Blog Archives - The Remarkable Blog

You are a Winner #3 0f 5

7/31/2019

Who are you? This is the third truth to knowing you are a winner. Remember #1 in this series and the three fingers on your hand? A constant reminder that you are a winner. One of those fingers you can hold up to make that "W" to remind you that, you are a winner is knowing who you are! You are a child of God! You are sheltered under His mighty hand. You are a free to make right choices. You are no longer a slave to sinful desires, addictions, bondages and old thought patterns because of the great exchange.

Jesus describes the freedom He offers resulting from abiding in His truth.

Freedom is not a lack of restraint that allows one to fulfill any selfish desire, but genuine freedom takes place in the arena or stadium of divine truth.

As we abide in Christ we are released from the chains of the world and released to be all that God created us to be.

Like a fish has been created to swim in water, we are created to live in the truth of Christ's love. We were created to walk in fellowship with almighty God, but sin hinders that relationship by enslaving us in a separated life from God.

Christ is the only one who can set us free to enjoy the life as a child of God instead of living as a slave of the world.

Even though Jesus clearly declared that freedom was possible, the sad reality is that very few experience it.

The following is not an exhaustive list, but several perils or roadblocks hinder freedom.

1. The first peril is Ignorance Jesus is declaring new truth to some who did not know that freedom was available. The Bible describes those who lacked knowledge of Christ's ministry as "living in darkness," and Jesus came to bring light to those who lived in darkness.

2. A second peril is arrogance The Pharisees' statement that they had never lived as slaves is not just inaccurate; it is arrogant. Israel had experienced slavery under the Assyrian Empire, Babylonian Empire, Persian Empire, and now the Roman Empire. But their greatest slavery was to their own sin. They were unwilling to admit that they had failed to meet God's holy standard. They lived by a legalistic code and arrogantly rejected the offer of God's amazing grace.

ACTION STEP: Read your Bible and learn what Christ has set us free from. If there are any areas that you struggle to admit you are having trouble in, simply repent. Ak God for help. He will help you. He desires that we are all winners!

You are a winner #2 of 5

7/30/2019

Unless you have lived a sheltered life, you have probably experienced an enslaved soul or have known loved ones who struggle to break free from ungodly chains. These ungodly chains may be easy to identify like an immoral addiction, or the chains may be more "acceptable" like fear, greed, poverty, worldliness, doubt, anger, bitterness, legalism, racism, insecurity, despair, and depression. Whatever category you classify your slavery, the result is the same - a failure to experience the abundant life promised by following Christ. To those living in bondage, Jesus offers freedom! True freedom was purchased for us but, the choices we make can take us right back into fear anytime, even if the bondage is in our soul realm; which will show up in our relationships, money, marriage, job or our mind.

We need to be in right alignment in order to be protected. As adults we can't live a sheltered life unless we are sheltered by God. It up to us to shelter others now. But, what does proper shelter look like? Who shelters us. Take a look at the diagram below. If we want protection for ourselves and our desire is to protect others, so we are both protected--in order to win; then we place ourselves where we belong and stay there. Jesus experienced freedom through obedience to His Father. God has a divine plan of protection. The battle is won! We are victorious winners.

True freedom is not about changing your outward circumstances. This is a significant concept because it reveals that Jesus can free you wherever you are. Just look at this list of where people were when Jesus set them free.

Paul was on the road to Damascus persecuting Christians.

The prodigal was in a pig pen.

Peter was in a boat fishing.

One woman was drawing water from a well.

Another woman found freedom when caught in adultery.

A thief was on a cross of execution when Jesus set his soul free!

Spiritual freedom is not dependent upon physical circumstances that may have led or contributed to your bondage.

Jesus can set you free in your marriage without causing a divorce.

Jesus can set you free when you are overdrawn in your checkbook without making a deposit.

Jesus can set you free from past or current failures without loading a U-haul truck.

Don't misunderstand this concept to mean something it doesn't. We may need to make, and Christ may lead us to make, some physical or circumstantial changes. But, one of the main truths of divine freedom is Jesus is more concerned about setting your soul free than defeating the Roman Empire or some other external force in your life. The battle is in our soul realm. Whose the Boss? Perfect love cast out fear.

There is a place fear has to meet the God we know.

ACTON STEP: You are not alone, there is a place fear has to face the God we know, so let Him show you how to lay it down! As you listen to this song, know HE can keep us from going under. Get under the divine order of protection and experience true freedom. Freedom is not having anyone over you so you can do what you want--it is having divine protection, so you are free to choose to do what is right! So, you can continue to live free of fear and failure, and bondage. Live like the Winner you are set free to be.

You are a winner #1 of a 5 part series.

7/29/2019

Epehesians 2:1-10 (nkjV) "And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, 2 in which you once walked according to the [a]course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, 3 among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others.
4 But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, 5 even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), 6 and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast. 10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them."

God created us to be winners. We carry around with us the reminder on both hands. Go ahead make a "W" by holding up these three finger. This can also serve as a sermon should you ever need one. This week we will look at one word each day, that will show us that God wants us to win, and considers us winners over any and all battles we may face. The first word I want us to look at is "Workmanship".

We were created by God to be His workmanship, worthy, walking daily with him, whole people not broken people, willing vessels... All week I will be sharing on this idea that we are FREE. Even in captivity we can be free. Joseph and Daniel both lived their entire lives in captivity--yet they were free. God closed the mouth of lions when Daniel was captive in the Lions Den. Story after story in the Bible and in the world we hear of people like Corrie ten Boom and John McCain who were captive yet free. They never let their outside get on their inside.

I love this movie, Shaw Shank Redemption. The language may get a rough but the person of Andy makes us all take a hard look at ourselves and ask, "Am I really this determined, strong, capable?" We should be even more so, because we are God's Workmanship, His creation, created for good works. We are winners.

I want to leave you with these three points:

Know who you are and that is a child of God, set free from all sin, and wages of sin.
Walk like you're free, live like you're free even in captivity because even, in captivity you are free. The cage of your spirit is open. God will give you beauty for ashes.
Win because you are a winner, because you are free. Make the right choices to stay free. Because you are free use every opportunity to set others free.

The freedom that Jesus offers is not a political system; it is a release from the chains that enslave one's soul. Winners are free. Only a free person can set others free. Only winners can lead others to win. Winning is a habit. A habit is something we do everyday.

ACTION STEP: Walk like a winner. Talk like a winner. Whatever captivity you find yourself in--do not let it get inside of you! Where your invisible coat of righteousness purchased by the blood of Jesus Christ and walk like the winning workmanship for which you were created.

This quote from the movie spoken by Red who loved Andy, when sharing about his thoughts of Andy when he first came to the Prison.

"He strolled, like a man in a park without a care or a worry in the world, like he had on an invisible coat that would shield him from this place."

If you want to go places practice being prepared and produce the fruit of the Spirit ~ Goodness.

7/26/2019

Traveling has becoming second nature to me. What was hard has become second nature. I am so used to living out of a suitcase and containers that I’ve learned to minimize, and know where everything is located. What seemed to be overwhelming I found, to actually be simplified living. Now, when I need to head out the door quickly, it takes very little thought and prep-time. Sure, like you--the decisions about what to wear are still there, but when you can only take fifty pounds you learn what is light weight and how to mix and match. I still struggle in the area of shoes, because after all shoes and jewelry make the outfit. Planning however, makes prepared.

The point I am wanting to share with you, is that it takes time to become what God wants you to become. Whatever vocation or occupation you are called to, it will take grooming and growth, in your person, to get you there. Where do you want to be in five years? What about next year? Can you walk away from your home, refrigerator, car, lawn and come back to a neat and tidy environment? Or will you find the trash smells, the laundry in the washer is molded and the plants are dead? In order to spin more plates, we have to keep spinning the ones it took to get us to our present location, or train others to spin plates. Teaching is much harder than doing it yourself. Teaching takes time, then training begins, and then finally trust is established. We have to plan to be good and practice being good and we see good by seeing God and them reflecting Him to others.

One of the manifestations of the Fruit of the Spirit is Goodness. Goodness is manifested by us in three outward actions. Allow me share them with you:

1. You must be good to all the things that God has put under your care.
God has put part of His creation under your dominion—some a lot, some little. You are called to be good to your portion—care for it, improve it, look after it. Understand what I’m talking about?  Property—wealth, house, animals
talents, opportunities, vocation, and even the people who are under your care. Called to be a good steward. You are to stoop down, as God does, and be good to your little part of life, people and the things you own.

Whatever is in your means you are called to take what the Lord has given you and build a good life. The “good life” is not what Americans mean when they say that—two cars, and a boat, stuff, but building a good, orderly, peaceful life.
We do that by making decisions based on God’s word, and the promptings of Holy Spirit. A good life like this is attractive to people, and helpful to them.

If your life was falling apart who would you go to for help?
A person whose life is characterized by chaos, panic, wild spending and debt, broken relationships and failed promises? Of course not. You would seek a person who has a truly good life. You know that there would be reserves of goodness to help you. Bad living seems so attractive.  Excess, dissipation deplete our reserves. But, a lifestyle that builds up no capital to be good to others is a wasted life.

A good life comes through good stewardship of all the things God has given. Be good to them—God has given them to you. You might not have as much as other people have—but that doesn’t matter, that is God’s business.

2.  You must be good to all sorts of people.
“As the opportunity arises, do good to all, especially those of household of faith.”  All kinds of people.
As you walk through life you are going to meet all sorts of people: different races, different religions, different social/economic status’s, different moral standards, we will meet the washed and the unwashed. W can’t say—these aren’t my kind.  God is good to all people.  Rain and sunshine on all He created. All people are to be objects of our goodness as opportunity presents itself. Goodness in many forms—mercy, pity, friendliness (all different ways) of stooping.

3.  You must be good to those people with whom you are in covenant.
Peter—love each other deeply (each other, fellow Christians, church members) special goodness to be extended to fellow believers. These are the people we are going to be spending eternity with. The wonderful thing about church life is we have lots of opportunities for good, and we will see results forever as we stay in a particular church, get to know people, and choose to stoop to them.

The other covenant that is most binding is covenant of marriage.
Husbands—be good to your wives. Woman wish their husband would treat them like the dog, hey girl, wanna go for a walk. At least the dog gets petted. Right? Yet, often the husband barely says anything, or says something mean and critical.

Do you see how hypocritical it is for a man to be good to his car—change oil, good to take care of the finances—carefully budgets, keeps track of money, good to people at work (customers, employees treat with respect) but not be good to his wife, united in holy covenant?

On the other hand.  When a Christian man is good to his wife—stoops down in love, kindness, patience, sympathy—how that goodness overflows to the children, the people in workplace, maybe even to the dog.

ACTION STEP:
What was first prayer you learned as a child?

      “God is great, God is good, Let us thank Him for our food.
      By His hands we are fed, Give us, Lord, our daily bread.”

Then we opened eyes and there, on table was good food that a good heavenly Father gave us.
   You were able to taste and see that the Lord is good.

Be a magnet that draws others to God by being Good. It's the goodness of God that leads a man to repentance.

Be the best version of you-Be good!

7/25/2019

Over the years we have been on a quest—for a good cup of coffee.
There have been several stages of our quest.
   1.  Folgers coffee and Mr. Coffee maker
   2.  Cuban coffee and Mr. Coffee maker
   3.  Starbucks coffee and Mr. Coffee maker
   4.  Starbucks coffee and French press
   5.  Porto Rico coffee and French press
   6.  Porto Rico coffee and stove-top espresso maker
At each stage we have said to each other:  This is good coffee!

People are drawn to goodness at every level of life—a good cup of coffee, a good dog, a good movie a person of good character, a good conversation with a good friend. Goodness is magnetic.

Have you ever noticed that the closer you get to Jesus the more you are drawn to Him? The more you know about Him the more you come to appreciate, love and become like Him.

It's just like how iron filings are drawn to a magnet below paper. The closer the filings get the more they are attracted to the magnet, but they are also attracted to each other because the closer a filing gets to the magnet the more like the magnet it becomes. (And so it is with people, the more like Jesus we become the more attractive we will become.)

Some filings can be seen to "resist" by clinging to their current surroundings (much like people cling to things around them), but they are still being drawn. If they "let go" they will come closer to the magnet (again, like people).

You must be good to all the things that God has put under your care.
   God has put part of His creation under your dominion—some a lot, some little.
   You are called to be good to your portion—care for it, improve it, look after it.
Understand what I’m talking about?  Property—wealth, house, animals
   Talents, opportunities, vocation, and even the people who are under your care.
   Called to be a good steward.
   You are to stoop down, as God does, and be good to your little part.

Means called to take what the Lord has given you and build a good life--
   The “good life” not what Americans mean when say that—two cars, boat, stuff
   Building a good, orderly, peaceful life.
Do that by making decisions based on God’s word, promptings of Holy Spirit.
   A good life like that is attractive to people, and helpful to them.

John 12:32 "And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me."

ACTION STEP: Try just one or two of the above suggested things to try in 2019. Make decisions based on the Word of God. Be a good steward.

Seeing the fruit~tells us the root!

7/24/2019

Wednesdays are busy for me. Some are busier than others, today is one of the busier ones. I am speaking tonight at our local church on "The fruit of the Spirit~Goodness". Tomorrow we begin a three day conference, then back to do our two services on Sunday. Someday's, I wonder if I have what it takes. It is in those times that God reminds me that He not only has it all in His control, but He also holds me. His goodness comes through me as I yield my life over to Him.

When sin entered into the world, Satan was given influence over the earth. He is the father of lies and a master of taking good gifts from God and perverting them for our destruction. Thankfully, we serve a God who is greater than "he who is in the world. " (1 John) and His goodness is unending. We can have goodness and the devil can't take it away. The choice is ours.

Just as this picture displays (at least to me) a girl who finds comfort in the scriptures, I find comfort in the word of God daily; not just in my times of troubles.

The good news is that we have the truth! God has promised us that He won’t abandon us and that He will be with us, in every step of our journey to Heaven, both in the seen and the unseen. He’s also promised us the Holy Spirit to guide us and be with us. We have been left with commandments to love God and one another. Our job is simply to obey.

True goodness means we are living our life for Christ because we want to thank Him for all that He’s done, and bless those around us. As God made us in His image and lives in our hearts, when we love others in our actions or words, we spread His goodness.

ACTION STEP: Be a "Goodness Spreader". The word "Gospel" means good news. Remember the old "WWJD" letters that were on everything years ago? They stood for "What Would Jesus Do?" Let's bring that reminder back to the forefronts of our minds. Today, choose to do what Jesus what do. That action will be one that displays His goodness. If others see your fruit, they will know your root.

Goodness is a true commitment to choosing right over wrong, good over evil. As the Bible tells us in Matthew 5:16, our good works point directly to our Father in Heaven. We are good because it glorifies our Creator.

Psalm 52:1 tells us that “the goodness of God endures continually.” This gives us hope that God’s true goodness will prevail. As you continue to move forward, show God’s goodness by showing to everyone you meet. He created us to dwell in His goodness!

The storms of life and all you know--is maybe not all there is.

7/23/2019

Yesterday, was day two of the storm front that has come upon my area of the United States. The cool morning air is a welcome visit to the hot humid air that suffocates me, as I try to drink my morning coffee and catch a glimpse of the hummingbirds crowding my feeders. As I sit back in my anti-gravity chair, (a gift from a friend) I reminisce of the goodness of God. Yes, I have weathered my share of storms. I don't pretend life hasn't hit me hard. The death of my first born daughter, the divorce of my parents, loosing our house in a horrific fire just to name a few that have left their mark upon my family and I's life. But, I can say without a doubt, the Lord has given me beauty for ashes. (Isaiah 61)

Job 37  (ERV)
1“The thunder and lightning frighten me;
    my heart pounds in my chest.
2 Listen to God’s thundering voice!
    Listen to the sound coming from his mouth.
3 He sends his lightning to flash across the whole sky.
    It lights up the earth from one end to the other.
4 After the flashes of lightning you can hear his roaring voice.
    He thunders with his wonderful voice!
And while his voice thunders, the lightning flashes continue.
5 God’s thundering voice is amazing!
    He does great things that we cannot understand.
6 He says to the snow,
    ‘Fall on the earth.’
And he says to the rain,
    ‘Pour down on the earth.’
7 God does this to stop everyone’s work
    and to show the people he made what he can do.
8 The animals run into their dens and stay there.
9 Whirlwinds come from the south.
    The cold winds come from the north.
10 God’s breath makes ice
    and freezes even large bodies of water.
11 He fills the clouds with water
    and scatters his lightning through them.
12 He orders the clouds to be blown all around the earth.
    The clouds do whatever he commands.
13 He causes the clouds to punish people with floods
    or to water his earth and show his love.
14 “Job, stop for a minute and listen.
    Think about the wonderful things God does.
15 Do you know how God controls the clouds?
    Do you know how he makes his lightning flash?
16 Do you know how the clouds hang in the sky?
    This is just one of the amazing works of the one who knows everything.
17 All you know is that you sweat, your clothes stick to you,
    and all is still and quiet when the heat wave comes from the south.
18 Can you help God spread out the sky
    and make it shine like polished brass?
19 “Job, tell us what we should say to God!
    We cannot think of what to say because of our ignorance.[a]
20 I would not tell God that I wanted to talk to him.
    That would be like asking to be destroyed.
21 A person cannot look at the sun.
    It is too bright as it shines in the sky after the wind blows the clouds away.
22 In the same way God’s golden glory shines from the Holy Mountain.[b]
    He is surrounded by the brightest light.
23 We have seen that God All-Powerful really is all powerful!
    But he is just and never treats anyone unfairly.[c]
24 That is why people fear and respect him.
    He shows no respect for those who think they are wise.”

How little I truly know about God? I know God loves me, but I have many of the same issues that unbelievers have, those that don't know God have experienced, and those that have turned against God. Why is that? I don't know. But, I know God loves me. I know God loves you. Together we are going to get through this.

ACTION STEP: I'm not asking you to stand in the rain, in fact stay out of the storm if it's lightning and thundering. At the same time weather the storm. As His disciples it's okay to cry out to Jesus. Jesus may grab our hand and pull us up into His boat, however it may be after we are sinking. So, smile. Storms don't last forever and they make great stories!

Thunder and Lightning

7/22/2019

Yesterday, after church we enjoyed a great lunch with my "lil men", my term of endearment for my two grandsons. We mowed (with the toy mower of course) all of the property surrounding Rising Creek Bakery. The outside temperature was hovering at about 98-100 degrees and with the humidity both of them were soaked with sweat. After hugs and kisses from my two little men that now smelled like a wet dog this "Nonna--my other name", was ready to jump in to a cool pool. I called some friends and after a short drive hopped in to a refreshing conversation with water up to my neck. Only then did I realize the bubbles coming up on the surface of the pool. It was raining. This was an off and on occurrence with more off than on so we continued to swim. Later in the afternoon as we ventured to a local eatery we heard a sound so loud my husband asked, "Did you feel that?" Several employees ran to the door to check out what transpired. We thought they said, "A car crash." My hubby went to access the damage only to learn of the language barrier between the restaurant employees and us. It had been lightning. Now, it was a full blown thunderstorm and all of our phones started going off warning us of a Flood Watch.

Inside the restaurant we all felt safe. We couldn't go get our car. The rain was coming down so fast the parking lot was flooded and the lightning was relentless. We made jokes about who upset God laughing and repenting for over eating. However, you all know me. My wheels are always turning. I am thinking about the power of God and how His grace and mercy have short circuited all my storms in life.

At any time God could destroy us all. If you don't believe me read the story of Sodom and Gomorrah, or Noah and the flood. God loves His people and is always ready to show His mercy and kindness towards us, but the ball is in our court. Are we sorry? Do we want to repent? Are we seriously aware of how our wrongs affect others? Do we realize that the sins we commit have an everlasting effect on the next generation if we do not repent, and receive forgiveness from God? Do we care?

ACTION STEP: Look up all the scriptures you can find about God and lightning. See how many times the words thunder and lightning are used. Are you right with God?

Rip off your rearview mirror and drive on!

7/19/2019

What applies to national freedom, also applies to the freedom Jesus gives.

Hear what the Bible says about spiritual watchfulness:

Matthew 26:41 (NLT) "Keep alert and pray. Otherwise temptation will overpower you. For though the spirit is willing enough, the body is weak!"

1 Peter 5:8, 9 (NLT) "Be careful! Watch out for attacks from the Devil, your great enemy. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for some victim to devour. Take a firm stand against him, and be strong in your faith."

Hebrews 2:1-3 (NLT) "So we must listen very carefully to the truth we have heard, or we may drift away from it. The message God delivered through angels has always proved true, and the people were punished for every violation of the law and every act of disobedience. What makes us think that we can escape if we are indifferent to this great salvation that was announced by the Lord Jesus himself?"

We've learned all week, that freedom isn't free. Freedom cost, and the price is usually a life. Jesus was willing to pay that price, so we don't have too. Accept the gift of freedom, that was purchased with the Blood of the Lamb, Jesus our Christ.

REVIEW The 3 Points:

POINT #1
THE PRICE OF FREEDOM

IS PERSONAL SACRIFICE

POINT #2
THE PRICE OF FREEDOM

IS PERPETUAL VIGILANCE:

POINT #3
THE PRICE OF FREEDOM

IS PERSONAL RESTRAINT:

Freedom was paid for on the cross. Jesus died on a cross to set us free, not so we could tether ourselves to our sins, not to live in them, but to remember them. To remind ourselves of the goodness of God and tell others of His saving grace.

ACTION STEP: Remind yourself that who the Son has set free is free indeed. Don't beat yourself up for what you did in your past. Ask god to forgive you and move on. Stop looking back. Rip off your rearview mirror and clean your windshield. We can't drive a car forward looking backwards any more than we can live the life that God has planned for us looking at how the devil used us to destroy ourself and others.

Kick the devil out of your thoughts by putting more of the Word of God in. Soon you will realize your truly are a new creature in Christ. Old things have passed away and all things have become new. Paul was once Saul. Israel was once Jacob. Abraham was once Abram. Sarah was once Sari. Jerubbaal was once Gideon. God is in to changing us into His image. Let Him. The cage of guilt and shame has been opened, you are free to fly.

THE PRICE OF FREEDOM IS PERSONAL RESTRAINT

7/18/2019

Galatians 5:13 (NIV) "You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love."

Some are not willing to pay that price. They want to do whatever they want…whenever they want.

1 Peter 2:16 (NLT)"You are not slaves; you are free. But your freedom is not an excuse to do evil."

Liberty is not a license to do as we please! Freedom has limitations and boundaries!

You see, Love puts limits on our actions and behavior…and does nothing out of selfishness or disregard for others. BUT…old Satan tempts us to practice license under the excuse of liberty.

"Do your own thing!
Be your own boss!
It’s your life, your body.
Don’t let anyone, even God, dictate to you."
"Go ahead! Just this once won’t hurt!
"Nobody will know! You can get away with it!"
Friends, don’t listen to that advice!
It leads to slavery!

ACTION STEP: Don’t listen to ungodly people!

2 Peter 2:18-19 (NLT)
"They brag about themselves with empty, foolish boasting. With lustful desire as their bait, they lure back into sin those who have just escaped from such wicked living. They promise freedom, but they themselves are slaves to sin and corruption. For you are a slave to whatever controls you."