Joseph & The Karate Kid

In my last post, I shared part of my own story with you. And many of you responded.

I truly appreciate your kind words and encouragement. Although I meant to encourage you!

Because you have a story, too.

And you are really important in the Kingdom. So never give up on becoming what The Lord created you to become!

No matter what.

If you’ve read the Old Testament stories, you know no one’s journey followed an easy path.

They all messed up.
A lot.

And God used their circumstances to prepare them.

Joseph had a dream.

Several, in fact.

But he had a lot to learn before his dream could come true.

So The Lord took him on a long, painful journey that would transform him into the man he was created to be. And all along the way, Joseph was growing and learning.

Joseph trusted The Lord. He knew his gifts – interpreting dreams, for example – were God’s to use as He wanted. Despite all he endured, he was confident in Who God is.

What do Joseph and the Karate Kid have in common?

The Karate Kid had a dream, too. Not as noble, perhaps. And he certainly didn’t have Joseph’s confidence in his teacher. But we can still benefit by observing his learning processes.

Daniel wants to learn karate.

But Mr. Miyagi has had him slaving around his house for the past 4 days.

  • Sand the deck.
  • Wash the car.
  • Paint the house.
  • Paint the fence.

And Daniel is angry. But he’s been in training nonetheless.

YouTube player
Beware of Daniel’s language rated PG-13 maybe?

What is The Lord training you for?

Which methods is He using to transform you?
Is it working yet? You can always ask the Holy Spirit to help.

He’s always up to something in our lives! What are you missing? What do you need more of to be more like Jesus? No matter what: God’s process always contains His Goodness!

So look for it!
Because with God, all things are possible!

 And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate The Lord’s glory,
are being transformed into His Image with ever-increasing glory,
which comes from The Lord, Who is the Spirit.
(
2 Corinthians 3:18)

Double-Minded or Undaunted: Your Choice

undaunted

Yesterday, The Lord whispered a Truth in my ear. As only the Holy Spirit can do. No blame. No shame. Just something to work on. Disappointment. Hurt. Fear. I become double-minded. But His desire is that I – that you also – live The Kingdom Life. Undaunted.

Like you, I have a calling. But everything seems to be against me. I know I’m in a battle. A battle I’m losing. Everything is falling apart. Nothing is working. And I’ve run out of ideas. I need help. But I feel totally alone in my struggle.

What Shall I Do with Wisdom?

Like you, my spiritual reflex is to cry out to God. But nothing is changing. So The Lord gently reminds me that I’ve forgotten about my part. It has sneaked up on me unawares.

If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do. (James 1:5-8)

Believe and Not Doubt

Like you, I must admit that I can’t conjure up an that kind of bold, steadfast belief on my own. Fortunately, everything good thing comes from The Father. A Gift. Just for the asking. But I have to be willing to trade in my negativity. It’s a Divine Exchange:

  • My hurt. My disappointment. My fear.
  • For His Healing. For His Promise. For His Faithfulness.

“So exactly how does this work?” you ask.

luke-11-13Well, it’s the not-so-secret Work of the One and Only Holy Spirit. We acknowledge our need (as soon as He points it out). Then …

  1. Ask.
  2. Receive.
  3. Give Thanks.

We get to be Undaunted because
He Who promised is Faithful.

Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. Stretch out your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus.

After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly. (Acts 4:29-31)

undaunted-defined[callout]Find more encouragement in Undaunted: Daring to do what God calls you to do by Christine Caine.[/callout]

Save

Save

The joy of the Lord is our strength!

the Joy of the Lord

The Joy of the Lord is your Key! Just read the following words aloud and see what happens to your mood as your spirit takes charge over your soul. Then post your favorites on Facebook.

Discover the Joy of The Lord

You make known to me the path of life;
    you will fill me with joy in your presence,
    with eternal pleasures at your right hand. (Psalm 16:11)

Splendor and majesty are before him;
strength and joy are in his dwelling place. (1 Chronicles 16:27)

Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” (Nehemiah 8:10)

May we shout for joy over your victory
    and lift up our banners in the name of our God.
May the Lord grant all your requests. (Psalm 20:5)

The Lord is my strength and my shield;
    my heart trusts in him, and he helps me.
My heart leaps for joy,
    and with my song I praise him. (Psalm 28:7)

You turned my wailing into dancing;
    you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy,
that my heart may sing your praises and not be silent.
    Lord my God, I will praise you forever. (Psalm 30:11-12)

MORE UPLIFTING EXERCISES: Be sure to post your favorites on Facebook and Twitter! Then search the Bible for joy (pun intended). What are some of your other favorite verses that contain the word joy? Or – if you want to get carried away – count how many times the word joy (or a derivative thereof) appears. That would be fun, eh?

[callout]Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! (Philippians 4:4)[/callout]