by Alisha | May 6, 2013 | Uncategorized
Proverbs 13:12, 19 (NLT) Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but when dreams come true, there is life and joy…It is pleasant to see dreams come true.
What is the greatest dream in your heart? If finances and time were no object – if you were financially free and had all the time you wanted – what would you be doing with your life? How would you spend your time?
Think about that.
What are you truly passionate about? What is that burning desire that has been with you most of your life? What consumes your thoughts and vision for the future?
Many dreams and desires come and go, but the ones that stay with you for years, the ones that just won’t go away, are usually God-given. And those dreams can help you determine your calling and purpose. (Click here for further reading on Discovering Your God-Given Purpose.)
But too often, the passage of time and the reality of an unfulfilled life steal those dreams. Too many people have given up on the dream and vision for their future that they once nurtured and cherished. Due to discouragement and disappointment, they have allowed their dream to die.
Don’t allow your dream to die while you are still living! It’s never too late. God can restore to you what you have lost over the years (Joel 2:25) if you will ask Him and trust Him to do so. If circumstances beyond your control have destroyed the dream you once had, ask the Lord for a new and better dream!
John 10:10 tells us that it’s the enemy (Satan) who comes to steal, kill and destroy. But Jesus came to give us abundant life. The Message Bible says, I came so they can have real and eternal life, more and better life than they ever dreamed of.
In fact, the Lord has promised not only to give you the desires and dreams of your heart, but to exceed them – to go far over and above them:
Ephesians 3:20 (AMP) Now to Him Who…is able to carry out His purpose and do superabundantly, far over and above all that we dare ask or think, infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, hopes, or dreams.
But you have to push through the discouragement and disappointment. Never allow yourself to wallow around in self-pity. Don’t be so quick to give up on the thing the Lord has placed in your heart to do.
Take the dream in your heart and lift it up before the Lord, then submit it to His will and plan for your life. If it is truly part of His purpose for you, you will know. Keep the fires of it burning by praying about it on a regular basis. Practice faith and patience until you see it fulfilled.
When your dream is fulfilled, as Proverbs 13:12 says, there will be “life and joy.” And you will be so glad you didn’t allow it to die!
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by Alisha | Apr 7, 2013 | Uncategorized
Spring has finally arrived, and I am one happy girl! I love spring with all its warm sunshine and cool rain showers, the beautiful green leaves growing profusely, blooming flowers in pinks, lavenders, blues, and yellows, and colorful birds at my feeders. (Oh yeah, and Atlanta Braves Baseball!)
Spring is a time of intense growth – a “rebirth” of things that have been dormant for months and months.
Proverbs 11:28 (NLT) says, “The godly flourish like leaves in spring.” If you look around outside in the spring and summer, you can see just what it means to flourish in the natural.
But what does it look like when the godly flourish? In order to find out, let’s examine the various meanings of the word flourish:
Definition #1: To grow luxuriantly; to be in a vigorous state; THRIVE
Luxuriant, vigorous growth is what we see during the spring – a profusion of everything in nature. And just like Proverbs 11:28 says, we, as Christians, should be experiencing that in our lives!
Our relationship with Lord, our love walk toward others, our health, our bank accounts, our businesses – every area of our lives should be continually growing, thriving, and flourishing.
Definition #2: To achieve success; PROSPER
We already know that it is God’s will for us to prosper and be successful, and Joshua 1:8 (AMP) tells us how: “This Book of the Law shall not depart out of your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, that you may observe and do according to all that is written in it. For then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you shall deal wisely and have good success.”
Genuine success involves doing what the Lord has called you to do, not just occasionally, but continually. It has to do with persistence rather than perfection. If you are persisting in following the Lord’s plan for your life, then you will succeed, prosper, and flourish!
Definition #3: To be in a state of activity or production; to be in one’s prime
Psalm 92:12,14 (AMP) says, “The [uncompromisingly] righteous shall flourish like the palm tree [be long-lived, stately, upright, useful, and fruitful]…Growing in grace they shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be full of sap [of spiritual vitality] and rich in the verdure [of trust, love, and contentment].”
As believers, we are always in the prime of our life, and we should always be producing fruit for the Kingdom of God no matter what our age.
Definition #4: To reach the height of development, influence or excellence
Genesis 26:13 (NET) speaking of Isaac says, “The man became wealthy. His influence continued to grow until he became very prominent.” Just like Isaac, we have the Blessing of Abraham.
We should be constantly improving ourselves, growing and developing spiritually, intellectually, physically, and exemplifying excellence in everything we do.
Definition #5: To be very healthy
Proverbs 4:22 (AMP) says that God’s Word is “life to those who find [it], healing and health to all their flesh.” If we’re taking care of our “temple” and walking in divine health, that means we’re flourishing physically.
Now that we understand the word flourish better, you might be wondering, “So, how does one flourish?” The only way to truly flourish in life is to remain vitally united with the Lord, to stay firmly planted in His house (His presence) through the Word and prayer.
Psalm 92:13 (NKJ) “Those who are planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the courts of our God.”
Jesus put it another way in John 15:7-8 (AMP). He said, “If you live in Me [abide vitally united to Me] and My words remain in you and continue to live in your hearts, ask whatever you will, and it shall be done for you. When you bear (produce) much fruit, My Father is honored and glorified, and you show and prove yourselves to be true followers of Mine.”
From this passage we see that:
1. The only way to truly flourish (thrive, be successful) is to abide in Him.
2. When we bear fruit (or flourish) in every area of our lives, we honor Him.
3. Flourishing in life is a sign that we are truly following and obeying the Master.
God desires that we flourish in every area of our lives: spiritually, physically, mentally, emotionally, financially, relationally, etc. He wants every area of our lives to be growing profusely like leaves in spring.
We were created to flourish, because we were created for His presence. Are you abiding in His Word and in His presence? Are you honoring and glorifying Him? Are you proving yourself to be a true follower of Him? If you are flourishing spirit, soul, and body, then you are!
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by Alisha | Feb 11, 2013 | Uncategorized
2 Cor 4:16-18 (NLT) We never give up…our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever.
No matter what you’re going through, no matter what you’re facing, you can and will make it through. Never give up! Never give in!
I know it seems hard. I know you may feel like you’re never going to make it through to the other side, but if you’ll keep standing in faith, you will!
Did you know the Bible calls all of our struggles and trials small? In fact, the King James Version calls them “light” afflictions. Yes, I know, they don’t seem very small or “light.” In fact, most of the time they seem big, heavy, and burdensome. They may even seem insurmountable, overwhelming and potentially devastating.
But we must put these struggles in perspective. We must view them in light of eternity. We must look at the grand scheme of things, and take God’s view of the situation. Remember, with Him nothing is impossible (Lk. 1:37). He always gives you the victory (1 Cor. 15:57). He always causes you to triumph (2 Cor. 2:14).
Your troubles are very real, there’s no denying the fact. But remember, they are light, momentary, brief and fleeting. Don’t lose heart. Never give up! You will make it through because the Greater One lives in you, and He is greater than any problem, sickness, or deficiency you may have (1 John 4:4).
Learn to see through eyes of faith. Fix your gaze on the eternal. Focus your attention on the promises of God’s Word and forever settle in your heart that He is the final authority.
If you are discouraged, despondent or hopeless, then you must change your perspective, change your focus. How do you do that? By building yourself up in the Word of God. Find scriptures in the Bible that promise victory in whatever situation you are facing.
God’s Word is very practical and applicable to our daily lives. I guarantee you that there is a scriptural promise for whatever need you have. Find it and write it down. Memorize it, meditate on it and cling to it. (If you can’t find a scripture that pertains to your need, contact me and I will help you.) The more Word you get in your heart, the more your faith will grow.
I love this passage in The Message Bible:
2 Corinthians 4:16-18 So we’re not giving up. How could we! Even though on the outside it often looks like things are falling apart on us, on the inside, where God is making new life, not a day goes by without his unfolding grace. These hard times are small potatoes compared to the coming good times, the lavish celebration prepared for us. There’s far more here than meets the eye. The things we see now are here today, gone tomorrow. But the things we can’t see now will last forever.
These hard times are “small potatoes” compared to the coming good times…There’s far more here than meets the eye. And not a day goes by without God’s unfolding grace to help us!
How’s that for perspective?
Don’t let what you’re going through weigh you down or rob you of your joy. Don’t allow momentary, light afflictions to cause you to give up on God’s faithfulness. What you’re going through right now won’t last forever. It’s temporary. So, focus on the eternal. Focus on the Lord and what He has promised in His Word. Fix your gaze on Him and never give up!
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(photo credit)
by Alisha | Jan 28, 2013 | Uncategorized
Don’t quit.
Don’t give up.
Don’t even consider casting away your confidence.
Why? Because if you will stay steady and remain in faith and patience, you will receive what you’ve been believing the Lord for!
Hebrews 10:35-36 (AMP) Do not, therefore, fling away your fearless confidence, for it carries a great and glorious compensation of reward. For you have need of steadfast patience and endurance, so that you may perform and fully accomplish the will of God, and thus receive and carry away [and enjoy to the full] what is promised.
This scripture tells us that we need patience.
Having patience does not mean that you just sit around twiddling your thumbs while you wait for God to do what He said. No, patience is not passive – it’s aggressive! It is a firm decision to keep your heart and mind fixed on the Word of God and to believe Him in the face of every test, trial and circumstance that would come your way.
You must be relentless in your faith and patience. Believe God’s Word over what your senses tell you. Believe God’s Word over what your emotions tell you. Refuse to be moved by what you see, hear or feel!
Patience does not surrender to circumstances or succumb under trials. It is the opposite of despondency. It doesn’t give up or give in. It stays with the Word. It strengthens and fortifies your faith.
Hebrews 6:12 (NIV) says, We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.
The answer is on its way. You will see your dream fulfilled at just the right time and at the appointed season as long as you remain in faith and patience.
God is faithful. His Word is true. We must have complete confidence in Him that He will do just what He has promised.
So refuse to give up. Refuse to quit. It is through faith and patience that we inherit the promises of God!
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by Alisha | Dec 31, 2012 | Uncategorized
Philippians 3:13(NLT) I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead.
This year may not have been your best year. Maybe you experienced tests, trials and tribulations galore. Perhaps you had to deal with numerous disappointments and frustrations. It’s possible that you have endured hurts or heartaches you never imagined you would have.
We have all experienced hard times throughout life. We are all familiar with pain and discouragement on many levels. But we all have a Hope to cling to!
I want to encourage you to shake off the discouragement. Let go of the disappointments. Forgive those who’ve hurt you. Forget about the tests and trials.
Do what the Apostle Paul did: Forget the past & look forward to what lies ahead.
Refuse to feel sorry for yourself. Refuse to live defeated. Instead, forget the past and begin looking forward to a bright and glorious future. Sometimes you just have to pick yourself up, wipe off the dirt and refuse to quit.
The enemy will do all he can to steal, kill and destroy you (John 10:10), but he can’t as long as you remain in faith and refuse to quit.
I love these words of Paul in 2 Corinthians 4:8-9:
We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed
We are perplexed, but not in despair
Persecuted, but not forsaken
Cast down, but not destroyed!
That is the spirit of faith! Those are the words of someone who is a victor, not a victim. You can choose to have a spirit of faith and live in victory no matter what the circumstances look like.
The choice is yours.
Are you going to allow the disappointments of this year to spill over into the next, or are you going to forget the past and look forward to a brand new year filled with the goodness of God?
Expect God’s favor to be on your life like never before. Expect Him to pour out His blessings on you throughout the new year. This can be your greatest year yet!
Your future is bright! Your best is yet to come!
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