Category Archives: Inspirational

DESPISED AND REJECTED

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Isaiah 53:3-5

He was despised and rejected— a man of sorrows, acquainted with deepest grief. We turned our backs on him and looked the other way. He was despised, and we did not care. Yet it was our weaknesses he carried; it was our sorrows that weighed him down. And we thought his troubles were a punishment from God, a punishment for his own sins! But he was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed. 

Jesus was despised and rejected by men. He was acquainted and/or familiar with grief and sorrow. He showed love yet hatred was returned. He forgave yet He was accused. He was the most gentle and kindest person who has ever walked this earth however He was look down on and withheld love from. Jesus was intensely disliked and people refused to believe in Him yet He loved and prayed for them. People spoke evil against Him and fabricated lies about Him yet He had compassion on them.

Jesus’ response to their ill will was proof that He was not like them.

Despise defined:

  • to look down on with contempt or aversion
  • to regard as negligible, worthless, or distasteful
  • to dislike intensely

Reject defined:

  •  to refuse to believe, accept, consider, submit to or make use of.
  • to rebuff, repel, refuse to hear, or withhold love from; especially : to communicate negative feelings toward and a wish to be free of

It is not always easy to be rejected by people and to feel the wrath of their dislike and disapproval of you. Oftentimes, are pain and uneasiness in these kinds of situations come from trust that has been misplaced.

The bible says, “It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man.” Psalms 118:8

We erroneously thought that just because someone was nice to us that they liked us or just because they hired us for a job that they believed in us or were for us. We trusted in their temporary behavior and disregarded the warning of our Master.

“Lo, thou trustest in the staff of this broken reed, on Egypt; whereon if a man lean, it will go into his hand, and pierce it: so is Pharaoh king of Egypt to all that trust in him.” Isaiah 36:6

You can’t lean on, rely on, and depend on something that is broken and faulty, it will inevitably injure you at the end of the day. The world and all that dwell in darkness are broken, they must come to God to be made whole. Remember Jesus said, “Without me you can do nothing.” (John 15).

When the Love of God is not in a person’s heart (spirit) they don’t possess the power to love or accept you, no matter how many temporary compliments they give you throughout the day. Stop expecting something out of them that they can’t produce.

Rejection and dislike/hatred are a part of their unregenerated human nature (the nature of man without God). Don’t except apple juice when you squeeze a lemon. Why get disappointed and dismayed (disheartened, discouraged, downcast, intimidated, depressed, distressed, and perturbed) when the world (man) reject and despises you?

Say this with me:   “In God have I put my trust, I will not be afraid what man can do unto me.” Psalms 56:11

Don’t become trapped and ensnared by what they supposedly can or can’t do for you.

The Bible says, “The fear of man bringeth a snare, but whoso putteth his trust in the Lord shall be safe.” Proverbs 29:25

Jehovah, the El Shaddai (The Almighty God, The All Sufficient One) is your God and Father, He will provide for and protect you!

There is a remedy and safe-guard against the poisonous venom of rejection and dislike. There is a preventative vaccine that inhibits harmful effects from these arrows of destruction. You possess the greatest antidote for every bite/attack of the enemy. Jesus gave us the answer through His life and teachings. He spoke the Word of God – It Is Written…

You don’t have to fear and settle for the adverse effects and the pain of rejection, you are free from that through the blood of Christ.

So rejoice and be exceedingly glad because, “If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.” John 8:36

Meditate on the scriptures in this blog and let God continue to nourish and bring complete healing to your soul.

Nurturing Nuggets is an extension of Harris Ministries International. Visit our websites and receive more nourishments! www.harrisministriesint.com, www.detoxifyingthesoul.com, www.fellasofgod.com, www.beyondyourweight.com

 

 

 

LIGHT SHINES BRIGHTEST IN DARKNESS

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2Corinthians 4:4

In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.

Have you ever tried to shine light in a room that is already brightly lit. The light has little or no effect because light is already there. However, if you shine the smallest ray of light in a dark room you will see immediate results because light is at it’s greatest function in darkness. Light is the opposite or opposing force of darkness. Light is always effective over darkness. Nothing dispels darkness like light.

The Bible tells us that God is Light and in Him there is no darkness at all. Jesus said, “Ye are the light of the world,” he was talking about Christians. No matter how great the darkness maybe in a place or situation, light can always overcome it. Light is only effective against darkness when it is turned on. No matter how much light you have, if it is turned off or hidden darkness will continue prevail. The scriptures remind us to let our light shine before men, why, because the Light is the only power that can set men free. Jesus said, “I am the Light of the world.”The world is hopeless without light because it is dark. If the world had no need of light, why would the body of Christ be here in the Earth. There is no other true light except that which comes from God. The Bible says that Satan transforms himself into an angel of light but this is not true light, it is fake. Fake or artificial light has no effect on darkness. It pretends to bear light fruit but in all actuality the fruit is dead. When you slice open his fruit it is rotten to the core, it looks good on the outside but the inside is corrupt just like it’s source. However, remember the only way to see the corruptness in Satan’s fake fruit is to have the light on because you can’t see anything in darkness.

Let your light shine bright you are a true light-bearer ! Shine! Shine! Shine!

 

NURTURING NUGGETS IS AN EXTENSION OF CATHY HARRIS MINISTRIES. VISIT OUR WEBSITE @ www.detoxifyingthesoul.com

SUBMIT TO LEADING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

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John 16:12-14

I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now.

Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you.

 

Jesus made it very clear from this scripture, who He had appointed to guide His church. He gave the Holy Spirit to every believer to escort and pilot us in the way of truth. God did not just leave us truth but He also provided the one who would Help us comprehend it. When Jesus spoke these words to His disciplines they were mere unchanged men because Jesus had not given His life on the cross yet. Jesus told them that He had many, not a few but many things to say to them but because the Holy Spirit was not living in them yet they would not understand or comprehend the meaning of His words. If we are to live by every word that proceeds out of God’s mouth it is so important that we have understanding. Just hearing the word without understanding what was said leaves the hearer no better having heard. The bible says we should be not just hearers of God’s word but doers, however, if there is a lack or breech in ones understanding how can they accurately obey. How many times have you set in a lecture, conference, class, or group of one or two people and you all heard the same thing but when questioned concerning what you heard it was very clear not all had the same understanding. Well, God wants all of His children to be on the same page so to speak. God did not ask us to put our own twist or interpretation on His message. We are commanded in the book of Revelation not to add to or take away from God’s word.

Many times God may speak one word to you during a time of fellowship or prayer with Him. For instance, you may hear the word “go.” Well most people are familiar with the natural meaning of the word go. Go is a very simple, basic, elementary word that most people would not need much explanation or interpretation. However, God revealed to us in Isaiah 55:9, that our thoughts (human intellect), are no match for His thoughts. Without the guidance of the Holy Spirit we would begin to reason in our mind what God meant when He spoke the word “go.” But God did not want our earthly lives to be lead by human reasoning. Human nature does not like being out of control, it wants to be in charge and out in front all the time, that’s why we must yield to the Holy Spirit. We must welcome and surrender to the comfort of the Holy Ghost at all times. The Holy Spirit will not intervene if you want to be the one in front and in control. The bible tells us in 1 Peter 5:6, to humble ourselves under the mighty hand of God. The word humble means to submit and the phrase mighty hand of God means; God’s control or authority. We must submit and yield our whole being to God’s governing authority. Our heavenly Father loves us and He will never force or slave drive us into submission. He is not referring to the human perspective of submission but rather a divine revelation of love submission. When we become intimately acquainted with Love it is easy to surrender because there is no fear. Perfect Love cast out fear. God will give us the understanding of what He is saying to us if we continue to seek Him for more. Don’t get ahead of God just wait upon Him and lean not to your own understanding.

So choose to allow the Holy Spirit to go before you and be your guide every day in every way. He will never lead you astray!

 

NURTURING NUGGETS BLOG IS AN EXTENSION OF CATHY HARRIS MINISTRIES. VISIT OUR WEBSITE @ www.detoxifyingthesoul.com

PARDON ME, DO YOU HAVE THE TIME ?

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If someone would walk up to you and ask you the question, “Do you have the time” what would be your response? Would you look down at your wrist and notice and reply, Sorry I don’t do watches. (by the way the Bible says to watch and pray). Or would you just ignore them altogether and keep walking on your merry way.

Time defined:

• an appointed, fixed, or customary moment or hour for something to happen, begin, or end

• an opportune or suitable moment

• a historical period : AGE

 

Have you ever heard the phrase, “Well it’s about time ……………

Well in all honesty maybe it is. The Bible actually says, “It is high time.” That doesn’t mean we should all run out and get high on drugs. That means this is a crucial moment in history, it is an urgent window of opportunity, it is now time! It means we must act and we must do it now! High time is red alert. It is no more excuses, no more fooling around time. It is let’s get down to business time. Do you get the picture, my friend!

Romans 13:11-12

Besides this you know what [a critical] hour this is, how it is high time now for you to wake up out of your sleep (rouse to reality). For salvation (final deliverance) is nearer to us now than when we first believed (adhered to, trusted in, and relied on Christ, the Messiah). The night is far gone and the day is almost here. Let us then drop (fling away) the works and deeds of darkness and put on the [full] armor of light.

 

We must realize what an awesome moment in the history of God’s church that we live in. We must take full advantage of the opportunity we have to be His witnesses and demonstrate His power and love. It is high time to show the world what a good and mighty God we have. It is time to display the goodness of God in the land of the living.

What time do you have? Is your schedule too full? Is there any time left in your busy day to give God some say in your agenda? Are you making time for His will to be revealed in your life or are you making excuses? What time do you have for miracles? What time do you have for mercy and salvation in the lives of the lost? What time do you have to feed the hungry and give water to the thirsty soul? What time do you have ma’am? What time do you have sir? Can I stop you for just a moment and take a few minutes of your time? Please don’t be anger with me I just need to know do you have the time?

NURTURING NUGGETS BLOG IS AN EXTENSION OF CATHY HARRIS MINISTRIES. VISIT OUR WEBSITE @ www.detoxifyingthesoul.com

STRANDED

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Stranded defined:

• To put or leave somebody in a difficult or helpless position.

Have you ever been trapped, cut off, marooned, left high and dry, stuck or abandoned? Well all of those situations just mentioned are words related to the word stranded.

Have you ever locked your keys in your car and could not get in contact with anyone? Now if you think about it most people have spare keys to their cars, houses, offices, etc. but most often times you don’t have the spare with you when you need it most. Spare keys are generally kept in “safe places” or with people you could readily contact if you lost your keys or locked yourself out. Spare keys are usually not in your pocket. Having a spare key at home in your closet does not seem helpful when you are at the grocery store locked out of your car. Actually at that moment it may seem useless and silly to have a spare key that you can’t get to. How inconvenienced it may seem to have to call or wait on someone to take you to get that key.

In a similar way, sometimes people become stranded in a spiritual test or trial because they left their faith at home in a safe place, “the bible.” They find themselves in the middle of a hard situation and realize that the faith they need to go forward is at home in their bible. They begin to call people on their emergency “faith” call list to give them a spare but no one is at home. “Where is faith when you need it?” they replied. It’s in the pages of your bible where you left it.

Now it came to pass on a certain day, that he went into a ship with his disciples: and he said unto them, Let us go over unto the other side of the lake. And they launched forth. But as they sailed he fell asleep: and there came down a storm of wind on the lake; and they were filled with water, and were in jeopardy. And they came to him, and awoke him, saying, Master, master, we perish. Then he arose, and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water: and they ceased, and there was a calm. And he said unto them, Where is your faith? And they being afraid wondered, saying one to another, What manner of man is this! for he commandeth even the winds and water, and they obey him. Luke 8:22-25

We must be those who keep our lights burning and our faith on full so that we are never stranded by circumstances!

NURTURING NUGGETS IS AN EXTENSION OF CATHY HARRIS MINISTRIES. VISIT OUR WEBSITE @ www.detoxifyingthesoul.com

GENTLE GIANTS

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Giants are known for their size. They are many times portrayed as fierce and dangerous to encounter. Many child hood fairy-tales when I was a child would equate giants with monsters who hid out in secluded areas away from society. Most people were afraid of them and did not want to be around them. They were generally displayed as having super-human strength and great power, which rarely lose battles. However I would like to talk to you today about a different kind of giant.

Giant defined:

• Somebody whose talents or achievements are particularly outstanding.

1Peter 5:5-6

Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: 

Humility gives birth to gentle giants. These giants are taller and bigger on the inside than the outside. Their strength flows out of their submission to God. Their courage is a product of the Mighty hand of their Lord. They are not insecure in their submission to others but readily welcome every opportunity to put others needs before their own. They use their strength and power to help not to tear down and hurt. They are gentle giants and they live among us every day. They are committed to kindness and are a dangerous enemy to fear. They stand far above others in their loyalty and work. They are gentle giants whose height in life is a result of their submission to God and His word. They are lifted up by God Himself for all to see a display of His power resulting from humility.

So be diligent to resist that pride and keep it defeated way under your feet. True giants are the creation of supernatural humility.

NURTURING NUGGETS IS AN EXTENSION OF CATHY HARRIS MINISTRIES. VISIT OUR WEBSITE @ www.detoxifyingthesoul.com

THE WELL

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John 4: 4-6

And he must needs go through Samaria. Then cometh he to a city of Samaria, which is called Sychar, near to the parcel of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph. Now Jacob’s well was there. Jesus therefore, being wearied with his journey, sat thus on the well: and it was about the sixth hour.

(READ THE ENTIRE CHAPTER OF JOHN 4)

Many times during the day and throughout our busy work week, God is trying to get our attention. God is trying to lead us to the well. Yes, the well.

The well is a place where sinners meet forgiveness. The well is a place where broken hearts surrender to the voice of healing. The well is a place where secret issues of the heart are uncovered and new life discovered. The well is a place where man encounters God. The well is a place where lonely hearts gather and find a friend that sticks closer than a brother. The well is a place where the lost are found. The well is a place where miracles happen. The well is a place where spiritual thirst is quenched with living water. The well is a place where chains of bondage are broken and every captive set free. The well is a place. The well is a place where eternal life flows. The well is a place where destiny is unveiled and our true God given purpose prevails. The well is a place where questions of the spirit and soul are answered. The well is a place of Divine appointments. The well is a place where the rejected and outcast encounters open arms of divine acceptance. The well is a place where fears are conquered. The well is a place where grace abounds. The well is a place where the anointing of God flows; lifting every burden, destroying every yoke. The well is a place where dreams meet reality. The well is a place of freedom.

Jesus traveled many miles one day to get to a well. His steps of obedience brought deliverance and life to a woman who was in desperate need of freedom. His steps of obedience changed a whole city.

Can God lead you to a well today? Maybe the well God wants to lead you to is a grocery store where a new widow needs words of encouragement. Maybe the well God wants to lead you to is a family member, a beautician, a bus stop, a hospital, a boss’s office, a neighbor, a frightened child, an abused wife, a lonely single woman, etc. No matter the place there is grace to meet ever need. Open your mouth and let words of life and healing virtue flow and bring salvation to many.

NURTURING NUGGETS BLOG IS AN EXTENSION OF CATHY HARRIS MINISTRIES. VISIT OUR WEBSITE @ www.detoxifyingthesoul.com

 

HEAVEN IS A BEAUTIFUL PLACE

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Revelations 21:21-27

And the twelve gates were twelve pearls: every several gate was of one pearl: and the street of the city was pure gold, as it were transparent glass. And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it. And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof. And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it. And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day: for there shall be no night there. And they shall bring the glory and honour of the nations into it. And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb’s book of life.

God has prepared for us a new heaven and a new earth. It will be a wonderful place to spend eternity with God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Sometimes we can become so earthly focused that we forget to take time to just sit and meditate on the things God has prepared for those who love Him. Yes, God has supplied us with every spiritual and earthly blessing here on the earth but that’s only a mere fraction of the whole in which God has in store for us. I know that we must stay focused on the assignment and mission that God has called us to here on the earth but there is a part of me that just can’t wait to go home and be with the Lord. Heaven is a wonderful place. A place where there is no evil, no darkness at all. Heaven is a place where sorrow is forever washed from our memories. Heaven is a joyful place, no tears or envious peers. Heaven is a place where every race shall dwell together in the glory and love of God. Heaven is a place where there is no night only the splendor of day. Heaven is a place of eternal reward for those who love God and endure to the end in Him. Heaven is a place worth waiting for.

It is not morbid to think about heaven because heaven is my home.

NURTURING NUGGETS IS AN EXTENSION OF CATHY HARRIS MINISTRIES. VISIT OUR WEBSITE @ www.detoxifyingthesoul.com

PROTECTION FROM THE STRIFE OF TONGUES

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Psalms 31:20

Thou shalt hide them in the secret of thy presence from the pride of man: thou shalt keep them secretly in a pavilion from the strife of tongues.

Today let us dive into the revealed word the Holy Spirit has for us concerning the protection God gives us from the strife of tongues.

We know and are confident that God is our strength, a very present help in times of trouble. God is our protector no matter what the attack but we must endeavor to remain in our place of safety.

Protector defined:

• Somebody who protects or defends somebody or something.

God is not just another form of protection for the Christian who; trusts, relies on and depends on Him. He is our only source of protection. Many times people like to have a little something on the side just in case God doesn’t follow through on His promise to protect them. Well, that’s unbelief. God will always come through for us, He is not a man that He should lie.

The word of God speaks loudly to us from Psalms 31:20 that God will keep us or protect us from the strife of tongues. Now, that doesn’t mean you will never hear anyone talk bad about you or lie on you or gossip about you or think and speak evil of you. Yes, these forms of persecution will come, but God is saying, “I won’t let those words harm you.” Words are carriers; they can contain life or death, blessing or cursing. The scriptures tell us that the power of life and death are in the tongue. God speaks words of life, Jesus said his words are spirit and they are life. The devil on the other hand speaks words of death and destruction.

Strife defined:

• Bitter and sometimes violent conflict, struggle, or rivalry.

The devil lives to release words of strife. Strife robs and steals the joys of each new day.

Hebrews 12:15 declares, “Exercise foresight and be on the watch to look [after one another], to see that no one falls back from and fails to secure God’s grace (His unmerited favor and spiritual blessing), in order that no root of resentment (rancor, bitterness, or hatred) shoots forth and causes trouble and bitter torment, and the many become contaminated and defiled by it–.”

The enemy sends words of strife or bitterness to defile you. He wants to corrupt your pure minds. Seeds of bitterness that are planted in the soil of a person’s heart will wage war on their soul. These words will seek to shut down the progress of the word of God in their lives. Words of bitterness will cause conflict in your mind, will and emotions, seeking to abort the process of transformation. It will soon permeate through you to others causing arguments, discord and all kinds of trouble. It will seek to thwart every relationship in your life; your marriage, children, employer, neighbors, extended family.

But God has promised to hide us from the effects and poison of the strife of tongues. The devil will release this weapon against you but it won’t prosper. The words will fall to the ground ineffective and powerless against you. These words of strife can never penetrate God’s shield of protection. You will be inaccessible to their bite. However, in order to benefit from God’s protection we must do our part and stay in the secret of His presence. We cannot try to venture out on our own and seek to correct the situation. We must stay hidden in Christ. It doesn’t matter what people are saying about you, don’t let it get to you. Just stay in your protection. The enemy will try to lure you out through your five physical senses or your untrained emotions. You may say, “But they hurt my feelings,” that’s because you was peeking out and you let that evil dart scratch your skin and some poison slipped in. You need to get back into the secret place of God’s presences, letting Him heal and conceal you. Don’t yield to the temptation to be nosey, “Wonder what they are saying about me.” This will only draw you out of your secret place of protection.

Just sit down in God’s presence and rest. He will protect and shelter you through the test.

NURTURING NUGGETS IS AN EXTENSION OF CATHY HARRIS MINISTRIES. VISIT OUR WEBSITE @ www.detoxifyingthesoul.com