Category: LOVE

A NEW ERA OF POWER

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You and I are still here in an uncertain world. So much has changed and yet so many things remain the same.
Good and evil still exist. We now get to decide how much of their energy we absorb.

I can tell you that these past few years have tested my faith, finances, and overall health. I was tired and overwhelmed. My physical body was weak. Thankfully, God’s power remained strong…steadfast…and unmovable. He continuously covered me while I rested in His love.

...for He has said, “I will never [under any circumstances] desert you
[nor give you up nor leave you without support,
nor will I in any degree leave you helpless],
nor will I forsake or let you down or relax My hold on you [assuredly not]!”

So we take comfort and are encouraged and confidently say,
“The Lord is my Helper [in time of need], I will not be afraid.
What will man do to me?” – Hebrews 13: 5-6 (Amplified Bible)

My prayer is that you can find comfort in His Word during these perilous times. Draw close to you Heavenly Father. He is ready to lead you into a new era of power over your life.

The Power of Trust – Part 2

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Unconditional Love

Do you trust in unconditional love? Can you handle being a transmitter and not just a receiver?  In a world polluted with hate and deception, many of us feel hopeless to experience unwavering, unconditional love.  An even greater challenge is to offer this love to another person.  Life can make a heart cold and rigid if not renewed.  You may ask yourself, “How can I trust in love and expand my capacity to reciprocate it?”  Thankfully, the Word of God gives insight in this area.  In this post, we will explore two attributes towards building trust to love unconditionally.

ALLOW YOURSELF TO BE RENEWED

“I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you. 
I will remove your stony heart from your body
and replace it with a living one,”
– Ezekiel 36:26 (Common English Bible)

This is vital. You must surrender the pain and brokenness of your past.  Distinguish all fear and negativity ignited by your former mindset.  Revenge and bitterness have no place in your new heart.  Permit the chains of betrayal, disappointments, and lies from the people you once trusted to crumble.  If you are like me, this renewal process is ongoing.  Sometimes it seems like the more you let go, a new suppressed memory tries to sprout up and harden your heart.  In times like these, you must look ahead and focus on your best future.

Positive thoughts are instrumental to overall wellness.  Meditate on the life-giving, restorative power of scripture.  Trust the promises of your ever-faithful Heavenly Father.  Allow Him to renew your mental, spiritual and physical state.  Remember, your heart deserves a clean slate for unconditional love to flourish. 

LEVEL UP YOUR LOVE

Beloved, let us [unselfishly] love and seek the best for one another,
for love is from God; and everyone who loves [others] is born of God
and knows God [through personal experience].
The one who does not love has not become acquainted with God
[does not and never did know Him], for God is love.
[He is the originator of love,
and it is an enduring attribute of His nature.]
 – 1 John 4:7-8 (Amplified Bible)

Do you want the best for others and for yourself?  Always.  No exceptions. No matter how many times the mark is missed.  Forever.  And Ever.  This is how God loves us.  This level of love takes time to process, especially if you have been deeply wounded.  Familiarize yourself with the attributes of unconditional love so that you do not accept impostors. No longer engage in superficial or conditional love.  Guard your heart from wickedness and give it no place in your life.  Unconditional love can only come from a person who is “acquainted” with God.  Become that person and practice unconditionally loving yourself.  Level up your personal relationship with Him and your capacity for loving others will increase.  Now is the perfect time to trust God for a new heart!

Loving Again

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black-couple-laughing-carrying-woman

Most people want to be loved.  Well, at least all those I have ever met.  Like me, they enjoyed receiving the extra adoration, special privileges, attention, forgiveness and light that being loved brings.  However, it is interesting to note how many of the same people do not want to give love.  They are unwilling to put in the work to heal, humble oneself and prepare for love.

I fell into this category.  Maybe you can relate. You are just too tired and disappointed from past hurt to try.  Bitterness begins to construct an impermeable wall to block the free flow of love in and out of your heart.  But at some point, you have to ask yourself if you want love in your life again (from another person other than your child or family).  Be honest.  Ask yourself, “Do I desire to experience reciprocal true love…tender, patient, powerful, kind, forgiving and faithful?” If you do, one of the first steps is to turn to God and humble yourself.

Don’t do anything for selfish purposes,
but with humility think of others as better than yourselves.
Instead of each person watching out for their own good,
watch out for what is better for others.
– Philippians 2:3-4 (Common English Bible)

Believe me; humility takes a lot of work!  It requires letting go of pain and trusting God with all aspects of your new relationship.  You have to endure the healing process. It requires you to be vulnerable and relinquish control. It also involves a new set of eyes…seeing others and yourself from a new perspective.  And to be clear, humility of oneself does not mean settling for just anyone.  You should expect the best! Thankfully, God’s word can help you with this transformation and provide the strength you will need.  Although there may be some tears, loving again is worth the effort!

…And everyone, clothe yourselves with humility toward each other.
God stands against the proud, but he gives favor to the humble.
– 1 Peter 5: 5 (Common English Bible)

Looking for Love

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couple walking on beach

Many people are looking for that one true love. A good mate can contribute to a healthy, happy and prosperous life. I am amazed at how far some people will go just to experience love. Opening your heart to love and to be loved by someone special is a very important decision. Who we love is so significant, great care and wisdom should be taken before we proceed.

Consult with the One who is love.

I could have avoided serious heartaches if I only consulted with God before entering into a relationship. I did not understand that He wanted to be the lead in every area of my life, especially my love life. The internet, friends, clubs and social events were once the trusted source for finding companionship. I never thought that God could or would find a mate for me.

God is concerned with who you love and who loves you.

After looking for love in all the wrong places, I finally realized I had to open my heart and trust God.  I shared with Him what I was looking for in the man I would like to marry. No topic was spared…personality, character, height, sexual intimacy, family values, financial acumen, health, hobbies, spirituality, food preferences, physical strength, vocal tone, love language, etc. God listened to all my desires and qualifications. I even wrote them down and confessed them. I was excited and ready to meet this awesome man I had envisioned.  However, the Holy Spirit revealed another step in my quest for love that I had never before considered.

Pray for your mate before you meet them.

Initially, I was unsure how to pray for someone who I did not know even existed. My faith had to believe that this person was real and in need of prayer. I knew of all of his good attributes since I requested them, but I did not consider the areas where he may have weaknesses. Praying for him took the focus away from my desires and taught me a deeper level of compassion. We all are in need of prayer for something and true love covers all. I began to pray for my future husband, trusted God and waited patiently for Him to bring us together.  I know that even the best marriages should be covered in continuous prayer. I am glad God prepared me ahead of time. Prayer is powerful!

Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation;
continuing instant in prayer;
distributing to the necessity of saints;
given to hospitality. – Romans 12:12-13

If you are looking for love, I encourage you to consult with God first and begin praying for your future mate. To read more on the power of prayer, go to Week 28: Pray and Give Thanks in the Power Over All book.

Heart of Power

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heart-bookHow do you feel when you imagine your life in the future?  Does a flood of emotions emerge when you intentionally refresh your heart, soul and mind to new thoughts?  Invigorating yourself when everything around you remains the same requires supernatural guidance. Thankfully, you can look ahead to a new year of victory in any area with faith and the light of God’s promises.

Your heart is very powerful.  It can harbor pain and bitterness or it can generate love and encouragement. Your heart influences emotional decisions and leads strategic actions.  Filling your heart with the Word of God is the best way to ensure a bright future.  Even in a dark circumstance, you can access His powerful light to change any situation for your good.  Seek God and find out how He has prepared you to shine!

In the light, there is power over the symptoms of darkness such as: depression, fear, shame and lack. There is an abundance of peace, joy, love and truth.  God wants to fill your heart with light!

I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory,
will give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation
that makes God known to you.
I pray that the eyes of your heart will have enough light to see
what is the hope of God’s call,
what is the richness of God’s glorious inheritance among believers,
and what is the overwhelming greatness of God’s power
that is working among us believers.
This power is conferred by the energy of God’s powerful strength.
– Ephesians 1:17-19 (Common English Bible)

Friend, God loves you and desires for you to live your best life ever!  A life better than you can ever imagine! Take the first step towards a powerful life with God. Make this a year that your heart is enlightened!

Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world:
he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness,
but shall have the light of life. – John 8:12

The Power of Love & Respect

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Photo credit: Love & Respect by Dr. Emerson Eggerichs book logo

Logo credit:  Love & Respect by  Dr. Emerson Eggerichs

Did you know there is power in submission? It is not a very popular topic, however understanding the concept of headship, honor, love and respect can transform any marriage for the better. The more I learn how God designed the covenant of marriage to work gracefully between a man and a woman, the more I am intrigued by its untapped resources.

Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself;
and the wife see that she reverence her husband. – Ephesians 5:33

According to the book Love & Respect by Dr. Emerson Eggerichs, this scripture is a focal point for those who desire peace, intimacy and exhilaration in their marriage.  The book also provides much insight on the importance of spiritual maturity, behavior, and tone to the overall success of a healthy relationship.  A fruitful and glorious marriage requires both spouses to have a heart to serve each other…unconditionally. Those two words: “serve” and “unconditional” are strong and powerful concepts in a marital relationship. Thankfully, Christ is our example and the strength which enables us to relate to our spouse in this very special way.

Here are just a few nuggets from the book…

  • Unconditional respect is just as important as unconditional love
  • Headship provides protection – not domination
  • Wives can practice speaking to their husbands in the same adoration, tone and encouragement and with the same soft facial expression that they would want their daughter-in-laws to speak to their sons
  • Proverbs 10:19 – With lots of words comes wrongdoing, but the wise restrain their lips. (Common English Bible Translation)
  • We can grow to honor our spouses in a manner that energizes the relationship

I hope you are able to read this book and find your inspiration! Begin a new journey with God! Trust Him to soften your heart and expand your capacity to love your spouse without fear.  Experience the power of love and respect!

Power Over Division

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Power Over DivisionDo you believe there is an evil presence in the world today using anyone and anything to steal, kill and destroy the good on earth?  Our world seems to be under attack by a spirit of division – a method of destruction that fights to separate or keep apart.  Many of the “isms” – racism, sexism, ageism, classism, egoism, etc – lead to the devastation of relationships. When a person believes they are superior to (more than) someone else, it causes a separation.  Divorce is not only the division of two people, but it is the destruction of a covenant which often requires emotional, financial and spiritual restoration. Unfortunately, many families, schools, communities and countries are sabotaged by this wicked spirit.  If division has its way, death will follow.

And Jesus knew their thoughts, and said unto them,
Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation;
and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand: – Matthew 12:25

God made us all unique so there will always be differences among each other.  If we are not cautious, a spirit of division can creep into our thoughts and emotions.  Opinions slowly turn into judgments and we may begin to think we are more… holy, intelligent, valuable or important than someone else.  Instead of putting ourselves on a pedestal, we can follow the example of Jesus Christ.  He embodied more of everything, but still had compassion and love for everyone.

Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,
that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you;
but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind
and in the same judgment. – 1 Corinthians 1:10

Now I encourage you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ:
Agree with each other and don’t be divided into rival groups.
Instead, be restored with the same mind and the same purpose.
– 1 Corinthians 1:10 (Common English Bible Translation)

The good news is that agreement has power over division!  When we agree with God’s Word, differences become insignificant and division loses strength.  Agreement breeds increase, power, longevity, abundance, success and many more benefits!  Friend, it is never too late to agree with the Kingdom of God!

Power of Agreement

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Power of Agreement

Are you in agreement with someone – harmonizing your opinions and actions with the mind of another person? It can be a humbling, yet powerful experience. The act of agreement can be formed with anyone in your life: spouse, children, business partners, colleagues, friends, etc.  However, it is not always an easy task.  Agreement requires wisdom, patience, trust and faith.

Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth
as touching any thing that they shall ask,
it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven.
For where two or three are gathered together in my name,
there am I in the midst of them. – Matthew 18:19-20

Allow me to share some of my personal observations…

  • Agreement has a more positive impact than compromise. One does not have to settle, adjust or force another. There is no resentment.
  • Many wicked people agree and form alliances with each other, but their power source is not greater than God.
  • Two or more people who believe in Jesus Christ and come into agreement can ask the Heavenly Father for anything in His will and it is done.
  • One must first agree with God and His Word before accessing the power from this agreement.
  • Agreement results in a less stressful life of peace and victory!

Friend, you can experience this type of power. No matter where you are in life or what situation you are in, God is ready to agree with you today!

Power For The Brokenhearted

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Power For The BrokenheartedWhen do I feel whole again?

Maybe you have asked this question while recovering from a broken relationship. Betrayal, divorce, abuse and deception often cause overwhelming feelings of inadequacy, sorrow and anguish.  Whether it is a spouse, friend or family member – damaged personal relationships can be some of the hardest to overcome.

These distressing situations work to steal your joy.  They cause fear to torment you and hinder your love walk from thriving.  The good news is that God does not want you to live this way.  You are not alone and there is help.  Today is the day to be whole again!

How you may ask?

By relinquishing yourself and your emotions to God. He is the only one who can make you whole.  Do not allow your heart to become hardened, but open it up to the promises of God. Your happiness and well-being are of the utmost importance to Him.

And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace
[Who imparts all blessing and favor], Who has called you to His [own] eternal glory in Christ Jesus, will Himself complete and make you what you ought to be, establish and ground you securely, and strengthen, and settle you.
– 1 Peter 5:10 (Amplified Bible Translation)

Take small steps of faith toward a closer relationship with Him by going as deep as you can in His Word. There you will find truth, peace and encouragement for moving forward! Discover for yourself how God has already made provisions for your healing and wholeness.

Here are a few points for you to reflect on:

  • He will make something beautiful out of any dark and dirty situation in your life.  (Isaiah 61:1-3)
  • He will restore your health and heal all your wounds – emotional and physical.  (Jeremiah 30:16-17)
  • Be patient. He will handle the situation in His perfect timing and in His way.
    (2 Thessalonians 1:6-10)
  • He sent His Son, Jesus and the Holy Spirit to guide and comfort you through the tribulations of life. He wants you to live abundantly! (John 10:9-11)
  • You are brand new! Everything in your past is forgotten when you accept Jesus Christ into your life. (2 Corinthians 5:17-19)
  • He will restore to you one hundred times more than you lost to follow Him. (Mark 10:29-31)

Praise God! You are free to forgive and love again. Emotional healing is a process, but you will feel whole sooner than you ever imagined. Wholeness is yours through the love and power of God!

The Power of Compassion – No Questions Asked

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compassionLately, I have been intrigued by the power of compassion. Compassion is not only defined as a sympathetic consciousness of another’s distress, but it also includes a strong desire to alleviate the suffering.  Through my own life, I search to find how I can cultivate this unique spiritual force.

Jesus is a great example of compassion.

And Jesus went forth, and saw a great multitude,
and was moved with compassion toward them,
and he healed their sick – Matthew 14:14

So Jesus had compassion on them, and touched their eyes:
and immediately their eyes received sight, and they followed him. – Matthew 20:34

And Jesus, moved with compassion, put forth his hand, and touched him,
and saith unto him, I will; be thou clean. – Mark 1:41

One thing I realized about Jesus is that He did not inquire for specific details. He was not curious to know the cause for the pain, shame, loss or disease.  Although Jesus could discern the heart of men, His compassion moved Him to heal everyone regardless of their circumstance.  You would not find Him saying things like…

What happened to you?
How did you get yourself in this mess?
I am only willing to help a little.
Why didn’t you come to me first?
Explain what you have done to help yourself.
Have you learned a lesson from all of this?
This is what you get.

Jesus demonstrated compassion.  No questions asked.

He wants us to come to Him for our healing and our complete restoration. Jesus is the only one who can set us free from all evil and wickedness. His compassion comes without judgement and without condemnation.

God had compassion and sent His only son, Jesus to alleviate all our pain and suffering. Jesus had compassion and laid down His life so that we could have an abundant one. The power of compassion is fueled by love and does not require an explanation.  Praise God!

 Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another,
love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous:
not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing;
knowing that ye are thereunto called,
that ye should inherit a blessing. – 1 Peter 3:8-9