Soldier or Casualty?

We are all called/commanded to PRAY. Each of us has an important place in the battle where we are standing in the gap. If we don't stand in our place with prayer then we are allowing the enemy to come in like a flood. I repent and ask His forgiveness for when I am a weak link in this battle. I seek Him daily to take me deeper. The enemy tries to deceive us by getting us to look at our lone little prayer and question what effect little me can have. When we stop and look at the whole picture, we are a prayer link in a chain of prayers. Our prayer "link" is strong and when joined with others makes an unbreakable chain that binds the enemy. We are never alone. There is a war going on. There are NO bystanders, ONLY soldiers or casualties. The outcome of the war is assured. God is sovereign. His victory is assured. It was purchased by Jesus blood at Calvary. This is not a nip and tuck, edge of your seat battle as the enemy tries to get us to see it. No. God has already surpassingly won. (Eph 1:21) So which are you choosing to be? A Soldier .... or a Casualty?

Moving Day ... NOT

Today we were to be moving to our much needed larger ministry home however God's timing is something different as we found out yesterday all is not in place for us to be able to move in. Praise God instead of being upset we are at a point that we are just rejoicing for His direction and guidance ... and more time to pack. It is not ours to understand the reason's for the delay but it is ours to make the most of the delay. And so tomorrow evening we will add yet another blessed young lady to our present three (3) bedroom one (1) bathroom home until we can move in to our next ministry home. Who would have guessed that having been given sons to raise that He would open our home to young ladies. Who would have guessed that four (4) ladies (soon to be 5!) and three (3) guys could all live in community with only 3 bedrooms and 1 bathroom. I praise God for two amazing sons who are so much a part of the ministry that God has called us to that they are willing to give up their small room for others to have a safe haven for God to do as He wills in their lives. I thank Him for the amazing blessings and awesomeness of how He chooses to minster to and through us. I love the life He has called us to even in the hard times.

Mom moments!

I am so BLESSED!

Text message today to my honorable husband from me:

"I'm such a good Mom!
Know what time boys class starts? 10 am.
Know when I dropped them off? 8:55 am.
Know when I figured it out? 9:45 am.
Do they still love me? Yip!"


Randy's reply to me:
"I still love you too. How funny"


I was so focused on getting to the prayer room to spend time on National Prayer Day and the one year anniversary of when God brought me from Texas via Kansas to the International House of Prayer to see what it was and to so totally meet me here. I am so amazed at what God's done in the past few weeks in our lives. Today as I reflect on the past year, I am so overwhelmed beyond words all that He has done, healed and grown each of us in the past year. His way is simple. Simple does not mean easy in any means. His way is way better than any thing else in this world and He doesn't ask us to walk or do anything that Jesus hasn't already walked out on this earth for us. We serve a loving, all-knowing, joyful and wonderful sense of humor God. So thankful and even more blessed!

Tools and Life Lessons

We were so absolutely blessed to get to go to my parent’s home this weekend for a fast 30 hour visit. During this time we were also able to get to meet up with my brother and sister-in-law who live and serve among the Navajo in the Arizona/New Mexico area. It was such a short time but yet God enabled us to get a lot done and to get to touch the hearts and feet of my parents. He also met me there and downloaded insight to me in even the smallest things. I just love seeing how He chooses to open my eyes and mind to things He sees and feels.

Saturday after my parents, my brother and our family went to eat lunch together, I was honored with getting to take my mom shopping for some new shoes. Years ago my mom suffered a brain stem stroke that left her with a left-sided deficit making things that once were easy a big task now. Shopping is something I did not grow up doing, not sure if it was due to not enjoying it or not have finances or both. However, with my mom and I, it’s not something on our top list of things to do. Needless to say, this afternoon of shopping for shoes to fit over her AFO brace was one filled with much needed laughter on both of our parts. It was so much fun to get to freely laugh with my mom. She has been blessed with an electric scooter which we took out to assist in prolonging her physical stamina (she doesn’t get out much so it’s physically exhausting). However, with this new tool, she needed experience to increase her operating skills. It was a precious time for me to get to watch my mom concentrate and work hard on trying to figure out how to make that little “joystick” on her scooter take her scooter and thus her, where she needed it to go. It was such a joy to get to watch, wait, and see her accomplishment when she was able to use her new “tool” to make her life more full or accessible. I was so proud of her and how she never gave up or got overly frustrated. It was an honor to be there and quietly, patiently assist her (like I have much experience using joysticks … my boys have far more knowledge there!) with what I could see from my angle that would make things work better for her in different situations. During her learning time of maneuvering in and out of bathroom stalls, elevators, narrow aisles, etc I spent a lot of time just watching and praying so as not to interfere with her focus. However, there were situations where I was able to giggle with my mom (a much better thing then getting frustrated and angry!). I was also able to pass on the peace, pride and joy of her new accomplishment with her scooter with people that entered into our paths (however haphazardly!) It was amazing to see people’s demeanor change when they found out my mom had a new tool and was learning to use it. They were much more supportive and most times would depart from our presence with a new smile on their face and some a bounce in their step. Wow, to imagine, while learning to use a new tool, my mom was able to be used by God to uplift others in ways we will never know. We all have experience with learning to use a new tool and the sense of accomplishment that comes with it once we master it. I sense that many were reminded of the good feelings they experienced at such a time in their life.

But wait! There’s more! God has many years ago spoken in to my life about making sure I’m not comparing myself to anyone else... just the me He has created me to be. I am to always measure myself against my own personal measuring stick to see my growth. He has created us each unique and we are all at different growth levels so only comparable to ourselves. I totally enjoy the fact that I am at peace with what He’s doing in and through my life. I love how He edifies others through me just being the person He created me to be (and how He feeds me in return). In learning to measure my growth against myself and no one else, I’m encouraged with what He’s doing and thus respond with peace, joy, patience, His love and so much more instead of the frustration, intolerance, bad attitude and all that comes when trying to compare with someone else and never measuring up or having a positive comparison. It’s makes for a much more pleasant life no matter what challenges cross life’s path.

Talking about challenges … my mom was a trooper in laughing through my consistency and being patient with me. After seeing that most of the shoes were on top of the display shelves and not easy for my mom to view, I tootled through the aisles looking for different shoes that would possibly work and fit with her brace then bring them to her to try. Now trying on shoes can be exhausting but add having to prep the shoe to receive the AFO brace then placing it on a deficit foot … we’re talking marathon here for both of us! I could do all the prep work but I totally had to step back and allow my mom to see if she would be able to get the shoe on her foot without my help (seeing as how she doesn’t normally have anyone around to help her! … and she’s pretty stubborn about being as independent as possible – a good trait at times!) At times it was so hard for me to just step back and watch. I so wished I could step in and help but my help would only possibly hurt her physically (if I tried to bend the brace or flex her leg or foot in the wrong direction) OR possibly give her a false belief that the shoe would meet her need in her being able to get it on but with my assistance thus wasting money that she is steward over by ending up with something that won’t work for where she is at physically. Wow talk about a download of God’s heart to mine! He so wants to help us as the Father that He is. However He, having created us, knows that He has to step back and allow us to make our choices and walk through the consequences so we can learn. He gave us guidance and step-by-step, hands-on directions by sending His son, Jesus, to earth to walk every aspect of life that we might ever encounter. He even called forth others to document it for us so we would always have access to the “How To Manual” (Bible) and can access it whenever we choose to. Some like to read the instructions first … others like to wait and try it themselves and only when in a bind access the manual for help in getting out of the mess. When we are struggling or just living our day to day life, He is always watching over us as the proud parent that He is and giving us little boosts of help when we allow Him too and it will not hinder us and our growth. No matter our struggles, He is always there with us looking at us with eyes of pride and a heart full of love, proud of even the baby steps that we are taking. He doesn’t ever look at us with malice or contempt. He’s always cheering for us and whispering little helps to us or sending help if we are open to seeing, hearing and receiving it. Wow … His love is so deep and His feelings even deeper for us.

And the laughs continue … My mom, being weary from the outing, was ever so patient and open to giggling with me when invariably, I would pull the right shoe out and prep it. I even put her AFO in one of them getting ready for her to try it out! If you haven’t guessed by now … my mom’s AFO goes on her LEFT foot! We tried the AFO in well over 20 different shoes and I’m not sure if I should be proud or not, but I can say I’m consistent … I truly pulled and prepped the right shoe in every one of them! Tee Hee … I still giggle about it as we did through the remainder of our visit. Enter yet another LIFE LESSON: Sometimes we are so focused on what we are doing that we continue to approach it in a way that doesn’t meet the purpose (i.e. prepping the shoe was necessary however prepping the right shoe was a waste of my time and energy since the final outcome depended on the left shoe). However God is always patient with us and brings good or victory out of all that we do. I caused more work for myself however God allowed my mom to get physical rest while I was exerting my energy in a way one could deem as useless. (I tried to tell mom I was only doing this to give her more time to rest between all the exertion of trying on yet another shoe … she didn’t buy it though!) Through this He showed me that, sometimes we run around in busyness doing good deeds and consistently going through a long process to reach the necessary means. However, we could be less busy (not prepping the “right shoe”) and take more time to just sit and rest in Him in between just prepping and trying on the needed “left shoe”. It’s untruth that we must always be busy. Jesus, while He was on this earth, set the example over and over that we need to be still, rest & commune with God. Be less busy. Oh how much more happier and energetic we would all be if we would ask Him to show us ways that we are making excess “busy” in our lives and turn that time in to rest time, time to enjoy all the He gives us. I pray this for each one of us. Less Busy = More time with Him + more energy + more Joy + more time with our #1 mission field + more accomplished for His Kingdom.

The final insight I’ll share for today, however not of this shopping trip … we went with the mindset of looking for tennis shoes as that is what Mom has pretty much always used. The therapist who fitted the AFO to mom after her stroke fitted it to a tennis shoe and so the pattern continued for years even though an inner desire of my mom’s heart was for something different, a change, a chance to dress up or appear a bit more fashionable. Thus we started our shopping trip out in the same path or rut that was started years ago, looking for tennis shoes that would work and being willing to settle on something that fit even if she didn’t like the looks. Praise God I was listening to Him. I started to look outside the box (no pun intended but hey it works with shoes!). I refused to force my mom to stay in the rut and only get what worked but didn’t bring joy to her. She is too special and unique for that! After many tennis shoe preppings, yucks and ughs not to mention the eye rolling … I started introducing other types of shoes I could find that might possibly work. We encountered many duds (thus many laughs – it is what you make it!) that just wouldn’t allow her to get her foot in. However … by really stepping out of the box and all that the world has brain washed us so easily with … we finally found a pair of penny loafers that worked with the AFO and were fun, fashionable, and serviceable for my mom. Needless to say, they were nowhere near the original rut we started in (women’s tennis shoes). No, God took us on a totally different path that without being open to Him we would not have even considered. The penny loafers were not women’s (as they weren’t cut properly to fit the AFO) but men’s which were a better fit with what we were working with. PONDER Point: So what “rut” are you stuck in? What area are you still operating in because that is what you first were introduced to? Are you willing to allow God to help pull you out of your “rut” and take you to a new level? To assist you in finding a new path that is a better fit to whom and what He created you to be? That makes your heart race or swell up with excitement? That puts a smile on your face, a bounce in your step and joy in your spirit? That gets you excited to get out of bed each day! That gets you excited to see what the day is to bring? It could be in your life ministry, schooling, your diet, the way you study His word, how you relate / love your family, how you relate to other people … the list and possibilities are limitless … our God is bigger than we can even comprehend and wants - as the ultimate great parent – to love on us so much and give us even more. So … are you going to settle for the “rut” OR step outside of the box and look to see what exciting path awaits your journey’s footsteps? Doesn’t mean it will always be easy but it will be more exciting, joyful and fulfilling personally and Kingdom wise.

We love to hear from you! Thanks for all of you who are partnering with us in so many different and creative ways! Your encouragement and partnership allows us to work together as a team to further His Kingdom. We so love and enjoy looking at all the amazingly creative ways He works in and through us as a team “outside the box”.

Blessings and Love!

IF it GrIeVeS God, Get RID of IT!

We are called by God to sanctify our spirit, soul and body. Even the secular world imitates that calling. We have got to chose. Are we going to be distracted by the “world’s” cheap imitation way OR are we going to tune in and stay solely focused on God and His way? We don’t have to tolerate what grieves Him (food, games, clothes, possessions, etc) until it has been consumed or the deemed value received from it. Don’t listen to the lies of the enemy. If it GRIEVES God get RID of IT! It’s not wasteful to carry out the “trash” polluting our lives. Stop trying to consume whatever is “trashing” our lives so as not to be judged “wasteful” by family and peers. Those “judging family & peers” will not be standing with you at your pre-scheduled Final Appointment with God. The moment we all live for, whether intentional or unintentional, when He performs our ultimate performance review and gives our final promotion with rewards OR pink slip and removes our name from His Book.

1 Corinthians 3:12-14 (New Century Version) 12 But if people build on that foundation, using gold, silver, jewels, wood, grass, or straw,13 their work will be clearly seen, because the Day of Judgment[a] will make it visible. That Day will appear with fire, and the fire will test everyone's work to show what sort of work it was.14 If the building that has been put on the foundation still stands, the builder will get a reward.

We have been given dominion over all things … now … today … in every choice we make, every word we speak.

Genesis 1:28 (The Message) 26-28 God spoke: "Let us make human beings in our image, make them reflecting our nature so they can be responsible for the fish in the sea, the birds in the air, the cattle, and, yes, Earth itself, and every animal that moves on the face of Earth." God created human beings; he created them godlike, reflecting God's nature. He created them male and female. God blessed them: "Prosper! Reproduce! Fill Earth! Take charge! Be responsible for fish in the sea and birds in the air, for every living thing that moves on the face of Earth."

He owns all the wealth and being His Child entitles us to it. SO, it is NOT wasteful to get rid of what GRIEVES God (groceries, books, music, games, clothes, vehicles, etc). In honoring Him by getting rid of the grievances in your life, He honors you by providing, in a way only He can, the richness of a life walking in purity with Him. Ask Him to show you what is grieving Him in your life, home, and work. Better to be shocked now rather than at the final moment. There is no greater reward on this Earth and more importantly at our Final Judgment Appointment than to have Him say, “Well done.”

Matthew 25:23 (New International Version, ©2011) 23 “His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’

Footnotes:1 Corinthians 3:13 Day of Judgment The day Christ will come to judge all people and take his people home to live with him.

What type of vacuum are you?

Tonight some ministry partners gifted me a vacuum to celebrate my birthday. What an amazing gift it is! They even opened the box, put it together for me then my teenage son, Josiah, proceeded to demonstrate it. (I wanted to make sure and mention that so that I have proof that he does know how to run a vacuum if he should ever have a memory lapse!) It is the most amazing thing! (Yes, the vacuum and a teenager running it!) Asher, a two-year-old that we get to edify while his parents are sharpening tools for the Kingdom’s use, had been running our little push vacuum on the floor. He just loves to vacuum. (Yes, I am documenting his vacuum skills for later years if necessary!) What an amazing thing it was, when Josiah ran the new vacuum over the same area that Asher had just finished sweeping for almost 20 minutes! There was a vast difference. I was very excited. Even two-year-old Asher saw the difference and could hardly wait to get his hands on it! He even said … PLEASE! (Miracles never stop!) Throughout the evening I kept marveling and commenting on how great it was to have a vacuum that actually makes a difference. Even during my ministry time of detoxing and anointing feet I kept seeing how blessed having a real vacuum with power was going to be. I mean, no more icky stuff between the edge of the carpet and baseboard! Can I get an “Amen” here please? This machine has the super suction and attachments that allow even the remotest places to be reached and cleaned. My husband even had to give it a try when he got home from work. He used it on the return air vent in the hall and the baseboard … yip it did a stellar job! Whoo Hoo! It’s not just a vacuum for carpet it does way more … hardwood floors, vents, ceiling fans, and who knows what else! I do have to note that when Malachi got home from his discipleship class, he wasn’t as eager to try it out. He has obviously been reaping from his classes as he already had insight or discernment that if he vacuumed, mom would want more. Tee Hee.

Well, as I was preparing to end my day, spending quiet time with God, seeking His will and petitioning/lifting a dear friend and ministry partner and family up in prayer for healing … yip you probably guessed it … my thoughts returned yet again to the excitement of the new vacuum. You probably are pondering as to what praying for healing has to do with a vacuum … but wait! There’s more! Yes, this simple, man-made vacuum brought to mind our time with God. Are you a little push vacuum in your time with God? Spending a large amount of time repeating the same thing over and over and not accomplishing much or possibly making matters worse? Becoming more discouraged because you don’t see results for all the time, effort and energy you put in to it? … OR … Are you a full-size, turbo suction vacuum? Does the time you spend with God produce fabulous fruit and deep cleansing healing? Are you using the tools and attachments that come with your vacuum (time with God) to get the hard to reach spots, the nooks and crannies of your life? Are you allowing Him to have the super suction power in your life? Allowing Him to have access to the dirty, messy, soiled carpet in your life … even the vents, the ceiling fan blades -- all the nooks and crannies? Your spiritual carpet definitely shows the type of vacuum you have selected for use in your personal life. Are you seeing a nice, colorful, clean carpet that’s something other than the color of dirt? Is there a crispness in your witness and walk thanks to the cleaning of all the nooks and crannies that were bogged down with dirt, hair, Lego parts, BB gun pellets, etc? (Hey, our #1 mission field is filled with amazing sons! What can I say!) Are you lighter, freer, open and even eager to reach out to others because the dirt has been removed from your spiritual home? Do you find a new or renewed bounce in your step/witness because you see and experience the difference a quality “vacuum” (time listening and talking with God) can do? Are you glowing in the absence of all the dirt and debris? Are others being touched and encouraged by your glow?

I want to challenge you to stop and look at your spiritual carpet. How’s it looking? Are you cleaning it? How often? What type of tools are you using for the cleaning and upkeep? Is it crisp, colorful and standing up? Or is it dull, dirty and matted? If you discern that the only vacuum you have in your possession is just a push vacuum, make sure and use it until you decide to invest in a super suction vacuum. It’s better than nothing but don’t delay, as the longer you neglect -- the deeper and dirtier it gets. If you want prayer, encouragement, tips, tools, laughter, etc, please feel free to contact us! We are here for you and would be honored to pray with and for you and whatever else God wants us to do in your life! Oh and feel free to drop by our place and try out my new birthday vacuum! We’d LOVE to have you!! Honest! (Even if you don’t really vacuum!)

Hugs, blessings and prayers to you!

Created to Serve in Love,

Michelle

Answers in the quiet

This morning my husband came in and shared with me that yesterday during his M.A.P.P. group one of the gentlemen stated that he wondered if he was really doing what God had called him to do or if he should take a break from media missions to go get a job in the secular world to make money to do work on his house. Randy admitted that he sometimes struggles with feeling the same way. During Randy's quiet time, after questioning if he was really hearing God's voice, he distinctly heard God telling him that He had answered his prayer and submission of his heart from back in 1998. He was exactly where God wanted him to be, using his skills and life training to help maintain the International House of Prayer Mission Base-KC while being able to minister to those God brings to him. He also encouraged him by reminding him that He has us covered with our expenses and people that He has strummed their heart strings to partner with us in His ministry that He has us walking out so that we all may be more fruitful and His Kingdom would prosper.

I am so ever thankful at all God has done to protect us from our own hardheadedness and not so great choices over the past 16 years. It so humbles my heart when I see all the littlest details that He has done to take care of us and direct our steps. Even though because of Randy's fear of having to possibly raise our own "support" he walked away from a calling 13 years ago, God was still ever faithful and kept training Randy while He was preparing his heart to finally say "Yes Lord". Now Randy has a better understanding of living by God's provisions, thanks to an in-depth study in the Word and how God has done it from the beginning of time. God has already laid out the master plan. How we all are to work together to do the work of His Kingdom. Some are called to partner in prayer, some are called to partner in finances, some are called to partner in provisions, some are called to partner in encouragement, some are called to go forth, some are called to minister to those who are on the forefront, some are called to minister to those that have given their all, some are called to partner in ways only God knows however as we allow God to bring those together that He has preordained to work together as a team so that His work can be done. We all have been created and called for a specific purpose. When we stop looking for the complicated things and just quietly listen to what our heart is saying, we generally find His answer to us in the most child-like, easy ways or answers. I praise God that we are His and are seeking to praise and worship Him while He is using us for His Kingdom work.

We pray blessings over each one of you and pray that you will stop and listen to see how God is using or wanting to use you today. Be BLESSED!

Submission (submit, submitted, submitting)

Currently every Sunday a group of women (whom I'm honored to be a part of) who have a heart to pray for Men of Valor across the world will unite in the International House of Prayer - Mission Base in Kansas City MO side room #2. Today we are each sharing on what the Holy Spirit has laid upon our hearts in regards to submission. The following is what my heart will bring to the group today. Submission to me is an honor because I know whom I am submitting too. When submitting to God it is not a bad thing or word because He has authority over all and as His child, I inherit all. Thank you Father!

Here's what I'll be sharing later today. I pray it blesses you as I have been blessed in praying and pondering over what the Spirit was wanting to show me in regards to submission.:

Hebrew word used in Hebrews 13:17 -- to be straightforward with.

Hebrews 13:17 (ESV) “17Obey(AD) your leaders and submit to them,(AE) for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to(AF) give an account.(AG) Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.”

Greek word used in James 4:7, I Peter 2:13 and 5:5 -- hupotusso -- to subordinate; to obey – be under obedience, put under, subdue unto; be subjected to, submit self unto.

James 4:7 (ESV) “7Submit yourselves therefore to God.(A) Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”

I Peter 2:13-15 (NIV) “13 Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority, 14 or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. 15 For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people.”

I Peter 5:1-10 “1 To the elders among you, I appeal (exhort) as a fellow elder and a witness of Christ’s sufferings who also will share in the glory to be revealed: 2 Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; 3 not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. 4 And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away. 5 In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.”[a] 6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 8 Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9 Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings. 10 And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. 11 To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen. “

Submission is an action, a choice. It is an action that we take whether consciously or unconsciously. We choose what or whom we are going to submit to (give authority or control to) with our emotions, with our time, with our money, with our possessions. We choose who we are going to give authority over our emotions. We choose who we are going to give authority over our time. We choose who we are giving authority over our money. We choose who we are going to give authority over our possessions. Absolutely everything in our life is based on a choice. We choose who we are going to serve or be a slave too. It is an action that in not making a choice you are still making a choice. For example, in not choosing God you are choosing Satan. Another example, When you are not walking a lifestyle that focuses on bringing glory and praise to God then you are choosing to walk in a lifestyle that focuses on self and what makes you feel good or allows you to take up your time and numb your mind and heart to its secret yearnings of being loved by the God of love. Yet another example, when you shut the door to your home you choose when to open it and who or what you allow in. When you don’t shut the door, leaving it cracked or wide open, then you are allowing whomever and whatever to enter into your home whether it be an edifying person, an evil person, a sweet loving pet or an evil poisonous snake. In every aspect of your life you choose to take authority over what you allow or you choose to give up the choice and allow whomever or whatever wants, to come in and take authority.

As for me personally, I have unfortunately in my past allowed myself to be robbed by the enemy when I have chosen not to taken authority and make choices in my life. During those times that I didn’t take authority and make a decision, I now understand that I was not focused, feeling worthless and/or walking in fear and allowed the enemy to chose for me. All of which is not operating in the Lord. He does not give us a spirit of fear but He gives us love, power and a sound mind. In Isaiah 11:2 it is written, “2 The Spirit of the LORD will rest on him— the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of might, the Spirit of the knowledge and fear of the LORD—“. God did not create us to be worthless, He empowers us. In Romans 8:14-16 (NIV) it is written, “ 14 For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. 15 The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship.[a] And by him we cry, “Abba,[b] Father.” 16 The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. (Footnotes: Romans 8:15 The Greek word for adoption to sonship is a term referring to the full legal standing of an adopted male heir in Roman culture; also in verse 23.) Thus He created us in His own image giving us through the blood of Jesus Christ authority and dominion over all things if we choose (submit) to be adopted by Him. God created us all with an intense desire to love Him and worship Him which is why we only find and feel emptiness when we submit to the worldly pleasures of lust and self-fulfillment.

I thank God that He loves me unconditionally and doesn’t ever revoke(unadopt) my being a Child of God just because I make a mistake or a poor choice. I know I am loved unconditionally and am reassured that as I travel the road of living fully in Christ, He looks on me with pride and love every time I take a step. Even when I stumble and fall down, because with His help I am always able to get back up, repent and keep moving forward in my sole life purpose of loving and worshiping Him. But wait! There’s more! I get the added BONUS because all the love He showers on me is manifested through me to any and all who cross my path. God’s bonus of loving one another. And all at one great price … FREE! I absolutely must make sure that all I know (and even those I don't know yet!) get this great lifetime deal!! I am gratefully and willingly submitted to His authority, power and love.