Week 128: How Lovely Are You?

                           How Lovely Are You?

 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value.
 The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love. Galatians 5:6 NIV

• Forgiving. . .

• Giving. . .

• Loving. . .

When I came back to the church, my intentions were to show up, sit in the back, and leave quietly when service was over. I didn’t want to get involved in the  horror stories that I had heard from various churches about congregational terrorism. Malicious gossiping, character demolition, lying, and cheating were typical parts of a local church’s internal structure. I felt the less I knew, the “more saved” I could be.

       

             One Sunday my pastor asked this profound question: 

                   What if all the church members were like you?

                                                    Hmmm!

There are no perfect churches, and to think differently is a lie from the devil. He should know because he has assigned troops to show up every time church doors open. He wants to keep us on the run in search for this non-existing perfect church.

However, instead of searching for what isn’t, ask God:

                                  How Lovely Am I?

             

                               © 2016       See you next week on Paulette Talks Faith

Week 127: The Time Has Come!

                        The Time Has Come!

            Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what 

            we do not see. Hebrews 11:1 NIV.

• At this moment. . .

• Right away. . .

• Immediately!

That special project you keep putting off, the one you know would improve your life, the time has come for you to do it. That provoking needling to get it done, won’t go away. Telling yourself you’re going to do it; will one day lose its creditability. I know it’s fun to sit back and dream. However, at some point that dream can turn into a nightmare of regrets when you wake up and find out you waited too late.

                       Time is limited—don’t take it for granted.

Faith is the key that unlocks these God given desires. Nobody can stop what God has designed for our lives—but us. The “but us” part is a crucial point. 

God has everything planned out, which includes our part, but He won’t do our part. He has equipped us with faith. However, we have to take the required steps, and believe in the power that is backing us.

                                   Faith is an action word!

Yes, we will face opposition, but that shouldn’t stop us. We can’t give anybody or any group that much power to stop us from doing what God has ordained. If we believe people can stop us, then we don’t believe the Word of God. Faith will not have it both ways. 

   

           If God be for us, who can be against us? (Romans 8:31) 

If we have God backing us, who or what can come against Him? Let’s take advantage of NOW and exert our faith. Laugh at anyone who would try to stop a move of God.     

                    The time has come—don’t miss it!                                 

                     © 2016       See you next week on Paulette Talks Faith

Week 126: Obedience + Love = Power

                                Obedience + Love = Power 

                                       

For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love. Galatians 5:6 (NIV)

• Let LOVE conquer prejudice . . .

• Let LOVE conquer animosity . . .

• Let LOVE conquer hate. . .

                                                           God is Love!                                                     

          Obedience plus love equals power! It’s not easy for the average person to understand this powerful principle. Once it’s learned, however, that’s when all the fun starts.

                                               Fun?

Yes. It’s fun to watch the enemy run smack into the Holy Spirit when he attacks us. If God is for us, who can be against us? (Romans 8:31) I don’t care who “they” are; they can’t stand up to the POWER of God. 

The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid.
    What can mere mortals do to me?
⁷ The Lord is with me; he is my helper.
    I look in triumph on my enemies.

⁸ It is better to take refuge in the Lord
    than to trust in humans.
⁹ It is better to take refuge in the Lord
    than to trust in princes.
¹⁰ All the nations surrounded me,
                  but in the name of the Lord I cut them down. (Psalm 118:6-10 NIV)

Question: What should you do if someone throws you a ball of

                 hate?

Answer:   DON’T CATCH IT!

 The enemy knows the exact amount of malice that will make you fly off the handle. He expects you to retaliate with some sort of venom; he’s ready for you. Instead, approach him with love.

People with contentious spirits, usually don’t have a quick response in their bag of animosity to overshadow love. Love knocks them off their game, and puts you in power. They won’t be able to take advantage of you when God takes over. You might feel like you’re not in control, but faith says you are. God’s wisdom will let you know the perfect thing to say, and do; or not say and, not do. 

                                  Meekness is not weakness!

Strength is not found in the one who can: howler the loudest, pitch out the most insults, or the one who can roll out a cut throat retaliation plan. These acts are signs of insecurity—not strength.

But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength… (Isaiah 40:31)

The blessings we gain by being obedient to God’s ways, far exceeds the results we get from our own human efforts. You tell me, which is more powerful: Physical vs. physical or SPIRIT vs. physical?

When we operate in obedience and love, we disarm the enemy. We take the battle to a whole different level. A level where he’s not comfortable. If anything, pity and pray for the person attacking you (see book one week 40: Let God Take the Bite).

          Test: Can you lay aside your ego, self-image, and any other defense mechanisms to operate in obedience and love?

                                 Not easy, but very EFFECTIVE!

                                  © 2016       See you next week on Paulette Talks Faith