Category: Grateful

Posted on

Death Benefits – Part One

Forgiveness and Redemption

“Because He Himself in His humanity has suffered in being tempted, He is able to help and provide immediate assistance to those who are being tempted and exposed to suffering.” Hebrews 2:18 AMP

“In Him we have redemption [that is, our deliverance and salvation] through His blood, which paid the penalty for our sin and resulted in the forgiveness and complete pardon of our sin, in accordance with the riches of His grace.” Ephesians 1:7AMP

Jesus became the ultimate sacrifice for our sin my sisters when He gave Himself over to be tortured and then suffer an intentional affliction, a hardship of pain, indescribable suffering of death upon the cross.

 The Bible tells us how God repeatedly gave our ancestors opportunities to live their lives as He had intended, one of freedom and peace as written in Jeremiah 29:11 AMP “For I know the plans and thoughts that I have for you,’ says the Lord, ‘plans for peace and well-being and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”  However, there were steps they needed to take, and they failed to embrace God’s way as further told in verses 12-14 AMP “Then you will call on Me and you will come and pray to Me, and I will hear your voice and I will listen to you.  Then with a deep longing you will seek Me and require Me as a vital necessity, and you will find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.  I will be found by you,’ says the Lord, ‘and I will restore your fortunes and I will free you and gather you from all the nations and from all the places where I have driven you,’ says the Lord, ‘and I will bring you back to the place from where I sent you into exile.’” This place of exile was and still remains today when we chose the world and culture over God’s truth.  Thankfully God gave us the supreme and final way to restore our lives and relationship with Him through Jesus Christ and the redeeming power of His blood.

“For the message of the cross is foolishness absurd and illogical to those who are perishing and spiritually dead because they reject it and chose the sin of this world, but to us who are being saved by God’s grace it is the manifestation of the power of God.” 1 Corinthians 1:18 AMP Personalized

“For the remarkable, undeserved grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men.  It teaches us to reject ungodliness and worldly immoral desires, and to live sensible, upright, and godly lives with a purpose that reflect spiritual maturity in this present age, awaiting and confidently expecting the fulfillment of our blessed hope and the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus,  who willingly gave Himself to be crucified on our behalf to redeem us and purchase our freedom from all wickedness, and to purify for Himself a chosen and very special people to be His own possession, who are enthusiastic for doing what is good.” Titus 2:11-14 AMP

Jesus’ death on the cross provides for eternal redemption, no longer as in the ancient days must we sacrifice yearly a goat, calf, bird of unblemished blood.  Jesus’ blood is pure, perfect, flawless belonging to a supernatural God eliminating the need for further sacrifices.  His blood covers our sin and provides a redeemed eternal life once your temple returns to the earth dirt.  Our spirit is set free to be seat at our King Jesus’ feet.  It also provides for the here and now to live free from the bondage of sin.  The price paid for you and I is of unmeasurable value….

“For you know that you were not redeemed from your useless spiritually unproductive way of life inherited by tradition from your forefathers with perishable things like silver and gold,  but you were actually purchased with precious blood, like that of a sacrificial lamb unblemished and spotless, the priceless blood of Christ.” 1 Peter 1:18-19 AMP

Dear Sisters, let nothing come between what the work of the cross has provided for you…receive it and believe without hesitation that it has been done for you personally.  As daughters of the Most High King, surrender any doubt at His feet, ask Jesus to reveal any hidden sin, confess all sin immediately and ask Jesus for help in overcoming sinful habits and thinking.

Right now…”In Him, you also, when you heard the word of truth, the good news of your salvation, and as a result believed in Him, were stamped with the seal of the promised Holy Spirit, the One promised by Christ, as owned and protected by God.  The Spirit is the  guarantee, the first installment, the pledge, a foretaste of our inheritance until the redemption of God’s own purchased possession His believers, to the praise of His glory.” Ephesians 1:13-14 AMP

Finally, my sisters I humbly leave you with this verse to fully embrace.. “for He delivered us and saved us and called us with a holy calling a calling that leads to a consecrated life—a life set apart—a life of purpose, not because of our works or because of any personal merit—we could do nothing to earn this, but because of His own purpose and grace His amazing, undeserved favor which was granted to us in Christ Jesus before the world began eternal ages ago,  but now that extraordinary purpose and grace has been fully disclosed and realized by us through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus who through His incarnation and earthly ministry abolished death making it null and void and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel, for which I was appointed a preacher and an apostle and a teacher of this good news regarding salvation.” 2 Timothy 1:9-10 AMP

Blessings, Sister Laurie

Posted on

Live with Intention

“Christ was chosen before the world was made, but He was shown to the world in these last times for your sake.   Through Christ you believe in God, who raised Christ from the dead and gave Him glory.  So, your faith and your hope are in God.” 1 Peter 1:20-21 NCV

Jesus came to earth with intention, a long time coming with purpose.  There was a plan one that would fill the chasm between us and our Heavenly Father.  Last Sunday I heard an amazing message from Pastor Ken Squires at Bethel Life Center in Wichita, Kansas.  Pastor Ken described the void between us and God as a chasm, that emptiness created in the garden that drove us to hide from God, have doubt or feel rejected.  Through time you and I, my sweet sisters, have been trying to build a bridge across that chasm to reach our God. Every time we fail, yes I said that EVERY TIME WE FAIL…

There is only one way to cross the chasm and that is when we recognize and embrace that Jesus’ blood has filled that chasm to overflowing.  Ephesians 2:13 NASB says “But now in Christ Jesus you who formerly were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.”  You see my sisters through His blood the chasm is filled and the opportunity for an intimate relationship with our Father is restored.  We can never build a bridge strong enough because our salvation does NOT come in “doing” because Jesus has already done, accomplished what was needed for us to be close to God, so that we no longer hide, or live with guilt or fear.  Now because of His blood you and I can walk with confidence, peace, and joy despite our circumstances.

Hebrews 13:12 tells us that “Jesus also suffered…in order to sanctify the people through His own blood.” Crossing the chasm through the blood of Jesus is to be in a new relationship with God.  The blood of Christ offers forgiveness of sin, eternal life but also sanctification meaning to purify, make sacred, holy,  to be set apart for God’s special use and purpose.

So now, how can you and I live with intention? The Word tells us, “Because He Himself [in His humanity] has suffered in being tempted, He is able to help and provide immediate assistance to those who are being tempted and exposed to suffering.” Hebrew 2:18 AMPebrew

The Bible is a precious instruction manual inspired by God written by God’s chosen, “All Scripture is inspired by God and beneficial for teaching, for rebuke, for correction, for training in righteousness.” 2 Timothy 3:16 NASB Through it we are able to obtain a true relationship with God one which we all are desperately seeking.  True peace comes at Jesus’ feet, when we invest our time learning to see yourselves and those around us through His eyes, making daily decisions based on what God says and not the world.  A good friend said, “We cannot have the mind set of obeying God until we get what we want…We MUST obey (live God’s way) until God gets what He wants!”

Living with intention is to live seeking after God’s purpose for your life.  We must acknowledge that He is the Creator, and we are His created.   It is a lifestyle, we must but aside our selfish nature; think of others, as Jesus did. God has given us the ability to live as written in Galatians 5:22-23 NASB  “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.”  This is not always easy, but don’t be discouraged because God has given us help…” Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the [Holy] Spirit who is from God, so that we may know and understand the [wonderful] things freely given to us by God.” I Corinthians 2:12 AMP

Blessings, Sister Laurie

Posted on

Perpetual Attitude

Today, Sweet Sisters in Jesus Christ I am asking you to fully embrace this amazing scripture, “And He is the perfect Father who leads us all, works through us all, and lives in us all!” Ephesians 4:6 TPT (The Passion Translation comes from the Aramaic language which Jesus spoke).

I must confess that over the last couple of weeks I have been asking God to give me His Words to share with you.  This is the process I always use as I quiet my mind and ask my spirit along with the help of the Holy Spirit to speak.   As I have shared my mind and ability to recall is slightly limited right now however I will not let this limitation hold me back.  A decade ago, a young lady gave me a gift of a coffee mug and right now as I am sipping on my coffee the words on it speak to me.  “His Word is in my heart like a burning fire shut up in my bones.  I am weary of holding it in;  indeed, I CANNOT!  This simple girl is on FIRE! ” Jeremiah 20:9 personalized.

I say all of this to tell you that as I was preparing my computer to write, I opened my last writing and God brought me to tears as I read what was written because my sisters I did not remember what the Holy Spirit had given me that morning.  It spoke to me with such truth…God’s Truth and so now the Holy Spirit is urging me to continue.

We must live with a Perpetual Attitude, an awareness of His presence. So how can we get there and how can we keep it fresh? How can we “go deeper”? Let’s look at the word perpetual; occurring repeatedly; so frequent as to seem endless and uninterrupted, never ending, everlasting, eternal, permanent. And now the word attitude; a settled way of thinking or feeling about something, typically one that is reflected in a person’s behavior. As the daughters of the Most High King this must be the position we pursue.

Practicing the presence of God is a learned habit you can develop. We, my sisters, are not flesh but spirit with the ability to live by the Holy Spirit, let me put it a simpler way…we must allow our spirit to become bigger than our flesh (mind) for it is in our mind that all sin begins.

I have adopted what I call “Jesus Habits” to assist me in building my Perpetual Attitude of worship focused on God and living daily in His presence.

  1. Create reminders to bring your thoughts back to an awareness, a knowing that God is with you in that moment.  For me I use 3 x 5 cards with scriptures written on them posted in various places within my view, I also carry my Bible with me EVERYWHERE. Just knowing it’s with me gives me comfort.
  2. 2 Corinthians 10:5 tells us to make every thought obedient to God.  Let No negative thought occupy your mind, be quick to give it to God, if forgiveness is necessary then offer a prayer of repentance.
  3. There are situations and people who can distract you and offend you, once again God tells us not to dwell upon these things.  For me I remind myself I MUST let “it” go!  Anything I’ve harbored in my heart toward people who have hurt me, misrepresented me, spoke unkindly about me.  I have to “let go” of the desire for an apology — it isn’t coming! And that’s ok!  Instead, I stop right there and offer simple words of praise, “God is with me and for me right now”.  Remove yourself from any situation or individual that interferes with your relationship with God.
  4. The Bible tells us to “pray all the time” 1 Thessalonians 5:17.  Pastor Rick Warren offers this simple idea…choose a brief simple phrases that can be repeated to Jesus in one breath: “You are with me.”  “I want to know You.” “Help me trust You.” Pray it as often as possible so it is rooted deep in your heart.  Just be sure that your motive is to Honor God, not control Him.  In my hardest days I simply say, “Yes God.” 
  5. It is impossible to be God’s child if you don’t know what He says.  You can’t love God and hear Him speak if you don’t know Him.  Samuel knew God intimately because He revealed Himself through His Word.  “and he showed himself to Samuel through his word.” 1 Samuel 3:21b NCV  There are also many great men and women of God who have written books to help you know God.  God’s Word belongs to you…it is tangible!  I strongly suggest that you use a printed Bible, write in it…mark it up…date those moment you encounter Him!

The key to living in God’s presence is by changing our attitude in our daily lives, no matter where you are right now you can honor God with your attitude and action.  That is to say, what you normally do for yourself begin doing for God, whether it is preparing for your day…bathing, eating, your daily routine.  Then at work how can you do this for your King?  How can you serve your King in action? In thought?  Many believe you have to “get away” you know have a set “quiet time” and yes that is important, but we serve a God of details and He is there every moment so why not acknowledge His presence and give Him the Glory.  He loves to hear your voice as you share your life with Him.

Heavenly Father, help me and my beautiful sisters in Christ…live in Your presence with a perpetual attitude of worship, help us to see it is more than a time or place, a song sung, a sermon heard, a quiet time…God, you are in our details, you see every circumstance and You are there with us!  Jesus I surrender my very breath to you…help me to know You God in an intimate way.  I pray this in Jesus’ name.  AMEN

Blessings, Sister Laurie

Posted on

VICTORY

Greetings to all of you, my sweet sisters in Jesus Christ.

Isaiah 38:16-17NIV personalized, “Lord, by these things people live, and in all these is the life of my spirit; You have restored me to health and let me live! Behold, for in my own belief before you rescued me I had great bitterness and hurt; But You kept me even then…because You love my soul from the pit of destruction and nothingness, and in Your great sacrifice You have hurled all my sins behind Your back.”

Today victory is mine…despite the doctors’ reports, despite what is ahead…Jesus saved me. 2 Corinthians 5:1-5MSG personalized tells me, “I know that when this body of mine is taken down like a tent and folded away, it will be replaced by MY new body in heaven—God-made, not handmade—and I will never have to relocate my “tent” again. Sometimes I can hardly wait to move—and so I cry out in frustration as my tent that is my flesh and bones age giving way to sickness. Compared to what’s coming, living conditions around here seem like a stopover in an unfurnished shack, and I am tired of it! I have been given a glimpse of the real thing, my true home, my heavenly spirit body! The Spirit of God whets my appetite by giving me a taste of what’s ahead. He has put a little of heaven in my heart so that I will never settle for less.”

I know that God will not relieve me from my earthly body not one minute before my great commission is finished. By now most of you have heard that I have been diagnosed with Metastatic Breast Cancer. God has given me comfort in this because victory is already mine, I have received my miracle, my victory…salvation, which is the knowledge that I am forgiven and the daughter of the Most High King, loved and valued!

As you know this year God gave me the word “Grateful”, He knew what was coming and He wanted me to focus on all He has done in my life, how He saved me in my darkest times, how He lead me to taste His love and experience His Design for His children in such way that I would sing…NO SHOUT His Truth… “We all belong to Him and He wants to restore all that has been lost and redeem His children!”

A few weeks ago, I was thinking about what to write to you, my sweet sisters and God had me open His Word like many times before…He whispered “Just let it fall open and read…I have something for you there”. This was just days before I received the news my tent was stricken by this intruder… God said, “This is for you my daughter let this be your comfort.”

“God—you’re my God! I can’t get enough of you! I’ve worked up such hunger and thirst for God, traveling across dry and weary deserts. So here I am in the place of worship, eyes open, drinking in your strength and glory. In your generous love I am really living at last! My lips brim praises like fountains. I bless you every time I take a breath; My arms wave like banners of praise to you. I eat my fill of prime rib and gravy; I smack my lips. It’s time to shout praises! If I’m sleepless at midnight, I spend the hours in grateful reflection. Because you’ve always stood up for me, I’m free to run and play. I hold on to you for dear life, and you hold me steady as a post.” Psalm 63:1-8MSG

God was telling me look at Me, not what you are hearing with your ears or seeing with your eyes…sweet daughter I AM your portion, NO MATTER WHAT! COME WHAT MAY!

There are tough days coming…surgery, reconstruction, chemo, radiation, hormone therapy…all of these things cannot…WILL NOT…disrupt or confuse the truth that Jesus is my King, my Forever Father! Father God, I pray for you to continue your work in me, cast out any thought or iniquity still in me…open any stronghold and destroy any fear for I am your creation God and You are my Savior in whom I trust.

2 Corinthians 5:7-8 tells us “for we walk by faith, not by sight… but we are of good courage and prefer rather to be absent from the body and to be at home with the Lord.”

In closing, there are some lyrics of a popular worship song that has ministered to me, here it is for you to take in…be blessed and comforted.

CHAMPION by Bethel Worship
I’ve tried so hard to see it
Took me so long to believe it
That You’d choose someone like me
To carry Your victory
Perfection could never earn it
You give what we don’t deserve and
You take the broken things
And raise them to glory

You are my champion
Giants fall when you stand
Undefeated
Every battle You’ve won
I am who You say I am
You crown me with confidence
I am seated, in the heavenly place
Undefeated, with the
One who has conquered it all

Now I can finally see it
You’re teaching me how to receive it
So let all the striving cease
This is my victory

When I lift my voice and shout
Every wall comes crashing down
I have the authority
Jesus has given me
When I open up my mouth
Miracles start breaking out
I have the authority
Jesus has given me

You are my champion
Giants fall when you stand
Undefeated
Every battle You’ve won
I am who You say I am
You crown me with confidence
I am seated, in the heavenly place
Undefeated, by the power of Your name
I am seating, in the heavenly place
Undefeated, with the One you has conquered it all

Blessings, Sister Laurie