Word-Filled Wednesday ~ Song of Solomon 2:1

Hosted By: Amydeanne @ The 160 Acre Woods

We Are Not Our Behavior

There are people in this world who tend to behave a certain way; That is not exactly what I would call of Godly characteristics. There are even people who are just down-right mean, nasty, evil, and spiteful. The crazy (and yet sad) thing about is that all of us have at least one family member or know someone who behaves in an ungodly manner.

They are always the one who causes drama or turn a happy get-together into a not-so happy one. Many people who operate in such a way will try to push the boundaries just to see how far they can go and how much they can get away with. Sometimes you may even wonder how someone can have the audacity to say and do whatever they want to people without any remorse or an ounce of conviction.


It's simple:

Sin = ungodly characteristics (works of the flesh) = bad behavior

"Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness,idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries,..." (Galatians 5:19-21)

Salvation = Godly Characteristics (fruit of the Spirit) = Moral and Just Behavior

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control."(Galatians 5:22-23)

We cannot expect anyone operating in the flesh to act any better than the characteristics listed in Galatians 5:19-21. It is the work of the flesh that causes people to behave in an ungodly manner. And this is where we have to keep mind that it's not the person who is behaving badly. It's their flesh. And because they are walking according to the flesh and not according to the Spirit, they are subjected to the flesh. Therefore, bound to sin. It's hard to look beyond the person (their physical being) and into their hearts. Nonetheless, we have pray for their spirit. We have to war in the spirit against the devil on their behalf. It is not the person we are warring against.

"For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places." (Ephesians 6:12)

Sometimes, we have to love people where there are....for right now. However, it doesn't mean we have to stop praying for them to be save; so that they will no longer be bound to sin,and subjected to the works of the flesh. But, free from it and walking according to the Spirit. Hallelujah!!!

Bottom-line: We are not our behavior. But, we are all children of God saved by grace and mercy. Glory to God!!! Thank you Jesus!!!

Ephesians 2:1-8

1) AND YOU [He made alive], when you were dead (slain) by [your] trespasses and sins
2) In which at one time you walked [habitually]. You were following the course and fashion of this world [were under the sway of the tendency of this present age], following the prince of the power of the air. [You were obedient to and under the control of] the [demon] spirit that still constantly works in the sons of disobedience [the careless, the rebellious, and the unbelieving, who go against the purposes of God].

3) Among these we as well as you once lived and conducted ourselves in the passions of our flesh [our behavior governed by our corrupt and sensual nature], obeying the impulses of the flesh and the thoughts of the mind [our cravings dictated by our senses and our dark imaginings]. We were then by nature children of [God's] wrath and heirs of [His] indignation, like the rest of mankind.

4)But God--so rich is He in His mercy! Because of and in order to satisfy the great and wonderful and intense love with which He loved us,

5) Even when we were dead (slain) by [our own] shortcomings and trespasses, He made us alive together in fellowship and in union with Christ; [He gave us the very life of Christ Himself, the same new life with which He quickened Him, for] it is by grace (His favor and mercy which you did not deserve) that you are saved (delivered from judgment and made partakers of Christ's salvation).

6) And He raised us up together with Him and made us sit down together [giving us joint seating with Him] in the heavenly sphere [by virtue of our being] in Christ Jesus (the Messiah, the Anointed One).

7) He did this that He might clearly demonstrate through the ages to come the immeasurable (limitless, surpassing) riches of His free grace (His unmerited favor) in [His] kindness and goodness of heart toward us in Christ Jesus.

8) For it is by free grace (God's unmerited favor) that you are saved (delivered from judgment and made partakers of Christ's salvation) through [your] faith. And this [salvation] is not of yourselves [of your own doing, it came not through your own striving], but it is the gift of God;

Saturday Psalm Reading ~ Psalm 37:3-7

Psalm 37:3-7

Trust in the LORD, and do good; Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness.

Delight yourself also in the LORD, And He shall give you the desires of your heart.

Commit your way to the LORD, Trust also in Him, And He shall bring it to pass.

He shall bring forth your righteousness as the light, And your justice as the noonday.

Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for Him; Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, Because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass

Trust. Dwell. Feed. Delight. Commit. Trust. Rest. Wait. Do not fret.
In Psalms 37:3-7, we are given a few instructions to follow:

1. Trust in the Lord
2. Dwell in the Lord
3. Feed on His faithfulness
4. Delight ourselves in the Lord
5. Commit your way to the Lord
6. Trust also in Him
7. Rest in the Lord
8. Wait patiently
9. Do not fret

This is a great psalm to read when there seems to be so much chaos going on around you; Or even when it seems like other people are getting bless or getting what they want, but it seems like you are not receiving anything from God. Psalm 37 is a reminder that if you just trust me (God) to do what I said I would, remain faithful, and delight yourself in Me, then I would give you your heart's desires. I am here. I am not going anywhere.

Another reminder is not to be moved by other people's success. If we must take heed to the other instructions in Psalm 37:

Commit your way, your plans to the Lord and just trust Him (There goes that "trust" word again.) then He will bring it to pass.

Rolling over your way, your plans, your dreams, your goals, your visions, etc., is one of many ways to show God that you are walking in faith and not by sight and believing in Him without a shadow of doubt.

Psalm 37:7 says, "Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for Him;...". This doesn't mean not to do anything. This means to spend time with God by reading and meditating on His Word, basking in His presence, and in all that you must wait patiently on Him. It's best not to be anxious while you wait on God.

"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;"
(Philippians 4:6 New King James)

Last but not not least, DO NOT FRET!!! There's no need to fret or fear when other people are becoming succesful or receiving blessings and/or miracles. Fear of neglect. Fear of not being anything you want to be. Fear of being deemed not worthy enough to receive all that God has for you due to the bad choices you made in the past. God does not want us to fret, to worry or have any inkling of fear. Here's the Amplified and The Message Bible version of Philippians 4:6:

"Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God." (Amplified)

"Don't fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns." (Message)

Why worry??? Why fret?? Why fear??? It is our faith that keeps us strong; that gives us hope and a sound mind. Satan will try to use any ounce of fear or worries to distort our faith in God. However, if we remain steadfast, immovable and always standing on God's Word (His promises), then satan will have no power over us.

"For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind." (2 Timothy 1:7)

We are the righteousness of God and He would do just what He said He will do. It may not happen when we want it to, but it will happen. God's word will return to Him void.

"So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it." (Isaiah 55:11)

It's all in God's timing.


Blessings to you on this Saturday Psalm Reading.

Thankful Thursday ~ Dreams and Aspirations

I am thankful for God giving me dreams and aspirations to want to do something that would beneficial to my family as well as His people. I never want to settle for less. It's a blessing to have a goal or something to look towards. Dreams and aspirations give you hope and a destination. It's even more exciting when you know it was God who place such a glorious dream on your heart that can bring glory to His Holy Name.


Where there is no vision, the people of God will perish.



What's Your dream????





Stop by Thankful Thursday's host, Iris @ Grace Alone

Word-Filled Wednesday ~ Romans 15:13

"May the God of your hope so fill you with all joy and peace in believing [through the experience of your faith] that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound and be overflowing (bubbling over) with hope." (Romans 15:13) Amplified



Hosted By: Amydeanne @ The 160 Acre Woods

The Word Discovers Our Condition

The word of God has the power to discover or diagnosis our condition as well as treat it. Before a doctor prescribes or recommends any type of medication or treatment, he must examine you and take notes of all your symptons. After that, comes your diagnosis (your condition). After the doctor informs you of your condition, then it's time for the necessary treatment so you can begin to heal/recover.

It's the same way with our spirits. Sometimes we may have a spiritual condition that may stunt our growth in Godliness. If you are spiritually under the weather, it is very hard to grow. Therefore, it's always great to get a spiritual check up every now and then.

That's why it is so important to read, study, and meditate on God's Holy Word. It is His Word that tell us if we are truly living a Godly and sanctify life. If we are not living a Godly life, then "Houston we have a problem" that needs immediate attention.

Let us therefore be diligent to enter that rest, lest anyone fall according to the same example of disobedience. For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account. (Hebrews 4:11-13)

God's Word is an effective treatment for any condition we may have. As we read God's Word, we need to transition it from God's written word to God's spoken word. We need to speak God's Word into our hearts. Declare his Word and take authority over our any condition that is trying to hinder our spiritual growth. God's Word will pierce it at the root, destroying any form of infection or ailment. As a result, the healing process can officially begin.

"Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers." (3 John 2)

"So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it." (Isaiah 55:11)

God has all the nutrients we need (and then some) to live a fruitful and productive life. In addition to that, it breathes life into our hearts. However, you have to receive God's Word humbly and wholeheartedly. Remember, God's Word is not barren. It's fruitful and productive. It's living and powerful and it's sharper than any two-edged sword. It's a hammer that breaks the rock in pieces, (Jeremiah 23:29).



I pray this post is a blessing to you spirit, soul, and body. And let The Word do the work.

Saturday Psalm Reading ~ Psalm 27:1-6

Psalm 27:1-6
THE LORD is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life; Of whom shall I be afraid?

When the wicked came against me To eat up my flesh, My enemies and foes, They stumbled and fell.

Though an army may encamp against me, My heart shall not fear; Though war may rise against me, In this I will be confident.

One thing I have desired of the LORD, That will I seek: That I may dwell in the house of the LORD All the days of my life, To behold the beauty of the LORD, And to inquire in His temple.

For in the time of trouble He shall hide me in His pavilion; In the secret place of His tabernacle He shall hide me; He shall set me high upon a rock.

And now my head shall be lifted up above my enemies all around me; Therefore I will offer sacrifices of joy in His tabernacle; I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to the LORD.

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Enjoy your weekend!!!

One Nation Under God...

Jon McNaughto's painting is absolutely stunning, glorious, and beyond words. It's truly a work of art inspire by the Holy Spirit. The video is only 2:38. Check it out and be bless!!!

"Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, The people He has chosen as His own inheritance. The LORD looks from heaven; He sees all the sons of men. From the place of His dwelling He looks On all the inhabitants of the earth; He fashions their hearts individually; He considers all their works. Let Your mercy, O LORD, be upon us, Just as we hope in You.(Psalm 33:12-15, 22)

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Thankful Thursday ~ Beautiful Weather

I am thankful for the beautiful weather I have been experiencing this week. I can tell that fall weather is approaching very soon. It's not too cold. It's not too hot; But, it's just right. In the early mornings, the weather is about 67 with highs at around 85. (Don't I sound like a meteorologist or what?!?)

The air is nice and breezy, which is perfect for walking, hiking, biking, or even a picnic. Even though I enjoy the summer and sometimes very hot weather, I am ready for cooler weather. In addition to being thankful for weather, I am also thankful for seasons. I love how the seasons change from hot to cool, from cool to cold, from cold to warm, from warm to hot and then start all over again. I like the idea of change every now and then or going from one season to the next season.

With all this being said, I am ready for fall and enjoying this beautiful weather while I can. What are you thankful for???


Stop by Thankful Thursday's host, Iris @ Grace Alone


Happy TT!!!

Word-Filled Wednesday ~ 2 Corinthians 4:17-18

"Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal." (2 Corinthians 4:16-18)

The "Blah" is Gone...Hallelujah!

Let me start off by saying that it is no fun (absolutely none, zilch, zero) at all being sick or under the weather. My stomach was buzzing, churning, chirping and other noises (not sure I can describe). Besides the usual fever, I had body aches, the chills and a not-so-friendly stomach. Now, with all this being said, I have a confession to make. When it comes to my stomach aching or feeling queasy, I am a complete and total punk.


I have more tolerance for a headache than what I have for stomach issues. This had me thinking how we can take the smallest thing for granted. For instance, energy....I did not have any. I was in bed pretty much all day. It hurted to walk. My normal Sunday routine was thrown out the window. There were things I needed and wanted to do, but was by no means in any position to do anything about it.

However, I am back to normal. My body is still a little sore, but it's no big deal. I praise and thank God for restoring my health and strength. And I pray that I don't take things for granted, like having all my limbs in tact, good health, great family, great friends, a job, a car, a house, all my five senses, freedom in Jesus Christ, etc., and etc.

The list can go on and on. There's not a lot people who can say that they have the freedom to do whatever they want, or have all their hands and feet, legs.....or their own house car...or a job. So, in all that from being sick yesterday...I know I will bless the Lord at all times and His praises will continually be in my mouth.

"I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make its boast in the LORD; The humble shall hear of it and be glad. Oh, magnify the LORD with me, And let us exalt His name together." (Psalm 34:1-3)

Feeling..."Blah"

Have you ever had one of those mornings when your body feels like "blah"? You feel like even though you are physically up walking around, at some point part of you are still laying in bed. you're not thinking straight. You are dragging and feeling sluggish. Hey, you figure, if you can just get one cup of coffee, then your eyes will open and your brain would go into full gear. But then, nothing happens. You're pushing through so hard, in hopes that if you keeping moving that blah feeling might some how wither away. But then, the unthinkable happens, you find yourself on the couch paralyze, unable to move to do all the task that remains undone on the "to-do" list.

Well, I have (more than once to be exact). I learn through the blahness I have to listen to my body. Sometimes, I am going non-stop all week, waking up 4:30 in the morning to get ready for work as well as prepare breakfast for 3 children. Then there's helping with homework, cooking, cleaning, laundry, and all those other things that make your household go round. With all that being said, I know I must take those "blah" feelings seriously and not just push it to aside. Maybe that's my body saying, "slow down, I need a minute."

I know that I have to be wise when it comes to my body, because what use am I, when I am feeling "blah". I am praying over this feeling and taking control of it, then go from there. Most importantly, being obedient to God and just chill for a bit. Obedience is better than sacrifice.

So when or if you are ever feeling blah, ask God for insight and wisdom to identify what your "blah" feeling is. Consider it as receiving a diagnosis, so you know how to treat it in the name of Jesus. Maybe it is as simple as getting some rest or slowing down, but whatever it is just listen to God for instruction. God doesn't want us feeling like that. It's just not part of our salvation benefit packet.

Saturday Psalm Reading ~ Psalm 63

Psalm 63

You are my God; Early will I seek You;
My soul thirsts for You; My flesh longs for You
In a dry and thirsty land Where there is no water.

So I have looked for You in the sanctuary,
To see Your power and Your glory.

Because Your lovingkindness is
better than life, My lips shall praise You.

Thus I will bless You while I live;
I will lift up my hands in Your name.

My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness,
And my mouth shall praise You with joyful lips.

When I remember You on my bed,
I meditate on You in the night watches.

Because You have been my help,
Therefore in the shadow of Your wings I will rejoice.




Remembering 9/11

Thankful Thursday ~ Activating The Word

I am thankful that I can activate God's Word just be speaking it. "Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful," (Hebrews 10:23). We are to confess and declare what we desire as well as the promises God promised us. If it's healing, we are to confess and declare it (in the name of Jesus) and believe that it is done.

"For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, 'Be removed and be cast into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says," (Mark 11:23).

"...calls (speak) those things which do not exist as though they did;" (Romans 4:17)."

Knowing the same power that God used to speak the world into existence, lives in us!!! And for that I am thankful!! I am thankful I can frame my world with the Word. The great thing is that I don't need a special formula, a decoder, or some high-tech device to activate God's Word for my life. All I need is my mouth and a voice.


Join Iris @ Grace Alone!!


Happy Thankful Thursday!!!

Happy Monday ~ Labor Day!!!

It's Labor Day!!! Enjoy your day of rest and relaxation!!! Put your feet up!! Go to the park!! Hey, about the beach. There's nothing like walking on the beach and letting the sand get all between your toes, just to rinse them off in the salty and warm water. If you decide not to anything, but watch a few movies and snack all day (while chillin' in your PJs), so be it. Don't feel guilty about resting. God did it himself in Genesis.

So, enjoy!!! I can't wait to hear how some of you spent your Labor day!!!




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Scripture Sunday ~ Cross

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"Then Jesus said to His disciples, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me," (Matthew 16:24)

"And by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross," (Colossians 1:20)

"Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God," (Hebrews 12:2)

Saturday Psalm Reading ~ Psalm 93

Psalm 93

THE LORD reigns, He is clothed with majesty; the Lord is robed, He has girded Himself with strength and power; the world also is established, that it cannot be moved.

Your throne is established from of old; You are from everlasting.

The floods have lifted up, O Lord, the floods have lifted up their voice; the floods lift up the roaring of their waves.

The Lord on high is mightier and more glorious than the noise of many waters, yes, than the mighty breakers and waves of the sea.

Your testimonies are very sure; holiness [apparent in separation from sin, with simple trust and hearty obedience] is becoming to Your house, O Lord, forever.

A note from the Spirit-Filled Bible: The thought of this royal poem is that after other things are swept away by floods of adversity (v3), hostile nations, or evil powers, the Lord remains established (v2), and His Word stands sure (v5).

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Seasons come and go. Storms pass and go as well as circumstances. Even people can come and go out of your life. But, the one thing that remains true is God's firm and unwavering Word. God's Word is steadfast and immovable. It will not return void.

Blessings to you!!!

3 Day Weekend......Here I Come!!!

Since school started, my schedule has not been as laid back as it was over the summer. Dinner has to be served at a reasonable time. Homework needs to be done. Everything has to be routine and scheduled, in order to reassured that my children can get to bed at a decent time, guaranteeing a good night's sleep. Just to do it all over again the next day...that is...until Friday!!!

I love my Fridays. It's laid back. No homework. No must-have routine/schedule. Dinner can be whenever (but still not too late) and whatever (more like burgers and fries or pizza). I can catch up with friends that I haven't had a chance to talk to all week. And if I want to live on the edge a little bit, I would even try to find time to put up my feet and say, "Awwwww!". And if I really want to push my luck, I would sneak in a nap!!! I figure, after a long week of school, work, dinner, getting up early in the a.m., rushing, beating the clock, etc., etc., and etc, I am more than entitle to a few luxuries!

With all this being said, that's why I am more than excited about my 3-day weekend!! I repeat....3 Day weekend!!! Woo Hoo!! I am looking forward to catching up with some of my girlfriends, blogpeeps, spending quality time with my family (especially my hubby), and most of all...getting some much needed rest!!! That's what Labor Day is partly about.....taking a break from work and getting some rest and relaxation.

In that time of rest, I, alos, plan to spend more time in God's Word and His presence. God is all about making sure His sons and daughters get the rest we so desperately need. "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest," (Matthew 11:28).

I love the amplified version. "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy-laden and overburdened, and I will cause you to rest [I will ease and relieve and refresh your souls].

Ease - freedom from labor, pain, or physical annoyance; tranquil rest; comfort: to enjoy one's ease. 2. freedom from concern, anxiety, or solicitude; a quiet state of mind: to be at ease about one's health. 3. freedom from difficulty or great effort; facility: It can be done with ease. 4. freedom from financial need; plenty: a life of ease on a moderate income. 5. freedom from stiffness, constraint, or formality; unaffectedness: ease of manner; the ease and elegance of her poetry.

Relieve - 1. to ease or alleviate (pain, distress, anxiety, need, etc.). 2. to free from anxiety, fear, pain, etc. 3. to free from need, poverty, etc. 4. to bring effective aid to (a besieged town, military position, etc.). 5. to ease (a person) of any burden, wrong, or oppression, as by legal means. 6. to reduce (a pressure, load, weight, etc., on a device or object under stress): to relieve the steam pressure; to relieve the stress on the supporting walls. 7. to make less tedious, unpleasant, or monotonous; break or vary the sameness of: curtains to relieve the drabness of the room. 8. to bring into relief or prominence; heighten the effect of.

Refresh - 1. to provide new vigor and energy by rest, food, etc. (often used reflexively). 2. to stimulate (the memory). 3. to make fresh again; reinvigorate or cheer (a person, the mind, spirits, etc.). 4. to freshen in appearance, color, etc., as by a restorative.

Just reading these definitions, give me goosebumbs. I am thinking....God wants to all this through His Son Jesus and by the mighty power of the Holy Spirit...for me!!! WOW!! How can you not be amaze by that?!? So, that is why I am planning on taking full adavantage of this weekend. Because I want God to ease, relieve and refresh my soul. If I don't take time to rest in Him, I will not be able to operate in my full potential due to the fact that I am tired, weary or burden down. I would like think of it as myself.....arriving at my pit stop after a long week of racing.


How do you plan to spend your labor day?


Blessings to you!!!
Toia

Word-Filled Wednesday ~ John 7:38

Photograph By: Toia Thompson

I took this at Pearson's Falls in NC. It's one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen.

Blessings to you on this glorious Word-Filled Wednesday!!!
Toia