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Unstoppable

9/29/2015

"For with God nothing [is or ever] shall be impossible.”--Luke 1:37(AMP)

Not too long ago, I was watching the TV show, "Shark Tank"; a show where inventors and entrepreneurs pitch their ideas to the "sharks" (investors) in hopes to acquire funding. If you are familiar with the show, you know that the investors also give critiques and invaluable business information. For the savvy, shrewd business person in the shark tank, he will listen and glean from the experts' wise counsel and feedback. To that point, I heard one of the sharks challenge the person pitching an idea. Although, the initial pitch seemed sound, the shark could detect glitches and problematic areas. The shark made a statement that resonated in me. She said, "It's not who's going to let me, but who is going to stop me." Wow!

Coming to the realization that, in Christ, we are unstoppable is powerful. So often we wait for permission to dream, to act, to move, to initiate, and to get started. Yet, we do not have to wait for permission to move into the will of God for our lives. He has given each of us an assignment, a purpose, and a destiny (Jeremiah 1:4-7). And, he has equipped us with everything that we need. Once we grab a hold of this truth, we can do great exploits for the Kingdom of God.

Are you unstoppable? Or, have you been stopped in your tracks by personal insecurity and uncertainty? Have you been stopped by the bruising words of another person? Have there been unforeseen barriers and roadblocks in life that have stopped you? What is stopping you? What has stopped you?

Getting Back on the Move and Becoming Unstoppable
1. Identify what has stopped you.
2. Begin to dream again. Allow yourself to envision, imagine, think on your goals/desires.
3. If you do not have a goal or are not sure, start by identifying your interests/your passion/the causes that matter to you. Inquire of God. Ask Him to reveal your purpose--it is often related to your interests/passions.
4. Take a small measurable step toward your goal--now you are on the move!
5. Keep moving. Keep taking steps. Don't stop.

Prayer:
Father, in the name of Jesus, we come against every hindering spirit, every roadblock, every obstacle and barrier that is endeavoring to stop the people of God from moving into their destiny. We decree and declare that nothing is impossible for You (Luke 1:37). We thank you in advance for giving us the victory and making us unstoppable! Amen.

What Are You Accepting?

9/25/2015

"But I fear that somehow your pure and undivided devotion to Christ will be corrupted, just as Eve was deceived by the cunning ways of the serpent."
--2 Corinthians 11:3(NLT)

Since the Garden, Satan has opposed the word of God. He is a smooth, provocative talker with a crafty, venomous tongue. When he speaks, it is never truth. He is a liar and the father of lies. He can never, ever tell the truth because there is no truth in him
(John 8:44). Yet, he makes convincing arguments and is also a master imposter and illusionist (Exodus 7:11,22). Tricks, counterfeits, and deception are his specialties. He is so skillful in what he does, the word of God tells us that he disguises himself as an angel of light, (2 Corinthians 11:14) and even the very elect will be deceived (Matthew 24:24). However, his skills, schemes, and tricks cannot be compared to the supreme and ultimate power of God!

As believers in Yeshua, God does not want us ignorant of the enemy's tricks. We are called to be discerning, alert, prayerful, and wise students of the Word of God so that we are not duped.

So, what are you accepting? What are you choosing?

Darkness or Light? (I John 1:5)

Defeat or Victory? (I Corinthians 15:57)

Lies or Truth? (John 8:32)

An illusion or A promise? (2Corinthians 1:20)

Brokenness or Wholeness and Healing? (Psalm 147:3)

A Present Reality or A God-given dream? (Genesis 37:5)

Compromise or Righteousness and Integrity? (Psalm 112)

He's Looking for You

9/23/2015

"...and you will be called Sought After, the City No Longer Deserted."--Isaiah 62:12(NIV)

"For as we enter the twenty-first century, there is a cry that would ring out from Jesus Christ of Nazareth, as He who neither slumbers nor sleeps, walks even today through the streets of London, Rome, New York, Beirut, Los Angeles, Delhi, His cheeks wet with tears for a lost and fatherless generation neither cognizant of His presence nor caring. But still He walks... unseen...and still He weeps...For He is still the One who walks, His hands outstretched to the meek and the lowly.

Still He walks, listening out for the cry of the human heart. For where the world has drowned out your cry in its obsessive grasping for success and power and sway, it is to you He comes.

Oh and how long has He sought you, beloved?"
--excerpt from Journal of the Unknown Prophet by Wendy Alec

Are you the one Jesus is looking for? Are you the one whose cries have been drowned about by a world of indifference and insensitivity? Are you lost? Are you feeling alone? Rejected? Abandoned? Are you longing for affirmation and acceptance? Have you experienced trauma and abuse? Do you feel that others have given up on you? Have you given up on yourself? Are you feeling hopeless and helpless? Do you feel that your heart has been shattered in a million pieces and is beyond repair?

Then YOU are the one for whom Jesus has come. He has come to bring unconditional love, healing, joy, wholeness, safety, security, protection, guidance, and care. Don't turn away or refuse--simply receive what has come to give you.

If you would like Christian counseling or prayer,
email: lauri@abrokenheartsgps.org, inbox me on Facebook/abrokenheartsgps.org, or via twitter.
You can also call 1(866)460-8976.

The Fire of God

9/21/2015

              "For our God is a consuming fire."--Hebrews 12:29(KJV)

There is a lot of talk today about the "supernatural" power or "the glory" of God.   For the average believer, the realm of the supernatural may seem unattainable, because we are "everyday people". We may tend to inaccurately conclude that this realm may only be for the well-know evangelists and preachers we see or hear speaking on this subject matter. This could not be further from the truth, because we as citizens of the Kingdom of God, have access to the realm of the supernatural. As we pursue and seek God, He will reveal himself to us and manifest his presence in a tangible way.

What is the Supernatural?
The supernatural is God. God is supernatural. He moves in supernatural ways that are beyond human understanding and reasoning because He is above and beyond what is natural. He cannot be explained by science or the laws of physics. He is beyond scientific understanding or the laws of nature. We cannot put the supernatural God in our box of natural logic and reasoning. If you want to experience God and his supernatural power, you must think outside the mental box--the limits and parameters of human logic.

My Supernatural Experience
Over the weekend, I injured my right shoulder. I am not quite sure how I hurt myself, but the pain was excruciating and unbearable. I took pain relievers and used muscle rub-- all to no avail. The pain was so intense, I could not even sleep and I was vomiting. My husband prayed for me as I lay on the bed literally writhing in pain. When he left the room, I began to call on the name of the Lord. Over and over again I cried out, "Father, Father, Father....". Repeatedly I cried out, "Jesus, Jesus, Jesus...". The atmosphere of our bedroom began to change and I could hear the Holy Spirit say, "Be still." My body began to feel very heavy. It was the chabod--the glory of God! As I began to settle down, in obedience to the voice of the Spirit--I began to feel extremely hot. My body felt like an inferno and I started sweating. The next thing I knew, I was waking up! (As you recall, I was in too much pain previously to sleep.)

By the morning, the excruciating pain was gone! My shoulder was now just throbbing, stiff, and sore. Then the throbbing went away. Now, it was just stiff and sore with limited range of motion. Now, today, as I write this blog--my shoulder is restored! I have full range of motion with minimal soreness.

I am convinced that I experienced the fire of God that literally consumed the pain and inflammation in my shoulder. The was healing power of the glory of God restored my shoulder.

Do you want to experience the supernatural power of God?
Just believe! Believe that his power goes beyond our human logic and reasoning.  Pursue Him. Call on His name. You will experience God and His supernatural power!

"Finding Father"

9/17/2015

"Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart."
--Jeremiah 29:12-13(NIV)

Who or what are you pursuing?

God's word tells us when we make Him our pursuit, we will find Him. When we find him, when we find Him, we will encounter:
* Peace
* Joy
* Rest
* Protection
* Security
* Provision
* Direction
* Healing (physical and/or emotional)
* Deliverance
* Justice and vindication
* Wisdom
* Purpose
* Prosperity
* Favor
* Grace
* Courage
* Strength
* Restoration of dignity
* Hope
* Mercy
* Goodness
* Relationship
* Sense of belonging
This is by no means an exhaustive list, but it does represent the things that are found when we find God and enter in his presence. There are infinite, countless blessings that come with finding our heavenly Father. Do you need or desire any of the things listed above? If so, you will encounter them when you seek God with your whole heart.

A Wholesome Diet

9/15/2015

"And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding.."--Jeremiah 3:15(KJV)

What are you eating spiritually? More importantly, who is feeding your soul?

God desires that our souls be as healthy and whole as our physical bodies.

"Beloved, I pray that in every way you may succeed and prosper and be in good health [physically], just as [I know] your soul prospers [spiritually]."
--3 John 1:2 (AMP)

One of the ways that He ensures our souls are being cared for is by assigning pastors to our lives. Many may scoff or mock this truth for multiple reasons. For some, it's pride or a renegade spirit. For others, it may be an offense or feelings of bitterness for having been hurt or bruised by the church. Whatever the case may be, we cannot overlook or minimize the role of a pastor or his/her importance, value, and significance in our lives.

"Obey your [spiritual] leaders and submit to them [recognizing their authority over you], for they are keeping watch over your souls and continually guarding your spiritual welfare as those who will give an account [of their stewardship of you]. Let them do this with joy and not with grief and groans, for this would be of no benefit to you."--Hebrews 13:17(AMP)

Do you attend a local church regularly? Are you benefitting from soul care diet, prepared especially for you, designed to meet your specific needs by a pastor who has been assigned by God to care for and guard your soul? Is your soul prospering from a wholesome spiritual diet?

What Do You Long For?

9/14/2015

Are you satisfied? Are you searching for meaning in life, belonging, or love. Do you feel a sense of safety and purpose? Do you long to be understood? Do you feel like the "odd-ball"; like no one "gets" you? These questions or longings of the soul are by God's design. Soul questions and longings are purposed to draw us into relationship with our heavenly Father. Yet, so often, rather than looking to the One who can satisfy the longings of our soul, we turn to people and things. The problem with this is people and things may bring satisfaction, but it is temporal. Sex, money, food, shopping, alcohol, etc.--temporary satisfaction.

According to Dr. Robert Shaw in his book, Created for Significance, there are six core longings of the soul:
* Significance
* Safety
* Purpose
* Understanding
* Belonging
* Love

There is an ethereal void within every human soul that we long to have filled. Many of us spend a lot of time, emotional energy, and money to have that void filled. Once the feeling of satisfaction is gone, the void that was temporarily filled is now empty again. So the cycle of the "Pursuit of Temporary Satisfaction" continues. It is a futile and exhausting quest because that part of us was designed for relationship with the triune God.
Within each of us is an intrinsic desire to know God and to be known by God. Ultimately He is the only One who can satisfy our souls, because He created us! Only He knows what we need. Who better or more qualified to satisfy the longings of our soul than the One who created us?

* Significance
"Because you are precious in My sight and honored, and I love you..."--Isaiah 43:4(HCB)

* Safety
"The name of the LORD is a strong fortress; the godly run to him and are safe."
--Proverbs 18:10 (NLT)

* Purpose
"For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope."--Jeremiah 29:11(NLT)

* Understanding
"You know my sitting down and my rising up; You understand my thought afar off."--Psalm 139:2(NKJV)

* Belonging
“I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing."--John 15:5(NKJV)

* Love
"Long ago the LORD said to Israel: “I have loved you, my people, with an everlasting love. With unfailing love I have drawn you to myself."--Jeremiah 31:3(NLT)

If you are searching for "something" today...if there is an itch in your soul, look to the Lord. Only he can meet the longings of our hearts and bring continual satisfaction.
"The LORD will guide you continually, and satisfy your soul in drought, and strengthen your bones; and you shall be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail."--Isaiah 58:11(NKJV)

Decision Time

9/11/2015

"I can do all things [which He has called me to do] through Him who strengthens and empowers me [to fulfill His purpose—I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency; I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him who infuses me with inner strength and confident peace.]"--Philippians 4:13(NLT)

Are you holding you back from pursuing your God-given dream? If so, why?

You have been infused with supernatural strength and power of God to fulfill His purpose. You are self-sufficient in Christ's sufficiency. You are ready for anything and equal to anything through Him who infuses you with inner strength and confident peace according to the word of God in Philippians 4:13.

You have the power and strength to take the limits off and remove barriers. Simply begin to take a step and move!

A Game Changer

9/10/2015

"Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus."--I Thessalonians 5:18(NLT)

Are you interested in improving sleep, boosting your immune system, increasing your self-esteem, ridding yourself of toxic relationships, decreasing stress, and experiencing greater enjoyment and satisfaction in life? What if I told you it is within your reach and will not cost you a dime? It is readily available and at your disposal.

Science calls it positive psychology; the Bible calls it gratitude or thanksgiving. It is mentioned over 70 times in the Bible. The Greek word for thanksgiving, "eucharisteō", is an act as well as a feeling. We can give or express thanks, gratitude, and appreciation. But it is also as feeling or a state of being. The word of God tells us to give thanks in all things, indicative of gratitude being a lifestyle--not a temporary or fleeting emotion. Gratitude is a gift or tool that God has equipped each of us with to lead prosperous and fulfilled lives.

New scientific research suggests that cultivating a continual attitude of gratitude improves health and well-being, as well as relationships. When we are grateful we tend to be happier and more optimistic. We live life with more enthusiasm and zeal. The inner joy and soul satisfaction exuded by a grateful person can neutralize a toxic, pessimistic atmosphere thereby changing attitudes and environments. Do you remember the movie or book, "Pollyanna". In this sweet tale, young Pollyanna changed the emotional climate of her home, and ultimately her town by her grateful heart. No matter what she encountered or faced, she had an unique way of finding a way to be grateful. Before long she had every adult she encountered playing the "Just Be Glad" game.

The Benefits of Gratitude:
* Protects the body from stress and negativity
* Improves sleep quality
* Improves psychological health
* Improves self-esteem
* Boost immunity

Cultivating Gratitude
"Gratitude is a way for people to appreciate what they have instead of always reaching for something new in the hopes it will make them happier, or thinking they can’t feel satisfied until every physical and material need is met. Gratitude helps people refocus on what they have instead of what they lack. And, although it may feel contrived at first, this mental state grows stronger with use and practice."
Source: www.health.harvard.edu/newsletter_article/in-praise-of-gratitude

1. Give verbal as well as written thanks. Convey your sincere appreciation toward someone who has demonstrated kindness.

2. Journal your gratitude

3. Pray, give God thanks, and meditate on your blessings.

Additional sources: Forbes, Huffington Post, WebMD
_______________________________________________________________________
Consider the following blog post from June 2015:

"One of them, when he saw that he was healed, came back to Jesus, shouting, “Praise God!” He fell to the ground at Jesus’ feet, thanking him for what he had done. This man was a Samaritan."--Luke 17:15-16(NLT)

We can learn a lot about gratitude from the story of the 10 lepers, found in Luke 17. When these ten men, who were banned from the city due to their disease, saw Jesus they cried out to Him for mercy. Jesus told them to go show themselves to the priests, and as they went they were cleansed. Yet, only one of the ten returned to Jesus to thank Him. His act of faith and gratitude, not only cleansed him of leprosy; but he was made whole. It is the Greek word "so-zo" meaning "safe and sound", "free from harm", "healed".

How often do we cry out to God for help or mercy and not say "thank you"? Life is hectic and busy. We are constantly harried, juggling schedules and activities--and a heart of gratitude may not often be in the mix. However, it should be our top priority. The word of God tells us to give thanks about everything (I Thessalonians 5:18). A heart of gratitude brings wholeness and healing. When we move from feeling sense of entitlement to deep appreciation and thankfulness for who God is and all He has done in our lives, we receive freedom, liberty, and unspeakable blessings--just as the one leper did in Luke 17. We know all ten were cleansed, but only one was made whole.

There are countless things to thank God for; and the more we thank Him the less we complain, the less negative thoughts we have, and the more positive we become. For example, thank God that just as you were approaching the long check-out lines, they opened another registered and you were able to bypass the long lines and whiz through check-out. Thank God that your co-worker thought of you and brought you a cup of coffee, that you were running too late to stop and pick up.

Make the spiritual discipline of gratitude a daily, hourly, moment by moment practice in your life. Taking the time to thank God for even the most mundane things will change your outlook and perspective on life. You will begin to feel freer, more joyful, and more invigorated. You will begin to smile more and feel lighter because your heart is grateful.

Nothing is Something

9/8/2015

"The earth was without form and an empty waste, and darkness was upon the face of the very great deep. The Spirit of God was moving (hovering, brooding) over the face of the waters. And God said, Let there be light; and there was light."--Genesis 1:2-3(AMP)

Why does "nothing" make us so uncomfortable? The vast majority of us do not like working with "nothing" or having "nothing". "Nothing" pricks at our personal pride and ego. "Something" is better than "nothing", right? "Something" may give us a sense of security, confidence, belonging, or acceptance. When there is nothing, where do we fit in? Where is our place? What is the commonality that links us with others?

Our pastor has been asking us challenging questions concerning this whole concept of nothing. It is as thought provoking as it is revealing--exposing our inner thoughts and beliefs. Yet, when we look carefully through the scriptures, we can see that God routinely worked nothing! He specializes in nothing! He created universes and galaxies out of nothing! How? Through speaking. When God spoke, things happened. Things materialized. Nothing becomes something when it is in the hands and mouth of The Creator.

Are you down to nothing? Are you working with nothing? Are you frustrated and uneasy navigating through nothing? If so, you are in a good place. Why? Because God is up to something. Place your nothing in the hands of The Creator, decree his word, and watch nothing become something!

"...in the presence of Him whom he believed, even God, who gives life to the dead and calls into being that which does not exist."--Romans 4:17(NASB)