Ephesians 4:19-24(AMP)

In their spiritual apathy they have become callous and past feeling and reckless and have abandoned themselves [a prey] to unbridled sensuality, eager and greedy to indulge in every form of impurity [that their depraved desires may suggest and demand]. But you did not so learn Christ! Assuming that you have really heard Him and been taught by Him, as [all] Truth is in Jesus [embodied and personified in Him], Strip yourselves of your former nature [put off and discard your old unrenewed self] which characterized your previous manner of life and becomes corrupt through lusts and desires that spring from delusion; And be constantly renewed in the spirit of your mind [having a fresh mental and spiritual attitude], And put on the new nature (the regenerate self) created in God’s image, [Godlike] in true righteousness and holiness.

Apathy defined:

• Lack of interest in anything, or the absence of any wish to do anything.

Similar words to apathy are indifference, lack of concern, lack of interest, lethargy, laziness, and boredom.

Ephesians chapter 4 is a very stern, sobering message preached from the heart of the Apostle Paul to Christians. It is to be noted that Paul was not ministering to the world but rather to the Church of God. This chapter invokes a need for self examination on the deepest level. This is not a message that you just want to skim over and refuse to give an opportunity for soul searching. In this chapter Paul addresses the subject of spiritual apathy. Spiritual apathy is a very critical, life threatening, over-all dangerous condition to be in. Spiritual apathy is an attribute of the flesh or the nature of sin. Paul tells us that this former characteristic of the old nature should have been stripped off of us who are now born again. Spiritual apathy is of the old un-renewed self, the corrupt nature of sin passed down from the first Adam. Paul goes on to say that we who are Christ should be constantly renewed in the spirit of our mind. This also makes us aware that if we are not renewing our minds then we can slip back into the un-renewed state of mind. Paul said we must put on the new nature. This must be done on purpose and is accomplished as we renew our mind with the word of God. Romans 12:1-2 says, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”

This does not just automatically happen just because you are a Christian. We must be the one to present our bodies and on purpose renew our mind so that we can be transformed, God doesn’t make us do it. When we don’t take the time to renew our minds in the word of God then we open ourselves to regress into the un-renewed self. An un-renewed mind has no interest in the things of God. An un-renewed mind is indifferent to prayer. An un-renewed mind is selfish and unyielding to the love of God. An un-renewed mind is drawn to worldly pleasures. An un-renewed mind is idle and open to demonic suggestion. An un-renewed mind is easily swayed and tempted by sin. An un-renewed mind does not think on things that are honest, lovely, just and of a good report. An un-renewed mind is hostile toward the things of God and the people of God.

Paul admonishes us in the scriptures above to have a renewed mind; a fresh mental and spiritual attitude. This involves keeping a constant supply of the word of God flowing through your spirit, soul and body. You cannot have a fresh mental and spiritual attitude if you only fed on the word of God every now and then. You will have a very stinky attitude just like if you only washed your physical body every now and then. The bible says that the word of God cleanses us. John 15:3 and Ephesians 5:26.

So stay fresh and clean! It is very offensive to be around people who have B.O. or we can say S.O. (spiritual odor). Don’t allow yourself to be spiritually apathetic; it is a dangerous place to sleep.

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1 Thessalonians 1:3

Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father; 

The labor of Love is a work of the spirit that is well pleasing to God. When we think of Love, we don’t generally think of it in terms of work or labor. The scripture here in Thessalonians describes Love as labor.

Now, many times people consider the word labor to be a negative word. A word associated with pain and strenuous effort. They see it as hard work and struggle.

The word labor defined:

• The supply of work or workers for a particular job, industry, or employer.

• Work done using the strength of the body.

I like the term supply of work; to me, it implies giving of what you already have. When you give and do your part out of the supply that you already have, it takes the struggle out. God does not expect us to do anything in our own strength. He supplies all our needs so that we can work in love. Labor of Love speaks boldly to us that Love is our business or work while we are here on the earth. Everything we do should be born out of the Love of God.

The term strength of the body in the definition above caught my attention in that labor should be a unified force. Every member of the body doing their part working together for the cause of Christ. When every part is doing its work of faith and labor of love it produces a greater ease, a quicker and more efficient work.

So as you work for the Kingdom of God today remember it is a Labor of Love employed by Love.

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Hebrews 12:1

Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, 

Overweight defined:

• To give too much emphasis or consideration to something.

• To weigh something down with an excessive load.

In today’s society many people are consumed with weight lost and/or weight gain. They are so focused on food that it has become an idol. People target food as the culprit for their lack of spiritual discipline and self-control. They reason, “Oh, those snickers keep putting all this weight on me, I tell you they are no good for you.” In all actuality is the snicker bar really the problem or is it your lack of restraint in eating them. I am not advocating snack foods by any means; my point is the problem is not the food.

However, as you can see from the definition of overweight above, my focus in this blog will not be physical weight gain or lost, we can discuss that another day.

To give too much emphasis or consideration to something is considered to be overweight. When I first read this definition the first thing I thought about was someone worrying about something. Many times if we are not spiritually awake and alert in our day to day lives we can place undue emphasis on things, giving place to anxiety, fear, doubt, unbelief and things of that nature. We can become so bogged down with the weight of a situations (person, place or thing) that it consumes are mind, will, emotions and our physical body. In some people’s lives physical weight gain is a result or outflow of unhealthy spiritual weight gain. Stagnate dreams and dwarfed destinies can rob people of vigor and zeal. The enemy begins to frustrate their purpose causing a back-up of spiritual progress which results in spiritual and physical sluggishness. When people become idle they lose focus and begin to drift in the wrong direction. They begin to let old mind-sets and carnal behaviors creep back into their lives. Ungoverned feelings and emotions begin to dominate their spoken words and manipulate their choices. They become so spiritually overweight they can barely make it up the stairway of prayer and it hurts (easily offended) when anyone attempts to offer or exercise spiritual discipline( Godly correction) in their lives. When they look in the mirror of their own mind and imagination, not the mirror of God’s Word, they see a distorted picture of spiritual progress that they don’t truly possess. They see themselves mature when they are still acting like a child. They see through defective lenses so what they perceive to be spiritual growth is really not spiritual growth at all. The excess they see is carnal not spiritual.

Just like in the natural many times people who are obese do not see themselves as being that large. They have an image in their minds of the way they use to look, they begin to mentally block out the truth of their condition and state of health. They have become so accustomed to seeing themselves overweight that they reason with themselves saying, “50 more pounds is no big difference,” even though they have gone up 4 dress/pant sizes. That is self-deception. I know many of you are probably saying, Cathy, that’s not nice of you to say things like that about people, you may hurt someone’s feelings. Waking someone up to see that they are destroying their own life through a life-style of selfishness and self-deception is not mean, it is love. Being mean is to continue to see someone destroying themselves through various dysfunctional behaviors and vices and not stopping by and sitting them down to be a Good Samaritan, helping to save their life and destiny. But because people are more ruled by carnal feelings they become cowards and accomplices to shipwrecked lives and unfulfilled callings.

Being spiritually and physically overweight can be a burden to your entire system causing undue stress on the natural/spiritual body. Chose today to rid yourself of all the excess weight and baggage that is trying to abort your destiny and live with new focus, clear direction and Godly purpose. Shed those unwanted pounds and run your race to win!

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Psalm 91

He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust. Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence. He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler. Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day; Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday. A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee. Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked. Because thou hast made the LORD, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation; There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling. For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone. Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet. Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name. He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him. With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation. 

Isn’t it good to know that we are protected and safe in the arms of our Father God? He loves you and will never leave you nor forsake you. Rest in His love and protection today! He will always be with you to strengthen and uphold you not matter what you are going through. Don’t give up and don’t let discouragement weigh you down. Just look to Jesus and He will fill you with everlasting peace and joy. Trust Him to guide you through and be your refuge in the time of the storm. God loves you! Yes, you!

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Jeremiah 29:11 (AMP)

For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome.

Most plans are made with earnest expectation to be fulfilled. The plan can be for good or for evil.

Plan defined:

• A method of doing something that is worked out in advance.

Plans are most generally pre-meditated, something that has been thought out. Even when people plot to do harm to others it is conceived from something they have been meditating on. People make plans to cheat, steal, commit adultery, kill and perform various kinds of ill will. But on the other hand people maKe plans to help, protect, build, encourage and cultivate, bringing blessing and increase to many.

The scripture above reveals to us that God has a plan for our lives and that He has been thinking or meditating on them. God never haphazardly does anything He is very focused and direct in His operations. The plans that God has for your life were not just something He thought of on the spur of the moment. God knows every detail and specific part of His plan for you. God’s plans are good and not evil, they are for peace.

So make every effort to press in and pursue with passion the plans and purposes God has for you. You will never regret the final outcome!

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1 John 4:9-10

In this the love of God was made manifest (displayed) where we are concerned: in that God sent His Son, the only begotten or [a]unique [Son], into the world so that we might live through Him. 

In this is love: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation (the atoning sacrifice) for our sins.

Love went to the cross

Love paid the cost, for our freedom today

Love wrapped himself in flesh

Nothing mediocre about His sacrifice,

He gave His all, He gave His best.

Now you and I can rest

Reaping the reward of His great success

He was wounded for our wrongdoing, chastised so that we can now have peace

Giving us absolute release from the bondage of sins snare

Who would ever think, oh, no one would ever dare

Give their life for their enemy

When the call for sacrifice was given, Love rose to the occasion

Love took the fall despite the call to die upon that cross.

Love did not retreat nor surrender to eternal defeat

But rather, gave up the Ghost and in hell He did boast of His power, glory and majesty.

Raised from the dead just like the scriptures said,

To reign with the Father above.

Gracious and full of compassion, today and forever He will be

To ever hear the faintest cry of those seeking to be free.

Free from the curse, no more guilt and shame

Eternal life to all who call on His Name.

by Cathy

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Destiny defined:

• someone’s preordained future

Preordain defined

• :to decide in advance that something will happen.

Ephesians 2:10

For we are God’s [own] handiwork (His workmanship), [a]recreated in Christ Jesus, [born anew] that we may do those good works which God predestined (planned beforehand) for us [taking paths which He prepared ahead of time], that we should walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us to live].

God has a specific plan for your life. He did not carbon copy someone else’s life for you, no; He designed a specific plan and purpose with you in mind. God sees us as individuals not just as a crowd. God knows your end from your beginning because He created and orchestrated the plan. Nobody knows you like He does, He knows you inside and out.

The plan that God ordained for your life was designed to be fulfilled. God did not create a future for you that was impossible for Him to fulfill. However in order for God to fulfill His will in your life you must agree and cooperate with Him. God’s plan no matter how wonderful it maybe will not just magically happen in our lives. Many people live and die yet they never once lived any part of God’s perfect will for their lives. People assume whatever will be will be and that they have no say as to what happens in their lives. The Garden of Eden episode proves that thought process to be a big fat lie, straight from the kingdom of darkness. God had a wonderful blessed plan for Adam and Eve but they chose to disregard God’s plans and go with their own plan and now we see the results of that tragedy. You and I are not robots we have a choice, God made it that way, we must choose to follow His plans.

People like to wiggle out of their responsibilities blaming their current circumstances on God. They say, “Well this must be what God wanted, so who am I to argue with God.” How pitiful an excuse is that, blaming God for your bad decisions in life?

God created us spirits with the ability, granted by God, to make certain choices. That’s right certain choices because what is written is written. If you live a sin filled life here on the earth you cannot just up an choose to go to Heaven when you die, no you already made your choice for hell according to what is written.

God’s plan for your life is worth seeking out and fulfilling. It is the only thing that will satisfy your soul. It’s not the will of man, not the will of the flesh but God’s will. Who or what can separate you from the perfect will of God…………..only you can by choosing your own will. Jesus said, “Not my will but yours be done”……..talking to the Father. God’s will is the only way.

Being in the perfect will of God is……. perfect!

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Proverbs 18:21 (AMP)

Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and they who indulge in it shall eat the fruit of it [for death or life].

Why speak death when you can speak life? Let’s practice speaking life and we shall see life!

I am the righteousness of God in Christ.

I am more than a conqueror.

I am the head and not the tail.

I am a lender and not a borrower.

I am healed.

I am free from the hand of the enemy.

I am strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.

I am treading on scorpions and serpent and they can never harm me.

I am a witness for the Lord.

I am endued with Holy Ghost power.

I am anointed and appointed by God.

I am a new creature in Christ.

I am born of God, therefore I overcome the world.

I am walking in the light and I have unbroken fellowship with God.

I am lead by the Spirit of God.

I am a son of God.

I am seated in Heavenly places in Christ Jesus.

I am a laborer with God.

I am ruling and reigning in Christ with God.

I am transformed because I consistently renew my mind in God’s word.

I am an heir of God and joint-heirs with Christ.

I am in love with God.

I am, I am, I am who God says I am…..every day, not just when I feel like it but because He said it!

I am, I am, I am!

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Proverbs 3:5-6 (AMP)

Lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind and do not rely on your own insight or understanding. In all your ways know, recognize, and acknowledge Him, and He will direct and make straight and plain your paths.

Many times when traveling on a familiar road we tend not to pay attention to the road signs because we have been down that particular road before. We casually glance at the signs as we confidently go our way assuring ourselves we know where we are going. How many times do we tell others, “Oh I’ve been there so many times I could get there with my eyes closed. But how many times have you been on a familiar road but your exit was different because you were going to another place that day and you almost missed your exit because you were so used to going to that familiar place.

Sometimes we can miss vital Divine directions in our lives because of routine familiarity. We begin to assume we know exacting what God is going to tell us to do, so much so that we stop asking Him for direction because we think we already know the answer and the way. We reason within ourselves from our own lives experiences that we know what is ahead. But God said in His Word that He would give us daily bread. The bread may look the same as yesterdays bread, it may feel the same, it may even taste the same but if it was prepared for today than it is today’s bread not yesterday’s bread.

Sometimes we can also lose value and direction in relationships with others because we assume we know that person so well just because we have been around them for years. You can lose the initial respect and purpose God brought you together with that person. Even though that person may have changed in many ways you still see them as your little girl or boy, or our high school sweetheart, or that’s just my parents etc.

Hearing from God daily is so vitally important to life success. Today is a new day, a day we have never seen before. Everything in your day may look exactly like it looked yesterday but today is not yesterday it is today. Don’t assume you know today just because you made it through yesterday. Take time to find out what God has for you today because even though it may look like yesterday in all actuality you have never seen today before. So trust God to guide you every day in every way, fully trusting and depending on Him to lead the way.

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1 Timothy 4:12 (AMP)

Let no one despise or think less of you because of your youth, but be an example (pattern) for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity.

Example defined:

• A person, action, or thing taken as a model to be copied or avoided by others.

• Something that is representative by virtue of having typical features of the thing it represents.

Christians are to be representatives of heaven. We are Ambassadors for the Kingdom of God. Our life should be patterned according to the standards revealed to us in God’s Word. We should seek to live a life that someone else would want to emulate.

Paul instructed Timothy in the scripture above to be an example in five areas;

• Speech

• Conduct

• Love

• Faith

• Purity

All of these things can be visibly seen or heard by other believers and unbelievers. People are watching the way you live and they should. We are the Light of the World. Jesus invested too much for our light to be hid under a bushel.

The example you live before others can affect people’s lives for generations. Let us briefly examine our lives in the five areas mentioned above.

Speech – What am I saying from my mouth in front of others that I would want them to repeat?

Conduct– What behaviors, attitudes, or habits do I consistently display before others and am I willing to mentor others in these same behaviors, attitudes and habits?

Love– Is my life an example of the love of God for others to see and hear?

Faith– The scripture mentions on a number of occasions that Jesus saw people’s faith. Can your faith be seen and followed by others as an example of true faith in God.

Purity– Is your life an example of Godly purity?

Someone is watching you. What do they see? Whose mirror will you be? Endeavor to live a life that you would want to see imitated in the people most precious to you.

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