Tag:

abundant life

Growing In Confidence With God

by Lauren Koch November 28, 2023

Growing alongside God in confidence and power has much more to do with God than with you.

From the moment your relationship began, He has been calling you to come up higher, into a place where your dependency is fully on who He is. How incredible? The God of the universe, your Father, is not asking you to make yourself bigger, stronger, or more capable before coming alongside Him, no. He wants your surrender, which plants you alongside one another, so that His hands can prune, shape, and grow you.

Let Your Confidence Come from God, Not Your Own Strength

“But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him” (Jeremiah 17:7).

Your own strength is fickle, flying to and fro in the weather of life. Is there pressure on yourself to advance? Remember that where your trust is so too is your confidence.

Allow Yourself to Shine Before Others

Growing in a full embrace of who you are and who God made you to be will not just demonstrate God’s goodness and glorify Him; it will give others the permission to live their lives the same. What better way to lead other believers (and non-believers) into God’s greatness? As you allow yourself to trust in God’s truths over your life, you will begin to see how so many others are seeking the same.

“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).

You were not made to shrink back into the corner. God has a place for you in His vineyard of life, where flourishing and growth are the result of nearness to the source of Life.

As a lover of God, each day you are provided for all that you need to live your life growing in confidence that you are becoming all that you are meant to be.

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November 28, 2023 0 comment

God’s Word for Today: Abundant Life

by Lily Benson September 29, 2023

written by Lily Benson

Embrace the journey of life with Jesus, for in doing so, you step into the fullness of the abundant life God has prepared for you.

What Does The Bible Say

“The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep.” John 10:10-11

“I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” These words, spoken by Jesus Himself, carry a weight of promise that transcends our earthly existence.

God’s heart for you is not merely survival, but a life that overflows with purpose, joy, and fulfillment. He desires to lead you to a place of wholeness, where every facet of your being is saturated with His love and goodness.

It’s vital to understand that God’s idea of abundant life extends beyond material wealth or worldly success. It encompasses the richness of deep relationships, the vitality of spiritual growth, and the unshakeable peace that comes from knowing you are loved unconditionally.

Embracing this truth empowers you to walk in confidence, knowing that God has intricately designed a life that is uniquely yours. He has placed within you gifts, talents, and dreams that, when nurtured and aligned with His purpose, lead to a life of extraordinary impact.

Furthermore, in John 10:11, Jesus identifies Himself as the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for His sheep. This profound act of sacrifice demonstrates the lengths to which God is willing to go to ensure you experience the fullness of His love.

Take hold of this promise of abundant life. Let it be the anchor that grounds you in times of uncertainty and the wellspring of joy that propels you forward in purpose. Know that God’s desire is for you to thrive, not merely survive.

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Beautifully Bent

by Corine Channell October 24, 2022

written by Corine Channell

Last summer I went with my grandchildren to this quaint little park called Brace Canyon Park, in Burbank, California. There is a play area of swings and slides, and there is also a beautiful little tree. It is the most popular attraction in that park because of the shade it offers from the hot California sun.

TREE GROWING SIDEWAYS

At first I only noticed the thick, lush foliage that provided such perfect shade over those lucky enough to catch a chance to sit under it. Then I noticed something startling to me! The little tree had grown sideways – not up to the sky, but bent to the earth. It was shaped like a sideways L. It was a perfectly full grown crooked tree. THIS is why it provided such epic shade. It was like a gorgeous veranda – “a roofed, open-air gallery”. It was the most unique tree I had ever seen – and completely opposite of how every other tree grows, which is generally straight UP. In essence, it was scarred, imperfect, and all kinds of wrongs. Except that it had kept growing. The beautiful tree grew bent with its imperfections, and as it grew its imperfections became its purpose.

That bent tree spoke to me that day. It was as if it said, “See me? I am you.”

I remember that in that instance just a simple walk in the park brought tears to my eyes and hope to my soul. That tree was a visual of my life. I thought, wow – I may have grown up sideways and crooked and maybe my soul is not the perfect height of others, but I have a unique purpose no one else does. It is mine BECAUSE of my scars, my imperfections and all kinds of wrongs.

PURPOSE FROM IMPERFECTION

My granddaughter found me this short blog online, with her google search being – why do some trees grow sideways? and I was like WOW WOW WOW. “Tree branches will grow to give the most leaves the most light, even if that means growing sideways…So when branches grow crookedly, that’s part of a tree’s overall survival strategy. Trees have sensors that detect light and gravity. From the moment a tree begins its life, it knows which end is up. Trees will generally attempt to grow toward the light and away from gravitational pull. But, as a tree gets older, its branches tend to grow more outwards than upwards. That’s so the tree can cast a wider net to catch the light of the sun.” (quote credits to https://earthsky.org/author/earthsky/) Mind officially blown!

I think at this point I just need to own it. Like that tree, just be who I turned out to be. And be okay with it. God doesn’t make mistakes, but He can turn broken into whole and imperfect into perfectly imperfect. Maybe imperfect IS the new perfect!

The end of a story is better than its beginning. That tree was in its prime – it was its own crowning glory for all to partake of. I don’t think anyone was critical or ashamed of the fact that they were picnicking under a deformed tree. They saw its beauty – they appreciated its purpose, and its crookedness accomplished both. It was beautiful and purposeful only because it was crooked.

FINDING MY PURPOSE

I am SO ready to be shade for others under the bent branches of my life. I am SO ready to NOT see myself as flawed anymore. God will use us in spite of our bentness and maybe more BECAUSE of it! Hallelujah! But God! That’s me. THIS is the shade I offer – That we CAN heal. That we can change. That we can see our own value. That we can blossom. That we can be outrageously beautiful with all our imperfections. That we can find our purpose and embrace it with relief and JOY.

On this road less traveled, I found complete exoneration from my past. I am no longer just surviving – I am thriving! I get to speak LIFE and BLESSING over myself and my family and over the generations from my bloodline. The buck has stopped with me.

“I am no victim
I live with a vision
I’m covered by the force of love
Covered in my Savior’s blood
I am no orphan
I’m not a poor man
The Kingdom’s now become my own
And with the King I’ve found a home
He’s not just reviving
Not simply restoring
Greater things have yet to come…” (“I Am No Victim” by Kristene DiMarco)

The tree has finally bloomed where it was planted. Thank you little tree in the park of Burbank, California. I heard you that day. It turned out to be more than just a walk in the park. Who knew the cool shade under a simple twisted, bending tree could change a person’s life.

#theroadbeyondthebolteddoor
#beautifullybroken

_________
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October 24, 2022 0 comment

Faith Featured

Overcoming Fear & Death

by GOD TV August 31, 2022

written by GOD TV

2 Timothy 1:7, “God has not given us a spirit of fear.” So I’m gonna share a story with you. One of the things I’ll also say is if you allow fear to set in, it may kill you before you ever get to the grave. And that happens with a lot of people, fear sets in, it starts creeping in a little bit at a time, manifests itself and they freeze and they don’t do all the things that God has set forth for them. The will, that God really has for them. Right?

So, I’m reminded of a story of a German doctor. This is a physician that’s around sick people. He’s around healthy people as well, so he understands the environment. He was given a diagnosis of cancer. This is probably 20, 30 years ago in Eastern Europe. And when he got that diagnosis, fear took over. And because it also gave him a death sentence, they said, “You’re not gonna make it through the winter. If you do, you know, you may make it through winter, maybe, but not to summer.” So those are powerful words that have been spoken over you. Negative, powerful words, right? But he bought into that and he started getting his affairs in order. And he decided to go up in the mountains and spend time in the monastery where a bunch of nuns were taking care of people. And, it was there, he was coming up on winter. So it was about to get very bitter cold. This is Eastern Europe. So he goes and checks himself in and he tells the nuns why he’s there, because they’re asking them, “Okay, what’s going on? How can we help you? How can we pray for you?” And he said, “Well, I’m dying. I’m going to be dead by the time Christmas comes around, you may have to call my family and he gave them the bad news. “And they started laughing at him and he goes like, “Why are you laughing?” So I’m telling them when I’m dying and then nuns to ask him, “Who told you this? Who’s saying this stuff to you?” “Oh, the best doctors in the country.” And one of the nuns tells him, “Look, the only One that knows is the One up there. “And she asks him a powerful question. She says, “Do you want to live?” And he’s like, “Yeah, of course I want to live, but I’m dying. I’m going to be dead by Christmas.” She asked him again and said, “Do you want to live?” And he said, “Yes.” “Okay. If you do exactly what I tell you to do, you will live.” Well, they argued back and forth for a while, and they finally said, “Look, if you want to live, we will help you. And let’s see if your body can recoup.” So they put him through some rigorous things. They made them go to work. So he started chopping down wood every day, because they were getting ready for winter. He was prepping food. They would feed them all organic food, fruits and vegetables and soups. And he would whine because he wasn’t feeling well. And they would ask him, “Do you want to live? Okay, then go to the well. Go get some more water.” They would make him go to the well, get water every day in the snow.

And all of a sudden, subconsciously this guy stopped dying. He was doing all of this stuff and he forgot to die! So he goes through Christmas, makes it all the way through February, March, whatever, the snow’s melting in the mountains and the guy’s still alive. So, he. thanks the nuns, he goes down from the mountains to the village. He gets a general checkup from the docs. And they’re like, “What are you talking about? You’re you’re not dying. You’re healthy. ” So then he travels, takes a train into the city, and all the physicians that gave him that diagnosis, check him out and go, “We don’t know what’s happening, but you don’t have any cancer. You’re alive. You’re doing great. Keep doing what you’re doing.”

So you gotta be very careful. If life and death are in the power of the tongue, well, not just your tongue but other people’s tongues as well, so you have to be careful what you’re partnering with. So I pray that God protects your mind, I pray to bind your mind to the mind of Christ, and only listen to what God is saying to you. And I pray that you live.

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August 31, 2022 0 comment

Faith Spotlight

The Power Of Belief

by Lauren Koch July 9, 2022

written by Lauren Koch

What do you believe about yourself, your life and others? Are your hopes up? God created our minds to be filled with hope and peace for our lives and futures. These hopes all come from what your belief systems.

Belief drives your everyday actions

The belief systems in our minds determine the kind of day that we have. Even in tragedy, or difficult times, what we believe about our lives determines our level of satisfaction and hope. I have a mental practice of taking my present realities and comparing them to the word of God. To do this, I first determine what I am believing about the circumstance. I identify my thoughts with the simple question: what do I believe about this situation?

Belief’s power in your life

Recently, my family was waiting to hear news on a potential health diagnosis for someone we loved. We were susceptible to the voice of fear. As we anticipated the results, I continued to speak life over my family member and the truth of the word of God. I remembered that they were wonderfully made my God and that they were filled with life from the Holy Spirit. Remembering these promises trained my mind to create a belief system around who God is, not what the diagnosis could be. This system did not let fear take it over, but instead helped my family live with confidence in God’s goodness and His promises to us.

What we believe about our lives matters. Consider your daily life today. Maybe your finances, your health, or your family’s well-being. Can you identify some of the beliefs you have in these areas? I urge you to search the word of God for the truth of His promises to you and create a belief system around the unwavering faithfulness of Jesus. Place these reminders around your home as a way to train your mind to know and fall back on the word of God in hardship.

July 9, 2022 0 comment

Faith Featured

Choosing Excellence

by Lauren Koch May 21, 2022

written by Lauren Koch

Excellence is a choice the bible urges us to commit to daily. It is evidence of serving God. Even more, choosing excellence sets us on the path of abundance.

An abundant life is not about what you have, but how you steward it. For example, if you’re cleaning homes, doing it unto the Lord is what matters. Alternatively, if you’re the CEO of a company, leading in a manner that reflects God’s character is pivotal.

“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.” (Colossians 3:23-24)

As believers, we prosper in each of these scenarios when we commit ourselves to work that is not mediocre.

“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31)

Choosing Excellence as a Mindset

While there are plenty of measures to be used to assess excellence, it is ultimately a decision we make with our hearts. Our work, families, and ministry are transformed in our heart’s commitment to quality.

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” (Philippians 4:8)

“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” (1 Peter 2:9)

Take Responsibility for the Stewardship of Your Life

God placed you on the earth for such a time as this. In understanding your divine purpose, cultivate greatness in your heart and the life all around you. Each day provides opportunity to allow Holy Spirit to teach you His ways; lean into His whisper today.

May 21, 2022 0 comment

Faith

Walking By The Spirit

by John Mathai May 1, 2022

written by John Mathai

Most of us go about our daily lives operating from our fleshly life. This life has to be distinguished from our spirit man. Our spirit man is alive in Christ. His Holy Spirit comes to reside in our spirit when we are baptised in His Spirit. Our spirit is renewed when we are born again. However we continue to walk in the flesh and no nothing of what it means to walk by the Spirit. When the Holy Spirit becomes our leader we know what it means to walk by the Spirit. This is a redeemed life walking in the fullness of the Spirit.

Spirit Walk

The walk in the Spirit is what God is calling us to do. Very few desire to walk in this way. What we call spiritual is really soulish or fleshly. Our soul tends to be enlightened but it is still not operating by the Spirit. To operate in the Spirit is to be led by the Holy Spirit who lives in our spirit. The Holy Spirit desires to manifest through us the gifts and the fruits of the Spirit. Our spirit comes alive and the Holy Spirit ministers through our spirit. This separation is what is needed in the church. Most Christians are satisfied being born again but few desire to walk in the Spirit. Therefore the church is no different from the world.

Abundant Life

God has provided all we need to live an abundant life in the Spirit. Through His Spirit in us we begin to glow in our soul and our body. The manifestations of the Spirit can be experienced. This is how Peter was able to walk on water. Miracles occur when we walk in the Spirit. What is impossible in the flesh becomes possible by the Spirit. Words are inadequate to express the dimension of walking in the Spirit. It is like walking in heaven on earth. Let us pursue for the best God has for us and never relent.

Dr. John Mathai

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May 1, 2022 0 comment

Faith Spotlight

How To Find Rest In Jesus

by GOD TV January 10, 2022

written by GOD TV

It’s important to find rest in Jesus if you want to step into and live the abundant life He promises. There are so many things, good and bad, vying for our time.

How To Find Rest In Jesus

Spend time in Bible study. This can help you connect with God and find peace and comfort in His Word.
Pray and focus your attention on Jesus. This can help you let go of stress and worry and find rest in the present.
Seek out fellowship with other believers. Sharing your faith and finding support in a community of believers can be a source of rest and encouragement.
Don’t let situations and circumstances steal your peace. On a good day, the only person you can control is yourself so choose to stay connected to the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6).
Trust in God’s plan and surrender your worries and concerns to Him. This can help you find rest in the knowledge that God is in control and will take care of you.

Remember, finding rest in Jesus is a journey and may require patience and practice. It’s okay to take your time and do what works best for you as you seek to find rest in Him.

What Does The Bible Say About Rest

There are so many examples of how to find rest in Jesus in the Bible. Here are three for you to mediate on:

Matthew 11:28 – “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”

Psalm 91:1-6 – “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, ‘My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.’ For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness is a shield and buckler. You will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in darkness, nor the destruction that wastes at noonday.”

Psalm 4:8 – “In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.”

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January 10, 2022 0 comment

Articles

What Is Eternal Life? Jesus Is Eternal Life.

by John Mathai December 7, 2021

written by John Mathai

Jesus said He who believes in me will never die and have eternal life. This is a profound promise that few understand the immense value of it. Many think that eternal life means that we will live forever. This is true but only applies after we die. However Jesus promised eternal life now and not just after we die. The difference is that if we only have eternal life after we die then we don’t have that life now. Jesus said we would have eternal life now not after we die. He was talking about our spirit. Our spirit was dead but now is alive in Him. When we receive Jesus as our Lord and Saviour we receive eternal life now.

Holy Spirit

Eternal life is the life of Jesus in us. He comes to dwell in our spirit by His Holy Spirit. Our spirit will never die and will live on after our body dies. We will all die one day and that is a fact. However all of us can live forever in the spirit and never die. This is what Jesus promised to all who will receive Him. Come to the river of life and receive His life. His life is abundant and whatever your circumstance, you will never live in lack. Once we grasp this revelation then we will live life like heaven on earth. This is the abundant life Jesus promised us who believe in Him.

Choose Now

Jesus came to restore us to our original design before the Fall in the garden of Eden. This was planned before He created man in His image. He knew He had to come as a man and die. This is the path He made for us to follow. He created us and now He has restored us because He knew we would fall. He took the responsibility for our sin upon Himself. This is our God who has a solution for every situation and problem. Now He lives His life through us. We are seated in heavenly places with Him now. Why wait till we die when we can enjoy eternal life now?

Dr. John Mathai

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December 7, 2021 0 comment

Articles

I Am Dead In Christ, I Am Alive In Christ

by John Mathai August 3, 2021

written by John Mathai

This appears to be a paradox but it is not. Jesus said unless a seed dies it will not bring forth life. Death is a condition for new life. Jesus died and rose again into new life. His followers have to die to self to live like Christ. I choose to die in Christ so that I can live in Christ. This is not just an intellectual assent but a key to life. When I believe it, it will become life to me. God’s word is full of power to transform what is dead into life. Death may sound like the end but in Christ it is the beginning. Jesus showed us the way to true living by dying for us. This is the way He has paid for us to follow. There is no other way. The sooner we accept His way, the greater will be our experience of resurrection life.

Holy Spirit

Jesus sent His Holy Spirit to live in us and through us. He did this because He knew it would be impossible for us to live His life on our own. We can never be able to live a life of abundance in our own strength. It’s His life in us that abounds in us. It is His joy and peace that keeps us looking forward and not backward. We can only move forward in Him. He will take care of our past and so we can let go of all that will slow us down. He has set us free from our past and His blood assures us of true freedom.

Christ In Us

Christ in us is the hope of glory. He has promised us much but only those who are prepared to die can benefit from His promises. This is a daily death we need to die to self and let Christ rule and reign. His reign in us will lead to His presence being manifested through us. This is how we can establish His Kingdom on earth as it is in heaven. There are no short cuts. The way is narrow and straight but few choose to walk in it. I have chosen to walk in it. Will you?