Category: Inspiration

Keep Seeking, Keep Asking, Keep Knocking!

Author, Nicole L. RossLeave a comment

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It is amazing to see my two girls play together.  I can remember when they were both just small tiny babies, and now they run around the house playing all the time.  While watching them play, it is so funny to me how the youngest is the more persistent.  She does not care who, what, when, where or why.  When she wants something she is going to do whatever she needs to do to get it.  I thought about that earlier today, and of course I began to think about us grown folk.  What if we were as persistent as a child?  What if we did not let anything stop us from living our life on purpose and fulfilling the call that God has for us?  What if the body of Christ made up in our mind that no matter what the devil tries to do, we are going to keep seeking, keep asking, and keep knocking?

We have to get to the point where we are consistent and persistent in life.  Of course, life brings change but what I mean about being consistent and persistent is more of a state of mind.  To have the right state of mind, or should I say righteous state of mind, you have to read and study the word and be persistent about it.  If you have a busy schedule, make time in your day to spend with God.  If you have unexpected events take place during your day, still make time.  Even if means you get a little less sleep, you do what you have to do because you are persistent.  We have to understand that it is our consistency and persistence that builds our relationship with God.  The same way you are persistent on your job, doing a task that should be completed by eight or nine people, yet you do it by yourself.  Yeah it may cause you to work longer hours, miss a few breaks, and even work on your day off but nevertheless, you will get the job done.  You have to have that same tenacity when it comes to your spiritual walk.  Matter of fact, you cannot afford not to.  I will say it again, we have to keep seeking God, keep asking, and keep knocking.  The story of the persistent widow in Luke 18, is one that we should pay close attention to.  The beautiful thing about the bible is that it is a guide for life.  Everything that you could possibly think of having to go through is already written in the book.  You just have to open it up and read it.  #iDeclare #KeepSeekingKeepAskingKeepKnocking

 

Prayer:

Father God, in the name of Jesus I thank you for teaching me about consistency and persistence.  I decree and declare that I will be persistent in my walk with you Lord.  I will do everything I can to seek you Lord, just as You sought after me.  In Jesus name, Amen.

Scripture Reading:

Luke 18:1-8 NIV “Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.  He said: “In a certain town there was a judge who neither feared God nor cared what people thought. And there was a widow in that town who kept coming to him with the plea, ‘Grant me justice against my adversary.’ “For some time he refused. But finally he said to himself, ‘Even though I don’t fear God or care what people think, yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will see that she gets justice, so that she won’t eventually come and attack me!’ And the Lord said, “Listen to what the unjust judge says. And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?”

Romans 2:7 NIV “To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life.”

I’m Saved and I’m Proud!

Author, Nicole L. RossLeave a comment

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While conducting a little research, I noticed there are a few definitions for the word bold, but the one I want to talk about today is the ability to take risks.  When I think of bold, I think of someone who is confident and courageous.  That being said, the opposite of bold is to be weak or cowardly.  A person who is bold may be willing to risk shame or rejection if it means that they will stand up for what they believe in.  I said all of that to say this, one thing I have never quite understood about the Body of Christ is their sense of weakness.  I have seen Muslims literally on the street corner selling newspapers and bean pies, all while proclaiming their faith.  Jehovah’s Witnesses come around to people’s home every day, literally all over the world (thought they only did it in the States until I moved to Germany) telling them what they believe.  And I mean they are bold with it too.  They will look through windows, ring doorbells, walk in garages, do whatever it takes to talk to you.  I remember a childhood friend who’s family was Jehovah’s witness and he explained a lot of their beliefs to me.  I did not agree with what he said, and we agreed to disagree.  The most important thing was that we knew where we stood spiritually, and neither one of us tried to hide it.

When it comes to the Body of Christ, it seems as though we are afraid to stand up for what we believe in.  We scream and shout Jesus in church on Sunday, but when we leave the four walls, if someone talks about Jesus Christ or God we are afraid to make our beliefs known.  Why is that?  Why are we not on the street corners proclaiming the gospel of Jesus to all who will hear?  Why are we not knocking on doors, looking through windows and walking in garages to tell people about salvation?  Is it because we are closet Christians?  We only want certain people to know what we believe in so we don’t hurt anyone’s feelings?  Or are we afraid to defend our faith?  Atheist will tell you in a heartbeat that they don’t believe in God.  Why not tell others that you do believe in God?  It’s time for the body of Christ to stand up!  Stand for what you believe in.  I’m not just talking about abortion rights, sexuality or other big issues.  I am talking everyday, normal conversations letting people know that God loves them and teaching them how to be saved.  Providing the tools necessary to help them in their walk.  Overall, doing the work that Jesus Christ commanded us to do before He ascended back into heaven.

It’s time for true believers to be bold in our faith.  We have to let the enemy know that he is not the only one who does not mind taking risks.  We have to show him that we are courageous and confident about the things of the Kingdom.  Not within our self, but the Holy Spirit that is within us.  My prayer has been that the spirit of God would rise within me whenever I am in a situation that I may be uncomfortable or a bit anxious to do the work that I know God has called me to do.  I want to be bold for Christ.  And you should too.  Don’t be a closet believer, only professing your faith when you go to church on Sunday’s.  Step out of the closet and let the world know that the body of Christ is strong.  We have to be committed to being about our Father’s Business.  Right now more than ever, people need to know what it means to accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.  They need to understand the difference between religion and having an actual relationship with God.  My brothers and sister in Christ, it’s time to get to work!  Say it loud, I’m saved and I’m proud! #iDeclare #ImSavedAndImProud

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Prayer:

Father God in the name of Jesus, I thank you for this spirit of boldness that you have given me.  I decree and declare on this day that I will be about your business at all times.  I will be bold and I will profess my faith to all who will hear.  I will take risks because I will trust the Holy Spirit that is within me to rise up at all times and give me what I need to do the work that You have called me to.  In Jesus name, Amen.

Scripture Reading:

Acts 1:8 NLT “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere–in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Deuteronomy 31:6 ESV “Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.”

Operate in Excellence

Author, Nicole L. Ross1 Comment

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Everyone is at different levels in life.  It is easy to say that women mature quicker than men, or men work harder than women but in actuality these are all generalizations we make about people that may not be true. Some men mature very quickly and there are several women that would outwork a man any day.  Nevertheless, we must be mindful of generalizations and not getting caught up in what this person is or is not doing.  I feel like we would be so much farther in life if we did not allow our self to get over-involved in other people’s life.  In order to move ahead in life, get on your level and stay there.  Whatever your level is, work it to the very best of your ability.  Do you.  Mind your own business.   Focus in on where you are and what you are doing.  Operating in excellence where you are now will have a direct impact on your future.

As children of God, we are also on different levels spiritually.  We all have a special level of closeness to God.  The closer you are to Him, the more spiritually mature you will be.  Know where you are in your relationship with Christ.  Know your level and I will say it again, when you know your level operate in excellence on that level.  If you know you are an intercessor, do not attempt to pray like other people.  Pray whatever God has placed inside of you the best way you know how and do so with excellence. If you are needed to clean bathrooms or cut the grass, do so with excellence.  If you are on the praise and worship team, study the words so you can know the words and open up your mouth to sing them.

When you operate in excellence, you are honoring God.  Everything you do, whether it is for the church or on your job or in your home you must do it to the glory of God.  I know first hand how easy it is to get caught up in the people around us.  The moment they do or say something to cut you down you are ready to walk away.  You have to put this into perspective though because it is really God that you are walking away from.  If you keep your focus on Him and not man, you are showing God how much you love Him and how much you are truly committed to serving Him and living out His word.  Don’t allow the enemy to make you lose focus.

Excellence does not come by mistake.  It is a habit. It is something we make a conscious effort to strive for.  We have to do it on a consistent basis, relentlessly striving for more and better until it becomes second nature.  As you complete the duties of everyday life, do so with excellence and make your Heavenly Father proud.  #iDeclare #operateinexcellence

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Prayer:

Father God in the name of Jesus, I thank you for giving me a spirit of excellence.  I decree and declare that I will work hard and give my all to everything I do.  I will honor you on my job, in my home, at church and wherever else you need me to be.  I will not allow the enemy to make me lose focus.  I love you Lord and thank you for showing me that when I operate in excellence, I honor you.  My desire is to honor you and please you each and every day of my life.  In Jesus Name, Amen.  

 

Scripture Readings:

2 Timothy 3:16-17 KJV “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished to all good works.”

Colossians 3:22-24 KJV “servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eye-service, as men pleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God; And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not to men; Knowing that of the Lord you shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for you serve the Lord Christ.”