Are you concentrating on what's wrong and what you lack? Or are you looking at the good that is already available to you and trusting in God's grace, a grace that can work all things together for good?
It takes more energy to resist and complain than it does to have a positive attitude. A gloomy or negative view of life is often an unappreciated one, overlooking present goodness in search of some faraway desire or longing. Cultivate contentment instead. By appreciating the riches you already have, you calm the all-too-human urge to complain about what you don't have.
Rather than complaining or feeling sorry for ourselves, we can learn to rely on God and be content with whatever He provides.
Find contentment in enjoying the present season instead of dreaming about the next.
Blessings,
Dalinda
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Is The Grass Really Greener On The Other Side?
Why is it that we try so hard to belong in places we were never meant to be? Usually, it's because we want so badly to be there. But what we've failed to realize at one time or another is that it's not being where WE want that brings the fulfillment and satisfaction we seek; it's being where God wants us to be.
You see, God has designed and equipped us to fulfill a particular role in this world. If we spend all our time trying to be somewhere else or do something else, not only will we probably experience dissatisfaction in the place we weren't meant to be, but we'll also miss out on the rich blessings God has planned to give us in the place He planned for us to be.
God hates it when we pass up on the real life and settle for false promises of this world.
Oh sure, the other side of the fence might look greener, but it's an optical illusion. It's not really a field full of green grass; it's a field planted with grass that Satan has painted to look green so he can deceive us into moving to his side of the fence.
I think that sometimes things are the hardest when we are headed in the direction God wants for us.
The grass is not greener on the other side, it's greener where we water and fertilize it.
I'm certain that the best I can think of for myself pales in comparison to the best God has in mind for me.
"As the heaven are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." - Isaiah 55:9
In His Amazing Love,
Dalinda
You see, God has designed and equipped us to fulfill a particular role in this world. If we spend all our time trying to be somewhere else or do something else, not only will we probably experience dissatisfaction in the place we weren't meant to be, but we'll also miss out on the rich blessings God has planned to give us in the place He planned for us to be.
God hates it when we pass up on the real life and settle for false promises of this world.
Oh sure, the other side of the fence might look greener, but it's an optical illusion. It's not really a field full of green grass; it's a field planted with grass that Satan has painted to look green so he can deceive us into moving to his side of the fence.
I think that sometimes things are the hardest when we are headed in the direction God wants for us.
The grass is not greener on the other side, it's greener where we water and fertilize it.
I'm certain that the best I can think of for myself pales in comparison to the best God has in mind for me.
"As the heaven are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." - Isaiah 55:9
In His Amazing Love,
Dalinda
Monday, February 27, 2012
A Turkey Or An Eagle, Which One Are You?
I understand that a turkey and an eagle react differently to the threat of a storm. A turkey reacts by running under the barn, hoping the storm won't come near. On the other hand, an eagle leaves the security of it's nest and spreads it's wings to ride the air currents of the approaching storm, knowing they will carry it higher in the sky than it could soar on it's own. Based on your reaction to the storms of life, which one are you? A turkey or an eagle?
It is natural for me to be a turkey in my emotions, but I have chosen to be an eagle in my spirit. Soaring has become an adventure of dicovering just how faithful He can be when I am way out of my comfort zone in the stratosphere over the storm.
Looking back over my life's storms, my conclusion is that God allowed the storms of suffering to increase and intensify in my life because He wanted me to soar higher in my relationship with Him, to fall deeper in love with Him, to grow stronger in my faith in Him, to keep my focus on His face and to live for His glory alone!
We so often forget that the process is the point. The process of seeking God and knowing Him is the goal.
For the child of God, suffering is not wasted.
In Him,
Dalinda
It is natural for me to be a turkey in my emotions, but I have chosen to be an eagle in my spirit. Soaring has become an adventure of dicovering just how faithful He can be when I am way out of my comfort zone in the stratosphere over the storm.
Looking back over my life's storms, my conclusion is that God allowed the storms of suffering to increase and intensify in my life because He wanted me to soar higher in my relationship with Him, to fall deeper in love with Him, to grow stronger in my faith in Him, to keep my focus on His face and to live for His glory alone!
We so often forget that the process is the point. The process of seeking God and knowing Him is the goal.
For the child of God, suffering is not wasted.
In Him,
Dalinda
Friday, February 24, 2012
The Purpose Of Life Is A Life Of Purpose
"When He has tested me, I will emerge as pure as gold"- Job 23:10
By the way, panning for gold is very painstaking, slow work. I would never want this to be the way I make a living. It takes patience, perseverance, and a technique that is all your own. The process of panning for gold goes on for a long time. The object is for the gold to settle to the bottom of the pan while the dirt is slowly washed away.
God makes us Christlike by shaking the pan of our lives to remove the impurities, the sin, of our lives. All of the shifting of our lives can be painful, but if we cooperate with Him, we will "emerge as pure as gold" (Job 23:10)
Great men and women of God are not made on the peak, they are formed in the valley. What a comforting thing to know that if God is testing your faith, it's because He has somewhere He wants to take you. God has to prove you before He can promote you.
Blessings,
Dalinda
By the way, panning for gold is very painstaking, slow work. I would never want this to be the way I make a living. It takes patience, perseverance, and a technique that is all your own. The process of panning for gold goes on for a long time. The object is for the gold to settle to the bottom of the pan while the dirt is slowly washed away.
God makes us Christlike by shaking the pan of our lives to remove the impurities, the sin, of our lives. All of the shifting of our lives can be painful, but if we cooperate with Him, we will "emerge as pure as gold" (Job 23:10)
Great men and women of God are not made on the peak, they are formed in the valley. What a comforting thing to know that if God is testing your faith, it's because He has somewhere He wants to take you. God has to prove you before He can promote you.
Blessings,
Dalinda
Thursday, February 23, 2012
God's Presence Or His Presents?
The joy of the Lord is our strength, not the joy of circumstances.
Seeking God for who He is, not just for what He can do for us, is vital to our victory as believers. This was a major lesson for me. I had to learn to rejoice in God, not in what He was doing or not doing for me. It took a while for me to make this transition, but what an awesome difference it made in my spiritual life.
What we are all looking for is not God's gifts, but God himself. We must decide that we will serve God even if we never get what we want.
When God looks for someone to use to advance His Kingdom, He looks for someone who has a right heart toward Him. If we don't behave ourselves and keep the right attitude, we won't be in a position for God to use us in the way He wants to use us. He can promote us, but He can also demote us.
God has been growing my understanding of what it means to be a disciple. He's revealed that there's still too much Pharisee in me.
Humbled,
Dalinda
Seeking God for who He is, not just for what He can do for us, is vital to our victory as believers. This was a major lesson for me. I had to learn to rejoice in God, not in what He was doing or not doing for me. It took a while for me to make this transition, but what an awesome difference it made in my spiritual life.
What we are all looking for is not God's gifts, but God himself. We must decide that we will serve God even if we never get what we want.
When God looks for someone to use to advance His Kingdom, He looks for someone who has a right heart toward Him. If we don't behave ourselves and keep the right attitude, we won't be in a position for God to use us in the way He wants to use us. He can promote us, but He can also demote us.
God has been growing my understanding of what it means to be a disciple. He's revealed that there's still too much Pharisee in me.
Humbled,
Dalinda
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Resist Or Surrender....It's Your Choice
If God is everywhere, why does He sometimes seem so far away? The answer to that question, of course, has nothing to do with God and everything to do with us.
We live in a fast-paced world. The demands of everyday life can seem overwhelming at times, but when we slow ourselves down and seek the presence of a loving God, we invite His peace into our hearts.
Do you have a big dream? Well I am here to testify that you have a big God! Place that dream on the altar, and ask God for His perfect timing and for Him to open the doors for that dream to become reality. God will open doors, but sometimes you have to knock. He will do it, or He will change your dream. My favorite verse is, "I can do everything through Him who gives me strength" Philippians 4:13
Resist or surrender....it's your choice. Relax into the freedom of grace. Surrender your disappointment to God. Allow room for creative responses to arise instead of holding on tightly to either-or scenarios. When you have faced and accepted what is, you open the door to new possibilities.
Slow yourself down, tune out the distractions, and listen carefully. God has important things to say; your task is to be still and listen.
The familiar words of Psalm 46:10 remind us to "Be still, and know that I am God." When we do so, we encounter the awesome presence of our loving Heavenly Father, and we are comforted in the knowledge that God is not just near. He is here.
Blessings,
Dalinda
We live in a fast-paced world. The demands of everyday life can seem overwhelming at times, but when we slow ourselves down and seek the presence of a loving God, we invite His peace into our hearts.
Do you have a big dream? Well I am here to testify that you have a big God! Place that dream on the altar, and ask God for His perfect timing and for Him to open the doors for that dream to become reality. God will open doors, but sometimes you have to knock. He will do it, or He will change your dream. My favorite verse is, "I can do everything through Him who gives me strength" Philippians 4:13
Resist or surrender....it's your choice. Relax into the freedom of grace. Surrender your disappointment to God. Allow room for creative responses to arise instead of holding on tightly to either-or scenarios. When you have faced and accepted what is, you open the door to new possibilities.
Slow yourself down, tune out the distractions, and listen carefully. God has important things to say; your task is to be still and listen.
The familiar words of Psalm 46:10 remind us to "Be still, and know that I am God." When we do so, we encounter the awesome presence of our loving Heavenly Father, and we are comforted in the knowledge that God is not just near. He is here.
Blessings,
Dalinda
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
We Just Have To Say Yes, And Leave The Rest To God
How do you know when you are serving God from your heart?
The first telltale sign is enthusiasm. When you're doing what you love to do, no one has to motivate you, or challenge you, or check up on you. You do it for the sheer enjoyment. You don't need rewards, or applause, or to be paid because you love serving in this way. This is how I know I am fulfilling God's plan for my life through my blogging.
We know we are operating in our gifts and calling when what we do ministers life to others. If what we do makes us miserable and fills us with a sense of dread, it's possible we are not in God's perfect will. God gives us peace and joy to let us know we are fulfilling His perfect plan.
The effort we make must be in Christ. So often we just try to do what is right without asking for God's help. The Bible calls this a "work of the flesh." It is man's effort trying to do God's job. What I am saying is, be sure you lean on God and ask for His help. When you succeed, give Him the credit, the honor, and the glory because success is impossible without Him.
I encourage you to look at what you enjoy, what you're good at, what God is giving you grace to do, and then let God be God in your life. He wants to flow through you in many different ways, but it may not be in the same way He flows through others. Trust His ability in and through you, and don't be afraid to be unique.
For His Glory,
Dalinda
The first telltale sign is enthusiasm. When you're doing what you love to do, no one has to motivate you, or challenge you, or check up on you. You do it for the sheer enjoyment. You don't need rewards, or applause, or to be paid because you love serving in this way. This is how I know I am fulfilling God's plan for my life through my blogging.
We know we are operating in our gifts and calling when what we do ministers life to others. If what we do makes us miserable and fills us with a sense of dread, it's possible we are not in God's perfect will. God gives us peace and joy to let us know we are fulfilling His perfect plan.
The effort we make must be in Christ. So often we just try to do what is right without asking for God's help. The Bible calls this a "work of the flesh." It is man's effort trying to do God's job. What I am saying is, be sure you lean on God and ask for His help. When you succeed, give Him the credit, the honor, and the glory because success is impossible without Him.
I encourage you to look at what you enjoy, what you're good at, what God is giving you grace to do, and then let God be God in your life. He wants to flow through you in many different ways, but it may not be in the same way He flows through others. Trust His ability in and through you, and don't be afraid to be unique.
For His Glory,
Dalinda
Monday, February 20, 2012
What Is Your Primary Ambition?
So often our primary ambition is to escape pain or fell good or be delivered from a problem when instead we need to keep our focus on the big picture of what God is doing in our lives and the lives of others through pain or problems. Our primary aim should be to glorify God.
Man's adversity is God's opportunity.
Sometimes, God allows for our situations to get worse instead of better so that when deliverance does come there will be no doubt who deserves all the credit and all the praise.
Where is your focus? If you are suffering, is your focus on the pain? Or on the problems the pain produces? Or on the people who don't seem to understand or help as you think they should? As long as our focus is anywhere other than Jesus alone, you're going to feel defeated in helplessness and hopelessness.
God has a plan for our lives and each thing that happens plays a part in bringing that plan to fruition.
Have you finally concluded that your situation is impossible and that if He doesn't help you, there will be no help? Have you finally reached the place where you have no one and no help, except Jesus? Then you may be close to experiencing the purpose for His delay, which may be to develop your faith in Him, and Him alone.
How many times in your life have you resisted the Lord's guidance? For me, it has been way too many! But, I have found when I remember to be yoked with the Lord and set my life on His cruise control, everything falls perfectly into place....For God's pace is steady and His road is straight.
In Him,
Dalinda
Man's adversity is God's opportunity.
Sometimes, God allows for our situations to get worse instead of better so that when deliverance does come there will be no doubt who deserves all the credit and all the praise.
Where is your focus? If you are suffering, is your focus on the pain? Or on the problems the pain produces? Or on the people who don't seem to understand or help as you think they should? As long as our focus is anywhere other than Jesus alone, you're going to feel defeated in helplessness and hopelessness.
God has a plan for our lives and each thing that happens plays a part in bringing that plan to fruition.
Have you finally concluded that your situation is impossible and that if He doesn't help you, there will be no help? Have you finally reached the place where you have no one and no help, except Jesus? Then you may be close to experiencing the purpose for His delay, which may be to develop your faith in Him, and Him alone.
How many times in your life have you resisted the Lord's guidance? For me, it has been way too many! But, I have found when I remember to be yoked with the Lord and set my life on His cruise control, everything falls perfectly into place....For God's pace is steady and His road is straight.
In Him,
Dalinda
Friday, February 17, 2012
God Is For Us, But Expect A Battle With Satan
God is for us. We also know that Satan is against us. Sad to say, sometimes we discover people are also against us. Satan works through people as well as independently.
Today, God lifted a tremendous burden from my shoulders. I am finally through with lawyers in dealing with my parent's estate. PRAISE GOD!
It has been 14 months since my Dad passed. The lawyer that originally drafted the trust screwed everything up and only put half the property into the trust and failed to put my Dad's half in. This meant a waiting period of at least 8 months because of probate. I have spoken with this lawyer several times to get him to fix his mistake and he was a complete jerk. So yeah, I truly believe that Satan was working through this individual.
The final outcome of all this was a huge God thing. Our lawyer was well aware of the other lawyer's huge mistake. To fix the mistake he had to just do away with the trust and issue me three deeds for the property. He was so kind and did not charge me to draft them. This saved me hundreds of dollars.
So don't think that just because the devil is against you that success is out of your reach. People and the devil cannot stop God!
In His Grip,
Dalinda
Today, God lifted a tremendous burden from my shoulders. I am finally through with lawyers in dealing with my parent's estate. PRAISE GOD!
It has been 14 months since my Dad passed. The lawyer that originally drafted the trust screwed everything up and only put half the property into the trust and failed to put my Dad's half in. This meant a waiting period of at least 8 months because of probate. I have spoken with this lawyer several times to get him to fix his mistake and he was a complete jerk. So yeah, I truly believe that Satan was working through this individual.
The final outcome of all this was a huge God thing. Our lawyer was well aware of the other lawyer's huge mistake. To fix the mistake he had to just do away with the trust and issue me three deeds for the property. He was so kind and did not charge me to draft them. This saved me hundreds of dollars.
So don't think that just because the devil is against you that success is out of your reach. People and the devil cannot stop God!
In His Grip,
Dalinda
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Jesus Can Turn Our Disappointment Into Re-Appointment
All of us must face and deal with disappointment at different times. No person alive has everything happen in life the way they want or in the way they expect.
In the world we can not live without disappointment, but in Jesus we can always be given re-appointment!
When we keep our eyes on Jesus, He's not going to let us go, no matter what the world throws at us. He's going to hold us up. I am reminded of a quote I came across many years ago, "If He calls you to it, He will see you through it."
We never know when disappointment will be His appointment. What we think is a small step of faith, could end up being an opportunity for life change - for us, or possibly for someone we touch. We just have to say yes, and leave the rest to God.
God's greatness exceeds our capacity even to begin to understand it. It's a little like the brightness of the sun. I know the sun is very bright. But I can't even begin to look at the sun because it's luminescence far exceeds the limitations of my sight.
Blessings,
Dalinda
In the world we can not live without disappointment, but in Jesus we can always be given re-appointment!
When we keep our eyes on Jesus, He's not going to let us go, no matter what the world throws at us. He's going to hold us up. I am reminded of a quote I came across many years ago, "If He calls you to it, He will see you through it."
We never know when disappointment will be His appointment. What we think is a small step of faith, could end up being an opportunity for life change - for us, or possibly for someone we touch. We just have to say yes, and leave the rest to God.
God's greatness exceeds our capacity even to begin to understand it. It's a little like the brightness of the sun. I know the sun is very bright. But I can't even begin to look at the sun because it's luminescence far exceeds the limitations of my sight.
Blessings,
Dalinda
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Busy....But Taking Time To Be Still
Stop being a slave to your appointment book. Pare down your schedule.
Work demands your best effort, people need your attention, and chores pile up like autumn leaves. You dream of a simpler life, but the complications of everyday living get in the way.
If you have been burning the candle at both ends, it's time to cut back on some of your activities. There are so many worthwhile activities; it's hard to say no, because you don't want to miss out on any good thing. Yet, if you become sick and unable to meet your obligations, you have no choice but to clear your schedule. So do it now before your body rebels.
Simplify life by paring down your schedule. Make having free time and getting rest a higher priority, and you will be rewarded with greater energy, clearer thinking, and a more relaxed attitude toward the ups and downs of life.
Occasionally you need to slow down and take time to smell the roses. Treating yourself to a pedicure seems to make the whole world a bit rosier.
Toss the superwoman cape, grab a tall glass of tea and relax with a good book.
You must have a "happy place" and visit it often....your sanity depends on it. My happy place is my quiet time with God. There's no better place to be!
Today is a day for being still, to stop striving, grasping and reaching for a solution. Every time you start to do that today, instead pray. Tell God that you are not going to be afraid....that you trust His deliverance is coming and that you know He is fighting on your behalf, so you don't have to.
Grace and peace,
Dalinda
Work demands your best effort, people need your attention, and chores pile up like autumn leaves. You dream of a simpler life, but the complications of everyday living get in the way.
If you have been burning the candle at both ends, it's time to cut back on some of your activities. There are so many worthwhile activities; it's hard to say no, because you don't want to miss out on any good thing. Yet, if you become sick and unable to meet your obligations, you have no choice but to clear your schedule. So do it now before your body rebels.
Simplify life by paring down your schedule. Make having free time and getting rest a higher priority, and you will be rewarded with greater energy, clearer thinking, and a more relaxed attitude toward the ups and downs of life.
Occasionally you need to slow down and take time to smell the roses. Treating yourself to a pedicure seems to make the whole world a bit rosier.
Toss the superwoman cape, grab a tall glass of tea and relax with a good book.
You must have a "happy place" and visit it often....your sanity depends on it. My happy place is my quiet time with God. There's no better place to be!
Today is a day for being still, to stop striving, grasping and reaching for a solution. Every time you start to do that today, instead pray. Tell God that you are not going to be afraid....that you trust His deliverance is coming and that you know He is fighting on your behalf, so you don't have to.
Grace and peace,
Dalinda
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Celebrating Love
On this Valentine's Day, I am thankful for my marriage. Marriage has taught me that I was not created to be self-sufficient. I need my husband. I need his support, insight, discernment, counsel, love and presence. Jody is not perfect...but God did create him to be perfect for me and me for him.
On this day of love, whether you are married or single...Don't forget that you are the most beloved bride of the Most High King! And this deserves celebrating everyday, not just today.
Oh what a God we serve! He is totally amazing! His love knows no bounds...and because of that ours shouldn't either.
Happy Valentine's Day!
In His Love,
Dalinda
On this day of love, whether you are married or single...Don't forget that you are the most beloved bride of the Most High King! And this deserves celebrating everyday, not just today.
Oh what a God we serve! He is totally amazing! His love knows no bounds...and because of that ours shouldn't either.
Happy Valentine's Day!
In His Love,
Dalinda
Monday, February 13, 2012
I Am So Thankful God Wrote Our Love Story
In about eight weeks my best friend, Jody and I will celebrate 15 years of marriage. In some ways it feels like we have been together forever (in a good way) and in some ways it feels like yesterday.
Before I married, I had no idea what to look for in a spouse, so glad God did!
As I look back over our marriage and travel back to the first time I saw Jody, I am amazed at the journey God has brought us on. We have been through a lot together. Both my parents illnesses and deaths took a huge toll on both of us, both physically and emotionally. But God's amazing love and grace has sustained us and brought us to a deeper love for one another and a deeper love of God's grace and plan for our lives.
Marriage is hard! Marriage takes work. Marriage is a daily laying down of your life for another person, every day, day in and day out, selflessly.
Daily I praise God for my husband. My marriage is far from perfect. We have struggles, many of them. But I thank God for a man who has the physical ability and desire to take care of his family, wants to be an active part in his children's lives, loves to make me smile and desires to please God.
Through His grace and mercy every day, we are able to continue growing together, raising our boys together, laughing together. I know he will be there for me, anytime. He is a fabulous provider and excellent father. He would lay down his life for us. I love him so much and it is only through God's sovereignty that I could ever be blessed with this husband and the life I am living.
I am so thankful God wrote our love story!
Blessings,
Dalinda
Before I married, I had no idea what to look for in a spouse, so glad God did!
As I look back over our marriage and travel back to the first time I saw Jody, I am amazed at the journey God has brought us on. We have been through a lot together. Both my parents illnesses and deaths took a huge toll on both of us, both physically and emotionally. But God's amazing love and grace has sustained us and brought us to a deeper love for one another and a deeper love of God's grace and plan for our lives.
Marriage is hard! Marriage takes work. Marriage is a daily laying down of your life for another person, every day, day in and day out, selflessly.
Daily I praise God for my husband. My marriage is far from perfect. We have struggles, many of them. But I thank God for a man who has the physical ability and desire to take care of his family, wants to be an active part in his children's lives, loves to make me smile and desires to please God.
Through His grace and mercy every day, we are able to continue growing together, raising our boys together, laughing together. I know he will be there for me, anytime. He is a fabulous provider and excellent father. He would lay down his life for us. I love him so much and it is only through God's sovereignty that I could ever be blessed with this husband and the life I am living.
I am so thankful God wrote our love story!
Blessings,
Dalinda
Friday, February 10, 2012
Stop Trying To Figure It All Out
When you trust God , you can relax and enjoy life. You don't have to go through life worrying and trying to figure out how to solve all your problems. Think about all the things in your life and how they have all worked out. That ought to help you realize that worry and reasoning are a waste of time and energy. Stop worrying. Stop complicating your life by trying to figure out everything. Just admit that you don't know, that you are not able, that you need God. Then go on living, and enjoy life while God is giving you the answers.
We complicate things way too much! You'd think we believe worrying makes us more spiritual or able to control our circumstances. It's not ours to worry about.
I don't know all the answers. None of us do. But the beauty of Jesus is that He never asks us to figure all of life out. He simply says follow Him. Follow Him in this minute and the next and the next....So step by imperfect step, I do.
I'm only sure of one thing, God!
We must have faith that He is able. We must expect, due to our relationship with Him, that He will help us conquer our fears....no matter how big or small! Believe it and live in it!
Blessings,
Dalinda
We complicate things way too much! You'd think we believe worrying makes us more spiritual or able to control our circumstances. It's not ours to worry about.
I don't know all the answers. None of us do. But the beauty of Jesus is that He never asks us to figure all of life out. He simply says follow Him. Follow Him in this minute and the next and the next....So step by imperfect step, I do.
I'm only sure of one thing, God!
We must have faith that He is able. We must expect, due to our relationship with Him, that He will help us conquer our fears....no matter how big or small! Believe it and live in it!
Blessings,
Dalinda
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Persistent Pride
People who humble themselves do not think more of themselves than they ought or try to show others how great they are. Truly humble people use the gifts God has given them without bragging about them as if they are the result of their own doing.
Pride ruins relationships in homes, jobs, schools, and churches....yes, churches! The majority of the time this is the main reason churches split.
It's not about who preaches the best sermon or which Sunday School class has the most attendance.
Pride guarantees God's opposition. Both James 4:6 and 1 Peter 5:5 say that "God resists the proud."
I once heard someone say that believers could accomplish much greater things for the kingdom of God if they didn't care who got the credit for it.
Pride makes us think we deserve special treatment, recognition, or honor. It causes us to think too little of others and too much of ourselves.
Our purpose is knowing Him and making Him known, not ourselves.
In Him,
Dalinda
Pride ruins relationships in homes, jobs, schools, and churches....yes, churches! The majority of the time this is the main reason churches split.
It's not about who preaches the best sermon or which Sunday School class has the most attendance.
Pride guarantees God's opposition. Both James 4:6 and 1 Peter 5:5 say that "God resists the proud."
I once heard someone say that believers could accomplish much greater things for the kingdom of God if they didn't care who got the credit for it.
Pride makes us think we deserve special treatment, recognition, or honor. It causes us to think too little of others and too much of ourselves.
Our purpose is knowing Him and making Him known, not ourselves.
In Him,
Dalinda
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
How Often Do You Encourage Others?
The scriptures tells us to encourage one another. We are to carry others burdens, pray for one another, and build each other up in the faith.
What we make happen for someone else, God will make happen for us. Do you sometimes find yourself wishing you had more encouragement? But how often do you encourage others?
Friends, everyone falls, but those who get back up and get right back to it, are the ones who are successful in their change.
No matter how bad the condition of your life or your circumstances, don't give up! We can do it. We can sparkle with joy in the deepest, darkest basement, because the Lord is our battery pack that empowers us to smile and laugh no matter how dire our circumstances appear to be.
God does and can use all circumstances in our lives for His glory, most of all He does His best work in the messiest situations.
Life is not about losing. Life is about overcoming. I'll take all the ouches of the world for the privilege that He has down the path for us.
I am not capable, but God's spirit in me is very capable.
You can be the channel that God uses to keep someone confidently pressing toward success rather than giving up.
Let's reach out to comfort and encourage someone else by sharing the source of your hope...JESUS!
Faithfully His,
Dalinda
What we make happen for someone else, God will make happen for us. Do you sometimes find yourself wishing you had more encouragement? But how often do you encourage others?
Friends, everyone falls, but those who get back up and get right back to it, are the ones who are successful in their change.
No matter how bad the condition of your life or your circumstances, don't give up! We can do it. We can sparkle with joy in the deepest, darkest basement, because the Lord is our battery pack that empowers us to smile and laugh no matter how dire our circumstances appear to be.
God does and can use all circumstances in our lives for His glory, most of all He does His best work in the messiest situations.
Life is not about losing. Life is about overcoming. I'll take all the ouches of the world for the privilege that He has down the path for us.
I am not capable, but God's spirit in me is very capable.
You can be the channel that God uses to keep someone confidently pressing toward success rather than giving up.
Let's reach out to comfort and encourage someone else by sharing the source of your hope...JESUS!
Faithfully His,
Dalinda
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Stop Trying To Build Your Own Reputation
The apostle Paul said that in his ministry he had to choose between pleasing men and pleasing God. That is a choice each of us must make.
Our Lord did not set out to make a name for Himself, and neither should we. If our goal is to build a name for ourselves, it will cause us to live in fear of man rather than fear of God. We will try to win favor with people rather than with the Lord.
You and I can't minister to someone we are in competition with. Life is not a popularity contest! My reputation is not about me!...It's all about Him!
We look to God to meet our needs, not people. Our confidence must be in Him more than it is on anything or anyone else.
Your pain right now could be God prying open your life and heart in order to remove a gift of His that you've been holding onto more dearly than Him.
We need to stop thinking about ourselves...there is so much hurt in the world, people really need a touch from the Lord. When we fear rejection or what others think, it can keep us from sharing His love with them and they need His love.
You and I are faced with a decision. Are we going to go on trying to build ourselves up and our reputations, or are we willing to give up all our human efforts and simply trust God?
I am grateful for being used by God to deliver a message of His Great Love. I am also grateful for being reminded that God is in control and I should let go of my expectations.
The quality of your life; the direction of your day hinges on whom you're putting first: you or God. Placing God first in all you do secures a spot in the center of His will. Can you imagine a better place to be?
Humbled,
Dalinda
Our Lord did not set out to make a name for Himself, and neither should we. If our goal is to build a name for ourselves, it will cause us to live in fear of man rather than fear of God. We will try to win favor with people rather than with the Lord.
You and I can't minister to someone we are in competition with. Life is not a popularity contest! My reputation is not about me!...It's all about Him!
We look to God to meet our needs, not people. Our confidence must be in Him more than it is on anything or anyone else.
Your pain right now could be God prying open your life and heart in order to remove a gift of His that you've been holding onto more dearly than Him.
We need to stop thinking about ourselves...there is so much hurt in the world, people really need a touch from the Lord. When we fear rejection or what others think, it can keep us from sharing His love with them and they need His love.
You and I are faced with a decision. Are we going to go on trying to build ourselves up and our reputations, or are we willing to give up all our human efforts and simply trust God?
I am grateful for being used by God to deliver a message of His Great Love. I am also grateful for being reminded that God is in control and I should let go of my expectations.
The quality of your life; the direction of your day hinges on whom you're putting first: you or God. Placing God first in all you do secures a spot in the center of His will. Can you imagine a better place to be?
Humbled,
Dalinda
Monday, February 6, 2012
We Are Not The Director, We Are The Reflector
If I say that I am confident, I don't mean I am confident in myself or my abilities. I mean I am confident in my Director, God, and the gifts, talents, and knowledge He has placed in me. Without Him we are nothing, but with Him we can be champions, because He brings out the best in us.
Remember...We are not the director, we are the reflector.
I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever lives in Me and I in him bears much (abundant) fruit. However, apart from Me [cut off from vital union with Me] you can do nothing. - John 15:5
For His Glory,
Dalinda
Remember...We are not the director, we are the reflector.
I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever lives in Me and I in him bears much (abundant) fruit. However, apart from Me [cut off from vital union with Me] you can do nothing. - John 15:5
For His Glory,
Dalinda
Friday, February 3, 2012
How I See God Directly Reflects How I See Myself
Many of us have lost the confidence God wants us to enjoy. Society is filled with insecure people, which causes great difficulty in personal relationships and is one of the reasons divorce is so prevalent today.
Stop trying to fit in when we were born to stand out.
I have learned a lot on my journey about what "true confidence" is and about overcoming my need to please everyone. God's desire is that we be bold, courageous, confident, respected, admired, promoted, sought after, and most of all loved.
I believe confidence is all about being positive concerning what you can do, and not worrying over what you can't do. A confident person is open to learning, because she knows that her confidence allows her to walk through life's doorways, eager to discover what awaits on the other side.
Confident people do not concentrate on their weaknesses; they develop and maximize their strengths.
See yourself as God sees you. You are valuable, you have worth, you are gifted, you are talented, and you have purpose on this earth.
Don't let feelings rule you anymore. God has a plan for your life. You can hold your head up high and be filled with confidence about yourself and your future. You can be bold and step out to do new things.
If you pray for God to use you, believe me, He will. And He will equip you with the tools to do it. I have been blogging for almost nine months now. I have definitely seen God's hand in my blogging. My blogs have reached people in areas of the world I never dreamed they would. He is amazing!
Confidence is holding on to a strong faith in God, a faith that is backed up with complete knowledge and understanding that with God's help you can do anything.
Replace your fears with confidence and watch what God can do. God always does His part, making seemingly impossible things possible!
I know that anything I am good at is because God has gifted me in that area, and I thank Him all the time for the abilities He has equipped me with.
Resist worry and fear. They accomplish nothing and are of the enemy.
Invite Jesus into every area of your life. Don't hide your faults from Him. He knows all about them anyway. Don't hold anything back; give God everything!
Celebrate your uniqueness and rejoice in the future God has planned for you. Be confident and start enjoying you!
God confident,
Dalinda
Stop trying to fit in when we were born to stand out.
I have learned a lot on my journey about what "true confidence" is and about overcoming my need to please everyone. God's desire is that we be bold, courageous, confident, respected, admired, promoted, sought after, and most of all loved.
I believe confidence is all about being positive concerning what you can do, and not worrying over what you can't do. A confident person is open to learning, because she knows that her confidence allows her to walk through life's doorways, eager to discover what awaits on the other side.
Confident people do not concentrate on their weaknesses; they develop and maximize their strengths.
See yourself as God sees you. You are valuable, you have worth, you are gifted, you are talented, and you have purpose on this earth.
Don't let feelings rule you anymore. God has a plan for your life. You can hold your head up high and be filled with confidence about yourself and your future. You can be bold and step out to do new things.
If you pray for God to use you, believe me, He will. And He will equip you with the tools to do it. I have been blogging for almost nine months now. I have definitely seen God's hand in my blogging. My blogs have reached people in areas of the world I never dreamed they would. He is amazing!
Confidence is holding on to a strong faith in God, a faith that is backed up with complete knowledge and understanding that with God's help you can do anything.
Replace your fears with confidence and watch what God can do. God always does His part, making seemingly impossible things possible!
I know that anything I am good at is because God has gifted me in that area, and I thank Him all the time for the abilities He has equipped me with.
Resist worry and fear. They accomplish nothing and are of the enemy.
Invite Jesus into every area of your life. Don't hide your faults from Him. He knows all about them anyway. Don't hold anything back; give God everything!
Celebrate your uniqueness and rejoice in the future God has planned for you. Be confident and start enjoying you!
God confident,
Dalinda
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Born Again
People can go to church for years and do religious things all their lives without ever knowing Jesus as the Lord of their lives.
Sitting in a church won't make a person a Christian any more than sittting in a garage will make him a car.
When the Bible says that we must be born again, it doesn't say that we must be religious. We must let Jesus come into our lives and sit on the throne of our hearts to rule and reign over every step we take.
It is frightening to realize that there are probably thousands of people sitting in churches every week who won't go to heaven.
I know too many people who worship their pastor more than their God. The pastor is not the source of God's power, he is merely an extension cord to the source, Jesus.
Remember, chasing anything other than God is emptiness and does not profit or deliver. The end leads to death.
We think hell is for bad people and heaven is for good people. Actually, hell is for people who think they are good and heaven is for those who know how bad they are.
I am embarrassed to admit that when I first accepted Christ as my personal Savior, I didn't think God would have much work to do. After all, I was a pretty acceptable person by my standards, was I ever surprised when I was confronted with God's standards.
The God of the universe throws a party upon hearing the news that we have finally come to the end of our own adequacy and acknowledged our need of Him.
Humbled and undeserving,
Dalinda
Sitting in a church won't make a person a Christian any more than sittting in a garage will make him a car.
When the Bible says that we must be born again, it doesn't say that we must be religious. We must let Jesus come into our lives and sit on the throne of our hearts to rule and reign over every step we take.
It is frightening to realize that there are probably thousands of people sitting in churches every week who won't go to heaven.
I know too many people who worship their pastor more than their God. The pastor is not the source of God's power, he is merely an extension cord to the source, Jesus.
Remember, chasing anything other than God is emptiness and does not profit or deliver. The end leads to death.
We think hell is for bad people and heaven is for good people. Actually, hell is for people who think they are good and heaven is for those who know how bad they are.
I am embarrassed to admit that when I first accepted Christ as my personal Savior, I didn't think God would have much work to do. After all, I was a pretty acceptable person by my standards, was I ever surprised when I was confronted with God's standards.
The God of the universe throws a party upon hearing the news that we have finally come to the end of our own adequacy and acknowledged our need of Him.
Humbled and undeserving,
Dalinda
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
God Is Enough
We must learn to be content with what God has given us. Because it will never be enough until God is enough.
My life isn't perfect...far from it, actually. That fact used to bother me, but now I've come to accept and appreciate this truth. I understand that it's the little irritations that keep me close to God.
Sometimes we need a little nudge, a gentle poke to get our eyes off our comfort and back on His Grace.
Each of life's challenges reveals another dimension of His Grace.
When you embrace God's love, you are forever changed. When you embrace God's love you feel differently about yourself and the world. Knowing God not only transforms your life...it also transforms your perspective of who God is.
When you accept the Father's grace and share His love, you are blessed here on earth and throughout all eternity.
We always marvel that God shows an interest in us, but in Heaven it will be clear that every earthly thing happened so that we'd show an interest in Him.- Joni Eareckson Tada
God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him.
In Him,
Dalinda
My life isn't perfect...far from it, actually. That fact used to bother me, but now I've come to accept and appreciate this truth. I understand that it's the little irritations that keep me close to God.
Sometimes we need a little nudge, a gentle poke to get our eyes off our comfort and back on His Grace.
Each of life's challenges reveals another dimension of His Grace.
When you embrace God's love, you are forever changed. When you embrace God's love you feel differently about yourself and the world. Knowing God not only transforms your life...it also transforms your perspective of who God is.
When you accept the Father's grace and share His love, you are blessed here on earth and throughout all eternity.
We always marvel that God shows an interest in us, but in Heaven it will be clear that every earthly thing happened so that we'd show an interest in Him.- Joni Eareckson Tada
God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him.
In Him,
Dalinda
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