Two Years Into My Journey-More Than Conquerors!

It was two years ago that God began to stir in my heart that He wanted to help me overcome this idol of loving food more than I should.  It had become an idol that I ran to instead of God.  He was so personal and persistent and I was overwhelmed with a desire to get this area right in my life.  I loved Him with my whole heart, but I had to learn how to run to HIM when I was happy, sad, excited, bored, anxious, instead of bowing down to food!  Though I desperately wanted to find the perfect plan that would do it all GOD wanted me to turn away from this world and to turn to HIM and so it began an imperfect journey of seeking Him, obedience, falling down, getting up, falling down, getting up, and every single time He would rescue me.  Here is what that looked like:

1-My first step was WHOLE30.  There is nothing magical about Whole30 itself, but God used it to have me FAST from foods that had become a distraction to me.  They temporarily satisfied an emotional state, but brought death to my health.  Whole30 was no grains, sugar, dairy, sweeteners.  I wanted to share how hard it was, but truthfully it wasn’t!  God so empowered me through that 30 days that I sat in awe of how quickly it flew by and I lost 15 pounds.  At the end of the 30 days I spent the next few months maintaining up and down, but stayed close to my loss.  Whole30 gave birth to more than weight loss...it kicked off the journey and fanned my flame to keep going and to be a student of what worked for me.

2-Step Two was a plan called TRANSFORM APP!  The premise of this plan was that you eat 5 smaller meals a day and exercise.  I know that the purpose of God leading me here was that it gave birth to falling in love with exercise for the first time in my entire life.  I still remember going to the gym the first time and how my husband who is a weight lifted and has worked out diligently for over 30 years would lovingly coach me through using weights.  I fell in love!  As I gained courage I began adding classes like Body Pump and Yoga, in addition to the weight training.  This took off about 15 more pounds for a total of 30 pounds.  Just in time for my oldest son’s wedding!

Next came a season of testing!  In the midst of all these exciting changes the Lord had me turn in my notice at my job as a Support Representative with Classical Conversations and little did I know why...but HE did!  Right after our oldest was married my grandmother’s health spiraled downwards and my life changed drastically.  It was probably the hardest and longest season from 8/2018 through 8/2019.  Grandma not only became physically ill, but she developed dementia.  My entire life became consumed with her care.  I lost my mentor, cheerleader, and matriarch and I had to cling to God like never before.  As grandma’s journey was winding down a new one began....my mom was diagnosed with stage IIIB lung cancer.  My grandmother died on 10/26/18 and my mom began her radiation on 10/29.  We were consumed with caring for my mother who has spent her whole life caring for others.  We asked her to move in with us so we could take her to Moffitt for her care.  The next three months were filled with radiation and chemotherapy.  (My mom was a hero)  For awhile I maintained my weight loss and even continued to workout.  My mom encouraged me in these things even though we were going back and forth to Tampa five days a week!  But once she finished and moved back home I began to have an affair with my flesh and in the aftermath I began allowing old habit to creep in. (Not consume, but creep in). I gained back 18 pounds of the 30 that had been lost.  I did not love how I felt and it scared me to see the weight coming back and I cried out to God and He answered.  A friend that I’ve known online since my kids were young began posting pictures of an incredible transformation.  The Lord moved on my heart to reach out and she introduced me to the next step in my journey...

3-BRIGHT LINE EATING!  As of this morning I have lost 23 pounds in about 8 weeks.  This next step has been teaching me practical ways to live a life of balance and self-control.  Where Transform App helped me to understand and love exercise...Bright Line is all about the food plan!  I feel such freedom and I love the simplicity.  

Every step of the last two years has had absolute purpose in teaching me to turn away from idols and to turn TO the living God!  

➡️I’m so thankful for Whole30 as it was the beginning of changing the way I think about my relationship with food.

➡️I loved how Transform App helped me to fall in love with exercise.

➡️I am now incredibly grateful to BLE (Bright Line Eating) for giving me a super easy, doable eating plan that has weight fall off fast and has a history of maintaining for a lifetime. 

I currently have a FB page where I post what I eat in Bright Line and links and encouragement.  Starting in January that page will become a community for those wanting to join me in their journey.  They can totally do BLE or whatever GOD leads them to.  It’s just a place of encouragement and accountability.  If you would like to follow my (imperfect) BLE journey just click HERE   

I have a long way to go and I will fall down over and over again!  But I am so grateful to God and HIS WORD which tells me...

“No, in all these things we are more than conquerors”—Romans 8:37

Emergency Action Plan!

I was watching a video this morning where a gal was talking about how important it is to have an EMERGENCY ACTION PLAN in place when temptation comes your way.  Whether it’s to overcome overeating, smoking, depression, or simply to stop and keep your focus on the Lord this is a tool that will help get you to God!

I began writing out verses in my spiral bound pack and carry it in my purse to help when I need to refocus.

I also have begun a play list on Apple Music called Emergency Action Plan

WEEK TWO ESTHER WRAP-UP!

Last night was an incredible evening filled with awe and wonder at how God masterfully puts together HIS plans, in HIS timing, and how we can trust Him even when we can’t see where He is going.  

This Weeks Memory Verse

“You saw me before I was born.  Every day of my life was recorded in your book.  Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed.”  

—Psalm 139:16

It was such a JOY to visit Holliday and Cathy’s group last night and to hear how God spoke to each woman using His Word to confirm and affirm what He was showing them in Esther and then how that lined up with our lives today.

👑Jane’s Take-Away took her to other scriptures that God brought to mind:

👑Esther 2:10: “Esther had not revealed her nationality and family background, BECAUSE MORDECAI HAD FORBIDDEN HER TO DO SO”

👑Exodus 20:12:  “Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the lord your God is giving you”

👑Application:  God always blesses OBEDIENCE and His Word is His Will.  Esther honored Mordecai who had become a father to her.

Holliday’s take-away took her back to our study last fall in 1 Peter:  As she thought about how young Esther must have been and how scary her life circumstances must have felt she remembered that suffering gives birth to eternal fruit...

“But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed.  Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened.”  —1 Peter 3:14

“She would not return to the King unless He delighted in her and she was SUMMONED by name” Esther 2:14

SUMMONED-To Call into the presence of another; to appear at a place

👑God delights in us and SUMMONS us into His presence each and every morning and then asks us to be purposeful to STAY IN HIS PRESENCE ALL.DAY.LONG!  

👑“I KNOW MY SHEEP and my sheep know me” — John 10:14

👑“Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have CALLED YOU BY NAME”  Isaiah 43:1

👑“I am the vine; you are the branches.  Whosever ABIDES IN ME and I IN HIM, he bears much fruit.”  John 15:5

👑“For we know, brothers (daughters) loved by God that HE HAS CHOSEN YOU.” 1 Thessalonians 1:4

“And she FOUND FAVOR in the sight of all who saw her.”  Esther 2:15b

FAVOR-To promote, support, afford advantages—The Lords providential plan!

“Now the king LOVED ESTHER more than all the other women, and she FOUND FAVOR and kindness with him more than all the other virgins, so that he set the royal crown on her head and made her queen in the place of Vashti.” —Esther 2:17

“When her turn came to go into the king, she requested nothing except what Hegai the kings eunich who was in charge of the women, advised.  And Esther FOUND FAVOR in the sight of all who saw her.” —Esther 2:15b

“Now the young woman pleased Hagai and FOUND FAVOR with him” —Esther 2:9

Josie Dean and her walk in OBEDIENCE!

This week we had many conversations about Esther’s OBEDIENCE👑

OBEDIENCE-Acting in patience and submission

This summer Josie humbly shared that she felt God calling her to step away from college this year.  There was lots of confusion as she waited for on the Lord to make His will crystal clear.  She had already completed one full year of college and was doing well, but God was moving in her spirit to WAIT ON HIM.  She was confused because there were no other plans at that time.  Just as we talked about with Esther...as she moved by faith and walked in obedience God gave her a new direction for this year.  If you are moved by the Holy Spirit to pray for or to financially support this God-Given dream here is a link:  

SUPPORT JOSIE

PUZZLE PIECES 🧩 

This time last year Lani and her husband Chris were visiting from Oregon for my sons wedding.  While here Chris was being interviewed for a position in Illinois and he had made the top 3 out of 500 candidates.  We were positive that this is where God wanted their family and had been praying hard.  It was overwhelmingly disappointing when we discovered that Chris did not get the position...

BUT GOD❤️

Little did we know that just a few weeks later he was going to be offered a position right here! God was going to move their family back home after 11 years of traveling the country while Chris serves his country.  

GOD’S GOODNESS❤️

Lani’s mother had just been diagnosed with dementia and Today they find out if the lump in her mother’s breast is cancer.  Had God given them what they wanted her life would be filled with chaos and confusion as she would have to travel to be with her.  BUT GOD IN HIS INFINITE wisdom and ability to see beyond today, to know what’s coming, moved their family exactly where they are supposed to be.

“Trust IN THE LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight” —Proverbs 3:5-6

I don’t know what big decisions are looming in your life, but I know the ONE who does!  As you cry out without holding back and seek HIM with all your heart HE IS FAITHFUL and HE WILL SHOW YOU!

WEEK ONE ESTHER WRAP-UP

WOW!  What a P.O.W.E.R.F.U.L. night of take-away’s! We had such an amazing evening packed and FULL of big aha’s!  What I love most about Sunday nights is that we get to take what God has shown us and share...but then we get to take what He has shown others and we get to learn with them and from them.  I encourage you to read every word here!  Your heart will be so overcome by the Holy Spirit as you get to see HIM in action among your sisters.

FUN FACTS, POWERFUL PERSONAL APPLICATION, & DEFINED WORDS:  Each Sunday night your small group leaders send me some big aha’s that were discussed in your group.  It’s my joy to share just a few with you so that you get to see how much bigger and fuller God’s Word becomes when we walk in community...WE’RE BETTER TOGETHER! 

Take a moment to discover how scripture is truly living and breathing and active!  It’s not just a history lesson, but it applies personally to YOU today for whatever you are going through.  Oh how He loves us!  

I love the visual here of the round table.  In Salt & Light we do not have master teachers...we just know the Master Teacher, Jesus Christ.  We simply get to be Learners❤️

 

👑FUN FACT: Ahasuerus is a title (like Cesar) and not his actual name. (Verse 1:1)

👑FUN FACT:  Tammie from Angela’s group brought two tiny maps of the entire area that was under King Xerxes dominion.  One was the ancient map from when the story of Esther took place and the other modern was from modern day...it was HUGE and covered so much!(Think Greece, Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, Libya, Egypt, The question the group pondered was how long it took to get decrees out?  What type of transportation did they use?  A donkey?  A camel?  A horse?  (Verses 1:22)

👑POWERFUL PERSONAL APPLICATION:  The details that were put into the banquet from the draperies to each goblet being completely different from the other and how each of us are unique and different.  (Verses 1:4-7)

“You see ALL things; you saw me growing, changing in my mothers womb; every detail of my life was already written in your book; you established the length of it before I was born.” Psalm 139:16

👑POWERFUL PERSONAL APPLICATION:  Though it seemed unfair to some that Queen Vashti was banished or killed we were reminded that God had to remove Vashti so that Esther could carry out His plan to redeem His people. (Verse 1:19)

“He controls the course of the world and all the events; He removes kings and sets up other kings.  He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the scholars.”  Daniel 2:21

👑POWERFUL PERSONAL APPLICATION:  Xerxes was a show off, his life was extravagant, he loved to show off...Splendor, Glory, Majesty, but without God they mean nothing!  What are our hearts set on and chasing after?  Is it God or is it the beautiful things of this world? (Verses 1:4-7)

“Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal.  Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal.  Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will be also.”  Matthew 6:19-21

👑POWERFUL PERSONAL APPLICATION:  The King drank a lot of alcohol and while in that state made a request that he might not have made in a sober state.  Once that action took place consequences followed that could not be undone.  His heart was joyful with wine.  (Verse 1:10)  Alcohol can take us places we might never go in a sober state and though wine itself is not a sin...too much is.  

Does alcohol stir your sinful nature to want more?  Then hang onto 1 Corinthians 10:23...”All things are permissible, but not all things are profitable”.  Scripture tells us that as believers we are to be Holy as he is holy. (1 Peter 1:6)

👑FUN FACT:  Vashti was the daughter of Belshazzar!  Belshazzar was the grandson of King Nebuchadnezzar. (Think Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego)

👑BETH’S DEFINED WORD:  Crown-The 1828 dictionary quoted Proverbs:  A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband.  Of course, Xerxes didn’t seem very interested in Vashti’s beauty and royalty.  God is concerned with the inside of the package, not the outside, and I need to be a “Crown” of virtue.

(Beth is in the red)

THIS WEEK:  We get to dive into Chapter two!  Get ready because it just keeps getting better and better!

“For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your Father’s family will perish and who knows, but that you have come to your Royal Position for such a time as this!”  Esther 4:14

FCC Esther Study—For Such A Time As This👑

We are so excited to launch our FCC Salt & Light Style Esther Study.  Fifty four amazing women are gathering together every Sunday to seek the Lord through His Word and specifically through the book of Esther.  We were so excited to kick off our evening with food, fun, fellowship, and photo’s.

Week One Memory Verse

Sherry, Merri, Gail, Denise, Judy, Barbara, and Sue👑

Melanie, Angela, Margaret, Susan, Tammie, Jolie, Gwen, Erika, and Angela👑

Holliday, Michelle, Angel, Cathy, Cathy, and Aja👑

Tammy, Kathy, Marsha, Lynn, Kaila, Carol, Marissa, and Valerie👑

Beth, Amanda, Marjorie, Kim, Linda, Nancy, Kim, Lani, Marissa, and Mary👑

Chelsea, Jenny, Patty, Kelly, Cindy, Camille, Leslie👑

We spent the evening digging into the first three verses of Esther...it was powerful👑

This week we began the journey of getting to know King Ahasuerus, Queen Vashti, Esther, and Mordecai👑

I love these two ladies leading our worship...Build My Life, God, I look to you, and Great Are You, Lord 🎶 

“FOR SUCH A TIME AS THIS”

Teach Me To TURN!

☕️Coffee W/Jesus☕️

Based on Romans 3:6-8

Oh how deceitful our hearts are!  I can relate to the Jews in Rome who were trying to manipulate scripture to justify their sinful actions.  We swing back and forth in our devotion and faithfulness to God.  We manipulate scripture to justify gratifying our flesh.  We want permission to indulge that which we think will make us happy, but in the end brings spiritual death.  

“If my falsehood enhances God’s truthfulness and so increases His glory, why am I still condemned as a sinner”? Romans 3:6

Because God’s Word cannot contradict itself:

“But your iniquities (sin) have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that He will not hear you.”  Isaiah 59:2

Lord, TEACH ME TO TURN!

Teach me to turn away from my sins.

Teach me to turn away from foxes that want to sneak in to my thoughts and whisper lies that lead to death.

Teach me to turn away from any other voice but yours!

“So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your life, daughter.  Then you won’t do what your sinful nature craves.”—Galatians 5:16

The Purpose Of Our FEELINGS

Feelings are REAL...but that does not necessarily make them TRUE!

Feelings are INDICATORS...They alert you when you’re off and remind you to turn away from how you’re feeling, but more importantly you turn TO God!

Live By FAITH

Based On Romans 3:1-5

”To whom much is given, much is expected.” Luke 12:48

Paul addresses the advantages of being born Jewish...They were entrusted with the Holy Word of God and they had ancestors that modeled for them what it looked like to live it out.  

The gentiles were new to the game and had to play catch up...they did not have the rich history or examples to learn or pull from.  

The DISadvantage of coming from the Jewish culture is that they had been raised to value and set their hope on the law, and now they were being asked to set their hope on FAITH!  (Big Difference)

Law=Rules To Be Obeyed

Faith=Holy Spirit Belief

“Now FAITH is the confidence in what we hope for and the assurance of what we do NOT see.”—Hebrews 11:1

For a Jewish person in that day they had to switch gears and go from being the teacher to being the student.  They had  to start all over again.  It was humbling.  I totally see how pride would be a logical response when asked to give up the privilege of having all the answers and to instead being mixed in with the newcomers.  

APPLICATION #1:  Now that you have the privilege and gift to live your life by FAITH are you walking in it?  What big things are you praying about CONFIDENTLY?  What are you hoping for, but cannot see right now?  Are you walking by FAITH or are you walking by what your human mind can conceive.

APPLICATION #2:  Do I have heart that is teachable.  Do I listen and learn from those that God brings into my life...or do I need to share my perspective and opinions.  Teach me to lay down ME and pick up YOU!

Are YOU A True Jew?

Believer...Are you a True Jew?

“A TRUE JEW is one whose heart is right with God, and true circumcision is not merely obeying the letter of the law; RATHER, it is a change of heart produced by the Holy Spirit and a person with a changed heart seeks praise FROM God, and not from people.”  Romans 2:29

As Paul is pointing out why gentiles are now entitled to share in the blessing that the Jewish people had claimed as their own He says...

🙌It’s not knowing the law!

🙌It’s not obeying the law!

🙌It’s not the knowledge of God!

NO!  A TRUE JEW is one with a heart that is right with God.  

❤️It is motivated by LOVE for the Father and not by RULES.  

❤️It doesn’t focus on privilege of heritage

❤️It doesn’t focus on knowledge of scripture.

❤️It doesn’t focus on keeping track of the rules.  

INSTEAD, a True Jew recognizes what Jesus Christ did for them on that cross and they gratefully receive the gift of the Holy Spirit and lean on HIS understanding, HIS grace, HIS moving, and HIS direction.  

TRUE JEWS are transformed in their thinking by the supernatural power of the Holy Spirit.  

The old Jew is caught up in the cycle of death that the law brings—because no man or woman could ever fulfill it in it’s entirety except Christ.   

The reason Christ showed such contempt for the Pharisees (Old Jew) is because they pretty much said...we reject that you have anything to offer us.  

The Old Jews—Pharisees said...

💔We know the rules 

💔We’ve appointed ourselves to oversee them.  (Even though they themselves could not obey them)

“He saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of HIS MERCY.  He saved us through the washing and REBIRTH and RENEWAL by the Holy Spirit.” —Titus 3:5

All whose hearts are right with God are TRUE JEWS-That is, part of GOD’S family...

“The real children of Abraham, then, are those who put their faith in God.” — Galatians 3:7

Lord, I am so thankful that you have adopted me.  I have the privilege of being your very own.  I was not born with this privilege, but because of your great mercy you have extended it to me and I RECEIVE it, RELISH it, and RESPOND with a heart of gratitude.

Are You Works Based Or Do You Bear Fruit

☕️Coffee With Jesus☕️

Based on Romans 2:12-16

“For merely listening to the law doesn’t make us right with God.  It is OBEYING the law that makes us right in His sight.” —Romans 2:13

As I dig into the rich history of Romans and look at the church in Rome I see an interesting movement and shifting taking place.  

Paul speaks to it in noting how the Jewish Christians have everything they need (from the known and physical side of things) to walk closely with the Lord.  They had scripture, tradition, culture, and community...but they were totally MISSING the gift God had given them because instead of it making them closer to God it made the puffed up, arrogant, judgemental. They became hearers of the Word.  They KNEW their Torah, but they were not acting as a people who knew their God.  

On the other hand...here come these gentiles.  They lacked the rich culture, community, and knowledge of scripture and yet they were filled with a hunger to KNOW GOD personally.  

I go back to what God showed me yesterday...Fruit or Works?  

💔WORKS:  Many of the Jews were very works based. (Works is motivated by human effort)  They knew the law, but they didn’t really know their Lord.  

💝FRUIT:  The Gentiles were displays of His glory as their fruit pointed others back to God.  They had nothing to do with fruit blooming...it came out of their relationship with God. 

This morning the Lord is reminding me again and again...quiet times are not about gaining knowledge, but getting to know the ONE WHO IS KNOWLEDGE and wisdom all wrapped up in ONE!

“And this is the message I proclaim.  The day is coming when God, through Christ Jesus, will judge everyone’s SECRET thoughts.” — Romans 2:16

💔WORKS will store up sin in my secret life.  

💔WORKS causes me to perform.  

💔WORKS makes me want to follow rules and check boxes.

💔WORKS leads to DEATH!

💝FRUIT will store up blessing in my secret life.

💝FRUIT causes me to rest, while GOD performs His work through my life

💝FRUIT makes me want to follow the Holy Spirit.

💝FRUIT leads to LIFE!

Lord, I want to know you and not just know about you❤️

God Wants to TRANSFORM your works into FRUIT!

☕️COFFEE WITH JESUS☕️

Based on Romans 2:8-11

That church in Rome sure does remind me of us modern day believers.  I am not saved by works, but I am known by my fruit and the evidence of it in my life.

WORKS IS WHAT “I” DO AND FRUIT IS WHAT “HE” DOES. 

Works happens when I try to obey the rules, but my heart is not really there.  

Fruit is what happens when I sit and soak and let God take over.  

My thinking is revealed by how I consistently live my life...in the spot light and in private.  They should go hand in hand.

Paul’s audience is the christian Church in Rome.  It was predominately made up of gentiles, though there were some Jews.  

He is saying...You who claim to be born again, not of corruptible seed, but incorruptible.  listen Up!  Incorruptible seed cannot be self-seeking, cannot proclaim the truth written in scripture and yet not live it out in your daily life.

Their fruit was causing him to come in and to challenge them, to remind them, to shake them up...and what Paul says to them in this passage is what God says to me this morning.  

Daughter, are you seeking my attention or the attention of man?  Are you promoting ME or are you promoting YOU?  Come to me...let Me fill you up, change your thinking, set your purpose ON ME...surrender yourself TO ME.  Let go of your own plans and ideas and be still in presence and in my Word.

KEEPING ON, DOING GOOD, SEEKING AFTER!

Based on reading Romans 2:5-7:

When we are stubborn, unrepentant, and refuse to turn from our sin, scripture says we store-up WRATH.  

The problem with storing up wrath is that it is often a slow steady drifting away from truth.  It’s through the little daily things I choose NOT to walk in obedience to—things that don’t seem like they’re a big deal.  

As I become desensitized to the little things...the bigger things become less big in my eyes...until I am so dominated with my sinful actions and turned away from truth that my life shows the fruit of being transformed by this world instead of the one to come.  

This actually happened to me early on in my walk.  I fell completely away from that first love.  I was chasing happiness which is temporary, instead of JOY which is Eternal.  My rebellion felt good for a moment, but then morning would come and the happiness had turned into sadness or disillusionment.  

Satan comes to fascinate and then he assassinates.

There’s a better way...

“He will give Eternal Life to those WHO KEEP ON doing good, SEEKING AFTER the Glory and honor and immortality that God offers” Romans 2:7

Friend!  Are you like I was?  Are you chasing after happiness and finding that it doesn’t last?  Are you hoping that finding the right friend, spouse, diet, workout routine, job will make your life complete?  IT NEVER WILL!  

“Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with mockers.  BUT THEY DELIGHT IN THE LAW OF THE LORD, MEDITATING ON IT DAY AND NIGHT.  They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do.”  Psalm 1:1-2

TODAY I must Keep on doing good, seeking after God with all my heart, looking for HIS glory, HIS honor, and HIS immortality.

What Type Of Fruit Am I Bearing?

☕️Coffee with Jesus☕️

Based on Romans 2:1-4

The problem with the Roman Jews is that they wanted to deflect from their own sin and to point at the sins of others.  They looked at the outward behavior and made judgements about the inward heart of their brother or sister.  They did this based on their own finite knowledge which can never measure up against God’s INFINITE all-knowing wisdom.  And one big take-away here is that man could never have the grace and mercy of God who sees beyond today.  

These judging Jews did not want to wait on God.  They wanted to take action right away, but here is what God’s Word says...

“The Lord is not slow in keeping His promises, as some understand slowness.  Instead, He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”  2 Peter 3:9

With that said, we are going to see that as Christians we do have the responsibility of gently judging the believers around us.  The goal is to get them back to God...but be careful that you yourself do not fall. 

Jon Courson says that we judge the fruit which is what helps to identify true believers, not to judge the heart. (Identification versus Condemnation)

IDENTIFYING THE FRUIT in those around us that publicly claim to be born again believers...

“But the FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT is Love, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, and self-control.” Galatians 5:22-23 (I’m not sure the judging Jews were producing the kind of fruit that keeps in line with Galatians)

So, if I want to be known that I’m FOR GOD by my fruit, what do I need to do?

“Whoever abides in me and I in Him will bear much fruit—for apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5

I must ABIDE IN HIM!

ELOHIM VERSES YAHWEH...

☕️COFFEE W/JESUS☕️

Based on Romans 1:21-23

The Roman Christ Followers fell away!  They became caught up in their culture of excess and wanting to indulge the flesh.  Man-made idols enticed their hearts and minds because they tried to intellectualize and create a God that fit their image.  They knew Elohim...Creator God, but they did not know Yahweh the personal God.  

This morning I lift up my heart to YOU my God...Yahweh, Jehovah!  Lord, mold me into your image...sanctify those parts of my flesh that want to indulge and hang out with my sinful nature.  Help me to catch foxes (SOS 2:15) and remind me that I have no obligation to my old ways. (Romans 8:12)  Help me to identify those sinful areas in my heart that I keep tending too and instead would you pull them up by their root and plant NEW SEED that hungers after obedience and Holiness.  

You are Glorious, Exalted, Resplendent, Majestic and lifted up!  Your ways our higher than mine...your thoughts are higher than mine...your love endures forever!  Thank you for making me yours!

ROMANS WRAP-UP—WEEK ONE

WEEK ONE MEMORY VERSE:

“Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things, BUT THOSE WHO ARE CONTROLLED BY THE HOLY SPIRIT “THINK” ABOUT THINGS THAT PLEASE THE SPIRIT” — Romans 8:5

DAY ONE

Romans 1:1-7

Daughter, you are a slave...a bondservant of Jesus Christ!  You were CHOSEN and PAID for at a very high price.  

DAY TWO

Romans 1:8-15

Mary, who you associate with shapes what you believe. Choose carefully who you allow to shape and influence your life and make sure that you never get caught up in giving advice...POINT THEM BACK TO ME!

DAY THREE

Romans 1:16-17

Mary, never be ashamed of the Gospel!  This GOOD NEWS is valid and sound and it is all about the POWER OF GOD—completely independent of anything you could ever do. (John 15:5)

DAY FOUR

Romans 1:18-20

 Mary, God will never support your sin, instead He wants to restore you. 

DAY FIVE

Romans 1:23-24

 Mary, turn away from your human inclination and futile man-made knowledge...instead turn to the LIVING GOD...HE IS GLORIOUS, MAJESTIC, EXALTED, AND LIFTED UP ON HIGH!

DAY SIX

Romans 1:24-27

Mary Arnold, you have no obligation to do what your sinful nature is urging you to do!  if you follow it...YOU WILL PERISH!  BUT, through the power of the Holy Spirit you can turn away from it!  CHOOSE HIM, not them. (foxes...thoughts, people, situations that lead me away from holiness)

DAY SEVEN

Romans 1:28-32

Precious Sister Who Has walked this walk!

So Mary, do not allow yourself to be dominated by your sinful nature...catch foxes (thoughts) that are trying to sneak in and steal your holy focus.  You are born again and have no obligation to them!  You are not working for a victory...you are working FROM the victory.  Instead, turn to the living God and let your thoughts be controlled by the Holy Spirit, This brings LIFE!