Investing In The Treasury Of Heaven

"But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." - Matthew 6:20-21

I was doing some thinking this morning about what the treasures that should be stored up in heaven are. What I got from the spirit when I asked was: confidence.  From this I believe what it means to "store up for yourselves treasures in heaven" is to have confidence. As scripture notates; it's to not have confidence in worldly possessions, but to put our confidence in the will of GOD. The will of the spirit consists of the things that are virtuous, the things that hold virtue.

Kim Thomas, host of The Dope Black Chick Podcast says that to "trust" is to really to "have confidence" in a person, thing, etc. So to place confidence in the things of GOD, to invest in GOD's business means to invest in a value that is unfailing.

It has been my experience that GOD's work is of immense worth. It's worthy to put our full investment in the things of GOD i.e. "store up for yourself treasures in heaven".

It's trust in, it's belief in, it's confidence in the power of GOD to supply our needs. It's trust in our ability to manifest what we need because divine power is vested in us. 

"And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus." - Philippians 4:19

Christians consider heaven to be a reward, it's considered that in heaven there is a position to be had, but we have the ability to walk in our "heavenly position" now.

The same chapter Matthew 6 includes Jesus's teaching for us to pray: 

"your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven." - Matthew 6:10

So, understanding that the ability for us to be in sync with heaven is implied. I noticed that Wikipedia describes heaven as "a common religious, cosmological, or transcendent place where beings such as gods, angels, spirits, saints, or venerated ancestors are said to originate, be enthroned, or live."

The words to "be enthroned" stood out to me because legacy also comes to mind when I think of heaven. If we're to go to heaven, what legacy have we put in place for ourselves or will we leave behind in the earth?

When I was told that my maternal grandmother passed away there was no doubt in my mind that she was in heaven, because of all the things that I personally witnessed with her life and seeing her faith walk. 

In essence, heaven is a realm that we humans have access to. Heaven is a place that is tangible. Heaven is in our hearts as believers. Build that relationship with GOD through Jesus, and maintain it with all you got! The true treasure is to have confidence in GOD's love. As you go forward I pray that you have confidence that GOD is good and GOD's love endures forever, it's the best "trust" to have.

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love GOD, to them who are called according to his purpose. - Romans 8:28

All the best,

April D. Byrd @BOLDJournal

5 Ways To Start Living Above Your Circumstances

by: Carla Marcelle
    

In light of Robin Williams death, I have been wondering what reason on earth could this wealthy man possibly have to commit suicide? I too often think, "Man only if I had my finances in order, how all my problems would be solved". Then this man's death hit me with some truth, what is money?

Money, in this sense is my situation, along with a bunch of other circumstantial situations. I can't say for certain what plagued Mr. Williams mind that caused him to feel he had no way out, but what I can say is that I don't want to hear another story as such. It honestly and truly breaks my heart. As a person who believes that everyone is made with purpose, I don't believe that people really understand what that truly encompasses. As I surfed the web, I found this definition of purpose:

The reason for which something is done or created or for which something exists.

    Too often, we tend to lose focus of what our purpose in life is, because we get caught up in day-to-day stresses of everyday living. Our very purpose and our peace of mind can easily get lost if we do not make a conscious effort to keep it at the forefront of our minds. 

    So the question becomes how do we keep from getting ourselves overwhelmed from the essence of our situations and circumstances. Well I have compiled a list of tips to help sustain our minds from the deceit the enemy attacks us with. It is absolutely imperative that we learn to live above our situations. We have to choose to live in the promises of God because this world will chop you up, and spit you out, if you allow it. Then you find yourself down in the dumps, with no way of escape. However, be assured God did not place us here without tools to combat the enemy's schemes and tricks. 

 The thief comes to steal, kill, and destroy, but I have come that you may have life, and have it more abundantly. (John 10:10, NIV)

    The "thief is the enemy, but I declare for you today that if you utilize these tips for the next 30 days, you will see all the tricks and schemes of the enemy begin to lose power in your life, and you will begin to live a more abundant life. The awesome thing about it is the abundant life full of peace that is already yours, and I will show you how to claim it and walk in it. 

1. Free Your Mind Daily 

Romans 12:2 (NIV)

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing, and perfect will.

    It is important that we not get caught up in the pleasures of this world. Our focus is not to obtain as much worldly possessions as possible because it is all trivial. Everything on this earth is temporary, so we are not to be consumed with the status quo, but consume ourselves with the spirit of God that we may be lead into the path for our lives.

2. Worship 

Worship ushers in the presence of God. It is not only something we do, but something we are to become. Worship can be incorporated into every aspect of our lives. Worship is how we spend time with God. As the same with any relationship, in order for us to know someone we have to spend time with them. Spending time God allows us to keep him at the forefront of our minds. Being in a spirit worship allows us to be an open vessel for use of the spirit of God, keeping us at the peace he promises us with.

3. Speak Positivity

Proverbs 18:21 (NIV)

The tongue has the power of life and death.

Do not start a situation with bad information that you have told yourself. Learn to be optimistic, looking at every situation with a "glass half full" perspective. When you speak negativity, you contaminate your atmosphere with your very words. Do not create unnecessary obstacles for yourself to overcome by speaking negative influence over your life. 

4. Care About People 

    Learn to care to genuinely care about people. No matter what the situation is, care about people. Always show love, and encourage people you come in contact with. Learn to forgive people who wrong you daily. It will create a strong heart for you, and allow you not harbor any negative feelings, and you will feel good about yourself. 

5. Trust God

Joshua 1:9 (NIV)

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. 

    As a friend of mine told me, faith and doubt cannot coexist. If you have faith you cannot have doubt. If  you have doubt, then you do not have faith. We have to consciously chose if we are going to trust God, and if you do, then that's it. Allow the spirit to guide your works, and know that God has got your back!!!

Following these tips will allow you to grow into different levels of faith. In just 30 days of implementing these tips into your life you will notice drastic progression in your thought process, and your life. You will start to go from just believing in God-to trusting God-to operating in God. When you start operating in God, it gives you more courage and a greater belief. You will start to walk in your purpose, and God will open doors to provide opportunities for you. You begin to look different, walk straighter, and speak better. You become BOLD, and your life becomes full of the purpose your creator your created you for. 

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Carla Marcelle is a regular Breath Of Life Daily contributor. She is a Life and Purpose Coach, and recent University graduate receiving her Master's degree. For more inspirational posts from Coach Carla Stay tuned to her "Wake Up Wednesdays" segment here on BOLD Journal every Wednesday.  Follow @BOLDJournal on Twitter and Instagram for the latest updates.

The Justice and Peace in Faith

I just read an article that said: "Social apartheid" warning as 1.5 MILLION more kids grow up in poverty than 40 years ago. This is happening, but God has the ability to balance the scales.

There is ruin that is happening all across America, most people are blind to it or ignorant of it. So many people in this country think that the U.S. is still Prosperous and Free and they feel a sense of entitlement,. The truth is it now stands divided...maybe the division never truly went away all this light is shining on it directly in the midst of all this controversy.

My Heart is very heavy now, not only for Trayvon's life, but for the Youth of this country. Trayvon represents a life that was taken in vain and so many more are taken in vain because of confusion in the mind. All these Disney Kids: Amanda, Miley, Lindsey turned to drugs for their "high", under the realization that fame and fortune just Isn't enough. Corey, a star in the show Glee just died He was reported to be on drugs as well.

The very youth that are supposed to represent the joy of life, success, and vitality are falling short because as a nation we are not on one accord. However, all will be well... There is a consistent word from the Lord that an Army is rising up It is the truth There Is An Army Rising Up.

People that love God, that serve Him, that are willing to speak out and go the distance. I serve as a voice to say this: Let us as a nation get out of our own way, let us realize that we are not entitled to anything except the blessing and purpose of the Lord. If whatever you're waiting on and working for does not fall within those lines, drop it and start a new. God is a God of forgiveness, joy, healing, and restoration. Either you're a believer or you're not. I will walk with the right army. God is real, His ways and His words will stand over all of time. All this talk about Justice let us please make sure we get on the right side!! God's people its time for us to rise up truly and come into who we are.

"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." -2 Chronicles 7:14

Justice and peace must first be found in the righteousness of our spirit through faith in God, and then we can properly dispense it into the world.

Justice and peace has to first be found in the righteousness of your spirit through faith in God and then it an be poured into the world.

Does Evil Serve a Purpose?

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“Virtue cannot be destroyed, while evil inevitably destroys itself.”

Does evil serve a purpose? This question has been asked from the beginning of time. And at different times in history, scholars have offered answers. Here are a few thoughts – not a scholarly paper, born of study, but an opinionated response to the puzzle. Perhaps some readers of this article will share my thinking.

Broadly, evil confronts us in three ways:

1) Self-inflicted – when poor judgement shoves us to rash actions. 

2) Beyond our control – when we do not have control over the situation. For example, we incur losses through floods or an earthquake.

3) Perpetrated by evildoers – people who have power over us, through their position or physical power. 

Whatever the source of evil, it is not welcome. What possible purpose does evil serve? Let us examine that question.

1) Without evil we would not fully appreciate what is good.

 Consider the behavior of people – both good and bad. How would we appreciate the loving spouse, the devoted child, the outreaching neighbor, and the understanding boss, if we did not have in contrast the indifferent spouse, the uncaring child, the quarrelsome neighbor and the unfeeling boss? It is the contrast that shows good behavior in good light. The juxtaposing of the two helps us recognize good behavior and praise it. It also brings to the fore another truth – unless we hate what is evil we cannot love what is good.

2) Out of some evil much good comes

Let us look back at our lives – the bad times when we suffered some form of pain. We cursed and bemoaned our misfortune. We hoped it would end quickly. Sometimes it did; at other times it went on. Only in retrospect do we thank God for what was apparently bad – the period of illhealth which restrained us from a dangerous misadventure; the financial squeeze that prevented us from spending money wastefully; the loss of a good job only to find a better one; the breaking of one relationship to discover that we were spared prolonged unhappiness. We become wiser from such experiences – learning that evil has a good side to it.

3) Some good people become better.

Horrified by the ferocity of evil around them, the good choose to become better. Some even become crusaders. Martin Luther King Jr. rose giant-like with the slogan – ‘stone them with love’ – to counter racial discrimination in the USA. Mother Teresa, through compassion, battled the scourge of hunger, pain and destitution. During WWII unsung heroes emerged to carry on their mission of defending and protecting victims of savagery. Today, there are people who are standing up against the violence women and children suffer – raising their voices, mobilizing action and getting some results. They sacrifice time and money, and put in long hours in defending the defenceless. They realize that evil happens when good people do nothing to prevent it. In good people there is a swell of compassion that waters the least expected places to let heroes sprout. There is no doubt that if we cease to be better, we will soon cease to be good. Not to advance is to retreat.

4) A chance to return good for evil.

They say that to return good for good is human, but to return good for evil is divine. When we are confronted by evil from evildoers, we are raised to sainthood by doing them good. We refuse the easy way out of returning evil for evil when we are patient, tolerant and forgiving. The example of Mahatma Gandhi, the frail fakir of India, comes to mind: When he was abused and beaten by the British he would not protest or strike back. His action won him grudging praise even from his tormentors. Meekness is not weakness, but strength harnessed for service.

5) The evil ones find solace in repentance and conversion.

A Sunday school teacher asked a class what the word ‘repentance’ meant. A little boy said: “It is being sorry for your sins”. A little girl also answered: “It is being sorry enough to quit”. The little girl made a valid point – true repentance leads to conversion. Of course, there is the probability that evildoers do not repent at all and persist in their ways, or show repentance with a motive, only to return to their old ways. That evil may continue does not discount the fact that some evildoers could truly repent and mend their lives. The small number of such conversions adds to the number of good people in the world. That is a substantial gain.

6) Those who suffer are drawn to God.

“Man is born broken. He lives by mending. The grace of God is the glue.”  -Eugene O’Neill

When we have suffered from evil, when all else fails, in our brokenness, in the silence of our hearts, where there is only pain, God’s grace works its wonders. He heals our wounds. He fills our souls with a peace that can come only from Him. Only those who have suffered much have experienced this peace; they find God; they discover that to be rich in God is better than to be rich in goods.

Evil in any form leads to suffering in some form and suffering in no form is welcome. Like the slave toiling in the noonday heat longing for sundown, we want to opt out of suffering. Yet, it cannot be denied that much good comes from some evil. As someone remarked, rather seriously, that ‘evil is necessary’ for the best part of man to combat the worst part.

Discussion: What do you think? do you think evil has it's place? What do you consider to be evil? post comments below:

*Editors Note: If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand. -Mark 3:5
No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. -Luke 16:13

Ignatius Fernandez blogs at:  http://thechildisfatheroftheman.blogspot.in/