Most people spend a lot of time measuring themselves against others.  They measure how they look, how they live, or even how much money they earn. Those kinds of comparisons influence our vision and can actually cause us to set goals that move us away from God instead of closer to Him.  As followers of Jesus Christ, we are not to desire or measure success by the world’s standard.  There is another standard that we must live by. The standard is love, and the guidelines for it are given throughout the Bible.  Jesus told us to love God first and then love our neighbors as ourselves. In 1st John we are told God is love and all that love Him have love for the brethren.  Seems pretty basic and most Christians know and accept this as fact (at least intellectually). Measuring love is not based on whether you can say, “I love you,” nor by intellectual agreement; but, by the consistent demonstration of the qualities in your life.  It goes far beyond mental assent. Love purifies your soul and is far more powerful than a feeling or emotion.  Love is the gold standard and a priority for the Christian life. As an integrated part of your Christian character it causes you to love your brother, your neighbor, and your enemies.  You consistently exhibit patience, forbearance, kindness.  You are humble, not easily provoked, and do not immediately think evil when someone offends. You do not envy what others have nor delight when others fail.  Not only that, but unselfishness motivates your every thought and action.   Beloved of God, know that the Lord wants you to increase in love. Good works and nice deeds without love according to the divine standard are empty.  Before you go comparing yourself to some external standard of success and begin planning the steps to obtain what you think they have; submit to the standard of God that should permeate your life. Instead of trying be increased with goods as a measure of success, commit to increasing in love. A life that is full of love (both given and received) is a full and satisfying life indeed.  Invite the Holy Spirit to help you gain wisdom and understanding. As you grow in love, God’s presence will increase in you. My prayer today is that you increase in the understanding and demonstration of God’s love.

Be Blessed,

MC

Thoughts from the message:  Love:  Measurable, Tried, and True   

  I must admit, although I love running, my extra long distance days used to present a challenge.  Those run days seem to take forever to reach the end.  Now I suppose the primary reason for this is that I am required to slow my pace in order to accomplish the distance.  You might be thinking, “That seems logical, what’s the problem?” The problem is I can run faster and I really want to run faster. So it stands to reason that yesterday about half way through an extra long run I had the desire to speed up.  Just as I was about to step it up, I heard my run coach (the Holy Spirit) say, “This is a study in discipline and restraint.”  I smiled and maintained my slower pace. As I continued for several miles, I reflected on the words, “discipline and restraint.”

  The fact is we all have strengths, those things that we can do well and usually quickly.  Although most of the time we operate in our strengths and are often taught to push harder and longer, the truth is it may not always be what is needed at the time.  As I continued to run, I thought about the fact that it doesn’t really take much discipline to run faster but it takes great discipline to deliberately slow down.  We must remember the lesson of always being yielded to God.  When we have strength and power we are apt to take matters in our own hands but God wants us to remain submitted and yielded to him regardless of the power us posses. Beloved of God, recognize that one mark of spiritual maturity is being able to deliberately slow down.  We must learn not to sacrifice effectiveness for efficiency.  God can and will use you mightily if you will learn the lesson of discipline and restraint.  After all, that is how Jesus walked the earth.  He possessed all power; yet He yielded it to be guided by the Father.  As I completed my run, feeling strong and energized, I had to praise God for the reminder. So, in turn, let me encourage you to develop discipline and restraint alongside speed and power in order to be an effective servant of the Lord. 

Let the Word of Lord bring you strength today and always.

Isaiah 40:31 But they that wait upon the Lord shall mount up with wings of eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

Be Blessed,
MC

Wow!! It’s been a quick summer.  I must say that I made no deliberate decision to stay away from blogging during the entire summer but sometimes life happens.  Our summer was consumed with a myriad of events: the high school graduation of our oldest daughter, seeing my dearest friend after four years, the loss of our sister in a car accident, tremendous transitions in our community, and (praise the Lord) taking our newly graduated daughter to begin university life a mere 5,600 miles away from home. (And that is only a fraction of it all)
Just a few days ago, someone said to me, “Wow, you have really been through “it” this summer.”  To which I responded, “Been through what?” I am often reminded that my perspective is not typically the norm.  He started to recount the last twelve weeks of my life from his perspective. It was interesting and sounded a little dismal.   As I listened, I thought, “Well, when you say it like that it does sound like I should be tired, stressed out, and sad.”  But all I could actually say was, “Yes, it’s been quite a busy summer but faith makes you resilient.”  I am glad to be able to say that I know and believe the power of Romans 8:28.  Through all the events my focus has been on God’s faithfulness and love.  He has never left me lonely, lost, or without comfort.  The way I see it, we have not just endured a hectic summer we have prevailed. Although many of the things I normally have on my agenda changed, God has been up to something. Over the last twelve weeks, my personal schedule hasn’t been quite what I would have expected or planned, but God has been up to something. Sometimes the timing of the significant events of life seemed as if they would overtake us but as each one unfolded I saw that God was up to something. In the midst of everything He was always right there leading, guiding, comforting, directing, and providing abundantly for us.  He caused me to remember and appreciate, on a greater level, His presence with me. God reminded me that when my focus is Him, though schedules and plans change He will never leave.   Through the events of this summer He also reminded me that my relationship with Him is more important than anything I can ever do for Him.  There are many facets to the “ministry” He has given and fufulling each one is important.  As I successfully fulfill the demands of each facet in obedience to His word, I am worshipping Him.  When my schedule and His plans for me are in sync I can relax and rest in Him.  So as we enter September, I happily return to blogging as time and space again allow.  I invite you to walk with me weekly as we grow in the most important relationship of our lives, our relationship with the Father.  Today, I leave you with a question, what has God been up to in your life?  I’d love to hear from you.

Be Blessed Today and Always,

MC 

We tend to be creatures of habit.  Most days hold a fairly typical pattern:  wake up, eat, work, run errands, sleep; and then repeat it all the next day.  A normal routine produces stability, comfort, and certainty.    Although stability, comfort, and certainty can be good, it is still necessary to guard against spiritual complacency.  Complacency is an enemy to spiritual growth and abundant living because it dampens your desire to seek God with your whole heart. 

   Today, I simply want to remind you not to let the normalcy of daily living cause you to become complacent in your spiritual walk.  Be diligent to seek God as passionately in normal times as when you are facing adversity. When everything seems to be routine, don’t settle for a lukewarm relationship with God.  It’s easy to seek God when things are going haywire; but, there is also tremendous benefit to seeking him when all is calm.  Seeking him during the calm times increases your love, honor, and respect toward him.  I encourage you to maximize the blessing of stability, order, and routine by deliberately concentrating on deepening your relationship with the Father.  Focus on some amazing spiritual disciplines that will cause the roots of your relationship to grow stronger. Take more time to pray.  Explore the discipline of fasting.  Read a few extra Psalms.  Praise God fervently.  Celebrate his goodness.  Relish moments of solitude. Don’t let day to day living cause you to settle.  God has more in store for you.  Pursue him! 

Consider the words of Paul and be blessed,  ” Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those  things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:13-14

 Blessings to you,

MC

A few days ago, my family and I were having dinner at one of our favorite spots, when suddenly our two youngest children just started telling jokes. They were relentless. For about 10 minutes, they hit us with a barrage of jokes, until they got to one that made us really laugh.  At that point, they seemed satisfied, and simply turned their attention to their meal and more general conversation. My husband and I looked at each other sort of puzzled, both of thinking, “What was that all about?”  It seemed as if we were attacked by the joke squad.  Not really thinking too much more of it, we finished our dinner and headed home. The next morning, as I got out of bed, I heard the words, “remember to laugh.”  As the morning went on, I couldn’t get those words out of my head and as I thought about it a little more I realized that my son and daughter (the instruments of God that they are :)) had really ushered us into a God moment. You know, one of those unique times where God helps us by meeting a need we don’t even know we have.  He loves us so much that even in our service to him and the business of life, he wants us to enjoy the moments.

Today as I return to this blog space after a little hiatus, I remind you to remember to laugh.  Don’t forget, in the busyness and business of your life, to fully inhale and embrace the beauty of living and the love that is given to you.     

Enjoy your day and be blessed.

MC

Ecclesiastes 3:1 To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven:  3:4 A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and time to dance;

Last time, I talked a little bit about being souled out to God and promised to share some secrets to help you in your journey.  So, as promised…..

The SOULED OUT: 

1.  Accept the word of God as authoritative in all situations.  They let the word of God shape them. It becomes their way not just a legalistic command of God that they must obey.  They do not allow their minds to stir up rationalizations or justifications for being unfaithful to the word of the Lord.  They simply obey.

2.   Pray with confidence and frequency.  They realize that prayer is not just a vehicle to get their way but an intimate time of communication with God that reveals his  mind and will.  

3.  Live a consecrated life.  A consecrated life is one set apart to bring glory and honor to God. It can also be defined as a life specifically set apart for God’s use.   It does not imply a life of boredom, lack, or being a hermit; but, speaks to the power of practicing purity and holiness in every area of life.  Those who are SOULED OUT maintain consecration as a lifestyle. 

If you start here, you will be well on your way to living a life that is completely surrendered and souled out to God. 

It is my prayer for you that your walk of faith be strengthened as you embrace his plan for your life. 

Be blessed today and always,

 MC

A life “S-O-U-L-E-D OUT” is one of great value to God.  It is one in which his power can flow freely.  It has the potential to deeply impact others. Its fruit is eternal. A “souled out” life brings the will of God from heaven to earth.  Are you “S-O-U-L-E-D OUT?”

Seems like a simple question, or at least we want it to be, but there are some subtle actions in our lives that may actually reveal a different picture.  Many times we think we are when we are not.  Here is where the grace of God kicks in.  It is God’s desire that we be souled out.  He wants to help us get there by causing us to answer some tough questions.   Take a moment to answer the following questions.  They may help kick start your process of discovering how souled out you really are.

Do you blame God for not being able to do things?  Sounds a little strange I know, but keep reading.  We often want to do things other than what God would have us do.  In those circumstances, we say things like, “I can’t do this or that because God says not too.”  On the surface it sounds nice and spiritual but it may reveal that your will has not become one with God’s.  Looking a little deeper at the “I can’t because God…” statement  may reveal what you would do in the absence of restraint or boundaries. It’s sort of like the child who says, I can’t play with matches because my mommy said not to. They have not learned the power behind the prohibition.  The child lacks the understanding of the power and impact of their actions. If that boundary wasn’t there they would probably play with the matches.  Don’t misunderstand here, I thank God for restraint and boundaries when we just don’t know what to do, yet spiritual maturity is demonstrated when have learned the power of obedience and choose righteousness for righteousness sake.

Do you repeat your prayers after having received an answer? Most think this is persistence in prayer; but really, it is a stubborn insistence on your own way.  Once God has revealed the answer to you, trust him, and move in the strength of that truth.  Seeking a different answer only reveals that you are moved by your soul and not the Spirit of God.

Do you entertain things/people/thoughts/ that you shouldn’t?   Many times we hold on to things that are not profitable or beneficial for us when we should let them go.  There is no room for compromise in the life of the one who is “souled out”.  Stand firm and in agreement with the thoughts, decisions, and ways of God. God has set a standard for your life, embrace it and prosper spiritually and naturally.  
Today,  make a decision to infuse your spiritual walk by being completely S-O-U-L-E-D OUT. The effects of your surrender will cause every area of your life to improve.  Later this week, I’ll share a few secrets of the S-O-U-L-E-D OUT to help further support your decision. Until then, I’d love to hear from you.

Blessings today and always,

MC

This post is an excerpt from the message “S-O-U-L-E-D OUT!” If you would like to hear more on living a powerful Christian life go to www.mikaelacade.com

Have you seen God today?  If not, better check your vision.

If natural vision is one of the most important senses we have, spiritual vision is even more important.  Vision is necessary as we are told to seek: God, his kingdom, and his righteousness.  Spiritual vision is so important that the Bible is full of references to the healing those who lack it.  Jesus often healed natural blindness to make us aware of the state of spiritual blindness.  Spiritual vision has purpose and power. Without it we can not accomplish all that we should.  It is tied to the fulfillment of the ultimate plan of God for the kingdom, the church, and you the individual believer.

The plan of God for the kingdom, the church, and the individual believer cries out for fulfillment.  In order to fulfill divine purpose, your vision must be sharper than 20/20.  Specifically, you must be able to see far above what “normal” people can see.  To see above what is considered normal is to see supernaturally.  This type of sight is to enable you to make the intangibility of faith tangible.  Sharp spiritual vision positions you to do the impossible.  Are you ready to do the impossible? I hope so, because God is ready for you to do it. To sharpen your spiritual vision you must take into proper account the following:  being born again and practicing purity. Being born again gives the provision to see but purity opens you up to the experience.   

Today, I invite you to improve your visual acuity by first being born again and then embracing greater purity in your life.  Purity should be demonstrated in thoughts, words, and actions.  This will open the door to sharper vision. 

Remember, Matthew 5:8,” blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God.”  

Blessings today and always,

MC

It seems that nothing inspires people to make resolutions and promises like the beginning of a new year.   Have you already made resolutions? Do you have a plan for your success in those areas?  Is it based on your will power or on God’s power?  

A few months ago, as I considered the coming year the word “resolved” came to my mind  and I quickly jotted it down in my journal.   As I took a few minutes to ponder the word, it became apparent (at least to me) that  it should be the mission statement for the year 2008, Dominion and Authority. RESOLVED speaks to our God consciousness and reminds us that God gives us all we need to prevail, we must accept it and move into action.  Take a look:

Receive

Every

Strategy

Ordained by the

Lord and

Victoriously

Establish  His

Dominion

As you walk in Dominion and Authority, keep in mind that God has and always has had the plan for your success.  Receive (accept) his plan and walk in agreement with him.  Be encouraged and know that sometimes the plan of God for your life will challenge you to step beyond your comfort zone.  Follow him.  Sometimes the plan of God for your life will be different than every one else’s or even what you imagined.  Trust Him.  Sometimes the plan of God for your life will open doors and present opportunities you never even considered.  Faithfully Obey Him.  Remember when you  follow his leading there is no end to your success, fulfillment, and joy. 

The year of Dominion and Authority is about understanding your identity, the power you possess, and faithfully moving into the action that brings glory to God.  Let this be the year that you accomplish more than you imagined by following the plan of God.  This year don’t just make resolutions be RESOLVED! 

Remember today,  “For  I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” Jeremiah 29:11 and “with God nothing shall be impossible.” Luke 1:37

Blessings today and always,

MC

Happy New Year!!!

WOW!! 2008, the year of Dominion and Authority ( I’ll write more on that later). 

I am always excited about new beginnings.  As we celebrate the new year,  let us remember that we are have a purpose greater than ourselves. Each new year, new day, new moment we receive an awesome dose of grace and mercy mixed with the opportunity to expand the kingdom of God.  

As you begin your new year, take a moment and remember with gratitude the days the Lord has allowed you to see.  Recognize and acknowledge his faithfulness.  He has been your sufficiency, your strength, your provider, your shelter. Let the knowledge of this propel you into your new day. Let the memory of God’s faithfulness give you  strength, confidence, courage, and assurance as you seize every opportunity to live your purpose. Know that you are called of God to expand the kingdom.  You were created to have an impact.  Determine now to truly live each day giving him glory. You have been given a new year with brand new mercies, let your life reflect your gratefulness.

Remember this, ” It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.  They are new every morning:  great is thy faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:22-23.

Blessings today and always,

MC