Tag: devotional

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.”

 

Don’t Quit!

Author, Nicole L. RossLeave a comment

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This time of year, all of the world there are many marathon’s that take place.  Although I’ve never participated in a marathon I always find them to be quite interesting.  Most sporting events, people are in it to compete and win.  With marathons however, there are hundreds, sometimes even thousands of people who participate.  I’m pretty sure that when 95% of the people that sign up for the marathon aren’t signing up to win.  They are probably participating as a personal goal or maybe they may even want to support someone else.  Automatically this lets me know they are in it and plan to finish the race completely.  Sounds good in theory, but when the actual race begins things may play out a little differently.  Some people run it gracefully all the way through, and others have physical ailments that come up to try and hinder them from completing the race (cramps, dehydration, etc.).  I want to talk about those hindrances.  You may not be in an actual marathon race right now, but your life certainly feels like one.  There are moments that go by effortlessly.  All is well, no set backs just smooth sailing.  Then as the season in your life changes, here come those obstacles and stumbling blocks.  They come to stop you in your tracks and cause you to give up.

I’m here today to tell you, don’t quit.  Endurance is essential if you really want to get all that you can out of life.  You have to possess the ability deep down inside to keep running.  If you can’t run, keep walking and if you can’t walk get down and crawl.  Whatever you do, you have to keep moving.  Many times the enemy will send disruption in our life to cause us to stop.  Remember that’s his job (to kill, steal and destroy).  Unfortunately, sometimes his ploys and tactics work because we allow our flesh to take over, instead of allowing our spirit man to rise up on the inside of us.  This is why the Bible tells us that we are to kill our flesh daily.

Are you tired of starting over in life?  Well, stop quitting.  Stop allowing things (people, situations, circumstances) to cause you to lose focus of what God has ahead of you.  When I talk about endurance I always think about when Moses brought the people of Israel out of Egypt.  The place where God was taking them to was between 200 – 400 miles away.  If you do 10 miles a day, which is very possible, they could have been there in 40 days.  Some people say it could have been even quicker than that.  Instead however, the voyage took 40 years.  Here’s why. During their journey they decided to murmur, complain, they even stopped walking and what’s even worse is they continued to look back on what was and what used to be.  Doing so caused them to literally miss what was right ahead of them.  Stop giving your past so much attention.  Leave your past behind you, it’s there for a reason.  Learn from it and keep it moving.

No matter what is going on around you make it up in your mind that you are going to endure to the very end.  You have to get that down in your spirit.  Build yourself up, so when the devil tries to tear you down, that’s all he can do is try.  God has so much in store for you.  He loves you more than you love yourself.  Don’t give up.  Don’t quit.  You got this, cause God got you! #iDeclare #DontQuit

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Prayer:

Father God in the name of Jesus, I thank you for giving me the endurance I need to make it.  I decree and declare that I will not allow any plots, plans, or schemes of the enemy to cause me to stop moving forward.  I will not quit.  I will stay focused at all times.  Thank you Jesus for loving me and for teaching me more and more each day about your perfect will for my life.  In Jesus name, Amen.

Scripture Reference:

Matthew 24:13 NLT “But the one who endures to the end will be saved.”

James 1:2-4 NLT “ Dear brothers and sisters,when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.”

Hebrews 12:1 KJV “Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,”