Thu, 15 Mar 2012 05:38:20 -0800WeeblyMon, 09 Jan 2012 18:50:14 -0800http://www.pursuingvictory.org/2/post/2012/01/something-new.html                                          Something  New!


For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the  wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland. Isaiah 43: 19 NLT

At the end of every year people think back on what they accomplished. They also think about those things they intended to accomplish and did not. 
It is the final moments leading up to the next year that many will make
resolutions of what they will accomplish for the New Year. Last year as I thought about 2012, there were no resolutions I wanted to make, but there were definitely some things I wanted to change. The first thing I decided to change was my eating habits, two years ago I gave up meat and in 2012 I was letting go of sugar.  Sugar had become addicting to me.  I had to have it after every meal. So this year in 2012 I was determined to try something new and give up sugar.  No sugar is my new thing for 2012.  As I pursue and take on “new” things, a new job, a new location, and new friends, I heard a whisper in my spirit say “stop trying to reinvent the wheel.” 
I immediately looked around and softly whispered, God I know that is not
you? You would never tell me not to reinvent the wheel.  God was
telling me in the “new things” do not forget the old lessons!  Many of you who have follow
my blogs know that I love words and believe it is important to define what you are talking about so that others can get a clear understanding. 
The definition that spoke to concerning the word new says: made or become
fresh.  See this is where the Holy Spirit made it plain for me.  Many
of us are seeking new things this year and have not completed or even took a
look at the things we were once pursuing. 
I challenge you to take a look at your something new from 2011 that you
never finished and ask God to breathe on it so that it will be made fresh
(new).  Looking back on 2011 I
realized that there were so many “new” opportunities that were granted and I
never embraced or I started and faced a flood or a dry place, then gave up on it
and put it in the box with all the other “old” aspirations. 
I believe that when God advised me not to reinvent the wheel he was simply saying I have equipped you with everything you need and I have given you
the ability to get wealth.  God is simply telling us to look at what we have deemed as old and let Him bring it afresh.  Many of us have let go of
business plans, ministry plans, relationships, and careers all because of when
we begged for the “something new” God knew we were not ready for it and in this new season, He is telling us to revisit what we think is old, because it has new.  Let me tease your brain a little here.  When the word of God says; behold I will do a new thing… I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland. Do you think anything that has gone through the wilderness or a dry waste land will look new?  I do not think so. 
I believe that God is breathing fresh breath on the things that we have
left behind and He is bringing them back to life.  You need to get ready.  That
new business, that new career, that new ministry that you now have in the old treasure chest is being made new today! It is something new that does not have to be reinvented it just needs a little breath from God!  I have two
declarations I want to share with two different groups:
 To All My Single Ladies!! I declare today that God is doing something new in and through you today.  God has taken you through valleys of
loneliness, the dry place of being single and is preparing you for something
new, the place where His breath has begun to breathe fresh new life. 
In 2012 you will wait no longer for in a moment God’s chosen for you will
be revealed.  Just hang on.
To All My Young Ministers
between the ages of 19-35!! I declare today that god is doing something new in your Ministry, he is fine tuning your gifts, talents, and skill sets to further
equip you as support to those you sit under.  The torch may not be handed off just yet, but it is in this new season that your light is being brightened to shine all over the World. Honor the second chair and respect those that God has placed over you, because in this season of something new, God will give you a fresh anointing. He will develop and fashion you to serve in excellence! 
He is doing something new, yet not reinventing the wheel.  As you pursue those resolutions, think about those of the past and see if it is time for something new (made or become fresh). Your something new is already in process and just because it may not look/feel new, God’s breath and anointing makes it new.
 M Prayer for you:  
God will show you what is new in your life.  God will show you how to recognize it, care for it, and keep it safe.
God will send those to you those who will celebrate your “something new” with you and He will separate you from those who only want to spectate on your blessing.  I pray that in this season you are reminded of the omnipotence, omniscience, and omnipresence of God in your life and the birthing of that fresh new thing. In Jesus Name,  AMEN!


































©Tiffany R. Easley, 2012, Something New

]]>Sat, 06 Aug 2011 16:37:49 -0800http://www.pursuingvictory.org/2/post/2011/08/ah-hapurpose-revealed.htmlBut when Jesus heard about it he said, “Lazarus’s sickness will not end in death.

No, it happened for the glory of God so that the Son of God will receive glory from this.” John 11:14

Introduction

For the past several weeks I have wondered if I have been operating in purpose. I have questioned my call to ministry (licensed for 5 years and ordained for 2) and I have even questioned my existence. The enemy would have me believe that I have missed the mark. The enemy would have me believe that I missed God’s plan for my life, his reason for creating me, and the opportunity to live a victorious life. While all of this was running through my mind, I tried my very best to hear God’s voice and let His voice over power the enemy, but until Saturday, August 6, 2011; the enemy had been winning the battle of the mind game. Now do not get it twisted or confused, I had not given up on life or God, but instead was finding myself in a whirl wind and my life was spinning out of control.

Ah-Hah; Recognizing Purpose

When I woke up Saturday, August 06, 2011; this same pattern began to start replaying itself again. It was at this moment, I began to cry out to God and ask Him, why I am going through the same type of things, sickness and pain, financial struggles and frustration. It seemed that this vicious cycle was here to stay and that I would never find or operate in my divine purpose.  Before going any further, let me take you back about eight months ago when I embarked on my second personal book project.  The book (which is still in progress) is entitled Victorious Affirmations for Women. Because of the book I created and built my on website where I could blog about my victorious experiences. Honestly coming 8 months forward I feel as though my life has been anything but victorious. And again I found myself asking God, do I really know my purpose, am I operating in my purpose through the use of your gifts to me. Because we serve an awesome omnipotent God, He indeed answered. God’s answer came to me, Thursday, August 4, 2011 in bible study as Pastor Sonne began to teach from I Corinthians 12 and she asked everyone, what is your spiritual gift? As she came to me I quickly said teaching.  This indeed is one of my spiritual gifts and it along with preaching God’s word is the only two I faithfully use in God’s Kingdom. As she continued to teach she made a statement, that has resonated with me since Thursday and that statement was, Tiffany, all the sickness and numerous operations is to be used for God’s glory. Honestly, I heard and clearly understood her, but it was not until the morning of August 6, 2011, that the Ah-ha moment made sense.

Ah-Ha…Relating through Purpose

Although it was eight months ago that I started the process of publishing Victorious Affirmations For Women, and it has been over 30 years that I have battled sickness, pain, and numerous operations, it was not until  the morning of August 6, 2011, that I realized my purpose. It as simple as the lead scripture states; But when Jesus heard about it he said, “Lazarus’s sickness will not end in death. No, it happened for the glory of God so that the Son of God will receive glory from this.” Now my name is not Lazarus, but God bought me through all those moments of sickness, surgery and pain so that His glory could be revealed. It has been God’s intention that I tell a dying world…this sickness will not end in death. Being that we serve an awesome God He further confirmed my purpose on Thursday, August 4, 2011, when I went for a surgical consult and the surgeon was reading over my medical history. He said you had ovarian cancer at the age of 3 and I said yes. This was the pre Ah-ha moment to Saturday, August 06, 2011. I have noticed this same reaction from several established and highly ranked medical professionals, but this time I was able to understand…the purpose in it all.To make sure I have not lost you, let’s recap where we are:

Over 31 years ago I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer and for 19 years I battled numerous operations and was faced with other sickness, but I still did not understand my purpose. Then over eight months ago I started to work on my personal book project entitled Victorious Affirmations for Women during a time when I felt every emotion except victory. Then this week I was in a surgical consultation when the doctor questioned my ovarian cancer diagnosis at the tender age of three and later that evening Pastor Sonne made the profound statement that all of the sickness and numerous surgeries are to be used for God’s glory!  So here we are… Ah-Ha…Purpose Revealed. It (again) is as simple as the lead scripture states; But when Jesus heard about it he said, “Lazarus’s sickness will not end in death. No, it happened for the glory of God so that the Son of God will receive glory from this.” Now my name is not Lazarus, but God bought me through all those moments of sickness, surgery and pain so that His glory could be revealed. It has been God’s intention that I tell a dying world…this sickness will not end in death. While I had been doing that in the simple way of restating my medical history, my purpose goes far beyond my doctor’s office, my work place, casual conversations, or through the pages of a book. It has to become my lifestyle.  As I start to live out this newly revealed purpose, I have chosen to encourage you that your sickness too, will not end in death. Let me teach hear for a moment.

Ah-Ha…A Teaching Moment in Purpose

The word sickness is defined as a disordered, weakened, or unsound condition (Webster, 2011).  You may have mental sickness, emotional sickness, physical sickness, or even spiritual sickness. No matter what type of sickness, you can rest assured that this sickness will not end in death. No matter what (sickness) you may be facing, God has a healing just for you.  You may be faced with sickness but remember you have a:

1-       Choice in sickness: God created you in His image and His likeness (Genesis 1:27). You have been made by the ultimate Creator, sickness cannot overpower you. You did not choose God, but God chose you (John 15:16). Since God chose you; sickness cannot take you.

2-       Calling in sickness: God has called you to do greater works than He did. (John 5:19-21). Your calling was by God, you were called to glorify God, through a lifestyle of worship, and your calling is to be used to save a dying World by teaching them about Jesus. Sickness may call, but God’s purpose in calling you is higher.

3-       Covering in sickness.  To cover means to enclose or enfold with or as with covering. It also means to protect or provide security. God is your covering in ALL things which includes sickness.  His word in Romans 8:37-39 tells us that we cannot escape his love. God’s love always protects, always trusts, always hopes, and always perseveres, I Corinthians 13:7. It protects (covers) you in sickness.

4-       Celebration in sickness: A celebration is honoring someone through various festivities. You should think of it as an honor that God can trust you with sickness. He can trust that you know His word and believe his promises when He says, that by His stripes you are healed Isaiah 53:5.  When he tells you that this sickness will not end in death, John 11:14.

It is the realization of these four things that will help you to understand that in sickness there is purpose. No matter the type of sickness you are faced with, you have victory over it.   Whatever the sickness is, God desires to use in and bring glory to the Son. Sickness is an enemy and God’s word tells us in Deuteronomy 20:4, For the Lord your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory. These are a few reasons that you can celebrate in sickness.

Ah-ha an Encouragement Moment in Purpose

 

As I now understand my purpose, I encourage those of you who may not know your purpose to search diligently for it. I encourage those who have found their purpose to begin functioning in and through their purpose. I encourage everyone to live in purpose and on purpose.

Prayer:

Father, I thank you for giving each of us life through your Son, Jesus Christ. I ask that you forgive us of our sins and that you create in us a clean heart and renew in us a right spirit. Help us to hear your word clearly and to put your word to work in our lives. Help us to put our purpose to work in the Kingdom so that you will be glorified. Help us to be about our Father’s business in all that we do and to live a lifestyle of Worship first before you and then before the World.

In Jesus Name! Amen.

© Tiffany R. Easley, Ah-ha…Purpose Revealed, August 6, 2011

]]>Tue, 31 May 2011 18:17:47 -0800http://www.pursuingvictory.org/2/post/2011/05/you-will-come-forth-as-pure-gold.htmlMany times we get saved and believe that our troubles are over. We believe that we will not have to suffer or to endure hardships because there is often times an underlying myth that living a Christian life is easy.  This is far from the truth.  We as Christians face many trials and tribulations, some of which are bought own by our own decisions and some which are simply tactics of the enemy to stop us from our destiny and then other trials have been given to us by God so that He can develop our character and set us up for the biggest blessing we could ever imagine. We often times believe that everything which is uncomfortable comes from the enemy but this thought is wrong too, sometimes discomfort and struggle are workings of the Lord.  In the bible there was Job, who went through IT All, he lost his family, friends, finances and health, but He still reigned over adversity because He trusted God, but he still had to face and endure IT All. He still had to go through the fire. So as we journey through our Christian lives we may find ourselves in “the fire” so to speak with out realizing that the fire we are in is taking us somewhere and though we may go through the fire, we will not get burned, but you will come forth as pure gold.

In Daniel chapter 3, we read about the three Hebrew boys, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who were thrown into a fiery furnace, because of their disobedience to man and obedience to God.  How many of us can testify to being in the fire and then being in the fire because of our obedience to God. This is a very difficult situation and sometimes we just want out, but today you have to realize that…In the Midst of the Fire you can expect the unexpected.

In the Midst of the Fire you must remember:

Preparation:  Is the action or process of getting something ready for use or service or of getting ready for some occasion test or duty. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abendago were being tested, but they were also being used by God to show others that God is our Savior is the only God who can save and deliver. You are being prepared to serve God with all that you are and all that you have, you are in the fire so no matter what the circumstance looks like you can submit yourself totally and completely before him as a living sacrifice, these Hebrew boys were willing to give their life for God’s glory. Romans 12:1, Isaiah 40:1-5. You are being set up to experience our God on a different level your faith is being tested, Daniel 3:16-18

Transformation: To be transformed means to change in character or condition

You will never be the same, when you are stuck between a rock and a hard place you realize God is doing something that will change you forever, your decision to trust God will change the perceptions of others just as King Nebuchadnezzar thoughts were changed, the heat will not touch your external being, but it is something about the fire that works internally to change the spirit man, Daniel 3:28 , Romans12:2

Elevation: To raise in rank or status, exalt, improve morally, intellectually, and culturally. After you have been prepared to go into the fire, and the fire has transformed you, as well as others around you, God will deliver you and elevate you. God gets the glory, once we have gone through, God’s power shines and in turn we are elevated or promoted to where God desires for us to be which is one step closer to our divine destiny.  Daniel 3:28-30, Psalms 66:12

 

Anytime God places us in the fire, we will not get burned, there was never a record of anyone being in the fire and being consumed. Exodus 3:2

Let us look at Hebrews 11 for a moment:  The fire is a test of faith.  In Hebrews 11, it states that faith is…

Our faith may have gotten us in the fire,

But you can rest assured that our faith will allow us to stand the fire, endure and go through

Our acts of faith will bring us out and release the favor, which will elevate us to a new level.

Remember that in the midst of the fire, you will not get burned, but you will come forth as Pure Gold!

]]>Sun, 01 May 2011 17:15:58 -0800http://www.pursuingvictory.org/2/post/2011/05/its-time-for-the-divine.html
During my prayer time last week I was led to pray for the divine "of or relating to, or pertaining to God: pleasing" Webster (2005). I was led to pray for:

1- Divine Order
2- Divine Protection
3- Divine Peace and
4- Divine Providence

After praying for these 4 areas, they continued to resonate in my spirit. I asked God to reveal to me what I should learn from these key points and He whispered to me; it is time for the Divine. If we take a look at the definition of Divine again; it is” of or relating to, or pertaining to God: pleasing". I want to stop here and pose a question to you; do you really want to embrace the DIVINE in your life? If you answered yes, that is great, if you answered no, then continue to pray/seek God, and if you answered, I don't know, then you too must continue to pray and seek God. For those of you who answered yes, I ask you again; do you truly want to embrace the DIVINE and allow it to flow/operate in your life?

In order for the Divine to flow in your life you must strive to follow the divine order of God. This one step can be quiet difficult because many times the order of God may seem out of sync with our feelings, senses, and human capabilities. God's order is the only order that we as His children must submit to. Think of the story of Mary and Joseph the parents of Jesus. These two were not married and did not commit any physical act that would warrant Mary becoming pregnant and birthing our Lord, our Savior Jesus. But God's Divine order, made the creation of Jesus happen. Other examples of Divine order were... the creation of the Earth, (Calling of Samuel), and using Pharaoh to free the children of Egypt!  It is evident that God's order is DIVINE. Matthew 6:33 tells us to seek the Kingdom of God and His righteousness and ALL these things shall be added unto you.


Once you welcome the flow of Divine order in your life, you must then allow Divine protection to take it's position in your life.  Being under Divine protection, means that you are covered by the blood of Jesus and nothing can take you out. Have you ever been in a situation where it seemed the only way out of something was to travel through a major struggle that could possibly end in death and looking back on that particular situation you realize the only reason you are still around is because of God’s grace and His divine protection. Think about the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego who were thrown into a fiery furnace to die, but lived that is divine protection.  Think about the essence of Psalm 91 which lays out how we are protected by God from the enemy. It is evident that God has each of us under His Divine protection and we much continue to remain in God’s will so that we may be under that protection.

After you have begun to allow divine order and protection to flow in your life then you will have God's Divine peace. Peace is defined by Webster’s Dictionary as freedom from disquieting or oppressive thoughts or emotions. Can you imagine what it is like to have no worries? To be free from concern about the troubles of the World; in God you can enjoy that freedom when you solicit and request that Divine Peace to flow in your life. God’s word states that we should seek peace and pursue it. Do you seek peace daily and pursue it. Many times seeking peace means that you must choose not to argue or dispute even when you know you are right. Seeking peace many times means that you may have to make a decision to separate from the in crowd so that you can be with the Jesus crowd.  The bible also tells us that we must let the peace of God rule our hearts. I wonder what (noun-people, place, or thing) we are letting rule or heart instead of the peace of God. The bible also tells us that the Lord gives strength to His people and blesses them with peace. It is very clear that God desires we have divine peace in our lives.

As we have taken a look at Divine order, Divine protection, and Divine peace; I have saved the final area for last because I believe these three help you to embrace Divine providence. You may wonder what I am speaking about when I speak of Divine providence.  The word providence means God conceived as the power sustaining and guiding human destiny. I define divine providence as being where God wants you to be, doing what God wants you to do, when He tells you to do it. Are you in Divine providence? Let’s take a look at where you are from a few perspectives. While on the job are you in Divine providence? While at home are you in Dive providence? While at church, are you in Divine providence? In each of these places you can be in Divine providence if you are doing what God tells you to do, when He tells you to do it, in the place He has instructed you to do it? Here’s a simple exercise to see if you are in Divine providence.  Is there Divine order operating in this place? Do you have Divine protection in this place? Is there Divine peace in this place? Please note that this could be a physical place, such as a building. It could be a mental/emotional place such as a mind set, it could be a spiritual place of transition within Ministry, or it could be a mental place of maturity and growth. No matter what the place, is it a place of Divine providence?  Divine providence is a place where pain, purpose, and promotion began to function in tangent with one another. This place of Divine providence is the place where you realize that the painful experiences where part of the birthing process to your purpose and your purpose leads to promotion…Kingdom promotion.  A good example of Divine providence is being in a place in your life where you realize God has you and as He has promised His plans are to prosper and not to harm you, to give you a hope with an expected end. You see when you are in Divine providence you understand there is a Divine order that you must follow and when you follow that Divine order you will have Divine protection which will create a Divine peace allowing you to operate in Divine providence. Jesus was in Divine providence when He took the journey to the Cross, was nailed to the cross, died on the cross, was buried and then rose again. Job was in Divine providence when He was being tested by Satan and never cursed God. Moses was in Divine providence when He delivered the children from Egypt. Now I ask you, are you in Divine providence?

Are you ready for the DIVINE to flow in your life? I encourage you to pray concerning these four key areas each day and watch God shift some things on your behalf and for the advancement of the Kingdom. It is time for you to do the will of God, under the anointing of God, while being protected by God, and resting in the peace of God, while operating from a place of Divine providence in God. It is time for the Divine to come alive in you. Embrace the Divine, with a heart, soul, and mind stayed on God and His Kingdom.

©Tiffany R. Easley, It is Time for the Divine, April 29, 2011

]]>Fri, 01 Apr 2011 19:46:06 -0800http://www.pursuingvictory.org/2/post/2011/04/god-made-me-who-i-am.htmlSeveral weeks ago I was attending church service and the choir sang a song by the Mississippi Mass Choir entitled, God Made Me. The first line of the song says, God made me, He made me who I am. This song ministered to me in so many ways and has become part of my motivational collection.  As I think back to the song I immediately think about who God made me and when I think of those attributes I can celebrate being victorious. 

Several years ago I read a book entitled Becoming A Vessel God Can Use, which was written by Donna Patrow and it changed my life. She provided some information that made me realize I am victorious because of my spiritual DNA. Simply stated, God made me who I am. To those of you who are faced with individuals in your life who may not like you, may not understand you, and may want to change you; it is necessary for you to understand God made you just who you are.  Now if you are exhibiting things of the world it may be time for you to be transformed. In saying this I want you to understand that God made you to exhibit Christ likeness and that is what you do not need to change for anyone.

Just who did God make you? Well the word of God says; “what is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them? You have made thema little lower than the angelsand crowned themwith glory and honor. You made them rulers over the works of your hands; you put everything under their feet” Psalm 8:4-6. So I say to you, if you are made a little lower than the Angels, would you not be victorious?  According to Deuteronomy 28:13 you are the head and not the tail you are from above and not beneath, so again I say would that not make you victorious?  In Luke 10, verses 19-20, the word of God tells us, “Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you. 20Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.” So do you see how God made you, He made you VICTORIOUS.

Check out your spiritual DNA which further confirms you are victoriously made.

1.  Child of God: John 1:2, 1John 3:1

2.  Over comer: 1 John 5:4-5

3.  New Creation: 2 Corinthians 5:17

4.  Minister of Reconciliation: 2 Corinthians 5:18-19

5.  Christ Ambassador: 2 Corinthians 5:20

6.  Redeemed: 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

7.  Seated with Christ in Heavenly Realms: Ephesians 2:6-7

8.  Priest: 1 Peter 2:5

9.  Foreknown, Predestined, Called, Justified, and Glorified:
     Romans 8:29-  30

10.  Heir of God and Co-heir with Christ: Romans 8:17

Are you ready to embrace your victorious DNA?  Speak the above scriptures over your life and share your story with us.

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© Tiffany R. Easley, April 1, 2011    God Made Me Who I Am

]]>Tue, 01 Mar 2011 19:35:19 -0800http://www.pursuingvictory.org/2/post/2011/03/im-every-woman.html“There are many virtuous and capable women in the world, but you surpass themall!”30Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised.31 Reward her for all she has done. Let her deeds publicly declare her praise. Proverbs 31: 29-31 NLT

The month of March is National Women’s Month. As I was meditating on the lead scripture I was taken back to Whitney Houston’s award winning song, I’m Every Woman.  The words to the course of the song say, I’m every woman, it’s all in me, anything you want done baby, I do it naturally! While there is a secular connotation to this song, I began to use my spiritual imagination and realized that this song has a message that can impact  the women of God.  If we look at Proverbs 31 it begins by sharing all that the virtuous woman does and it is evident that she wears many hats. The Proverbs 31 woman is every woman. She is a mother, she is a laborer, she is an encourager, a nurturer, and she is every woman.  The one attribute that I felt exudes from this passage of scripture is balance. The virtuous woman stands above all women because she carries out everything with balance. The term balance is defined as; “something used to produce equilibrium; counterpoise” (Webster.com). The virtuous woman was balanced. She knew that she had many roles but she knew when to step in and step out of each one. She understood what it meant to balance life and did not allow life to balance her.

Proverbs 31 gives the key idea of what it means to be every woman. She not only has balance but she is a woman who balances her worth (value), she balances her wisdom (vision), and the Proverbs 31 woman balances all of this on the basis of her lifestyle of worship (virtue).  The Proverbs 31 woman knows her worth and understands that she is a made in the image and likeness of God (Genesis 1:26), she accepts that she is fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14), and that she knows she is from the head and not the tail (Deuteronomy 28:13) She understands that she is wise beyond her years.  She understands that to God belongs wisdom and power; counsel and understanding are His (Job 12:13).  She accepts the mandate that was given in Proverbs 4:7 which states; the beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost you all you have; get understanding. Although a woman’s worth and wisdom help her maintain balance and allow her the ability to carry out the roles of being every woman, it is her worship that predicates all of these things. In Romans 12:1 the word of God states; I APPEAL to you therefore, brethren, and beg of you in view of [all] the mercies of God, to make a decisive dedication of your bodies [presenting all your members and faculties] as a living sacrifice, holy (devoted, consecrated) and well pleasing to God, which is your reasonable (rational, intelligent) service and spiritual worship.  Above everything, if you want to be every woman, you must prefect your lifestyle of worship. God tells you that you must worship Him and serve Him only (Matthew 4:10).   You must worship God with all that you are and all that you have.

The next time you think of the phrase or that song, “I’m Every Woman”, ask yourself are you the Proverbs 31 definition of every woman? Think about the following as you answer that question and please share with us here at Pursuing Victory.

1-       What does your worship look like?

2-       How do you define your worth, by the World’s standards or by the
          Kingdom's standards?

3-       Do you seek knowledge or wisdom? Why?

4-       Is life balancing you or are you balancing life?


© Tiffany R. Easley, I’m Every Woman, 01, March 2011.

]]>Tue, 01 Feb 2011 17:28:23 -0800http://www.pursuingvictory.org/2/post/2011/02/-my-greatest-love.html4 Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud 5 or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. 6 It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. 7 Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. 1 Corinthians 13: 4-7 NLT

The month of February is known as the month of love. Many get excited in anticipation of what they will receive from their significant other on February 14th. During this month florists make their biggest profit due to the over whelming amount of gifts people order as an expression of their love for that special some one.  People are excited with great anticipation of what they will receive from their love. I think back over the past Valentine’s many of which I had so desired to receive a gift from a special someone but didn’t and how that made me feel. I spent the entire day of February 14th feeling sad and alone, not realizing that I had already found the greatest love of my life and He showers me with tremendous gifts each day.  I realize that I have found the greatest love of my life a long time ago; and just did not understand how He truly loves me. You may be wondering who I am speaking of, the greatest love of my life is God. He gave his only son, Jesus as ransom for my sins. Jesus was hung and died for me. He was beaten and mistreated for me. He gave His life for me. Have you found a love like this? I promise if you continue to read on, you will be blessed. You may be asking yourself, how can being loved by God, measure up to being loved by someone who is tangible. See God loves in such a way that He has set us up to receive the greatest, best, and most fulfilling love in our physical relationships. 

For many years I prayed to God and would tell him exactly what type of man I wanted to fall in love with and have in turn love me. I gave God this laundry list of physical, socio-economical, and educational requirements that the love of my life should have, not realizing and truly understanding that my God does not need a list of attributes for the love of my life; because He is the love of my life and the man He chose for my husband will love me just as God loves me; with the greatest love of all. If you catch this point I am sure you will be blessed. God does not need your list of requirements when it comes to presenting you with the love of your life. The reason that this list is not needed is because God loves you, created you, and knows the most intimate desires of your heart. God has created his love for you in the form of (man) or (woman) so that they can love you with God’s love just as God loves you. Reality Check: If you feel that you have found the greatest love of your life in the form of (woman) or (man), let me ask you this. Does he or she love you in spite of you? Does he or she remain patient with you? Does he or she give way to compromise? Is or she forgiving of your wrongs? Does he or she stick with you through it all? If you answered no to any of these previous questions, then you have not found the greatest love of your life in the form of (man) or (woman). Keep praying and let God bring you into the presence of one another.  As you are waiting and praying for God to present to you your greatest love; keep the following in mind.

1- Your greatest love will have a relationship with God.  One of the greatest commandments given to Israel was; Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. 6 These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts (Deuteronomy 6:4-6). This is a measuring cup for your love, if your greatest love, does not have a love for God, you must continue to keep praying and wait.

2- Your greatest love will be a reflection of God’s love.   As the opening scripture reads; love is patient, love is kind, love is not jealous, boastful, or proud… Your greatest love is able and willing to bear with you in/through all things. Your greatest love will be gentle when loving you and respectful towards you. Your greatest love will reflect the love of God in the way that he/she loves you.

3- Your greatest love will resolve their relationship with you through their relationship with God.  When you have found your greatest love; that love will manifest the love of God in relation to you.  This love will never give up, it will never loose faith, it will always be hopeful, and it will endure (1 Corinthians 13:7). Your greatest love will resolve to (deal with you successfully).  You will know you have found your greatest love when you are able to recognize their way of loving you is in the same manner that God loves you.

As Valentine’s Day approaches, reflect over the love that you desire, currently are seeking, or may have lost and ask yourself does that love mirror (look like) or reflect the love of God. It is when you can say that your current love reflects the love of God, you have found your greatest love.

]]>Sun, 23 Jan 2011 21:27:33 -0800http://www.pursuingvictory.org/2/post/2011/01/dare-to-dream.html                                              Dare to Dream

 18 When Joseph’s brothers saw him coming, they recognized him in the distance. As he approached, they made plans to kill him. 19 “Here comes the dreamer!” they said. 20 “Come on, let’s kill him and throw him into one of these cisterns. We can tell our father, ‘A wild animal has eaten him.’ Then we’ll see what becomes of his dreams!” Genesis 37: 18-20 NLT

 As children many of us had a vivid imagination. We dreamed of being doctors, lawyers, musicians, or a famous actor/actress. For many of us some of those dreams may or may not have come true. For many of us we may have realized that to fulfill that dream, required a great amount of determination or dedication that we did not want to apply in reaching that goal. Then there are those of us, who let other people (people who doubted our ability to fulfill the dream) discourage us in fulfilling the dream that we have so desired to reach for years. As I begin to take a look at the story of Joseph and his brothers, I began to realize the importance of being a dreamer and the struggles we face when we Dare to Dream!

A dream is defined as, a strongly desired goal or purpose; an aspiration.  As the previous paragraph stated many of us have dreams and I want to encourage you to keep dreaming. It is important that you Dare to Dream! It is not easy to be a dreamer for a dreamer is a person who has ideas or conceives projects regarded as impractical. A dreamer is also noted as a visionary. Being a dreamer can be a difficult task and you will face many struggles. No matter what the struggle I encourage you to Dare to Dream! The act of dreaming can ignite passions that will thrust you to your greatest place of purpose which is Destiny!
1.  Are you are dreamer, do you have faith in God, focus on his purpose  for your life, and the ability to access favor with God?

2. As a dreamer are you willing to face the struggles of a dreamer? Are you willing to face doubt, distractions, and destruction?

3.  As a dreamer can you handle those assigned to kill your dreams?

4.  Are you willing to take the charge…Dare to Dream and make a difference, how?

]]>Sat, 15 Jan 2011 13:20:23 -0800http://www.pursuingvictory.org/2/post/2011/01/i-am-fearfully-and-wonderfully-made.html 

I Am Fearfully and Wonderfully Made!

For many years I have loved this verse of scripture, thanks to a great mentor, friend and big sister (Sonne)! I have studied this verse of scripture and today, it sparked something deep with in me! I started asking myself what does it mean to be fearfully and wonderfully made? As I began to look deeper into it, I looked at this verse in the NLT which states: “Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it.” It was this translation that got my spirit to turning. If God’s word tells us that we are fearfully and wonderfully made (meaning we are wonderfully complex); why do we try to set limits that are beneath the power and purpose that God deposited into our DNA! He says we are wonderfully complex, that means that we are not simple! Don’t you understand that when something or someone is complex there will be individuals who will not understand the complexity of that which they see! As spiritual beings, we need to understand that every person we come in contact with may not understand us, but that does not mean there is something wrong with us; but instead it means that our make-up may be too complex for them to take hold of and understand all at one time. The one area of focus that began to stir in my spirit when I read the NLT of Psalm 139:14 was that of relationships (whether business, familial, or platonic), there will be individuals who will not understand your make-up because you are not simple, you are not like anyone they have ever dealt with before. You are COMPLEX! Your DNA is unique and you were made in the image and likeness of God!  Since you are complex, this means that individuals who desire to know you must be willing to invest in your substance (what makes you…you)! Investing in you, means that people will take the time to learn the essence (essential nature) of who you are. People who understand your complexity will accept the fact that many times you will not go where they go, say what they say, or do what they do, because you are COMPLEX, there is more to you than meets the natural eye. Your complexity is rooted in the way God fashioned you. You are not simple or ordinary, but; you are complex and extraordinary. This means that the person who wants to get to know you must be willing to:

1-       Think outside the box!

2-       Raise their level of expectancy!

3-       Look beyond the physical!

4-       Embrace your complexity!

It is time that you arise Victorious One, you are Fearfully and Wonderfully made! You are not simply designed you are marvelously fashioned!

© Tiffany R. Easley, 15, January 2011, I am Fearfully and Wonderfully Made!

]]>Fri, 24 Dec 2010 21:52:51 -0800http://www.pursuingvictory.org/2/post/2010/12/2011your-season-is-about-to-change.htmlSeasons Change

There's an opportune time to do things, a right time for everything on the earth: Ecclesiastes 3:1 MSG

 

As we journey through life, we encounter many changes in our lives. We experience births, deaths, gains, and lose. Some of these experiences bring joy and happiness and some of them bring sadness and great pain. As we have entered a new month, I believe that many of us are experiencing a change in the seasons of life. It is time for us to enter the season of New!  New attitude, New servitude (to God and others), New relationships (Holy & Divine) hook-ups, and New heights in Christ. The Season is changing in your life today! You will experience New in every area of your life and it is beginning right now!

 

A season is a time characterized by a particular circumstance or feature. This season is characterized by “new”.  As the bible says in 2 Corinthians 5:17Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold all things are become new. Things are becoming new for you in this season. When something is new it is fresh and has recently come into existence. Your season has changed; you are entering the season of New! The bible says in Isaiah 43:19, For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland. During this season do not be afraid that you may also experience loss…loss of friends, jobs, and even dreams/visions. It is all good, because you are loosing these things, because they are old things. God is breathing freshness on new friends, new jobs, and new dreams/visions. During this season change; remember: new vision, new value, and new virtue!

 

Your season has changed and so has your direction. You must seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things will be added unto you. Your season has changed and so has your direction. You must follow God intentionally, reading his word, listening for his voice, and following his directions. In this season your vision, values, and virtue will change to accommodate the Kingdom of God!

 

Your vision is becoming clear! You see the things of God; you are now understanding the voice of God and obeying his instructions. Your vision is set on the things above; the things of Christ and His Kingdom are becoming clear to you as you enter this Season of New!  1-2 So if you're serious about living this new resurrection life with Christ, act like it. Pursue the things over which Christ presides. Don't shuffle along, eyes to the ground, absorbed with the things right in front of you. Look up, and be alert to what is going on around Christ—that's where the action is. See things from his perspective.

 3-4Your old life is dead. Your new life, which is your real life—even though invisible to spectators—is with Christ in God. He is your life. When Christ (your real life, remember) shows up again on this earth, you'll show up, too—the real you, the glorious you. Meanwhile, be content with obscurity, like Christ.  Col 3:1-4 MSG

Your value is being reassigned! You no longer value the things to that do not matter. You value what is important to God, you value Kingdom.  You no longer value people, places or things. Your thoughts are on those things that matter.   8 And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.  Phil 4:8 NLT

Your virtue is being redefined!  Your strength and courage have been redefined. For in him we live, and move, and have our being Acts 17:28 KJV.  You can do all things through Christ who gives you strength. Phil 4:13 you are victorious over life’s struggles. You know that the Lord your God is going with you! He will fight for you against your enemies, and he will give you victory!’ Deuteronomy 20:4 NLT

 Your season is changing; you are entering a season of NEW! As your vision becomes clear, your value is reassigned, and your virtue is redefined, embrace this season and enjoy the refreshing that God has in store for you…Your season of NEW is NOW!

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