It's January 3; Hold Onto Your Peace!!

I LOVE how The Lord has a Word for me to hold onto for the year and then He constantly puts it in front of me to remind me and to encourage me. The Word for me this year is peace and I am going to do all that I can to hang onto my peace this year. It is a gift from God and it is precious. Already I see peace stealers and joy stealers who carried their baggage from last year into the new year and are trying to rob me of my peace. To them I say, "I will continue to pray for you and wish you well but I'm moving forward. I have a great destiny awaiting me." I apologize if that sounds harsh but I am serious about being intentional in my walk with the Lord. For way too long I have let my wearing my heart on my shirtsleeve trip me up and then I got stuck in a rut. By my very makeup I am a rescuer; one who wants to save or deliver. I know you see EXACTLY what I see in that. There is only ONE who can rescue, save, and deliver and HE did it on the cross for each of us. I have got to let go of my wrong mindsets and let God be God all by Himself. I want to go where He leads me, where He can best use me, and help those who truly want help and need hope. I am running my race and keeping my eye on the prize - Jesus the Christ.
 Jesus Calling had such a fabulous Word for me today: "This Peace can be your portion at all times and in all circumstances. Learn to hide in the secret of My Presence, even as you carry out your duties in the world. I am both with you and within you. I go before you to open up the way, and I also walk alongside you. There could never be another companion as devoted as I am. Because I am your constant Companion, there should be a lightness to your step that is observable to others. Do not be weighed down with problems and unresolved issues, for I am your burden-bearer. In the world you have trials and distress, but don't let them get you down. I have conquered the world and deprived it of power to harm you. In Me you may have confident Peace. Read this with me again there should be a lightness to your step that is observable to others. How often do I blend in with the world and look or behave just like non-believers? I also want you to read this portion again with me: Do not be weighed down with problems and unresolved issues, for I am your burden-bearer. Yes, Lord, you are the One who says we can cast our cares upon You and You will bear each of our burdens.
 Beloved, do you cast your care and then immediately take it back like I so often do? Release the burden and the weight of them. God wants it all! Jesus has conquered the world and all the schemes of the evil one. The devil can come near you but he can not harm you. Greater is HE that is in you than he that is in the world. Friends, hang onto your peace and joy this year. Not everyone in your circle is going the same place as you. Choose your friends and associates wisely. Your inner circle should be those who not only know the Book but personally know the God of the Book and have a personal relationship with His Son Jesus Christ. You will know them by the fruits that they bear. May you find your peace in the Prince of Peace who gives freely.

Sweet peace and blessings to you,

Read more...

What's Holding You Back?

Today we begin a brand new year - 365 days of do-overs. I am so thankful that each day I awaken with a fresh start of God's mercy ready to cover me. Just thinking about that for a moment begs me to ask this question of myself. "What is holding me back from giving God my very best and trusting Him in every situation?" This year, especially this year I am going to focus on that. My Heavenly Father has proven Himself faithful over and over again so why do I continue to let life discourage me? Paul felt that way in Romans Chapter 7. He struggled with the flesh and being a slave to sin. Wrong mindsets and 'stinking thinking' are as much a sin as any of the "Big 10". Today I am going to focus on being so intentional on trusting God with each of my family members, my friends, my failures, my victories, and my every breath. I am pressing in and running MY race. I choose to abide with God and let His peace reign in my life. This is a bigger challenge for me than you think so I know it won't be easy but with God all things are possible. I believe when I do this others around me will rise higher as well. Biggest blessings to each of you for a Christ-Centered 2014! "The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; His mercies begin afresh each morning." Lamentations 3:22-23 (NLT) "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." John 14:27(NIV)

Read more...