[Philip]

I am currently in a transition. I sense God is calling me upward to new and higher grounds and when I look at what is in front of me, I am tempted to be overwhelmed with fear and insecurity. But as I reflect on God’s purpose and plan, I am stirred up. No wonder Jesus once said to his disciples, embrace the Kingdom which my Father has prepared for you before the foundation of the world. Let’s move forward in faith and confidence in His promises.

[Philip]

This so true! When we focus on the end result, we are able to endure the momentary light afflictions that may come our way as we progress towards God’s call for our lives. I encourage everyone to do as Jesus did.

[Philip]

I am encouraged by the fact that Jesus is a real person who went through the same things we went through. He is familiar with my shame so I too can do as he did – speak Life to my circumstances. Amen 🔥

[Philip]

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[Philip]

“Quit putting yourself down and dust off that gift of yours and let it shine so others can benefit from it.”

I am encouraged by that word.

[Philip]

Stay out of the judgement business! Well said?

I remember Joseph and Potiphar’s wife, after she accused him of sexual abuse, he ended up in the prison for several years but after he got released and promoted to the office of the prime minister you would think that Joseph would go after his former boss’s wife. No mention was ever made of her and he never spoke about her or sought judgement but left it all to God. That’s a true Christian character.

[Philip]

It’s not a coincidence that I was actually reflecting on this thought this week. We have been taught to operate in conquering faith but we equally need a matching dose of enduring faith. Enduring faith enables us to suffer wrong just like you described. The new gospel and prosperity movement often seeks after dominion, winning, and success at all times and all costs but that’s is not the way the kingdom of God operates. The MSG Bible puts it succinctly in Matthew 10: 21-23

[Philip]

If you consider it closely, you will realize that Jesus instructed us to cast out demons. So, that means you have to be free from the power and influence of demons to be able to stand in authority to cast them out. You are to cast it out from others but not yourself. That means you should be operating with a higher consciousness and awareness of the believer’s authority and be free of every bondage of satan – mentally, physically and emotionally.

Jesus was accused of being possessed of demons and that he cast devils by the power of satan but he rejected the notion and stated that if he did so by satan then that means he’ll was divided against it self. At one point, he said the devil has nothing in him.

So, “Yes”, these powers are real but they are of no effect to the new creation in Christ Jesus.

[Philip]

Lord we agree in faith and pray for a peaceful transfer of power and the restoration of America to its divine purpose in the world.

[Philip]

Well written introduction to this week’s discussion @Michael , it’s obvious that God is teaching us how to be content with who He has made us and what He has allocated to us. It resonated well with last week’s discussion.

One way that I have learnt to deal with the danger or possibility of envy is to focus on Christ and His word daily. Jesus said in John 5:19 that His purpose and vision are defined by what God is showing Him. So as we fellowship with God daily and fix our gaze on Him, He shows us beautiful things that drive our passion towards our own accomplishments. When we focus on Jesus, there won’t be room to notice what others are doing and even when we do, we will be encouraged that the God who helped them is also helping us.

Recently, I was reminded of Paul’s torn in the flesh that won’t go away and he had to learn to trust and lean on Christ daily. The temptation to envy will not disappear but you can learn to rise above the base passions of the flesh through daily dose of the word and the infilling of the Holy Spirit.

When I feel like I am noticing what others are doing I know that I am loosing sight of Jesus either by failure to mediate on His word and think of the things that He is showing me. Paul told Timothy to think on these things.

I look forward to hearing everyone’s thoughts on this.

[Philip]

I agree with everyone in prayer for a marvelous year of exploits for the kingdom.

[Philip]

Remember, busyness does not necessarily equate to productivity and walking in God’s will. Take the time at this point in your life to seek God’s face concerning your purpose and destiny. It’s very important because you will spend your time on the things that matter in His eyes for you.

[Philip]

Yes, we must learn to choose our battles. Paul says all things are permitted but not all things are expedient. This is where discernment comes in, to be guided by the Holy Spirit to help you prioritize on the pertinent things God would have you focus on in the current season of your life.

[Philip]

Good to know you are working a book. As it is always said that the best way to learn or master a thing is to teach it. How are you planning to deliver the content? Ebook?

[Philip]

I am encouraged by the possibility of change and growth that we all will experience this year.