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What If There’s a Cure?

A Mini-Minute with Pam: Do Not Dwell in the Past

Woman with headache
I was unhappy. Nothing pleased me. People got on my nerves. I felt down on myself. I’d made so many bad choices and I was paying the price for it all. I was miserable. I EXPECTED to be treated poorly be others and they did not disappoint.

Would I ever be happy?

As my Dad would have said, “I felt lower than a snake’s belly” and it wasn’t getting any better. I knew the principle that: We become like whatever we focus on and I was focusing on how bad my life was and what a miserable wretch I was. Would I EVER be a mature Christian? Would I ever be happy? It seemed impossible with the circumstances I was enduring.

Then…

I had a kinda mindset shift. I simply could not make myself be better. A “light” went on in my spirit.

Only God…

I remember the day I prayed: “Lord, keep me from a complaining spirit.” And it has become a daily prayer. I am still becoming like whatever I mediate on, but my meditation has shifted to the wonders of God rather than the awfulness of Pam.

Do Not Dwell in the Past

Often grumbling is the by-product of something in the past. That was the case for me, anyway. So many betrayals and so much heartache. But…God has something to say about all of that. He has expectations for His children. He expects obedience. It’s a choice, but for God’s “kids”, it’s not optional. He expects obedience because He knows what is best for us. He makes it very clear. He  tells us to not dwell in the past, rather, He says in His word to use His cure…

God’s cure

“Forget the former things; do not dwell in the past. See, I am doing a new thing.”

Isaiah 43:18-19

Making excuses

We might think it is no big deal. But an Anchor devotional got me thinking with this statement: “Grumbling seems like a small sin compared to many. Why should it matter if I complain a little as long as I do the right thing? But like a child who stomps her feet on the way to make her bed, a grumble says NO, even though actions say Yes.”

God’s cure

“Rejoice always; pray without ceasing. Give thanks in all circumstances: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

Philippians 4:6

But, everybody does it

Even though everybody does it, there are consequences. God has some things to say about following the example of the grumbler crowd.

Jesus said, “Do not grumble among yourselves.”

John 6:43

“…Nor grumble, as some of them did, and were destroyed by the destroyer.”

1 Corinthians 10:10

“Do not complain, brethren, against one another, so that you yourselves may not be judged; behold, the judge is standing right at the door.”

James 5:9

Stating the obvious

It is not a small thing. God is blessed by an attitude of gratitude. I want to make my Heavenly Father happy. Don’t you? Scripture makes it clear that we are to do everything in the joy of the Lord, rather than with a grumbly spirit. And we do that by choosing obedience with a smile. Why? Because attitude matters to God AND to others. God looks at the heart attitude over the outward actions.

Viruses

Discontent and complaining are like spiritual viruses, infecting others. Complaining against God’s provision is complaining against God Himself.

I think God’s LOVE LANGUAGE is OBEDIENCE. He tells us if we love Him we will obey Him. Let’s make a pact to consciously decide to use God’s cure for the virus of complaining. Join me? Do not dwell in the past, instead, let’s CHOOSE JOY! And walk in it daily!

Let me know how you are doing. Leave me a note in the comments box. Let me know how I can pray for you. To God be the Glory!

God bless you bunches!

Do you need encouragement in your walk with God?

I offer one-on-one coaching and would love to come alongside you to help you become the woman God created you to be.

Let's Connect!
Awaiting His shout,
pam_signature-c49a6c

Christian Life Coach
Leading from Your Strengths Mentor
www.loavesandfishescoaching.com

Filed under: Christian Life Coaching,Mini-Minute with Pam,Spiritual Life — Tags: , , , , , — Pam Taylor @ 7:00 am

The H.A.L.T. Stumbling Block

A Mini-Minute with Pam

Holding hands for prayer
Relationships are tough.
Especially after watching the news, I sometimes joke with my friends, “The world would be a wonderful place if it weren’t for the people in it.” Of course that is silly, but it kinda makes me snap back and realize what is really going on inside myself that is causing me to REACT to something or someone. Do you ever have that problem?

People seem to so easily be offended these days.
Many are scared. Not knowing what to do about so many things in their lives. How can we be the “best version of ourselves”, as some would say. Do we just put up with it and pretend all is well? Do we fly off the handle when things don’t go our way? What would Jesus do? What DID Jesus do?

God created us, so He knows what our triggers are and He knows how we can walk as victorious overcomers. We are not alone in these struggles this side of Heaven. Jesus intimately understands. He is with us through it all.

“Lord, I can easily drown in a sea of priorities; some of which have become idols in my life. Forgive me and remind me of the importance of You being always first.” “Empower me to be a peacemaker rather than a source of conflict, a reconciler rather than a divider.” – Encounter with God devotional.

Stop. Look. Listen.

To yourself and to others. Let’s take some time together to think it through. What causes reactions to and quarrels with each other? Perhaps it is not so complicated. If we think about these, maybe we can be kinder to ourselves and others. Perhaps we/they just need the H.A.L.T. Antidotes.

H.A.L.T. Triggers

H.A.L.T. = Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired. All are triggers in relationships.

H ungry. Results in physical or mental weakness.
A ngry. WHO/ WHAT brings out anger in you?
L onely. Can cause you to make compromising decisions.
T iredness. Difficulty concentrating. Prone to accidents in word or deed.

Antidotes to stop the H.A.L.T.

  • Hunger. Get something nourishing to eat so that your body, mind, and spirit can function at its best level.
  • Angry. First: Determine if it’s righteous (someone else is harmed) or unrighteous (you are taking personal offense). Determine your role in it.
  • Lonely. Don’t wait for others to come to you. Be the one to reach out to help or just do a simple kindness for another.
  • Tiredness. Set aside time to simply sit and meditate. to just BE with Jesus. Don’t forget to purpose to get adequate sleep. Sleep restores.

Ask the Lord which of the antidotes you need to put into action.

You’ve heard the expression:

Do what you can do and leave to God what only God can do. Talk it over with the Lord. He will help you determine “What’s next?”

Luke 5:16 “Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.”

  • Jesus often withdrew from the others
  • Jesus often prayed alone to His Father
  • Jesus took the initiative to seek solitude in lonely places
  • Jesus knew when He needed to withdraw from others to pray to Father God

Sometimes quiet is the best environment for moving forward, especially in our relationship with God, SO THAT we will be ready to make decisions to follow through to move forward with the antidotes of H.A.L.T. Help us Lord, to bring you Joy in our obedience. To God be the Glory!

Do you need encouragement in your walk with God?

I offer one-on-one coaching and would love to come alongside you to help you become the woman God created you to be.

Let's Connect!
Awaiting His shout,
pam_signature-c49a6c

Christian Life Coach
Leading from Your Strengths Mentor
www.loavesandfishescoaching.com

Filed under: Christian Life Coaching,Mini-Minute with Pam — Tags: , , , — Pam Taylor @ 7:00 am

I Asked God For…

A Mini-Minute with Pam

Smilie Emoji
I have a long list of things I ask God for. I can rattle them off and sometimes get frustrated with Him that He hasn’t answered YET.

One day, something changed as I read this verse in the book of Jeremiah:

“Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me?”

Jeremiah 32:27 KJV

A bit frustrated, I commented: “I KNOW that nothing is too difficult for You, so…”

And right there is where it was obvious that God stepped in to correct my attitude.

He put this thought in my mind:

I asked God ”…So, what do ‘I’ need to do to put myself in the path of Your blessing?”

Zowie. That definitely was NOT me…it was God teaching me through His Holy Spirit!

You might want to sit down for how He answered. It is not what you might expect–like I need to do some kind of good works or spend more time in the word and memorizing.

NOPE!

His answer was: “C O N T E N T M E N T ! “

I was silent. That was not what I was expecting. I had no doubt it was God. And, the response gave me peace. It felt RIGHT.

And–because Contentment is something we CHOOSE, rather than some task we DO–it took away the feeling of overwhelm.

Because if you are like me, you never feel like you have done enough. There is always a need…

Contentment. It is a change of heart. An attitude change. God desires to bless us.But often our hands are full of ourselves.

But, He wasn’t done with what He wanted to teach me…

He then said: “AND…ACT like you’ve learnED it.”

Past tense. LearnED.

Isn’t that just like our FATHER GOD? Always doing the unexpected. Keeping us on our toes. And ALWAYS answering when we sincerely ask.

“Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.”

Jeremiah 33:3 (NKJV)

Glory, Glory. For Your Glory, God.

I’d love to know your thoughts in the comment section…

Onward Christian soldiers.

Until next time…

Do you need encouragement in your walk with God?

I offer one-on-one coaching and would love to come alongside you to help you become the woman God created you to be.

Let's Connect!
Awaiting His shout,
pam_signature-c49a6c

Christian Life Coach
Leading from Your Strengths Mentor
www.loavesandfishescoaching.com

Filed under: Christian Life Coaching,Mini-Minute with Pam — Tags: , , , , — Pam Taylor @ 7:00 am

Losing Control

Short post. True confessions time… Let’s talk about losing control…

I’m normally even-tempered. I seldom get angry or lash out.

Today I did BOTH. I was angry and lashed out.

My reaction surprised me. I didn’t see it coming.

Afterwards, I was asking myself: WHERE did that come from?

There have been a series of events. And apparently, this thing today was the “straw that broke the camels back”.

In itself, it was a minor issue, but it came from a person that has routinely been rude and unkind to me personally. And, it hurts!

Up until today, I have responded with God’s grace and just let it roll off my back.  “I will take no offense” is a daily “mantra” for me. It is so freeing to CHOOSE to take no offense. However… this time, I forgot to CHOOSE…

I’m just sharing this because I want you to know that I absolutely know I am still a work in progress, just like you. I am not happy with myself how I reacted. I know God loves me anyway, but I know it also made Him sad, too.

Normally, I can praise the Lord, laugh and move on. Today, I did NOT! Today, I blew up at that person! I took offense!

And then I stomped away like a toddler…with her and her friend yelling at me, saying she was just kidding. I had to walk past them again a few minutes later, and she and her friend grabbed my arms, to try to make me stand there and listen to them. I felt angry and I felt trapped! I felt bullied.

Have you ever felt that way?

I can also report that we all three ended up having a calm discussion about what happened. It will never be great, because I have never felt safe with either of them.

I will always have my guard up. AND I now know that they have the ability to “trip my trigger”. So, I know now to be alert and choose to be calm. I should have cried out to “Jesus!” But I tried to handle it on my own and I failed miserably! (I think I need to watch the movie “War Room” again. I want to be more like Miss Clara.)

When I got back to my apartment, I talked on the phone with a dear friend who knows me and loves me even when I act like a toddler throwing a tantrum. I don’t think she has ever seen me that way, because it seldom happens, but she listened. We laughed. She suggested a cup of chamomile tea. I’m so grateful she was there for me! I needed a friend right then. Jesus with skin on.

BUT…it still hurts.

Aren’t we glad we have a God who covers our sins with His Blood?
Aren’t we glad that He loves us even when we mess up?
Aren’t we glad He will make up for our lack? We just have to ask Him!

“Your mercy, O Lord, is in the heavens: Your faithfulness reaches to the clouds.”

Psalm 36:5

“Behold, what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God!”

1 John 3:1

“Therefore, humble yourself under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.”

1 Peter 5:6-7

Thanks for your prayers. You can see that I desperately need you holding me up in prayer. This world HURTS sometimes. But God is bigger than all our hurts.

Do you need encouragement in your walk with God?

I offer one-on-one coaching and would love to come alongside you to help you become the woman God created you to be.

Let's Connect!
Awaiting His shout,
pam_signature-c49a6c

Christian Life Coach
Leading from Your Strengths Mentor
www.loavesandfishescoaching.com

Filed under: Christian Life Coaching,Freedom,Spiritual Life — Tags: , , , , — Pam Taylor @ 7:00 am

Confessions of a Nosy Neighbor

Woman looking in mirror
Have you ever gotten frustrated at someone and only much later realized that you, too, were guilty of the same thing that frustrated you about them? It’s time for confessions from a nosy neighbor because it happens to me far more than I want to admit to you.

Confessions of a nosy neighbor

My neighbors were moving out. They were good neighbors. I hated to see them go. And I felt a bit protective of them somehow. They didn’t want to leave either. I was grieving the loss. So, when I went downstairs to get my mail, I noticed a guy from the apartment building watching movers put things in the moving van. The van was nearly up against the building, right outside the window. I remember thinking he was just plain nosy. He was so close, that his nose was almost up against the window. I felt a bit angry at him.

So, I said, “What are you doing?” And he told me a lie. He said that he’d been watching the weather or something like that. From his perspective, he could only see the van contents. I was frustrated at what he was doing and that he had lied to me.

When I arrived back in my apartment, I walked over to look out the 3rd floor window and watched as the movers put more stuff in the moving van. I stood there watching for a few minutes. Then…

God spoke to my heart

In my spirit, I heard God say, “What are you doing?”

BUSTED!

God allowed me to see MYSELF…

“And why worry about a speck in your friend’s eye when you have a log in your own? How can you think of saying to your friend, “Let me help you get rid of that speck in your eye,” when you can’t see past the log in your own eye? Hypocrite! First get rid of the log in your own eye; then you will see well enough to deal with the speck in your friend’s eye.”

Matthew 7:3-5 (NLT)

I’d been doing the exact same thing as the guy I had been frustrated with.

So, I am a nosy neighbor and I was stunned to realize that I had become what I had hated. So, I asked God to forgive me. I confessed. And then I praised the Lord God and thanked Him that He has not given up on me. I still sin every day! UGH! AND…He still speaks to my heart and still shows me my sin. He still is letting me clearly see my hypocrisy. My judgmental spirit. It hurts to see myself as I truly am. But it is also very cool that God loves me too much to let me stay that way.

”For if you listen to the word and don’t obey, it is like glancing at your face in the mirror.”

James 1:23 (NLT)

It might seem like a small thing. But it’s not. It is huge. It is the little things that mount up together to try to destroy our close relationship with the Lord. Keeping “short accounts” with Him is wise. And free-ing.

How about you? Do you ever see yourself doing what you hate in others?

Until next time…thank you for all you do!

Do you need encouragement in your walk with God?

I offer one-on-one coaching and would love to come alongside you to help you become the woman God created you to be.

Let's Connect!
Awaiting His shout,
pam_signature-c49a6c

Christian Life Coach
Leading from Your Strengths Mentor
www.loavesandfishescoaching.com

Filed under: Christian Life Coaching,Freedom,Spiritual Life — Tags: , , , , , , — Pam Taylor @ 7:00 am

God’s Unfailing Love is Relentless

Lion and Lamb in clouds
Did you know that God actually thinks about you all the time. ALL the time! His love is relentless. God’s unfailing love is never-ending. He will never STOP loving you and wanting you with Him throughout all eternity. Does that sound good to you? The choice is yours to make.

“How precious are your thoughts about me O God. They cannot be numbered.

Psalm 139:17

God’s unfailing love is steady and persistent.

Unyielding. He never gives up on us. He is always and forever daily pursuing me and you with love every moment of our lives, assuring us that no matter how far we run, or how big a mess we make, goodness, love and mercy will chase after us until our final breath.

How wonderful it is to be assured of the depth of God’s love! Have you personally had the opportunity of experiencing it? Have you asked Him into your life to be your personal Lord and Savior? If not, why not? He has been called the Hound of Heaven because He pursues you. And He does whatever it takes to draw you into His loving arms. Let’s talk! Don’t waste another minute!

“O LORD, be gracious to us; we long for you. Be our strength every morning, our salvation in times of distress.”

Isaiah 33:2

It is so true that He helps us through hard times and rejoices with us through the good times. And when you walk with God, it is true…

”I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.”

Philippians 4:13

Sharing with you a prayer I often pray:

Holy God, I pray for Your strength today to think clearly, serve creatively and follow You consistently.
Father, You have all authority in Heaven and on earth.
Fill my mind with clear convictions that You are in charge.
Empower me to stand true to You!
And Lord, I know that You never ask me to do anything more than You will provide the strength to accomplish.

Old Testament people have a lot to teach us.

Take for instance, Job, in the Old Testament. He had many, many losses and trials. Yet, Job never stopped talking to God through it all. He didn’t understand why all that was happening to him, but he continued His relationship with God. He suffered. He lost everything. Absolutely everything. He was in pain. He was forsaken by friends and family. Yet, Job was still able to confidently say: “I know that my Redeemer lives; and that in the end, He will stand upon the earth.” (Job 19:25)

Related Post: God’s Love Letter to You!

The Psalm 23 is familiar to most people.

But, has it become too familiar? Let’s stop for a few minutes and think about this carefully: “He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.” (Psalm 23:2b-3) Do you have that assurance? He has made many great and precious promises to those who call Him Lord. For instance, there’s the care He gives us. The personal concern and relentless love. Knowing you are precious in His sight, even before you call Him Lord. We tend to hold back and give ourselves a way out. But He wants you to give Him ALL of your heart. Not just part of it. ALL of your dreams and ALL of your heartaches.

“When I said, ‘my foot is slipping’, your unfailing love, LORD, supported me.”

Psalm 94:18

“But the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear Him, on those whose hope is in His unfailing love.”

Psalm 33:18

“Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you, Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life.”

Psalm 13:5-6

“Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love, according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.”

Psalm 51:1-2

Maranatha! Come Lord Jesus!

Do you need encouragement in your walk with God?

I offer one-on-one coaching and would love to come alongside you to help you become the woman God created you to be.

Let's Connect!
Awaiting His shout,
pam_signature-c49a6c

Christian Life Coach
Leading from Your Strengths Mentor
www.loavesandfishescoaching.com

Filed under: Christian Life Coaching,Spiritual Life — Tags: , , , — Pam Taylor @ 7:00 am

“Where Two or Three Are Gathered”

“Again I say to you, that if two of you agree on earth about anything that they may ask, it shall be done for them by My Father who is in heaven. For where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst.”

What encouraging verses! Full of promise…

The wonderful blessing about the Bible is that there is always the opportunity to get fresh insights and learn new principles. That happened to me just this last week.

For many years when praying with others–whether with seasoned saints, or in a group setting–inevitably there will be someone asking that we “agree with them” in prayer. I would wonder: Is there more power if someone AGREES with us in prayer?

They would pray something like: “Lord, you promise:  if two of you agree on earth about anything that they may ask, it shall be done for them; …Thank You that You promise wherever two or three have gathered in Your name, You are there.”

The implication has been that if He is here, listening to our prayers, then naturally, He will say YES to whatever we are praying. (IF there are two or three of us agreeing, that is.) It felt kinda like a good luck charm. A genie in a bottle type of magic prayer. A name it, claim it and bag it kinda prayer.

It has made me uneasy for years, but I didn’t know why. I never bothered to look up the verse in context while someone was praying (Or even afterwards, either). These were seasoned saints. Mature Christians. It was a given. No questions asked. But it still felt off to me somehow. Yet, I just shrugged it off and went on with my life. Until I couldn’t anymore.

Mystery Revealed

I have learned that if I wait long enough, God will reveal what has previously been a mystery. I LOVE when that happens.This last week, my Encounter with God daily devotional lesson was God’s instrument to enlighten me. God loves to surprise us like that!

Wonder of wonders! By reading verse 20 in context. (Matthew 18:15-20 NAS) as part of my assignment that day I discovered the TRUTH. And I finally understood my uneasiness. That verse was being taken out of context in those prayer meetings. It is a great verse, but it is not for the purpose of answering just any prayer we might pray. It is addressing a specific issue. It is actually part of a teaching of reconciliation in a Christian setting, where one person has gone astray and the TWO or THREE are those attempting to restore the ONE. The TWO or THREE are to be witnesses to the conversations about the offense or sin. Like in a court of law.

It is FIRST to be handled privately. If unsuccessful, then two or three witnesses go with the one. If that is unsuccessful, then it is taken before the church/group. And when done according to Scripture, the Lord will add His blessing, by being there with you through it all. He will never leave us or forsake us. Even if the ONE refuses to reconcile and goes their separate way.

It is a beautiful plan. But sadly, it doesn’t seem to be practiced much. The plan is hard work. It is focused work. Focused on the outcome of reconciliation for the ONE going astray. The enemy of our souls knows that it is much easier to get us distracted from the context of the verse, which is ultimately for the good of all.
(It is much “easier” to ask someone to agree with you in prayer, rather than doing the “grunt” work of restoration.)

Application

“Care and a loving attitude should go hand in hand with such discipline…This is all very challenging, but Jesus promises His blessing on action properly taken to try to reconcile believers to one another.”

–Encounter with God (November 2022)

Discipline, Prayer, Reconciliation (Let’s recap it all … in Biblical context)

“Now if your brother sins, go and show him his fault in private; if he listens to you, you have gained your brother. 16 But if he does not listen to you, take one or two more with you, so that ON THE]TESTIMONY OF TWO OR THREE WITNESSES EVERY MATTER MAY BE CONFIRMED. And if he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, he is to be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector. Truly I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall have been bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall have been loosed in heaven. Again I say to you, that if two of you agree on earth about anything that they may ask, it shall be done for them by My Father who is in heaven. 20 For where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst.”

Matthew 18: 15-20 NAS

Discover Living From Your Strengths (LFYS) Life Changing Mentor Coaching.

Do you have questions? Through the Ministry Insights assessment, you will Discover your strengths. And then, through mentor coaching, you will learn how to daily Embrace and Live out your strengths. You can contact me by clicking on the blue button beside the signature line. Or leave me a private message on Facebook.

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Awaiting His shout,
pam_signature-c49a6c

Christian Life Coach
Leading from Your Strengths Mentor
www.loavesandfishescoaching.com

Filed under: Christian Life Coaching,Spiritual Life — Tags: , , , , , — Pam Taylor @ 7:00 am

Bake Your Enemy a Cake

Making a cake

Take no Offense

It is a challenging lesson to master. When something hurtful happens to me or a friend, I sometimes laugh and say “life would be great if it weren’t for the people in it.” Of course, that is silly, but it gets me OFF the MAD train and brings my sense of humor back. What I am meaning is that people interactions are where the rubber meets the road and shows us truths about ourselves. People are like a mirror that James speaks about. Reactions from people show us clearly how closely we are in reflecting Christ in our interactions.

God has been teaching me the phrase: “I will take no offense,” To CHOOSE to NOT take offense is so freeing.

When someone is rude, or unkind or negligent to show love or kindness, I can just re-focus my feelings by saying “I will take no offense”.

War Room Movie

I am reminded of the War Room movie and the phrase from Elizabeth, as she talks with God: “I’m not their judge. YOU are, God. But please…if they are doing something wrong/sinful, don’t let them get away with it.”

It’s all a way to remind me that GOD is GOD and I am NOT. It actually causes me to relax and to keep my joy! It keeps me from taking up an offense. It keeps me from getting angry and blaming others for my angry attitude. Anger is exhausting. Plus…it accomplishes nothing but giving me a headache or a stomach-ache.

Derek Prince

taught on the reality that we must go the FIRST mile of doing what is necessary and required, before we can go the SECOND mile of doing more than is required.

Bake Your Enemy a Cake

Many years ago, at the Christian Brotherhood Fellowship, Buddy Medlock taught on forgiveness and turning the other cheek. On going the extra mile.

Buddy did not function well in the kitchen, but when he and another person had a disagreement, he would go to apologize, but he would first do something that was difficult for him.

Forgive and Bless Your Enemy

He would bake a cake. And he would take that cake along with his apology. The apology was the FIRST MILE. The cake was the SECOND MILE.

(Love is…)
“Never rude; love is never selfish, never quick to take offense. Love keeps no score of wrongs.”

1 Corinthians 13:5 (Revised English Bible)

We ask you, brothers and sisters, to warn those who do not work. Encourage the people who are afraid. Help those who are weak. Be patient with everyone. Be sure that no one pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to do what is good for each other and for all people. Always be joyful. Pray continually, and give thanks whatever happens. That is what God wants for you in Christ Jesus.

1 Thessalonians 5:14–18 (NCV)

Loaves And Fishes Coaching

How long has it been since you have visited the website? By the way, I have rewritten the home page. I’d love to know what you think. Does it answer your questions about what I do and why I do it?

Discover Living From Your Strengths (LFYS) Life Changing Mentor Coaching.

Do you have questions? Through the Ministry Insights assessment, you will Discover your strengths. And then, through mentor coaching, you will learn how to daily Embrace and Live out your strengths. You can contact me by clicking on the blue button beside the signature line. Or leave me a private message on Facebook.

Leading from Your Strengths

Let's Connect!
Awaiting His shout,
pam_signature-c49a6c

Christian Life Coach
Leading from Your Strengths Mentor
www.loavesandfishescoaching.com

Filed under: Christian Life Coaching,Freedom,Living From Your Strengths — Tags: , , , , , , , — Pam Taylor @ 7:00 am

What Do a Billboard and a Cake Have in Common?

Socal Harvest reg Laurie Billboard

A Billboard Company & An Evangelist

A billboard company in Southern California changed their mind about running an ad “… for an evangelist – simply because he is holding a Bible. For 28 years, world-renowned evangelist Greg Laurie has been holding evangelistic crusades in Southern California, where he has led tens of thousands to Christ and encouraged millions in their faith.” – One News Now (AFR)

The pastor/evangelist had arranged for a billboard company to create and post his ad on their billboard. In the ad, a silhouette of the pastor was holding a Bible (no cross or even the word Bible on it) in his hand.

Push Back

So the ad was posted on the billboard, the sign company got some push back and asked Laurie to remove the image of the Bible from the picture. The pastor agreed. And on that very day the new image was to be installed, the sign company came back and said, “Well, we’re not going to put that up, and the other one’s coming down – and we’re not going to put up anything.” (They did refund their money.)

I first heard about this billboard spiritual battle on American Family Radio (AFR) .

A Cake Artist and the Courts

Embed from Getty Images
Another example of a spiritual battle from the news that morning was about Jack Phillips and Masterpiece Cakeshop. In his first legal battle, Jack was accused of discriminating against a same sex couple wanting him to bake a cake for their wedding. He is an “artist” and he expresses his artistic talent through his cake decorating. But, he could not and would not bake a cake with a message that would violate his freedom of speech by expressing a message that went against his Christian faith. He felt it would be endorsing a same-sex wedding, which he could not and would not do. There was much push back; and he suffered great losses on many fronts. But, because he felt he was treated unfairly on the basis of his religion and he knew it represented more than just cake baking, he took it all the way to the Supreme court and he won the case. The majority in the court agreed with him.

Jack is Consistent in Walking Out His Faith

“On the very day the Supreme Court decided to hear Masterpiece Cakeshop (June 26, 2017), a caller asked the bakery to make a cake with a pink inside and a blue outside, celebrating a gender transition from male to female. The shop politely declined, but Phillips believes that the same lawyer, on other occasions, requested that he create other custom cakes with messages that violate his faith — a cake celebrating Satan and a cake with Satanic symbols. The lawyer…a man identifying as a woman…” – PJMedia.com

I first heard about this 2nd spiritual battle for Jack on pjmedia.com .

Sloppy Agape or Dressed for Battle?

What do a billboard and a cake have in common? Both stories are about serious spiritual battles. This is old news, but these battles continue to this day.  What is a person to do? Pray for wisdom and favor, friends. Our country was founded on Biblical principles. The Bill of Rights was thoughtfully planned out and purposefully written as the authors realized that the each “right” was necessary. We must honor what our founding fathers intended. The battle between good and evil is intensifying. We cannot live our lives exercising sloppy agape. This is serious business. We must remain dressed for battle in our spiritual armor (Ephesians 6) and continue to keep our relationship with the Lord Jesus strong.  Always alert, because the enemy prowls around looking for someone to devour…

Loving the sinner, but not the sin

If an evangelist and a cake maker must go through such battles, then we must not think we will be immune. We must be supportive of them. And, we MUST be ALERT IN THE SPIRIT!!! We must be proactive, seeing clearly the signs of the times. Loving. Kind. Respectful. YES! AND at the same time, also realizing we are in a battle for souls! Loving the people, but hating the sin.

Setting the captives free

In the strength of the Lord, we are blessed and equipped for healing the broken-hearted and setting the captives free. Are you willing? Our battle is NOT against flesh and blood but against a spirit world that has been working to thwart God’s plans from the very beginning. We are “awaiting His shout” together. Occupying and working until Jesus comes again…

Until next time, I am…

Discover Living From Your Strengths (LFYS) Life Changing Mentor Coaching.

Do you have questions? Through the Ministry Insights assessment, you will Discover your strengths. And then, through mentor coaching, you will learn how to daily Embrace and Live out your strengths. You can contact me by clicking on the blue button beside the signature line. Or leave me a private message on Facebook.

Leading from Your Strengths

Let's Connect!
Awaiting His shout,
pam_signature-c49a6c

Christian Life Coach
Leading from Your Strengths Mentor
www.loavesandfishescoaching.com

Filed under: Christian Life Coaching,Spiritual Life — Tags: , , , , , , , — Pam Taylor @ 7:00 am

Not for One Second

Man crossing a bridge

These are confusing times. Times of wondering who can be trusted. WHO do you believe? WHAT do you believe?

Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.”

(Proverbs 3:5-6 NLT)

You are not alone. Many are feeling those same things and asking the same questions. But, what does God say about it? He tells us we are not alone. We might feel alone, but we are not!

Even if my father and mother abandon me, the LORD will hold me close.”

(Psalm 27:10 NLT)

Truth vs feelings

These are the days to make a definite choice to believe TRUTH from the Scriptures and not be fooled by our feelings. The devil is the author of the “d” words: despair, discouragement, and depression. God is the author of HOPE: joy, encouragement, and contentment. Sometimes we want a reason when what we need is JESUS.

“Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand”

(Isaiah 41:10 NLT)

You are not alone—not for one second. He is with you every second of every single day. He is closer than your breath.

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

(John 14:27 NIV)

Max Lucado:

“In the ultimate declaration of communion, God called himself Immanuel, which means, God with us. He became flesh. He became sin. He defeated the grave. He is still with us. In the form of his Spirit, he comforts, teaches, and convicts. Don’t assume God is watching from a distance. Isolation creates a downward cycle of fret. Choose instead to be the person who clutches the presence of God with both hands. We can calmly take our concerns to God because he is as near as our next breath. And because the Lord is near, we can be anxious for nothing.”

Practical stuff

Be sure you are getting adequate rest, and plenty of time in the Scriptures—the Word–truly SEEKING God and also healthy nourishment, so your are in the best shape physically to hear that still small voice of God. He is a gentleman. He does not SHOUT.

Elijah was discouraged, and that is exactly the “prescription” God gave him when he was worn out from the spiritual battle and was listening to his feelings rather than the truth he had witnessed. We all get there at some point. And we all need a hand UP to the higher ground again at some point in our lives.

I can help

I am a trained life coach. I am a living your strengths coach. It’s what I do! If you are finding life less than joyful, we should talk. That is exactly my specialty: Helping women figure out how to navigate this moment in their lives. Helping you restore the joy of your salvation. I LOVE my “job”. My “calling” to the body of Christ. For many, coaching is a bit confusing. It is not counseling. Coaches don’t fix people. We help you believe that who God created you to be is a special treasure, dearly loved by your creator. I will be your greatest cheerleader as you navigate new ways of thinking and processing life. BTW, I just want you to know: YOU are His “favorite” Winking smile

Curious? Let’s talk soon! I offer a free inquiry call so you can explore if coaching might be the missing link in your life right now. If you decide not, we still will have had an amazing conversation getting to know each other. What have you got to lose? Contact me to set up an appointment. Don’t put it off. Or just click on the Blue Button next to the signature line.

You don’t have to walk through life feeling alone. Not for one second. I would love to be that one clutching the presence of God with both hands together with you! To God be the Glory.

Until next time, I am…

Discover Living From Your Strengths (LFYS) Life Changing Mentor Coaching.

Do you have questions? Through the Ministry Insights assessment, you will Discover your strengths. And then, through mentor coaching, you will learn how to daily Embrace and Live out your strengths. You can contact me by clicking on the blue button beside the signature line. Or leave me a private message on Facebook.

Leading from Your Strengths

Let's Connect!
Awaiting His shout,
pam_signature-c49a6c

Christian Life Coach
Leading from Your Strengths Mentor
www.loavesandfishescoaching.com

Filed under: Christian Life Coaching,Living From Your Strengths,Strengths Mentor Coach — Tags: , , , , , — Pam Taylor @ 7:00 am
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