Everything in the bible is there to make our lives better

Every once in a while I realize that I may have gotten a little off track and taken my eyes off the prize, Jesus. These times require a refocusing on His Word . Getting refocused and drawing closer to Jesus reminds me a little of getting started exercising after a long break -- but usually within a couple weeks, everything is flowing again. I wake up early to pray, read, and just soak in His presence. Sometimes I play Kari Jobe Radio on Pandora softly in the background and let the words pull me in and paint pictures in my mind of Jesus, of God, of heaven, of glory, etc. 
Here are a few verses I've been studying this week as I have been reviewing my actions and drawing closer to Jesus.


God wants us to grow up, to know the whole truth and tell it in love-like Christ in everything. We take our lead from Christ, who is the source of everything we do. (Ephesians 4:15 MSG).

Our love grows soft without the truth and our truth grows hard without love.

"If you decide for God, living a life of God-worship, it follows that you don't fuss about what's on the table at mealtimes or whether the clothes in your closet are in fashion. There is far more to your life than the food you put in your stomach, more to your outer appearance than the clothes you hang on your body. What I'm trying to do here is to get you to relax, to not be so preoccupied with getting, so you can respond to God's giving. People who don't know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works. Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don't worry about missing out. You'll find all your everyday human concerns will be met. "Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don't get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes. (Matthew 6:25, 31-34 MSG)


So if you're serious about living this new resurrection life with Christ, act like it. Pursue the things over which Christ presides. Don't shuffle along, eyes to the ground, absorbed with the things right in front of you. Look up, and be alert to what is going on around Christ-that's where the action is. See things from his perspective. (Colossians 3:1, 2 MSG)

"Here's what I'm saying: Ask and you'll get; Seek and you'll find; Knock and the door will open. "Don't bargain with God. Be direct. Ask for what you need. This is not a cat-and-mouse, hide-and-seek game we're in.


"This is war, and there is no neutral ground. If you're not on my side, you're the enemy; if you're not helping, you're making things worse. (Luke 11:9, 10, 23 MSG)

"Don't pick on people, jump on their failures, criticize their faults-unless, of course, you want the same treatment. That critical spirit has a way of boomeranging.
 It's this whole traveling road-show mentality all over again, playing a holier-than-thou part instead of just living your part. Wipe that ugly sneer off your own face, and you might be fit to offer a washcloth to your neighbor. "Here is a simple, rule-of-thumb guide for behavior: Ask yourself what you want people to do for you, then grab the initiative and do it for them. Add up God's Law and Prophets and this is what you get.
Who preachers are is the main thing, not what they say. A genuine leader will never exploit your emotions or your pocketbook. These diseased trees with their bad apples are going to be chopped down and burned.
 "Knowing the correct password-saying 'Master, Master,' for instance-isn't going to get you anywhere with me. What is required is serious obedience-doing what my Father wills. "These words I speak to you are not incidental additions to your life, homeowner improvements to your standard of living. They are foundational words, words to build a life on. If you work these words into your life, you are like a smart carpenter who built his house on solid rock. "But if you just use my words in Bible studies and don't work them into your life, you are like a stupid carpenter who built his house on the sandy beach. (Matthew 7:1, 2, 5, 12, 16, 21, 24, 26 MSG)

Journey reflection: the kingdom of God

I have begun researching this topic as I have realized that our most recent journey began from the instructions in Matthew 6,

Seek first the kingdom of God and all these things will be added to you

I only recently realized that I had a concept of what the kingdom of God is, but not understanding and I feel pressed to discover and experience it, to live what Jesus called "a kingdom life".

I believe there are aspects to it, all interrelated and necessary.

I believe that one component is to seek the Truth, to become familiar with His word so as to begin to understand the difference between Gods heart for us, His ways, and those of the world around us......that we may be able to begin to discern right paths, truth from untruth. That is truly where this journey began two January's ago. Following His word helped us to turn our heads to follow him and to walk away from the voices that were holding us prisoner.

Giving His word 1st place, believing that He is faithful to do all He promises, led us straight into law of love.......His heart and understanding that choosing the way of love, getting and keeping our hearts toward others right, is a major part of the kingdom of God...we cannot do His will without a right heart........
Aspects of this include letting go of judgment, criticism, rules, unforgiveness, resentment, and the need for the approval of others---or at least the desire to avoid perceived punishment and rebuke at not living up to others standards and expectations. This has been a big chunk of our journey so far and we've come far but still have a ways to go......
In order to make done of these heart and mind changes, God drove us to seek a greater understanding of our identity which required a deeper probing and understanding of His love for us, something I m still working on though I feel so much more clear headed in all this.
This also helped us understand that we cannot move much further without support, mentorship, and instruction which led to reaching out for help in our church. This is where we are right now.
We are just beginning this process but it seems to be moving quickly, as we begin to establish more kingdom relationships and become connected with the body......
I can see our ability and our effectiveness will always be limited without that deeper connection with the body-----for now, through  church and Tonys school.

It now seems that God is beginning to move us toward another aspect of the Kingdom, power: healing, signs and wonders following, spiritual gifts, prophecy, anointing.
I have been researching what the Bible says concerning the kingdom of G and so far every passage has revolved around demonstrations of His power.

"the kingdom of God lies not in words but in power"

Now I am beginning to see the rabbit trail of our journey. If the kingdom of God lies not in mere words but in power, that power will likely require a firm foundation and right heart, a heart moved by God to operate properly in it. Where demonstrations of power were seen throughout the new testament, growth and influence often followed.

We have experienced and witnessed first hand the abuse of Christian leadership and the damage that can ensue as a result of unchecked influence, influence without a right heart. I'm thankful for the image and experiences that we have had as we move forward in this next part of the journey because there will likely be many temptations and opportunities to exalt ourselves or become full of ourselves, selfish, and greedy. I just dont think it is hard for good people to off track. So we must be slow to judge here and quick to learn and never let go of seeking wisdom as for treasure, being ever aware of our forth window..........The window we cannot necessarily see ourselves through. It's a dangerous window because we are blind to it and it requires humility and dependence on the Holy Spirit to remain continually aware of it.

We understand that we are in a season of preparation right now and i am so excited about this part of the journey......it has been such a relief to know and have confirmation that we are doing the right thing so that we can sink ourselves into and embrace what God is doing in our lives right now.

Let's give Him praise and a great cheer!!!!!! Alleluia and amen! Start blogging by creating a new post. You can edit or delete me by clicking under the comments. You can also customize your sidebar by dragging in elements from the top bar.