Pressed Hard to bring out the Best!

I don’t know if it is me or if life is seemingly a little bit harder and more complicated and the pressures are closing in on us? As we journey this life I notice my words can change and seemingly be filled with fear, doubt and disappointment.  Maybe for you like me  these words sound familiar. “Does this ever let up? Are you kidding me? Is this for real? What is next?” Just to name a few.

There is a sense of vulnerability. Trying to figure it all out does not work! It is time to step back and recognize God has a plan and it will play out. Here is the best way to look at it: God has deposited something valuable in us—new life that when lived out puts us in a different game on a different playing field because we are declared victors!

However, we possess this precious treasure [the divine Light of the Gospel] in [frail, human] vessels of earth that the grandeur and exceeding greatness of the power may be shown to be from God and not from ourselves. We are hedged in (pressed) on every side [troubled and oppressed in every way], but not cramped or crushed; we suffer embarrassments and are perplexed and unable to find a way out, but not driven to despair. We are pursued (persecuted and hard driven), but not deserted [to stand alone]; we are struck down to the ground, but never struck out and destroyed.             2 Corinthians 4:7-9 Amplified Bible

I like the power of the word “but” in this instance. Regardless of what is happening there is “but.” I might be roughed up but not beaten! I can reluctantly accept and handle a battle knowing I will not lose! We can rely on the reality that good things can come from being pressed! 

 "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose."        Romans 8:28 NIV

For me it’s like the story of the olive and how an olive goes through the process of becoming the most desired olive oil.  Not just any old olive is chosen for this process, they have to be selected (them that are called).  Then they are washed to remove the impurities, and then pressed by a large weighted mill stone, to extract the oil. But before it can be used, the water in the liquid must be separated from the pure oil by being basically being spun. What does this have to do with us? Those things or tests that may press us will bring out the strength of God in us!  It will reveal the impurities and cause us to separate from those things that don't mix with what God has for our lives. In that press, our obedience to the Lord's direction is essential!  He won't allow the press to kill us, just to bring out the best. So we can't just focus on the right-now discomfort of the press, we have to visualize the oil. It's On! interesting to know that an olive in itself is only good for food consumption (limited use), but after it's pressed the oil can be used in cooking, medicine, beauty treatments, and many more things! So don't fret the press, look forward to the oil.

Press On!

Blessings,

The Power of Our Words!

What kind of world do we want to live in? In a world of love or anger, hate? In a world of faith or doubt? In a world of peace or heaviness? What about in a world of limitations, lack or abundance? God through His Word has attempted to allow us to know what kind of world that He wants us to live in. It’s our choice. Whether we actually live in that world depends on us! By believing and speaking the Word of God, we can create the world we desire to live in.

I desire to grow up in a world of faith, peace, joy and love. That does not mean I don’t live in reality nor am I free of adversity. The power of how I choose to handle it is what changes. The words we can speak every time we face a problem or crisis is the following “This is just another opportunity to prove that God’s Word works!” God allows opportunities for us to grow. Through those opportunities He wants to see us grow and develop on our journey as we partner with him.

There are many factors in our lives today that try to create our world for us. Physically we are challenged to accept defeat, disappointment with the ultimate of disillusionment. Economic factors try to create a world where there is no hope, no potential to dream of financial advancement. Sometimes our own thoughts hold us captive in a world we do not want to live in. Our negative thoughts put a lid on our lives and keep us from entering into the blessings of God.

What is the world God wants you to have? It’s a world of faith and love that you create with your words (Mark 11:22-24). It’s a world of peace and joy that you create with your mouth, based on what the Word of God says (Philippians 4:6–7; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). It’s a world where you can take your thoughts captive (2 Corinthians 10:3-5). It’s a world of abundance and prosperity, healing and health, and protection and safety, according to God’s Word (Matthew 6:33; 1 Peter 2:24; Psalms 91). That’s what He has promised! Why don’t you call what God has promised that doesn’t exist yet in your world into existence!

What kind of world do we want to see? Let’s choose to create it with our words (Mark 11:24). Let’s create it in line with the promises of God—with His Word. As we begin this Fall season, don’t

stay where we are. Set our life on a new course! When we discover the world God desires for us to have, we can release His power through our words and watch His promises become realities!

Let’s Speak Boldly!!

Blessings,