"You Can’t Follow Jesus

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You Can’t Follow Jesus Posted: 18 Apr 2014 04:00 AM PDT Simon Peter asked him, “Lord, where are you going?” Jesus replied, “Where I am going, you cannot follow now, but you will follow later.” Peter asked, “Lord, why can’t I follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.” Then Jesus answered, “Will you really lay down your life for me?  John 13:36-38 The propelling force behind Peter’s denial wasn’t his lack of faith. Otherwise he wouldn’t have made the claims he did. It was his overestimation of his faith. He believed he was ready to die for Jesus. But he wasn’t, and Jesus knew it. So Jesus said the unthinkable: you can’t follow me. That doesn’t sound like Jesus. After all, this is the Jesus who had told Peter to leave his family, profession, and home to follow Him. Now Jesus is telling Peter he can’t follow Him. Sounds schizophrenic. But it wasn’t. Jesus knew exactly what He was doing because He knew the exact measure of Peter’s faith. Peter had initially followed Jesus. Peter had followed Him on the water. But he wasn’t ready to follow Jesus to the cross. Peter wasn’t ready to follow Jesus everywhere. Not at that moment. You’re not ready to follow Jesus everywhere either. Not at this moment. And here’s the truth: Jesus isn’t expecting you to. While we definitely often overestimate our own faith, I think we underestimate the grace and patience of Jesus for our lack of faith even more. Jesus expects you to exercise the faith that you have, not the faith that you still have to develop. There are places in your life where your faith is still lacking. There are moments where you still struggle. The question for you in those places and in those moments is the same as it was for Peter: will you really lay down your life for Jesus? And the answer is no. But that is why He laid down His life for you. That’s what He was leaving to do when He told Peter he couldn’t follow Him. And that’s what He’s done for you when you can’t follow Him. Practice the measure of faith that you have. Follow Jesus where you can. But know that His grace covers you when you can’t and He is patient with you while you are developing the faith to follow Him where you can’t go right now.

God's Will

I've realized lately that I need to do a better job at being a follower of Christ, and maintaining a healthy relationship with Him. I havn't been spending much time with my word. Nor have I gotten in a quiet place listening patiently as He pours into my spirit.. and I cannot afford to not spend time with God. So, I suggest we all do a self examination to make sure where we are spending our time, money, talents, and energy is going towards the Kingdom of God. 

Matthew 6:21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Stay Close To God, 

Tiffany ❤️

Highly Worthy

You deserve the very best. And you deserve the experience of creating it in your life.

Those who tell you that you’re undeserving are wrong. Those who tell you that you can have something for nothing are just as wrong.

Yes, on this very day you are worthy of the best life you can imagine. And on this very day, you have the opportunity, and the responsibility, to bring that life into being.

What a waste it would be to live at less than your highest level. What a shame it would be to squander even one day of your unique, highly worthy life.

What you have is amazing and filled with great promise. So put in some effort that’s fully worthy of that great promise.

You deserve a life that’s rich and full, and you deserve to be the one who makes it happen. So get up, get busy, get going, and discover how truly deserving you are.

— Ralph Marston

Be truly inspired

Be inspired by life, and yet go beyond being merely inspired. Act on your inspirations.

Let life stir your passion, and let that passion push you into action. Let the outstanding, meaningful ideas flow, then do something real and useful with them.

Each time life makes a profound impression upon your heart, resolve anew to make a difference.

Take the real goodness you see, and be the living instrument through which it is amplified and expanded.

There is so very much that can inspire you, in the ordinary moments as well as in the extraordinary experiences. Consider each inspiration as a starting point from which you can do truly amazing things.

There is a reason why you feel that warm, right and wonderful sense of inspiration. It resonates so well with you in order to give power and authentic purpose to your actions.

Follow that purpose, and make the most of that power. Be truly inspired to act on your inspirations, and lift all of life to inspiring new heights.

— Ralph Marston

Reminder

Just a thought to encourage you this week coming from Isaiah 45:19 (NLT)  "I publicly proclaim bold promises.  I do not whisper obscurities in some dark corner.  I would not have told (my people) to seek Me if I could not be found."  

God is good. He has incredible plans for your life. Sometimes, that can be hard to believe when we look at what's unfolding around us in life...  KNOW THIS: the things He's been whispering in your spirit aren't just you or your imagination. It's the voice of a true God who is faithful to His word. He is good in His gifts to us, and does what He says He's going to do.  

Be encouraged this week. You've got this! 

Today's Truth

He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young. (Isaiah 40:11, NIV)
Friend to Friend
As a little girl, I really did have a little lamb whose fleece was white as snow. I can remember the day my mother showed me the lamb and explained that she did not have a bottle with which to feed the stray lamb. I did. I agreed to let the lamb have my bottle if I could have the lamb. I have been fascinated by the unique relationship between sheep and their shepherd ever since.
Shepherds live with their sheep, finding places for them to eat and drink, providing shelter from the storms and protection from the heat. Sheep must eat the right amount of the right kinds of grass at the right times…or they will die. If the sheep eat too little one day and too much the next day, some of the bacteria that live in the stomach of the sheep will reproduce abnormal levels, creating toxins that cause sudden death. This problem was even more complicated for the shepherds of the Bible.
The type of shepherding referred to in the Bible is not the farming of fenced pasturelands, but nomadic grazing. The shepherd must carefully plan the path and lead the way so that the sheep have neither too little nor too much grazing and are able to get to the water hole on time. Pastures are often lost to extreme heat that means the shepherd has to scour the countryside in search of green grass. Several flocks of sheep are gathered together at night in a sheltered place so that shepherds can share the watches of the night, protecting the sheep from wild animals and thieves. Good shepherds are always willing to risk their lives to save their flocks from any harm, any enemy and even from themselves.
Sheep are dumb, can never be left alone and often stray, requiring the shepherd to find and rescue them. A shepherd never pushes his sheep but rather leads his sheep, going before them, making sure they are not walking into danger. The needs of sheep, compared to the needs of other animals, are greater because of their instinct to be afraid and when faced with a fearful situation, to run. Without a shepherd to care for the sheep, they will not last long.
Personally, I definitely fit the profile of a sheep. I can’t count the number of times I have stubbornly stuck to my plan, foolishly thinking that it was better than His plan, only to end up in some pit somewhere, calling for help. Psalm 40:1-3 has become my life maxim – with one exception. I rarely wait patiently! Remember, I am a sheep!
Psalm 40:1-3 “I waited patiently for the LORD; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the LORD” (NIV).
I sometimes allow fear to drive me to a place where I am trapped by doubts and darkness…until He rescues me. I try to satisfy my hunger by eating the wrong things found in the wrong places at the wrong times. The result is always the same; my soul remains ravenous for what is good while stuffing my heart and mind with what is bad.
Like every sheep, I don’t like to be pushed. Good shepherds do not push, no matter how great the temptation. A good shepherd stands in front of his sheep, gently calling their names, leading them to a place where he has already been, positioning himself between danger and his sheep. When I am tired and ready to give up, I tend to withdraw from the other sheep and even from my Shepherd. Many of us have somehow bought into the lie that they can make it on their own or that the rules, the commandments of
God, do not necessarily apply to them…just those other sheep. The longer I serve God, the more I realize just how much we need each other and how much we need Him. When will I learn that I cannot do life on my own – as a sheep or as a shepherd?
A good shepherd is willing to lay down his life for his sheep, just as Jesus Christ laid down His life for you and for me. I am so glad He was willing to lay down His life for every single sheep – the cute, fluffy ones as well as the dirty, broken lambs like me. Maybe it is time for us all to stop, listen for His voice, seek His plan and remember that we are indeed needy sheep who are called to love and lead other needy sheep to the Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ.
Let’s Pray
Lord, I am so thankful that You are my Shepherd and that no matter how deep the valley or dark the pit, You have gone before me and made a way. Help me to understand that Your ways are higher than mine. Forgive me when I complain that the way You have made for me is harder than I want it to be. I
surrender my life to you, Lord, my God and my Shepherd.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
Now it’s Your Turn
Here is a challenge for every Girlfriend in God. Read Psalm 23 once a day for one month. Record it in your journal. Let every word soak into your heart, mind and soul. When fear comes, turn to God. When you are in need, trust the Shepherd. When confusion surrounds you, trust God to make the crooked paths straight. Rejoice daily in the fact that you are His lamb and He is your Shepherd.
More from the Girlfriends
I truly believe that most of our stress in life is rooted in our refusal to trust God as our Shepherd. Escaping the Stress Trap is not just a book I wrote. It is based on Psalm 23 and is my story of learning to understand that I am His sheep and He is my Shepherd. Check it out!
Need help learning how to study the Bible? Check out Mary’s weekly online Bible study, Light for the Journey. The current topic is How to Tame Your Tongue. And be sure to connect with Mary on Facebook or through email

Change of Plans

The Right Order of Love

"Jesus replied: 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'" Matthew 22:37-39 (NIV)

"I just want a boy to like me," she said with a sigh.

My heart understands her desire. As I sat around my kitchen table with my small group of high school girls, I realized again how some things never change.

We all want to be wanted. Whether you're a girl wanting a date with the guy in math class or a woman hoping for an invitation to lunch with a friend, each one of us wants to be wanted. To know we matter. To be chosen.

Wanting to be wanted is a good thing. It doesn't mean we're incredibly needy. It means we're normal. In fact, God created us with this desire. Here are two reasons:

1) So we would want a relationship with Him.

God created us for the sake of love. He has so much love to share and He wants a relationship with us. He chose us; now we choose Him.

2) So we would want relationships with others.

God also created us with the desire to share our lives with others, for friendships and family too.

Things get tricky and difficult when we reverse the order of these desires, which we easily do.

Whether we want to be loved by a boyfriend, a friend or a husband, when we go looking to "the one" to meet our needs before we fall in love with The One, we can get ourselves in a world of trouble.

Today's key verse from Matthew confirms the importance of this order. In this passage, an expert in the law asked Jesus the most important commandment.

Jesus answered: "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself'" (Matthew 22:37-39).

Jesus is clear on the order. The first command is to love the Lord with all our heart, soul and mind. Then we are to love others.

God didn't intend for people to fill our hearts with love. In fact, they couldn't even if they tried! We aren't equipped to do a job that big, as God never wants another to take His proper place.

When we love God with all we have first, our love expands, multiplies even, and we have more love to give to others. And that love is healthy because our hearts' needs are met by Him first.

However, when we reverse God's order and seek the love of others before God, our love source and its purity diminishes. Then love can become self-focused and unhealthy because our own God-designed needs aren't met.

God created a love gap in us only He can fill. When we try to love others out of our human love, we can run out of love. We begin looking to others instead of overflowing on others.

God's order is best. Get filled by Him first. Spill over to others after that.

Lord, it can be so much easier to look for love from those around me, those I can touch and see. Help me to keep love in order by first loving You with everything in me, and then allowing Your love to spill over on those around me. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

© 2014 by Lynn Cowell. All rights reserved.

Encouragment

Women need motivation and encouragement from their sisters in the Lord. Nothing is more special than just a little touch that came unexpected. We never know what people are going through and how just a tiny bit of encouragement can be like a shower of blessing falling right on top of them.

"...a word spoken in due season, how good is it!" Proverbs 15:23

Here are some things you might want to try.


• Tell someone they are a blessing to you. Be specific.
• Tell someone you are praying for them (and make sure to do so).
• Send flowers to perk up someones day.
• Write out a card to say hello. (be sure to mail it or hand deliver it)
• Give a compliment to a different person every day for a week.
• Share a special verse either by word of mouth or write it in a card or note.
• Send someone a candy note. (See the Candy Notes Ideas)
• Praise someone out-loud for something they've accomplished.
• Go out of your way to talk to someone and just "listen" to what's going on in their lives. Make the conversation about them and not you.
• Share your enthusiasm about something God's done for you. (Be specific)
• Share how the women's ministry in your church is a blessing to you.
• Invite someone out or over to lunch or dinner.
• Have a coffee or a soft drink with someone you don't normally fellowship with.
• Take someone out for ice-cream just because.
• Bake someone cookies, a pie, or cake and drop it off to them.
• Offer to babysit for a mother who needs a break.
• Pass on a book that you've already read that's been a blessing or that you just thoroughly enjoyed.
• Pray for someone every day at least 3 times a day for a week. It will probably do you just as much good as the one you are praying for.
• Invite someone over for tea.
• Invite a couple ladies over to watch a movie together.
• Offer to take dinner to a family that you know is in need or could use the help.
• Give a sister in the Lord a hug.

Copyright ©2001-2013 Julia Bettencourt

Live your life

Actual problems are problem enough. Don’t let yourself be stopped by the mere possibility of problems.

Go ahead and live your life in the way you choose. Though the challenges and setbacks will come along, you have what it takes to deal with them as they appear.

Instead of being intimidated by what might go wrong, let yourself be inspired by all that can go right.

Make the choice to live the best life you can imagine, and make the commitment to put forth whatever effort is required for that.

Let the resistance you encounter serve as confirmation that you’re moving forward. Let the problems keep you motivated to fulfill your most treasured dreams.

Live your life, today, right now, with the passion, attention and love it deserves. Embrace the abundance and add your own special meaning to it all.

Remind yourself of what a truly great opportunity you have with the dawning of every single day.

You have the miraculous gift of life, with its limitless possibilities, so live it with purpose, courage, richness and joy.

— Ralph Marston

Dear Men

Cloud 9 Meet-Up

Women's Release March 2014

Hey beautiful ladies!!!

Last night was POWERFUL!! We really had some breakthrough moments! Thanks to all those who attended!! Those whom wanted to attend but couldn't don't worry! We will be meeting every month!! Hope to see you next month!! 

Women's release for March will be on March 29, 2014 at 7pm!! Hope to see you there! (Same location; my house) I have an pre planned event on the 3rd Saturday :( thank you so much for adjusting!

The blessing bags turned out great!! This will be our service project again for the month of March as well!! So check out the post entitled: Act of Kindess. It's located in my January posts! :) 

Last night we also partnered up for accountability/prayer partners! So if you would like for me to connect you with another sister in Christ to hold you accountable for the month of March send me an email (tiffany.gillus@gmail.com), and I will connect you with someone! For this month your partner will pray with you, call and check on you, etc. maybe meet up for lunch, coffee.. Just growing together with another woman in Christ! !! 

For this month we will be reading the Book of Luke! 

If you are a book worm like me (I'm speaking this into existence lol) I'm currently reading the book: Crash The Chatterbox By Steven Furtick! It is POWEREFUL! Available on Amazon $7.99

I'm soooo thankful for each and every one of you beautiful ladies!! Thanks for the continued words of encouragment, prayers, and love!! It is greatly appreciated Praying for you lovely ladies!!  Don't forget to bring a friend! Continue to spread the GOOD NEWS of CHRIST!!

Love, 

Tiffany 

Courting VS Dating

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ekArpohOTw&list=TLIMbBJVbiCFlvOsYx7pp8nBBWuK7luNDF

Are You Single?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h21y_6drhhY&list=TLIMbBJVbiCFlvOsYx7pp8nBBWuK7luNDF

Pinky Promise Movement

Find out about Pinky Promise from the founder Heather Lindsey:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rMU3ehPZpXQ


Join the Movement: http://www.pinkypromisemovement.com/

Let God Write Your Love Story

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lpz2ZJvM3RI

DEAL Breakers Before The Ring

Hey sisters!

I just did a YouTube video on "Deal-breakers before the Ring." You may be married & happy-- but check it out & if it's on your heart-- share it with a single friend. I think it's so important to remind women not to settle prior to the ring. I know life gets hard, you may be tired of being single or lonely but a ring will only amplify your inward struggles. Let's call what some of these relationships are: self-led, not God-led. 

So, check out the video: 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tvctz6dlsqU.

Love ya'll,
Heather Lindsey

Visit Pinky Promise at: http://www.pinkypromisemovement.com/?xg_source=msg_mes_network

No need for frustration

Frustration is a painful, debilitating feeling that can often cause you to do things you’ll regret. So choose to quickly let it go.

Frustration, as automatic and overpowering as it may seem, is a choice. And you can always make a different choice.

The habit of reacting in frustration is just that, a habit. Like any other habit you’ve developed, you can get rid of it when you choose.

Yes, life regularly presents you with difficult dilemmas for which frustration is a perfectly understandable reaction. Other than grabbing your attention, however, your frustration never does accomplish much.

So once you’re aware of the frustrating situation, make the choice to find a more useful, effective response. Step back from the desire for instant drama, and work on creating some long-term positive results.

Channel the high-powered energy of frustration into intentional, focused, positive action. Give yourself the option to act effectively and appropriately, and you’ll find you have no need for frustration.

— Ralph Marston

Read more at http://greatday.com/#87Qfcp0Ao6TFX7LG.99

Serinity Prayer

I have been experiencing some anxiety here lately. I do not know where it is coming from or why it is even present, but the only way I know how to combat it is with prayer. I know that God hears our petitions we put before him daily, but I really need for Him to move supernaturally in my thinking. Yes, even I have issues with positive thinking. I think it has emerged from just people expecting a lot of me, and I of myself. I know that God is the only person that can help me. So I turn to him every day for help. As I was Goggling a prayer for positive thinking the "Serenity Prayer" came up and as I read each line a peace fell on me and I knew it was the Holy Spirit. So, if you are standing in need of positive thinking and overall peace read this prayer, and know that God is with you through this struggle. You are NOT ALONE!!

That ministered to me.... I’m so thankful... that even as I type I can feel my healing... I believe that it is healthy and necessary to speak against what you are struggling with... to acknowledge that "yes, I may be facing this issue today, but MY GOD is GREATER!!" Just because it is like this today, tomorrow WON’T BE LIKE THIS!! I CAN HAVE WHAT GOD HAS PROMISED ME, I ALEADY WON!! HALLELUJAH!!!

So if you were like me and had some negative thinking this morning, pray this prayer and be changed! Believe that you healing lives within the heart of your prayers..



God, grant me the Serenity
To accept the things I cannot change…
Courage to change the things I can,
And Wisdom to know the difference. 
Living one day at a time,
Enjoying one moment at a time,
Accepting hardship as the pathway to peace.
Taking, as He did, this sinful world as it is,
Not as I would have it.
Trusting that He will make all things right
if I surrender to His will.
That I may be reasonably happy in this life,
And supremely happy with Him forever in the next.
Amen.