We don’t really need to be reminded that life is hard.

The Bible tells us that in this life we will have trials and tribulations.

I had believed for years that those trials and tribulations came from God as a way of teaching us a lesson or punishment for not living up to His standards. Now I am so thankful that I know that God wants to use His Word to teach us. And He lets us know that we have a real enemy that Jesus says comes to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10).

What the enemy intends for evil, God uses to teach and draw us. But God would rather we seek Him through His Word and relationship to learn of Him and His ways.

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

2 Timothy 3:16-17

Life in Abundance

Jesus also said in John 10:10 that He came that we might have life and that life more abundantly. Jesus wants us to have awesome testimonies of His love and goodness to overcome the enemy and his deceit (Revelation 12:11). God is good and has completely equipped us with everything we need to receive the abundance and joy-filled life He came for us to have.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

Galatians 5:22-23

There is so much confusion and wrong teachings about God and His goodness. The enemy wants us to stay focused on our faults and failures and to think that is what God sees when He looks at us instead of our faith being effectual by acknowledging every good thing God has already done in us through the finished work of Jesus on the cross.

That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.

Philemon 1:6

Are you “in Christ Jesus”? If you are saved, you are in Christ, and “every good thing” has already been put in you! You do NOT have to drum any good things up, you just have to believe and receive or “acknowledge” what the Bible says has already happened in you in Christ! “It is finished!” Discipleship training teaches us how to learn and acknowledge the TRUTH!

Don’t Walk the Line

Why would God Himself take on flesh and pay the ultimate price just to suddenly expect us to walk some kind of thin line that we were never able to walk? He didn’t; He doesn’t! Our relationship with Him isn’t about any of that. Paul spends countless words trying to drive this point home throughout the New Testament.

I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel:

Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.

Galatians 1:6-7

There is a lost and dying world all around each one of us that need to see Christians living the abundant life of love and goodness through being discipled to truly know God the Father and His Son Jesus—true life eternal that starts at the moment of conversion as Jesus explains:

And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.

John 17:3

Fight!

I had no idea what a fight I was taking on when I started this website. But God has sent mighty warriors to come alongside me. I am learning what true spiritual warfare is and isn’t! I am amazed. God is so good and patient and kind and loving, caring, compassionate, and faithful to name just a few of His attributes! Jesus is fun and full of joy!!!

Greater Condemnation?

I used to think that the “greater condemnation” James was talking about for those of us who are called to full-time ministry was from God! It’s not! Jesus says that He didn’t come to condemn the world but to save it. How much more is He not looking to condemn His children and especially those who are teaching His love-the greatest commandment??? The condemnation comes from the enemy!

My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation.

For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.

James 3:1-2

James is not warning us that God is going to get us! He is warning those who don’t have a great desire to be teachers and preachers etc. of the gospel to just be doers of the Word and enjoy a less stressed life. Hallelujah! Be disciples, doers, the light on a hill, the salt; just be His.

I am a Jesus fanatic! I offend people just by bragging on Jesus. That brings persecution! Persecution is the greater condemnation! This comes from those who are in the church and think they know God just as much or even more than the world that knows they are trapped in sin.

Life is hard enough without striving to do something other than what God has for you to do. But when you step into what God has for you, oh my God (Psalm 25:2)!!! He is so good, and His life for you is pure abundance!!!

They Might Have Life More Abundantly!

Jesus has such an amazing, adventurous, abundant life for you so that His light can shine. How? Through your enjoying Him and the desires of your heart. As you delight yourself in Him, He can bring those desires to pass in your life (Psalm 37:4).

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

Matthew 5:16

How do you let your light of righteousness shine???

And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday.

Psalm 37:6

Who shall bring forth your righteousness as the light???

Jesus!

This is His goodness that leads us all to repentance! The devil is pointing out sin and shame, guilt, and faults. Who really needs to be reminded how sorry they are? I don’t!

Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?

Romans 2:4

The accusations along with condemnation and judgment are things the enemy wants to use to steal, kill, and destroy! He is the accuser of the brethren. If the devil can keep you bound up in trying to be a “better” person, he has succeeded in distracting you from the truth that God says about you!

But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:

1 Peter 2:9

You are already a new creation! You are His righteousness in Christ! Not when you get it all together, but at the moment of receiving Jesus as Lord and Savior. Not because of your merit, but because of Christ in you the hope of glory! He has chosen to live in you!!! You are really THAT special to your Father! His indwelling is what makes you truly holy just as He is holy! Wow! YOU are chosen! You are His beloved!!!

Be Loved

I love what Pastor Chipo Butayi said in one of her recent sermons: “You are His beloved, so BE LOVED!!!” If the great expanse of John 3:16 doesn’t still take your breath away, just ASK! Ask your Father to give you a revelation of His inexhaustible, indescribable love for you!

An Hundredfold in this Life!

I would like to take this opportunity to introduce you to one of my favorite Saints that God has strategically put in my life at the perfect time for such a fight as this ministry is proving to be for me. My dear Sister and Friend, Nancy Carey You can click on her name to see the posts that she has written on youwillwantto.com. She reminds me of the importance of prayer and the goodness of God on a daily almost moment-by-moment basis! I know that you will be blessed by reading her scripture-filled and hope-filled posts! We are both blown away that God is using us and that includes each of you to reach the nations with His good news-the Gospel! Words cannot begin to express my gratitude for each of you! I thank God for you!

But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life.

Mark 10:30

When You step out and start saying “Yes!” to God and the desires that He has put into your heart, He will begin to send all the provision He has promised throughout His Word to equip you! That includes other people to walk out this journey with you because they have the same mission.

You are Perfect for Your Calling

God has already provided the perfection. All He is looking for from us is a “Yes” and willingness to follow. Every unique attribute and desire that He has placed in you is just waiting to burst forth through the good works He has prepared for you! …With persecution, trials, and tribulations, but with NO FEAR! Greater is He who is in us than he who is in the world. Jesus has overcome the world!!!

These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

John 16:33

I pray that you are taking full advantage of the free and awesome discipleship materials produced by my mentors that are listed on this website. Please continue to pray for this ministry/website, Nancy, me, and especially for God’s will to be done in earth as it is in heaven! Remember, the kingdom is already inside of you just waiting to burst forth through all of God’s promises which are yes and amen in Christ!!! How exciting! We are praying with you and for you always!

Blessings to you and yours,

Star