Starting Over - by Os Hillman

TGIF (http://www.marketplaceleaders.org/tgif/)

The brother in humble circumstances ought to take pride in his high position. – James 1:9

Do you find yourself in humble circumstances? If so, James tells us that we are to take pride in this “high” position. These two things would seem to be an oxymoron. Most of us would not consider humble circumstances a high position. Successful business tells us that being on top means being wealthy, attaining favor and status, or having power to influence. However, Jesus influenced not from power, but from weakness.

J.C. Penney is a name synonymous with department store. He first launched his chain of “The Golden Rule” stores in 1907. In 1910 his first wife died. Three years later, he incorporated as the J.C. Penney company. In 1923 his second wife died giving birth to his son. In 1929 the stock market crashed and he lost $40 million.

By 1932, he had to sell out to satisfy…creditors. This left [Penney] virtually broke. …Crushed in spirit from his loss and his health suddenly failing, Penney wound up in a Battle Creek, Michigan sanitarium. One morning he heard the distant singing of employees who gathered to start the day with God: Be not dismayed, whate’er betide, God will take care of you…. Penney followed the music to its source and slipped into a back row. He left a short time later a changed man, his health and spirit renewed, and ready to start the long climb back at age fifty-six.
By 1951 there was a J.C. Penney store in every state, and for the first time sales surpassed $1 billion a year. [John Woodbridge, ed., More Than Conquerors (Chicago, Illinois: Moody Press, 1992), 340-343.]

The success of J.C. Penney can be traced to God’s mercy in his life to bring him out of his humble circumstance. Do you find yourself in a humble circumstance? God is the only one who can help you see your humble circumstance from His viewpoint-a high position. It is a high position because of what God is going to teach you in this place. He does not intend you to stay there; it is merely a stopping place to learn some important things you would not learn otherwise. Press into God and trust Him for the outcome to your circumstances.

It is very difficult at times to pass through our own vision of something to achieve God's perfect will.  There have been MANY moments when my head and hopes dropped during the past 5 years of getting this organization off and running.  I pray that each time I get through that moment I am better prepared to hit the next disillusion with out giving up my hope and peace.  I am positive that is the pivotal transformation that places us in "Battle Creek" verses "Every State".  It is after all our "state of mind" that allows us to truly see God's perfect will.

Romans 12:2 Do not conform yourselves to the standards of this world, but let God transform you inwardly by a complete change of your mind. Then you will be able to know the will of God—what is good and is pleasing to him and is perfect.

I thank God that his word is truth and trustworthy, that we can ask, know and be healed - today...believe!
In Christ,
Candace

What Should I do?

I really liked Os Hillmans devotional this morning on Worldly Planning.
If you would like to share some of your growth in this process please do.  We can all gain insight from each other.

With Love,
Candace

Can Halloween be Hallow?

I was thinking about this celebration called Halloween today. Most people do not see it as religious or sacrilegious they simply see it as “Costumes and Candy”. I know many churches that have a fall festival to gather everyone into the church however once there it is still “Costumes and Candy”. Not that there is anything wrong with that, but what if……

What if we thought about a deeper meaning, like a parable? Isn’t that what Jesus would do on Halloween? He would be right in the middle of our streets walking around looking for who was ready to receive a timely word. He would be planting seeds. I can hear him now walking up to a house watching all the beautiful children. He might even ask one of them something like did you and your family carves a pumpkin tonight? Did you notice all the seeds inside? Did you know if you plant a seed it grows? First comes the sprout, then the vine then a flower which turns into fruit. Did you put a candle in yours? Did you know that God created light? He created it to shine into darkness just like your candle did. I hope you have a wonderful night run and knock on that door I bet they will answer; you will receive a delightful gift that will bring you joy. Be sure you receive it with thanksgiving.

Christ might see another child who is scared or lost from their parent. He would surely take the time to comfort them and help them find their parent. Shouldn’t we be among the people that are lost and help them find their Father? Shouldn’t we be telling them of our hope and showing our light on such a dark night. Shouldn’t we be giving them at least a piece of what we have abundantly received?

When children want to dress up, they can dress up as a holy ghost and when they knock on a door they could exemplify bringing the gift of peace and a blessing. After all the candy would be fulfilling the scripture when it says to receive whatever those receiving you offer as your wage.

Hallowed be God’s name on Halloween. There is no fear in love, perfect love casts out all fear.

We are to be salt and light – He that is in us is greater than he that is in the world.

I praise God for that.

I am listing some verses below to think over.

I love each of you, be sure to speak of this with your children after all Proverbs says:

8My son, listen to your father’s discipline, and do not neglect your mother’s teachings,

9because discipline and teachings are a graceful garland on your head

and a golden chain around your neck.

God our father says not to despise His discipline because he disciplines those he loves.

Kisses,

Candace

Isaiah 9:2/ John 15: 5 , 17:15-19 / Isaiah 9:2 / Mathew 10 / Matthew 5:32-48, 7:1-5, chapter 10 / 1 Corinthians 15: 10 thru end of chapter

Would love to hear your comments, post here or on http://www.kaleidoscopebutterfly.com/

If He Shrinks Back.....I Will Not Be Pleased

Many times those we lead, support or care for do not understand that simply because we are in a position to be able to so this (only through the grace of God) does not mean we ourselves do not have a plethora of struggles we ourselves are trying to balance.  This is when we have to seek out "daily" encouragement to stay focused on Christ above all else.  He is our strength and rock.  He is OUR ever present help in our time of trouble.  Without Him we all fall.....that includes us leaders.  We must never step out on our own or it would be better that we tie a millstone around our neck - says God. 

This is why He painstakenly trains us to be above reproach. He has reminded us that we have been given much....but much is expected.  What type of love would allow us to go out unequiped - Not a God kind of love.  So consider it joy when you face hardship...this is your training ground.  Realize that God sees your efforts and is saying, "Go ahead test this warrior of mine if you think you are up for it; I know his/her heart and he/she will not shrink back to the destruction of his/her soul!".

I don't know about you...but I sure did need Os's wise words to lift me up today.  Let's go take some territory for His Kingdom today gang - Let's set some captives free. Hooah!

God's Recruitment Strategy for Leaders

TGIF Today God Is First Volume 1 by Os Hillman

"Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could see nothing." Acts 9:8a

When God calls one of His servants into service, there is often much travail. There are many examples where God makes His presence known through circumstances that tax the individual to his very soul.

Consider Paul, who was stricken blind on the Damascus road.

Consider Peter; when he denied Jesus after the crucifixion, he was in total despair.
Consider Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who were thrown into the fiery furnace.

Consider Daniel, who was thrown into the lions' den.

Consider David, who was forced to flee his former employer for many years and lived as a fugitive.

It may seem strange to us that God uses such incredible adversity to prepare His servants for greater service, but this is God's way. God knows that the human heart is incapable of voluntarily stepping into situations that take us beyond our comfort zone. He intentionally brings us into hard places to prove us and to drive us deeper into the soil of His grace.

In arid regions of the world, trees cannot survive unless their roots grow deeper to where the water table can be found. Once they reach the water, these trees become stronger than any tree that can be found in tropical climates. Their root systems ensure that they can withstand any storm. In the same way, God brings us into extremely difficult situations in order to prove His power and drive our spiritual roots deeper.

Friend, God may take you through times when you will question His love for you. In such times, you must cling to His coattail so that you see His purposes in it. Do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded.

"You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised. For in just a very little while, 'He who is coming will come and will not delay. But My righteous one will live by faith. And if he shrinks back, I will not be pleased with him'" (Hebrews 10:36-38).

Another Type of Messenger For God

We are asking if there is anyone that would be able to run gift card, food, clothing, forms, information to a woman in crisis. We have so many women to reach each day, but so few of us to take what we have been given for their needs to be met in a timely fashion. We are daily running across the metro area and outer areas to meet all the overwhelming lack of these families that are displaced. If you have the time, we will give you the gas to take what God desires to give.

Please Call Us if you feel God would like to use you in this capacity.
With the appreciation and Love of Christ,
Candace
404-432-0589







Luke 11:8-10 (GOD’S WORD Translation)

8I can guarantee that although he doesn’t want to get up to give you anything, he will get up and give you whatever you need because he is your friend and because you were so bold.
9“So I tell you to ask, and you will receive. Search, and you will find. Knock, and the door will be opened for you. 10Everyone who asks will receive. The one who searches will find, and for the person who knocks, the door will be opened.

Mark 11:23-25
23"Truly I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, 'Be taken up and cast into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says is going to happen, it will be granted him.

24"Therefore I say to you,all things for which you pray and ask, believe that you have received them, and they will be granted you.

25"Whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father who is in heaven will also forgive you your transgressions.

We are asking in Faith and know He is faithful to provide!

When You Don't Know...

These are a few priceless nuggets by Dr's Henry Cloud and John Townsend.

Courage: You cannot journey God's way without encourntering risk and fear.  Sometimes the task looks too daunting to face.  There is safety in numbers, so just having a support team close by will build your courage.  But you also need people nearby who will tell you what Paul told his friends who wer in great danger.  "So keep up your courage, men, for I have faith in God that is will happen just as he told me." (Acts 27:25)  

Accountability: Cars and airplanes have gauges which constantly report the status of the engine and warn of malfunctions.  Companies are periodically audited to inform their directors of needed corrections.  In the same way, you need to be held accountable by others who will monitor your progress and keep you on track.  You need people on your team who are interested enough to ask the touch quesitons:  How is your faith doing?  Where are you failing?  What kind of help do you need?

www.kaleidoscopebutterfly.org send those you support to this link to help the build the stong cord which is not easily broken.

Go To Our Main Site and Join in the Journey

We are one body.
Click on the comments and share yours.  Let's be proactive in supporting each other. If you desire to have people directed your way as well, let us know and we will open this up for your forums too.

One Body - One Head - Unity in All Ways...

Let's make it happen; while it is still called TODAY!

With Love,
Candace