Destined To Be Like Jesus

"Those whom He foreknew, He also destined from the beginning...to be molded into the image of His Son." Romans 8:29

Ephesians 2:10 says we are God's own handiwork recreated in Christ Jesus, that we may do those good works which God predestined for us, that we should walk in them (living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us to live).

God has destined us to be like Jesus! Connie Witter writes in her workbook, "Because of Jesus," that God's plan is for the nature of Jesus to shine through your life. He wants us to experience His love, joy, and peace abiding in our souls. His plan for you is to live an abundantly, blessed life.

You are God's masterpiece. You are His handiwork. You don't have to try to change yourself, that is the work of the Holy Spirit if you accept His gift. He is the One who produces good fruit in your life. He transforms you into everything God has destined you to be when you look to Jesus and renew your mind to His word.

"Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will know what God wants you to do, and you will know how good & pleasing and perfect His will really is." Romans 12:2

When we devote our minds to things other than Jesus and the Truth of the Word, it leads to strongholds (thinking that is contrary to the truth) and bondage of sin.

We can live free from every stronghold by casting down every negative thought and taking every thought captive. We are to renew our minds about who we are and what God has promised us through Jesus.

What an amazing gift God has given us! The Creator, Holy, & Almighty One cares about each of us so deeply! Let's take our thoughts captive and renew our minds as the daughters we are destined to be!!!


Parts taken from, "Because of Jesus" by Connie Witter

God's Awesome Power

I was so blessed to be a part of last night's Power Source. It was great to be surrounded by sisters in Christ who are hungry and thirsty for Him. It was great to have our guest speaker, Carrie Gurley, who so openly shared the Word and Truth in new and amazing ways that brought us closer to the Creator. It was great to have Carrie's teenage daughter with us who is using God's gifts to glorify Him. What a great reminder that the next generation is ready, hungry, & thirsty for Him! I woke up this morning with a new passion to teach my kids even more deeply and passionately about Him and His awesomeness! (Is that a word?! I don't care if it's not. It's my way to describe Him!!!)

Mostly, I was blown away and continue to be of God's unchangeable love. HE WAS, IS, AND WILL ALWAYS BE! I lift His name and praise Him for our monthly study of Him. Father, I ask that you continue to pour yourself into this group of women. Please be present Lord, active in growing us, revealing to us your might and gifts. Please take the scales off our human eyes and put on our beautiful, new eyes of faith on that are always looking up to you!

I proclaim VICTORY in the precious name of Jesus today....

Laura

Stepping Out In Faith

The Lord said to Abram, "Leave your country, your people, & your father's house and go to the land I will show you. I will make you into a great nation & I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, & whoever curses you I will curse; and all people on earth will be blessed through you." So Abram left, as the Lord had told him; and Lot went with him. Abram was 75 years old when he set out from Haran. Genesis 12:1-4

What faith! Abram chose to step out & step up to God's calling. Are you willing to step out of your comfort zone? We all like the safety and security places. Yet there are times when God calls us out of the cozy into an uncomfortable situation that stretches our faith and increases our dependence on him.

Stepping out in faith will look different in each of our lives. But one thing is for sure; as we hear God's call and step out in faith, we can trust him to be with us and to see us through.

Are we listening to God's call? What does He want me to do that may require me to step out in faith?

This week my choices are:
*to choose to seek God's direction in my life
*to choose to step out in faith & obedience.
*to thank the Lord for His blessings & His presence in my life.

Faith puts God between us & our circumstances. F.B. Meyer

Taken from The Power of a Positive Woman by Karol Ladd