Word of the Day: Prepare

Sunshine’s Word of the Day

Good morning!  Happy Monday to you all.  I pray your weekend was a blessed one.

Word of the day: Prepare

The word prepare means to put in proper condition or readiness.  As believers, preparation is a key component in our spiritual walk.  The scripture below reads as follows:

Matthew 24:44 (NIV)

⁴⁴ So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.

If you are not going to be prepared for anything else in life, it’s important to get ready for the return of the Lord.  We don’t know the day or the hour and for this reason we can’t afford to walk around living any kind of way.  There are people who are watching you.  There are people who are depending on your example to lead them the right way.  If you are not preparing for the return of Christ then you are not preparing to be equipped to effectively minister to others through your walk.

Ask yourself the following questions:

Am I putting things in proper condition or readiness?  Am I  getting things in order as God has instructed me to do? 

The problem with many believers is that they want the vision God has promised them, but they don’t want to prepare for it.  We have to put in work in order to carry out the kingdom assignments that God has given us.  You can’t go on a trip if you haven’t first prepared for the journey.  It’s important to be prepared.

The bible is saturated with scriptures that speak on being prepared.  Here are a few of those scriptures:

1 Corinthians 16:13(NIV)

¹³ Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.

~Are you preparing for the things that will come your way? 

1 Peter 3:15(NIV)

¹⁵ But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,

~Are you preparing for the people who will ask you questions about your spiritual walk? 

Proverbs 6:6-8 (NIV)

⁶ Go to the ant, you sluggard;consider its ways and be wise. ⁷ It has no commander, no overseer or ruler,⁸ yet it stores its provisions in summerand gathers its food at harvest.

~Are you preparing for Greater?  You don’t sow and reap a harvest in the same season, so are you preparing? 

Jeremiah 1:5 (NIV)

⁵ “Before I formed you in the womb I knew^[a] you,before you were born I set you apart;I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”

~Even Christ prepared for your destiny before you were formed in your mother’s womb.  Are you preparing for the futures of others? 

Take time to examine your life and ask yourself, “Am I preparing for what God has for me?”

When you seek God for a new job, a new home, a new car, additional education, a new relationship, a new ministry to serve or lead, etc., ask yourself, “Am I adequately preparing myself to receive the things I desire?”

Have a blessed day! 

Mrs. Nicole “Sunshine” Ellis, MBA

Can’t breathe: Try Spiritual CPR: Consistent in praying, Persistent in pursuing the knowledge of God, and Resistant to temptation.

© Nicole Ellis and Sunshine’s Reflections Blog, 2009 to 2016. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blogs author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Nicole L. Ellis and Sunshine’s Reflections Blog with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

Word of the Day-Resilient

Word of the Day

Good afternoon!  Happy Monday to you all.  I had a glorious weekend.  How was your weekend?  I pray it was well.  This is the day that the Lord has made, choose to rejoice and be glad in it.

Word of the Day: Resilient

Resilient is defined as being capable of withstanding shock without permanent deformation or rupture; or tending to recover from or adjust easily to misfortune or change.  (http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/resilient)

I am learning that life is a journey filled with rejections.  However, on the other side of a “NO” is a learning experience which leads to new possibilities.  It is important to be resilient if you want to become successful in life.  No one ever said things would be easy.  God even tells us in the Word, that our days are short and filled with trouble. (Job 14:1 (NKJV)14 “Man who is born of woman Is of few days and full of trouble.)  So, you can either sulk and live a defeated life after you encounter rejection or you can dust yourself off, make the necessary adjustments  and get back into the game.

Here are some examples of resilient people:

Henry Ford: While Ford is today known for his innovative assembly line and American-made cars, he wasn’t an instant success. In fact, his early businesses failed and left him broke five times before he founded the successful Ford Motor Company.

R. H. Macy: Most people are familiar with this large department store chain, but Macy didn’t always have it easy. Macy started seven failed business before finally hitting big with his store in New York City.

Charles Darwin: In his early years, Darwin gave up on having a medical career and was often chastised by his father for being lazy and too dreamy. Darwin himself wrote, “I was considered by all my masters and my father, a very ordinary boy, rather below the common standard of intellect.” Perhaps they judged too soon, as Darwin today is well-known for his scientific studies.

Thomas Edison: In his early years, teachers told Edison he was “too stupid to learn anything.” Work was no better, as he was fired from his first two jobs for not being productive enough. Even as an inventor, Edison made 1,000 unsuccessful attempts at inventing the light bulb. Of course, all those unsuccessful attempts finally resulted in the design that worked.

Michael Jordan: Most people wouldn’t believe that a man often lauded as the best basketball player of all time was actually cut from his high school basketball team. Luckily, Jordan didn’t let this setback stop him from playing the game and he has stated, “I have missed more than 9,000 shots in my career. I have lost almost 300 games. On 26 occasions I have been entrusted to take the game winning shot, and I missed. I have failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.”

Source: http://www.onlinecollege.org/2010/02/16/50-famously-successful-people-who-failed-at-first/

There are many more examples of successful people who had to encounter failure, setbacks, rejections, and more.  If you have a moment click on the link above and read some other examples of people who failed first.  I would like to say they “failed forward.”  They failed so much that they moved forward instead of moving back and giving up!  (Oh, that’ll preach!)

I encourage you to keep pushing, recover quickly from your misfortune and change.  Stay RESILIENT!  Your “YES” is on the way! 

Have a blessed day!  Greater is Coming!

Mrs. Nicole “Sunshine” Ellis, MBA

Can’t breathe: Try Spiritual CPR: Consistent in praying, Persistent in pursuing the knowledge of God, and Resistant to temptation.

© Nicole Ellis and Sunshine’s Reflections Blog, 2009 to 2016. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blogs author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Nicole L. Ellis and Sunshine’s Reflections Blog with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

Word of the Day: Humble

Word of the Day

Good morning.  Happy Thursday to you all!

Word of the day: Humble

Humble is defined as being meek or modest in behavior, attitude, or spirit; not arrogant or prideful.  It is also a way of showing submissive respect.

It is important and essential to have a humble attitude when in fellowship with Christ.  You can’t go before God all arrogant and full of pride and expect to hear from Him.  You have to show a submissive level of respect to Christ.  When you go to God meek and modest, He is able to guide you and teach you His way.  When you go with a humble attitude you are receptive to the things God instructs you to do.  Pride comes before the fall and when you are puffed up and you think you know everything, you are incapable of hearing from Christ.  It’s important to become humble.

Most of the troubles the world faces today is due to arrogance and pride.  Christ has told us, if we will humble ourselves, pray, and seek His face and turn from our wicked ways, then He will hear from heaven and forgive our sins and heal our land.  I don’t know about you, but I want God to heal the land.  And if my land is my family, my household, etc. than I will humble myself and pray.  I want to hear from God clearly because I know He has a word for my life.  I want to hear from God and I don’t want to be the cause of the interruption in reception.  Take time to reflect over your life and see if you operate in humility or pride.  Go to God with a submissive respect and watch Him unveil His glory to you.

Psalm 25:9 (NKJV)

⁹ The humble He guides in justice, And the humble He teaches His way.

2 Chronicles 7:14 (NKJV)

¹⁴ if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.

Have a blessed day.  Strive to live a humble life.  God speaks to the humble. 

Mrs. Nicole “Sunshine” Ellis, MBA

Can’t breathe: Try Spiritual CPR: Consistent in praying, Persistent in pursuing the knowledge of God, and Resistant to temptation.

© Nicole Ellis and Sunshine’s Reflections Blog, 2009 to 2014. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blogs author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Nicole L. Ellis and Sunshine’s Reflections Blog with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

Word of the Day- Excellence

Sunshine’s Word of the Day

Good morning!  Happy Wednesday.  I pray that you all had a blessed Easter weekend.  I pray that it was more than dressing up in fancy clothing and receiving candy.  I pray that it served as a reminder of our RISEN SAVIOR!  Think of the sacrifice and the power of Jesus Christ everyday.  Jesus is bigger than one day of the year.  I pray that your week is going well.  Remember to keep God first in all that you do! 

Todays’ Word: Excellence

Excellence is defined as the fact or state of excelling, a quality or feature of superiority. 

When someone does something with a spirit of excellence it should be done to the best of their ability always seeking to reach new heights.  As children of God, we should have a spirit of excellence in everything that we do.  We should excel in raising our families, performing on our jobs, interacting with other people, ministering to the lost, participating in ministries and the list goes on.  We should strive to deliver superior service in all that we say and do.  Our way of thinking should also be traced with excelling.  Mediocre thinking and behaving should not be the manner in which believers conduct themselves.  If you serve such a mighty God, shouldn’t your conduct be indicative of that fact?  God is EXCELLENT and since His spirit dwells within us then we should operate in a spirit of excellence. 

Let’s look at a couple of scriptures:

2 Corinthians 8:7 New International Version (NIV)

⁷ But since you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in the love we have kindled in you^[a]—see that you also excel in this grace of giving.

 

When you excel in something you are surpassing the standard and showing superior service.  We are to surpass the world’s standard in our faith, in our speech, in our knowledge, in our love towards one another, and in the grace of giving.  There should be a distinct difference in the way believers of Christ conduct themselves versus the world.  How many people are cheating God by operating in a spirit of mediocre thinking and negative attitudes?  We are robbing the unbeliever of catching a glimpse of how great God is when we don’t operate in a spirit of excellence. 

 

Ecclesiastes 9:10a New Century Version (NCV)

¹⁰ Whatever work you do, do your best,

 

Self explanatory…whatever you say or do, make sure you do your very best.  Strive to put your all into your work, your family, your marriage, your projects, your ministries, your community projects, and more.  We are only given this one life and it’s important that we do our best at everything God calls us to do.  Your life is the only bible that someone may ever read and it’s important that you operate in a spirit of excellence.  It doesn’t mean that you will be perfect, but it means that you will work your hardest to please God.

 

Ask yourself: “Do I operate with a spirit of excellence in EVERYTHING that I do?”  I notice that some people will operate with a spirit of excellence when they like doing something, but they operate with slack and disdain when they don’t like a particular project they are working on.  We’ll as a believer we are to operate in excellence in EVERYTHING that we do.  I don’t care if you don’t like it or don’t like the people you are working with, we have to remember who we represent and make sure we give our very best in ALL things.  Strive to surpass the world’s standard on a daily basis!

 

Have a wonderful day and remember that we serve an Excellent God and He deserves Excellent service to His people.

 

Reflections of the Son by: Nicole Ellis is available now in person, by mail order or Pay pal! Contact me at niklellis@live.com or click on the BUY BOOK NOW page on the blog*

Mrs. Nicole “Sunshine” Ellis

Can’t breathe: Try Spiritual CPR: Consistent in praying, Persistent in pursuing the knowledge of God, and Resistant to temptation.

© Nicole Ellis and Sunshine’s Reflections Blog, 2009 to 2014. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blogs author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Nicole L. Ellis and Sunshine’s Reflections Blog with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

Word of the Day: Pain

Sunshine’s Word of the Day

Good morning!  Happy Friday!  Praise God for watching over everyone during this week!  Take time to give God praise for being God!

Word of the day: Pain

Pain is defined as physical suffering or distress, as due to injury, illness, etc.  It is also a distressing sensation in a particular part of the body such as a back pain.  Pain is not limited to physical but can also be mental or emotional suffering or torment.

Pain is something that is necessary in life.  Though we don’t like to experience it, we must learn to appreciate that it helps produce character, moves us into a deeper relationship with Christ, allows us to enhance our testimony and so much more. 

I’ve been reflecting on my personal life lately and how I’ve been creating new habits to become a spiritually and physically healthier “me”.  I’ve been waking up at 5:00a.m. in the morning to meet God for some quiet time, then I  exercise each morning and prepare for my work day.  Let me tell you, I have experienced some pain.  There are times when I don’t want to get up that early (especially since I don’t have to be at work until 8:00a.m.), but I know it’s necessary for me to grow spiritually.  I’m not speaking for anyone else, but I need to seek God early in the morning.  There are times when I exercise and it hurts, I mean it’s physically excruciating and the pain makes me want to quit.  Sometimes I want to give up, but God reminds me that the pain is necessary in order for me to change and get the results that I desire.

This is also true in the spiritual.  When you desire to change and grow spiritually you will go through some pain and you may want to give up and quit, but you have to endure.  God never promised that this life would be easy.  He told us that our days are numbered and full of trouble.  In order to get better and reach your desired or shall I say God’s desired state for your life you have to endure the pain. 

I had an epiphany that the pain of remaining the same is far worst than the pain I have to experience as I grow towards change.  When look at where I cam from spiritually, physically, emotionally, and mentally, it’s worth the pain.

The pain I endure to grow spiritually is worth who I will become.  I refuse to be the “old” me because God has made me a new creature.

 

Remember it’s necessary to endure some pain for a long-term gain.  No matter what you do in life it will not be easy, but it is necessary to grow.  God even allowed me to look at when babies hit growth spurts they become uncomfortable and cranky when their bones are stretching.  They are going through growing pains.  Those pains are necessary for them to grow strong and tall.  The blessing is the pain is temporary. 

 

Ask yourself: What am I willing to go through in order to grow spiritually, mentally, physically, and emotionally?

 

God does not allow us to endure pain without a reason.  Instead of asking God to stop the pain, ask Him to help you endure the pain.  Pain is necessary to take you to the next level.  It will make you stronger.  And one day someone will need to lean on you with your new-found strength. 

 

When you think of the word pain, I pray you change your mentality and not look at it in a negative way.  Look at pain as NECESSARY.  Tell yourself, “I’m growing, I’m growing.”

 

The next time you think about giving up, think about the pain that Jesus endured for you!  HE DIDN’T QUIT!

 

Have a blessed weekend! 

Reflections of the Son by: Nicole Ellis is available now in person, by mail order or Pay pal! Contact me at niklellis@live.com or click on the BUY BOOK NOW page on the blog*

 Mrs. Nicole “Sunshine” Ellis

Can’t breathe: Try Spiritual CPR: Consistent in praying, Persistent in pursuing the knowledge of God, and Resistant to temptation.

© Nicole Ellis and Sunshine’s Reflections Blog, 2009 to 2014. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blogs author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Nicole L. Ellis and Sunshine’s Reflections Blog with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

Word of the day: Determination

 Sunshine’s Word of the Day

Good afternoon!  Happy Thursday.  Today is my last day of summer session in grad school (until after labor day) and I want to thank you all for being patient with me.  Sometimes I have a TFTD ready to type, but then I’ve been over loaded with work.  Praise God for opportunities to advance.  I am so grateful for everything He is doing in my life.  Finding balance in the many areas that I operate in can be difficult at times, but with God I can do all things.  Thank you for supporting my blog and sharing it with others.

Word of the day: Determination

One definition of determination in Webster is  the act of deciding definitely and firmly.  I’ve discovered that anything worth doing in this life is worth doing with a spirit of excellence.  The only way that we can strive for excellence is if maintain a level of determination to persevere against all of the odds.

1 Corinthians 9:24 (NKJV) says, “Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it.”

When you run this race called life you have to decide firmly that you will not give up.  You have to decide that no matter what happens you will not give up on yourself and more importantly you wont give up on God.  See we all have to run a race.  When I think about it, we really run a lot of mini races during the course of our life which makes up this marathon.  Now we all are running, but only the one with determination will finish and obtain a prize.  Spiritually we run to receive the prize of salvation and help lead people there along the way.  Physically we run to receive promotions on our jobs, elevation in ministry, advancement in the academic society,  become a successful entrepreneur, and the list goes on. 

What separates you from the next runner is your determination to finish this race.  I don’t know what you are looking to accomplish in the near future or in life, but I do know that you will have to be determined to stick it out.  The enemy will try to attack you from all sides, but if you make a firm decision that no matter what you will trust God, then you will make it.

Ask yourself: “Am I determined to finish?”

Have a blessed day basking in God’s presence.

Reflections of the Son by: Nicole Ellis is available now in person, by mail order or Pay pal! Contact me at niklellis@live.com or click on the BUY BOOK NOW page on the blog*

Mrs. Nicole “Sunshine” Ellis

Can’t breathe: Try Spiritual CPR: Consistent in praying, Persistent in pursuing the knowledge of God, and Resistant to temptation.

© Nicole Ellis and Sunshine’s Reflections Blog, 2009 to 2014. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blogs author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Nicole L. Ellis and Sunshine’s Reflections Blog with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

Word of the day: Humble

Sunshine’s Word of the Day

Good morning!  Happy Tuesday to you all!  I pray that you all had a wonderful weekend.  It’s a new day!  Leave the troubles from yesterday behind you and focus on the moments of today.  Declare that you will have a blessed day by dispersing positive energy to everyone that you meet.  Even if people give you negative energy, push to give off positive energy. 

Today’s word is humble

The definition of humble is not proud, haughty, or arrogant.  It also means reflecting, expressing or offered in a spirit of deference or submission.

1 Peter 5:6 (New King James Version)

 ⁶ Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time,

There are people who appear to be great at many things.  The world calls them a “natural”.  Some people have these gifts that seem like they were etched in their DNA.  They can do anything and when they do it seems effortless.  You also have people who demonstrate a level of excellence in their craft, whether it is singing, dancing, writing, public speaking, designing, leading or more.  They seem to be great at the things they do. 

When you are good or even great at something it is important to remain humble.  Do not become arrogant or proud because this attitude could lead you to think that you are better than others.  This attitude can make you think that you did all of this on your own.  We have to rely on God in all that we do with an attitude of gratitude and reflection.  Remain humble in order to lead others to greatness.  People don’t like to follow arrogant or haughty people.  

Sometimes God won’t elevate people who are great or a “natural” if their attitude is in the wrong place.  You may be angry that God elevated someone else on your job or even at your church over you.  Maybe God overlooked you because you are too proud.  You are quick to say, “I’m better than them, how did they get that position.”  Maybe He wanted to use the person who is “average” in man’s eye to show people how to become “great” in God’s eye by remaining humble.  Maybe you were passed by so that you can learn humility. 

Ask yourself: “How can I become more humble?  Do I demonstrate humility or am I too boastful?” 

The greatest example of being humble is Christ.  Spend time examining  His life and spend more time trying to imitate Him.  Remember we have to remain humble in all that we do. 

Have a blessed day!

Reflections of the Son by: Nicole Ellis is available now in person, by mail order or Pay pal! Contact me at niklellis@live.com or click on the BUY BOOK NOW page on the blog*

Mrs. Nicole “Sunshine” Ellis

Can’t breathe: Try Spiritual CPR: Consistent in praying, Persistent in pursuing the knowledge of God, and Resistant to temptation.

© Nicole Ellis and Sunshine’s Reflections Blog, 2009 to 2014. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blogs author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Nicole L. Ellis and Sunshine’s Reflections Blog with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

Word of the day: Forgive

Sunshine’s Word of the Day

Happy Wednesday!

Today’s word: Forgive

Matthew 6:14-15 (New King James Version)

¹⁴ “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. ¹⁵ But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses

Mark 11:25 (New King James Version)

   
²⁵ “And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses.

Forgive means to give up resentment,  to cease to feel resentment against an offender or  to grant relief from payment.

As believers we must forgive.  There is no way that you can claim to love the Lord, but will not forgive those who have offended you.  You cannot love the Lord and refuse to forgive others or even ask for forgiveness. 

As Christians we are famous for saying that we forgive someone, yet we hold onto the “feeling” of resentment.  We may cease the act of resenting someone, but we are still holding onto that feeling.  When you truly forgive you have to cease that feeling of resentment.  We say we have forgiven our offender, but as soon as they walk in the room our entire facial expression changes, our temperatures rises to 110.9, and we either start complaining about them reliving the entire event or we seek away of escape. 

We’ll I thought you said you forgave them?  Surely, if you released the feeling of resentment you would be able to stay in the same room as that individual and remain the same.  Just nod your head if you know what I am talking about. 

When you forgive you also grant the relief of payment.  Relief of payment can be monetary, physical, emotional, or spiritual.  Someone owes you money, but you tell them it’s okay and that you don’t need it back, yet you hold on to resentment for them not paying you back.  Or someone has offended you and you claim to forgive them, but you are anxiously awaiting them to pay for what they have done to you.  As believers we have to forgive.

 Matthew 18:35 (NIV) says,   ³⁵ “This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart.”

When we forgive, we must do it from our heart.  Lip service is not good enough to God.  You may be able to fool other believers, by walking around saying, I’ve forgiven you, but in your heart you are cursing them out.  God knows your heart.  He truly knows your heart and He cannot forgive you if you will not forgive others.  We have to be sincere when we ask for forgiveness.  When we forgive others, we position ourselves for Christ to forgive us, we allow ourselves to have peace and become free from the bondage of anger and bitterness, and we set an example of what Christ looks like to others. 

Someone reading this is holding on to some anger and resentment right now, and I pray that God grants you a heart that would forgive.  Forgiveness has to be one of the hardest aspects of Christian living, but it’s possible and it’s necessary.  What if Christ refused to forgive us?  If Christ can forgive you of all of the mess you have done then surely you can learn to forgive others.  (I’m speaking to the choir on this one).

There are times when I say that I have forgiven someone, only to discover that I still hold on to some form of resentment.  It’s not healthy and it must go.  I pray that God opens your heart to forgive those who have trespassed against you.  Life is too short to be angry all of the time.  Let it go and sincerely forgive.  Remember Christ forgave you!

Have a blessed day!

 

Reflections of the Son by: Nicole Ellis is available now in person, by mail order or Pay pal! Contact me at niklellis@live.com or click on the BUY BOOK NOW page on the blog*

Mrs. Nicole “Sunshine” Ellis

Can’t breathe: Try Spiritual CPR: Consistent in praying, Persistent in pursuing the knowledge of God, and Resistant to temptation.

© Nicole Ellis and Sunshine’s Reflections Blog, 2009 to 2014. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blogs author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Nicole L. Ellis and Sunshine’s Reflections Blog with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

Word of the day: Integrity

Sunshine’s Word of the Day

Good Morning!  Happy Tuesday to you all!

Today’s word: Integrity

Job 27:3-5 (NIV)

³ as long as I have life within me,
   the breath of God in my nostrils,
⁴ my lips will not say anything wicked,
   and my tongue will not utter lies.
⁵ I will never admit you are in the right; 
   till I die, I will not deny my integrity.

Proverbs 20:7 (New King James Version)

⁷ The righteous man walks in his integrity;
      His children are blessed after him.

Integrity means the quality of possessing and steadfastly adhering to high moral principles or professional standards.

I’m sure many of you have heard the saying “My word is my bond.”  This means my word is binding like a contract and anything that I say I will do, I will carry it through.  Unfortunatley, integrity is lacking in the body of Christ.  The children of God are compromising their beliefs, standards, and moral principles in an effort to please the world and to fit in with the world.

Job was a man of integrity.  He was tested by the devil and challenged to curse God, but Job never did.  He was a man of integrity and he said til he die, he would not deny his integrity.  How many believers have put their integrity on the shelf in order to get ahead on their job or even in ministry at church?  Are you really succeeding when you compromise who you are in Christ?  I SAY, ABSOLUTELY NOT!

The word says a righteous man walks in integrity.  You have to stand on your moral principles even when everyone else is doing wrong.  When you walk in integrity you are not just doing it for yourself you are doing it for your children.  We live in a world where we are guilty by association.  If your parents where liars, then people will associate you as a liar because they look at who raised you.  You have to show them through your walk that you are a man/woman of integrity.  You must stand firm to your moral principles and walk in the way of the Lord.

When you stand firm on the things of God and walk in integrity, even when you are tempted or people try to challenge you, God will bring you through.  People can challenge your integrity all day long, but when you stick with God they are fighting a losing battle.

How important is integrity to you?  What do you need to change in your life in order to walk in the ways of the Lord?  The righteous walk in integrity, no if’s, and’s, or but’s about it.  Walk in integrity!

Have a blessed day.

Reflections of the Son by: Nicole Ellis is available now in person, by mail order or Pay pal! Contact me at niklellis@live.com or click on the BUY BOOK NOW page on the blog*

Mrs. Nicole “Sunshine” Ellis

Can’t breathe: Try Spiritual CPR: Consistent in praying, Persistent in pursuing the knowledge of God, and Resistant to temptation.

© Nicole Ellis and Sunshine’s Reflections Blog, 2009 to 2014. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blogs author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Nicole L. Ellis and Sunshine’s Reflections Blog with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

Word of the day: Resist

Sunshine’s Word of the Day

Good Morning!  Happy Monday to you all.  I pray that everyone had a blessed weekend.

Today’s Word: Resist

James 4:7 (New King James Version)

   
⁷ Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.

 Resist:

1. fight against somebody or something: to oppose and stand firm against somebody or something
2. refuse to give in to something: to refuse to accept or comply with something
3. be unharmed by something: to remain unaltered by the damaging effect of something
4. say no to something tempting: to refrain from something in spite of being tempted

Source: http://www.bing.com/Dictionary/search?q=resist&FORM=DTPDIA

It is time to stop running from our problems, addictions, bad habits, and the devil.  The word of God calls us to “resist the devil and he will flee from you”.   It doesn’t say run from the devil.  When you run from the things tempting you in life you are only temporarily getting away.  What will you do the next time that bad habit, tempting male or female or that drink that you keep looking at, corners you and you are not able to run? 

We have to learn to RESIST THE DEVIL and make him flee.  Stop running like you are scared of him.  The devil, your addiction, your bad habit, bad influences, tempting habits, etc. don’t have power over you unless you give them power.  Fight against the temptation to curse, drink, steal or fornicate.  Refuse to give in to stealing, killing, gluttony, and lying.  When the things that tempt you show up, remain unaltered by its effects, because you know that you are a child of God.  Refrain from taking that sip, that puff, indulging in that inappropriate behavior, even though you are tempted and watch the devil flee.

If you stand up to the devil, he will look at you and say “Oh no, this is a child of God, I can’t get them so let’s get out of here.”  NEWS FLASH: THE DEVIL DOES NOT HAVE ANY NEW TRICKS.  JUST THE OLD ONES THAT WE KEEP FALLING FOR.  You have been running all of your life and find yourself back in the same mess around the same time each year.  Why?  Because you’re running.  Stop running and learn to resist.

You’re deliverance from pornography, homosexuality, drugs, alcohol, lying, stealing, gossiping, fornication, cheating, abuse, and so much more is resting on your ability to trust God, submit to His ways, and resist the devil.

What do you need to resist today? 

Have a blessed day.  Remember resist the devil, he should be scared of us, not the other way around.

Reflections of the Son by: Nicole Ellis is available now in person, by mail order or Pay pal! Contact me at niklellis@live.com or click on the BUY BOOK NOW page on the blog*

Mrs. Nicole “Sunshine” Ellis

Can’t breathe: Try Spiritual CPR: Consistent in praying, Persistent in pursuing the knowledge of God, and Resistant to temptation.

© Nicole Ellis and Sunshine’s Reflections Blog, 2009 to 2014. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blogs author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Nicole L. Ellis and Sunshine’s Reflections Blog with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.