"The Blessed Life"
Every believer who is a part of the Kingdom of God should have an "Action Plan for Living a Life of Gratitude, Fulfillment and Abundance!" Many men of God, including Pastor Robert Morris of Gateway Church in Texas, calls this "The Blessed Life".
I remember when I first began reading his book...I was sitting in the hospital room with my beloved wife during the last sixty-days of her life. I remember how overwhelmingly blessed I felt, despite the numerous cancer battles we'd previously experienced over a twelve-year period - and the present battle we were currently in.
My wife's nurse was such a beautiful Russian-Jewish lady, who had the sweetest countenance, and cared for Charlene with the utmost dignity and thoughtfulness; even during these very difficult times, where being totally incontinent and unable to take care for herself on many different levels, was absolutely heartbreaking.
As I sat in that bright and beautiful private hospital room at Cedar's Sinai in Los Angeles, my faith seemed to be at an all-time high. I really believed that God was going to deliver her, yet again - so seeing what I saw; including the unbearable pain, repeated intrusive tests and examinations, and the frequent speculations from as many as twenty doctors over the course of these final days, was fuel to my soaring faith disposition that refused to allow death or defeat to ever enter my mind.
In many respects, my faith was not celebrated, but attacked - and I remember both the medical personnel and family member's long stares, disregard for privacy at times, and the mocking observations, whenever I had to take a faith-stand against the barrage of contrary circumstances that demanded my attention; and ultimately were meant to silence the voice of faith that never waivered - no matter how dark it became at each step in the remaining days till her final departure to the bosom of the Father.
No matter what I had to deal with in the horrific final battle, the manifold grace of God, and the spirit and attitude of faith - was like an iron yoke about my neck! During the most intense "heat of the day", God birthed within me a "heavenly vision" for the future; right in the middle of the darkest time of my life.
What an amazing picture of His redemptive plans in the midst of chaos and devastation, and what a powerful understanding I gained of what a "heavenly vision" and "blessed life" really is.
Within the framework of any heavenly vision and purpose-filled and purposeful life, is the amazing honor to walk and worship the Lord Jesus Christ!
In this process of hearing and knowing His voice and heart, we can principally embrace a philosophy for life that divinely colors every other area - and sets us on the course to the abundant life, without us needing to chase things or illusive dreams that are neither real or relevant to a true follower of Christ.
We can love, learn, and live like Jesus did in His earthly ministry, so our lights brightly shine - and so our witness will be even more effective. To pattern the Master's steps is a great privilege, and whether on a large stage, or quietly tucked behind the scenes serving, incongnito - we can choose to walk in the integrity of Christ’s character for all to see, and be absolutely fulfilled in performing for THE AUDIENCE OF ONE.
We can live our lives completely conscious of the presence and power of God working around us and through us, in relationship with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
We can continuously discover that the life of abundance and fulfillment, which the Lord has designed for us all in every area, can be accomplished without seeking to self-actualize or self-aggrandize.
We can choose to be unselfish in our interaction with others, with the known expense and commitment of doing whatever is best from the Father’s perspective, without ever acting crosswise and to the demise or detriment of anyone else.
We can devote our entire lives to faithful love and service to one another, while supporting and helping each other to achieve the individual goals and accomplishments that are important to our families and to our future.
We can live without fear or regret about our every day life decisions, our faith-filled pursuits, and our relationships on every level – learning from past mistakes, always seeking out new opportunities, and being the kind of "loyal friends" that others both appreciate and value.
We can grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus, while building and improving our entire lives in every area; as we employ by faith, both the natural and spiritual disciplines, which are the mark of truly successful and blessed people.
We can achieve a life-balance in every stage of our growth and development, and be an instrument the Lord will use in every season of life, without fail.
We can enjoy our journey, work through our fears of the “unknown”, and connect with people of great moral character, who are purpose-driven and true followers of Christ.
And, we can let God’s love be the foundation of our faith, family and future, with a reckless abandonment and complete trust that causes us to live above all condemnation, all fears, all doubts, and all shame.
What is your heart’s desire concerning:
I remember when I first began reading his book...I was sitting in the hospital room with my beloved wife during the last sixty-days of her life. I remember how overwhelmingly blessed I felt, despite the numerous cancer battles we'd previously experienced over a twelve-year period - and the present battle we were currently in.
My wife's nurse was such a beautiful Russian-Jewish lady, who had the sweetest countenance, and cared for Charlene with the utmost dignity and thoughtfulness; even during these very difficult times, where being totally incontinent and unable to take care for herself on many different levels, was absolutely heartbreaking.
As I sat in that bright and beautiful private hospital room at Cedar's Sinai in Los Angeles, my faith seemed to be at an all-time high. I really believed that God was going to deliver her, yet again - so seeing what I saw; including the unbearable pain, repeated intrusive tests and examinations, and the frequent speculations from as many as twenty doctors over the course of these final days, was fuel to my soaring faith disposition that refused to allow death or defeat to ever enter my mind.
In many respects, my faith was not celebrated, but attacked - and I remember both the medical personnel and family member's long stares, disregard for privacy at times, and the mocking observations, whenever I had to take a faith-stand against the barrage of contrary circumstances that demanded my attention; and ultimately were meant to silence the voice of faith that never waivered - no matter how dark it became at each step in the remaining days till her final departure to the bosom of the Father.
No matter what I had to deal with in the horrific final battle, the manifold grace of God, and the spirit and attitude of faith - was like an iron yoke about my neck! During the most intense "heat of the day", God birthed within me a "heavenly vision" for the future; right in the middle of the darkest time of my life.
What an amazing picture of His redemptive plans in the midst of chaos and devastation, and what a powerful understanding I gained of what a "heavenly vision" and "blessed life" really is.
Within the framework of any heavenly vision and purpose-filled and purposeful life, is the amazing honor to walk and worship the Lord Jesus Christ!
In this process of hearing and knowing His voice and heart, we can principally embrace a philosophy for life that divinely colors every other area - and sets us on the course to the abundant life, without us needing to chase things or illusive dreams that are neither real or relevant to a true follower of Christ.
We can love, learn, and live like Jesus did in His earthly ministry, so our lights brightly shine - and so our witness will be even more effective. To pattern the Master's steps is a great privilege, and whether on a large stage, or quietly tucked behind the scenes serving, incongnito - we can choose to walk in the integrity of Christ’s character for all to see, and be absolutely fulfilled in performing for THE AUDIENCE OF ONE.
We can live our lives completely conscious of the presence and power of God working around us and through us, in relationship with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
We can continuously discover that the life of abundance and fulfillment, which the Lord has designed for us all in every area, can be accomplished without seeking to self-actualize or self-aggrandize.
We can choose to be unselfish in our interaction with others, with the known expense and commitment of doing whatever is best from the Father’s perspective, without ever acting crosswise and to the demise or detriment of anyone else.
We can devote our entire lives to faithful love and service to one another, while supporting and helping each other to achieve the individual goals and accomplishments that are important to our families and to our future.
We can live without fear or regret about our every day life decisions, our faith-filled pursuits, and our relationships on every level – learning from past mistakes, always seeking out new opportunities, and being the kind of "loyal friends" that others both appreciate and value.
We can grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus, while building and improving our entire lives in every area; as we employ by faith, both the natural and spiritual disciplines, which are the mark of truly successful and blessed people.
We can achieve a life-balance in every stage of our growth and development, and be an instrument the Lord will use in every season of life, without fail.
We can enjoy our journey, work through our fears of the “unknown”, and connect with people of great moral character, who are purpose-driven and true followers of Christ.
And, we can let God’s love be the foundation of our faith, family and future, with a reckless abandonment and complete trust that causes us to live above all condemnation, all fears, all doubts, and all shame.
What is your heart’s desire concerning:
- Your marriage and family’s short and long-term future
- Your entrepreneurial, ministry, or work assignments
- Your spiritual development and maturity
- Your professional or educational goals
Are you sowing the kind of seeds that will yield the harvest you expect?
Are your "pray" and "say" in constant conflict, because you sabotage what's possible, because past history speaks louder than the present reality to you?
I am determined to live "The Blessed Life", and noone from my past, present or future will ever get me to settle for anything less!
The storms, rejection, attacks, and bleeding-heart through my life's journey are the evidence of my inner strength and spiritual resolve, by God's grace alone!
In other words, "I ain't no punk!" I'm God's man, and His good plans for me haven't changed one bit...even through the shadow of death, and the dark nights of the soul.
There is no better time in my estimation, to choose to live the blessed life, than in the middle of a mess!
Tired eyes can't see a bright future, so get some rest - spiritually, mentally, emotionally, relationally, and financially. You have to evaluate your situation, but you don't have to own it - or let it own or destroy your child-like faith before your Heavenly Father!
The reason He won't tolerate unbelief is, although the storms may have raged, and the trial didn't easily go away - He's shown you His power, He's never failed to provide, and He's able to resurrect the dead things you're looking at - RIGHT NOW!
TODAY, choose "The Blessed Life"! You won't soon regret it!
I AM SO BLESSED!!!!!
WS-3
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