 You've heard the phrase "reckless abandon". most likely you've sung it a time or two in songs. artists love to say we should "live with reckless abandon". but what does living a life of reckless abandon mean? to see the greatest example of this terminology--all you have to do is look to jesus. he took reckless abandon and love and combined them when he died on the cross. he put our lives before his. he put our needs before his. he put us first. websters dictionary defines reckless as "without thought to the consequences" Abandon is defined as "without restraint, to give up control of"- love is simply "passionate affection". when you combine those three you get jesus, and his example of what it all means- that he gave up control without thought or consequence because of his deep and passionate affection for us! proverbs 20:23 says "when you live a life of abandoned love, surrendered before the awe of god, here's what you'll experience: abundant life continual protection and complete satisfaction" so god is asking me to what? to be without thought, stop thinking?--lol, no thats not what without thought is, but hey, at times it would be great, at least for my all too busy mind. no, he is saying to put aside the fear, worry, anxiety of life-and give him control. and then what? surrender, give it all--all the hurts, wants, needs, desires to him. and then love him. no matter if you have hundreds of people who love you or you feel no one loves you- there is always jesus who does. always. what he states in the bible is always true. always. the most awesome thing that a lot of people miss here in this verse, is that after god asks you to love, he gives you a vision of what your life can entail. he shows love back to you through his promises. no, we won't every single day and every single moment have complete satisfaction but that is because of us- we will still have days that we think we can do it all and we don't hand over control to god-- those are the days of fear and anxiety. so, the next day you start over: you get up, pray renew your mind with the verse above in proverbs, and relinquish your tiny bit of authority. you give it all to god. and he is ever ready to start that continual protection again with abundant life- and his love- it is pretty amazing. *you might be asking, "Why the pic of the puppy?" because he's cute?! LOL LOL  Can you still get a win in life after you sin?
you know at one time or another you have thought that and pondered the question. when i was little, if (and i mean if cause i was such a pure and sweet little girl-lol) i got in an ARGUMENT with one of my brothers, my mom made us both say we were sorry. did we always mean it? no but the word was said and that was supposed to end the dispute and clean the slate. what about now? what about when i sin as an adult and i know better? does sorry cover it and wash the slate clean? well, lets look at two things-- am i truly repentant to the person (and jesus) and has the remorse in my heart changed me? 2 corinthians 7:10,11 is an awesome verse. summed up it says: god designed us to feel remorse over sin so that it would produce repentance and bring about fruit in our lives-- guess what? that repentance leads to victory. when you are truly sorry and allow god to change your heart, it awakens a passion for god. guilt and condemnation from yourself, (also others for that matter) should be let go. and satan can from that moment on suck it! because you just got a win over sin. his plan failed. he wanted you not to feel the saviors presence in your life. he wanted depression to storm in because he kept telling you that you messed up big and no one forgives you . he wanted your past to define you and keep you distant from god. he wanted you to not feel joy anymore. he wanted your life to be over. satan is the original fun sucker. I was once told on a subject that "you don't have a leg to stand on". this person said this to me because i had done what i was speaking against. they thought that because i had "messed up" that i was forever defined by that. no, no, no. that is why there is jesus. you mess up and he gets you back up. you repent and he changes you---you are never the same. when jesus "Clears your slate", tell others. don't hide it. don't be afraid to speak about what he has done-- speak loud enough so that those in the back who are thinking you don't have a leg to stand on can hear all you are saying- give them a dose of jesus joy and that will drown out the fun suckers noise. *2 corinthians 7:11 "...as god intended,because of your remorse over sin- Now you are eager to do what is right"  Webster's Dictionary defines famous as: Known about by many people.
Jay leno once said "you're not famous until my mother has heard of you." (LOL) so, when you think of famous people, who comes to mind? usually it's the celebrities and sports stars who have been in the limelight-and they are the ones that have most often been in a lot of trouble. society today seems to take much interest in being famous. social media now has "influencers" who are basically everyday people that have risen to stardom through having thousands of followers on their post and those followers idolize them because the influencer tells them what to do, how to act, what products to use, etc. --IN A NUTSHELL--HOW TO BE JUST LIKE THEM. BEING UNIQUE IS THROWN OUT THE DOOR. COPYCAT CITY FOLLOWS. YOU ARE NOW AN AVATAR OF THAT INFLUENCER. THEY WILL REMAKE AND MOLD YOU INTO THEIR IMAGE AND YOU WILL MAKE THEM FAMOUS BY TELLING OTHERS OF WHAT THEY HAVE DONE FOR YOU-WHICH IS _______?? I WAS READING IN PSALM 34:3-5 TODAY ABOUT GOD'S GOODNESS TO kING DAVID--YES, HE IS PRETTY MUCH A CELEBRITY OF THE BIBLE. MOST KNOW THE STORY BUT HERE IS A QUICK RECAP: DAVID WAS A SHEPARD BOY WHO KILLED THE ENEMY GIANT GOLIATH. DAVID HAD TO RELY ON GOD FOR DELIVERANCE WHEN THE CURRENT KING OF ISRAEL BECAME JEALOUS AND WANTED TO KILL HIM. DAVID BECAME KING OF ISRAEL. DAVID LOVED GOD AND HELPED TO EXPAND CHRISTIANITY IN HIS KINGDOM. DAVID FELL AWAY FROM GOD AND HAD AN AFFAIR WITH BATHSHEEBA AND SHE BECAME PREGNANT. DAVID PLOTTED AND KILLED BATHSHEEBAS HUSBAND. DAVIDS CHILD DIED. DAVID FELL ON HIS FACE BEFORE HIS GOD AND CRIED OUT FOR FORGIVENESS. GOD DELIVERED AND WASHED HIM CLEAN. LATER, DAVID HAD A CHILD, SOLOMON, WHO WAS THE TOUTED AS THE "WISEST MAN WHO EVER LIVED." (IT IS DEFINITELY WORTH YOUR TIME TO READ THE FULL LIFE STORY OF DAVID) SO, HERE'S WHERE I AM GOING WITH ALL OF THIS. IN VERSE 3 OF THAT PSALM, IT SAYS "jOIN ME EVERYONE, LET'S PRAISE THE LORD TOGETHER. lET'S MAKE HIM FAMOUS!" SINCE WEBSTER'S DICTIONARY DEFINES FAMOUS AS BEING KNOWN ABOUT BY MANY PEOPLE, PUTTING THAT INTO DAVID'S CALL TO ACTION MEANS: "COME ON, LET'S WORSHIP GOD AS ONE, lET'S TELL PEOPLE WHAT GOD WANTS THEM TO DO, HOW TO ACT, HOW THE BIBLE IS A "PRODUCT" THAT WILL HELP THEM, THIS WAY THEY CAN LEARN TO BE LIKE HIM. WE WILL BE OUR SAVIOR'S INFLUENCERS". WHY DO I WANT TO MAKE MY GOD FAMOUS? BECAUSE JUST LIKE DAVID SAID IN VERSE 1 OF PSALM 34 "lORD, i AM BURSTING WITH JOY OVER WHAT YOU'VE DONE FOR ME!" GOD IS GOOD- PEOPLE NEED TO KNOW THAT. THEY NEED TO KNOW HE HEALS. THEY NEED TO KNOW HE FORGIVES. THEY NEED TO KNOW HE LOVES THEM. MAKING GOD FAMOUS IS LIVING FOR HIM. AND LIKE JAY LENO SAID "YOU AREN'T FAMOUS UNTIL MY MOTHER HAS HEARD OF YOU", WELL, IF YOU ARE A CHRISTIAN THEN YOUR JOB IS TO MAKE SURE SHE AND EVERYONE IN YOUR SPHERE HAS HEARD OF THE MOST FAMOUS INFLUENCER OF ALL TIME--JESUS.  "Your life today is a result of your thinking yesterday. Your life tomorrow will be determined by what you think today" John C. Maxwell
I Read a story this week about Sam Walton, the founder of walmart. I would call him a visionary. Why? Because he did not let what others tell him affect his dream. mr. Walton said "i guess in all my years, what i heard more often than anything was that a town of less than 50,000 population cannot support a discount store for very long." he never let the opinions of others decide where his vision was headed. he conceptualized what the world said was impossible because he believed with unwavering ambition what god had placed in his heart. Do you have a goal that seems to be so far out of reach that you have quit believing for it? have you let what others tell you is impossible to affect your thinking and subsequently you aren't relying on god for your next step? are you so caught up in the mundane day to day tasks that what used to be your "plan for your life" has now turned into a far reaching pipe dream? I got you--i've been there. in fact, about every other day i want to give up. some days it's every other hour. (LOL) in my life, i had to come to the place where i fell on my face before god, layed it all before him and relinquished control of my life. yep, control. i like it. janet jackson sang about it: "I'm in Control - Never gonna stop Control - To get what I want Control - I like to have a lot Control - Now I'm all grown up" ha ha ha ha ha ha ha that whole chorus is a bunch of bull. here's how my control song chorus would go: control--i have wanted to stop. control--i don't always get what i want. control--when i do get a lot of it and do things my way, i usually mess something up. and i'm still not all grown up--(just ask my mom, i call her about, well, everything. lol) Proverbs 2:7-10 says For the lord has a hidden storehouse of wisdom, he protects and guards you as you choose what is right and then you will discover all that is just, proper and fair. and you will be empowered to make the right decisions as you walk into your destiny-- when wisdom wins your heart and revelation breaks in-true pleasure enters your soul. i know for me that once i fell on my face before god, gave him the control, and began to earnestly seek his wisdom, that is when i made my millions. jk jk just checking to make sure you are still paying attention. no, truth is some days i still don't know the next step. i don't know all of the plans. but i am following god and listening to his voice--how? by pressing in to his word. i love to listen to sermon podcasts as i cook. i love to know that as i am working i can still fill my mind and subsequently my heart with the knowledge of my savior. in the verse in proverbs above, god says (and people when god says something, it is a promise), "i will be empowered to make the right decisions as i walk into my destiny". so today, change the course of your life and start dreaming again for the great things that god has in store for you-- how? three simple steps: step one-- turn it all over to god in prayer. step two- seek his wisdom. step three- repeat step one and two **and when you start the next global superstore you could name it rebecca, or just dedicate your autobiography to me**  so you messed up?
you knew what to do and chose not to do it? you decided to follow your own advice? (really? you thought you knew best?) you thought you knew better than god?(ha ha ha that one does make me laugh) or maybe you chose to only partly follow god's program and then once you turned to your own decisions the plan went south? well my friends-i today am thankful that we serve a god of second chances. heck, even third, fourth and i stopped counting at 1 million- chances. looking at the well known bible story of jonah and the whale we can see how not following god's commands will destroy us--when left to our own vices, we do not have all the answers. we were created for our god's glory. and our creator loves us. god wants the best for us. but he gives us the choice everyday as to whether we will follow him or turn away. let's recap jonah's "tale"-(lol no pun intended, but do you get it, "tale"--as in the tail on the whale) JOnah was given a command from god-- go to NINEVEH and preach the great commission, to tell them God loves them. the people there were sinning, they didn't know right from wrong. god was going to destroy the city if they did not turn to him. and god hand picked jonah to deliver the message. jonah did not like his mission- he chose not to accept it. the ninevites were a ruthless and warlike nation that killed men such as jonah. the ninevites were enemies of israel. and here comes the part we all know- so jonah decided to run, run from god's directive. he spent three days in the belly of a whale and here was his prayer once he realized his disobedience: JOnah 2:8,9 “Those who cling to worthless idols turn away from God’s love for them. But I, with shouts of grateful praise, will sacrifice to you. What I have vowed I will make good. I will say, ‘Salvation comes from the Lord.’” At this point jonah was partly following god, he still had to follow through and go to nineveh and give the people god's message, he still had the choice to be fully obedient. (and in case you haven't read the whole story, he did follow through and his message saved the people because they turned from their wickedness to god) and this is where i was wanting to get to in my story- god reminded me this week that when i choose to only partly follow his instructions that i am disobedient. what? but i am doing most of what you say God-- "most of" is not "all". do you want to have most of your heart healthy and FUNCTIONING or all? when you are putting together a bookshelf, to be successful, should you follow most of the instructions or all? do you want to be paid for most of your time at work or all???? god wants all of you. all of your heart, all of your obedience. all. proverbs 6:23 tells us that truth is a bright beam of light, shining into every area of our life, instructing and correcting us to discover the ways to godly living. but again--it is still up to us to follow truth or run from it. Like jonah, i have run from god and been in the "belly of the whale" too (not literally, lol, but still in a place of disgust and self inflicted torment). just as god gave jonah a second chance, he did the same for me. no, i haven't saved a nation from imminent destruction, god handed down judgement, and death, my mission isn't the same as jonah's. my mission isn't the same as yours. but i will work each day to fulfill the calling that god has placed on me and bring him glory. will i be perfect? no will i sometimes be an idiot and think i know best? most likely but, will my god forgive? yes, yes, yes--a million times yes. my goal when i wake up tomorrow is not to get trapped in that whales belly. so today, i must fix my eyes on jesus and his word. that way i am strengthened to resist my own, rebecca knows best ideas, and bring myself into full obedience to god. plus, i would rather have a three day vacation on dry land and not in the stomach bile of a sea creature!  How do you measure success? Most define it as how much a man owns and his social status. if that person is a doctor, policeman, or lawyer, then they are highly esteemed and given praise. and yes, those professions deserve our respect. but do those jobs define a persons worth? at the heart is where we will find the measure of a man. to be happy and fulfilled in your career is a true blessing. but it is a status that few have reached. why? because they stopped believing for their dream, or maybe they never had a dream at all- they just did what their parents or friends told them to do. maybe they had to go for the first job offered to them because of lifes circumstances and needed the money, then as time went on they just settled and never strove for anything higher than what was laid in front of their eyes. well my friends, it is never too late to go and pursue your dreams. your "vision" is what you can see with your eyes. your "dreams" are what you see beyond your vision. picture this: your best friend is right beside you at the pier on a lake. you both are looking at a beautiful sunrise- that is what is in your vision. but you also see an opportunity to start fresh with a new day. to conquer the day and your to do list. you see god giving you another chance to fulfill your purpose and give him glory. you see the beauty in life. your friend doesn't see that-they only see the sunrise. your dream is for you - it is something that can only be reached with god. when you press into his wisdom, he will not fail you. don't take a settling dream approach, you know where you have a great dream but are scared you might not achieve it, so to save face with others and not seem like a total loser, you have an easier "backup dream". one that can be achieved without full effort and still makes you look like you are a winner. if there is nugget of wisdom i have learned from pop culture movies and quotes it is from ricky bobby in the "talladega nights" movie, he was right when he said, "if you're not first, you're last". (come on laugh, you know that was funny) it's like a 2nd place trophy and not even one that you really earned, it's one that you gave yourself. it's a participation trophy--and we all know those are ridiculous, especially in sports (insert eyeroll and groan, lol) don't just participate in life-- strive for your vision. you don't have a vision? ok, start today--ask god to give you ideas, ones that will bring him glory. in the process of "going for it", you will develop a friendship with god that is unequivocal to any relationship you have ever experienced. lean on, depend on and draw closer to god-- in him you will find your success! and the next time you are on the pier looking at the lake, your dream reaching best friend, god, will be seeing the same sunrise as you! Habbukuk 2:2,3“Write the vision And engrave it plainly on clay tablets So that the one who reads it will run. “For the vision is yet for the appointed future time It hurries toward the goal of fulfillment; it will not fail. Even though it delays, wait patiently for it, Because it will certainly come; it will not delay.  Ephesians 6:11 , 14-17 (PBT)
Put on Gods complete set of armor provided for us so that you will be protected as you fight against the evil strategies of the accuser. Your hand to hand combat is not with humans but with the highest principalities and authorities operating in rebellion--Because of this, you must wear all the armor from God so you can confront the slanderer, for you are destined for all things and will rise victorious. Stand on your feet alert! ever wanted to give up? well since we are all humans with flaws, the answer is INDUBITABLY yes. have you ever wondered "Why me?" Ever felt like a loser? you've stood firm and won 100 mini battles against this world but can't figure out why your current one seems to be flopping? Want to just throw in the towel and quit???? "when you are under the greatest pressure to quit, it's an indication that the enemy has fired his best shot, and if that shot doesn't get you, he's finished. you may be shaky and feel as if your armor's falling off, but take a look -"you're still standing." Jerry Savelle I am thankful for the foundation of the word-the bible--that my parents helped to teach and instill in me. they honestly are a wonderful picture of people that operate in the faith. ONe thing that i can look back on and Really appreciate (now that i am such a mature adult--ha ha) is that they had to renew their faith daily and not give up. they had mini wars going on all around them, i mean it was enough to deal with three stinky boys and one super sweet angelic daughter (insert halo pic of yours truly! LOL) so what if you weren't given earthly parents who taught you the faith? you still have a heavenly father cheering you on and giving you all the wisdom you need to win--it is now up to you. we have to decide each morning whether to wallow in self pity or Stand and renew our minds with god's word and "rise victorious". (Verse 13 above) JUst today i texted some dear friends to apologize for being a "debbie downer" yesterday. i'll admit it, i allowed my emotions to take over and i let the devil win a small battle. reflecting on the events yesterday, i knew that i did not renew my mind in god's word. so, the defeat was all mine. but today--victory. my god is pretty awesome and i am believing for some spectacular "WHATCHAMACALLITs", and no i'm not talking about the candy bar. I think that word is perfect because websters dictionary defines Whatchamacallit as: something that is hard to classify// god made me unique so you can't classify my whatchamacallits of life. There are most certainly going to be days that you want to give up-- but when that dark hour does come you can confront the slanderer (aka Satan). and remember, when he has fired his best shot, your arsenal (God and his word), is ever ready and will never run out!  Kenny rogers had a song "The Gambler".
The chorus was: (and you know you wanna sing this, not just read it) You've got to know when to hold 'em (when to hold 'em) Know when to fold 'em (when to fold 'em) Know when to walk away And know when to run You never count your money When you're sittin' at the table There'll be time enough for countin' When the dealin's done Let's be honest-- sometimes your day may just suck. there may be things said about you in untruths, it may look like you'll never get out of debt, your new idea may not have worked, your kids may be disobeying everything you say, your marriage may still be not seeming to get better despite your efforts, on the opposite, maybe you still haven't found the one to be your marriage partner, your job is highly stressful, whatever it might be-do not feel sorry for yourself. that's important, read it again--do not feel sorry for yourself. the moment you let yourself begin to wallow in self pity--that's the exact time that you give satan control. i know you are thinking -how can that be? it happens pretty easily and quickly, because you've shifted your focus off of god. the words in kennys' song-describe how so many think of life. that it's a deck of cards and whatever hand we are dealt is what we get, you win with just luck. or like forrest gump- "My mama always said, life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're gonna get." I know that when life presents a situation that seems impossible for my needs to be met, well, that's the perfect time for my God to work. Numbers 11:23 Numbers 23 The Lord said to Moses, “Is the Lord’s hand (ability, power) limited (short, inadequate)? You shall see now whether My word will come to pass for you or not.” Sometimes, I have to recite this verse out loud to remind myself that my God is able to meet and exceed all my needs. When he asked Moses if his hand was waxed short, he was basically asking-- "Moses, you idiot, don't you remember all the miracles that I have done to set my people free?, the plagues, the manna from heaven, parting the flipping Red Sea for you ungrateful dummies (ok, maybe God didn't imply that part) - Don't you know that I, God, have no limitations?" He was presenting a redundant question. One that if Moses had not been feeling sorry for himself, he would never have asked. Moses got caught up in the worries of the people and let his emotions take over. He let go of the word of God for a moment--but that second was the juncture point and it instantly brought in fear and doubt. Whatever your situation, make your focus God, speak and pray God's word. God can turn ANY situation around. He will meet ALL your needs. Whatever it is you need, God is ABLE. "Ace in the Hole" is a coined phrase that means; Something that can supply a sure victory when revealed. My friends, with God and his word, you have the "Ace in the Hole" in your pocket. You can't win keeping it hidden-- You have to take it out of your pocket and reveal it! My mama always said, life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're gonna get.  JOshua 1:8 This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall read [and meditate on] it day and night, so that you may be careful to do [everything] in accordance with all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will be successful.
JOhn Maxwell said- Dreams don’t come true because a person does something well once in a while. True success isn’t an event or coincidence; it’s a lifestyle. And lifestyle is defined as: associated with, reflecting, or promoting an enhanced or more desirable life. So what you do on a daily basis matters--your routine is crucial to your success or failure. change your routine-change your life (style). god has been showing me lately-well lets be honest, i'm sure that god has been trying to show me these things for quite awhile but since i am so stubborn as my daughter puts it-he has had to emphasize through many events that i am to be making his word my lifestyle. his word my routine. i mean all of us good, baptist, sunday school honor roll grown ups, know that god is god over everything. that we are to make him lord of our life--but--do you really know how to do that? do you know how to start your day with god? fellowship with him? do you get excited when you read the bible and it literally speaks to you? or, do you just ask god into your humble abode when you need him? like he is a genie in a bottle and ever ready to do your bidding when problems arise? (Side note, i grew up watching i dream of jeanie--and she rocked the eye- blink- wish -command- thing, plus her pink outfit was super cool and yet still modest and i always wanted to have one for my halloween costume...maybe there's still time, lol!) god told joshua the secret--he said to put his word first, to read it day and night, everyday. so, if we are to do something day and night, then it is a routine-- and with this god shaped routine we are promised success! how many other routines in life can do that? i am talking about a 100% money back guarantee! try it for 30 days and return it if not happy with the products performance! god knows his product--the bible--is legit. you don't back your merchandise claim up with a guarantee unless you know beyond a shadow of a doubt that it will produce the desired effects that you pledge. so this past week, along with my 30 days no complaining challenge-i have started my day journaling what i call "the Gratitude 5" along with a bible verse to memorize. i list 5 things that i am thankful for, usually from the previous day. going back and reading over these have been very good for my soul. i can see how god has moved, is changing my heart and attitude and is reminding me that the secret to my success is in my routine-the one found in joshua 1:8--meditating on his word. keep watching-- i am disciplining my decisions-- and changing my routine for success, and so can you!  Isaiah 43:18,19 8
“Do not remember the former things, Or ponder the things of the past. 19 “Listen carefully, I am about to do a new thing, Now it will spring forth; Will you not be aware of it? I will even put a road in the wilderness, Rivers in the desert. You see it all the time in social media post-- " so, i did a thing" followed by a glimpse of what that person began, whatever their new quest was and usually by the time you've finished reading the post, they have already quit that endeavor for another thrill of the day. and then the reasons follow of how the new product/idea/group didn't measure up and are listed in various forms of frustration, or my favorite which i am so good at-witty sarcarsm. i used to take much pride in my sarcasm because it was just so superior to all those with inferior humor (insert face of god and my mom not being amused), and if i can make myself and others laugh, well, doesn't that say a lot about my sweet character and high calling? lol Don't complain and talk about all your problems--80 percent of people don't care; the other 20 percent will think you deserve them. Mark Twain. god reminded me this week that Constant complaining stops blessings--it keeps Me from being grateful and blocks god's hands from moving in My life. wait god, you mean that i am to blame for some of lifes' injustices? (yeah, that's what i like to call events that don't go Rebecca's way) My Gammy (Grandma) used to sing "Count your blessings" quite a bit growing up- I also remember hearing Waylon Jennings " LOnesome, ON'ry and MEan" but that is another story. the Count your blessings song says to name them one by one and concludes that after you do you will see what god has done. JUst like the verse above states to not remember the old things, the past things (this is talking about anything that does not bring glory to god)-why? they are over, no more to be seen and bring no value--i think today's version would say "if there's anything in your past that doesn't bring glory to god, stop talking about it and drop it like it's hot". god says to look-pay attention dummy-ok, i added dummy for emphasis (lol)--pay attention to the new thing i am doing. he adds that you might not be aware of what he is setting before you if you are stuck in the past and i will add, with your grumbling and complaining self. so today, on August 3rd 2019, i am starting my own 30 days no complaining challenge. i've talked at least one sucker, i mean really awesome friend, into joining me. want to team up with us? something as simple as inserting gratitude when you want to complain--it will change your perspective and ultimately your life. i'm looking forward to witnessing the magnificent things god is bringing into this beautiful life he's given each of us. |