salmo 139:17-18 TPT

  1. Tu amor: El Señor pone hoy todo su amor en mí. Él está centrando Su atención en mí para amarme fielmente. Su amor está aquí conmigo y siempre es para mí, especialmente hoy. Hoy es especial porque el Padre Celestial me está mirando en este momento, tal como miró a Su Hijo Jesús. Soy especial a los ojos de Dios, igual que Jesús era especial a los ojos de Su Padre.     

Yo en ellos y tú en mí – para que puedan ser llevados a la unidad completa. Entonces el mundo sabrá que tú me has enviado y que los has amado como me has amado a mí.  Yo te he dado a conocer a ellos, y seguiré dándote a conocer, para que el amor que me tienes esté en ellos y yo mismo esté en ellos”.                          Juan 17:23, 26 NVI.                                                                              

para que Cristo habite en sus corazones por medio de su fe. Y para que ustedes, estando [profundamente] arraigados y [firmemente] cimentados en el amor, puedan comprender plenamente, con todos los santos (el pueblo de Dios), la anchura, la longitud, la altura y la profundidad de su amor [experimentando plenamente este increíble e infinito amor]; y [para que] lleguen a conocer [en la práctica, a través de la experiencia personal] el amor de Cristo, que supera con creces [el mero] conocimiento [sin experiencia], para que sean llenos [en todo su ser] de toda la plenitud de Dios [para que tengan la experiencia más rica de la presencia de Dios en sus vidas, completamente llenos e inundados de Dios mismo].                Efesios 3:17-19 AMP.                                                                                    

Pero en todas estas cosas somos más que vencedores y obtenemos una victoria aplastante por medio de aquel que nos amó [tanto que murió por nosotros]. Porque estoy convencido [y sigo convencido – sin ninguna duda] de que ni la muerte, ni la vida, ni ángeles, ni principados, ni lo presente y amenazante, ni lo por venir, ni potestades, ni lo alto, ni lo profundo, ni ninguna otra cosa creada podrá separarnos del amor [sin límites] de Dios, que es en Cristo Jesús Señor nuestro.        Romanos 8:37-39 AMP

  1. Tu vida: Hoy me has dado toda tu vida. Nunca me has negado nada de Tu vida y bondad. Hoy, Tú estás proveyendo todo lo que necesito y tengo Tu vida abundante.  Todo lo que dijiste y prometiste darme, lo estás haciendo fielmente hoy.                                                                        

Un ladrón sólo tiene una cosa en mente – quiere robar, matar y destruir. Pero yo he venido a darte todo en abundancia, más de lo que esperas: ¡vida en abundancia hasta rebosar! Juan 10:10 TPT

                                                                                                                                      Todo lo que podemos necesitar para la vida y la piedad ya ha sido depositado en nosotros por su poder divino. Porque todo esto ha sido derramado sobre nosotros a través de la rica experiencia de conocer a aquel que nos llamó por nuestro nombre y nos invitó a venir a él mediante una gloriosa manifestación de su bondad.

 2 Pedro 1:3 TPT

  1. Sus planes; ¿Qué está planeando hoy? Sea lo que sea, seguro que será especial. ¿Qué está escribiendo hoy en mi corazón? ¿Qué hará hoy por mí? Porque es un nuevo día, todas las nuevas posibilidades están abiertas para mí, con Dios todo es posible, todas las cosas son posibles para el que cree, y hoy creo que con Dios puedo tener todas las nuevas experiencias de las cosas nuevas que el Señor me está trayendo hoy. Nuevas puertas abiertas, mayor entendimiento, sabiduría más profunda y nuevas percepciones de Ti y de Tus palabras.                

Porque somos hechura suya [Su propia obra maestra, una obra de arte], creados en Cristo Jesús [renacidos de lo alto – espiritualmente transformados, renovados, listos para ser usados] para buenas obras, las cuales Dios preparó [para nosotros] de antemano [siguiendo los caminos que Él trazó], para que anduviésemos en ellas [viviendo la buena vida que Él preparó y trazó para nosotros]. Efesios 2:10 AMP.                                                                         

Tú me conoces tan íntimamente, Señor. Tú lees mi corazón como un libro abierto y sabes cada palabra que estoy a punto de decir, ¡incluso antes de que comience una oración! Conoces cada paso que daré antes de que comience mi viaje. El Señor se ha adentrado en mi futuro para preparar el camino y me sigue amablemente para evitarme el daño de mi pasado. ¡Tú has puesto tu mano sobre mí!       Salmo 139:3-5 TPT.                                                        

Muestras que es una carta de Cristo, entregada por nosotros, escrita no con tinta, sino con el Espíritu del Dios vivo, no en tablas de piedra, sino en tablas de corazones humanos. 2 Corintios 3:3 AMP

Jesús le dijo: “[Tú me dices:] ¿Si puedes? Todo es posible para el que cree y confía [en Mí]”. Marcos 9:23 AMP.                                                             

Jesús los miró fijamente y les dijo: “Humanamente hablando, esto es imposible. Pero no con Dios. Con Dios, todo es posible”.  Marcos 10:27 LBLA 

  1. Otras personas: ¿Qué tiene de especial el día de hoy? Dios está con otras personas.  Dios está ministrando y salvando a la gente a tu alrededor. El está amando y trabajando en las vidas de las personas. Está haciendo algo especial con ellos. Puedo escuchar sus historias. Hay historias especiales que suceden con otras personas dondequiera que vayamos. Todo el mundo tiene una historia. ¿Estás buscando la historia de la mano de Dios trabajando con la gente que te rodea?                                                

El Señor no se demora [como si no pudiera actuar] y no es lento en su promesa, como algunos consideran lentitud, sino que es [extraordinariamente] paciente para con vosotros, no queriendo que ninguno perezca, sino que todos procedan al arrepentimiento. 2 Pedro 3:9 AMP.    

que quiere que todos los hombres se salven y lleguen al conocimiento y reconocimiento de la verdad [divina]. 1 Timoteo 2:4 AMP.                                                                                          

“Porque de tal manera amó y quiso Dios al mundo, que ha dado a su Hijo unigénito, para que todo aquel que cree y confía en él [como Salvador] no se pierda, sino que tenga vida eterna. Juan 3:16 AMP

Tienes que decirte a ti mismo que con Dios, hoy será especial. Sigue adelante y ve el día de hoy como un día especial. Empieza a buscar y ver lo especial del día de hoy. Él hace que cada día sea especial. Él siempre está trabajando con nosotros para hacer de nuestro día una ocasión especial.

(Romanian)

Trecerea de la obișnuit la extraordinar

[Special: diferit de ceea ce este normal sau obișnuit; neobișnuit în sensul bun; mai bun sau mai important decât altele; ceva care iese în evidență; care merită o atenție mai mare].

Eu și soția mea am sărbătorit recent cea de-a 47-a aniversare a căsătoriei noastre. Bineînțeles, sărbătorim acest eveniment în fiecare an și, timp de 47 de ani, a fost o ocazie specială. 

Este special pentru noi pentru că acum 47 de ani ne-am căsătorit. Nu ar fi special pentru nimeni altcineva în afară de noi. Dar asta m-a făcut să mă întreb: ce o face specială? De atunci, în fiecare an, am sărbătorit ziua nunții noastre. După câțiva ani, este doar o altă aniversare care a venit și a trecut. Este cu adevărat specială? Am văzut-o de 47 de ori. Am ajuns să ne așteptăm să sărbătorim această ocazie. 

Principalul motiv pentru care sărbătorim este că acest eveniment ne amintește de dragostea și devotamentul nostru unul față de celălalt. Fiecare an pe care îl petrecem împreună reprezintă angajamentul pe care ni l-am luat de a merge pe drumul vieții unul alături de celălalt și devotamentul nostru, care nu a făcut decât să se adâncească, ceea ce face ca această ocazie să fie specială pentru noi.  

În timp ce mă gândeam la ea, mi-am amintit de toate celelalte ocazii speciale din viața noastră. Poate fi o zi de naștere, o sărbătoare specială sau un eveniment pe care îl sărbătoriți și îl prețuiți ca pe o zi specială. 

Cum determinăm ce o face specială? Veți ști pur și simplu? Poate că se întâmplă ceva semnificativ și atunci veți ști că este o ocazie specială. Faptul că este o ocazie specială înseamnă că este valoroasă pentru noi și că îi acordăm toată atenția noastră. Dacă o considerăm importantă, aceasta va ieși în evidență, făcându-o specială.

Ce ziceți de ziua de astăzi? Ar putea fi astăzi o ocazie specială? Acest lucru ar fi determinat de modul în care vedem ziua de astăzi. Așadar, cât de specială este ziua de astăzi? O parte din răspuns va depinde de ceea ce o face specială pentru noi. 

Pe baza definiției noastre de special, am putea spune că nu există nimic special în ziua de astăzi. Dacă o considerăm obișnuită, atunci probabil că este sau va fi. Dacă este doar o zi oarecare, atunci este doar o zi oarecare. 

La fel ca și aniversarea nunții mele și a soției mele, dacă nu o considerăm diferită de alte zile, văzând ce o face specială, atunci a fost doar o altă aniversare care a venit și a trecut, fără mare lucru. Dar dacă o vedem ca fiind diferită de toate celelalte zile, atunci căutăm ceea ce o face mai importantă și asupra acestui lucru ne concentrăm atenția. 

V-ați gândit vreodată la ceea ce este special pentru Dumnezeu? Biblia dezvăluie două concepte principale care sunt foarte speciale pentru El. 1. Fiul Său Isus. 2. omenirea, adică noi. Ceea ce este unic este faptul că El a unit aceste două concepte, făcându-i pe cei care Îl acceptă pe Fiul Său foarte speciali pentru El. Tatăl și Fiul Său și-au concentrat acum toată atenția asupra noastră. De fapt, Ei au o sărbătoare specială față de noi, în special față de tine.   

Isus a continuat: “În același mod, va fi o sărbătoare glorioasă în ceruri pentru salvarea unui singur păcătos pierdut care se pocăiește, se întoarce acasă și se alătură turmei – mai mult decât pentru toți oamenii neprihăniți care nu s-au rătăcit niciodată.”

Luca 15:7 TPT

Acesta este modul în care Dumnezeu răspunde de fiecare dată când un păcătos pierdut se pocăiește și se întoarce la El. El le spune tuturor îngerilor Săi: “Haideți să facem o petrecere veselă, căci l-am găsit pe cel care era pierdut! ” Luca 15:10 TPT

Pentru Dumnezeu, fiecare zi este specială. Tu ești special dacă mergi cu Isus. Pentru Isus, nu există o zi obișnuită. Fiecare zi este specială pentru că El te vede ca fiind special astăzi. Nu există zile obișnuite cu Domnul. El stă pe tronul Său și își concentrează toată dragostea și puterea asupra a ceea ce este special pentru El, adică noi. În fiecare zi El iubește lumea atât de mult încât de aceea L-a dat pe Fiul Său, iar Fiul Său ne dă viață în fiecare zi, ceea ce le face foarte speciale. Acesta este lucrul asupra căruia El își concentrează atenția. 

Tot ceea ce face Isus cu noi din punct de vedere spiritual nu este doar obișnuit, ci extraordinar, este foarte special. Deci, este aceasta doar o altă zi în care Isus trăiește și rămâne în inimile noastre? Ce face diferența între obișnuit și extraordinar? Din nou, s-ar putea ca modul în care vedem astăzi să fie cel care va determina acest lucru? Iată câteva lucruri la care să vă gândiți și care v-ar putea duce de la o zi obișnuită la o zi extraordinară, până la punctul în care să spuneți: “Uau, ce zi specială cu Isus este aceasta cu adevărat!”. 

Special: diferit de ceea ce este normal sau obișnuit; neobișnuit într-un mod bun; mai bun sau mai important decât alții; ceva care iese în evidență; merită o atenție mai mare;

Ce va fi special în ziua de astăzi?

  1. Prezența Lui: Ceea ce face ca ziua de astăzi să fie uimitoare, absolut extraordinar de specială este faptul că Domnul este aici. Tu, Doamne Isuse, ești cu mine. Cel mai mare, unic, special eveniment care s-a întâmplat astăzi este că m-am trezit la acest fapt: Tu ești aici cu mine.                                      

În fiecare clipă, Tu te gândești la mine! Cât de prețios și de minunat este să te gândești că Domnul mă prețuiește constant în toate gândurile Sale! O, Doamne, dorințele Tale pentru mine sunt mai mari decât grăuntele de nisip de pe toate plajele! Când mă trezesc în fiecare dimineață, Tu ești încă alături de mine.     Psalmul 139:17-18 TPT

  1. Iubirea ta: Domnul își pune toată dragostea Sa în mine astăzi. El Își concentrează atenția asupra mea pentru a mă iubi cu credincioșie. Dragostea Lui este aici cu mine și este mereu pentru mine, mai ales astăzi. Ziua de astăzi este specială pentru că Tatăl Ceresc se uită la mine chiar acum, așa cum S-a uitat la Fiul Său Isus. Eu sunt special în ochii lui Dumnezeu, așa cum Isus a fost special în ochii Tatălui Său.     

Eu în ei și voi în mine – pentru ca ei să poată fi aduși la unitate deplină. Atunci lumea va ști că tu m-ai trimis și că i-ai iubit așa cum m-ai iubit pe mine.   Eu te-am făcut cunoscut lor și voi continua să te fac cunoscut, pentru ca dragostea pe care o ai pentru mine să fie în ei și eu însumi să fiu în ei.”                          Ioan 17:23, 26 NIV.                                                                              

pentru ca Hristos să locuiască în inimile lor prin credința lor. Și pentru ca voi, după ce ați fost [adânc] înrădăcinați și [bine] întemeiați în dragoste, să fiți pe deplin capabili să înțelegeți, împreună cu toți sfinții (poporul lui Dumnezeu), lățimea, lungimea, înălțimea și adâncimea dragostei Lui [experimentând pe deplin această dragoste incredibilă și infinită]; și [pentru ca ei] să cunoască [în practică, prin experiență personală] dragostea lui Hristos, care depășește cu mult [simpla] cunoaștere [fără experiență], pentru ca ei să fie plini [în întreaga lor ființă] de toată plinătatea lui Dumnezeu [pentru ca ei să aibă cea mai bogată experiență a prezenței lui Dumnezeu în viața lor, complet umpluți și inundați de Dumnezeu Însuși].      Efeseni 3:17-19 AMP.                                                                                    

În toate aceste lucruri, însă, suntem mai mult decât biruitori și obținem o biruință covârșitoare prin Acela care ne-a iubit [atât de mult încât a murit pentru noi]. Căci sunt convins [și rămân convins – fără nicio îndoială] că nici moartea, nici viața, nici îngerii, nici principatele, nici lucrurile prezente și amenințătoare, nici cele viitoare, nici puterile, nici înălțimea, nici adâncimea, nici vreun alt lucru creat nu va putea să ne despartă de dragostea [nemărginită] a lui Dumnezeu, care este în Hristos Isus, Domnul nostru.                                         Romani 8:37-39 AMP

  1. Viața ta: Tu mi-ai dat astăzi întreaga Ta viață. Niciodată nu mi-ai ascuns nimic din viața și bunătatea Ta. Astăzi, Tu îmi oferi tot ce am nevoie și am viața Ta din belșug.  Tot ceea ce ai spus și ai promis că îmi vei da, Tu faci cu credincioșie astăzi.                                                                        

Un hoț are un singur lucru în minte – vrea să fure, să ucidă și să distrugă. Dar Eu am venit să-ți dau totul din belșug, mai mult decât te aștepți – viață din belșug până la revărsare! Ioan 10:10 TPT

                                                                                                                                        Tot ceea ce am putea avea nevoie vreodată pentru viață și evlavie a fost deja depus în noi prin puterea Sa divină. Căci toate acestea au fost revărsate asupra noastră prin experiența bogată a cunoașterii Celui care ne-a chemat pe nume și ne-a invitat să venim la El printr-o manifestare glorioasă a bunătății Sale. 2 Petru 1:3 TPT

  1. Planurile Lui; Ce plănuiește El astăzi? Orice ar fi, cu siguranță va fi ceva special. Ce scrie El pe inima mea astăzi? Ce mă va folosi El să fac pentru El astăzi? Pentru că este o zi nouă, toate posibilitățile noi sunt deschise pentru mine, cu Dumnezeu toate lucrurile sunt posibile, toate lucrurile sunt posibile pentru cel care crede, și cred astăzi că cu Dumnezeu pot avea toate experiențele noi din lucrurile noi pe care Domnul mi le aduce astăzi. Noi uși deschise, o mai mare înțelegere, o înțelepciune mai profundă și noi perspective despre Tine și cuvintele Tale.                

Căci noi suntem lucrarea Lui [propria Lui capodoperă, o operă de artă], creați în Hristos Isus [renăscuți de sus – transformați spiritual, reînnoiți, gata de a fi folosiți] pentru fapte bune, pe care Dumnezeu le-a pregătit [pentru noi] dinainte [urmând căile pe care El le-a trasat], ca să umblăm în ele [trăind viața bună pe care El a pregătit-o și a trasat-o pentru noi]. Efeseni 2:10 AMP.                                                                         

Tu mă cunoști atât de intim, Doamne. Îmi citești inima ca pe o carte deschisă și știi fiecare cuvânt pe care sunt pe cale să-l spun înainte ca eu să încep o propoziție! Tu știi fiecare pas pe care îl voi face înainte de a începe călătoria mea. Domnul a pășit în viitorul meu pentru a-mi pregăti calea și urmează cu bunăvoință în urma mea pentru a mă scuti de pagubele trecutului meu. Tu ți-ai pus mâna pe mine!                     Psalmul 139:3-5 TPT.                                                        

Arătați că este o scrisoare de la Hristos, transmisă pentru noi, scrisă nu cu cerneală, ci cu Duhul Dumnezeului celui viu, nu pe table de piatră, ci pe table de inimă omenească.

2 Corinteni 3:3 AMP

Isus i-a zis: “[Tu Îmi spui:] ‘Dacă poți? Toate lucrurile sunt posibile pentru cel care crede și se încrede [în Mine]!” Marcu 9:23 AMP.                                                             

Isus s-a uitat la ei cu atenție și a spus: “Din punct de vedere omenesc, acest lucru este imposibil. Dar nu și pentru Dumnezeu. Cu Dumnezeu, totul este posibil”.  Marcu 10:27 NLT 

  1. Alte persoane: Ce este deosebit în ziua de astăzi? Dumnezeu este cu alți oameni.  Dumnezeu slujește și salvează oamenii din jurul tău. El iubește și lucrează în viețile oamenilor. El face ceva special cu ei. Pot să le aud poveștile. Există povești speciale care se întâmplă cu alți oameni oriunde mergem. Toată lumea are o poveste. Cauți povestea mâinii lui Dumnezeu care lucrează cu oamenii din jurul tău?                                                

Domnul nu întârzie [ca și cum ar fi incapabil să acționeze] și nu întârzie în făgăduința Sa, cum consideră unii că este lentoarea, ci este [extraordinar de] răbdător față de voi, nevrând ca nimeni să piară, ci ca toți să vină la pocăință. 2 Petru 3:9 AMP.    

care dorește ca toți oamenii să fie mântuiți și să ajungă la cunoașterea și recunoașterea adevărului [divin]. 1 Timotei 2:4 AMP.                                                                                          

“Fiindcă atât de mult a iubit și a prețuit Dumnezeu lumea, încât a dat pe singurul Său Fiu născut, pentru ca oricine crede și se încrede în El [ca Mântuitor] să nu piară, ci să aibă viață veșnică. Ioan 3:16 AMP

Trebuie să-ți spui că, alături de Dumnezeu, ziua de astăzi va fi specială. Mergeți mai departe și vedeți ziua de astăzi ca pe o zi specială. Începeți să căutați și să vedeți caracterul special al zilei de astăzi. El face ca fiecare zi să fie specială. El lucrează mereu cu noi pentru a face din ziua noastră o ocazie specială.

French

Passer de l’ordinaire à l’extraordinaire

[Spécial : différent de ce qui est normal ou habituel ; inhabituel dans le bon sens du terme ; meilleur ou plus important que les autres ; quelque chose qui se distingue ; qui mérite une plus grande attention].

Ma femme et moi avons récemment célébré notre 47e anniversaire de mariage. Bien sûr, nous célébrons cet événement chaque année, mais depuis 47 ans, il s’agit d’une occasion spéciale. 

C’est spécial pour nous parce qu’il y a 47 ans, nous nous sommes mariés. Ce ne serait spécial pour personne d’autre que nous. Mais cela m’a amené à me poser la question suivante : qu’est-ce qui rend cet événement spécial ? Depuis, nous célébrons chaque année le jour de notre mariage. Au bout de quelques années, ce n’est plus qu’un anniversaire de plus. Est-ce vraiment spécial ? Nous l’avons vu 47 fois. Nous nous sommes habitués à célébrer cette occasion. 

La principale raison pour laquelle nous le célébrons est que cet événement nous rappelle notre amour et notre dévouement l’un envers l’autre. Chaque année que nous passons ensemble représente l’engagement que nous avons pris de parcourir le chemin de la vie l’un avec l’autre et notre dévouement, qui n’a fait que s’approfondir, ce qui rend cette occasion spéciale pour nous.  

En y réfléchissant, je me suis souvenu de toutes les autres occasions spéciales de notre vie. Il peut s’agir d’un anniversaire, d’une fête particulière ou d’un événement que vous célébrez et chérissez comme un jour spécial. 

Comment déterminer ce qui le rend spécial ? Le savez-vous tout simplement ? Il se peut que quelque chose de significatif se produise et que vous sachiez alors qu’il s’agit d’une occasion spéciale. Le fait qu’il s’agisse d’une occasion spéciale signifie qu’elle a de la valeur à nos yeux et que nous lui accordons toute notre attention. Si nous le considérons comme important, il se distinguera, ce qui le rendra spécial.

Qu’en est-il aujourd’hui ? Aujourd’hui peut-il être une occasion spéciale ? Cela dépend de la façon dont nous voyons ce jour. Dans quelle mesure cette journée est-elle spéciale ? Une partie de la réponse dépend de ce qui le rend spécial à nos yeux. 

Selon notre définition du mot “spécial”, nous pourrions dire qu’il n’y a rien de spécial à propos d’aujourd’hui. Si nous le considérons comme ordinaire, alors il l’est probablement ou le sera. Si c’est un jour comme les autres, c’est un jour comme les autres. 

Tout comme ma femme et mon anniversaire de mariage, si nous ne le considérons pas comme différent des autres jours, si nous ne voyons pas ce qui le rend spécial, alors ce n’est qu’un autre anniversaire qui est passé, sans importance. Mais si nous le considérons comme différent de tous les autres jours, alors nous cherchons ce qui le rend plus important et c’est sur cela que nous concentrons notre attention. 

Avez-vous déjà réfléchi à ce qui est spécial pour Dieu ? La Bible révèle deux concepts principaux qui sont très spéciaux pour lui. 1. Son Fils Jésus. 2. l’humanité, c’est-à-dire nous. Ce qui est unique, c’est qu’il a uni ces deux concepts, rendant ceux qui acceptent son Fils très spéciaux pour lui. Le Père et son Fils ont maintenant concentré toute leur attention sur nous. En fait, Ils ont une célébration spéciale envers nous, et plus particulièrement envers vous.   

Jésus poursuit : “De même, il y aura dans le ciel une fête glorieuse pour le sauvetage d’un seul pécheur perdu qui se repent, rentre chez lui et rejoint le troupeau, plus que pour tous les justes qui ne se sont jamais égarés.” Luc 15:7 TPT

C’est ainsi que Dieu réagit chaque fois qu’un pécheur perdu se repent et se tourne vers lui. Il dit à tous ses anges : ” Faisons une fête joyeuse, car j’ai retrouvé celui qui était perdu ! “Luc 15:10 TPT

Pour Dieu, chaque jour est spécial. Tu es spécial si tu marches avec Jésus. Pour Jésus, un jour ordinaire n’existe pas. Chaque jour est spécial parce qu’il te considère comme spécial aujourd’hui. Il n’y a pas de jour ordinaire avec le Seigneur. Il est assis sur son trône et concentre tout son amour et sa puissance sur ce qui est spécial pour lui, c’est-à-dire nous. Chaque jour, il aime tellement le monde qu’il a donné son Fils et que son Fils nous donne la vie chaque jour, ce qui les rend très spéciaux. C’est sur cela qu’il concentre son attention. 

Tout ce que Jésus fait avec nous spirituellement n’est pas ordinaire mais extraordinaire, c’est très spécial. Alors, est-ce un jour de plus où Jésus vit et demeure dans nos cœurs ? Qu’est-ce qui fait la différence entre l’ordinaire et l’extraordinaire ? Encore une fois, se pourrait-il que ce soit la façon dont nous voyons aujourd’hui qui détermine cette différence ? Voici quelques éléments de réflexion qui pourraient vous faire passer d’un jour ordinaire à un jour extraordinaire, au point de vous faire dire : “Wow, quel jour spécial avec Jésus c’est vraiment !” 

Spécial : différent de ce qui est normal ou habituel ; inhabituel dans le bon sens ; meilleur ou plus important que les autres ; quelque chose qui se distingue ; qui mérite une plus grande attention ;

Qu’est-ce qui sera spécial aujourd’hui ?

  1. Sa présence : Ce qui rend cette journée étonnante, absolument extraordinaire, c’est que le Seigneur est là. Toi, Seigneur Jésus, tu es avec moi. L’événement le plus important, le plus unique, le plus spécial qui s’est produit aujourd’hui, c’est que je me suis réveillé avec ce fait : Tu es ici avec moi.                                      

À chaque instant, Tu penses à moi ! Comme c’est précieux et merveilleux de considérer que le Seigneur me valorise constamment dans toutes ses pensées ! Ô Dieu, tes souhaits pour moi sont plus grands que les grains de sable de toutes les plages ! Quand je me réveille chaque matin, tu es toujours avec moi. Psaume 139:17-18 TPT

  1. Ton amour : Le Seigneur met tout son amour en moi aujourd’hui. Il concentre son attention sur moi pour m’aimer fidèlement. Son amour est ici avec moi et est toujours pour moi, surtout aujourd’hui. Aujourd’hui est spécial parce que le Père céleste me regarde en ce moment même, tout comme il a regardé son Fils Jésus. Je suis spécial aux yeux de Dieu, tout comme Jésus était spécial aux yeux de son Père.     

                                                                                                                      Je suis en eux et toi en moi – afin qu’ils puissent être amenés à l’unité complète. Alors le monde saura que tu m’as envoyé et que tu les as aimés comme tu m’as aimé.   Je t’ai fait connaître à eux et je continuerai à te faire connaître, afin que l’amour que tu as pour moi soit en eux et que je sois moi-même en eux.    Jean 17:23, 26 NIV.                                                                              

afin que le Christ habite dans leurs cœurs par leur foi. Et afin que vous, qui avez été [profondément] enracinés et [fermement] fondés dans l’amour, puissiez comprendre, avec tous les saints (le peuple de Dieu), la largeur, la longueur, la hauteur et la profondeur de son amour [en faisant pleinement l’expérience de cet amour incroyable et infini] ; et [afin qu’ils] connaissent [en pratique, par l’expérience personnelle] l’amour du Christ, qui surpasse de beaucoup la [simple] connaissance [sans expérience], pour être remplis [dans tout leur être] de toute la plénitude de Dieu [afin qu’ils aient l’expérience la plus riche de la présence de Dieu dans leur vie, complètement remplis et inondés de Dieu lui-même].   Ephésiens 3:17-19 AMP.                                                                                    

Mais en toutes ces choses, nous sommes plus que vainqueurs et nous remportons une victoire écrasante par celui qui nous a aimés [au point de mourir pour nous]. Car je suis convaincu [et je reste convaincu – sans aucun doute] que ni la mort, ni la vie, ni les anges, ni les principautés, ni les choses présentes et menaçantes, ni les choses à venir, ni les puissances, ni la hauteur, ni la profondeur, ni aucune autre chose créée ne pourra nous séparer de l’amour [illimité] de Dieu, qui est dans le Christ Jésus notre Seigneur.                                         Romains 8:37-39 AMP

  1. Ta vie : Tu m’as donné toute ta vie aujourd’hui. Tu ne m’as jamais rien refusé de ta vie et de ta bonté. Aujourd’hui, tu me fournis tout ce dont j’ai besoin et j’ai ta vie abondante.  Tout ce que Tu as dit et promis de me donner, Tu le fais fidèlement aujourd’hui.                                                                        

Le voleur n’a qu’une chose en tête : il veut voler, tuer et détruire. Mais moi, je suis venu pour vous donner tout en abondance, plus que vous ne l’attendiez – la vie en abondance jusqu’à ce que vous débordiez ! Jean 10:10 TPT

                                                                                                                                       Tout ce dont nous pouvons avoir besoin pour la vie et la piété a déjà été déposé en nous par sa puissance divine. En effet, tout cela a été déversé sur nous grâce à la riche expérience de connaître celui qui nous a appelés par notre nom et nous a invités à venir à lui par une glorieuse manifestation de sa bonté. 2 Pierre 1:3 TPT

  1. Ses plans : Qu’est-ce qu’il prévoit aujourd’hui ? Quoi qu’il en soit, c’est sûr que c’est spécial. Qu’est-ce qu’il écrit sur mon cœur aujourd’hui ? Que va-t-il faire de moi pour lui aujourd’hui ? Parce que c’est un nouveau jour, de nouvelles possibilités s’offrent à moi, avec Dieu tout est possible, tout est possible à celui qui croit, et je crois aujourd’hui qu’avec Dieu je peux avoir de nouvelles expériences à partir des nouvelles choses que le Seigneur m’apporte aujourd’hui. De nouvelles portes s’ouvrent, une plus grande compréhension, une sagesse plus profonde et de nouveaux aperçus de Toi et de Tes paroles.                

Car nous sommes son ouvrage [son propre chef-d’œuvre, une œuvre d’art], créé dans le Christ Jésus [renaître d’en haut – spirituellement transformé, renouvelé, prêt à être utilisé] pour de bonnes œuvres, que Dieu a préparées [pour nous] d’avance [en suivant les chemins qu’il a tracés], afin que nous marchions en elles [en vivant la bonne vie qu’il a préparée et tracée pour nous]. Ephésiens 2:10 AMP.                                                                         

Tu me connais si intimement, Seigneur. Tu lis dans mon cœur comme dans un livre ouvert et tu sais chaque mot que je vais dire avant même que je ne commence une phrase ! Tu connais chaque pas que je vais faire avant même que mon voyage ne commence. Le Seigneur s’est avancé dans mon avenir pour préparer le chemin et me suit gracieusement pour m’épargner les dégâts de mon passé. Tu as posé ta main sur moi !  Psaume 139.3-5 TPT.                                                        

Tu montres que c’est une lettre du Christ, remise pour nous, écrite non avec de l’encre, mais avec l’Esprit du Dieu vivant, non sur des tables de pierre, mais sur des tables de cœur. 2 Corinthiens 3:3 AMP

Jésus lui dit : “[Tu me dis :] “Si tu peux ? Tout est possible à celui qui croit et qui se confie en moi”. Marc 9:23 AMP.                                                             

Jésus les a regardés attentivement et a dit : “Humainement, c’est impossible. Mais pas avec Dieu. Avec Dieu, tout est possible.  Marc 10:27 NLT 

Autres personnes : Qu’y a-t-il de spécial aujourd’hui ? Dieu est avec les autres.  Dieu exerce son ministère et sauve des gens autour de vous. Il aime et travaille dans la vie des gens. Il fait quelque chose de spécial avec eux. Je peux entendre leurs histoires. Partout où nous allons, des histoires spéciales se déroulent avec d’autres personnes. Tout le monde a une histoire. Cherchez-vous l’histoire de la main de Dieu qui travaille avec les gens autour de vous ?                                                

Le Seigneur ne tarde pas [comme s’il était incapable d’agir] et ne tarde pas à faire sa promesse, comme certains l’estiment lent, mais il est [extraordinairement] patient envers vous, ne voulant pas qu’aucun périsse, mais voulant que tous arrivent à la repentance. 2 Pierre 3:9 AMP.    

qui veut que tous les hommes soient sauvés et parviennent à la connaissance et à la reconnaissance de la vérité [divine]. 1 Timothée 2:4 AMP.                                                                                          

“Car Dieu a tant aimé et chéri le monde qu’il a donné son Fils unique, afin que quiconque croit et se confie en lui [comme Sauveur] ne périsse pas, mais ait la vie éternelle. Jean 3:16 AMP

Vous devez vous dire qu’avec Dieu, ce jour sera spécial. Allez de l’avant et considérez ce jour comme un jour spécial. Commencez à chercher et à voir le caractère spécial de ce jour. Il rend chaque jour spécial. Il travaille toujours avec nous pour faire de notre journée une occasion spéciale.