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Soul Prospers

3 John 1:2 (AMP) Beloved, I pray that in every way you may succeed and prosper and be in good health [physically], just as [I know] your soul prospers [spiritually].

This is not a blog on if you live right you will not get sick. This is a blog on why it is important that our soul prospers. What makes up the soul? It is our mind, our will and our emotions. Your mind, and the words that come out of your mouth, will determine your acceptance of the Word of God being active in your life.

Romans 11:36,12:1-2 (AMP) For from Him [all things originate] and through Him [all things live and exist] and to Him are all things [directed]. To Him be glory and honor forever! Amen. Therefore I urge you, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies [dedicating all of yourselves, set apart] as a living sacrifice, holy and well-pleasing to God, which is your rational (logical, intelligent) act of worship. And do not be conformed to this world [any longer with its superficial values and customs], but be transformed and progressively changed [as you mature spiritually] by the renewing of your mind [focusing on godly values and ethical attitudes], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His plan and purpose for you].

How can we expect to live a healed life if we neglect the need for inner healing. The renewing of my mind is to change my focus on His values and His attitude. Bitterness can grow in us until it turns into resentment and anger. The seed of it starts off with an offense. Do I get hurt? Yes. Do I get hurt by the body of Christ (the people in my church)? Double dose of yes. However, I cannot rehearse it. I even make it a point to delete the text or block the thread so that I cannot rehearse it. Rehearsing a hurt is renewing your mind to go further into the darkness. Why do I choose to let it go and renew my mind? Read Romans 11:36, if I do not honor God and desire to bring Him glory I will continue to live for myself and my mind, will and emotions will be led in that direction. Who am I really hurting by holding onto a grudge? Are you angry with those you are suppose to do life with? Are you angry with God? Bitterness is not the answer.

1 Corinthians 13:1-3 (AMP) If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love [for others growing out of God’s love for me], then I have become only a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal [just an annoying distraction]. And if I have the gift of prophecy [and speak a new message from God to the people], and understand all mysteries, and [possess] all knowledge; and if I have all [sufficient] faith so that I can remove mountains, but do not have love [reaching out to others], I am nothing. If I give all my possessions to feed the poor, and if I surrender my body to be burned, but do not have love, it does me no good at all.

Love is a choice, just like forgiveness is a choice. Our mindset matters to God. Do you know the definition of being double minded (James 1:7-8)? By your actions not matching your words and thoughts. We become unstable in our minds and think the worst of others. How can I change this? The answer is in the above verses. It is through the acceptance of the love God has for you. You will want to live a holy life that glorifies Him. It starts in the decisions we make in our mind. This is why we are told to not take an account of a suffered wrong (1 Corinthians 13:5). People are gonna do people things, even those that are Christians. They have not reached perfection yet, so stop expecting them to be perfect. I care about your soul, as a pastor does (Hebrews 13:17). Sharpening the sword of the spirit (reminding ourselves of the Word of God) brings inner healing.

Your soul is made up of your mind, will and emotions. Your thought life is the gateway to your soul. No matter what comes our way we can choose to live our lives in His love. Rooted and grounded in His love for us is so powerful. I can release the hurt, even when it was done on purpose. I can forgive, even when they do not deserve it nor ask for it. I do not have to rehearse the wrong even when they succeeded in that moment. My real success is that I kept my focus. The renewing of your mind [focusing on godly values and ethical attitudes].

Father, our Creator, and Most Marvelous Lord, we want to honor You with our lives today. Thank You for Your Son, that we are redeemed from the old ways of living, separated from You. Thank You for the Holy Spirit so that we can renew our minds daily. We repent for rehearsing anything other than Your words and precepts. We repent for making it all about us. We choose to forgive others of the wrongs they have done, for being self seeking themselves and especially forgiving ourselves for being led by our emotions. Help us to lead our feelings. Help us to focus on Your values and change our attitudes to glorify You. We choose forgiveness today. We choose hope today. We choose faith today. We choose love today. In Jesus Name, Amen.

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Avoidance does not make it invisible

2 Corinthians 4:18 (AMP) So we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are unseen; for the things which are visible are temporal [just brief and fleeting], but the things which are invisible are everlasting and imperishable.

Have you ever met a person that their personality rubbed you the wrong way? Then instead of trying to get to know them, you avoid them. We can be like that in the body of Christ also. I know I am guilty of doing this myself. Instead of having compassion, that there may be a root issue, we look for ways to avoid people. Here is the thing, we are called to the ministry of reconciliation, even to the people that rub us the wrong way. I looked at the verses preceding this statement by Paul.

2 Corinthians 4:8-12 (AMP) We are pressured in every way [hedged in], but not crushed; perplexed [unsure of finding a way out], but not driven to despair; hunted down and persecuted, but not deserted [to stand alone]; struck down, but never destroyed; always carrying around in the body the dying of Jesus, so that the [resurrection] life of Jesus also may be shown in our body. For we who live are constantly [experiencing the threat of] being handed over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the [resurrection] life of Jesus also may be evidenced in our mortal body [which is subject to death]. So physical death is [actively] at work in us, but [spiritual] life [is actively at work] in you.

Focus on this: “spiritual life is actively at work in you.” Our flesh does not have to win. Our mindset can be overcome and we can grow in love. The love that says that we want the best for others. I have to remind myself of that when I get around people that they are going to knock the rough edges off of me. I also have to realize that I may be just that person to someone else. I would like to think that I have grown in areas, but I would be foolish to think that I do not need to grow more. Avoidance is not growth. Thinking that we are avoiding something just puts the focus on that, rather than our purpose.

2 Corinthians 4:16-17 (AMP) Therefore we do not become discouraged [spiritless, disappointed, or afraid]. Though our outer self is [progressively] wasting away, yet our inner self is being [progressively] renewed day by day. For our momentary, light distress [this passing trouble] is producing for us an eternal weight of glory [a fullness] beyond all measure [surpassing all comparisons, a transcendent splendor and an endless blessedness]!

When we become discouraged we can often describe it as “losing heart.” The natural tendency for us is to quit, or avoid, so that we no longer feel the discomfort of frustration. We want to set up a boundary, and end of falling out love, with what we once enjoyed due to our frustrations with those involved. Sounds like we are focused on the temporal, the seen, the felt, ultimately ourselves. There is hope. Your spiritual life is actively at work in you. Recognize that part of your life and surrender it. Surrender your thoughts. Surrender your reasoning. The enemy loves discord between us. The devil loves it when we cannot get along and work together. The devil wants us to withhold our gifts from the body because we did not like how someone treated us. I have to remind myself, it is not about me, someone needs freedom today.

Philippians 4:8 (AMP) Finally, believers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable and worthy of respect, whatever is right and confirmed by God’s word, whatever is pure and wholesome, whatever is lovely and brings peace, whatever is admirable and of good repute; if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think continually on these things [center your mind on them, and implant them in your heart].

Instead of focusing on what you do not like about someone, find one thing that you do like. Instead of avoiding someone, get to know them. Just like you, they have a life that is filled with back stories of what they may be responding to, and not even know it. Love each other enough to see each other grow in Christ. Your spiritual life is actively at work in you, and so it is in them. Instead of looking at the seen, look at the unseen. Love always hopes. Love does not keep an account of a suffered wrong. Love bears all, regardless at what comes. Love remains steadfast. Love looks for the best in each other. Love endures even in the difficult times (paraphrase from 1 Corinthians 13:4-8).

Elohim, our all sufficient One, we honor You will our praise and thanksgiving. You are Marvelous. You are Wonderful. Thank You for sending Your Son to be the Light of the World to bring us out of darkness. He overcame so that we can overcome. Thank You for the gift of the Holy Spirit that now dwells in us. Thank you that our spiritual lives are actively at work within us. We repent for not taking an active role in our growth and focusing on the temporary in each other. We not only desire to see growth in ourselves, but in the body of Christ. We are choosing to be more committed to the ministry of reconciliation that you have called us to. You created us with a purpose and avoidance is not a part of that purpose. We are sorry for making it about us when we chose that path. Give us opportunities to be a part of Your restoration plan. We choose hope today. We choose forgiveness today. We choose joy today. We choose love today. In Jesus Name, Amen.

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When we are vexed and distraught

Psalms 18:6 (AMP) In my distress [when I seemed surrounded] I called upon the Lord and cried to my God for help; He heard my voice from His temple, and my cry for help came before Him, into His very ears.

Psalms 120:1 (AMP) In my trouble I cried to the Lord, and He answered me.

When we have problems, who do we need to run to? I was having a problem in my mind yesterday. It started with a bad thought towards someone from something they shared on social media. I started to analyze it and dissect it. Why? Secretly I was hurt with this individual. It was nothing they had done to me personally either. I was judging their fruit against the post and how to me it seemed they were trying to find spiritual speak to defend their reasoning (half Word is not Truth). This vexed me because I was not thinking right and I knew it.

What did I do? I went to God in prayer about it. I did not ask Him to change them, I asked Him to change me. Help me to have a pure heart, Lord. Why? I want to be effective in His Kingdom.

1 Corinthians 13:1-3 (AMP) If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love [for others growing out of God’s love for me], then I have become only a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal [just an annoying distraction]. And if I have the gift of prophecy [and speak a new message from God to the people], and understand all mysteries, and [possess] all knowledge; and if I have all [sufficient] faith so that I can remove mountains, but do not have love [reaching out to others], I am nothing. If I give all my possessions to feed the poor, and if I surrender my body to be burned, but do not have love, it does me no good at all.

I do not want to be a distraction in the Kingdom. Therefore, I need to cast down the thoughts that have a distraction, or try to vex me, to truly love the way He wants me to love. Love is not a feeling, it is the ability to be selfless. This is not the same of thinking less of myself. When I take up imaginations that are not believing the best for others, then I am not loving well. I am actually starting to live for self.

1 John 5:1-5 (AMP) Everyone who believes [with a deep, abiding trust in the fact] that Jesus is the Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed) is born of God [that is, reborn from above—spiritually transformed, renewed, and set apart for His purpose], and everyone who loves the Father also loves the child born of Him. By this we know [without any doubt] that we love the children of God: [expressing that love] when we love God and obey His commandments. For the [true] love of God is this: that we habitually keep His commandments and remain focused on His precepts. And His commandments and His precepts are not difficult [to obey]. For everyone born of God is victorious and overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has conquered and overcome the world—our [continuing, persistent] faith [in Jesus the Son of God]. Who is the one who is victorious and overcomes the world? It is the one who believes and recognizes the fact that Jesus is the Son of God.

How do I know that I am victorious in this love thing? I keep surrendering it to Jesus. I am making it a habit to keep His commandments and to remain focused on His precepts. His commandments and precepts are not difficult to obey when I keep my eyes on Him. Did I not just battle though? Yes I did. I chose to surrender. I chose to repent. I chose to change my focus to love Him first. I chose to pray blessings and wisdom over the individual. I chose forgiveness, so I can lead in love. I do not have to feel like loving to choose to love. Love is self sacrifice.

Amanda chooses to endure with patience and serenity, Amanda chooses to be kind and thoughtful, and is not jealous or envious; Amanda chooses not to brag and is not proud or arrogant. Amanda chooses not to be rude; chooses not to be self-seeking, chooses not to be provoked [nor overly sensitive and easily angered]; Amanda chooses not to take into account a wrong endured. Amanda chooses not to rejoice at injustice, but rejoices with the truth [when right and truth prevail]. Amanda chooses to bears all things [regardless of what comes], believes all things [looking for the best in each one], hopes all things [remaining steadfast during difficult times], endures all things [without weakening]. Amanda chooses to submit to the love that never fails, that is in Christ Jesus (taken and adapted from 1 Corinthians 13:4-8).

Take the Word and apply it to your life as well. When we surrender our will to His then it will become less burdensome. I enjoy His commandments, because with them I am free from the condemnation that my thoughts being so weak brings. When I am distressed I should run to Him, not away. He is where my help comes from, especially in my love walk. What do you think His commandment was?

John 13:34 (AMP) I am giving you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, so you too are to love one another.

Mark 12:30-31 (AMP) and you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul (life), and with all your mind (thought, understanding), and with all your strength.’ This is the second: ‘You shall [unselfishly] love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”

Lord, we honor You today with our praise and thanksgiving. We are thankful that we can run to You in times of distress, even when it is self inflicted. Thank You for sending Your Son to live a life without sin, to die on the cross and rise victoriously from the grave. We know that He is interceding for us at Your right hand. We thank You for the gift of the Holy Spirit so that we can recognize when our thoughts do not line up with the Truth of Your Word. Thank You for the Word of Knowledge that we receive when we spend time with the Holy Spirit. We repent for not coming to You sooner. You care for us, even when our thoughts become distressing. We thank You for being strong when we are weak. We choose to surrender our thoughts and our hearts to You today. We choose forgiveness for others and ourselves today. We choose love today. We choose hope today. We choose faith today. In Jesus Name, Amen.

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Heart Nuggets

1 Thessalonians 5:16-22 (AMP) Rejoice always and delight in your faith; be unceasing and persistent in prayer; in every situation [no matter what the circumstances] be thankful and continually give thanks to God; for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus. Do not quench [subdue, or be unresponsive to the working and guidance of] the [Holy] Spirit. Do not scorn or reject gifts of prophecy or prophecies [spoken revelations—words of instruction or exhortation or warning]. But test all things carefully [so you can recognize what is good]. Hold firmly to that which is good. Abstain from every form of evil [withdraw and keep away from it].

I was in 1 Thessalonians yesterday and came across this list given by Paul. It had so much good nuggets of truth in that I wanted to break it down. What is funny is that it is list of do’s and don’ts. Isn’t that what the modern day church is trying to get away from? However, it is not a list of what not sins to do and how to be pure and holy, this is a list of how to keep your mind right. Paul confessed about the battle he had going on in his mind about this very church (1 Thessalonians 3:5), “For this reason, when I could no longer endure the suspense, I sent someone to find out about your faith [how you were holding up under pressure], for fear that somehow the tempter had tempted you and our work [among you] would prove to be ineffective.”

So here is my list for this week:

  1. Rejoice always and delight in my faith. In my prayers, in my daily parts of life and in all circumstances. No matter what happens, I am to rejoice. How can I rejoice when someone just blasted me? How can I rejoice when the bills keep coming in? How can I rejoice when I just got in a fight with my spouse? Remember Romans 8:28: And we know [with great confidence] that God [who is deeply concerned about us] causes all things to work together [as a plan] for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to His plan and purpose. In trust Him, so I rejoice. Joy is a fruit of my faith in Him. Continually have a heart that is thankful. This is God’s will for you!
  2. I should be accepting of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. I do not need to be scornful in direction. We have become an independent, self governed, selfish group when we do not take direction as a growing opportunity. The Holy Spirit is not trying to harm you. We need to grow in the surrendered life.
  3. Do not reject the gifts of prophecy. This is man speaking to me through the revelation of the Holy Spirit. “Nobody is going to tell me what to do!” What will they say? Revelation knowledge (to get me back in line with the character and nature of God as revealed in His Word). Words of instruction (you are always going to have someone tell you what to do). Warnings (sometimes my attitude needs to be put back in check).
  4. Test all things! We like this one. I get to judge and criticize what is being said or done. Wait though. It says to test all things so you can recognize what is good. I do not test things and tear down what is bad. SO I CAN RECOGNIZE WHAT IS GOOD! Philippians 4:8 says, “ Finally, believers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable and worthy of respect, whatever is right and confirmed by God’s word, whatever is pure and wholesome, whatever is lovely and brings peace, whatever is admirable and of good repute; if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think continually on these things [center your mind on them, and implant them in your heart].” This is a true test for love. Can I change my mindset to focus on the good on others? Can I hold firmly to what is good?
  5. Abstain from every form of evil. Is this telling me to not sin? Why are we so focused on sin? This is a heart thing. If I need to hide who I am or what I am doing, then that is opening a doorway for the evil one into my life. The church has been good about hiding , therefore, it now lacks power. Be a person of integrity. Do not cause anyone to question your motives. This is why transparency is the body should be encouraged. Why are our boundaries more like weapons against flesh and blood?

I am rejoicing over you today. I am thankful for those that He has placed in my life to guide me. I will not be scornful in correction. I choose love instead.

Read 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 in the Passion Translation. I like to put my name in the passage…Amanda’s love is large and incredibly patient. Amanda is gentle and contently kind to all. Amanda refuses to be jealous when someone else is blessed. Amanda does not brag her own achievements not inflates her own importance. Amanda does not traffic in shame and disrespect, she is not seeking honor for herself. Amanda is not easily irritated and is not quick to take offense. Amanda is joyful when honesty is presented and celebrates it for herself (does not find ways around the truth), and she does not delight in when someone else is wronged. Amanda’s trust is under the shelter of the Almighty for she is grounded in His perfect love. Amanda believes and thinks the best for others. Amanda does not take hurt, rejection or setbacks as a defeat. Amanda continues to hope, because love never gives up.

I have to admit that I failed at a few of these this morning, but instead of beating myself up, I look to the Father. He is the perfecter of my faith.

Father, I thank You for the reader today. I thank You that you sent your Son to reconcile us to You. I choose to walk in freedom and grow in the areas that brings me more freedom. I do this so that I can be a light and example to others that need freedom. I bind up every thought that may be holding me captive to loving others the way You want me to. I repent for not walking in love like I should. I know you give me grace in these areas, not that I take advantage of Your mercy to give me permission to hurt others, but so that I can grow. Let my hope grow today. I rejoice in every set up that has been made today. I know that I can trust You. I place my trust in You. I desire You. Holy Spirit I surrender more of me today. I pray for those that persecute me for Your Name’s sake. Let your Word reign in my heart, in my mind and on my tongue today. In Jesus Name, Amen.

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Power in Hope

It has been a struggle to decide about what to write about today. In my personal time I have been reading through Psalms in the Message Translation. I wrote about the inward reflection that David took earlier this week (Psalms 42). Last night in youth, one of my leaders led a discussion on Psalms. I had to admit to them, that David is probably someone I would struggle to look up to in leadership, or even to be around. I enjoy him when He is leading them into battle, when he is leading them into worship and when he is talking about all the great things of God. Then he gets to this lamenting, not just complaining and whining, but deep down in the dumps kind of talk.

Psalms 13:1-2 (MSG) Long enough, God— you’ve ignored me long enough. I’ve looked at the back of your head long enough. Long enough I’ve carried this ton of trouble, lived with a stomach full of pain.
Long enough my arrogant enemies have looked down their noses at me.

Then I remember, God said that this was a man after His own heart. In this I am reminded that I have to have some of these kinds of people in my life. There are going to be leaders in my life that I have to honor even if I do not like their personality. Then it made me think, how do I come off on others? Most of the time I am quiet because I feel like I can come off harsh. I was told in one work place (a Christian nonprofit) that I did not speak in love and that they did not receive me as a person that lived 1 Corinthians 13. This hurt me deeply because I try to live Philippians 4:8 (AMP), “Finally, believers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable and worthy of respect, whatever is right and confirmed by God’s word, whatever is pure and wholesome, whatever is lovely and brings peace, whatever is admirable and of good repute; if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think continually on these things [center your mind on them, and implant them in your heart].” I try to live this towards God’s creation. I sometimes have to realign my thinking to this, but that is truly my goal. I asked them about this verse and they quickly informed me that they could not apply that to me. Ouch! So I rub people the wrong way sometimes too. Paul did, Peter did, even Hannah did with Eli the prophet. My heart is for other’s to feel that love of Christ to come through me, this truly is what I want to be rooted in.

There are going to be leaders in my life that I have to honor even if I do not like their personality.

I do understand that this is probably not who David was to everyone. Only those closest to him saw this side of him. What we are reading are his words pouring out to God. Why does God want us to see this? It’s okay that we are not okay sometimes. We need to cry out in our deep grief and anger. He knows our heart anyways!

I told the group last night that David reminded me of He-Man from the cartoon series in the 1980s. In his writings, David, does seem like he has two very distinct personalities. Prince Adam had all the feelings, he cooked, he goofed off and seemed not all that together. He wore a pink vest and purple leggings! Then when he got the “power” he transformed into this warrior.

The power I think is when David remembers his position, that God is for him and not against him. The “power” for David is always underlying there because even in the lament of Psalms 13 we see verse 15-16 (MSG), “I’ve thrown myself headlong into your arms—I’m celebrating your rescue. I’m singing at the top of my lungs, I’m so full of answered prayers.” David was never without hope. There is power in hope. It was the root of who David really was. May we never let go of hope.

Hope is one of the ingredients Paul talks about at the end of 1 Corinthians 13, verse 13 (TPT), “Until then, there are three things that remain: faith, hope, and love—yet love surpasses them all. So above all else, let love be the beautiful prize for which you run.” I did not forget about love. It is the most important, I know. I am running for that beautiful prize (I may not be athletic, but I am competitive).

If you need prayer please message me at amanda@desiringformore.org.

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Peace, Love and Jesus

1 John 4:18 There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives our fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.

As I read the first four books of the New Testament I saw a theme on what Jesus taught the disciples. He taught them about love and having faith. Peach and love go hand in hand. You cannot have faith and not love, and you cannot have peace without faith.

Lisa Bevere in Without Rival states: Fear is costly. It will steal your thoughts, your dreams, your relationships, your finances, your faith and your hope. Love is constant, it is supremely generous. It seeks to restore your relationships, your dreams and your hopes.

Let’s look at 1 Corinthians 13, you know the verse we quote at each other when we talk about the love walk. Let us do a little something different. Let us replace love with fear.

Fear is impatient and unkind while it envies and boasts; it is arrogant and rude. Fear insists on it’s own way; it is irritable and resentful; rejoices in wrong doing, rather than in truth. Fear bears nothing, believes nothing, hopes nothing, endures nothing. Fear will end.

When I inserted fear here, I saw some attributes of my self that I did not like. So I started saying this over myself daily:

Amanda is patient (suffers long). Amanda is kind. Amanda does not envy. Amanda does not boast (or parade herself). Amanda is not proud (puffed up). Amanda does not dishonor others (behave rudely). Amanda is not self seeking. Amanda is not easily angered (provoked). Amanda keeps no records of wrongs (thinks evil). Amanda does not delight in evil (rejoice in iniquity). Amanda rejoices in truth. Amanda always protects (bears all things). Amanda always trusts (believes all things). Amanda always hopes. Amanda always perseveres (endures). Amanda never fails.

I did a study not to long ago with my youth. My study Bible expounded on this verse a little more for my group:

Love "suffers long" means that God's love has patience with imperfect people.
"Love does not envy" means that real love wants other people to get ahead.
"Love does not parade itself" means that Bible love doesn't put on a big show in order to impress others.
Love "is not puffed up" or "proud" refers to the fact that people who walk in God's love do not have big heads.
Love "does not seek it's own" means that it is not self-centered and selfish but instead looks out fo the needs of others.
Love "is not provoked"; it is not irritable under pressure. Still working on this one!!
Love "thinks no evil" means it doesn't keep a record of wrongs done to it and is constantly forgiving.
Love "does not rejoice in iniquity" and does not rejoice in the mistakes and failures of others. The "God don't like ugly" statement makes my skin crawl.
Love "rejoices in the truth" means that it believes in what is open and hones.
Love "bears all things" is the kind of love that defends and hold other people up.
Love "believes" the best about other people.
Love "hopes all things" means that it never gives up on people.
Love "endures all things" is love that perseveres and is loyal to the end.

When I read this, it made me think of Philippians 4:8, Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of a good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy – meditate on these things.

Have you had a hard time choosing to meditate on these types of things? You know it is a choice. When we choose not to meditate this way about our situation or about people then we choose fear, the opposite of peace. Which means we choose not to love.

Do you know how I know I am not walking in His perfect love? When I do not have His peace. The peace that you can have by taking a nap in a raging storm (Mark 4:37-38).

Do you know how I know I am not walking in His perfect love?

When I do not have His peace.

Philippians 4:6-7 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, with surpasses all understanding will guard our hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Your requests are made known to God, not Facebook, Instagram, Snap Chat, Tik Tok, etc.

Then we do verse 8 (think only on the pure, lovely, virtuous), and verse 9 is our promise: The thing which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.

I have to make a choice in my mind and heart to love. I can walk in peace during the storms. The storm is where my destiny will be revealed, and I want to walk in my destiny! How many, like myself, see an area of the love walk that we can work on? It is okay that we still have work to do. It means that we have a destiny. He created us for good things and He is preparing us just for that (Ephesians 2:10). This mess that I got into will be used one day to lead others to Jesus. Remember love endures all things and is loyal to the end.

1 Corinthians 13:13 And now these three remain, faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.