Tag: relationship

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!

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.

Dependent Power

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baby hand holding parent hand (2)Are you independent? Tired of relying on people who have let you down…a parent, spouse, business partner or politician? Whoever they are, you want to be liberated from their influence over your life. Being independent provides a sense of freedom from their control and a release from their authority.  Self-reliance compels you to take charge of your own destiny.

This sounds good, but carrying the weight of every decision and provision in life is a heavy burden. Being independent can often breed loneliness, stress or depression due to the heavy mental load. It may cause you to lose your accountability to others.  At some point, independence morphs into some form of interdependence. You and I are designed to be relational and connect with others.

So, who can you depend on?

Your Heavenly Father.

My deliverance and glory depend on God.
God is my strong rock. My refuge is in God.
– Psalm 62:7 (Common English Bible)

Yes, God is dependable in every sense of the word. You can trust Him with every area of your life. He is the Creator of everything. When you depend solely on Him, He reveals the people to connect with, as well as those you should run from. You can rely on His ultimate power for provision and protection.

Dependence on God provides a supernatural freedom.  He is the unlimited supply of joy, grace and peace. You can count on His love for you to never wain. He is intimate and discreet. His commitment to you is eternal. He heals all your wounds – physically and emotionally.  Best yet, He is a phenomenal leader.  Nothing is impossible. He leads you to your purpose and empowers you along the journey.  All you have to do is depend on Him.

Your Power Season

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change-of-season

Do you ever feel like giving up and throwing in the towel?  Has a whirlwind of emotions convinced you to abandon your dreams, a marriage, God or even your own life? Before you make any decisions, let’s take a moment to breathe and refresh.

Every person experiences an undesirable season in life – grief, depression, frustration, shame, loss, addiction or an unexpected tragedy.  If left unattended, these seasons can steal your joy, harden your heart and leave you barren of faith. However, with the power of God, they can also provide opportunities for supernatural victory!

If you are ready for a season change, here are some tools that may help you…

Keep your heart towards God
Seasons of life test spiritual maturity.  You can strengthen your faith by focusing on the promises of God written in His Word. This can be extremely difficult to do while experiencing the disappointments and distractions of life.  But doing so will empower you to break free from hopelessness.  His Word gives inspiration for the future. God loves you. Talk to Him about your pain and allow Him to replace it with a joy and peace that only He can provide.  In the midst of a winter, God will prepare you for your spring.

I waited patiently for the Lord; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry.
He brought me up also out of an horrible pit,
out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings.
And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God:
many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the Lord. – Psalm 40:1-3

Be patient and believe
Tribulation is temporary. Your present circumstance is not your final season. Continue building intimacy with God in prayer. Believe God has taken care of all your adversaries and infirmities. Take refuge and find comfort in Him. Take time to rest and quiet your spirit. The manifestation of your destiny is worth waiting for. Your words, actions and reactions may seem justified, but find out what God has for you. This knowledge is imperative for strength and endurance in any season.

Never apply a permanent solution to a temporary problem –
Make decisions based on purpose instead of on the pressures of life
– Dr. Myles Munroe

Look ahead and dream BIG
Even in darkness, envision yourself in a new season!  Believe the best for your life! Creating a dream board is a great way to visualize your future success.  Avoid rehearsing past regrets and reliving painful events.  Forgive others and forgive yourself to maintain clear vision.  Bitterness impairs your ability to see ahead.  The Word of God will encourage you and build up your dreams.  It is a constant reminder that your future is greater than anything you have already experienced!

Brothers and sisters, I myself don’t think I’ve reached it,
but I do this one thing:
I forget about the things behind me
and reach out for the things ahead of me.
– Philippians 3:13 (Common English Bible)

Do not give up!
 Friend, God has a purpose for your life.  He needs you to continue on the journey with Him.  Keep going towards God.  He will reveal your destiny and bring it to pass. With Him, you will overcome the impossible.  No person, present situation or past mistake can stop you from your power season!

And let us not be weary in well doing:
for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. – Galatians 6:9

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 In Knowing God

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Power in Knowing GodWhat is your #1 priority this year?
What is so important that it can supersede everything else in your life?  Some choose family, career, health or even a new relationship.  Maybe you share my dilemma of trying to make priority a plural concept.  I have the list of my top five for 2015 ranked from high to low.  But I have come to understand that the true essence of priority is committing to the one thing that is of the highest importance.

One thing.   Highest importance.

Let me see…I thought I made God a priority and ranked Him as number one in my life many times before. Unfortunately, I realized my actions did not line up with my ranking.  For as long as I can remember, I have always loved God. But I have not always pursued a relationship with Him.  I have not allowed myself to be led by Him or sought out to understand Him and His Word.  I did not take any time to discover what He likes.  My prayer life was mostly me talking instead of listening.  Why did I not want to hear what He had to say?  I guess I had a childlike crush on God.  I just liked the idea of loving someone awesome and good, but not really knowing who He was.

This year will be different.

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness;
and all these things will be added unto you. – Matthew 6:33 (King James)

Instead, desire first and foremost God’s kingdom and God’s righteousness,
and all these things will be given to you as well.
– Matthew 6:33 (Common English Bible)

People who don’t know God and the way he works fuss over these things,
but you know both God and how he works.
Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions.
Don’t worry about missing out. You’ll find all your everyday
human concerns will be met. – Matthew 6:32-33 (The Message)


Friend, God knows the desires of your heart because He created you.  He knows your goals, dreams, wants and needs. He knows the situations that upset you and the occasions that bring you joy.  The more you know Him, the more you can trust that He will give grace, change hearts, bring order, reveal truths, provide wisdom, infuse strength and provide all that you will ever need for your journey.  Praying, giving thanks and reading the bible for yourself will help you discover who God is and what plans He has for your life.  You are His beloved.  Focus on Him and He will take care of the rest!

This year, let’s make knowing God our number one priority!

Unshakable Power

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Unshakable PowerIn these times of uncertainty, there is one thing you can be sure of…God’s Power!
There is nothing in this world – man, military, government, relationship, natural disaster, disease, deception, financial crisis, circumstance, addiction, wickedness, sin – that is greater than God. Everything is subject to His authority.

So why do we get “shook up” over life situations?  I think we sometimes forget how awesome He is. Let’s take a moment to remember…

He is the Creator of all we know and everything we have yet to comprehend –

In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. – Genesis 1:1

He loves and protects us –

Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health,
even as thy soul prospereth. – 3 John 1:2

The LORD preserveth all them that love him:
but all the wicked will he destroy. – Psalm 145:20

He gave His Son to save us and the Holy (Ghost) Spirit to guide us –

For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world;
but that the world through him might be saved. – John 3:17

But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost,
whom the Father will send in my name,
he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance,
whatsoever I have said unto you – John 14:26

He shared in His Word what the future will bring –

When God spoke from Mount Sinai his voice shook the earth,
but now he makes another promise:
“Once again I will shake not only the earth but the heavens also.”
This means that all of creation will be shaken and removed,
so that only unshakable things will remain. – Hebrews 12:26-27 (New Living Translation)

Friend, there is no need to worry or fear.  Trust in God and continue to draw close to Him for reassurance. He is ready for a deeper, more intimate relationship with you. Seek Him to strengthen your faith and experience His power.  Be unshakable!

You Are Not Alone

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You Are Not Alone

What do you do when you feel broken and hopeless?

Any situation that has caused (or is causing) you deep misery and anguish can be difficult to overcome alone.  You may respond like I once did… holding your head in your hands while crying excessively.  Or maybe you ball your hands in a tight fist ranting cuss words and lashing out venom on innocent bystanders.  Maybe you seclude yourself and gradually descend into self-pity.  Whatever the response, they are all ineffective in gaining true victory over your situation.

If you are tired of hurting, I have good news to share.  God loves you and is ready to bring you into a place of peace, restoration and joy!  God can and will bring you out of anything you encounter – your darkest valley, your unspeakable shame, your unbearable grief, your misfortunes, your depression, your failures, your fears and your seemingly incurable pain.

Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God:
I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee;
yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. – Isaiah 41:10

All you have to do is seek Him.   

Now is the best time to go towards God.  It does not matter if you have never had a relationship with God before or you cannot remember the last time you spoke to Him.  Today is your day.  Seek Him through prayer, praise and meditation of His Word.  He desires for you to know Him more intimately.  God is ready to show you His power and His response to your situation!

If you want to learn more on how God delivers you from any situation go to Week 45: Free from Bondage in the Power Over All book.