WE ARE WHO GOD SAYS WE ARE!

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. (NIV) Psalm 139:14

Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous--how well I know it. (NLT) Psalm 139:14



There are so many confounding labels and marketing campaigns attempting to redefine and label us. Just watch a football game or a reality show, and count the endless commercials, observe and listen to their messages, can you detect what's for sale? And be oh so careful because when you decide to go shopping your carts will be filled with items that you hadn't initially intended on purchasing! The marketing guru's are very convincing! Print media does a fine job at selling us things, especially our children! We fall prey and before long we have adopted the subliminal advertisers messages. Their techniques are subtle but effective and we tell ourselves that we can't live with out the electronic gadgets, the food, and the "gear". Advertising is a billion dollar industry creating slick, sleek, eye catching ads which work tirelessly to  bribe us into believing that we can be better, smarter, thinner and accomplished if we have "their" brand, "their" products and "their" services. But it's never free, it costs and there are consequences!  If only we buy the right make-up, the bigger bling, the smart and fashionable furnishings, the expensive perfumes and the correct fiber foods-whatever the day's hot commodity is, once acquired, then and only then  will we "A-ok" !



But when the rubber meets the road and life's issues begin to take precedence over the mounting acquisitions of more stuff, and none of it does the trick for addressing our personal and spiritual development. So what does?  What will and can be replaced with our retail therapy, cluttered mindset and desire to have more? I believe I know what can halt the thirst or quench and deliver or parched souls. Possibly it's an elixir of truth about who's we are and to whom we belong. You need not spare any of your hard earned dollars, just know that your bill was paid at Calvary. Jesus did it for us! There are no price comparisons required or merchandise to be had. Only requirement that you need embrace is a willing heart, a renewed mind and an active search-a knocking if you will, a heartfelt searching! Yes, we need only participate in searching for an everlasting truth! A truth that beckons us to embrace a life sustaining friendship where if we knock God answers.

Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. NLT Matthew 7:7

"Knock and the door will be open." Try an application of divine love. Love that delivers us and answers to questions that your soul is begging for! The advertisers dare not convey your beloved identity! If they told you, you'd have no need for their stuff, their trinkets, their clothing, their lipsticks, their enhancers and certainly not their footware. Just think of what the Divine desires to share with you regarding your true identity and purpose. Oh my friend, it exceeds the messages we are daily bombarded with. Your are more then adequate in Jesus Christ-triumphant, energized and delievered! Think of what God offers you and yours as a heathy alernative, a Holy Ghost elixir an infilling that will never rust or corrode. Here are several encouraging bible scriptures that will delight your very being! Scriptures that reveal who we are in Christ Jesus and what a King and Lord that is in love with you, thinks of you and me!

Our body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, He dwells in us

1 Corinthians 3:16; 1 Corinthians 6:19

We are joined in the Lord and am one spirit with Him .

1 Corinthians 6:17

God leads us in the triumph and knowledge of Christ .

2 Corinthians 2:14

The hardening of our mind has been removed in Christ .

2 Corinthians 3:14

We are new creatures in Christ .

2 Corinthians 5:17

We have become the righteousness of God in Christ .

2 Corinthians 5:21

Truly it's personal! And does it ever take work focusing on our personal, spiritual development!
But the benefits outway the failed attempts to kill our progress. The benefits indeed are powerfully positive-our generations to come will reap the harvest because we are heathy and generational bondages won't be able reek havoc. There's not a thing that the advertisers can sell me that God won't and can't provide. But we must seek Him, pray for continued guidance and sustenance! Come on friends let's stay connected to the tree of life. It's all in the Bible, the Holy Scriptures!  God reminds us that we are fearfully and wonderfully made! We rejoice in the commitment of our growth! Thank you Lord for the awakening our spirits, We are who you say we are!

We have been made one with all who are in Christ Jesus .

Galatians 3:28

We are no longer a slave but a child of an heir .

Galatians 4:7

We have been set free in Christ .

Galatians 5:1

We have been blessed with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places .

Ephesians 1:3

We are chosen, holy, and blameless before God .
Ephesians 1:4

Walter Hawkins and Donnie McClurkin - Thank You

Praise Him, Praise Him!
Linda Mose Meadows, Inspirational Author of:
The Blessedness of Believing, A devotional Journey of Life's Lesson's and God's Promises

http://blessednessofbelieving.blogspot.com/

http://blessedauthorlm.wordpress.com/

http://eyesoffaithmagazine.blogspot.com/

IT'S A HAPPY NEW YEAR LEARNING NEW HABITS!

I have seen you in the sanctuary and beheld your power and your glory.
Psalm 63:2

New International Version (NIV)

It was amazing for me to witness how attentive the young college folks in my home were. It was Christmas break and they seemed to relax with the television on, lap tops plugged in and their smart phones in hand. They seemed hypnotized by one or the other, possibly mesmerized is more appropriate!

They huddled together and listened intently to the television and even commented in unison about the antics of several of the "stars" during a particular episode of some "Reality" show that I knew nothing of. I immediately wondered whose reality was this really? The star's strained tones, always boisterous, obnoxious behavior and argumentative conversations were exhausting.

But my focus shifted from the tirades when women began to speak at length about making New Year’s Resolutions, now that got my immediate attention. Admittedly I am out of touch with the recent line-up with this new crop of celebs on these reality shows, but their over dramatic personalities and one sided perspectives appeared very loop-sided, self serving, slanted and greedy for the most part. But it's not my call, not my "Reality" production, and certainly not my lifestyle being showcased. Let’s give each other a high five on that reality! But from what I could discern their rituals or habits have a lot to be desired. Maybe that was the fascination with why we watch these unscripted series. Or are they? But distinctly I heard (sensed their) preceived DEFEAT, with their pronouncements regarding and maintaining their New Year’s Resolutions.

Each person boldly shared with convincing gestures where they would and wouldn't frequent, what they planned on acquiring and the things that they'd not tolerate anymore. But no sooner than those pronouncements spilled from their mouths they shared that they realized that their resolutions were already going to be short lived (just like the standard resolutions that so many of us make). Often it's all for not. But I too have been there and done that! You know made an elaborate plan and strategy for the New Year which failed. So often we mean well, but our well planned out resolutions are short lived. Our stamina and commitment seems fleeting and we’re back to our old habits. The resolutions are gone bye-bye and generally don’t make it through the week. As we mature we dispense with this practice and it is back to business as usual! But something is really missing! Now I am trying to make no promises to myself or others that I sense are already futile. But I learned of a Divine source that pushes and prompts me! No resolution can do that! So after my good chuckle at the confusing reality show I realized that it was time to refocus, time to quiet myself, read , reflect, pray and get some spiritual direction. Is that you also? Later that morning I reached for a new addition to my inspirational library and read the following from Jesus Calling-Enjoying Peace in His Presence by Sarah Young.

"I WANT YOU TO LEARN A NEW HABIT.

Try saying, “I trust You, Jesus" in
response to whatever happens to you. If there is time to think about whom I am
in all My Power and Glory; ponder also the depth and breadth of My Love for you.
This simple practice will help you see me in every situation, acknowledging my
sovereign control over the universe. When you view events from this
perspective-through the Light of my universal Presence-fear loses its grip on
you. Adverse circumstances become growth opportunities when you affirm your
trust in Me no matter what. You receive blessings gratefully, realizing they
flow directly from My hand of grace. Your continual assertion of trusting Me
will strengthen our relationship and keep you close to Me. Psalm 63:2; Isaiah
40:10-11; Psalm 139:7-10"

I have seen you in the sanctuary and beheld your power and your glory.
Psalm 63:2 (NIV)

See, the Sovereign LORD comes with power, and he rules with a mighty arm. See, his reward is with him, and his recompense accompanies him. He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young. Isaiah 40:10-11 (NIV)

Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, 10 even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. Psalm 139:7-10 (NIV)

I suspect the Holy Spirit has also given you goose bumps. God is speaking to us! It's clear why so many of our resolutions don't make it out of the gate-our old habits win! These habits push God aside! We've overlooked the most crucial ingredient of getting in the habit of remembering and actively trusting Jehovah, our Author and Creator of the universe. He’s the very One-the I Am that has birthed our hopes, dreams and desires. There is no plan if God is not a part of it.

There can be no hope of getting through the tough obstacles if we've not carried the baton of faith, the powerful Holy Scripture in our hearts/minds and love for being a child of the most High God. We can't make it and possibly believe that our natural stamina will sustain us in this world!

There’s nothing that can replace, refresh and restore us like Jesus! If you have one resolution let that be to learn a new habit of entrusting ourselves and all that concerns us to Jesus. Today friends, tell yourselves, your loved ones, and Him: "I trust you Lord! I am in your capable and wonderful care!" Now that’s a resolution that will remain, let’s get in the habit! Happy New Year everyone!

With A Thankful Heart!Linda Mose Meadows, Urban Views Weekly & Empower Magazine Columnist and Inspirational Author of: The Blessedness of Believing A Devotional Journey of Life’s Lessons and God’s Promises and Co-publisher of Eyes of Faith Magazine

http://blessednessofbelieving.blogspot.com/

http://blessedauthorlm.wordpress.com/

http://eyesoffaithmagazine.blogspot.com/