nikkij

Perseverance © By Nikki Jourdan

Greetings!

Today let us explore the word of God that deals with a seed and how to get results in life. Many years ago I was taught how to use my faith and stand until what I prayed for manifested. Here are a few of the principles that have been tried and tested; proven faithful. One thing for sure, God cannot lie. Therefore, if what we are doing is not giving the desired results; it has to be an adjustment made on our end, would you agree?

Let us take a look at Luke 8: 10, where Jesus is teaching his disciples in parables to explain certain truths. “He replied, You have been permitted to understand the secrets of the Kingdom of God. But I am using these stories to conceal everything about it from outsiders…” (NLT). We all know this famous passage as part of the lesson about the sower or farmer scattering seed. As we look deeper, however, the meaning unfolds:

The seed represents God’s word. As the farmer goes out and throws the seed, some fell on a path where it was stepped on. The birds saw and ate it. Some other seed landed on very shallow soil surrounded by rocks. Even though the seed took root and started growing, it soon died due to lack of proper moisture reaching and supplying the roots. Other seed fell among thorns and choked the life out of the young blades. Yet another seed fell on good fertile soil. This seed grew and produced a great harvest of crop one hundred times as much as all that was planted.

Now, let us break it down to where we live and see just how precious we are to God:

The word that landed on the (foot path) is a hard place to grow because as soon as the message (good news) is heard, the Devil comes immediately to steal it away. The kingdom of darkness has a role to play in our lives. Satan makes sure to make such drama happen to cause distraction, which prevents anyone one from believing and hearing so faith to be saved can occur.

The rocky soil are precious lives that that hear a great message and get all excited and full of joy. However, they believe for a while until faced with trials and adversity. They soon wither away under pressure because they are not yet rooted and grounded firmly in God’s word.

The thorny soil represents all the precious lives that are just too busy with the cares of life, chasing riches and the pleasures of this life. By spending so much time chasing after things; they become stagnate in spiritual growth and development. As a result, maturity rarely happens. They get trapped and stuck in a rut. Often in and out; up and down; tossed from church to church; unsettled…un-teachable and blaming others for their problems.

The good fertile soil is the believer with a made up mind to be honest, faithful to God, making him priority in life: hear, trust and obey. The harvest goes to the ones that stay close to God and keep an open line of communication. That person prospers and gets results through faith and perseverance.

In closing, try not to look at others, locate you. See where you are now and decide where you want to be; what you want to do and where you want to go in life. Take the time to cultivate a long-term relationship with Jesus. Make it personal and stay connected long enough to bare fruit. If you remain close and teachable; you will grow and mature just fine (smile).

Love and appreciate you!

Stay encouraged.

Nikki Jourdan

www.chooselove.org

Rejection © By Nikki Jourdan

The word of God has many things to say concerning rejection. It would be wise to see what it says first, and then explore the areas where we can apply the word to our own situation. Jesus was despised and rejected by men according to Isaiah 55:3. He knows and understands first hand how rejection really feels. “He was despised and rejected by men, a man of many sorrows, and familiar with suffering.” (NIV)

If you feel different or that you always stand out in a crowd or you are being picked on all the time; there is a reason for it….you are not crazy, ha! In 1 John 3:1, it says, “Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called the children of God! Therefore the world does not know us because it did not know him.” (NIV)

Acceptance is the answer to all form and manner of rejection. According to Ephesians 1:5-6, we have been adopted and accepted in the beloved family of God! (KJV) Rejection is a spirit that attaches to our emotions. It has to be replaced with something much greater than itself! Something more powerful! Something more lasting! Something that will not fail us! Let us take a look at John 3:16-21 (NIV)

16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. 18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son. 19 This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. 20 Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed.
21 But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may
be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God.”

Here is the real deal: If you have come in contact with rejection, either recently or in the past, you can decide. Yes Ma’am, today you can choose to remain rejected
or choose love and receive acceptance through Jesus Christ. Only you have the
power to choose and decide. His love is available, but God will not force you to receive or accept or take it. Light represents Liberty! Freedom! Empowerment! Ability to overcome! Let me explain further, so you may be able to make a better quality and sound decision. The following is a partial list of what we call rejection or at least call the emotions tied to feelings of rejection:

Abandonment; verbal, spiritual, physical, sexual, emotional abuse; banishment; brush-off; censure; desertion; displacement; deception; excommunication; fear of rejection; forsaken; low self-esteem; manipulation; shunning; repulsiveness; turn down; turn away, inferiority; self-pity; self-rejection; self-hatred; worthlessness and the inability to receive or give godly love.

Now, think back to the incident or the root cause of the rejection you are dealing with and add God’s forgiveness. Now just by asking for or extending forgiveness, towards you as well as others involved; you should feel a release within (as if a cloud just lifted off your shoulder). This is a serious matter. Yokes of bondage are being broken off you; layers and years of pain and emotional torment. You now have the ability to love you based on His Love; not the negative false love the world offers. From this day forward, you can no longer place blame on someone else, if you choose to receive emotions of rejection rather than the gift of God: Acceptance and unconditional love forever through Jesus Christ.

Even a passage of scripture found in Luke gives account of Jesus where he expresses the pain acquainted with rejection. Luke 13: 34 says, “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing!” (NIV)

Be willing today. Again, we all have to make a choice. This truth can apply to everything in life. Life is a process of change and adaptations. We can be willing; and grow up in Him as victors or we can choose to remain as we are or become un-teachable; stubborn; bitter; angry with the world and live as victims. Yes, I know it may be difficult to digest. Only, be willing and just allow God to mend the areas of your life. Think about it….please….?

Let today be the day you leap with faith to decide, decree and declare your freedom from rejection! Choose Light! Choose Love! Choose God! Choose Life! And live the rest of your days totally dependent on Him to secure your present and your
future. You can learn to get excited about being a Christian and living as a world over-comer. It is FUN, ha!

”Remember, your history is only an account of your past; write the ending you
desire to happen. Believe all things are truly possible with God.”
~Nikki Jourdan

Ephesians 3:16-21 Prayer Confession
Father God, I pray according to Ephesians 3:16-21, and ask You to grant each of us, myself and every woman, according to the riches of Jesus of Nazareth’s glory, I ask You to strengthen our inner man with might through Christ Jesus, that through faith, Christ may dwell in our hearts; that we are rooted and grounded in His love, and we may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height of Christ’ love – to know the love of Christ; that we may be filled with all the fullness of You, Father God. Today we receive full and complete acceptance of Your love only. We receive and ask to be filled with Your Holy Spirit. Thank You that Jesus Christ is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think according to the power that works in us, in Jesus’ name. Amen!

Take the Challenge and Overcome © By Nikki Jourdan

Greetings!

At some point in life, we all are faced with the challenge of believing and receiving by faith what God has called us to do. Some are anointed for ministry while others are anointed for business, the marketplace; professional; a few are chosen to operate in multiple assignments. The key is to overcome fear and grow beyond what we can see.

Today let us explore how to accomplish our assignment(s) regardless of what it happens to be. Let’s first look at what God says before exhortations in Colossians 3:17

”And whatever you do [no matter what it is] in word or deed, do
everything in the name of the Lord Jesus and in [dependence upon] His
Person, giving praise to God the Father through Him.” (AMP)

It took me a long time to "get it." God wants the best life for His children. He may lead us in a path that brings peace for a moment; and challenge us to seek and discover the divine plan He has already set up for us. His divine will always take faith, works and action...always! He empowers each of us to pursue and conquer in confidence; overcoming all to do His will. Yes, our strengths and weaknesses work together and will look and feel like (success and failure). This is a normal part of being a world over-comer, in Christ. .It will not go away, ha! You cannot pray it away either, ha! Trust me, I have tried, (smile). It is vitally important that you and I stay focused on God’s Word. He is never surprised or unprepared! Therefore it is a joy to go to Him and receive all we need to even dare take the next step. It is time to come from the rear into the present. No one is perfect – Get ready by faith and speak into existence, in Him.

1. If You are called: Answer the call and stay humble, in Him.

2. If You are a minister: Serve with joy and pure motives, in Him.

3. If You are an entrepreneur: Work honestly, build and take action by faith.

4. If You are empowered in anything: Be strong and wise and courageous, in Him.

5. If You are loved: Be secure and sow radical love to others, in Him.

6. If You are a leader: Be confident and audacious in God's ability to use you, in Him

7. You are a steward: Be faithful! Be thankful. Remain honest, in Him.

8. You are a professional: Be courageous and focused on your assignment, in Him.

9. If You are talented and gifted: Use your Abilities to serve and add value, in Him

Remember to live and celebrate the life that you have now - The world is awaiting whatever you have been given of God. Quit looking at your flaws and see your value, in Jesus Christ.

Ecclesiastes 7:10 says it this way (The Message):

" 7-10 Seize life! Eat bread with gusto,
   Drink ...with a robust heart.
   Oh yes—God takes pleasure in your pleasure!
   Dress festively every morning.
   Don't skimp on colors and scarves.
   Relish life with the spouse you love
   Each and every day of your precarious life.
   Each day is God's gift. It's all you get in exchange
   For the hard work of staying alive.
   Make the most of each one!
   Whatever turns up, grab it and do it. And heartily!
   This is your last and only chance at it,
   For there's neither work to do nor thoughts to think
   In the company of the dead, where you're most certainly headed. "

Isaiah 43: 18 says it this way: (The Message)

^16-21”This is what God says,
   the God who builds a road right through the ocean,
   who carves a path through pounding waves,
The God who summons horses and chariots and armies—
   they lie down and then can't get up;
   they're snuffed out like so many candles:
"Forget about what's happened;
   don't keep going over old history.
Be alert, be present. I'm about to do something brand-new.
   It's bursting out! Don't you see it?
There it is! I'm making a road through the desert,
   rivers in the badlands.
Wild animals will say 'Thank you!'
   —the coyotes and the buzzards—
Because I provided water in the desert,
   rivers through the sun-baked earth,
Drinking water for the people I chose,
   the people I made especially for myself,
   a people custom-made to praise me.”

Remember the Lord is with us. He makes us good enough! Lead by faith. Be empowered by His love. And be an over-comer, in Christ. That’s you!

"Scripture taken from The Message. Copyright ? 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002. Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group."

Worship in God’s Economy

Greetings!

Let me ask, “What do you declare to be most important in your life today?” You and I have been entrusted with something valuable that we must guard.

God’s Kingdom is set up to run opposite the world’s system and the kingdom of darkness.

As born-again believers of the Lord Jesus Christ of Nazareth, how do we function? What makes the difference? What keeps us grounded? How do we have and maintain the peace of God rather than fear as the world? What keeps you and me from anxiety and worry and wanting to commit suicide? What keeps us from fighting and getting angry and blaming the entire world and everyone in it for our problems?

The economy we see, hear and experience is crumbling due to greed and lack of integrity. It is the signs of the times in which we live. Corruption is exposed everyday on all levels of the social status. Crimes are being elevated equally both in our cities and towns across the land. Businesses and landmarks are vanishing. Health, banking, housing and real estate issues are full of controversy. The role the church as we have known it has become a battlefield. Reported killings and shootings appear within the church walls and in the streets. Wars and rumors of wars; attacks against the family, kidnappings, abortions, gangs, drug, alcohol, job terminations, abuse of power; along with school violence are daily headlines.

What makes the difference is our Worship of our God. Remember in times past when life spiraled out of control, we fasted and prayed. We would come together in agreement and apply the Word of God to a situation or any circumstance. All we had was faith in God’s ability to keep His Word. When we had little to nothing in life; God blessed us with His abundance. He caused increase to follow us because we worshipped Him. We placed Him first in everything and for every reason; with no exceptions.

Now we find ourselves overflowing in goods and services of comfort ( stuff) until we pay more attention to maintain the stuff rather than worship God. We hoard and fight among ourselves as to who we are or what we do; and have forgotten who we are, In Him. We work longer hours away from our families to be in position to get more and more of this, that and the other (stuff).

Stuff has no joy without Him. Birthdays, events and seasons have no celebration without Him. Waking up has no excitement without Him. Ministry has no purpose without Him. Prayer has no passion without Him. Yet, we promise ourselves the next day will be better – to set aside time for God. We busy ourselves in ministry and boldly lead while broken and wounded. A Word here and there to gird us with strength…and we forge onward…knowing something is missing! And we love God!

It is Worship that is gnawing at our spirit-man. It is a call to worship! Put the focus back on what is truly most important – God Almighty. It is time to bow, bend the knee - lay prostate and get a Word Stimulus. Let us get back to reverence and adoration of Him. The world’s economy has various voices and a multitude of choices.

God’s Kingdom and His economy have One Voice and One Choice: God’s way. Our lives are subject to calm and stormy weather. The winds of adversity shift without notice. Purpose to remain anchored in God. Spend time once again In His Word and allow a refreshing to take place within. Dance before Him and Sing and Pray. Being busy is no longer an excuse to spend less time with God or family. We much choose now and stay focused and balanced, In Him.

Worship God. Be thankful and grateful for what He has already done. Be content. You have been entrusted with God’s Word. Learn to approach the throne some times with no agenda other than to spend time alone with Him. Love on Him. Write letters to Him. Talk to Him, ha! Take time and read 1 Timothy 6:11-20 (NIV) and (New Living Translation). Life after today will never be the same. v

“It is Agape love! It is Empowered love! It is Infectious love! It is the kind of love that should be “On fire”!”

Does your love rock the world? How can you tell if, indeed, you have the kind of love that transforms lives for the better? It is certainly within your capability, and it should be the distinctive trademark of every Christian.

Everyday we encounter countless opportunities to display the love of God. So the question is never “Why hasn’t God provided me an opportunity to love?” but “What have I done with the opportunities He has already provided?” Have we really loved in a way that is pleasing to Him, or have we simply settled and acquiesced to the world’s standard and definition of love?

The world may beat someone black and blue; break both arms and both legs; splash acid in their face; poison their animal; steal their identity; and call it love. These acts are merely a second hand emotion of hate and vengeance, but some people who commit them will claim that “love” made them do it. May God help and protect us!

John 13:34, 35 ESV says: "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

And Galatians 5:13-16 NASB states:
13 For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.
14 For the whole Law is fulfilled in one word, in the statement, "YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF."
15 But if you bite and devour one another, take care that you are not consumed by one another.
16 But I say ,walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh.

Now these verses may seem like a very tall order, but make no mistake about it, as a Christian, you can learn both to acquire and demonstrate this kind of love.

It is Agape love! It is Empowered love! It is Infectious love! It is the kind of love that should be “on fire!” It is the kind of love that oozes, pours, and spills over onto and into others...becoming contagious in nature...instantly upon contact. It is the love of God in Christ Jesus! WOW!

Love is the Spiritual Trait that transforms your personality and character. It is first expressed in your intimate relationship with Jesus Christ. If you develop a lifestyle of adoration, worship, prayer and praise of our Heavenly Father, the result is an out-pouring of love unlike anything you have ever experienced.

Matthew 3:11 NASB
11 "As for me, I baptize you with water for repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, and I am not fit to remove His sandals; He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.

God imparts Himself within you by His Spirit—Holy Ghost and fire. Our union with Him becomes a pure, honest, respectful, and intimate fellowship where you hold nothing back, because He has held nothing back from us. He gives and shares ALL of Him; wrapped up in perfected love.

Our relationship with God must be the most important one in our lives. And like any meaningful relationship, we should take the time to ask, “How are you today, Father? How may I assist your plan for this world? I am here for Your glory...my Lord…my King. How may I fulfill Your purpose today? How may I please You?”

There is no other way to obtain the kind of love that both you and I need to live in this world, except it be by faith, which works only by love—God’s tender love.

He is wooing you to come closer to Him for the sole purpose of loving you in fellowship. From this day forward, begin your day with Him first. Get up earlier just to give Him the space and opportunity to inoculate you with a daily dose of empowered, infectious, over-flowing, on fire, up lifting, oozing out kind of love. Live for Him...in His strength, and in His power.

Remember, We are empowered to make a difference everyday, in Him. Give this kind of love away to all you greet and meet.

“Love is both life-giving and life-changing.”

Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version, copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations taken from the New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation Used by permission. (www.Lockman.org)

Nikki Jourdan is a Lifestyle Exhorter. Her passion and love is contagious in ministry, business, poetry, greetings and inspirations. Nikki inspires women to choose love as a lifestyle and celebrate life as champions to live in freedom everyday. Visit her web site and get Ambassadors of Love E-zine: http://www.chooselove.org. For Greetings and Inspirations Visit: http://www.celebrategreetings.com and http://www.tmhgreetings.com

"Choose Love. It looks good on you!" TM Nikki Jourdan