When I Fall I Shall Arise!

“When I Fall I Shall Arise”

"When I Fall I Shall Arise!" -- Micah 7:8

“Rejoice not against me, O my enemy: when I fall, I shall arise: when I sit in darkness, the LORD shall be a light to me.”
– Micah 7:8

Christian Leadership – 10 Godly Character Traits to Overcome Negative Traits

Godly Character Traits Empower Christian Leaders

Christian leadership should set

the standard for godly character.

Not only that, Christian leaders

should be actively developing

godly character in the lives of others

within their sphere of influence.

It is no surprise that the world today is challenging, and changing, the spiritual values of young and old people alike. Morals are being shaken, and wickedness is growing more and more perverse. The Bible clearly warns that many negative character traits will increase in the last days.

“This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, truce-breakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, traitors, heady, high-minded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.”
– 2 Timothy 3:1-5

The following list of negative character traits gives insight into the spirit of our times, and how that spirit is being expressed in our own behavior, thinking, and lifestyle. It gives us some things to reflect on, like a mirror to judge our own behavior with. The list also includes positive, godly character traits used to overcome the negative.

10 Godly Character Traits Overcome Negative Character Traits:

1. Genuine vs Hypocritical

A hypocritical lifestyle is almost the norm as we see people having a form of godliness and going through the religious motions, yet without a genuinely changed life. Hypocrisy is all around us and lies are being spoken to teach false doctrines.

In these perilous times, we should have a healthy fear of the perverse days we are living, and live as genuine believers with renewed minds; trusting God daily. We are not to be conformed to this world, but transformed by the renewing of our minds. (Romans 12:2) A genuine relationship and walk with the Lord is required.

2. Love vs Selfishness

Selfishness and a self-centered, willful pursuit of sin is a common behavior as people become lovers of self. (2 Timothy 3:2) Society has a twisted value system and perspective on life. People have become lovers of pleasure more than of God.

God is love and those who do not love, do not know God. (1 John 4:8) We are to love God and love people.

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind; and, love your neighbor as yourself.”
– Luke 10:27 NIV

3.  Honor vs Disrespect

Disrespect and disobedience to parents, and authority, is a regular part of the spirit of today; rebellion and lawlessness.

However, God tells us to obey and honor our parents. And He even promises that it will be well with us if we do. (Ephesians 6:2-3) We are to be submissive to authority and honor all people, and when we do what is right we find favor with God. (1 Peter 2:13-20)

4. Generosity vs Covetous

Covetousness is ruling the hearts of many. They want things that belong to others and they have a wrong value system. They find themselves not only fond of money, but in love with money.

On the contrary, God tells us the generous will prosper and that if we sow generously, we’ll reap generously.

“A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.”
– Proverbs 11:25 NIV

5. Humility vs Pride

Proud, haughty people, that think they are above others, are filling society. They have an ungodly pride and boast and brag of themselves. But pride comes before the fall.

When we humble ourselves before the Lord, he lifts us up. (James 4:10) Any boasting we do should be in the Lord. (Psalm 34:2)

“God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”
– James 4:6

6. Purity vs Perversion

Perversions of all kinds are rampant today. Anything that is good and natural is being perverted. People seem to have lost their natural, God-given, healthy affection and replaced it with all that is twisted, unnatural, unholy, immoral and perverse; only to satisfy their own desires.

The Bible says in Matthew 5:8, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” We are also to pursue peace and holiness with everyone, without which no one will see the Lord. (Hebrews 12:14)

7. Encouragers vs Despisers

Despisers are in full force; belittling and treating shamefully the righteous actions of those who are doing good. They scoff, mock and ridicule them.

Our words and actions should not be discouraging, but encouraging. God teaches us over and over to encourage and strengthen one another. And we are told to do so even more so in these end times. (Hebrews 10:25)

8. Loyalty vs Traitors

Traitors, truce-breakers, and betrayers lack any sense of loyalty to the commitments of friendship. They are untrue to their promises and can’t be trusted to keep their word. They are liars and false accusers.

Loyalty on the other hand is a mark of true friendship. Proverbs 18:24 tells us there is a friend that sticks closer than a brother. Loyalty, truth, and honesty are godly characters that lead to success. Those who can be trusted with a little can be trusted with much. (Luke 16:10)

9. Gratitude vs Entitlement

An entitlement attitude has taken over and in turn people feel they are owed everything. And on top of that, unthankfulness is sadly ruling the hearts and lives of many. These people ungratefully and unthankfully take advantage of others. And the thing is, this combination of entitlement and unthankfulness is a guaranteed formula for failure.

Gratitude is the attitude of success. It is the grateful and thankful people, that keep their hearts turned toward God, they are the ones who rise to the top. As Christians, we have the ultimate reason to be grateful: for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken. Therefore we should give God acceptable worship with reverence and awe. (Hebrews 12:28)

“Giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
– Ephesians 5:20 ESV

10. Faith vs Deceit

Deceived and wondering: Are you one that is giving heed to seducing spirits and being led astray from the truth? Take a strong, reflective look at yourself to make sure you haven’t become headstrong in some areas. Is your mind darkened, your thinking reckless, and possibly your pride blinding you? Is your inner conscience seared – is your inner sense of right and wrong fading? Are you losing your sensitivity to the inner promptings of the Holy Spirit through continued sin? Are you backsliding and rejecting God’s plan for your life and experiencing a departure from the faith?

Make basic biblical foundational teachings part of your everyday study and meditation. Renew your mind and grow your faith. Keep your trust in God daily and live by faith!

“Without faith it is impossible to please God.”
– Hebrews 11:6

“The just shall live by faith.”
– Romans 1:17

No doubt about it: Character development comes from discipline and it takes time and dedication; and it needs to be continually cultivated throughout our lives. We must examine ourselves and refuse to let the these negative character traits into our lives. Christian leaders must allow change from the Lord in every area, so that they can minister to others and be a positive example of Christian leadership.

May you be a Christian Leader that abounds with godly character and growing prosperity!

Soar higher in Him,
Brenda

P.S. This article was inspired after reading notes I took from a leadership meeting about character development. We discussed some negative character traits mentioned in Frank Damazio’s book “The Making of a Leader.” (I have not yet read the book, but it was highly recommended.)

Tithe Rap Video – A Fun Look at the Important Principle of Tithing!

Tithe Rap Video

Here is a fun video that takes a look at the important principle of tithing.

As Christians we are often way to serious, and we have to remind ourselves to lighten up and have a good laugh once in awhile!

“God loves a cheerful giver.”
– 2 Corinthians 9:7

“Bring all the tithes into the storehouse…and prove me now, saith the Lord, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.”
– Malachi 3:10

Enjoy this video and Have a Blessed Day!

Cheers,
Brenda

P.S. If you are looking for an excellent resource on tithing, you’ll want to check out “The Path To Wealth.”

Psalm 23 Recited By Two Year Old Twins – Video

Two Year Old Twins Memorize Bible Chapter

These cute little 2 year old British twins have memorized Psalm 23. Watch as they recite it in this video.

“The LORD is my shepherd;
I shall not want.
He makes me to lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside the still waters.
He restores my soul;
He leads me in the paths of righteousness
For His name’s sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil;
For You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
You anoint my head with oil;
My cup runs over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
All the days of my life;
And I will dwell in the house of the LORD Forever.”
– Psalm 23

As someone commented on the video:

“This is good for ones soul. Out of the mouths of babes…”

Enjoy and be encouraged!

Cheers,
Brenda

Bible Promises Quiz – Can You Answer These 7 Power Promises from the Word?

A Quiz to Help You Draw Power From the Word!

Power is available in the Word

and waiting at this very moment

for each one of us to tap into.

If we all can use extra wisdom,

help, strength, faith, and so on,

then the real question is…

Why are we not tapping into this great power source that has been provided for us?

Good question – huh? Even if you are already drawing on the power of the Word, chances are it is not in the measure it should be. I encourage you today, as I encourage myself, to dig in and fill up!

Check out these seven great Bible promises. See how many of the blanks you can fill correctly. Give yourself an extra point for each blank you answer without looking at the choices.

Quiz – Can You Answer These 7 Bible Promises?

 1. “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you _______.” (Jesus in Matthew 11:28)

A. direction
B. hope
C. strength
D. rest

2. “Blessed is the man that walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful… Whatever he does shall _______.” (Psalm 1:1,3)

A. is forgiven
B. prosper
C. will fail
D. pleases God

3. “Call unto me, and I will _______ you, and show you great and mighty things, which you know not.” (Jeremiah 33:3)

A. come to
B. always help
C. answer
D. encourage

4. “Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in _______, through the power of the Holy Ghost.” (Romans 15:13)

A. bank
B. hope
C. train
D. spiritual

5. “And we know that _______ things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28)

A. all
B. many
C. most
D. spiritual

6. “Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, _______on these things…and the God of peace shall be with you.” (Philippians 4:8-9)

A. pray
B. forget
C. think
D. worry

7. “Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be _______.” (Matthew 5:4)

A. comforted
B. sad
C. blessed
D. resurrected

Answers to the Bible Promises Quiz:

1. D – Rest

The solution to tension is trust. Jesus invites us to bring all our problems to Him. In exchange, He offers an end to turmoil and stress. When our task seems to hard, we need to invite the Lord to help. His presence will enable us to work in relaxed efficiency.

 2. B – Prospers

Going God’s way helps us prosper and ensures that He will give what is best for us. Drop all thoughts of failure, and believe that what you attempt in faith will prosper.

3. C – Answer

God not only hears our sincere prayers, He answers them. We must listen for His answer and look for His guidance.

4. B – Hope

To hope is simply to look forward in faith. Discover how much easier life becomes when you face it with hope. Today, say and think only hopeful things.

5. A – All

God is working in all the things that happen to us. Nothing is outside His loving purpose. Believe that, and remind yourself and others daily.

6. C – Think

Again and again the Bible urges us to think, to focus on positive things. The result? God’s own peace. (Verses 7 and 9) Write down five things that are good and thank God for them every day.

7. A – Comforted

The deepest solution to bereavement is God’s tender comfort. From the loss of a loved one to the loss of a job, He can transform any mourning by His understanding presence.

How Did You Do?

•  4-5 points, Good Job
• 6-7 points, Great Job
• 8-14 points, Excellent!

Conclusion: Commit these Scripture verses to memory. Draw on the power and practical wisdom they hold. Let these seven Bible promises from the Word of God empower you.

May you tap into the great power source of God’s Word and live a life of growing prosperity!

Be blessed to be a blessing -

Cheers,
Brenda

p.s. how did you do? leave a comment and post your results…

Manifest a Life of Abundant Prosperity – Are You Ready to Overcome Your Paralyzing Fear?

Why Not Walk in a Spirit of Power and Receive All GOD’s Richest Blessings?

Manifesting a life of abundant prosperity

takes faith and courage.

It requires positive action and

much energy and effort.

One of the main factors that prevent people

from reaching their dreams is the ‘fear factor.’

Fear contains a paralyzing power that stops us

in our tracks if we let it.

“If we let it” is the key here. Fear only has power as long as we allow it to.

Why Not Overcome Your Paralyzing Fear and Walk in God’s Richest Blessings?

How many more times are you going to let fear keep you from speaking up, taking action, moving forward, and receiving all the blessings of life that God has waiting for you?

The fact is, we are all human and everyone is inevitably afraid of something.

Fears can develop from almost anything such as; spiders, to going bald, to confronting a person, to speaking in public. Fear creates panic, it torments, and it causes timidity and a shrinking back. Fear is a thief and steals our confidence and dreams.

Know this: Fear does not come from God.

“For God has not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” 
– 2 Timothy 1:7

Fear is a powerful spirit and we too often allow it to control areas of our lives; and it is also something the devil likes to use against us.

Think about it: How many of the troubles in your life are tied to fear? We worry, we let people control us, and we try to control others and circumstances all because of fear. We get in wrong relationships for fear of being alone. We get greedy and stingy for fear of being poor. And the list goes on and on.

The Paralyzing Spirit of Fear Has No Place in the Life of God’s Children

We can begin to conquer fear by confronting it and facing it step-by-step. When we confront fear, we turn the tables and start to master it.

“The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.” 
– Franklin D. Roosevelt

Choose today to stop saying “I’m afraid,” and start saying “I have a spirit of power, and love, and a sound mind.”

Over and over God tells us to “Fear not.” And He wants to be our partner in helping us conquer and overcome paralyzing fear.

God knows we are going to deal with fear regularly. We are going to come face-to-face with it and have feelings of fear. But, it does not have to control us. Each time we confront fear, it becomes smaller and smaller and loses its power.

Confidence to Manifest a Life of Abundant Prosperity

The opposite of fear is faith. Faith, confidence, and courage all go hand-in-hand. Fear drives failure and faith drives confidence.

You can do amazing things with strong faith and bold confidence. Why? Because both of these carry a positive energy and a powerful force that will propel you toward your dreams.

Press on toward your goals and do those things you fear. Do what you need to do, even if you have feelings of fear. You’ll create a bold confidence as you create a successful series of experiences behind you.

The bottom line: Hope for a successful tomorrow is possible as long as rising fears are immediately stomped out and faith is allowed to rule. Replace your fears with bold confidence and faith in God and yourself, and watch the abundance of God manifest in your life.

May you overcome paralyzing fear and manifest a life of abundant growing prosperity!

Be blessed to be a blessing -

Cheers,
Brenda

Attracting Abundance – 4 Keys Open Treasures of Supernatural Prosperity!

Stop Chasing and Start Attracting Abundance

Supernatural prosperity is a treasure to receive.

If you want to be a channel for God’s prosperity,

then stop chasing after it and start attracting it,

by applying God’s “mysterious” laws of multiplication.

How do you attract it?

Through calculated laws of giving.

Certain laws of abundance can be applied to our lives. Stop chasing after the harvest and start attracting it by putting the laws of the harvest into motion through giving.

4 Keys Help Open Treasures of Supernatural Prosperity:

1. Giving Manifests What You Give

The first key to attracting supernatural prosperity is understanding that you reap what you sow. Like produces like, and you only reap the kind of crop you plant. If you apply this law to your giving, you’ll find that giving produces what you give.

“Be not deceived; God is not mocked:
for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” 
– Galatians 6:7

Plant wheat, and get wheat. Plant love, and reap love. Give time, and reap time. If you give money, you can expect a financial blessing. God says, “Give, and it shall be given unto you…”

2. Reap More Than You Sow

The second law of harvest is that each seed planted, always multiplies itself. One bushel of wheat planted can bring a harvest of 25-40 bushels. Consider what a single seed of corn will produce?

The key here is that seed sown multiplies. Plant one seed and get more back. John 12:24 tells us a planted corn of wheat brings forth much fruit.

When giving to God, you can expect to receive more than the seed gift given.

“Give, and it will be given to you:
good measure, pressed down, shaken together,
and running over will be put into your bosom.” 
– Luke 6:38

3. The Measure You Give is the Measure You Manifest

This third law is this: You always reap in proportion to how much you sow. If you sow a few seeds, you can’t expect an abundant harvest. Stinginess may lead to poverty, but generosity leads to prosperity.

“A generous soul is made rich.” 
– Proverbs 11:25

The more you give the more you will receive, and it will be measured back to you in the same measure that you gave. (Luke 6:38b) Give by the cupful, and it will come back to you by the cupful. Give by the truckload, and it will come back to you by the truckload.

4. Remain Faithful Until Harvest Time

There is a season to sow and a season to reap. In the meantime, planted seeds need to be cared for. This law of the harvest says you must remain faithful to the crop in order to receive an abundant harvest.

A farmer doesn’t plant one week and expect a harvest the next. They reap in a different season than they sow. They understand there is seed sowing, then time, then harvest.

Giving is not finished after planting the seeds. The key is to give faithful time and effort to cultivate the field; then when the harvest comes it will be abundant. Seeds tended to and cared for produce abundance.

After giving of time, love, money, etcetera, we must continue to faithfully pray and confess God’s Word until the harvest is manifested.

Keep in mind: Regardless of prior year harvests, what happens in the future depends upon the seeds you sow now – today! Every day you miss sowing is a day you miss harvesting.

Giving to God is the key to opening the treasures of supernatural prosperity. And this will help appropriate God’s richest blessings in every part of your life.

Want to be a channel for God’s prosperity? Then get started today with a determined plan of giving. Remember you need to sow now in order to reap later. Put these four keys of giving to work and open the treasures of the never ending supply of God’s supernatural prosperity.

May your generous, abundant giving make you a channel for God’s supernatural prosperity and fill your life with growing prosperity!

Be blessed to be a blessing -

Cheers,
Brenda

“You Are” by Jason Castro – Live on K-Love Radio – Christian Music Video

“You Are” by Jason Castro

from the album “Who I Am”

Jason Castro plays “You Are” live on K-Love Radio station.

“You Are” Song Lyrics:

Looking for meaning
Looking for love
Looking for something to never give up
You are the One
You are the One

Looking for purpose in all of the pain
Looking for someone to hold in the rain
You are the One
You are the One

CHORUS
You are life more beautiful
You are love more powerful
You are the light that always shines
You are the One

You came in my darkness
You came in my night
You came without warning
You came to my side
You are the One
You are the One

There’s no before You
There’s no too late
There’s no without You
There’s only today
You are the One
You are the One

CHORUS
You are life more beautiful
You are love more powerful
You are the light that always shines
You are the One

You are the song I want to sing
You are here
You are everything
You are the light that always shines
You are the One

And I will never move on from You
Oh oh
I will never move on from You

CHORUS
You are life more beautiful
You are love more powerful
You are the light that always shines
You are the One

You are the song I gotta sing
You are here
You are everything
You are the light that always shines
You are the One
You are the One
You are the One
You are the light that always shines
You are the One

And I will never move on from You
I will never move on from You

“God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all.
If we say that we have fellowship with Him,
and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:
But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light,
we have fellowship one with another,
and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son
cleanses us from all sin.”
– 1 John 1:5-7

Enjoy this beautiful song and may you walk in God’s light always!

God bless you -

Cheers,
Brenda