Can We Grow a Little Further

 Growth is precipitated by germination, in the Christian life we call it revelation. 

The word germinate is defined as to begin to grow. (Merriam-Webster, 2022). The word revelation is defined as act of revealing or communicating divine truth. something that is revealed by God to humans. (Merriam-Webster, 2022).

Jesus declared in John 8:30-32, As he spake these words, many believed on him. Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

Knowing the truth of God's Word is the catalyst for personal growth in the will of God. Knowing God's Word speaks to intimacy and closeness, meaning it is a part of you and your everyday life. God's Word will produce fruitfulness or growth as we yield to it and/or follow Jesus' teaching. 

The bible declares in 1 Peter 2:2-3,  As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious.

It is recorded  in the scriptures, that Jesus grew, Luke 2:39-40, And when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city Nazareth. 40 And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him.

Growth and development in the life of a Christian doesn't just happen. It happens because you and I become intentional about our progress in the kingdom of God and our relationship and stewardship with God.

Growing in God is a process and/or journey, so never settle for stagnation or idleness. When a car is idle it is sitting still and not moving forward.

Idle defined: 

• Spend time doing nothing. 
• Without purpose or effect: pointless. 
• To run at low power and often disconnected usually so that power is not used for useful work.

In scriptures tell us, 2 Peter 3:17-18 (AMP),  Therefore, [let me warn you] beloved, knowing these things beforehand, be on your guard so that you are not carried away by the error of [a]unprincipled men [who distort doctrine] and fall from your own steadfastness [of mind, knowledge, truth, and faith], 18 but grow [spiritually mature] in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be glory (honor, majesty, splendor), both now and to the day of eternity. Amen

God the Father, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit lives in the heart of every true Christian. Their presence confirms purpose. Purpose requires progress and progress requires participation. Every season of life is intended to promote growth and development for your Christian journey in the earth. The opportunities are all around us and in us, so let us move forward and - grow a little further today and everyday through Christ our Redeemer!

Philippians 2:12-14 (AMP), So then, my dear ones, just as you have always obeyed [my instructions with enthusiasm], not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence, continue to work out your salvation [that is, cultivate it, bring it to full effect, actively pursue spiritual maturity] with awe-inspired fear and trembling [using serious caution and critical self-evaluation to avoid anything that might offend God or discredit the name of Christ]. 13 For it is [not your strength, but it is] [a]God who is effectively at work in you, both to will and to work [that is, strengthening, energizing, and creating in you the longing and the ability to fulfill your purpose] for His good pleasure. 14 Do everything without murmuring or questioning [the providence of God].

Love you much, Sister Cathy~

Inspirational Blog by Sister Cathy - Harris Ministries International. www.harrisministriesint.com

Preserved Blameless

 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24
And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it

Blameless defined: 

• faithful and obedient servants of God who strive to do what is right, even when it's difficult or unpopular. They are truthful in their words and actions, and they trust in God and seek to follow His guidance in all aspects of their lives

God is interested in the whole man, not one part of you is insignificant. God wants to sanctify or separate for Himself not only our born again spirit but also our soul and our bodies. He has a unique and a specific purpose for each part. 

Preserved defined:

• To keep or save
• To protect from injury, destruction, or evil. For example, in Genesis 45:5, God says, "God did send me before you to preserve life". In Psalms 140:1, David asks God to "preserve me from the violent man".
• To uphold or sustain. 
  For example, in Psalms 36:6, God says, "O Lord, thou preservest man and beast".
• To keep from decay
• To keep something in a sound state, such as preserving fruit in winter or meat with salt.

Our whole being should strive on one accord to please the Lord and to glorify His name. I f you recognize a part of your being; spirit, soul or body that is not yielded to God’s will you must be diligent to make adjustments and bring discipline and correct until it is blameless. We must not settle for average, we must press with the help of the Holy Spirit to reach beyond ordinary worldly standards and customs. 

Live from the heavenly places, He has obtained for you, in Christ Jesus. Allow God to preserve you until the end.

Blessings 

Sister Cathy~

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Emotions: Friend or Foe?

 Emotions: Friend or Foe?

Many people have a misconception concerning our God given emotions, and they group them in with the five physical senses of the human body. However, our emotions are of the soul, and they were created by God with a purpose. Emotions are no less important than the other elements of the soul; our mind and will. But if they are left undeveloped and conformed to the nature of fall man they can be very destructive. Emotions are often related to feelings, and episodes of tearful woe. They are stereo-typed with menopause and mental instabilities; such as nervous breakdowns and immature whining and pity parties. Emotions are thought of as mood swings and unstable, irrational changes in behavior. They are seen as a weakness, something to be avoided and never cultivated to be an asset.    

Our God given emotions are not part of the curse as some may think. Emotions when properly understood and skillfully employed in a human beings life can complement and strengthen their relationship and intimacy with God and others. Emotions can help maintain our inner man’s flaming fire of passion for God and His Kingdom, assisting with the fulfillment of our Divine destiny and finishing one’s course in life. A runner with zeal and passion for his race is more likely to train harder, press further and sacrifice more than someone who is mediocre and has no fervor whatsoever for the game. Emotion is not an island and is never to be solo in its endeavors but is a support to the spirit of man. On the other hand, emotions ungoverned by the word of God and the Spirit of God can cause shipwreck to the human spirit. 

The human body has many parts and each part has a function yet all the parts work together to help the body fulfill its purpose. The soul also was created by God with more than one part and all the parts are to work together to help the spirit of man fulfill his destiny. There was not one part of mans being, spirit, soul or body that was created by mistake or without meaningful purpose.

As we seek to Detoxify our soul and rid it of all harmful, destructive and deadly toxins, the various parts of our soul will begin to  take on new character and  regain original purpose. When we submit our whole being; spirit, soul and body to the word of God and allow it to transformation us from the inside out  we will experience the benefits of each member of our beings true purpose. Don't settle for the lie that your emotions are of the curse and therefore should be avoided and left undeveloped thus preventing them from glorifying God.

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Honor that Comes from God Only

 2Corinthians 6:4-10 (AMP)

But we commend ourselves in every way as [true] servants of God: through great endurance, in tribulation and suffering, in hardships and privations, in sore straits and calamities, In beatings, imprisonments, riots, labors, sleepless watching, hunger; By innocence and purity, knowledge and spiritual insight, longsuffering and patience, kindness, in the Holy Spirit, in unfeigned love; By [speaking] the word of truth, in the power of God, with the weapons of righteousness for the right hand [to attack] and for the left hand [to defend]; Amid honor and dishonor; in defaming and evil report and in praise and good report. [We are branded] as deceivers (impostors), and [yet vindicated as] truthful and honest. [We are treated] as unknown and ignored [by the world], and [yet we are] well-known and recognized [by God and His people]; as dying, and yet here we are alive; as chastened by suffering and [yet] not killed; As grieved and mourning, yet [we are] always rejoicing; as poor [ourselves, yet] bestowing riches on many; as having nothing, and [yet in reality] possessing all things.

Honor defined:
• Strong moral character or strength, and adherence to ethical principles.
• Great respect and admiration.
• Personal dignity and integrity, that sometimes leads to recognition and glory.

In the above scriptures Paul talked about some weighty things. It is never pleasant to go through temptations, test or trials, yet amid them our God will never leave us nor forsake us. Paul talked about honor and dishonor. Isn’t it amazing how a person can be honored by someone one hour and dishonored the very next minute by someone else. Honor can be toxic if it is not filtered through Christ. We must not seek to be honored by others because we set ourselves up for disappointment and discouragement. When we become distraught, depressed and confused because of a lack of honor from others this only reveals that we had our priorities all wrong. When we choose to look to human-kind for approval, acceptance and validation then we spiritually disarm ourselves and like Sampson find ourselves lying on the lap of the enemy, shaven and without power.

Jesus said, “I receive not honour from men” John 5:41.

Jesus was not a slave to the opinions of people. He was not moved off course by their approval or disapproval of Him. The scriptures said, “But Jesus did not commit himself unto them, because he knew all men, And needed not that any should testify of man: for he knew what was in man.” John 2:24-25

Jesus knew the corruptness of human nature. He knew that the nature of man was selfish. A person who is controlled by selfishness will not honor you without strings attached. The honor that they give is tainted and not genuine, it is false, a mere facade. There will be times when your good is evil spoken of. There will be times when people try to defame and smear your good name to try to dishonor you. There will be times when seemingly for no apparent reason people began to despise and reject you, casting you off to the side like a dried up piece of meat. Don’t take it personal, it’s just the devil working through them trying to get you to give up, cave in and quit. The devil has trapped and shipwrecked many a soul through dishonor. Dishonor can buckle a man or woman to their knees quicker than a Karate kick to the abdomen. Dishonor has its roots in betrayal. Betrayal can leave a person feeling violated, striped, exposed, and weak both spiritually and physically.

Jesus said, “How can ye believe, which receive honour one of another, and seek not the honour that cometh from God only?" John 5:44 Seeking the honor of men is a product of unbelief. Unbelief is a sign of spiritual weakness and retardation. We are not growing properly as Christians when we harbor unbelief. Faith in God is what we need to grow and flourish properly.

When we are dishonored by others, this is a demonic attack to try to ambush our faith. But be of good cheer, God did not leave His people without a defense against such a monster.

He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions. Psalms 107:20

The word of God can equip you and fortify you against any attack of dishonor. The word of God in you will never back up in defeat, it will always pursue then conqueror and subdue your enemies. The word of God will establish you so that you will only seek the honor that comes from God; everything else is just a cheap imitation. The word of God will cause you to be unmovable, unshakable, and unbreakable. But in order for this to happen we must make the word of God a high priority in our lives. We must take the time to allow the Holy Spirit to download the word in our hearts. This does not just happen through brief methodical readings of the scripture. We must lock in and engage our spirit, soul and body in the word of God. We must submerge ourselves and take long soaks in the word of Life.

You are a vessel of honor don’t be disillusioned by the picture the devil is showing you in his mirror of deception. Square your shoulders back and walk tall, God will honor you before all. Keep the faith don’t give in, you win!

He Stooped So Low

 Philippians 2:7-11 (amp)

But stripped Himself [of all privileges and rightful dignity], so as to assume the guise of a servant (slave), in that He became like men and was born a human being. And after He had appeared in human form, He abased and humbled Himself [still further] and carried His obedience to the extreme of death, even the death of the cross! Therefore [because He stooped so low] God has highly exalted Him and has freely bestowed on Him the name that is above every name, That in (at) the name of Jesus every knee should (must) bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, And every tongue frankly and openly] confess and acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Jesus’ destiny did not look pretty from a natural stand point but He completed the course nonetheless. Obedience is the act or practice of following instructions, complying with rules or regulations, or submitting to somebody's authority. Jesus’ obedience to God the Father resulted in death, but His death brought life to many people through the power of His resurrection. 

Let us take His example and live our lives in full obedience to the will of the Father and enjoy the benefits of resurrection power!

 Martha and Mary actualized the benefits of true believing, and saw their brother Lazarus raised from the dead by Jesus the Christ, the Son of the living God!

 John 11:21-27

Then said Martha unto Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.  But I know, that even now, whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give it thee. Jesus saith unto her, Thy brother shall rise again. Martha saith unto him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day.

 Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:  And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this? She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world.

Do you believe that Jesus is the resurrection and the life? I pray that you do, because He is the only Messiah, the only Savior, the only Healer, the only Redeemer, the only resurrected Christ, the Son of the living God!! Praise Him today for His love and sacrifice for you. Receive that His love and let it heal, deliver and set you free! 

Jesus was raised from the dead on the 3rd day by the power of the Holy Spirit so that whosoever believes in Him could receive eternal life.

He stooped so low so that we could be raised so high!! 

In Christ Love

Sister Cathy

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Be Cautious of What You Are Hearing

Luke 9:44 Jesus said: " Let these sayings sink down into your ears...

 Are you listening? 

God has many things to say to you. 

The words that God speak are what we live by. Man was created by God and designed to live by every word that proceeds out of His mouth. His words are vital to our very existence. Jesus said let these sayings sink down, inferring there can be a shallow form of hearing. We hear but don't hear, we hear and don't understand what we hear and the words just become mere casual conversation. 

We must put a greater value on the words that God speak than any other words spoken to us, regardless at whatever time in our life they were spoken, no matter who else it was that said it. God's word is spirit and it is life. It is not just something we can casually choose to ignore, without experiencing grave consequences. 

If God said His word is life to me and health to all my flesh, and that it is the very substance of my life, then for me to not partake of it would mean death and destruction. Oh yes, it's that important. Jesus said let these words, meaning we can control how deep the Word penetrates our life. We can stop it's progress when we don't honor it, esteeming other things and words over it. When we place more importance on what somebody else is saying. 

Proper spiritual growth and development depends on what takes root in your life. The sayings that sink down deep are the ones we allow to guide and influence our everyday life. Critical decisions that we make daily, decisions that not only effect our lives but the lives of others, are all based on the things that we have allowed to sink down deep in our hearing. Be more selective and protective of the words you allow to go to the deeper parts of your being.

And He said to them, Be careful what you are hearing. The measure (of thought and study) you give (to the truth you hear) will be the measure (of virtue and knowledge) that comes back to you and more (besides) will be given to you who hear. Mark 4:24 (AMP)

Power Outage!

 In the natural world it is very easy for a power outage to occur, a little wind, thunder and lightening and BAM your lights blink. Suddenly, the power connection that once supplied your house is broken and your lights and appliances are off. There are times in life when man's natural equipment doesn't seem to compare or match up with natures fury. The natural power we depend on from day to day is often fragile and limited in it's ability to perform 100% all the time. 

However, there is a power that is greater and far more superior, trustworthy, and dependable for our every need than any other power. The power that I am speaking of is THE POWER OF ALMIGHTY GOD!

In the life of a born again believer, storms both spiritual and natural provide a wonderful opportunity for God to display His awesome power. There is a power that will never fail us or leave us in the dark. We can live life power outage free! The power of God is available to us 24/7 and it is free of charge. The only thing you need is faith in God. The scriptures declare, Jesus said, ... if thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth (Mark 9:23). Also in the following scripture declares; But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible (Matthew 19:26)

Jesus dominated spiritual and physical storms.

 Mark 4:38-40, "And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish? And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?"

WOW! No power outage in this encounter with Jesus, just a full manifestation of dunamis! Jesus is providing us with a real time example of how we should live our lives in every opposing situation and circumstance.

God wants us to look just like Him in every situation of life, even during a storm. God has fully supplied every born again believer with power to be a witness. We are witnesses of Christ when we dominate storms. We are witnesses of Christ when we cast out devils and lay hands on the sick and see them recover.

Power outages happen in the lives of those who are lukewarm (Revelations 3:16). Power outages happen for those who do not believe and/or trust in God, which equates to living by faith (Galatians 3:11). Power outages happen when we neglect reading the word of God and fellow-shipping with Him (John 8:31-32). Power outages happen when we stay more in tune with the world  as opposed to, praying and being sensitive to God's Spirit, the Spirit of Truth. Power outages happen when we live in the flesh and not in the spirit, (Galatians 5:16).

The scriptures gives proof /evidence that God did not leave us here in the earth without power. According to;

Luke 10:18-20 (AMP)
And He said to them, I saw Satan falling like a lightning [flash] from heaven. Behold! I have given you authority and power to trample upon serpents and scorpions, and [physical and mental strength and ability] over all the power that the enemy [possesses]; and nothing shall in any way harm you. Nevertheless, do not rejoice at this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are enrolled in heaven.

It's time to rise up, child of God, and use this awesome power. Don't let the lightening strike your tower. There is a great demand in this hour. Stay awake and alert, be on your watch, don't let the lights go out on your in your house!

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