GIVE YOURSELF FULLY

Have you thanked Him?

Have you praised Him?

Have you made it your priority to agree and cooperate with Him today?

Have you taken that deep breath and listened for what He has for you today?

1 Timothy 2:1 (The Message)

1-3The first thing I want you to do is pray. Pray every way you know how, for everyone you know.

“Don’t fear your weaknesses—God supplies all the strength you need. Be afraid of those moments when you think you’re independently strong.” – PAUL DAVID TRIPP

Another prominent Paul, reminds that…

God did not give us a spirit that makes us afraid. He gave us a spirit of power and love and self-control.  - 2 Timothy 1:7 (ESV)

…and that he realized that

power finds its full expression through weakness.  So, celebrate weaknesses, for when weak we can sense more deeply the mighty power of Christ living in us… adapted from 2 Corinthians 12:9 (TPT)

But it is just like the enemy to keep trying to re-introduce that SPIRIT of FEAR. Often, we think he only preys on us in our troubles, but he is also VERY QUICK to sneak into our successes.

Case in point.  The last 12 weeks in the ministry have been a little crazy.  Press conferences with the Governor, being asked to share and speak all over as if I were some kind of expert.  Even being “called that” this week in New Hampshire.  It would be pretty easy to start feeling “strong”.

Yet as I mentioned in an earlier OFH this week, instead of feeling supremely confident and strong, the enemy instead has been planting seeds of apprehension and of dread.  Instead of stepping boldly into these opportunities with GOD leading the way, all I have been hearing from the enemy is that it is just a matter of time before all of this comes crashing down.  

Hearing things like, “You know who and what you are and when others realize that, you are finished”.

I can ‘t make that up.

That is just me being real.

It just confirms for me that the enemy doesn’t relent.

He constantly brings doubt.

He brings fear of “new failure”.

He reminds us of our past.

He reminds us of our “exposed” areas.

He reminds us of the “weak and vulnerable spots”.

That is why we must FULLY EMBRACE that truth that GOD didn’t give us a SPIRIT of FEAR but of a SOUND MIND, hence there is NO ROOM for ANXIOUS thoughts. And it is GOD’S power that makes the difference so there really is no room for ARROGANCE.

That is why the quote from PDT today is right on point.

Remember friends:

…apart from me (JESUS) you can do nothing (John 15:5)

But WITH HIM we are strong enough to accomplish anything (Philippians 4:13) despite the apprehensions we may feel.

Therefore, instead of listening to the whispers of the enemy let’s both employ this little nugget from Mother Teresa instead.

“Give yourself fully to God. He will use you to accomplish great things on the condition that you believe much more in his love than in your weakness.” ― Mother Teresa

Love all of you...

Have a BLESSED WEEKEND!

OPPORTUNITIES for HOPE