God has given us one of the greatest gifts. That gift is called “Free Will” and with this gift comes the “Power of Choice”.
This is a major component that most Christians miss. Not just Christians but anyone of faith. We tend to think that if we believe in God then EVERYTHING we go through in life is a product of what God wants to happen to us. Through the good or bad, if we have a success or failure, every trial and tribulation we are asking God “Why are YOU allowing this?”, or praising God in “Thank You”. Now don’t misinterpret what I am saying. God IS involved in ALL that we do but ONLY to the extent that we allow HIM to be. And one thing I have noticed is that God is NEVER at fault or to blame regarding ANYTHING that we may be facing or dealing with.
God is a gentleman and He is NOT a God of control. He gave us the gift of having a “Free Will”. He gave us this gift BELIEVING IN US to use this gift wisely and to make the right choices along with one of the best manuals to help steward this gift which is HIS WORD. He gave His ONLY Son to bear our sins, He gave us the Holy Spirit to help guide us, He gave us His Word to help instruct us and He gave us the opportunity and the HONOR to have relationship with Him and Seek Him and See/Hear Him respond. However, He gave us ALL of this and then gave US the POWER to CHOOSE if we want to partake in it.
We must start maturing within ourselves and begin to examine where we are at in the present moment. Everything you see around you is a product of what you CHOSE or are CHOOSING! Whether it is something good or something bad it is a product of your CHOICES! It seems so easy to place the blame on God or other people for our own failures. Whether it is a relationship, something with our career, an addiction, financial difficulty, bondage or whatever else one may be facing. It ALL came about through choices we made. And some of us KNOW better. Some of us KNEW or KNOW the Lord, have relationship with Him, were raised in the Faith, study the Word and yet we still CHOSE “Free Will” and did things our own way only down the line to now look at God asking Him how HE is going to get us out. So here we are again, facing choice.
Yes, God can deliver instantly and He does still work miracles but what are you going to choose when He does? When He delivers you and that which you were delivered from presents its self again are you going to choose to stay delivered? When He releases you from bondage and bondage comes back to bunk with you again are you going to choose to stay free? When He performs that miracle are you going to choose to do what is right after receiving that miracle? And lets be honest, sometimes CHOOSING Him and His way may not be popular at the time, it may not make sense to others, it may seem that you lose some material things or relationships but in the end CHOOSING Him and His way will be popular, it will make sense to others, and that which you lost WILL be restored. It may or may not be the same things or relationships being restored but what is restored will be that much BETTER.
We live today in a world where there are so many choices around us. Choices to make in belief; food; careers; housing; finances; investments; health; entertainment; and relationships to name a few. We also live in a world where change is rapid. Everything around us is constantly changing and sometimes we may have to make a choice in a matter of seconds. I believe that if we can remain balanced between our everyday lives and being in the Presence we will be more prepared to make those choices that need to be made in a matter of seconds. We will also become more confident with who we are and what we have been purposed to do which means when the opportunity to make a choice comes we will be less likely to make the wrong one.
I’m reminded of a time I went to the Lord to commune over some opportunities that had been presented to me. I remember being concerned and fearful of making a mistake. His response was, “Daughter, there is My PERFECT WILL for you but I can NOT going to push My perfect will on you. I gave you “Free Will”. I gave YOU the POWER to CHOOSE!” He then showed me in His Word regarding the good, the acceptable and the perfect will of God. Some settle for the good, some settle for the acceptable and others desire the perfect. I want the perfect will for my life. I want to be right where I am supposed to be when I am supposed to be there. He then began to give me insight on if I chose this or if I chose that what I would face, what I would have to do and where it would lead. He gave me what I needed but it was still MY CHOICE! I could either take heed to the instruction I was given or do my own thing. And I have found in doing my own thing it only prolongs and wastes time. So now I take heed to the instruction He gave, believe that I receive it, trust Him through the process and obey His instruction. Most people think God is like a genie, they think they can run to him ONLY when they are in trouble or need and He will continue to bail them out. He may do this when you first start your walk as your natural parents do but eventually even God will look upon us and tell us to GROW UP, to take responsibility for our own choices. What I also know is unlike people when He does do this He does it ALL in LOVE. How many times has God given us counsel and yet we still do our own thing and then when the moment is over we are looking back wondering why we didn’t listen to His counsel and then asking God to help get us out of our situation when we could have just received His counsel, BELIEVED His counsel and moved forward in it.
Now please understand. This walk, again, is about growth. We will always be going through some event to help build character and to help us grow. To help us grow IN Him and IN His Word. And yes, some situations are completely out of our control but even in those situations we have the power to choose. As I heard one individual say, “Don’t make a life long decision in a temporary situation”. How true that is. Something at the present moment may not be going right or may even “appear” to be right BUT seek God out before making any choices. He knows best where He is taking you and He knows best what choices being made now will get you to where He is taking you with fewer obstacles. I believe if we seek Him out and His Word before making our choices, especially major ones that can affect not just us but those connected to us down the road, then we can lessen the pain or hurt that we could experience.
Of course the best part about this is it is NEVER too late to choose Him or to make the decision to choose His way. Even if you are smack in the middle of a situation you can turn to Him, choose Him and His way and watch His power unfold. CHOOSE God and His Way and walk this thing out. People are counting on it!
Thursday, October 27, 2011
The TRUTH Shall Make You FREE!
We know the Word of God is TRUTH and that the Word does make one free but in order to receive the Word of God as truth and experience the freedom that comes with it there must be truth before God in regards to SELF.
If God is giving us the solution to our freedom (the Word) then He obviously knew that there was going to, at some point, be situations, people and spirits that would seek to bind us. So, us pretending, faking or leaving stuff out when we go to Him is absurd. After all, He is ALL KNOWING. So who are you truly hiding from? What are you truly hiding from Him…your NOT. He knows if you made the wrong choice, He knows if you are not following His principles, He knows if you are faking, He knows if you are tired / weary, and the list goes on. The only one(s) you are truly hiding from are yourself and the people around you.
We must see Him as our secret place, our safe place and learn to deal with the truth of our situations and what we are bound to when in that place. We must trust that He can handle those parts that are so deep that only you know about them. We must take ownership of the role we had to play in our current condition(s). If you are truly in the Presence of God you will not be able to avoid the inner dealing or wrestle that takes place when you come face to face with Him, when you have that intimacy with Him. We must begin to come to God without a planned speech but in a truly humble state where we pull off the mask and learn to cast everything on Him. Our cares, our faults, concerns, failures, worries, insecurities, fears, issues, etc. Yes, this can be an uncomfortable place, especially if you aren't able to see, at the moment, what your freedom entails. In the end though, it will be worth it.
Bondage is the counterfeit of freedom. It provides a false comfort. And the longer you are in it the more familiar you become with it and its day to day function. Sadly, most people prefer this because they know what to expect. It allows the individual to stay the way they are with no responsibility to change.
We have a responsibility to truth (the Word) and a responsibility to be truthful. We must learn to be truthful with God, ourselves, with those we love and those who are connected to us, especially if we are in a position where we are over others. And I don't mean this in the sense of throwing ALL one's business out there but in being able to be honest, admit to a mistake when we make one, to ask for one's forgiveness, to teach and share the revelation we receive. Otherwise those connected to you, those you are over are observing someone that in their eyes is perfect and then when they mess up they walk in a guilt or shame, and possibly become bound to it because they didn't reach the perfection that they feel you walk in.
I will never forget the day, many years ago, that I broke through in this. First, in my time with God and then with others. The Lord showed me that transparency is an effective tool. Our walk isn't about being perfect but it is about being available. After all, what will it benefit others, and even self to go through life constantly making things / situations appear one way when they are really another? It can actually become dangerous because it then causes those connected to you to make decisions, some that may be life altering, based off a lie, which has no future, rather then truth.
Not every deliverance is immediate, like salvation. Some take time and are a process. No matter how long, remain forever truthful to God, yourself, those you love and are connected to. And when God gives you the Word that will set you free keep that Word before you and in your mouth. Do not part from it. Stay in it until that Word makes you free.
If God is giving us the solution to our freedom (the Word) then He obviously knew that there was going to, at some point, be situations, people and spirits that would seek to bind us. So, us pretending, faking or leaving stuff out when we go to Him is absurd. After all, He is ALL KNOWING. So who are you truly hiding from? What are you truly hiding from Him…your NOT. He knows if you made the wrong choice, He knows if you are not following His principles, He knows if you are faking, He knows if you are tired / weary, and the list goes on. The only one(s) you are truly hiding from are yourself and the people around you.
We must see Him as our secret place, our safe place and learn to deal with the truth of our situations and what we are bound to when in that place. We must trust that He can handle those parts that are so deep that only you know about them. We must take ownership of the role we had to play in our current condition(s). If you are truly in the Presence of God you will not be able to avoid the inner dealing or wrestle that takes place when you come face to face with Him, when you have that intimacy with Him. We must begin to come to God without a planned speech but in a truly humble state where we pull off the mask and learn to cast everything on Him. Our cares, our faults, concerns, failures, worries, insecurities, fears, issues, etc. Yes, this can be an uncomfortable place, especially if you aren't able to see, at the moment, what your freedom entails. In the end though, it will be worth it.
Bondage is the counterfeit of freedom. It provides a false comfort. And the longer you are in it the more familiar you become with it and its day to day function. Sadly, most people prefer this because they know what to expect. It allows the individual to stay the way they are with no responsibility to change.
We have a responsibility to truth (the Word) and a responsibility to be truthful. We must learn to be truthful with God, ourselves, with those we love and those who are connected to us, especially if we are in a position where we are over others. And I don't mean this in the sense of throwing ALL one's business out there but in being able to be honest, admit to a mistake when we make one, to ask for one's forgiveness, to teach and share the revelation we receive. Otherwise those connected to you, those you are over are observing someone that in their eyes is perfect and then when they mess up they walk in a guilt or shame, and possibly become bound to it because they didn't reach the perfection that they feel you walk in.
I will never forget the day, many years ago, that I broke through in this. First, in my time with God and then with others. The Lord showed me that transparency is an effective tool. Our walk isn't about being perfect but it is about being available. After all, what will it benefit others, and even self to go through life constantly making things / situations appear one way when they are really another? It can actually become dangerous because it then causes those connected to you to make decisions, some that may be life altering, based off a lie, which has no future, rather then truth.
Not every deliverance is immediate, like salvation. Some take time and are a process. No matter how long, remain forever truthful to God, yourself, those you love and are connected to. And when God gives you the Word that will set you free keep that Word before you and in your mouth. Do not part from it. Stay in it until that Word makes you free.
Our Words... Matter
Today, I went to God about a recent situation and His response was so simple it was almost humorous.
He said, “Stop talking about it. The more you talk about it, the more you keep it alive. You gave it to me, I confirmed what you asked and I exposed what needed to be exposed. Whether those involved change or not, you laid it down, you gave it to Me and now it is Mine. It belongs to Me. Don’t take it back and don’t keep it alive by continuing to talk about it and question it. Keep your eyes focused. Your mouth shut. Your heart right and move forward.”
This correction reminded me how important our words are and how easily it is to forget this. Our words are a huge representation not only of who we are, but also of where we are at in life. Our words can either paint a false picture of our reality (denial), the truth of our reality (acceptance), or the hope of what we desire our reality to be (faith). Our words reflect our innermost being, that which is in our hearts, our minds and our Spirit. Our words can either be our best friend or our worst enemy. They can reveal our insecurities or they can reveal our faith. They can reveal our motives or they can reveal our goals. Our words can bring animation to our vision, our desires and our dreams. Our words, once heard, can bring correction to us, they can minister to us, and they can encourage us. But mostly, our words can bring the power of life and death to others, to ourselves, and to our situations. Our words can either tear others and stuff down or they can build others and stuff up. Our words can keep things in our lives that should be dead, alive. In the same, they can keep things that should be alive, dead.
Words are a powerful source and can be a powerful weapon if used correctly. So moving forward, think and filter before you speak, not just about self and self-situations but also about others and others’ situations. Where the Will of God or another is not known be careful not to create, with your own words, your will. Be cautious when in a place of uncertainty, unfamiliarity, hurt, anger or confusion and guard your words. Rather than pull from your emotions, pull from your Spirit, pull from the Word. Train your heart, your thoughts and your mouth. (And this takes consistency and practice) Take control over your world, not through forcing, manipulating, working or deceiving but through your words. Choose to speak words that bring life and that bring faith. Choose words that build rather than tear down. Choose to be the difference by your speech. Choose to open your mouth with wisdom and the law of kindness. Don’t allow that which does not represent the real and true you to be your representation. Remember to be slow to speak and quick to listen. Awake with an ear and a tongue of the learned that you will always be prepared to give a Word IN season to him/her who may be weary. And lastly, surround yourself with others who understand and speak your same language.
It matters.
He said, “Stop talking about it. The more you talk about it, the more you keep it alive. You gave it to me, I confirmed what you asked and I exposed what needed to be exposed. Whether those involved change or not, you laid it down, you gave it to Me and now it is Mine. It belongs to Me. Don’t take it back and don’t keep it alive by continuing to talk about it and question it. Keep your eyes focused. Your mouth shut. Your heart right and move forward.”
This correction reminded me how important our words are and how easily it is to forget this. Our words are a huge representation not only of who we are, but also of where we are at in life. Our words can either paint a false picture of our reality (denial), the truth of our reality (acceptance), or the hope of what we desire our reality to be (faith). Our words reflect our innermost being, that which is in our hearts, our minds and our Spirit. Our words can either be our best friend or our worst enemy. They can reveal our insecurities or they can reveal our faith. They can reveal our motives or they can reveal our goals. Our words can bring animation to our vision, our desires and our dreams. Our words, once heard, can bring correction to us, they can minister to us, and they can encourage us. But mostly, our words can bring the power of life and death to others, to ourselves, and to our situations. Our words can either tear others and stuff down or they can build others and stuff up. Our words can keep things in our lives that should be dead, alive. In the same, they can keep things that should be alive, dead.
Words are a powerful source and can be a powerful weapon if used correctly. So moving forward, think and filter before you speak, not just about self and self-situations but also about others and others’ situations. Where the Will of God or another is not known be careful not to create, with your own words, your will. Be cautious when in a place of uncertainty, unfamiliarity, hurt, anger or confusion and guard your words. Rather than pull from your emotions, pull from your Spirit, pull from the Word. Train your heart, your thoughts and your mouth. (And this takes consistency and practice) Take control over your world, not through forcing, manipulating, working or deceiving but through your words. Choose to speak words that bring life and that bring faith. Choose words that build rather than tear down. Choose to be the difference by your speech. Choose to open your mouth with wisdom and the law of kindness. Don’t allow that which does not represent the real and true you to be your representation. Remember to be slow to speak and quick to listen. Awake with an ear and a tongue of the learned that you will always be prepared to give a Word IN season to him/her who may be weary. And lastly, surround yourself with others who understand and speak your same language.
It matters.
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