Birthday Surprise. It's Scarleth!

Hi Lovelies! Today's birthday surprise comes to you from Scarleth. A little bit about her, she is passionately in love with Jesus, bold, outspoken, and has a tremendous God given zeal for the broken and abused. May her words encourage you this day in a post she has titled: Humble Spirit. 
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Humility can only be found through the impact of Christ’s love in our lives. This is important to know because God has called both you and I to give ourselves selflessly to His call and purpose. He requires that we love others as Christ loved the church, giving Himself as ransom for many. Jesus didn't save us to show off what He could do but as an act of love, obedience and humility before God. 

“And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.” Phil. 2:8

Jesus was humble, obedient, selfless, and His own interest was for the interest of others. He commands us to do the same. We are commanded to be like Jesus. Does that mean are we to be perfect? No. We are all sinners and all have fallen short of the glory of God, but through His grace and love we are redeemed. It is not by all the “good” we have done or have yet to do, but by Jesus alone.

There are three characteristics of Jesus that I want to share with you today! If you’re a note taker (like me) you might want to write these down…

1. Submission to God

“Therefore, submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” James 4:7 Jesus did just that, He was obedient to God during His life here on earth. He taught all and He healed the sick. He prayed and fasted for forty-days and forty-nights When He was tempted by Satan and the angels of God ministered to Him when He resisted. You and I are called to resist the devil through an absolute submission to Christ. Unless we are completely and utterly surrendered to His word we will not be able to stand against the enemy when he attacks. How do we begin to submit to God? Through reading and meditation of His word, and a life of prayer. It is fundamental that we yield to the presence of God through obedience.

2. Selfless Service

A humble spirit values the welfare of others. “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interest, but also for the interest of others.” Phil. 2:3-4. Jesus models selfless servitude for us in that He humbly came to earth to serve others. He came looking for the sick not the healed. He came to rescue and restore the brokenhearted. I have had “hands on” privilege of serving God's people. In my life, there is nothing more gratifying for my soul than helping others. No greater joy than to be there for those in need, witnessing God's work in the midst of chaos. He uses people like you and me to bring glory to His name, when we allow our selves to be selflessly involved in the work that He has placed us in. Every day is an opportunity to help someone, it doesn't matter how big or how small that task is, just help. At the end of the day, it is not about you, it is all about Him. All the glory belongs to God.

3. Selfless Love

Loving others, for God is Love. “Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.” 1 John 4:11. The love of God is immeasurable, His love overpasses our mindset. He loved us so much so that He gave His one and only son in ransom for our sins {John 3:16}. What is selfless love? Caring for the concerns of others before our very own. Lord, break my heart for what breaks yours. We are His children and we are called to be obedient, humble, selfless… If we want God to use us greatly we must allow God to break us deeply. Selfless means the quality of unselfish concern for the well-being of others. Isn't that what Jesus desires? For us to love others and care for others needs before our own? This is what He has called you and I to be Selfless.

I exhort you to take a double look at your life, seek the areas that are affecting your personal relationship with others. Examine your walk, thoughts, ministry, all the things you do on a day to day basis. I leave you with the following verse and I pray that the Lord continues to speak to you as He has spoken to me. 

“Remind them to be subject to rulers, authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility to all men.” Titus 3:1-2

Birthday Surprise. It's Kim!

Hey! Today's post comes from the very lively and enthusiastic Kim. If you need someone to get things done, she is your go to girl. Charisma, charm, and ambition best describe her. Praying you may be blessed, encouraged and equipped through this lovely birthday surprise! Go on, read!
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I will love you for you have loved  /  I will forgive as You forgive  /  Your love prevails  /  You fill my life with hope again. -Love Knows No End, Hillsong Live

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How great that we have a Heavenly Father who loves us despite of who we are. His son died for us and paid a debt which was not His own. I call this: Priceless Cause. Priceless, in that a debt was paid in a way that repayment could never be sufficient. His cause is humanity, His creation. 

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"He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by His wounds you have been healed. 1 Peter 2:24

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God's love for us is never failing. His love is limitless. And though His is more than we could ever as for, our hearts are never fully satisfied in Him. 

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"Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life." Proverbs 4:23

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One way of guarding our hearts is by loving others as Christ has loved us. At times it will be easy to love other. But Christ calls us to be doers of His Word; this includes loving all, even the unlovable (regardless of their condition). 

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We should live to seek the broken and the lost. Through love we can help mend them to be the individuals God has created them to be. We too have been called to a priceless cause. 

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"I will search for the lost and bring back the strays. I will bind up the injured and strengthen the weak, but the sleek and strong I will destroy. I will shepherd the flock with justice." Ezekiel 34:16

happy birthday blogie

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November has arrived, and with it, birthday #3 for the blog. Tradition here is as follows: I take a break from blogging and you my lovely readers will read birthday surprises from various guest bloggers throughout the month. May the Lord bless you greatly through the wonderful surprises ahead. Ciao for now.

Lyrical Friday - Not For A Moment

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Today's post and song is on that is sure to encourage just about anyone. Below are a few of the verses that have sustained me through rough waters, wanderings and through seasons of stillness and silence. When I have felt alone and abandoned, God has proved me wrong. I have never been alone, not for a moment. He has never forgotten me, not for a moment. He will never forsake me, not for a moment. He is constant. He is good. He is sovereign. And, He is for you! You are not alone. You are not forgotten. You have not been forsaken. May the promises of God and the lyrics of this song encourage you in a great and mighty way. 

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And the Lord, He is the One who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed. Deuteronomy 31:8 

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Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. Psalm 23:4
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You light a lamp for me. The Lord, my God, lights up my darkness. Psalm 18:28
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Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and He saved them out of their distresses. He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death, and broke their chains in pieces. Psalm 107:13-14
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Unto the upright there arises light in the darkness; He is gracious, and full of compassion, and righteous. Psalm 112:4
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Where can I go from Your Spirit?
Or where can I flee from Your presence? 
If I ascend into heaven, You are there; 
If I make my bed in hell, behold, You are there. 
If I take the wings of the morning, 
And dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, 
Even there Your hand shall lead me,
And Your right hand shall hold me.
Psalm 139:7-10
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Not For a Moment, Meredith Andrews

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You were reaching through the storm 
walking on the water 
even when I could not see 
in the middle of it all 
when I thought You were a thousand miles away 
not for a moment did You forsake me 
not for a moment did You forsake me 

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after all You are constant 
after all You are only good 
after all You are sovereign 
not for a moment will You forsake me 
not for a moment will You forsake me 

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You were singing in the dark 
whispering Your promise 
even when I could not hear 
I was held in Your arms 
carried for a thousand miles to show 
Not for a moment did You forsake me 
-and every step every breath you are there 
every tear every cry every prayer 
in my heart at my worst 
when my world falls down 
not for a moment will You forsake me 
even in the dark 
even when it's hard 
you will never leave me 
after all 

Sentence Tuesday

The truth you store up in silence comes back to you in the storm, and it lifts you away as on a life raft from the fears and disappointments that would otherwise pull you under. When you abide in His Word, He abides in you. -Christine Caine, Undaunted.

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turbulence

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Whatever turbulence you are experiencing now, is no match to the mighty power of God in your life. Trust Him through this season. My prayer and hope is that you would find refuge and courage through abiding in God's Word. Here for you, a few verses to comfort, encourage and lift your head up. 
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These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world. John 16:33
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No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, that you may be able to endure it. 1 Corinthians 10:13
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Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. 1 Peter 4:12-14
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Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7
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"Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. "Blessed are you when men cast insults at you, and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely, on account of Me. "Rejoice, and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. Matthew 5:10-12
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I would have lost heart, unless I had believed 
That I would see the goodness of the Lord 
In the land of the living. 
Wait on the Lord; 
Be of good courage, 
And He shall strengthen your heart; 
Wait, I say, on the Lord!
Psalm 27:13-14

the comforter and the jarrah tree

The Comforter
by Pastor Jack Hayford

And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Comforter, that He may abide with you forever—
John 14:16

In Australia, there’s a tree called the Jarrah—also known as “ironwood.” This tree is so heavy and dense and hard that termites hate it. That’s why this ironwood is used widely in construction. But let me tell you, it takes real strength, skill, and determination to build with ironwood.
Aspects of your life may cause you to wonder: Is this a “jarrah” situation—one so hard I don’t think I’ll ever be able to “cut it”?

Well, rest in comfort—rather, in the Comforter. The Holy Spirit can handle it! He is deeply personal, all-powerful, and ever present. And He wants to make Himself known in the details of your life and your relationships.

Rebuilding the Real You

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Lyrical Friday - You Alone We Praise

Happy Friday!
I heard this song for the first time last week and could not get it out of my head (for good reason). My friends who were with me couldn't stop singing it. And I am pretty sure that after listening to it, you won't either. Enjoy and praise the One who alone is worthy of our praise.
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You Alone We Praise, Ocean's Edge School of Worship

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King of Kings and Lord of Lords
You alone are powerful
You reign in love, You reign in love
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The One who is and is to come
Great I Am, The Holy One
You reign in love, You reign in love
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You Alone We Praise, Oh
You Alone We Praise
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Jesus Christ, the Risen One
You have saved us by Your blood
We're overcome, by Your love-
There is no One who is like You
There is no One like our God!