Cisa's Petty Thoughts

The Path of Righteousness

Do not expose your soul to darkness. When you choose the company of those who are not living and walking in the Spirit, you bring to bear upon your soul many evil forces. You may not be aware of this because it is an action not seen by the natural eye. If you were seeing in the Spirit, it would be very real to you, and you would flee from the influence as one runs from a devouring force or a venomous snake. 
Many of the tortures your soul has endured have sprung from your deliberate association with those who walk in spiritual darkness. They may be attractive to the eye as was the fruit which tempted Eve, but if you were living in prayer you would be given the discernment to know the danger of compromise with unyielded vessels. Discernment, my child, is not the spirit of condemnation. You are not given the right to condemn, but you SHALL be given the eyes of the Spirit to alert you to danger. I have given something similar to this even to the animals who are very keen to sense the approach of an enemy. Would I do less for you, to protect your soul from the destroyer? No, My child, I will surely give you what is needed for your preservation if you confess your need of My help in this respect and if you desire to escape and are willing to choose to walk in a place of higher communion with Me.
Be alert, and do not let man turn you aside. Know that to be kind to your own soul is more important than to try to be kind to those who are rejecting and denying Me., even though it is your desire to influence them for good. Some, the Bible says, should be “saved with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh”(Jude 23).
There are ways to witness without compromising, but there is no way to compromise and at the same time effectively witness. “Come out form among them, and be ye separate,” says the Word (2 Cor. 6:17). This command has not been altered. Come out! Those who seek the light will be drawn out into the light. Those who remain in the darkness, it is written, do so because the PREFER the darkness to the light; and to go back into darkness yourself, hoping to save them, will result in giving the evil one the opportunity to assail your own soul.
“Be ye holy for I am holy” (1 Peter 1:15-16). You can never do this while associating with evil, regardless of seemingly noble intentions. Withdraw your foot from the place of sin and compromise, even if it means that you must walk alone in the paths of righteousness. I never promised you the companionship of others, but I have promised to walk with you Myself, and this blessing you most certainly forfeit when you company with those who are being influenced by all sorts of spirits of evil. You cannot have both - light and darkness, for what fellowship has Christ with Belial (2 Cor. 6:14-18)? How shall you walk with Me unless you walk upon the HIghroad? I will bless and strengthen you, and your heart shall be light and your spirit shall be ministered unto by My presence. Angels guard you when you walk with Me. What better way could you choose?
⎯Frances J. Roberts.

I felt compelled to share the words of Frances J. Roberts, one of my favorite authors of all time. I believe there is a fine line between getting your hands dirty and reaching out to a lost world, and then blending in so much with the world that you lose your appeal. The Bible says in Matthew 5:13 “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men.”

You see, years ago..I had the notion that my lost friends needed someone they could relate to. I thought if I participated in the same activities they did, they would see that Christians can have a good time too. There was only one problem… Why would they ever want to accept Jesus as they’re Saviour if they saw absolutely no difference in me? I was hurting the cause of Christ more than I could have ever helped it. As Christians, we are called to be the light in the darkness. We are to hate sin. At that point in my life I did not hate sin, I actually enjoyed it. Because I put myself in compromising places and situations, I allowed Satan to wage war against my very soul. And he did, the Devil pushed me around, threw me to the ground, and trampled on me over and over again. My life felt like it was spinning out of control. But the Risen Savior, the Prince of Peace, my Blessed Redeemer came down and lifted me back up again, dusted the dirt from my face, and set my feet upon a rock. He said, follow me my child, Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your soul. 

Since then, I have not looked back. I stray from any road that may look dark or uneven. I don’t go near any situation that may allow compromise. I truly hate sin.. because my eyes have been opened and I see what it does to man…and how it hurts the Father. I love unbelievers too much now to try and blend in. I have failed if they see no difference in me. I am suppose to be Christ to them, and I have failed if my life looks too similar to theirs. 

Fellow Christians, first and foremost ask the Lord for discernment. Discernment may very well be a Christians best friend, and unfortunately so many times we fail to ask for it. Ask the Lord to reveal to you places of compromise. Then Flee from any dark places where there may be perverse talk, injustice, or evil doing. Follow the high road where you’re speech and actions are pure, honest, and of a good report. Then and only then are you able to reach out to the lost and show them Christ. Don’t join in with their activities, but instead invite them to join you on your high road…We are only capable of doing this as we walk in close communication with the Father. There may be times where you feel (just as I felt) like you are absolutely the only one doing what’s right…but God’s promises are true, and he will walk with you.

Don’t believe the lie that believers can reach a lost world by blending in with them. Satan wants nothing more than for you to believe this, because he knows very well you will lose yourself in the process. 
The lost are actually as we speak, indeed crying out for someone to stand up for whats right. They would love to see and believe that it is possible to live a pure and wholesome life. We must be that for them. We must show them Christ.

LOVE

1 John 4:8  

“Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.” 

(Knowing that God = Love, and he is our standard for knowing what Real Love looks like…I took a closer look at the “love chapter” in 1 Corinthians and tried replacing the word “love” with “Christ”. )

1 Corinthians 13:1-8

 ”If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but do not have (Christ), I have become a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.  If I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have (Christ), I am nothing.  And if I give all my possessions to feed the poor, and if I surrender my body to be burned, but do not have (Christ), it profits me nothing.  (Christ) is patient, (Christ) is kind and is not jealous; (Christ) does not brag and is not arrogant, (Christ) does not act unbecomingly; (Christ) does not seek his own, (Christ) is not provoked, he does not take into account a wrong suffered, (Christ) does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; (Christ) bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.                                                           (Christ) never fails…”

I’m simply reminded that in all areas of my life, that if Christ is not apart of it…it profits me nothing. I can try my best to succeed in my career, marriage, friendships, and family..but If God is not apart of it, it is meaningless. When I seek God above all else and align my heart to his, thats when I can fully and genuinely love others and carry out a purposeful and successful life. 

You see, it makes a huge difference when you get around your friends or family and inwardly dedicate that time to ultimately please and glorify the Lord. I guarantee your conversation will be wholesome and your actions will be purposeful. SO much more will be accomplished. And to think of what our lives would look like if we applied that mentality to every single moment of our lives. Our lives would be unrecognizable! Quit wasting moments of your life for temporary satisfaction and meaningless pleasure.

May we start laying aside our own agenda, and really open our eyes to what God wants for any given moment. His plans are much greater than our own. So much more is accomplished through the yielding of our will to his. 

May we begin to look to Christ as a standard for Love and what exactly that looks like. Does your love (in your relationship, workplace, family, etc…) carry on the characteristics above? …Does it look like Love at all?  You may need to plug into the source! Begin nurturing your relationship with the Lord and get to know his heart more intimately..It is only then that you can catch a glimpse at real Love. Because GOD IS LOVE. 

 What a beautiful relationship we can have with our Savior. A BEAUTIFUL RELATIONSHIP THAT IF WE NURTURE, IF SUBSEQUENTLY NURTURES ALL OTHER RELATIONSHIPS SURROUNDING US.♥

What does your love look like today? Does it look like Christ? Does Christ even resound in your day to day activities? ARE YOUR RELATIONSHIPS AND WORK SUFFERING BECAUSE YOU’RE NEGLECTING THE MOST IMPORTANT RELATIONSHIP OF ALL? 

Maybe its time you plug back into the source.

Because without Love ➜ we are nothing.

One Cherished Heritage

Christmas has come and gone this year.
But for some reason it was a little different for me this year. As it led up to the special day, I got in the Christmas spirit by singing along to all the wonderful old-time carols while participating in all the exciting festivities. Every year growing up, Christmas was always such a special time of year at our house. Christmas morning our home would be filled with the sweet aromas of brown sugar/cinnamon/pecan rolls, sausage/egg/cheese casserole, and hot apple cider. The fire would be burning, the stockings full, and moms gold rimmed china with the 12 days of Christmas on the center of each plate were carefully set and ready on the kitchen table. My dad would read the Christmas story from the Bible and as we began opening each one of our presents we would reminisce on how God gave to us the greatest gift of all, his son, Jesus. 

Each year I usually tend to hold tightly to and really cherish the traditions my own family has created throughout the years…but this year my mind was drawn to a greater tradition…a heritage even greater. It started when I began to sing some of the old Christmas carols. Many would be sung on TV or played over loud speakers in the shopping malls and restaurants. Was I the only one hearing it?…The name of Jesus. The Messiah. The Savior of the world. WOW! These were some of the words that were being sung for all to hear. I couldn’t help but notice people singing along to these old time carols and the very name of Jesus unconsciously sung from unbelievers’ mouths. It’s amazing to me how some of the most famous Christmas carols that have been remembered and passed down throughout the years are all about our Savior, Jesus Christ. Here’s powerful and bold experts from some of the familiar carols:
Silent Night -
”…Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth…”

God rest ye merry, gentlemen- 
”…Remember, Christ, our Savior Was born on Christmas day To save us all from Satan’s power When we were gone astray O tidings of comfort and joy…”

Hark the Herald Angels Sing -
”…Light and life to all He brings Ris’n with healing in His wings Mild He lays His glory by Born that man no more may die Born to raise the sons of earth Born to give them second birth…”

Joy to the World -
”…Let earth receive her King; Let every heart prepare Him room, And Heaven and nature sing…”

The list goes on and on.. so many beautiful chords sung throughout the ages about our Savior and King, Jesus Christ. It is a beautiful heritage that has been passed down through the years. Generation to generation, the story of Jesus and the Peace he brought to the earth has been taught. 
The Bible prophesied that the Messiah would come from the seed of Abraham, the line of David, and be born of a virgin in the town on Bethlehem. The prophesy was fulfilled as promised! However, many people in that day did not believe Jesus was the Messiah because they knew he was from Nazareth in Galilee. John 1:46 “Nazareth!” exclaimed Nathanael. “Can anything good come from Nazareth?” “Come and see for yourself,” Philip replied. 
But what they did not realize is that Joseph and Mary had to travel to Bethlehem that time of the year to pay their taxes. While they were there, Mary gave birth to Jesus, fulfilling the prophesy foretold! God works in mysterious ways…not always the way we planned or imagined. 
But throughout the years It was up to each family to teach their children about the Lord and all he had done. It was up to Abraham to teach his son Isaac about how the Lord had always provided. It was up to David to teach Solomon…and so on. Even though some failed to teach their own about the Lord, God still found a way to make his name known throughout the earth. But for many, it fell through the cracks. For those who have not heard of all the wonderful things God has done throughout the years and have failed to believe on him, have lost the glorious meaning of Christmas and the good news Jesus brings on this special holiday. 

Galations 3:29
And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s descendants, heirs according to promise.

Titus 3:4-7 “But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared,  he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit,  whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior,  so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.

Don’t you see? because of our faith in Jesus Christ, we become his children…the very heirs of Christ and his glory. We share in his glory and eternal life! What a sweet and precious heritage we have:) People do not understand what a wonderful promise we as Christians celebrate at Christmas.

We believers can rejoice in this time of year as we remember and celebrate the birth of a Savior, Jesus Christ, our Lord! A promise fulfilled! A Heritage of faithfulness and truth! What a wonderful family line we get to be apart of!

God’s Game Plan

Is there someone in your life who always seems out to get you? Is there a particular person that comes to mind who seems to being working against you and never for you? Or maybe its someone who is just always tearing you down with their words..etc At some given point, we experience someone in our lives much like that. Someone who, sadly, we can consider a complete enemy. Many times we have a pretty good idea of how we would like to handle this situation and are already thinking of clever words to use at just the right time… The real question is: Are we considering God’s game plan at all for this situation?? Our human nature wants to shut God out and completely rely on ourselves to take the proper action in these situations. We want to stand up for ourselves and state our claim! Everything within us wants to speak out defend ourselves, putting this person in their right place.

But what does God say…

19.Dear Friends, never take revenge. 
Leave that to the righteous anger of God. 

For the scriptures say,
“I will take revenge;
I will pay them back.”
says the Lord.

20.Instead, If your enemies are hungry, feed them.
If they are thirsty, give them something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals of shame on their heads.

21.Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.
(Romans 12:19-21)

….Wowzer! God wants us to acknowledge our enemy(yes, the very person making our lives completely miserable and difficult) and look for whatever ways we may help them. You may feel like screaming…”HELP THEM?!!, they are the very ones ruining my life!” …But guess what, God is in control. He will pay them back, and trust me friends, his revenge is far more serious than what we could ever pour on them. 

I want to challenge you today to acknowledge whoever that person may be in your life…and seek out ways you may help them and be a blessing to them. (send them a card in the mail, buy them a coffee, or simply speak to them kindly) I know this may seem like an impossible task…but this is the way God has instructed us to deal with them. 
And in doing this, it will ultimately bring out the Shame in their lives. God will personally reveal to them and others the Shame within their actions. 

Stop trying to deal with people. Many times we only cause more harm than help. Instead, “put it right in to the will of God, and climb into that will as a little child climbs into its mother’s arms.” -Hannah Whitall Smith

Love your enemies. Genuinely love them. Maybe you need to start by first asking God to help you love them. Make this your challenge today. Reach out to that person this week and do something kind for them. …Just wait till you see the look on their face;)

And in all this…our souls are truly blessed the most! This situation does not reign over our lives and continually weight us down anymore, rather we reign over the situation and ultimately CONQUER ALL EVIL by doing good! It is up to you. Taking revenge only holds us captive with the chains of anger..and plagues our lives with the disease of resentment. Break free today, Forgive and begin to Love. Do good to them. Become a Conquerer!

Would You Consider Yourself Rich Or Poor?

Luke 12:21
“Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God.”

In everyday of our lives, every hour we spend doing something…we are investing. When reflecting on your life..and how you spend your time, what would you say you are investing in? Are you investing in your own pleasures?…your career?…maybe your relationship? Do all these things seem to revolve around yourself? 
The definition for investing is, “to spend or devote for future advantage or benefit.”
Look at your investments in life…have you invested in yourself? your own happiness? 

Unfortunately many of us are investing in something that simply won’t last. We are investing in things which will someday turn to dust. 

Let’s stop and be reminded of why we are even here. What is our purpose?

“But for this very purpose have I let you live, that I might show you My power, and that My name may be declared throughout all the earth.” Exodus 9: 16

“He has made everything beautiful in its time. He also has planted eternity in men’s hearts and minds (a divinely implanted sense of a purpose working through the ages which nothing under the sun but God alone can satisfy), yet so that men cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end. “
Ecclesiastes 3: 11

We have been created by God and for God. Just as everything else was created, we were all designed to give God glory! 

Psalm 19:1-6 says 
1 The heavens declare the glory of God; 
the skies proclaim the work of his hands. 
2 Day after day they pour forth speech; 
night after night they reveal knowledge. 
3 They have no speech, they use no words; 
no sound is heard from them. 
4 Yet their voice goes out into all the earth, 
their words to the ends of the world. 
In the heavens God has pitched a tent for the sun. 
5 It is like a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, 
like a champion rejoicing to run his course. 
6 It rises at one end of the heavens 
and makes its circuit to the other; 
nothing is deprived of its warmth.

When we look up at the sky, it should declare God’s glory…and when we gaze out at the ocean, it should declare God’s greatness!…and as we study each small detail, it should all point to God!

When did we decide we were any different? ..that we were superior to all of this? We too are designed to bring glory to God.

Would you say your life does that? The way you act, the words you speak, the clothing you wear, etc…? 

So….what are our lives investing in? Something that will last? 
God tells us to give to those in need…whether it be the gospel, our time, our money, our example, advice… These are what God tells us are the types of investments we should be making. These are treasures that are stored up in heaven…Treasures that will last. 

You see, the more you invest in others…determines the richness you have in your relationship with God! Oh, how much better to have a rich and satisfying relationship with God…than to have riches and pleasures here on earth that will soon fade away. 

Luke 12:34 “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. “
You can’t say you love God and not invest in others. They go hand in hand. Your love for others literally stems from your love for God. 
»Where are your investments?…Well guess what…this is where we can find your heart. Are your investments being made to reap your own benefit?..or are they to benefit the Kingdom of God?

“And the world passes away and disappears, and with it the forbidden cravings (the passionate desires, the lust) of it; but he who does the will of God and carries out His purposes in his life abides (remains) forever.” 1 John 2: 17

“Look carefully then how you walk! Live purposefully and worthily and accurately, not as the unwise and witless, but as wise (sensible, intelligent people).” Ephesians 5: 15