trying2lead

Not My Best Friends

I John 4:16-18 (NIV)

God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him. ¹⁷In this way, love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment, because in this world we are like him. ¹⁸There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.

How we make decisions as Christians is a perfect litmus test to measure our maturity as Christians.  Fear should only be a factor as it applies to God and His Holiness, not a normal determinant in our everyday life.  I cannot tell you how many times I am approached by Christians who tell me they are afraid of the future, they are afraid for me and what I might possibly do as a leader, or they just view the world through the lenses and perspective of fear.

Fear and it's best friend Worry should have no room at the table of a Christians life.  They do not spur you on towards good works nor do they encourage you or others.  They paralyze and discourage.  They keep us from being who and what we are supposed to be.  They keep us from getting in the boat and more importantly from getting out of the boat, to walk towards Christ(John 6:16-21).

We must cast off the best friends, who are among the greatest enemies to Christians.  We must choose to live and react to a different formula.  Most would say, "Is it Biblical?"  This is a waste of time.  The question possesses a deep fault.  The question sets as its expectation that everything is contained, referenced and explained in the Bible.  This is false.  John 21:25 takes care of that.  The Bible does not explain everything.  It explains what the Holy Spirit wants us to understand about God, His Love and His Plan to restore us and empower us.  It will not tell us exactly whether or not we should drive a car, go to school or how to plan our funerals.

Within the bible there are concepts and principles that we can apply, but placing "Biblical" in our thinking process is just Fear and Worry masquerading in intellectualism.  We can check our decisions against the clear teachings of do's and don'ts but most of the time we have to weigh out decisions, with our mind, heart and soul.

Here is some help with how we should base our decisions:

1.  Does this decision bring glory and honor to God?

2.  Does this decision show the love that lives in me?

3.  Does this decision show my faith and Hope in God?

Prayer-

May all I do bring glory and honor to you and may my love for you and others grow as I trust in you and respond in obedience.  God bless me with your courage and your comfort as I step into deeper trust in you and the things of you.  God set your Spirit on me more today than ever before.  May my strength come from you and may, you who empowers, talents and sustains be lifted up and shared with the nations.  -amen

Greater Identity

1 John 4:4 (New International Version)

 ⁴You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.

When dealing with the enemy, [Demonic] we must always view them as liars until they are weakened and forced to speak the truth.  Their weapons are fear, worry, lies and intimidation.  Our weapons are safety, comfort, truth and love.

Their leader is created less than humans and despises us because of God's love and the placement that we were granted, so they rebelled.  We are hated because of God's decision not our own.  Yet as strong as their leader is, we are stronger when filled with God's Spirit.

Our God is Father, Son and Spirit.  Each by themselves is stronger than the evil one and all his followers.  We are filled by one, we stand next to the Son and are watched over by the Father.

We cannot lose and we will not lose!

Prayer of Proclamation

Let Freedom be given to the captives, Sight for the spiritually blind, Hearing for deaf, Wisdom for the mindless lost and Love for the broken hearted!  Let Generational strongholds be broken and territory be reclaimed in the Power and Authority of the ONE who is Father, Son and Spirit, Creator, Savior and Empowerer! Greater is the Father, Greater is the Son and Greater is His Spirit!  Amen! Amen! and Amen!