Enlightenment

Good morning...Food 4 Thought 4 Believers:

Everyone is different in their own way, and that difference helps fuel who God is molding you to be for different assignments and your overall purpose. Stop trying to change people into who you think they should be, because it's different from you, and view them as God would in order to respect and appreciate their differences designed for their purpose. Now, if God gives you a word for them then that's fine. However, trying to change people to fit your agenda is manipulation at its finest. If they aren't for you, then cool but don't assume or manipulate. Ask God to enlighten you and help you understand....#BelieverChallenge

*New International Version
I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people...

Elohim

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.

Genesis 1:1‭-‬2 NIV

God is known as Elohim, the creator of all things...Take a moment to think about all He has created, from the birds in the air to the different elements that make up the beauty and positivity of the Earth. Since Elohim is that creative to develop different elements for us to enjoy, why do we fret about things we believe do not currently exist for us? Do we enjoy God's creations daily and honestly think that He is incapable of creating a job, wife, husband, circumstance, or anything else your heart desires? Our God is all powerful, and creates something from nothing; therefore, why do we work so hard to create things ourselves? Sit back, and be patient while the expert develops you and the right things for you...Just make your desire known.

Not Something Old or Borrowed, but NEW

Jeremiah 33:3New International Version (NIV)

³ Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know...

*Have you ever asked someone for advice?...Better yet, perhaps you have asked multiple people about the same topic, and they all may come up with the same or similar answers? Even if the answers differ, it may be something you already realized yet didn't think about or want to own up to...That's just how humans work. Generally, people base results and conclusions for experiences off what the majority have experienced or gone through, or what you are limited in knowing. HOWEVER, God always has new and innovative ways of doing things, providing solutions that no one has thought about, and going beyond the expectation that most humans are prone to stop at or fall short with deciphering. Everything links together in order to create the correct, final result. He wants us to call upon Him first for ideas, solutions, plans, and potential options ...Then, He will provide the sources and guidance on how to achieve things, or uncover what is right for you and perhaps ONLY you. SO, if you feel like there is more to it then what people say, it probably is because they can only see so far beyond a limitation. However, God supercedes our expectations to clarify and obtain things we may never uncover without Him. I challenge all of us to pray for each other today in getting out of the cycle of limitations, living only based on your experience or someone else's, and ask the Father His advice. Then, look for peace as guidance. There is nothing wrong with seeking counsel because God tells us to do that, but wouldn't you want to turn to the greatest source and then be led to your next connection?

Appearance Can Beg the Differ

Proverbs 28:25 (NIV)

The greedy stir up conflict, but those who trust in the LORD will prosper.

*Often, people fight against what God is trying to show or give to them without even realizing what they are doing. They find any way to be negative about the situation or individual, or embrace a level of skepticism and apprehension before being optimistic. If God is in it, all that He brings will be clearly noted that it is from Him. Any conflict that arises is the enemy trying to take it away from you. Don't allow the enemy to be victorious by influencing your mind. Sometimes the greatest blessings show up in the oddest packages, but you have to be willing to listen to God on whether this is your special delivery or if you should return to sender. Our Father is not the author of confusion (1 Corinthians 14:33), but He doesn't leave the window of opportunity open for long either. Embrace your moment of peace, seize your desire, have an open mind towards differences, and stop considering conflict before confirmation. Sometimes what we think is a diamond is only worth a dime, and what looks crazy is actually the craziest blessing you could ever encounter...Help us see your blessings for what they truly are Lord, and not what we want them to be...

Something New, Not Old

Isaiah 43:18-19 ESV

“Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.

*Many people have a habit of taking their past into their current or future situations....You may always compare and contrast your current lifestyle to a past situation that caused suffering or challenges your way of thinking. What's even worse is if you try to inflict these thoughts on people who had nothing to do with your past and are ready to be a part of a new future with you. Yet sadly you are afraid to embrace  freedom from complacency, or you may be protecting your feelings because you are too busy living in the prison of past mistakes. When we decide or decided to FOR REAL turn our loves over to Christ, old things passed away and God gave you a clean slate. He even wants you to adopt a new mindset because you are no longer under the submission of the world's standards, but under His grace and guidance to a life where grace abounds towards you (2 Corinthians 9:8), and a life with a better and more expected ending (Jeremiah 29:11). Therefore stop holding back, stop trying to inflict your fears on others by disguising them as concerns, and embrace the good things God gives you rather then trying to find something wrong with it/him/her. In being transparent, I get it...I understand that new things make us nervous or it is easy to doubt rather then be optimistic. However let's pray for each other that we stay focused on the positive (Philippians 4:8) before we remember the negativity of our past, or the inflicting issues the world tries to bring. God wants to create a new circumstance even in an unattractive situation. Are you ready for something new?

A Gift That Should Keep On Giving

2 Timothy 1:6-8 English Standard Version (ESV)

For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands, for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.

* Paul is reminding us that we all have a gift inside that has been tailor-made specifically for us, and it aligns with our purpose that God placed on our lives. The problem is that we do not explore the essence of that gift, the possibilities that come with it, try to uncover what it is, or are too busy to even dedicate that gift back to God. Instead, we may allow our degrees, careers, other people, or even mishaps in life to defer us from our gift that could potentially unlock our dreams and desires of our heart. The same power that Paul had with the laying of His hands, and ability to persevere and excel with His gift (regardless of the circumstance) is the same power that lives in us. We hold the power to spark a desire to explore our gift, share it with love, and implement it with a sound mind no matter what other titles people try to place on us or whether or not the gift is accepted. God gave it to you, and it was meant to be utilized...not just for the sake of enhancing God's kingdom, but to give you a rewarding experiencing of enhancing your life as well. How sweet is our God for wanting to bestow such a thing upon us? Therefore, don't let life pass you by through embracing what others try to place upon you because you are too afraid to step outside of the norm. Find freedom in embracing your gifts and talents, and allow God to guide you in this process of being authentic and a blessing for others.

Out with the Old and In with the New

Romans 12:2 NIV

Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will.

*A lot of times, we allow our past experiences, worldly statistics, or the opinions of others who have not consulted with God dictate the outcome and choices of our lives. If you are a believer, you have access to things that others don't and you are suppose to expect the unexpected. Therefore, why let the norm define you? Same thing with your past...If you are a new creature in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17), why do you continue to allow old mistakes or conclusions haunt you? It's a new day of possibilities in a new life. Therefore, consult with God before crossing something out or coming to a conclusion.

Defy vs Being Defined

Don't be a part of the STANDARD, but be on STANDBY to encourage others to dare to be different...Ppl should not DEFINE u, but you should DEFY the norm set by ppl...

Jeremiah 29:11(KJV)
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. #ExpectTheUnexpected

Our Creator is NOT an Imitator or Duplicator (BT vol.3)

Isaiah 48:17 NIV

This is what the Lord says— your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: “I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go.

*It is dangerous to build a theology on a second hand experience...

Many people like to use an example or testimony of others as a road map towards your own success. There is nothing wrong with admiring another person's God given success, as the success of the devil is not true success, but a set up. However, testimonies and examples are meant to fire up your own faith and broaden your mind towards the array of possibilities that God can have for you. Better yet, they are meant to show the power of His capabilities, and direct you towards asking God HOW to achieve your own blessings and miracles. However, testimonies are not necessarily meant for u to copy the efforts of another individual. You have to ask yourself what is  your motive behind that? Seeking God first (Matt. 6:33) leads to receiving all things, not copying someone else to obtain the same effects. After all, we are not copies of each other. We are made in His image (2 Cor. 5:17); therefore, wouldn't you want to seek discernment and success from the one who created you and uniquely designed your purpose? Otherwise, your sacrifice and efforts from copying someone else is thoughtless and meaningless because you were meant to experience things differently for edification purposes of your own, unique ministry. Now, that's not to say don't seek counsel from Godly advisors that God leads to you, but make sure they were led to you and ask God HOW to apply the information to your own, unique situation. Get fired up regarding the fact  that if God can make a way for them, He can definitely do it for u and perhaps greater bc you are seeking Him authentically...God is a CREATOR; therefore there is no room for imitation and duplication when He wants you to have your own, unique story to tell as you grow in your ministry. Even if you go through the same situation as someone else, it is still being experienced differently bc of your unique qualities and mindset.

A Surprise Package

Love, kindness, and reliability often come in unexpected forms; therefore, expect the unexpected and be open to what is normally rejected...

Isaiah 55:8 (NIV)
"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD.

Creative Reign vs Demonic Transformations

John 1:3 ESV
All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made.

*In life, we have experienced and will continue to face good and bad things. Things that often cause change; however, it is up to us how we adapt to those changes. No matter what the circumstance may be or the person u are facing, remember that all things are originated from what God created. Without His ability to create, nothing could develop from those creations. Now of course, God is the creator of positivity while the devil perverts positivity and transforms it into evil. However, the key word there is TRANSFORM, which means he has no power to actually create anything. Even the negative transformations can be stopped or even prevented through prayer. God is the only creator, and without His creative work, nothing would exist. Therefore, even when it seems like u have ran across a creative blessing or a transformed messed, God is still at the root of that creation. He is always working things out for our good (Romans 8:28), if we are willing to invite Him in the situation and trust Him. So, before analyzing and transforming information into something u personally concocted, ask God what was the original creation meant for? How can u get back to that origin in order to understand how to handle the current situation at hand? Then is when u will know what to do, and how to handle what u are facing.