Happy Father’s Day Extra Mile-ers!

But God showed His great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. (Romans 5:8, NLT)

Yesterday, my family and I did a 5k together at Ala Moana Beach park, “The Gecko Gallop”. It is a really nice 5k going through the beach park and right alongside the ocean near Waikiki Beach.

Mid-race, our nine year old spiked a fever and was having a hard time finishing. She said, “Daddy, can you please carry me. I am having a hard time going any further.”

Without saying a word, he reached his arms out, picked her up and carried her. 

She felt a little better and wanted to try to finish so he put her down. Quickly she started feeling so bad she said, “Daddy, I just can’t do it. Can you please carry me?"

Again, he never said a word, but picked her up and carried her again.

He carried her so far in the race that at the very end, she was able to run across the finish line holding our hands!

In our family, we use a saying. “Go the extra mile.”, meaning, do more than is required and make more of an effort than is expected. Our leader, the head of our household...Mike Fulton...daily walks this out as an example in our lives. He doesn't just talk the talk. He walks the walk...day after day, year after year. 

Sometimes, “going the extra mile” means sacrificing ourselves when we don’t want to or don’t feel like it but doing what is necessary to help others.

Sometimes, “going the extra mile” means carrying someone else because they just can’t go one step further.

Sometimes, “going the extra mile” means carrying someone again and again until they are strong enough to walk on their own.

Happy Father’s Day to all you men who go the extra mile! 

The ultimate, “extra mile” is when Jesus laid down His life for us. (John 15:13, NLT)

If you are not born again, let this Father’s Day be one of the most special days in your life and pray this prayer with us. Lay down being lord of your life and place Jesus in His rightful place as Lord over your life in all areas of your life!

Most gracious and loving Lord God, I come to you in the name of Jesus and acknowledge You as my Heavenly Father. Thank You for calling me out of darkness and into Your marvelous light! I repent of the way I was and I thank You for giving me a new heart! The old has passed away and I am now new in You! With all my heart, I believe You sent Your Son to die for me. And I believe you raised Him from the dead! Jesus, I was lord…but now You are my Lord and my Savior! Thank You Jesus for dying in my place and for giving me eternal life! And thank You for showing Your great love for me by sending Your Son to die for me when I was still a sinner!

John 14:14, 1 John 4:8, Matthew 5:48, 1 Peter 2:9, Romans 5:8

My Daddy's House

For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us. (2 Corinthians 1:20, NKJV)

Yesterday we blogged about making the move into my Daddy’s house at the end of my junior year in highschool. Since then, I’ve been thinking about how all the things that became available to me immediately upon the move…had actually been available to me all along. All I had to do was "make the move”. 

His door had always been completely wide open to me; however, external factors held me back and kept me from making the move. I allowed familiarity and fear to keep me bound in captivity. But once I made the move, I asked myself…”Why oh why did I wait so long to move?"

Immediately moving in with my Daddy, I exchanged:

• pressure for peace
• fear for security
• offense for forgiveness
• strife and tension for laughter and joy

Just to name a few.

My Daddy was so loving, graceful, patient, kind and was so gentle in spirit. I am very blessed to have had as many years as I did with my Daddy. 

People have told me, “Yea…but my dad wasn’t like that.” 

I’m here to tell you today…

We have a perfect Heavenly Father “watching for us”. He is “filled with love and compassion" and He "quickly runs to meet us” ready to celebrate our return with everything good He has in His possession! (Luke 15, Hebrews 2:10-13, Psalm 50:10-12, 2 Corinthians 1:20)

Please don’t hesitate, all of God’s goodness is available to you immediately upon the move. Please don’t allow anything to hold you in captivity, all you have to do is "make the move”. (Romans 10:9) 

Move now….and let the party begin! (Isaiah 61:3, Luke 15:24)

Please make the following declaration out loud with me. Father, in the name of Jesus, we decree and declare Jesus is Lord! We believe in our hearts and we confess with our mouth that You, God, raised Jesus from the dead. Thank You for forgiving our sins and reconciling us to You! Thank You for the blood of Jesus! Thank You for Your Holy Spirit! Thank You for saving us! Father, please teach us how to walk in eternal life starting now, right at this moment, and please teach us daily how to walk in authority and to daily take what rightfully belongs to us! (John 10:10)

Please connect with a strong bible based church. You may also connect with solid teachings via live stream every Sunday at www.faithman.org and daily devotions at http://www.worshipandword.com

Welcome to our family! We are grateful you moved!

Romans 10:9

1 John 1:9

Hold Fast to Your Confession

So let us seize and hold fast and retain without wavering the [a] hope we cherish and confess and our acknowledgement of it, for He Who promised is reliable (sure) and faithful to His word. (Hebrews 10:23, AMP)

All scripture is God breathed (Hebrews 10:23) God’s Word is alive, active, and eternal. (Hebrews 4:12, Luke 21:33) God sent His word. (Psalm 107:20) The Word is God. (John 1:1)

As we say what God said, refusing to waver, His living and active Word produces fruit! His Word accomplishes! And His Word prospers! (Isaiah 55:11)

As we confess (speak), we are quite literally speaking…Jesus! 

What are you saying today?

Modern Day Miracles

Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. (Hebrews 10:23, NKJV)

My family and I have a constant habit of thanking God for giving His angels charge over us and thanking Him that they keep us in all our ways. (Psalm 91:11) Every time it comes to our remembrance, we simply say, "Father, in the name of Jesus, we thank You for giving Your angels charge over us, they keep us in all our ways.” Today, I believe my girls and I witnessed a miracle in our kitchen. 

Saturday, we spent our morning at the local farmer’s market. We purchased various fruits and veges. As part of our homeschooling day today, we chopped fruit and vegetables, talk about fractions, prepared our lunch and dinner, and prepared the remaining food for freezing to be used later in smoothies.

I used my large butcher knife to cut our pineapple for breakfast. I cut off the top, the bottom, and then the outer sides. 

I stuck the knife in the top of the pineapple in order to cut the pineapple off the core. 

When I tried to push the knife into the pineapple, my hand slipped off the handle and onto the blade all the way to the tip. The knife is half as thick as my hand at minimum.

I gasped. My children gasped. My hand really hurt. I froze trying to make a plan of what to do. My (very upset) middle child said, “What do I do? What do I do?” I said, “I don’t know right now."

After a few seconds I decided to survey the damage. I slowly opened my hand and there was no blood. I said thank You Jesus! Keep in mind, the outside of the pineapple is way harder than my skin. The knife had just cut the outer sections of the pineapple. 

Now, what you are about to read will seem so far fetched for some but keep in mind, Jesus said, “Anything is possible if a person believes.” (Mark 9:23, NLT) There was a very distinct white line where the knife had gone down completely across width of the palm of my hand. Before my eyes, I saw the white line turn red, and then I watched almost all of the red line disappear. It was like watching something in a movie. True story. 

I started thanking Jesus! I said, "Thank You Jesus! Thank You Jesus!" 

My girls said, “What?! What?!!” My youngest was fighting back tears and said, “Mommy!! Are you okay??!” I said, “Look what the LORD has done girls!” and I showed them my hand!

Until today, I had never realized how much I really like my right hand and how grateful I am for full use of it! Currently, my hand is tender but by bedtime, I’m sure it will be back to normal. 

My ten year old pointing out 

the slight red mark waiting to heal.

Father! Thank You more now than ever for Your Word being true! Thank You for continually deepening our revelation of Your Word! When we speak what You speak, we are protected, we are saved, we are delivered! Every word we say, MATTERS! Thank You for teaching us the importance of our words, thank You for teaching us the importance of refusing to waver, and to keep our words lined up with Your words to produce life in excessive abundance! Thank You for protecting my hand! Thank You for giving Your angels charge over us, they keep us in all our ways! 

• Every word of God proves true; He is a shield to those who take refuge in him. (Provers 30:5)
• I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope He has given to those He called—His holy people who are His rich and glorious inheritance. (Ephesians 1:18)
• The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety. (Psalm 18:2)
• But I say unto you, that every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgement. (Matthew 12:36)
• The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it [a]overflows). (John 10:10, AMP)
• Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. (Hebrews 10:23, NKJV)
• For He shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. (Psalm 91:11, KJV)

*** Disclaimer: The above middle pictures were staged after the incident to give a visual. The knife in the third picture is slightly turned to show the width of the blade. This picture is slightly different than where my hand slid down the blade.

Friends Don't Let Friends Live Life in Secrets

The Friend, the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send at my request, will make everything plain to you. He will remind you of all the things I have told you. I’m leaving you well and whole. That’s my parting gift to you. Peace. I don’t leave you the way you’re used to being left—feeling abandoned, bereft. So don’t be upset. Don’t be distraught. (John 14:26-27, MSG)

There are three things about the above scripture that I want you to keep in mind while reading today's blog post:

1. Jesus said it. (Can it get any better than that?)
2. The Holy Spirit is our FRIEND (Perfect, Heavenly Friend not to be confused or tainted by our past experiences with some of the imperfect friends we've had/have or have been/are.)
3. He is SENT BY OUR FATHER at the REQUEST of JESUS. (Dude.)
4. He makes EVERYTHING PLAIN TO US. ("Everything" in the Greek is every thing.)
5. Plain (Meaning, "As plain as the nose on one's face.)

Yes, I know that is five things...I got carried away in that phenomenal passage! Back to our study. Friends, God is NOT keeping secrets from us! His secrets are FOR us. God is love. Love is not secretive!

Have you ever heard 1 Corinthians 2:9 preached with a fiery thundering voice while leaving verse ten completely unmentioned? 

1 Corinthians 2:9 tells us, 'That is what the Scriptures mean when they say, "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him." 

Yes, that verse is completely true; however, let's not forget verse 10: "these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God." (1 Corinthians 2:10)

I repeat, "Friends, God is NOT keeping secrets from us! His secrets are FOR us. God is love. Love is not secretive!"

I recently read a quote from Andrew Wommack, "The truths of God are hidden for His children, not from them. The Holy Spirit has been instructed to teach us all things (Jn. 14:26) and has given us an unction so that we will know all things (1 Jn. 2:20). We only have to appropriate what is ours."

Lest I point out:

• hidden FOR not FROM
• instructed to teach us ALL things
• APPROPRIATE what is OURS

I am a friend and I have really great, true friends. I am ABUNDANTLY BLESSED in the "friend department" beyond anything I could ever ask beyond my wildest imaginations! (Ephesians 3:20) And my imagination is pretty far out! 

I have complete confidence in my friends that if they were to become privy to even the slightest information that would help me in any way, financially, spiritually, emotionally, regarding my health and in my relationships, (In other words, all areas of my life.) my friends would never keep that information from me. No! I'd get a call or a text so fast it could quite possibly burn up cyberspace! Likewise, if my friends learned of something or someone who intended to harm me, said harmer better "pack a lunch" because my fiends would be a force to be reckoned with. Ever heard the phrase, "Mack Truck" and "Train Wreck"? Yep, my friends are THAT good. 

All that being said, how much more, will a perfect Father (Matthew 7:11) insure "all our bases are covered"?

This is the third and last time I will say this. Friends, God is NOT keeping secrets from us! His secrets are FOR us. God is love. Love is not secretive! Would we as parents (or friends) keep secrets from our children (or friends)? How much more, our perfect Father will not keep anything hidden from us!

Take time every day, call out to Him and listen to Him. He knows of great and mighty things He desires to show you! (Jeremiah 33:3)

In the name of Jesus, Father I pray for every reader today to gain a deeper revelation of godly friendships who operate in godly counsel. And a deeper revelation of hearing Your voice for themselves through Your written Word. And a deeper revelation of Your perfect love. Father I thank You and praise You for the friends You bless me with. They are priceless,  speaking words of life in due season like apples of gold on beds of silver! All glory and honor to Your name! Thank You for the Kingdom Principles You have put into place for protecting us and thank You for giving us a Perfect Friend who guides us into all Truth! You are so awesome, You are beyond description! We love You LORD!

Proverbs 25:11

Matthew 6:33

John 16:13

That's Heavy

For My yoke is easy and My burden is light. (Matthew 11:30, NKJV)

Today, I was in the kitchen and Mikea was standing near the trashcan talking to me. As I was cleaning, I picked up some things that needed to be thrown away. I threw them to Mikea for her to place in the trashcan. 

She braced herself because she thought I was throwing something heavy. But once she caught the items, she smiled really big and said, "Oh…that's not heavy at all."

I believe that is exactly why some people tend to steer away from Jesus. Wrong thinking, bad teaching, and/or negative prior experience, may leave them thinking following Jesus is just too "heavy".

But once we experience Jesus, truly experience Him, we all learn…He really IS easy and light because in Him we live, move, and have our being! (Acts 17:28) He carries us! (Psalm 68:19) Folks, it's time to smile really big, let Jesus carry you, experience how easy and light He truly is!

Father, in the name of Jesus, I pray against anything and everything that has ever risen up against every reader today. I thank You in advance for revealing Yourself to them. I thank You for showing them, you are so easy and light. Thank You for carrying us! Thank You for your redemptive work on the cross so that we can live life in excessive abundance! We receive it all by faith right now, in the name of Jesus!

If you've never received Jesus into your heart, or if you've prayed this prayer before but didn't really commit to Him, you can pray this simple prayer and start eternal life right now!

Father, in the name of Your Son Jesus, I believe in my heart and confess with my mouth that You are God. I believe Jesus is Your Son, I believe He died for me, and on the third day, I believe You raised Him from the dead. I will never deny Him. I will never deny You. Thank You for calling me out of darkness, into Your marvelous light!

Please find a bible based church, read your bible, and renew your mind daily. If you need help, please contact us in the comments below or email us at keytovblog@gmail.com. Welcome to our family!

Prayers of Righteous Friends

The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. (James 5:16, NKJV)

Faithful, committed, praying friends will cause you to look at earthly circumstance and say, "Its gotta be my friend's prayers and my God upholding me with His righteous right hand, otherwise someone would have to scrape me off the floor right now."

Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed.  If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble.  Likewise, two people lying close together can keep each other warm. But how can one be warm alone? A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken. (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12, NLT)

If you haven't done so yet, please receive Jesus. He will direct you to a bible based church if you ask Him and He will build a team of friends around you who will hold you up in prayer during times of need.

Please don't let another day go by without walking with Jesus as the Lord of your life. There is no peace like His perfect peace. There is no time better than now to pray this prayer with me out loud. 

Father, Your Word says if I believe with my heart and confess with my mouth, I will be saved. I receive Jesus right now, I will never be the same, I don't want to be the same. I want everything You have in store for me. Please forgive me of my sin. Thank You for calling me out of darkness into Your marvelous Light! With everything I am and everything within me, I believe Jesus is the Son of God. I believe He died for my sins. And on the third day, I believe You raised Him from the dead. I ask in the name of Jesus for You to direct my steps to a good bible based church and begin building that team of friends who will effectively and fervently pray for me, availing much. Father, thank You for Your Son Jesus and thank You for equipping me for every good work You have called me to do. I receive it all by grace through faith right now in the name of Jesus, thank You.

If you need information about receiving Jesus and being a born again believer, please feel free to contact us by making a comment below, or emailing us at keytovblog@gmail.com, or sending us a message on our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/whatsoeverthingsareofgoodreport. 

Popped

For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. (Romans 10:10 NKJV)

One of my friends posted the following link on my Facebook, mahalo David Johnson, enjoy!

http://vimeo.com/katkapruskova/flowerstimelapse

As I was watching the flowers pop open, it occurred to me, that is exactly what we look like when we received Jesus Christ as our Lord! (1 John 4:15) As He made us a new creation, we popped for the first time ever, we reached for The Son, and produced beauty! (2 Corinthians 5:17, Matthew 7:17)

I noticed one of the flowers in the video had a flower within a flower. As we continue to reach for Him daily, we continue to produce beauty to everyone who comes into contact with us shining our light before men glorifying our Father! (John 15:5, Matthew 5:16)

What about you? Have you "popped" yet and received Jesus? If not, I encourage you to today. Just repeat the following out loud with me.

Father God, I need you and Your Son, Jesus! I believe Jesus shed His precious blood on the cross for me! With all my heart I believe that You, God, raised Jesus from the dead! I accept Jesus as my Savior and according to You Word, I am born again! Thank You for your unlimited grace! Thank You for Your perfect plan for my life because You are perfect! Transform my life and make me new in the name of Jesus! (Jeremiah 29:11, Romans 10:10, 2 Corinthians 5:17)

If you said that prayer for the very first time, welcome to the family! Get connected with a solid bible based church. If you need help in finding one, please let us know, mahalo!

The Rock

The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety. (Psalm 18:2, NLT)

This morning I woke up with a song on my heart.

On Christ the Solid Rock I stand!
All other ground is sinking sand.

In the nineties, I lived in Alaska. I didn't yet understand Alaska weather and never fathomed the amount of ice and snow I was about to encounter. I didn't have an Alaska car. I drove a cute, little, red, 5 speed on the floor, sports car.

And then...winter came. And when winter came. Oh. My. Goodness.

My transmission consistently froze up and was very difficult to shift. One night, after working really late and while leaving work, my car slowly slid around in the parking and the front bumper of my car lodged up against a large rock. The rock was half as tall as my car. I had slid so slowly that there was no damage to my car. All I needed to do was put my car in reverse, back up, turn around, and drive home.

It was cold. It was dark. It was an area where a half dozen moose could be seen every day. Did you know, moose can be very angry creatures? The news had just reported a woman had been mauled by a bear. I was tired. I hadn't lived there long enough to know anyone to call for help. My transmission was frozen and would not go in reverse. I had all gears...except reverse.

I felt so desperate. I walked around my car looking for a way to push it away from the rock so I could drive forward and go home. I had dress boots on and kept slipping on the ice and snow. I pushed and slid and slid and pushed. The parking lot was empty. I was alone. I got back in my car and with all my strength, I could not force the gear into reverse.

I repeated this scenario many times until I was in tears. I said, "God, what am I going to do?"

I walked around my car again, put one of my feet on the ground (The same ice and snow was still there. And I was still wearing the same slippery boots.) and one foot on the big rock. I gently pushed my car and almost effortlessly moved the car enough to drive it forward and go home.

The Lord spoke to me and said, "See what you can do when your foot is on The Rock?"

Every condition was the same, except, I cried out to God for help. I was really young in the Lord at that time. It was a life changing moment for me. In the cold, dark, icy parking lot, where there were real possibilities of threats, feeling desperate and being alone, after I had tried and tried in my own strength, trying to force the gears, scared from news reports, and having no one to call, God showed me:

He is:

• My Rock!
• My fortress!
• My Savior!
• He is my Shield!
• The Power that saves me!
• My place of safety! (Psalm 18:2, NLT)

He did His part and He enabled me to do my part. (James 2:17 and 2 Corinthians 1:21)

When:

• Life seems cold and dark.
• You've heard the threats, tried with all your strength, and have been slipping.
• You are tired, have no one to call, and you feel desperate.
• An obstacle in your life seems frozen.
• You haven't been able to back up and turn around.

Ask Him what to do. (Matthew 7:7)
He will show you. (Jeremiah 33:3)
Do what He shows you. (James 1:22)
Keep your "foot on The Rock". (Psalm 18:2)

He does it for me, He'll do it for you! (Romans 2:11)

On Christ the Solid Rock I stand!
All other ground is sinking sand.

My prayer for every reader today is to keep our foot on the Rock and come into the knowing that He is the Power that saves us! He is our place of Safety! I declare all negative situations for every reader today be reversed in the name of Jesus! For it is not by might nor by power but by His Spirit! And I declare 2013 to be your best year ever in all areas of your life, in the name of Jesus!

(Psalm 18:2, Job 22:28, Zechariah 4:6, John 14:14)

Please speak this out loud and make this your confession! (Mark 11:23, Matthew 23:37)

I keep my foot on the Rock! I know that I know You, God, are the Power that saves me! You are my place of safety! I thank You, Father, that every negative situation in my life is reversed, in the name of Jesus! It is not by my might, nor by my power but by Your Spirit! I believe and receive, 2013 to be my best year ever in every area of my life, in the name of Jesus! I thank You for it Father, You are good and your mercy endures forever! Thank You for working all things out for my good, I love You Lord!

Merry Christmas, 2012!

For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ The Lord. (Luke 2:11, NKJV)

These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God. (1 John 5:13, NKJV)


The greatest gift of all!
MERRY CHRISTMAS from our home to yours!

Our prayer for you today is for you to have the power to understand, as all God's people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep His love is! (Ephesians 3:18)

Every Morning!

Every morning you'll hear me at it again. Every morning I lay out the pieces of my life on Your altar and watch for fire to descend. (Psalm 5:3, MSG)

Have you ever noticed how much harder the gym is the morning after eating fried food and a heavy dessert?

When I eat "clean" (lean meats, fresh fruits, berries, seeds, fresh veges) I hardly miss a beat hitting the gym the next morning. But when we go to a party, eat fried food and a heavy dessert, it takes me longer to get in the swing of it the next morning at the gym.

Our mind can be the same way. Letting sinful nature control the mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control the mind leads to life and peace. (Romans 8:6) It is easier to keep the mind clean than it is to clean it up after getting "dirtied".

I go to the gym around 6:00 a.m. because generally it is very quiet that time of day. But during the busy seasons there are a few gym goers. I'm amazed at what people will watch (fill their hearts and minds with) on t.v. at 6:00 a.m.

Yesterday morning, I was alone in the gym when a lady came in and turned on the t.v. to some sort of drama. There's a reason there is a movie genre labeled, "dramas". A word to the wise, avoid all drama. Many have asked, "Well then Genice, what DO you watch on television?" I always say, "Not much."

The drama was a series about a mental ward. Some of the scenes were very ugly. I was thankful I didn't have my girls with me. And I was thankful I couldn't hear the t.v. over the music on my ipod because I'm sure the sounds would've only added to the creepiness. The t.v. was directly in front of the elliptical (where I was) so I mostly stared out the window which was on my right until my neck got tired then I closed my eyes facing forward to give my neck a rest. I considered asking her to change the channel and if I'd had my girls with me, I would have. But I thought, hey...just let the woman workout to her show and I tried to avoid the t.v.

I'm not sure about everyone else, but what I do early in the morning sets the pace for the rest of my day.

Even though I had already filled my heart with godly things prior to going to the gym, for the rest of the day I "fought" the images from the t.v. show that kept popping into my mind. There was only three but they were extremely gross.

Do you think other gym goers would see it as odd if I wore a sleep mask on the elliptical? Don't be concerned that was a facetious-itical question. *grin*

My prayer for every reader today is to fill themselves full to the overflow of God's Word the very first thing every morning! To dig in scripture and ask God, what do You want me meditating on today? To lay out the pieces of their lives on Your altar and watch for fire to descend! I ask all these things in the name of Your precious Son, King Jesus! (John 14:14)

Martha versus Mrs. Fancy

"Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:41-42, NLT)

While on a recent vacation to the mainland, I was greatly blessed with an opportunity to have an extended lunch with my previous women's bible study teacher and dear friend.

Years ago, I nicknamed her, Mrs. Fancy. It rhymes with her name and I call her Mrs. Fancy because she is always so "put together". She's a very snazzy dresser and always has the best selection of cool shoes!

She has been retired from a huge corporation for many years; however, she has not retired from life. She's is as sharp as a whip and as busy as ever. But, I noticed she's a different busy than I have been.

She is very gracious and one of the most beautiful women I've ever seen. She moves slowly, not because age restricts her, but because she has her priorities in order. She seeks Him first in everything she says and does.

I watched her every move and wondered, "What is this that she operates in that is so full of peace and influences me to slow to her pace?"

At that thought, I sensed a pulling of the Holy Spirit telling me to "slow down" and "be with me".

I learned a very valuable lesson that day and I've been incorporating it into my everyday life.

In the hustle-bustle of our modern fast paced world, our priority holds just as true today as it did in Martha's day...Jesus!


My prayer for every reader today is to slow down, spend time with Him, and keep Jesus in the forefront of everything you do! Weighing every task against temporary and eternal will keep priorities in order!

Here!

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God's throne. (Hebrews 12:1, NLT)

We have a dog named, Bo. He is a wonderful family dog. He also is a Certified Visitation Therapy Dog. His primary work is to visit patients in a long term care facility. You can learn more about Bo’s work at the link:

http://www.facebook.com/KeyTovDOGography

For the past several months, we have also been training him to hunt birds. One key element in hunting birds is the “here” command. Once we give him that command, he is to run to our feet as quickly as possible.

I apologize to all cat lovers in advance before making the next statement. Bo has a very strong dislike for small furry creatures, including cats. It may be because he thinks they are mongoose, which he also strongly dislikes. He knows how to shakes hands, he sits, holds, and comes here, but for some reason, he has not enveloped the “don’t chase the neighbor’s cats” command. 

To help him overcome the temptation to chase a cat when he sees it, I say, “here”. I keep saying “here” until he pays attention to me instead of the cat. Once he looks me in the eye, I talk to him until his focus is fully on me and not the cat. Once he is refocused and the temptation has passed, we are free to continue our stroll.

What are your temptations? Once a temptation rears its ugly head, immediately run to the feet of Jesus! Keep your eyes on Him! And you will be free to continue your stroll!

How Do We Do That?

But don't just listen to God's word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves.  (James 1:22, NLT)

So many times when someone asks me for help, I give them scripture and they finish the scripture before I do. 

Many know scripture; however, 
many do not know how to apply scripture. 

They say, “Genice, I know scripture. I can quote scripture all day long. But I’ve never been taught how to apply scripture to my everyday life.”

In order to learn how to apply God's Word on a practical level, we go to the basics, and build on a strong foundation.

Operating according Matthew 6:33, "Seek first His kingdom". When we seek Him first, which is dedicating every aspect of our lives to Him first, (relationships, finances, health, etc) so many issues resolve themselves. So many things just fall right into place

Seek Him first. 
How do we do that? 

Luke 10:27 gives us our command in very basic terms. We are to love the Lord our God with all our heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind.

To condense that, love our Lord with our all.

And we are to love our neighbor as ourselves. Which brings the question, how do you love yourself? 

What is your opinion of you?

Loving God and our neighbor as we've been commanded.
How do we do that? 

We walk in the Spirit not fulfilling the lusts of the flesh. 
How do we do that?

By renewing our minds daily
Some days daily is once a day. 
Some days daily is all day long. 

He gave His Word TO us FOR us so,

 wisdom says take full advantage of His life giving Word!

Then we take all the above and tie it together with prayer! (1 Thess 5:17)

• Seek Him first
• Love
• Live in His Word
• Pray

Please Believe Me

Jesus said  "Only believe." (Luke 8:50)

I am very blessed with many friends and family members in the medical profession. Medical science is fascinating. What God designed the human body to do is beyond astounding. 

When a person decides to go into the medical field, they must first receive instruction. They sit under the training of a professor according to the book, they do their internship according to the book and then they perform their duties according to the book. 

My question is this. What if they consistently refused to believe what is in the book? What if, when their professor taught a subject, they argued against the teaching and refused to believe what's in the book? What if they went to lunch with their friends after class to argue what aspects of the book they just couldn't believe? What if they consistently refused to perform their internship duties according to the book offering up such statements such as, "I just don't know if I can believe all that stuff in the book." What if they attempted to perform their duties on the job refusing to operate according to the book with their reasoning being they just cannot believe everything that's in the book. In spite of research, statistics, success stories, history, etc. 

My friends and family would say, "They wouldn't be in the medical profession very long if at all."

Even if they were, in an emergency situation (or any situation) would we want this person administering medical attention on our behalf or on the behalf of our children? I'm very confident the answer to that is no. 

Jesus said, "Only believe." Believe what? Believe everything in His Word.

Believe He is and He is a rewarder. (Hebrews 11:6)

Believe all scripture is God breathed. (2Timothy 3:16)

Believe God cannot lie. (Hebrews 6:18)

Believe God's Word is everything He says it is! Alive! Powerful! (Hebrews 4:12)

Since we believe God's Word regarding salvation, literally eternally saving us from Hell, it is just as easy to believe everything else in His Word including but not limited to, healing, prosperity, tithing, a victorious life. In other words, perfect peace. How can we believe His Word for salvation but not for every other promise? 

Also, I'd really like to establish a concrete foundational issue. We are not begging God to move on our behalf. God is a loving Father who delights in the prosperity of His servant. (Psalm 35:27)  He has already blessed us with every spiritual blessing. (Ephesians 1:3) God is always good. (John 10:10) Nothing and no one ever dilutes the wonderful goodness of God. He never changes.  (Malachi 3:6)  Bitter and sweet cannot flow from the same fountain. (James 3:11)

As born again believers, we are students of His Word. He has set before us professors. (Ephesians 4:11-16) 

Jesus said, "Only believe." I believe He said only as to be so full of belief in every aspect of The Word there is no room for any doubt, not even an ounce. 

This morning I read another version of this scripture. Instead of "Only believe" it says "Just have faith." How much faith (or confidence) do we desire our family, friends and especially our children to have in us? How much faith do we put in complete strangers when a medical emergency arises? How much more faith can we have in our perfect Father and His Word?

I've heard Joyce Meyer say, "We all believe in something, may as well be something good."

What do you believe? 

He Used Me

And the King will say, “I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!” (Matthew 25:40,NLT)

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I recently purchased a tote from a line they call, “Jesus Tote”.

While at a restaurant, the LORD drew my attention to a certain woman and said, “Give her the Jesus tote.” My first thought was, “I don’t even know if she is a believer.”

I got up from our table, approached her, and said, “God wants you to have this tote.” She started weeping and said, “My bible bag is so tattered and worn out.” I smiled and said, “Not any more, God just gave you a brand new one.”

Then the King will say to those on his right, Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world. For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home.  I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me. My bible tote was tattered and worn out and you gave me a beautiful one of the best quality available!

Ok, I added the last part but God is so amazing! She needed her bible bag replaced so her Heavenly Father provided according to His riches in glory!

I'm so thankful He used me!

The Race

Therefore then, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses [who have borne testimony to the Truth], let us strip off and throw aside every encumbrance (unnecessary weight) and that sin which so readily (deftly and cleverly) clings to and entangles us, and let us run with patient endurance and steady and active persistence the appointed course of the race that is set before us, Looking away [from all that will distract] to Jesus, Who is the Leader and the Source of our faith [giving the first incentive for our belief] and is also its Finisher [bringing it to maturity and perfection]. He, for the joy [of obtaining the prize] that was set before Him, endured the cross, despising and ignoring the shame, and is now seated at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12:1, 2)

My girls are on swim team this year and my whole family is very excited! There is just something about competitive sports! Even as I write this, I am filled with excited expectation of watching my girls compete! Today, Kohala...tomorrow Olympic Gold!

We are learning so much about competitive swimming. Swimming and breathing techniques are mastered. There is a specific swimsuit, swim cap, and goggles that each swimmer dons during races that deter drag. All jewelry is removed. There is much chatter regarding focus. 

During a recent practice race, I observed one of my girls lose her race because she was completely focused on the distractions around her instead of the finish line. Initially, she was ahead in the race but as she became more and more distracted by her surroundings, she grew further and further behind in the race. First she looked at her competitor, then as her team mates started to encourage her to swim faster, she looked at them. I walked to the front of the crowd to video her and she as soon as she saw me, she raised her head out of the water. All distractions that deterred her from winning her race.

During her race she only looked at the finish line at the beginning of the race. Once the race started she kept her eyes on all the distractions. She was a little disappointed but as soon as I showed her the video, she agreed, in order to win future races she has to focus on the finish line. 

After our discussion, God gently spoke to my spirit. Many times, I had shifted focus in my race of faith. I had forgotten I am surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses. I failed to strip off every weight so I had been pulled down. God lovingly reminds me to run with endurance the race He has set before me. He reminds me to keep my eyes on Jesus who is my champion! The author and the finisher of my faith! 

Are you focused on distractions?  Refocus today!


Look to Jesus, Who is the Leader and the Source of our faith  and its Finisher!