A good friend of mine shared a story at our last prayer meeting about losing everything.
She said that it was when she was at the bottom rung of the ladder that she first truly encountered Jesus.
"If you are looking for Jesus," she said, "He is hanging out at the bottom. That is where I found Him. That is where I fell in Love with Him. When I lost everything, there He was waiting with open arms."
There is so much power in that statement!
Jesus is hanging out on the bottom rung of the ladder!
Where do you see yourself on the ladder of life today?
Have you slipped and fallen a few rungs?
Have you almost fallen off completely, barely hanging on to that bottom rung?
If that is you, don't be ashamed.
You are just where you need to be for God to do a breakthrough in your life.
When God is All you have, you realize that God is All you need!
I am a living, breathing testament to how far our Father God's arms can reach!
Why is Jesus hanging out on the bottom rung of the ladder?
Because, He is waiting on you there!
You see, no matter how hopeless your situation may look at this very moment, God IS your hope.
No matter how alone you might feel, you are never alone in God's presence.
He will never leave you nor forsake you!
Do you ever feel unlovable?
Allow God to love on you with His Perfect Love!
1 John 4:18 says, "There is NO fear in LOVE. Perfect Love casts out fear!"
God Is Perfect Love!
By accepting that our Father God is reaching out to us in Love, we are getting to know His nature.
We are accepting His unconditional Love for us!
Let's look closer at the scripture above knowing that God is Love:
"There is no fear in Love (God). Perfect Love (God) casts out fear!"
Fear binds you in chains.
Whether it be chains of addition, or worry, or self loathing, or anger, all of it stems from Fear.
Fear is the opposite of faith.
Now let's look at 1 John 4:18 one more time knowing that God is Love and that fear is something that binds or hinders us.
"There is No fear (Things that bind us) in Love (God). Perfect Love (God) casts out fear! (Things that bind us)"
God casts out the things that bind us...through his Perfect Love for us!
Love (God) Never Fails!
Whatever has knocked you down to the bottom rung, His Love Is Stronger!
To break chains of addiction in your life, accept God's perfect, grace filled, non-judgemental love for you!
He loves you so much that He wants to see you set free!
He will cast out those addictions that bind you!
To destroy diseases and receive healing in your life, accept that God loves you with a love that is more powerful then your sickness!
He sent Jesus to bare your diseases so that you don't have to!
He Loves you so much that He wants you to be in good health!
To excel financially in life, accept that His Love for you is so great that He wants you to prosper!
He is Jehovah Jireh, your provider!
He loves you so much that He wants to provide for you in abundance!
Our God is not some uncaring stoic judge sitting in Heaven just waiting for you to screw up so He can punish you!
He is our Loving Father waiting for us on the bottom rung with arms outstretched to meet all of our needs!
He is our Rescuer!
For years we have been taught that we have to earn God's Love.
Many of us have been taught that His love is only for certain people.
Some have even heard that He only Loves those who keep every rule and commandment of the Bible.
That is simply not true!
Nothing in the Kingdom of God is based on OUR works!
Everything in the Kingdom of God is given to us by His Promises, through His Grace, because HE LOVES US!
He has already completed the work for us through Jesus!
Salvation is not earned.
It is freely given to ANYONE who believes in Jesus as their Savior.
Healing is not earned.
We are promised healing from God because of the sacrifices that Jesus paid on the cross.
He bore our diseases!
Freedom from Addiction is not earned.
The word says, "He whom the Son set's free is free indeed."
We are Set Free through Jesus!
We are a new creation through Christ not because of our struggling to live perfectly, but because of the free gift that He has Promised us!
God's Promises are Yes and Amen!
You can trust and count on the Promises of God!
All you have to do is accept them.
Accept that no matter who you are or what you have done,
GOD LOVES YOU!
His Love is the Power to cast out the things that bind you!
Accept these promises today and trust God to honor His word for you.
He is waiting for you with His arms open wide.
Run to Him and let Him carry you back up the ladder of life.
He will restore EVERYTHING you have lost.
Why?
Because, He Loves You and His Love Has Power!
As Always, Remember:
God LOVES You!
God Created You!
God Accepts You!
Until Next Time,
SavedByGrace
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
Monday, August 20, 2012
Just Surrender
I remember one warm summer day when I was swimming at my parent's house and a friend of my brothers was there with his daughter.
She was only about five years old at the time and didn't know how to swim.
Without warning, before they placed the water wing floaties on her little arms, she darted towards the pool and jumped in.
She landed not far from me.
While I was reaching out for her she panicked and started thrashing her arms rapidly.
Because of her violent and sudden movement I had trouble grabbing her into my arms.
Finally, I was able to take hold of her and we got her out of the pool.
She is fine today but still remembers that afternoon that could have ended much more tragically.
How many times in life do we get in over our heads?
Are you at a place today where you feel battered by the waves of worry and heart ache?
Does it look like things may end tragically for you?
Instead of panicking and thrashing around in the situation, this is the time for you to surrender!
There is a big difference between surrendering and giving up.
Giving up means you choose to drown in those waves.
Surrendering means you choose to stop fighting and allow God, the Great Rescuer, to swoop in and bring you out!
Surrender is the key to your rescue.
God longs to meet your needs.
He longs to be the loving Father who jumps into the deepest part of your ocean of troubles and save you!
He can only do that if you stop panicking, stop pushing Him away, and start surrendering to Him.
If you are being battered about by waves of addiction or old habits that you cannot break, stop living in shame, fighting in your own strength, and start letting God have them.
If you battle depression so bad that at times you feel like you will drown in it, let go of that anchor that is weighing you down.
Surrender that depression to God and allow Him to bring you to shore.
He wants to hold you in His arms, give you His CPR, and breathe New Life into you!
If you hold anger and resentment toward someone, stop swimming in it until you are too tired to swim anymore.
Instead, pray for God, your Rescue, to come take it from you and give you freedom.
"But John, I don't read my Bible enough to get rescued by God."
"I don't pray enough."
"I don't keep all of the Laws and Rules of being a Christian!"
"God won't rescue me!"
In Alabama we have two words for that type of thinking:
BULL HOCKEY!
Our Father God wants nothing more then to be your rescue TODAY!
He longs to be near you and provide for you.
He longs to meet your needs and heal your diseases.
Our loving God wants to see you excel in every area of your life and Stop Drowning!
That's the very reason He sent His Son Jesus in the first place, to give You the Victory!
The battle is already won, my friend.
God's rescue in your situations has nothing to do with your works!
His rescue has Everything to do with your Surrender!
No matter how rough those waves are around you; no matter how dire your situation looks; throw your arms up and say out loud, "God, I give it ALL to you! I Surrender!"
At the very moment when you stop trying to make things work in your own strength, God starts working them out for you in His!
Believe me, His strength is much greater then yours, mine, and every Olympic Athlete combined!
Your battles are already won.
Now is the time to accept the victory!
Surrender to our Daddy God and watch Him come to your rescue!
As Always Remember:
God Loves You!
God Created You!
God Accepts You!
Until Next Time,
SavedByGrace
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
Glorious Freedom!
"Once I was bound by sin’s galling fetters;
Chained like a slave, I struggled in vain.
But I received a glorious freedom,
When Jesus broke my fetters in twain.
Glorious freedom! Wonderful freedom!
No more in chains of sin I repine!
Jesus the glorious Emancipator—
Now and forever He shall be mine."
(Glorious Freedom, Circa 1917, Author- Haldor Lillenas)
"Glorious freedom! Wonderful freedom!
No more in chains of sin I repine!
Jesus the glorious Emancipator—
Chained like a slave, I struggled in vain.
But I received a glorious freedom,
When Jesus broke my fetters in twain.
Glorious freedom! Wonderful freedom!
No more in chains of sin I repine!
Jesus the glorious Emancipator—
Now and forever He shall be mine."
(Glorious Freedom, Circa 1917, Author- Haldor Lillenas)
We sang this old hymn at church last Sunday and I have not been able to shake it out of my head.
Don't get me wrong, I'm thankful to have it playing over and over again in my brain, not only because it finally replaced the endless repetition of "Somebody that I used to know," by Gotye, but also because it has served as a constant reminder this week that I Do Have Glorious Freedom!
Glorious Freedom From Sin!
Do you find yourself "bound by sin's galling fetters; chained like a slave, struggling in vain?"
It is okay to answer this question honestly.
Every Christian I have ever known deals with sin and the temptation of sin.
Many friends that I know fight addictions and habits that they struggle to break.
If this is you today, remember that you have Glorious Freedom in Christ!
2 Corinthians 12:9 says, "...My grace is enough; it's all you need.
My strength comes into its own in your weakness."- (Message Bible)
Don't try to hide your weaknesses from God.
He already knows about them.
He has already forgiven you.
Our loving Father God wants to use His strength to help you overcome the unhealthy areas of your life.
Surrender your weaknesses over to our Daddy God so that His strength can replace your weakness!
Glorious Freedom From Fear!
There are times in our lives where we battle fear and anxiety.
The enemy uses everything he can to make us worry.
Whether it is your job, or finances, your relationships, or your health; nothing is off limits to worrying!
If you let this fear and anxiety become a habit it can destroy your life by stealing your joy!
“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life ?"- Matthew 6:25-34 (N.I.V.)
By worrying, which is a type of fear, you are taking the control out of God's hands and placing it back into your own.
Stand in the promise of God in Luke 10:19 that says we have the power to tread on serpents and scorpians!
Psalms 91 tells us that we dwell in the secret place of the Most High God and NO evil shall befall us!
"God has not given us a spirit of fear but of Power, and of Love, and of a Sound Mind!"- 2 Timothy 1:7 (K.J.V)
Trust God by learning to live in a place of Rest in His refuge and let Him protect you!
Then you will find Glorious Freedom!
Glorious Freedom From Shame!
If you are Gay, Lesbian, Bi-sexual, Transgendered or any other type of lifestyle that is seen as non-traditional, then you probably know what it's like to battle shame in your life.
There is shame that comes from people's words and actions.
People you have known for many years may have cut you off.
Other Christians may be throwing stones of judgement against you right this very moment.
When you find yourself battling feelings of shame remember this,
"There is therefore now NO CONDEMNATION to them which are in Christ Jesus!"
You are beautifully and wonderfully made!
You are made in the image of Almighty God!
You have a destiny, a future, a reason for living that is far greater then you can comprehend!
Our Father God loves you so much, UNCONDITIONALLY, to the point that He would sacrifice His Only Son just to eliminate the barrier of sin between you and He.
Don't let anybody tell you that you are wrong for being gay, lesbian, bi-sexual, transgendered, straight, asexual, queer, questioning, or inter-sex!
Be true to who you are and live as the person God created you to be!
You have NO reason for Shame!
No more in chains of sin I repine!
Jesus the glorious Emancipator—
Now and forever He shall be mine."
Now that you have seen the amazing and Glorious Freedom that is offered in Christ Jesus I pray you will share this message with others around you.
This truly is the Good News!
Share it with your friends and family so that they too can shake off their chains and live in Glorious Freedom.
As always remember:
God Loves You!
God Created You!
God Accepts You!
Until next time,
SavedByGrace
Monday, April 30, 2012
Masked Man
Isaiah 53:5: But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed. (N.I.V)
Today I decided to go visit my mom's grave.
It just hit me, out of the blue, that I should go by there.
I have been there repeatedly with my family and my partner on special occasions but today was the first day that I visited by myself.
There was a difference today.
By visiting the grave alone I was given this freedom to be completely vulnerable.
I cried.
I sobbed.
I giggled at a happy memory.
I cried again.
I have a simple point in telling you this story.
At the grave I was completely myself.
I took my emotional "mask" off and expressed what I genuinely felt, all because I had the security that comes from solitude.
It was just me and God at my mom's grave.
No other human was in sight.
Driving home from the cemetery I started wondering how long I've been wearing this mask.
I know where the mask comes from.
It's a defense mechanism.
I put on a mask that looks healthy and happy on the outside to hide various imperfections and brokenness on the inside.
What I have learned over the years is that most of us wear a mask.
Almost everyone you meet wears one that few ever see behind.
The problem is that behind this mask exists the genuine you!
Behind your mask exists your hurts and your joys.
Your brokenness is behind your mask.
Your TESTIMONY is behind your mask!
But John, It is SO comfortable behind my mask!
Yes, it might seem comfortable to walk around guarded but you are not living genuinely when you hide your true emotions.
By keeping on a mask that hides your imperfections you are taking power out of God's hands and placing it in your hands.
Remember the scripture that says, "We have overcome by the blood of the lamb and the word of our testimony!" (Rev 12:11)
-By denying our true selves, by shielding our unique experiences and pains from view, we are denying God the access to use them to His Glory!
-By burying our hurts and weakness deep behind our masks we are holding onto them like a child's security blanket instead of allowing our Daddy God to heal them!
-By trying to appear like the "Perfect Christian" we are in effect making ourselves look even more "UN-Christlike!"
After all, Jesus was crushed for our iniquities.
He understands brokenness.
Jesus was tempted in the desert for 40 days.
He understands fighting off temptation!
In the Garden, before He was led to His sacrifice, none of His closest friends would stay awake to pray with Him.
He understands loneliness.
Make a decision to live genuinely, showing your war wounds from life, so that others can see Jesus at work within you!
It is time to throw off your mask!
We live in a Real world that faces Real problems filled with Real People who need a Real encounter with the Real Jesus!
The days of playing church are long gone and will not offer any hope to today's generation!
It will be Real Christians who rip off their masks and show their testimony; the good, the bad, the embarrassing, the ridiculous, the painful, the REAL TESTIMONY; that will reach those who are drowning in Real darkness!
Will you take off your mask today?
Will you be yourself to those around you and admit that being a Christian doesn't equal being perfect, it equals being forgiven?
Will you try your best to be Christlike in love but leave the judgement behind?
By living each day without our masks, we will be showing others the true Jesus who lives inside of us.
If nothing else, that alone should convince you to live boldly and honestly and.....
RIP OFF THAT MASK!
As Always Remember:
God Loves You!
God Accepts You!
God Created You!
Until next time,
SavedByGrace
Today I decided to go visit my mom's grave.
It just hit me, out of the blue, that I should go by there.
I have been there repeatedly with my family and my partner on special occasions but today was the first day that I visited by myself.
There was a difference today.
By visiting the grave alone I was given this freedom to be completely vulnerable.
I cried.
I sobbed.
I giggled at a happy memory.
I cried again.
I have a simple point in telling you this story.
At the grave I was completely myself.
I took my emotional "mask" off and expressed what I genuinely felt, all because I had the security that comes from solitude.
It was just me and God at my mom's grave.
No other human was in sight.
Driving home from the cemetery I started wondering how long I've been wearing this mask.
I know where the mask comes from.
It's a defense mechanism.
I put on a mask that looks healthy and happy on the outside to hide various imperfections and brokenness on the inside.
What I have learned over the years is that most of us wear a mask.
Almost everyone you meet wears one that few ever see behind.
The problem is that behind this mask exists the genuine you!
Behind your mask exists your hurts and your joys.
Your brokenness is behind your mask.
Your TESTIMONY is behind your mask!
But John, It is SO comfortable behind my mask!
Yes, it might seem comfortable to walk around guarded but you are not living genuinely when you hide your true emotions.
By keeping on a mask that hides your imperfections you are taking power out of God's hands and placing it in your hands.
Remember the scripture that says, "We have overcome by the blood of the lamb and the word of our testimony!" (Rev 12:11)
-By denying our true selves, by shielding our unique experiences and pains from view, we are denying God the access to use them to His Glory!
-By burying our hurts and weakness deep behind our masks we are holding onto them like a child's security blanket instead of allowing our Daddy God to heal them!
-By trying to appear like the "Perfect Christian" we are in effect making ourselves look even more "UN-Christlike!"
After all, Jesus was crushed for our iniquities.
He understands brokenness.
Jesus was tempted in the desert for 40 days.
He understands fighting off temptation!
In the Garden, before He was led to His sacrifice, none of His closest friends would stay awake to pray with Him.
He understands loneliness.
Make a decision to live genuinely, showing your war wounds from life, so that others can see Jesus at work within you!
It is time to throw off your mask!
We live in a Real world that faces Real problems filled with Real People who need a Real encounter with the Real Jesus!
The days of playing church are long gone and will not offer any hope to today's generation!
It will be Real Christians who rip off their masks and show their testimony; the good, the bad, the embarrassing, the ridiculous, the painful, the REAL TESTIMONY; that will reach those who are drowning in Real darkness!
Will you take off your mask today?
Will you be yourself to those around you and admit that being a Christian doesn't equal being perfect, it equals being forgiven?
Will you try your best to be Christlike in love but leave the judgement behind?
By living each day without our masks, we will be showing others the true Jesus who lives inside of us.
If nothing else, that alone should convince you to live boldly and honestly and.....
RIP OFF THAT MASK!
As Always Remember:
God Loves You!
God Accepts You!
God Created You!
Until next time,
SavedByGrace
Saturday, April 7, 2012
He Is Risen!
Happy Easter to all of the readers and supporters of MyGayChristianBlog.com!
You all are so encouraging to me and I pray that this Easter you will know that the debts that Jesus paid on the cross were paid for ALL people, including you!
Accept the promises that our Blessed Father has extended to us all through the life, death, and Resurrection of His Son Jesus!
I pray that each of you will walk in Victory with the knowledge that the same blood that saves the white man also saves the black man.
The same blood that saves the American also saves the Chinese.
The same blood that saves the rich also saves the poor.
The same blood that saves the man also saves the woman.
The same blood that saves the straight also saves the gay.
We are ALL "Whosoevers" saved by grace through the blood of Jesus.
Have a blessed Easter Sunday and always remember:
God Loves You!
God Created You!
God Accepts You!
Until next time,
SavedByGrace
You all are so encouraging to me and I pray that this Easter you will know that the debts that Jesus paid on the cross were paid for ALL people, including you!
Accept the promises that our Blessed Father has extended to us all through the life, death, and Resurrection of His Son Jesus!
I pray that each of you will walk in Victory with the knowledge that the same blood that saves the white man also saves the black man.
The same blood that saves the American also saves the Chinese.
The same blood that saves the rich also saves the poor.
The same blood that saves the man also saves the woman.
The same blood that saves the straight also saves the gay.
We are ALL "Whosoevers" saved by grace through the blood of Jesus.
Have a blessed Easter Sunday and always remember:
God Loves You!
God Created You!
God Accepts You!
Until next time,
SavedByGrace
Saturday, March 31, 2012
You Are Welcome
During this Lenten season I have been thinking a lot about sacrifice.
So many of us decide to "give something up" for Lent.
For me this year, I have given up fried foods.
Yikes!
No matter what we choose to surrender until Easter, nothing can compare to the sacrifice that Jesus paid for us on the cross.
When I was a younger guy I used to get wrapped up in the legalism that can come with sacrifice.
I thought that I couldn't make a single mistake during Lent because if I did then Jesus would think that I didn't love Him, or that I didn't appreciate what He did for me.
As I have grown older I now look at Lent through the eyes of God's Grace.
(Incidently, I try to look at everything through God's Grace now a days.)
Instead of sacrifice being something that we do to prove to God just how much we love Him, it should be a way of saying, "thank you."
He already knows how much we love Him.
He knows our heart.
The lower cholesterol that occurs from giving up fried foods is not going to convince Him of something He already knows!
Instead, allow Lent to be a time to revel in God's unbelievably gracious love for you!
I'm sure you would agree that no matter what we give up for Lent, it is a tiny sacrifice compared to what Jesus did or us on Easter.
My tiny sacrifice is merely me saying "Thank You."
His Ultimate Sacrifice is Jesus saying "You Are Welcome."
As we enter into Holy week remember that "You Are Welcome!"
You are welcome to His Salvation.
You are welcome to His Redemption.
You are welcome to His Joy.
You are welcome to His Peace.
You are welcome to His Healing.
You are welcome to His Love.
You are welcome to ALL of the promises that life with Jesus offers!
He wants you to have them!
After all, He bought them with His blood.
This week please take time to focus on just how much God Loves You and share that Love with those around you.
Have a beautiful Palm Sunday and Holy Week my friends.
As always, remember:
God Loves You!
God Created You!
God Accepts You!
Until next time,
SavedByGrace
So many of us decide to "give something up" for Lent.
For me this year, I have given up fried foods.
Yikes!
No matter what we choose to surrender until Easter, nothing can compare to the sacrifice that Jesus paid for us on the cross.
When I was a younger guy I used to get wrapped up in the legalism that can come with sacrifice.
I thought that I couldn't make a single mistake during Lent because if I did then Jesus would think that I didn't love Him, or that I didn't appreciate what He did for me.
As I have grown older I now look at Lent through the eyes of God's Grace.
(Incidently, I try to look at everything through God's Grace now a days.)
Instead of sacrifice being something that we do to prove to God just how much we love Him, it should be a way of saying, "thank you."
He already knows how much we love Him.
He knows our heart.
The lower cholesterol that occurs from giving up fried foods is not going to convince Him of something He already knows!
Instead, allow Lent to be a time to revel in God's unbelievably gracious love for you!
I'm sure you would agree that no matter what we give up for Lent, it is a tiny sacrifice compared to what Jesus did or us on Easter.
My tiny sacrifice is merely me saying "Thank You."
His Ultimate Sacrifice is Jesus saying "You Are Welcome."
As we enter into Holy week remember that "You Are Welcome!"
You are welcome to His Salvation.
You are welcome to His Redemption.
You are welcome to His Joy.
You are welcome to His Peace.
You are welcome to His Healing.
You are welcome to His Love.
You are welcome to ALL of the promises that life with Jesus offers!
He wants you to have them!
After all, He bought them with His blood.
This week please take time to focus on just how much God Loves You and share that Love with those around you.
Have a beautiful Palm Sunday and Holy Week my friends.
As always, remember:
God Loves You!
God Created You!
God Accepts You!
Until next time,
SavedByGrace
Monday, February 13, 2012
Your Valentine From God- Revisited
Below is a re-post from Valentine's Day 2011.
This post received more feedback about how it touched people's lives then anything else I have written before or since on the blog.
I decided to post it again this year.
I pray it blesses you right where you are today.
Happy Valentine's Day.
Here is Your Valentine from God:
As February 14th approaches, sights of hearts and cupids become unavoidable.
This post received more feedback about how it touched people's lives then anything else I have written before or since on the blog.
I decided to post it again this year.
I pray it blesses you right where you are today.
Happy Valentine's Day.
Here is Your Valentine from God:
As February 14th approaches, sights of hearts and cupids become unavoidable.
A simple trip to Walmart is enough to throw you into sheer excitement, or utter despair, depending on the current situation of your "love life."
We all want to be loved.
That is a basic tenet of human nature.
Tonight's blog post is a Valentine, not from me, but from God.
If God were to send you a Valentine I think it would read something like this:
You are my most beautiful creation.
Your eyes sparkle like the stars in the galaxies.
Just as every snow flake has different characteristics, no one else has ever or will ever be like you.
I have known you before the creation of the Earth and I will be with you for all of eternity.
Each morning I will cause the sun to rise and brighten your day.
Every evening I will showcase the moon in all its splendor to remind you that I am still here with you even in the darkest night.
In the Autumn I will paint the trees vibrant colors for you to enjoy.
During the spring, flowers will bloom, their fragrances filling the air, so that you glimpse Heaven while on Earth.
I love you more then you could ever know.
I love you without any conditions.
I love you so much that I have sacrificed my only son just to be with you.
I see you through Him, you know.
Your heart is pure, innocent, perfect in my eyes.
I send Angels to protect you and stand charge over you.
I send my Holy Spirit to gently comfort and guide you.
Nothing can ever separate you from my Love.
I Am Love.
And, I Love You!
You Are My Valentine,
Yahweh
xoxoxo
This Valentines Day I pray that you will know that YOU ARE LOVED!
The same God who breathed life into man and created the entire universe loves you more then you can comprehend.
No matter where you find yourself tonight, passionately in love or desperately lonely, you ARE someone's Valentine.
You are His!
Nothing can change that.
Happy Valentine's Day and remember,
God Loves You!
God Created You!
God Accepts You!
Until next time,
SavedByGrace
Monday, January 23, 2012
The Enemy of Greatness
"For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind."
- II Timothy 1:7 (NKJV)
Have you ever felt that life is a series of mediocre hours comprising a series of mediocre days adding up to a series of mediocre years equaling one mediocre existence that is your time on Earth so far?
What is the purpose of it all?
Where did your dreams go?
When you were sitting in class your senior year of high school were you day dreaming about the life you currently live?
What is your reason for being here?
What is keeping you from excelling to your potential?
If you have been pondering these questions, this post is for you.
Fear is the Enemy of Greatness!
Once you learn to start living a life outside of the shadow of fear you will begin reaching higher then you ever thought possible.
Fear acts like shackles chaining your feet to the ground.
It keeps you stagnate as time marches past you at a feverish pace.
At times it feels like a vice grip enslaving you to a life filled with dull numbness as you forget the plans for your future that God placed in your heart.
How do you break free from fear and rekindle the flame that once ignited excitement about your life?
First, recognize exactly what fear is:
Fear is the Opposite of Faith!
Fear tells us that we cannot accomplish anything great.
Faith says, "I can do ALL Things through Christ who Strengthens me!"
-Phil 4:13 (NKJV)
Fear tells us that our past is too horrible to live the future that God has called us to. We've already blown it. Just give up.
Faith says, "...forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus."
-Phil 3:13, 14 (NKJV)
Fear tells us that we will be crushed by the weight and stresses of this life.
Faith says, "What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us who can be against us?"
-Romans 8:31 (NIV)
Fear tells us we are too worthless to be Christians.
Faith says, "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that WHOSOEVER believes in Him should not parish but have Everlasting life. For God did not send His Son to the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved."
-John 3:16-17 (NKJV)
Fear tells us our problems are too huge to overcome.
Faith says, "...if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move. NOTHING WILL BE IMPOSSIBLE FOR YOU!" -Matthew 17:20 (NIV)
That last verse was said by Jesus himself!
Next, Realize the different ways fear shows itself!
Did you know that worry is a type of fear?
When you worry about your future you are taking the power out of God's hands and placing it back in your hands.
Essentially, worrying is like telling God, "I don't trust you to handle this situation for me. I want to control it, fix it, make it better in my own strength, not yours."
In Luke 12, Jesus says to His disciples, "Do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear...Consider the Ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are then birds!"
Doubt is another form of fear.
Believe that God has a purpose for you!
Believe that He created you and loves you!
Believe that our Daddy God knows what is best for you and He desires for good things to happen to you.
Romans 8:28: And we know that ALL THINGS work together for GOOD to those who love God...
See, even the hurts, pains, disappointments; even the mistakes you have made will be used by God to Your Good!
That is a Promise for You directly from God!
By standing in His promises and believing them, you are casting away doubt, which is fear, from your life.
This brings us to our last key to destroying the chains of fear in our lives.
Surrender your fears to God!
The ultimate act of Faith is to give up control of your life to God and His plans for you.
Take a stand against fear and pray this prayer out loud:
Father God, through you I will not allow fear to control me any longer!
In my own strength I do not have the power to break this fear that holds me back but I know that you have more then enough power to destroy it.
I surrender to you every area of my life.
Father God, I give you all of my fears, all of my worries, and all of my doubts.
I choose to walk in victory, through the blood of Jesus, by allowing you to lead and guide my every step.
You hold my future and I trust it to you.
I stand in the promises of your word and claim them for my own life.
Thank you for your Son Jesus who has already defeated the enemy.
I choose to walk in that power today.
It's in your Holy name that I pray, Heavenly Father,
John (Say your name)
Now that you have prayed this prayer start asking God what His plans are for your life.
Begin to dream again.
Lose yourself in your thoughts and allow that fire of excitement about God's plans for you to burn bright again!
When the enemy starts to send fearful thoughts your way surrender them to God and continue to stand in His promises.
Remember that God's plans are to prosper you and for you to be in good health!
You really can do ALL THINGS through Christ who strengthens you!
Shake off those chains of fear and run toward the calling that God has for you!
Through faith you can live each day in victory over the enemy of Greatness!
As always remember,
God Loves You!
God Created You!
God Accepts You!
Until Next Time,
SavedByGrace
- II Timothy 1:7 (NKJV)
Have you ever felt that life is a series of mediocre hours comprising a series of mediocre days adding up to a series of mediocre years equaling one mediocre existence that is your time on Earth so far?
What is the purpose of it all?
Where did your dreams go?
When you were sitting in class your senior year of high school were you day dreaming about the life you currently live?
What is your reason for being here?
What is keeping you from excelling to your potential?
If you have been pondering these questions, this post is for you.
Fear is the Enemy of Greatness!
Once you learn to start living a life outside of the shadow of fear you will begin reaching higher then you ever thought possible.
Fear acts like shackles chaining your feet to the ground.
It keeps you stagnate as time marches past you at a feverish pace.
At times it feels like a vice grip enslaving you to a life filled with dull numbness as you forget the plans for your future that God placed in your heart.
How do you break free from fear and rekindle the flame that once ignited excitement about your life?
First, recognize exactly what fear is:
Fear is the Opposite of Faith!
Fear tells us that we cannot accomplish anything great.
Faith says, "I can do ALL Things through Christ who Strengthens me!"
-Phil 4:13 (NKJV)
Fear tells us that our past is too horrible to live the future that God has called us to. We've already blown it. Just give up.
Faith says, "...forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus."
-Phil 3:13, 14 (NKJV)
Fear tells us that we will be crushed by the weight and stresses of this life.
Faith says, "What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us who can be against us?"
-Romans 8:31 (NIV)
Fear tells us we are too worthless to be Christians.
Faith says, "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that WHOSOEVER believes in Him should not parish but have Everlasting life. For God did not send His Son to the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved."
-John 3:16-17 (NKJV)
Fear tells us our problems are too huge to overcome.
Faith says, "...if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move. NOTHING WILL BE IMPOSSIBLE FOR YOU!" -Matthew 17:20 (NIV)
That last verse was said by Jesus himself!
Next, Realize the different ways fear shows itself!
Did you know that worry is a type of fear?
When you worry about your future you are taking the power out of God's hands and placing it back in your hands.
Essentially, worrying is like telling God, "I don't trust you to handle this situation for me. I want to control it, fix it, make it better in my own strength, not yours."
In Luke 12, Jesus says to His disciples, "Do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear...Consider the Ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are then birds!"
Doubt is another form of fear.
Believe that God has a purpose for you!
Believe that He created you and loves you!
Believe that our Daddy God knows what is best for you and He desires for good things to happen to you.
Romans 8:28: And we know that ALL THINGS work together for GOOD to those who love God...
See, even the hurts, pains, disappointments; even the mistakes you have made will be used by God to Your Good!
That is a Promise for You directly from God!
By standing in His promises and believing them, you are casting away doubt, which is fear, from your life.
This brings us to our last key to destroying the chains of fear in our lives.
Surrender your fears to God!
The ultimate act of Faith is to give up control of your life to God and His plans for you.
Take a stand against fear and pray this prayer out loud:
Father God, through you I will not allow fear to control me any longer!
In my own strength I do not have the power to break this fear that holds me back but I know that you have more then enough power to destroy it.
I surrender to you every area of my life.
Father God, I give you all of my fears, all of my worries, and all of my doubts.
I choose to walk in victory, through the blood of Jesus, by allowing you to lead and guide my every step.
You hold my future and I trust it to you.
I stand in the promises of your word and claim them for my own life.
Thank you for your Son Jesus who has already defeated the enemy.
I choose to walk in that power today.
It's in your Holy name that I pray, Heavenly Father,
John (Say your name)
Now that you have prayed this prayer start asking God what His plans are for your life.
Begin to dream again.
Lose yourself in your thoughts and allow that fire of excitement about God's plans for you to burn bright again!
When the enemy starts to send fearful thoughts your way surrender them to God and continue to stand in His promises.
Remember that God's plans are to prosper you and for you to be in good health!
You really can do ALL THINGS through Christ who strengthens you!
Shake off those chains of fear and run toward the calling that God has for you!
Through faith you can live each day in victory over the enemy of Greatness!
As always remember,
God Loves You!
God Created You!
God Accepts You!
Until Next Time,
SavedByGrace
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
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