Extraordinary Transformation

As a child I had an imaginary friend.  We often read books, played school, and even had tea parties. Not surprisingly, all the same things I love doing today.  What I didn’t know then was that this relationship was training me in the faithful practice of living by faith.

Although Kimberly could not be seen by anyone but me, I was never content with simply giving her imaginary paper and crayons. When we colored or had tea, I would always put things out for her.  Her presence was so real that it compelled me to act accordingly.

Faith always demands an active response. What you believe should translate to real, observable action.  If there is faith, but no corresponding action, you may intellectually agree with a doctrine or teaching, but you might not believe it… yet.

Faith in God always brings along with it the desire and courage to obey His word. The actions of your life are the clearest display of what you believe.

Today’s challenge is to increase the connection between the activity in your life and the faith you possess.

I invite you to consider what you believe about an issue important to you. Then ask yourself, “Do my belief, words, and actions line up with faith in God?”

Here are a few thoughts to get to started:  You believe prayer works…do you do it consistently? You believe God has forgiven your sins…do you live life unashamed?  You believe God knows the plan for your life…do you consult him?  Do you trust him? And while there are a million other questions I could write, I think you get it.

Remember that the Kingdom of God must be expanded, and your life lived by faith is critical to accomplishing the mission. You are a part of  God’s plan.  Your faith keeps you in the fight.  God is always pleased with the demonstration of true faith in Him, so live like you believe every day.

Blessings to you,

MC

If you’ve ever tried to accomplish a goal you’re probably intimately acquainted with people saying:

How are you going to do that?

You didn’t go to school for that.

You don’t know the right people.

You’re too old or too young.

Where are you going to get the money for that?

What’s taking so long?

People often try to understand and talk to you about your vision through their filter.  They tend to define your future by the things they can see or have experienced.

But don’t let that stop you.   Don’t let their questions become a stumbling block to you.  God’s plan supersedes all of man’s intentions.

Let their words be a challenge to a life of greater faith and commitment to the plan of God for your life.  Let them encourage you to walk according to your faith in God.

Walking by faith requires you to be courageous, fearless, and really persistent.

It doesn’t mean that you get it right every time, but you always keep going.

It means you see what appears to be a challenge and still say, “Yes.”

It means you are confident that God is competent and capable.  You find hope, strength, and courage knowing that He is with you, leading you, and providing for you.

As you consider a few of my random thoughts, I challenge you to:

Pursue the goal.  Run after the vision. Pursue your extraordinary.

Always remember that with God nothing is impossible.

Blessings to you,

MC

Years ago I posted a blog titled, “I Love Rainbows.” It was a glimpse at the joy that fills me when I see rainbows. I remember sharing in that post, that my husband called my office and simply said, “Go outside.” I got up from my desk and walked to the front door of RUACH Life Training Center – Italy, and saw the most brilliant rainbow ever. I smiled as I thought about how each rainbow reminds me of the plan and promises of God. I laughed at how well my husband knew (and still knows) what brings me immense joy. I was moved by the fact that he didn’t want me to miss an opportunity to smile. I’ve never forgotten that moment.
Recently, I was sitting in my office and I got a text message from my daughter, “Mommy, there is a rainbow outside…did you see it?” I got up and went outside and immediately saw a beautiful rainbow. I was again reminded that God is a promise keeper. Now what makes this really interesting is that I was working through the details of the launch of RUACH Life Training Center – Texas. (See the connection?) As I gazed at the rainbow with gratitude, I was moved by the fact that she knows how significant rainbows are and didn’t want me to miss it. As I bowed my head and offered thanks to the Lord for that moment, I heard the Spirit of the Lord say, “The promise remains.” I am sure I will never forget that moment.
Today, I share that story to remind you that every one of God’s promises for your life remains. I want to encourage you to continue to pursue them. Continue to believe. There is more in store for you.  He wants you to experience everything his word declares.  I’ve been sharing with our congregation how important it is to embrace God’s promises.  Don’t leave any promise on the table. Know that God wants you to experience an extraordinary life.
Consider God’s promises concerning your life. Remember that every promise is ultimately tied to the fulfillment of His plan. You and all that your life has to offer are part of the Kingdom plan. Trust that the promises of God are “yea and Amen.”  If for some reason you thought the promise was forgotten or it was too late, I suggest a change in perspective. Don’t worry about what you don’t have or didn’t do.  Determine to move forward. Remind yourself of the word God has spoken and take a step of faith towards it. Your renewed commitment to pursuing God’s plan will inspire faith-filled action.  When you get into action you will be reminded that the promise remains.

“Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Christ Jesus.”  Phil 1:6

Blessings to you!

MC

It takes wisdom to live an extraordinary life; and, that kind of wisdom begins with an undeniable reverence for God. Reverence for the Lord produces wisdom that creates the momentum for living a life that continually glorifies God.  It causes you to live more authentically.  It guides you into living your purpose continually. You will consistently use your gifts, talents, and abilities to positively impact the Kingdom. Ultimately, you will live the life God designed for you. A life of consistent and intimate fellowship with him. A life that gives way to consistently accomplishing your purpose. It is an extraordinary life.

The proof of reverence for God is not simply found in a verbal affirmation or even lifting up the hands towards heaven, but in the actual attitudes, thoughts, and behaviors of your life. Beloved, reverence is the product of respect, submission, and obedience to God. The synergy of these three leads to a life full of righteous action.

This week, my challenge to you is to seek to elevate your understanding and application of reverence. That’s right, I want you to make it a personal mission to respect, submit to, and obey God more.  You can start by asking yourself, “Does every area of my life truly reveal my reverence for God?”  Be transparent and courageous in your answer. You’ve got nothing to lose, but there is so much more of God to gain.   Here are a few points to ponder until next time.

1.  Is reverence reflected in my attitude? Your attitude can influence your behavior. Attitudes are determined ways of thinking or feeling about something. It is your mental position on something.   Believers should base their attitudes on the facts of faith and not circumstances.  When your mind truly agrees with the facts of faith and the word of God, you will maintain a proper attitude.  You will not complain or vainly question a situation, but always recognize that God is with you. You will have confidence that God’s ways are perfect.  Attitudes are a little tricky, because when things are going according to our desires our attitudes tend to be good.  Yet, when things go awry it can turn into quite a different story.  For example, you have to wait a little longer for your dream to materialize.  Maybe your life is a little off the schedule you have written.  So you find that your attitude towards others who seem to be moving forward gets a little rough.  God is not surprised at where you are currently standing; he wants you to learn to keep a faith-filled attitude no matter what.  Remember that your attitude in any situation should be based on the truth of what God has declared not in your circumstances or even your feelings.

2.  Is reverence declared through my words? How and what we speak is important to life and death.  Remember, Proverbs 18:21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.  God has given us the power and ability to speak. Your speech can be filled with faith and reverence. Your words actually have the power to block the move of God in your life. Consider the person in pain who fears acknowledging the truth because it might be a negative confession.  The fact is they have a headache, to say so is not a negative confession.  But, if they deny the situation choosing to ignore it they can actually prevent God from healing. God requires transparency and trust. To have a need and ask for help reveals that your respect and trust in the Lord. Be sure your words are in line with the will of God and you will walk in power.

3.  Is reverence revealed by my actions?  I mention actions last because those things that are revealed through the body are really only a demonstration of what we have already believed and spoken.  Actions are not independent of belief. When you respect God your actions are in sync with the word and will of God.  Your actions reveal how much you respect God. Let there be no gap between what you say you believe and what you actually do. If there is, you are free to confess the error and allow the Holy Spirit to refocus you. Always remember God loves you.

Reverence the Lord and you will get wiser.

Blessings to you,

MC

Here is the final portion.  If you haven’t read Part I & II you may want to go back and catch up.

4. Rely on God’s strength

Humility is the critical component of relying on God’s strength. Humility is not self-confessed modesty or an abrogation of personal power. It is acknowledging another’s authority and yielding to it. Philippians 2 provides an excellent example of Jesus’ humility. All in all we are to be dependent upon God and not ourselves. Our words express where we believe our strength comes from. Words like, “I can take it,” or “I can do “or even “I can handle it…” can sometimes unwittingly undermine your success by causing you to focus on your strength instead of God’s. Speaking based on your own ability blocks the release of God’s power. While it is true, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,” often our words are not filled with reliance on Christ, but on our own will. It is God’s desire that you rely on him and his strength. That means knowing and depending on his word and trusting his ability to make the word true. Many times we move in our own strength when we are tired of waiting.

Apply this truth: If you find that you have been speaking from your own strength, confess that to God and set your heart to depend on him. Surrender to the Lord’s plans and purpose. Remember to give thanks in all things. When struggles or conflicts arise be deliberate in your obedience. Trust the word of the Lord and wait on God instead of launching out to fight your own battles.

You must speak in line with your faith. Always speak according to the vision that God has set for your life. Learn to speak strategically: in line with your faith, the vision God has set, and the perfect timing of your life. Soon you will begin to eat the fruit of your labor.

Ultimately, what you say is critical to your life and success; therefore, speak skillfully and strategically.

Finally, be assured that God’s plan for your life is well within reach. Your extraordinary life of success and fulfillment is attainable…you must speak it!

Blessings to you!

MC